A Portal In The Storm (Dragonia: Tales Of The Golden Talon Book 1)

Dragonia: Tales Of The Golden Talon is a fantasy fable in three parts, that follows the lives of its two heroes as they depart from Earth, return to their home world of Dragonia, and defeat the fierce tyrant who forced them into exile.

Despite its long title and three volumes, Dragonia: Tales Of The Golden Talon follows only thirteen critical days in the life of princess Boja, the royal heir destined to reign as queen of all Dragonia.

In the tradition of the magical journeys and search for justice found in Richard Adams’ “Watership Down”, and the strong, intelligent characters followed in “The Secret of N.I.M.H.” by Robert O’Brien, Tales Of The Golden Talon breathes new fire into the sometimes staid genre of mythic heroes, dragons, and evil villains intermixed with incredible creatures of every imaginable description. Culled from timeless themes, but replete with fresh and exciting characters, both endearing and heinous, filled with humor, tragedy, thrills, and numerous, lavish illustrations, this saga of sacrifice and love, courage and perseverance, blazes forth as an original, universal saga for modern times.

Set in the present, the story relates the hardships and triumphs of a banished princess and her guardian as they endeavor to restore the rightful heir to power. Book one, “A Portal In The Storm” takes readers, both young and old, on a series of adventurous quests that begin on Earth, move to Dragonia and in search of the young ruler’s family, travel the land above and below, from one end to the other.

Princess Boja, inexperienced successor to the seized sovereignty, is equal parts eagle and dragon. She is a hybrid creature known as a “dragle”. Her companion and protector, a “dragurtle” named Shelldon, is half turtle and half dragon. As with all residents of Dragonia, both possess wings and can breathe fire.

To save the life of the hatchling empress, Shelldon is appointed as guardian over the royal newborn. Having escaped with her through an inter-dimensional portal, he fled Dragonia and arrived on Earth, where different but equally hazardous circumstances threaten the fugitives. Several seasons later, upon their return home, the grown princess and her guardian must surmount a variety of dangerous challenges as they race against time to avert an imminent confrontation between the despotic king, and those he has oppressed during their long absence.

Boja, however, is ill-prepared for the responsibilities she has inherited by virtue of the lustrous Golden Talon on one of her feet. She is reluctant to reign as queen of a land that seems foreign to her. With no time left to argue, Shelldon has convinced his charge of their need to depart for Dragonia. Where the fate of an entire world hangs in the balance. Where, for the princess, only victory or death awaits herself.

Once home, the princess and Shelldon meet a multitude of other Dragonians who help them wage battles of will and fire against the powerful Dragragon, a huge, pure-blooded super-dragon known as a “Trueblood”.

Ablaze with intense, dramatic flare, this first leg of the Dragonia Trilogy begins a timeless journey that bridges the gap between typical children's fables and the more sophisticated themes enjoyed by older age groups. Readers of all ages should prepare for the unexpected as they embark upon a fast-paced, smile-per-minute voyage filled with magic and charm, endearing, unusual dragons, plus all the action, suspense, and intrigue of a modern cliffhanger.

Each book in the DRAGONIA series is a full length, fully illuminated novel, both written and illustrated by Robert Anton. Bob is also the author and artist responsible for the Dragons Among Us series: “The Ghosts Of Walker Pines” and “The Lost City Of The Dead.”