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The Skystone Chronicles #2
Dragon Guard
In a realm where magi are outlawed, Meleya of Misthaven has spent a lifetime hiding her powers. With her parents locked up in Spydra Prison, Meleya has no choice but to pay off their sentence the only way she By serving as a soldier in the dragon guard. But an attack on her redrock canyon home puts her new dragon bond in danger. Meleya knows she has to save him—even if it means revealing her etherarchy. Banished to Outcast Outpost, the most dangerous platoon in the realm, Meleya and her squad face wild dragons, a ruthless coven of magi outlaws, and the unspeakable horrors that lie inside the dreaded Dragon Mists. Still, with tension mounting between the Mage Hunters and the Knights of the Torch, Meleya is certain the land of Evgard is about to change forever.
572 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 3, 2023
136 people are currently reading
495 people want to read
About the author
Blake Penn
4 books61 followersPart of a writing duo with Raven Penn.
Blake and Raven Penn fought through epic battles and twisted love triangles to finally find each other. They both studied script writing in college, and now deign to turn their film and comedy experience into novel writing. Through sunshine or the dreaded Utah Valley inversion, they spend their days tending their wild offspring and dreaming of dragons. Aiming to write fantasy adventures that would keep their former teenage selves up reading long past midnight, Blake and Raven hope to brighten a world in desperate need of light.
Blake and Raven Penn fought through epic battles and twisted love triangles to finally find each other. They both studied script writing in college, and now deign to turn their film and comedy experience into novel writing. Through sunshine or the dreaded Utah Valley inversion, they spend their days tending their wild offspring and dreaming of dragons. Aiming to write fantasy adventures that would keep their former teenage selves up reading long past midnight, Blake and Raven hope to brighten a world in desperate need of light.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
November 16, 2025
If the 4th book that comes out later this year is half as good as the first 3, this series will officially be my new favorite series.
For reference, some of my previous favorites have been: The Stormlight Archive, Ranger's Apprentice, and The Inheritance Cycle.
For reference, some of my previous favorites have been: The Stormlight Archive, Ranger's Apprentice, and The Inheritance Cycle.
November 22, 2023
I received an advanced copy of this book in order to provide an honest review.
Dragon Guard is the well-paced, action filled, expansive sequel to the amazing Dragon Thief in the Skystone Chronicles. The book is full of complex characters that you love or love to hate in all of the best ways. The main character of the book, Malaya, is a joyful person to introduce in the second book of the series. This book also expands the world of the Skystone Chronicles in wonderful ways, and hints at more things to come but not in that frustrating way that often leaves us frustrated and full of too many questions. Instead, the authors provide a healthy amount of mystery to leave you wanting more without leaving the story being told unfulfilled. If you are worried about the book not following the same character as the first, worry not because it is full of cameos of your favorite characters from the first book in the series. The writing in this book is complex and enabled me to feel connected to the people in it and both easy and hard experiences they had to go through.
For audiobook lovers, the audio performances are also fantastic and do a great job at bringing the characters to life. There are songs in the book that are well performed and very immersive into the story telling.
Dragon Guard is the well-paced, action filled, expansive sequel to the amazing Dragon Thief in the Skystone Chronicles. The book is full of complex characters that you love or love to hate in all of the best ways. The main character of the book, Malaya, is a joyful person to introduce in the second book of the series. This book also expands the world of the Skystone Chronicles in wonderful ways, and hints at more things to come but not in that frustrating way that often leaves us frustrated and full of too many questions. Instead, the authors provide a healthy amount of mystery to leave you wanting more without leaving the story being told unfulfilled. If you are worried about the book not following the same character as the first, worry not because it is full of cameos of your favorite characters from the first book in the series. The writing in this book is complex and enabled me to feel connected to the people in it and both easy and hard experiences they had to go through.
For audiobook lovers, the audio performances are also fantastic and do a great job at bringing the characters to life. There are songs in the book that are well performed and very immersive into the story telling.
December 7, 2024
I started this book as soon as I finished Dragon Thief and instantly became obsessed🤩. The new characters and storyline were immediately captivating, and I was never bored for even a second!
The main character is an absolute queen, and I aspire to be as cool as she is. I love that she’s strong and a total warrior but also embraces her feminine side, enjoying simple things like cooking and baking. It just goes to show that female characters don’t always have to be tough, unkind, or condescending to embody strength and lead as the queens they are 👏🏼👏🏼.
The subtle love triangle has me in a chokehold, and I’m waiting with bated breath to see how it all unfolds.
Reading these books has reignited my childhood passion for fantasy and action, bringing back the joy of losing myself in stories that once offered an escape from the challenges of middle school. I’m eagerly waiting for my copy of the next book, Dragon Hunter, to arrive, and I can already tell I won’t be able to put it down!
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!👏🏼⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The main character is an absolute queen, and I aspire to be as cool as she is. I love that she’s strong and a total warrior but also embraces her feminine side, enjoying simple things like cooking and baking. It just goes to show that female characters don’t always have to be tough, unkind, or condescending to embody strength and lead as the queens they are 👏🏼👏🏼.
The subtle love triangle has me in a chokehold, and I’m waiting with bated breath to see how it all unfolds.
Reading these books has reignited my childhood passion for fantasy and action, bringing back the joy of losing myself in stories that once offered an escape from the challenges of middle school. I’m eagerly waiting for my copy of the next book, Dragon Hunter, to arrive, and I can already tell I won’t be able to put it down!
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!👏🏼⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 4, 2023
Dragon Guard is a sequel in only the BEST ways. Sequels often rehash the successes of what came before, making for an unchallenging (and dare I say boring) read – but not this one! The reader has already been introduced to the setting, the politics, the intrigue, the magic, the characters in the first book (Dragon Thief) and now, all of those aspects of the world expand and are even more engaging! Dragon Guard focuses on different areas of the magic system, politics, and geography which surprisingly helped me follow along and connect the dots as I became more immersed in the world. (Which says something because I usually have an embarrassingly hard time keeping track of epic fantasy worlds and systems because of…ya know, their EPIC scale.)
The authors continue to challenge themselves and their readers by introducing an all-new main character for the sequel. It’s a risky move; Asher was funny and likable and why mess with a good thing? Because we needed Meleya. I *loved* this character and am so glad we got so much time with her. She felt familiar to me somehow and I was invested immediately (again, not something that often happens for me). I especially loved her love of cooking; she’s a determined soldier who also loves to create and bring people together, a juxtaposition of traits that still intrigues me after 600 pages. She had SO much growth over the course of this book and I cannot wait to see Asher and Meleya again as the Skystone Chronicles continue.
For Evgard, Unite!
(I am an ARC recipient. This is an honest, voluntary review.)
The authors continue to challenge themselves and their readers by introducing an all-new main character for the sequel. It’s a risky move; Asher was funny and likable and why mess with a good thing? Because we needed Meleya. I *loved* this character and am so glad we got so much time with her. She felt familiar to me somehow and I was invested immediately (again, not something that often happens for me). I especially loved her love of cooking; she’s a determined soldier who also loves to create and bring people together, a juxtaposition of traits that still intrigues me after 600 pages. She had SO much growth over the course of this book and I cannot wait to see Asher and Meleya again as the Skystone Chronicles continue.
For Evgard, Unite!
(I am an ARC recipient. This is an honest, voluntary review.)
September 27, 2025
This one was better than the first book, and I can't wait to read the rest of the series!!! I don't have a Kindle (Kobo girl, here), so I have to buy them all in paper form. This can get a bit pricey, so Christmas!
The adventure continues in this book by introducing us to a new set of characters. I love the MFC of this one so much more than the MMC in book 1. I also ADORE her dragon!!!! The romance that's happening in this one makes me swoon as well. It's just so good! The character crossover is awesome! One of the characters from book one returns as a lead in this one, and I LOVED getting to know him better because I now love him as well. YAY!
Anyways, if you haven't caught on to what I'm saying yet - read this series!!!!
The adventure continues in this book by introducing us to a new set of characters. I love the MFC of this one so much more than the MMC in book 1. I also ADORE her dragon!!!! The romance that's happening in this one makes me swoon as well. It's just so good! The character crossover is awesome! One of the characters from book one returns as a lead in this one, and I LOVED getting to know him better because I now love him as well. YAY!
Anyways, if you haven't caught on to what I'm saying yet - read this series!!!!
December 19, 2023
A continuation from
Dragon Thief
, this book equally served as a wonderful distraction. It illustrates values of family, loyalty, doing what's right, friendship, and love.
Dragon Guard meets the sky-high standard set by Dragon Thief, and I am very happy to have delved into the world that it illustrates.
Dragon Guard meets the sky-high standard set by Dragon Thief, and I am very happy to have delved into the world that it illustrates.
October 11, 2024
Book 2 was even better than Book 1! It followed a different set of characters from the first book, with appearances from those of the first. Rather than finding this disconcerting or jarring, I actually really enjoyed it. It was fun to meet a whole new group of friends and see how they interacted with their world. I am SO excited for Book 3. I think everyone will come together in the next book and I can't wait for their next adventure!
October 20, 2024
So much more action and intensity. Not just fighting scenes but with each character & character building
October 4, 2023
Book 2 in the series started off from where book 1 finihed, which was a great start.
Blake and Raven pen a great storyline. The second book, like the first picks you up by the scruff of the neck and refuses to let you go till the end, a quivering breathless wreck of a reader. The pages fly through far too quickly as you follow all the twists and turns this excellent book hands out.
There are so many questions asked during the journey, but so many of the answers are not what you are expecting. None of the charecters are straightforward and all of them hide their secrets from us so well. The charecter development as we wander through is so good, a lot so unexpected.
There is magic, fantasy, dragons and mysterious skyfall creatures and the grey, who are they and what are they after? There are fabulouse dramatic scenes of fighting and the buildup to war. There is so much misdirection as you will often change your minds about some of the charecters and who they are really sided with. There is so much ignoramce and purposfull missunderstanding of the upperclass who just close their eyes to help and the obvious. Their is love and many forms of friendships. Their are enemies and bullies that change so much as the story moves on.
Then, as some of the main charecters re-enter the story and you feel comfortable in your knowledge and understanding of who they are and what they stand for - forget it! So much is turned on its head as you see the story and all the cast of this yarn from a very different angle.
But the truth is, such are the skills and craftmanship of Blake and Raven that it just works and pulls together so well.
It is so interesting that you will find yourself cheering for some of the people you wanted ended in book 1, and confused and dissapointed by how some of the people from book 1 you were chearing for show a dark side.
Now, I realise I have not given an insite into the storyline, nor named the charecters I have been talking about. But that is on purpose. I just want to give you a feel and an overview as to how this book feels and how well it is delivered. There is something in it for everyone, and be prepared for long days and nights of readind as I challenge you to be able to put it down.
If you love drama, fantasy, mystery and gut wrenching yarns and gteat interpersonal stories, no question, this is for you.
Enjoy it, and like me, be ready to gag for the next book.....
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Blake and Raven pen a great storyline. The second book, like the first picks you up by the scruff of the neck and refuses to let you go till the end, a quivering breathless wreck of a reader. The pages fly through far too quickly as you follow all the twists and turns this excellent book hands out.
There are so many questions asked during the journey, but so many of the answers are not what you are expecting. None of the charecters are straightforward and all of them hide their secrets from us so well. The charecter development as we wander through is so good, a lot so unexpected.
There is magic, fantasy, dragons and mysterious skyfall creatures and the grey, who are they and what are they after? There are fabulouse dramatic scenes of fighting and the buildup to war. There is so much misdirection as you will often change your minds about some of the charecters and who they are really sided with. There is so much ignoramce and purposfull missunderstanding of the upperclass who just close their eyes to help and the obvious. Their is love and many forms of friendships. Their are enemies and bullies that change so much as the story moves on.
Then, as some of the main charecters re-enter the story and you feel comfortable in your knowledge and understanding of who they are and what they stand for - forget it! So much is turned on its head as you see the story and all the cast of this yarn from a very different angle.
But the truth is, such are the skills and craftmanship of Blake and Raven that it just works and pulls together so well.
It is so interesting that you will find yourself cheering for some of the people you wanted ended in book 1, and confused and dissapointed by how some of the people from book 1 you were chearing for show a dark side.
Now, I realise I have not given an insite into the storyline, nor named the charecters I have been talking about. But that is on purpose. I just want to give you a feel and an overview as to how this book feels and how well it is delivered. There is something in it for everyone, and be prepared for long days and nights of readind as I challenge you to be able to put it down.
If you love drama, fantasy, mystery and gut wrenching yarns and gteat interpersonal stories, no question, this is for you.
Enjoy it, and like me, be ready to gag for the next book.....
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 6, 2023
The only thing this book is missing is that the cast of characters from the first book isn’t seen as much in this book- they are more like they pop in for a few cameos. Except for Jax. He has a big part to play in this book. Vidya, the Black Valkyrie, sends the Ursadon to Keep Rendgard as the leader of its army, as its Captain, so Zoren has to go. There he meets the newly formed squad that contains the friends Solvai, Brigan & Meleya. Brigan and Meleya bond with dragons. I found the test in Dragon Chasm to be fascinating. They have to fight off the different kinds of dragons and see if any of them want to bond. Then they can be an official soldier of Rengard.
This world is so cool. I’m totally fascinated by all of the intricacies of everything. There are always new things to learn too. Brigan is the heir to one of the keeps and he is really cool and I rooted for him with Meleya. However, Capt. Zoren is always a Mage Hunter and Meleya is hiding her gifts. She is working towards her parents freedom since they were branded mages. She spent three years training to be a soldier, so she needs to do three more to free her parents. Her parents are hysterical, and Dusty, the dracoon familiar of her father that hangs with her is a riot. I love that little nut. Edrea causes a lot of problems during the training and the fact that she is in the newly formed squad with Meleya drove me crazy at first and then I understood.
I really enjoyed all of the new characters interactions and my heart broke for Meleya when she used her powers to save lives. I laughed my bum off when M met Jax. The fight scenes in these books are awesome! Sometimes, I read them twice, it’s like watching a movie in my head! But, then again, my imagination is way up there, much to my parents’ chagrin while I was growing up. So many reveals and revelations.
I can’t wait to read the next book. Things like they are getting worse before they will get better. Seems like we’re learning who all the key players will be before we get to see the real meat of the matter.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This world is so cool. I’m totally fascinated by all of the intricacies of everything. There are always new things to learn too. Brigan is the heir to one of the keeps and he is really cool and I rooted for him with Meleya. However, Capt. Zoren is always a Mage Hunter and Meleya is hiding her gifts. She is working towards her parents freedom since they were branded mages. She spent three years training to be a soldier, so she needs to do three more to free her parents. Her parents are hysterical, and Dusty, the dracoon familiar of her father that hangs with her is a riot. I love that little nut. Edrea causes a lot of problems during the training and the fact that she is in the newly formed squad with Meleya drove me crazy at first and then I understood.
I really enjoyed all of the new characters interactions and my heart broke for Meleya when she used her powers to save lives. I laughed my bum off when M met Jax. The fight scenes in these books are awesome! Sometimes, I read them twice, it’s like watching a movie in my head! But, then again, my imagination is way up there, much to my parents’ chagrin while I was growing up. So many reveals and revelations.
I can’t wait to read the next book. Things like they are getting worse before they will get better. Seems like we’re learning who all the key players will be before we get to see the real meat of the matter.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 9, 2023
I loved the previous book with all of my heart and this one was just as good, if not better. While I loved Asher's sassy character I really love Meleya so much more. She's strong and caring towards those important to her. She's not over powered but resourceful when she needs to be. This was such a great continuation and while the entire story focuses on Meleya it allows it to stand on it's own if someone wanted to read it first. (Though I highly recommend reading the first to get a good feel for what is happening in the world and for the recurring important characters)
In this story we start with Meleya trying to bond a dragon. This gives us a first look at her character, as she checks her friends to ensure they are prepared for what is to come, as well as those who she doesn't get along with. The character development is wonderful through their adventures and though her squad is a bit of a mess they do learn to work together as they go. The authors are fantastic at giving you a look at Meleya's excitement and anxieties, making you feel so much more attached and invested in her character.
A bit later in the book we even have Jax rejoin the story and get some heavy character development. As well as some more insight into Vidya and some understanding who that second voice is that we read about in the first book.
Though we do see Asher a little bit he's not a major player in this book but unless the third book brings in a new major character I have a feeling we'll be seeing a lot more of him soon.
As with the first book, the second book was such a fantastic read. It kept me wanting to read every chance I got and I was so excited to get to it when ever I got a chance. You can tell so much love and work has gone into developing this world and the characters in it and I'm on pins and needles to read the continuation. (Hopefully late this year by what their site says but I wouldn't mind waiting a little later so they don't rush it.).
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
In this story we start with Meleya trying to bond a dragon. This gives us a first look at her character, as she checks her friends to ensure they are prepared for what is to come, as well as those who she doesn't get along with. The character development is wonderful through their adventures and though her squad is a bit of a mess they do learn to work together as they go. The authors are fantastic at giving you a look at Meleya's excitement and anxieties, making you feel so much more attached and invested in her character.
A bit later in the book we even have Jax rejoin the story and get some heavy character development. As well as some more insight into Vidya and some understanding who that second voice is that we read about in the first book.
Though we do see Asher a little bit he's not a major player in this book but unless the third book brings in a new major character I have a feeling we'll be seeing a lot more of him soon.
As with the first book, the second book was such a fantastic read. It kept me wanting to read every chance I got and I was so excited to get to it when ever I got a chance. You can tell so much love and work has gone into developing this world and the characters in it and I'm on pins and needles to read the continuation. (Hopefully late this year by what their site says but I wouldn't mind waiting a little later so they don't rush it.).
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 6, 2023
First off, this is the second book in the Skystone Chronicles and while it's not completely necessary to read the first book ("Dragon Thief"; also a stellar book) to enjoy this book, I recommend it as it provides a lot of the story that develops here (mainly characters who were introduced in book on are more fleshed out in this book.) Again, not totally necessary but I believe you'll get more from this book after reading "Dragon Thief"
Now for the review. In short, this is a delightful book. It advances the story from the first book with strong, well written characters, great action scenes, an amazing magic system, and great world building. The main character, Meleya, is full of joy and compassion about her friends and while her situation is less than desirable, she remains loyal and yearning to reunite her family.
There is honest real depth to the characters that Blake and Raven Penn have created a world, while harsh at times, is filled with people who are just trying to make it better.
If you think fantasy has to be boring and drawn out, give the Skystone Chronicles a try - there is a lightness to them that is often not found in the 'epic' fantasy series. These first two book would be a terrific entry point into anyone looking to dip their toes into the fantasy genera.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Now for the review. In short, this is a delightful book. It advances the story from the first book with strong, well written characters, great action scenes, an amazing magic system, and great world building. The main character, Meleya, is full of joy and compassion about her friends and while her situation is less than desirable, she remains loyal and yearning to reunite her family.
There is honest real depth to the characters that Blake and Raven Penn have created a world, while harsh at times, is filled with people who are just trying to make it better.
If you think fantasy has to be boring and drawn out, give the Skystone Chronicles a try - there is a lightness to them that is often not found in the 'epic' fantasy series. These first two book would be a terrific entry point into anyone looking to dip their toes into the fantasy genera.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 8, 2024
Is it possible to love a sequel with a brand-new main character as much as the first book?
Yes. Yes it is.
I'm obsessed with dragon books and this one ticked all the right boxes. Dragon riding, amazing dragon characters, creative magic system, high stakes...I could go on forever. There are even more dragons than in the first book! I adored Meleya and all her wild adventures as a member of the dragon guard. She is not your average heroine in all the best ways. Her stubborn tenacity and love of taking care of the people in her life made her so much more relatable than all the robotic "Mary Sue" type characters in books and movies these days. I loved Solvai and Brigan and the found-family aspect of their relationship with Meleya. Also, anything involving Torsten was hilarious. Fans of Boone in the first book will enjoy his antics.
The magic and world-building was even more developed in this installment and the high stakes kept me turning the pages. I was on the edge of my seat more times than I can count. So many big reveals and twists and turns I didn't see coming.
I thought I was excited for Book 2, but the ending only has me dying for book 3 even more! This series is the clean dragon romantasy of my dreams!! Teenage me would have killed to get my hands on this book. I'm obsessed. Write faster, Blake and Raven!!
Yes. Yes it is.
I'm obsessed with dragon books and this one ticked all the right boxes. Dragon riding, amazing dragon characters, creative magic system, high stakes...I could go on forever. There are even more dragons than in the first book! I adored Meleya and all her wild adventures as a member of the dragon guard. She is not your average heroine in all the best ways. Her stubborn tenacity and love of taking care of the people in her life made her so much more relatable than all the robotic "Mary Sue" type characters in books and movies these days. I loved Solvai and Brigan and the found-family aspect of their relationship with Meleya. Also, anything involving Torsten was hilarious. Fans of Boone in the first book will enjoy his antics.
The magic and world-building was even more developed in this installment and the high stakes kept me turning the pages. I was on the edge of my seat more times than I can count. So many big reveals and twists and turns I didn't see coming.
I thought I was excited for Book 2, but the ending only has me dying for book 3 even more! This series is the clean dragon romantasy of my dreams!! Teenage me would have killed to get my hands on this book. I'm obsessed. Write faster, Blake and Raven!!
October 12, 2023
Blake and Raven Penn are a couple that write well together. I don’t know which of them thought up this premise but it’s marvelous. I mean who hasn’t wanted to be able to ride a dragon. The books are recommended for ages 12-18 but I’m 60 and I loved them so take the age recommendations with the proverbial grain of salt.
As much as I love the world and it’s troubles that Raven and Blake Penn have developed it’s the characters that made me stay up way too late reading. Meleya is a great heroine, smart, funny adventurous and very conflicted in many ways. I love how well rounded they have made her. Yes she doesn’t want to be a typical girl, even though typical girls are different in this world, but they also made her love something as stereotypically feminine as cooking. Honestly all of the characters came to life in my brain as they go through their adventures because the authors have added enough about all of them, even the bad guys to make them real three dimensional people for me.
If you like well written fantasy with just a hint of romance (I mean they are young adults!) then go forth and get this series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As much as I love the world and it’s troubles that Raven and Blake Penn have developed it’s the characters that made me stay up way too late reading. Meleya is a great heroine, smart, funny adventurous and very conflicted in many ways. I love how well rounded they have made her. Yes she doesn’t want to be a typical girl, even though typical girls are different in this world, but they also made her love something as stereotypically feminine as cooking. Honestly all of the characters came to life in my brain as they go through their adventures because the authors have added enough about all of them, even the bad guys to make them real three dimensional people for me.
If you like well written fantasy with just a hint of romance (I mean they are young adults!) then go forth and get this series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 17, 2023
After reading Dragon Thief, I was thrilled to receive an ARC copy of Dragon Guard and this is my honest review.
Dragon Guard is the sequel to Dragon Thief (another phenomenal book) and follows a new set of characters, focusing on Meleya of Misthaven, but with overlap of characters previously introduced in Dragon Thief. Meleya is an unregistered magi, serving in the guard on behalf of her parents, who were imprisoned by the Ursadon, one of the strongest Mage Hunters. Just like in Dragon Thief, this story is filled with adventure, twists and turns, character growth, and will keep you guessing the whole time. I liked that while the story is focused on Meleya and her squad, we were still able to gleam background information on Jax and the Nights of the Torch. We're introduced to a new enemy in this sequel and I can't wait to see how that plays out in the future books, especially with the Nights of the Torch and the Black Valkyrie playing larger roles.
If you loved Dragon Thief, you're going to love Dragon Guard; if you haven't read either, I highly suggest both! The audiobooks for both were also fantastic and the narrators really brought the characters to life.
Dragon Guard is the sequel to Dragon Thief (another phenomenal book) and follows a new set of characters, focusing on Meleya of Misthaven, but with overlap of characters previously introduced in Dragon Thief. Meleya is an unregistered magi, serving in the guard on behalf of her parents, who were imprisoned by the Ursadon, one of the strongest Mage Hunters. Just like in Dragon Thief, this story is filled with adventure, twists and turns, character growth, and will keep you guessing the whole time. I liked that while the story is focused on Meleya and her squad, we were still able to gleam background information on Jax and the Nights of the Torch. We're introduced to a new enemy in this sequel and I can't wait to see how that plays out in the future books, especially with the Nights of the Torch and the Black Valkyrie playing larger roles.
If you loved Dragon Thief, you're going to love Dragon Guard; if you haven't read either, I highly suggest both! The audiobooks for both were also fantastic and the narrators really brought the characters to life.
October 23, 2023
Book 2 in the Skystone Chronicles, Dragon Guard, begins with a great transition from book 1, taking off full force like going from one chapter to the next. These books are recommended for ages 12-18, but as someone in their 30's, this was a fun and interesting read.
This is a fast-paced read because Black & Penn did a fantastic job writing in such a way that keeps the reader glued to the story. The characters are phenomenal, I like how we were introduced to new ones. The story focuses on Meleya serving on the guard and her squad. Along with the new characters and a few from book one popping in, the expanded description of the Skystone world is talked about more, bringing you back into their world. This is an overall good read with a storyline that I can't wait to continue this book does end on a cliffhanger, but I will be on the lookout for the next.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a fast-paced read because Black & Penn did a fantastic job writing in such a way that keeps the reader glued to the story. The characters are phenomenal, I like how we were introduced to new ones. The story focuses on Meleya serving on the guard and her squad. Along with the new characters and a few from book one popping in, the expanded description of the Skystone world is talked about more, bringing you back into their world. This is an overall good read with a storyline that I can't wait to continue this book does end on a cliffhanger, but I will be on the lookout for the next.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 9, 2023
Second book is also a good read but ends in a cliffhanger
Three stars due to the cliffhanger. The second book in the Skystone Chronicles was a fast read, well written and edited. However, it is very disappointing that this one ended in a cliffhanger making you have to buy the third book. I prefer books that can stand alone but if it is interesting I will buy the complete series, as I did Anne McCaffrey's and a few other authors. When books start ending in cliffhangers to try to make you buy the next in the series, it makes some people lose interest. Please make it interesting enough for people to love the characters and their world, then they will be more likely to want to read every book you write.
Three stars due to the cliffhanger. The second book in the Skystone Chronicles was a fast read, well written and edited. However, it is very disappointing that this one ended in a cliffhanger making you have to buy the third book. I prefer books that can stand alone but if it is interesting I will buy the complete series, as I did Anne McCaffrey's and a few other authors. When books start ending in cliffhangers to try to make you buy the next in the series, it makes some people lose interest. Please make it interesting enough for people to love the characters and their world, then they will be more likely to want to read every book you write.
December 7, 2023
I wasn't expecting to, but I actually liked Dragon Guard better than the first book! I haven't enjoyed a book series this much since the Inheritance Cycle, and I'm really looking forward to the whole series coming out. At first I was kind of disappointed Asher wasn't the protagonist in this book, but I found Meleya and her friends to be just as likeable as the characters from the first book. I can't get over just how good everything in this series is, from the world building to the characters and the action, it's all simply incredible. If you liked the first book, this one is a must read! And if you haven't read the first book... Well? What are you waiting for? Go start reading one of the best fantasy book series ever!
May 17, 2024
3/3.5 stars ⭐️
Overall, I found this book a lot slower and more difficult to follow than the first one. I didn’t connect to Melaya, Solvai, Brigan, etc. the way I did with Asher, Kai, and Solrac. I also found all the new stuff about the Gray Ones and wraiths pretty confusing. I feel like that could’ve been explained better.
I’m still very interested in the story and will definitely continue the series, but mostly because I want updates on everyone from the first book - especially Solrac! As the series continues I hope there’s a lot less focus on romance (especially love triangles 🥴) and more on connecting all these stories back together!
Overall, I found this book a lot slower and more difficult to follow than the first one. I didn’t connect to Melaya, Solvai, Brigan, etc. the way I did with Asher, Kai, and Solrac. I also found all the new stuff about the Gray Ones and wraiths pretty confusing. I feel like that could’ve been explained better.
I’m still very interested in the story and will definitely continue the series, but mostly because I want updates on everyone from the first book - especially Solrac! As the series continues I hope there’s a lot less focus on romance (especially love triangles 🥴) and more on connecting all these stories back together!
October 3, 2023
Loved loved loved it! What a sequel! I loved Dragon Guard even more than the first book, if that’s possible. With a new cast of characters that are just as lovable, Dragon Guard expands on the world and magic system of Evgard to immerse us into the story even further. I was on the edge of my seat from start to finish. I loved the romance subplot, I loved the cameos from some of my “Dragon Thief” favorites, and the ending left me already needing the next book! I can’t say enough good things about this series!
September 18, 2024
I REALLY like this story! I feel as if the characters have become my friends and I have Book 3 on Pre-order. I follow ashleyottesen_ on Instagram and she does some book reviews among a lot of hysterical skits and she recommended this series. I'm glad I took her up on her advise! I was hooked after Book 1, and now I'm recommending this one to all my students. This is a great read for young and old!
January 21, 2025
I must say, it is HARD to write a good sequel using a new cast of characters. But… this somehow pulled it off. I’m very happy.
I really liked the new cast. That said, I can’t believe I was wrong about the love triangle TWICE! Both books! I don’t really have a problem with this, but I find it notable.
Overall, this was a great story, and I’m very happy with how it was executed. I’m excited to see what happens in the next book.
I really liked the new cast. That said, I can’t believe I was wrong about the love triangle TWICE! Both books! I don’t really have a problem with this, but I find it notable.
Overall, this was a great story, and I’m very happy with how it was executed. I’m excited to see what happens in the next book.
October 21, 2023
Yessss. It’s super good. It’s got just the right amount of everything. The characters are likeable and the story was so good and it sucked me right in. The dragons are obviously amazing but the story itself was very entertaining.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 1, 2024
I loved this book! This is the second book in the series. You get introduced to new characters but it feels cohesive because of the overlap of characters from the first book. I love how the characters interact and grow. And of course the dragons are amazing! I love that you get to learn so much of the dragons personalities! Great book!
November 13, 2024
What a fantastic third installment! The biggest problem as series go forward is they can be repetitive. Not this series! If you are looking for a fast paced fantasy with interesting magic system, unique in world vernacular (DRAK!) and real character growth, look no further! You will laugh, you will ache, you may even cry. What a fun read!
August 13, 2025
I loved this second book! I really enjoyed reading the perspective of Meleya, a keepdom guard who is discovering her powers as a magi. She journeys across Evgard to save the keepdom from the Gray Ones but must decide whose side she’s really on. I loved the little snippets of Asher and his crew (from book 1) throughout the book. By far Sniff was my favorite character. I love him so much and I want a little dragon that sneezes starglass out of his nose! Overall, great plot and I’m excited to see where the story leads in book 3!
November 21, 2025
Book 2 was unexpected in the sense that we suddenly switch to a new main character (Don't get me wrong, it's not a disappointment at all, but unexpected)! Meleya and her squad are a great contrast to Asher and his gang, and it's great to have quick "crossovers" throughout the story.
*That final scene is everything I'd hoped for, and there's more to come in book 3!*
*That final scene is everything I'd hoped for, and there's more to come in book 3!*
November 22, 2025
I am a bit old for this series, but it was enjoyable still to read. Again, you can see the Sanderson vibes in this book the author's took inspiration from. The world is making more sense whereas the 1st I had many question on what was going on. Going to read the 3rd now and excited to see how this story continues.
October 2, 2023
I had enjoyed the first book a lot and was excited that the series was continuing. It had everything that I enjoyed about the series so far and kept it going well. I was engaged with the world and the use of dragons.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 16, 2023
I really liked it. It was a good second installment to the series. The pacing was good. I really liked how they developed the antagonists from the previous book. It makes for much more interesting villains. The only bad part of it is I'll have to wait a year to read the next book.
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