Of Stars & Dragons

The Astrala Saga #1

by D.A. White, Vanessa Mena (Editor), Reece-Alexander Norris-Paterson (Cover Art)

Orphaned as a child and forged in the fires of hardship, Rider has grown into a formidable swordsman with no past to anchor him—until fate binds him to a kingdom on the brink of ruin.

When Queen Vyshaan, the Iron Sorceress of Brightspire, needs to thwart a dark cult rising from the shadows, Rider steps up to the task. What begins as a quest for coin quickly becomes a battle for the very soul of Etonya. As ancient dragons stir and celestial forces awaken, Rider discovers a dangerous power within himself, one tied not only to the magic of his world, but to a forgotten legacy written in the stars.

Alliances will be tested. Love and passion will ignite in the heart of war. He embraces a Spark born of destruction, determined to wield it with honor—even as it threatens to unravel him.

The first book in The Astrala Saga is a sweeping epic of magic, fiery romance, and destiny. Perfect for readers who revel in dragon lore, star-born legacies, and sword-swinging heroes who must choose between who they are and who they’re meant to become.

Sometimes, the greatest power lies not in the sword… but in the heart that wields it

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Dragons

428 pages, Hardcover

Published August 1, 2025

About the author

David (D.A.) White was born in 1986 and is the youngest of three siblings. His lifelong love of all things fantasy and sci-fi was inherited from his older brother, Robert. Robert is responsible for exposing David to the genres, series, and games that would not only shape his personality, but teach him that no one is defined by where they start in life. You simply need to complete the hard quests, gain experience, and level up. Looking for a life beyond homelessness and hunger at fifteen, David walked into The Bill Wilson Center in Santa Clara, California. After years of legal proceedings, counseling, and foster homes, there was light at the end of the tunnel. David found his forever family, bound by love and choice.

David Graduated from California State University, Fresno with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Academic Honors. After graduating, David returned to Santa Clara to begin working as a Youth Counselor at the Bill Wilson Center, the very shelter he stayed in during his earlier years. David spent the next few years working with a variety of organizations focused on helping youth become the best version of themselves before entering adulthood.

David eventually got married to his beautiful wife, and started a family of his own. His recent years have been spent focusing on raising his princess. When not striving to become the best father this world has ever seen, he enjoys reliving and exploring the classic genres and stories his late brother Robert exposed him to such as, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Highlander, Dungeons and Dragons, Stargate SG-1, Magic the Gather, and many more.

Reviews

[Angel aka BooksnCats007 · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my top 5 reads of 2025.
Descriptive, with beautiful world building that doesn't give you a headache. (or bore you to death)
Fast-paced writing that allows you to retain the info and stay engaged in the story.
Action packed! My emotions were all over the place! You will love the main characters and their side quests/adventures, along with the people they meet along the way.
The slow burn was not torturous by any means, it was the perfect timing that flowed easily into the story. and...it wasn't just all about the spice all the time either. Written with class but enough heat to make you giggle.
Seriously, what's not to love about this amazing debut!

[Meekilovesbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story

Now this is how a fantasy story should be written. I loved every single word. The world building, action, quest, dragons, mage, sword, battles were epic.

[Christina Belin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story carries that lovely sense of being seen through characters who understand each other's strengths and vulnerabilities. It gives the adventure an emotional warmth that lingers long after the final page.

[Lyha Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

I mean wow! This book Was Unputdownable! I enjoyed it from beginning to end. Slow burn with a happy ending. Yep first 5 star of the month!

[Kendra Lynece · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! It was beautifully written and so engaging it felt like a wild ride from start to finish. Just when you think the story is mellowing out, something insane happens that pulls you right back in. I’m not typically a fan of spice in books, but the spice here was tasteful and really fit the narrative. I devoured it in one day and I know that the rest of the series is worth the wait. Beyond excited for what’s next!

[Cece · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ My First High Fantasy Read and WOW! This book played out like a full-blown movie in my head...cinematic, emotional, and absolutely unforgettable. The world-building was Phenomenal. The characters pure Perfection! I fell hard for Rider, Ariella, Kael, and Hawke (especially Hawke 💘). Each one was so vividly written, it felt like they were jumping off the page. Ariella is a total badass warrior elf princess, Kael is a wise and powerful Astralan battlemage, Hawke is the cocky pirate you can’t help but love, and Rider… oh Rider. A magic-less human swordsman who throws himself into battle with nothing but grit, loyalty, and love. From courageous bold human to one hell of a powerful Stormbringer with so much Arcane power… man oh man! And the way he’d burn the world down for the woman he loves...

"I thought you would have learned by now. For HER. I'd burn this whole world down" .....❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

honestly, who wouldn’t want this kind of devotion? Oh, and the spice? Perfectly balanced. Not overdone, not underwhelming. The love connection was so pure and beautiful! And I loved that the female lead took the initiative, such a refreshing twist!... And that final battle? Ooooo I was screaming at my iPad. Literal happy tears. It was that good. This was my first dive into high fantasy and it did not disappoint. If it wasn't for life doing its thing and getting in my reading way, I would have finished this book in one sitting! I’m hooked and can’t wait to see where this series goes next!

[TazzyManiac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of Stars and Dragons: The Astrala Saga is a beautifully crafted epic that truly captures the spirit of classic fantasy. It gave me Lord of the Rings vibes in the best way — full of sweeping adventure, rich worldbuilding, and that timeless feeling of being part of something bigger than yourself.

At its heart, this is a story about courage, loyalty, the bonds of friendship and love, all woven into a quest to save not just one world, but many. The stakes are high, but so is the heart behind it all. You can really feel the care and detail the author put into every part of the journey.

If you love stories where the fight against darkness is just as much about inner strength and connection as it is about battles and magic, this book is a wonderful escape. It’s a reminder of the kind of fantasy that makes you believe in heroes again.

[Randi Zodrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an amazing book very descriptive with the scenery and beautifully written i can’t wait for the next book.

[Kathryn Guy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down! Fantastic !. Great read D.A White cannot wait for book 2 cheers Kath

[Keri M · Rating 5 out of 5]

High Fantasy done so right! D.A. White builds a world that is so immersive and beautifully written! The characters are vividly described and such a riot! I adored the Ariella and Rider, but Hawke was definitely my favorite! Slightly spicy, not overly so, it was perfect! An absolute must read!

[Trisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

such a good book!! read it! also the author is awesome!

[Kori Lynn janke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book transport you from the first word on get ready for one of the best reads of your life.

[Charl Ormond · Rating 4 out of 5]

So was lucky enough to get the ARC for book 2 so meant I needed to read book 1 and it wasn’t a disappointment 3.75 ⭐

The book follows Rider who is a human sellsword come to find work in the town and ends up on a mission with a lady elf called Ariella on orders from the Queen to track and find information about a rebellion which wants to bring back a dragon lord. Along the way you meet so many different species and characters and battles galore.

interesting story was a lot but felt like I was playing a game throughout with a main mission but lots and lots of side requests. The world is vast and incredibly written and detail has been taken into each and every battle scene throughout. Really reminded me of dragon age/skyrim type games

Characters are interesting especially those from lots of different backgrounds and the author is not afraid to kill off people which I like and also hate 🤣

The romance was sweet at the start they want each other clearly but keep back to make sure they achieve what they need too, however when they finally do get together for me it didn’t really sell me…. We went from basically nothing happening to a full swing of it all very quickly… I do like the characters together but would have preferred more as it did seem to be quite rushed from friends with feelings to lovers. But I did like them together.

The story and the ending was brilliant, and I will say the battle scenes are some of the best I have ever read. Just incredible.

Brilliant book…. Very in depth and high fantasy, but really enjoyable, never boring but there is a lot of information, looking forward to see where they are going in book 2.

[Janene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know where to begin, What an absolutely brilliant book. Absolute whirlwind of adventure and trials. This story had me gripping, it is fast paced and one of the best written books I’ve read in a long time. What more can you ask for, you have epic quests, elves, dwarves, pirates and of course can’t forget the dragons. There is also some romance and spice as well which is a subplot and fits really well within the story. I have a visual imagination and they way things were described in this book I could see the meals, see the places and I love it when a write can achieve this. I can’t wait to read more of this amazing world. Absolutely amazing read.

[Bookdragon85 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow wow wow
This book is AWESOME.
If you like dungeons and dragons/lord of the rings vibes then this is for you.

Its an epic quest adventure with magic, pirates, mage, elves, dwarves and of course DRAGONS
theres romance but its not the main story its a nice sub plot to the story. the spice spiced nicely.
it has it all to be honest love, friendship, battles, lost, victories, banter, tears, laughter.

I felt like I was there in the book as D.A White Writes in a style where you actually can smell and feel your surroundings. You feel the emotions. I cant wait to dive deeper into this world he has created.

[Cali White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found myself getting a little lost with the intense descriptions at first. But once you get used to it the words flow off the page easily painting the picture in your mind. It is fast paced, which is refreshing as I find most fantasy too slow. No doubt in my mind the series will continue the same momentum.

[E.J. Lindell · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love D&D this is the style of book you should be reading. I absolutely enjoyed the intricate storytelling and weaving and have recommended this book for my son as well. Overall it was a complicated and intertwined journey that had me gripping the pages as the ending came. It was an emotional rollercoaster for me and I’m so glad I came across it!

[Stormi Nightroad · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I say I’m mind-blown and speechless, I mean it. I don’t usually read a lot of dragon books, but getting to know DA like I do now, I was completely captivated and in awe of the realm and world he’s created. He had me on the edge of my seat with every turn of the page. I absolutely can’t wait for book two—I’m so invested now!

[Mappy BookGirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really good, I loved how much detail you wrote about everything - especially of the city and the market. It set it up perfectly so you could actually picture what it looked and felt (and smelled) like...I thought it flowed well, the city sounds amazing, the characters are interesting. I also like the idea of them going against a cult, especially one known to kill people and bring them back to serve them... Can't wait to read more!

[Amanda Tasker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a highly anticipated read for me. The book is highly detail driven and is written for those who love a mix of dungeons and dragons and lord of the rings. If you love your in depth characters and bountiful quests then this is the book for you.

[Amy Lee Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this more but unfortunately for I found the time jumping too much. It took away from the story because parts felt unfinished and there isn’t closure on them, it was like ‘this is getting interesting and then they’d be somewhere else’ which made it feel a little rushed. I did enjoy how each character was well described so you could picture them fully and that goes the same for the scenery descriptions. I could fully envision how the land was set out from how descriptive it was which was nice for a high fantasy.

[Amanda Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! It starts off exciting, it is action packed and the descriptions make you feel like you are sitting in the room watching everything unfold in front of you. Definitely recommend.

[Alyssa Denfeld · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was excellent. Everything from the characters to the plot to the world building was incredible. I love the relationship btw all of the characters and the fact that they plot itself was so unique and different from other fantasy books I have read.

[Zoha · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Of Stars & Dragons ARC Review*

Of Stars & Dragons by D.A. White Book Description:

Orphaned as a child and forged in the fires of hardship, Rider has grown into a formidable swordsman with no past to anchor him—until fate binds him to a kingdom on the brink of ruin.

When Queen Vyshaan, the Iron Sorceress of Brightspire, needs to thwart a dark cult rising from the shadows, Rider steps up to the task. What begins as a quest for coin quickly becomes a battle for the very soul of Etonya. As ancient dragons stir and celestial forces awaken, Rider discovers a dangerous power within himself, one tied not only to the magic of his world, but to a forgotten legacy written in the stars.

Alliances will be tested. Love and passion will ignite in the heart of war. He embraces a Spark born of destruction, determined to wield it with honor—even as it threatens to unravel him.

Sometimes, the greatest power lies not in the sword… but in the heart that wields it

My Review:

First of all, I would like to thank the author D.A. White for sending me an ARC of 'Of Stars & Dragons'. This was the author's debut novel and it was beautifully written. I truly enjoyed this book and could not stop reading it! It reminded me of another book by my indie author friend B.C. Brady called Echoes of Harmony since both of these books have the same type of characters, the magic element, and they're the same genre which is fantasy.

Of Stars & Dragons is the first book in The Astrala Saga and it is an epic saga brimming with magic, smoldering romance, and the pull of destiny. Perfect for those who are drawn to ancient dragons, cosmic bloodlines, and fearless warriors torn between their identity and the fate that calls to them. This book was definitely a 4.5 out of 5 star read for me and I truly enjoyed reading this book because it was very interesting and entertaining; it kept me wondering what's going to happen next and I could not put this ARC down!

The author wrote the storyline of this book wonderfully and he instantly captivated and grabbed my attention since the first two pages of the book. The author has built a vividly immersive world—where dragons soar through heart-pounding battles and every scene is painted with such rich detail, you feel as if you’ve stepped inside the story and though rooted in classic fantasy, the author D.A. White infuses the tropes with vibrant energy and originality. The story resonates with a nostalgic warmth for longtime fans while delivering a refreshing and innovative twist. Lastly, I would recommend this book to all fantasy readers and those who enjoy reading in general.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

DND meets LOTR

Absolutely stunning. On the edge of my seat..reads like a DND campaign, where the roll of the dice isn't always in your favor.

The lore is beautiful and well developed and you find yourself falling in love withe the friendships the characters forge. It's a story of unity and differences. Acceptance and understanding.

Do yourself the favor and buy this book! I cannot wait for the next instalment!

[Alana Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

My second indie author readathon with my book bestie Angel a.k.a. (BooksnCats) was a total success—we had plenty of laughs, sighs, and “wait, WHAT?!” moments while reading. Honestly, my flabber was thoroughly gasted more than once.

The book? A debut novel by D.A. White. Think: dragons, pirates, swords, goblins, and yes…SPICE. I devoured it in under 12 hours (because self-control? Never heard of her). I really thought I wasn’t going to finish—thanks to a few longer breaks—but surprise, I pulled through! As my book bestie Jamie perfectly put it: “BOOK GOOD! READ BOOK!”

The plot was definitely plotting, and when D.A. writes spice? Let’s just say…he knows what he’s doing. I’m already planning to listen to the audiobook when it drops in November.

One of the big questions that kept me hooked was whether the dragons were good or bad. The fast pacing really worked for me, especially since this was only my first (maybe second?) high fantasy read. It made the whole thing super approachable and fun.

A small note—some of the character and place names were a little tricky to pronounce, but I actually didn’t mind. The pronunciation guide was a thoughtful touch and really helped. “And can we talk about the character art? Absolutely stunning—like, I want prints on my wall.”

Final verdict? I’ll absolutely be picking up the second book in the Astrala Saga.

[Stephanie LeFever · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like Firey Dragons, Adventures, and Spice, this is a MUST-read!!

This epic adventure will have you immersed and mesmerized with magic, romance (🌶️🌶️🌶️), and war from beginning to end.

I was hypnotized by the world building and left reality every time I got in between the pages. The descriptions of the world systems, each characters development, and the landscapes are nothing short of glorious.

Don't be surprised when you suddenly find yourself standing among the characters as the captivating and thickening plot leaves you hungry for more… and I can’t wait to see how the Astrala Series unfolds.

[Karolina Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had SO much fun with this book, it is ambitious as hell and it does not believe in easing you into anything. It just throws you into the world and keeps adding more. Every time I thought I had a handle on what was happening, something else showed up and I was like “Oh… okay. We’re doing THAT now.” There’s always something going on, new discoveries, dangerous missions, magical chaos, questionable decisions and enough plot twists to keep my brain working overtime.

Basically, I was reading, having a great time and occasionally staring at my iPad like “Sir… WHAT is happening?”

But… I kept reading. 👀

Rider was probably the character I connected with the most. I liked watching him evolve from a very capable but seemingly ordinary swordsman into someone carrying WAY more power and history than he ever realized. His stubbornness could absolutely test my patience sometimes, but I also think that was part of what made him feel human.

The man has ONE setting: I will figure this out myself.

Sir. Please rest.

Ariella was another favorite. I really appreciated that she had her own strength, responsibilities and storyline instead of simply existing around Rider. She’s determined, intelligent and has a softer side that comes through without taking away from her strength. Her relationship with Rider was sweet, although I would’ve liked a little more development between some of their romantic moments. There were places where I wanted more time with them, more conversations, more little moments, more of that slow realization of oh…this person is becoming very important to me. Kael, meanwhile, completely won me over with the friendship he develops with Rider. Their dynamic became one of those parts of the story I didn’t realize I was invested in until suddenly I was very invested in it.

And Hawke?

Give me more Hawke.

That’s all.

I loved the variety of characters and races throughout the story. Everyone brings something different to the table and the world feels like there is always another corner waiting to be explored. The worldbuilding is definitely one of the biggest strengths here. There is a LOT to take in, though. Names, places, magic, history, kingdoms, leylines, different races… my brain was occasionally running on 37 open tabs and one of them was playing music I couldn’t find. I did find some of the information heavy sections a little much at times. I enjoyed learning about the world, but there were moments when I wanted the story to slow down just enough for me to absorb everything before handing me another magical term to remember.

That said, the action scenes were where this book really came alive for me. The battles are BIG. Magic flying everywhere, creatures showing up that absolutely nobody invited, alliances coming together and Rider repeatedly deciding that apparently survival is optional. The final confrontation especially had me sitting there thinking, there is no way we’re escalating AGAIN.

And then it escalated again.

Of course it did.

I also really liked that the story isn’t afraid to let its characters experience consequences. Choices matter here and the ending opens up some really interesting possibilities for Rider, Ariella, Kael and the world they’ve fought so hard to protect. And that ending definitely gave me the feeling of “okay, I understand what just happened… but I also have approximately seventeen new questions.”

The epilogue actually helped give the story a softer landing after everything that happened. I liked seeing Rider, Ariella, and Kael moving forward rather than everything magically becoming perfect after the big battle. There is loss, healing, rebuilding and the sense that saving the world doesn’t mean life suddenly becomes easy.

I think that’s what I appreciated most about the ending. It doesn’t pretend everything can simply be reset.

There are scars.

There are things that can’t be undone. But there is also the decision to keep going and honestly? That worked for me.

Final Thoughts: this book is a big, unapologetically ambitious fantasy debut with dragons, magic, romance, friendship, political intrigue and enough lore to keep me busy.

Was everything perfect for me? Nope.

I wanted a little more breathing room in the romance and occasionally the amount of worldbuilding information made my brain tap out for a second. But those were small bumps compared to how much I enjoyed exploring this world. D.A. White clearly has a LOT planned for the Astrala Saga and after that ending, I’m genuinely curious about where Rider, Ariella and Kael go from here.

Also, I would like to formally request that everyone in the next book stop making terrifying life choices for approximately five minutes.

Please. I am tired.

⭐️ 4.5/5 stars
🐉 Dragons: absolutely
⚔️ Chaos: abundant
🏴‍☠️ Hawke: MORE PLEASE
✨ Magic: everywhere
📖 Book two: I have questions, sir.

[Page Turner Sisterhood Bookclub · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚✨ Book Review: Of Stars & Dragons by D.A. White
📍 Page Turner Sisterhood | Peoria, AZ
Okay book besties... you know I usually live in the world of dark romance, mafia kings, and morally gray men with a spicy edge 👀🔥
But this weekend I stepped completely out of my genre—and I’m so glad I did.
💫 Of Stars & Dragons by D.A. White is a beautifully written epic fantasy filled with celestial magic, secret cults, a broody reluctant hero, and a shadow assassin I’d follow into battle any day. From the very first chapter, I was pulled in. That moment when Aryeh tells the Spellsword tale to a terrified little girl? I felt that. And then we meet Rider, our rough-edged, sword-wielding hero who quickly stole my attention (and maybe a little of my heart 💙).And can we talk about Ariella Moonwhisper?! That graceful, intelligent elf with secrets, sass, and so much strength—her chemistry with Rider is everything. Then there’s Zara Nightshadow… I’m still not over her Room Seven entrance. Daggers. Shadows. Power. Obsessed.

✨ This book is so immersive—floating cities, magical trials, undead cultists, banshees, and DRAGONS. Even though fantasy isn't my usual go-to, the rich worldbuilding, deep lore, and cinematic writing pulled me in completely. I’ve literally been telling Linzie, “I think I’m into dragons now.”
This book made me feel something new. It’s bold, magical, emotional, and packed with twists. Whether you're a fantasy lover or a romance reader looking for your next adventure—you need to read this one.

💬 Final thoughts:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 stars
💡 Unexpected favorite of the year
📖 Would read book two in a heartbeat
Thank you again to D.A. White for joining our live and gifting us this incredible book. Your world and characters stayed with me—and I’m excited to see where they go next.

[Leigha Lennon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of Stars & Dragons by D.A. White is a triumphant entry into the realm of epic fantasy—a sweeping, star-kissed tale that blends elemental magic, dragon mythology, and slow-burn romance into a story that feels both timeless and utterly fresh.

At the center of it all is Rider—an orphan, a mercenary, and a man without a past. He’s been forged by hardship, shaped by the sword, and hardened by a world that’s never given him anything freely. And yet, there’s a quiet nobility in him that makes you believe he was always meant for more. When fate thrusts him into the service of Queen Vyshaan, the Iron Sorceress of Brightspire, Rider’s journey shifts from mere survival to soul-shaking destiny. What begins as a mercenary’s job quickly unravels into something far more dangerous—and deeply personal.

White’s worldbuilding is nothing short of dazzling. Etonya breathes with life, from its crumbling cities to its starlit skies, its ancient dragons to its celestial mysteries. There’s a richness in the lore—particularly surrounding the dragons and the long-forgotten powers written in the stars—that feels mythic in scale and intimate in impact. The magic system is both awe-inspiring and dangerous, and Rider’s connection to it unfolds in a way that’s both thrilling and devastating.

But what truly sets Of Stars & Dragons apart is its emotional depth. This isn’t just a story of war and prophecy—it’s a story of identity, of what it means to choose honor when chaos tempts, and of finding light even in the darkest legacies. The Spark that awakens in Rider isn’t just a power—it’s a reckoning, and watching him wrestle with it adds a powerful emotional weight to the action-packed narrative.