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Dragon Ripples: Makarian Tales Book 1
Sea dragons are real, and that’s just the start of Lani’s problems.
Lani’s diplomatic, but is there a polite way to tell her “rescuer” that he’s actually kidnapped her? Seeing she’s also in the middle of the ocean, strapped to a sea dragon’s back, and listening to how her family are evil tyrants who should be stamped out like beetles—well, there are times a princess just has to keep her mouth shut.
When sea dragons begin to talk to Lani, things get really complicated—not to mention noisy. The sea dragon riders want to use her power, but the longer Lani remains in enemy territory, the closer warships sail. Speaking up was a challenge even before the fate of nations hung in the balance, but if Lani doesn’t do something, her navy and new friends will tear each other to pieces. And possibly destroy the world. Which etiquette lesson covered that?
Lani’s diplomatic, but is there a polite way to tell her “rescuer” that he’s actually kidnapped her? Seeing she’s also in the middle of the ocean, strapped to a sea dragon’s back, and listening to how her family are evil tyrants who should be stamped out like beetles—well, there are times a princess just has to keep her mouth shut.
When sea dragons begin to talk to Lani, things get really complicated—not to mention noisy. The sea dragon riders want to use her power, but the longer Lani remains in enemy territory, the closer warships sail. Speaking up was a challenge even before the fate of nations hung in the balance, but if Lani doesn’t do something, her navy and new friends will tear each other to pieces. And possibly destroy the world. Which etiquette lesson covered that?
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
359 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 21, 2025
6 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
Kez Sharrow
5 books43 followers Kez Sharrow belongs to the tribe of the uprooted and transplanted, those who live between cultures, and she writes stories of travelers in fantasy worlds. Based in Wuhan, by day she dabbles in the alchemy of human transformation as a leadership coach. Early mornings and weekends, she creates worlds out of smoke and dragon’s breath.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
April 30, 2025
An invigorating read that captured me from page one! Sharrow's novel, Dragon Ripples, weaves threads of the bonds of familial love, but also the importance of seeking out one's true self. With strong world building and characters that win your heart, Dragon Ripples is an excellent read!
April 17, 2025
This book grabs you right from the beginning with the kidnapping of a prince and princess by sea dragon riders! The action continues as Lani and Adon navigate unrest and a new culture. They both are deeply affected by the people they meet and the experiences they have and begin to see the world in a different way, each becoming stronger and more courageous.
This book has a little bit of everything: fights, murder, mystery, magic, love, sea dragons, and a motley mix of characters that will steal your heart. Highly recommend!
This book has a little bit of everything: fights, murder, mystery, magic, love, sea dragons, and a motley mix of characters that will steal your heart. Highly recommend!
April 6, 2025
An enjoyable story about a twin who have to face new dangers, unexpected situations, but also themselves. I especially enjoyed the boy’s change.
The girl’s situation reminded me of my own upbringing (minus the Princess stuff, hah), and it would be very interesting to see her grow in the next book.
And yeah, sea dragons, I want one of my own :).
I think this would be perfect for YA/teens.
The girl’s situation reminded me of my own upbringing (minus the Princess stuff, hah), and it would be very interesting to see her grow in the next book.
And yeah, sea dragons, I want one of my own :).
I think this would be perfect for YA/teens.
April 24, 2025
An awesome, character driven story in an interesting new world.
Lani is a princess of Vor, one who clings to virtues and keeps still and quiet for the good of her people. When they are attacked by their enemies and she ends up on the back of a sea dragon with its rider, she’s shocked to discover she can hear the beast’s thoughts. She’s deposited on an island and taken care of by the islanders, despite their shaman claiming she is evil for believing in Elyah, the most high rather than the blood-thirsty god of wind and sea that they sacrifice to.
Lanai’s twin brother is hurt during the attack and rescued as well. They end up together, battling prejudice and chess pieces in a political game. Can they learn to become better versions of themselves and broker peace before the world is torn apart by war.
I especially loved all the characters and the interesting world building in Dragon Ripples. The writing is interesting and the plot has several twists. The pacing slowed slightly around the 40% mark for some of Lani’s inner turmoil and self-assessment, but then dashes readers back into the action. I especially loved all the sea dragons. Their personalities and mannerisms added so much depth to the story. Also, people of faith will find a lot of subtle symbolism, but even if you don’t catch them all, this is a wonderful read!
Lani is a princess of Vor, one who clings to virtues and keeps still and quiet for the good of her people. When they are attacked by their enemies and she ends up on the back of a sea dragon with its rider, she’s shocked to discover she can hear the beast’s thoughts. She’s deposited on an island and taken care of by the islanders, despite their shaman claiming she is evil for believing in Elyah, the most high rather than the blood-thirsty god of wind and sea that they sacrifice to.
Lanai’s twin brother is hurt during the attack and rescued as well. They end up together, battling prejudice and chess pieces in a political game. Can they learn to become better versions of themselves and broker peace before the world is torn apart by war.
I especially loved all the characters and the interesting world building in Dragon Ripples. The writing is interesting and the plot has several twists. The pacing slowed slightly around the 40% mark for some of Lani’s inner turmoil and self-assessment, but then dashes readers back into the action. I especially loved all the sea dragons. Their personalities and mannerisms added so much depth to the story. Also, people of faith will find a lot of subtle symbolism, but even if you don’t catch them all, this is a wonderful read!
October 11, 2025
Lani has been trained to be the perfect princess: decorative while remaining unobtrusive, intelligent but demure. She has learned not to have opinions, and to smother her emotions.
Her twin brother, the second prince, lives with no such constraints, getting into arguments with their older brother, the crown prince, at every turn. And yet they love each other.
When Lani is kidnapped, their lives change forever. The world is a far wider, and stranger, place than they’d imagined, and none of it is as simple as they’d believed.
And then Lani touches minds with a sea dragon. Lots of sea dragons, in fact, and nothing can ever return to how it was.
This exquisitely-written story had me entranced from the first page. The Oriental-style setting of the opening scenes is beautifully drawn, and then ripped up as Lani’s kidnap dumps her into a completely different culture. She and her twin, Adon, undergo the deepest of character transformations, brilliantly depicted in the most believable fashion as all their preconceptions and character flaws are teased out and tested by a plot that, just as you think you know where it is going, changes tack and goes somewhere else entirely.
The sea dragons and their riders are reminiscent of Anne McCaffrey’s Pern dragons, in the best possible way, and the twisty turns of the story kept me guessing right to the end.
Whilst this is the first instalment of a much larger story, with the large number of plot threads, I feared for a while it would finish on a cliffhanger, but was happy to discover it wraps things up in a satisfying fashion while we wait eagerly for the next in series.
Her twin brother, the second prince, lives with no such constraints, getting into arguments with their older brother, the crown prince, at every turn. And yet they love each other.
When Lani is kidnapped, their lives change forever. The world is a far wider, and stranger, place than they’d imagined, and none of it is as simple as they’d believed.
And then Lani touches minds with a sea dragon. Lots of sea dragons, in fact, and nothing can ever return to how it was.
This exquisitely-written story had me entranced from the first page. The Oriental-style setting of the opening scenes is beautifully drawn, and then ripped up as Lani’s kidnap dumps her into a completely different culture. She and her twin, Adon, undergo the deepest of character transformations, brilliantly depicted in the most believable fashion as all their preconceptions and character flaws are teased out and tested by a plot that, just as you think you know where it is going, changes tack and goes somewhere else entirely.
The sea dragons and their riders are reminiscent of Anne McCaffrey’s Pern dragons, in the best possible way, and the twisty turns of the story kept me guessing right to the end.
Whilst this is the first instalment of a much larger story, with the large number of plot threads, I feared for a while it would finish on a cliffhanger, but was happy to discover it wraps things up in a satisfying fashion while we wait eagerly for the next in series.
March 20, 2025
Lani has perfected the role of quiet, submissive princess. But when she begins hearing the whispers of sea dragons, she and her brother are swept into intrigue and adventure in a new land. Now, Lani must summon the courage to find her voice and be her full self to save those she loves - and the world.
The story introduced so many characters I quickly grew to love - healers, ruffians, daredevils, and, of course, sea dragons!
Lani and her brother's growth throughout the story was touching. I'll admit, I cried with Lani as she learned to accept her full self and bring her honest emotions to the healer. At its heart, this is a beautifully depicted journey of finding healing and belonging.
If you're looking for a captivating fantasy read with sea dragons and swashbuckling adventure, this one is for you!
This story will especially resonate with expats and those transformed by the experience of coming to call a new place their "home."
I'm deeply invested in many of the characters and can't wait to read more of their story in the future!
Also, are mulberry mooncakes real? Because now I'm desperate to try one!
A heartfelt thank you to the author for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
The story introduced so many characters I quickly grew to love - healers, ruffians, daredevils, and, of course, sea dragons!
Lani and her brother's growth throughout the story was touching. I'll admit, I cried with Lani as she learned to accept her full self and bring her honest emotions to the healer. At its heart, this is a beautifully depicted journey of finding healing and belonging.
If you're looking for a captivating fantasy read with sea dragons and swashbuckling adventure, this one is for you!
This story will especially resonate with expats and those transformed by the experience of coming to call a new place their "home."
I'm deeply invested in many of the characters and can't wait to read more of their story in the future!
Also, are mulberry mooncakes real? Because now I'm desperate to try one!
A heartfelt thank you to the author for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
March 12, 2025
A story of duty versus daring, sea dragons, warring kingdoms, and a kidnapped princess who wants to save her people, and just maybe, the world.
This coming of age fantasy is a wonderful, clean read with wholesome themes, a romantic thread, and of course, sea dragons.
Lani's journey from sheltered princess to a leader who can speak with all the sea dragons at once is a story of danger, truth, and courage. It will take all she has to save her brother, open her heart to love, and risk rejection from leaders of the dragon riders she must take her place among to save both them and her own people. But a danger none of them has foreseen is in the wings.
I especially enjoyed the clear difference between fantasy representations of sorcery and God's power in this interesting story. The sea dragons are so believable, and Lani's courageous heart helps her learn how to navigate the dangerous waters of relationships. Very well done!
I'm so looking forward to the next book!
I received a ARC in return for my honest review. Thank you for the privilege!
This coming of age fantasy is a wonderful, clean read with wholesome themes, a romantic thread, and of course, sea dragons.
Lani's journey from sheltered princess to a leader who can speak with all the sea dragons at once is a story of danger, truth, and courage. It will take all she has to save her brother, open her heart to love, and risk rejection from leaders of the dragon riders she must take her place among to save both them and her own people. But a danger none of them has foreseen is in the wings.
I especially enjoyed the clear difference between fantasy representations of sorcery and God's power in this interesting story. The sea dragons are so believable, and Lani's courageous heart helps her learn how to navigate the dangerous waters of relationships. Very well done!
I'm so looking forward to the next book!
I received a ARC in return for my honest review. Thank you for the privilege!
October 9, 2025
Dragon Ripples by Kez Sharrow is a brightly beautiful, engrossing, and spiritually thoughtful fantasy. The book reimagines faith and East Asian history in a way that inspired me to think again about prayer and community. It also made me crave mulberry mooncakes (I hope they really exist).
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews