Synopsis:
Nightsoul. A name striking terror into the hearts of Eltnia’s people for decades. A mysterious, sinister ruler, buoyed by the foreboding magic of the malevolent sorceress Barbis. A haunting spectre, appearing out of mist, razing kingdoms to the ground, then vanishing like a ghost, leaving behind destruction, ruined corpses, and paralyzing despair.
And Nightsoul has never been defeated in battle.
Lord Othrun has always known one day Nightsoul would come, seeking bloody vengeance. For Othrun killed Nightsoul’s mother, Nulthe, once leader of mages, at her own coven. Since that fateful night of murder, Othrun was surely marked for death by Borenia’s shadowy monarch.
Now it seems, Nightsoul has finally moved against the Lord of Eastrealm, by attacking Othrun’s father-in-law, harmless King Irly of Badonia.
With his wife, the mage Sila at his side, Othrun must make the dreaded journey west, into the gloom, to try and save Irly. Finally, Eltnia’s renowned Warlord will confront a foe far more petrifying than any of the daunting enemies he has defeated during his many military campaigns.
Coping with grief over the loss of those dear to him, and his desperate armies quivering at the thought of marching to certain doom, Othrun has never been so beleaguered.
Yet, despite the evil powers of Borenia bearing down upon him, Othrun has no plans to fall without a savage fight.
Nightsoul is indeed the most horrifying presence in all the land.
But even the maleficent Nightsoul should beware he who flies the ominous banner of the black dragon on red.
For all who dare challenge Othrun, shall witness his wrath.
And it is terrible to behold.
Review:
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, PL!
This is a book with an ending that will stick with me for a long time. In line with the rest of the series, it’s dark, full of political maneuvering, and has one heck of a twist at the end. I know there’s another book planned, but right now, I have no idea how that book is going to play out. And prior to the final chapter, I thought I had a clue. I was wrong.
The first 2/3 of the book focuses on the history and back story of Nightsoul, Nulthe, and Barbis, a trio responsible for terrorizing the kingdoms of Eltnia since book one (and earlier) from their stronghold in Borenia. Up until this point, they were mentioned, and the aftermath of some of their deeds were glimpsed, but all of that is explained in A Black Dragon on Red. Their story wasn’t what I’d expected, but it was interesting—and critically important for the last third of the book.
Nightsoul, Nulthe, and Barbis were responsible for some pretty foul blood magic, and the series’ main character, Othrun, has no idea what he’s up against. And after reading their history, I was pretty sure how this book was going to end (but as I said above, that’s not what played out.) Barbis and Nulthe are Eltnish mages, while Nightsoul is a powerful warrior with some druidic blood. But they aren’t alone—and their constant companion is probably the most terrifying adversary on the continent. (Yes, I’m being intentionally vague here to prevent spoilers.)
When we get to part 3 of the story, it shifts back to Othrun, his family, and allies. After the events of book 5 (A Pack of Wolves), Othrun is a broken man still reeling with grief. He’s not the man he once was, he’s beginning to show his age, and he’s more volatile than ever. Combine that with the threat from Borenia, and Othrun’s outlook is pretty grim…although only the reader knows that at first.
One thing I’d like to mention is that the author has a short story, Forest Dark, in the Shapers of Worlds Volume V anthology that ties into part of Nulthe’s backstory, along with another character you’ll encounter before the end of the book. If you like the worldbuilding of the series and want to learn a little more, I encourage you to check out that story if you can (the rest of the anthology is good too.)
But back to A Black Dragon on Red… It’s the culmination of so many plot threads, and yet leaves the door wide open for what’s to come in the final book of the series. And it had an ending that I not only didn’t expect, but is memorable (and took me some time to process.) This was a fantastic addition to the series. (If you’re new to The Drowned Kingdom Saga, it begins with A Drowned Kingdom.)
A Black Dragon on Red will be available in Spring 2026.
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