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A Garden of Dragons
484 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 20, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 10, 2026
Review of advanced copy Reader
The first half of the book was 3,5 stars
And the other half was 4,25 stars
So I round it at 4 stars
I like the writing soo much it was very cozy and poetic
The atmosphere was immaculate !!
I thinks it as some lenght that sometimes the description aren’t necessary
And the chapters could be shorter
I also think sometimes we stay in the same moment far too long !
But …
The last half of the book was soo good
With an adventure and characters that were soo lovable and charismatic
With a fight and a love story
I wasn’t able to stop reading it was so addictive !!
The first half of the book was 3,5 stars
And the other half was 4,25 stars
So I round it at 4 stars
I like the writing soo much it was very cozy and poetic
The atmosphere was immaculate !!
I thinks it as some lenght that sometimes the description aren’t necessary
And the chapters could be shorter
I also think sometimes we stay in the same moment far too long !
But …
The last half of the book was soo good
With an adventure and characters that were soo lovable and charismatic
With a fight and a love story
I wasn’t able to stop reading it was so addictive !!
May 18, 2026
Thank you to author for the opportunity for this ARC!
This book is written so, so beautifully. I couldn’t stress that enough. If this is the author’s debut novel, I cannot wait to see what else is in store. This story is lengthy in the pages and that may not be for everyone, but I think this is the perfect YA novel for readers who may struggle with world/character building. If I would’ve read this book when I was a bit younger, this would’ve grabbed my attention immediately and kept it. I love a fast paced book, but I do think when we have a slower paced story like this, it gives a different audience of readers the chance to not have to play catch up over and over, flipping back and forth between chapters to see what was missed. There’s so much coziness to sit in, we’re given a chance to be patient and not have this instant gratification for the plot points we want to see immediately.
Airi is such a precious main character, and I did really enjoy the pacing we get at the beginning where we’re seeing her in her own world, building up to this world outside of what she knows that she yearns to explore. (It kind of gave me Rapunzel vibes in that way! But with dragons!) I enjoyed the relationship with her grandfather and the way it was portrayed - honest and relatable, nostalgic. There are a lot of quotes in this book that are back-of-your-pocket worthy in times of uncertainty and self doubt. I love the elements of this hidden magic, her connection with plants and the magic abilities that Airi is hinted at having. There’s this need to uncover family secrets and explore a world of unknown to a girl so eager for answers. We really pick up the plot towards the end, so this is a slower burn for the plot but I do think it’s worth it.
For fantasy fans looking for their next comfy read, something with romantic elements but no spice, no heavy plot focused on relationships and more on familial connections and a story of curiosity, yearning for adventure and knowledge, growth - you’ll love it. Sometimes we just need to sit back and appreciate a book for the patience it gives us, and this is worth it to me in every page. The prose is so delightful and delicate, and I’m so thankful I was given the chance to read this ARC!
This book is written so, so beautifully. I couldn’t stress that enough. If this is the author’s debut novel, I cannot wait to see what else is in store. This story is lengthy in the pages and that may not be for everyone, but I think this is the perfect YA novel for readers who may struggle with world/character building. If I would’ve read this book when I was a bit younger, this would’ve grabbed my attention immediately and kept it. I love a fast paced book, but I do think when we have a slower paced story like this, it gives a different audience of readers the chance to not have to play catch up over and over, flipping back and forth between chapters to see what was missed. There’s so much coziness to sit in, we’re given a chance to be patient and not have this instant gratification for the plot points we want to see immediately.
Airi is such a precious main character, and I did really enjoy the pacing we get at the beginning where we’re seeing her in her own world, building up to this world outside of what she knows that she yearns to explore. (It kind of gave me Rapunzel vibes in that way! But with dragons!) I enjoyed the relationship with her grandfather and the way it was portrayed - honest and relatable, nostalgic. There are a lot of quotes in this book that are back-of-your-pocket worthy in times of uncertainty and self doubt. I love the elements of this hidden magic, her connection with plants and the magic abilities that Airi is hinted at having. There’s this need to uncover family secrets and explore a world of unknown to a girl so eager for answers. We really pick up the plot towards the end, so this is a slower burn for the plot but I do think it’s worth it.
For fantasy fans looking for their next comfy read, something with romantic elements but no spice, no heavy plot focused on relationships and more on familial connections and a story of curiosity, yearning for adventure and knowledge, growth - you’ll love it. Sometimes we just need to sit back and appreciate a book for the patience it gives us, and this is worth it to me in every page. The prose is so delightful and delicate, and I’m so thankful I was given the chance to read this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Received an ARC copy
A Garden of Dragons is a cozy, beautifully written fantasy that I think will really appeal to readers looking for an easy, atmospheric read. C. Lynmore has a genuinely lovely way with descriptions and there are moments where the writing is truly clever and pretty.
The beginning is slow, very expository and heavy on internal reflection from our main character Airi. It's less a scene and more a snapshot of what her life is like, which made it harder to feel immediately pulled in. For me, the story didn't really pick up until chapter 3, which is where Airi started to feel like a character I was genuinely interested in following.
My biggest issue throughout was the length of the descriptions. The writing is beautiful, but there were stretches that felt like pages and pages of describing the land or environment with very little interiority, action, or dialogue to break it up. There were also moments where the same setting got described multiple times in succession and that repetition got really monotonous to read.
I also feel like the pacing worked against the tension of the plot. I understood what was happening story-wise, but because things moved so slowly, none of the stakes felt like they had real weight. There was also a tendency to announce events before they happened by describing them first rather than just letting us experience them with the character, and that took away a lot of the suspense for me.
That said, the last third of the book is where things really came together. The plot picked up, the tension finally felt earned, and there were actual consequences to the characters' choices. The bit of romance between Airi and Kieran is also really wholesome, and honestly it's enough to make me want to pick up the next book. If I could I would give it a 3.5 because of these two reasons alone.
If you're in the mood for something cozy with gorgeous prose, this one is worth checking out. Just go in knowing the first half asks for patience.
A Garden of Dragons is a cozy, beautifully written fantasy that I think will really appeal to readers looking for an easy, atmospheric read. C. Lynmore has a genuinely lovely way with descriptions and there are moments where the writing is truly clever and pretty.
The beginning is slow, very expository and heavy on internal reflection from our main character Airi. It's less a scene and more a snapshot of what her life is like, which made it harder to feel immediately pulled in. For me, the story didn't really pick up until chapter 3, which is where Airi started to feel like a character I was genuinely interested in following.
My biggest issue throughout was the length of the descriptions. The writing is beautiful, but there were stretches that felt like pages and pages of describing the land or environment with very little interiority, action, or dialogue to break it up. There were also moments where the same setting got described multiple times in succession and that repetition got really monotonous to read.
I also feel like the pacing worked against the tension of the plot. I understood what was happening story-wise, but because things moved so slowly, none of the stakes felt like they had real weight. There was also a tendency to announce events before they happened by describing them first rather than just letting us experience them with the character, and that took away a lot of the suspense for me.
That said, the last third of the book is where things really came together. The plot picked up, the tension finally felt earned, and there were actual consequences to the characters' choices. The bit of romance between Airi and Kieran is also really wholesome, and honestly it's enough to make me want to pick up the next book. If I could I would give it a 3.5 because of these two reasons alone.
If you're in the mood for something cozy with gorgeous prose, this one is worth checking out. Just go in knowing the first half asks for patience.
Review of advance copy
3.5
✨Arc Review ✨
This book is so beautifully written, the world building is 10/10 and it is so easy to picture every place Airi travels to. It is perfect if you love a slow paced super cosy fantasy. The world building almost felt poetic and it drew me in from the start.✨
The characters are unique and so wonderfully mysterious. The twists in the storyline are mostly unexpected and the way magic is described in this book makes it feel as if it is actually surrounding you. The start is quite slow but after chapter 3/4 our main character starts to really self reflect and realises there is more out there, feels drawn to the 'new' islands and she feels the need to explore.. I feel like the stakes were so high throughout the book but the pacing worked a against it in some of the scenes. For the first 50-60% of the book we follow Airi whilst she leaves her home, meets new companions, self reflects, grows and uncovers secrets and mysteries. It's not until 60-70% through we get some more action, tensions rise and the pace quickens. The end of the book slows back down and the ending is quite beautiful and almost bittersweet.
Unfortunately it is a 3.5 for me because it took a while to get to any actual action (from 70%) and I am a sucker for short chapters where this book had the opposite (484 pages, 12 chapters)My rating is entirely based on my personal preferences, otherwise it would have easily been a 5/5 ⭐But that said it is a beautiful book and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Quotes:
"But magic remembers when it is treated as a gift. And it remembers when it is taken and abused." Page 7
"But readiness, she was beginning to learn, was often only fear that had agreed to wear its boots." Page 160
✨Arc Review ✨
This book is so beautifully written, the world building is 10/10 and it is so easy to picture every place Airi travels to. It is perfect if you love a slow paced super cosy fantasy. The world building almost felt poetic and it drew me in from the start.✨
The characters are unique and so wonderfully mysterious. The twists in the storyline are mostly unexpected and the way magic is described in this book makes it feel as if it is actually surrounding you. The start is quite slow but after chapter 3/4 our main character starts to really self reflect and realises there is more out there, feels drawn to the 'new' islands and she feels the need to explore.. I feel like the stakes were so high throughout the book but the pacing worked a against it in some of the scenes. For the first 50-60% of the book we follow Airi whilst she leaves her home, meets new companions, self reflects, grows and uncovers secrets and mysteries. It's not until 60-70% through we get some more action, tensions rise and the pace quickens. The end of the book slows back down and the ending is quite beautiful and almost bittersweet.
Unfortunately it is a 3.5 for me because it took a while to get to any actual action (from 70%) and I am a sucker for short chapters where this book had the opposite (484 pages, 12 chapters)My rating is entirely based on my personal preferences, otherwise it would have easily been a 5/5 ⭐But that said it is a beautiful book and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Quotes:
"But magic remembers when it is treated as a gift. And it remembers when it is taken and abused." Page 7
"But readiness, she was beginning to learn, was often only fear that had agreed to wear its boots." Page 160
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’m giving this one 3 stars. The premise had a lot of potential, and I liked the cozy fantasy atmosphere and the idea of Airie discovering both the world and herself beyond the only home she’s ever known. Raised by her grandfather after the disappearance of her parents, Airie has spent her life dreaming about what exists outside her quiet world. Her connection to plants and the hints of hidden magic were especially interesting, and I enjoyed the introduction of dragons, Listeners, and the larger mystery surrounding her family.
That said, the pacing was very slow for me. It felt like the story didn’t fully pick up until around halfway through the book, and even then I kept waiting for the plot and character development to go deeper. A lot of the journey focuses on Airie traveling and meeting new companions, but I wanted more exploration of her powers and what made her abilities unique. Her magic is hinted at throughout the story, yet it never felt fully developed or explained in a satisfying way.
I also struggled to connect with the romance between Airie and Kieran. While I liked the idea of them together, there just wasn’t enough interaction or emotional buildup for me to really feel the chemistry. Their relationship leaned more subtle and understated, which may work for some readers, but I personally wanted more tension, yearning, or emotional intimacy. Readers looking for spice should know there is none, and the book definitely reads more YA in tone.
Bramble brought some energy to the group dynamic, though some of the banter and reactions started to feel repetitive as the story went on. I also think there were missed opportunities to expand on Airie’s self-discovery arc and the emotional weight of confronting her mother and uncovering the truth about her family.
Overall, while this one didn’t fully land for me, I can still see it appealing to readers who enjoy softer, slower-paced YA fantasy adventures with light romance, cozy travel vibes, and hidden magic.
That said, the pacing was very slow for me. It felt like the story didn’t fully pick up until around halfway through the book, and even then I kept waiting for the plot and character development to go deeper. A lot of the journey focuses on Airie traveling and meeting new companions, but I wanted more exploration of her powers and what made her abilities unique. Her magic is hinted at throughout the story, yet it never felt fully developed or explained in a satisfying way.
I also struggled to connect with the romance between Airie and Kieran. While I liked the idea of them together, there just wasn’t enough interaction or emotional buildup for me to really feel the chemistry. Their relationship leaned more subtle and understated, which may work for some readers, but I personally wanted more tension, yearning, or emotional intimacy. Readers looking for spice should know there is none, and the book definitely reads more YA in tone.
Bramble brought some energy to the group dynamic, though some of the banter and reactions started to feel repetitive as the story went on. I also think there were missed opportunities to expand on Airie’s self-discovery arc and the emotional weight of confronting her mother and uncovering the truth about her family.
Overall, while this one didn’t fully land for me, I can still see it appealing to readers who enjoy softer, slower-paced YA fantasy adventures with light romance, cozy travel vibes, and hidden magic.
May 20, 2026
I am completely blown away by A Garden of Dragons by C. Lynmore! If you love immersive, heart-wrenching fantasy, you need to pick this up immediately.
The world-building is magical, and the concept of a "fractured" land slowly losing its magic is so captivating. I was hooked from the first page! Airi is such a relatable, brave protagonist—watching her journey from a sheltered life to taking her first bold steps toward saving her world was incredibly satisfying. It’s the perfect blend of cozy atmosphere and high-stakes adventure.
Bottom line: This book is a masterpiece! It’s emotional, beautiful, and absolutely impossible to put down. Prepare to be obsessed!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The world-building is magical, and the concept of a "fractured" land slowly losing its magic is so captivating. I was hooked from the first page! Airi is such a relatable, brave protagonist—watching her journey from a sheltered life to taking her first bold steps toward saving her world was incredibly satisfying. It’s the perfect blend of cozy atmosphere and high-stakes adventure.
Bottom line: This book is a masterpiece! It’s emotional, beautiful, and absolutely impossible to put down. Prepare to be obsessed!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I just finished reading A Garden of Dragons by C. Lynmore and I really enjoyed it.
It’s a quieter fantasy story that focuses more on the characters and their journey rather than constant action, which I honestly loved. I really enjoyed following Airi and seeing how much she grew throughout the story. The world itself was also really interesting and had this mysterious atmosphere that kept me curious the entire time.
Overall, it was such an easy and relaxing read, while still carrying emotional moments and a touch of romance. I’d definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a softer, character-driven fantasy.
It’s a quieter fantasy story that focuses more on the characters and their journey rather than constant action, which I honestly loved. I really enjoyed following Airi and seeing how much she grew throughout the story. The world itself was also really interesting and had this mysterious atmosphere that kept me curious the entire time.
Overall, it was such an easy and relaxing read, while still carrying emotional moments and a touch of romance. I’d definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a softer, character-driven fantasy.
May 21, 2026
This book was beautiful! The writing was very poethic, it made the most beautiful, lyric pictures in my mind.
It started a bit slower then the books I usually read, but the world building was very descriptive and well done. After a while it was hard to put this book away. I was being pulled to it like a magnet. The whole book left me yearning for more, more from this story, more from this world. I loved the characters!
I am rather used to reading books with some spicy, but I did not miss it here.
It is absolutly a book I can recommend everyone to read. Enjoy being devoured by this beauty!
I received this book as an arc copy.
It started a bit slower then the books I usually read, but the world building was very descriptive and well done. After a while it was hard to put this book away. I was being pulled to it like a magnet. The whole book left me yearning for more, more from this story, more from this world. I loved the characters!
I am rather used to reading books with some spicy, but I did not miss it here.
It is absolutly a book I can recommend everyone to read. Enjoy being devoured by this beauty!
I received this book as an arc copy.
Review of advance copy
I started this book very hopeful. I was stoked for a cozy, dragon fantasy. But it dragged on a lot for me. The main character felt lack luster and seemed to lack depth. It was also very metaphor and description heavy. I love books with metaphors and great descriptions but not everything needs to have its own monologue. It’s not a bad book by any means and the concept is really cool and cozy. However, I think it’s better suited to a reader who enjoys a slower plot.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I just read A Garden of Dragons by C. Lynmore and I really liked it. It’s a calm fantasy story that focuses more on the characters than action.
I liked following Airi and seeing how she changes over time. The world is interesting and a little mysterious too.
It’s an easy, relaxing read with some emotion and a bit of romance. I highly recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I liked following Airi and seeing how she changes over time. The world is interesting and a little mysterious too.
It’s an easy, relaxing read with some emotion and a bit of romance. I highly recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Reader
This was truly an amazing book, the author did an amazing job at being very detail-oriented and explaining everything in this book. Not only is it a page-turner, but it is a great slow romantic build. I cannot wait to see how the next book turns out!
I will say it is slow in the beginning, lots of descriptions which give the outline of the book, but can make it hard to want to continue to read. But it is definitely worth it!
This was truly an amazing book, the author did an amazing job at being very detail-oriented and explaining everything in this book. Not only is it a page-turner, but it is a great slow romantic build. I cannot wait to see how the next book turns out!
I will say it is slow in the beginning, lots of descriptions which give the outline of the book, but can make it hard to want to continue to read. But it is definitely worth it!
May 21, 2026
This story starts a bit slow but it only gets better and better.
The writing style is prosaic and very rich. I like it this way.
What stands out in this book is the world building, action and adventure and a growing romance. Those are perfectly worked out!
Overall this book is definitely worth reading, it’s a relaxing and fantastic story, the perfect pick for a relaxing moment.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The writing style is prosaic and very rich. I like it this way.
What stands out in this book is the world building, action and adventure and a growing romance. Those are perfectly worked out!
Overall this book is definitely worth reading, it’s a relaxing and fantastic story, the perfect pick for a relaxing moment.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 25, 2026
Beautifully written book.
I agree with other review that the descriptions of things are very very long. Dialogue is few and far between, if dialogue if your favorite part of a book, this may not be a book for you!
I haven’t seen writing this whimsical before, different than anything I’ve read. Tons of metaphors, that I truly have never heard in books before and some I had to reread to fully understand them 😅
Be prepared for long chapters!
I agree with other review that the descriptions of things are very very long. Dialogue is few and far between, if dialogue if your favorite part of a book, this may not be a book for you!
I haven’t seen writing this whimsical before, different than anything I’ve read. Tons of metaphors, that I truly have never heard in books before and some I had to reread to fully understand them 😅
Be prepared for long chapters!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I found this ARC on Booksprout and I'm very glad I did! I really enjoyed this story especially as a visual reader. The way this author describes things in the book makes me actually see it in my head. I love the way this is written and the world building/story telling felt like a Studio Ghibli movie.
This was amazing 👏
This was amazing 👏
Review of advance copy
This is a cozy fantasy with great world building. Airi the main character is so much fun to travel thru this world with. While she learns about herself. I couldn’t decide who my favorite character was, there are so many charming ones. This story is so beautifully written, and did I mention it has dragons? I hope to return to this world again.
May 28, 2026
The fantasy lesson!
I really enjoyed this book. The main theme is respect, both for nature and for others. It's set in a fantasy world. I encourage anyone who loves this genre with a touch of beauty and reality to read it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed this book. The main theme is respect, both for nature and for others. It's set in a fantasy world. I encourage anyone who loves this genre with a touch of beauty and reality to read it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was an OK read found it very slow not that great if a storyyline first half of the book, very long winded too mucb description.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 21, 2026
I loved this book so much and can't wait to read it again in the future! I definitely recommend reading this book if you are on the fence.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 22, 2026
Super cute and super enjoyable. The story flowed so well and kept my attention completely, I loved the characters so much too.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 23, 2026
This book was really beautifully and eloquently written. It made me feel transported right into the book. The story gave me a sense of hope and peace and the main character was easy to relate to.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews