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The Magic of Dragons #1

Riders and Hunters

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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!

340 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 15, 2025

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About the author

Laura Burton

75 books771 followers
Laura 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.


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5 stars
63 (35%)
4 stars
66 (37%)
3 stars
31 (17%)
2 stars
15 (8%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Profile Image for Authoress Nadia Nicole.
444 reviews20 followers
May 28, 2026
loved this book!!!

This book was an absolute five star read for me! I thoroughly enjoyed every second of it. Imagine Harry Potter mixed with Twilight mixed with Fourth Wing… and somehow it all works SO well together. I was hooked from the very beginning.

The story follows a young woman who loses her entire family in a tragic plane crash, only to discover a whole new world when she’s whisked away to a magical dragon-riding academy. The biggest rule there? Stay away from the wolf shifters because they kill dragons.

Well… let’s just say she absolutely does NOT follow that rule. 😭

Not only does she get involved with one of the wolf shifters, but he imprints on her and she ends up shifting into a wolf herself! The drama? INSANE. The twists? Wild. The magical world building? So much fun.

Even though this is YA fantasy, I found myself completely engulfed in the story and emotionally invested in everything that was happening. By the time I finished, I was already ready to jump straight into book two… and honestly? That’s exactly what I’m about to do lol.

If you love dragons, magic, forbidden connections, academy settings, and nonstop drama, definitely add this one to your TBR!
Profile Image for Alycia Welbaum.
52 reviews
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.
Profile Image for Michele M.
192 reviews7 followers
March 18, 2026
okay rating this book 4 and not 5 for one reason book 2 looks like it is only go8ng to be kindle.... I don't do kindle...BUT the book itself was amazing. it is a really fast read with beautiful pictures at the opening of each chapter. It is about a human girl who gets pulled into a realm of magic as a chosen dragon rider. It is full of snarky comments which I absolutely love. I don't usually go for a YA book but my husband got this for me and he did good. Highly recommend. It is one that should be talked about!
Profile Image for Donna Weaver.
Author 96 books463 followers
Read
June 30, 2025
This is only half a book. It ends on a cliffhanger. I feel cheated.
Profile Image for Jade.
259 reviews6 followers
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
Profile Image for Rebel.
2,654 reviews
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. 🐉🔥💜.
Profile Image for Madeline.
18 reviews
June 16, 2026
wow.. I have no words. I absolutely devoured this book in a day. there was literally no part in this book where I was bored. I just turned a page over and over. I couldn't get enough. there's not many books I can even say that to.

most of the time, when there are books 400+ pages.. there are a lot of fillers and in this one it didn't feel like it. it just flowed so nicely. so beautiful. it was interesting from the jump and all the way through. the plot was amazing really. the characters are great. the emotions are valid. world building was there. drama. action. subtle romance. friendship. found family. heartbreak. I usually take pictures of my favorite scenes, but there was no pictures I could take with this book because I thoroughly enjoyed every part of the book.

this easily made it to my top 5 favorites. it just didn't get boring at all. I absolutely loved it & will be one of my very very very few books that I will give a 5 stars because I can't say anything bad honestly. I hope book two is just as amazing.

I love that it had no spice because it really didn't need it, I felt kilig and blushed at their very innocent and cute scenes. I even liked Bo & was crushed when he died.. ): I thought he was going to be a love interest as well.

I'm absolutely devastated that I'm done because I wanted more and I cannot wait for the second book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

as someone who's father also passed recently, my heart broke with the opening page & author's note💔 i hope this book gets more recognition and gets high ratings, it is truly well deserved.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Katie.
143 reviews5 followers
March 16, 2026
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

"Have I secretly been waiting for my Hogwarts letter since my eleventh birthday? Yes, totally. But have I ever truly believed in magic? No way."

This book is Harry Potter meets a tamer, no spice Fourth Wing. Not only do we have dragon binding and riding in an academic setting, but the author has added spellcasting, magic, fae, and werewolves to the mix.

In a world where dragon magic fuels the very essence of life itself, a war has been waging for centuries between the Academy of dragon riders and the tribes of werewolves. And for the first time in history, a dragon has chosen a human to bond with.

After surviving a plane crash that kills the rest of her family, Kayla does her best to get by and graduate from high school. After being gifted a dragon necklace by her guidance counselor, she finds herself being transported to another world to attend Theridon Academy. Kayla believes herself to be an ordinary human, powerless. Little does she know she is the center of a prophecy and could be the bridge between dragons and wolves, if she can get them to recognize the true enemy.

I really enjoyed reading this book and am looking forward to reading book 2, especially with the cliffhanger ending. There were some phrasing and continuity issues, but the story was engaging and the main characters endearing. Definitely worth the few hours it takes to read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Courtney Stearns.
74 reviews
June 9, 2026
⭐️ 4.5 / 5 Stars
Plot and Vibe Summary
The Magic of Dragons is a high stakes, fast-paced young adult romantasy. After surviving a devastating plane crash, Kayla is brought to Theridon Academy, a lethal school caught in a brutal war between dragon riders and wolf shifters. The vibe is intense, atmospheric, and action packed, perfectly balancing military academy danger with a compelling murder mystery.

What I Liked
The High Stakes: The danger feels real, especially with a murder mystery disrupting the academy.
The Underdog Protagonist: Kayla navigating a magical military school without powers makes her incredibly fun to root for.
The World Building: The ancient, bloody rivalry between riders and shifters is deeply layered.

What Didn't Work
The Cliffhanger: The abrupt ending sets up the sequel well but leaves you desperate for answers.

Final Thoughts
This is a fantastic, action forward fantasy adventure. It delivers epic dragon battles, sharp banter, and great plot twists while proving a book can have incredible romantic tension without being explicit.

Tropes, Spice, and Warnings
Tropes: Magical academy, enemies to lovers, wolf shifters, unique destiny.
Spice Level: 0 / 5 (Clean YA romance focused on emotional tension).
Trigger Warnings: Grief, death of family, plane crash trauma, murder themes.
Profile Image for Lilith's_Library_.
853 reviews36 followers
June 11, 2026
As an ARC reader, I was thrilled to dive into Laura Burton’s Riders and Hunters, and this first installment in The Magic of Dragons series did not disappoint! From the very first page, Burton pulls you into a world where dragons soar, danger lurks, and human courage is tested in every encounter.

The story introduces a rich, immersive world full of vivid landscapes, magical lore, and high-stakes adventure. The bond between the riders and their dragons is beautifully portrayed, full of loyalty, tension, and moments that will make your heart race. The pacing is expertly handled—action-packed sequences are balanced with quieter, character-driven moments that give the story real emotional depth.

Burton’s characters are strong and layered, each with distinct motivations and challenges that make their journeys compelling. While a few side plots could have been fleshed out more, the main arc is exciting, suspenseful, and leaves you eager for the next book. The tension between rival hunters and the looming threat of danger keeps the story gripping throughout.

Overall, I’m giving Riders and Hunters 4 stars. It’s a thrilling, dragon-filled adventure that combines magic, action, and heart in a way that will captivate fantasy lovers. If you’re a fan of dragons, epic battles, and unforgettable bonds, this series is one to watch! 🐉✨
Profile Image for Jessereadsfantasy.
30 reviews
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.
Profile Image for Marilyn Colon Davis.
100 reviews1 follower
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.
Profile Image for Debbie Eyre.
6,116 reviews116 followers
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!
Profile Image for Beth.
251 reviews5 followers
June 30, 2026
Started and finished in one day!
What a fun & engaging read!
It takes place in the modernish world but is quickly moved to a different realm.
One moment Kayla is graduating high school. She recently survived a small plant crash that killed here parents and sister. A miracle that doesn’t feel very miraculous.
At graduation a teacher gives her a necklace that is more than what it seems and before she knows what’s happening, Kayla is enrolled in Theridon academy, being told she’s The Bridge and preparing to meet her dragon.
If The Wolf King and Fourth Wing had a baby it would be this series.
Really fun!
132 reviews
July 4, 2026
Well I absolutely loved it .
Kayla is a hoot , Poor kid endured a lot
But her spunky personality is what makes this book fun. Her friend Mari is a all-around girl and Bo typical guy friend
So let's talk about her mated Ajax ,her wolf guy..that makes one great bodyguard sounds like a cutie pie at least when he's standing in the water....ahhh to be young.
Another main character is Zephy...After reading Fourth Wing I fell in love with dragons, hense why I bought his book .
Zephy was definitely ment to bond with Kayla
Her quirky personality is just as funny .
How cool would it be to have a dragon even if it was in little form..Great book time to order book 2 ..
Profile Image for K.M..
Author 7 books20 followers
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.
Profile Image for Brooke’s Nook Books.
119 reviews1 follower
May 25, 2026
The magic of dragons riders and hunters. This is about Kayla who lost her parents and younger sister in a plane crash. She got chosen to go to this dragon rider academy where things just seem like something’s off. She meets Mari who is her roommate and they become friends. She becomes friends with this guy name Bo as well as she discovers is the headmasters son. She also has been having dreams of a wolf which she learns has imprinted on her. This is a true slow burn romance. Book was good would recommend.
Profile Image for Kristina Burke.
72 reviews3 followers
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.
Profile Image for Delphia  Von Heeder .
1,929 reviews57 followers
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.
1,884 reviews13 followers
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.
2 reviews
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.
188 reviews1 follower
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.
115 reviews
March 27, 2026
I was intrigued with the gift she received at graduation. And her adventure began from there. Love the sweet new friends she meets at her new school. I also like that they weren’t trying to manipulate her. Oooh! I love the mysterious man who protects and saves her twice. What a man! Then Kayla meets her dragon, Zephy. But what is up with the mark on her hand. Such a mystery. Diving into Book 2 now!!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Codi.
59 reviews6 followers
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.
43 reviews
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.
22 reviews
May 23, 2026
The book sounded promising at the start, as well as the story concept. However, I feel it wasn't executed well. Everything felt surface level, from the characters to the plot. By chapter 35 if felt like everything was rushed but at the same time nothing has happened. I also felt no connection to the characters. I'm giving it a soft dnf for now at 75% in.
30 reviews
June 30, 2026
I enjoyed reading this book, it gives you very much Harry Potter vibes in the beginning. But then it throws in wolves and dragons, to become its own story. I loved the banter between Ajax and Zephyro. Zephyro in general, is a pretty cool dragon character all around. Looking forward to reading book 2.
Profile Image for Lara Wynter.
Author 35 books18 followers
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.
8 reviews1 follower
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
Profile Image for Elizabeth Muir.
39 reviews1 follower
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
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews