Book Review of 'Shadowcape' by Dawn Ford

Hello Bookworms!

Fantasy is a genre that I have recently been getting into and is one that I have been quite enjoying, particularly the novels from the Band of Unlikely Heroes series. The fourth installment has been recently released and I couldn't wait to get my hands on it and see where these series would take us next.

I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this Middle-Grade Fantasy and don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours.

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Shadowcape by Dawn Ford, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Shadowcape
Series: Band of Unlikely Heroes #4
Author: Dawn Ford
Publisher: ScrivKids
Release Date: November 11, 2025
Genre: Middle-Grade Fantasy

Four heroes. One dark enemy. A battle that could change the Wilden Lands forever.

After the Erlking’s latest attack, Queen Bearer Horra Fyd searches desperately for a way to end his evil schemes once and for all. But when the rats destroy the hidden books that may hold the answers, hope begins to slip away.

An experiment gone wrong throws their newest ally—Grendel—into chaos, just as children begin to vanish and the elves abandon their secret kingdom. Shadows gather. Secrets surface. And time is running out.

Now Horra, Rowan, Glory, and Grendel must summon courage greater than their fears and faith stronger than their doubts. If they fail, the Erlking and his wicked minions will seize the Wilden Lands—and destroy everything they love.

Fans of epic sagas like The Lord of the Rings will be swept into this breathtaking world of magic, peril, and unlikely heroes.

Will four unlikely heroes rise to face the darkness … or will their world fall into ruin? Read this exciting series conclusion to find out.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

My Review

Shadowcape picks right back up days after the previous novel ended, and I quickly was thrust back into this imaginative fantasy world. This is one of those stories that is so easy to get lost in. The world-building is fantastic, and the imagery is incredible, with vivid depictions of the scenery and each inhabitant of this world. The characters are clearly what drives this story as this epic saga continues to build tension as we grow closer to Horra and the gang defeating the Erkling.

The imagination of Dawn Ford is so whimsical and paints such a vivid picture of a fictitious world that I could clearly see it all in my mind’s eye. The rich world building is magical, and the characters captured my heart.

There are some moments that are quite intense, which is understandable as this whole series culminates in this final boss battle. The closer I came to the end, the harder it became to tear myself away. Seeing everything being set right was so satisfying after such a harrowing journey. I enjoyed this fantasy world so much and am sad yet satisfied to see this epic tale end. This is a series that I will not soon forget.

My Rating: ★★★★★

About the Author

Dawn Ford writes fantastical YA & MG stories with a fairy tale flair. Author of the Firebird Series, her book, The Girl With Stars in Her Eyes, won the 2016 ACFW Genesis Award. Dawn loves thrift shopping, doing crafty things, and spending time with her family. She believes in that magic can be found anywhere.

Connect with Dawn by visiting dawnfordauthor.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a bundle of all four paperback books in the Band of Unlikely Heroes series!

(2) winners will each receive a signed copy of Shadowcape!

(1) winner will receive a $15 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 18, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 25, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!