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The Magical Legacy of the Ryūjin
The Magical Legacy of the Ryūjin is the captivating beginning of a saga where ancient forces awaken, unlikely bonds form, and the fate of a magical world begins to shift.
Have you ever debated the ethics of killing… with a dragon?
Rob, a stable boy from Castle Skargness, never asked for any of this. But when a twist of fate throws him together with Fuku Riu—a reckless young forest dragon with far too much attitude and far too little patience—everything changes.
After a tragic turn during the legendary dragon tournament, Rob and Fuku are forced to flee north, hunted by the merciless servants of pure magic. Their uneasy alliance is tested at every step, and trust is hard‑won in a land full of ancient threats and unseen watchers.
Meanwhile, in a very different world, Mi Lou—a pragmatic systems analyst from 2055—finds herself pulled into Skaiyles by forces she doesn’t yet understand. Her arrival marks a turning point, though none of them realize it yet.
As pure magic rises and buried legacies begin to stir, even the smallest bond may carry the weight of destiny.
German readers will find both Volumes 01 and 02 combined in the original German edition.
Have you ever debated the ethics of killing… with a dragon?
Rob, a stable boy from Castle Skargness, never asked for any of this. But when a twist of fate throws him together with Fuku Riu—a reckless young forest dragon with far too much attitude and far too little patience—everything changes.
After a tragic turn during the legendary dragon tournament, Rob and Fuku are forced to flee north, hunted by the merciless servants of pure magic. Their uneasy alliance is tested at every step, and trust is hard‑won in a land full of ancient threats and unseen watchers.
Meanwhile, in a very different world, Mi Lou—a pragmatic systems analyst from 2055—finds herself pulled into Skaiyles by forces she doesn’t yet understand. Her arrival marks a turning point, though none of them realize it yet.
As pure magic rises and buried legacies begin to stir, even the smallest bond may carry the weight of destiny.
German readers will find both Volumes 01 and 02 combined in the original German edition.
376 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 15, 2025
4 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 1, 2025
The Magical Legacy Of The Ryujin by Stephan Lethaus has been translated from German with the help of artificial intelligence. This is one instance where I have no problem with artificial intelligence. A pretty good job was done, and seeing I am reading an ARC it may even get better.
We have a wide cast of characters, which you can find at the end of the book. I haven’t really chosen a favorite, but Robin is one of the main characters, so it is easy to choose him. He a nice guy and some not so nice things happen to him. I also liked Mi Lou. She is in danger and on the run, and before the book is done, so is Robin. I’m eager to see how the storylines will come together, seeing Mi Lou is from the year 2055 and Robin is from the time of dragons.
The Magical Legacy Of The Ryujin starts out a little slow, but the further I read, the more the pace picks up and a subtle urgency spans the pages. The point of view switches from Robin to Mi Lou. I was able to predict some of what comes. Treachery, treason, and betrayal puts many lives in danger and many bodies will fall.
This is one of those stories where I am afraid to say too much. I don’t want to spoil anything for you. We have artifical intelligence and robots. We have magic and dragons. The world is rich in detail and if you love fantasies, I think you may love The Magical Legacy Of The Ryujin.
I want to thank Stepahn Lethaus for the opportunity to read and review The Magical Legacy Of The Ryujin. I can hardly wait to begin the second book, The Discovery Of The Inner Magic.
See more at http://www.fundinmental.com
We have a wide cast of characters, which you can find at the end of the book. I haven’t really chosen a favorite, but Robin is one of the main characters, so it is easy to choose him. He a nice guy and some not so nice things happen to him. I also liked Mi Lou. She is in danger and on the run, and before the book is done, so is Robin. I’m eager to see how the storylines will come together, seeing Mi Lou is from the year 2055 and Robin is from the time of dragons.
The Magical Legacy Of The Ryujin starts out a little slow, but the further I read, the more the pace picks up and a subtle urgency spans the pages. The point of view switches from Robin to Mi Lou. I was able to predict some of what comes. Treachery, treason, and betrayal puts many lives in danger and many bodies will fall.
This is one of those stories where I am afraid to say too much. I don’t want to spoil anything for you. We have artifical intelligence and robots. We have magic and dragons. The world is rich in detail and if you love fantasies, I think you may love The Magical Legacy Of The Ryujin.
I want to thank Stepahn Lethaus for the opportunity to read and review The Magical Legacy Of The Ryujin. I can hardly wait to begin the second book, The Discovery Of The Inner Magic.
See more at http://www.fundinmental.com
July 28, 2025
*This review is cross-posted between the first and second books in the series*
Book 2: The Discovery of the inner Magic
I knew The Magical Legacy of the Ryūjin and The Discovery of the inner Magic [sic] would be interesting as soon as I read the synopsis and email from the very generous author (many thanks for the DRC). Despite my extremely full backlog of reads and current writing schedule, I fit it in anyway. I'm very, very glad I did.
SFF translated into English from other languages is my literary catnip. So many unique worlds and possibilities open up in such stories. Characters act differently, worlds work with amazing mechanics, and even relationships have refreshingly humorous dynamics. Combine these features with an indie author's freedom of creativity, and readers get such wonderful escapist treats.
My profuse thanks to the author for the DRC's, for which I willingly give my own, honest opinion.
Check out my blog for the complete review!
Blog / Instagram / BookBub
Book 2: The Discovery of the inner Magic
I knew The Magical Legacy of the Ryūjin and The Discovery of the inner Magic [sic] would be interesting as soon as I read the synopsis and email from the very generous author (many thanks for the DRC). Despite my extremely full backlog of reads and current writing schedule, I fit it in anyway. I'm very, very glad I did.
SFF translated into English from other languages is my literary catnip. So many unique worlds and possibilities open up in such stories. Characters act differently, worlds work with amazing mechanics, and even relationships have refreshingly humorous dynamics. Combine these features with an indie author's freedom of creativity, and readers get such wonderful escapist treats.
My profuse thanks to the author for the DRC's, for which I willingly give my own, honest opinion.
Check out my blog for the complete review!
Blog / Instagram / BookBub
July 8, 2025
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
The characters in "The Magical Legacy of the Ryūjin" are semi-well developed, showcasing a rich diversity in the types of mages, their unique magic usage, and the various job types that populate this enchanting world. The protagonist, Robin, stands out as an interesting main character who exhibits notable development throughout the narrative. His relatability is rooted in his kindness, which is beautifully juxtaposed with his flaws and insecurities, particularly regarding his identity as a dragon mage. This internal struggle adds depth to his character, allowing readers to connect with him on a personal level as he navigates the challenges of his magical abilities and the expectations placed upon him. Fuku, on the other hand, is a young forest dragon characterized by his stubbornness and the immense pressure he faces to maintain the delicate relationship between humans and dragons. This dynamic between Robin and Fuku creates a captivating duo that brings humor and sass to the story, making their interactions both entertaining and relatable. Readers will find themselves laughing along with their antics while simultaneously feeling emotionally invested in their journey, rooting for their success as they tackle the challenges that come their way. The world-building in this series is extensive and intricately detailed, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the vibrant universe the story unfolds within. The author has crafted a world that is rich with lore and history, which enhances the reader's understanding of the various cultures, magical practices, and social dynamics at play. However, it is worth noting that the thoroughness of the world-building can sometimes detract from the pacing of the plot. There are moments where the narrative becomes bogged down in descriptions and explanations, which can lead to a sense of confusion and a feeling that the story is drawn out. The writing style is detailed and engaging, blending elements of mystery, humor, and magic with realistic themes that effectively set the tone for the story and its developments. The plot itself is intriguing; however, the sheer volume of world-building and the introduction of numerous characters can create a complex web that may leave some readers feeling a bit lost. The storytelling is particularly compelling as it weaves together various characters whose lives are interconnected, with only the readers privy to these relationships. This narrative technique creates an engaging experience, akin to that of a detective piecing together clues in a complex case. The magic system in "The Magical Legacy of the Ryūjin" is quite complex, featuring a variety of mages and dragons that play distinct yet somewhat similar roles within the overarching narrative. The introduction of various magical creatures, including trolls, shapeshifters, and even a few robots, adds an additional layer of intrigue and excitement to the story. Each magical being contributes to the richness of the world and the challenges the characters face. One notable drawback, however, is that the central plot seems to emerge quite late in the story, which can be somewhat disappointing for readers who are eager for a more immediate conflict or resolution. Despite this pacing issue, the groundwork laid throughout the book sets the stage nicely for the second installment in the series, leaving readers curious about what lies ahead. Overall, "The Magical Legacy of the Ryūjin" serves as a solid first book in a fantasy series that invites readers to explore the intricacies of its characters, the magic system, and the initial plotline. The inclusion of a map and character guide at the back of the book is particularly helpful, providing essential references for readers who may need refreshers on the various characters or specific locations within the narrative. I recommend this book to fantasy lovers who appreciate detailed world-building, intricate magic systems involving mages and dragons, and a complex, corrupted system filled with shades of good and evil, along with plenty of mysteries waiting to be unraveled.
I wish to express my sincere gratitude to author Stephan Lethaus for his generosity and the privilege of reading and reviewing his books prior to their official release. It is essential to note that while I have had the opportunity to review his works, all opinions expressed herein are solely my own and are formed independently based on my personal insights and experiences with the material.
The characters in "The Magical Legacy of the Ryūjin" are semi-well developed, showcasing a rich diversity in the types of mages, their unique magic usage, and the various job types that populate this enchanting world. The protagonist, Robin, stands out as an interesting main character who exhibits notable development throughout the narrative. His relatability is rooted in his kindness, which is beautifully juxtaposed with his flaws and insecurities, particularly regarding his identity as a dragon mage. This internal struggle adds depth to his character, allowing readers to connect with him on a personal level as he navigates the challenges of his magical abilities and the expectations placed upon him. Fuku, on the other hand, is a young forest dragon characterized by his stubbornness and the immense pressure he faces to maintain the delicate relationship between humans and dragons. This dynamic between Robin and Fuku creates a captivating duo that brings humor and sass to the story, making their interactions both entertaining and relatable. Readers will find themselves laughing along with their antics while simultaneously feeling emotionally invested in their journey, rooting for their success as they tackle the challenges that come their way. The world-building in this series is extensive and intricately detailed, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the vibrant universe the story unfolds within. The author has crafted a world that is rich with lore and history, which enhances the reader's understanding of the various cultures, magical practices, and social dynamics at play. However, it is worth noting that the thoroughness of the world-building can sometimes detract from the pacing of the plot. There are moments where the narrative becomes bogged down in descriptions and explanations, which can lead to a sense of confusion and a feeling that the story is drawn out. The writing style is detailed and engaging, blending elements of mystery, humor, and magic with realistic themes that effectively set the tone for the story and its developments. The plot itself is intriguing; however, the sheer volume of world-building and the introduction of numerous characters can create a complex web that may leave some readers feeling a bit lost. The storytelling is particularly compelling as it weaves together various characters whose lives are interconnected, with only the readers privy to these relationships. This narrative technique creates an engaging experience, akin to that of a detective piecing together clues in a complex case. The magic system in "The Magical Legacy of the Ryūjin" is quite complex, featuring a variety of mages and dragons that play distinct yet somewhat similar roles within the overarching narrative. The introduction of various magical creatures, including trolls, shapeshifters, and even a few robots, adds an additional layer of intrigue and excitement to the story. Each magical being contributes to the richness of the world and the challenges the characters face. One notable drawback, however, is that the central plot seems to emerge quite late in the story, which can be somewhat disappointing for readers who are eager for a more immediate conflict or resolution. Despite this pacing issue, the groundwork laid throughout the book sets the stage nicely for the second installment in the series, leaving readers curious about what lies ahead. Overall, "The Magical Legacy of the Ryūjin" serves as a solid first book in a fantasy series that invites readers to explore the intricacies of its characters, the magic system, and the initial plotline. The inclusion of a map and character guide at the back of the book is particularly helpful, providing essential references for readers who may need refreshers on the various characters or specific locations within the narrative. I recommend this book to fantasy lovers who appreciate detailed world-building, intricate magic systems involving mages and dragons, and a complex, corrupted system filled with shades of good and evil, along with plenty of mysteries waiting to be unraveled.
I wish to express my sincere gratitude to author Stephan Lethaus for his generosity and the privilege of reading and reviewing his books prior to their official release. It is essential to note that while I have had the opportunity to review his works, all opinions expressed herein are solely my own and are formed independently based on my personal insights and experiences with the material.
July 18, 2025
The Magical Legacy of the Ryūjin
Book 1 of 2: The Ryūjin Saga
By Stephan Lethaus
Publisher: Stephan Lethaus
Publication Date: July 15, 2025
ASIN: B0FG39KH3P
Length: 292 Pages
Triggers: Violence, mild torture, political corruption, dragon sass, time jumps
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Dread Factor: 💀
What Did I Just Walk Into?
So. You’re telling me a medieval stable boy, a moody forest dragon, a future ninja systems analyst, and an AI conspiracy all got tossed into a blender—and instead of a hot mess, out came an emotionally rich, plot-twisty fantasy that somehow works? Okay, Mr. Lethaus. I see you.
We kick off with Rob—your classic “I just wanted to feed horses, not flee for my life” teen—and Fuku Riu, the dragon equivalent of a sarcastic older sibling who didn’t ask for this bond, thank you very much. Their awkward forced partnership is half epic fantasy, half sitcom energy. But don’t get too comfy, because next thing you know, bam—we’re in 2055 with Mi Lou, an actual Ninjutsu-practicing systems analyst with a dead scientist dad, an evil secret society on her tail, and some suspiciously magical family heirlooms.
And then? Boom. Crystals explode, timelines crash, and Mi Lou lands in Skaiyles, where dragons are snarky, soul elixirs are a thing, and political betrayals come with side orders of magical tournaments and generational blood feuds.
Here’s What Slapped:
🐉 Fuku Riu. Equal parts spicy chaos and loyal companion. I would 100% watch a spin-off of him side-eyeing every human decision.
🌀 Dual timelines that don’t suck. Future tech + classic fantasy. It slapped.
🌿 Skaiyles. A rich, earthy, detailed world that somehow feels ancient and fresh all at once.
🧠 The philosophical dragon discussions. No seriously. Existential crises and sass? I ate it up.
🤺 The action scenes. Whether it’s soul-bond drama, mage fights, or cyber-enhanced assassins—never boring, always cinematic.
Could’ve Been Better?
Took a few chapters to find its footing—but once it did, it ran. Also, I now require a flowchart for future installments. And possibly a map. And maybe dragon trading cards.
Perfect for Readers Who Love:
📖 Snarky dragons and grumpy teens learning teamwork
📖 Sci-fi/fantasy crossovers with actual emotional weight
📖 Dual timelines that don’t drop the ball
📖 Found family, forced bonds, and ancient legacies
📖 Fantasy that isn’t afraid to say, “Hold up, let’s talk ethics”
Vibe Check:
It’s giving Eragon meets Ready Player One with the sass of How to Train Your Dragon and the stakes of The Witcher.
Book Series:
The Magical Legacy of the Ryūjin (The Ryūjin Saga Book 1)
Book 1 of 2: The Ryūjin Saga
The Discovery of the Inner Magic (The Ryūjin Saga Book 2)
Book 2 of 2: The Ryūjin Saga
Reviewed by Robin for Robin’s Review
Book 1 of 2: The Ryūjin Saga
By Stephan Lethaus
Publisher: Stephan Lethaus
Publication Date: July 15, 2025
ASIN: B0FG39KH3P
Length: 292 Pages
Triggers: Violence, mild torture, political corruption, dragon sass, time jumps
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Dread Factor: 💀
What Did I Just Walk Into?
So. You’re telling me a medieval stable boy, a moody forest dragon, a future ninja systems analyst, and an AI conspiracy all got tossed into a blender—and instead of a hot mess, out came an emotionally rich, plot-twisty fantasy that somehow works? Okay, Mr. Lethaus. I see you.
We kick off with Rob—your classic “I just wanted to feed horses, not flee for my life” teen—and Fuku Riu, the dragon equivalent of a sarcastic older sibling who didn’t ask for this bond, thank you very much. Their awkward forced partnership is half epic fantasy, half sitcom energy. But don’t get too comfy, because next thing you know, bam—we’re in 2055 with Mi Lou, an actual Ninjutsu-practicing systems analyst with a dead scientist dad, an evil secret society on her tail, and some suspiciously magical family heirlooms.
And then? Boom. Crystals explode, timelines crash, and Mi Lou lands in Skaiyles, where dragons are snarky, soul elixirs are a thing, and political betrayals come with side orders of magical tournaments and generational blood feuds.
Here’s What Slapped:
🐉 Fuku Riu. Equal parts spicy chaos and loyal companion. I would 100% watch a spin-off of him side-eyeing every human decision.
🌀 Dual timelines that don’t suck. Future tech + classic fantasy. It slapped.
🌿 Skaiyles. A rich, earthy, detailed world that somehow feels ancient and fresh all at once.
🧠 The philosophical dragon discussions. No seriously. Existential crises and sass? I ate it up.
🤺 The action scenes. Whether it’s soul-bond drama, mage fights, or cyber-enhanced assassins—never boring, always cinematic.
Could’ve Been Better?
Took a few chapters to find its footing—but once it did, it ran. Also, I now require a flowchart for future installments. And possibly a map. And maybe dragon trading cards.
Perfect for Readers Who Love:
📖 Snarky dragons and grumpy teens learning teamwork
📖 Sci-fi/fantasy crossovers with actual emotional weight
📖 Dual timelines that don’t drop the ball
📖 Found family, forced bonds, and ancient legacies
📖 Fantasy that isn’t afraid to say, “Hold up, let’s talk ethics”
Vibe Check:
It’s giving Eragon meets Ready Player One with the sass of How to Train Your Dragon and the stakes of The Witcher.
Book Series:
The Magical Legacy of the Ryūjin (The Ryūjin Saga Book 1)
Book 1 of 2: The Ryūjin Saga
The Discovery of the Inner Magic (The Ryūjin Saga Book 2)
Book 2 of 2: The Ryūjin Saga
Reviewed by Robin for Robin’s Review
July 20, 2025
The Magical Legacy of the Ryūjin involves two POVs. It bounces back and forth between Rob, a simple stable boy in medieval times, about to witness his first dragon mage bonding ritual between a young dragon and the pompous son of the high lord, and Mi Lou, a system analyst from the year 2055, embedded with an enhanced mental control center, as she travels to figure out what happened to her father.
Neither would ever believe what was about to happen to them.
I enjoyed the story but struggled at first with the density of it. It is extremely detailed and paints a perfect image in one's mind as they watch the story unfold.
Neither would ever believe what was about to happen to them.
I enjoyed the story but struggled at first with the density of it. It is extremely detailed and paints a perfect image in one's mind as they watch the story unfold.
August 12, 2025
This was such an interesting story. I loved the different time lines that seemed to flow together well. I would love to know what happens next with everyone as I have questions about what next. Love the dragons, and magic, and different aspects of the old and new, and the magic bonds.
July 10, 2025
The Magical Legacy of the Ryujin is the exciting first installment of The Ryujin Saga books—a successful epic fantasy adventure that was originally released in German (as one book) in 2016.
We follow multiple characters in a sort of paralleled universe that meshes science fiction with fantasy within an intricate world built on technology, magic systems, and of course, dragons. I loved everything about the world and could not read the first book fast enough! The story is well paced, the characters are easy to keep track of, and the magic system is extremely thorough. It's a true epic fantasy in every sense of the genre and I can see why the German edition was successful. It's an incredible story!
That being said, because this is an English translation (and the author mentioned in the Author's Note that AI was utilized during the translation process), there were instances where I felt like parts of the scenes were missing in translation or certain words jolted me out of the felling of fantasy. For instance, one dragon is repeatedly referred to by other characters as a "good guy", which isn't a big deal, but the eloquence and reverence that the characters hold for the dragons is lost with such casual descriptions. That's just one example, but it happened often enough that I had to remind myself that it's a translated story and when I read in the Author's Note, at the end of the book, that AI was used, it made sense of how those types of discrepancies made it into the book. Now, these are easily overlooked and I did receive an Advanced Copy, so these things might be fixed in the published version. Like I said, though, I really enjoyed the story as it is and I finished it in two days.
I already have the second book, so I'll be diving directly into that one soon! Overall, if you enjoy high fantasy and want a cultural shift away from the Americanized fantasy, The Magical Legacy of Ryujin is a great place to start!
Content disclaimers: I have nothing to report other than the use of dark magic. There's no cursing. No romance. The action is mild, though it's heavier during the science fiction side of the story.
I received this book from the author. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and this review is voluntary.
We follow multiple characters in a sort of paralleled universe that meshes science fiction with fantasy within an intricate world built on technology, magic systems, and of course, dragons. I loved everything about the world and could not read the first book fast enough! The story is well paced, the characters are easy to keep track of, and the magic system is extremely thorough. It's a true epic fantasy in every sense of the genre and I can see why the German edition was successful. It's an incredible story!
That being said, because this is an English translation (and the author mentioned in the Author's Note that AI was utilized during the translation process), there were instances where I felt like parts of the scenes were missing in translation or certain words jolted me out of the felling of fantasy. For instance, one dragon is repeatedly referred to by other characters as a "good guy", which isn't a big deal, but the eloquence and reverence that the characters hold for the dragons is lost with such casual descriptions. That's just one example, but it happened often enough that I had to remind myself that it's a translated story and when I read in the Author's Note, at the end of the book, that AI was used, it made sense of how those types of discrepancies made it into the book. Now, these are easily overlooked and I did receive an Advanced Copy, so these things might be fixed in the published version. Like I said, though, I really enjoyed the story as it is and I finished it in two days.
I already have the second book, so I'll be diving directly into that one soon! Overall, if you enjoy high fantasy and want a cultural shift away from the Americanized fantasy, The Magical Legacy of Ryujin is a great place to start!
Content disclaimers: I have nothing to report other than the use of dark magic. There's no cursing. No romance. The action is mild, though it's heavier during the science fiction side of the story.
I received this book from the author. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and this review is voluntary.
August 15, 2025
I have tried many fantasy books and have never really got into them, this author asked me to read their book, I was honest and said I would tell them if I didn’t enjoy it. By chapter two I was hooked. I loved the world, the characters, the fairies especially the dragons each one with their own quirks and personalities. The magic, the story and plot were all beautifully written and by the end I was holding my breath for Fuku and Robin. If you are a fantasy fan you will love this, if your new to fantasy or have tried it before and like me not embraced it, then this is the author for you. I can’t wait to read book two!
July 14, 2025
The Magical Legacy of the Ryūjin is a fun, dragon-filled fantasy perfect for fans of rich world-building and quirky magical duos. Robin, a kind but insecure dragon mage, teams up with Fuku, a sassy young forest dragon, and their banter is as charming as their journey is intense. The magic system is intricate, the cast is huge (thankfully, there’s a guide!), and the world is packed with trolls, shapeshifters—even robots. The plot takes a while to kick in, but if you’re into layered stories with mystery and magic, this one’s worth the ride.
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September 15, 2025Full review to come.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews