A beautifully crafted fantasy steeped in African-inspired mythology, Call of the Dragon delivers dragons, magic, and one of the most satisfying character arcs I’ve read all year.
There are some books you enjoy, some books you love, and then there are books that completely sweep you away. Call of the Dragon by Natasha Bowen falls firmly into that last category for me. After loving Skin of the Sea but occasionally struggling to keep up with its mythology-heavy worldbuilding, I was pleasantly surprised by how immediately accessible and immersive this novel felt. Rich with African-inspired mythology, dragons, magic, and a deeply emotional character journey, Call of the Dragon delivers an unforgettable fantasy adventure that is every bit as powerful as it is captivating.
A World Built on Dragons and Divine Power
One of the things I appreciated most about this novel was its mythology and worldbuilding. The story centers around two dragons—one of the earth and one of the sky—whose magic sustains the world and empowers their followers through Enan, a mystical force that connects the people to their creators.
The mythology immediately reminded me of ancient creation myths, particularly the dynamic between Gaia and Uranus from Greek mythology, though Bowen creates something entirely her own. The relationship between the dragons is rooted in love, balance, and harmony, and their annual union is essential to maintaining the health of the world.
What makes the mythology work so well is that it feels accessible without sacrificing depth. While the novel clearly draws inspiration from African mythology and folklore, Bowen seamlessly integrates those influences into an original fantasy setting. The result is a world that feels rich and authentic while remaining easy to follow, even for readers who may not be familiar with the mythology that inspired it.
Moremi’s Incredible Character Growth
At its heart, Call of the Dragon is a character-driven story, and that’s exactly why it worked so well for me.
Morami begins the novel carrying the weight of impossible expectations. As the daughter of the High Priestess, she constantly feels as though she’s falling short. She views herself as clumsy, awkward, and unworthy, believing she can never live up to what her mother expects of her.
Her insecurities feel genuine and relatable. She spends much of the early story doubting herself and questioning her place in the world.
Then everything changes when she becomes the chosen vessel of both dragons.
Watching Morami evolve from an insecure young woman into a confident and formidable leader was one of my favorite aspects of the entire novel. Her transformation never feels rushed or unearned. Every challenge she faces pushes her toward becoming stronger, more capable, and more self-assured.
By the end of the story, she’s an entirely different person—and yet still undeniably herself. The growth feels natural, powerful, and incredibly satisfying.
Honestly, by the final chapters, Morami becomes the kind of character you absolutely do not want to underestimate.
Complex Relationships and Meaningful Character Dynamics
The supporting cast is just as important to Morami’s journey.
Her childhood friend and longtime crush adds emotional depth to the adventure, while her rivalry with another young priestess evolves in surprising ways throughout the story. What begins as jealousy and resentment gradually transforms into something far more nuanced as both characters learn to see each other beyond their assumptions.
I especially appreciated how Bowen explores themes of identity, expectation, and self-worth through these relationships. Every major character feels like they have something meaningful to contribute to Morami’s growth.
Rather than simply serving the plot, the supporting cast actively shapes the emotional core of the story.
Excellent Pacing and Immersive Worldbuilding
This was one of those rare books that I genuinely didn’t want to put down.
The pacing strikes an excellent balance between action, character development, and worldbuilding. Every new location, creature, and revelation expands the world without overwhelming the reader.
I always felt grounded in the story. Whether the characters were traveling across dangerous landscapes, uncovering ancient truths, or confronting powerful enemies, I never felt lost or disconnected from the narrative.
Bowen creates a world that feels vast while still remaining easy to navigate, which is no small accomplishment in epic fantasy.
Dragons, Darkness, and High Stakes
Of course, a dragon fantasy wouldn’t be complete without significant stakes.
As dark forces threaten the land and the dragons themselves become endangered, Morami and her companions embark on a desperate journey to restore balance before it’s too late.
The story introduces fascinating creatures, powerful magic, heartbreaking losses, and unexpected twists along the way. Every revelation raises the stakes higher, making it increasingly difficult to stop reading.
And that ending?
Absolutely incredible.
Without spoiling anything, the final chapters left me desperately wanting more. The conclusion feels big, emotional, and satisfying while simultaneously opening the door to future stories.
Final Thoughts
Call of the Dragon is everything I want from a fantasy novel: compelling characters, meaningful growth, immersive worldbuilding, rich mythology, dragons, magic, and high emotional stakes.
Natasha Bowen has crafted a story that feels both epic and deeply personal. While the mythology and dragons provide the foundation for the adventure, it’s Morami’s journey of self-discovery and empowerment that truly makes the novel shine.
This is one of those books that reminded me why I love fantasy in the first place.
If there isn’t a sequel planned, I’ll be genuinely disappointed because I am absolutely not ready to leave this world behind.
