Stormport—with its old stone castles on one side of Misery River—and Crystalbay—with its sleek, black skyscrapers on the other—have been feuding for five hundred years. The two kingdoms are different in almost every way except for In both places, girls and women have been stripped of their ancient power and are now owned like property and treated like pets.
In the living room of Stormport’s Castle Lumen, none of that is on Ynarra’s mind as she celebrates her 16th birthday with her two best friends and her secret and totally forbidden boyfriend from Crystalbay. Everything is going great…until Torren—one of Stormport's mysterious, hooded messengers—arrives with an unexpected, egg-shaped present.
Now, after five hundred years of a world without dragons, old rules are being challenged, enemy kingdoms are arming for war, a forbidden love is preparing to hatch, and all hell is about to break loose.
K. A. Riley is a writer of speculative and science fiction, dedicated to creating worlds just different enough from our own to be entertaining, intriguing and a little frightening all at once. For Riley, writing isn't a job. It's a laboratory where readers can wander into a land of ideas; it's a playground where they can scamper around, giggling, gasping, and freaking out to their hearts' content.
Riley is the top-secret pen-name of a NYT and USA Today best-selling author.
ARC read - releases later this month. If you are looking for a fantasy book with strong female characters, dragons, some adventure and a little bit of romance thrown in, this is the book for you.
Ynarra is the “princess” of her kingdom. Orphaned and raised by her uncle, she knows what her future holds. She is free to do as she wishes, go to school, battle train, etc … until she turns 18 and is then married off and becomes the property of her husband. But, on her sixteenth birthday she is given a mysterious present - a stony, scaly, smelly egg. And to her surprise, it hatches into a dragon. Issue is, dragons have been extinct for 500 years. So hiding more secrets from her friends, she raises the dragon in secret. As well as juggles the attention of her bad boy opposing kingdom prince, best friend and future husband, and the quiet elusive messenger.
Throw in topics of female oppression, dueling kingdoms and the balance of power and freedom and it’s quite a tale. I do feel like this first book is a lot of set up for book 2, a little slow at times. But a good foundation and fantastic writing as per usual.
Firstly, thank you so much K. A. Riley for letting me get an ARC for this. The moment it was announced, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it and once again, Riley's writing did not disappoint!
From the very start, the world itself was captivating... I ate up every nugget about the two sides of the river, the history and especially THE DRAGONS. I can give no notes when it comes to the magical setting and the juxtaposition between the castles and horse-drawn carriages on one side and the sleek skyscrapers and technology on the other. I don't even understand how it's possible to create two opposite lands, both with women heavily controlled, yet for them to be so different in the application and the way their people react to the opposite side's methods, but Riley managed it flawlessly.
The FMC, Ynarra, is possible one of my favourite FMCs to date. She is flawed, a bit foolish at times and sometimes downright oblivious, but she is also determined, loyal, witty and ready to burn the patriarchy to the ground... what more could you want? It was so much fun seeing her develop and start to really recognise the consequences of her actions in the messed up world she's grown up in. Although there is some romance in her life, it most certainly isn't the most important thing to Ynarra or the story, which makes it just that much sweeter... although I can't deny that the dragon is the star of the show! I fell in love with not just the dragon we meet, but their history, the beautiful descriptions, the way they bond... I loved every little bit and can't wait to learn more!
After speeding through this in one day and being hit with that ending, I am desperate for the next book and will be raving about this series to everyone I know... and yes I will probably be re-reading it soon too... not many books manage to make me audibly gasp, chuckle and kick my feet at all, let alone the amount I did with this book... perfectly done!
This is not even close to the first book I've read by K. A. Riley, and I was doubtful that the Thrall series could be topped, but she's done it again. In my opinion, Riley is a criminally underrated author with not only an incredible ability to bring characters to life, but also has the wit and humour needed when writing dystopian books in today's world (just check out her social media!).
This is my first ARC and my first time reading this author. What a fantastic introduction to KA Riley! I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.
YA dystopian fantasy is not my go to read as I’ve read a few of the popular ones and found them to be mediocre. Rekindled was a pleasant surprise. It’s fun and funny. The struggles the women face mirror current and possible future realities. Ynarra is a relatable character. I can’t wait to read more about her and Arson’s story.
I enjoyed this book so much! I knew I would, but it certainly didn't disappoint. A fairytale of princesses, dragons, and kingdoms with a fun twist. I love K A Rileys writing. She has a way with words and I just consume her books. A must read for sure !!
Things I liked about this read: 1. The unique worldbuilding- part of the setting is a technology filled modern-like city and just across the river is a medieval-like city and that was really fun to see! 2. The strength of the girls’ friendship. They started the story together and ended it together, with Ynarra having some adventures by herself before including her friends with her. Weston too, but mostly the girls’ relationship. 3. The realistic consequences of Ynarra’s actions. She kept thinking that nothing would happen…but lots of sh!t happened. They literally start a w@r.
Things I wanted more of: 1. The relationship between Arson and Ynarra. I wanted to see Arson way more so hopefully he’s more prominent in the next one! 2. Torren. He’s so mysterious. What does he know?!? 3. Action and story line. There was a little too much politicking towards the beginning- by too much, I mean that I understood the first couple times that girls in this society are not treated equal. FMC explained this way too much in my opinion and it seemed like it was taking away from the story at times.
Things I loved: 1. Arson! Loved him! I also loved that he was not treated like a pet and that Ynarra truly got to know him instead of trying to control him. 2. That Weston tried hard to make things right for Ynarra once he realized the gravity of the treatment of women. He’s a good egg. 3. Verse and Kayde being the ones to come and save her! Torren too but I love the girl power and how they weren’t just talk, but were determined enough to cross the river and do something. 4. The wacky vocabulary!!! I took screenshots of all the creative wording and I honestly would rate this one 3 stars but that alone gets this one whole star. My favorite part was looking out for the funny words 😆
Anyway, read this if you like dragons, female rage, and tense politics!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I was beyond honored to be an ARC reader for Rekindled, and let me just say, this book set me on fire in the best possible way.
Ynarra is everything I love in a heroine: fierce, funny, and unflinchingly human. She’s a total badass, but not in the overdone, invincible way we see so often. She’s fallible, raw, and real. Her voice pulled me in instantly and didn’t let go.
The world Riley has crafted is utterly spellbinding—stone castles and horse-drawn carriages on one side of the river, a sleek, futuristic city glittering just beyond. That contrast? Brilliant. And it WORKS.
This story is riveting from start to finish. It grabs you by the collar and drags you through every twist and revelation. I was screaming. I was kicking my feet. That ending? I still haven’t emotionally recovered.
But what elevates Rekindled beyond the thrill ride is what it says. The themes of control, power, and bodily autonomy hit hard, especially in today’s world. Riley doesn’t preach, she reveals. She shows how oppression can wear different masks, how freedom can be a lie we tell ourselves. I’m still unpacking it all.
There is some romance—and it’s swoony and well-paced—but it never overshadows the heart of the story. Because at its core, this is a story about a girl and her dragon. And that, my friends, is everything.
I’m already counting the days until the next installment. K.A. Riley, you’ve lit a fire, and I don’t ever want it to go out.
Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to digest and devour this book. My imagination was running wild whilst reading which hasn’t happened in a while, perfect world building without over exaggeration!
The FMC, Ynarra is perfectly portrayed. She’s mentally tough and is a total Queen, yet ready to burn the whole world down. She doesn’t want the life that’s been laid out for her, she wants to fight for freedom. Ynarra is written so fiercely but without the overkill that you see in a lot of dystopian fantasy books. Yes, she is trained in sword fighting etc but she isn’t taking down a guy that’s 6’5 and massively built. She’s also clumsy, she’s a little reckless, she’s also loyal to a fault. She’s finding herself in a world where she can’t be who she wants to be.
The irony of how both sides of the river think women should be treated is amazing, the interactions between characters from both sides are sassy as hell. They live in two very different worlds, but their ideals aren’t all that different
This book has the perfect balance of strong and sassy female characters, adventure and plot twists. I have a serious book hangover now.. Brilliant work once again Riley!
Who doesn’t love a dragon story!? Rekindled delivers that—and so much more. Ynarra is a fierce, deeply human protagonist—funny, flawed, and instantly compelling. She's not your typical overpowered heroine; she feels real, and her voice pulls you in from page one.
The world Riley builds is stunning—medieval castles on one side of the river, a glittering futuristic city on the other. It’s an unexpected contrast that works beautifully. While the pacing is relaxed early on due to the world-building, I was never bored—there’s plenty of intrigue and mystery to keep you turning pages.
As Ynarra uncovers hidden truths about two kingdoms, themes of power, control, and resistance begin to unfold. Riley explores them with nuance—never preachy, always powerful. And though there’s a touch of romance, it stays in its lane, never overshadowing the story’s heart.
Because at its core, this is about a girl and her dragon. And that dynamic? I’m obsessed. The ending hit hard—I’m still not over it—and I absolutely can’t wait for the sequel. Highly recommend.
this book is a lot of things. the characters are likable, the power system is really interesting, the plot moves at a good pace, but there is one downfall to this book. it’s unfortunately the part I was most excited for - the tropes. the romance trope is intricate and a cool concept and lives up to the initial hype from the summary. the dragon relationship in this book almost felt kind of stalker-y obsession like which was weird? I think it was just the writing or perhaps the way I approached the tone. the characters language seems occasionally out of place and too modern for the society the main characters are from.
I could be a little harsh since I had high expectations, but i wouldn’t say that I was disappointed in the read either. if you’re looking for a book that emulates the feeling of a middle school dragon fantasy with a dark twist, I would recommend this book. honestly, I would read the books that are next to come, maybe it was just the right book wrong time! excited to see where the series goes, and hopefully this story finds the home where it best fits :)
ranna is such a strong rage filled FMC, trying to make her world a better place, and she takes things in as they come. I love Weston he is such a sweetie pie and Verrse and Kayde, her besties are polar opposites but utterly and undeniably needed in this book, it would not be the same without them. Ong kayde sour exterior but soft on the inside I love her not more than Yranna, but she’s my second fav.
This book is like Fourth Wing and Never Keep had the most beautiful baby in the world and this book is that baby!!!! but it has zero, ZERO, smutt, so a great book for all ages. there are some love interests and some kissing and sneaking around but I mean what teenager or young adult hasn't done this.
The book was everything I didn't know I wanted. I couldn’t stop reading I absorbed it as fast as I could. I cannot wait for the next in the series. Have I mentioned how much I loved this book!
💕 This story has it all. It’s fantasy and it’s adventure. It’s romance and it’s friendship. It’s the coming of age. It’s the quest for feminine individuality. It, well, it has a dragon. As much as this book is about Ynarra, a young “princess” and the series of events that take place once she’s secretly given a dragon egg and not so secretly inches towards her 18th birthday, it has a very obvious underlying tone of feminist equity. Which I absolutely love. Rekindled takes a stand as it introduces us to two lifestyles, one on each side of the river. In an era centuries after the last dragon was slayed. Dragons which, if the tales are true, bonded with girls and demanded they hold important roles within the realm. But those days are long gone.
I love that we got to see two different sides. Each side of the river is a different male dominating society. One side has their women collared. Every decision made for them. In the view of the men, all their needs are taken care of. But, where is the freedom of choice? On the other side, girls have full independence, education and fight training until they turn 18. The lucky ones are then transacted to a husband, and henceforth take on the role of the submissive wife. Thats where Ynarra’s future is determined. And she’s one of the lucky ones. She’s transacted to her best friend. So which is better? To have freedom until 18 and then an unsure future? Or be collared and cared for from birth? Of course, this all changes when she gets the dragon egg and it secretly hatches, starting a chain of events that will alter the current way of life on both sides of the river. Dragons, mind you, that were exterminated centuries ago for their protection of women. Now Ynarra has the first secret dragon in centuries and it’s growing. And she’s questioning her future…
Dragons have been gone for 500 years. On one side of the river, women are pets, on the other side they are property. Ynarra, and her friends, are starting to realize neither is better than the other, especially as their Transaction dates draw nearer.
Everything changes on Ynarra's 16th birthday when she is gifted a dragon age that hatches later that night. After a year passes, and she has spent all the time she can learning from Arson, she realizes nothing is impossible, and maybe there may be a different future for women.
I loved this book! Women find power within themselves and realize their futures aren't set in stone. Great banter, sass, and explicatives that made me giggle. The (few) men wanting to help women find their power rather than hide their power. Then the cliffhanger leaving you wanting book 2 IMMEDIATELY! Did I mention dragons?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is kind of my own fault, as the author has proven her wit to be as sharp as it is hysterical on more than one occasion. Rekindled takes Riley’s distinct voice and brings it to Ynarra as she fights to discover who she truly wants to be while growing up in a world that seems to have already made up its mind about her place in it. Filled with friendship, mystery, tension, (and did I mention humour?), this story is perfect for anyone in a Hunger Games hangover, or anyone looking for a YA heroine who redeems every flat damsel in distress that young readers have been subjected to. Get it for the intimidatingly cool young person in your life and bask in the glow of their appreciation. You’re welcome.
I loved this story’s fresh take on classic fantasy. The world of Stormport and Crystalbay feels rich and sharply divided, setting the stage for a high-stakes clash not just between kingdoms but between old ideas and new possibilities. Ynarra is a relatable heroine—caught between loyalty, love, and the dangerous awakening of ancient powers. The twist with the dragon egg is brilliant, layering mystery and excitement over deep themes like freedom and rebellion. This feels like the start of an epic, emotional ride. I can’t wait to see what hatches next.
A great new addition to fantasy YA books! I’ve loved dragon books since Eragon, and I’m a sucker for a book with an actual strong female lead.
“There are also groups like mine, Kayde's, and Verse's: girls who get trained, learn to excel, and then watch their hard work and talents fizzle into worthlessness after their Transaction as they set out to live a new life on someone else's property...as someone else's property.”
Puts a different spin on the dystopian society that I hadn’t read before, and it was very refreshing.
The world is introduced through the eyes of teenagers in the best way possible, where there is hope, passion, adventure, and a bit of reckless abandon that is necessary to brave challenges.
Rekindled is full of sass and badassery, and a whole new list of insults that I’ve added to my collection! The banter real and at times had me snorting water, all the while dealing with heavy topics that hit very close to home.
Oh, and did I mention there are dragons?!?
Rekindled also reads well via the accessibility features on kindle if that’s a tool you use.
I received an ARC of rekindled, and it was so good. Starting out in a world where women have no rights and men control everything (I know, doesn’t feel that different from real life these days) after 500 years of dragons being extinct, one returns and a now a 17 year old girl has a chance to change the world and make things better for everyone. Princesses, dragons, world changing adventures with friends, what’s not to love? This book was such a great read, can’t wait for the next
Who doesn’t love a book about dragons? I had the pleasure of reading this as an arc and it didn’t disappoint. There is definitely a lot of world building in this book, so the vibe is chill for the majority of the book, however, the world is so interesting and the characters are as well, so I never got bored. I’m looking forward to continuing the series.
**Rekindled is a MUST-READ! It grabs you from the first page and doesn't let go. The characters are relatable, the world-building is incredible, and the plot twists keep you on the edge of your seat. This new adult fantasy is both heartfelt AND thrilling, a rare combination that makes it truly unforgettable. Prepare to be completely captivated
Was lucky enough to receive an ARC and Absolutely loved this book !!! It's Divergent meets How to Train your Dragon, and loved the banter between the characters. you really get a feel for all their personalities. Kept me wanting more right till the end and now I'm not patiently waiting for the next one lol
I know a book by K. A. Riley is going to be great but this is AMAZING. I've already read it twice! It has everything you could ever want from a book. Strong female characters, impressive world building & most importantly, dragons!! Honestly the only bad thing about it is the cliffhanger, I need book 2 now please 🖤
This book had me pleasantly surprised with how much I liked the storyline. With dragons you never know what route the author will take. This is my first K.A. Riley book and I know that I will be looking at the other series she has out there. Good storyline and love the friendship that builds in the book. (not really a romance, there are hints to romance but that is all)
I was extremely fortunate to be an ARC reader for this upcoming release from K.A. Riley!
Reading the synopsis had me from the start! Ancient castles...check! Forbidden romance...check! Strong FMC....check! Dragons....check and CHECK!
So much intrigue and mystery surrounding two kingdoms and Ynarra begins her journey to discovering new details about the true history on her birthday. There are themes of oppression, lopsided power dynamics and political unrest. While there's a bit of romance, it doesn't overtake the important subjects that are woven throughout.
Such a great story leading up to a gripping ending and I can't wait to read the next in the series! I'm hoping to get inside the head of the dragon and delve into a relationship between he and the FMC! Exciting!!!
I absolutely devoured this book! The fierce fmc, a great story line and of course dragons?! What more could you want in a book? This book drew me in and I loved every bit of it! Thank you so much for allowing me to have an ARC! 10/10 recommend, I cannot wait for the next one!
It's a slow burn, and I'm not sure who to root for because I'm very torn. Fantastic world building and very relevant to current world events but ironing for one person and that's the FMC.
Strong female characters, dragons, adventure and a little romance what more could you want in a book.
I love how the females are treated on both sides in such high esteem. The world building slows the pace of the book at the start, but the story intrigues you to keep reading.
Well written, highly recommended. The cliffhanger has me waiting for the next book.
Thank you for allowing me to read your ARC I’m honoured.
I've been an ARC reader for K.A. Riley in the past with her Thrall series and was extremely privileged to be asked to ARC read again for her new YA series.
When I read the synopsis I knew I had to jump right on! As like in the other books I've read by this author, I found myself captivated and spellbound. I could not read this book fast enough.
The reader is pulled in right from the start and brought on a riveting journey full of twits and revelations. The way this author hits on themes of control, power, and bodily autonomy is absolutely gripping.
I'm captivated and eagerly awaiting the second book in this series because I absolutely need more. I will definitely recommend this book to others because this is a must read!