Review: Shadow of the Dragon, written by Amy Daniels, narrated by Phillip Nathaniel Freeman and a full cast
Shadow of the Dragon is the second entry in the Legends from Qiledara series, and although I haven’t listened to the first audiobook yet, I had no trouble following the story or getting emotionally invested in it. The author, Amy Daniels, includes a thoughtful and well-paced recap in the opening chapter, which does a great job of setting the stage without slowing things down.
With everything happening in the world lately, I find myself reaching for fantasy stories more often through books that can transport me somewhere else entirely. This one did exactly that.
Amy Daniels’ writing is rich, captivating, entertaining, and immersive; this is the kind of storytelling not so many authors are capable of. At times, her prose borders on poetic, especially in the way she paints vivid scenes and captures the emotions of the characters.
As someone who loves A Song of Ice and Fire, The Name of the Wind, and The Wheel of Time, I really appreciated the depth and texture Daniels brings to her world. Not only that we have grand quests and magical creatures, but we are also introduced to people, choices, and the stories that shape them.
The narration is equally strong. Phillip Nathaniel Freeman delivers a grounded, captivating performance that gives weight to every line. He’s got the kind of voice that just fits epic fantasy, steady and expressive. The supporting cast enhances the experience even more, making each character feel distinct and alive. It truly feels like a collaborative effort, and not just a reading.
At just over 16 hours in duration, the audiobook moves at a great pace. It never drags, and there’s a nice rhythm between action, dialogue, and quieter moments that lets the world breathe.
As always, I recommend sampling the Audible preview first, just to see if the writing style and narration work for you. For me, Shadow of the Dragon was exactly what I needed – an absorbing, beautifully told fantasy that will stay with me for a while.
Shadow of the Dragon has definitely piqued my interest in this promising series, and if the opportunity arises, I will check out the first and the third audiobooks in this saga. If you love epic fantasy stories filled with captivating characters and vivid descriptions, then Shadow of the Dragon is definitely for you.
Victor Dima
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