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The Dragon's Apprentice #2
Revenants Return
The fate of magic rests in the hands (and claws) of a cranky dragon, a feisty apprentice...and a prince who may not be all he seems? Get ready for the sequel to the New York Times bestselling hilarious fantasy adventure in the new series from the author of the Story Thieves.
You were warned to stay away from THE DRAGON’S APPRENTICE. It was forbidden for a good reason, as it told the story of a village girl named Ciara finding her own book of magic and learning spells from a dragon of all things. These are dangerous ideas, and no one should be allowed to see them.
Fortunately, Ciara’s story didn’t end there, or she might have doomed us all. No, thankfully, a true hero to the Draconic Empire, Prince Aiden, has come to Ciara’s village to stop her and her teacher, Scorch the dragon. The prince, like his father the Emperor, is a powerful magic-user. And Aiden uses his power to keep us safe from strange, forbidden books. If anyone can stop Ciara from teaching others magic and therefore summoning the horrible Revenants that once defeated the Dragon Mage herself, it’s the Empire’s beloved prince.
Let’s just hope that Ciara can’t spread her knowledge of magic before the prince can find her and put an end to her evil deeds once and for all…
You were warned to stay away from THE DRAGON’S APPRENTICE. It was forbidden for a good reason, as it told the story of a village girl named Ciara finding her own book of magic and learning spells from a dragon of all things. These are dangerous ideas, and no one should be allowed to see them.
Fortunately, Ciara’s story didn’t end there, or she might have doomed us all. No, thankfully, a true hero to the Draconic Empire, Prince Aiden, has come to Ciara’s village to stop her and her teacher, Scorch the dragon. The prince, like his father the Emperor, is a powerful magic-user. And Aiden uses his power to keep us safe from strange, forbidden books. If anyone can stop Ciara from teaching others magic and therefore summoning the horrible Revenants that once defeated the Dragon Mage herself, it’s the Empire’s beloved prince.
Let’s just hope that Ciara can’t spread her knowledge of magic before the prince can find her and put an end to her evil deeds once and for all…
- GenresFantasyMiddle Grade
240 pages, Hardcover
Published February 3, 2026
9 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 11, 2026
I thought that this book was an awesome book because it had two of my favorite things: dragons and magic. I preferred the second one because it was more exciting than the first one. When I got to the middle of the book, I kept reading because it started getting intriguing. I liked that dragons weren’t that common in this book. Normally, in books when there is one mythical creature, there are a lot of mythical creatures. I think you would like this book if you like: dragons, magic, or fantasy. Bye!
November 8, 2025
Ciara and the Dragon, Scorch, are still learning but more secretly as they don’t want to bring any attention to Ciara’s town, Skael, and her mom and friends. The Kings men are still looking for Bianca’s spell book which Ciara has. Now Ciara wants to train her friend in magic as well. When the young prince Aiden appears to help Skael get back to normal after the last battle with the empire he comes as a emissary from the king to help convince Scorch and Ciara a memory he shows them of how the revenants first came and how it involved Bianca wanting to train a friend in magic like Ciara is doing is a true memory. But Scorch sees the memory as real, but Ciara can sense something wrong with the memory, Scorch gets mad and tells Ciara off, so she will have to prove it as no one believes her.
Before you start to read this book, you must be prepared and believe in all you are about to witness all the twists and turns and not get distracted on the way. This is a book of true friendship in the time of turbulence and trying times. Ciara is a hardheaded focused tween that doesn’t have a huge number of friends (1) but she is Ciara’s best friend and Ciara will fight fiercely for her. This book has a ton of action and even more suspense. This book and series are fun the characters are great and the plot very interesting and I think even reluctant readers will find interest in this book.
Review copy provided by Netgalley
Before you start to read this book, you must be prepared and believe in all you are about to witness all the twists and turns and not get distracted on the way. This is a book of true friendship in the time of turbulence and trying times. Ciara is a hardheaded focused tween that doesn’t have a huge number of friends (1) but she is Ciara’s best friend and Ciara will fight fiercely for her. This book has a ton of action and even more suspense. This book and series are fun the characters are great and the plot very interesting and I think even reluctant readers will find interest in this book.
Review copy provided by Netgalley
February 12, 2026
I wasn't overly thrilled by the first book in this series. I thought it was somewhat forgettable and didn't really offer anything special, but I was curious about how it would go in future books. This sequel surprised me in all of the best ways. I enjoyed this one much more than the first and found myself thinking about it frequently after I read it.
Ciara is still impulsive and headstrong. Every person in the entire kingdom can tell her not to do a thing and she’s 100% going to still do it anyway. Still, her actions feel less stubborn and reckless in this one than in the first one. She understands more of the risks but is willing to make the decisions she feels are best in difficult situations. I love her subtle growth.
The main theme is hammered in pretty heavily, but I didn't find it as annoying as I usually do. In this case, it keeps coming up because the main character doesn't really believe it and has to come to terms with the idea herself. Instead of feeling like it's being repeated because the author is afraid the readers won't get the message, it feels more like the character is grappling with a concept she doesn't understand until she sees it and lives it. To me, that felt age appropriate and interesting.
I’m excited for the next book in the series. This was an excellent continuation with good humor and heart, and I think this is a great adventure for younger middle grade readers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I would like to thank James Riley and NetGalley for providing advance copies of this book. I had the pleasure of meeting James Riley in person, where he generously gifted me a physical copy, and I was also approved for the digital edition through NetGalley.
Ciara returns in this installment, continuing her attempts to learn magic while uncovering the true purpose of the emperor. While her methods don’t always align with Scorch’s logic, Ciara still manages to accomplish a surprising amount, often in unexpected ways.
Prince Aiden, however, is the emotional pressure point of this story. You like him, you hate him, and for a long time you genuinely don’t know how to feel about him. I promise that by the end of the book, those feelings settle—though perhaps not in the way you expect—and you may even find yourself reevaluating another character entirely.
As invested as I already was in the series, I thought I knew where this story was heading. I was very wrong, and I loved being wrong. I did not see the ending coming, which makes it all the more painful that this book doesn’t release until February—because that means waiting even longer for the next installment.
I need the next book. Immediately.
Ciara returns in this installment, continuing her attempts to learn magic while uncovering the true purpose of the emperor. While her methods don’t always align with Scorch’s logic, Ciara still manages to accomplish a surprising amount, often in unexpected ways.
Prince Aiden, however, is the emotional pressure point of this story. You like him, you hate him, and for a long time you genuinely don’t know how to feel about him. I promise that by the end of the book, those feelings settle—though perhaps not in the way you expect—and you may even find yourself reevaluating another character entirely.
As invested as I already was in the series, I thought I knew where this story was heading. I was very wrong, and I loved being wrong. I did not see the ending coming, which makes it all the more painful that this book doesn’t release until February—because that means waiting even longer for the next installment.
I need the next book. Immediately.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for allowing me to have an eARC of this book.
I really enjoyed this one! I would still agree with my take on the first book about this being geared more towards the younger age of Middle Grade readers.
Ciara is characterized in a younger way with her actions, at least at the beginning she mimics the same hot-headed, emotionally reactive girl of the first book. In this one, you do get to see her growth when faced with even more serious things. You see her be a great friend, be courageous, quick-witted and slow down to plan before she reacts.
I would say that the first book is very heavy setup for what comes in this book. I wish publishing would have given this author a deal to combine books 1 and 2, but I can see that being daunting for a young reader if they aren't split for the page count.
This book was so much more of a fantastical adventure than the first. Lots of the fantasy world building and lore happen. We still have our lovable magic teacher, Scorch, and mischievous spell book.
Once I got a little bit before the 50% mark I was completely sucked in to this story, even as an adult.
This author is really good at his cliffhangers....now I gotta read book 3.
I really enjoyed this one! I would still agree with my take on the first book about this being geared more towards the younger age of Middle Grade readers.
Ciara is characterized in a younger way with her actions, at least at the beginning she mimics the same hot-headed, emotionally reactive girl of the first book. In this one, you do get to see her growth when faced with even more serious things. You see her be a great friend, be courageous, quick-witted and slow down to plan before she reacts.
I would say that the first book is very heavy setup for what comes in this book. I wish publishing would have given this author a deal to combine books 1 and 2, but I can see that being daunting for a young reader if they aren't split for the page count.
This book was so much more of a fantastical adventure than the first. Lots of the fantasy world building and lore happen. We still have our lovable magic teacher, Scorch, and mischievous spell book.
Once I got a little bit before the 50% mark I was completely sucked in to this story, even as an adult.
This author is really good at his cliffhangers....now I gotta read book 3.
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February 8, 2026
The second book in The Dragon's Apprentice series, Ciara and her mom are hiding away from the Draconic Empire after learning that Dragon's are real and they have a spell book to prove it. When Prince Aiden comes to town, seemingly bringing peace and understanding, he begins to order his men to fix the town including the land so it can grow crops. Of course Prince Aiden is allowed to use magic and does so to keep the town safe, or so it seems, while Ciara use of magic just bring the magical revenants back and threaten it all. Or, that's how the story goes.
I liked the first book in the series so I was excited to pick up Revenants Return and I loved it so much I finished it in a day. There is a lot of witty and funny dialogue throughout the book and the angst and thrill was perfect for a middle grade fantasy. I loved the story being revealed in layers surrounding the Dragon Mage and the true story behind what happened to encase her in the castle. High intensity from start to finish, I am very excited for the next book in the series.
Thank you Random House Kids for the gifted copy.
I liked the first book in the series so I was excited to pick up Revenants Return and I loved it so much I finished it in a day. There is a lot of witty and funny dialogue throughout the book and the angst and thrill was perfect for a middle grade fantasy. I loved the story being revealed in layers surrounding the Dragon Mage and the true story behind what happened to encase her in the castle. High intensity from start to finish, I am very excited for the next book in the series.
Thank you Random House Kids for the gifted copy.
February 7, 2026
Thank you to Random House Kids for the free book and to PRH Audio for the free audiobook. These opinions are my own.
This is such a fun middle grade book series. Revenants Return is the sequel to Dragon's Apprentice. We continue to follow Ciara and Scorch, now that they have saved her small town. Or have they?
The story picks up right where the action from the previous book ends. And the biggest underlying question remains how power should be used and the extent to which it should be shared.
We get some fascinating new characters. And there are so many questions about who to trust. Everyone seemed suspicious.
I had such a fun time reading this, and I think kids will enjoy it even more. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I highly recommend this as a fantasy adventure that speaks across ages while also raising important questions about morality.
Alana Kerr Collins again narrated the audiobook. She does such a great job bringing all the characters to life. And especially with the various ways magic was used in this book, I found that so impressive. I enjoyed reading immersively with both the audiobook and the gorgeous paperback with sprayed edges.
This is such a fun middle grade book series. Revenants Return is the sequel to Dragon's Apprentice. We continue to follow Ciara and Scorch, now that they have saved her small town. Or have they?
The story picks up right where the action from the previous book ends. And the biggest underlying question remains how power should be used and the extent to which it should be shared.
We get some fascinating new characters. And there are so many questions about who to trust. Everyone seemed suspicious.
I had such a fun time reading this, and I think kids will enjoy it even more. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I highly recommend this as a fantasy adventure that speaks across ages while also raising important questions about morality.
Alana Kerr Collins again narrated the audiobook. She does such a great job bringing all the characters to life. And especially with the various ways magic was used in this book, I found that so impressive. I enjoyed reading immersively with both the audiobook and the gorgeous paperback with sprayed edges.
September 15, 2025
Just when Ciara is finally ready to dive into her magic studies, the prince of the Draconic Empire arrives—flanked by an army and wielding powerful magic of his own.
Prince Aiden brings food for the village and helps with rebuilding efforts, but Ciara isn’t so easily won over. How can she trust the son of the man who sent the Warden after her in the first place? Still, Aiden seems different when no one else is watching—kinder, lonelier. Ciara just wants him gone. Prince Aiden just wants a friend.
His true mission? To bring Ciara and her dragon teacher, Scorch, back to the capital—and to his father, the emperor. But as the emperor’s patience runs thin, long-buried truths begin to surface. Secrets from a thousand years ago, when the Dragon Mage vanished... and Scorch’s family was lost.
Prince Aiden brings food for the village and helps with rebuilding efforts, but Ciara isn’t so easily won over. How can she trust the son of the man who sent the Warden after her in the first place? Still, Aiden seems different when no one else is watching—kinder, lonelier. Ciara just wants him gone. Prince Aiden just wants a friend.
His true mission? To bring Ciara and her dragon teacher, Scorch, back to the capital—and to his father, the emperor. But as the emperor’s patience runs thin, long-buried truths begin to surface. Secrets from a thousand years ago, when the Dragon Mage vanished... and Scorch’s family was lost.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
My kiddo and I devoured book 1, so I was delighted to be selected to read an ARC for book 2 in this series. The impulsive Ciara has decided to take an apprentice, but won’t that make the revenants return? Would she really risk it? And is Prince Aiden there to save the town, like he says, or is he going to destroy everything?
I will admit that parts of the first quarter of the book had me yelling at the main character, but by the end I was back to cheering her on. Prince Aiden turns out to be a pretty well-developed character. You get a bit more backstory for the other characters as well and some of the questions in book 1 were answered.
If you hate cliffhangers, then maybe skip the Epilogue.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children's Books for the ARC. All reviews are my own.
I will admit that parts of the first quarter of the book had me yelling at the main character, but by the end I was back to cheering her on. Prince Aiden turns out to be a pretty well-developed character. You get a bit more backstory for the other characters as well and some of the questions in book 1 were answered.
If you hate cliffhangers, then maybe skip the Epilogue.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children's Books for the ARC. All reviews are my own.
December 2, 2025
Ciara, a twelve-year-old who once discovered her ancestor’s spellbook and awakened the dragon Scorch, continues her journey as a reluctant apprentice of forbidden magic. Hoping to teach her friend Meg, she defies Scorch’s warnings — for in the past, teaching magic outside the apprentice line led to disaster: the rise of the Revenants and a devastating war.
When Prince Aiden, the Emperor’s son, suddenly arrives, Ciara, Scorch, and Meg are forced into hiding. As the Revenants begin to stir once more, Ciara must decide whom to trust and how far she’s willing to go to protect her friends and her world.
When Prince Aiden, the Emperor’s son, suddenly arrives, Ciara, Scorch, and Meg are forced into hiding. As the Revenants begin to stir once more, Ciara must decide whom to trust and how far she’s willing to go to protect her friends and her world.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
SO happy to be back in Ciara’s orbit! After loving Dragon’s Apprentice, I couldn’t wait to jump back into this world! And of course i just loved Revenant’s Return! The characters are an absolute blast...you can't help but cheer them on. The humor added some chuckles here and there for me and I just loved how the story was just bursting with magic, adventure and heart! There are themes of found family and true friendship vibes (my weakness), plus… WE'VE GOT DRAGONS PEOPLE. Obviously. 🐉 I love that this feels like a journey that’s only just getting started because I just adore the characters! I’m already anxiously awaiting to see what James writes next! The epilogue is a bit of a cliff hanger but that's ok...I'll just do some magic for now while I wait for what James dreams up next! I think this is perfect for middle grade readers (or adults like me) who will forever love a magical, fast paced, joy filled middle grade adventure. ✨📚
December 1, 2025
Great next story in the series as we follow Ciara and her companions in this journey.
We learn more about the original apprentices and some important details to understand how the situation came to be from where the Dragon Mage originally intended society to interact with magic and dragons.
Excited to carry on with the next book!
Thank you NetGalley for the Advanced Reader's Copy. All opinions are my own.
We learn more about the original apprentices and some important details to understand how the situation came to be from where the Dragon Mage originally intended society to interact with magic and dragons.
Excited to carry on with the next book!
Thank you NetGalley for the Advanced Reader's Copy. All opinions are my own.
December 9, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children’s Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. This is SUCH a good book! The first one was amazing, but this was a masterpiece. It was SO funny and fun. It was also so sweet and has a lot of emotion. The characters are SO good. Ciara is so funny and caring, Meg is fierce and fun, and Aiden is so sweet and oblivious. Definitely give this a read! I could not believe that ending and I can’t wait for the next one!
February 6, 2026
I know this is going to appeal to Middles, especially 8-10 year olds! I haven't been a huge fan of the series just because I don't love the writing. But I think I'm just being picky.
Warnings: there is a scene where a "revenant" "possesses" someone (we learn later it was a false memory and it didn't actually happen). The scene is very quick.
Found in SRC '26 (YT)
Warnings: there is a scene where a "revenant" "possesses" someone (we learn later it was a false memory and it didn't actually happen). The scene is very quick.
Found in SRC '26 (YT)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This series is a ton of fun. My 7 yo (Advanced reader) daughter absolutely adored this book.. Tons of adventure and camaraderie. This was an excellent second book and my daughter is hopeful for a sprayed edges version to add next to the Dragon's Apprentice.
February 12, 2026
Revenant’s Return is a wildly entertaining sequel that leans even harder into its clever narration, chaotic magic, and wonderfully sharp humor. I loved how the story continues to play with perspective, especially through the Empire’s dramatic warnings about Ciara and Scorch, which only make their rebellion feel more satisfying. Scorch remains delightfully cranky, Ciara’s growth as an apprentice feels earned, and the arrival of Prince Aiden adds a layer of intrigue that keeps the stakes high without losing the series’ signature wit. The looming threat of the Revenants brings genuine tension, balancing the humor with real consequences. While a few twists are easy to anticipate, the charm, fast-paced adventure, and playful subversion of “forbidden magic” tropes make this a strong and thoroughly fun follow-up that leaves you eager for more.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews