With a powerful elder dragon now under his command, Dalton Ashbourne has returned, and the world may never be the same.
Ayr and Elanor flee to the safety of the Obelisk, desperate to warn the Commonwealth of the looming threat. But with no idea where Dalton will strike next, anxiety grows. Not only are they haunted by the danger that stalks them, but also by the feelings sparking between them.
Urged on by their bonded dragons, Azura and Evor, Ayr and Elanor find themselves drawing closer, even as danger closes in from all sides. The threat is not just Dalton. Whispers of betrayal stir within the Commonwealth itself.
As tensions rise and loyalties fray, can the dragon riders trust their hearts before Dalton’s noose tightens? Or will their downfall come from somewhere far more personal?
Revenge of the Dragon is the second book in Matt Mememaro’s bold and adventurous Ashbourne Saga, where high-stakes dragon-riding fantasy meets a slow-burn, spicy romance.
Hailing from the enchanting landscapes of Australia, Matt Mememaro is a distinguished fantasy author who has recently ventured into the realms of romfantasy, seamlessly blending magic with matters of the heart.
Immersed in the rich tapestry of Australian culture, Matt's upbringing instilled in him a deep appreciation for the mystical and the extraordinary. This fascination with the fantastical, coupled with a love for storytelling, laid the foundation for his journey into the world of fantasy literature.
As Matt Mememaro ventures into the uncharted territories of romfantasy, he brings his signature blend of magic, adventure, and heartwarming romance to captivate readers. His works transport audiences from the sun-kissed landscapes of Australia to realms where love and magic intertwine, creating a literary experience that is as enchanting as the author himself.
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Revenge of the Dragon is an action-packed sequel to Shadows of the Dragon.
The story flows seamlessly from the events of the first book, following Ayr and Elanor as they delve deeper into mysteries and long-held secrets. Everything is heightened in this instalment, I loved discovering more about the world’s lore and magical systems. Ayr’s bond with Azura is beautifully written, and I especially appreciated Elanor’s connection with her dragon, Evor.
I was hooked from the first chapter and found myself wishing for more of Dalton (Ayr’s father) in this book, what we did get of him was absolutely delicious! The story holds so much mystery about the past and potential future, and the way everything is building had me completely immersed.
And then… another ending that left me hanging on a cliff edge!
WHY do authors do this!? WHHHYYYYYY!?
*sigh* I’ve spent the past couple of weeks fully immersed in this world, and I’m not ready to leave it. Now I wait (impatiently) for book three… and this is only book two, which just released!
I received an advance reader copy (ARC) of this book, and this review reflects my honest thoughts and feelings and is made voluntary.
This book follows closely along from book one and I like that the two could be read together. We know a lot more about the characters and the world from the first book so this one is a lot more plot driven, explaining some of Dalton’s history and the connections between some of the characters.
I love the intensity of this book, the story is fast paced, the twists just keep coming and it never quite goes where you think it’s going to. I was hooked from the beginning and it was really interesting to see how the characters grow together with their dragons given everything that is going on around them.
I’m absolutely hooked on this series and I can’t wait to see where the next book takes us!
Thank you to The Authors Archive and the author for my advanced copy of this book in exchange for my review
I was lucky to be given the chance to review Revenge of the Dragon thanks to The Author’s Archive and Matt Mememaro.
Another epic instalment in The Ashbourne Saga, with another cliffhanger ending. The expansion of this world is engrossing, lots of details and twists. I’m excited to see what adventures Ayr, Azura, Elanor and Evor have to endure next.
Thank you to the author Matt Mememaro for sending me a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
-All thoughts and opinions are my own.
"Scorching battles, forbidden love, and a final twist that left me breathless."
Matt Mememaro’s Revenge of the Dragon is not just a fantasy epic—it’s a heartbreaking and soul-stirring journey of love forged in fire.
Kaelen’s mission for vengeance is already compelling—but it’s his forbidden bond with Lyra, the dragon-blooded priestess sworn to destroy his kind, that ignites the story into something unforgettable. Their chemistry crackles through every stolen moment, even as war brews and destiny threatens to tear them apart.
Lyra’s struggle between duty and desire, and Kaelen’s growing fear that the dragon’s power may be consuming him, gives the story a raw emotional core that sets it apart from typical revenge tales. There’s one scene in the Moonshade Caverns—if you know, you know—where I nearly stopped breathing. The way they hold onto each other, knowing their time may be running out? Devastating.
The pacing is relentless. One moment you’re bracing for battle atop the Ember Cliffs, the next you’re plunged into the icy horrors beneath Eldermoor Keep. And the characters? Let’s just say you’ll think you know who to trust… until Mememaro rips the rug out from under you.
And then there’s the twist.
Mememaro leaves us dangling off the edge of a molten cliff with so many questions and just enough dread to keep us flipping back through pages for missed clues. If there’s a sequel coming—and there better be—count me first in line.
Revenge of the Dragon was the second book I have read by Matt Mememaro and the second book for the Ashbourne Saga, and it didn’t disappoint! If you don’t want any potential spoilers go and read book 1, Shadows of the Dragon and then meet me back here!
Picking right back up where book 1 had left me hanging off the side of a cliff, I was once again wrapped up in this story and my heart was absolutely racing from the very first pages. The whole book was so action packed with twists and turns and had me constantly on the edge of my seat.
The world building didn’t slow down in this book, and we got to dive deeper into more of the dragons and secondary characters' relationships with each other. The character growth from MMC Ayr and the deepening connection between him and his dragon Azura continued to develop through this installment, as well as Ayr’s connection to his mentor and FMC Elanor with some age gap spicey spice peppered throughout the book.
I wasn’t at all surprised by the pace of this one, or that there would be an epic cliffhanger again at the end, and now I am impatiently waiting on the third installment of this saga. I thought this book was great, it’s such a fun fast paced series and I am loving reading it! I can’t wait to see what Daddy Ashbourne and his big bad dragon have in store for Ayr and Elanor! Thank you so much Matt for allowing me to read this advanced copy!
If you are a fan of epic high stakes action filled series, with a heavy dose of dragon riding and magical powers, you can’t miss out on this series!
Revenge of the dragon. Book 2 in Ashbourne Saga just raises the stakes. Immediately as you open the first pages you're plunged into well written and paced action. It picks up after the cliffhanger of Shadows of The Dragon. One of the strongest aspects of this book is the expansion of perspective. We get Elanor's point of view included and that makes everything a lot more rich and well balanced. Exploring the connections between the characters and their dragons also dives you deeper into the universe that Matt is building in this dragon book. Dragons, I tell you! They hold so much potential that each story can define them in a new and unique way. And Matt's dragons are awesome. There's a growing connection between Ayr and Elanor that adds a slow-burn tension that feels natural and surely will feel ultimately more rewarding later on in the series, as they battle forces that threaten to tear them apart. Matt has always written action-packed scenes as I have also read his very first published books. It's a skill he has developed and writes the scenes effortlessly, letting you submerge deep into the battle. The amount of Dr Strange behaviour in the characters in this saga is a lot less than I initially expected, and that is ultimately something great for me to see! I smash 5 stars here.
A Fiery Sequel That Soars on Wings of Tension, Romance, and Betrayal
Revenge of the Dragon picks up right where The Ashbourne Saga left off, and it doesn’t waste a moment. With Dalton Ashbourne now commanding an elder dragon, the stakes are raised sky high. Ayr and Elanor flee to the Obelisk to warn the Commonwealth, but their journey isn’t just about survival it’s about trust, loyalty, and the complicated pull of feelings neither can ignore.
Matt Mememaro delivers a fantasy that’s equal parts political tension and personal struggle. The worldbuilding continues to shine, but it’s the emotional weight that stands out in this installment. Ayr and Elanor’s connection grows subtly yet powerfully, shaped not only by shared danger but also by the presence of their dragons, Azura and Evor, who add depth to every scene.
The pacing balances action with character moments beautifully. Just when you think the real threat is Dalton, the story shifts to something more intimate a betrayal brewing from within the walls they thought were safe.
This book grips you with tension, but it’s the quieter moments, the stolen glances, the lingering doubts, that stay with you. A gripping, emotional ride from start to finish this sequel flies even higher than the first. Can't wait for Book 3.
I read Revenge of the Dragon right after learning more about the first book in the Ashbourne Saga, and it felt like a natural continution of the story. The pacing is steady, with enough action to keep me turning pages quickly. I liked how the world expanded, showing more about the Commonwealth and the tensions inside it. The plot also revealed more about Dalton and his growing threat, which made the stakes feel higher.
The relationship between Ayr and Elanor develops slowly but clearly, and I appreciated that their trust issues were addressed in a believable way. The dragons, Azura and Evor, remain a strong part of the story, and I enjoyed the way their bond with the riders influenced decisions and emotions.
I found the writing clear and easy to follow, even in the more tense scenes. The balance between action, character development, and worldbuilding worked well. By the end, the setup for the next book was strong, and I wanted to keep going immediately.
If you read the first book, I think this one delivers on its promises and adds more depth to the series. It’s a solid sequel that moves the story forward in a satisfying way. I think this is a suitable material for a mini-series on TV.
I just finished Revenge of the Dragon and wow. The first book was a good start, but this one takes everything to a new level. The world feels huge now. There are so many new places and dangers. The story got bigger. The characters are a mess, but in a good way. You can see how they change and how their choices have a real effect on everything. The author does a great job of building tension. The book has a feeling of pressure that builds around you with every page. That slow burn romance between Ayr and Elanor builds over the pages. It keeps you on the edge of your seat. And the dragons in this book are just awesome. They have so much character it feels like they are real people with fierce spirits.
The pace of this book is a lot. It starts calm, but then it picks up speed. It feels like a storm you can't escape. The author does not make it easy for you. There is no comfort here. It's a lot of fire and pain mixed with a lot of beauty. You will feel a ton of things. The book hits you in a big way. I read some parts and had to stop for a second to believe what I just read. This story stays with you. It sticks in your mind after you finish it. The ending is a punch to the gut. It makes you want the next book right away. If you thought Book One got you, Book Two owns you.
Couldn't wait to read Revenge of the Dragon as book 1 (Shadows of the Dragon) left off on a cliffhanger. I was not expecting the turn of events in this book! Very sneaky character change and left me speechless! I don’t know if I want to love or hate a couple of the characters. Revenge of the Dragon takes you on an emotional roller coaster ride of how you feel about Ayr and also Dalton. Get angry at how Ayr is treated and feel bad for him and then get angry at Ayr for what he is doing! I was all over the place emotionally in this book! I loved reading more about the bond growing between Ayr & Azura, Elanor & Evor and how the four of them are so intertwined.
Revenge of the Dragon was jam packed from start to finish, just like Shadows of the Dragon. I loved the addition of Elanor point of view sprinkled in throughout this book. That wasn't there for Book 1 and it was nice to dive into her character a bit more from her point of view. Matt Mememaro makes it so you can't put the book down!
And of course, dragons! Can't beat a book with dragons! I highly recommend the Ashbourne Series! Now to try and patiently wait for book 3. ☹
Trials, twists, tension and family turmoil fill this second book. Having the multiple POVs from both Ayr and Elanor this time was a good change from the first book and gave more insight into some of what was happening in the background and showed both sides of their bond and their dragons as the book progressed. There were a few twists and reveals that had me in shock.
The juxtaposition of Elanors relationship to her father vs Ayrs to his was well done and the repeating quote about betraying there blood or the commonwealth was a theme throughout the book. I loved watching the tension burn between the MMC and FMC and finally coming to a head in this book, and watching them choose each other and their dragons sometimes over what may be best for the commonwealth or their blood. The world building continues in this book and more secrets about Ayrs past and true power are revealed. The ending of this book has me excited to see what happens next! My rating 4.4/5!
Thanks to both the author and the authors archive for the gifted copy of this book, all opinions given are my own!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I am … ✨Speechless✨ (in a really good way) … so here we go!
I flew through the pages of this one. From the first chapter, I could feel it.. I was gonna get hooked!
After reading Shadows of the Dragon, this one really leveled up! I loved the addition of dual POVs (Ayr & Azura + Elanor & Evor) it added so much depth to the story. I didn’t really connect with Elanor in book one, but now? She clicked 🥹 and that’s thanks to knowing her thoughts/feelings a little bit better ❤️🔥
And can we talk about Kaladin, respectfully SIR… please leave the chat.
Throughout the book, the tension building was perfection 👌🏻 (especially during those 2 events, Iykyk 🫣) I was holding my breath the whole time, my eyes were definitely glued to the pages and I was barely stopping to take notes.
And then… that ending. HOW DARE YOU? Leave us hanging like that??! The chaos! … The audacity! I wasn’t ready, I need answers, I need …something! Immediately.
So yes!, The Ashbourne saga? Just Keeps getting better, and I’m sooo desperate for book three. 😭
I just finished Book Two of the saga, Revenge of the Dragon, and it did not disappoint. It was fascinating to watch the relationship between the two main characters, Ayr and Elanor, evolve despite the countless obstacles thrown their way. Their bond deepened through battles, betrayals, and moments of quiet connection—making their journey all the more compelling. One of the most captivating elements of the story is the concept of being bonded with a dragon. It adds emotional depth and a thrilling sense of unity between human and beast that sets this fantasy apart. Book Two is packed with power struggles that leave you wondering: are these characters true villains, or future allies in disguise? The suspense keeps you turning pages, while the richly imagined world of dragons, magic, and destiny pulls you deeper into the adventure. Anyone who loves epic fantasy, mythical creatures, and stories where good ultimately triumphs over evil will thoroughly enjoy this captivating installment. I can’t wait to see where the saga leads next. I definitely recommend it.
Revenge of the Dragon is a thrilling, high-stakes continuation of The Ashbourne Saga that raises the tension, deepens the characters, and expands the world in all the right ways. Picking up right where Shadows of the Dragon left off, Ayr and Elanor bound to their dragons Azura and Evor must navigate not only the looming threat of Dalton and his elder dragon, but also whispers of betrayal within the Commonwealth. The slow-burn romance simmers beautifully against a backdrop of danger, trust issues, and political intrigue, making every interaction feel earned. The dual bonds between riders and dragons add emotional weight to the action, while the pacing keeps the pages flying. Matt Mememaro blends breathtaking dragon-riding sequences with moments of raw vulnerability, delivering a sequel that grips from start to finish. Fans of epic fantasy, intricate relationships, and cliffhangers that leave you gasping will find this installment utterly unputdownable. Book three can’t come soon enough.
So this is the second instalment of The Ashbourne Saga and boy was it a great one! Like Holy crap I am starting to feel bad for Ayr. This books has so much action, that you are definitely never bored and it’s amazing how fast it goes! The Dragons are awesome and the plot just continues to thicken!
Our poor MCs are kinda forced to continue to help each other and now have started devolving a real relationship. They struggle with their trust issues but when you’re constantly thrown into danger together and have no one else to rely on, they start to become the only person that can be trusted. As I have some theories that not all is as it seems in the Commonwealth and their history may also not be what they think it was.
I cannot wait to see where the next book goes since our lovely couple was left in quite the predicament! Seriously Matt….why you gotta do us dirty like that 😩!! Super excited for book 3!
A Breathtaking Ride Mememaro expertly weaves together multiple threads of narrative, creating a rich and immersive world. The themes of trust, betrayal, and the power of personal connection resonate deeply, making this more than just a thrilling dragon-riding adventure. The slow-burn romance adds a delicious layer of complexity, leaving the reader yearning for more.
As the synopsis aptly puts it, the question becomes: can Ayr and Elanor trust their hearts before Dalton's noose tightens, or will their downfall be a consequence of something far more personal? *Revenge of the Dragon* doesn't shy away from exploring these complex themes, making it a truly captivating read. For fans of fantasy seeking a story with both exhilarating action and emotionally resonant characters, this book is an absolute must-read. I highly recommend diving into the Ashbourne Saga and experiencing this breathtaking ride for yourself.
Dragons, dragons, dragons.... I've had a passion for them since I was no bigger than three stacked apples. You may easily guess why I gave this book a try.
Expect big and noisy dragons here. The ones of the size of a mountain, making caves shake, you get the idea.
The opening escape scene from Sinibad, an elder dragon the size of a cathedral, makes you almost feel the air under every wingbeat. And the final colosseum stunt is like a pure living "fireworks" type of spectacle: messy, shocking, shaking. Yes, that book will make you shake your room and your mind a lot ;-)
The banter between a young rider and his far more experienced companion is okay but there's fat to trim. Every roar and footstep is described twice. Too much, sorry. But all in all, the story runs hot with the chaotic aerial scenes, the political betrayaal and the fmily grudges.
I just wrapped up Revenge of the Dragon (Book 2 in The Ashbourne Saga) and… wow, that ride stuck with me. It opens in the thick of things: Dalton Ashbourne has returned with a powerful elder dragon at his side, and instantly you feel the shift in atmosphere. Ayr and Elanor are on the run, desperate to warn the Commonwealth. But as danger edges closer, so do they, and honestly, that slow-burn tension? I was all in. Their dragons, Azura and Evor, aren’t just window dressing, they’re like extensions of the characters, increasing the emotional weight and giving the story this extra edge. Things aren’t easy for them. There’s high stakes, and internal strife as loyalties fray and hearts pull in different directions. That balance of danger and romance felt real. When the sparks finally fly, I cared deeply, because it never felt forced. By the end, I was both satisfied and itching for more. If you love dragon-rider fantasy with emotional depth and rising stakes, this one’s a solid pick.
My love of dragons began years ago with Eragon, then deepened with Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon.
Now, Matt Mememaro’s Ashbourne Saga has taken that passion to a whole new level.
Revenge of the Dragon is a breathtaking sequel that delivers everything I wanted and more epic battles, rich world building, and of course, unforgettable dragons with personalities as fierce as their riders.
Ayr and Elanor’s journey is full of danger, loyalty, betrayal, and a slow‑burn romance that kept me hooked right to the end. The pacing is perfectly balanced building suspense, then unleashing emotional, heart‑pounding payoffs.
Matt’s writing pulls you in so deeply it feels cinematic, and I can’t help but dream of seeing this saga adapted into a major TV series or movie one day.
Book two left me eager for more, and I’m already counting the days until the third instalment arrives!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is the second book I’ve read by Matt Mememaro. The first was the first in the series. This is the sequel. It would help to read the first one, but this one could stand alone. It continues in much the same vein, the love/suspicion dynamic between the two main characters and the unknown of the MC’s father and his motives. I must say, the father mystery is written very well. It had me wondering how he would play his part and whether he was the good guy or bad guy. There are some great fight and action scenes. To me, they were done right: not dragged out, but still given enough action and time to enjoy them. The book ends with somewhat of a conclusion but leaves the major questions unanswered. The plot has some similarities to the first book, but it has a few twists that kept me interested. I think overall, I liked this one better, but that may have been from knowing the background. I’d recommend this for fans of fantasy.
I’m lucky enough to be on the arc team for Matt and I love this series! It keeps you on your toes with adventure, danger and excitement in every chapter!
Following on from book 1 Ayr is to face trial for the death of a fellow rider. When he wins it’s clear that the danger isn’t over but it’s only just beginning. With his father making a deal with Elanor in order to save her dragon the war is beginning. When elanor father is found dead, head of security deem her and ayr guilty even though they didn’t do it. Ayr’s uncle - anton the overlord of the commonwealth sends them both to trial but before they face their potential death Dalton appears!
I devoured this book in a couple of hours, the character development is brilliant and not only for the humans but for the dragon too. I highly recommend
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This series just got better with Revenge of the Dragon. I couldn’t put it down. There were so many scenes that had me on the edge of my seat and just when I was okay, something else would happen. AND THAT MOTHER OF A CLIFFHANGER. The only reasons I did not rate 5 stars is because some parts had me confused; like not knowing whose POV we were on and jumping around a bit, and some grammar errors that made me have to reread a sentence twice. Overall, I’ve really enjoyed the story so far. I’m not in love with any of the characters yet (more so now than the first book) but I’m loving the dragon/rider bond and the fact that we got a dual POV!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Revenge of the Dragon is a fantasy tale including magic, dragons, wyverns, betrayal, romance and ambiguous characters, both heroic and otherwise. As the second book in the Ashbourne Saga series, it's understandable that some of the characters and background aren't as well-developed/introduced as they would be in a standalone novel.
I see this more as part of a fantasy saga novel with a romance woven into the action, than a romantasy.
The story is quite reminiscent of Anne McCaffrey's dragon novels, but those are science fantasy, rather than fantasy. Revenge of the Dragon is also far more graphically violent.
Azura is, unquestionably, my favorite character. She's a young dragon who's passionate about taking care of both her rider and promised mate, Evor. She reflects a mix of innocence and determination.
While unique names/spelling and formal archaic language such as "whilst" are part of the novel, the incongruous use of modern/contemporary sounding words & phrases such as smirk, f---, sh--- and good (as in fine or all right), kept abruptly pulling me out of the story. Other concerns include repetitive words/descriptions/etc. In addition, character reactions sometimes seem out of place or contradictory (or the reasoning was so subtle, I couldn't tell what it might be). One example is Ayr's disappointment toward the start of Chapter 12. Another example is in Chapter 34. Although the situation is truly desperate, Ayr thinks he may have stopped to appreciate the art if not for his guides...?
Despite the various issues, I think many readers who love dragon action stories may appreciate Revenge of the Dragon.
I believe this saga is only getting better as it goes. Matt's writing just gets better the more books he writes. I enjoyed the adventure aspect of Ayr's adventure. Book 2 picks up right where book 1 left off. It ends similarly to Book 1 in that there is another cliffhanger. Matt seems to like those, but they do keep us coming back for more. The book is spicier quicker than I expect, but considering the 1st book I shouldn't have been surprised. Matt has a cinematic way of writing that creates a movie in your mind. I look forward to book 3!
When a book starts out with a dragon chase, you know it's going to be good. Book 2 starts off at the exact moment we were left hanging 6+ months ago. It was very easy to be pulled to the edge of my seat. But beware, you are also left hanging off the side of that same big cliff that the author left you hanging on the first time around.
The adventures, the world building, the WTF moments. It was very easy to see what was happening the whole time. I'm left baffled on who to trust. War is definitely looming. I was ready for the next installment before I was done with this one. Excellent read!
The Ashbourne Saga is one of my favorite series to date! The second installment of the Ashbourne Saga, Revenge of the Dragon picks up right where the first book ends. This book follows Ayr, Azura, Elanor, and Evor as they strengthen their bonds and navigate obstacles in the Commonwealth. I didn’t want to put this book down and I definitely can’t wait to see what happens next! You have to read the first book (Shadows of the Dragon, available on KU and in paperback & hardcover) to understand where this one starts.
"I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.” Revenge of the dragon. Ayr and Elanor bounded by they’re dragons Azura and Evor find themselves drawing closer even as danger closes in on them from all sides. Not only Ayr’s father Dalton and the Elder dragon, but also whispers of betrayal of the commonwealth itself. This second book follows directly the first one up. And catches my breath away. It’s craving to know more, about the dragons, the world, the dangers. Can’t wait to read book 3. May many more will follow please. This is a must read series! 💛
✨ ARC Review ✨ Excuse me Mr Matt! The ending!?!? COME ON! This book, this SERIES IS AMAZING! Those plot twits are just 🤌🏻😘 chefs kiss! As someone who can usually pick a twist coming from a mile away, pleasantly surprised at the fact that I didn’t see them coming! Loved, loved, loved! These two books are amazing! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, if you love fourth wing YOU NEED TO READ THE ASHBOURNE SAGA! 10/10 Can I please have the next one? Very soon? 🥺 please?
I am new to Matt’s universe. I am so glad I stumbled across these books ( make sure you read book one ). This book builds the characters and stories into an even more can’t put down story. You get more answer you get some more questions and you are left with the need for more. Be prepared for wanting m0re. I now follow Matt and will be impatiently waiting for more lol. 10/10 recommended fantasy reader must have.
I take back my last statement. THIS is exactly what I needed right now. Just wow.
Well done, round of applause 👏
The second instalment is just as action packed and incredible as the first. The learn more and more about the characters as the series continues and I can't wait to see what adventures go on next.
That cliff hanger at the end was cruel fyi
Thank you for the early access of this book. I enjoyed it greatly.