Turbulent Magic

by E.M. Peterson

Tal never thought he would end up as a flight attendant on a budget dragon airline. He was destined for the life of a mage after graduating from the most prestigious university in the realm. That is, until his magic abandoned him, forcing him to flee the university in disgrace.

Now, rather than getting his magic back, he’s stuck dealing with a stubborn dragon, needy passengers, and the demands of dragon rights activists who have begun picketing the airline. Worse, Tal makes the mistake of falling for the activists’ leader, who just might convince him to care about something besides magic, despite his best efforts.

Meanwhile, the one form of magic returning to Tal is the rare ability to speak with dragons. This ability arrives just in time for him to learn that the dragons are planning a fiery rebellion against the airline, which makes the whole thing decidedly, and inconveniently, his problem.

As the passengers, activists, and even the dragon begin to worm their way into Tal’s heart, he must decide whether to accept his new life and help their cause, or keep fighting for his old one.

Genres: Fantasy

332 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 6, 2025

Reviews

[Casey Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a delightful cozy fantasy set in a really enjoyable world! Tal had to leave mage school when he seemingly lost his magic and what was originally shaping up to be a very promising magical career. Feeling like a bit of a failure, Tal works as a flight attendant for Dragon Air. Literally, an airline that straps a canopy to carry passengers on the back of a dragon! Love the concept. But you know who doesn't? Bex! Enter our protester rallying for dragon rights and fair contracts. Tal and Bex may not always see eye-to-eye but they are both decent people who are willing to hear the other person out. It is cozy, it has underlying political inferences and messages of acceptance (both of self and others), and it has a variety of dragons and fun banter! There is a magic school, academic rival, bit of romance, and a little heist. I would definitely recommend this one to all cozy fantasy lovers!

Thanks to the author and the Nerd Fam for the e-ARC! Book releases 5/6/25.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Turbulent Magic
By EM Peterson

What a great way to kick off 2025!

Peterson has such a charming and engaging way of weaving his story that you start thinking maybe this will all be light and funny. But then you realize how deeply he is digging into his characters and motivations. And how far the antagonist has actually gone.

Tal is such a fantastic main character. We meet him at a low point in his life and start to get to know him, but that is just one layer of who he is. Bex seems a little one dimensional at first but her strength and convictions really shine through as we get to know her. There are some amazing secondary characters as well.

And oh my goodness their banter is amazing 😂 had me giggling at my kindle!


Magic system is fantastic, but I want to know more! I’m hoping we get more books set in this world and we get to know more about Tal’s new magic, how he lost it, and how it transformed.

Be prepared for me to be bugging everyone to read this, publishing date is May 6th.

5 out of 5 stars would buy Ronar short ribs

Thanks to the author @empeterson_books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Emilie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the honor of receiving an ARC of this book, and now I can’t wait to recommend this book to friends when it’s released! This is a fantastic story that might fit within the “cozy fantasy” category (think Legends and Lattes), although the plot builds up to higher stakes in the end. I loved the premise of a world with dragon airlines, and the moral qualms that drive the story. There is even a magical school element, which feels like a college Harry Potter. Each character was vibrantly painted—I loved how distinct in personality each of them were! There is a really cute slow-burn romantic subplot that feels so natural and sweet. And of course, the dragons are awesome. A really fun read!

[Angie Jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was thrilled to receive an early copy of this book, because it was the first time I was having the privilege of reading before publication date! For my first ARC this did not disappoint! I loved the characters, quickly fell in love with the building of the world Tal lived in. Bex is a woman after my own heart, standing up for what she believed in, no matter the cost. I highly recommend!

[♡ Nicole ♡ (ThroneOfSnark) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ARC Review
🛫 Cozy Fantasy | 🐉 Dragons | 💫 Found Family | ❤️ Slow-Burn Romance

Tal never thought he’d end up as a flight attendant on a budget dragon airline. He was supposed to be a mage from the realm’s most prestigious university. But when his magic failed him, he was forced to leave in disgrace. Only to find himself juggling demanding passengers, a temperamental dragon, and a growing protest from dragon rights activists.

This setup made for such a cozy, heartfelt fantasy that hit all the right notes. It’s still firmly within my favorite genre, but felt like a warm, magical palate cleanser. Tal is one of those characters who just feels real. His struggle between holding onto the life he thought he wanted and embracing an unexpected new path was so relatable. I would’ve been torn too…

And just as Tal starts to regain one rare form of magic, the ability to speak with dragons, he discovers that the dragons are planning a fiery rebellion. Suddenly, their cause becomes his problem, whether he likes it or not.

The supporting cast was a delight. Bex, the headstrong activist Tal accidentally falls for, honestly felt like they were breaking the fourth wall to wink at us romantasy readers. I loved that! Enna, the elderly passenger full of mischief and surprises, completely stole the show. I seriously loved her so much. And Ronar the dragon? Every scene with him speaking was a highlight, I loved his voice and presence.

There’s something deeply satisfying about watching a ragtag team come together for a cause bigger than themselves, and Turbulent Magic nails that feeling. It’s cozy, funny, heartfelt, and all around magical. A wonderfully surprising ARC and an easy 5-star read.

[Ricki Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, huge thank you to the author E.M. Peterson for this ARC!

This cozy fantasy hits all the points you would expect in a grand adventure. I love the fresh take of a dragon airline, which becomes a major point of conflict and fuels the storyline.

There is great world building, and it makes me hope for another novel set in this world so we can experience more of the places that were only touched on, but didn’t have actual events occur there. The descriptions of the people and places were so colorful and fun, and all the supporting characters have so much potential for interesting backgrounds and future escapades.

I would have loved to learn more about the magic in this world, but in the beginning we meet Tal at his rock bottom because he has lost his magic abilities so it makes sense that there’s not a ton of magical happenings in the beginning. On the other hand, the magical creatures are always front and center and it makes me want a snapdragon for a pet 🦎

[Bella Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was blessed with the opportunity to read this prior to release. Turbulent Magic is a remarkable fantasy novel that weaves together dragons, magic, and an inspiring message about resilience. E.M. Peterson takes readers on an unforgettable adventure, reminding us that even when life doesn’t unfold as we expect, there’s always a bright side waiting to be discovered.
The story is full of heart and excitement, with well-crafted characters navigating a world brimming with magic. The dragons are as awe-inspiring as they are integral to the narrative, making every moment with them a true highlight.
This book is perfect for anyone who loves a fantasy adventure with a deeper, uplifting message. A must-read for fans of magic, dragons, and stories about finding strength in unexpected places!
5⭐️

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

“To be needed like this, to know that his mere presence benefited others, was a gift he hadn’t realized he’d lost.”

If you love a cozy story with magic, dragons, underdogs, and a hint of romance, look no further than Turbulent Magic by EM Peterson ✨🐉

Tal and Ronar are our dynamic duo with a budget dragon airline, traversing the sky with passengers. Tal is also a mage who dropped out of university when his magic abandoned him. Join them on their adventure as they navigate life with a budget airline and a dragon rebellion on the horizon. Will Tal follow his heart and join the fight for the rights of the dragons, or will he let his ego get the best of him as he heads back to university?

If you love Legends & Lattes or This Will Be Fun, check out Turbulent Magic when it hits shelves Tuesday, May 6th! You won’t be disappointed!

Thank you SO much to EM Peterson for the ARC!

[Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Turbulent Magic" is a delightful read that offers a fresh perspective on the fantasy genre. From the moment I picked up the book I knew I was in for a unique and thrilling ride—literally. The idea of a budget dragon airline was enough to hook me, but what really kept me turning the pages was the heart of this story: Tal, a once-promising mage who’s lost his powers and is struggling to find his place in the world.

Special thank you to the author for a e-arc of this book!

[Caitlin Homan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you E.M. Peterson for the copy! This story was so cute and was so fun to read. I really enjoyed the characters and the dragons, especially Ronar. The sarcasm and humor are top notch and it has some cozy vibes at times. Perfect amount of action and it wraps up nicely without feeling rushed. Pacing was also great, this is a really nice easy read that isn’t exactly low stakes but doesn’t need trigger warnings.

[Jan farnworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The idea of a budget dragon airline was enough to hook me, but the heart of this story kept me turning the pages: Tal, a once-promising mage who’s lost his powers and is struggling to find his place in the world. I found the fundamental life element of protesting that the dragons had been tricked into working with the contracts, and since you can’t communicate with them, it just assumed that they enjoy the job. I feel that you are best to go into this book blind as there is so much more to it than just a struggling mage working for an airline, and you will fall in love with all the characters and the results of magical contracts with magical creatures.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was not expecting this book to go into dragon rights and the ethics of employing dragons to fly people for a dragon airlines, but it did and it was so fun. I went into this book expecting a cozy light story about a mage that had lost his magic and works to get it back, but it was so much more than that. It was complex and realistic and thought provoking. I loved the characters and how real they felt. They made choices that were difficult, but realistic.

It starts out a little slow, as we follow Tal through his struggles of having lost his magic. He is, justly, a little apathetic at first, and it takes him a little bit to warm up to Bex. When he does, he starts to find more of a purpose in his life.

This tale is a nice, light, yet thought provoking story with realistic characters that make you root for them.

[Bevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

{4.75/5}

CW: anxiety/burn out

Thank you to the author for the ARC! “Turbulent Magic” is available now!

Really the description could’ve been ‘formerly gifted magic student burns out, starts working at the draconian equivalent of spirit airlines, unwillingly becomes entangled with a dragons’ rights activist’ and that would have been enough to sell me on the entire book.

[You actually don’t get any more of a blurb because I can’t come up with anything better than the above. The MC is named Tal. Carry on.]

I adore absolutely everything about this book. The sarcastically dry humor. The not so subliminal messaging about agencies that prey on those that cannot understand to defend themselves. All of it. Extra bonus points because my background is in interpersonal communication, and seeing the idea, not just that language can take many forms but also that speech does not equal communication, played out in this story made my nerdy little heart very happy.

This is very much a cozy-esque story that has some actual plot to it. The magic is fantastic, and I would love to see another story set in this same world where the larger magic system plays a more prominent part in the action. Here, it’s very much the backdrop to the rest of the story, but it works perfectly. We start out in a more slice-of-life structure that rolls over into the more ‘traditional’ problem-crisis-solution style that we usually see (hence, cozy-esque).

The vibes and the humor play off each other excellently to create this lovely story that is incredibly fun to read. Tal is developed enough to give us some insight into his choices, but not to the extent that we could give a full psychological work up of the man (except I think a lot of us are going to resonate with the burnout, so maybe we could). I could absolutely see this becoming one of my comfort reads, and that’s a hard list to make. If you’re looking for a story that takes a lot of mental effort to keep up with, that gets into the nitty gritty details of every little thing, this isn’t it. But if you want something that’s the right balance of fun and plot with characters that thrive on dry humor and hot tea, then this is the book for you.

[Jazmine Drebenstedt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was privileged to have been given an electronic ARC for Turbulent Magic, which will be available this spring. I loved this book!! I find myself wanting more of the characters. I'd especially love more background on Enna and Claret. I want to understand who Enna is and what interests her about Tal. Her magical background, why she takes flights so often (I don't think I missed a detail explaining this?). I'd love some short stories about Claret's adventures, too. I was a little bummed that Pear kind of disappeared after the mission at the estate, and would have liked to see him continue as part of the entourage.

I feel like I could join Tal, Bex, and crew at the local tavern and be welcomed like an old friend.

I was expecting to see more of Tal and Ronar's relationship in the beginning of the book, I didn't fully grasp that they were truly friends or had a relationship beyond just coworkers until later on. Perhaps this is because of how Tal's abilities developed over time? But he mentions Ronar being his friend even at his lowest points and I didn't pick up that vibe initially.

I also appreciated how Tal's decisions made me think about what I would do if I was in his shoes. The opportunity to go back to the university with the sponsorship from Bex's parents, knowing they were behind such evil contracts for their dragons and how Tal weighs his options but ultimately does what he wants instead of saying no because of their wrongdoings. At the end of the day, we all have dreams and we all need money, you know? Not everyone can afford to boycott Walmart to stick it to mega corporations, not everyone could turn down a full ride scholarship or a job with a large pay increase just because the money is coming from a shitty person. I both didn't want him to make that choice, but understood why and could have seen myself doing the same thing.

At the end of the day, I loved this story. I loved the characters and their interactions. Would love to see more of Tal, Bex, Helena, and Ronar making contact with the dragons. Would love a story about almost any of their friends, too.

[GheridenTheBookBard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun read. Turbulent Magic completely charmed me with its cozy fantasy vibes, clever world, and sharp humor. I found myself genuinely laughing out loud more than once, and also pulled in by the heart behind the story.

Tal, our main character, is a former magical prodigy who’s lost his spark—literally. With magic no longer an option, he ends up working as a flight attendant for Dragon Airlines. Between irritable dragons, demanding passengers, and protestors rallying for dragon rights, Tal’s new job is anything but boring. Things only get wilder when he discovers he can communicate with dragons and finds himself caught up in a brewing rebellion.

I really enjoyed the romance subplot with Bex, one of the activists. She’s fun and perky, but also grounded and passionate about her cause. I loved how she challenged Tal, especially in the way he viewed dragons and his own comfort zones. Their dynamic felt natural and added another layer to Tal’s growth.

The side characters in general were great. Everyone felt distinct and like they belonged in the world, not just there to move the plot along. And the dragons? Easily my favorite part. Their personalities came through so clearly, and I kept looking forward to every scene they were in.

Beneath all the magic and humor, there’s also some thoughtful commentary on real-world issues—activism, rights, and systemic power struggles. It was handled with care and added a depth that made the story stand out even more.

A few parts got a bit heavy on detail, but it never slowed the story down too much. The world-building was vivid, the magic system made sense, and for a standalone, this world felt impressively fleshed out. I’d love to revisit it someday.

Overall, Turbulent Magic was cozy, clever, and full of heart. I didn’t want it to end, and I’ll definitely be reading more from E.M. Peterson.

[JackiReadsThings · Rating 4 out of 5]

 After suddenly losing his magic, top student Tal briskly leaves the university and becomes a flight attendant for a budget dragon airline. Yes, a budget dragon airline. The majestic beasts we normally think of have cabins strapped to their backs and are used as transportation.

All Tal wants is for his magic to return, but instead he gets Bex. After storming into down Bex starts protesting against the airline, but an unlikely friendship starts. Around the same time, Tal gains the unheard of ability to talk to dragons and overhears a dragon conversation about starting a rebellion against the airline. Tal and his companions have no idea what they are in for, because it is about so much more than dragon contracts.

Overall, the book was adorable. In one paragraph Peterson perfectly encapsulated what a tea shop near a campus is like. His narration style brings the world to life, at times I really felt like I was flying with Tal on Ronar. I did leave the book with a few questions though. If there is a device to talk to dragons why didn't they ask the person who invented how it worked instead of just asking for the device? I just wish there had been a little more world building and more time spent getting to know the characters motivations. Either way, Turbulent Magic will be on the top of my list any time anyone asks for a cozy fantasy recommendation.

Lastly, I have one question for E.M. Peterson: How can I get a Pear?

Thank you to E.M. Peterson and The Nerd Fam for an advanced reader copy of this book. 

[halina mae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!

The amount of books that I rate five stars is minimal. I'm picky with my ratings and spend a lot of time thinking about them. But I absolutely adored this book! I read it in about four hours and just devoured it. Overall, a fantastic book with fun characters, real life issues addressed, but fantasy that lets you get wrapped up in the world a bit, too.

Tal and Bex are such fun, creative characters, and they're both well developed and realistic personality-wise. They have believable flaws and very human reactions to things and I could relate to both of them! I also love that their romance wasn't just romance; it was them becoming friends and helping each other learn about themselves and then eventually falling in love, too. This made their relationship very realistic.

I loved the dragons as well as the way they are a metaphor for the exploited laborers in the world and how this book draws attention to this issue, but not in a "I'm writing this book to shove this in your face" way. it's a very natural metaphor that fits with the book and genre, and I appreciated that.

I would have liked to see a bit more world building, like more about the world they live in and the way the dragons live, but all in all I think this was an awesome adventure that gave a mix of Kiki's Delivery Service and Brandon Sanderson while still being very accessible!

[Lauren Moye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Turbulent Magic by E.M. Peterson is absolutely magical. This story swept me into its world, magic system, atmosphere, and sense of humor immediately—it’s so immersive and made me want to stay in its world and keep exploring (especially around the magical school) long after I finished reading. The action scenes felt like watching a movie; they were so well paced that I found myself periodically holding my breath during a battle or right before a reveal. Exciting, fun, bantery (I did a lot of giggling), and hilarious throughout, I couldn’t put it down!

Additionally, Turbulent Magic is also a story full of feeling, exploring themes of family, true friendship in its many forms, and coming to terms with one’s abilities—and their meaning in the world when those abilities are gone or taken from them. The author is such an incredibly talented writer, masterfully connecting complex characters and conflicts in such a thoughtful way. Reading this book felt like being hugged while drinking a mug of chamomile tea (even if the adorable mini dragons to go crazy because of it).

If you like exciting and mysterious yet heartfelt and cozy stories—especially ones full of dragons and friendship—then this is one book from an incredibly talented author that you need to dive into immediately. I can’t wait to read more books by E.M. Peterson!

[Kianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, thank you to E.M. Peterson for sending me this amazing ARC. It was a joy to read and I'm delighted to share my honest review of the story!

This book is based on such a unique concept: what if dragon airlines existed? Tal is a Dragon Air flight attendant, living life as a bit of a loner. However, a worthwhile cause darkens his doorstep one day as Bex, a dragons rights activist, brings protests to his take off zone. Tal discovers more about his magic and the cruel world he lives in as he seeks the truth and fights for what is right in a riveting tale! I absolutely enjoyed the unlikely pairing that Tal and Bex made in this story. They were so different to begin with but easily found common ground by being decent people, even if their goals didn't always align. There was some fun foreshadowing that occurred throughout this story but what I liked the most was the interactions with the dragons. Pear is an absolute gem of a tiny snapdragon who brightened my read every time an interaction included him. This story was fun and light while still having some great social and political commentary!

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had the privilege of being an ARC reader for this book. It was a very exciting opportunity.

The characters in this book are very well developed. The conversations and banter between them are very believable. I very much enjoyed the struggles the main chatter Tal faces as well as the female main character Bex.

The overall plot was one I enjoyed as well. Tal lost his magic but then discovers he can talk to dragons. In this process he finds out that the *dragons* are plotting something. Love me some good political intrigue.

There was one spot in the plot that feel through for me. There just wasn’t any talk about the political climate of their country for the ending to be presented the way it was without leaving some plot holes in my mind. I feel like there needed to be something laid out for the reader in order for the ending to truly make since.

Also, be prepared to have your dictionaries ready. Between the plot hole and having to constantly look up words is why this book got 3 stars for me. Overall a good read, but I was left wanting a little more.

[Shauna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a delight, I was smiling virtually the entire time. Full of witty banter, quirky characters, and a magic system that blends academia with adventure.

Tal, a former mage-turned-flight-attendant, is just trying to keep his head down after failing magic school. But when he discovers he can communicate with dragons—the very ones flying the budget airline he works for—he’s dragged into a conflict over workers' rights, magical contracts, and a dragon rebellion. What follows is a blend of cozy fantasy, drama, and a dash of espionage.

I loved the entire cast—from the charmingly relatable Bex (color-coding bookshelves? Eating buttered bread like it's a personality trait? Same) to Pear the little snapdragon🥹. Tal did make some questionable choices that annoyed me, but he ultimately redeemed himself.

This book gave me the same whimsical vibes of Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Faeries and The House in the Cerulean Sea. And if you enjoy a cozy fantasy with a sprinkle of academia, dragon-fueled antics, you’ll enjoy this!

Thank you to E.M. Peterson for the ARC!

[Ashley H · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars - I had the fortune to receive a free ARC of this delightful book in exchange for an honest review.

I really loved Turbulent Magic and it was such a refreshing change from a lot of what I read. It was cozy, low spice, clever, and really quite funny at times. The MC’s Tal and Bex are not your typical broody romantasy warrior hotties. Honestly the nerd rep in this was awesome. I also appreciated the side characters (especially my dudes Ronar the dragon and Pear the snapdragon!! 🐉 ).

E.M. Peterson’s style and world building reminded me a bit of what I enjoyed so much about Harry Potter back in the day—magic is everywhere and it’s described in a way that is fantastical but still relatable, with lots of fun little details worked in all over for the reader to pick up on.

I do wish I could have read a little more about the dragons’ rebellion or met more dragons in general, and some parts in the middle to end of the book dragged a little for me. But overall I was very happy with this and absolutely will be recommending it!

[Kaitlyn Waggoner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly, thank you so much to the author for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for a review.

This book was so refreshing. The plot was unique. The characters were enjoyable. The setting was magical (literally).

This book is cozy, whimsical, and quirky. It has magic, dragons, rebellion, reluctant allies to lovers, academia, and really great side characters.

Add the following ingredients:
A protest against dragon airlines for dragon rights.
A former top mage, who no longer has magic.
A passionate and pushy activist (with a family secret).
A cranky dragon who demands his prime rib.
A snapdragon who attempts a heist.
Research into dragon speech.
And loveable new friends
Mix in:
a corrupt business man
A scorned academic rival
And a few dozen cups of tea.


And you get this wonderful story! If you're a fan of cozy fantasy and dragons, I 10/10 recommend this read for a good time.

[Katelyn Delone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay okay I see what you see there. First off I wanna be transparent when I say the first 100 pages I was still unsure if I was going to like the book I don’t know something about the beginning had thrown me off and i wasn’t sure if I liked it but to my surprise as I kept reading I devoured the remaining book in one sitting I was throughly surprised. I became captivated by the story and the characters specially became interesting when we could hear the dragons thoughts. I throughly enjoyed the book by the end and if there’s another in the series I will happily be reading it. It was very interesting as well to get an entire book in the POV of the main male character to watch what he went through and coming into himself was wholesome and then bex I love her she’s witty and was not afraid to fight for what she believed in. And dragons rights were definitely worth fighting for. This was a very refreshing read that I enjoyed to my hearts content. Thank you for this heartwarming story. 🥰🥰

[Hannah Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

After dropping out of grad school, Tal’s been working for a dragon airline, a very under budget dragon airline. He wants to find a way to get his magic back, but when dragon right’s activists start bugging him at work and a pretty lady named Bex is leading them? Well things get thrown off a little bit.
Obviously there’s more to the plot than that small tidbit, but I feel like this book is best to read blind. It’s incredibly creative, something I’ve never seen before, and I loved it. Dragons saving the world, you can never go wrong. But dragons saving the world in a new way? I’m very happy to see that Peterson pulled it off incredibly well, and I’d love to see authors be more creative with creatures and storylines instead of doing what people come to expect.
Thank you to EM Peterson for sending me a copy of your book early!

[sondra rathe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC in return for an honest review!

Charaters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
World Building: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

My old wish is that we got more of Tal and Ronar's story.
*****MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*****

Would you abandon your own morals and ideas for money or power?

Would you trick all the dragons you could, so you could stay at university?

All in the name of research.

This story shows that we all face challenges and we must stay true to our beliefs no matter what. As one moment of weakness or giving in could change everything!
********

First we have all felt what it's like to want something so much only to have it taken away in the blink of an eye.

Tal seemingly resents what happened to him. Now a flight attendant after a dream of being a great mage.

During this Tal makes 2 friends.

And this is where the magic happens!

[Greer · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Dragon Air, where fiery service is standard issue without the burn marks! Please keep your hands inside the cabin at all times, and under no circumstances should you attempt to jump."

This is a delightful blend of fantasy and humor, set in a world where dragons are the source of passenger flight and also need the respect in the workplace and job protection that they are entitled to. It has elements of equality and fair treatment, with references to combating corporate bullying in a light yet meaningful way.

Prepare for plenty of laugh out loud moments, a dash of sweet romance, and a dose of dragon snark. It's an enjoyable read with a wonderful blend of wit, charm, and an offbeat premise. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a lighthearted and fiery escape!

[R.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Turbulent Magic by E.M. Peterson is hands down my favorite cozy fantasy book I've read! The writing is a master class opening inciting incidents and populating the beginning with interesting obstacles naturally. I loved the concept of a Dragon Flight Attendant in general. Add to the fact Tal is a mage who lost his magic; it is a concoction for trouble in the best way!

I really felt for Tal and the moral dilemmas he faced. Ronar the dragon Tal works with is especially feisty and fun! I loved the side characters and their personalities that complemented Tal and his needs to grow. Bex, the down on her luck protestor, is the right person to kick Tal in the pants and shake up his life.

If you love cozy fantasy, or dragons, or unique concepts, or just love reading great books, pick this one up immediately! Easily a 5/5 cozy dragons from me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Mai · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book to start 2025 with! Thank you so much to E.M. Peterson for providing me with an advance review copy for free.

This book was so cozy, easy to read and get into, that I ended up finishing it in one night. I loved everything about it, especially Tal's interactions with dragons and the revelations of dragon speak. The romance development was just the cutest and felt realistic.

This book had it all for me ❤️
✔️Dragons... and talking, bantering Dragons✔️✔️
✔️Wonderfully original plot
✔️Romance
✔️Academia vibes
✔️Mages
✔️Easy to love characters
✔️A magical world to escape into

It seems to be a standalone book, but I hope we get more adventures following Tal, Bex, and everyone else.

[Book Dragon’s Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC for my honest review.

I enjoyed this book so much. Even though the author did not deep dive into the deities and background, there was so much world-building to this story. The history, the dragons, and the hierarchy of the species were captivating.

Talarus’ internal struggle was so well done. Watching him grow and see what truly mattered to him, while showing his roots of not being powerful, but growing in knowledge was well done. I appreciated that it was a back-and-forth, rather than a smooth path.

The author did so well with showing the faults of the humans for taking advantage because they thought they were better. It truly was an inspirational story. And I loved the ending. It left me hopeful for the future of Tal and his companions.