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Nemesis: The Rider's Dragon
Moments after he hatched, he was thrown into a sack. His pride as a dragon raged against the indignity and he fought back. The wounds he gave his captors earned him the name Nemesis, and the kindness offered at the hand of a half-elf slave earned him a partner. With Harper on his side, the pair set out to earn their freedom. They're determined to never be slaves again.
A spirit beast and a cultivator set out to grow as strong as they can. They'll explore the world around them, make new friends, find allies and enemies in this tale of monster to friend. When Nemesis and Harper are together, they know nothing can stop them... and they're not destined to walk alone.
This story contains unconventional romance, cultivation, and fighting dragons.
A spirit beast and a cultivator set out to grow as strong as they can. They'll explore the world around them, make new friends, find allies and enemies in this tale of monster to friend. When Nemesis and Harper are together, they know nothing can stop them... and they're not destined to walk alone.
This story contains unconventional romance, cultivation, and fighting dragons.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 29, 2023
145 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
Deacon Frost
45 books102 followersBegan gaming at the age of 8 and explored a lot of different ways to play table top. When I got older, I experimented with MMOs and found a few I really liked. My first job was mowing lawns as a young teen, and I worked to use the money to pay for fantasy series like DragonLance, Dark Sun, and Forgotten Realms. As soon as I discovered LitRPG I knew I wanted to incorporate it into my writing.
Aside from taking care of my sons as a single father, writing is what I love to do most. I hope you all enjoy my work.
Aside from taking care of my sons as a single father, writing is what I love to do most. I hope you all enjoy my work.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
June 29, 2025
The story is about a dragon born into captivity, and with the help of a slave girl, the pair fight to set themselves free. From this point, they start a long and arduous training that leads them into the military.
My issue with the story is its overindulgence of the mechanics, and little consideration for the characters, story, or worldbuilding. After the pair set themselves free and meet with other would-be trainees, there is no story, but descriptions of "Cultivation," battles, and the musings of the dragon about those cultivations and battles, something that continues for most of the book, with various stops along the way for minor info-dumps - something that one half of the pair is not around for.
I know very little about the characters, almost nothing about the world, and the plot is nearly non-existent.
While I can appreciate detailed battles and the training that leads to them, I need a bit more to go on. For most of the book, I felt like I was watching a "let's play" session for a game I don't care for, with rules I know nothing about, while the one playing the game walks from a meaningless battle to another meaningless battle, occasionally showing me his "stat sheet."
At around 80% of the book, the author realizes that he forgot to include the smut and harem aspects, so here comes a random monster to allure the dragon MC, who resembles an amalgamation of his female companions. This is used for nothing more than to make him realize that he is attracted to them. Two days later, the group is partying, and with no rhyme or reason, a threesome starts. A couple of days after that, another random sex scene. It's so random and detached from anything going on that their inclusion seems to be an excuse to be included in the genre.
By the end, the author wrote a minor cliffhanger that I couldn't get invested in, didn't care about, and used to signal a second book, rather than having any meaning behind it.
While I contemplated not rating the book as it's not a genre I usually read (and probably understand), the basics of storytelling should still apply, and, unfortunately, the author decided to abandon it.
TL;DR: The book had a nice premise, but very little beyond that.
My issue with the story is its overindulgence of the mechanics, and little consideration for the characters, story, or worldbuilding. After the pair set themselves free and meet with other would-be trainees, there is no story, but descriptions of "Cultivation," battles, and the musings of the dragon about those cultivations and battles, something that continues for most of the book, with various stops along the way for minor info-dumps - something that one half of the pair is not around for.
I know very little about the characters, almost nothing about the world, and the plot is nearly non-existent.
While I can appreciate detailed battles and the training that leads to them, I need a bit more to go on. For most of the book, I felt like I was watching a "let's play" session for a game I don't care for, with rules I know nothing about, while the one playing the game walks from a meaningless battle to another meaningless battle, occasionally showing me his "stat sheet."
At around 80% of the book, the author realizes that he forgot to include the smut and harem aspects, so here comes a random monster to allure the dragon MC, who resembles an amalgamation of his female companions. This is used for nothing more than to make him realize that he is attracted to them. Two days later, the group is partying, and with no rhyme or reason, a threesome starts. A couple of days after that, another random sex scene. It's so random and detached from anything going on that their inclusion seems to be an excuse to be included in the genre.
By the end, the author wrote a minor cliffhanger that I couldn't get invested in, didn't care about, and used to signal a second book, rather than having any meaning behind it.
While I contemplated not rating the book as it's not a genre I usually read (and probably understand), the basics of storytelling should still apply, and, unfortunately, the author decided to abandon it.
TL;DR: The book had a nice premise, but very little beyond that.
February 22, 2026
Not sure what it is about this author, they seem to loose me after awhile or a series is hit and miss. This book and series is that, this one was better, but the second one took me a few days to get trough. I kind of want to say they go a little too long, but I usually like that, it's the pacing maybe? The slow fast changes don't land for me and makes sitting down and completing a single book from this author a challenge. Only the recent series I've been able to get through.
The chemistry is a little odd, and the time skip wasn't great. We don't see a lot of the fmc's firsts. The MC is supposed to be awkward and immature for plot reasons. It's a decent enough dragon series, gets a bit dry at times.
The chemistry is a little odd, and the time skip wasn't great. We don't see a lot of the fmc's firsts. The MC is supposed to be awkward and immature for plot reasons. It's a decent enough dragon series, gets a bit dry at times.
May 1, 2023
I absolutely loved this book. The fact that it's told from the perspective of a dragon makes things very interesting. There obviously is a well thought out cultivation system for the humans, but since it doesn't apply to dragons you only ever get bits and pieces. The characters all have personality, and while there is sex, the characters take their time so it feels natural rather than the jumping into bed right away a lot of books have. The world building is also interesting and sets the stage for what I hope will be a long and interesting series. I really hope the author continues it, and can't wait for the next book!
May 3, 2023
Very Good Base to Build a Series Upon
This book has it all, sapient beasts, progression, cultivation, a bit of intrigue, and the beginnings of a harem.
Time skips are done well to advance the story without getting lost in the minutiae of their growth. There are plenty of plot lines that have already formed that will be explored more later in the series. I'd say right now the harem is at 1.5 members, the .5 hasn't made any declarations of feelings beyond liking and caring for one another, and there are also hints at multiple other harem members that may join in future books.
I can't wait for the next book!
This book has it all, sapient beasts, progression, cultivation, a bit of intrigue, and the beginnings of a harem.
Time skips are done well to advance the story without getting lost in the minutiae of their growth. There are plenty of plot lines that have already formed that will be explored more later in the series. I'd say right now the harem is at 1.5 members, the .5 hasn't made any declarations of feelings beyond liking and caring for one another, and there are also hints at multiple other harem members that may join in future books.
I can't wait for the next book!
May 7, 2023
A very welcome surprise
This book was such an interesting one from start to finish. Deacon always sets up some amazing stakes in his books and the ending of this was no different for setting up a simple but compelling premise for the future of the series. Having the perspective be from a dragon shapeshifter is awesome and is a underused premise. My only complaint is that despite them being spirit beasts this book made the dragons feel more like strong lizards instead of magical beasts. And the premise of dragons having to selectively choose their meals to be strong kind of sucked. But the overall story and delivery is 5/5
This book was such an interesting one from start to finish. Deacon always sets up some amazing stakes in his books and the ending of this was no different for setting up a simple but compelling premise for the future of the series. Having the perspective be from a dragon shapeshifter is awesome and is a underused premise. My only complaint is that despite them being spirit beasts this book made the dragons feel more like strong lizards instead of magical beasts. And the premise of dragons having to selectively choose their meals to be strong kind of sucked. But the overall story and delivery is 5/5
November 5, 2023
A surprising treat.
With the cover and name I thought this story might go super edgy and grim. I put it off for a while, long enough for book 2 to get posted. Now I've read it and it's great.
It's basically a cultivation and dragon rider mash up from the perspective of a dragon. There is a little bit of 'edge' in his species and abilities but it's not emphasized or cringe.
Worth a read for fans of any of those genres. On a scale from 1 to10 of grit to fluff this would probably be a 6 or 7. The world is terribly flawed but the main characters aren't needlessly tortured by it regularly.
With the cover and name I thought this story might go super edgy and grim. I put it off for a while, long enough for book 2 to get posted. Now I've read it and it's great.
It's basically a cultivation and dragon rider mash up from the perspective of a dragon. There is a little bit of 'edge' in his species and abilities but it's not emphasized or cringe.
Worth a read for fans of any of those genres. On a scale from 1 to10 of grit to fluff this would probably be a 6 or 7. The world is terribly flawed but the main characters aren't needlessly tortured by it regularly.
May 11, 2023
Dragon goodness with a twist.
So when I started reading, I was immediately drawn to the relationship between Harper and Nemmy. This series is what a haremlit How to Train Your Dragon should be. Though I did feel there could have been a bit more to the academy training as large chunks of time skip happen, it makes sense with the pace of the story and getting to the meat. Plus it’s nice to see dragons with legitimate threats fighting them instead of being scaly super weapons. They just have to earn it.
So when I started reading, I was immediately drawn to the relationship between Harper and Nemmy. This series is what a haremlit How to Train Your Dragon should be. Though I did feel there could have been a bit more to the academy training as large chunks of time skip happen, it makes sense with the pace of the story and getting to the meat. Plus it’s nice to see dragons with legitimate threats fighting them instead of being scaly super weapons. They just have to earn it.
July 13, 2024
This book struggles with not knowing what it wants to be. It's a fantasy adventure with practically no sexual elements and then it remembers it wanted to be sexy
(Sex Scene Spoiler) if you care
It's just whack
I own the sequel but I dunno if I'll ever go back to it
(Sex Scene Spoiler) if you care
It's just whack
I own the sequel but I dunno if I'll ever go back to it
May 6, 2023
Hoping for more
Also hoping the main character makes some kind of substantial growth in the next book. He never seemed to outgrow being the weakest/smallest and his unique abilities really dont feel like they make up for what he lacks...Then again I was hoping this character would be more of a powerhouse as a dragon, but instead its more of a underdog with great potential story. Slightly disappointed but it is a good book and I recommend it.
Also hoping the main character makes some kind of substantial growth in the next book. He never seemed to outgrow being the weakest/smallest and his unique abilities really dont feel like they make up for what he lacks...Then again I was hoping this character would be more of a powerhouse as a dragon, but instead its more of a underdog with great potential story. Slightly disappointed but it is a good book and I recommend it.
October 19, 2024
The beginning was difficult to get through because it was just kind of boring. However, once the author had established the main characters and their history, I was happy to see the timeframe jump 10 years so we could finally get to the good parts. I'm reading the second one already and it's far more interesting. I wish the beginning could've been nicer so I knocked off a star for that, but otherwise it was an engaging read.
July 2, 2023
Better than most
At times I was ready to skip over the rest of the story. But I pushed through the sometimes juvenile and slow dialogue to get to the heart of the story. I am not a fan of D and D but this is OK. The final takedown of Jaden is going to be fun. I like the way you make me want to just slap him into next week. Good luck on the next story.
At times I was ready to skip over the rest of the story. But I pushed through the sometimes juvenile and slow dialogue to get to the heart of the story. I am not a fan of D and D but this is OK. The final takedown of Jaden is going to be fun. I like the way you make me want to just slap him into next week. Good luck on the next story.
May 3, 2023
A page turner.
My vacation story flew by plac
ing me in a wonderful world with wonderous characters. It was a great read with lots of fun parts. I definitely am invested and waiting on book 2.
My vacation story flew by plac
ing me in a wonderful world with wonderous characters. It was a great read with lots of fun parts. I definitely am invested and waiting on book 2.
May 6, 2023
Solid start.
This has a very good setting with a lot of room for growth. The power scaling could be problematic unless this is a trilogy, but that remains to be seen. The characters are simple but very well defined. All in all, a very good start.
This has a very good setting with a lot of room for growth. The power scaling could be problematic unless this is a trilogy, but that remains to be seen. The characters are simple but very well defined. All in all, a very good start.
May 16, 2023
What a refreshing and interesting approach: tell the story for the Dragons perspective. Very well done with good characterization. Also a great story line, line enjoyable on so many levels. Looking forward to the next volume.
May 16, 2023
excellent!
This is a different sort of novel in this genre. The MC is a dragon, with human compatriots. The cultivation follows along fairly normal lines, but is different enough to be entertaining. I read this in KU, but I will be buying it and all sequels. 👌👌
This is a different sort of novel in this genre. The MC is a dragon, with human compatriots. The cultivation follows along fairly normal lines, but is different enough to be entertaining. I read this in KU, but I will be buying it and all sequels. 👌👌
May 28, 2023
Promising new series!
Mr. Frost knocked this one out if the park. It's an interesting perspective to go with but I believe it was executed almost flawlessly! I look forward to the next book!
Mr. Frost knocked this one out if the park. It's an interesting perspective to go with but I believe it was executed almost flawlessly! I look forward to the next book!
July 3, 2023
Interesting perspective
I really enjoyed reading this novel where it takes a fairly well used concept of dragon riders and makes it feel fresh by having it be from the dragons perspective instead.
I really enjoyed reading this novel where it takes a fairly well used concept of dragon riders and makes it feel fresh by having it be from the dragons perspective instead.
October 28, 2023
This is refreshing and stands out.
This has been an awesome and very refreshing read.
It stands out to me being from the dragons perspective and I love the way it’s done. Very well thought out and great pacing too. Seriously looking forward to more of this series.
This has been an awesome and very refreshing read.
It stands out to me being from the dragons perspective and I love the way it’s done. Very well thought out and great pacing too. Seriously looking forward to more of this series.
March 3, 2024
A very fun read
I'm a bit late getting to this book. I'm sorry I waited. It was quite fun. Nemesis is a riot, kind of a jerk, but what do you expect from a dragon.
Do yourself a favor and read this.
Highly recommended.
I'm a bit late getting to this book. I'm sorry I waited. It was quite fun. Nemesis is a riot, kind of a jerk, but what do you expect from a dragon.
Do yourself a favor and read this.
Highly recommended.
May 3, 2023
Very cool perspective
Having the storybook the point of view of a dragon was interesting, with the author focusing heavily on the more beast side of the character. Great story.
Having the storybook the point of view of a dragon was interesting, with the author focusing heavily on the more beast side of the character. Great story.
May 6, 2023
What a novel perspective writing it as a dragon. Loved this book. The battle with the crocodile king is immense. Can't wait for book 2
May 21, 2023
good book
Great start to the series , although I find the mc a bit like a teenager always moaning but everything else I enjoyed great buildup and nice to see there should b
Great start to the series , although I find the mc a bit like a teenager always moaning but everything else I enjoyed great buildup and nice to see there should b
August 13, 2023
can't wait for book 2
September 30, 2023
Very good start
I thoroughly enjoyed this read. There are not many dragon perspective books that can do it right. Thank you Deacon for this and I hope to see the next one out soon.
I thoroughly enjoyed this read. There are not many dragon perspective books that can do it right. Thank you Deacon for this and I hope to see the next one out soon.
October 31, 2023
Great Book 1
Really like the MC and supporting cast. I’ve read this book several times now and it’s just fantastic. Cannot wait for book 2.
Really like the MC and supporting cast. I’ve read this book several times now and it’s just fantastic. Cannot wait for book 2.
November 16, 2023
A great time
The book had interesting characters, abilities, and relationships. The events within the plot also flowed well and there was never a dull moment.
The book had interesting characters, abilities, and relationships. The events within the plot also flowed well and there was never a dull moment.
May 27, 2024
great book
Good start to a series and a different perspective to read in the story can’t wait to see how strong nemesis will grow
Good start to a series and a different perspective to read in the story can’t wait to see how strong nemesis will grow
May 24, 2023
bah
Not for me. Not sure what the goal of this book was, or why it has so many positive reviews. I can’t be the only one that isn’t impressed by this book; It was boring. Just kinda dragged and never once piqued my interest. Next.
Not for me. Not sure what the goal of this book was, or why it has so many positive reviews. I can’t be the only one that isn’t impressed by this book; It was boring. Just kinda dragged and never once piqued my interest. Next.
December 27, 2023
This is a fun little novel from Frost; some of his best work yet in my opinion. Plays with several different modern fantasy tropes in interesting ways. I very much enjoyed.
October 25, 2023
My views on this book in a word: Squee!
I love it. If there's a criticism, it's that as I write this there's no sequel out yet, and it hurts me on the inside, where my impatience is
I love it. If there's a criticism, it's that as I write this there's no sequel out yet, and it hurts me on the inside, where my impatience is
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews