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Dragon Ascendant
A dragon who can't wield magic.
A human who hates dragons.
A secret so powerful it could destroy both their races.
Isidra and Syl are different as different can be. Isidra yearns to become one of the Andarae, a global peacekeeping force of mortals and dragons. Syl has a deep grudge against the Andarae because they betrayed her family.
When a magical accident binds Isidra and Syl together, they're forced to team up as a dragon-rider pair and train with the Andarae. That would be bad enough, since the two of them can't stand each other. Then bodies drained of blood start turning up, and it becomes clear that someone's hellbent on destroying the Andarae from within.
With the future of both their races at stake, Isidra and Syl must put aside their differences to solve the murders. But that puts a target on their backs, which means the next bloodless corpses might be them. They'll have to stay one step ahead on this magical murder mystery...
Because if they can't learn to work together, they'll die together.
A human who hates dragons.
A secret so powerful it could destroy both their races.
Isidra and Syl are different as different can be. Isidra yearns to become one of the Andarae, a global peacekeeping force of mortals and dragons. Syl has a deep grudge against the Andarae because they betrayed her family.
When a magical accident binds Isidra and Syl together, they're forced to team up as a dragon-rider pair and train with the Andarae. That would be bad enough, since the two of them can't stand each other. Then bodies drained of blood start turning up, and it becomes clear that someone's hellbent on destroying the Andarae from within.
With the future of both their races at stake, Isidra and Syl must put aside their differences to solve the murders. But that puts a target on their backs, which means the next bloodless corpses might be them. They'll have to stay one step ahead on this magical murder mystery...
Because if they can't learn to work together, they'll die together.
310 pages, Paperback
First published October 15, 2024
About the author
Elana A. Mugdan
12 books124 followersJust a dragon stuck in a human costume. Neutral Good on my best days, Chaotic Evil on my worst.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 16, 2024
A heroic and thrilling tale of two unlikely friends who battle the odds, and each other, to uncover a murderer and save their world from dark and ancient forces.
Isidra has only ever wanted one thing: to become a Dragon Ascendant by attending the academy. There's a problem though, she has no magic, and she can barely fly, two very important attributes every dragon must have if they are to attend the academy and take up the mantle of Dragon Guard of Allentria.
When the magic that powers the city spirals out of control, she is thrown into a tenuous partnership with Syl, a human girl who hates dragons, and granted entrance to the academy.
Mysterious deaths and disappearances begin to occur, and everyone is a suspect, and anyone could be their next victim. Isidra and Syl are forced to set aside their differences to uncover the evildoer before the world changes forever.
I loved this story so much. The worldbuilding is spectacular, and Mugdan throws you into the conflict immediately. Isidra and Syl both have very interesting backstories and their relationship develops naturally and cohesively with the plot.
I love how Mugdan creates real characters capable of making mistakes and failing. The heroes have genuine struggles and challenges, and there was more than one chapter where I had no idea what was going to happen.
Mugdan's conflict here is not a black and white good vs evil; there's nuance and logic behind why the characters, even the villain, does what they do.
If you love dragons, frenemies, mystery, and complex, flawed characters, then you need to read this one asap!
Isidra has only ever wanted one thing: to become a Dragon Ascendant by attending the academy. There's a problem though, she has no magic, and she can barely fly, two very important attributes every dragon must have if they are to attend the academy and take up the mantle of Dragon Guard of Allentria.
When the magic that powers the city spirals out of control, she is thrown into a tenuous partnership with Syl, a human girl who hates dragons, and granted entrance to the academy.
Mysterious deaths and disappearances begin to occur, and everyone is a suspect, and anyone could be their next victim. Isidra and Syl are forced to set aside their differences to uncover the evildoer before the world changes forever.
I loved this story so much. The worldbuilding is spectacular, and Mugdan throws you into the conflict immediately. Isidra and Syl both have very interesting backstories and their relationship develops naturally and cohesively with the plot.
I love how Mugdan creates real characters capable of making mistakes and failing. The heroes have genuine struggles and challenges, and there was more than one chapter where I had no idea what was going to happen.
Mugdan's conflict here is not a black and white good vs evil; there's nuance and logic behind why the characters, even the villain, does what they do.
If you love dragons, frenemies, mystery, and complex, flawed characters, then you need to read this one asap!
August 14, 2024
My favourite part of dragon rider books is always the part where we get the interactions with the dragons, and I often find myself wishing that the book had a dragons pov. When I realised that this story was being told solely from the perspective of the dragon, I was so happy. And it didn't disappoint!
This is a ya fantasy story about finding friendship, believing in yourself, self-acceptance, grieving, and standing up for what is right. It is implied that the dragon rider Syl is aro and/or ace. What I appreciated in this story as a whole is that romance isn't the focus. We, instead, focus on the platonic relationship between Syl and Isidra, and seeing them grow as individuals and as bond mates brought me so much joy. It was wonderful to see the platonic love and trust develop while they're trying to figure out who's behind the mysterious murders.
Elena has written a brilliant story that's set in the same universe as her previously written Shadow War saga. This story definitely tickled my curiosity, and I'm also hoping to see more adventures of Isidra and Syl.
This is a ya fantasy story about finding friendship, believing in yourself, self-acceptance, grieving, and standing up for what is right. It is implied that the dragon rider Syl is aro and/or ace. What I appreciated in this story as a whole is that romance isn't the focus. We, instead, focus on the platonic relationship between Syl and Isidra, and seeing them grow as individuals and as bond mates brought me so much joy. It was wonderful to see the platonic love and trust develop while they're trying to figure out who's behind the mysterious murders.
Elena has written a brilliant story that's set in the same universe as her previously written Shadow War saga. This story definitely tickled my curiosity, and I'm also hoping to see more adventures of Isidra and Syl.
August 28, 2024
I received this book as an ARC read
Elana A. Mugdan's “Dragon Ascendant” transports readers to a world filled with magic powers, and dragons. The story echoes the values of having love for those that are important to you, being resilient,, and having full faith and trust in your partner.
Isidra is such a delightful dragon that is full of determination, and bravery she puts up a fight to stay with her bond mate Sylvanna (Syl).
Whereas Sylvanna is a tough character to understand she starts off hating Isidra due to personal matters, but at the end she persiveres for the two of them to stay together
This story takes one on swooping turns. From the second you believe you know the plot there is another surprise in another corner.
Elana A. Mugdan's “Dragon Ascendant” transports readers to a world filled with magic powers, and dragons. The story echoes the values of having love for those that are important to you, being resilient,, and having full faith and trust in your partner.
Isidra is such a delightful dragon that is full of determination, and bravery she puts up a fight to stay with her bond mate Sylvanna (Syl).
Whereas Sylvanna is a tough character to understand she starts off hating Isidra due to personal matters, but at the end she persiveres for the two of them to stay together
This story takes one on swooping turns. From the second you believe you know the plot there is another surprise in another corner.
November 21, 2024
A great dragon POV book!
So I really enjoyed reading this book and I got pretty hooked fast. It was surprisingly nice to read about the main character, who is not good at anything, doesn't fit in with the rest and gets beaten down by life multiple times but always pushes toward her one goal. I mean I had multiple moments in this book where I as a reader thought " how on earth is this dragon still going? Life is so brutal against you and you face so much hate and everything is cruel to you." It made me sad seeing her struggle so many times. She just doesn't deserve it. But I mean it in a good way for this book. But all the characters go though a nice time of growth and overcome there differences.
Overall I can't really say much negative. Here and there I would have enjoyed a bit more detail and sometimes I wished for a bit of information that only gets revealed pretty late because sometimes I struggle a bit with the ins and outs of the magic system in this universe. The biggest problem I had is something I also read from others. The names are super hard to remember and it absolutely doesn't help when the book gives you like 6 new names in one page. And it happened more than once.
So yeah. I can recommend this one.
So I really enjoyed reading this book and I got pretty hooked fast. It was surprisingly nice to read about the main character, who is not good at anything, doesn't fit in with the rest and gets beaten down by life multiple times but always pushes toward her one goal. I mean I had multiple moments in this book where I as a reader thought " how on earth is this dragon still going? Life is so brutal against you and you face so much hate and everything is cruel to you." It made me sad seeing her struggle so many times. She just doesn't deserve it. But I mean it in a good way for this book. But all the characters go though a nice time of growth and overcome there differences.
Overall I can't really say much negative. Here and there I would have enjoyed a bit more detail and sometimes I wished for a bit of information that only gets revealed pretty late because sometimes I struggle a bit with the ins and outs of the magic system in this universe. The biggest problem I had is something I also read from others. The names are super hard to remember and it absolutely doesn't help when the book gives you like 6 new names in one page. And it happened more than once.
So yeah. I can recommend this one.
September 3, 2024
"Dragon Ascendant" by Elana A. Mugdan is a suspenseful Teen and Young Adult Academia and Action Fantasy Novel. While it shares the same universe as her previously written Shadow War saga, this book is a standalone gem.
Fifteen-year-old Isidra is an orphaned young dragon in the magical world of Allentria. Though plain in appearance, she possesses a golden heart and a precious, big dream. Everyone around her—tutors and peers alike—looks down on her, shattering her self-esteem and confidence. Yet, deep down, she knows she is destined to find her perfect human bondmate, train at the Academy, and triumph as a Dragon Guard of Allentria. However, when this day finally arrives, disaster strikes. Amidst the chaos and rubble, she is blood-bonded to Sylvanna Ashwood, turning their lives into a living nightmare. As dragons are brutally murdered and their human partners go missing, half the Andarae consider Syl and Isidra the culprits, the other half potential victims, and almost all deem them unworthy of their midst. If it weren’t for Syl’s deep hatred for dragons, things might be easier. Will they be able to find balance, prove themselves up to the challenge, and save their world before evil changes it forever?
Elana A. Mugdan has crafted one of the most enchanting and delightful dragon tales. The story, seamlessly unfolding through the eyes of the dragon protagonist, is utterly spellbinding. I’m completely in love with Isidra and have been rooting for her all along, while ‘hating’ the outrageous Syl and her Sarah J. Maas’s Nesta vibes—please, Nesta’s fans, don’t come at me. The fast-paced plot is full of mystery, relentless twists, and suspenseful action that keeps readers turning pages nonstop up to the heartbreaking yet heartrending ending.
"Dragon Ascendant” is the perfect book to transform even the most reluctant fantasy reader into an avid dragon tale advocate. It’s a remarkable blend of frenemies, mystery, politics, and mortal conflicts, with an enthralling blurry line between black and white, evil and good. This book will leave you hungry for more of Elana A. Mugdan’s captivating stories.
I extend my sincere appreciation to NetGalley and the author for granting me access to the eARC—I was thoroughly enchanted by the story.
Fifteen-year-old Isidra is an orphaned young dragon in the magical world of Allentria. Though plain in appearance, she possesses a golden heart and a precious, big dream. Everyone around her—tutors and peers alike—looks down on her, shattering her self-esteem and confidence. Yet, deep down, she knows she is destined to find her perfect human bondmate, train at the Academy, and triumph as a Dragon Guard of Allentria. However, when this day finally arrives, disaster strikes. Amidst the chaos and rubble, she is blood-bonded to Sylvanna Ashwood, turning their lives into a living nightmare. As dragons are brutally murdered and their human partners go missing, half the Andarae consider Syl and Isidra the culprits, the other half potential victims, and almost all deem them unworthy of their midst. If it weren’t for Syl’s deep hatred for dragons, things might be easier. Will they be able to find balance, prove themselves up to the challenge, and save their world before evil changes it forever?
Elana A. Mugdan has crafted one of the most enchanting and delightful dragon tales. The story, seamlessly unfolding through the eyes of the dragon protagonist, is utterly spellbinding. I’m completely in love with Isidra and have been rooting for her all along, while ‘hating’ the outrageous Syl and her Sarah J. Maas’s Nesta vibes—please, Nesta’s fans, don’t come at me. The fast-paced plot is full of mystery, relentless twists, and suspenseful action that keeps readers turning pages nonstop up to the heartbreaking yet heartrending ending.
"Dragon Ascendant” is the perfect book to transform even the most reluctant fantasy reader into an avid dragon tale advocate. It’s a remarkable blend of frenemies, mystery, politics, and mortal conflicts, with an enthralling blurry line between black and white, evil and good. This book will leave you hungry for more of Elana A. Mugdan’s captivating stories.
I extend my sincere appreciation to NetGalley and the author for granting me access to the eARC—I was thoroughly enchanted by the story.
April 23, 2025
This.
I mean, holy shit. I really, really loved this book, way more than I ever thought I would. This is exactly the kind of book I wish I had had years ago.
I mean, a dragon protagonist, with a heart-wrenching plight, an unfairly compelling dynamic with her would-be bondmate, and an absolutely incredibly detailed, unique world to boot? The cover is a bit misleading, but this thing would have consumed my entire existence at one point—and it's threatening to do so even now.
God, that doesn't even begin to do this book justice. I did not know that I needed this book so bad, but I really did. This was truly a joy to read. It hooked me almost instantly, sucked me along with really compelling characters and problems, teased me with an excellent mystery that managed to surprise me in the best way possible at least twice, and had a very satisfying resolution.
And it's only now I'm realizing this might be some kind of spinoff book? I have no idea if Elana is going to write a sequel to this one, but I really hope she does. In the meanwhile I'll have to settle with reading everything else she's written.
10/10, send help I'm dying
I mean, holy shit. I really, really loved this book, way more than I ever thought I would. This is exactly the kind of book I wish I had had years ago.
I mean, a dragon protagonist, with a heart-wrenching plight, an unfairly compelling dynamic with her would-be bondmate, and an absolutely incredibly detailed, unique world to boot? The cover is a bit misleading, but this thing would have consumed my entire existence at one point—and it's threatening to do so even now.
God, that doesn't even begin to do this book justice. I did not know that I needed this book so bad, but I really did. This was truly a joy to read. It hooked me almost instantly, sucked me along with really compelling characters and problems, teased me with an excellent mystery that managed to surprise me in the best way possible at least twice, and had a very satisfying resolution.
And it's only now I'm realizing this might be some kind of spinoff book? I have no idea if Elana is going to write a sequel to this one, but I really hope she does. In the meanwhile I'll have to settle with reading everything else she's written.
10/10, send help I'm dying
September 9, 2024
THIS IS WHAT IM TALKING ABOUT!!
This book is magical. I’m not a YA reader, but Dragon Ascendant stole my heart. It has everything you’d expect in a YA Fantasy, yet it’s so unique in its own right that it almost feels like multiple different things all at once.
The story follows Isidra, a dragon unable to wield magic. I absolutely love the idea of the story being told from a dragon’s perspective and not their human bondmate’s like other typical dragon filled fantasies.
From start to finish, the story carried me in such a fluid way. There wasn’t a single aspect where I felt it lagged or was confusing. I became connected with Isidra and Syl and was rooting for their relationship to bloom, despite them sometimes making me so angry I wanted to yell at them!
The ending holds the perfect feelings of finality while also leaving it open ended for the reader to feel a sense of peace and subtle mystery for the future. After finishing, I’m left with positive vibes in my soul.
I’m a writer, and this masterpiece of a book has inspired me to pick up the pen again. Absolutely well done!!
This book is magical. I’m not a YA reader, but Dragon Ascendant stole my heart. It has everything you’d expect in a YA Fantasy, yet it’s so unique in its own right that it almost feels like multiple different things all at once.
The story follows Isidra, a dragon unable to wield magic. I absolutely love the idea of the story being told from a dragon’s perspective and not their human bondmate’s like other typical dragon filled fantasies.
From start to finish, the story carried me in such a fluid way. There wasn’t a single aspect where I felt it lagged or was confusing. I became connected with Isidra and Syl and was rooting for their relationship to bloom, despite them sometimes making me so angry I wanted to yell at them!
The ending holds the perfect feelings of finality while also leaving it open ended for the reader to feel a sense of peace and subtle mystery for the future. After finishing, I’m left with positive vibes in my soul.
I’m a writer, and this masterpiece of a book has inspired me to pick up the pen again. Absolutely well done!!
October 8, 2024
Ok, so... Dragon Ascendent is my second unexpected delight of the year. Not in the sense that I thought it would be bad, but in that I have been struggling to find a home in YA fantasy for years and this story allowed me to comfortably reenter the genre. I didn’t expect to connect so deeply with a dragon struggling to fit in, but Isidra’s vulnerability and determination were everything. The dynamic between her and Syl pulled me in—awkward, tense, but ultimately so rewarding. I found myself rooting for them, not just as heroes in a fantasy plot but as individuals trying to find their way in a messy, complex world. Mugdan’s quirky writing style is perfect for the colorful world and characters she's created and easily accessible by readers of most ages. I've been a fan of her other works, and landing on these books has not disappointed me. This story is a gem for anyone who loves their fantasy with heart.
August 23, 2024
A MURDER MYSTERY WITH DRAGONS!!! An intriguing and delightful read told from a unique and unexpected point of view!! I LOVED IT!! I don't want to give any spoilers as I would love for the readers to be as wonderfully shocked as I was in finding out in whose point of view the story is told. There is plenty of snarky banter between the two main characters which adds to the charm of the story. Altho this is a YA story - adults will enjoy the charm of the story also. I highly recommend adding this story to your TBR. You will not be disappointed.
I received an ARC thru NetGalley but my opinion is my own.
I received an ARC thru NetGalley but my opinion is my own.
September 16, 2024
Sylvanna HATES the Andarae. Isidra longs to be one. How will they get along?
This is not the kind of growing relationship that we see most times. No, this is UNIQUE. Their frenemy relationship is complex and honestly a joy to read and watch develop.
This book was wonderful! As my first ARC book, I was NOT disappointed. There was a ton of mystery that both left me in suspense but also didn’t leave me waiting for action. The character development is top notch, and the same with the relationship between Syl and Isidra. At times, the book felt a little too young for me, but so many aspects of it got me squealing from how good it was (I have dramatic reactions, ok?)
This is not the kind of growing relationship that we see most times. No, this is UNIQUE. Their frenemy relationship is complex and honestly a joy to read and watch develop.
This book was wonderful! As my first ARC book, I was NOT disappointed. There was a ton of mystery that both left me in suspense but also didn’t leave me waiting for action. The character development is top notch, and the same with the relationship between Syl and Isidra. At times, the book felt a little too young for me, but so many aspects of it got me squealing from how good it was (I have dramatic reactions, ok?)
September 29, 2024
4.5 stars/5
This is the first book with dragons where the POV is actually the dragon's, not the human's. The story was really cute and I enjoyed it a lot; it has many elements like mystery, unlikely friends, academy, magic and so much more. At times the characters were pretty childish, but that's to be expected, since they are quite young, especially the dragon.
If you want to read a unique story with dragons, give this one a try.
Disclaimer: I received a free e-book copy in exchange for my honest review
This is the first book with dragons where the POV is actually the dragon's, not the human's. The story was really cute and I enjoyed it a lot; it has many elements like mystery, unlikely friends, academy, magic and so much more. At times the characters were pretty childish, but that's to be expected, since they are quite young, especially the dragon.
If you want to read a unique story with dragons, give this one a try.
Disclaimer: I received a free e-book copy in exchange for my honest review
December 8, 2024
Isidra has longed for nothing else than to become one of the Andarae, Syl doesn't want anything to do with them or Isidra, unfortunately circumstances force them to work together to solve murders that have started happening. Can they reconcile their differences and stay alive or will their inability to work together destroy everything? Will betrayal win?
I loved this story, there were many original elements. Love the world-building and the characters.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this story.
I loved this story, there were many original elements. Love the world-building and the characters.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this story.
September 6, 2024
Got an ARC off of Netgalley.
I didn't expect this to be from the dragons point of view. It was down well and is a rare perspective to dragon rider books. Simular to Wings of Fire meets a middle grade version of Fourth Wing. The glossary at the end was cool and helpful, I just didn't realize it was there until the end.
I didn't expect this to be from the dragons point of view. It was down well and is a rare perspective to dragon rider books. Simular to Wings of Fire meets a middle grade version of Fourth Wing. The glossary at the end was cool and helpful, I just didn't realize it was there until the end.
October 2, 2024
This is a very good book that teaches some great lessons like finding yourself and moving past traumas. We follow a young dragon with no family and is desperate for a friend, and a young girl who lost her father and does not believe what the dragons say about him. After an accident, these two are now stuck together whether they like it or not and there are some ups and downs.
July 13, 2025
Enemies to best friends in the best way. There is real character development between Syl and Isidra as they overcome their differences and become friends. This book has great representation of a character who is so downtrodden that she feels worthless coming in to her own. There is political intrigue and wonderful world building. This is a wonderful book.
August 17, 2024
Dragon Ascendant is what you'd get if you combined a YA, zero-spice Fourth Wing with the Wings of Fire franchise. It's my—er, I mean, Mugdan's MOST dragon-centric book to date.
Bottom line is, I'm very proud of this book. If you like dragons, you should read it.
Bottom line is, I'm very proud of this book. If you like dragons, you should read it.
September 24, 2024
Astonishing world-building, dragons, magic, frenemies, perfect prose and kick-ass dialogue. What more could you want? Mugdan's books are always a treat, stacked with high drama, bristling conflict, breathtaking battle scenes, and fully-realised characters. 'Dragon Ascendant' is a fantastic addition, and testament, to Mugdan's body of work and genuine love of scales and wings and fire. I loved every page, from snout to tail.
September 7, 2025
Clever and engaging
Challenging to find a new approach to dragons and humans. Mugdan succeeds with a novel voice and new perspective to the mix of fantasy creatures that one might encounter. Genuinely empathy for the young characters and their dilemmas comes through.
Challenging to find a new approach to dragons and humans. Mugdan succeeds with a novel voice and new perspective to the mix of fantasy creatures that one might encounter. Genuinely empathy for the young characters and their dilemmas comes through.
September 24, 2025
I’m devastated because WHY isn’t there another one?? Or three more??
August 29, 2024
I loved The Shadow War Saga and while this is different it still has the things I enjoyed about Elana's other books. I adore dragons so seeing them as the true star of the book (we get all dragon PoV in this one!) is an easy way straight to my heart.
With a compelling dragon-centric plot and amazing characters (and character growth) this novel has everything but romance which I didn't want anyway. Finding novels without a romance plot somewhere in the mix isn't as easy as it should be, and I treasure every aro/ace character I find.
With a compelling dragon-centric plot and amazing characters (and character growth) this novel has everything but romance which I didn't want anyway. Finding novels without a romance plot somewhere in the mix isn't as easy as it should be, and I treasure every aro/ace character I find.
August 6, 2024
lmao casually dropping a new book without any warning to anyone
anyway lots of dragons, my MOST DRAGON-CENTRIC BOOK YET (and that's saying something)
anyway lots of dragons, my MOST DRAGON-CENTRIC BOOK YET (and that's saying something)
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews