Dive into the fiery, romantic world of the Shade of Dragon series, where a small coastal town hides secrets as vast as the ocean! Written by bestselling author Bella Forrest, this paranormal romance trilogy blends fantasy, danger, and sizzling chemistry, captivating readers with the tale of Penelope 'Nell' O'Hara and her enigmatic dragon prince, Theon Aena. Set in the frosty, fictional Beggar’s Hole, Maine, this series sweeps you into a whirlwind of passion and destiny.
If you love Twilight’s heart-pounding romance or crave a fresh spin on dragon shifters, Shade of Dragon delivers an unforgettable escape. With millions of fans worldwide, Forrest’s knack for immersive storytelling shines in this standalone trilogy, a fiery spin-off from her mega-hit A Shade of Vampire series.
How Shade of Dragon Began
Bella Forrest, a prolific author with over 10 million books sold, launched the Shade of Dragon trilogy in 2015 as a bold expansion of her A Shade of Vampire universe. Inspired by the dragon shifters introduced in A Shade of Vampire 13: A Turn of Tides, Forrest crafted a new story centered on Theon, a fire dragon prince, and Nell, a human caught in his world. Her goal? To blend the allure of paranormal romance with the mystique of dragon lore, set against a stark, wintry backdrop that heightens the heat of the central romance.
Forrest’s creative process leaned on her signature mix of intricate plots and multi-dimensional characters. Writing under the pen name Bella Forrest (a team effort, some speculate), she wove a trilogy that stands alone yet nods to her vampire saga, delighting fans eager for more of her fantastical worlds.
The Heart of Shade of Dragon
The trilogy kicks off with A Shade of Dragon (2015), where 19-year-old Nell O’Hara faces a dismal Christmas in Beggar’s Hole. A near-fatal slip on icy rocks leads her to Theon Aena, a towering, heat-radiating dragon shifter who saves her life and sparks an intense connection. Their romance unfolds amid danger, as Nell discovers Theon’s royal lineage and the threats lurking in his fiery realm, the Hearthlands.
A Shade of Dragon 2 (2016) deepens the stakes as Nell navigates the Hearthlands’ political turmoil and Theon’s enemies, including rival ice dragons. The trilogy concludes with A Shade of Dragon 3 (2016), a scorching finale where Nell and Theon battle to restore balance to the Hearthlands, now gripped by the icy Everwinter. Themes of destiny, sacrifice, and forbidden love weave through the series, with the Maine setting grounding the fantastical in a relatable chill. Forrest’s style—fast-paced yet emotionally rich—keeps readers hooked, though some note the young adult tone and occasional slow pacing.
The series excels in its vivid world-building, from the Hearthlands’ dragon clans to Beggar’s Hole’s stark beauty. Love, identity, and resilience shine as Nell transforms from a heartbroken teen to a queenly figure, making the trilogy a standout in paranormal romance.
Why Shade of Dragon Resonates
Shade of Dragon’s allure lies in its ability to balance steamy romance with high-stakes fantasy, earning it a devoted fanbase. Reviews praise its “drago-licious” charm and Forrest’s knack for crafting heroines like Nell, who embody strength and vulnerability. With over 186 reviews on Goodreads for the trilogy, fans call it a “beautiful ending” that expands the Shade of Vampire universe while standing on its own.
Its impact extends to inspiring readers to explore more paranormal romance, with Theon’s dragon shifter archetype fueling a renewed interest in dragon-centric stories. As a niche yet beloved series, it proves Forrest’s storytelling prowess, cementing her as a titan in the genre.
- Publication Years: 2015–2016
- Number of Books: 3
- Genres: Paranormal Romance, Young Adult, Fantasy
Ready to feel the heat of dragon romance? Grab A Shade of Dragon and soar into Bella Forrest’s spellbinding world today!