About The Wilder Chronicles by Jon Shannon

Wilder Blackwood is the unlikely hero of The Wilder Chronicles, an epic fantasy series by Maine author Jon Shannon. At twenty-eight years old, Wilder is content living a quiet life in southern Maine, working at Red's Riverbank Tavern and trying to avoid unnecessary complications. That plan falls apart when he discovers that dragons are re

Wilder Blackwood is the unlikely hero of The Wilder Chronicles, an epic fantasy series by Maine author Jon Shannon. At twenty-eight years old, Wilder is content living a quiet life in southern Maine, working at Red's Riverbank Tavern and trying to avoid unnecessary complications. That plan falls apart when he discovers that dragons are real, magic has been hiding in plain sight, and his own family history is tied to a centuries-old secret.

Reluctant, sarcastic, and fiercely loyal, Wilder isn't the kind of hero who charges into danger looking for glory. He asks questions, makes mistakes, and often doubts himself. Yet those very qualities become his greatest strengths. As he learns to master ancient magic and accept his role as one of the world's newest Protectors, Wilder discovers that courage isn't about fearlessness. It's about choosing to stand between ordinary people and extraordinary evil, even when every instinct tells him to run.

At his side is Bocephus, a stubborn French bulldog with a dry sense of humor and one very unusual secret: he's actually an ancient Earth dragon. Together, Wilder and Bo travel across Maine, uncovering forgotten legends, battling creatures pulled from myth, and protecting places where the boundaries between the ordinary world and magic have begun to weaken. Along the way they encounter immortal guardians, hidden artifacts, dragons both noble and terrifying, and mysteries rooted in Maine's rich history and folklore.

Across the three novels of The American Dragon Trilogy—Treasure of the American Dragon, Mountain of the American Dragon, and Island of the American Dragon—Wilder grows from an ordinary young man into a capable wizard and Protector. While each adventure stands on its own, they are connected by Wilder's journey to understand his past, embrace his destiny, and discover that the greatest magic is often found in loyalty, friendship, sacrifice, and hope.

Whether he's exploring forgotten tunnels beneath Fort Gorges, climbing the dangerous ridges of Mount Katahdin, or facing dragons beneath the waters of the Maine coast, Wilder Blackwood remains grounded by his wit, compassion, and determination to protect those who cannot protect themselves. His adventures blend modern fantasy, humor, mystery, and Maine folklore into a world where the impossible is always waiting just beyond the next trail, the next lighthouse, or the next turn in the road.

Bocephus may look like an ordinary brown French bulldog, but appearances can be deceiving. Behind the floppy ears, stubborn personality, and endless appetite is one of the oldest and most powerful beings in the world. Bo is an ancient Earth dragon who has spent centuries hidden among humans, waiting for the day dragons would be needed aga

Bocephus may look like an ordinary brown French bulldog, but appearances can be deceiving. Behind the floppy ears, stubborn personality, and endless appetite is one of the oldest and most powerful beings in the world. Bo is an ancient Earth dragon who has spent centuries hidden among humans, waiting for the day dragons would be needed again.

As Wilder Blackwood's closest friend and constant companion, Bo serves as equal parts mentor, bodyguard, conscience, and comic relief. He's quick with a sarcastic remark, rarely impressed by human behavior, and never misses an opportunity to remind Wilder when he's making a terrible decision. Despite his gruff attitude, Bo's loyalty is absolute. When danger comes calling, there's no place he'd rather be than at Wilder's side.

Most people see Bocephus as nothing more than a lovable French bulldog. Only those connected to magic can glimpse his true form: a massive Earth dragon with crimson scales, powerful wings, and a voice as deep as rolling thunder. His dragon nature remains hidden by ancient magic, allowing him to move unnoticed through the modern world while protecting secrets that have survived for hundreds of years.

Bo carries the wisdom of centuries, but he refuses to act like a solemn old sage. He enjoys cheeseburgers almost as much as flying, complains about nearly everything, and has perfected the art of delivering one perfectly timed sarcastic comment when the situation is at its most serious. His sense of humor often masks the weight of everything he has witnessed over the centuries, including the disappearance of dragons and the long struggle to keep magic hidden from the world.

Throughout The Wilder Chronicles, Bo helps guide Wilder into his role as a Protector while confronting threats that most people never know exist. Together they battle sea dragons beneath the Maine coast, ancient forces hidden in the mountains, and dark magic buried beneath historic forts. Their friendship is built on trust, loyalty, and countless arguments that somehow always end with the two of them charging into danger together.

Bocephus proves that heroes don't always look heroic. Sometimes they walk on four short legs, snore loudly, steal your lunch, and quietly carry the fate of the world on their shoulders.

For more than six hundred years, the Protectors have quietly defended the world from dangers most people never know exist. While history remembers kings, explorers, and generals, the Protectors have worked in the shadows, keeping dragons, ancient magic, and forgotten evils from spilling into everyday life. Their greatest success is that a

For more than six hundred years, the Protectors have quietly defended the world from dangers most people never know exist. While history remembers kings, explorers, and generals, the Protectors have worked in the shadows, keeping dragons, ancient magic, and forgotten evils from spilling into everyday life. Their greatest success is that almost no one believes they exist.

The Protectors are not superheroes or conquerors. They are ordinary people who have accepted an extraordinary responsibility. Bound together by loyalty and centuries of tradition, each Protector is trained in powerful magic and entrusted with knowledge passed down through generations. Their mission has never changed: protect the innocent, preserve the balance between the magical and ordinary worlds, and ensure that some doors remain forever closed.

Leading the order is Red, a wise and compassionate wizard who has carried the burden of leadership for centuries. At his side is John Patrick, a fiercely loyal Scottish Protector whose courage and dry wit have helped the order survive countless battles. In Treasure of the American Dragon, readers also meet Jim, a steadfast Protector whose quiet strength and unwavering sense of duty remind everyone that heroism often comes with great sacrifice. Together, they represent a brotherhood built on trust, honor, and a willingness to risk everything for people who will never know their names.

When Wilder Blackwood accidentally discovers the hidden world of magic, he becomes the first new Protector in generations. Under Red's guidance, Wilder begins to understand that being a Protector isn't about casting spells or fighting monsters. It's about making impossible choices, standing firm when others cannot, and protecting a world that may never know it was in danger.

Throughout The Wilder Chronicles, the Protectors confront ancient dragons, uncover forgotten legends, and defend magical places hidden across the state of Maine. Their battles stretch from the waters of the Atlantic to the summit of Mount Katahdin, where myth and history intertwine. Every victory comes at a cost, and every adventure reveals that the greatest threats are often the ones hidden just beyond ordinary sight.

The Protectors are the heart of The Wilder Chronicles. They are guardians, mentors, friends, and family, proving that true heroes are rarely the ones who seek recognition. They are the ones who quietly stand watch so the rest of the world can live in peace.