Author’s Introduction To The Second Edition 

DRAGON, the first edition, was one of my earliest attempts at writing suspense mixed with a little terror and a bit of horror. As I settled into retirement and returned to my love of writing, I felt I improved with each work I completed. After finishing the ten-book Darkwood Legacy series and several connected short stories I call “The Lost Confessions,” I decided to revisit my earliest books. What I found nearly embarrassed me. But wait. I’m getting ahead of myself.

I’ve been writing most of my life, including several years as a published freelance writer covering nonfiction for outdoor magazines such as Field and Stream, Sports Afield, MidWest Outdoors, Bassmaster, and others. I even spent a few years writing weekly fishing columns for local and regional newspapers under the title “Fishin Rod.”

But as life would have it, I had to grow up. I got a regular job so I could get a regular check and keep a roof over my family and food on the table. No time for dilly-dallying around with “fiction.”

Some years later, after learning I had acquired Parkinson’s disease through toxic chemicals in the water where I was stationed as a Marine, I was forced to retire from a job I truly loved. As days passed, things I have always enjoyed so much like camping, hunting, fishing and hiking became mountains I could no longer climb reliably. 

I couldn’t do many of the things I wanted to, but then it hit me: I could write again. I could work on all those stories still inside me. I have to admit that writing with Parkinson’s has been tough. The disease can bring cognitive issues and trouble focusing—not ideal when you want to write.

And so, this is the second edition of DRAGON, including an almost complete rewrite. Thankfully. Honestly, I felt DRAGON was one of my worst books.

Please enjoy this second edition, and if you read the first one, I really hope you feel this version is much better, and more terrifying!

R.D. PARRISH