What do you think?
Rate this book
Dragons and Aces #2
Magick and Lead: Dragons and Aces, #2
A dragon rider. A biplane pilot. Two enemy nations, one epic love story.
Strap in and hold on tight for the continuation of Essa and Charlie's saga.
Strap in and hold on tight for the continuation of Essa and Charlie's saga.
342 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 4, 2025
126 people are currently reading
1265 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
May 7, 2025
A NEW and going to blow up the social media world!!! It is magical, creative, and not long enough. JG transports you in time to a world filled with dragons and airplanes! Beautifully written, and I 110% fell in love with Kit 🤣 If you love dragons, adventure, plots that thicken with EVERY turn of the page then you will honestly just get lost in these pages ❤️ GO READ!!!!! Like, get your copy today!
November 22, 2025
⭐️⭐️ — Dragon & Aces, Book 2 (Spoiler-Aware Review)
I absolutely loved Book One, which makes this review a bit disappointing to write. I went into Book Two excited to see where Essa and Charlie’s journey would go—but the story took a turn that just didn’t work for me.
For starters, the author padded this book with far too many long, drawn-out sex scenes. They felt excessive and did nothing to move the plot forward. Instead of adding heat or emotion, they actually slowed everything down and pulled me out of the story.
Then comes the real deal-breaker: Charlie’s death and the hint that he’s coming back as a vampire. At that point, the plot drifted so far from what originally hooked me that I lost interest in continuing the series. I liked Essa and Charlie and saw real promise in where their adventure could have gone—but, for me, the story got buried under unnecessary scenes and a supernatural twist that didn’t land.
I’m glad I read Book One, but Book Two convinced me this series isn’t for me anymore.
I absolutely loved Book One, which makes this review a bit disappointing to write. I went into Book Two excited to see where Essa and Charlie’s journey would go—but the story took a turn that just didn’t work for me.
For starters, the author padded this book with far too many long, drawn-out sex scenes. They felt excessive and did nothing to move the plot forward. Instead of adding heat or emotion, they actually slowed everything down and pulled me out of the story.
Then comes the real deal-breaker: Charlie’s death and the hint that he’s coming back as a vampire. At that point, the plot drifted so far from what originally hooked me that I lost interest in continuing the series. I liked Essa and Charlie and saw real promise in where their adventure could have gone—but, for me, the story got buried under unnecessary scenes and a supernatural twist that didn’t land.
I’m glad I read Book One, but Book Two convinced me this series isn’t for me anymore.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2025
I went into Dragons and Aces really excited because I loved the first book in the series. Unfortunately, this one just didn’t land the same way for me. The storyline itself is solid and definitely has potential, but I struggled hard to stay engaged.
It literally took me weeks to finish—I’d pick it up, want to DNF, switch to another book, then come back and try again. That cycle repeated over and over. The book isn’t bad, and there is a good plot underneath, but something about the pacing, execution, or overall feel just didn’t click for me personally.
I still appreciate the world and characters J.G. Gates has created, but this installment didn’t pull me in the way the first one did.
It literally took me weeks to finish—I’d pick it up, want to DNF, switch to another book, then come back and try again. That cycle repeated over and over. The book isn’t bad, and there is a good plot underneath, but something about the pacing, execution, or overall feel just didn’t click for me personally.
I still appreciate the world and characters J.G. Gates has created, but this installment didn’t pull me in the way the first one did.
September 25, 2025
If you have not started the Dragons and Aces series yet, do not wait any longer. J.G. Gates has hit it out of the park with this story line.
Backstory: Strong FMC (Essa) who has overcome a disability to become the top dragon rider of her kingdom, has loyal friends that have her back no matter what they all face, and she is thrust into leadership after a horrific battle that lets the queen fly among the dragons. Then you have the MMC (Charlie) that is his country's best biplane fighter pilot (the Ace) who was forced down into enemy territory, becomes a spy, falls in love with the FMC (while also betraying her to help his country win the long-standing war between the two countries), learns that the enemy isn't all bad and has mixed feelings about providing intelligence that would ultimately lead to the queen's demise. Throw in some mages, deceit at the highest political/leadership levels and a baby dragon that has bonded to the enemy (aka Charlie). And that is just book 1: Dragons and Aces.
Book 2: Magick and Lead (THIS BOOK) picks up a few months after the end of the invasion that took many lives from both sides. The Charlie has been searching for Essa daily through the devastated war-torn towns while awaiting the fate of his piloting status with his country's Air Force. Essa has been searching for her friends that are scattered across the countryside while avoiding a powerful mage and dealing with the betrayal of Charlie that led to the queen's demise. She has decided to cross the body of water that separates the two countries in search for Charlie to break the bond with his baby dragon so it can bond with another rider.
Twists and turns, the deceit that unravels before their eyes, plans of treason exposed, Charlie's undying love for Essa, betrayal of "friends," and plenty of fast paced action will leaving you on the edge of your seat for the whole book and wanting to rush the last installment of this great story into existence (due out next year).
Again, don't wait to start this epic fantasy series!
Betrayal,
Magic,
Dragons,
Slow-Burn Romance that is heating up
Political deceit
Mages playing both sides
Loyal Friends
If I could give this 10 stars, I would.
Backstory: Strong FMC (Essa) who has overcome a disability to become the top dragon rider of her kingdom, has loyal friends that have her back no matter what they all face, and she is thrust into leadership after a horrific battle that lets the queen fly among the dragons. Then you have the MMC (Charlie) that is his country's best biplane fighter pilot (the Ace) who was forced down into enemy territory, becomes a spy, falls in love with the FMC (while also betraying her to help his country win the long-standing war between the two countries), learns that the enemy isn't all bad and has mixed feelings about providing intelligence that would ultimately lead to the queen's demise. Throw in some mages, deceit at the highest political/leadership levels and a baby dragon that has bonded to the enemy (aka Charlie). And that is just book 1: Dragons and Aces.
Book 2: Magick and Lead (THIS BOOK) picks up a few months after the end of the invasion that took many lives from both sides. The Charlie has been searching for Essa daily through the devastated war-torn towns while awaiting the fate of his piloting status with his country's Air Force. Essa has been searching for her friends that are scattered across the countryside while avoiding a powerful mage and dealing with the betrayal of Charlie that led to the queen's demise. She has decided to cross the body of water that separates the two countries in search for Charlie to break the bond with his baby dragon so it can bond with another rider.
Twists and turns, the deceit that unravels before their eyes, plans of treason exposed, Charlie's undying love for Essa, betrayal of "friends," and plenty of fast paced action will leaving you on the edge of your seat for the whole book and wanting to rush the last installment of this great story into existence (due out next year).
Again, don't wait to start this epic fantasy series!
Betrayal,
Magic,
Dragons,
Slow-Burn Romance that is heating up
Political deceit
Mages playing both sides
Loyal Friends
If I could give this 10 stars, I would.
October 23, 2025
Quote: “I’d rather fight with you than miss you any day.”
Dragon riders and pilots - get ready!
The first thing worth noting: the mix of 1st and 3rd person narration with multiple POVs creates a layered picture of everything that’s happening. It pulls deeper into the story and gives a wider view of events. It’s also pretty unique - seeing several characters in motion at once, each with something different to tell and face.
Essa… well, she doesn’t really have a choice but to stay strong and lead.
Charlie, on the other hand, has to face the consequences of his actions and do something about them. I actually loved how vivid his side felt this time: his city, his home, his everyday world.
They both fight for and against their love. And where the scales tip, you’ll have to find out yourself 😉
This time, the action unfolds on both sides of the sea. So yes - there’s flying, and plenty of fighting too…
And for those chasing a little nicy-spicy? Don’t worry, it’s there. And one particular scene… well, let’s just say it even made me blush 😏
Oh, and don’t skip the bonus chapter - that one’s spicy too 😈
Enjoy the ride! 🐉✨
⭐ 4 / 5 🌶 3 / 5
Dragon riders and pilots - get ready!
The first thing worth noting: the mix of 1st and 3rd person narration with multiple POVs creates a layered picture of everything that’s happening. It pulls deeper into the story and gives a wider view of events. It’s also pretty unique - seeing several characters in motion at once, each with something different to tell and face.
Essa… well, she doesn’t really have a choice but to stay strong and lead.
Charlie, on the other hand, has to face the consequences of his actions and do something about them. I actually loved how vivid his side felt this time: his city, his home, his everyday world.
They both fight for and against their love. And where the scales tip, you’ll have to find out yourself 😉
This time, the action unfolds on both sides of the sea. So yes - there’s flying, and plenty of fighting too…
And for those chasing a little nicy-spicy? Don’t worry, it’s there. And one particular scene… well, let’s just say it even made me blush 😏
Oh, and don’t skip the bonus chapter - that one’s spicy too 😈
Enjoy the ride! 🐉✨
⭐ 4 / 5 🌶 3 / 5
December 22, 2025
Hooked to say the least ...
Man J.G left me on a cliff hanger ! That was not how I was picturing it or even wanting it to end .. Clearly its not done have to wait till July 15 !!!
Ill say again the dynamic bwt dragons and Planes the machinery aspect is such a unique mesh up I really dig it !
Charlie Charlie he just wants to redeem him self to Essa and that's all I want too , I love how they got there moment together again and now she gets a taste of his world and how its not that bad ... I can see the hope and potential for the next book and I just hope it pans out the way I want it I need it.
Essas was a stubborn asshole but she's a total bad ass and I love that of her. She's constantly torned From her heart and her people but I need for her to realize she can have BOTH! SHES A DAMN QUEEN FOR GODSAKES !
AND CAN I just put it out there I hate
Prelate Korsat ( I totally butchered his name) lol sorry but he's the worst villain the sneaky calm a sneaky kind of kind always something up his sleeve !
Can't wait for the next book ! I can't spoil so much now.
Man J.G left me on a cliff hanger ! That was not how I was picturing it or even wanting it to end .. Clearly its not done have to wait till July 15 !!!
Ill say again the dynamic bwt dragons and Planes the machinery aspect is such a unique mesh up I really dig it !
Charlie Charlie he just wants to redeem him self to Essa and that's all I want too , I love how they got there moment together again and now she gets a taste of his world and how its not that bad ... I can see the hope and potential for the next book and I just hope it pans out the way I want it I need it.
Essas was a stubborn asshole but she's a total bad ass and I love that of her. She's constantly torned From her heart and her people but I need for her to realize she can have BOTH! SHES A DAMN QUEEN FOR GODSAKES !
AND CAN I just put it out there I hate
Prelate Korsat ( I totally butchered his name) lol sorry but he's the worst villain the sneaky calm a sneaky kind of kind always something up his sleeve !
Can't wait for the next book ! I can't spoil so much now.
October 1, 2025
I fear my mouth will hang open FOREVER after the ending of that book!
I was so excited to get back to the world if Charlie & Essa. I missed their banter, their crackling energy and verbal sparing and the sequel did not disappoint!
In fact I think it's better than the first book, which says a lot since that's one of my top lifetime reads!
But Gates did not spare a thing in the sequel. It was so fast paced I never got a chance to relax & coast for a chapter or two.
Everyone was in peril and no one is safe! Whether you're a dragon or main character - you're in danger and I fear you will be for at least one more book!
I love these books and if you love dragons and Indiana Jones, the smell of engine oil and leather and the powerful swoosh of dragon wings, you're going to want to tuck in to this series!
I was so excited to get back to the world if Charlie & Essa. I missed their banter, their crackling energy and verbal sparing and the sequel did not disappoint!
In fact I think it's better than the first book, which says a lot since that's one of my top lifetime reads!
But Gates did not spare a thing in the sequel. It was so fast paced I never got a chance to relax & coast for a chapter or two.
Everyone was in peril and no one is safe! Whether you're a dragon or main character - you're in danger and I fear you will be for at least one more book!
I love these books and if you love dragons and Indiana Jones, the smell of engine oil and leather and the powerful swoosh of dragon wings, you're going to want to tuck in to this series!
October 12, 2025
Book 2 packed lots of conflict, trust issues, and just overall distress.
Glimmers of love and friendship shone through. I feel like a lot of the book 2 of a trilogy have the peak conflict and turning point moments and this book certainly delivered.
🏰 In book one we got to see a lot more the “medieval”, dragon world with Queens, knights, and magical creatures.
📻 Book 2 delivers a visit in the modern world where our FMC learns about radios, Honey O’s, and flapper-like dresses and dancing. And maybe in this modern world, the black and white that she defended fiercely is more grey than she thought.
Tropes:
✨ Trust Issues
✨ Enemies to Lovers
✨ Betrayal
✨ Dragon Riders
✨I would die for you
✨He would Burn the world for her
✨Traitor
✨ Crazy ex girlfriend
Glimmers of love and friendship shone through. I feel like a lot of the book 2 of a trilogy have the peak conflict and turning point moments and this book certainly delivered.
🏰 In book one we got to see a lot more the “medieval”, dragon world with Queens, knights, and magical creatures.
📻 Book 2 delivers a visit in the modern world where our FMC learns about radios, Honey O’s, and flapper-like dresses and dancing. And maybe in this modern world, the black and white that she defended fiercely is more grey than she thought.
Tropes:
✨ Trust Issues
✨ Enemies to Lovers
✨ Betrayal
✨ Dragon Riders
✨I would die for you
✨He would Burn the world for her
✨Traitor
✨ Crazy ex girlfriend
November 16, 2025
This world! Gates has done an excellent job in world building here. There are dragons and riders and bi-planes and aces. Dark, dark magic. Vampyres. Traitors. Friends. Lovers. And fast-paced action. A jaw dropping ending that will leave you screaming for the next book (that releases in July)! Poor Charlie and Essa. There are characters you love and characters you hate. I read where someone compared it to Indiana Jones with dragons, and I couldn’t have said it better than them. That exactly what it’s like. Gates did not disappoint. This is one of my top series this year! I can’t wait to read more. And I’m adding his other series to my TBR.
September 30, 2025
Holy freaking plot Batman !! Idk how on earth gates’ mind works that he can seamlessly and flawlessly combine the worlds of dragons and tech but he does it wildly well !! If you loved Essa and Kit before buckle up buttercup because you may just become obsessed with them !! I only have one complaint about this book .. ok 2 .. 1…lol I need thirty more chapters and 2. Where book 3 at though 👀.. no but seriously this book is sheer exquisite perfection and I can not wait to see how he wraps everything up !!!
October 11, 2025
Dragons and Aces: Book Two was absolutely amazing! From the very first chapter, it pulled me right back into the world and didn’t let go until the very last page. The story was fast-paced and full of emotion, with twists that kept me turning the pages long after I should’ve gone to sleep. The character development in this book was incredible — you really get to see new sides of them, and the relationships and tension felt so real. It’s one of those rare sequels that not only lives up to the first book but completely surpasses it. I can’t wait for the next one!
October 4, 2025
We’re back with the fenomen of Dragons and Aces!!
After the first book I thought I couldn’t be more hooked, but boy I was wrong! This book is so good!
I love every bit of it.
The bond between characters deepens, the plot gets even better and the story telling doesn’t cease to amaze me. I really am enjoying this series!
If you like dragons, plot twists and slow burn 🌶️ romance, than give this series a go, you won’t regret it! 🔥
After the first book I thought I couldn’t be more hooked, but boy I was wrong! This book is so good!
I love every bit of it.
The bond between characters deepens, the plot gets even better and the story telling doesn’t cease to amaze me. I really am enjoying this series!
If you like dragons, plot twists and slow burn 🌶️ romance, than give this series a go, you won’t regret it! 🔥
November 14, 2025
I had the privilege of reading this via ARC from the author and it was very enjoyable. The story did flow very well and it was very exciting. The only reason for the lower rating was character development. I didn’t FEEL what the characters were going through and it didn’t tug at my heartstrings like I wish it would have. I will be continuing the series because I did have very high hopes after book one.
November 16, 2025
The book wasn’t long, but it still took me a long time to finish. It probably would’ve been even shorter if there weren’t so many repetitive thoughts from the characters.
And what’s with the random love interests among the side characters? They suddenly have feelings for each other out of nowhere, with zero buildup.
I can't say that I liked it, I can't say that I want to read the next one. Very disappointing compared to the first book.
And what’s with the random love interests among the side characters? They suddenly have feelings for each other out of nowhere, with zero buildup.
I can't say that I liked it, I can't say that I want to read the next one. Very disappointing compared to the first book.
November 24, 2025
Such a great continuation to this series! Essa and Charlie have quite a love story that has survived the turmoils of that world! I’m loving how the author creates this world building and anticipation for the next installment! I am so sad I have to wait until July 2026 for the next book, but I know it’ll be worth the wait! Could not recommend this enough!
4/5 stars for dragons, loyalty, and love!
4/5 stars for dragons, loyalty, and love!
December 3, 2025
I’m definitely still loving the magic mixed with modern day feel this has, and I’m definitely hooked on the plot. However, I had an issue in this one with one spicy scene (and I’m not usually one to have issues with these 😂). But the way the scene played out was weird. It was not at all necessary to include another woman, as that didn’t really fit Charlie or Essa’s personalities…at least in my opinion. I will be reading the third book next year though!
December 11, 2025
I did liked book 1, but really?? I agree with some of the comments, the threesome came out of nowhere, felt more like a male fantasy thank something that would help the plot. and the final chapter, all the drama to get the bad guy captured to then let him go and let Charlie "die" and a vampire?? it was good while he was an ace...and I just wanted the baby dragon to be reunited to Charlie, wasn't that hard? im done with the series, sadly, it felt promising...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 24, 2025
This book took me almost a month to finish. I absolutely loved the first one. Read it in a matter of a couple of days, yet this one did not hold my interest the same way the first one did. The plot was good. The story progressed well but something about it didn’t feel the same as the first one. So much chaos is happening in this story it’s hard to see how it may change in the future. And the way it ended …. I don’t have words for it.
October 2, 2025
I absolutely love being back in the Dragons & Aces world. The way that Gates ties together a magic world with a machine (the ‘real’) world is so captivating and unique. The last 100 pages were absolutely insane and that cliffhanger was diabolical.😭 I cannot wait to see where the story goes next in book 3!
September 26, 2025
Another fantastic book, I absolutely loved it and can’t wait to find out what happens next. Love the magic system, the dragon bonds, the characters. The contrast between the two kingdoms is so original and awesome.
October 11, 2025
I had the honor of reading this book as an ARC as I did the 1st book. What a wonderful story. The is about a flying ACE and a Dragon Rider and their story. I definitely recommend. Both books are out and available on Amazon.
November 2, 2025
Such an amazing book, seeing where the characters went, how they changed, I need more, now. I cannot wait for the third book, I don't think I've ever pre-ordered a book faster before. Thank you J.G Gates for the emotional heart break, and longing for more.
December 8, 2025
I loved this book. Everyone had growth, and a strong purpose. Our main couple is so strong, but also the friendship+ between Clua and Rohree is so well written. The conflict is on-point, and I'm eager to see where Kitty takes us.
September 30, 2025
Need more, ASAP! Essa and Charlie's adventure continues in this compelling and immersive continuation of Dragons and Aces! Can't wait for book 3. J.G. Gates does not disappoint!
September 30, 2025
loved this book so so much the story carries on from the amazing first one and I devoured it it was original.and brilliant and the characters are superb highly recommend
October 2, 2025
Just as good as book one!! Continued world and character building. Plot twists, spice, planes, monsters and dragons!! Epic tale!!
October 2, 2025
absolutely LOVE J Gabriel Gates and his works so much. heartbreak, love, betrayals, found family, etf. obsessed with this series and I cannot wait for book 3.
November 11, 2025
Amazing
Another one I just did not want to stop. I can't wait to read the next one. Definitely a good story
Another one I just did not want to stop. I can't wait to read the next one. Definitely a good story
November 11, 2025
The second book in this series didn't disappoint. The ending has me eager to see what the next one brings.
November 16, 2025
I loved it just as much as the first one. I was def not ready for the ending! I already preordered the third one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews