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Rider of Dragons
Not yet published
Expected 27 Aug 26DRAGONS. RACING. ROMANCE.She wants to race dragonsGenevieve's family is dead set against her joining the deadly dragon races. But she won't let them stop her.
He's the trainer she doesn't want, but needsWithout her family's money, nobody will train her. Desperate for help, she agrees to a terrible Qais, an alleged member of a dragon poaching gang, will train her to win the races, if she agrees to give him her prize money.
Every race could be their lastThe dragon races aren't just about being the fastest. In these races, sabotage, attacks and all out violence aren't just allowed, they're encouraged. The devastatingly handsome Qais will teach her to be cunning and cruel, and Genevieve will be forced to answer a devastating to win, is she willing to lose everything?
THE FIRST PART OF A THRILLING NEW ROMANTASY DUOLOGY FROM THE AUTHOR OF THE BABY DRAGON CAFE
He's the trainer she doesn't want, but needsWithout her family's money, nobody will train her. Desperate for help, she agrees to a terrible Qais, an alleged member of a dragon poaching gang, will train her to win the races, if she agrees to give him her prize money.
Every race could be their lastThe dragon races aren't just about being the fastest. In these races, sabotage, attacks and all out violence aren't just allowed, they're encouraged. The devastatingly handsome Qais will teach her to be cunning and cruel, and Genevieve will be forced to answer a devastating to win, is she willing to lose everything?
THE FIRST PART OF A THRILLING NEW ROMANTASY DUOLOGY FROM THE AUTHOR OF THE BABY DRAGON CAFE
Kindle Edition
Expected publication August 27, 2026
21 people are currently reading
727 people want to read
About the author
Aamna Qureshi
13 books950 followersAamna Qureshi is a Pakistani, Muslim American who adores words. She is an award-winning and USA Today, Amazon, and Times bestselling author who grew up on Long Island, New York, in a very loud household, surrounded by English (for school), Urdu (for conversation), and Punjabi (for emotion). Much of her childhood was spent being grounded for reading past her bed-time, writing stories in the backs of her notebooks, and being scolded by teachers for passing chapters under the tables. Through her writing, she wishes to inspire a love for the beautiful country and rich culture that informed much of her identity.
When she's not writing, she loves to travel to new places where she can explore different cultures or to Pakistan where she can revitalize her roots. She also loves baking complicated desserts, drinking fancy teas and coffees, watching sappy rom-coms, and going for walks about the estate (her backyard). She currently lives in New York. Look for her on IG @aamna_qureshi and Twitter @aamnaqureshi_ and at her website aamnaqureshi.com.
When she's not writing, she loves to travel to new places where she can explore different cultures or to Pakistan where she can revitalize her roots. She also loves baking complicated desserts, drinking fancy teas and coffees, watching sappy rom-coms, and going for walks about the estate (her backyard). She currently lives in New York. Look for her on IG @aamna_qureshi and Twitter @aamnaqureshi_ and at her website aamnaqureshi.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
March 29, 2026
2.5
The biggest issue with Rider of Dragons is how this has been marketed for me. Calling it a 'dark' and 'thrilling' romantasy set me up with some very different expectations, and I think that mismatch is going to leave a lot of people disappointed. This is not the dark romantasy that I was expecting but rather a cosy, rainy afternoon read with a blanket and a cup of tea. Unfortunately for me, the tea was lukewarm.
One of the main problems was the lack of world-building. Even though the world itself is relatively simple, that doesn't excuse how underdeveloped it feels. If I need to rely on another series to fully understand the world, something has gone wrong and it doesn't push me to read her other series either.
The romance also didn't work for me at all. It felt rushed and underdeveloped, with very little build-up before suddenly jumping to 'horny teenagers' territory around the 70-80% mark that took me out of the story completely. The "you can't trust me" was overdone and didn't work when the red flags were that obvious.
And unfortunately, the romance is following a trend I've noticed A LOT lately. Book one introducing a love interest who clearly isn't endgame. I would love to be wrong but the signs are there. It's becoming predictable and frustrating and I'm getting bored with it.
The writing leans heavily into telling rather than showing which I loathe with romance development and probably why I didn't connect to the main couple at all.
I did enjoy the premise and the conflict with Genevieve's family was one of the stronger aspects of the story, although she was a bit too forgiving considering how little support she received from any of her family. And the women in this book felt a little too male-centric for me.
The championship element was fun as well, though it did become repetitive around the middle of the book.
The plot twist at the end was unfortunately, very predictable.
I would consider picking up book two...maybe? With tighter editing, some world-building and a stronger romance, this could easily be a four or even five star read. Otherwise, the marketing needs to shift to reflect what this book actually is... a cosy romantasy.
I was fortunate enough to receive a ALC from the publisher and I have to say, the narrator saved the book for me. As I said, if the goal was cosy and light she absolutely nailed it. I'm not sure I would have made it through the first 20% of this book without her.
I received an advanced listening and reading copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The biggest issue with Rider of Dragons is how this has been marketed for me. Calling it a 'dark' and 'thrilling' romantasy set me up with some very different expectations, and I think that mismatch is going to leave a lot of people disappointed. This is not the dark romantasy that I was expecting but rather a cosy, rainy afternoon read with a blanket and a cup of tea. Unfortunately for me, the tea was lukewarm.
One of the main problems was the lack of world-building. Even though the world itself is relatively simple, that doesn't excuse how underdeveloped it feels. If I need to rely on another series to fully understand the world, something has gone wrong and it doesn't push me to read her other series either.
The romance also didn't work for me at all. It felt rushed and underdeveloped, with very little build-up before suddenly jumping to 'horny teenagers' territory around the 70-80% mark that took me out of the story completely. The "you can't trust me" was overdone and didn't work when the red flags were that obvious.
And unfortunately, the romance is following a trend I've noticed A LOT lately. Book one introducing a love interest who clearly isn't endgame. I would love to be wrong but the signs are there. It's becoming predictable and frustrating and I'm getting bored with it.
The writing leans heavily into telling rather than showing which I loathe with romance development and probably why I didn't connect to the main couple at all.
I did enjoy the premise and the conflict with Genevieve's family was one of the stronger aspects of the story, although she was a bit too forgiving considering how little support she received from any of her family. And the women in this book felt a little too male-centric for me.
The championship element was fun as well, though it did become repetitive around the middle of the book.
The plot twist at the end was unfortunately, very predictable.
I would consider picking up book two...maybe? With tighter editing, some world-building and a stronger romance, this could easily be a four or even five star read. Otherwise, the marketing needs to shift to reflect what this book actually is... a cosy romantasy.
I was fortunate enough to receive a ALC from the publisher and I have to say, the narrator saved the book for me. As I said, if the goal was cosy and light she absolutely nailed it. I'm not sure I would have made it through the first 20% of this book without her.
I received an advanced listening and reading copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
aamna when i catch you, HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I think this had a lot of potential but overall unfortunately it was a miss from me. This could benefit from some added detail, renaming and revamp of the overall description. Classifying this as a "dark and thrilling romantasy" definitely do not match what I read. I would classify this as more of a cozy fantasy, they have cellphones and drink Lavender lattes at the local coffee shop...
February 19, 2026
Tropes: slow burn, enemies.. to friends to lovers
Thank you to NetGalley & Avon Books for this E-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Genevieve, our FMC, is full of determination & perseverance. She is all the things I love in a strong and powerful FMC.
This story of illegal dragon racing raises the stakes from the traditional cozy feel of the previous Baby Dragon books. There’s high stakes, secrets, and Genevieve with her eye on the prize, the Dragon Riders’ Championship. This story does a great job at highlighting the struggle women go through in our current world when it comes to proving our worth vs. a man.
We have an MMC, Qais, who has an utterly tragic backstory, who becomes Genevieve’s trainer while she prepares for the race that her family are adamantly against.
Provider by Sleep Token was stuck in my head throughout the entirety of this book, and it sums Qais up perfectly. The romance is FULL of slow burning tension & yearning. But trust me. If steam is what you want, just you wait 🔥
The dragons are arguably my favorite part of this story, because nothing quite beats the bond between a rider and their dragon.
The ending… I have sobbed for 20 minutes straight trying to fathom waiting for book 2. Incredible. I truly have no words for how much I loved this book.
Thank you to NetGalley & Avon Books for this E-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Genevieve, our FMC, is full of determination & perseverance. She is all the things I love in a strong and powerful FMC.
This story of illegal dragon racing raises the stakes from the traditional cozy feel of the previous Baby Dragon books. There’s high stakes, secrets, and Genevieve with her eye on the prize, the Dragon Riders’ Championship. This story does a great job at highlighting the struggle women go through in our current world when it comes to proving our worth vs. a man.
We have an MMC, Qais, who has an utterly tragic backstory, who becomes Genevieve’s trainer while she prepares for the race that her family are adamantly against.
Provider by Sleep Token was stuck in my head throughout the entirety of this book, and it sums Qais up perfectly. The romance is FULL of slow burning tension & yearning. But trust me. If steam is what you want, just you wait 🔥
The dragons are arguably my favorite part of this story, because nothing quite beats the bond between a rider and their dragon.
The ending… I have sobbed for 20 minutes straight trying to fathom waiting for book 2. Incredible. I truly have no words for how much I loved this book.
March 17, 2026
This was amazing!!!
I thought I was getting into a cosy fantasy series after reading AT Qureshis other books, what I got was fast paced, exciting and spicy!! I loved this book, loved the characters and adored Fang, the darkness of dragon thieves and the excitement of dragon racing - I cannot wait until August 2027 for the next part!
I thought I was getting into a cosy fantasy series after reading AT Qureshis other books, what I got was fast paced, exciting and spicy!! I loved this book, loved the characters and adored Fang, the darkness of dragon thieves and the excitement of dragon racing - I cannot wait until August 2027 for the next part!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This pains me because I truly enjoyed the dragon races and thought the arch was overall well done. However this is overshadowed by the abysmal romance.
I didn't mind that it's a love triangle, but the fact that it wasn't well done at all. Ginny is horny for both Qais and Xavier (Zavier? I listened to the audiobook), even when she is already in love and says that she is. We get gems like "heat flickered down my spine" when she hears the second love interest is jealous of her boyfriend. Why is she getting horny over someone who is not the man she loves. Well, I do know why. It's painfully obvious he's going to be the endgame in book two. The fact I could tell 1/3 into the book is not good thooo.
There was no build up to the romance at all. Ginny is into Qais from the moment she met him and there was no tension to their relationship at all. That is why I liked Xavier better at first because the first two times they meet we get the gist of how they were almost friends as children but forbidden to be, and I thought that was cute and had potential. But noo, the guy was made out to be some womanizer, who Ginny slutshames constantly (including calling him a man whore), which is RICH coming from the horniest MC I ever had to read. Like she is horny all the time. Horny for two men at the same time!!! Horny from the guys simply talking to her, no not even dirty talk!
Xavier is clearly a rip-off from Xaden from Fourth Wing (their names even resemble), we even get the hair so beautiful it makes men speechless scene. Also the scene from the Cruel Prince where carden is kissed but can't take his eyes of Jude is reused here.
A rule to writing says: show don't tell. I personally don't mind it when an author tells sometimes, but when it came to the relationships, it was all tell, no show. And that's why it didn't work. There's no palpable chemestry between the characters because it's all tell, tell, tell.
This quote really shows that:
"His smoldering gaze snagged hers. His eyes very purposefully not dropping lower. She could see it took him a great effort to do so. Blood rushed in her ears. She wondered if he would give into this tension between them."
Don't TELL me there's tension between them, SHOW ME!!!
Also don't have the character who is going to betray the MC keep telling her not to trust anyone, even him. I knew he would betray her from the first time he mentioned it, but he kept on saying it. Also OO can we be done with the betrayal trope by the end of book 1 in a romantasy series. It is sooo overdone at this point.
At the end of the audiobook there was an QA and I found out this is a spin-off book to her cozy fantasy books set in the same world. This does explain why there is zero world building and I who haven't read the other books was left confused why this was a modern world with phones and such, but no female has ever won the dragon races. (So Ginny can be the first. I guess we're not over the MC having to be super special and not like other girls.) Also sometimes there was sexism, but not always. Like women can go to clubs, drink, and have sex, but they can't dragon race???
The world building seriously needs to be explained because I'm sure a lot of readers who haven't read her other books are going to read this one.
The audiobook narrator was bomb, no notes, you rock girlie. I love your voice and you were the reason I finished!
I didn't mind that it's a love triangle, but the fact that it wasn't well done at all. Ginny is horny for both Qais and Xavier (Zavier? I listened to the audiobook), even when she is already in love and says that she is. We get gems like "heat flickered down my spine" when she hears the second love interest is jealous of her boyfriend. Why is she getting horny over someone who is not the man she loves. Well, I do know why. It's painfully obvious he's going to be the endgame in book two. The fact I could tell 1/3 into the book is not good thooo.
There was no build up to the romance at all. Ginny is into Qais from the moment she met him and there was no tension to their relationship at all. That is why I liked Xavier better at first because the first two times they meet we get the gist of how they were almost friends as children but forbidden to be, and I thought that was cute and had potential. But noo, the guy was made out to be some womanizer, who Ginny slutshames constantly (including calling him a man whore), which is RICH coming from the horniest MC I ever had to read. Like she is horny all the time. Horny for two men at the same time!!! Horny from the guys simply talking to her, no not even dirty talk!
Xavier is clearly a rip-off from Xaden from Fourth Wing (their names even resemble), we even get the hair so beautiful it makes men speechless scene. Also the scene from the Cruel Prince where carden is kissed but can't take his eyes of Jude is reused here.
A rule to writing says: show don't tell. I personally don't mind it when an author tells sometimes, but when it came to the relationships, it was all tell, no show. And that's why it didn't work. There's no palpable chemestry between the characters because it's all tell, tell, tell.
This quote really shows that:
"His smoldering gaze snagged hers. His eyes very purposefully not dropping lower. She could see it took him a great effort to do so. Blood rushed in her ears. She wondered if he would give into this tension between them."
Don't TELL me there's tension between them, SHOW ME!!!
Also don't have the character who is going to betray the MC keep telling her not to trust anyone, even him. I knew he would betray her from the first time he mentioned it, but he kept on saying it. Also OO can we be done with the betrayal trope by the end of book 1 in a romantasy series. It is sooo overdone at this point.
At the end of the audiobook there was an QA and I found out this is a spin-off book to her cozy fantasy books set in the same world. This does explain why there is zero world building and I who haven't read the other books was left confused why this was a modern world with phones and such, but no female has ever won the dragon races. (So Ginny can be the first. I guess we're not over the MC having to be super special and not like other girls.) Also sometimes there was sexism, but not always. Like women can go to clubs, drink, and have sex, but they can't dragon race???
The world building seriously needs to be explained because I'm sure a lot of readers who haven't read her other books are going to read this one.
The audiobook narrator was bomb, no notes, you rock girlie. I love your voice and you were the reason I finished!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
hello oh my god that ending?!?!😭😭
my jaw is literally on the floor right now. rider of dragons was so freaking amazing. i’m lowkey devastated that i finished it early because now i have to wait for the next book to come out🥲this is set in the same world as the baby dragon books, but is drastically different in tone. it is far darker and the sense of danger is pretty high.
i have to say, genevieve is one of my favourite mcs that aamna has written. she is determined to compete in deadly dragon races, even if her family says no. genevieve is relentless and refuses to listen (you know what, good for her!!) and finds herself a trainer in qais, a mysterious bad boy with a secretive past. i really liked how the story didn’t shy from highlighting how much pressure genevieve had and how it constantly felt like she had something to prove. i could totally connect with her on those struggles, especially her father’s reluctance and complete refusal to let her be a dragon racer. there’s so much complexity and nuance to her character and she is someone i think people will end up adoring.
qais was a interesting character to me too. he kinda had bad boy vibes, and i say kinda, because as you read through the story, he started to feel like a real softy. the more you learn about his past, the more your heart went out to him. if aamna ever does a bonus chapter with his pov, i’d love to read it hehe. especially the chapters when he and genevieve get…well, “close”🤭🤭
we also get to see some very familiar characters make appearances, plus some new ones that i think may or may not get their own spin-offs👀👀the plot was super cool, and i loved seeing all the races described in the book. they all had a uniqueness to it, even though they were structured the same and i thoroughly enjoyed reading them. and that ending?? i wasn’t expecting that at all. like at all.
rider of dragons was brilliant, captivating and one of the best dragon books i’ve read. if you’ve love yourself a romantasy with dragons, unrelenting fmcs, a bad boy with a soft heart love interest, and a very intriguing plot, then you need to add this to your tbr!!!
thank you avon books uk for the e-arc!
my jaw is literally on the floor right now. rider of dragons was so freaking amazing. i’m lowkey devastated that i finished it early because now i have to wait for the next book to come out🥲this is set in the same world as the baby dragon books, but is drastically different in tone. it is far darker and the sense of danger is pretty high.
i have to say, genevieve is one of my favourite mcs that aamna has written. she is determined to compete in deadly dragon races, even if her family says no. genevieve is relentless and refuses to listen (you know what, good for her!!) and finds herself a trainer in qais, a mysterious bad boy with a secretive past. i really liked how the story didn’t shy from highlighting how much pressure genevieve had and how it constantly felt like she had something to prove. i could totally connect with her on those struggles, especially her father’s reluctance and complete refusal to let her be a dragon racer. there’s so much complexity and nuance to her character and she is someone i think people will end up adoring.
qais was a interesting character to me too. he kinda had bad boy vibes, and i say kinda, because as you read through the story, he started to feel like a real softy. the more you learn about his past, the more your heart went out to him. if aamna ever does a bonus chapter with his pov, i’d love to read it hehe. especially the chapters when he and genevieve get…well, “close”🤭🤭
we also get to see some very familiar characters make appearances, plus some new ones that i think may or may not get their own spin-offs👀👀the plot was super cool, and i loved seeing all the races described in the book. they all had a uniqueness to it, even though they were structured the same and i thoroughly enjoyed reading them. and that ending?? i wasn’t expecting that at all. like at all.
rider of dragons was brilliant, captivating and one of the best dragon books i’ve read. if you’ve love yourself a romantasy with dragons, unrelenting fmcs, a bad boy with a soft heart love interest, and a very intriguing plot, then you need to add this to your tbr!!!
thank you avon books uk for the e-arc!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
How to Train Your Dragon meets Racing Stripes.
Genevieve, 24 and living in her wealthy family’s home, is forbidden from entering the highly dangerous Dragon Races with her young dragon, Fang. Her accounts are frozen and every reputable dragon trainer has been warned off helping her. With no funds and no trainer, but an overwhelming need to prove herself and follow in her brother’s footsteps, Genevieve has no option but to head to the rough part of town. She strikes a deal with Qais, alleged dragon poacher and gang member. He will train her to survive the brutal, lawless, race season in return for the entirety of the prize money if/when she wins. He makes it clear that if she reneges on their deal, he will slit her throat in her sleep.
The stakes were high, but Rider of Dragons was on the cosier fantasy side. No war or political scheming was a nice change. The storyline was fairly straightforward but there were enough side questions to keep me content and the narration was so good I was fully onboard from the prologue alone - it felt like being immersed in a Pixar movie.
The world was set in the modern day but the gangs live tech-free so there was still a cosy tavern feel for the most part. There is no ‘magic’ but dragons and the like are commonplace.
There was lots of detail on the qualifying races when she wasn’t doing very well, then covered the final, more important, races quite quickly. Because of this, the middle got slightly repetitive and the race schedule was slightly confusing. I would have loved a Rocky-esque montage to cover the middle races.
The relationship element was delightful and I enjoyed the ‘will they, won’t they’ which was completely free of any enemies to lovers narrative.
The book’s plot arc concludes nicely but the last chapter sets up a chunky cliffhanger (although you shouldn’t let that stop you from reading now, it stands very well on its own)!
There are on-page spicey scenes, but it is mostly euphemistic language used. The book explores themes of grief, family grievances and following your dreams. The characters swear.
Thanks to A. T. Qureshi, HarperCollins UK Audio and NetGalley for providing me with an Advance Listener Copy of the book in return for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Genevieve, 24 and living in her wealthy family’s home, is forbidden from entering the highly dangerous Dragon Races with her young dragon, Fang. Her accounts are frozen and every reputable dragon trainer has been warned off helping her. With no funds and no trainer, but an overwhelming need to prove herself and follow in her brother’s footsteps, Genevieve has no option but to head to the rough part of town. She strikes a deal with Qais, alleged dragon poacher and gang member. He will train her to survive the brutal, lawless, race season in return for the entirety of the prize money if/when she wins. He makes it clear that if she reneges on their deal, he will slit her throat in her sleep.
The stakes were high, but Rider of Dragons was on the cosier fantasy side. No war or political scheming was a nice change. The storyline was fairly straightforward but there were enough side questions to keep me content and the narration was so good I was fully onboard from the prologue alone - it felt like being immersed in a Pixar movie.
The world was set in the modern day but the gangs live tech-free so there was still a cosy tavern feel for the most part. There is no ‘magic’ but dragons and the like are commonplace.
There was lots of detail on the qualifying races when she wasn’t doing very well, then covered the final, more important, races quite quickly. Because of this, the middle got slightly repetitive and the race schedule was slightly confusing. I would have loved a Rocky-esque montage to cover the middle races.
The relationship element was delightful and I enjoyed the ‘will they, won’t they’ which was completely free of any enemies to lovers narrative.
The book’s plot arc concludes nicely but the last chapter sets up a chunky cliffhanger (although you shouldn’t let that stop you from reading now, it stands very well on its own)!
There are on-page spicey scenes, but it is mostly euphemistic language used. The book explores themes of grief, family grievances and following your dreams. The characters swear.
Thanks to A. T. Qureshi, HarperCollins UK Audio and NetGalley for providing me with an Advance Listener Copy of the book in return for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 ⭐️
I never read the Baby Dragon Café series, so this was my first experience of Aamna Qureshi's writing, and I enjoyed it! I really liked the world building in this book, it felt very immersive, and I am a sucker for any book with dragons in. The bonds between dragons and riders were one of my favourite parts, and I loved seeing Ginny and Fang grow their bond throughout the book. The competition was a great base for the story to be based around, although the trials did start to merge into one for me. I think this was a well thought out book, and I am happy it will be a duology. The twist at the end of book one had me gripped, and I will definitely read book 2 to finish up this story.
Although, this book did read as more of a YA novel to me instead of adult and as the centre of the story, Ginny was frustratingly naïve. I am definitely not a fan of the "I'm not like other girls, I don't wear makeup and people don't interest me" vibes that she was radiating. It seemed like she felt that she knew better than everybody else in the story, and wouldn't take anybody's advice to heart. She was quite childish, and I'm not entirely sure her personality fit well into an adult fantasy novel. But seeing her grow throughout the story was nice!
On the romance side of things, it definitely leans more on the side of a slow burn romance, instead of enemies to lovers, as they really don't know each other before meeting, and get on reasonably quite quick into their partnership. Qais was mysterious and interesting, his relationship with his brother was so interesting, and I can't wait to see what happens with him in the next book. Although, I do sense a love triangle on the horizon.
With the other side characters, I hope we see more in the second book if there is a deeper reason that Ginny's father was so unsupportive and cruel, or if it is just straight up sexism. Zaviyar & Vaneeza were good additions, and I hope there is more of them both in the follow up.
Thank you to NetGalley & the Author for this E-ARC!
I never read the Baby Dragon Café series, so this was my first experience of Aamna Qureshi's writing, and I enjoyed it! I really liked the world building in this book, it felt very immersive, and I am a sucker for any book with dragons in. The bonds between dragons and riders were one of my favourite parts, and I loved seeing Ginny and Fang grow their bond throughout the book. The competition was a great base for the story to be based around, although the trials did start to merge into one for me. I think this was a well thought out book, and I am happy it will be a duology. The twist at the end of book one had me gripped, and I will definitely read book 2 to finish up this story.
Although, this book did read as more of a YA novel to me instead of adult and as the centre of the story, Ginny was frustratingly naïve. I am definitely not a fan of the "I'm not like other girls, I don't wear makeup and people don't interest me" vibes that she was radiating. It seemed like she felt that she knew better than everybody else in the story, and wouldn't take anybody's advice to heart. She was quite childish, and I'm not entirely sure her personality fit well into an adult fantasy novel. But seeing her grow throughout the story was nice!
On the romance side of things, it definitely leans more on the side of a slow burn romance, instead of enemies to lovers, as they really don't know each other before meeting, and get on reasonably quite quick into their partnership. Qais was mysterious and interesting, his relationship with his brother was so interesting, and I can't wait to see what happens with him in the next book. Although, I do sense a love triangle on the horizon.
With the other side characters, I hope we see more in the second book if there is a deeper reason that Ginny's father was so unsupportive and cruel, or if it is just straight up sexism. Zaviyar & Vaneeza were good additions, and I hope there is more of them both in the follow up.
Thank you to NetGalley & the Author for this E-ARC!
March 31, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4/5)
Thank you to NetGalley, Aamna Qureshi, and the publisher for providing me with an audiobook ARC of Rider of Dragons.
This story follows Genevieve, who comes from a long line of illegal dragon racers and is determined to continue her family’s legacy by becoming the top racer. The problem? Her family is completely against it. No woman has ever won, and once you’re in the skies, there are no rules—and no guarantees of survival. With no support from her family, Genevieve turns to a member of a dragon poaching gang to train her for the races.
Genevieve is such an interesting character—she comes from a very privileged background, and I think Aamna Qureshi did a great job balancing her entitlement with her determination and willingness to risk absolutely everything to win. She’s not always easy to root for, but she feels very real because of it.
The romance is a *very* slow burn, packed with tension that kept me hooked throughout. I also really enjoyed the modern fantasy setting—it felt refreshing to have things like phones and a contemporary world alongside dragons, without adding extra layers of magic.
The only thing that felt a little lacking for me was the sense of danger in the first half of the book. Genevieve refers to her family as being part of a gang, but they come across as incredibly warm and wholesome (lavender coffee shop included!), and the dragons initially feel more like oversized puppies than deadly racing creatures. However, this completely shifts once the competition begins—the stakes become much clearer, and the tension really ramps up. I just wish a bit more of that danger had been established earlier on.
The audiobook narration by Amelia March was fantastic. The pacing was spot on, and she did an amazing job giving each character a distinct voice, which really brought the story to life.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable start to the series with high stakes, great tension, and a massive cliffhanger that has me eager for the next book.
Thank you to NetGalley, Aamna Qureshi, and the publisher for providing me with an audiobook ARC of Rider of Dragons.
This story follows Genevieve, who comes from a long line of illegal dragon racers and is determined to continue her family’s legacy by becoming the top racer. The problem? Her family is completely against it. No woman has ever won, and once you’re in the skies, there are no rules—and no guarantees of survival. With no support from her family, Genevieve turns to a member of a dragon poaching gang to train her for the races.
Genevieve is such an interesting character—she comes from a very privileged background, and I think Aamna Qureshi did a great job balancing her entitlement with her determination and willingness to risk absolutely everything to win. She’s not always easy to root for, but she feels very real because of it.
The romance is a *very* slow burn, packed with tension that kept me hooked throughout. I also really enjoyed the modern fantasy setting—it felt refreshing to have things like phones and a contemporary world alongside dragons, without adding extra layers of magic.
The only thing that felt a little lacking for me was the sense of danger in the first half of the book. Genevieve refers to her family as being part of a gang, but they come across as incredibly warm and wholesome (lavender coffee shop included!), and the dragons initially feel more like oversized puppies than deadly racing creatures. However, this completely shifts once the competition begins—the stakes become much clearer, and the tension really ramps up. I just wish a bit more of that danger had been established earlier on.
The audiobook narration by Amelia March was fantastic. The pacing was spot on, and she did an amazing job giving each character a distinct voice, which really brought the story to life.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable start to the series with high stakes, great tension, and a massive cliffhanger that has me eager for the next book.
March 24, 2026
I have a confession to make: I haven’t read The Baby Dragon Café, so I wasn’t sure what to expect when I picked up Rider Of Dragons, so I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this book.
If you’re the kind of reader who loves dragons, racing, and romance, then you definitely need to pick up a copy of Rider of Dragons by A. T. Qureshi. This book has a lot to offer: a stubborn heroine with something to prove, a morally questionable man who is, unfortunately, extremely attractive, and high-stakes, deadly dragon races, exactly what you want from this kind of story.
Genevieve is the kind of heroine who makes questionable choices for very understandable reasons. She’s determined to race dragons no matter what her family says, and that stubborn streak carries the whole book. You really feel how much this dream means to her, which makes every risky decision hit harder.
Then there’s Qais… and listen, I’m not saying he’s trustworthy. I am saying he’s exactly the kind of morally grey trainer you expect to cause problems. Their dynamic is full of tension and reluctant reliance, with just enough spark to keep you invested without rushing the romance.
The dragon racing itself is easily the highlight. It’s fast, brutal, and genuinely cutthroat, less “sport” and more “survive if you can”, which makes those scenes properly gripping.
Just be prepared: this book is very much setting up a series. Threads are left dangling, the stakes are still escalating, and by the end you’ll probably feel equal parts satisfied and mildly betrayed that you don’t have book two immediately in your hands.
It’s dramatic, addictive, and unapologetically fun. Come for the dragons, stay for the tension, and prepare to develop strong opinions about fictional racing strategies, and one suspiciously charming trainer.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely, especially if you like your fantasy a little dangerous and a emotionally messy.
If you’re the kind of reader who loves dragons, racing, and romance, then you definitely need to pick up a copy of Rider of Dragons by A. T. Qureshi. This book has a lot to offer: a stubborn heroine with something to prove, a morally questionable man who is, unfortunately, extremely attractive, and high-stakes, deadly dragon races, exactly what you want from this kind of story.
Genevieve is the kind of heroine who makes questionable choices for very understandable reasons. She’s determined to race dragons no matter what her family says, and that stubborn streak carries the whole book. You really feel how much this dream means to her, which makes every risky decision hit harder.
Then there’s Qais… and listen, I’m not saying he’s trustworthy. I am saying he’s exactly the kind of morally grey trainer you expect to cause problems. Their dynamic is full of tension and reluctant reliance, with just enough spark to keep you invested without rushing the romance.
The dragon racing itself is easily the highlight. It’s fast, brutal, and genuinely cutthroat, less “sport” and more “survive if you can”, which makes those scenes properly gripping.
Just be prepared: this book is very much setting up a series. Threads are left dangling, the stakes are still escalating, and by the end you’ll probably feel equal parts satisfied and mildly betrayed that you don’t have book two immediately in your hands.
It’s dramatic, addictive, and unapologetically fun. Come for the dragons, stay for the tension, and prepare to develop strong opinions about fictional racing strategies, and one suspiciously charming trainer.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely, especially if you like your fantasy a little dangerous and a emotionally messy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is marketed as a thrilling new dragon romantasy, perfect for fans of fourth wing and when the moon hatched. It’s not.
It’s a cozy romance that has dragons. The world is not a magical world, it’s not complex and not thoroughly explored. It talks about the town being in a bigger country but no explanation as to that country or how / why magical creatures are only in this one town.
The only one thrilling bit of then book is the ending - that’s when the pacing ratched up and questions started to exploding in my mind.
So with that out of the way let’s review it as how it should be marketed.
As I’ve mentioned it’s a cozy fantasy novel. It’s the first in a duology but I’ve gathered it’s in the same world as the Baby Dragon Cafe series - so if you’re a fan of that you’ll enjoy this.
Genevieve - the FMC is meant to be in her mid 20s but comes across as though she’s still in her teens. She’s very immature. I enjoyed the journey she went on training for the races.
The book lacks depth in the development of characters - all of while you only get surface level character development which is frustrating and means you can’t fully empathise with anyone. And because of this the ending lacks the emotional damage it’s trying for.
There are a lot of inconsistencies within the book too - some dragons being labeled female, then male then back to female all within a chapter being one example.
The relationship between the two main characters again needed more development. I don’t feel the addition of the spicy scenes really add much to this book and would better fading to black and then using this extra word count for extra depth development.
I can see this appealing to readers who have read the authors previous series and if they remove some aspects would do well as a YA or older teen novel.
Thank you to the publishers Avon Books and NetGalley for giving me an early copy for review.
It’s a cozy romance that has dragons. The world is not a magical world, it’s not complex and not thoroughly explored. It talks about the town being in a bigger country but no explanation as to that country or how / why magical creatures are only in this one town.
The only one thrilling bit of then book is the ending - that’s when the pacing ratched up and questions started to exploding in my mind.
So with that out of the way let’s review it as how it should be marketed.
As I’ve mentioned it’s a cozy fantasy novel. It’s the first in a duology but I’ve gathered it’s in the same world as the Baby Dragon Cafe series - so if you’re a fan of that you’ll enjoy this.
Genevieve - the FMC is meant to be in her mid 20s but comes across as though she’s still in her teens. She’s very immature. I enjoyed the journey she went on training for the races.
The book lacks depth in the development of characters - all of while you only get surface level character development which is frustrating and means you can’t fully empathise with anyone. And because of this the ending lacks the emotional damage it’s trying for.
There are a lot of inconsistencies within the book too - some dragons being labeled female, then male then back to female all within a chapter being one example.
The relationship between the two main characters again needed more development. I don’t feel the addition of the spicy scenes really add much to this book and would better fading to black and then using this extra word count for extra depth development.
I can see this appealing to readers who have read the authors previous series and if they remove some aspects would do well as a YA or older teen novel.
Thank you to the publishers Avon Books and NetGalley for giving me an early copy for review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🐉 DRAGONS, RACING, AND A DASH OF ROMANCE 🐉
*Rider of Dragons* by A. T. Qureshi is an exciting and immersive fantasy that blends high-stakes dragon racing with a compelling character journey and a slow-burn romantic thread.
Genevieve is a determined and headstrong protagonist, and I found her persistence in pursuing the dangerous dragon races despite her family’s disapproval easy to admire. Her growth throughout the story felt natural, particularly as she’s forced to confront the harsher realities of the racing world and what it might cost her to win.
Qais, her reluctant trainer, adds an intriguing layer to the story. As a morally grey character with a questionable past, he brings both tension and depth to the narrative. The dynamic between him and Genevieve develops gradually, with a nice balance of conflict and chemistry that enhances the overall story without overpowering the central plot.
The dragon racing itself is a standout element. It’s not just about speed strategy, sabotage, and survival all play a part, and this creates a consistently tense and engaging atmosphere. The races feel vivid and dangerous, with real stakes that kept me invested throughout.
I also listened to the audiobook and thought Amelia March did a fantastic job with the narration. She captured the tone of the story well and brought energy and clarity to the characters, making the listening experience particularly enjoyable.
Thank you to HarperCollins UK Audio for the audio ARC and to Avon Books UK for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Overall, this is a strong and entertaining fantasy with engaging characters, an original competitive edge, and a compelling emotional core. I would recommend it to readers who enjoy character-driven fantasy with action and romance elements.
🐉 DRAGONS, RACING, AND A DASH OF ROMANCE 🐉
*Rider of Dragons* by A. T. Qureshi is an exciting and immersive fantasy that blends high-stakes dragon racing with a compelling character journey and a slow-burn romantic thread.
Genevieve is a determined and headstrong protagonist, and I found her persistence in pursuing the dangerous dragon races despite her family’s disapproval easy to admire. Her growth throughout the story felt natural, particularly as she’s forced to confront the harsher realities of the racing world and what it might cost her to win.
Qais, her reluctant trainer, adds an intriguing layer to the story. As a morally grey character with a questionable past, he brings both tension and depth to the narrative. The dynamic between him and Genevieve develops gradually, with a nice balance of conflict and chemistry that enhances the overall story without overpowering the central plot.
The dragon racing itself is a standout element. It’s not just about speed strategy, sabotage, and survival all play a part, and this creates a consistently tense and engaging atmosphere. The races feel vivid and dangerous, with real stakes that kept me invested throughout.
I also listened to the audiobook and thought Amelia March did a fantastic job with the narration. She captured the tone of the story well and brought energy and clarity to the characters, making the listening experience particularly enjoyable.
Thank you to HarperCollins UK Audio for the audio ARC and to Avon Books UK for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Overall, this is a strong and entertaining fantasy with engaging characters, an original competitive edge, and a compelling emotional core. I would recommend it to readers who enjoy character-driven fantasy with action and romance elements.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Audiobook Review: Rider of Dragons by A. T. Qureshi
This story tries to juggle a lot, dragon racing, deadly family drama, forbidden romance, and criminal underworlds, but mostly drops the balls. The plot follows a wealthy young woman who decides to enter a lethal dragon race despite having basically zero training. Even when her family cuts her off, she still has enough resources to make it feel more like a mildly inconvenient shopping trip than a real struggle.
The training sequences read like a montage from a sports movie. A few sessions, a rapid skill jump, and suddenly she is placing in the top 20. Meanwhile, she jumps headfirst into a full-blown romance with a morally gray trainer she has known for a month, which somehow survives revelations that he is a dragon thief with a murderous family. It is messy, improbable, and a little hilarious in how quickly she adapts to everything.
Late in the book, the story piles on twists, dead and victorious siblings, a last-minute feminist angle about being the first woman to win, poisoning attempts, and family betrayals. All of these could be compelling threads, but they mostly land as shock value garnish on top of her already fast-tracked rise. Instead of tension building steadily, it is like someone pressed fast-forward on the drama.
The audiobook narration is solid, clear and engaging enough to keep you invested even when the plot makes you raise an eyebrow. Overall, Rider of Dragons gestures at complexity but ultimately delivers a polished, fast-paced wish-fulfillment story, rich girl wants something, encounters chaos, wins anyway, and gets the guy. Not a standalone, but entertaining if you do not mind a little everything happens all at once chaos. I am giving this 3.5 stars.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ALC. This is my honest and voluntary review.
This story tries to juggle a lot, dragon racing, deadly family drama, forbidden romance, and criminal underworlds, but mostly drops the balls. The plot follows a wealthy young woman who decides to enter a lethal dragon race despite having basically zero training. Even when her family cuts her off, she still has enough resources to make it feel more like a mildly inconvenient shopping trip than a real struggle.
The training sequences read like a montage from a sports movie. A few sessions, a rapid skill jump, and suddenly she is placing in the top 20. Meanwhile, she jumps headfirst into a full-blown romance with a morally gray trainer she has known for a month, which somehow survives revelations that he is a dragon thief with a murderous family. It is messy, improbable, and a little hilarious in how quickly she adapts to everything.
Late in the book, the story piles on twists, dead and victorious siblings, a last-minute feminist angle about being the first woman to win, poisoning attempts, and family betrayals. All of these could be compelling threads, but they mostly land as shock value garnish on top of her already fast-tracked rise. Instead of tension building steadily, it is like someone pressed fast-forward on the drama.
The audiobook narration is solid, clear and engaging enough to keep you invested even when the plot makes you raise an eyebrow. Overall, Rider of Dragons gestures at complexity but ultimately delivers a polished, fast-paced wish-fulfillment story, rich girl wants something, encounters chaos, wins anyway, and gets the guy. Not a standalone, but entertaining if you do not mind a little everything happens all at once chaos. I am giving this 3.5 stars.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ALC. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This audiobook doesn’t just tell a story—it straps you onto a fire-breathing monster, kicks the gates open, and dares you to hang on.
From the first chapter, Genevieve charges onto the scene with a stubborn, flint-edged determination that feels like sparks against steel. She doesn’t want permission—she wants the sky. And the narration? Absolutely electric. Every ounce of her defiance, fear, and reckless courage is carried through the performance like a live wire.
Then there’s Qais… 🖤
He’s sharp, morally gray, and wrapped in rumors that cling like smoke. The tension between him and Genevieve isn’t just chemistry—it’s combustion. Every exchange feels like a match being struck.
And the races? Pure chaos in the best way.
The narrator paints them with such visceral detail you can practically hear the thunder of wings, the roar of dragons, the clash of sabotage mid-air. It’s not just competition—it’s survival dressed up as spectacle, where victory tastes like ash and adrenaline.
What really elevates the audiobook is how it captures the emotional undercurrent beneath all that action. As Genevieve is pushed to become sharper, colder, more ruthless, you can hear the shift in her. The question isn’t just whether she’ll win—it’s whether she’ll still recognize herself if she does.
✨ Why this audiobook soars:
• Dynamic narration that gives both leads distinct, addictive voices
• High-stakes dragon racing that feels cinematic and brutal
• A slow-burn, tension-laced relationship that crackles in your ears
• Emotional depth that sneaks up and sinks its claws in
By the end, you’re left breathless, a little wrecked, and already craving the next flight.
If you love fierce heroines, dangerous mentors, and worlds where winning might cost your soul… this audiobook is a one-way ticket to obsession. 🎧🔥🐉
From the first chapter, Genevieve charges onto the scene with a stubborn, flint-edged determination that feels like sparks against steel. She doesn’t want permission—she wants the sky. And the narration? Absolutely electric. Every ounce of her defiance, fear, and reckless courage is carried through the performance like a live wire.
Then there’s Qais… 🖤
He’s sharp, morally gray, and wrapped in rumors that cling like smoke. The tension between him and Genevieve isn’t just chemistry—it’s combustion. Every exchange feels like a match being struck.
And the races? Pure chaos in the best way.
The narrator paints them with such visceral detail you can practically hear the thunder of wings, the roar of dragons, the clash of sabotage mid-air. It’s not just competition—it’s survival dressed up as spectacle, where victory tastes like ash and adrenaline.
What really elevates the audiobook is how it captures the emotional undercurrent beneath all that action. As Genevieve is pushed to become sharper, colder, more ruthless, you can hear the shift in her. The question isn’t just whether she’ll win—it’s whether she’ll still recognize herself if she does.
✨ Why this audiobook soars:
• Dynamic narration that gives both leads distinct, addictive voices
• High-stakes dragon racing that feels cinematic and brutal
• A slow-burn, tension-laced relationship that crackles in your ears
• Emotional depth that sneaks up and sinks its claws in
By the end, you’re left breathless, a little wrecked, and already craving the next flight.
If you love fierce heroines, dangerous mentors, and worlds where winning might cost your soul… this audiobook is a one-way ticket to obsession. 🎧🔥🐉
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to the author, publishers and Netgalley for my copy of this audio book.
Nestled firmly in the baby dragon world this is edgier and darker and I loved it. Fast paced to keep you fully on track with the illegal Dragon Racing competitions, it was still filled with great characters and personalities. The pacing felt right, with time to delve into the characters' back stories. There are plenty of characters that you will recognise from the baby dragon series and it's great to get a peek into Ginny properly and have her own story.
The pages were sizzling at times with the steamy tension and the electricity between Ginny and the boys was sparking. It had me flip flopping between them which was a good sign.
The twist at the end has me chomping at the bit for the next book.
Genevieve is an FMC on a mission, to prove herself capable of winning the illegal Dragon Riders’ Championship, something that no female has achieved so far. Determined to succeed she is not prepared for the backlash from her family and the constraints it puts on her plans. Ultimately nothing will detract her from her goal and she is hell bent on showing up the inequality her family shows her. The bonding and training with her dragon Fang were joyful to read and brought a smile to my face whilst listening to the story.
With options limited she turns to Qais, a mysterious disgraced former dragon stable hand to train her. The training brings them closer together and she slowly pieces together his past whilst trying not to fall for him. With links to the shadowy gangs that run the illegal races and the criminal underworld, Ginny is trying to unpick how deeply Qais is involved and just where she fits into his future.
Nestled firmly in the baby dragon world this is edgier and darker and I loved it. Fast paced to keep you fully on track with the illegal Dragon Racing competitions, it was still filled with great characters and personalities. The pacing felt right, with time to delve into the characters' back stories. There are plenty of characters that you will recognise from the baby dragon series and it's great to get a peek into Ginny properly and have her own story.
The pages were sizzling at times with the steamy tension and the electricity between Ginny and the boys was sparking. It had me flip flopping between them which was a good sign.
The twist at the end has me chomping at the bit for the next book.
Genevieve is an FMC on a mission, to prove herself capable of winning the illegal Dragon Riders’ Championship, something that no female has achieved so far. Determined to succeed she is not prepared for the backlash from her family and the constraints it puts on her plans. Ultimately nothing will detract her from her goal and she is hell bent on showing up the inequality her family shows her. The bonding and training with her dragon Fang were joyful to read and brought a smile to my face whilst listening to the story.
With options limited she turns to Qais, a mysterious disgraced former dragon stable hand to train her. The training brings them closer together and she slowly pieces together his past whilst trying not to fall for him. With links to the shadowy gangs that run the illegal races and the criminal underworld, Ginny is trying to unpick how deeply Qais is involved and just where she fits into his future.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Rider of Dragons by Aamna Qureshi is an exciting romantasy story set in the world of the Baby Dragon Café series, but it works perfectly as a standalone duology. Even though I hadn’t read the original series before picking this up, I was able to dive right into the world without feeling lost.
Set in the vibrant and dangerous Starshine Valley, the story follows Genevieve, a young woman whose dream is to become an illegal dragon racer, just like her late brother Danny once was. The underground racing world is full of danger, rivalries, and secrets, making every chapter feel high-stakes and unpredictable.
What I loved most about this story is Genevieve’s growth. She begins as someone driven by grief and ambition, but throughout the story she learns to stand on her own, find her strength, and open her heart to love along the way. At the same time, the novel explores themes of loyalty, revenge, and the long shadows of the past, showing that some people wait years to settle old scores.
Between the intense dragon racing, complicated relationships between high-born families and gangs, and the ever-present danger surrounding Genevieve’s dream, the story kept me completely on the edge of my seat. And that ending? A true cliffhanger that left me eager for the next installment.
If you enjoy romantasy with strong character growth, high stakes, and dragons, this is definitely one to add to your TBR. I’ll be counting down the days until book two releases in Summer 2027!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
#RiderOfDragons #AamnaQureshi #Romantasy#NetGalley
Set in the vibrant and dangerous Starshine Valley, the story follows Genevieve, a young woman whose dream is to become an illegal dragon racer, just like her late brother Danny once was. The underground racing world is full of danger, rivalries, and secrets, making every chapter feel high-stakes and unpredictable.
What I loved most about this story is Genevieve’s growth. She begins as someone driven by grief and ambition, but throughout the story she learns to stand on her own, find her strength, and open her heart to love along the way. At the same time, the novel explores themes of loyalty, revenge, and the long shadows of the past, showing that some people wait years to settle old scores.
Between the intense dragon racing, complicated relationships between high-born families and gangs, and the ever-present danger surrounding Genevieve’s dream, the story kept me completely on the edge of my seat. And that ending? A true cliffhanger that left me eager for the next installment.
If you enjoy romantasy with strong character growth, high stakes, and dragons, this is definitely one to add to your TBR. I’ll be counting down the days until book two releases in Summer 2027!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
#RiderOfDragons #AamnaQureshi #Romantasy#NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
So firstly, many thanks to Netgalley for this digital ARC.
4.5⭐️
I actually hate you Aamna Qureshi. I hate the ending, I need Ginny to team up with Zavi or Aiden for the rescue. I can’t believe that Qais did what he did. I feel like it wasn’t very predictable.
At first I thought that Ginny was to dumb and naive, especially at the beginning. But her character really developed and Qureshi is really good at writing that. I am actually completely obsessed with Qais. He is actually so amazing which is why I guess the betrayal came as such a shock. Qureshi is also very good at using time skips effectively. It seemed as though they were always there for a reason and it didn’t feel weird when it skipped like two weeks.
But, some breaks did feel really unnatural. For example, when Qais is explaining to Ginny how the races works, and he just leaves for a few minutes to grab his armour. I don’t know but it just didn’t feel normal. Another bit was near the end of the book where there was also an unnatural break/time skip.
The beginning also felt really unnatural and not worthy of an introduction to the world of dragon racing. It took a while for me to get fully invested in the book. I think the moment it really clicked for me was when Ginny left home, but before then I didn’t really know what to think. The intro is quite slow imo but that could just be me. i do enjoy reading fantasy and I am very excited for the next book to come out.
Thanks again to netgalley, and publishers for the ARC
4.5⭐️
I actually hate you Aamna Qureshi. I hate the ending, I need Ginny to team up with Zavi or Aiden for the rescue. I can’t believe that Qais did what he did. I feel like it wasn’t very predictable.
At first I thought that Ginny was to dumb and naive, especially at the beginning. But her character really developed and Qureshi is really good at writing that. I am actually completely obsessed with Qais. He is actually so amazing which is why I guess the betrayal came as such a shock. Qureshi is also very good at using time skips effectively. It seemed as though they were always there for a reason and it didn’t feel weird when it skipped like two weeks.
But, some breaks did feel really unnatural. For example, when Qais is explaining to Ginny how the races works, and he just leaves for a few minutes to grab his armour. I don’t know but it just didn’t feel normal. Another bit was near the end of the book where there was also an unnatural break/time skip.
The beginning also felt really unnatural and not worthy of an introduction to the world of dragon racing. It took a while for me to get fully invested in the book. I think the moment it really clicked for me was when Ginny left home, but before then I didn’t really know what to think. The intro is quite slow imo but that could just be me. i do enjoy reading fantasy and I am very excited for the next book to come out.
Thanks again to netgalley, and publishers for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"Ever so gently, he ran a finger down her throat. An electric current shot down her spine, and she resisted the urge to lean into his touch. Then it was his turn to whisper in her ear, 'Best behave, then.'
Rider of Dragons, by A. T Qureshi
Excuse me but WHAT?! This book was OUTSTANDING. And that ending?! I am almost devastated I had this ARC because now I have to wait even longer for the next book and I genuinely do not know how I am supposed to cope. I need reassurance. I need resolution. I need revenge.
How do I even describe this book? It is written and set in the same world as The Baby Dragon Cafe, so it carries those cosy romantasy vibes, but it also delivers high stakes dragon racing, dangerous gangs, a bad boy love interest, incredible tension, and just a touch of spice. The writing is so strong that I was completely hooked from the first page and by the final chapter my heart was pounding. I devoured this in one day.
The characters were compelling, the dragon human bond was absolutely adorable, and I loved the side characters. I fully despised Genevive’s father, even if his intentions might be good, and I was very invested in the subtle hint that there may be more than one love interest. I cannot wait to see how that plays out in book two.
If you love romance, dragons, determined FMCs, dragon companions that must be protected at all costs, and cliffhanger endings that leave you screaming, add this to your TBR immediately.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this. I absolutely loved it.
Rider of Dragons, by A. T Qureshi
Excuse me but WHAT?! This book was OUTSTANDING. And that ending?! I am almost devastated I had this ARC because now I have to wait even longer for the next book and I genuinely do not know how I am supposed to cope. I need reassurance. I need resolution. I need revenge.
How do I even describe this book? It is written and set in the same world as The Baby Dragon Cafe, so it carries those cosy romantasy vibes, but it also delivers high stakes dragon racing, dangerous gangs, a bad boy love interest, incredible tension, and just a touch of spice. The writing is so strong that I was completely hooked from the first page and by the final chapter my heart was pounding. I devoured this in one day.
The characters were compelling, the dragon human bond was absolutely adorable, and I loved the side characters. I fully despised Genevive’s father, even if his intentions might be good, and I was very invested in the subtle hint that there may be more than one love interest. I cannot wait to see how that plays out in book two.
If you love romance, dragons, determined FMCs, dragon companions that must be protected at all costs, and cliffhanger endings that leave you screaming, add this to your TBR immediately.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this. I absolutely loved it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the ARC!
Rating
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
Overall thoughts
This was a fun book! Ideal for lovers of cosy romance books who want something a little more high stakes. It was a little slow for me to get into, but once I did I really enjoyed it, and I’m glad I read it.
Characters and relationships
Ginny is quite a naive character, has lived quite a sheltered and privileged life and it’s interesting to see her character grow throughout the book. I love the complicated relationship with her family, and the unfairness of her situation. I enjoyed the romance too, and I’m very interested to see how it plays out (although I may be secretly hoping for something else in book two 👀)! There’s definitely more to learn about side characters too in the next book (avoiding names to keep this spoiler free)
World building
I have to say, this took me a little while to get into - some of the motivations are unclear to me (why do so many people willingly take part in an illegal race organised by criminals in the animal trade?), but you learn more as you go through and I did get into it! I think there’s more to explore here in the second book too. There’s lots of nice tie ins and shout outs for people who’ve read the Baby Dragon series (I haven’t, but having read other cosy romance books would have appreciated this crossover if I had!)
Ending
….damn!! You’re leaving me there until 2027?? It was really unexpected to me, my heart!
Rating
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
Overall thoughts
This was a fun book! Ideal for lovers of cosy romance books who want something a little more high stakes. It was a little slow for me to get into, but once I did I really enjoyed it, and I’m glad I read it.
Characters and relationships
Ginny is quite a naive character, has lived quite a sheltered and privileged life and it’s interesting to see her character grow throughout the book. I love the complicated relationship with her family, and the unfairness of her situation. I enjoyed the romance too, and I’m very interested to see how it plays out (although I may be secretly hoping for something else in book two 👀)! There’s definitely more to learn about side characters too in the next book (avoiding names to keep this spoiler free)
World building
I have to say, this took me a little while to get into - some of the motivations are unclear to me (why do so many people willingly take part in an illegal race organised by criminals in the animal trade?), but you learn more as you go through and I did get into it! I think there’s more to explore here in the second book too. There’s lots of nice tie ins and shout outs for people who’ve read the Baby Dragon series (I haven’t, but having read other cosy romance books would have appreciated this crossover if I had!)
Ending
….damn!! You’re leaving me there until 2027?? It was really unexpected to me, my heart!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4.5⭐️ Thank you to Avon Books UK for the early ARC☺️
“Ever so gently, he ran a finger down her throat. An electric current shot down her spine, and she resisted the urge to lean into his touch. Then it was his turn to whisper in her ear, ‘Best behave, then.’” The tension and sparks in this book were incredible! 🔥
If you love high-stakes races, fierce dragons and slow-burn romance, this is for you! It was exactly my kind of read and did not disappoint.This is the first book in a new romantasy duology set in the same modern world as the Baby Dragon Cafe series. It gave me How to Train Your Dragon vibes, but with intense edge🤩The dragons are loyal, fierce and playful, adding emotional depth to the story.
The racing was one of my favorite parts. It was brutal, full of sabotage,danger and attacks, which made the stakes feel incredibly high and kept me hooked. I also loved seeing the preparation and effort it takes to compete. The care for the dragons was beautifully detailed, and the bond between rider and dragon felt so sweet.
A story of womanhood and resilience, with Ginny Sterling’s journey shining brilliantly throughout. She dreams of racing like her brother, but as the only girl in her family expectations are different, especially from her father. Grief and a need to prove herself in a space where she is constantly doubted make her journey compelling. She grows into someone strong, determined and independent, learning to trust herself and fight for what she wants. Watching her carve out her place in a male dominated world was truly empowering.
The romance was electric, filled with secrets and intrigue. Her trainer is mysterious, has a tragic past and is tied to a gang. 👀The plot was gripping, the pacing great and the ending left me desperate for the next book! 😩
“Ever so gently, he ran a finger down her throat. An electric current shot down her spine, and she resisted the urge to lean into his touch. Then it was his turn to whisper in her ear, ‘Best behave, then.’” The tension and sparks in this book were incredible! 🔥
If you love high-stakes races, fierce dragons and slow-burn romance, this is for you! It was exactly my kind of read and did not disappoint.This is the first book in a new romantasy duology set in the same modern world as the Baby Dragon Cafe series. It gave me How to Train Your Dragon vibes, but with intense edge🤩The dragons are loyal, fierce and playful, adding emotional depth to the story.
The racing was one of my favorite parts. It was brutal, full of sabotage,danger and attacks, which made the stakes feel incredibly high and kept me hooked. I also loved seeing the preparation and effort it takes to compete. The care for the dragons was beautifully detailed, and the bond between rider and dragon felt so sweet.
A story of womanhood and resilience, with Ginny Sterling’s journey shining brilliantly throughout. She dreams of racing like her brother, but as the only girl in her family expectations are different, especially from her father. Grief and a need to prove herself in a space where she is constantly doubted make her journey compelling. She grows into someone strong, determined and independent, learning to trust herself and fight for what she wants. Watching her carve out her place in a male dominated world was truly empowering.
The romance was electric, filled with secrets and intrigue. Her trainer is mysterious, has a tragic past and is tied to a gang. 👀The plot was gripping, the pacing great and the ending left me desperate for the next book! 😩
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I’m just going to start by saying this is exactly why I don’t like reading unfinished book series. I cannot believe I have to wait 1.5 years for the next book!
This book is about a woman who wants to participate in dragon racing, which is an almost exclusively male sport.
I absolutely loved Rider of Dragons. The world building was so subtle that I hardly noticed it was happening, which is a big plus as I sometimes find fantasy world building to be somewhat tedious. The characters were well written and I liked almost all of them. Qureshi does a very good job of giving the characters mystery - you don’t know everything about any of them and it really kept me engaged and invested in them and their development throughout the book.
My favorite thing about the books was how Qureshi wrote her dragons. I loved that they had characteristics of horses and dogs - she gave detailed animal husbandry (how they were cared for - grooming, stabling, etc…) and really emphasized the bonds between a dragon and its owner/rider. It definitely gave Hiccup and Toothless from How to Train Your Dragon vibes and I loved that.
This book was suspenseful, action packed, romantic, comical. I loved it and will definitely recommend it and look forward to the next book.
I received this book as an ARC via NetGalley.
This book is about a woman who wants to participate in dragon racing, which is an almost exclusively male sport.
I absolutely loved Rider of Dragons. The world building was so subtle that I hardly noticed it was happening, which is a big plus as I sometimes find fantasy world building to be somewhat tedious. The characters were well written and I liked almost all of them. Qureshi does a very good job of giving the characters mystery - you don’t know everything about any of them and it really kept me engaged and invested in them and their development throughout the book.
My favorite thing about the books was how Qureshi wrote her dragons. I loved that they had characteristics of horses and dogs - she gave detailed animal husbandry (how they were cared for - grooming, stabling, etc…) and really emphasized the bonds between a dragon and its owner/rider. It definitely gave Hiccup and Toothless from How to Train Your Dragon vibes and I loved that.
This book was suspenseful, action packed, romantic, comical. I loved it and will definitely recommend it and look forward to the next book.
I received this book as an ARC via NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I really enjoyed Rider of Dragons.I was lucky enough to get my hands on the audiobook, and let me just say the narration was fantastic. The narrator did an amazing job bringing the characters and the tension of the races to life.
Rider of Dragons is also set in the same world as The Baby Dragon Café, and I loved the little cross-references and cameos,it gave the story such familiar cosy vibes. At the same time, it also delivers high-stakes dragon racing, dangerous gangs, a broody bad-boy trainer, plenty of tension, and a touch of spice.
The story follows Genevieve, who is determined to become a dragon racer despite her family being completely against it. With no money or support, she makes a risky deal with the mysterious (and very attractive) Qais. He’ll train her, but he gets the prize money if she wins.
Qais was definitely a highlight for me. He’s broody, mysterious, and clearly softer with Ginny than he lets on. Ginny can be a bit naive at times, but watching her step out from her sheltered life and chase her dream was really satisfying. I also loved the side characters and the adorable dragon–human bond.
And that ending twist?? I did not see it coming. I’m also very intrigued by the hints that there might be more than one potential love interest. If you love dragons, romance, fierce FMCs, and cute dragon companions, you’ll definitely want this on your TBR.
Rider of Dragons is also set in the same world as The Baby Dragon Café, and I loved the little cross-references and cameos,it gave the story such familiar cosy vibes. At the same time, it also delivers high-stakes dragon racing, dangerous gangs, a broody bad-boy trainer, plenty of tension, and a touch of spice.
The story follows Genevieve, who is determined to become a dragon racer despite her family being completely against it. With no money or support, she makes a risky deal with the mysterious (and very attractive) Qais. He’ll train her, but he gets the prize money if she wins.
Qais was definitely a highlight for me. He’s broody, mysterious, and clearly softer with Ginny than he lets on. Ginny can be a bit naive at times, but watching her step out from her sheltered life and chase her dream was really satisfying. I also loved the side characters and the adorable dragon–human bond.
And that ending twist?? I did not see it coming. I’m also very intrigued by the hints that there might be more than one potential love interest. If you love dragons, romance, fierce FMCs, and cute dragon companions, you’ll definitely want this on your TBR.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
How exciting was this first instalment of this duology. Set in the same universe as the Baby Dragon stories, you will come across characters you know and love, as well as meeting new characters and dragons. Genevieve aspires to be a dragon rider like her brother before her and despite her family's wishes she trains for the championship.
I loved the setting of this book. There was some world building but not as immersive as some other stories. However I think as it was so action packed in places, it would have slowed the pace down. The dragon races were intense, however they became a little repetitive at times. I liked how there was a contrast between the pace of in between the races and the races themselves. The tension building up to the last race was great. I loved the development of the character particularly how Ginny's confidence grew. The cliff hanger finale was brilliantly written. I am already excited to see where this story goes.
I would say the book definitely has a more cosy feel to it then dark romantasy (one of the category's its under on Amazon). I have a feeling this may change in the second book based on the finale, but we shall see.
I will definitely be recommending this series and I will be reading the second instalment.
Thank you for my Netgalley arc, this is my honest review.
I loved the setting of this book. There was some world building but not as immersive as some other stories. However I think as it was so action packed in places, it would have slowed the pace down. The dragon races were intense, however they became a little repetitive at times. I liked how there was a contrast between the pace of in between the races and the races themselves. The tension building up to the last race was great. I loved the development of the character particularly how Ginny's confidence grew. The cliff hanger finale was brilliantly written. I am already excited to see where this story goes.
I would say the book definitely has a more cosy feel to it then dark romantasy (one of the category's its under on Amazon). I have a feeling this may change in the second book based on the finale, but we shall see.
I will definitely be recommending this series and I will be reading the second instalment.
Thank you for my Netgalley arc, this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
*Audiobook review*
Amelia March - great job on the narration of the characters. I really felt their individual personalities shinning through!
I'M SO CONFLICTED!
While I enjoyed reading this book, I also didn't think it was more than a 3⭐️ read. *I have thought about this ending everyday since I finished it!*
I'm desperate for the next one 😭 Having to wait even LONGER for the next book in a series is the only downside to getting an arc and I'm getting frustrated every time I realise how long I have to wait 😢
Genevieve is trying to prove to herself and her family that she is capable of more than what they think she is and that women can do anything a man can do. This is great but Genevieve comes across as privileged, naive and a little immature for her age. This comes across in both her words and actions. There are some scenes in the book that I scrunched up my nose and rolled my eyes at.
🔥 I was rooting for Zavi (audiobook review so unsure of the spelling) from the beginning, just saying...
FYI - I haven't read any of the Baby Dragon books so I didn't realise that this book is set in the same world/area and is interconnected with the characters in those books. So there are some references to characters and the businesses but I would say you don't need to read them prior to reading Rider of Dragons.
Amelia March - great job on the narration of the characters. I really felt their individual personalities shinning through!
I'M SO CONFLICTED!
While I enjoyed reading this book, I also didn't think it was more than a 3⭐️ read. *I have thought about this ending everyday since I finished it!*
I'm desperate for the next one 😭 Having to wait even LONGER for the next book in a series is the only downside to getting an arc and I'm getting frustrated every time I realise how long I have to wait 😢
Genevieve is trying to prove to herself and her family that she is capable of more than what they think she is and that women can do anything a man can do. This is great but Genevieve comes across as privileged, naive and a little immature for her age. This comes across in both her words and actions. There are some scenes in the book that I scrunched up my nose and rolled my eyes at.
🔥 I was rooting for Zavi (audiobook review so unsure of the spelling) from the beginning, just saying...
FYI - I haven't read any of the Baby Dragon books so I didn't realise that this book is set in the same world/area and is interconnected with the characters in those books. So there are some references to characters and the businesses but I would say you don't need to read them prior to reading Rider of Dragons.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Rider of Dragon had suspense, romance, and family drama. Overall a quick and fun read. I loved Qais. His character was mysterious and stormy. Yet, he showed love to Ginny. Ginny was selfish, and naive, but her character was a product of her upbringing, and it plays a major role as she enters the world of dragon racing. Her parents purposefully kept her sheltered, and she found a way to break out from under their thumb. I very much enjoyed seeing her independence from them.
The reason I have the book at three stars and not four is I feel as though the book told all of the races in so much detail, and left out the more personal parts of the story. At one point towards the end of the book it is discussed that Ginny had seen some of her family members at the cafe, but it was just a brief mention. I would like to have had more of how her family missed her, or how and why they all struggled with supporting her. I found myself at times skimming through the race part because it had become a bit repetitive.
However, the ending made the whole book worth the read to me! I did not expect that twist, and I very much look forward to reading book two of this series! I need to know what is next for Ginny and Fang!
The reason I have the book at three stars and not four is I feel as though the book told all of the races in so much detail, and left out the more personal parts of the story. At one point towards the end of the book it is discussed that Ginny had seen some of her family members at the cafe, but it was just a brief mention. I would like to have had more of how her family missed her, or how and why they all struggled with supporting her. I found myself at times skimming through the race part because it had become a bit repetitive.
However, the ending made the whole book worth the read to me! I did not expect that twist, and I very much look forward to reading book two of this series! I need to know what is next for Ginny and Fang!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is an imaginative fantasy with thoughtful world-building and clear technical skill behind the writing. A. T. Qureshi creates a vivid setting, and the concept of dragons being woven into the story’s politics and stakes is well thought out. The cover is absolutely gorgeous, and it immediately drew me in.
That said, the story never fully hooked me. While the pacing moved steadily and the plot had all the right pieces, I found myself mostly coasting through the book rather than feeling truly engaged or entertained. The characters and themes of power, loyalty, and choice are present and competently handled, but something intangible was missing for me—an emotional pull or spark that would have made the journey feel more compelling.
Overall, this is a solidly written novel, and it’s clear the author has talent, but it didn’t quite click with me on a personal level. Fans of YA fantasy should try it. It dead read more YA to me.
📚 I was able to read an advanced copy of this title thanks to NetGalley, A. T. Qureshi, and Avon Books UK
📚 All reviews and opinions are entirely my own
That said, the story never fully hooked me. While the pacing moved steadily and the plot had all the right pieces, I found myself mostly coasting through the book rather than feeling truly engaged or entertained. The characters and themes of power, loyalty, and choice are present and competently handled, but something intangible was missing for me—an emotional pull or spark that would have made the journey feel more compelling.
Overall, this is a solidly written novel, and it’s clear the author has talent, but it didn’t quite click with me on a personal level. Fans of YA fantasy should try it. It dead read more YA to me.
📚 I was able to read an advanced copy of this title thanks to NetGalley, A. T. Qureshi, and Avon Books UK
📚 All reviews and opinions are entirely my own
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I want to preface this review by saying I’m historically not a fantasy genre fan. There have been a few books/series that I have enjoyed but overall I tend to avoid them. However, when I saw the book cover on NetGalley it caught my eye enough for me to read the jacket blurb, and that piqued my interest further. I decided to give it a shot.
I am so glad I did!
The author did a wonderful job creating not only the world, but also the characters. I felt like I could see the story playing out in my head- which I’m going to go ahead and say now I can’t wait to watch the movie that this will inevitably be made into.
*Spoiler Alert*
The tension between the main characters is delicious. I am waited with bated breath to see who Ginny enlists to help her in the next book. Crossing all my fingers that it’s Zavi and we get to see this love triangle play out.
I also am so incredibly curious to see how Qais got himself into this mess and to learn more about what was going on in the background that the reader and Ginny were unaware of.
I am so delighted that I took a chance on this book and cannot wait for the next one!
I am so glad I did!
The author did a wonderful job creating not only the world, but also the characters. I felt like I could see the story playing out in my head- which I’m going to go ahead and say now I can’t wait to watch the movie that this will inevitably be made into.
*Spoiler Alert*
The tension between the main characters is delicious. I am waited with bated breath to see who Ginny enlists to help her in the next book. Crossing all my fingers that it’s Zavi and we get to see this love triangle play out.
I also am so incredibly curious to see how Qais got himself into this mess and to learn more about what was going on in the background that the reader and Ginny were unaware of.
I am so delighted that I took a chance on this book and cannot wait for the next one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Rider of Dragons is a gripping, immersive fantasy that delivers rich world building, compelling characters, and a powerful emotional core. From the opening chapters, this story pulls you straight into a vivid, high stakes world built around dragons, duty, and identity.
The characters are a standout. The protagonist Genevieve, is determined, layered, and easy to root for, with clear growth throughout the story. The supporting cast adds depth and tension, and the bond between rider and dragon is particularly well done it’s emotional, complex, and central to the heart of the plot. The relationships feel earned and grounded, enhancing both the action and quieter moments.
The story blends classic dragon fantasy with a fresh voice and thoughtful themes, and fans of Eragon, Fourth Wing, and The Priory of the Orange Tree will find a lot to love here. The pacing stays strong, the stakes remain high, and the world feels expansive without being overwhelming.
Overall, this is a polished, engaging read that dragon loving fantasy readers will devour. A confident addition to the genre and a book I’d happily recommend but the ending and having to now wait till Aug 2027 is a killer!! That cliffhanger … wow 😯 🐉❤️
The characters are a standout. The protagonist Genevieve, is determined, layered, and easy to root for, with clear growth throughout the story. The supporting cast adds depth and tension, and the bond between rider and dragon is particularly well done it’s emotional, complex, and central to the heart of the plot. The relationships feel earned and grounded, enhancing both the action and quieter moments.
The story blends classic dragon fantasy with a fresh voice and thoughtful themes, and fans of Eragon, Fourth Wing, and The Priory of the Orange Tree will find a lot to love here. The pacing stays strong, the stakes remain high, and the world feels expansive without being overwhelming.
Overall, this is a polished, engaging read that dragon loving fantasy readers will devour. A confident addition to the genre and a book I’d happily recommend but the ending and having to now wait till Aug 2027 is a killer!! That cliffhanger … wow 😯 🐉❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book completely pulled me into its world and did not let go. Rider of Dragons is one of those stories where the atmosphere wraps around you like smoke from dragon fire and suddenly you look up and realize hours have passed.
The worldbuilding was rich and vivid. You can feel the danger, the politics, and the tension simmering under everything. And the dragons? Absolutely stunning. They weren’t just background creatures. They felt powerful, mysterious, and deeply tied to the story in a way that made every scene with them exciting.
The characters were another highlight for me. The main character’s journey felt emotional and real, especially as the stakes kept rising. Watching them grow, struggle, and make tough choices made it easy to stay invested the entire time.
The pacing started a little slower in the beginning while the world and story were being set up, but once things took off, it was impossible to put down. The action, the twists, and the intensity kept building until the end.
Overall, this was a fantastic read and an easy 4.5 stars for me. If you love dragons, high stakes adventure, and immersive fantasy worlds, this one is definitely worth picking up.
The worldbuilding was rich and vivid. You can feel the danger, the politics, and the tension simmering under everything. And the dragons? Absolutely stunning. They weren’t just background creatures. They felt powerful, mysterious, and deeply tied to the story in a way that made every scene with them exciting.
The characters were another highlight for me. The main character’s journey felt emotional and real, especially as the stakes kept rising. Watching them grow, struggle, and make tough choices made it easy to stay invested the entire time.
The pacing started a little slower in the beginning while the world and story were being set up, but once things took off, it was impossible to put down. The action, the twists, and the intensity kept building until the end.
Overall, this was a fantastic read and an easy 4.5 stars for me. If you love dragons, high stakes adventure, and immersive fantasy worlds, this one is definitely worth picking up.
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