Return of the Dragon Riders

Dragon Stone Saga #2

by Kristian Alva

RETURN OF THE DRAGON RIDERS is book two of Kristian Alva's bestselling Dragon Stone Saga. *#1 Young Adult Fantasy in the UK and Australia*
*Series Bestsellers, over 250,000 copies sold!*
The evil emperor Vosper gathers his troops in the east, poised to conquer the entire continent.His target is the rebel city of Parthos, a constant thorn in his side, and the last sanctuary of the Dragon Riders. Besieged from all sides, the remaining Dragon Riders come out of hiding. Forced to fight for their lives, they leave the safety of the desert, traveling across the land to gather intelligence and shore up forgotten alliances. At the center of it all is Elias Dorgumir, the key to an ancient prophesy, and Vosper will do anything to get his hands on him. Is it too late for the Dragon Riders to save Elias and stop Vosper from destroying the only refuge they have left?

Genres: Fantasy, Dragons, Magic, Young Adult, Elves, Fiction, Audiobook

312 pages, Paperback

Published September 30, 2011

About the author

Kristian Alva was born into a family of writers and teachers. She worked as a corporate staff writer and a ghostwriter before publishing her own manuscripts. She currently lives in Nevada with her family. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading all genres.

Reviews

[Michelle Hodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mommy Bookworm’s Thoughts: Here is what I wrote on Amazon on 10/14/11 when I finished the book….. “I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. Once again, I loved, loved, loved the book! It is another page-turner from start to end. Personally, I feel the Prologue, which summarizes Book 1, doesn’t flow as easily as it could. However, once past the Prologue, it is a page-turner right to the very last page! It is full of surprises and intrigue along the way. There is even more adventure in this book than the first and more danger during the journey. I love the mix of good versus evil with the orcs, necromancers, evil leaders, and an unthinkable traitor against the mages, dragons, and dragon riders. I love how the reader gets to see different places in Durn through the adventures of Elias and other characters. It is great to see the contrast between the desert and forest and other places they travel. There are new eye-opening revelations, new characters, and an adorable new dragon! I can’t wait for Book 3 now and look forward to future books from Kristian Alva as well! ”

Now, after having a couple more weeks to think more about the book, I can honestly say that I LOVE it even more when I keep contemplating it!! I truly love the story and the twists and turns along Elias’ journey! I still often think about the story and what I hope will happen in the next book even though it’s been weeks since I finished reading it! I was telling someone about the book this week and I said that it is similar to the Inheritance Cycle series by Christopher Paolini since it is about a boy and a dragon and their adventures. However, it is faster paced and more of a page-turner than Paolini’s books. Instead of getting the story in 500-800 pages, we get adventure and intrigue in 200-400 pages, which is much more manageable for the younger ages and is even more exciting for adults! Although I love both these series, I did not ever want to put down the Dragon Stones Saga (even though I had to at times because of life)!! The Dragon Stones Saga is wonderful for young and old alike if you love dragon stories as much as I do!!

Dahlia and Daisy haven’t finished reading the book yet, but really love what they’ve read so far!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could not put this book down, I thought it was even better than the first. My only regret is that the next book won't be out for a while.

07/18/24: I read this again.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Return of the Dragon Riders
Kristian Alva

Elias is a teenage boy left with a huge burden. Can this teen be the salvage of an entire face? The fate of the dragon’s and their cities is in the hands of Elias. Fining a green emerald dragon stone and not returning it to its rightful place set off a chain of events that cost his grandmother her life, leaving his home and a price placed on his head. The evilness of one Emperor so greedy, so hungry for power that nothing will stop him until he destroys everything that is good, trustworthy, the dragons, their riders and of course Elias. Elias understands his destiny but can he fulfill the rest to forestall or stop what the Emperor has in store for everyone. No longer free with hundreds of bounty hunters after him but with the help of one trusted friend named Thorin Ulfarsson and a dwarf Elias ventures to Mount Velis the dwarf caverns and avoids the hunters but for how long? Flashing back to the desert sands and the city of Parthos the reader learns more about their preparations for the impending attacks by the Emperor. Added in at the end of this first part of his saga the fact that two are missing: Chua and Starclaw, a dragon and her rider. Just what their fate is and where they are will now be revealed as we take the next part of the journey in The Return of the Dragon Riders by author Kristian Alva.

Escaping the bounty hunters would not be easy as they make their way to the outpost and relative safety. Undercover and with the help of a powerful spell they manage to escape. Thorin explains to Elias the importance of understanding and listening to his visions and the powers of both the Elves and the Dwarves. Leaving the outpost they find Chua and Starclaw at Elder Willow and here is where the story begins and the fate of some many in the hands of one dragon rider and his dragon. Tallin and Duskeye find Chua and the truths that he reveals behind his disappearance link him to Elias. Finding out that he was captured, tortured and his life spared because of his wife, Elias’s mother is quite startling. But, what does he want Tallin to do in order to begin the quest and journey to safe the dragon race and bring the final hatching or egg to Elias who will then be the most powerful dragon rider in their known world. Despite his fragile appearance Chua has become a powerful spellcaster and his visions quite acute. But, can he get Tallin to risk his life for everyone else and carry out the mission before the Emperor carries out his? Seeing two prophesies: one would annihilate everything and everyone that the Emperor hates. The second might save the world as her reveals why he drew Elias to the dragon stone, why it was left there and the reasons behind it. Ionela, his wife became an undead or necromancer in order to save her son and him. The green smoke rises and the visions are quite clear as Tallin sees what Chua projects and a decision is made that might cost him and his dragon their lives. How far would you go to safe the ones you care about? Would you risk your life?

Events do not always go as they seem and although they think they are home free or relatively safe they do not see the cloaked figure lurking in the darkness about to overtake them. Entering Ravenwood Elias and Thorin are kidnapped, King Mitca explains to his everyone about Elias and his relationship to Chua and the stone. Asking everyone’s cooperation and help puts the elves on edge, creates a confrontation between Riona and Sela but in the end they all have no choice. Elias is their only hope again Vosper. When Tallin returns to Parthos his first act is to inform the King about finding Chua and his relationship to Elias and the egg. Added in we finally see the two hatchlings guarding the castle and really stepping up.

There are many traitors in their midst and one who decides to attack the castle and the end result is carnage in Parthos and the need to take the King who has been poisoned to get some help. But, will the council’s healers help Mitca or will he wind up another casualty? What will happen to Elias and Thorin now that Sisren has captured them with the help of Kathir? Elias goes to Miklagard and learns of the fate of Mitca and deals with those in charge. As Elias asserts himself he meets Rali whose appearance closely resembles the late King.

As plans are made for the impending attack and those who would guard, remain and fight Elias does something that endangers him but yet saves more lives. Traitors revealed, some close by and the end is far from near. As Elias watches the hatching being born this precious white dragon is so delicate yet smart. Those that captured him are now forced to protect him. Many spellcasters come to aide in their defense as Sela reveals the truth behind Rali’s birth, her relationship with Mitca and what Elias’s destiny will be. Friendship, loyalty, trust, deceit, traitors and the hope of the dragon race being saved all incorporated in this second part of the dragon saga. Tallin and Elias team up and the training begins. But, just when they think they are safe a necromancer shows up, attacks Elias along with his guard as he is exiled by Sela to the desert with Tallin and hopefully will remain alive. But, the necromancer that comes after him thinks she can bewitch him with her guile and spells. Can Elias resist what is happening to him? Just who can he trust and what will the fate of the kingdom be? What happens at the end will surprise the reader, endear you to many and of course want to read the final installment of this saga. Once again author Kristian Alva creates a novel filled with action, fun, spirit, real life instances that happen to a young boy who just wants to feel safe, live his life and be a teen. But, sometimes we need to sacrifice what we want for others. What is next for Elias: Read the final installment: Vosper’s Revenge to find out who wins! How far will anyone go to safe a race? How far will one young boy go to honor the memory of his grandmother? How far will he go when faced with a decision that will cause a death but safe others? One young teen named Elias, one young teen named Rali: Can they do it?
Fran Lewis: reviewer

Let’s give this book: FIVE GOLDEN DRAGON STONES

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 picks up right where Book 1 left off. Elias is pulled up into a new world. one where great things are expected of him because of this prophesy. Pf course, this makes him a major target for the evil Vosper and his allies. The few remaining dragon riders have one last refuge, the city of Parthos. Elias and his new friends face many foes in this book and sometimes Elias isn’t too sure who his friends are.

While we have yet to meet the evil Vosper, we do get to see plenty of his badguy handy work, from the past, and in Elias’s present. More info about Elias’s parentage is revealed to the readers. Thorin, Elias’s halfling friend from Book 1, is still around providing advice, support, and the occasional comedic relief. The dragon riders themselves area mixed bag, some being extremely serious all the time. Others have a little fun. Some new magic users are recruited and some young dragons are looking to make a match with human riders.

There’s plenty of action in this novel and it is well-paced with comedic moments and serious moments. I like that the point of view shifts around and we get to spend time in different heads. Elias is a well-meaning teen who wants to think the best of nearly everyone. Many of the other characters are not so trusting. In fact, there is a hidden traitor among them, which added suspense to the story.

Overall, this was a very good follow up to Book 1. I am very much looking forward to Book 3.

Narration: Chase did a great job once again. He has distinct male and female voices and does accents. He also had several opportunities to portray strong emotions in this book, which he did very well.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the first book of this series last summer and really enjoyed the story, so when I saw that the author had released the other two without me even realizing it, I knew that I had to read them! I'm so happy to say that the story was just as interesting and left me yet again yearning for me!

I normally don't read fantasy, but there's something about this series that is so good! Elias is still on the run from the emperor while the few remaining dragon riders go out to find him to try and save the innocent people the emperor is threatening to destroy. Elias finally gets his dragon egg but has no idea how much power he can have. The other dragon riders are banding together to try and find Elias because he's the only one who can stop the emperor before he destroys everything.

In this book, so much happens and I couldn't wait to see what obstacle would come next. The relationships with the dragons and the riders is really cool and I love how new dragons and possible riders are brought into the picture. More about their past lives are explained and new secrets are revealed! The first book was definitely used to set up for this book, so I'm so glad that this book was worth the wait!

Kirstian Alva creates a whole new world with magic, dragons, and evil villains that create a world that only the dragon riders can save. There's so much action and suspense that you don't know who will live and who will die! I'm excited to read the last book of this series to see how it all ends and if Elias actually lives up to the prophecy that has changed his life!

[Jill Swanson-Diaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am hosting a great giveaway for a complete set of the Dragon Stone Saga!
6/22/12 - 7/6/12
http://littlehyuts.blogspot.com/
I was extremely excited when Defiant Press contacted me to review this series. This type of science fiction and fantasy usually isn't given enough attention in the Young Adult world. I have been itching to read a good saga with adventure and mythical creatures.
Overall I have given this series a solid four star rating and Kristian Alva definitely deserves it.
As an author she has a great, imaginative writing style. Her writing is simplistic yet engaging. Any middle grade or young adult lover of sci fi and fantasy will enjoy reading this series.

Return of the Dragon Riders was, in my opinion, the best book of the series. You really become immersed in the people and politics of Durn. The action is even better and Elias' journey is full of intrigue and turns that will keep you fully engaged until the end. Alva introduces you to new characters and the joy of some new dragons as well. Elias' character really comes into his own in this book and it is great to watch him grow and mature. The surprises come when you learn of a traitor in the midst of the riders and the truth behind Elias' father. I don't leave spoilers in my reviews so all I will say is I was so overjoyed with several aspects of this installment in the series, especially the ending!

[Schwana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had read the first book in this series first. It was still a good read and I enjoyed reading it. The Prolog allowed be to be able to follow the story and keep up. The characters are enjoyable and I already have my favorites, besides the Dragons! of course ;-). I like the main character Elias and the Dwarf Thorin, but I really like Tallin. The interaction between the characters was quite good and while I was not sure at first if I would be able to get into the book it showed itself to be capable of grabing my attention and keeping it. The dynamics between the Dragon Riders and the Mages is interesting, and I can see how Sisren would become a favorite hated character if you could not look beyond her roughness and see her strength and loyalty.

All I can say is now I have to buy book One and start over and then buy the next one in line. When I saw that Tallin was going to have his own series ... YES! Way to go Kristian! Can't wait to read the next book in this series and then get into Tallin's Chronicles. Thank you for writing such an interesting series and creating these wonderful characters. Hopefully you will be able to bring the Elves into this series as well.

[Dave Neuendorf · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent continuation of the trilogy. There are some surprises, but the plot is mostly predictable for a coming of age wizard fantasy. There's still no explanation of any magic system. A good beginning for the relationship of dragon and rider, but so far there's no sign of any kind of romance. Of course, the protagonist is only fifteen, so he has plenty of time, but what's a fantasy without a romance?

[k.wing · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think Alva has a lot of good things going here, but it seems like she didn't think through all she wanted to do when she wrote book one. I would have loved more foreshadowing, as the new king kind of came out of no where. I'm undecided if I'll continue the series after this one.

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ended much better than it started... Hopefully after Xmas I can afford the next one to finish reading this series!

[Kyra Dune · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is not completely terrible. But it has problems. Too much info dumping, which is one of my pet peeves when it comes to books. Dialogue is often stilted and flat, which if you have a character that speaks that way it's fine, but when all the characters speak that way, not so much. That was one of the major issues I had with the book. Most of the characters tend to speak alike.
Underneath all that, this is not inherently a bad story. It's pretty much a classic example of epic fantasy. I have no problem with the book adhering to certain epic fantasy tropes, as those are part of what makes epic fantasy what it is. I just think this book could have been much better if it had been handled a little differently then it was.
I got this as part of a three book bundle, so I'm willing to go ahead and read the third book. But if the series goes beyond that, I can't see myself picking up book four.

[Paulo De Sa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book of this very interesting saga. The forces of evil are gaining control and power, they manage to strike several damaging blows to the riders, by killing the king and a dragon rider and corrupt another rider. But not everything is bad, new riders appear to strike back and they manage to eliminate a powerful necromancer. What will come next? I can’t wait to read it.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book.

This is the second time I've read this book and it's better the 2nd time around. Elias and his new hatchling white dragon, battling Orcs and necromancers. Elias is the strongest mageborn in a very long time. The war against Vosper is just starting, soon all the races will be fighting for survival.

[Steve Motuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kristian really got to show that she can write a great story with good links to past and future events

[Oh My Bookness · Rating 4 out of 5]

Return of the Dragon Riders by Kristin Alva continues from the first book, Dragon Stones: Book One of the Dragon Stone Saga. Return of the Dragon Riders is filled with action, adventure, magic, and mythical creatures. We meet familiar characters such as Elias and Thorin who are inseparable and are still being chased by the evil Vosper and those of them that follow in his wake. As we progress through the book we meet new characters, some quirky and fun while others have a more seriousness to them.


This story is a bit more graphic than the first. I think in this second book the author gives better description of the surroundings, the characters, the conflicts, I think the storyline and the detailing has evolved from the first to second book. I enjoy it more with suspense and wonder at the turn of the page. The intense feeling of not knowing who would be the traitor if there was going to be one. Elias is just like any teenager who wishes for his life back but we find out what it means to choose what we want and what really needs to be done.

I think Return of the Dragon Riders has grown not only with new characters and old characters. It also it gives some growinglife lessons to learn from. I enjoyed this story and I’m looking forward to the next saga, I think this is a great book for young readers.

[Stephen Levesque · Rating 5 out of 5]

The evil emperor Vosper gathers his troops in the east, poised to conquer the entire continent. His target is the rebel city of Parthos, a constant thorn in his side, and the last sanctuary of the Dragon Riders. Besieged from all sides, the remaining Dragon Riders come out of hiding. Forced to fight for their lives, they leave the safety of the desert, traveling across the land to gather intelligence and shore up forgotten alliances. At the center of it all is Elias Dorgumir, the key to an ancient prophesy, and Vosper will do anything to get his hands on him. Is it too late for the Dragon Riders to save Elias and stop Vosper from destroying the only refuge they have left?
You really become immersed in the people of Durn. The action is even better and Elias' journey is full of intrigue and turns that will keep you fully engaged until the end. New characters and the joy of some new dragons as well. Elias' character really comes into his own in this book and it is great to watch him grow and mature. The surprises come when you learn of a traitor in the midst of the riders and the truth behind Elias' father. I was so overjoyed with several aspects of this installment, especially the ending! Loved this book, read it in less than a day. Great Reading Everyone!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continuing on immediately following the first book the danger escalates extraordinarily.
Elias and Thorin are doing their best to get to safety but war begins quicker than anyone predicted.
There are still countries and breeds that refuse to take a side. This war can not be ignored.
No one will be spared, it can not be ignored.

We learn more about the huge revelation announced at the end of the first book.
There are some graphic, gory descriptions that may be difficult for very sensitive readers.
We learn more about dragons and elves and dwarves. Elias is studying his grandmother's grimoire.
Several new characters are introduced including identical twins who are mageborn.

Much action and danger, use of magic and military strategy.

I am reading this in the box set, so have qued up book three to read next.

[Kimberly Bennett · Rating 1 out of 5]

I rarely provide written reviews but I felt compelled to write one for this series.

As I read this series I felt like I was reading a more condensed version of the Eragon "trilogy". So, if you are a champion of the Eragon series, this trilogy is probably not for you.

Additionally, for some reason that I cannot put my finger on, I was unable to truly connect with the characters throughout this entire series. I did not share in their triumph or anguish. The author would explain that Elias felt upset or that he had grown from a boy to a man the year since he left his hometown but I was unable to empathize with those emotions.

After reading the multiple five star reviews, I was extremely disappointed but to each their own.

[Amit Gupta · Rating 2 out of 5]

No use pointing out that this is just a rip-off. Other than that, this part is actually more interesting & fast paced than the previous one in series. As per the author this is supposed to be a trilogy but I wouldn't be surprised if she makes it a four part series just like the series from which she has ripped off!

[Justin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little longer than the first book allowing you to progress through the story than you could in the first book. Characters are developed progressively through the book so you can actually start to care about them in this book. Easy reader.

[Paula Curtis · Rating 4 out of 5]

did not enjoy it as much as the first book

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story continues with Elias and Thorin being captured, brought to a place of refuge, and the beginning of a new chapter in Elias's life, his own dragon! On to the next book. Can't wait!

[Carissa Bethea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. I cannot wait.

[Bill Tillman]

Extremely good second book. Elias gets his white Dragon, and the desert kingdom repulsed the Orcs invasion. Great reading.

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't stop reading.

I just had to finish. Totally screwing up my sleep cycle.

I can't wait to see what happens next. I'm sure the adventure continues.

[Kevin Walter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great follow on from book 1.

[Jacinta Hoare · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick and enjoyable read.

[Brittani Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good

[Arielle]

amazing

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't wait to read the next chapter of this series!