If you love fantasy with political intrigue, layered characters, and a romance that simmers instead of sprints, A Dragon Inside is such a satisfying read.
From the very first chapters, I was hooked. The story opens with unanswered questions and quiet tension—mysterious history, strained family loyalties, and a chained dragon rider sitting in a dungeon cell. I kept turning pages because I needed to understand what was really going on. And thankfully, this isn’t one of those books that forgets its own mysteries. Every question slowly unfolds in a way that feels intentional and rewarding.
Ellie is exactly the kind of heroine I enjoy reading about—brave, thoughtful, and willing to step into danger for the sake of her people. She’s not reckless, but she’s determined. Watching her navigate court politics, rebellions, and assassination threats while uncovering secrets about her own family kept the stakes high the entire time.
And then there’s Deryk. A dragon rider in chains is already intriguing, but his quiet strength and divided loyalties made him even more compelling. The dynamic between Ellie and Deryk is a true slow burn. No insta-love here—just suspicion, reluctant trust, and gradual connection. It felt natural and believable, which made every small moment between them mean more.
The political drama adds so much depth to the story. This isn’t just romance with dragons in the background. The kingdom feels real, the conflicts feel weighty, and the choices have consequences.
I wouldn’t say the ending is a cliffhanger, but it definitely left me curious and eager for the second half of the duology. It wraps enough to feel satisfying while still promising more to come.
If you’re looking for a clean fantasy romance with high stakes, strong characters, and a story you’ll struggle to put down, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
I’ve linked the book here for you to check out.
Morntag Dragons & Kingdoms:
- A Dragon Inside
- A Dragon Outside
- A Dragon Missing – coming September 2026
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Life On A Hill 
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