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Chronicles of the Dragon-Bound #1
King's Exile
Twelve years ago, Dax, rightful king of West Landly was forced to flee into exile. Now he has become an expert warrior for hire. However, he has tired of commanding mercenaries in a series of regional skirmishes. Commandant Renshau had just the thing, an assignment as a political advisor. Dax relished the new challenge, but being a political advisor was more dangerous than he had thought—much more dangerous!
295 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 7, 2015
60 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 10, 2016
Really a 3.5, but I was pleasantly surprised by this book so a 4 it is. I didn't have any expectations going in but I always love a story about a King in exile - throw in dragons and I'm game. Also saw that the whole trilogy was out, which helped me make my decision, because there's nothing worse then getting into a good book then seeing that there is no sequel in sight out.
What I really enjoyed about this book was the MC's journey, which takes up pretty much the whole book itself. Dax is twelve years old at the start and is a King, but since he's so young he has a Regent and a Council that governs the kingdom for him. He's forced to flee due to betrayal, and this is the true start of the book.
One thing I loved, was how much Dax grows in the book. There is no deus ex machina here, where Dax receives a magic sword and suddenly finds allies who follow him because he is the rightful heir to the throne. Nope, Dax has to fend for himself. He does find friends and some allies along the way, but as King - Dax does what is best for his Kingdom. Usually in a book with an exiled monarch you would see a civil war while the fight for the throne begins, which of course is never good for any kingdom, when its own people fight each other. But Dax is King even if he's not on the throne. The decisions he makes are for his Kingdom, not his own ambition.
Picked up book 2, which takes place 12 years later. Really looking forward to seeing where the story goes. Solid, light read.
What I really enjoyed about this book was the MC's journey, which takes up pretty much the whole book itself. Dax is twelve years old at the start and is a King, but since he's so young he has a Regent and a Council that governs the kingdom for him. He's forced to flee due to betrayal, and this is the true start of the book.
One thing I loved, was how much Dax grows in the book. There is no deus ex machina here, where Dax receives a magic sword and suddenly finds allies who follow him because he is the rightful heir to the throne. Nope, Dax has to fend for himself. He does find friends and some allies along the way, but as King - Dax does what is best for his Kingdom. Usually in a book with an exiled monarch you would see a civil war while the fight for the throne begins, which of course is never good for any kingdom, when its own people fight each other. But Dax is King even if he's not on the throne. The decisions he makes are for his Kingdom, not his own ambition.
Picked up book 2, which takes place 12 years later. Really looking forward to seeing where the story goes. Solid, light read.
November 6, 2017
The story follows a twelve-year-old boy named Dax, the heir to the throne of West Landly. Known as the boy king, Dax is merely biding his time after his father's tragic death until he is old enough to become regent. After learning about a plot against his life, he is forced to flee, and encounters numerous obstacles in his fight to simply survive. From friends and foes to dragons and long lost family, Dax's adventure never fails to entertain.
When reading the description, I was under the impression that Dax would be older, so beware—the story is, in fact, from a 12 year old's point of view. Regardless, this book is not entirely Young Adult. It hints at adult themes that kept me from getting bored.
This is one tough little boy. Dax's thoughts and reactions seemed realistic enough given his young age, and quickly reveal the heart of a survivor. Beginning as a sheltered boy king who rarely got out of the castle, his experiences quickly turn him into a practical and worldly kid.
The characters and story were wonderfully developed. I particularly enjoyed his time on a ship, both the characters he met there, and the descriptive writing of the scenes. The extent of the kingdom's politics was perfect for Dax's young POV. Introduced at a good rate, it revealed a well fleshed out world, but was not too in depth to become boring. I look forward to learning more!
Written in 3rd person, Dax's POV is occasionally broken up by POV's of other people who meet him on his journey, completely unaware of who he is. At first I was confused, thinking these would become secondary storylines. But once I realized they were one-time POV scenes, I sat back and enjoyed. It was nice to have Dax's scenes broken up by these, as his can get a little monotonous. But don't mistake monotonous for boring. As soon as the story slowed down, something happened to stir it back up.
I plan on continuing this series soon!
When reading the description, I was under the impression that Dax would be older, so beware—the story is, in fact, from a 12 year old's point of view. Regardless, this book is not entirely Young Adult. It hints at adult themes that kept me from getting bored.
This is one tough little boy. Dax's thoughts and reactions seemed realistic enough given his young age, and quickly reveal the heart of a survivor. Beginning as a sheltered boy king who rarely got out of the castle, his experiences quickly turn him into a practical and worldly kid.
The characters and story were wonderfully developed. I particularly enjoyed his time on a ship, both the characters he met there, and the descriptive writing of the scenes. The extent of the kingdom's politics was perfect for Dax's young POV. Introduced at a good rate, it revealed a well fleshed out world, but was not too in depth to become boring. I look forward to learning more!
Written in 3rd person, Dax's POV is occasionally broken up by POV's of other people who meet him on his journey, completely unaware of who he is. At first I was confused, thinking these would become secondary storylines. But once I realized they were one-time POV scenes, I sat back and enjoyed. It was nice to have Dax's scenes broken up by these, as his can get a little monotonous. But don't mistake monotonous for boring. As soon as the story slowed down, something happened to stir it back up.
I plan on continuing this series soon!
January 5, 2018
A decent story with enough plot and action to keep me interested and to want to read the next book. The writing style was quite simplistic which screamed a youthful 'Young Adult' book. Just because the story is about a twelve year old, doesn't mean all the writing has to be done that way. There were also a few very minor spelling/grammar issues but the author evidently took the time to polish the book before publishing which I certainly appreciated. Too many new authors rush to print which leaves readers like me cursing as they try to wade through their poorly-edited mess, but thankfully this author wasn't one of them. I will definitely continue the series.
January 29, 2021
Dragons and adventure
After an attempt on his life, young Dax has to leave the security and life he has known as a Prince. With few allies and a price on his head, he has to stay alive. Will the dragon egg he smuggled away when he ran actually hatch for him? Well, you'd better read the book and find out.
After an attempt on his life, young Dax has to leave the security and life he has known as a Prince. With few allies and a price on his head, he has to stay alive. Will the dragon egg he smuggled away when he ran actually hatch for him? Well, you'd better read the book and find out.
August 18, 2017
Loved it!!!
This was a well thought out story with realistic reaction between characters. The tale sucked me in and i certainly lost sleep over it because I could not put it down. I will certainly continue on to the next book.
This was a well thought out story with realistic reaction between characters. The tale sucked me in and i certainly lost sleep over it because I could not put it down. I will certainly continue on to the next book.
October 14, 2017
Wow! This book is a hidden Gem. Its very well written with likable characters. Im thoroughly enjoying it! Off to book 2!
October 8, 2018
4 stars. Good book. While this book was a "comingofage" book, it wasn't juvenile
March 11, 2017
Great
Enjoyed how you grew up with the boy and learnt as he learnt especially how he steals the dragon egg from their vault and takes it away even cross dressing as a disguise and how he rasionlised doing it too.
loved the series of books truly great work
Enjoyed how you grew up with the boy and learnt as he learnt especially how he steals the dragon egg from their vault and takes it away even cross dressing as a disguise and how he rasionlised doing it too.
loved the series of books truly great work
March 31, 2016
I haven't finished yet, so perhaps this review is somewhat premature but I felt the need to share.
The concept of the story is an interesting one but a mix of many familiar tropes. This isn't necessarily a bad thing because I'm still enjoying the book but it is a telling sign of an author's first work. I have a few specific complaints but they are slightly spoilerish.
...
SPOILERS
The concept of the story is an interesting one but a mix of many familiar tropes. This isn't necessarily a bad thing because I'm still enjoying the book but it is a telling sign of an author's first work. I have a few specific complaints but they are slightly spoilerish.
...
SPOILERS
February 19, 2016
Good start
Curious to read the next installment. The main character goes through many trials and tribulations after escaping an assassination attempt. I am surprised by the dragons in the book, and interested to see how they are developed in the later books. All in all an original premise, and good world building.
Curious to read the next installment. The main character goes through many trials and tribulations after escaping an assassination attempt. I am surprised by the dragons in the book, and interested to see how they are developed in the later books. All in all an original premise, and good world building.
February 10, 2015
Kings exile
Very good book,great characters. I bought this book with no great expectations but I am glad I did , the story never got boring and flowed well . One or two spelling mistakes but didn't take away any enjoyment I got from reading it. Looking forward to the next book.
Very good book,great characters. I bought this book with no great expectations but I am glad I did , the story never got boring and flowed well . One or two spelling mistakes but didn't take away any enjoyment I got from reading it. Looking forward to the next book.
February 19, 2016
Love it love it love it
I've read this book three times and loved it every time. What's not to love? It's got adventure, intrigue, some romance, and dragons. Can't wait to reread the rest of the series.
I've read this book three times and loved it every time. What's not to love? It's got adventure, intrigue, some romance, and dragons. Can't wait to reread the rest of the series.
February 22, 2015
Enjoyable fantasy, and I look forward to reading the sequel. Main character is about 12 yo. The book could use an editor or proofreader but the number of such mistakes was low enough to ignore.
March 19, 2015
Pleasantly surprised
A very good beginning. I am actually looking forward to the next installment in the series. Hopefully it won't be much of a wait.
A very good beginning. I am actually looking forward to the next installment in the series. Hopefully it won't be much of a wait.
January 27, 2016
Kings Exile is a very good read
I could not stop once I was past the first chapter Well written and with action and interesting twist. Ready for the next chapter
I could not stop once I was past the first chapter Well written and with action and interesting twist. Ready for the next chapter
March 12, 2016
Good young adult book
This book kept my interest; I knew the direction the book would take but I did not guess how the book would take me there
This book kept my interest; I knew the direction the book would take but I did not guess how the book would take me there
April 2, 2016
This is a fairly interesting but average fantasy book. The setting is the most interesting part of the book.
August 21, 2016
Great Story!
Got drawn in from almost the first page. Looking forward to the next in the series of adventures in the young king's life!
Got drawn in from almost the first page. Looking forward to the next in the series of adventures in the young king's life!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews