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An Ember Rekindled
When a slave bonds with a caged dragon, she faces a terrible stay silent and survive, or risk everything to set them both free.
Kala Delacourt has spent years in chains, branded a traitor’s daughter after her father was executed to keep the king’s darkest secret buried. Her punishment? Feeding and cleaning up after the kingdom’s last surviving dragons, including Lily, the dragon once bonded to her father. It’s filthy, thankless work, made worse by the constant threat of being mauled, burned, or eaten by the other dragons.
Imprisoned ever since her rider’s death, Lily has wasted away in silence. Dragons can only bond once, and when that bond is broken, they rarely survive. To form a second bond defies every law of magic. It’s unnatural. Impossible.
Until Kala does it.
The moment their souls entwine, Kala awakens a power long denied to her. As she struggles to conceal her growing abilities, she’s forced to work with Soren, her former best friend who turned his back on her when she was enslaved.
Now an aspirant in the kingdom’s dragon rider trial, Soren must steal a wild dragon’s egg to earn his place among the elite. If he survives, he could be the key to their freedom—but he’s also the one person who could ruin everything.
And if the truth doesn’t destroy them first…
Loving him just might.
An Ember Rekindled is the start of a new dragon rider adventure following the tale of Kala’s and Lily’s fight for freedom. If you enjoy slow-burn romances, heart-pounding stakes, and defiant heroines, then you’ll love this book!
Kala Delacourt has spent years in chains, branded a traitor’s daughter after her father was executed to keep the king’s darkest secret buried. Her punishment? Feeding and cleaning up after the kingdom’s last surviving dragons, including Lily, the dragon once bonded to her father. It’s filthy, thankless work, made worse by the constant threat of being mauled, burned, or eaten by the other dragons.
Imprisoned ever since her rider’s death, Lily has wasted away in silence. Dragons can only bond once, and when that bond is broken, they rarely survive. To form a second bond defies every law of magic. It’s unnatural. Impossible.
Until Kala does it.
The moment their souls entwine, Kala awakens a power long denied to her. As she struggles to conceal her growing abilities, she’s forced to work with Soren, her former best friend who turned his back on her when she was enslaved.
Now an aspirant in the kingdom’s dragon rider trial, Soren must steal a wild dragon’s egg to earn his place among the elite. If he survives, he could be the key to their freedom—but he’s also the one person who could ruin everything.
And if the truth doesn’t destroy them first…
Loving him just might.
An Ember Rekindled is the start of a new dragon rider adventure following the tale of Kala’s and Lily’s fight for freedom. If you enjoy slow-burn romances, heart-pounding stakes, and defiant heroines, then you’ll love this book!
- GenresDragons
366 pages, Paperback
Published June 6, 2025
7 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
About the author
Luke McNamara
1 book2 followersLuke is a fantasy romance author hailing from South Carolina. Having spent most of his life along the coast, he now lives in the scenic upstate, where his love for the mountains and exploring inspires much of his writing.
A lifelong fantasy reader, Luke grew up reading the works of authors such as Christopher Paolini, E. E. Knight, and Cornelia Funke. He was often caught reading in class and has lost countless hours of sleep to the promise of “just one more chapter.” He now writes with that same passion, allowing him to craft immersive and emotionally rich stories designed to keep readers turning pages late into the night.
If you enjoy books with dragon riders, defiant heroines, and slow-burn romances, don’t miss his debut novel, An Ember Rekindled.
A lifelong fantasy reader, Luke grew up reading the works of authors such as Christopher Paolini, E. E. Knight, and Cornelia Funke. He was often caught reading in class and has lost countless hours of sleep to the promise of “just one more chapter.” He now writes with that same passion, allowing him to craft immersive and emotionally rich stories designed to keep readers turning pages late into the night.
If you enjoy books with dragon riders, defiant heroines, and slow-burn romances, don’t miss his debut novel, An Ember Rekindled.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 31, 2025
“Do not let your light burn low to make others seem brighter in comparison…Shine as bright as you can.”
What a fun, page-turner of a YA fantasy romance! I was hooked immediately by the dragons and enjoyed the mystery and the lovable characters. This story is reminiscent of the books we all grew up reading as kids. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves dragons, magic, sweet romance and adventure! I think this would be a great intro to fantasy romance if your teen is asking to read books like throne of glass or fourth wing but you want to avoid language or spice.
What a fun, page-turner of a YA fantasy romance! I was hooked immediately by the dragons and enjoyed the mystery and the lovable characters. This story is reminiscent of the books we all grew up reading as kids. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves dragons, magic, sweet romance and adventure! I think this would be a great intro to fantasy romance if your teen is asking to read books like throne of glass or fourth wing but you want to avoid language or spice.
July 6, 2025
A thoroughly enjoyable book full of adventure, betrayal, love and dragons.
It follows Kala Delacourt, a girl forced to be a slave to pay for her father's betrayal a decade ago. Against all the odds she bonds with a caged dragon, but freeing her won't be easy and there will be a cost.
Soren, the dragon commanders son and former friend to Kala agrees to take part in a trial to collect a wild dragons egg. His adventure leads him on a journey he wasn't expecting, uncovering old truths hidden for years and betrayals that rock their world.
The book has dragon riders, sassy but sweet dragons and magic
If you loved Eragon then you'll fall in love with this story. Perfect for any fan of Eragon
It follows Kala Delacourt, a girl forced to be a slave to pay for her father's betrayal a decade ago. Against all the odds she bonds with a caged dragon, but freeing her won't be easy and there will be a cost.
Soren, the dragon commanders son and former friend to Kala agrees to take part in a trial to collect a wild dragons egg. His adventure leads him on a journey he wasn't expecting, uncovering old truths hidden for years and betrayals that rock their world.
The book has dragon riders, sassy but sweet dragons and magic
If you loved Eragon then you'll fall in love with this story. Perfect for any fan of Eragon
July 8, 2025
I received this book as an eARC and thought that it was such a fun, fast paced and thrilling read from beginning to end. It kept me on my toes and I never knew what to expect next. I’m excited to see how this story keeps developing and what happens to the characters. There’s still quite a few questions I need answers to and hopefully they will be revealed in future books. If you want a read filled with dragons, slow burn romance, betrayal, magic, and twist and turns then this is a book for you! It will keep you intrigued and turning pages wanting to find out what happens next.
August 3, 2025
Very cute middle grade type fantasy story! I liked the overall plot and there were a few twists I didn’t see coming. The ending also left me wanting to read the next one for sure, my jaw was on the floor.
Obviously very Eragon inspired and maybe a little bit too much at some points: there were a few scenes directly taken from that book (initially learning magic by levitating the stones in the palm for instance) and the magic system is essentially exactly the same. King Haikon and King Galbatorix are pretty much two shades of the same color as well, and I would’ve liked a bit more originality there but overall it is a fun read. However I do like that the main characters are a girl AND a guy and they’re both dragon riders.
Some of the dialogue in general and the love story especially is super cheesy, but it’s cute and very middle grade appropriate!
A few plot holes and some pretty abrupt scene changes and choppy moments but again, overall I did like the story and I liked it enough that was easily overlooked for me. Normally that kinda thing makes me DNF but I was invested enough in the plot that it was fairly easy to get past it.
Overall very enjoyable, and I definitely want to read the next one!
Obviously very Eragon inspired and maybe a little bit too much at some points: there were a few scenes directly taken from that book (initially learning magic by levitating the stones in the palm for instance) and the magic system is essentially exactly the same. King Haikon and King Galbatorix are pretty much two shades of the same color as well, and I would’ve liked a bit more originality there but overall it is a fun read. However I do like that the main characters are a girl AND a guy and they’re both dragon riders.
Some of the dialogue in general and the love story especially is super cheesy, but it’s cute and very middle grade appropriate!
A few plot holes and some pretty abrupt scene changes and choppy moments but again, overall I did like the story and I liked it enough that was easily overlooked for me. Normally that kinda thing makes me DNF but I was invested enough in the plot that it was fairly easy to get past it.
Overall very enjoyable, and I definitely want to read the next one!
July 6, 2025
Wow! What a ride this book was! Featuring some of my favourite things, dragons who dish out some sassy dialogue over their bonds with their riders, plenty of adventures and trials throughout rider training, court politics and drama, a slow burn romance blooming between childhood friends, and an epic story of survival and friendship in the end, this book was an excellent start to what I can see is going to be a great series!
Without giving too much away, I adored how the dragons grew into their personalities and bonds with their riders, and the small hints of stronger magical powers left me wanting to know so much more about how deep the bonds could grow. The conflict and struggles the FMC and MMC faced in the tail end had me absolutely locked in, I could not put the book down, and the cliffhanger in the final moments left me reeling! I can’t wait to read the next book!
If you love anything with dragons and fire breathing action, you NEED to add this to your TBR!
Without giving too much away, I adored how the dragons grew into their personalities and bonds with their riders, and the small hints of stronger magical powers left me wanting to know so much more about how deep the bonds could grow. The conflict and struggles the FMC and MMC faced in the tail end had me absolutely locked in, I could not put the book down, and the cliffhanger in the final moments left me reeling! I can’t wait to read the next book!
If you love anything with dragons and fire breathing action, you NEED to add this to your TBR!
August 9, 2025
Who doesn’t love adventure, dragons, friendships, magic & betrayal? This book had me tapping into my younger self because I can guarantee I would be absolutely obsessed with this as a teen/young adult. I am actually going to be recommending this to my teenagers to read next!
Overall, a great YA debut novel🖤🐉 The story is interesting, the writing is chill & well paced while still leaving you to wonder what will happen next. The bonds between the humans and their dragons is so wholesome, I couldn’t take it 🥹
Soren and Kala are both super lovable characters. They both have the dedication to do what is right when it comes down to it. They’re so kind and caring with each other and their dragons.
The romance aspect is super sweet & clean, so it’s great if you have a teen wanting to read things like Fourth Wing, but without the spice!
Overall, a great YA debut novel🖤🐉 The story is interesting, the writing is chill & well paced while still leaving you to wonder what will happen next. The bonds between the humans and their dragons is so wholesome, I couldn’t take it 🥹
Soren and Kala are both super lovable characters. They both have the dedication to do what is right when it comes down to it. They’re so kind and caring with each other and their dragons.
The romance aspect is super sweet & clean, so it’s great if you have a teen wanting to read things like Fourth Wing, but without the spice!
July 29, 2025
An Ember Rekindled by Luke McNamara is perfect for readers who loved Eragon, Fourth Wing and dragons. Kala is a slave who bonds with a dragon, which is rather unique. When powers start to emerge, she has to work with a former friend, who had abandoned her…
This story, a debut, was so good from the very first. It is fast paced and the worldbuilding is amazing. So much is happening, from danger, magic, intrigue, betrayal, slow burn romance, which all made that I had a hard time putting the book down. It is a wonderful engaging journey with dragons and no spice. The cliffhanger makes me want to read the next book now.
If you like dragons, great worldbuilding, a fantastic plot and story-line with twists and turns, this is the book you want to read. I can’t wait for the sequel.
This story, a debut, was so good from the very first. It is fast paced and the worldbuilding is amazing. So much is happening, from danger, magic, intrigue, betrayal, slow burn romance, which all made that I had a hard time putting the book down. It is a wonderful engaging journey with dragons and no spice. The cliffhanger makes me want to read the next book now.
If you like dragons, great worldbuilding, a fantastic plot and story-line with twists and turns, this is the book you want to read. I can’t wait for the sequel.
August 4, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ rounded to 5
This book was awesome! I loved how the story really caught my attention from the very beginning. No complex world building to set up, this story jumps straight into it and though this is a fantasy genre, I never felt confused by the settings.
I absolutely devoured this book in two days because I needed to know what happened next!
I really liked the main characters and the back story we got on them, I’m definitely keen to see how they progress. And the dragons were a great complement to their respective MC’s.
This book ends on a cliffhanger so be prepared! I’ll definitely be reading the next one.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book was awesome! I loved how the story really caught my attention from the very beginning. No complex world building to set up, this story jumps straight into it and though this is a fantasy genre, I never felt confused by the settings.
I absolutely devoured this book in two days because I needed to know what happened next!
I really liked the main characters and the back story we got on them, I’m definitely keen to see how they progress. And the dragons were a great complement to their respective MC’s.
This book ends on a cliffhanger so be prepared! I’ll definitely be reading the next one.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 26, 2025
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 [5]
💖 [no spice]
Thank you for the ARC opportunity of this lovely book!
This was a very quick and easy read. The pacing was fast and engaging and I never found myself getting bored. Occasionally I found the jump skip to another scene to be slightly confusing which is something I think could be improved but thankfully it never pulled me away from my overall immersion. The writing style was very easy to read and I appreciate that I was easily absorbed into the story and had no trouble rooting for the characters.
The dragons were what I came here for and I'm so happy that we got to see alot of them. I especially loved the significant time spent between rider and dragon since they're practically each other's other half. Soren and Kala were fantastic characters so there’s not much I want to say about them since I loved their personalities and their relationship together. They're both the embodiment of kindness, care and dedication. I appreciate that they're also understanding with one another and are forgiving with all the secrets they kept from each other.
Lily was a gem, often giving off a sort of maternal figure vibe, particularly in her interactions with Soren and Ventius. I'm excited to know more about Kala and Lily's developing powers and that intriguing cliffhanger at the end??? Can't wait for the second book because there are so many unanswered questions that I can't wait to see explored further in the next book. Definitely recommend this to whoever is here for dragons because this is a whole all you can eat dragon content buffet in my opinion ₍₍⚞(˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶)⚟⁾⁾
💖 [no spice]
Thank you for the ARC opportunity of this lovely book!
This was a very quick and easy read. The pacing was fast and engaging and I never found myself getting bored. Occasionally I found the jump skip to another scene to be slightly confusing which is something I think could be improved but thankfully it never pulled me away from my overall immersion. The writing style was very easy to read and I appreciate that I was easily absorbed into the story and had no trouble rooting for the characters.
The dragons were what I came here for and I'm so happy that we got to see alot of them. I especially loved the significant time spent between rider and dragon since they're practically each other's other half. Soren and Kala were fantastic characters so there’s not much I want to say about them since I loved their personalities and their relationship together. They're both the embodiment of kindness, care and dedication. I appreciate that they're also understanding with one another and are forgiving with all the secrets they kept from each other.
Lily was a gem, often giving off a sort of maternal figure vibe, particularly in her interactions with Soren and Ventius. I'm excited to know more about Kala and Lily's developing powers and that intriguing cliffhanger at the end??? Can't wait for the second book because there are so many unanswered questions that I can't wait to see explored further in the next book. Definitely recommend this to whoever is here for dragons because this is a whole all you can eat dragon content buffet in my opinion ₍₍⚞(˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶)⚟⁾⁾
August 15, 2025
A Definite Must Read For Dragon Fantasy Fans!
What an incredible fantasy world Luke McNamara creates with his book An Ember Rekindled. I devoured this book in no time. It was exactly what I needed after a serious Fourth Wing hangover.
An Ember Rekindled follows Kala (whose family has fallen within society), Lily (an imprisoned dragon) and Soren (Kala’s ambitious childhood friend). Their destinies become unexpectedly intertwined and their journey is filled with secrets, danger and just the right amount of slow burn romance fantasy readers crave. I won’t spoil anything but if you are a fan of exciting dragon fantasy and immersive world building, this book is definitely worth picking up.
What an incredible fantasy world Luke McNamara creates with his book An Ember Rekindled. I devoured this book in no time. It was exactly what I needed after a serious Fourth Wing hangover.
An Ember Rekindled follows Kala (whose family has fallen within society), Lily (an imprisoned dragon) and Soren (Kala’s ambitious childhood friend). Their destinies become unexpectedly intertwined and their journey is filled with secrets, danger and just the right amount of slow burn romance fantasy readers crave. I won’t spoil anything but if you are a fan of exciting dragon fantasy and immersive world building, this book is definitely worth picking up.
June 29, 2025
An Ember Rekindled: The Second BondLuke McNamara
Author Luke McNamara put me in a world of dragons - and dragonriders!
An Ember Rekindled is a wonderful journey through the bonding of dragons with their riders, complete with the love they develop and challenges they face.
Author Luke McNamara put me in a world of dragons - and dragonriders!
An Ember Rekindled is a wonderful journey through the bonding of dragons with their riders, complete with the love they develop and challenges they face.
September 13, 2025
Fast-paced, thrilling, and full of heart, An Ember Rekindled had me hooked from the first chapter. Kala’s story as a slave-turned-reluctant dragon rider is filled with danger, rebellion, and an emotional bond that changes everything.
The world is brutal, the dragons are fierce (and awesome), and the plot never lets up. Just when I thought I had it figured out plot twist. I loved the bond between Kala and Lily and can’t wait to see how their journey continues.
A strong start to what promises to be an epic series. Bring on book two—I’m ready for more fire.
The world is brutal, the dragons are fierce (and awesome), and the plot never lets up. Just when I thought I had it figured out plot twist. I loved the bond between Kala and Lily and can’t wait to see how their journey continues.
A strong start to what promises to be an epic series. Bring on book two—I’m ready for more fire.
October 10, 2025
Great debut novel! It’s very fourth wing inspired (similar magic) but I love Luke’s writing style. It’s very simple and easy to follow along! I loved that the book was clean from smut and language. The book left off with a cliffhanger, so I’m excited for the next one! I know that the next one will have a little bit more romance between the two main characters so I’m excited for that! So fun to read a male author’s take on fantasy. I would love a map for the next one so I could follow along better with the places mentioned.
July 9, 2025
I loved this book!!! An Ember Rekindled is such an emotional, empowering story. Kala is strong, brave, and so easy to connect with, and her bond with Lily had me tearing up more than once! The world is rich and the dragons are amazing (Lily stole my heart ❤️). It’s the perfect mix of adventure, friendship, and just a just a hint of romance! But seriously… the cliff hanger has me needing the next book immediately!
July 10, 2025
An Ember Rekindled is an exciting dragon rider fantasy full of action, magic, court intrigue, and a slow-burn romance. The story of Kala and Soren captivates with sassy dragons, secrets, and a gripping cliffhanger. Perfect for fans of Eragon and dragon adventures!
For Fantasyfans an absolut must to read. Thank you 🌷🌷
For Fantasyfans an absolut must to read. Thank you 🌷🌷
August 2, 2025
Soren and Kala are great. I love her, and I love that she finds a dragon and gets out of her situation and does better for herself. Soren made me want to sleep him a little. He did get better as it went on, but phew.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 10, 2025
An Ember Rekindled is a fantastic debut YA fantasy novel by Luke McNamara.
An Ember Rekindled follows FMC Kala as she navigates a world of magic, secrets, and betrayals. Branded the daughter of traitor and forced to care for the kingdoms last dragons, the impossible happens when she bonds to a dragon whose first bond has been broken and is left to die.
It also follows MMC Soren as he finds his place among dragon rider aspirants and discovers world-shattering secrets.
An Ember Rekindled is a slow-burn no-spice fantasy with dual pov, fun dragon banter, and romantic tension-filled moments.
This was a fantastic read and a great first book in a new dragon rider series! I will definitely be recommending this book to people who want all of the high stakes, action packed adventure of other dragon books but don’t want all of the spicy scenes. I can’t wait for the next one!
If you like dragon riders, twists and turns, hidden secrets, romance with no spice, and an ending that leaves you biting your nails and impatiently waiting for the next book this book is for you!
Thank you Luke for the ARC!
All thoughts and opinions are my own
An Ember Rekindled follows FMC Kala as she navigates a world of magic, secrets, and betrayals. Branded the daughter of traitor and forced to care for the kingdoms last dragons, the impossible happens when she bonds to a dragon whose first bond has been broken and is left to die.
It also follows MMC Soren as he finds his place among dragon rider aspirants and discovers world-shattering secrets.
An Ember Rekindled is a slow-burn no-spice fantasy with dual pov, fun dragon banter, and romantic tension-filled moments.
This was a fantastic read and a great first book in a new dragon rider series! I will definitely be recommending this book to people who want all of the high stakes, action packed adventure of other dragon books but don’t want all of the spicy scenes. I can’t wait for the next one!
If you like dragon riders, twists and turns, hidden secrets, romance with no spice, and an ending that leaves you biting your nails and impatiently waiting for the next book this book is for you!
Thank you Luke for the ARC!
All thoughts and opinions are my own
July 10, 2025
The writing was great and the plot was there. It was entertaining reading about the dragons as they grew, the way the magic worked. The character development was good as was the mystery of the riders and king.
If you like dragons, magic and a bit of mystery then this book is definitely for you.
If you like dragons, magic and a bit of mystery then this book is definitely for you.
January 3, 2026
Good read, wish the next one was out!
Love this authors style. I started the book on a Thursday evening. Couldn't put it down stayed up most of the night into the morning. Came home from work and finished it! What a read, now I have to wait for the next one!
Love this authors style. I started the book on a Thursday evening. Couldn't put it down stayed up most of the night into the morning. Came home from work and finished it! What a read, now I have to wait for the next one!
May 19, 2025
A solid debut for an author in the YA romantasy genre. This story has elements that work together in a Fourth Wing x Hunger Games x Throne of Glass dynamic, complete with a romantic spark, many hidden secrets, and plot twists that had me wanting to read the next book already. I can't wait to get my hands on it when it comes out!
July 13, 2025
Really, really enjoyed reading this book! Feels like the original dragon books you read growing up, but in the best way. Looking forward to the next one!
July 27, 2025
An incredible debut novel that will immerse you in trial, betrayals, slow burning friends to lovers tension, magic...and dragons!
Marked by her bloodline and scorned as a traitor’s daughter, Kala is condemned to a life of quiet exile, tending to the last dragons of the realm. But everything changes when she forges an impossible bond with a dragon left to die—its former rider lost, its spirit fractured, and its future uncertain. Meanwhile, Soren steps into the world of dragon rider aspirants, determined to prove himself. But as he rises through the ranks, he uncovers secrets powerful enough to shatter everything he thought he knew about the realm—and his own place in it.
This adventure is packed with sass, dragon banter, and heart—and I couldn’t get enough of it. Kala is a strong, compelling FMC I absolutely loved, but Lily completely stole the show—and my heart. The rich world-building, slow-burning romance, layered character development, and high-stakes action kept me hooked from start to finish. And that cliffhanger? Absolutely gripping. If you’re a fan of The Hunger Games or Game of Thrones, this delivers those vibes in the best way. I loved every minute and can’t wait to see where the story goes next!
Marked by her bloodline and scorned as a traitor’s daughter, Kala is condemned to a life of quiet exile, tending to the last dragons of the realm. But everything changes when she forges an impossible bond with a dragon left to die—its former rider lost, its spirit fractured, and its future uncertain. Meanwhile, Soren steps into the world of dragon rider aspirants, determined to prove himself. But as he rises through the ranks, he uncovers secrets powerful enough to shatter everything he thought he knew about the realm—and his own place in it.
This adventure is packed with sass, dragon banter, and heart—and I couldn’t get enough of it. Kala is a strong, compelling FMC I absolutely loved, but Lily completely stole the show—and my heart. The rich world-building, slow-burning romance, layered character development, and high-stakes action kept me hooked from start to finish. And that cliffhanger? Absolutely gripping. If you’re a fan of The Hunger Games or Game of Thrones, this delivers those vibes in the best way. I loved every minute and can’t wait to see where the story goes next!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews