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nyxesss's review
2.0
Characters 3
writing 2
plot 3
entertainment 6
3.5★
The book felt rushed. The relationships between the characters were not developed enough. Some relationships just appeared out of the blue without building on the relationship. The characters felt stupid to me and it was clear as day that there would be betrayal from the beginning.
writing 2
plot 3
entertainment 6
3.5★
The book felt rushed. The relationships between the characters were not developed enough. Some relationships just appeared out of the blue without building on the relationship. The characters felt stupid to me and it was clear as day that there would be betrayal from the beginning.
thebookheap12's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.5
rnvincent's review
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
liviiemarie's review
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Usually, most dragon rider books are the same, and while they all share similar qualities, this one was refreshing. It was the same as other dragon and rider stories, but it also had its in unique qualities that make it stand out a bit more. This book has been on my TBR forever and I’m glad I was finally able to read it. One thing I was not a fan of though, was the romance. It just felt too rushed for me to enjoy it. I would have liked to see it spark over the course of several books.
goatsinspace's review
3.5
This is a fun coming-of-age fantasy novel that transports readers to a world where dragons are both beloved and feared. Ezaara, growing up in one of the areas that scorns dragons, finds herself bound to the dragon queen herself. Their imprinting creates a profound connection, leading Ezaara to leave behind her home and family to become the new Queen's Rider. The story follows her as she navigates a complex world steeped in tradition in which she must prove herself worthy with the help of Roberto, who leads her training.
One of the standout elements of the book is the world-building. Mueller has crafted a rich and immersive world filled with dragons, magic, and lore. The concept of mental magic and "mind-melding" adds a unique layer to the story, making it all the more intriguing. Ezaara, the protagonist, is a well-developed character who grows significantly throughout the story. While she starts as a somewhat naive young woman, her journey of self-discovery and the responsibilities thrust upon her make her a compelling and relatable character.
The story also introduces a range of intriguing secondary characters, each with their own motives and secrets. As the story unfolds, it delves into themes of trust, sacrifice, and the personal costs of protecting one's people. Ezaara and her Dragon Master face numerous challenges and betrayals as they strive to save their realm from impending doom and try to fight the emotions simmering between them.
With its well-crafted world and compelling characters, it sets the stage for an intriguing series that promises more exciting adventures.
One of the standout elements of the book is the world-building. Mueller has crafted a rich and immersive world filled with dragons, magic, and lore. The concept of mental magic and "mind-melding" adds a unique layer to the story, making it all the more intriguing. Ezaara, the protagonist, is a well-developed character who grows significantly throughout the story. While she starts as a somewhat naive young woman, her journey of self-discovery and the responsibilities thrust upon her make her a compelling and relatable character.
The story also introduces a range of intriguing secondary characters, each with their own motives and secrets. As the story unfolds, it delves into themes of trust, sacrifice, and the personal costs of protecting one's people. Ezaara and her Dragon Master face numerous challenges and betrayals as they strive to save their realm from impending doom and try to fight the emotions simmering between them.
With its well-crafted world and compelling characters, it sets the stage for an intriguing series that promises more exciting adventures.
debbieh2109's review
5.0
Ezaara becoming the dragon queen rider had to overcome a lot of obstacles and trials to prove herself. Trying to find who the traitors who poison the masters after Ezaara and Roberto was accused of the matter that banished Roberto to the waste lands but, Ezaara went to find Roberto so they could both confront and find the traitors. When they both return the truth came out and the traitors were banished to the wastelands. Knowing that there feeling are growing more toward each and must be kept a secret will be tough.
jenbsbooks's review
3.0
3.5 stars. Looking at several of the other reviews, many compared this to McCaffery's Pern series ... but this didn't really come close to that for me. It wasn't bad, but I didn't make that close connected to the characters the way I did with the [b:The Dragonriders of Pern|61942|The Dragonriders of Pern (Dragonriders of Pern, #1-3)|Anne McCaffrey|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1348984331l/61942._SY75_.jpg|6614581]. I liked how it started, introducing us to Ezaara and her family, then suddenly, there is the dragon, and imprinting, and flying off. I had received the audio for free (requested from AudiobookBoom in exchange for an honest review) but was glad I had the Kindle copy too in Kindle Unlimited. I had to stop my reading and browse the book to make sure I was on track as the story shifted perspectives and scenes. It was just a little hard to follow. Lots of different names, so many characters, I found it a bit challenging to try and remember who was who. There were all the names with double letters (Ezaara, Tomaaz, Zaarusha ... this was never addressed or explained, if there was a reason, like the contracted names in McCaffery's F'lar, F'nor, etc.) then all the names starting with vowels ... Adelina, Erob, Ithsar, Izoldia. Then there was Robarto also called "The Naobian" lots of the time plus all the other people and dragons.
While I think I have a pretty good idea of the story and where it went, if I tried to recap it myself, I think I'd have a little trouble summing it up, remembering all the aspects and such. I know I got tired of Roberto thinking "she's beautiful, she's gorgeous" spoken in a sighing voice by the narrator. Eyerolling overkill. I wasn't very invested in the relationship to smile and think it was cute and romantic.
The narrator here was Caitlin Davies, who is good. Very young sounding, which matches the main character here. I have heard her before ... ironically with the [b:The Talon Saga Volume 1: Talon / Rogue / Soldier / Legion|38750980|The Talon Saga Volume 1 Talon / Rogue / Soldier / Legion|Julie Kagawa|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1519621254l/38750980._SX50_.jpg|55449093], also about dragons (although a more "realistic" than fantasy setting). Glancing over her other books, looks like she narrates a couple other dragon series too! Sometimes if the voice and subject is too similar, I can get books mixed up in my mind somewhat. And while the story was mostly from Ezaara's perspective (3rd person, but still ...) at one point it switched to Adelina, and her "voice" (both the narrator and the writing) were exactly the same and it confused me (she was thinking about her brother, meaning Roberto, and I was thinking it was Ezaara thinking about Thomaas) - not sure if it was more clear in print, if I'd been reading rather than listening.
I don't know that I'll continue on with the series ...
While I think I have a pretty good idea of the story and where it went, if I tried to recap it myself, I think I'd have a little trouble summing it up, remembering all the aspects and such. I know I got tired of Roberto thinking "she's beautiful, she's gorgeous" spoken in a sighing voice by the narrator. Eyerolling overkill. I wasn't very invested in the relationship to smile and think it was cute and romantic.
The narrator here was Caitlin Davies, who is good. Very young sounding, which matches the main character here. I have heard her before ... ironically with the [b:The Talon Saga Volume 1: Talon / Rogue / Soldier / Legion|38750980|The Talon Saga Volume 1 Talon / Rogue / Soldier / Legion|Julie Kagawa|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1519621254l/38750980._SX50_.jpg|55449093], also about dragons (although a more "realistic" than fantasy setting). Glancing over her other books, looks like she narrates a couple other dragon series too! Sometimes if the voice and subject is too similar, I can get books mixed up in my mind somewhat. And while the story was mostly from Ezaara's perspective (3rd person, but still ...) at one point it switched to Adelina, and her "voice" (both the narrator and the writing) were exactly the same and it confused me (she was thinking about her brother, meaning Roberto, and I was thinking it was Ezaara thinking about Thomaas) - not sure if it was more clear in print, if I'd been reading rather than listening.
I don't know that I'll continue on with the series ...
constant2m's review
5.0
The only thing wrong with this book was that I lost sleep over it because I couldn't stop listening. The story was perfect; the narration was perfect; the characters were perfect. Not since Eragon, have I loved a dragon or a dragon rider so much.
Ezaara was bored with her small-town life and fascinated with dragons, so when she met one, it was no surprise that they so quickly bonded. Zaarusha is not just any dragon, she just so happens to be the dragon queen, as well as a dragon who has waited long for a rider. Together, the two return to Dragon's Realm where Ezaara meets dozens of dragons and their riders and other humans who work alongside dragons. Ezaara's master trainer, Roberto, is challenging and she struggles to become a rider worthy of the queen, although Zaarusha never doubts her fitness.
But there are traitors in Dragon's Realm and Ezaara has to discern who to trust. Her adventure leads her beyond Dragon's Realm into more dangerous lands both with and without Zaarusha. There she discovers enemies more deadly than she had imagined, as well as unexpected friendships. This beautiful story can be read alone but leaves plenty of room for an entire series, which I am thrilled to discover that Eileen Mueller has already begun to write. I can't want to see what's next for Ezaara and Zaarusha and the rest of their friends.
I was given a free copy of the audiobook by the author and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Ezaara was bored with her small-town life and fascinated with dragons, so when she met one, it was no surprise that they so quickly bonded. Zaarusha is not just any dragon, she just so happens to be the dragon queen, as well as a dragon who has waited long for a rider. Together, the two return to Dragon's Realm where Ezaara meets dozens of dragons and their riders and other humans who work alongside dragons. Ezaara's master trainer, Roberto, is challenging and she struggles to become a rider worthy of the queen, although Zaarusha never doubts her fitness.
But there are traitors in Dragon's Realm and Ezaara has to discern who to trust. Her adventure leads her beyond Dragon's Realm into more dangerous lands both with and without Zaarusha. There she discovers enemies more deadly than she had imagined, as well as unexpected friendships. This beautiful story can be read alone but leaves plenty of room for an entire series, which I am thrilled to discover that Eileen Mueller has already begun to write. I can't want to see what's next for Ezaara and Zaarusha and the rest of their friends.
I was given a free copy of the audiobook by the author and am leaving this review voluntarily.
thehamsterreads's review
5.0
I loved this book! Ezaara is a naive young girl from a town that hates dragons. But one day the dragon queen flies overhead and they bond. Ezaara is now a dragon rider, and her life will never be the same. This story is non stop action from beginning to end! I really loved the characters, especially Ezaara, who was so brave and willing to do whatever it took to prove she was worthy to be the queen’s rider. I really enjoyed watching the relationship grow between Ezaara and Roberto. I also really liked the connection between the dragons and their riders. There was lots of mystery and a conspiracy that they had to figure out. I can’t wait to find out what happens next!
inked_up_bookshelf's review
5.0
I throughly enjoyed this novel. The quick paced story kept throughout the whole story. This is not your typical dragon novel, Eileen did have some unique aspects and phrases such as "thank the egg".
There are some dark scenes within the novel as well such as death, torture, rape and violence. Most of which is left up to the imagination, which has kept to the Young Adult aspect.
There are some dark scenes within the novel as well such as death, torture, rape and violence. Most of which is left up to the imagination, which has kept to the Young Adult aspect.