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Dragon Defenders of Destia: Six Book World Boxset
As dark magic threatens to engulf Destia, a young mage and an orphan may be the kingdom’s only hope…
Eva Thirsk is no dragon rider, cleaning out the stable is as close as she’ll ever come. Perrell is a pack dragon who longs to fly into battle but is too small for combat. Courage burns in their hearts, but it seems destined to remain untested.
Then the warlock Malcolm Venistrare escapes his magical prison, and everything changes.
Eva finds herself imbued with powerful new magical abilities that transform her and Perrell into the dragon-riding team they’ve always dreamed of being. But within that power lies a dangerous secret about Eva’s bloodline.
Will Destians support Eva’s battle against the warlock—or will the kingdom turn against her once the truth is revealed?
Meanwhile, Winnie has always dreamt of being a mage. So when she’s chosen to travel with a delegation to the capital of Fantis, she seizes the chance to prove herself to the Fairspell Magic Academy. But Winnie’s determination soon plunges her into a mystery that threatens the kingdom’s magic.
Imprisoned and tormented by a dark force's experiments, Winnie becomes bound to a fierce dragon named Kygo.
But the experiment that binds them together makes Winnie’s newfound powers erratic and dangerous. And she’ll need every ounce of that power to face a treacherous enemy. With Kygo at her side, Winnie must unearth the secrets of a source of power strong enough to defeat the greatest magic.
Can this unlikely pair harness their new abilities in time to save the kingdom?
From Queen of the Dragons Ava Richardson comes the Dragon Defenders of Destia—two epic dragon-riding fantasy adventure trilogies. Fantasy readers will love this six-book boxset filled with dragons, magic, and determined heroines!
Eva Thirsk is no dragon rider, cleaning out the stable is as close as she’ll ever come. Perrell is a pack dragon who longs to fly into battle but is too small for combat. Courage burns in their hearts, but it seems destined to remain untested.
Then the warlock Malcolm Venistrare escapes his magical prison, and everything changes.
Eva finds herself imbued with powerful new magical abilities that transform her and Perrell into the dragon-riding team they’ve always dreamed of being. But within that power lies a dangerous secret about Eva’s bloodline.
Will Destians support Eva’s battle against the warlock—or will the kingdom turn against her once the truth is revealed?
Meanwhile, Winnie has always dreamt of being a mage. So when she’s chosen to travel with a delegation to the capital of Fantis, she seizes the chance to prove herself to the Fairspell Magic Academy. But Winnie’s determination soon plunges her into a mystery that threatens the kingdom’s magic.
Imprisoned and tormented by a dark force's experiments, Winnie becomes bound to a fierce dragon named Kygo.
But the experiment that binds them together makes Winnie’s newfound powers erratic and dangerous. And she’ll need every ounce of that power to face a treacherous enemy. With Kygo at her side, Winnie must unearth the secrets of a source of power strong enough to defeat the greatest magic.
Can this unlikely pair harness their new abilities in time to save the kingdom?
From Queen of the Dragons Ava Richardson comes the Dragon Defenders of Destia—two epic dragon-riding fantasy adventure trilogies. Fantasy readers will love this six-book boxset filled with dragons, magic, and determined heroines!
2031 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 31, 2024
137 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Ava Richardson
151 books428 followersAva 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.
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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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 1, 2024
Book one: 5 stars! ⭐️
Book two: 5 stars! ⭐️
Book three: 5 stars! ⭐️
Book four: 5 stars! ⭐️
Book five: 5 stars! ⭐️
Book six:
Pre-read:
Guess who found an arc for a six book ya fantasy dragon series?
Me! 😝
Book two: 5 stars! ⭐️
Book three: 5 stars! ⭐️
Book four: 5 stars! ⭐️
Book five: 5 stars! ⭐️
Book six:
Pre-read:
Guess who found an arc for a six book ya fantasy dragon series?
Me! 😝
July 31, 2024
Pack Dragon is the first of the 6 book Destia series about an orphan, Eva, who decides to leave her adoptive family, where she has never felt fully accepted or understood, for what she hopes is a better life in the army. Her country is at war with the neighboring country, her ultimate dream is to be a bonded dragon rider, but will settle for anything that helps her country win the war. She encounters favoritism, not in her favor, of the nobility over the poor and is posted at one of the lowest positions within the army. She is championed by a female dragon rider who continues to befriend her throughout the story. Eva, thru her wit and courage and with the help of her friend, is offered opportunities to advance within the army. She also befriends one of the smaller pack dragons. Eva’s story is full of ups and downs, disappointments and elevations. Through it all Eva remains positive, courageous and experiences growth of character.
Fairspell Academy is the second book and 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.
Warlock’s Heir is book 3 in the Destia series. Warlock’s Heir picks up right where book #2 leaves off. Ava is working with the Prince of Destia to locate and stop the Warlock that is waging war on their country using their neighboring country to help him. There is action, a touch of romance, good vs evil and friendships strengthened and gained. New characters are introduced and bad guys are given the chance to turn good. Sometimes the inward reflection or soul searching gets to be a bit much, but that may be because I am a grown adult reading a book meant for younger adults, but I am a sucker for dragons!
Hybrid Magic is book #4 in the Destia series, This is book is set after the war ends and both countries, Fanta and Destia, are trying to deal with the aftermath of a magical war. This book is centered on Winnie, seen as a supporting friend in the first three books, but here is the main character. She goes on a diplomatic mission into the old “enemy” territory to try to help figure out the cause of and treatment for the “rot” caused by the evil magicians left over magic. Winnie grows as a person and as a mage. It was a bit weird for one of Ava’s books to not have a dragon as a central character, but one comes into the picture about half way thru the story and he, Kygo, is a major player! Winnie discovers a new kind of magic and together, she and Kygo, triumph and are determined to still help the others of the mission and the people and land still sick from the “rot.”
Lifeforce Magic is book #5. Winnie is still getting used to her freedom after escaping her kidnapper that was experimenting on her and her current companions. She is trying hard to get back to her own country to warn her king that Fantis is close to provoking a recurrence of the war they just ended and at the same time she is trying to learn how to work with her new found lifeforce magic and her new bond with the wild dragon Kygo that had been part of the experiments in prison. The story follows their adventures as they make their way toward the Fantis/Destia border and their introspections about their changed life.
Cradle Magic is book #6. Winnie is back home with Kygo and only interested in staying at school, but the king asks her to go on the mission to rescue the rest of the team she originally went to Fanta with. Winnie and Kygo must learn to trust themselves and rely on others to succeed. The future of the two countries is dependent on figuring out her new magic and how to use it to stop the evil and selfish warlock threatening them all.
Ava Richardson holds up to her standard of entertaining stories and imaginative situations and conclusions. I love everything I have ever read by Ava Richardson and the Destia series does not disappoint. I highly recommend!
Genre(s): Fantasy, young adult, strong female lead, dragons, magic, clean, dragon rider, female heroine
Bad Language: none
Intimate Scenes/Reference: mild, one kiss
Violence: minor, nothing bloody or gory,, the good guys always try to preserve life, mostly magical in nature
Substance Abuse: none
Mental Health: mild for anger, revenge, slavery; some depression due to captivity, but overcome by inner strength and the strength of friendship; power hungry madness
Addiction: none.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Fairspell Academy is the second book and 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.
Warlock’s Heir is book 3 in the Destia series. Warlock’s Heir picks up right where book #2 leaves off. Ava is working with the Prince of Destia to locate and stop the Warlock that is waging war on their country using their neighboring country to help him. There is action, a touch of romance, good vs evil and friendships strengthened and gained. New characters are introduced and bad guys are given the chance to turn good. Sometimes the inward reflection or soul searching gets to be a bit much, but that may be because I am a grown adult reading a book meant for younger adults, but I am a sucker for dragons!
Hybrid Magic is book #4 in the Destia series, This is book is set after the war ends and both countries, Fanta and Destia, are trying to deal with the aftermath of a magical war. This book is centered on Winnie, seen as a supporting friend in the first three books, but here is the main character. She goes on a diplomatic mission into the old “enemy” territory to try to help figure out the cause of and treatment for the “rot” caused by the evil magicians left over magic. Winnie grows as a person and as a mage. It was a bit weird for one of Ava’s books to not have a dragon as a central character, but one comes into the picture about half way thru the story and he, Kygo, is a major player! Winnie discovers a new kind of magic and together, she and Kygo, triumph and are determined to still help the others of the mission and the people and land still sick from the “rot.”
Lifeforce Magic is book #5. Winnie is still getting used to her freedom after escaping her kidnapper that was experimenting on her and her current companions. She is trying hard to get back to her own country to warn her king that Fantis is close to provoking a recurrence of the war they just ended and at the same time she is trying to learn how to work with her new found lifeforce magic and her new bond with the wild dragon Kygo that had been part of the experiments in prison. The story follows their adventures as they make their way toward the Fantis/Destia border and their introspections about their changed life.
Cradle Magic is book #6. Winnie is back home with Kygo and only interested in staying at school, but the king asks her to go on the mission to rescue the rest of the team she originally went to Fanta with. Winnie and Kygo must learn to trust themselves and rely on others to succeed. The future of the two countries is dependent on figuring out her new magic and how to use it to stop the evil and selfish warlock threatening them all.
Ava Richardson holds up to her standard of entertaining stories and imaginative situations and conclusions. I love everything I have ever read by Ava Richardson and the Destia series does not disappoint. I highly recommend!
Genre(s): Fantasy, young adult, strong female lead, dragons, magic, clean, dragon rider, female heroine
Bad Language: none
Intimate Scenes/Reference: mild, one kiss
Violence: minor, nothing bloody or gory,, the good guys always try to preserve life, mostly magical in nature
Substance Abuse: none
Mental Health: mild for anger, revenge, slavery; some depression due to captivity, but overcome by inner strength and the strength of friendship; power hungry madness
Addiction: none.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 29, 2024
In the first 3 books we meet the main character Eva Thirsk who was raised in a small farming town after being left at the age of 5 and even though she was raised by a lovely family she never truly feels like she belongs, when she runs an errand in town when she is 16 she sees a group of army recruiters and their dragons she sees her opportunity to find her past and where she belongs. She faces many challenges from the dragon riders and other recruits, there is obviously nepotism within the ranks as those from more wealthy and noble families are immediately given better jobs even if they're not qualified for them, even through this she manages to make friends and through these challenges is how she meets what will become her dragon Perrell who is bullied by the other pack dragons (which I think is one of the greatest human/dragon bonds in a book I've ever read). Once the Venistrare warlock has been unleashed (Big action SPOILER, but not going to give it away!) her journey really begins as she unexpectedly gains magic and the ability to bond with a dragon.
Once this happens we head into book 2 where Eva and Perrell are invited to a special dragon/magic academy. Once here she faces even more challenges than she did before. She is at a disadvantage immediately because she is having to learn her magic at 16 when people her own age are already more advanced so she is placed with the younger students who are more advanced than she is, she gets looked down upon because she isn't from one of the wealthy or well known families. She also struggles with the magical theory and practice because she wasn't raised in the magical community so she doesn't have the knowledge to understand the discussions about the different types of magic users. She has one friend there with her but she still has enemies from book 1. She is told she has to start passing her classes or she will have to leave the academy but she is given the chance to compete in the annual tournament which is a challenge all in itself, if she doesn't complete it then she's out. Because of this she puts in as much extra training as she can with her dragon and her studies, this is where she meets the crown Prince (she doesn't realise it's him until later). Whilst competing in the tournament trouble starts when she uses a second type of magic.
In the third book Eva is a dragon rider and a first year student at Fairspell Academy. She returns home to the farm where she was raised with her dragon, but again she faces unknown challenges. She gets invited by the Prince to join a small team to search for the warlock Venistrare and to stop him but there is a big secret she's keeping and she faces a challenge where she can risk either following orders from the Prince or she can reveal her secret and face Venistrare head on and risk losing everything.
These first 3 books are gripping and it is so hard to put them down, I couldn't stop thinking just one more page.
We then head into the second part of the series where we get a new main character Winnie. She only has one dream which is of being a mage but her Grandmother threatens to pull her out of Fairspell Academy so she has to prove her herself. She gets selected to travel with a delegation of mages to the capital she sees her chance to prove herself but it definitely doesn't go to plan and her determination gets her mixed up in a mystery that threatens the whole kingdom, it's through this that we meet who will become her dragon Kygo. They must band together to escape a vicious evil and try to save her fellow mages.
In the second book we begin to truly see Winnie's courage and strength really shine through when tragedy strikes.
In the third book Winnie has to face her destiny. When the King sends her on a mission she has to pull on everything within her. She has to uncover secrets and unearth a power that is stronger than any other magic.
These were incredible books to read, the tension and suspense were page turning and gripping, I loved the ending of this series because it tied up any loose ends raised in the series.
I would definitely recommend these books to anyone who enjoys suspense, fantasy, tension, magic schools and dragons. Definitely a must read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Once this happens we head into book 2 where Eva and Perrell are invited to a special dragon/magic academy. Once here she faces even more challenges than she did before. She is at a disadvantage immediately because she is having to learn her magic at 16 when people her own age are already more advanced so she is placed with the younger students who are more advanced than she is, she gets looked down upon because she isn't from one of the wealthy or well known families. She also struggles with the magical theory and practice because she wasn't raised in the magical community so she doesn't have the knowledge to understand the discussions about the different types of magic users. She has one friend there with her but she still has enemies from book 1. She is told she has to start passing her classes or she will have to leave the academy but she is given the chance to compete in the annual tournament which is a challenge all in itself, if she doesn't complete it then she's out. Because of this she puts in as much extra training as she can with her dragon and her studies, this is where she meets the crown Prince (she doesn't realise it's him until later). Whilst competing in the tournament trouble starts when she uses a second type of magic.
In the third book Eva is a dragon rider and a first year student at Fairspell Academy. She returns home to the farm where she was raised with her dragon, but again she faces unknown challenges. She gets invited by the Prince to join a small team to search for the warlock Venistrare and to stop him but there is a big secret she's keeping and she faces a challenge where she can risk either following orders from the Prince or she can reveal her secret and face Venistrare head on and risk losing everything.
These first 3 books are gripping and it is so hard to put them down, I couldn't stop thinking just one more page.
We then head into the second part of the series where we get a new main character Winnie. She only has one dream which is of being a mage but her Grandmother threatens to pull her out of Fairspell Academy so she has to prove her herself. She gets selected to travel with a delegation of mages to the capital she sees her chance to prove herself but it definitely doesn't go to plan and her determination gets her mixed up in a mystery that threatens the whole kingdom, it's through this that we meet who will become her dragon Kygo. They must band together to escape a vicious evil and try to save her fellow mages.
In the second book we begin to truly see Winnie's courage and strength really shine through when tragedy strikes.
In the third book Winnie has to face her destiny. When the King sends her on a mission she has to pull on everything within her. She has to uncover secrets and unearth a power that is stronger than any other magic.
These were incredible books to read, the tension and suspense were page turning and gripping, I loved the ending of this series because it tied up any loose ends raised in the series.
I would definitely recommend these books to anyone who enjoys suspense, fantasy, tension, magic schools and dragons. Definitely a must read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2024
This is an amazing series that does not disappoint and will leave you at the edge of your seats. Two unlikely orphans Eva and Winnie star in this 6 book series. The first 3 books focus on Eva as she bons with Perrell, a work dragon, and unlocks mysterious powers that are against the norm. She discovers a mysterious connection between herself and the evil sorcerer Malcolm Venistrare that may be the secret of taking him down.
Her best friend Winnie, is another scholar with wind powers. She travels to Fantis on a peace mission to unlock the secret of Malcolm Venistrare's destruction. There she is captured and is bonded to Kygo, a wild dragon against both of their wills.
The series is well plotted and the characters are amazing. 5/5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Her best friend Winnie, is another scholar with wind powers. She travels to Fantis on a peace mission to unlock the secret of Malcolm Venistrare's destruction. There she is captured and is bonded to Kygo, a wild dragon against both of their wills.
The series is well plotted and the characters are amazing. 5/5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 1, 2024
Combining Dragon Defenders of Destia Part 1 and Part 2, this boxset allows one to binge read both stories. As one who hates to wait to read a great series, this was perfect for me. While the first three books can be read as a separate story, one really needs to have read the first three in order to truly understand the last three. Both main characters are great and the reader can really get involved with the stories. I highly recommend!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 27, 2024
I really enjoyed this series. The story builds suspense and speaks out against discrimination of any kind. Both dragons and humans are not all the same and everyone has characteristics that can be used for the good of society.
This series is a must-see for every dragon and dragon rider lover.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This series is a must-see for every dragon and dragon rider lover.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 29, 2024
This is a great set of books to read. I think its great when you can read them all at once. I have read or listened to these books before. So if you would like to read my reviews on these books, please go to the individual books to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 17, 2024
Wow! A beautiful collection of dragons adventures!
I heard once that Ava Richardson was queen of dragons, and now I can affirm that. These books are full of magic, surprising twists and adventures. Just hours and hours of exciting reading!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I heard once that Ava Richardson was queen of dragons, and now I can affirm that. These books are full of magic, surprising twists and adventures. Just hours and hours of exciting reading!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 8, 2025
This series has it all
Ava Richardson makes words into magic. Eva and Winnie face insurmountable obstacles, yet they not only survive, but grow stronger with help from others. Dragons, forced shifters, evil that won't stay down, humor, loss, victories, friendships and slowburn and clean romance. HEA.
Ava Richardson makes words into magic. Eva and Winnie face insurmountable obstacles, yet they not only survive, but grow stronger with help from others. Dragons, forced shifters, evil that won't stay down, humor, loss, victories, friendships and slowburn and clean romance. HEA.
January 4, 2026
Great read!
This is the third series I've read by Ava Richardsonand I will be reading more. The stories and characters were well developed and brought to a good ending, nothing clipped short. I could see readers of all ages enjoying these books. There is no cursing nor explicit sex scenes (thank you). All in all a great read.
This is the third series I've read by Ava Richardsonand I will be reading more. The stories and characters were well developed and brought to a good ending, nothing clipped short. I could see readers of all ages enjoying these books. There is no cursing nor explicit sex scenes (thank you). All in all a great read.
September 10, 2024
Looking back
The flow of this series astonishing even though there was a lot of
Repeating to make the series long. Very well written.
The flow of this series astonishing even though there was a lot of
Repeating to make the series long. Very well written.
December 25, 2024
As always if it's written by Ava Richardson it's going to be good!
October 23, 2025
A great story
Usually after one or two books I get bored with the story but not this set this was a really good set and I would recommend this to anyone I know
Usually after one or two books I get bored with the story but not this set this was a really good set and I would recommend this to anyone I know
December 15, 2025
Very engaging adventure
Great tale, no inevitable story lines, they are unique and engaging and you just have to keep reading. Just read status!
Great tale, no inevitable story lines, they are unique and engaging and you just have to keep reading. Just read status!
January 3, 2026
Riveting story.
A great series of books. This story held my attention and I had a hard time interrupting my reading for chores and sleep.
A great series of books. This story held my attention and I had a hard time interrupting my reading for chores and sleep.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews