Book Review: Dragonshadow by Elle Katharine White

Dragonshadow
Author: Elle Katharine White
Series: Heartstone (Book 2)
Publication: Harper Voyager (November 20, 2018)

Description: The author of Heartstone once again infuses elements of Jane Austen’s beloved novel with her own brand of magic in this addictive fantasy that brings back sparring lovers Aliza and Alastair: fierce warriors who match wits, charm, and swords as they fight an epic war to save their world.

The Battle of North Fields is over—or so Aliza Bentaine, now a Daired, fervently wants to believe. But rumors are spreading of an unseen monster ravaging the isolated Castle Selwyn on the northern border of the kingdom. When she and Alastair are summoned from their honeymoon by the mysterious Lord Selwyn, they must travel with their dragon Akarra through the Tekari-infested Old Wilds of Arle to answer his call.

And they are not alone on this treacherous journey. Shadowing the dragonriders is an ancient evil, a harbinger of a dark danger of which the Worm was only a foretaste. And soon Aliza realizes the terrible truth: the real war is only beginning.

My Thoughts: This middle book in the Heartstone trilogy sees Aliza and her husband Alastair traveling to the far north on a contract to find and kill monsters plaguing the area. 

They find a strange situation with Lord Selwyn who hired them reluctant to share the needed information with them and the castle housekeeper encouraging them to leave as soon as possible. The find that they are facing two enemies. One is an ancient evil intent on vengeance and the other is an old enemy long thought to be defeated. 

It takes both Alastair and Aliza's different skills to work their way through the secrets and lies. And they are facing a personal problem too when Aliza suffers a miscarriage.

This book was filled with lots of strange creatures, most of whom are enemies of humans, and lots of secrets. While some plot points are resolved, a number are left dangling for book three. 

Favorite Quote:

"Meddlesome old bastard."

"Conscientious civil servant," I said.

"You'd be surprised how often those lines cross, my lady."

I bought this one September 7, 2022. You can buy your copy here.