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Mysts of Santerrian #1
Mark of the Dragon
The old stories of the first dragon riders are forgotten and lost, but the excitement remains.
Andra has waited her entire life for the moment when the orb would call her name, but that is only the beginning. Entering the Vetaunex is dangerous, even for the most courageous man. It’s a land where the wild dragons soar through the sky and the only way out is to become a rider—or die. Even when the Aquastrian leader wants her dead, she fights back. Andra is prepared, but can she overcome traveling hundreds of miles on foot, surviving hunger, assassins and wild carnivores?
Between two countries, allies are hard to find, and enemies are everywhere.
Liam takes the journey to the Vetaunex, leaving behind the only family he has left on a chance to change their way of life. Becoming a dragon rider is more than a title to him, it’s a way to stop the war and save lives. Meeting Andra along the way, he has to decide what must come first; his dragon, or helping the daughter of the rival country’s leader. In the end, Liam fights to help her and kills to protect her, but will it be enough to get them both to their dragons before it's too late?
Andra has waited her entire life for the moment when the orb would call her name, but that is only the beginning. Entering the Vetaunex is dangerous, even for the most courageous man. It’s a land where the wild dragons soar through the sky and the only way out is to become a rider—or die. Even when the Aquastrian leader wants her dead, she fights back. Andra is prepared, but can she overcome traveling hundreds of miles on foot, surviving hunger, assassins and wild carnivores?
Between two countries, allies are hard to find, and enemies are everywhere.
Liam takes the journey to the Vetaunex, leaving behind the only family he has left on a chance to change their way of life. Becoming a dragon rider is more than a title to him, it’s a way to stop the war and save lives. Meeting Andra along the way, he has to decide what must come first; his dragon, or helping the daughter of the rival country’s leader. In the end, Liam fights to help her and kills to protect her, but will it be enough to get them both to their dragons before it's too late?
231 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 13, 2013
34 people are currently reading
279 people want to read
About the author
M.R. Polish
45 books215 followersM.R. Polish has been writing since she was a young girl. She would tell her stories to anyone who would listen until she discovered she could put them onto paper.
Out on the ocean is her favorite place to be and would live on a cruise ship if she could, traveling the world, but alas, adulting and responsibilities keep her grounded.
M.R. is happily married to someone who would gladly follow her onto a ship and sail away. They have four kids, who might be more adventurous jet-setters than their mother.
Out on the ocean is her favorite place to be and would live on a cruise ship if she could, traveling the world, but alas, adulting and responsibilities keep her grounded.
M.R. is happily married to someone who would gladly follow her onto a ship and sail away. They have four kids, who might be more adventurous jet-setters than their mother.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 20, 2013
It has been a long time since I read a book based around Dragons. Anne McCaffrey writes a mean dragon book and I wasn't sure how this book would compare. If you ask me Mark of the Dragon is right up there. The story had me hooked from beginning to end and left me hanging on for the next book in the series. The story line of warring places, the rights and wrongs of it and the whole ritual of riders bonding with dragons, it was all captivating. The descriptive writing about the dragons and the flights make you feel that the author really has ridden a dragon. I am thoroughly in awe of the author for having such an imagination. This book is definitely worth its 5 star rating.
March 22, 2014
Mark of the Dragon by Bill Morgan and MR Polish
Print Length: 282 pages
I received this book in exchange for a honest unbiased review.
My Review~
I received this book in exchange for a honest review.
The cover is interesting. After you delve into reading this book, you find out what and who the cover is about. Also who the dragon is and what significance of that means. I can't wait for the next book in this series. If you like Eragon by Paolini then you will like Mark of the Dragon. It is an epic adventure that gives everything we need for the next book in the series. I'm intrigued by Andra and Liam's connection and am wondering what that may mean in the future books. The writing is excellent with a great build up. Love the characters and can't wait to read the next. Love it!
Amazon Book Description~
In a land of warriors and dragons, everything is going to change...
Countries are divided and war is raging, but none of that matters to Andra. She knows deep down that she is destined to be a dragon rider. There has never been a woman rider, but that doesn’t matter to Andra either. After her father's death, she trains harder than any man to be a worthy candidate. Even when the Aquastrian leader wants her dead, she fights back. Can she overcome traveling hundreds of miles on foot, surviving hunger, bandits, assassins and wild carnivores?
Liam is just another warrior who hopes he is worthy of the Mark of the Dragon. He must endure the long trek from Aquastra to Santerrian and avoid all people and especially those who may be hired to kill him. Meeting Andra along the way changes everything. He fights to help her and kills to protect her, but will it be enough to get them both to their dragons before it's too late?
Print Length: 282 pages
I received this book in exchange for a honest unbiased review.
My Review~
I received this book in exchange for a honest review.
The cover is interesting. After you delve into reading this book, you find out what and who the cover is about. Also who the dragon is and what significance of that means. I can't wait for the next book in this series. If you like Eragon by Paolini then you will like Mark of the Dragon. It is an epic adventure that gives everything we need for the next book in the series. I'm intrigued by Andra and Liam's connection and am wondering what that may mean in the future books. The writing is excellent with a great build up. Love the characters and can't wait to read the next. Love it!
Amazon Book Description~
In a land of warriors and dragons, everything is going to change...
Countries are divided and war is raging, but none of that matters to Andra. She knows deep down that she is destined to be a dragon rider. There has never been a woman rider, but that doesn’t matter to Andra either. After her father's death, she trains harder than any man to be a worthy candidate. Even when the Aquastrian leader wants her dead, she fights back. Can she overcome traveling hundreds of miles on foot, surviving hunger, bandits, assassins and wild carnivores?
Liam is just another warrior who hopes he is worthy of the Mark of the Dragon. He must endure the long trek from Aquastra to Santerrian and avoid all people and especially those who may be hired to kill him. Meeting Andra along the way changes everything. He fights to help her and kills to protect her, but will it be enough to get them both to their dragons before it's too late?
December 13, 2013
Andra is a girl. Whats does that mean for her, well she knows that there has never been a woman Dragon Rider. Tho her father is and his dragon are struck down , she now trains even harder, she will be the first woman Dragon Rider even if it kills her. With help from other dragon riders she learns to fight , to survive.
For she must go out into the wilderness alone with many hunting her as well as the elements she has to make this trek all by herself. She will fight with everything she has to get the Mark of the Dragon.
Her countries enemy will do all they can to stop her from reaching her destination. Andra will find out that she has more umph than she ever thought.
This is a FRIGGIN AWESOME BOOK. Adults and YA will fall in love with the well rounded characters and will find themselves sitting on edge just to see what happens next. Your emotions will be all over the place as you find yourself drawn into this story by 2 Masterful Story Tellers!! I Highly Highly Recomend this book. Now I wait for book 2 impatiently!!
5 STARS
Patches
For she must go out into the wilderness alone with many hunting her as well as the elements she has to make this trek all by herself. She will fight with everything she has to get the Mark of the Dragon.
Her countries enemy will do all they can to stop her from reaching her destination. Andra will find out that she has more umph than she ever thought.
This is a FRIGGIN AWESOME BOOK. Adults and YA will fall in love with the well rounded characters and will find themselves sitting on edge just to see what happens next. Your emotions will be all over the place as you find yourself drawn into this story by 2 Masterful Story Tellers!! I Highly Highly Recomend this book. Now I wait for book 2 impatiently!!
5 STARS
Patches
January 3, 2014
Free book for free review
Andra is a girl. Whats does that mean for her, well she knows that there has never been a woman Dragon Rider. Tho her father is and his dragon are struck down , she now trains even harder, she will be the first woman Dragon Rider even if it kills her. With help from other dragon riders she learns to fight , to survive.
For she must go out into the wilderness alone with many hunting her as well as the elements she has to make this trek all by herself. She will fight with everything she has to get the Mark of the Dragon.
Her countries enemy will do all they can to stop her from reaching her destination. Andra will find out that she has more umph than she ever thought.
This is a FRIGGIN AWESOME BOOK. Adults and YA will fall in love with the well rounded characters and will find themselves sitting on edge just to see what happens next. Your emotions will be all over the place as you find yourself drawn into this story by 2 Masterful Story Tellers!! I Highly Highly Recomend this book. Now I wait for book 2 impatiently!!
Patches
Andra is a girl. Whats does that mean for her, well she knows that there has never been a woman Dragon Rider. Tho her father is and his dragon are struck down , she now trains even harder, she will be the first woman Dragon Rider even if it kills her. With help from other dragon riders she learns to fight , to survive.
For she must go out into the wilderness alone with many hunting her as well as the elements she has to make this trek all by herself. She will fight with everything she has to get the Mark of the Dragon.
Her countries enemy will do all they can to stop her from reaching her destination. Andra will find out that she has more umph than she ever thought.
This is a FRIGGIN AWESOME BOOK. Adults and YA will fall in love with the well rounded characters and will find themselves sitting on edge just to see what happens next. Your emotions will be all over the place as you find yourself drawn into this story by 2 Masterful Story Tellers!! I Highly Highly Recomend this book. Now I wait for book 2 impatiently!!
Patches
January 30, 2014
As a Dragon lover, I was very eager to read this epic story of dragons and their riders!
It is the first book in the series so there is a good bit of back story that is told before you get to the action. Without it you wouldn't get a full understanding of what is going on. I felt that the story was well written. It kept me up many nights wanting to read just one more or maybe ten more pages before my eyes forced me to sleep. I enjoyed each character's personalities and their feelings were realistic. I couldn't pick a favorite among them as I liked each one for different reasons. Great humor, action and of course DRAGONS...There isn't any sex scenes but there is the implications of it a couple times in the story. I would recommend reading it and making a decision on whether you want to let your child read it. I personally wouldn't see a problem with my 13y reading it.
I love the cover and it fits the story wonderfully!
The Father & Daughter writing pair did a great job creating this story and I very much look forward to the next book!
It is the first book in the series so there is a good bit of back story that is told before you get to the action. Without it you wouldn't get a full understanding of what is going on. I felt that the story was well written. It kept me up many nights wanting to read just one more or maybe ten more pages before my eyes forced me to sleep. I enjoyed each character's personalities and their feelings were realistic. I couldn't pick a favorite among them as I liked each one for different reasons. Great humor, action and of course DRAGONS...There isn't any sex scenes but there is the implications of it a couple times in the story. I would recommend reading it and making a decision on whether you want to let your child read it. I personally wouldn't see a problem with my 13y reading it.
I love the cover and it fits the story wonderfully!
The Father & Daughter writing pair did a great job creating this story and I very much look forward to the next book!
July 18, 2013
This book's strongest point has to be the dragons and their riders (good thing, otherwise it'd fall apart and you wouldn't care about the story). The dialogue especially between Terrax and Tyroth had me laughing out loud, literally, and wanting to skip sections so that I could get another snippet of their banter.
The main characters are relatable, even though they live in a fantasy world, and so long as you don't let your brain check out as you're reading (you'll miss out on some real gems, trust me!), reading Mark of the Dragon is a pleasurable experience.
Even with the multiple points of view telling the story, you won't get lost. This father/daughter writing team did something that surprises me - they put this wonderful book together and blended it nearly seamlessly. definitely worth checking out if you enjoy fantasy, dragons, and strong-willed characters.
"I told you so."
"Hrrumph."
The main characters are relatable, even though they live in a fantasy world, and so long as you don't let your brain check out as you're reading (you'll miss out on some real gems, trust me!), reading Mark of the Dragon is a pleasurable experience.
Even with the multiple points of view telling the story, you won't get lost. This father/daughter writing team did something that surprises me - they put this wonderful book together and blended it nearly seamlessly. definitely worth checking out if you enjoy fantasy, dragons, and strong-willed characters.
"I told you so."
"Hrrumph."
August 6, 2016
Not bad.
Book has a Romeo and Juliet type of plot but with dragons. Two warring nations, with war that has gone on already for over 200 years. Both sides heavy casualties. Boy and a girl (I should say man and woman... they're both mid 20's) from opposite sides find themselves falling in love... They don't actually meet until like 2/3 of the way through the story, but I suspect that their relationships conflict with the war will be a big part of book #2.
You also have sentient dragons... a human and a dragon bond via mind or soul or w/e and help fight the war depending on what side the rider hails from.
I don't like those dragon shifter romance novels. Luckily this isn't one heavy on romance. This has some romance and although its a Romeo and Juliet style story, it spends most of its time as action/adventure I'd say.
Overall I enjoyed it. I'll pick up the sequel when it is released.
Book has a Romeo and Juliet type of plot but with dragons. Two warring nations, with war that has gone on already for over 200 years. Both sides heavy casualties. Boy and a girl (I should say man and woman... they're both mid 20's) from opposite sides find themselves falling in love... They don't actually meet until like 2/3 of the way through the story, but I suspect that their relationships conflict with the war will be a big part of book #2.
You also have sentient dragons... a human and a dragon bond via mind or soul or w/e and help fight the war depending on what side the rider hails from.
I don't like those dragon shifter romance novels. Luckily this isn't one heavy on romance. This has some romance and although its a Romeo and Juliet style story, it spends most of its time as action/adventure I'd say.
Overall I enjoyed it. I'll pick up the sequel when it is released.
September 17, 2014
Great Reading!!
A delightful twist of Dragon’s being helpful to humankind instead of just being flying flame throwers. An easy read that takes you to another land/century. With just enough description to be able visualize the environment and characters without getting too wordy. The writing duo of Bill Morgan and M.R. Polish work together so well you would think they were one person.
The story centers on a Heroine who takes up her father’s sword after he is killed by an enemy from another land whom they have been battling for centuries. Only a few chosen ones can bond with and ride the dragons which provide strategic travel and air defense to keep her country safe. Over the years the secret of how to bond with a dragon has been lost due to the war and there are less and less dragon riders every year. This is an exciting start to a series I am looking forward to continue reading!
A delightful twist of Dragon’s being helpful to humankind instead of just being flying flame throwers. An easy read that takes you to another land/century. With just enough description to be able visualize the environment and characters without getting too wordy. The writing duo of Bill Morgan and M.R. Polish work together so well you would think they were one person.
The story centers on a Heroine who takes up her father’s sword after he is killed by an enemy from another land whom they have been battling for centuries. Only a few chosen ones can bond with and ride the dragons which provide strategic travel and air defense to keep her country safe. Over the years the secret of how to bond with a dragon has been lost due to the war and there are less and less dragon riders every year. This is an exciting start to a series I am looking forward to continue reading!
April 13, 2015
Captivating
When I started reading this book it grabbed my attention completely, I couldn't put it down, the character's in the storyline are wonderfully written with all their strengths and weaknesses. The adversaries that they overcome when they truly believe in something is remarkable and all comes together. I look forward to the next book....
When I started reading this book it grabbed my attention completely, I couldn't put it down, the character's in the storyline are wonderfully written with all their strengths and weaknesses. The adversaries that they overcome when they truly believe in something is remarkable and all comes together. I look forward to the next book....
December 12, 2018
Great Story
Where is Book Two? Great story line, characters are really believable and you bond with them early in the book. It really leaves you hanging at the end. You can't wait for the next book.
Where is Book Two? Great story line, characters are really believable and you bond with them early in the book. It really leaves you hanging at the end. You can't wait for the next book.
August 2, 2013
what a fun story. I loved the dragons. one of my favorite scenes is when the dragon gets a bath. lol! I so can't wait for the next book. bring on the love story, I am ready:-)
February 16, 2014
Can't wait for the second book in the series to come out, and learn more about Andra!! I love how strong the main female character in this story is!!
August 9, 2015
Enjoyable
Not just another dragon story. I usually try not to read unfinished trilogies; however, I took a chance and am glad I did.
Not just another dragon story. I usually try not to read unfinished trilogies; however, I took a chance and am glad I did.
January 28, 2015
Excellent Read
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Very well written and thought out. Each character is so developed. I can't wait for the next book! Please l let me know.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Very well written and thought out. Each character is so developed. I can't wait for the next book! Please l let me know.
May 11, 2015
One of the best dragon books I've read
I liked this book and hope I can find book #2 . I hope there is a book #2 or I will be disappointed.
I liked this book and hope I can find book #2 . I hope there is a book #2 or I will be disappointed.
July 25, 2014
Two young warriors, one male, one female, are determined to become dragon riders during a time of war between their lands.
The idea behind this book is simple: dragons are servants to men who ride them into battle. The men and their dragons can speak telepathically, and a dragon cannot survive without its master. Basically, we’re going by Eragon rules. These rules may appear in many dragon rider stories, but Eragon is probably one of the most widely known, so I’m using it as a reference. This story is quite different from Eragon, though, and it in no way copies from that tale.
I did enjoy the character of Andra. She is strong, despite women in her society not being expected to fight. Her father trained her to use a sword, and when he dies in battle, she is spurred into action. I feel like I got to know her character better than any other. I also believe that whether her father lived or died, she would have become a dragon rider just the same. She has a fire in her, and she is definitely the best written character in the book. I did not connect with or care about Liam. To me, he was just your typical dumb guy wanting to be a hero.
I did not understand at the beginning why Regina is allowed to lead her people. Not only did she attempt to kill her grandfather to take his place, she is causing a great deal of suffering among her people. It must be a realm full of idiots to allow her to take control and keep it. Even the dragon riders who should be fighting for her disagree with what she’s doing. There needed to be a stronger reason for her to hold onto power in order for me to believe it.
The writing in this book is quite clumsy throughout. Too many sentences begin with “he”, “she”, or “it”. Some chapters begin with “she”, and it took a minute to figure out who “she” was. Using a character’s name the first time they appear in a chapter is standard. That way we readers know who you’re talking about. Also, lines like “she took his hand and it felt right when she did” and “she went out the door to go train” sound awkward and clumsy. The story is interesting, but the writing just doesn’t tell it well.
For me, the pace was far too slow. The story crawls along, giving every single detail of Liam and Andra’s movements as they are traveling to become dragon riders. I don’t need to know every tiny thing that happened. All that does is further slow a story that already doesn’t get very far from beginning to end. Cutting out half of the unnecessary scenes and making this into a novella would have worked better. Sadly, what action we do get is poorly written. It is basically a list of events: “she turned”, “she noticed”, “she yelled”, “she swung her sword”.
I did not enjoy much about this book. I kept reading hoping to learn more about the dragons themselves. What are their motives for fighting alongside humans? Why do they allow themselves to be enslaved? What is their culture like? None of those questions were ever answered. There was potential in this, but the writing and lack of action fell short.
I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
The idea behind this book is simple: dragons are servants to men who ride them into battle. The men and their dragons can speak telepathically, and a dragon cannot survive without its master. Basically, we’re going by Eragon rules. These rules may appear in many dragon rider stories, but Eragon is probably one of the most widely known, so I’m using it as a reference. This story is quite different from Eragon, though, and it in no way copies from that tale.
I did enjoy the character of Andra. She is strong, despite women in her society not being expected to fight. Her father trained her to use a sword, and when he dies in battle, she is spurred into action. I feel like I got to know her character better than any other. I also believe that whether her father lived or died, she would have become a dragon rider just the same. She has a fire in her, and she is definitely the best written character in the book. I did not connect with or care about Liam. To me, he was just your typical dumb guy wanting to be a hero.
I did not understand at the beginning why Regina is allowed to lead her people. Not only did she attempt to kill her grandfather to take his place, she is causing a great deal of suffering among her people. It must be a realm full of idiots to allow her to take control and keep it. Even the dragon riders who should be fighting for her disagree with what she’s doing. There needed to be a stronger reason for her to hold onto power in order for me to believe it.
The writing in this book is quite clumsy throughout. Too many sentences begin with “he”, “she”, or “it”. Some chapters begin with “she”, and it took a minute to figure out who “she” was. Using a character’s name the first time they appear in a chapter is standard. That way we readers know who you’re talking about. Also, lines like “she took his hand and it felt right when she did” and “she went out the door to go train” sound awkward and clumsy. The story is interesting, but the writing just doesn’t tell it well.
For me, the pace was far too slow. The story crawls along, giving every single detail of Liam and Andra’s movements as they are traveling to become dragon riders. I don’t need to know every tiny thing that happened. All that does is further slow a story that already doesn’t get very far from beginning to end. Cutting out half of the unnecessary scenes and making this into a novella would have worked better. Sadly, what action we do get is poorly written. It is basically a list of events: “she turned”, “she noticed”, “she yelled”, “she swung her sword”.
I did not enjoy much about this book. I kept reading hoping to learn more about the dragons themselves. What are their motives for fighting alongside humans? Why do they allow themselves to be enslaved? What is their culture like? None of those questions were ever answered. There was potential in this, but the writing and lack of action fell short.
I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 25, 2015
Slow start but worth it.
It took awhile for the story to unfold but was well worth taking the time. I look forward to the next book in the series.
It took awhile for the story to unfold but was well worth taking the time. I look forward to the next book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews