If you’re on the hunt for an urban fantasy that breaks the mold, David Angelo’s Scales of Rage might just be your next great read. As the first installment in The Dragon Within series, this novel offers a fresh take on mythical creatures living right under our noses.
A Hidden World Beneath the City
Set against the backdrop of present-day 2022, the story introduces us to a world where dragons aren’t just legends—they’re real and dwelling in the shadows of abandoned subway tunnels. Angelo masterfully blends the mundane with the magical, creating a universe where the lines between myth and reality blur in the most intriguing ways.
Meet Nathan Van Cleef: Teenager Turned Weredragon
At the heart of the story is Nathan Van Cleef, an 18-year-old who’s been grappling with a mysterious “forever flu” that keeps him bedridden and yearning for a normal life. Everything changes on his graduation day when a sudden accident leads to an astonishing discovery: he’s a dragon-human hybrid, also known as a weredragon.
Nathan’s transformation is more than just physical. As scales begin to emerge on his body, he uncovers a family secret tied to the enigmatic DC Sanctum—a covert group of dragonkin dedicated to maintaining balance between their world and humanity. With newfound abilities and a legacy he never knew existed, Nathan is thrust into a centuries-long conflict that tests his courage and resolve.
A Battle Against Ancient Grudges and New Enemies
The plot thickens as Nathan becomes the target of Lucio Salvini, a malevolent weredragon with plans to enslave mankind and use Nathan as a living good luck charm. Navigating a path filled with fierce battles, hidden sanctuaries, and unexpected allies, Nathan learns that true strength comes not just from his dragon abilities but from the courage within his heart.
About the Author: David Angelo’s Imaginary Realms
David Angelo isn’t just spinning tales; he’s crafting worlds. With over 18 years of writing under his belt and four published novels, he’s no stranger to the art of storytelling. By day, he’s shaping young minds as a middle school English teacher. By night, he’s delving into fantastical realms that captivate readers of all ages.
Being an only child, Angelo had plenty of time to let his imagination run wild—a trait that clearly shines through in his writing. He’s been nurturing his talent since his teenage years, viewing writing as a passion much like one would approach a sport or musical instrument. Now, he’s channeling that lifelong dedication into a potential career path, much to the delight of urban fantasy fans everywhere.
Why “Scales of Rage” Deserves a Spot on Your Bookshelf
What sets Scales of Rage apart is its seamless fusion of everyday life with the extraordinary. Nathan’s journey isn’t just about battling external foes; it’s also about self-discovery and embracing one’s true identity. The story invites readers to ponder what it means to be different and how our hidden strengths can become our greatest assets.
Whether you’re a long-time fan of urban fantasy or new to the genre, this book offers a compelling narrative filled with rich characters, intricate world-building, and a plot that keeps you turning the pages.
Join the Adventure
Ready to embark on an epic journey where dragons roam beneath city streets and destiny awaits those bold enough to seek it? Scales of Rage is available now, and it’s the perfect time to dive into this thrilling new series. For more information or to grab your copy, check out the book on Amazon.
We had the privilege of interviewing David Angelo. Here are excerpts from the interview.
Hi David, It’s great to have you with us today! Please share about yourself with our readers.
Hi, I am a self-published author who also works as a middle school English teacher. I’ve been writing for over 18 years, published 4 novels, and submitted multiple short stories to various literary journals. Scales of Rage is my latest book and the start of a new series I’m working on called The Dragon Within.
Please tell us about your book, Scales of Rage.
Scales of Rage is an urban fantasy novel set in the present day (2022, to be exact). It follows an 18-year-old boy named Nathan who finds out that he’s a dragon/human hybrid called a weredragon after a sudden accident. He then finds himself at the center of a nearly centuries-long conflict that sets him on a collision course with the wicked Lucio Salvini, a weredragon who wishes to enslave mankind and use Nathan as a living good luck charm.
Please share about your journey.
I’ve always had a knack for storytelling, ever since I was a little boy. I’m an only child, so I had a lot of time to let my imagination run wild. It wasn’t until I was a teenager that I first started writing, and I haven’t really looked back since. As a young person, writing was a talent that I wanted to pursue, the way someone would a sport or an instrument. In recent years, I’ve been trying harder to make it into a potential career path.
What are the strategies that helped you become successful in your journey?
I would say first to not take yourself too seriously. If you hold yourself up to unusually high standards, you’re only going to burn out. Also, remember that less is more. Trust that your readers know how to visualize things in their heads and don’t over-explain things if it can be avoided.
Any message for our readers?
Please consider following me on my Instagram, @davidangelo303, and check out my website, david-angelo.com. There, you can find updates from my blog, find a list of all of my novels, and read a few short stories that I’ve posted for free.
Thank you so much, David, for giving us your precious time! We wish you all the best for your journey ahead!
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