Reviews

"This is a great read!  With strong character development and scene presentation, it draws the reader deep into the action. I’m looking forward to part 2!"

- art fink

"Dragon Watch: A Dawn Before the Storm, the first novel in the "Dragonshadowed series", introduces and describes the travelers from the very start in this rich high fantasy . The "friends" led by a knight and a priestess journey back to a realm to deliver a dire warning of impending danger only to find themselves in dire danger within the realm on the world of Valdain. Most impressive was the dragon/magic integration tucked throughout the story. Packed with richly described sights, sounds, and smells, the story would fit well in an Arthurian, Medieval, or fantasy world. Highly recommended for fans of the genres. The band of friends struggling to stop the Void draws you right into this action-packed fantasy. Breathtaking descriptions, intriguing characters, and a thrilling plot - everything I look for in Epic Fantasy!"

- l. mason

"What I like about the Dragonshadowed series is that you can read any one chapter by itself and be enthralled. I particularly like the active and dangerous and totally supernaturally concentrated events that take place in the Dream Realm. The author refers to past events there, too, where if you have not read series one and two, the reader is quickly brought up to speed. Rarely have I read a writer who is so organically descriptive that you feel like you are vicariously in the setting. It is not necessary for the reader to read the first two books in the series, to get into the third. But if you do read the third, you will be compelled to go back and read series one and two."

- j. clark

"The writing, world-building, and adventurous plot reminded me of Lord of the Rings. I couldn't put it down! It's going to be one of those series where I'll reread each book as the next one comes out so I can relive the magic all over again! I'm off to read the next book right now! Filled with unearthly creatures, adventure, surprises and intrigue, the author presents a steady balance between action and dialogue as he skillfully walks a tightrope between the fight of good versus evil. I love the way he develops the character of priestess warrior Tamsin as she battles her way to reclaim her birthright through political unrest, questionable loyalties, and the psychological effects played through magic. The author brilliantly takes descriptive language to another level as Tamsin tries to weave her way through episodes where reality versus illusion. There are more thrills to come as doom blankets, the air and dragons hold their secrets. Great series.-my kudos to the author for an exciting read."

- r. johnson

"Breathtaking descriptions, intriguing characters, and a thrilling plot – everything I look for in Epic Fantasy!"

- Amazon Reviewer

"Packed with richly described sights, sounds, and action. Highly recommended"

- Amazon Reviewer

"I would read this book and I count myself both a fan of Game of Thrones and a veteran role-player.  Not that those would be the only interested parties in what this story promises to deliver. I am anxious to find out more about the Dragonshadowed and possibly the origin and/or nature of dragons as well.  I believe this will be a fine addition to books I enjoy and read more than once. Excited to begin the adventure!"

- P.D. Doyle

"The band of friends struggling to stop the Void draws you right into this action-packed fantasy. Breathtaking descriptions, intriguing characters, and a thrilling plot - everything I look for in Epic Fantasy! The writing, world-building, and adventurous plot reminded me of Lord of the Rings. I couldn't put it down! It's going to be one of those series where I'll reread each book as the next one comes out so I can relive the magic all over again! I'm off to read the next book right now!"

- cr

"C.A. Bathgate weaves an intriguing story about an unlikely company of heroes consisting of humans, dwarves, goblins and elves. Throw in a mysterious dragon, mischievous rival gods, political intrigue, a darkness on the horizon, and you have all the ingredients for grand adventure!"

- G.J. Forrest

"A captivating adventure with imaginative characters and a clever description of the beauty and darkness of this fantasy world. A great escape into a world of magic, wealth and power."

- K. Stewart

"As the characters present themselves in a tangible and colorful way, the mystery and intrigue literally sends shivers up my spine! The author most certainly has a knack of delivering the reader right into the scene with graphic and very realistic descriptions of sights, sounds, smells. One can sense the nature and the personalities of the characters. What I really appreciate is the synopsis right at the beginning of who’s who so I didn’t get lost as the characters pour in and out of the plots. A great and spell binding read!"

- E. Evans

"Utter eradication of literally everything is the vision which Tamsin, priestess of Melqart, shares with her close travelling companion, Sir Gyrfalcon. After hearing of the predicted destruction of Valdain, the priestess’ homeland, the knight makes a solemn oath. We must return to Valdain and warn the high folk. Accomplishing this mission will demand the use of all the magic that the travelers can muster in order to survive. If you love high fantasy adventure with a hint of romance you will devour this book."

- K. Saik

"Thank you for the opportunity to escape to an action packed fantasy world for a little while. It’s been a long time since the days of being immersed in the Hobbitt and the Lord of the Rings but you have awakened my senses-it’s time to explore the world beyond once again. I thoroughly enjoyed A Dawn Before the Storm. The band of “friends” could not have been more courageous, more loyal or more protective of one another, especially of Tamsin. The descriptive writing had this reader visualize every event as if we were there, in an inn, on a ship, partaking in a duel, riding to escape capture, etc… As the novel unfolded I found myself reading faster and faster to keep up with the tempo of the action taking place. The additional information provided (ie dictionary, dramatic personae, common pantheon) worked very well. The descriptions were very thorough and thought provoking-so many strange words. The “slum slang” certainly could pose a problem!"

- R. Jennex

"One problem I have with the fantasy genre is they often require the reader to learn a whole new large scale world with its unique geography, list of characters and level of magic and technology. Dragonshadowed overcame my hesitation quite quickly, presenting a cast of characters that were archetypical of the genre, but still managing to be a fresh take at the same time. The writing was engaging and I enjoyed the use of language and phrasing at different points throughout the story. Well done."

- C. Hutchings

"Dragonshadowed is a world populated with many of the mystical creatures we expect to see in this genre, but C. A. Bathgate has created many new creatures with unique capabilities and motivations that the reader will find very interesting. It is a world unaware and uncaring that the Void, which will consume everything in its path, is coming. To save the world from itself and the Void some of the members of our little band must first reclaim their individual birthrights. To do this they will face incredible odds in battle and must avoid the pitfalls of political intrigue from family and usurpers. Along the way they are aided and deceived by the characters they meet and sometimes neglected by the very powers that initiated their journey in the first place. Dragonshadowed is an interesting and entertaining read. Highly recommended."

- W. Simbirski

"Action packed, great description, varied and colorful characters. A very good read. And when you reach the end I know you will be clamoring to get the next book. I certainly am."

- P. AspleR

"Filled with unearthly creatures, adventure, surprises and intrigue, these novels present a steady balance between action and dialogue, skillfully walking a tightrope between the fight of good versus evil. I love the way he develops the character of priestess warrior Tamsin as she battles her way to reclaim her birthright through political unrest, questionable loyalties, and the psychological effects played through magic. The novel brilliantly takes descriptive language to another level as Tamsin tries to weave her way through episodes where reality versus illusion. There are more thrills to come as doom blankets the air and dragons hold their secrets. Great series.-my kudos to the author for an exciting read."

- l. mason