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Riders of Jade and Fire #1
Dragon Class
A lowborn thief. A priceless dragon. A bond that could change an empire.
The first book in an epic dragonrider series from award-winning author Melanie Ansley.
Jin is a hardened pickpocket surviving the underbelly of Tang China, until a single heist changes everything. When her gang’s riskiest gamble goes wrong, Jin finds herself bonded to a dragon, and is swept into the cutthroat world of the Dragon the empire’s mightiest and most revered army. For her dragon Rayshan is a rare and powerful a jade. As Jin’s bond with Rayshan deepens, Jin faces a battle not only to pass the trials barring her from becoming the empire’s first female dragon rider, but also against the ruthless aristocracy--particularly Gao, the Minister of War, who will defend the empire’s iron clad traditions by any means necessary. And meanwhile, on the edges of the empire, a buried dark force is gathering, threatening to sweep them all into chaos... An action packed dragon rider adventure about fighting for what’s right, "Dragon Class" will immerse you in a world of grandeur, intrigue, and magic.
The first book in an epic dragonrider series from award-winning author Melanie Ansley.
Jin is a hardened pickpocket surviving the underbelly of Tang China, until a single heist changes everything. When her gang’s riskiest gamble goes wrong, Jin finds herself bonded to a dragon, and is swept into the cutthroat world of the Dragon the empire’s mightiest and most revered army. For her dragon Rayshan is a rare and powerful a jade. As Jin’s bond with Rayshan deepens, Jin faces a battle not only to pass the trials barring her from becoming the empire’s first female dragon rider, but also against the ruthless aristocracy--particularly Gao, the Minister of War, who will defend the empire’s iron clad traditions by any means necessary. And meanwhile, on the edges of the empire, a buried dark force is gathering, threatening to sweep them all into chaos... An action packed dragon rider adventure about fighting for what’s right, "Dragon Class" will immerse you in a world of grandeur, intrigue, and magic.
410 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 25, 2023
283 people are currently reading
3479 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Ansley
12 books78 followersMelanie grew up in Shanghai, Hong Kong, Taipei, and Beijing. She spent all her free time devouring books of every kind—including ones that most adults probably wouldn’t recommend for children. She is currently a producer and screenwriter, with an MFA from USC in film producing.
Melanie enjoys writing dark fantasy stories about the power of art, self-acceptance, and the courage to stand up for one’s beliefs. Her first novel, Theo and the Forbidden Language, was the winner of Best YA at the 2018 IndieReader Discovery Awards, and she also has a dragon series, "Riders of Jade & Fire", set in Tang China. The third book releases September 2025.
If you'd like to know about future releases and get a FREE book, sign up to her reader’s list at https://www.melanieansley.com/subscribe
Melanie enjoys writing dark fantasy stories about the power of art, self-acceptance, and the courage to stand up for one’s beliefs. Her first novel, Theo and the Forbidden Language, was the winner of Best YA at the 2018 IndieReader Discovery Awards, and she also has a dragon series, "Riders of Jade & Fire", set in Tang China. The third book releases September 2025.
If you'd like to know about future releases and get a FREE book, sign up to her reader’s list at https://www.melanieansley.com/subscribe
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
November 9, 2024
Good read
I enjoyed the first book in this series and look forward to the second book. Can't wait to see where the series goes.
I enjoyed the first book in this series and look forward to the second book. Can't wait to see where the series goes.
December 2, 2023
I was very excited to read Dragon class after hearing about it through a Facebook group that review indie authors. I love dragons, and seeing that it's all the rage right now is amazing. This book was very interesting, we follow a thief named Jin. She is part of a heist and it turns out that she steals a dragon egg. Suddenly it hatched and she's suddenly the first woman to bond a dragon and a very rare one at that. We follow the begining of their relationship as well as the beginnings of her finding her own place in the palace and the class of dragon rider hopefulls. She makes things more difficult for herself that needed but she's supposed to be headstrong. Jin ends up getting into some pretty hot water but it seems like it's just the beginning of her story. I think the author did a fantastic job on this book. I do see similar to some other books I have read but I absolutely enjoyed this and really would suggest this for someone that is into dragons or even into fourth wing (dragon school)
October 28, 2023
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
A young woman thief bonds with dragon she tries to steal. Given the choice between Dragon Class and the salt mines, she chooses the class.
It's okay, but nothing spectacular.
A young woman thief bonds with dragon she tries to steal. Given the choice between Dragon Class and the salt mines, she chooses the class.
It's okay, but nothing spectacular.
May 11, 2024
This book has the undertone of How To Train Your Dragon, but is much more than that. The intricate world-building in Dragon Class immerses readers in a realm where dragons have unique personalities, abilities, and deep connections with their human counterparts. The author's descriptive writing style brings dragons to life, with breathtaking descriptions of their colorful scales, majestic wingspans, and fiery breath. Jin is accidentally bonded with Rayshan, a rare jade dragon who is protective, wise, and seeking his hidden power.
Adding depth and complexity to the story is the dynamic between Jin, Aadan, and Tai. Jin must also contend with the challenges and political intrigue that arise in the world of dragons as she navigates through her journey of self-discovery and relationships with the two men.
The story was absolutely delightful, and I looked forward to the development of a certain relationship in book two. I highly recommend the book to readers who love mystical creatures, dragons, and fantasy.
Adding depth and complexity to the story is the dynamic between Jin, Aadan, and Tai. Jin must also contend with the challenges and political intrigue that arise in the world of dragons as she navigates through her journey of self-discovery and relationships with the two men.
The story was absolutely delightful, and I looked forward to the development of a certain relationship in book two. I highly recommend the book to readers who love mystical creatures, dragons, and fantasy.
January 10, 2024
thanks to the author and goodreads for providing me with a free copy of the e-book!
i really enjoyed this, and if you liked dragon fantasy books i'm sure this will be a winner for you as well. i found myself genuinely caring about all of the characters by the end, and the relationship between Jin and her dragon Rayshan particularly compelling.
in terms of tropes, there wasn't anything particularly unique about this book, but nothing that i disliked. i really enjoyed the hints toward forbidden love trope near the end and i hope that is where the rest of the series goes!
i really enjoyed this, and if you liked dragon fantasy books i'm sure this will be a winner for you as well. i found myself genuinely caring about all of the characters by the end, and the relationship between Jin and her dragon Rayshan particularly compelling.
in terms of tropes, there wasn't anything particularly unique about this book, but nothing that i disliked. i really enjoyed the hints toward forbidden love trope near the end and i hope that is where the rest of the series goes!
September 16, 2025
Wow. I loved this book so much that I read it in one sitting.
The book is extremely well written with characters having so much depth. And the dragons have my heart.
I am looking forward to Jin's character growth in Book 2. (4.5/5)
The book is extremely well written with characters having so much depth. And the dragons have my heart.
I am looking forward to Jin's character growth in Book 2. (4.5/5)
December 1, 2023
“In life, we cannot choose where our journey begins, but we can try to choose where we end up.”
As someone who wants to get into East Asian fantasy, this book is a good start; found it free on Kindle and gave me enough entertainment. My inner child who loves stories about dragons is so happy (hello, Eragon and How to Train Your Dragon) 💗✨
In the story, Jin, our protagonist, lived as a thief since she was little until a single heist changed the course of her life. The first book in the series is centered on her journey to being the first female dragonrider and facing the challenges that come along with it. Besides political intrigue, themes such as feminism and sexism were highly emphasized.
Jin was a likeable protagonist; not a flat character so I was able to empathize with her. I just wished she and the rest of her classmates in Dragon Class were younger than their book age. I honestly miss her thieving and sibling moments with Lu (😭) but, I must say I prefer the present "Jin" now as a dragonrider—the first ever female—but daring as ever.
Other than Jin, I like her Jade dragon Rayshan the most. He's always there for her, believes in her when no one else does, and comforts her when she needs it the most. His safety was her priority and she trusts him more than anyone else, aside from Lu. I just love their bond PLS 🥹 It's unbreakable and beautiful. I can't wait to see how they would grow together and shock the entire Dragon City in the future.
“You are worth more than a thousand kings, Jin.”
“I’d rather exile with you than glory here as a forcibly bonded slave, he reminded her.”
Exiled prince Aadan and Lady Meipin were two characters who also stood out. The romance bloomed just fine. I like the pacing; it was there but it was not overpowering. I'm worried about the crown prince though, but I'm for Aadan 😋 and the friendship! Good thing Meipin was nice to Jin. It's a rare sight in books. I hope she stays the same throughout the series. To add, I could see Master Emar being a good uncle-ish figure to Jin, I hope he doesn't die soon and remains kind.
““I don’t hear compliments often.”
“Spend more time with me and you will,” he said quietly.”
The plot is not new, kind of predictable, and suits younger characters more. The writing has inconsistencies and could have been better but, I don't mind them since I enjoyed reading it. I'm looking forward to the other series, hopefully the writing will be improved and there will be more action, twists, and secrets to be revealed. 🐉
Easy 4 stars.
As someone who wants to get into East Asian fantasy, this book is a good start; found it free on Kindle and gave me enough entertainment. My inner child who loves stories about dragons is so happy (hello, Eragon and How to Train Your Dragon) 💗✨
In the story, Jin, our protagonist, lived as a thief since she was little until a single heist changed the course of her life. The first book in the series is centered on her journey to being the first female dragonrider and facing the challenges that come along with it. Besides political intrigue, themes such as feminism and sexism were highly emphasized.
Jin was a likeable protagonist; not a flat character so I was able to empathize with her. I just wished she and the rest of her classmates in Dragon Class were younger than their book age. I honestly miss her thieving and sibling moments with Lu (😭) but, I must say I prefer the present "Jin" now as a dragonrider—the first ever female—but daring as ever.
Other than Jin, I like her Jade dragon Rayshan the most. He's always there for her, believes in her when no one else does, and comforts her when she needs it the most. His safety was her priority and she trusts him more than anyone else, aside from Lu. I just love their bond PLS 🥹 It's unbreakable and beautiful. I can't wait to see how they would grow together and shock the entire Dragon City in the future.
“You are worth more than a thousand kings, Jin.”
“I’d rather exile with you than glory here as a forcibly bonded slave, he reminded her.”
Exiled prince Aadan and Lady Meipin were two characters who also stood out. The romance bloomed just fine. I like the pacing; it was there but it was not overpowering. I'm worried about the crown prince though, but I'm for Aadan 😋 and the friendship! Good thing Meipin was nice to Jin. It's a rare sight in books. I hope she stays the same throughout the series. To add, I could see Master Emar being a good uncle-ish figure to Jin, I hope he doesn't die soon and remains kind.
““I don’t hear compliments often.”
“Spend more time with me and you will,” he said quietly.”
The plot is not new, kind of predictable, and suits younger characters more. The writing has inconsistencies and could have been better but, I don't mind them since I enjoyed reading it. I'm looking forward to the other series, hopefully the writing will be improved and there will be more action, twists, and secrets to be revealed. 🐉
Easy 4 stars.
January 23, 2025
This book was so much fun, from start to finish. It is full of action, has secrets and mysteries, and of course dragons! Jin’s life is a rough one, and even when she ends up bonded to a dragon her struggles continue. However she is smart, resourceful, and determined. Her bond with Rayshan is a lifeline for her, and I love the way they care for each other. I always love stories with dragons who can speak to their riders. I was initially surprised that the dragons were not traditional Chinese style dragons, however the western style dragons fit better within the setting of a dragon-infused military.
*
I was a little worried for a bit that this was going to become a love triangle story, and I am very happy that it did not. In fact there is not really any romance in this book at all, minus a very sweet scene towards the end. I do enjoy a good romance and romantasy, but I don’t think this story needed it! The relationships were fleshed out enough for now, with room to grow. I felt like the relationships were true to the history of the time, while also fitting the plot of the story.
*
My favorite relationship was actually between Jin and Mei Pin. Mei Pin is very different from Jin as she is a more traditional Chinese courtier, however she extends true friendship to Jin and accepts her for who she is. I loved the way they both supported each other at various points, and how Mei Pin showed Jin that it was okay to trust someone.
*
On the note of history, the author made it very interesting to learn about. I am already fascinated by ancient history so I did know some things, but I learned a good bit as well. We got to know the history as the plot moved forward, sometimes at the same time as our character was learning. The way the author used one of the character’s weaknesses as a way to tell the history was very clever!
*
I would recommend this book if you like fantasy stories with dragons, a strong female main character, training scenes, quests, secrets, found family, and a hero who connects to the past. You might also like this book if you like novels based on Imperial China. I would also recommend this book if you like books like Eragon, Temeraire, Dragonriders of Pern, or even Fourth Wing.
*
I was a little worried for a bit that this was going to become a love triangle story, and I am very happy that it did not. In fact there is not really any romance in this book at all, minus a very sweet scene towards the end. I do enjoy a good romance and romantasy, but I don’t think this story needed it! The relationships were fleshed out enough for now, with room to grow. I felt like the relationships were true to the history of the time, while also fitting the plot of the story.
*
My favorite relationship was actually between Jin and Mei Pin. Mei Pin is very different from Jin as she is a more traditional Chinese courtier, however she extends true friendship to Jin and accepts her for who she is. I loved the way they both supported each other at various points, and how Mei Pin showed Jin that it was okay to trust someone.
*
On the note of history, the author made it very interesting to learn about. I am already fascinated by ancient history so I did know some things, but I learned a good bit as well. We got to know the history as the plot moved forward, sometimes at the same time as our character was learning. The way the author used one of the character’s weaknesses as a way to tell the history was very clever!
*
I would recommend this book if you like fantasy stories with dragons, a strong female main character, training scenes, quests, secrets, found family, and a hero who connects to the past. You might also like this book if you like novels based on Imperial China. I would also recommend this book if you like books like Eragon, Temeraire, Dragonriders of Pern, or even Fourth Wing.
April 25, 2025
Dragon Class by Melanie Ansley is an exciting adventure that sinks its teeth into you and doesn’t let go. This novel is an intriguing combination of Fourth Wing (without the spice), The Hunger Games, and a little Harry Potter with some Aladdin, Lunar Chronicles, and By the Orchid and the Owl sprinkled in.
Jin is a heroine that’s so easy to connect with. She’s real and raw and relatable. It was impossible for me not to be rooting for her by the end of the first chapter. Even when she didn’t believe in herself, it was easy to believe she was destined for great things in the future. Without spoilers – the other main character, her best friend, is such an encouraging and supportive character towards Jin, even when she’s feeling down, and I loved watching their relationship grow.
The antagonists are so well written, they’re easy to hate. Just when you think they couldn’t get more evil, there they go evil-ing like they never had before. Ansley is master of character development and giving you hidden context clues that help everything make sense later. So pay close attention as you read, because you never know when something is a hint for the future!
The story in Dragon Class develops so smoothly, I was hooked from the first few pages. Once I got into it, I absolutely couldn’t put it down. I had to know what was going to happen next. I also appreciated the sense that something was up and then being proven right in increasingly intriguing ways. The twists and turns in the plot kept the tale moving forward at breakneck pace and held my interest even beyond the last page. Ansley has truly developed an incredible world that feels so real, I felt like I could book a trip to visit today.
Dragon Class may be in the young adult genre, but it’s an exciting, intriguing read for all ages. It’s easy enough to understand for younger readers, but has enough twists and turns to keep more experienced readers engaged as well. If you enjoyed the gamesmanship in The Hunger Games, the dragons in Fourth Wing, the setting and storytelling in The Lunar Chronicles, the magic school in By the Orchid and the Owl, or really almost any Disney movie, you’ll love Dragon Class. I’ll be purchasing book two immediately!
Jin is a heroine that’s so easy to connect with. She’s real and raw and relatable. It was impossible for me not to be rooting for her by the end of the first chapter. Even when she didn’t believe in herself, it was easy to believe she was destined for great things in the future. Without spoilers – the other main character, her best friend, is such an encouraging and supportive character towards Jin, even when she’s feeling down, and I loved watching their relationship grow.
The antagonists are so well written, they’re easy to hate. Just when you think they couldn’t get more evil, there they go evil-ing like they never had before. Ansley is master of character development and giving you hidden context clues that help everything make sense later. So pay close attention as you read, because you never know when something is a hint for the future!
The story in Dragon Class develops so smoothly, I was hooked from the first few pages. Once I got into it, I absolutely couldn’t put it down. I had to know what was going to happen next. I also appreciated the sense that something was up and then being proven right in increasingly intriguing ways. The twists and turns in the plot kept the tale moving forward at breakneck pace and held my interest even beyond the last page. Ansley has truly developed an incredible world that feels so real, I felt like I could book a trip to visit today.
Dragon Class may be in the young adult genre, but it’s an exciting, intriguing read for all ages. It’s easy enough to understand for younger readers, but has enough twists and turns to keep more experienced readers engaged as well. If you enjoyed the gamesmanship in The Hunger Games, the dragons in Fourth Wing, the setting and storytelling in The Lunar Chronicles, the magic school in By the Orchid and the Owl, or really almost any Disney movie, you’ll love Dragon Class. I’ll be purchasing book two immediately!
March 22, 2024
For LibraryThing Read for a Review.
In short if your looking for what you read in the summary : you'll probably be ok maybe even enjoy it, but if your looking for books that are dragon and people centric like books by Mercedes Lacky, Jane Yolen, Anne McCaffrey or Patricia C Wrede then I don't recommend this one. Keep reding if you do not mind spoilers or want to see if you found the same things annoying as I did.
: I was so disappointed in this book, since I finished it I have been trying to articulate the reasons I struggled to complete reading it. I won the book and chose to read it without checking the summary or any reviews. It's true I'm level 50+ so I've read alot of dragon themed books, so I find myself rating them against the previous books I've read and ones I enjoyed vs ones I haven't.
I didn't like the world building - it never felt immersive more like a YA book with general info, but the culture and political intrigue was very adult, the mystery aspects felt to drawn-out in the suspense.
After I finished the book I read the summary and the author facts- I realized that some of the things I was missing and some of the suspense was reveled in the summary - its also possible that the reason I felt the writing was disjoined was because looking back it felt more like a TV show than a novel.
If your looking for a dragon book They are only in the book about 15% - and Rayshan is hatched from the egg with adult like conversation abelites with dragon history learned from inside the shell and an ability to learn dragon stuff from the entering a mediation state called the dragon song but it is not really used but maybe 3 times.
You never see any dragon talk from other dragons/rider perspectives, only brief writing of the care and feeding.
It is 80% about the people, the political intrigue and the wrongness of having a woman where she has no right to be. A lot of history and current stuff about Jin and Prince Tai. And other people..
In short if your looking for what you read in the summary : you'll probably be ok maybe even enjoy it, but if your looking for books that are dragon and people centric like books by Mercedes Lacky, Jane Yolen, Anne McCaffrey or Patricia C Wrede then I don't recommend this one. Keep reding if you do not mind spoilers or want to see if you found the same things annoying as I did.
: I was so disappointed in this book, since I finished it I have been trying to articulate the reasons I struggled to complete reading it. I won the book and chose to read it without checking the summary or any reviews. It's true I'm level 50+ so I've read alot of dragon themed books, so I find myself rating them against the previous books I've read and ones I enjoyed vs ones I haven't.
I didn't like the world building - it never felt immersive more like a YA book with general info, but the culture and political intrigue was very adult, the mystery aspects felt to drawn-out in the suspense.
After I finished the book I read the summary and the author facts- I realized that some of the things I was missing and some of the suspense was reveled in the summary - its also possible that the reason I felt the writing was disjoined was because looking back it felt more like a TV show than a novel.
If your looking for a dragon book They are only in the book about 15% - and Rayshan is hatched from the egg with adult like conversation abelites with dragon history learned from inside the shell and an ability to learn dragon stuff from the entering a mediation state called the dragon song but it is not really used but maybe 3 times.
You never see any dragon talk from other dragons/rider perspectives, only brief writing of the care and feeding.
It is 80% about the people, the political intrigue and the wrongness of having a woman where she has no right to be. A lot of history and current stuff about Jin and Prince Tai. And other people..
February 2, 2025
Okay, I was really really really excited to read this book because ancient China and dragons! I’m a C Drama addict who loves period shows, especially if there are fantasy elements involved, and dragons are like my most favourite mythical creatures ever!
This one didn’t disappoint at all. It centres around three characters. Jin, a street thief who accidentally steals a dragon egg, hatching a dragon who bonds to her, Prince Tai, the crown prince who has to constantly balance his duty to the crown with his own feelings and inclinations, and the exiled prince of Persia, Aadan, who has become a dragon rider, and on whom rests the hope of his people.
The dragon, Rayshan, that bonds to Jin is a jade dragon, which is not only rare, but infamous since the last jade in history belonged to Mengkis Lai who nearly pulled a coup, slaughtering countless innocents. Even worse than the fear of Jin turning dark is the patriarchy which is determined to put her down for being a female. No dragon had ever bonded to a female before since it was believed it was impossible.
Jin is also a thief from the streets, not a noble, which is another blow to the establishment. The Empress Wu seeks to project Jin as a symbol that women can succeed in Dragon Class as they do at the helm of an empire, while Minister Gao does everything in his power to destroy her reputation and credibility before ending her.
While I loved Jin, the character I liked the most was Tai. There was something raw and visceral about his struggles that resonated with me. Aadan was the least interesting of the trio, but it looks like he’s going to be Jin’s love interest while Tai is delegated to being the third wheel at best, and the rejected one in the love triangle at best.
I hate love triangles. Let Jin have them both.
Okay, personal gripes aside, this was an excellent book with classical fantasy tropes, which I loved. If you love fantasy and dragons, don’t miss this one!
This one didn’t disappoint at all. It centres around three characters. Jin, a street thief who accidentally steals a dragon egg, hatching a dragon who bonds to her, Prince Tai, the crown prince who has to constantly balance his duty to the crown with his own feelings and inclinations, and the exiled prince of Persia, Aadan, who has become a dragon rider, and on whom rests the hope of his people.
The dragon, Rayshan, that bonds to Jin is a jade dragon, which is not only rare, but infamous since the last jade in history belonged to Mengkis Lai who nearly pulled a coup, slaughtering countless innocents. Even worse than the fear of Jin turning dark is the patriarchy which is determined to put her down for being a female. No dragon had ever bonded to a female before since it was believed it was impossible.
Jin is also a thief from the streets, not a noble, which is another blow to the establishment. The Empress Wu seeks to project Jin as a symbol that women can succeed in Dragon Class as they do at the helm of an empire, while Minister Gao does everything in his power to destroy her reputation and credibility before ending her.
While I loved Jin, the character I liked the most was Tai. There was something raw and visceral about his struggles that resonated with me. Aadan was the least interesting of the trio, but it looks like he’s going to be Jin’s love interest while Tai is delegated to being the third wheel at best, and the rejected one in the love triangle at best.
I hate love triangles. Let Jin have them both.
Okay, personal gripes aside, this was an excellent book with classical fantasy tropes, which I loved. If you love fantasy and dragons, don’t miss this one!
March 10, 2024
I want to start by saying I really enjoyed this book! However, the first 3 chapters were so packed full of life altering content and switches in direction that they had me worried this book was going to be all action with no real content. Thankfully, that was not the case. Once the characters begin to flesh out and interact and the story’s foundation is established, we really start to get invested in Jin’s success as the first female dragon rider. In addition to being a female, she also came from a life of thievery and is certainly not nobility as the other riders are and is therefore constantly fighting against multiple superiority complexes not just from her classmates but from the country’s leadership as well. She begins to get support from others hoping that a female dragon rider may open doors for females in other male-only domains and realizes the impact she’s having without even intending to. As such, she unwittingly makes herself a target to those who fear that kind of change. As far as friendships, Jin is very slow to trust and mostly relies only on her dragon but finally opens up to one person, only to learn of betrayal later that drives a wedge between them. She has also caught the attention of the crown prince and though it does not seem to be a romantic relationship, he is intrigued by her. Intrigued enough that his mother, the empress has to remind him and inform Jin that public perception doesn’t care about the truth and to stay away from one another. The ending was inspiring and leaves you with positive anticipation for the next book in the series.
July 18, 2025
A girl dragon rider?
I really enjoyed this book. I started it, then because it was about thieves I put it aside. Weeks later when I returned to it and read where Jin found her purloined loot was a dragon and the bond which includes a strong emotional attachment to the baby dragon became central to the story I was hooked. From that point on I was hard pressed to put the book down. The characters are well-developed. I immediately disliked Madu and the War Minister Gao. The dragon rider initiates in Jin's wing become friends from foes as they realize her strengths, except for the evil Madu and his associates. Prince Tai is an ally especially when he does not tell his mother the Empress is the cause of his bruised face. The foreign Persian prince Aadan who becomes Jin's closest friend as he helps her learn to read and studies with her to pass the dragon rider trials is a hero with heart. Jin's transformation from lowly thief to heroine dragon rider is a great story and there are many secrets still waiting to be addressed in the next two books. I'm looking forward to reading those books as they become available. Thank you Melanie for a great adventure. I recommend this book to all dragon lovers and adventure seekers.
I really enjoyed this book. I started it, then because it was about thieves I put it aside. Weeks later when I returned to it and read where Jin found her purloined loot was a dragon and the bond which includes a strong emotional attachment to the baby dragon became central to the story I was hooked. From that point on I was hard pressed to put the book down. The characters are well-developed. I immediately disliked Madu and the War Minister Gao. The dragon rider initiates in Jin's wing become friends from foes as they realize her strengths, except for the evil Madu and his associates. Prince Tai is an ally especially when he does not tell his mother the Empress is the cause of his bruised face. The foreign Persian prince Aadan who becomes Jin's closest friend as he helps her learn to read and studies with her to pass the dragon rider trials is a hero with heart. Jin's transformation from lowly thief to heroine dragon rider is a great story and there are many secrets still waiting to be addressed in the next two books. I'm looking forward to reading those books as they become available. Thank you Melanie for a great adventure. I recommend this book to all dragon lovers and adventure seekers.
December 9, 2023
Everything I expected and more. After reading the prequel "Night of the Black Dragon", I've been hooked and this did not disappoint at all! Jin is brave and humble, smart and cunning. Her start in life as a thief puts a stop to any hope in a different future for herself and trust/friendships she could have with others (aside from her thieving clan and Lu). Forced to separate from all she knows when events don't go the way they planned, shes left to fend for herself as a newly bonded dragon rider and has to enter into dragon class as the first female to ever do so in order to save her life and the life of the dragon she bonded to. This doesn't set well for some and they will stop at nothing to stop Jin and her future in Dragon Class. She must learn who to trust, who to avoid, and what she has or who is worth fighting for. Ansley has created a very realistic world with great character dynamics, action, suspense, friendships to envy, political intrigue and DRAGONS! Enough details to feel like you're there without being overwhelmed and a balanced pace to keep you turning pages, it was hard to put this book down. I can't wait to read the next book.
September 11, 2024
The book set in Tang dynasty China.The story revolves around Jin, a lowborn thief who accidentally bonded with a dragon in a world where a woman were banned to be dragon riders for life and Jin is the key to change that whole perspective of patriarchy. She must confront her own demons and learn to work with her dragon partner. I love the aspect of dragons talking with their partners and feels their emotions.
I love most of the characters (Emar, Adan, Prince Tai, Panshalar). The antagonist minister Gao reminded me so much of Otto Hightower (from House of Dragons). Rayshan has my whole heart. Love the friendship and how supportive these characters were. The plot is so engaging and too much suspense with so many unexpected twists and turns.
Beautiful, unique and immersive world building, political intrigue with richly detailed dragon riding culture. The writing was incredible. The pace is super fast. I was hooked from the very beginning. I would highly recommend it to all the fantasy lovers. Can't wait to read the second book because the book end on a cliffhanger which all readers can understand how painful cliffhangers are...
I love most of the characters (Emar, Adan, Prince Tai, Panshalar). The antagonist minister Gao reminded me so much of Otto Hightower (from House of Dragons). Rayshan has my whole heart. Love the friendship and how supportive these characters were. The plot is so engaging and too much suspense with so many unexpected twists and turns.
Beautiful, unique and immersive world building, political intrigue with richly detailed dragon riding culture. The writing was incredible. The pace is super fast. I was hooked from the very beginning. I would highly recommend it to all the fantasy lovers. Can't wait to read the second book because the book end on a cliffhanger which all readers can understand how painful cliffhangers are...
March 15, 2024
I received a free copy of this book to review via LibraryThing.com.
This book follows a woman thief named Jin and her adventures after a heist goes wrong. She gets thrown into palace life and has to prove that she is more than just a thief.
I really enjoyed the unique plot and setting of this book. It is very empowering to read as a woman. The author Melanie Ansley really created a fantasy world that I haven’t read about in other books. While there were the tropes most know and love such as two potential love interests there was also a lot in the book that was new and fresh. That is as much as I can say without spoiling anything!
My reasoning for 3 stars is because I do think the book needed a bit more character and world building. The storyline definitely kept me intrigued but at some points it was difficult to visualize the story. In the beginning you are introduced to many characters/settings and then their features are rarely mentioned again after their initial introduction which made it difficult to visually stay within the world that Melanie built.
This book follows a woman thief named Jin and her adventures after a heist goes wrong. She gets thrown into palace life and has to prove that she is more than just a thief.
I really enjoyed the unique plot and setting of this book. It is very empowering to read as a woman. The author Melanie Ansley really created a fantasy world that I haven’t read about in other books. While there were the tropes most know and love such as two potential love interests there was also a lot in the book that was new and fresh. That is as much as I can say without spoiling anything!
My reasoning for 3 stars is because I do think the book needed a bit more character and world building. The storyline definitely kept me intrigued but at some points it was difficult to visualize the story. In the beginning you are introduced to many characters/settings and then their features are rarely mentioned again after their initial introduction which made it difficult to visually stay within the world that Melanie built.
March 27, 2024
This was an interesting blend of history and fantasy. Some of the characters were based on real-life people such as Empress Wu, and it was different to see how the author worked real history into an obviously fictional story. It was nice to see that the author included some information about the story choices she made at the end of the book, which helped clear up some of the background information.
I liked Jin and her more unconventional upbringing. As I was reading through the book, I kept thinking that it reminded me a bit of Mulan except with dragons and without Jin having to hide that she was female. However, she was still a woman trying to take her place in a man's world, she ends up having to save the empress, and there is a bit of love. Maybe the parallels were intentional or maybe they weren't.
I look forward to seeing if the future installments of this series dives a little bit deeper into the dragons themselves, exploring several of the more interesting concepts that popped up throughout the course of the book such as blood bonding, the Firesong, and others.
I liked Jin and her more unconventional upbringing. As I was reading through the book, I kept thinking that it reminded me a bit of Mulan except with dragons and without Jin having to hide that she was female. However, she was still a woman trying to take her place in a man's world, she ends up having to save the empress, and there is a bit of love. Maybe the parallels were intentional or maybe they weren't.
I look forward to seeing if the future installments of this series dives a little bit deeper into the dragons themselves, exploring several of the more interesting concepts that popped up throughout the course of the book such as blood bonding, the Firesong, and others.
June 27, 2025
I'm a life-long fantasy fan with a deep affection for strong female characters, and this book checks all the boxes. Adventure? Check. Bad-ass main character? Check. New skills, trials, and a school-like setting? Check.
Jin is a thief who unexpectedly bonds with a dragon and finds herself fighting for her life and a place in Dragon Class. As the first female dragonrider in Tang China, she has to navigate not only her new surroundings and fellow riders - most of whom are not pleased with her admittance to their ranks - but also political forces and intrigue.
Author Melanie Ansley does a fantastic job with both world-building and character development. Jin won my sympathies quickly and both her allies and enemies are believable characters in their own right. The story is full of action and was hard to put down; the setting and politics are interesting and intriguing without interrupting the pace of Jin's journey.
I would recommend this book to all fantasy-lovers and I for one am hooked and will be eagerly continuing the series.
Jin is a thief who unexpectedly bonds with a dragon and finds herself fighting for her life and a place in Dragon Class. As the first female dragonrider in Tang China, she has to navigate not only her new surroundings and fellow riders - most of whom are not pleased with her admittance to their ranks - but also political forces and intrigue.
Author Melanie Ansley does a fantastic job with both world-building and character development. Jin won my sympathies quickly and both her allies and enemies are believable characters in their own right. The story is full of action and was hard to put down; the setting and politics are interesting and intriguing without interrupting the pace of Jin's journey.
I would recommend this book to all fantasy-lovers and I for one am hooked and will be eagerly continuing the series.
August 10, 2025
In this inaugural book in the Riders of Jade & Fire trilogy, Australia-based writer Melanie Ansley - who's also a filmmaker of Chinese descent - weaves in lots of familiar narratives that revolve around urchins in exotic lands.
Think Ali Baba and Mulan, these basic story structures provide a comfortable cadence of story beats as pickpocket Jin quickly finds herself caught up in a much bigger complication when a heist leads to an unexpected twist of having stolen a dragon egg instead of gold!
Set in China, the mind-bonding and intrigue aspects blend well with challenges of being the first female dragonrider amid toxic masculinity - and the lofty hurdles that need to be overcome with political overtones that include treacherous murder plans.
An easy-read that keeps the pace flowing well to be a page-turner which many would rather finish at one sitting, this book definitely will attract readers to other books in this series plus associated publications.
Think Ali Baba and Mulan, these basic story structures provide a comfortable cadence of story beats as pickpocket Jin quickly finds herself caught up in a much bigger complication when a heist leads to an unexpected twist of having stolen a dragon egg instead of gold!
Set in China, the mind-bonding and intrigue aspects blend well with challenges of being the first female dragonrider amid toxic masculinity - and the lofty hurdles that need to be overcome with political overtones that include treacherous murder plans.
An easy-read that keeps the pace flowing well to be a page-turner which many would rather finish at one sitting, this book definitely will attract readers to other books in this series plus associated publications.
July 19, 2024
First of all let me say that there is nothing wrong with this book writing wise but it is not to my tastes YET? We shall see
Smut 🌶️ 0/5 one kiss
Book review 2.78/5 but I rounded up to 3
Plot 3/5
Feels YA. No idea. No info on Amazon if it is YA
Felt like an older version of Mulan/memoirs of a geisha meets fourth wing. Plagiarism/inspired by it definitely
If you like lore but no romance and things going magically well for the FMC then this is your book
Probably would have loved it when I was ten
Not making notes because I'm not reading the next one unless I see it while scrolling and I go to see the comments/ratings about how good the next one is. And smut content because I unfortunately want smut now
Again, the writing is good and 10/10 for writing something different versus same old same old but I did notice a lot of similarities of things I have read/watched before that may have been taken from those things
Smut 🌶️ 0/5 one kiss
Book review 2.78/5 but I rounded up to 3
Plot 3/5
Feels YA. No idea. No info on Amazon if it is YA
Felt like an older version of Mulan/memoirs of a geisha meets fourth wing. Plagiarism/inspired by it definitely
If you like lore but no romance and things going magically well for the FMC then this is your book
Probably would have loved it when I was ten
Not making notes because I'm not reading the next one unless I see it while scrolling and I go to see the comments/ratings about how good the next one is. And smut content because I unfortunately want smut now
Again, the writing is good and 10/10 for writing something different versus same old same old but I did notice a lot of similarities of things I have read/watched before that may have been taken from those things
October 29, 2025
Dragon Class by Melanie Ansley is a fast-paced fantasy with fantastic world-building (set during the Tang Dynasty of China) and character building. Also: Dragons? Yes. Complex characters? Yes. Adventure. Yes. Underdog heroines? YES!
Jin is a strong female main character who overcomes a lot to discover even more about herself. Once she bonds with a dragon, their adventures into a not-always-kind world take them and the readers for a ride.
This is a wonderful adventure fantasy about defying the odds (and defy Jin does!). It's also about finding help in unusual places and persevering no matter the odds. The beginning starts off a little slow, but it is needed to develop characters, world, and plot. I can't wait to see where the next book in the series takes us.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. This review is honest and voluntary.
Jin is a strong female main character who overcomes a lot to discover even more about herself. Once she bonds with a dragon, their adventures into a not-always-kind world take them and the readers for a ride.
This is a wonderful adventure fantasy about defying the odds (and defy Jin does!). It's also about finding help in unusual places and persevering no matter the odds. The beginning starts off a little slow, but it is needed to develop characters, world, and plot. I can't wait to see where the next book in the series takes us.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. This review is honest and voluntary.
May 25, 2025
4.5/5
I loved this book, finished it in a single day and accidentally pulled an all nighter.
I love the pacing of the book, the characters and the worldview, and overall I truly had a great time reading it. One of the best parts for me was how the Chinese sayings were 'translated' rather than localized, as a Chinese speaker myself, it makes the reading experience quite immersive. The main character is a smart, level-headed person, and all of the protagonist characters are quite likable, and there isn't excessive emphasis on MC's being female besides the innate 重男輕女 (literally, valuing men and belittling women) ingrained in Chinese culture.
I can't say more because I think it'll spoil the plot, but I definitely would want a physical copy for my shelf + its sequel.🥹
I loved this book, finished it in a single day and accidentally pulled an all nighter.
I love the pacing of the book, the characters and the worldview, and overall I truly had a great time reading it. One of the best parts for me was how the Chinese sayings were 'translated' rather than localized, as a Chinese speaker myself, it makes the reading experience quite immersive. The main character is a smart, level-headed person, and all of the protagonist characters are quite likable, and there isn't excessive emphasis on MC's being female besides the innate 重男輕女 (literally, valuing men and belittling women) ingrained in Chinese culture.
I can't say more because I think it'll spoil the plot, but I definitely would want a physical copy for my shelf + its sequel.🥹
September 26, 2025
Dragon Class is a strong start to the Riders of Jade & Fire series. There's a lot to like for fans of dragons, found families, underdog heroes, adventure, and political fantasy filtered through a historical lens. Jin is a compelling protagonist, her bonding with Rayshan is emotionally satisfying, and the world feels rich enough to explore more. It doesn’t reinvent the genre, but it doesn’t need to deliver a delightful read. It takes familiar fantasy tropes and weaves them together skillfully; its strengths lie in character, theme, and the plot's momentum. If you stick with the early chapters (which can feel heavy in setup), the story rewards you with excitement, higher stakes, and an emotional payoff.
October 16, 2025
This book immediately established a powerful hold on my attention. Dragon Class by Melanie Ansley doesn't waste time; it launches straight into the action and develops the plot with blistering speed. What impressed me most is that despite the fast pace, the world-building is rich and comprehensive, quickly immersing you in this unique setting. The narrative kept me completely on my toes; the plot twists are genuinely unpredictable, ensuring you never quite know what peril the characters will face next. The central highlight for me was the main character's rewarding and compelling arc, charting their transformation from a resourceful thief to a formidable Dragon Class rider. I honestly look forward to reading this again in the future!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2024
Having read my share of 'dragon' books they kind of fall into 2 categories: one with a redundant plot that seems to go on and on espcialy if it is more then one book and the other with different characters who have very different agendas and this is where Dragon Class falls. Jin is the furthest dragon rider candidate you can imagine and once her dragon chooses her she is not allowed to forget this. So it is up to her to prove them all wrong, relay on her wits as well as Rayshons and move forward. This is a well written book with varied characters and plots and look forward to the second one.
June 23, 2024
quite good
This is, at its surface, another academy story where an outsider, Jin, joins an elite school. She bonded with a dragon in a…let’s just say…unusual manner.
There is the romance triangle trope.
The orphan who knows nothing about her parentage.
The evil that stands against her.
But! Ansley’s handles those tropes with a deft hand. Her world building shows off her skills. Using all the senses, she creates a world so fascinating. I feel as if I’ve just stepped out of that world to write this. I will be diving into book 2 next.
Do yourself a favor. Download this.
This is, at its surface, another academy story where an outsider, Jin, joins an elite school. She bonded with a dragon in a…let’s just say…unusual manner.
There is the romance triangle trope.
The orphan who knows nothing about her parentage.
The evil that stands against her.
But! Ansley’s handles those tropes with a deft hand. Her world building shows off her skills. Using all the senses, she creates a world so fascinating. I feel as if I’ve just stepped out of that world to write this. I will be diving into book 2 next.
Do yourself a favor. Download this.
November 1, 2024
"Dragon Class" by Melanie Ansley is an engaging fantasy novel that immerses readers in a vibrant world filled with intriguing characters and complex lore. The story follows a group of young dragon riders as they navigate challenges both internal and external, blending adventure with themes of friendship and self-discovery. Ansley’s writing is vivid, bringing to life the bond between riders and their dragons, while the plot is well-paced, keeping readers invested from start to finish. The character development is a standout, making each journey feel personal and impactful. Overall, "Dragon Class" is a delightful read for fans of fantasy and adventure.
December 5, 2024
An Excellent First Book in "The Riders of Jade & Fire."
This first book in the series is a tale set during a time long ago. When there were great dynasties and emperors in China. Our main character is Jin, who finds herself bonded to a dragon hatchling named Reyshan. It is their story, of the hard trials they have to face, and the growing bond between them. I can assure you that this book is well worth sticking with the first few chapters as it is a little slow to start. However, you will soon be wondering how you finished this first book so quickly!
So, give Jin and Reyshan a chance, and you won't be disappointed, just as I certainly wasn't! Happy Reading!
This first book in the series is a tale set during a time long ago. When there were great dynasties and emperors in China. Our main character is Jin, who finds herself bonded to a dragon hatchling named Reyshan. It is their story, of the hard trials they have to face, and the growing bond between them. I can assure you that this book is well worth sticking with the first few chapters as it is a little slow to start. However, you will soon be wondering how you finished this first book so quickly!
So, give Jin and Reyshan a chance, and you won't be disappointed, just as I certainly wasn't! Happy Reading!
December 23, 2024
3.5 rounded up
✨Review✨
Dragon Class is a great read! The story is so good it makes you want more & more making it hard to put down! I'd say this is like a high schooler's Fourth Wing. Great characters with a strong FMC that doesn't constantly make dumb decisions like in other books. Sometimes the pacing felt a little choppy and I had to focus on how much time had passed, but it was minor and super easy to catch up. Outside that the conflict was good, making me cheer for the main character and rage over what was happening. It is a great read for anyone who loves strong FMCs, Dragons, Historical Fantasy, and books like Fourth Wing.
✨Review✨
Dragon Class is a great read! The story is so good it makes you want more & more making it hard to put down! I'd say this is like a high schooler's Fourth Wing. Great characters with a strong FMC that doesn't constantly make dumb decisions like in other books. Sometimes the pacing felt a little choppy and I had to focus on how much time had passed, but it was minor and super easy to catch up. Outside that the conflict was good, making me cheer for the main character and rage over what was happening. It is a great read for anyone who loves strong FMCs, Dragons, Historical Fantasy, and books like Fourth Wing.
December 23, 2025
If you like dragons and female heroines, you should definitely read this book.
I always enjoy stories involving strong women who have to fight and and end up coming into their own. This book hooked me from the first chapter. Author Melanie Ansley weaves a captivating and riveting story about a young female thief named Jin, who inadvertently steals a dragon egg. As she is caught, it hatches. Her adventures while interesting have many hurdles, most life threatening. While this storyline is a bit predictable, it doesn’t make it any less enthralling.
I highly recommend this book and as I’m starting the second book immediately, also recommend this series.
I always enjoy stories involving strong women who have to fight and and end up coming into their own. This book hooked me from the first chapter. Author Melanie Ansley weaves a captivating and riveting story about a young female thief named Jin, who inadvertently steals a dragon egg. As she is caught, it hatches. Her adventures while interesting have many hurdles, most life threatening. While this storyline is a bit predictable, it doesn’t make it any less enthralling.
I highly recommend this book and as I’m starting the second book immediately, also recommend this series.
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