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Dragon rider school is far more dangerous than Eva ever dreamed it would be…

She and the dragon Perrell have arrived at Fairspell Academy, ready to begin their training. But the prejudices that plagued them in Scaldrift are even worse in the capital. Everyone thinks Eva’s from the wrong social class to become a dragon rider, and Perrell is far too small to become a battle dragon. How can they prove themselves if they’re not even allowed to try?

It’s up to Eva to prove herself once more—but her magic behaves in strange ways. Eva wields earth magic, but she can also see air and fire magic. She might be able to mix the three—but that’s strictly forbidden.

When Eva and Perrell fail their first test, they must prepare for a tournament that will finally prove their worth—or see them kicked out of the academy. Mixing magic is forbidden, and could land Eva in serious trouble. But when disaster strikes at the tournament and lives are on the line, she may have no choice…

342 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 25, 2023

345 people are currently reading
35 people want to read

About the author

Ava Richardson

151 books428 followers
Ava Richardson writes epic page-turning Young Adult Fantasy books. She creates lovable characters and drops them into intricate worlds that are barely contained within your eReader. Ava has written 21 YA dragon fantasy series, including her bestselling series Return of the Darkening and her recent series, Destia's Dragon Shifter War.

She grew up on a steady diet of fantasy and science fiction books handed down from her two big brothers – and despite being dog-eared and missing pages, she loved escaping into the magical worlds that those authors created. Her favorites were the ones about dragons; where they’d swoop, dive and soar through the skies of these enchanted lands.

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5 stars
151 (63%)
4 stars
67 (28%)
3 stars
16 (6%)
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3 (1%)
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2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Jonathan.
90 reviews13 followers
October 14, 2023
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. I can't praise this book loudly enough. Best book of the series and that I have read from the author so far. Action packed from start to finish it had me glued. I love the characters and everything about it. Why us it the best so far. I felt like other books had characters feel guilt for decisions made. And spent some of the book in that guilt. Greatfully the characters didn't spend as much time on this. Which made it more enjoyable.
Profile Image for Jamie Bee.
Author 1 book122 followers
November 18, 2024
Getting Deeper Into the World and the Dark Forces at Work

I thoroughly enjoy the young adult fantasy fiction this author writes. She builds complex worlds and yet is able to make them distinct from each other. The magic in each world she creates varies as well. This is the second book in the Dragon Defenders of Destia series. I'm a voracious reader (or listener), so I have always read or listened to many books between books in a series. One thing I like about this author is how she weaves in backstory from the prior book (or books effortlessly) so you get brought up to speed quickly, whether you’re new to the series or have read the prior book(s). In this one, our heroine is trying to find her way at the magical academy. She's older than most students there, having discovered her magical abilities and bonding with a dragon not long before the book opens. Most, if not all, other students are of a much higher social class than she is, and she is treated poorly by most people there because of it, students and some teachers alike. Everyone seems determined to throw roadblocks in her way constantly or not give her a chance. Not only is she of a lower class in society, but her dragon is a pack dragon, not a large battle dragon. Several strikes against this team!

However, she has unique abilities that emerge and grow in this book. It makes things more difficult for her to get along with the other students and society’s rules, yet it gives her unique insight and power. The workings of this world are complex, and in this book, we start to truly get an understanding of it and its history, as well as the troubles it is facing and that will become even more problematic soon. The heroine learns more about herself and her deep family history. She finds an unlikely ally in the highest social class. And as with all this author's books, the book has a budding romance. I don't want to give too much away, but if you enjoy YA dragon fantasy, it's hard to find a better author than this one. Highly recommended, though it would be best to read or listen to the first book to get a better sense of where exactly the heroine is coming from and what she has faced before this. You can still understand this book without doing so, but you will appreciate it more deeply with that background.

I received a promo code for this audiobook, but that did not affect my review.
21 reviews
October 18, 2023
I loved this book! It is the second book in a series about a young heroine named Eva and her undersized dragon, Perrell, who are learning to master their magic at the prestigious Fairspell Academy Eva is determined to control her magic. There are many challenges, not only from the school’s elite and snobbish nobility, but also from her own dark past. She is the descendant of the villainous mage who is trying to destroy her home and everything she loves. She must find a way to stop him, while also dealing with her own feelings for another dragon rider.
The author does a great job of bringing the characters and the world to life, with vivid descriptions and witty dialogue. The plot is fast-paced and full of twists and turns, keeping me engrossed in the story from start to finish. I especially enjoyed the bond between her and her dragon, who are loyal and supportive of each other, being different from others. They are both adorable and hilarious, and I loved their interactions.
This book is a must-read for fans of fantasy, magic, dragons, romance, and adventure. It has everything you could want in a book, and more. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series and find out what happens next. I give this book 5 stars out of 5. It is one of my favorites!
7 reviews
November 19, 2023
This is a fantasy adventure novel for which I got a free pdf from netgalley. This was my fantasy treat after a long time. The writer did a very good job of hooking the audience through the plot because the plot was very well written. The struggles of the heroine and her dragon perrel while they were in the academy, all was decided with a perfection but the execution could be improved a little bit.

The heroine was a very independent girl according to me but she can be a bit firm in her thoughts too. Her thoughts waiver too much and that becomes the reason to delay the audience of her secrets that Selena would provide.
I loved the way she was determined to prove herself and throughout the novel her character progresses to accept herself as she is. A lot of acceptance is required but that would definitely be left for the final book.

I also thought sometimes the character of Selena was there to prolong the story because she didn't add much importance to the story until the end. She was just giving her judgements on how Eva was progressing which we as readers were seeing.

This is the second book so I guess that is the main reason because the final book will be a blast according to the ending when we will get to see a proper fight between heroine and villain.
Profile Image for Marjorie.
32 reviews
October 25, 2023
I was given this book for free and am now leaving my voluntary and honest review of the book.

Fairspell Academy is the second in a series, by Ava Richardson, following Pack Dragon. It would be difficult to follow Fairspell Academy without out first reading Pack Dragon, but doable. Fairspell Academy picks up right where Pack Dragon left off. Ava is now at Fairspell Academy, along with Oliver, struggling to be joining the first year students, who are not only 6 months further along in their studies, but several years younger. As Ava knuckles down to catch up and find her place at the school along with Perrell, her dragon, she makes new friends, encounters old enemies and struggles to prove herself a friend to her country despite adversity. You will enjoy reading this further chapter in Ava’s story!

Genre(s): fantasy, young adult, strong female lead, dragons, magic, clean
Bad Language: none
Intimate Scenes/Reference: none
Violence: some, but nothing gorey or graphic
Substance Abuse: none
Mental Health: none
Addiction: none.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Barbara Laing.
46 reviews
October 27, 2023
Fairspell Academy is the second book in the Defenders of Destia series and, if anything, is better than the first book. Eva and Perell have been accepted into the Academy to learn how to become dragon riders. Eva, with her newly released magic. Her age and farm upbringing mean she is facing prejudice from her fellow students and instructors, which she has to overcome if she is to progress and realise her dream of being a dragon rider. Perell is much smaller than the other battle dragons, which means she is facing her own trials. Together they must fight as a team and find new ways of clearing the obstacles in front of them. Add into this heady mix a vengeful instructor, a challenge that must be met, a plot to overthrow the throne, an attack by the newly released warlock and you have a cracking story. Full of action and intrigue, I struggled to put the book down. I enjoyed it from start to finish, and I am really looking forward to the next instalment.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kaye.
7,177 reviews71 followers
October 12, 2023
🐲🐲ONE MAGICAL DELIGHT🐲🐲
Sizzling skivvies Sue! Ava unleashes one raging tempest. Rolling with the low-blows, dodging the close-calls and trampling the head-ons, keeping you riveted on a razors edge, glued to your seat, and holding steady until the end. A churning vortex chocked-full of captivating drama, unnerving intrigue, spiraling suspense and perilous events run rampant. Mindful of the deadly twists and pivotal turns unfolding, revelations are disclosed and battle lines are drawn. The characters banter, dialogue, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits, balance fluidly adding depth and diversity, transforming into charismatic personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and graphic descriptions creating an elaborate backdrop that feels as though you were transported to ground zero. Fantastic job Ava, thanks for sharing this amazing thrill with us.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.8k reviews362 followers
October 26, 2023
Trying to Do Her Best . . .

Eva and the dragon Perrell are attending Fairspell Academy, but the preconceived notions of others still make it difficult to find friends and to fit in. Both Eva and Perrell will have to prove themselves all over again and she makes a mistake that could get them thrown out of the Academy. She is still figuring her magic out because she uses earth magic yet can see both air and fire magic. Combining them is forbidden. The other students, although younger in age, are still months ahead in their studies and not interested in helping her.

The story line is action-packed and exciting. Eva is working against the odds trying to catch up in her magic studies and dealing with the old prejudices she has already suffered through. Will she redeem herself to her fellow students? Or are they determined to push her down every time she tries to move forward?
31 reviews
October 23, 2023
I love books with schools teaching and understanding magic and of course dragon riding.
We find that Eva has been granted special admission into the academy, and she goes about trying to fit in and succeed. She makes a few fiends but develops a deeper friendship with Oliver, and his family members. However she struggles with the expected protocols, of having and use of her newly found magic.
She still has to battle prejudice against her upbringing and she comes face to face with a powerful warlock and his minions. Her alliances grow when an attack comes to the kingdom, and she is there with her friends to face it.
Really enjoying the continuation of this story. I would have liked more interactions inside of the school, with only a few other students revealed, at this stage. But, she is older than her classmates, and does have difficulty relating to them. Still a worthy read.
Profile Image for Patricia.
610 reviews1 follower
October 25, 2023
"Fairspell Academy" picks up where "Pack Dragon" left off, with our heroine, Eva, starting school at the Fairspell Academy. There not only does she have to deal with being older than the other first year students but the bigotry of not being of a noble line and still having magic. She does make friends though and with their help she catches up with the younger students. But of course, because she does not have a background in the system of magic and the apparent taboo about talking about magic, she makes a huge mistake and the consequences could mean her expulsion. This story is filled with action, intrigue, a touch of romance and such a twist that it made me gasp. An awesome read. Can't wait to see where Ava Richardson is going with this series next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Viselik.
105 reviews
November 24, 2023
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I... did not enjoy this book. I knew around the 50% mark I was losing any interest I was having in this series. I never grew to have an attachment to Eva or Perrel in the previous book, and in this one, I still don't.

I knew there would be hurdle after hurdle of incidents as soon as the twist was revealed about Eva so we could get to the 236 pages, and I just really stopped caring. Sadly, I also predicted the end and did not enjoy it either. It also felt rushed, and I would have preferred having it all be a bit more detailed.

The epilogue was sweet, and I quite liked it, but in total. I didn't enjoy the book and won't be picking up any more of the series. This book may be more suited to other readers, but it doesn't fit my tastes.
Profile Image for martina h.
47 reviews
October 23, 2023
Eva and Perrell arrive at Fairspell Academy hoping to learn all they can and prove they earned the opportunity that was granted to them. Unfortunately, they find out that the prejudices that occurred at Scaldrift camp, are even more apparent! On the day they arrive at the academy, they are almost turned away because they don't look like the blue bloods that are enrolled there! Eva slowly finds her way, makes new friends and even realizes that she can wield other types of magic! During a rescue, Eva's secret comes out and she's got to prove to everyone that she only wants to help Destia, not destroy her!! Love this second book and can't wait for the next one!!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Priscila Vera Schmidt.
409 reviews7 followers
January 9, 2024
Such a great book! We follow the MC, Eva, through her new challenge: graduate as a dragon rider at Fairspell Academy. Life for her there is uncomfortable, at least. She is the oldest of the first year students and doesn't know ANYTHING about magic basics. She thinks she can compensate this with her knowledge as a dragon rider, but even if Perrel, her dragon, makes an effort, most of the assignments are difficult to her because she is smaller than ALL the other battle dragons. Their careers as a dragon rider and a battle dragon are at stake because of these... and both of them will do everything they can to stay at Fairspell Academy and end their training.
I can't wait to read the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Elisa Lanzer.
188 reviews2 followers
October 13, 2024
4⭐️🫑

I nearly didn’t continue this series via audiobook as I didn’t enjoy the narrator when I listened to the first book Pack Dragon, but decided to give it a go. I’m glad I did. The narrator seems to have finally settled into the reading and it was a lot more enjoyable.

The book picks up straight after the events of Pack Dragon with Ava enrolling at Fairspell Academy for dragon rider. It does a great job of dealing with the notion of discrimination because someone is different, and the banter and tension between Ava and Oliver is well written.

Dragon Riders
Academic Setting
War
Resourceful FMC
Slow Burn Romance (over multiple books)
Class Discrimination.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for MarryAnn.
293 reviews5 followers
November 16, 2023
CAWPILE score 8.86, which is 4.5 starts

I was kinda hoping this book will focus more on Eva's studies, but I enjoyed it anyway. It's continuing the plot regarding the Warlock.
I liked the fact that Eva isn't the best in her class just because she's got field experience, and instead she's working hard to become better while discovering her roots.
There is just a little bit of romance, more like a hint towards a possible relationship than actual romance, so if you like more romance than fantasy, you might be disappointed, however, it's a nice, relaxing story with dragons (who doesn't love dragons, right?!)
233 reviews1 follower
October 25, 2023
I loved this book! Eva attends Fairspell academy, but nothing ever goes smoothly for her. Mages have a lot of rules that governs their magic, but can a girl who grew up without magic know the rules, without breaking them? It’s amazing that she will put herself in danger, to save anyone. I enjoyed the awesome characters and the amazing description of the school campus seems beautiful. This action-packed story is filled with danger, dragons, magic, school, mystery, Fantis, dragon riders, chaos, a tribunal, Royality, suspense, fragments, traitors, capital, family, friends and battle.
3 reviews
October 27, 2023
I've been reading some other authors' books I've had - and was so glad to get back to Ava Richardson again! Eva and her friends' feelings are relatable - ever felt like you don't fit in?; believable - ever not told the whole truth?; and the story is compelling, so be prepared to lose a bit of sleep.
I love a tale where the main character learns that they are so much more than they imagined, with prospects for both great goodness and extraordinary evil. And only time will tell which...

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
5 reviews
October 21, 2023
I loved this book and the way that it invokes all sorts of emotions as you follow Eva and Perrell’s journey the the everybody least favorite thing… school. Everything about this book was so well written to the point that the battles had my heart racing. And just like the first book in the series I couldn’t put this incredible page turner down.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
41 reviews1 follower
October 24, 2023
Ava Richardson’s Fairspell Academy is an outstanding installment in her newest Dragon Rider series. Not only does it perfectly previous storyline creates new challenges for the main character. Not just obvious ones, but also more subtle ones like the true meaning of family. I am now eagerly awaiting to see what the queen of Dragon riders will do with a story that follows Fairspell Academy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
35 reviews
October 25, 2023
Fascinating read from start to end. Eva and Perrel are working hard to make it at Fairspell Academy but she finds herself with only a few friends and a lot of enemy's. As she works at becoming a better magic user and dragon rider, Ava discovers she has a lot more going for her than just being an Earth Mage. Her self discoveries lead to an unsure future for being either one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Carol Ardeeser.
96 reviews1 follower
October 29, 2023
As the war in Destia continues, Eva is set on a course to learn about her magic and training to use it as a dragon rider. She begins to find clues about her identity and as she goes against old foes and new difficulties she finall through a series of events finds her history and ancestry. she makes new friends and finally convinces some agianst her of her true nature. Can't wait to see what comes next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Christina Luberts.
2,777 reviews7 followers
November 4, 2023
Ava and Perrell have to prove themselves that they are just as good as everyone else. she makes a few friends but most of them are bigots because of her bloodline. Can she prove herself? Can she learn the rules? Can she figure out her magic? You will want to keep reading to see what will happen.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
677 reviews
December 2, 2023
An excellent and extremely enjoyable series!!!!!!!

Congratulations to Ava Richardson for this amazing series. It’s extremely hard to find such an interesting and exciting author who not only writes intelligently but also provides top rated plots, characters and excitement in the stories. I’m really looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Ashleigh Carter.
787 reviews9 followers
December 17, 2023
Fairspell Academy is the second in the Dragon Defenders of Destia series. I did NOT read the first book, but I found it unnecessary. The author does a great job of filling in the missing pieces as the novel moved along which didn’t leave me feeling like I was missing a lot. I enjoyed this one so much I would love to read the others in the series. Dragon riders, found family, forbidden magic, conspiracies...this book has a little bit of everything.
30 reviews
January 8, 2026
Great book! Felt this was a stronger instalment to the trilogy than the first book. Things are heating up dangerously wise for our main characters. Be interesting to see where the main twist goes and if our two MCs finally get together!

Looking forward to reading the final book in the trilogy shortly.
1,739 reviews12 followers
October 25, 2023
Ava Richardson is an absolute master of the genre. Suitable for young adults and adults alike this story layers upon itself into a well written novel. A great second instalment to the Defenders of Destia.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
277 reviews7 followers
October 31, 2023
This is an amazing read. Eva joins Fairspell academy to hone her newly unlocked earth power. Not only is she behind the syllabus, she is faced by mistrust from the elite. Her history is fascinating - as we watch the story unravel. Ava Richardson is an amazing storyteller.
77 reviews
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December 4, 2023
Another goid one

Watching Eva and her dragon grow together is wonderful. Eva learning about her magic, but still cautious about others shows how much she has learned. Ordering the next book as soon as I am done here.
Profile Image for Frankie Grant.
10 reviews
January 10, 2024
Excellent

I love the story and able to see, imagining, and understanding everything absolutely amazing! I am glad that Eva gets Chance from Prince to stay in school and fight along most dangerous magic prisoner and in wars.
Profile Image for Alison  Claire Humphrey .
124 reviews
December 19, 2024
Brilliant Storyline

Brilliant storyline. A really enjoyable read, with interesting characters that are believable. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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