Dragontail Trials

by Daniela R. Morassutti

A romantasy of enemies to lovers, deadly trials, divided magic, forbidden attraction, and a princess who must decide whether to rule… or burn the world trying to protect it.

Thea Solenhart is the heir to the throne of Rionis.
And she does not want to rule.

Raised to one day wear the crown, Thea is expected to train as an Emberkeep—a scholar of magic and law, protected behind ancient systems and political order. But while the court debates power and hierarchy, dragons still attack the borders of the island.

Thea doesn’t want strategy.
She wants to fight.

When she enters the academy, one question will decide her
Emberkeep—or Dragontail legion?

In a world divided by faction magic and legions, Dragontail warriors are forged in combat and blood, trained to face dragons head-on. They are everything the court make as savages—and everything Thea is drawn to.

Including Lorik Draventh.

From the opposing faction, bound by dangerous magic and darker truths, he is the last person she should trust. And the one she cannot stay away from.

As the Dragontail Trials begin and secrets buried beneath the island start to surface, Thea realizes the greatest danger isn’t wishing for the wrong legion.

It’s discovering that everything she was taught about power, loyalty, and the past may be a lie.

394 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication July 10, 2026

About the author

Daniela R. Morassutti is a structural engineer and real estate developer with a passion for storytelling that moves as fast as her characters. She fell in love with writing at the age of ten but put it on hold during college while pursuing a career in engineering. In 2020, during the quiet of the pandemic, she returned to the page—and hasn’t looked back since. Daniela writes emotionally charged young adult novels about ambition, heartbreak, and first loves that leave a mark. When she’s not building skylines or race tracks on the page, she lives in Los Angeles, where every sunset feels like a story waiting to be told.

Reviews

[Keri M · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dragontail Trials had me hooked immediately. Dragons, deadly trials, forbidden attraction, and political tension? Absolute perfection for romantasy lovers. Thea already feels like a fierce, compelling heroine, and the enemies-to-lovers tension with Lorik was incredible. If you love fantasy with high stakes, morally gray truths, fierce female leads, and slow-burn tension, this one deserves a spot on your TBR immediately. Definitely a 5-star read for fantasy romance fans.

[InkedSirenXO · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Advanced Copy received from Author


This book didn’t just pull me in—it dragged me across burning coals and dared me to thank it for the experience.

Dragontail Trials is the kind of romantasy that feels like stepping into a war drum heartbeat—relentless, dangerous, and impossible to ignore. From the very first page, you’re thrown into a world where politics simmer, dragons rage at the borders, and nothing—nothing—is as clean or noble as it pretends to be.

Thea Solenhart is a standout heroine. She’s not your polished, eager-to-rule princess—she’s restless, sharp-edged, and hungry for something real. Watching her struggle between duty and desire feels like watching a blade being forged: pressure, heat, and just enough chaos to make her stronger… or break her entirely.

And then there’s Lorik Draventh. Yes, that kind of man. The dangerous, morally gray, “I absolutely should not trust you but I absolutely will anyway” type. Their dynamic? Pure fire meeting gasoline. Every interaction crackles with tension, and the enemies-to-lovers arc is done with just the right balance of slow-burn agony and explosive payoff.

The world-building is rich without being overwhelming. The divide between Emberkeep and Dragontail factions adds layers of intrigue, and the looming threat of dragons keeps the stakes sky-high. The trials themselves feel brutal and meaningful—not just physical challenges, but tests of loyalty, identity, and truth.

What really elevates this story is the underlying question: what if everything you were raised to believe is a lie? That thread weaves through the plot like a quiet storm, building until it reshapes everything.

If you love:
🔥 fierce heroines who refuse to stay in their lane
🔥 morally gray love interests
🔥 political tension mixed with deadly trials
🔥 dragons, danger, and delicious betrayal

…then this book will own you.

By the final page, I was equal parts satisfied and emotionally wrecked—in the best way. I need the next installment like a dragon needs fire.

Verdict: A scorching, addictive fantasy that earns every single star.

[Melissa Mejia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of receiving this as an e-ARC and voluntarily will be giving my honest review. This was a phenomenal read that drug me in from the very beginning to the very end!! Loved the world building, tension, the brutal but meaningful trials!! World full of dragons and romantasy. I can’t wait for the next book!! The ending wow!!

“In a world divided by faction magic and legions, Dragontail warriors are forged in combat and blood, trained to face dragons head-on. They are everything the court make as savages—and everything Thea is drawn to.

Including Lorik Draventh.

From the opposing faction, bound by dangerous magic and darker truths, he is the last person she should trust. And the one she cannot stay away from.

As the Dragontail Trials begin and secrets buried beneath the island start to surface, Thea realizes the greatest danger isn’t wishing for the wrong legion.

It’s discovering that everything she was taught about power, loyalty, and the past may be a lie.”

[Mackenzie Pye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review as an ARC reader

I have been selected to be an ARC reader a few times now for a few different authors and there have been several books that I’ve had the chance to preview before official release and I can honestly say this is my favorite that I’ve read.

The Plot
The Characters
The Emotional Build
The Fantasy World

A.M.A.Z.I.N.G!!!!!

I love that it connects similarly with other fantasy novels but has its own unique twist to it. The struggle the FMC faces with being the image of royalty and choosing her own destiny is one of the biggest hooks. I know that there is more at play with the political side of things and I can’t wait to see how it plays out down the road with book #2.

The pacing of the romantic connection between the FMC and the MMC feels a bit bumpy. Slow at first, but once it gets going- it gets going! The spice is perfect for the romantic storyline. The build between the two characters evens out as the story goes on. And the ending is—— well you’ll just have to see 🤭😉

All in all, I loved this book. I genuinely cannot wait for book 2 and I will be recommending this to the fantasy readers that I know!!!!!

[Teuta Acosta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was chosen as an ARC ready for the not final version of this book and I honestly loved and adored it. A few minor typos and edits needed here and there did absolutely nothing to detract from the beautiful writing and storyline. So well written, a very different imagining on a magical academy and dragons, and I was hooked from the first chapter. Our FMC was very likeable, witty, and brave, and the romance that developed between her and the MMC felt genuine, authentic, and had just the right touch of slow burn and passion, and some great twists and surprises along the way. I read the entire book in one day, with three kids and a husband in the house. Definitely a five star read for me and I cannot wait for the next book!!

[amelia Cartwright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Advanced reader copy received by author

A Princess who doesn’t want the crown. A whole school is looking to see if she will fail. With her few friends can she beat thee odds. Weight of the crown and the dragontrials are on and she has double the work load. This story had me hooked at the start I didn’t want to adult while reading the book. The war with the dragons has just begun. The angst and tension between our FMC and MMC is great I just wanted it to be a slow burn, my slow burn opinion is it should last until 2nd book. I loved learning about her friends and look forward to more of their stories and how they grow. Thea is going to set the world on fire. The plot and pace of the story is fast and I would have loved more character and world building.

[Bobbie Macias · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review Advance Copy from Author

I absolutely loved this book. It had me hooked within the first few pages, and I genuinely couldn’t put it down. The characters were so easy to fall in love with, and now I’m completely invested and I need more. I cannot wait to continue this journey with Thea and Lorik.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book

Thea doesnt want to rule as queen, but thats exactly why she needs to take over after her mother. This story is fully immersive and easy to get lost in. Im excited to see where the next book goes as there are so many secrets to be explored!

[Kristi Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I told you I was not going to stay away from you anymore”.

What an exciting and exhilarating book full of elements of magic, corruption, betrayal, bravery, love, friendship, treason, danger, honor and best of all dragons just to name a few. Taking place in an academy setting, it feels deliciously familiar to some of the best fantasy books written but it has its own unique, dangerous, and luring characteristics leaving the reader wanting more and telling themselves the classic saying “just one more chapter”, but then Morassutti pulls you in once again making it virtually impossible to stop at the last chapter.

The dragons are enslaved in this series that makes your heart hurt hoping there is a possibility the FMC and MMC will figure out how to free them as the story continues. Dreams with dragons transpire making you wonder if there might be a possibility of a willing bond occurring between dragon and Dragontail Legion as the series continues. I’m hoping as the story progresses there will be a lot more dragons being actively involved.

So many questions have yet to be answered. What secrets is Lorik holding? Who let the enemy into their lands? Did Thea pass her trial considering she beat an actual dragon? What information is her mother not telling her? So much missing information about the parasites, the bond, magic of an echo, and how will they prevent themselves being executed by crossing the line? Thats just a tip of the questions and unknown’s as Morassutti is just getting started making the wait for book two feel like a trial in itself.

At the end, you try your hardest to flip to the next page on your device only to realize that book one has been completely read and your thinking wait, what?!?! No!!! Where is the rest!!?? Definitely a book I would recommend for a reader that loves fantasy and is looking for a new adventure on a magical fantasy ride that will pull you in and keep your interest peaked as you wait for book twos release. Trust me ladies, you will want to invite Lorik in for a night of reading while your toes curl with delicious delight as you add him to your favorite book boyfriend list. Raising hand….sign me up for book two!!

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advanced copy received from author

Dragontail Trials feels like slipping into the life of a girl who’s been told her whole future since birth, until one day she wakes up and thinks, “yeah… no thanks.”
Thea Solenhart grows up as the heir to a kingdom, but the crown has always fit her like a shoe half a size too big: you can walk in it, sure, but it’s not exactly comfortable. What does fit is that fire in her chest every time she imagines fighting, protecting people, and building a life that isn’t made of duty and endless ceremonies. So when she enters the academy, she picks the path that makes everyone else swallow hard: the infamous Dragontail Legion.
From her very first training session, you can feel how badly she wants to prove she belongs there, not to impress anyone, but to finally look in the mirror and think, “this is me.”
And then there’s Lorik Draventh, who is basically the human embodiment of “I can’t tell if I want to punch him or kiss him.” Sharp, unreadable, irritating on purpose, and he looks at her like he knows things about her she hasn’t figured out yet. Their tension has that slow‑burn pull that makes you promise you’ll read just one more chapter… and suddenly it’s three in the morning.
Once the trials begin, Thea’s world starts cracking open. You realize the dragons aren’t the only danger, and the history she grew up believing might have more holes than Swiss cheese. At some point, you’re no longer reading to see if she survives the trials, you’re reading to see who she becomes when everything she thought she knew starts to fall apart.
It’s a story about choosing your own path, even when your whole body is shaking. About loyalty, identity, and those connections that sneak up on you slowly, quietly, until you suddenly can’t imagine the story without them.
And honestly? I’m already counting the days until the next book.

[Tina Rudisaile · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’d like to thank the author for providing me with an advanced reader copy of Dragontail Trials. All thoughts are my own.

If you love romantasy with political tension, magic academies, dragons, and a forbidden slow burn… this one is absolutely worth your time.

I’ll be honest, this book started a little slow for me, and at first it felt a bit too reminiscent of Divergent. But give it a few chapters, because once it finds its footing, it really takes off.

Thea is such a compelling main character, torn between her role as a princess and her desire to become a true leader. Watching her push against expectations and fight for her own path made it easy to root for her. And Lorik? He’s exactly what you want in a brooding, morally gray MMC. The tension between him and Thea is layered, emotional, and full of that slow-burn angst we all crave, especially with the history between their families.

This book delivers on so many levels: friendships that feel real, intense trials, magic, academy life, and just the right amount of romantic tension simmering beneath it all.

And just when you’re fully immersed in Thea’s world—BAM. That ending. You’re left completely hanging, staring at the last page like… that’s it?! Now I’m just here impatiently waiting (and maybe slightly suffering) until the next installment.

If you’re a fan of fantasy romance with dragons, high stakes, and slow-burn tension, definitely add this to your TBR.

[Candace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this down after I started it! I absolutely loved it and cannot wait for the next book!

Thea Solenheart is going to rule Rionis one day and is bound for Elarion Academy where she is supposed to become part of the Emberkeep legion. Every heir to the kingdom must become an Emberkeep or forfeit the throne. In Thea's "calling" session with The Siren, she is granted Dragontail, which is what she secretly wanted. She has a year to train and pass her Dragontail trials while also trying to figure out what her magical traces are.

Dragontail Trials started a bit slow in the first few chapters with world building and character introduction, which is to be expected. I was hooked after that! Thea has a fiancé who is like fine but you kind of hate him after you find out he cheated on her and it's a marriage of convenience for the throne. When Thea goes to the academy, she is undeniably drawn to Lorik, a hot Moonveil who is completely off limits.

What was interesting to me were the different legions and magic. You have Emberkeep, Auroric and Dragontail legions within the school. Each student either has Sunheart or Moonveil magic. Also, dragons are controls by wildweavers, who Dragontails are learning how to fight. I felt bad for the dragons and hope we get more of that story line in the next book.

The ending left you wanting more, I will be eagerly waiting to find out what happens!

Thank you to the author for gifting me an ARC copy!

[MzHyde · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to start off by saying thank you to the author for allowing me to have early access by gifting me an ARC.

I loved the 3 different types of faction and their unique magics. Thea is such a great FMC. She's inherently good and wants the best for her people and everyone else even if it means not following what she was taught. She's equally brawn and smart, even though her magic needed some guidance. She is not perfect as everyone thinks she is and she doesn't want to be. She wants to be rebellious and do her own thing but when duty calls it's hard. Seeing her character development and how much progress she made physically, magically and mentally was so fulfilling.The romance, the tension, god it was so deliciously done. It was a slow-burn but it was so wonderfully done that when we got that spice it was so worth the wait. The magic, the found family, the drama, the dragons and the betrayals was so eloquently written and kept me wanting more and more. The plot twist in this was very unexpected and the hints that were given I didn't catch until it was mentioned. I loved this world, the characters , the plot and it really sucked me into it and I didn't want to stop reading it. I highly recommend this for everyone to read this and can't wait for the story to continue.

[Sarah.thebooklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thea is a princess of the Solenheart line, in the kingdom of Rionis . There are two types of bloodlines those of the sun goddess and of the moon . She as all of her people attend the Academy of Elarion to train in a faction and rule the kingdom. Only she has other plans . She feels she's meant to fight the evils of the world and not stand by while her people are tormented by wildweavers who steal magic from draggons and take control over them and cause havoc beyond the veil borders . She wants to join the fight with the Dragontail forces . Lorick Draven is the head of the Dragontail leigon and a Moonveil with the power of shadows and has reasons to hate the Solenhearts . Thea and Lorick have a situation now they are fighting together . Lots of tension and secrets that need to come to light . A great enimies to lovers , deadly trials, and high stakes the first book in the series did not dissapoint! I'm hooked I need to know what happens next and will they survive to end the evils beyond the veil ...

[Lea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly I had really high hopes for this one. It felt way too fast paced for my liking. One second she was starting the academy and the next it was months and months down the line. I also felt the love story with Lorik wasn’t really enemies to lovers. It was almost kind of instant love, they were never really enemies, Thea just assumed they are and it just goes off of that. Kinda the same with all of the people she meets, it was instant friends and instant people to be trusted.

Overall I thought the plot has some real potential. I will read the next book and hopefully there will be some other POV’s in it. It’s kinda hard to really connect with some of the other side characters when all we know is what Thea is thinking and feeling. And there’s tons of potential with some of the side characters as well.

I enjoyed the magic system too, it’s a lot different than many other romantasy books that are currently available.

[Milena · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the start, I was pulled into the world of magic, dragons, and all the suspense around the trials, and who can be trusted…
I could not stop reading. It was definitely one of those “just one more chapter” books 🤭 I loved the closeness between Thea and her found family gang so much.

The forbidden romance (literally) between Thea and Lorik was everything. It’s a slow burn, but the yearning, tension, and buildup came full circle by the end of the book. The enemies to lovers dynamic was done really well, and I was fully invested. I need book 2 immediately 🤭

I also loved how balanced the story felt, with character growth, romance, and the mystery surrounding Thea’s true destiny all woven together so well. And that ending… I need more 😍🤗

Overall, this was such an enjoyable read. If you love dragons, forbidden romance, found family, and slow burn fantasy, I definitely recommend it. Definitely, to be continued…! Easy 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ #dragontailtrials #BookTok #romantasy

[Bookish Ang3l · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited to receive an ARC of Dragontail Trials directly from Daniela R. Morassutti. I honestly flew through it in one sitting. If you love the high-stakes, lethal academy energy of Fourth Wing, you need to add this to your reading list immediately.
The pacing is incredibly fast and grabs your attention right from the very first page. The story flows seamlessly without a single dull moment, making it a quick, addictive read. The author does a fantastic job building a dark, atmospheric world, and the romantic tension is just phenomenal. It delivers the perfect blend of constant action and slow-burning suspense that keeps you turning pages late into the night.
It is an amazing, high-energy series opener that leaves you desperate for the next book.
Huge thank you to the author for providing the copy!

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way I anticipated this book when infirst found it on tiktok. When the ARCs opened up I ran toward the form to get one. I was happily surprised to find out i was accepted to read this wonderful book!

It DID NOT DISAPPOINT! I love a reluctant MC. I also love when the MC is pushed to their limits and the excel in the story. Our FMC is a reluctant princess who does not want the throne but she's made to take it anyway. She's stretched thin between classes and dealing with life and the aftermath of her choices. Now she's having to deal with everything at once AND she's in a brigade that wants her dead but they can't kill her.

I loved this book. From start to finish. If you're a fan of "Fourth Wing" you might forget about Violet Sorrengail and start thinking about Thea Solenhart instead. When the second book drops I cannot wait to buy it. I need to know what happens next!

[Rebeccah L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dragontail. A magical faction that is supposed to house warriors, not royalty. Yet that is precisely where Princess Thea feels called. A fierce and flawed FMC, Thea will win your heart as she discovers truths about herself and her world, alongside a mysterious and broody MMC. Their attraction is undeniable, intense… and strictly forbidden. The tension in this slow burn is expertly done, and has you yearning right along with the characters. The world building is woven in seamlessly. I received this ARC prior to final editing and formatting and that didn’t even take away from how good this story was, or how much I enjoyed it! And the ending…a cliffhanger that has me anxiously awaiting book 2!

[Amy Frye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Advanced reader copy from the author, my review is my own opinion and feelings from my experience with the book.

This book had a pretty slow start for me. I understand the world building and it helps the story later in the book. It took maybe 4 chapters before I got to a point I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN. Its a different twist on the usual Dragon/fantasy romance. I lot more grit and fight with romance sprinkled in.

FMC Thea a princess with a predetermined life she didnt want to settle for. She wanted to take control of her own destiny. And man, did she!

Fantastic read. Thank you to the author Daniela Morassutti for the opportunity to ARC read this before the release. Ill be on my own nerves waiting for the series to continue.

[Amanda Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very beginning, this book had me completely invested. The academy setting, magical legions, political tension, and dragon lore created such an immersive fantasy world that I didn’t want to leave. Thea was a really engaging main character—caught between duty and freedom—and watching her step into her own power kept me turning the pages. The chemistry and tension between her and Lorik were intense from the start, and every interaction between them left me wanting more. The Calling scene was one of my favorite parts of the book, and the pacing made it so easy to binge read. A great pick for readers who enjoy fantasy romance, forbidden attraction, magic, and slow-burn enemies-to-lovers dynamics.

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far this is my favorite ARC I've read this year and that's saying alot! I read about 5 ARC's a week! There's dragons, deadly trials, academia setting, and a slow burn romance! All the best things in a fantasy! I can't wait for publication so I can hold a physical copy in my hands and have on my bookshelf! I made the mistake of starting this book late in the evening and from page one I was hooked and couldn't put it down. I stayed up most of the night eagerly turning the pages. I kept thinking, "one more chapter!" Until, I was at the end of the book wondering why did it have to end?!? Now I have to wait until the next installment, I need the next one now! I highly recommend this book to everyone!

[bookish bliss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to Elarion Academy! Where our FMC Thea Solenhart who is the next heir thrives for more then just what her mother expects of her, in a world full of magic and dragons 🐉 The training and trials are so suspenseful, Thea discovers more of herself and finds her true calling even though they go against her mothers wishes. Love the forbidden romance 💘 This is definitely a slow burn 🔥 but the yearning and tension between Thea and the MMC Lorik was everything, the enemies to lovers trope was perfectly executed not only that because that ending! That ending had me shocked it was the perfect cliffhanger it left me wanting to more! I cannot wait for book 2 😌

[Avena Lirien · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Dragontail Trials. From the start, I was pulled into Thea Solenhart’s struggle between duty and desire. Her choice between becoming an Emberkeep or joining the brutal Dragontail legion felt intense and personal. The world-building is rich, with dragons, divided magic, and political tension woven together seamlessly. I especially loved the enemies to lovers dynamic between Thea and Lorik it added emotional depth and tension. As secrets unravel, the story keeps raising the stakes. It’s a gripping romance with action, intrigue, and strong character growth that kept me hooked until the very end.

[Karla (Mushmookie) P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dragontail Trials by Daniela R Morassutti

I finished arc reading Dragontail Trials and really enjoyed it! It was so good!

Flawed Princess FMC with a true heart who is destined to rule but wants to make her own destiny. I loved her character! She was trained from birth to be in the Emberkeep legion as all the nobles are but she wants to do more than sit behind a throne. She wants to fight and protect her kingdom alongside the Dragontails.

enemies to lovers
slow burn
magical trials
magic academy
and dragons who are the ENEMIES!

The way this book ended had me shoot a message to D R Morassutti asking for more! ♥️

[Alicia Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, this was a really good book!! One of my top 5 for the year! I did struggle with names like the pronunciation but that is definitely on me not the author! I really did love Thea but I wish there was other POVs as I wanted to see other characters versions even some of the “side characters”. The romantasy genre is flooded with tons of magic systems and I felt like the author made a unique form and made it her own which I really enjoyed!! So if morally gray love interest, dragons, political tension from all sides, and a BADASS heroine, dragons (yes I said it twice 😁) then please pick this book up ASAP!! I can’t wait for the next book and to be able to add this book to my physical shelf ❤️

[Sabrina Leonard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really really enjoying this book and eager to read more of the series as it comes out. Thea is a wonderful fmc and is learning what it means to stand up for herself and her choices now that she finally has a little freedom. She is lucky to have her best friend with her and finds a few more along the way. Her time at the school isn’t easy at all and she has so many things on her plate at all time that I’m surprised she hasn’t had a mental breakdown yet. The trials were exciting and dangerous, even more so because not everyone plays by the rules

[Ashley Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky to be on the ARC readers team! I really enjoyed this whole story! There’s a lot of action and great friendships, but there’s a lot of mystery and questions that you’ll have while trying to piece things together. I love that there’s still so much we don’t know and are only beginning to uncover about Thea. Plus, all these secrets Lorik literally can’t speak of… and so much we don’t know about the dragons and wild weavers… ughh I’m already itching for the next book!! Definitely a great read and it comes out on July 10th!

[Patricia Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book and was WOWED. At first the beginning was a little slow for me, but after I got past the first 3 chapters I was pulled in and didn’t want to put the book down. I love the mystery around Lorik and his family. Why was he the only one spared? What other abilities does he have? Why is he keeping secrets about his bond to Thea? Thea’s family also has secrets that I am dying to get to the bottom of. Plus a possible love triangle? Can’t wait for book 2.

[Brooke Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

i was choosen as an ARC reader and i'm so glad i was. this was a 5 star read foe me and i don't just give out 5 stars. the book has to capture from the first page and keep me engaged until the end, and this boom did that. i couldn't out it down.

the FMC has to go through rigorious training and eventually goes against the queen's orders. this is a slow burn with forbidden love. the FMC finds out lots of secrets. the book ends on a cliff hanger. i can't wait until the second book.