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The Dragons' War #1
Zephyr's Flight
A thousand years after the Chaos erased history, a rebellious village girl who sang with dragons rises to save her clan.
Astria's only dream is to become a Dragon Rider, like her ancestors who once forced peace upon the Legions and the barbarian Hordes. But the enigmatic dragons have their own motives and leave Astria without a partner.
Until she meets Zephyr. And though crippled and flightless, she will not abandon him.
Fearing an ancient myth of the End Times, the Council of Elders forbids their partnership and threatens her with exile. Defiance risks death in the Wild and losing everything she’s ever known.
But peace is a lie—and the Hordes are closing in once more, embroiling Astria in a war between empires where only one person understands her desires: a warrior from another land.
From an award-winning author comes an exhilarating new fantasy series, where sacrifice and defiance collide in a battle for survival, and love may be the most dangerous risk of all.
Astria's only dream is to become a Dragon Rider, like her ancestors who once forced peace upon the Legions and the barbarian Hordes. But the enigmatic dragons have their own motives and leave Astria without a partner.
Until she meets Zephyr. And though crippled and flightless, she will not abandon him.
Fearing an ancient myth of the End Times, the Council of Elders forbids their partnership and threatens her with exile. Defiance risks death in the Wild and losing everything she’s ever known.
But peace is a lie—and the Hordes are closing in once more, embroiling Astria in a war between empires where only one person understands her desires: a warrior from another land.
From an award-winning author comes an exhilarating new fantasy series, where sacrifice and defiance collide in a battle for survival, and love may be the most dangerous risk of all.
409 pages, ebook
Published May 12, 2025
59 people are currently reading
1135 people want to read
About the author
Ray Strong
8 books23 followersRay Strong is the award-winning author of The Dragons’ War, an epic fantasy series that launched in 2025 with Zephyr’s Flight. He began his writing journey with newspaper stories in Chicago before earning a graduate degree in engineering. That path took him around the world, where he learned from many different cultures and ways of life. Ray now lives on the West Coast with his wife and their three children, who once spent rainy afternoons acting out scenes from Castle in the Sky. Today, he writes full time, building rich worlds full of adventure, mythology, and magic.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 19, 2025
I actually really liked this book, was hesitant in the beginning, but this is decidedly a good read. You can feel the book growing throughout and by the end we see this was a world and character builder of a first book in a series. Looking forward to the next book and the continued journey of our FMC and the dragons.
May 27, 2025
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
This was a very odd book - at times it felt like it was written by a a very old fashioned 80 year old woman who had a good idea for a story but no idea how to put it coherently together. At times confusing and simplistic then suddenly it becomes complex. It made for an uneasy read that kept taking me out of the story to try to figure out what the author was trying to set up (or to cringe at the dialogue).Story: Teen Astria wants only to be a dragon rider. But the council of her tribe has other plans for her. When she disobeys after earning the trust of a dragon, she is cast out of the tribe. But war is coming to her village and she may be the only one who can save them. That is, if they will listen.
First and foremost, I had a hard time with the writing. It's either very bad or very good (or even both, I have no idea). Lines such as: "There, along the cobbled path to the village center, came a cart pulled by donkeys whose eyes were painted with the heavy brows of hawks." What does that even mean? That was from the first page and after that, I knew I was in trouble. But even the first sentence of the book was the same: "There was history before history, when Juro wore our civilization like a crown, and women flew like birds." Huh?
The hard-to-decipher sentences like the two above were interspersed with very simplistic people always calling each other 'hon' and 'dear'. No one talked like people and sounded like 'humble villagers 101' from a B-grade fantasy rpg. Even the dragons were very uninteresting -more so than our main characters.
I just couldn't get into the story or the characters. Emphasis on some scenes was unnecessary and boring while other scenes needed more description to make them really sing. Honestly, it felt like things happened to the characters rather than them being organically involved. It was like having someone paraphrase a description of a scene rather than being a part of it. It made me very disenfranchised and honestly bored. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.
July 13, 2025
This novel is an interesting departure from most Dragonrider stories. For one thing, the dragons don’t speak clearly or act reasonably, so we are forced deeper into the thoughts and feelings of Astria, the main character. The attraction of the book is watching her grow and mature. Unfortunately, the author uses the alien nature of the dragons to allow some questionable holes in the plot.
The rest of the story is standard for the genre: a crippled dragon, a cast-out candidate at odds with her society, and an outside threat from barbarian tribes. After the inciting incident, there is a long section of talking and political maneuvering that sets up the rest of the story.
The end of the first section is a rather unlikely and unexplained resolution to one major conflict. However, in keeping with the focus of the story, Astria’s rebellion has potentially fatal results, and at Page 150 the action picks up again.
The next section is a separate sequence of events that show us Astria’s troubles and triumphs as she survives the winter in the wilderness alone. Again, this conflict is hampered by the questionable plot point that her dragon who loves her cannot or will not help her survive. “Dragons don’t share,” is just too convenient.
From the half-way point, the story becomes a more straightforward action adventure, with a realistic and moving love story and some serious discussion about the differences between different cultures and the right to define our own lives.
Then comes the final conflict, which is of an unusual sort, verging in the surreal. Whether it works for the individual reader is up to you. This is not a “happily ever after” story, but the ending is moving, fulfilling and appropriate.
It is unfortunate that this story is so long. There is too much conversation, too much political wrangling, and the elements that are meant move the plot long are not strong enough to hold up their end of the storytelling. On the plus side, the novel breaks with the traditional forms and goes in different and interesting directions, anchored by a sympathetic and realistic main character.
A fascinating experiment with uncertain results.
This review was originally posted on Reedsy Discovery.
The rest of the story is standard for the genre: a crippled dragon, a cast-out candidate at odds with her society, and an outside threat from barbarian tribes. After the inciting incident, there is a long section of talking and political maneuvering that sets up the rest of the story.
The end of the first section is a rather unlikely and unexplained resolution to one major conflict. However, in keeping with the focus of the story, Astria’s rebellion has potentially fatal results, and at Page 150 the action picks up again.
The next section is a separate sequence of events that show us Astria’s troubles and triumphs as she survives the winter in the wilderness alone. Again, this conflict is hampered by the questionable plot point that her dragon who loves her cannot or will not help her survive. “Dragons don’t share,” is just too convenient.
From the half-way point, the story becomes a more straightforward action adventure, with a realistic and moving love story and some serious discussion about the differences between different cultures and the right to define our own lives.
Then comes the final conflict, which is of an unusual sort, verging in the surreal. Whether it works for the individual reader is up to you. This is not a “happily ever after” story, but the ending is moving, fulfilling and appropriate.
It is unfortunate that this story is so long. There is too much conversation, too much political wrangling, and the elements that are meant move the plot long are not strong enough to hold up their end of the storytelling. On the plus side, the novel breaks with the traditional forms and goes in different and interesting directions, anchored by a sympathetic and realistic main character.
A fascinating experiment with uncertain results.
This review was originally posted on Reedsy Discovery.
July 1, 2025
‘We gave this to each other’ – A fine fantasy adventure and romance!
California author Ray Strong serves in the high tech industries, and now writes space opera science fiction. His series of paranormal romantic adventures began with Hope’s War (two volumes) and now he offers his new series – The Dragons’ War – with ZEPHYR’S FLIGHT.
Strong opens his fantasy realm well as the story opens: ‘A thousand years after the Wandering, 10-year-old Astria Sannfjaer learned her world would end. The news came with a rattle of grax skulls and chicken bones that called Astria to the split door of her tiny cottage with her sketchbook. There, along the cobbled path to the village center, came a cart pulled by donkeys whose eyes were painted with the heavy brows of hawks. And Astria sketched them in charcoal. On the cart rode the Oracle of the Seers in a linen toga…’ And this epic fantasy series begins as the ingenious cast is introduced.
Strong’s ability to captivate the attention (and admiration!) of teen and young adult readers is secure, and his ability to create strange but accessible worlds is evident in the outline of the plot: ‘A thousand years after the Chaos erased history, a rebellious village girl who sang with dragons rises to save her people. Astria's only dream is to become a Dragon Rider, like her ancestors who once forced peace upon the Legions and the barbarian Hordes. But the enigmatic dragons have their own motives and leave Astria without a partner. Until she meets Zephyr. And though crippled and flightless, she will not abandon him. Fearing an ancient myth of the End Times, the Council of Elders forbids their partnership and threatens her with exile. Defiance risks death in the Wild and losing everything she’s ever known. But peace is a lie—and the Hordes are closing in once more, embroiling Astria in a war between empires where only one person understands her desires: a warrior from another land.’ With a considerate nod to the reader, Strong ends this book with an appendix that defines a complete cast of characters and places. The response – eager anticipation for the next volume of The Dragon’s War. Quality sci-fi romance!
California author Ray Strong serves in the high tech industries, and now writes space opera science fiction. His series of paranormal romantic adventures began with Hope’s War (two volumes) and now he offers his new series – The Dragons’ War – with ZEPHYR’S FLIGHT.
Strong opens his fantasy realm well as the story opens: ‘A thousand years after the Wandering, 10-year-old Astria Sannfjaer learned her world would end. The news came with a rattle of grax skulls and chicken bones that called Astria to the split door of her tiny cottage with her sketchbook. There, along the cobbled path to the village center, came a cart pulled by donkeys whose eyes were painted with the heavy brows of hawks. And Astria sketched them in charcoal. On the cart rode the Oracle of the Seers in a linen toga…’ And this epic fantasy series begins as the ingenious cast is introduced.
Strong’s ability to captivate the attention (and admiration!) of teen and young adult readers is secure, and his ability to create strange but accessible worlds is evident in the outline of the plot: ‘A thousand years after the Chaos erased history, a rebellious village girl who sang with dragons rises to save her people. Astria's only dream is to become a Dragon Rider, like her ancestors who once forced peace upon the Legions and the barbarian Hordes. But the enigmatic dragons have their own motives and leave Astria without a partner. Until she meets Zephyr. And though crippled and flightless, she will not abandon him. Fearing an ancient myth of the End Times, the Council of Elders forbids their partnership and threatens her with exile. Defiance risks death in the Wild and losing everything she’s ever known. But peace is a lie—and the Hordes are closing in once more, embroiling Astria in a war between empires where only one person understands her desires: a warrior from another land.’ With a considerate nod to the reader, Strong ends this book with an appendix that defines a complete cast of characters and places. The response – eager anticipation for the next volume of The Dragon’s War. Quality sci-fi romance!
September 17, 2025
The story takes place a thousand years after an event called "the chaos" erased history. Nearly all the knowledge from before that seems to be lost. In a certain part of this world humans are coexisting with dragons and in one village even partnering with them as dragon riders. But not everyone can be a dragon rider; they need to find a dragon to partner with, a dragon rider needs to volunteer as their mentor, who is mostly a family member, and most importantly, the council of elders needs to approve of the decision. Being a dragon rider is one of many trades young people can choose from; they need to step before the council and explain why they would be a great fit for that trade, but ultimately it's up to the council to approve or not. If they don't, they assign them a role.
Astrias's dream is to become a dragon rider, just like her father was, before he went missing. In order to complete her goal, she sets out to find a dragon to partner with. The problem is that dragons don't visit her village as often as they used to anymore. But one day she saves a little dragon called Zephir, which starts following her around. She would love to partner with him, but he can't fly, so she needs to find a solution for that before the council of elders assigns her a different role and her only chance at becoming a dragon rider is lost forever.
I really loved the concept of this book, especially how the dragons were portrayed, and the writing style was really fitting for the world; I felt like I was transported there. From the beginning on I was really intrigued by it and hardly could stop reading. I really liked Astria's growth and her character development throughout the story. I loved how she always stayed true to herself and never gave up. The ending broke my heart; I hated and loved it at the same time.
Astrias's dream is to become a dragon rider, just like her father was, before he went missing. In order to complete her goal, she sets out to find a dragon to partner with. The problem is that dragons don't visit her village as often as they used to anymore. But one day she saves a little dragon called Zephir, which starts following her around. She would love to partner with him, but he can't fly, so she needs to find a solution for that before the council of elders assigns her a different role and her only chance at becoming a dragon rider is lost forever.
I really loved the concept of this book, especially how the dragons were portrayed, and the writing style was really fitting for the world; I felt like I was transported there. From the beginning on I was really intrigued by it and hardly could stop reading. I really liked Astria's growth and her character development throughout the story. I loved how she always stayed true to herself and never gave up. The ending broke my heart; I hated and loved it at the same time.
June 29, 2025
This is an adventure book of dragons, myth, of coming war, and coming of age. I was admittedly worried this would be like all other such books and was relieved to be only slightly correct. While the plot was definitely a little formulaic at times, the development of Zephyr and Astria's relationship was truly the highlight of the book as they navigated the challenges and societal expectations that stood against them both. I appreciated how the author handled the progression of their bond alongside the novel's world building while the stage is set for the coming conflict, as expected in the first of a series.
What I struggled with and why I felt this was not quite a five star for me read was the writing. It may just be that this was not my cup of tea stylistically, but there were several times throughout this read that I found myself wondering at some of the language used in attempt to create the old world fantasy feel to the setting. Some descriptions were so vivid and beautifully done I could see so clearly as I read and others were a little overly long and a bit unnecessary. Maybe just preference thing for me, but no too much an issue as this did not detract from what a great read this was.
What I struggled with and why I felt this was not quite a five star for me read was the writing. It may just be that this was not my cup of tea stylistically, but there were several times throughout this read that I found myself wondering at some of the language used in attempt to create the old world fantasy feel to the setting. Some descriptions were so vivid and beautifully done I could see so clearly as I read and others were a little overly long and a bit unnecessary. Maybe just preference thing for me, but no too much an issue as this did not detract from what a great read this was.
August 27, 2025
I thought this story had a compelling premise from the blurb. I wanted to love it with my whole heart…but it fell kinda flat for me. The story telling is SO choppy. The world building is not strong. Which makes things extremely confusing. The conversations are horrific especially because there’s a lot of pet names used (hon, dear, girl…REPEATEDLY). The main heroine is definitely an annoying teenager. I found it really hard to relate to any of the human characters enough to care about them. I did love the dragons but did not love their sounds as being described as “honking”. All I could think of was a horn for a bicycle and that does not match what I think strong, powerful, magnificent beasts should make (made me think more of Dragon Tales from PBS in the early 2000s). Some of the chapters were ridiculously long and the pacing was all over the place. Can’t decide if I’ll read the follow ups or not. I kinda want to know what happens, but don’t know if I want to force myself to read any more of the stories.
June 20, 2025
Great Story
This adventure book is fantastic. I’m the kind of person who can easily recreate scenes in my imagination, and for that reason, reading this book was an amazing journey. Thanks to the author’s descriptive and accessible language, it was very easy for me to visualize every scene in my mind, which created a strong connection with the story. I love that it’s not just a single storyline—because of the fantasy element, there are several parallel plots, and it’s easy to connect with each of them. It’s an easy-to-read, entertaining book that’s perfect for escaping the daily routine. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys adventure, imagination, and stories that transport you to new worlds.
This adventure book is fantastic. I’m the kind of person who can easily recreate scenes in my imagination, and for that reason, reading this book was an amazing journey. Thanks to the author’s descriptive and accessible language, it was very easy for me to visualize every scene in my mind, which created a strong connection with the story. I love that it’s not just a single storyline—because of the fantasy element, there are several parallel plots, and it’s easy to connect with each of them. It’s an easy-to-read, entertaining book that’s perfect for escaping the daily routine. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys adventure, imagination, and stories that transport you to new worlds.
June 22, 2025
Zephyr's Flight is a book that blends fantasy with antique civilizations like no other. The plot is simple, and it reminded me a lot of How to Train Your Dragon, but only in the first chapters. The story is deep and complex, and it seems the author took his time and delivered an intricate social and political world, creating an outcome that is difficult to predict. In this aspect, it reminded me of The Witcher books.
Overall, it was a delightful read. In the fantasy category, it checks all the boxes, with a story that intensifies over the chapters, creating absorption. A great choice for lovers of these mythical creatures.
Overall, it was a delightful read. In the fantasy category, it checks all the boxes, with a story that intensifies over the chapters, creating absorption. A great choice for lovers of these mythical creatures.
June 26, 2025
I used to think that fiction stories containing myths, dragons or extreme fantasy were not for me, however, this title was recommended to me and I must say I was happily surprised.
The narrative is exquisite, with a development that invites the reader to remain immersed in that world of adventure. Also, the writing is so detailed that I could feel the characters feelings.
On the other hand, the author does not skimp on giving life lessons that make the reader reflect. Chapter after chapter we see how things seem to flow better with sacrifice and courage.
The fictional world created is mind-blowing, I got lost in the pages of this book and without a doubt I was completely captivated.
The narrative is exquisite, with a development that invites the reader to remain immersed in that world of adventure. Also, the writing is so detailed that I could feel the characters feelings.
On the other hand, the author does not skimp on giving life lessons that make the reader reflect. Chapter after chapter we see how things seem to flow better with sacrifice and courage.
The fictional world created is mind-blowing, I got lost in the pages of this book and without a doubt I was completely captivated.
June 27, 2025
An epic story
I love fantasy books that take us back to times of yore, with that special touch of magic make it easily a guaranteed excellent story. Astria's story is amazing, for all in all she has a progressive growth as she not only develops as a warrior, but at the same time finds her value in the world through her relationship with this dragon that appears as a sign of light among so much hopelessness. Will Astria with a dragon that does not fly be able to defy all present and future inconveniences? Let yourself be absorbed by a fantastic and very well constructed narrative. I recommend it to all lovers of fantasy literature, you will not be disappointed.
I love fantasy books that take us back to times of yore, with that special touch of magic make it easily a guaranteed excellent story. Astria's story is amazing, for all in all she has a progressive growth as she not only develops as a warrior, but at the same time finds her value in the world through her relationship with this dragon that appears as a sign of light among so much hopelessness. Will Astria with a dragon that does not fly be able to defy all present and future inconveniences? Let yourself be absorbed by a fantastic and very well constructed narrative. I recommend it to all lovers of fantasy literature, you will not be disappointed.
June 28, 2025
Zephyr's Flight is a book that took me on a thrilling fantasy journey – and the best thing is – it is only the first book in the series! I cannot wait to see where the author takes us next, as the story unfolds. Astria is a strong female protagonist, and I really liked her from the beginning. Her compassion for and belief in Zephyr – the flightless dragon – is heart-warming and empowering. The message of the tale is one of courage, friendship and perseverance. If you enjoy How to Train Your Dragon and Game of Thrones, then you will adore this series. Ray Strong is a highly gifted fantasy writer who has a lot more to deliver, I am sure. This book gets a solid five out of five stars from me!
September 2, 2025
I feel like I really wanted this book to go so well at times I was so confused. Sometimes the pacing would be a little bit odd and also I didn’t understand her friends or understand what the speaker really was. I feel like there should’ve been more background. I like the mysterious aspect however, I think that to be honest, I kind of lost interest after that final last battle since it didn’t seem real after that, it was a little strange when it was 90% finished. It was odd what happened after the final battle. and almost felt like a feverish dream. I think this book could have potential, but I don’t believe that I will be finishing the rest of the series.
August 28, 2025
Great read and I jumped right into the next in the series
August 5, 2025
Excellent dragon story with unique twists
A well developed tale about dragons and riders that reverses some of the common tropes. One of the most enjoyable series I’ve read in a long time - I’ve gone straight on to the next volume. I think you’ll need to too!
A well developed tale about dragons and riders that reverses some of the common tropes. One of the most enjoyable series I’ve read in a long time - I’ve gone straight on to the next volume. I think you’ll need to too!
May 6, 2025
Zephyr's never let anything get him down even through his disabilities early in his life. When Astria rescues him, she becomes his life. A dragon and his rider take a journey fraught with ups and downs. They both suffer many loses but find joy in small things.
The characters are done well and the world building is wonderful. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The characters are done well and the world building is wonderful. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 16, 2025
The story follows Astria as she attempts to fulfil her dream of becoming a dragon Rider and helping the dragons. Following her journey was a rollercoaster of emotional reactions, celebrating the highs of pride and joy at Astria's triumphs, and mourning the lows of her sorrows. In Zephyr's Flight, Ray Strong has woven an truly emotional tale with a strong heroine, who is unapologetically herself despite living in a world that seeks to crush her spirit. Strong developed the characters very well, allowing the reader to become invested in Astria's success. I was certainly invested in her success. The ending was also amazing, heartbreakingly bittersweet with just a dash of beautiful hope. I enjoyed reading Zephyr's Flight, and fans of well written Fantasy with dragons and strong heroines will enjoy Zephyr's Flight as well.
Thank you to Netgalley and to the author for providing me with an arc in exchange for a review! All opinions expressed are my own.
Thank you to Netgalley and to the author for providing me with an arc in exchange for a review! All opinions expressed are my own.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews