Dragon Flame

Riders of Jade and Fire #2

by Melanie Ansley

Trailblazer. Role model. Troublemaker.

Jin wants none of these labels, but she knows as the first female dragonrider in the Tang empire, there’s little chance of escaping them. Especially as she has secretly broken one of the oldest taboos: she is blood bonded to her jade dragon, Rayshan.

But when her wing is sent to the kingdom of Khitan to hunt down the empire’s most feared dragon, Baikalan, her reputation will be the least of her concerns. For Jin discovers a plot far more insidious than any of them had anticipated, one that will threaten the empire itself and pit her against a formidable enemy only she can defeat. But at what cost? And when Rayshan manifests his gift, an unexpected and rare dark power, will it be the key to their salvation, or the end of Jin and everyone she loves?

Genres: Fantasy

498 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 26, 2024

About the author

Melanie grew up in Shanghai, Hong Kong, Taipei, and Beijing. She spent all her free time devouring books of every kind—including ones that most adults probably wouldn’t recommend for children. She is currently a producer and screenwriter, with an MFA from USC in film producing.

Melanie enjoys writing dark fantasy stories about the power of art, self-acceptance, and the courage to stand up for one’s beliefs. Her first novel, Theo and the Forbidden Language, was the winner of Best YA at the 2018 IndieReader Discovery Awards, and she also has a dragon series, "Riders of Jade & Fire", set in Tang China. The third book releases September 2025.

If you'd like to know about future releases and get a FREE book, sign up to her reader’s list at https://www.melanieansley.com/subscribe

Reviews

[Chasity · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good reas

A good sequel to the first book. Look forward to the next dragon adventure it should be exciting to see what happens

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful work, wonderfully rendered and researched, marvelous writing and outstanding characters. Yes, read it.

Rating: 4.75⭐️

I will admit I finished books 1 and 2 back to back, ending around 3am, because I just didn’t want to put the series down. And then had to convince myself not to immediately pick up Dragon Rogue and dive right in.

I saved that book for the next morning.

I’m so hooked on Jin and Rayden’s journey, because it doesn’t look to stop anytime soon.

It’s so hard to review this series because of the complex storylines that surround Jin at all times, as well as Rayden. Jin has a mysterious origin story, and it’s starting to unravel, with hints being made by various sources. Not all of them reliable.

Everyone here, for the most part, has multiple agendas. Some personal, some professional, some even more heinous. But it’s a smoke and mirrors narrative, where even Jin realizes that those closest to her, with the exception of the dragons, won’t or can’t be trusted. Or maybe they don’t even know what the truth is.

Picking up on the hints and through the various lies that are being told makes for a tale that’s suspenseful and compelling for Jin and the reader.

And even when we both think we know what we think is happening, there’s little doubt that a price is going to be paid for the knowledge.

There’s great action sequences, dragons in battle, bloody drama and unbelievable moments to keep us glued to the story and Jin’s life story. And Rayden’s because they are a pair.

Be sure to read the author’s notes at the end where she talks about what elements from the Tang Dynasty and Empress Wu’s life she’s folded into the story. Amazing work.

Now to wait until September for book 4. Review for book 3 coming up.

Beautiful work, wonderfully rendered and researched, marvelous writing and outstanding characters. Yes, read it.


Cover Design: Get Covers

The Riders of Jade & Fire series:
Night of the Black Dragon (prequel novella)
Dragon Class #1
Dragon Flame #2
Dragon Rogue #3
Dragon Blood #4 - Sept 2026

[Lj · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second book in ther series picks up more or less exactly where book one left off with Jin and her wingmates on the way to Khitan. The mission does not go as expected and leads to Jin and her friends being caught up in a dangerous new adventure. The story has plenty of action, adventure, political manouvering, intregue, and touches of romance. Unfortunately, the romance is leaning into a love triangle, which must appeal to plenty of readers give how often they crop up in books, but is not at all appealing to me (hence the four star rating). This aside, it is a great read overall with some good character growth and plenty of interesting developments both keep this book interesting and that hint at what might occur in later books.

I received an ARC and leave an honest review.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tons of action and adventure in this one! Love the Asain setting and the exotic food descriptions made me hungry! Throughly enjoyed getting to follow Rayshan, Jin, Aadan, and Tai in the second book of this series. Loved finding out Rayshan's power and seeing Jin and Aadan's relationship progress (not sure where Tai will fit in though!). Definitely can't wait for the next one! I did like Meipin's character better in the first one, didn't like the turn she took here but that was my only disappointment. I do imagine Rayshan to be much bigger than shown on the cover!
Favorite quote: ‘Think of the person’s essence. If you had to reduce them to one word, what would it be?’

[Tanvi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is so gripping. I love the writing, I love the characters, I love the dragon but I really really love the bond between Jin and Rayshan.

There were a few moments where I felt that the book was slow (as in not focused on the fight), but it leads to the point where a character needs to make a decision and I understand that it was totally necessary to go into the details.

I really wish I had Book 3 now, and I think it's going to be Jin and Rayshan's biggest adventure yet.

I received an advance copy of the book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Andrea Letourneau · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Riders of Jade and Fire series about the first female dragon rider. It picks up where the first book left off, following the adventures of Jin and her dragon, Rayshan who is a very rare jade dragon and blood bonded to her.

The Riders of Jade and Fire series is places in an alternate version of China where magic and fantasy creatures like dragons exist. Melanie rolls bits and pieces of authentic Chinese history to create a fantasy world that is different yet familiar. I hardly noticed that the book was nearly 500 pages since it flowed so nicely.

[Tesha Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved!!! Jin and Rayshan have me hooked and I have fallen in love with them both. Their bond continues to grow and evolve in book 2 and I celebrated when Rayshan discovered his ability.
This story took me on one wild, twisty path and I'm still left wondering several things. On to book 3 to hopefully get those answers. I have my suspicions as always but eagerly look forward to the next story.
Definitely recommend this to anyone who loves dragons. This story was almost entirely plot with just a hint of romance tossed in. I have my favorite picked out and hope I am right.

[Brandy Womack · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun fantasy book. I liked that it had historical Chinese elements and traditions. Jin and Tai are both loveable characters in their own ways. I didn't know this was book 2 in a 3 book series, however I enjoyed it even without reading book 1. The story was captivating and kept me engaged.
Thank you to LibraryThing and the author for giving me a chance to read it.

[Kez Sharrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dragon war school in a Tang dynasty setting. What's not to love about that?

[Jean Cable · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read

[Victoria Hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the world that we are in, dragons flying and riders saving the day. Jin has a few obstacles to over come, but she gets there.

[joel eugene soileau · Rating 5 out of 5]

interesting and a page turner

[Emraaj (catching up) · Rating 5 out of 5]

i am so damn behind but holy cow this series is so underrated

[Margaret Hatten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sad and Addicting

The writing is marvelous. I have rarely been so engulfed by emotions. I dare not guess the outcome with such a heartless empress, but I can hope.