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A review by mythicalreadsreviewer
Season of the Dragon by Natalie Wright
5.0
Review of Season of the Dragon by Natalie Wright
Thank you to Natalie Wright for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5 rounded up to 5 stars)
This is how you do epic fantasy! From the first page, Season of the Dragon pulls you into a world that is deeply immersive, complex, and beautifully crafted. Natalie Wright has created a vast and intricate world with rich lore, layered characters, and a magic system that feels organic and deeply woven into the culture and religion of the story.
One of the biggest strengths of this book is the world-building. Instead of an overwhelming lore dump, we experience the different facets of Manauld naturally through Quen’s journey. We start with her daily life in Solia, then gradually expand outward into her province of Sulmère, and eventually into other regions of Indrasi. Each location is distinct, and the way we learn about them feels natural rather than forced. There were only a few moments where I felt lost in the vernacular or details, but overall, the balance of depth and accessibility in the world-building was excellent.
Quen’s story is powerful and deeply relatable. She didn’t ask to be born with a second soul, nor did she ask for the tragedies that shaped her path, yet she has no choice but to navigate a world that constantly sees her as different. Her struggle to find love, acceptance, and agency over her own fate resonated strongly with me. Her character arc is engaging, and I loved watching her transformation as she learns more about her power, her heritage, and the forces working against her.
The magic system, while rooted in elemental magic like many others, stands out due to its deep integration with the religious and cultural framework of the world. It doesn’t feel like an afterthought or something added for convenience—magic is an intrinsic part of society, belief systems, and even conflict.
I initially picked this book up because I was promised dragons, and while Season of the Dragon certainly delivers on that front, it also offers so much more. The political intrigue, shifting alliances, and complex characters make this an epic fantasy that truly stands out. Every character, from Quen to those she meets along her journey, feels fleshed out, with their own motivations, secrets, and purpose—not just within Quen’s story but within the world itself.
Final Thoughts:
If you love epic fantasy with incredible world-building, well-developed characters, and a magic system that is deeply tied to the story’s culture and themes, Season of the Dragon is a must-read. I can’t wait to dive into The Spring Dragon and see where this story goes next.