Dragon Bound

The Dragon Lady #1

by Sam Hall

Dragon Bound includes the novella, Dragon Chosen.

Who needs a handsome prince when you have a dragon, and the courage to decide your own destiny.
Lady Fern and her queen dragon, Auren, are sick of family pressure. Fern’s father tried to push her into marriage with a cruel suitor, and Auren feels she is just being treated like a broodmare. Together, they decide to determine their own path, making for the royal keep to claim land of their own, away from meddling fathers.
But the keep is not the sanctuary they expected.
Fern meets Lance, a charming rider who stirs feelings she thought she’d never feel for anyone other than a hero in her books. Then just as she begins to find her footing, the skies darken with wings no one has seen in a thousand years.
Three dragons, gleaming like minted silver.
Their riders dismount with one purpose.
To claim Fern and Auren.
Thrust into a maelstrom of ancient bonds, alliances and audacious men, Fern’s fight for freedom may lead her straight into a destiny she never asked for… and men who insist she is theirs.

This is a dragon rider romantasy series set in the same world as The Dragon Queen, but you do not have to have read those books for this to make sense.
The two prequels, Dragon Chosen and Dragon Discovered, do need to be read to enjoy this book.

Genres: Fantasy, Dragons

498 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 17, 2026

About the author

Australian author of paranormal RH novels

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Reviews

[Leanna Streeter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. This was a slower-burn, character-focused dragon romantasy that leaned heavily into themes of freedom, choice, and self-discovery. Fern was a relatable FMC, especially in how she struggles with expectations placed on her and her desire to carve out a life that actually feels like her own.

One of my favorite parts of this book was the bond between Fern and Auren. The rider/dragon dynamic was genuinely heartwarming, and I loved how much personality and agency Auren had. Their relationship felt like the emotional core of the story and added so much depth to the journey.

The pacing is definitely more slow burn, with a strong focus on relationship development, friendships, and setting up the larger world and conflicts. There’s drama, tension, and hints of bigger things to come, and by the end I was very invested in where this series is headed.

Overall, this was a really solid series starter, especially if you enjoy dragon bonds, slower romance development, and stories about women finding their voice and independence. I’m definitely planning to continue the series.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam Hall goes back to Nevermere in Dragon Bound, the first book in the Dragon Rider Academy duology. I was so excited to be returning to this world. Dragon Bound totally took me by surprise. This book was a little different from the Dragon Queen series. The dragons are incorporated even more into the storyline, with bits of their personalities coming through. Dragon Queen Auren has plenty of chapters. Her strong, rebellious personality is in full force. She’s all sharp edges, where her bondmate Fern is the softer parts. They balance each other out well. Fern is a book nerd with an adventurous spirit, but her harem is a hot mess. Kael and Lorien were pushy and a little too cocky, although Dain and Lance weren't that bad. They eventually grew on me. My favorite scene, hands down, was when Fern meets the family. It was wild, chaotic, and gave a better picture of the guys than anything. I would have liked for them to evolve a little more; hopefully, they will in the next installment.


I enjoyed the academy setting and all the adventures Fern, Auren, and all the males have. They were on a mission to solve the mystery of the ancient dragons. Am I surprised by how things turned out? Not really. The writing was sort of on the wall. However, how we got there was the real surprise. Sam does have me curious about what could possibly happen in the next book, but I'm excited to find out. Dragon Bound is a good read if you like curvy MFCs, arrogant males, and dragons with big personalities. This is your next why-choose romantasy.

[sashenka 🖤]

The two prequels, Dragon Chosen and Dragon Discovered, do need to be read to enjoy this book.

So, I can't find Dragon Chosen, somebody, help me because I want to read this

[Toni Hopley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story delivers everything I crave in a dragon shifter romance—dangerously powerful heroes, a heroine who refuses to be steamrolled, and that irresistible fated mates pull that snaps into place whether anyone’s ready or not. The tension simmers from the first pages, balancing sharp banter, emotional depth, and a slow-burn heat that absolutely pays off.

Dragon Bound by Sam Hall plunges readers into a world where Lady Fern, a defiant noblewoman with her own mind and dreams, refuses to be controlled by her family’s expectations. When Fern and her queen dragon, Auren, reject the idea of a dull marriage and instead enroll at the Royal Rider Academy, they’re thrust into a world of power struggles, budding magic, and desires that won’t be ignored.

Fern’s story is one of courage and choice. At the academy, she attracts attention—not just because she’s one of the few women bonded with a queen dragon, but because three mysterious riders quickly take an interest in her: Lance, the charming and confident rider who awakens feelings Fern thought she’d never have; and two others whose intentions and personalities weave tension, rivalry, and passionate pull into the narrative.
Sam Hall excels at crafting characters you care about. Fern is fierce, witty, and relatable; Auren adds depth and fiery spirit as more than just a companion; and the riders—especially Lance—bring chemistry, competition, and emotional weight that enrich every chapter.
If you enjoy:
* Strong heroines with agency
* Dragon bonds that feel real and emotional
* Romantic tension with multiple possible partners
* A world where destiny and desire collide

…then Dragon Bound delivers. Fern’s journey from resistance to self-determined power is captivating, and the blend of action, heat, and heartfelt moments keeps you turning the pages. A truly addictive fantastical romance that left me eager for more from the Dragon Lady world.

[XxnightxowlxX74 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fern’s story sucked me in and I couldn’t put it down. Sam Hall has the ability to build a world that you can imagine clearly in your mind.
This was a slow burn so if your looking for more of an adventure with some steamy bits at the end this is what you should read.
Fern stumbles upon Auren after fleeing her family home. Her family is trying to find her a suitor and Fern finds out that most of the men are pigs and wants only her dowry. She escapes into the forest where her adventure begins. Auren is a gold dragon queen, she is fierce, independent and sassy.
When Fern and Auren decide they need to go to the royal keep to get a piece of land and build a new life for them both. She meets a dragon rider Lance and his green dragon Viridian. Lance escorts them to the keep not realizing it’s cadet intake day and Fern will be forced to spend one year there to prove that she is worthy enough to be a dragon rider.
When Fern is being escorted to her quarters three silver dragons and their riders arrive. Silver dragons have not been seen in hundreds of years so it’s a shock to all those around. The dragon riders dismount and go directly to Fern and they claim her but she’s not having any of that nonsense. Kael, Lorien and Dain know she is theirs but are willing to become cadets to get closer to her. Lance decides he can’t just leave Fern there on her own either and chooses to become an instructor so he can stay close.
Four men, five dragons and one woman, who is finally able to decide things for herself, makes this book such a fun read.
I am excited for the next book to see where Sam Hall takes this ragtag bunch.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Epic Dragon Slow Burn
Loved this slow burn dragon rider fantasy by Sam Hall.
Our FMC, Fern has been forced into a role by her mother her whole life, she's expected to lose weight, marry, and have babies. Except when Fern is to greet her suitors, she overhears them and the names they call her; running from the chaos of that meeting, she meets Auren, a gold dragon queen. Auren is also running from what's expected from her and trying to decide what to do with her life. These two bond over the males in their lives that hurt them, vowing never to let them control them again, they forge an unbreakable bond as rider and dragon. Over and over we see how those around them want to use Fern and Auren without any regard to what they want. And when they end up at the dragon keep, they'll have their work cut out for them for sure to hold true to their path. Especially when Lance, Kael, Dain, and Lorien set their sites on Fern; Kael sticks his foot in it right away with a "you belong to me" comment, which is not a great first look for him and his brothers. Not to mention the rest of the keep that thinks getting with Fern will ensure their dragons can mate with Auren. Auren won't be having any of that - she and Fern will look for ways to never be controlled by men or male dragons again. But of course, there will always be those that want to control others. Love the uniqueness of virgin MMCs in this story as well - it's a rare find in the romance world. In the end we get our Happily For Now, but we know, they'll be back at it trying to save Nevermore in the next book.

[Brittney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dragon Bound by Sam Hall
Series: The Dragon Lady 1

This takes us back to Nevermere, but it feels bolder, messier, and way more dragon forward than the Dragon Queen series. Fern and her dragon Auren were my favorite part. Their bond is everything. Auren is sharp, rebellious, and done with being controlled, while Fern is softer, bookish, and quietly brave. Together, they balance each other perfectly.

The academy setting plus the mystery of the ancient dragons kept things moving, and I loved how much personality the dragons themselves had. Fern’s men were… a lot. Kael and Lorien were cocky and pushy, while Dain and Lance were easier to like. They did grow on me, but my absolute favorite moment was when Fern meets their family. Chaotic, unhinged, and wildly revealing. That scene alone sold me on where this series could go.

Was I shocked by the twists? Not really. But the journey there was fun, dramatic, and kept me hooked. I’m definitely curious to see how the relationships and stakes evolve in the next book.

If you love dragons with attitude, a curvy FMC, and a why choose romantasy with an academy vibe, this one’s for you.

Tropes:
🐉 Romantasy
🐉 Dragon Rider Academy
🐉 Why Choose MFMMM
🐉 Enemies to lovers
🐉 He falls first x4
🐉 Plus sized FMC

#HPRDragonBound #SamHall #HambrightPR #WhyChooseRomance #DragonRomantasy

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was a prequel novella that was released that followed both the FMC and a second prequel that followed three/four of the MMC. The prequel novellas aren’t essential but for as short as they were they pulled you in and invested you in the characters almost immediately.
Our female lead is somehow more amazing by the fact that she appears somewhat ordinary? I am unsure how to describe her overall but she has a terribly oppressive mother, a doting if oblivious father, and a sweet sister. She sees the world through a very limited view and it’s not that she lacks empathy, it’s that she lacks exposure and experiences. At one point her sister states point blank and with true kind intent that she should always keep her head in the clouds. As she discovers the lack of romance in the world and the bitter truths of a women in a patriarchal society she also discovers a female queen dragon discovering the same. The two and their iron woven support of one another is the greatest soulmate bong of all. It is that base that allows all of the other romance to follow. It ends with a somewhat cliffhanger but not so much that you will pine away to death, you will just wish for more. I think wishing for more is just a bittersweet feeling that Sam Hall leaves all readers with every time!

[Jess Norris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I, too, want to stumble across a dragon and go on adventures!

Fern is a noble lady, but with little power over her own life, she leaves it a the first chance. (Can’t blame her.) Auren, a Queen Dragon, is looking for her own adventures too. Auren and Fern bond, both wanting the same thing, to be free.
Fern and Auren are thrust into the one situation they were desperate to avoid: males deciding what they think is best and using them for it.

There are 4 MMC’s. Lance was a main side character in the Dragon Queen series, which ended 5 years before the events beginning this book. Kael, Dain, and Lorien are raised together, all three bonding with Silver Dragons, who were thought to be extinct.

I loved the continuation of the Dragon lore! There were familiar faces and updates on some of the characters of the other series, and a look into how things changed since the War. But more, we are finding out about the ancient dragons!

This book took off fast and did not let up until the end. I would call this a slow burn, no spice until the last 10-20% of the book. Definitely some build up to it.

I like how Auren and Fern react each other. They gave me sister energy. Auren would burn down the world for Fern, before any of the males, dragon or rider, could get there.

[Christin Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to hear there was a new storyline taking place in Nevermere, with all new Dragons and Riders! In this return to Nevermere, the world we were introduced to in The Dragon Queen trilogy, we meet Fern - a noble born young woman who doesn't fit her society's esthetic ideals, and who refuses to be forced into a loveless and miserable marriage to men just looking to take her dowry. After fleeing her horrid mother and hapless father's attempt at an arranged marriage, Fern stumbles upon Auren, a golden dragon who is also feeling the patriarchal pressure to mate with other male dragons not of her choosing. Together, Fern and Auren meet Lance & his dragon Viridian (whom we met in the Dragon Queen Trilogy) and the Silver Dragons and their riders (Dain, Lorien & Kael) and all enroll at the Dragon Rider Academy.
With the number of Queen Dragons dwindling, Fern & Auren must find a way to overcome the male riders and dragons views on their future and decide if their futures include their 4 potential mates or if they'll build a future on their own.
As always, Ms. Hall doesn't disappoint with her character and world building, and I can't wait to see what comes next for this group!

[Darcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this story we meet Fern who is one that definitely has strength and is also caring but yet, at times lets her past stop her from seeing what is right in front of her. In cases like this it allows us to see just how real Sam Hall has created her characters. We meet back up with Lance who we first met when he was a cadet in Pippin’s story. It is absolutely fantastic we get to learn what he has become since her story. Now, it isn’t necessary to have read Pippin’s story to understand this one, it just gives greater insight. We also meet Kael, Lorien, and Dain. I feel these three men have so much against them. But also, some of them do not think and let their arrogance lead instead of thinking. They all tend to not to know how to speak to each other. It makes an interesting situation at many different times. I love Auren as well in this story. Her personality is fantastic. Her and Ferm together have you absolutely in love as they have the same mindset. The story is extremely well written and developed. It is one that quickly pulled me in and didn’t let go. It definitely has some action and drama throughout it. I loved how it ends.

[katapolt13 · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5

Such a cute book with a lot of intrigue. This is not your typical spicy why choose book, is if that is what you’re looking for, prepare yourself because this is a SLOW burn. This is not a dragon shifter book either, the humans bond with their dragons and that bond is like being best friends, no romantic feelings involved.

Lady Fern spends her whole life preparing to be a proper lady. She knows she will need to be a good wife but that all comes crashing down when her father organizers for potential suitors to come to their house. They crash all her dreams of a fairytale life before things have a chance to get started.

Fern decides she would rather run away than face the dark future that is promised to. While running through the forest, she stumbles upon a dragon. Her whole life changes in a blink of an eye.

This story was super cute and creative. It kept me engaged (even without spice) and I cannot wait to see where book 2 takes us.

✨ What to Expect ✨
🐉Romantasy
🐉Dragon Rider Academy
🐉Why Choose MFMMM
🐉Enemies to Lovers
🐉He Falls First x 4
🐉Plus-Sized FMC

[JJ Cornette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story for Fern, Auren and their wing. I loved this return to Nevermere and completely fell in love with the new story. While the prequel novella about the silver riders isn't necessary, it did help with connecting and understanding them. Both Fern and her queen dragon Auren are fleeing from patriarchal traditions and pressures. As Fern is leaving a disapproving mother and insulting suitors, Auren is trying to outfly male dragons who only want to mate. Together they search for a new path, and in so start to uncover some of the dragon's history. To help them are Lance, from the first series, as well as the new silver riders, Dain, Kael and Lorien. They are all drawn to Fern and help her in their own ways. I loved how Sam Hall gave more depth to Nevermere and the dragons history while also giving us a variety of characters with wonderful strength and vulnerability. I also loved that some of the chapters were from Auren's POV which I felt really added to the storyline. I could not get enough of this story and cannot wait for the next book. While we are left a HFN, I want to see how these characters continue to grow and discover.

[Felicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to be back in the land of Nevermere and the world Sam Hall has created. Like the author has stated, it’s not necessary to read The Dragon Queen series before reading this one. However, I think it only enhances this story if you have all of that background knowledge. Fern’s story takes place around five years since Pippin joined the Royal Riders Academy. I enjoyed learning about the changes that have occurred since then—most for the better. There is a lot of character building in this book (with multiple, potential love interests) that I know will pay off in subsequent book(s). Everyone has a history that’s guiding their decisions and I’m anxious to learn more about them. There is also new dragon lore that we weren’t privy to in the Dragon Queen series. The author has such skill in creating a unique take on dragons. While this book doesn’t resolve all of the characters’ problems or answer all of our questions, it doesn’t end on a cliffhanger that leaves you feeling like you can’t go on with life. I look forward to seeing their story continue!

[Esmarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fern literally flees from her home, rather than be stitched into a life that’s not fit for her. Instead of desolation, she finds a dragon. And the dragon finds her. The two of them set off on a journey to carve out their own lives and destiny. Unfortunately, in this world, it’s not that easy. There are heavy expectations from all sides, and throw in the expectations of both men and dragons, Fern and Auren are faced with a hard road.
This is a lovely story about a girl and her dragon that are fighting for their own voices. While there is definitely romantic elements -with more than one suitor - Fern and Auren are firmly the focus here.
I loved that you are able to get the dragon POV, and that she would do any and everything to protect Fern.
I also liked the developing relationship between Fern and the men, although at points you just want to whack some of them on the back of their heads.
This is the first in, what I believe is a duet - and I’m eager to see where we go from here and to get more information on the large dragons of old.

[TheheartofBrigid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dragon Bound is the first book in the Dragon Lady series and is written by Sam Hall.

💜 dragons
💜 dragon corp
💜 queen dragons
💜 mysteries
💜 hard pasts
💜 🌶 spice

Fern couldn’t believe this day was here. But now that it’s here, things couldn’t be worse. Her mother ordered her dress to be a size smaller than she was, because of course she did with all of the dieting she was forcing on her. It seems that all of the dieting still did nothing to help her shrink to the size her mother deemed worth for a new husband. What will she do? Will she find someone in the group of men that have arrived to be her husband?

I really liked this start to a new series. Books with dragons in them always present a promise of a good time. This book did not disappoint. The character building and world building was done well. I enjoyed the storyline with all of its twists and turns that kept popping up. This book is the first of the series and I can’t wait to se what will happen in the next book.

[Alimay · Rating 5 out of 5]

RIDING FAST AND FREE

The Dragon Rider Academy from Sam Hall is a beautifully crafted story, full of awe, wonder, action and adventure. Book One is Dragon Bound but there is a prequel, Dragon Discovered and it is definitely worth reading first as you are introduced to three of the male characters in Dragon Bound. What I loved from this story was the fierceness of Fern and her Queen Dragon, Auren. Like any game of chess, the Queen has all the power and this story of intrigue, deception and fated mates is exactly that, a game of chess. As those who try to control the Queen Dragon and her rider and move their pieces around the board, it is Auren and Fern who have the ultimate bond and all the power. These characters are full of depth, connection and feeling, as they navigate their surroundings and each other, loyalty and devotion are paramount and beautifully written. Taking flight in Dragon Bound was captivating and I cannot wait to see how they rise to their next adventure!

[JackaayReadsallday · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was sooo excited to jump back into this world, anything Sam Hall writes I will read BUT I LOVE her dragon books. I loved the Dragon Queen series so I was excited to dive in to see where this story line was going to take us. You’ll see in other reviews to read the novellas, Don’t worry about the novellas, they’re not necessary to enjoy this book.
I cannot express how much I love that this FMC is a curvy girl. I could not get enough of these characters, so I am stoked to read the second half of this duology shortly (soon right? Please tell me the next part is coming out soon) I’m normally a super spicy why choose girlie but I’m loving this slow burn and all of the chaos that comes with dragons and arrogant MMCs. I had a lot of love/hate emotions with some of these MMCs but I know it’s all going to be worth it in the end. I’m looking forward to how the second part develops these characters and their relationships.

[Tasha Hawkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Dragon fantasy, what's not to like.

Sam providing an interlinked world building book, yes please.

I loved reading the novella before the first book, it gave processing time for the background of the main character.

Fern is a lovely character who knows her place in society comes with so many expectations. So when an incident occurs, it forced Fern to reassess and she leaves her home, only to meet a dragon.
Auren is a dragon with high female attitude; needing freedom and independence. Very different to Fern.
The book focuses on Fern and Auren's journey to explore their freedoms, only to stumble upon Nevermere when it's at its height of recruiting dragon riders.
It isn't smooth sailing, and especially when men are involved, hearts and heads get hurt along the way.

I can't wait for the next book to see what's in store for Fern, Auren and their suitors.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was so nice going back to Nevermere.

I love Fern (human) and Auren(dragon), they would be in my top 5 fmc’s if I kept a list. I would like to be friends with them both and join them on adventures. I would absolutely read stories with just them having adventures and Thelma and Louiseing their way around their world. Fern needs Auren and Auren needs Fern and they compliment each other so well.

I enjoyed that the guys were essentially heart eye emojis for our ladies, I’m glad they both got males that were so all in for them. When Lance and Veridian first meet them had me smirking at my book and I’m glad it was from Lances pov. Let’s be real, I smile/smirked my way through the entire book.

As per usual, Sam Hall gives us relatable characters in a fantasy world. Watching Fern and company struggle and learn, I feel all the feels with them.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited we got to travel back to the world of Nevermere and so excited to be introduced to Fern & her men and this book was such a great read. The world building is outstanding and you can really immerse yourself in the story and feel as though you are there with Fern and her Dragon Queen, Auren. The two form a bond over how they are mistreated by men which makes it very difficult for their potential Mates to prove their worth to the females. All the men are different and they are not without their flaws but as they learn to work together to earn Fern’s affection we see different sides to all of them. The plot of the book is brilliant and well written and keeps you hooked as you become desperate to know what happens next. I can’t wait for the next instalment in the series.

[Icelica De · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glacial burn but sooo good!

In human society, girls are expected to find a suitor and have children.

In dragon society, queen dragons are expected to take a mate (or more) and procreate to carry on their species. . . and supply the Royal Riders with dragonlings to bond with.

Join Lady Fern and Queen Auren as they fight against society's expectations and go on an adventure to right some wrongs done to dragons past.

Add in four dragons and their riders who swear they are the fated mates of Lady Fern and Queen Auren. . . well let's just say that there are plenty of miscommunications and upsets.

Can the guys and their dragons prove their worth while still supporting their ladies ' need for adventure and independence?

Read Dragon Bound to find out!

[DarcieReadsALot · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved returning to Nevermere! The dynamic between rider and dragon has always been so satisfying. Massive, deadly creatures that still seek out head scratches? Sign me up! Fern and Auren speak directly to my feminist heart. I was shaking my fist in the air in support of their independence! Fern’s insecurities were heartbreaking and nearly impossible to overcome. As a result, the slow burn was so glacially slow that it almost wasn’t even a romance! Thank goodness there’s going to be another book where the relationships can fully develop and flourish. Looking forward to see how their story ends and getting more cameos from The Dragon Queen!

[B ~ modern day bookworm~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like that Fern’s story could be considered one book but there is more to come as we watch the secrets that Auren, a queen dragon, want to find the truth to.

I like that this novel is clean enough that my teenager could confidently read without have to skip major plot information. It’s a slow burn, build the chemistry, mend previous wounds inflicted mentally by others, and create a friendship then a small section of steam.

This is a book full of plot, characters developing beautifully as each chapter goes, and a world that we’ve already been introduced (I do suggest reading the previous books, no needed but highly recommended) expanding wonderfully.

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a saga! This story took me on an incredible journey of humankind and dragonkind alike. Fern with her fierceness, Lance with his nobleness, Kael with his spunky boldness, Lorien with his quick wit, and Dain with his troublesome premonitions made it so I didn’t want to put this book down! I lost sleep, I cried, I gasped, and I celebrated along the way. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing how the dragons and humans interact and especially the history of the dragons. There is an HEA, and it’s such a good one, but it’s not a fully closed HEA. I’m very much looking forward to the next book in this world.

[Aliza Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved every second I spent in Nevermere once again! The joy of reconnecting with those familiar characters was overwhelming, and meeting the new ones just set my heart racing — I couldn’t get enough. Fern, as the FMC, is such a breath of fresh air — relatable, fierce, and bursting with spunky spirit that I truly admire. Her dragon bondmate, Auren, has an even bigger personality and she never fails to make me burst into laughter — she’s pure magic. Seeing these fierce women embrace their choices, own their independence, and blossom into their full selves filled me with so much pride and emotion. The MMCs were just as incredible — each one so distinct, so real, so vividly alive.

[Nichole White · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the queen dragon auren in this book. I love that she is fierce and wont bow before any male. she helps fern to break out of her shell and gain the self confidence she needs. the search for information about ancient dragons was so fun. I love the flashbacks and what they learn. It is so fascinating the world building the author puts into the dragons history. I liked that the big bad wasn't to serious in this book and focused more on the dragon and the queens taking back their power. the book ends on a hfn but there will be a 2nd book coming to finish the story out. I am curious to see what is in store for the dragons and their mates.

[Mary Geis wojerski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was thrilled with this novel. Fern really grew into herself throughout this story. She worked hard not to let how she was raised and how others treated and spoke of her continue to affect her. It took time and effort for her to overcome the ingrained reactions and feelings she had when the story began.

I love how Sam Hall has given the dragons their own history and society in the world of Nevermere she has created. The dragons here are sentient beings with quite interesting personalities. I am so excited to see what happens next!

[Skay Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story! I love that our FMC isn’t your typical perfect lead. She’s curvy and the bullying she’s faced has made her doubt her worth. This story lets us watch her take control of her life and learn her worth. Auren is the best friend any of us need when facing the same obstacles; someone who will burn the world down for us. Fern’s men have to work at earning her and not all of them are on the same page. I love how the men are all different, including one who fights everything every step! It’s such a good read and it’s massive. Be prepared to disappear for days to Nevermere!

[Mrs. Rein · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives you a powerful, character-driven book that blends fierce independence, found family, and an unforgettable dragon bond. Fern’s journey from exile to self-determined rider is deeply satisfying, grounded in resilience rather than destiny alone. Her growth feels earned—shaped by hard choices, rivalries, and the constant pressure of being wanted for what she represents rather than who she is.
Loved this book og really recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review