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The Magic of Dragons #1
Riders and Hunters
In a world where dragon riders and dragon hunters have been at war for centuries, power is everything.
Kayla was never supposed to survive.
One year ago, she walked away from a plane crash that killed her entire family. Now, she’s spent every day trapped in the weight of her grief, ignored by former friends, haunted by flickering memories of fire, screams, and something impossible—a dragon pulling her from the wreckage.
She's summoned to Theridon Academy, the prestigious school where only the strongest dragon riders train. But the moment she arrives, she realizes something is different about her—something the dragons recognize. Something the hunters fear.
With the kingdom on the brink of war, riders and hunters are forced to face the the balance of power is shifting.
And the academy is full of
The golden prince is perfect and untouchable who was born to lead.
The dangerous dragon hunter, ruthless and unpredictable, was raised to destroy everything she stands for.
Both want her on their side.
Both could be her undoing.
As strange visions of the past creep into her mind, Kayla starts to Is she here to carve out a new destiny? Or is this a life she’s already lived before?
The riders have trained for war.
The hunters have been waiting for revenge.
And Kayla? She's caught in the middle forced to make a choice that can alter her whole reality.
🔥 Perfect for fans of romantasy, dragon academies, and high-stakes rivalries, The Magic of Dragons is an action-packed fantasy adventure filled with powerful creatures, thrilling romance, and a world teetering on the edge of destiny. This series is for readers who want stories like His Dark Materials, Throne of Glass and Fourth Wing––without the spice!
Kayla was never supposed to survive.
One year ago, she walked away from a plane crash that killed her entire family. Now, she’s spent every day trapped in the weight of her grief, ignored by former friends, haunted by flickering memories of fire, screams, and something impossible—a dragon pulling her from the wreckage.
She's summoned to Theridon Academy, the prestigious school where only the strongest dragon riders train. But the moment she arrives, she realizes something is different about her—something the dragons recognize. Something the hunters fear.
With the kingdom on the brink of war, riders and hunters are forced to face the the balance of power is shifting.
And the academy is full of
The golden prince is perfect and untouchable who was born to lead.
The dangerous dragon hunter, ruthless and unpredictable, was raised to destroy everything she stands for.
Both want her on their side.
Both could be her undoing.
As strange visions of the past creep into her mind, Kayla starts to Is she here to carve out a new destiny? Or is this a life she’s already lived before?
The riders have trained for war.
The hunters have been waiting for revenge.
And Kayla? She's caught in the middle forced to make a choice that can alter her whole reality.
🔥 Perfect for fans of romantasy, dragon academies, and high-stakes rivalries, The Magic of Dragons is an action-packed fantasy adventure filled with powerful creatures, thrilling romance, and a world teetering on the edge of destiny. This series is for readers who want stories like His Dark Materials, Throne of Glass and Fourth Wing––without the spice!
340 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 15, 2025
16 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Laura Burton
75 books734 followersLaura writes sweet romance and fantasy with steamy kisses, thrilling suspense, and mystery.
A self-confessed Potterhead and Once Upon a Time fan.
Laura marries her love of 1990's romcoms with her obsession with Pretty Little Liars and writes fast-paced books written especially for readers who need an escape.
Laura Burton is a British author who lives in Wiltshire, England with her three wild sons, alpha-male husband, and positively loopy Poochon.
A self-confessed Potterhead and Once Upon a Time fan.
Laura marries her love of 1990's romcoms with her obsession with Pretty Little Liars and writes fast-paced books written especially for readers who need an escape.
Laura Burton is a British author who lives in Wiltshire, England with her three wild sons, alpha-male husband, and positively loopy Poochon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
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June 30, 2025This is only half a book. It ends on a cliffhanger. I feel cheated.
June 10, 2025
I'm still digesting what I just read so this review is still coming together as I write it
Karma seems like a quiet, confused young girl whose life is turned upside down when she losing her whole. family in a plane crash then it's even more thrown upside down when she is invited to join Theridon Academy for Dragon Riders by being gifted a necklace from her school councellor
Now this part confused me as it stated that she was only 16 when she lost her family the plan crash but then when she is gifted the necklace from her school councellor it's when she is graduating high school so I thought she was 18, also there is no mention of her going into care or living with a distant relative so I don't know what to take from the missing information
Moving forward she is thrust into Theridon to attend the Acadamy learning what it means to be a dragon rider while coming to terms with her being "just a human" without any magic x Kayla makes friends quickly with her roommate Mari (Marigold) & also with Bo (who we later find out is King Siberious' youngest son) - again there relationship confuses me because one moment they seem really good close friends & then the next Bo seems almost like their enemy, now I dont know if that's how Laura wanted their relationship to me but I felt like it just jumped around a bit, almost as if we missed something crucial
To makes things more complicated we met Ajax who is a Wolf Shifter & has imprinted with Kayla (Ajax was also the Wolf who nearly killed Kayla on the train journey to Theridon) so another complicated relationship blossoms
As things progress the trip go on a trial together where if they succeed they will be bonded with their dragons, where Kayla meets her Dragon - Zephyros
Once again Kayla is thrown through a loop when Zephyrps explains she is of both Dragon & Wolf who is the bridge that will bond the warring race & hopefully will allow both Dragons & Wolves to live harmoniously
During all this we have a couple battle scenes that seem to end rather quickly & without a proper result being shown as to what the conclusion of these battles are
Overall as much as there was times I was confused by the plot & didn't always understand where the story was leading i did actually enjoyed Kayla's story & what these friends face in order to bring peace to their world & would recommend for any lover of fantasy 😊 xxxxxx
Karma seems like a quiet, confused young girl whose life is turned upside down when she losing her whole. family in a plane crash then it's even more thrown upside down when she is invited to join Theridon Academy for Dragon Riders by being gifted a necklace from her school councellor
Now this part confused me as it stated that she was only 16 when she lost her family the plan crash but then when she is gifted the necklace from her school councellor it's when she is graduating high school so I thought she was 18, also there is no mention of her going into care or living with a distant relative so I don't know what to take from the missing information
Moving forward she is thrust into Theridon to attend the Acadamy learning what it means to be a dragon rider while coming to terms with her being "just a human" without any magic x Kayla makes friends quickly with her roommate Mari (Marigold) & also with Bo (who we later find out is King Siberious' youngest son) - again there relationship confuses me because one moment they seem really good close friends & then the next Bo seems almost like their enemy, now I dont know if that's how Laura wanted their relationship to me but I felt like it just jumped around a bit, almost as if we missed something crucial
To makes things more complicated we met Ajax who is a Wolf Shifter & has imprinted with Kayla (Ajax was also the Wolf who nearly killed Kayla on the train journey to Theridon) so another complicated relationship blossoms
As things progress the trip go on a trial together where if they succeed they will be bonded with their dragons, where Kayla meets her Dragon - Zephyros
Once again Kayla is thrown through a loop when Zephyrps explains she is of both Dragon & Wolf who is the bridge that will bond the warring race & hopefully will allow both Dragons & Wolves to live harmoniously
During all this we have a couple battle scenes that seem to end rather quickly & without a proper result being shown as to what the conclusion of these battles are
Overall as much as there was times I was confused by the plot & didn't always understand where the story was leading i did actually enjoyed Kayla's story & what these friends face in order to bring peace to their world & would recommend for any lover of fantasy 😊 xxxxxx
June 18, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Imprinted, intrigued, and totally hooked
Okay, so listen… if I crash-landed in a strange realm and got yanked from the wreckage by a DRAGON, I’d probably pass out cold. But not this girl. Nope—she wakes up in Theridon, a whole dang dragon rider academy, where everyone has magic except her. And suddenly she’s the awkward new girl in a school full of winged beasts, magical prodigies, and deadly secrets.
And I was living for every second of it.
Laura Burton knows exactly how to pull you into a world and make it feel like home—complete with dragons flying overhead and wolf shifters lurking just beyond the trees. The pace? Fast. The stakes? Sky high. And the tension? That sweet kind of YA slow-burn that made me feel 15 again (but, you know, with better snacks and more adult side-eye).
Now here’s where it gets juicy—our heroine, magicless and totally out of place, ends up imprinted on by a wolf shifter. Yes. One of the dragon-hunting, absolute-no-go, wrong-side-of-the-war wolf shifters. And that little twist? Had me audibly gasping and clutching my imaginary pearls.
It's like being stuck between your sworn enemy and the only person who sees you—and I ate that dynamic up with a freaking spoon. Because what do you do when your heart’s pulling you in one direction, but your entire new magical found-family says it’s treason?
The vibes are Fourth Wing-lite with a softer edge, no spice, and a big heart. And honestly? Sometimes that’s exactly what I want—no drama I have to hide behind a pillow to read, just heart-racing action, fresh fantasy worldbuilding, and a heroine who’s trying to find her place when everything (and everyone) says she doesn’t belong.
I didn’t just read this—I devoured it. And I already know I’m riding into book two like a dragon on fire.
Magic or not, this girl’s got spark.
And I’m here for the whole ride. 🐉🔥💜.
Okay, so listen… if I crash-landed in a strange realm and got yanked from the wreckage by a DRAGON, I’d probably pass out cold. But not this girl. Nope—she wakes up in Theridon, a whole dang dragon rider academy, where everyone has magic except her. And suddenly she’s the awkward new girl in a school full of winged beasts, magical prodigies, and deadly secrets.
And I was living for every second of it.
Laura Burton knows exactly how to pull you into a world and make it feel like home—complete with dragons flying overhead and wolf shifters lurking just beyond the trees. The pace? Fast. The stakes? Sky high. And the tension? That sweet kind of YA slow-burn that made me feel 15 again (but, you know, with better snacks and more adult side-eye).
Now here’s where it gets juicy—our heroine, magicless and totally out of place, ends up imprinted on by a wolf shifter. Yes. One of the dragon-hunting, absolute-no-go, wrong-side-of-the-war wolf shifters. And that little twist? Had me audibly gasping and clutching my imaginary pearls.
It's like being stuck between your sworn enemy and the only person who sees you—and I ate that dynamic up with a freaking spoon. Because what do you do when your heart’s pulling you in one direction, but your entire new magical found-family says it’s treason?
The vibes are Fourth Wing-lite with a softer edge, no spice, and a big heart. And honestly? Sometimes that’s exactly what I want—no drama I have to hide behind a pillow to read, just heart-racing action, fresh fantasy worldbuilding, and a heroine who’s trying to find her place when everything (and everyone) says she doesn’t belong.
I didn’t just read this—I devoured it. And I already know I’m riding into book two like a dragon on fire.
Magic or not, this girl’s got spark.
And I’m here for the whole ride. 🐉🔥💜.
June 10, 2025
This book falls somewhere between 3-4 stars for me at the moment but since it is the first of a series and there is still so much potential I’m going to give 4.
It’s a fun read, with a writing style that is easy to follow and get into. I really enjoyed the Hogwarts versus reality description the dragon rider school.
The characters are likeable and there is plenty of variety in the types of people/creatures and magic. It’s really interesting and sets up opposing sides well. There is so much potential.
It does however still need a bit more editing. There are still quite a few typos and a few parts feel a bit disjointed and rushed.
Either way I am still looking forward to seeing where this series goes because all of the components are there for an exciting magic and dragon related series.
I received a free copy of this book from booksprout and am leaving a review voluntarily.
It’s a fun read, with a writing style that is easy to follow and get into. I really enjoyed the Hogwarts versus reality description the dragon rider school.
The characters are likeable and there is plenty of variety in the types of people/creatures and magic. It’s really interesting and sets up opposing sides well. There is so much potential.
It does however still need a bit more editing. There are still quite a few typos and a few parts feel a bit disjointed and rushed.
Either way I am still looking forward to seeing where this series goes because all of the components are there for an exciting magic and dragon related series.
I received a free copy of this book from booksprout and am leaving a review voluntarily.
September 20, 2025
The Magic of Dragons, Riders and Hunters was such a refreshing change from my usual psychological thrillers. Because it’s written in the young adult genre, the story flows easily and makes for a fast-paced, enjoyable read. I was quickly pulled into the magic of dragons, riders, and hunters, and the author’s creativity really shines through in the world-building and adventure.
What I loved most was how captivating and imaginative it felt without being heavy. It had just the right mix of action, heart, and wonder to keep me turning the pages. For me, it worked as the perfect palate cleanse, a fun, magical escape that reminded me how rewarding it can be to step outside of my normal reading comfort zone.
If you’re looking for an engaging and easy-to-read fantasy that still captures your imagination, this one is worth picking up, and I can’t wait for book 2 to be released.
What I loved most was how captivating and imaginative it felt without being heavy. It had just the right mix of action, heart, and wonder to keep me turning the pages. For me, it worked as the perfect palate cleanse, a fun, magical escape that reminded me how rewarding it can be to step outside of my normal reading comfort zone.
If you’re looking for an engaging and easy-to-read fantasy that still captures your imagination, this one is worth picking up, and I can’t wait for book 2 to be released.
July 5, 2025
We enter a magical world of dragons riders and dragon hunters who are at war with each other, a world where power is the be all and end all. Kayla was rescued from a plane crash that killed her whole family, by a dragon and finds herself at the Theridon Academy a school for dragon riders. It’s an exciting read set in a wonderful world of mythology, magic and romance, where there’s dragons and werewolf shifters and fae, where our fmc whose strong and feisty, finds herself stuck and trying to find where she fits in. It’s a great read with incredible world building and a storyline with depth and twists and turns to make us gasp and leaves us eager for more!
August 8, 2025
This instalment of the series is a clean read, good for ages 14+. Some thematic violence and grief.
If you grew up enjoying Percy Jackson, dreams cape novels, and rapid moving adventures, this would be a good book for you. It can be easily read in short bursts if you're struggling to find time to sit and read long sections.
I liked the concept very much and think the world is fascinating. The main character has believable flaws while still feeling likeable. I'm hoping in the following books flesh out the relationships and magic systems in a world that connects with other realms.
If you grew up enjoying Percy Jackson, dreams cape novels, and rapid moving adventures, this would be a good book for you. It can be easily read in short bursts if you're struggling to find time to sit and read long sections.
I liked the concept very much and think the world is fascinating. The main character has believable flaws while still feeling likeable. I'm hoping in the following books flesh out the relationships and magic systems in a world that connects with other realms.
June 8, 2025
Needed more editing, but enjoyable
Great story, wonderful characters but the writing needed more editing. There were lots of gaps that made the reading feel jointed. It felt rushed and like whole sections were missing. But the world and story idea were good and the characters were likeable (or not depending on which side they were on). Will probably read the rest of the series to see how it turns out but I dont see it topping charts sadly.
Great story, wonderful characters but the writing needed more editing. There were lots of gaps that made the reading feel jointed. It felt rushed and like whole sections were missing. But the world and story idea were good and the characters were likeable (or not depending on which side they were on). Will probably read the rest of the series to see how it turns out but I dont see it topping charts sadly.
June 8, 2025
The Magic of Dragons is Book 1 in the Riders and Hunters Series by Laura Burton. I found this fast paced dragon fantasy to be fabulous. I really thought the characters to be so well written, but, the Dragons are wonderful powerful creatures. This author writes such good stories and The Magic of Dragons is first rate...BUT, don't forget the Kleenex. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
June 11, 2025
This story is a different approach to dragons. Kayla loses her whole family in a plane crash. Arriving at a dragon academy she realizes she is different. Is she here to carve out a new destiny? Or is this a life she’s already lived before? That is the dilemma she faces. I recommend this series. I am anxious to read the next one.
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.
June 15, 2025
I like fantasy stories and this one is great. Main character faces a tragedy and is dealing with grief and fitting in her whole life. She is given an opportunity for change. She goes but then also doesn't belong. Its great to see the character evolve and try to find who she is in this new world with a bit of help from love.
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 19, 2025
The Bridge! I like the message, the attempt to convey the truth to the disputing parties. The book is exciting, the unexpected is always present. The author brings the story to life and brings us closer to everyday life, in which the disputants often lose track and context. I recommend this book to anyone who sees a parallel world in their imagination, where a kernel of truth should inspire us to reflect.
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.
June 11, 2025
This book was well written. I have read a few books by Laura and I have loved each one. This one is no different. I recommend it if you love fantasy and action. I was hooked from page one and read the whole thing in a day!.
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.
June 21, 2025
This book was such an enchanting story filled with love, loss and dragons! The characters came to life and jumped off the pages, the beautiful details in the story just really made you feel like you were a part of it! I can’t wait for the next book!.
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 23, 2025
2.5 stars!
I liked the concept of this book, but the delivery wasn't quite there. I didn't feel any attachments to the characters or the plot. The book jumped around a lot and was a little hard to follow. I will probably read the next book when it comes out because I am interested to see what happens next.
I liked the concept of this book, but the delivery wasn't quite there. I didn't feel any attachments to the characters or the plot. The book jumped around a lot and was a little hard to follow. I will probably read the next book when it comes out because I am interested to see what happens next.
May 23, 2025
Enticing and entertaining!
This story is delightfully engaging. I'm already invested in the MC and want to know more. I get so bored easily reading these days, but the book is fun and has little twists and turns you don't see coming...
I can wait to see what happens in the end.
This story is delightfully engaging. I'm already invested in the MC and want to know more. I get so bored easily reading these days, but the book is fun and has little twists and turns you don't see coming...
I can wait to see what happens in the end.
June 5, 2025
Magic, dragons, wolf shifters, fae and a girl thrown into a world she didnt know about and now she has to savs them all, the sassy dragon reminds me so much of Saphira and andarna with her wit, and humor. worth the read if you're looking for something with no spice but action packed
June 12, 2025
This is a must read for anyone needing that hit of magic and mystery, what more could you need?! Magic, dragons wolves and other fantasy creatures too.
I need the 2nd book pronto can't wait to see where this story leads
I need the 2nd book pronto can't wait to see where this story leads
June 12, 2025
Anything with dragons immediately gets my attention, some books are just okay and once in a while one will blow me away. Kayla’s story had me hooked from page one, I couldn’t put it down! I can’t wait for book two!
June 22, 2025
a great wholesome read
A clean fantasy adventure great for kids. Perfect for people who want dragons, chosen ones, and a little bit of romance. Would read again and can’t wait for the second book. This is fantasy at its finest!
A clean fantasy adventure great for kids. Perfect for people who want dragons, chosen ones, and a little bit of romance. Would read again and can’t wait for the second book. This is fantasy at its finest!
June 25, 2025
I enjoy akademia books. The one is good. Good world building and interesting characters. Complex story line full of action twists and turns.
Definitely a good read for fans of dragons.
Enjoy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Definitely a good read for fans of dragons.
Enjoy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 26, 2025
What an incredible book Laura Burton has written. It is an incredible book with unforgettable characters and an extremely extraordinary rich story as well. Just a truly unforgettable and breathtaking experience. I would recommend this book to anyone.
August 20, 2025
2.5/5 Star's
I feel this book was structured oddly, parts of it were rough to get through and honestly it kind of felt like a bunch of typical stuff slapped into one. Parts of it were unique yes, but it felt like she took inspiration from a few books said yep and went with it.
I feel this book was structured oddly, parts of it were rough to get through and honestly it kind of felt like a bunch of typical stuff slapped into one. Parts of it were unique yes, but it felt like she took inspiration from a few books said yep and went with it.
December 31, 2025
From the first page I wanted to know more about why the her friends acted the way they did and why she felt alone.
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.
June 2, 2025
Good quick read
Dragons, wolves, and fairies, oh my. No spice. Good for all ages. I am looking forward to reading book 2.
Dragons, wolves, and fairies, oh my. No spice. Good for all ages. I am looking forward to reading book 2.
July 26, 2025
I thought the book started off great but then it got rushed 80% in. I did enjoy the mystery of the wolves and the dragons but things just got muddled up. Ends in a cliffhanger. 3.5 stars
August 26, 2025
very similar to fourth wing
October 14, 2025
Loved this book, can’t wait for the next part!
December 22, 2025
great ya fantasy novel, excellent pacing, good character development, looking forward to book 2
September 1, 2025
I really enjoyed this book!
It gives clear nods to HP and a couple other genre giants, while introducing new and interesting elements all while maintaining a cheeky sense of humor throughout 🤣
Interesting mix of various lores and magic use, in an academy setting.
Our FMC is quirky and has a dark past but I think my favorite thing about her is that she's sort of normal. Normally don't get me wrong; I love a strong FMC and our girl Kayla is a total baddy 💪🏼👌🏼, but sometimes I feel like an FMC is stronger, smarter, prettier and more powerful and confident, and smarter than I could ever hope to be, and Kayla feels more accessible. More believable. She's a baddy who's like me but a better version, with a sharp wit and a dragon 😏😏😏
For me, give me dragons and a sassy FMC and I'm on board!
It gives clear nods to HP and a couple other genre giants, while introducing new and interesting elements all while maintaining a cheeky sense of humor throughout 🤣
Interesting mix of various lores and magic use, in an academy setting.
Our FMC is quirky and has a dark past but I think my favorite thing about her is that she's sort of normal. Normally don't get me wrong; I love a strong FMC and our girl Kayla is a total baddy 💪🏼👌🏼, but sometimes I feel like an FMC is stronger, smarter, prettier and more powerful and confident, and smarter than I could ever hope to be, and Kayla feels more accessible. More believable. She's a baddy who's like me but a better version, with a sharp wit and a dragon 😏😏😏
For me, give me dragons and a sassy FMC and I'm on board!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews