Dominion by P.T.L. Perrin is a fast-paced and emotionally rich continuation of the Dragon Guild Chronicles series. The story follows Gabri and her dragon Makani as they fight to protect Sanctum, a refuge for dragons and their riders, from the dark forces of Ozul and Katzir. Alongside her family and bonded companions, including her precocious younger brother Alex and his fire-breathing dragon Tito, Gabri grapples with the loss of her powers, the heavy burden of leadership, and a growing resistance effort. With chapters jumping between key characters, the book explores themes of love, sacrifice, memory, and what it means to belong.

What struck me right away was how deeply personal and warm this story feels, despite the stakes being planetary in scale. Perrin writes with a tenderness that makes each character matter. The family ties between Gabri, her mother Sequoia, and little Alex feel raw and real, even as they navigate telepathy and dragon flights. I found myself smiling at Alex’s innocent boldness and tearing up during scenes that touched on grief and trust. The dragons, with their distinct personalities and emotional depth, never feel like accessories, they’re family too. Perrin’s writing style leans into heart and clarity over flair, and it works.

The first half of the book builds emotional connections and explores internal struggles, but some key plot advancements come in short bursts later on, especially involving the enemy forces and their brutal plans. I wished there had been more tension built around these conflicts earlier. There are moments when I wanted more grit, more danger, to match the fear the characters carried. Still, the ideas underlying them, such as the weaponization of refugees or dragons with cloaking devices, are clever and layered. And honestly, I didn’t mind slowing down if it meant more time in this world with these characters. The author makes you care, and that’s half the battle.

Dominion left me hopeful. It’s a story that holds on tight to light in the face of darkness. I’d recommend it to readers who love dragon tales but want something more rooted in family and empathy than just epic fights. It’s especially great for young adult readers, fans of character-driven sci-fi/fantasy, and anyone who enjoys stories where relationships matter more than spectacle.

Pages: 430 | ASIN : B0FK2WR96M