Navigator Lana

Gator’s Game Overview

Navigating In the Blink of a Dragon’s Eye

In the Blink of a Dragon’s Eye, by Michael Parziale, is a charming story about the friendship between a human and a dragon. Niijii and Nibaa find themselves in a new life and world, the Harbor of Blight Universe, and develop this unexpected but beautiful friendship. It’s a friendship that touches deep into the soul, the type you become brothers, not just acquaintances or friends. This tale is unique because the reader is not getting a story alone but also a solo RPG component. Parziale gives the reader a new meaning to being “sucked into the story.”

Mapping the Mechanics

There are two parts while going through In the Blink of a Dragon’s Eye. On one side, you get the cozy book-reading element. What makes this story unique is the way you become involved in the story. Not in a typical “Choose Your Own Adventure” book, but after each chapter, you can roll dice and recreate the climactic event.

I have five laminated pages, one for each chapter, and 2 D6’s. Within these pages are elements pulled from the chapter. Without giving any spoilers for each chapter, understand that you might have various tasks each time. You may be tasked to explore a map, roll dice to collect items, and/or enter an encounter. The instructions are easy to follow for your mission at hand. You may also check off the bonus achievement for your own glory if you perform exceptionally well. The rules are simple and straightforward, yet give the thrill of sitting down on your own time for a TTRPG to battle in a dragon-filled story, unlike the usual BBEGs of D&D… you know, Scheduling.

Navigator’s Notes

I love games, RPGs, and books. This usually leads to culminating all my favorite things into one hobby, right? The problem with TTRPGs is that we typically need a DM, or you must be the DM/GM yourself. Sometimes, I just want to immerse myself in a fantasy story, roll dice, and feel the thrill of tabletop games and RPGs without facing the struggle of creating a timetable that needs an Excel Sheet, 3 weeks of negotiating, and a Natural 20 to coordinate among friends.

I was utterly enthralled by the story of In the Blink of a Dragon’s Eye. Parziale captured my imagination in this delightful tale of brotherhood. I often could see everything in the story, as any good author would provide such literary delights for their reader. At the end of each chapter, this has the added bonus that you can put yourself in the shoes of our main characters, Nibaa and Niijii. The story made me want to lean up against a newfound dragon friend and discover my Elemental Spirit.

Who Should Embark?

Frequently, I hear people are intimidated to join the world of RPGs. The novella, combined with an easy-to-use D6 game system, makes jumping into the world of Harbor of Blight with our characters easy for the newest players and veterans alike.

End of the Voyage

As you can tell, I was pulled right into this story. It’s refreshing when you find someone who provides an enjoyable tale combined with a mini-game system. Cardboard King Games has exciting plans for the Harbor of Blight world, from a board game to RPGs, and I’m thrilled to see their journey’s next steps.

In the Blink of a Dragon’s Eye Kickstarter ends on May 29, 2025, so be sure to head over to their page and back it before you miss the chance to join in this tale!

I want to give a special thanks to Michael Parziale for providing me with a copy of In the Blink of a Dragon’s Eye. Rest assured, everything I wrote is sincere from the heart.