The Glint in the Dragon’s Eye: A Blacksmith’s Journey – Illustrated Novel

Description The Glint in the Dragon’s Eye: A Blacksmith’s Journey is a beautifully illustrated coming-of-age fantasy that blends the world of artisan craft with gentle magic, mythic echoes, and emotional depth. Set in the mountains of West Virginia, the novel follows Culann, a young woman whose life has always been quietly shaped by an inner presence — the spirit of a dragon that guides her toward creativity, courage, and the forge. Glint in the Dragon’s Eye explores how heritage, imagination, and personal transformation can shape a life in ways both subtle and profound. Drawn to fire, iron, and the rhythm of handwork, Culann grows into a talented blacksmith. Under the mentorship of local craftspeople, she discovers that art, memory, and spirit are deeply intertwined. Her path leads her into a lineage of legendary smiths, a legacy hidden in stories, symbols, and the sparks that fly from glowing steel. Each new skill she acquires not only strengthens her craft but deepens her understanding of herself and the mysterious dragon presence that has followed her since childhood. As she faces personal loss, renewal, and the challenge of understanding her place in the world, Culann learns that dragons still live on—in imagination,in creation,and in the strength it takes to begin again.Through these experiences, she comes to see that creativity itself is a form of magic, one that connects generations and preserves the wisdom of those who came before. Richly illustrated by Alexandra Mellott, this novel includes 37 atmospheric drawings that bring Culann’s journey, her craft, and her dragon spirit to life. Beautifully written by blacksmith and teacher Randy McDaniel, the story celebrates the resilience of the human spirit, the transformative power of craftsmanship, and the ancient threads that connect past and present. It invites readers to step into a world where the forge becomes a place of healing, imagination, and discovery. Perfect for readers who enjoy:• Coming-of-age fantasy• Stories grounded in craft and creativity• Blacksmithing themes and artisan traditions• Symbolic, spirit-infused magic• Hopeful, character-driven fiction for teens and adults Features:• 37 illustrations by Alexandra Mellott• Softcover edition• 329 pages• ISBN-13: 979-8987738993• Trim size: 6 × 9 in (15.2 × 22.9 cm)• Weight: 1.25 lb (0.57 kg) REVIEW Randy McDaniel is the well-known author of A Blacksmithing Primer and Hydraulic Forging Press for the Blacksmith. McDaniel put his serious educational approach on hold and ventured into the art of writing a fantasy novel geared toward the young reader. It is a journey a young girl follows as she matures and finds her path engaging dragons and mystery and discoveries and friends and determination! This fantasy novel is a great vehicle for spending time with a young person talking about blacksmiths. The vocabulary McDaniel uses includes blacksmithing terms, descriptions of a shop environment, and challenges of creating one-of a kind item, such as whimsical dragons! If you find yourself at a loss for words chatting with a young family member or friend, you might like to escape for a while and read this book, or give it as a gift! — Chris Holt, The Hammer’s Blow, Journal of the Artist-Blacksmith’s Association of North America, Vol. 34, #2 (Spring 2026) See our other blacksmithing titles here.