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First Dragon Shifter Academy #1
Arrival in Red: An Omegaverse Reverse Harem Romantasy
Not yet published
Expected 15 Oct 26Five elite dragon Alphas. One slum-born human Omega. And a secret mission that could bring the entire Shifter Alliance Federation to its knees.
In the Federation, your district determines your worth.
I’m Sable Ashborn, born and raised in District 10—the slums of the ten districts, burdened with backward infrastructure, restricted travel, and zero future.
So when the Federation's mandatory genetic mate-matching program reveals I'm a ninety-percent-plus match with all five members of the Montgomery unit, the world stops. Everyone wants to know how a slum-born nobody could be the ideal central bond to the only all-dragon battle unit in the Federation .
Biologically, I'm exactly what their unraveling inner beasts need.
Politically and socially? I'm everything the elite in District 1 despise.
Because “fated” mate-match results above seventy percent are automatically broadcast nationwide, the Federation has no choice but to put on a show. They "grant" me a temporary resident permit, a provisional seat at the elite First Dragon Academy, and medical care for my sick little brother back home.
They're stalling for time, waiting for me to fail publicly. They expect me to break.
They don't know they've just handed me the opportunity of a lifetime.
As a member of the rebel Ashenveil circle, destroying the Seal the Federation uses to exploit my district has always been the ultimate goal. But I never had access to the Aegis Citadel where it’s guarded...until now.
All I have to do is pretend to be a grateful little Omega while I climb the Academy's brutal hierarchy to the top fifteen, earn access to the Alliance Gala at Aegis, and destroy the Seal once and for all.
Simple. Except no one must know about this mission or I'll be executed on counts of terrorism.
I can't fail. I can't show weakness. And I cannot fall for the five Alphas circling me like I'm their
Maddox, the fire dragon with a temper hotter than his flame.
James, the genius game designer who seems to see straight through every lie I tell.
Eli, the shadow dragon linked to District 1's fallen royal lineage, hiding secrets of his own behind charming smiles that never reach his eyes.
Noah, the ruthless Student Council President who's always catching me in compromising situations with his unit mates and sees me as nothing but a scheming opportunist.
And Zael, the mysterious ice dragon who keeps everyone at a distance, especially me.
They think I'm a simple little Omega here to throw myself at their feet just to escape my district.
They don't know I'm the enemy inside their walls, ready to tear down the entire system that holds their district superior to mine, even if it costs me my life.
Because no matter what, my brother will live to see a world where District 10 is no longer a cage.
Welcome to First Dragon Academy, where five ruthless Prime Alphas rule, one slum-born Omega defies them, and an unwanted mate match could ignite a revolution.
ARRIVAL IN RED is Book 1 in the First Dragon Shifter Academy series. A gritty, slow-burn Omegaverse Romantasy featuring dragon shifters, inescapable fated mate biology, class divide, scent matching, and a secret badass Omega heroine who refuses to bow.
In the Federation, your district determines your worth.
I’m Sable Ashborn, born and raised in District 10—the slums of the ten districts, burdened with backward infrastructure, restricted travel, and zero future.
So when the Federation's mandatory genetic mate-matching program reveals I'm a ninety-percent-plus match with all five members of the Montgomery unit, the world stops. Everyone wants to know how a slum-born nobody could be the ideal central bond to the only all-dragon battle unit in the Federation .
Biologically, I'm exactly what their unraveling inner beasts need.
Politically and socially? I'm everything the elite in District 1 despise.
Because “fated” mate-match results above seventy percent are automatically broadcast nationwide, the Federation has no choice but to put on a show. They "grant" me a temporary resident permit, a provisional seat at the elite First Dragon Academy, and medical care for my sick little brother back home.
They're stalling for time, waiting for me to fail publicly. They expect me to break.
They don't know they've just handed me the opportunity of a lifetime.
As a member of the rebel Ashenveil circle, destroying the Seal the Federation uses to exploit my district has always been the ultimate goal. But I never had access to the Aegis Citadel where it’s guarded...until now.
All I have to do is pretend to be a grateful little Omega while I climb the Academy's brutal hierarchy to the top fifteen, earn access to the Alliance Gala at Aegis, and destroy the Seal once and for all.
Simple. Except no one must know about this mission or I'll be executed on counts of terrorism.
I can't fail. I can't show weakness. And I cannot fall for the five Alphas circling me like I'm their
Maddox, the fire dragon with a temper hotter than his flame.
James, the genius game designer who seems to see straight through every lie I tell.
Eli, the shadow dragon linked to District 1's fallen royal lineage, hiding secrets of his own behind charming smiles that never reach his eyes.
Noah, the ruthless Student Council President who's always catching me in compromising situations with his unit mates and sees me as nothing but a scheming opportunist.
And Zael, the mysterious ice dragon who keeps everyone at a distance, especially me.
They think I'm a simple little Omega here to throw myself at their feet just to escape my district.
They don't know I'm the enemy inside their walls, ready to tear down the entire system that holds their district superior to mine, even if it costs me my life.
Because no matter what, my brother will live to see a world where District 10 is no longer a cage.
Welcome to First Dragon Academy, where five ruthless Prime Alphas rule, one slum-born Omega defies them, and an unwanted mate match could ignite a revolution.
ARRIVAL IN RED is Book 1 in the First Dragon Shifter Academy series. A gritty, slow-burn Omegaverse Romantasy featuring dragon shifters, inescapable fated mate biology, class divide, scent matching, and a secret badass Omega heroine who refuses to bow.
457 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 15, 2026
About the author
Eunice Amnell
39 books29 followersEunice Amnell writes paranormal and fantasy romances where fated mates, found family, and magic help unlikely heroines discover who they're meant to be. Specializing in reverse harems, shifters, cinnamon roll Alphas, and omegaverse tales, her stories celebrate women blooming into their power and finding true love.
When she's not crafting happily-ever-afters, you'll find Eunice living vicariously through fictional friends, experimenting in the kitchen, and embracing the beautiful chaos of figuring life out one day at a time.
To chase shadows with Eunice and her characters, sign up for her newsletter at euniceamnell.com/newsletter.
When she's not crafting happily-ever-afters, you'll find Eunice living vicariously through fictional friends, experimenting in the kitchen, and embracing the beautiful chaos of figuring life out one day at a time.
To chase shadows with Eunice and her characters, sign up for her newsletter at euniceamnell.com/newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
”Seeing her wrapped in the arms of someone who would protect her just as fiercely as I would eased my dragon’s tension. For the first time, I realized we were truly in this together.”
well.. this book was disappointing. it sounded a lot more appealing than it actually was, everything about this was boring and dull. i also wish the dragon shifter part of the plot was more prevalent, but i do understand that this one was mostly just set up for the series.
Sable, the fmc, was a breath of fresh air at first bc she actually didn’t let the mmc’s petty behavior get to her. but at the same time, her biology as an omega would render her useless against their pheromones? yawn.
the mmc’s all felt a bit dramatic to me too, i’d say Zael is my favorite, but i also like James and Eli. the characters spend so much of the book avoiding each other, that when the men suddenly say they’re falling for her it wasn’t believable to me at all and honestly so random.
Sable is constantly training, being mistreated for being from a lower district & bickering with the men, all while trying to keep her plans from everyone. that’s it. it’s literally those things repeated over and over. maybe the sequel will be better, but this wasn’t a strong start.
➝ thanks to NetGalley, the author and Victory Editing Co-op for the arc, all opinions are my own.
well.. this book was disappointing. it sounded a lot more appealing than it actually was, everything about this was boring and dull. i also wish the dragon shifter part of the plot was more prevalent, but i do understand that this one was mostly just set up for the series.
Sable, the fmc, was a breath of fresh air at first bc she actually didn’t let the mmc’s petty behavior get to her. but at the same time, her biology as an omega would render her useless against their pheromones? yawn.
the mmc’s all felt a bit dramatic to me too, i’d say Zael is my favorite, but i also like James and Eli. the characters spend so much of the book avoiding each other, that when the men suddenly say they’re falling for her it wasn’t believable to me at all and honestly so random.
Sable is constantly training, being mistreated for being from a lower district & bickering with the men, all while trying to keep her plans from everyone. that’s it. it’s literally those things repeated over and over. maybe the sequel will be better, but this wasn’t a strong start.
➝ thanks to NetGalley, the author and Victory Editing Co-op for the arc, all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Words fall short to describe how good this book is. I am blown away. Dragonshifters, academy and why choose/reverse harem! Do I need to say more? Yes, I do, because it's also done right and that makes all the difference!
In the story we meet Sable, who grew up in the lowest district. District 10, also known as the slums. A mandatory genetic mate match matches her to 5 dragon shifters in the elite District 1. Because the match has been made public, she is allowed to enter First Dragon Academy placing her in the exact right spot to fulfill her mission.
The world building is incredible, the plot is awesome and the fast pace kept me hooked to the story without it being overwhelming. The story plus development of relationships had such a natural flow to it that it felt completely real. I quickly fell in love with all the characters.
This was just book one, and it was so good, and the story holding so much potential, that you just know this series is going to be epic!
A true 6⭐️ pageturner!
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and author Eunice Amnell for giving me the opportunity to read and review this ARC. Its been a true pleasure!
In the story we meet Sable, who grew up in the lowest district. District 10, also known as the slums. A mandatory genetic mate match matches her to 5 dragon shifters in the elite District 1. Because the match has been made public, she is allowed to enter First Dragon Academy placing her in the exact right spot to fulfill her mission.
The world building is incredible, the plot is awesome and the fast pace kept me hooked to the story without it being overwhelming. The story plus development of relationships had such a natural flow to it that it felt completely real. I quickly fell in love with all the characters.
This was just book one, and it was so good, and the story holding so much potential, that you just know this series is going to be epic!
A true 6⭐️ pageturner!
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and author Eunice Amnell for giving me the opportunity to read and review this ARC. Its been a true pleasure!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
ARC Review: Arrival in Red by Eunice Amnell
⭐️ 4.75/5 stars
First of all, why do we have to wait until June 2027 for book two?!
I started Arrival in Red yesterday afternoon and within four hours I had completely devoured it. Not days, not weeks, not months... hours. The only reason I put it down was because I had to eat, and even then I was already thinking about getting back to it.
The story follows Sable, who grew up in District 10, the poorest district, until a mandatory genetic mate match pairs her with five dragon shifters from the elite District 1. The match is so unexpected that they don't believe the results and demand a retest. This time the test is done publicly, and not only is the match confirmed, but it receives the highest rating ever recorded. As a result, Sable gains access to First Dragon Academy, placing her exactly where she needs to be to complete her mission.
From the very beginning, I was hooked. The world-building was amazing, the plot kept me completely invested, and I happily went wherever the story decided to take me. The pacing is definitely fast, but never so fast that it becomes overwhelming. The relationships between the characters felt incredibly natural, and their development was believable and never forced, which made it easy to become attached to both Sable and her mates.
And speaking of the mates... they absolutely fall first. And harder. Sable isn't exactly immune either, but she's deep in denial and I loved every second of it. Watching the dynamics evolve between them was one of my favorite parts of the book. I genuinely loved all the boys, but Zael completely stole my heart. ❤️
What impressed me most is that this is only the first book. The foundation that has been built here is so strong, and there is so much potential for this story to grow into something truly epic. If the rest of the series is anywhere near this good, we're in for something special.
And then that ending happened.
WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT TO ME?! 😭 My brain completely short-circuited. I NEED BOOK TWO!
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Eunice Amnell for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
⭐️ 4.75/5 stars
First of all, why do we have to wait until June 2027 for book two?!
I started Arrival in Red yesterday afternoon and within four hours I had completely devoured it. Not days, not weeks, not months... hours. The only reason I put it down was because I had to eat, and even then I was already thinking about getting back to it.
The story follows Sable, who grew up in District 10, the poorest district, until a mandatory genetic mate match pairs her with five dragon shifters from the elite District 1. The match is so unexpected that they don't believe the results and demand a retest. This time the test is done publicly, and not only is the match confirmed, but it receives the highest rating ever recorded. As a result, Sable gains access to First Dragon Academy, placing her exactly where she needs to be to complete her mission.
From the very beginning, I was hooked. The world-building was amazing, the plot kept me completely invested, and I happily went wherever the story decided to take me. The pacing is definitely fast, but never so fast that it becomes overwhelming. The relationships between the characters felt incredibly natural, and their development was believable and never forced, which made it easy to become attached to both Sable and her mates.
And speaking of the mates... they absolutely fall first. And harder. Sable isn't exactly immune either, but she's deep in denial and I loved every second of it. Watching the dynamics evolve between them was one of my favorite parts of the book. I genuinely loved all the boys, but Zael completely stole my heart. ❤️
What impressed me most is that this is only the first book. The foundation that has been built here is so strong, and there is so much potential for this story to grow into something truly epic. If the rest of the series is anywhere near this good, we're in for something special.
And then that ending happened.
WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT TO ME?! 😭 My brain completely short-circuited. I NEED BOOK TWO!
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Eunice Amnell for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I could not put this book down, and then I found myself absolutely dreading reaching the end because I knew I’d have to wait for book 2!! It had me hooked from the very beginning, and before I knew it, I was staying up until 3 AM reading because I needed to know what happened next.
The Story follows Sable, a mercenary, who is from the lowest district 10, who is discovered to be a near perfect genetic mate match for the most elite Dragon shifter Alpha unit in district 1. After this was publicly revealed, she is sent to First Dragon Academy, where she is forced to live alongside the five Alpha males who are less than thrilled about their supposed mate match.
Sable has to prove that she is more than what society has decided she is, a lowly nobody from District 10. I LOVED watching her navigate this challenge. She is such a baddie FMC! Despite the difficult life she has had being from the lowest district, she handles the bullying and constant dislike of having her there with such quiet strength. She doesn’t feel the need to constantly prove herself with words or fighting back, instead, she lets her actions and skills speak for her. It was such sweet revenge anytime she showed them up!
Also the tension and romance is sooo good! I couldn’t even pick which MMC is my favorite, which makes me so happy for a reverse Harem! I can’t wait to see how these relationships develop even more!
The world building was dynamic while still being easy to understand, which I really appreciated. There was enough information to make the world feel developed without feeling like I was drowning in unnecessary details. I also really loved how the author explored the political tension between the different districts and and I’m excited to see this develop even further as the series continues.
Also that cliffhanger…!?!
Overall, I would highly recommend this book! I literally haven’t stopped thinking about it since I finished it and will be counting down the days until book 2!!
The Story follows Sable, a mercenary, who is from the lowest district 10, who is discovered to be a near perfect genetic mate match for the most elite Dragon shifter Alpha unit in district 1. After this was publicly revealed, she is sent to First Dragon Academy, where she is forced to live alongside the five Alpha males who are less than thrilled about their supposed mate match.
Sable has to prove that she is more than what society has decided she is, a lowly nobody from District 10. I LOVED watching her navigate this challenge. She is such a baddie FMC! Despite the difficult life she has had being from the lowest district, she handles the bullying and constant dislike of having her there with such quiet strength. She doesn’t feel the need to constantly prove herself with words or fighting back, instead, she lets her actions and skills speak for her. It was such sweet revenge anytime she showed them up!
Also the tension and romance is sooo good! I couldn’t even pick which MMC is my favorite, which makes me so happy for a reverse Harem! I can’t wait to see how these relationships develop even more!
The world building was dynamic while still being easy to understand, which I really appreciated. There was enough information to make the world feel developed without feeling like I was drowning in unnecessary details. I also really loved how the author explored the political tension between the different districts and and I’m excited to see this develop even further as the series continues.
Also that cliffhanger…!?!
Overall, I would highly recommend this book! I literally haven’t stopped thinking about it since I finished it and will be counting down the days until book 2!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First off I need a time machine to jump into the future and get the next book right now!!! The cliffhanger left this in such a perfect spot for the plot to really thicken. I don’t think I will be able to sleep tonight because I am too busy thinking of how amazing this was!!!
This book is like if the hunger games, fourth wing, and zodiac academy decided they wanted to become a reverse harem. The world building in this is fantastic and the dynamics of the prestigious academic school have me obsessed. 👀
Sable is a bad fucking bitch. She is a mercenary coming to this academy from her poor district to help her family. She has so many wild skills from her life in her district. I love her toughness and refusal to back down! 🔥
The tension in this was so fucking insane!!!! I am so glad Sable doesn’t have to choose because I couldn’t choose one of these men to save my life. I NEED THEM ALL. 🥵 I was giddy, laughing and sweating between the tension and banter. At times I was begging for the tension to break with all of the pheromones. 👀
The cliffhanger at the end left me eagerly anticipating the next book. I think this book is going to be obsessively re-read.
Tropes
Why choose
Academia
Fated Mates
Secrets
Forced Proximity
Shifter Romance
Alpha/Omega
This book is like if the hunger games, fourth wing, and zodiac academy decided they wanted to become a reverse harem. The world building in this is fantastic and the dynamics of the prestigious academic school have me obsessed. 👀
Sable is a bad fucking bitch. She is a mercenary coming to this academy from her poor district to help her family. She has so many wild skills from her life in her district. I love her toughness and refusal to back down! 🔥
The tension in this was so fucking insane!!!! I am so glad Sable doesn’t have to choose because I couldn’t choose one of these men to save my life. I NEED THEM ALL. 🥵 I was giddy, laughing and sweating between the tension and banter. At times I was begging for the tension to break with all of the pheromones. 👀
The cliffhanger at the end left me eagerly anticipating the next book. I think this book is going to be obsessively re-read.
Tropes
Why choose
Academia
Fated Mates
Secrets
Forced Proximity
Shifter Romance
Alpha/Omega
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was so much fun.
I was hooked from page 1 and would have read this in one sitting if I didn't have like.. you know, a job and a household and stuff.
I was a bit confused when a 400m swimming competition was suddenly happening? But honestly I was vibing with this book so hard I didn't even question it.
Sable and her dynamics with all the boys intrigue me to no enddddd. I desperately want to read a second book.
Read this if you love:
- A strong FMC who actually uses her head, communicates but doesn't make impulsive decisions
- Omegaverse dragon shifters
- RH/Why choose (FMMMMM)
- They fall first AND harder
- Slow burn
- Forced proximity
- Fated mates
(And honestly it was so good, if you don't really love any of these tropes.. read it anyways)
I was hooked from page 1 and would have read this in one sitting if I didn't have like.. you know, a job and a household and stuff.
I was a bit confused when a 400m swimming competition was suddenly happening? But honestly I was vibing with this book so hard I didn't even question it.
Sable and her dynamics with all the boys intrigue me to no enddddd. I desperately want to read a second book.
Read this if you love:
- A strong FMC who actually uses her head, communicates but doesn't make impulsive decisions
- Omegaverse dragon shifters
- RH/Why choose (FMMMMM)
- They fall first AND harder
- Slow burn
- Forced proximity
- Fated mates
(And honestly it was so good, if you don't really love any of these tropes.. read it anyways)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley for my e-ARC copy of Arrival in Red!
I was hooked from the very first page. We're immediately thrown into the action with our female main character, Sable, a badass 18 year old Omega from district 10. Hunger Games style districts with the lower districts being the best, best food, best education etc while the higher districts suffer. Sable is tenacious and determined to prove herself at the academy, while dealing with being a genetic mate match to 5 alpha dragon shifters! The pacing is fast and I'm completely invested. I cannot wait until book 2!
I was hooked from the very first page. We're immediately thrown into the action with our female main character, Sable, a badass 18 year old Omega from district 10. Hunger Games style districts with the lower districts being the best, best food, best education etc while the higher districts suffer. Sable is tenacious and determined to prove herself at the academy, while dealing with being a genetic mate match to 5 alpha dragon shifters! The pacing is fast and I'm completely invested. I cannot wait until book 2!
Review of advance copy
Received an Advanced Reader Copy from BookSirens.
This book was an exceptional start to a RH Omegaverse series. The enemies-to-lovers trope was well paced and didn't take too long to warm up. The slow burn romance is also well paced.
The world building and political implications are well thought out and well written in a quiet subtlety that really punches its effect strategically creating cultural traditions, dynamics as well as class systems and systemic oppression. It is blunt but not overly in your face making it a great read.
It will be a test in patience to wait for the next book.
This book was an exceptional start to a RH Omegaverse series. The enemies-to-lovers trope was well paced and didn't take too long to warm up. The slow burn romance is also well paced.
The world building and political implications are well thought out and well written in a quiet subtlety that really punches its effect strategically creating cultural traditions, dynamics as well as class systems and systemic oppression. It is blunt but not overly in your face making it a great read.
It will be a test in patience to wait for the next book.
Read
October 2, 2026Five Dragons, One Defiant Omega
A capable heroine, five complicated dragon Alphas and a society I wanted her to dismantle.
⭐ 4/5
🌶️ 2/5 — Strong sexual tension and explicit descriptions of arousal, but no sex scenes.
“You're a talented survivor, Sable Ashborn. And that's what makes you dangerous.”
Arrival in Red by Eunice Amnell is the first book in the First Dragon Shifter Academy series, combining why-choose Omegaverse romance with academy competition, class conflict and a secret rebellion. This story introduces us to a world where genetic compatibility has political consequences—and being matched with five powerful dragon Alphas is far from a guarantee of being welcomed and is primarily told through Sable’s first-person narration with additional viewpoints sprinkled in.
Sable Ashborn is an experienced mercenary from District 10, and I loved meeting her in the middle of a wyvern hunt. Before anyone could dismiss her background or Omega status, I had already seen what she could do. Her unexpected match brings her to the attention of a society that would much rather question her legitimacy than its own prejudices. For Sable, though, the upheaval also creates an opportunity to pursue a mission that could change life for her community.
Watching Sable hold her composure around people determined to humiliate her made me admire her, but seeing how deeply their treatment hurt made me care about her. She weighs the risks before reacting, and I loved the defiance running through her thoughts even when she refuses to let it show. Her loyalty to her family and community gives that determination an emotional weight that kept me invested well beyond the fighting.
Being able to survive a wyvern hunt cannot make up for years of unequal education, and I liked that Sable has real ground to cover academically. She needs help, makes mistakes and works for her progress, which made it satisfying to follow. Watching her use what she knows, seek guidance and find ways through the obstacles gave me much more reason to believe in her intelligence than having her immediately outperform everyone.
With Sable’s family’s future tied to a system that restricts education, healthcare and travel, I became just as invested in the rebellion as the romance. The district hierarchy reaches into everyday life, making her reasons for wanting change painfully understandable. Cian and her grandmother bring warmth to the story, and I appreciated spending time with the friends and allies who knew her before the match. Those relationships made me care about what she was leaving behind as well as what she hoped to achieve.
Weaving genetic matching and advanced technology into a world of dragon shifters and wyverns gives the fated-mate premise an interesting political edge. A match attracts institutional scrutiny as well as romantic interest, and I enjoyed how much that complicates Sable’s situation. I had to concentrate on some of the early explanations, particularly while getting used to the terminology. Once the academy’s rules began shaping her day-to-day choices, the world became easier to follow.
As for the five men: they had work to do to win me over, (some of them still do). The biological attraction is immediate, but I needed respect and meaningful support before becoming invested in the relationships. I appreciated that Sable recognises the difference too. Her physical responses do not erase her anger, reservations or independent goals, and the story acknowledges how frightening that loss of control can feel.
The connections become more engaging through practical help, quieter interactions and growing vulnerability. The men have distinct personalities and different ways of relating to her, which matters in a why-choose romance. Zael became my favourite, followed by Maddox and James. Eli and Noah still interest me, although I need more from the next instalment to know how fully I will connect with them. I became more open to the group without feeling that every concern had been neatly resolved.
My 2/5 spice rating reflects strong sexual tension, charged contact and explicit descriptions of arousal, but there are no sex scenes. This is a slow burn with an emotional foundation still developing, and I want more conversation and repair in some of the relationships in the future installment.
The mix of study, combat, politics and romance kept me engaged, with satisfying moments of recognition providing welcome relief from the hostility. Some explanations and expressions of prejudice felt repetitive, and greater nuance among the antagonistic characters would have enriched the academy. I occasionally wanted more room for Sable’s emotions, too.
Even with those reservations, I finished proud of her progress and eager to continue. This is a strong first instalment, with substantial relationship and mission threads still open. The cliffhanger left me unsettled and wanting the next book immediately.
Tropes
Dragon shifters
Omegaverse
Fated mates / genetic compatibility
Why choose / reverse harem
Slow-burn romance
Forced proximity
Academy setting, competition and training
Antagonistic attraction
Class divide / outsider heroine
Underestimated, skilled mercenary heroine
Secret mission, infiltration and rebellion
Protective and possessive love interests
Content warnings
Graphic Violence and Injury
Child Trafficking and Forced Fighting — Recollections
Sex Trafficking — Depicted in a Film
Parental Death and Grief
Classism, Poverty and Systemic Oppression
Bullying, Sabotage and Humiliation
Misogyny and Sexual Shaming
Medical Coercion and Invasive Testing
Chronic Illness and Healthcare Inequality
Healthcare and Education Used as Leverage
Unwanted Touch and Pheromone-Impaired Consent
Touch-Related Distress and Compulsive Washing
Drugging, Severe Pain and Altered Perception
I’d recommend Arrival in Red to readers who enjoy dragon-shifter academy romantasy, slow-burn why-choose Omegaverse and a resourceful heroine with a mission of her own. The class conflict and rebellion kept me just as invested as the five developing romances, where biological compatibility is only the beginning of earning trust. Expect darker themes, strong sexual tension rather than sex scenes, and a substantial cliffhanger. I’ll definitely be continuing the series.
Thank you to Eunice Amnell, Sentient Hen House and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A capable heroine, five complicated dragon Alphas and a society I wanted her to dismantle.
⭐ 4/5
🌶️ 2/5 — Strong sexual tension and explicit descriptions of arousal, but no sex scenes.
“You're a talented survivor, Sable Ashborn. And that's what makes you dangerous.”
Arrival in Red by Eunice Amnell is the first book in the First Dragon Shifter Academy series, combining why-choose Omegaverse romance with academy competition, class conflict and a secret rebellion. This story introduces us to a world where genetic compatibility has political consequences—and being matched with five powerful dragon Alphas is far from a guarantee of being welcomed and is primarily told through Sable’s first-person narration with additional viewpoints sprinkled in.
Sable Ashborn is an experienced mercenary from District 10, and I loved meeting her in the middle of a wyvern hunt. Before anyone could dismiss her background or Omega status, I had already seen what she could do. Her unexpected match brings her to the attention of a society that would much rather question her legitimacy than its own prejudices. For Sable, though, the upheaval also creates an opportunity to pursue a mission that could change life for her community.
Watching Sable hold her composure around people determined to humiliate her made me admire her, but seeing how deeply their treatment hurt made me care about her. She weighs the risks before reacting, and I loved the defiance running through her thoughts even when she refuses to let it show. Her loyalty to her family and community gives that determination an emotional weight that kept me invested well beyond the fighting.
Being able to survive a wyvern hunt cannot make up for years of unequal education, and I liked that Sable has real ground to cover academically. She needs help, makes mistakes and works for her progress, which made it satisfying to follow. Watching her use what she knows, seek guidance and find ways through the obstacles gave me much more reason to believe in her intelligence than having her immediately outperform everyone.
With Sable’s family’s future tied to a system that restricts education, healthcare and travel, I became just as invested in the rebellion as the romance. The district hierarchy reaches into everyday life, making her reasons for wanting change painfully understandable. Cian and her grandmother bring warmth to the story, and I appreciated spending time with the friends and allies who knew her before the match. Those relationships made me care about what she was leaving behind as well as what she hoped to achieve.
Weaving genetic matching and advanced technology into a world of dragon shifters and wyverns gives the fated-mate premise an interesting political edge. A match attracts institutional scrutiny as well as romantic interest, and I enjoyed how much that complicates Sable’s situation. I had to concentrate on some of the early explanations, particularly while getting used to the terminology. Once the academy’s rules began shaping her day-to-day choices, the world became easier to follow.
As for the five men: they had work to do to win me over, (some of them still do). The biological attraction is immediate, but I needed respect and meaningful support before becoming invested in the relationships. I appreciated that Sable recognises the difference too. Her physical responses do not erase her anger, reservations or independent goals, and the story acknowledges how frightening that loss of control can feel.
The connections become more engaging through practical help, quieter interactions and growing vulnerability. The men have distinct personalities and different ways of relating to her, which matters in a why-choose romance. Zael became my favourite, followed by Maddox and James. Eli and Noah still interest me, although I need more from the next instalment to know how fully I will connect with them. I became more open to the group without feeling that every concern had been neatly resolved.
My 2/5 spice rating reflects strong sexual tension, charged contact and explicit descriptions of arousal, but there are no sex scenes. This is a slow burn with an emotional foundation still developing, and I want more conversation and repair in some of the relationships in the future installment.
The mix of study, combat, politics and romance kept me engaged, with satisfying moments of recognition providing welcome relief from the hostility. Some explanations and expressions of prejudice felt repetitive, and greater nuance among the antagonistic characters would have enriched the academy. I occasionally wanted more room for Sable’s emotions, too.
Even with those reservations, I finished proud of her progress and eager to continue. This is a strong first instalment, with substantial relationship and mission threads still open. The cliffhanger left me unsettled and wanting the next book immediately.
Tropes
Dragon shifters
Omegaverse
Fated mates / genetic compatibility
Why choose / reverse harem
Slow-burn romance
Forced proximity
Academy setting, competition and training
Antagonistic attraction
Class divide / outsider heroine
Underestimated, skilled mercenary heroine
Secret mission, infiltration and rebellion
Protective and possessive love interests
Content warnings
Graphic Violence and Injury
Child Trafficking and Forced Fighting — Recollections
Sex Trafficking — Depicted in a Film
Parental Death and Grief
Classism, Poverty and Systemic Oppression
Bullying, Sabotage and Humiliation
Misogyny and Sexual Shaming
Medical Coercion and Invasive Testing
Chronic Illness and Healthcare Inequality
Healthcare and Education Used as Leverage
Unwanted Touch and Pheromone-Impaired Consent
Touch-Related Distress and Compulsive Washing
Drugging, Severe Pain and Altered Perception
I’d recommend Arrival in Red to readers who enjoy dragon-shifter academy romantasy, slow-burn why-choose Omegaverse and a resourceful heroine with a mission of her own. The class conflict and rebellion kept me just as invested as the five developing romances, where biological compatibility is only the beginning of earning trust. Expect darker themes, strong sexual tension rather than sex scenes, and a substantial cliffhanger. I’ll definitely be continuing the series.
Thank you to Eunice Amnell, Sentient Hen House and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
thank you, netgalley and sentient hen house, for the arc exchange for an honest review.
who the heck is the lord?! I NEED TO KNOW NOW. give me the second book now, eunice, please.
we follow an upstart omega from district 10, sable, who ends up scoring a near-perfect mate match with five alphas from district 1. sable, having an ulterior motive, accepts the offer and joins the first dragon shifter academy to be the team’s potential central bond.
this is not the subgenre that i usually read. i selected it on the spur of the moment, and i’m so pleasantly surprised by how much i enjoyed it.
the book highlights a very stark contrast between classes, and sable struggles with it in the academy and with her supposed mates as well. the start of the book was a bit lacking to me — not the start per se, but the first 30% or so focused only on sable’s inner monologues, and the bullying, or rather hateful remarks, that sable endured went on until about the 40-50% mark. i do understand that all of this was included for character development, and it did develop, by the end of the book, almost everyone in the academy, including all the boys, respected her. i just wish there was more interaction between characters, any characters really, not just the main ones. it had too much of sable just thinking to herself and strategising inside her head instead of talking with anyone else, and that put me off a little bit, but other things made up for it, or else i would have rated it 3.75 instead.
sable was such a strong protagonist, with her unique mix of quiet confidence, feigned nonchalance, and resilience. i really enjoyed reading about her, and i’m very curious about the past that was hinted at during the course of the book. especially the ending, i sniffed the plot twist a mile away, but i was still shocked, and then there’s this whole mystery of who the lord is. i’m dying to know.
about the boys. i felt like eunice transitioned the distrust and prejudice they had towards sable and district 10 into respect, and into acknowledging that they were wrong about their facts on district 10, really well. also, the way she wrote them made sure the readers got to know them slowly, and because of this i slowly understood all their personalities. i did want to see more of their interactions, it took 60-70% of the book for them to really start interacting. it has a really nice slow burn imo, and i’m really looking forward to seeing how it progresses in the second book, as we have yet to see a kiss (no, i’m not counting that one). there were five alphas with her and she didn’t kiss anyone (except that one time)!! sable has crazy self-control, and she’s a badass. i support.
the whole premise of the book highlighted the journey of sable proving herself to everyone in the academy, and everyone accepting her and the mate match. it was a fun read. i was so confused about what to rate this, but i’m going with four stars because i enjoyed reading about sable putting people in their places. i love strong women showing that they are not to be underestimated.
who the heck is the lord?! I NEED TO KNOW NOW. give me the second book now, eunice, please.
we follow an upstart omega from district 10, sable, who ends up scoring a near-perfect mate match with five alphas from district 1. sable, having an ulterior motive, accepts the offer and joins the first dragon shifter academy to be the team’s potential central bond.
this is not the subgenre that i usually read. i selected it on the spur of the moment, and i’m so pleasantly surprised by how much i enjoyed it.
the book highlights a very stark contrast between classes, and sable struggles with it in the academy and with her supposed mates as well. the start of the book was a bit lacking to me — not the start per se, but the first 30% or so focused only on sable’s inner monologues, and the bullying, or rather hateful remarks, that sable endured went on until about the 40-50% mark. i do understand that all of this was included for character development, and it did develop, by the end of the book, almost everyone in the academy, including all the boys, respected her. i just wish there was more interaction between characters, any characters really, not just the main ones. it had too much of sable just thinking to herself and strategising inside her head instead of talking with anyone else, and that put me off a little bit, but other things made up for it, or else i would have rated it 3.75 instead.
sable was such a strong protagonist, with her unique mix of quiet confidence, feigned nonchalance, and resilience. i really enjoyed reading about her, and i’m very curious about the past that was hinted at during the course of the book. especially the ending, i sniffed the plot twist a mile away, but i was still shocked, and then there’s this whole mystery of who the lord is. i’m dying to know.
about the boys. i felt like eunice transitioned the distrust and prejudice they had towards sable and district 10 into respect, and into acknowledging that they were wrong about their facts on district 10, really well. also, the way she wrote them made sure the readers got to know them slowly, and because of this i slowly understood all their personalities. i did want to see more of their interactions, it took 60-70% of the book for them to really start interacting. it has a really nice slow burn imo, and i’m really looking forward to seeing how it progresses in the second book, as we have yet to see a kiss (no, i’m not counting that one). there were five alphas with her and she didn’t kiss anyone (except that one time)!! sable has crazy self-control, and she’s a badass. i support.
the whole premise of the book highlighted the journey of sable proving herself to everyone in the academy, and everyone accepting her and the mate match. it was a fun read. i was so confused about what to rate this, but i’m going with four stars because i enjoyed reading about sable putting people in their places. i love strong women showing that they are not to be underestimated.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I wanted to love this book SO much. And honestly? It had everything it needed to be amazing. Dragon shifters, a district-based society, an elite academy, five powerful alphas, and an FMC with a deadly past? Sign me up!
Unfortunately, I spent a lot of this book waiting for it to really take off.
My biggest issue was Sable. This girl is supposed to be a badass mercenary capable of killing wyverns that normally require multiple fighters to take down. Yet she just didn't have the personality I expected. I kept wanting her to show a little more fire, even if it was only in her own thoughts. We eventually see how skilled she is, but I never felt like her personality caught up with her abilities.
Now, the alphas? I actually liked them more than Sable! Maddox's possessiveness, Eli's playful personality, and Zael's whole "don't touch me" attitude made them interesting. Especially Zael! His complicated relationship with physical touch made me particularly interested in seeing how his relationship with Sable would develop.
But where was my romance?
Listen, I LOVE a slow burn. I'm not asking for everyone to be ripping clothes off by Chapter 10. But give me the tension! The stolen moments! The emotional connections! Something that makes me desperate for these characters to finally get together. There were some promising scenes, but they never quite developed into what I was hoping for.
I also desperately wanted more about the wyverns and Sable's past. There were little glimpses into her history that had me wanting to know so much more! I felt like some of the most intriguing parts of her character were barely explored. The same goes for the wyverns. I wanted more backstory, more explanations, and more worldbuilding surrounding them.
The storyline itself was genuinely interesting, and I loved the moments when Sable finally got to prove that being from a lower district didn't make her inferior. Those were the moments that really pulled me in.
The ending definitely has me curious about book two, and I do plan to continue the series.
Overall, this was a 3-star read for me. Not because the story was bad, but because I could see how incredible it COULD have been. I'm hoping the sequel gives us the character depth, worldbuilding, and romance I was craving.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Unfortunately, I spent a lot of this book waiting for it to really take off.
My biggest issue was Sable. This girl is supposed to be a badass mercenary capable of killing wyverns that normally require multiple fighters to take down. Yet she just didn't have the personality I expected. I kept wanting her to show a little more fire, even if it was only in her own thoughts. We eventually see how skilled she is, but I never felt like her personality caught up with her abilities.
Now, the alphas? I actually liked them more than Sable! Maddox's possessiveness, Eli's playful personality, and Zael's whole "don't touch me" attitude made them interesting. Especially Zael! His complicated relationship with physical touch made me particularly interested in seeing how his relationship with Sable would develop.
But where was my romance?
Listen, I LOVE a slow burn. I'm not asking for everyone to be ripping clothes off by Chapter 10. But give me the tension! The stolen moments! The emotional connections! Something that makes me desperate for these characters to finally get together. There were some promising scenes, but they never quite developed into what I was hoping for.
I also desperately wanted more about the wyverns and Sable's past. There were little glimpses into her history that had me wanting to know so much more! I felt like some of the most intriguing parts of her character were barely explored. The same goes for the wyverns. I wanted more backstory, more explanations, and more worldbuilding surrounding them.
The storyline itself was genuinely interesting, and I loved the moments when Sable finally got to prove that being from a lower district didn't make her inferior. Those were the moments that really pulled me in.
The ending definitely has me curious about book two, and I do plan to continue the series.
Overall, this was a 3-star read for me. Not because the story was bad, but because I could see how incredible it COULD have been. I'm hoping the sequel gives us the character depth, worldbuilding, and romance I was craving.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Advanced reader copy for NetGalley.
All thoughts and opinions are my own and are not swayed by it being a ARC.
Well I enjoyed that book more than I anticipated. It started of fast and even though the pace matched that, it didn’t feel rushed or out of place.
The story is focused around Sable. An omega from the slims of district 10, who after undergoing a mandatory genetic match test, is found to be the best match for the group of young alphas who are elites of district 1. Because of this she has to go train at an academy, one she’s been trying to get to for years, in order to prove herself worthy of the match. She cares about righting the wrongs that have befallen her district and saving her family, but along the way it becomes about so much more.
As far as the characters go, I really liked them all. Sable was strong willed and determined, ambitious and ruthless, Maddox was hot headed and arrogant, James was more understanding and helpful, Eli was the funny playboy, Noah the most accomplished at the academy and Zael who doesn’t like being touched and kept her at arms length. They all had something different that drew you to each of them and it was great to see their character development.
As far as the plot and the storyline of the book goes I also thought it was really fun and interesting. With the districts being separated by class it put me in the mind of Hungry Games, but with dragon shifters. I expected it to be just a carbon copy of others that have the same tropes and plot but found myself pleasantly surprised with its unique elements.
It wasn’t a spicy book like many other shifter why chooses, it had budding relationships, romance and friendship and because of this, you felt more attracted to each character.
All in all it was a solid start to a new series, my only grumble is that it’s not completed and I have to wait till next year to find out what happens next 🤣🙈
All thoughts and opinions are my own and are not swayed by it being a ARC.
Well I enjoyed that book more than I anticipated. It started of fast and even though the pace matched that, it didn’t feel rushed or out of place.
The story is focused around Sable. An omega from the slims of district 10, who after undergoing a mandatory genetic match test, is found to be the best match for the group of young alphas who are elites of district 1. Because of this she has to go train at an academy, one she’s been trying to get to for years, in order to prove herself worthy of the match. She cares about righting the wrongs that have befallen her district and saving her family, but along the way it becomes about so much more.
As far as the characters go, I really liked them all. Sable was strong willed and determined, ambitious and ruthless, Maddox was hot headed and arrogant, James was more understanding and helpful, Eli was the funny playboy, Noah the most accomplished at the academy and Zael who doesn’t like being touched and kept her at arms length. They all had something different that drew you to each of them and it was great to see their character development.
As far as the plot and the storyline of the book goes I also thought it was really fun and interesting. With the districts being separated by class it put me in the mind of Hungry Games, but with dragon shifters. I expected it to be just a carbon copy of others that have the same tropes and plot but found myself pleasantly surprised with its unique elements.
It wasn’t a spicy book like many other shifter why chooses, it had budding relationships, romance and friendship and because of this, you felt more attracted to each character.
All in all it was a solid start to a new series, my only grumble is that it’s not completed and I have to wait till next year to find out what happens next 🤣🙈
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Just in one word - wow!
Finished Arrival in Red in one day and my oh my, I couldn't stop reading! This story gets a solid 5 stars from me! While I had to adapt to everything the first few chapters, once I got invested in the main character, Sable, I couldn't stop reading.
The story itself is pretty straight forward, a girl from a slum-like part of the federation gets chosen to get a top-notch education, while having to prove herself. However, the way Eunice Amnell has written the story is intriguing. Sable is obviously strong and able, but also in a position of oppression. During everything that happens she listens to herself and her own convictions, which in the end transfer to the people around her. For an 18-year old she is really mature in her way of thinking and talking, perhaps a little too adult at times.
The way the guys around Sable change from a negative perspective to a more positive and invested one is very believable. All the characters have their own issues and strengths. While at the start this is magnified in a more Mean Girls type of vibe, it shifts to a knight in shining armor and damsel in distress situation. Even if Sable sometimes is a damsel in distress to the Montgomery unit, they make sure they respect her strengths.
All in all, for me it's part classic storyline, nice, recognisable and playing on a woman's strength and part animal shifter tension, which makes sure you want to continue in the story. I like the way Sable gets the time to grow and develop, while also melting the guys around her and making them more human. The big question now…… Eunice… when will Rise in Gold, book 2 to be released? I need it a.s.a.p.! That cliffhanger in Sable's development is just mean if we can't read the second book yet!
Finished Arrival in Red in one day and my oh my, I couldn't stop reading! This story gets a solid 5 stars from me! While I had to adapt to everything the first few chapters, once I got invested in the main character, Sable, I couldn't stop reading.
The story itself is pretty straight forward, a girl from a slum-like part of the federation gets chosen to get a top-notch education, while having to prove herself. However, the way Eunice Amnell has written the story is intriguing. Sable is obviously strong and able, but also in a position of oppression. During everything that happens she listens to herself and her own convictions, which in the end transfer to the people around her. For an 18-year old she is really mature in her way of thinking and talking, perhaps a little too adult at times.
The way the guys around Sable change from a negative perspective to a more positive and invested one is very believable. All the characters have their own issues and strengths. While at the start this is magnified in a more Mean Girls type of vibe, it shifts to a knight in shining armor and damsel in distress situation. Even if Sable sometimes is a damsel in distress to the Montgomery unit, they make sure they respect her strengths.
All in all, for me it's part classic storyline, nice, recognisable and playing on a woman's strength and part animal shifter tension, which makes sure you want to continue in the story. I like the way Sable gets the time to grow and develop, while also melting the guys around her and making them more human. The big question now…… Eunice… when will Rise in Gold, book 2 to be released? I need it a.s.a.p.! That cliffhanger in Sable's development is just mean if we can't read the second book yet!
Review of advance copy
I really wished the author made the FMC a bit older (mid 20s would have been fine; FMC is 18 while the MMCs are 20/21). One reason is how trained Sable supposedly is. This and how easily she kept falling under their scent. A highly trained fighter/spy should have been able to deal with this when she was around multiple alphas. Their mate bond just somehow made her be a simpering omega with no control like she wasn’t someone who is a mercenary. Why have everything depend on a teenager for being a secret society? What’s up with always describing the men too? Almost every scene when Sable sees the men, there’s always a description on how the men look (hair, eyes, scent, clothes) in the first chapters before they start forming the bond/hanging out together. Readers don’t need this repetition when we know they are mates and are attracted to each other. There wasn’t really relationship buildup between the men besides one or rarely two scenes between Sable and each men then it’s mentioned they are falling in love. It was mentioned multiple times Sable rarely studied with the MMCs and tried to be by herself so how did their relationship grow? Will we get to meet the parents (besides the Montgomerys)? Why is everyone in District 1 acting so immature, even the professors/admin just because Sable is from District 10? Will we get series from Sable’s friends? I still like the storyline but there can be a few work done on the characters (more chapters from their viewpoints to show how each feels/gets along with Sable) and their relationship (dialogue scenes instead of just statements like they studied/tutored together or helped correct Sable’s aim).
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a 6 star literary masterpiece. Perfect from beginning to end.
If you were to combine the hunger games with zodiac academy and her feral beasts and sprinkle in a little bit of extra trials and military training you would get this incredible first book. It is simply impossible to put down. You have a true enemies to lovers scenario here.
The guys are horrible to her for a long while. The different districts, the way the classes are separated, the lower numbered districts having more education, training and money, while as you go up in numbers the citizens have less and less. You have one badass as all hell FMC that has a spine of steel, so much secret combat and wyvern battle training, who is crazy smart and one of the most resilient characters in a book in a while.
I am absolutely obsessed with the male main characters and with Sable. I am absolutely SAT for Zael. Zael is BAE. He is EVERYTHING. The guy who is crazy touch adverse and hates all physical contact except when it’s with her?? Dead. Absolutely deceased. If I did not have a husband, he, James or Noah would be husband goals. Don’t get me wrong, I do love all the guys but there is something about the patience and gentleness that Noah and James have when they teach and tutor her one on one. The five guys will have you swooning.
That cliffhanger though?? What do you mean I need to wait until 2027?! Immediately to jail. That was criminal.
♾️⭐️
1🌶️
Thank you to NetGalley and to the author for this advanced reader copy of the book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
If you were to combine the hunger games with zodiac academy and her feral beasts and sprinkle in a little bit of extra trials and military training you would get this incredible first book. It is simply impossible to put down. You have a true enemies to lovers scenario here.
The guys are horrible to her for a long while. The different districts, the way the classes are separated, the lower numbered districts having more education, training and money, while as you go up in numbers the citizens have less and less. You have one badass as all hell FMC that has a spine of steel, so much secret combat and wyvern battle training, who is crazy smart and one of the most resilient characters in a book in a while.
I am absolutely obsessed with the male main characters and with Sable. I am absolutely SAT for Zael. Zael is BAE. He is EVERYTHING. The guy who is crazy touch adverse and hates all physical contact except when it’s with her?? Dead. Absolutely deceased. If I did not have a husband, he, James or Noah would be husband goals. Don’t get me wrong, I do love all the guys but there is something about the patience and gentleness that Noah and James have when they teach and tutor her one on one. The five guys will have you swooning.
That cliffhanger though?? What do you mean I need to wait until 2027?! Immediately to jail. That was criminal.
♾️⭐️
1🌶️
Thank you to NetGalley and to the author for this advanced reader copy of the book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
September 29, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley, Eunice Amnell, and Sentient Hen House for the digital ARC.
Definitely an interesting read! I had never read a mates/reverse harem type story before, but it kept my attention all the way through. It had some Hunger Games vibes and similar to Fourth Wing, but definitely a unique story all on its own. The pacing was perfect, moving along at a continuously fast pace and never stalling once. I'm completely invested in this story and can't wait until the next one!
The main character, Sable, is from a poor district that the government purposefully keeps that way. She finds out that she is over a 95% genetic mate match for not one, but FIVE dragon shifters...The elite Montgomery squad, the most well-known and publicized up-and-coming defense team. Parts of the government want her to be their central omega, the one to balance all of them out, and some don't believe a girl from District 10 deserves that honor. Secretly, she is an undercover agent for her district, trying to destroy the magical shield that supposedly protects the districts from attacks but it is also draining the life out her district and people. Set mostly in the First Dragon Academy, the elite school that trains the top elite citizens, she must survive a system that is set on destroying her, potential mates that all want to claim her, and stay true to her ultimate goal...the freedom of her people.
Definitely an interesting read! I had never read a mates/reverse harem type story before, but it kept my attention all the way through. It had some Hunger Games vibes and similar to Fourth Wing, but definitely a unique story all on its own. The pacing was perfect, moving along at a continuously fast pace and never stalling once. I'm completely invested in this story and can't wait until the next one!
The main character, Sable, is from a poor district that the government purposefully keeps that way. She finds out that she is over a 95% genetic mate match for not one, but FIVE dragon shifters...The elite Montgomery squad, the most well-known and publicized up-and-coming defense team. Parts of the government want her to be their central omega, the one to balance all of them out, and some don't believe a girl from District 10 deserves that honor. Secretly, she is an undercover agent for her district, trying to destroy the magical shield that supposedly protects the districts from attacks but it is also draining the life out her district and people. Set mostly in the First Dragon Academy, the elite school that trains the top elite citizens, she must survive a system that is set on destroying her, potential mates that all want to claim her, and stay true to her ultimate goal...the freedom of her people.
Read
October 7, 2026Vampire academy and hunger game vibes with dragons shifters? Immediately yes!🤭
Off the bat, we are dropped off in a scene between a human girl is fighting a wyvern and I was immediately intrigued by the fighting. The world is split up into different districts and similar to the hunger games, the lower districts are poorer and the higher ones are more privileged. We follow Sable who is from the low district 10 and is matched in the data base to be a 97% match to a powerful and elite dragon shifter unit, the Montgomery unit. She has to prove she is strong and skilled enough to join their unit by attending the Dragon Academy. This is where I'm getting a lot of Vampire Academy vibes and I was truly enjoying it!
Around the 50% mark, the plot started to slow for me. Although the character profiles of the Montgomery unit were unique, Maddox, Zael, Noah, James and Eli, I feel like their characters were very one dimensional. The romance progressed too quickly for my taste and the end was a bit abrupt and anticlimactic.
Overall, if you are looking for quick easy read that has Vampire academy vibes with dragon shifters, this is it!
Vibes✨
Omegaverse
Academia
Dragon shifters
Forced proximity
Banter
Enemies-to-lovers
Spice🌶️/5
Thank you NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this Arc!
Off the bat, we are dropped off in a scene between a human girl is fighting a wyvern and I was immediately intrigued by the fighting. The world is split up into different districts and similar to the hunger games, the lower districts are poorer and the higher ones are more privileged. We follow Sable who is from the low district 10 and is matched in the data base to be a 97% match to a powerful and elite dragon shifter unit, the Montgomery unit. She has to prove she is strong and skilled enough to join their unit by attending the Dragon Academy. This is where I'm getting a lot of Vampire Academy vibes and I was truly enjoying it!
Around the 50% mark, the plot started to slow for me. Although the character profiles of the Montgomery unit were unique, Maddox, Zael, Noah, James and Eli, I feel like their characters were very one dimensional. The romance progressed too quickly for my taste and the end was a bit abrupt and anticlimactic.
Overall, if you are looking for quick easy read that has Vampire academy vibes with dragon shifters, this is it!
Vibes✨
Omegaverse
Academia
Dragon shifters
Forced proximity
Banter
Enemies-to-lovers
Spice🌶️/5
Thank you NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this Arc!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC Review
Title: Arrival in Red: An Omegaverse Reverse Harem Romantasy (First Dragon Shifter Academy Book 1)
Author: Eunice Amnell
Rating: [4 / 5]
ARC disclosure: I received an advance reader copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and the Author for the opportunity.
First impression :It took me a while to adjust to the story. It was a little slow at the beginning but by the time the FMC got into the Academia everything unfolded great.
Brief synopsis : A slum-born Omega is brought to the elite First Dragon Academy as the central bond of an all-dragon battle unit. Surrounded by five Alphas, she finds that fate has made them her mates, and that bond could shake the whole Federation.
What worked:The FMC by far. Sable is strong, determinated and by for one the most hardworking characters i have ever read.
Final thoughts: This was a great start for the saga. I love the individual interaction from Sable with each one of the boys. And to see how each relationship grow between chapters was simply fantastic.
Cant wait for next book because the end left me insane.
Title: Arrival in Red: An Omegaverse Reverse Harem Romantasy (First Dragon Shifter Academy Book 1)
Author: Eunice Amnell
Rating: [4 / 5]
ARC disclosure: I received an advance reader copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and the Author for the opportunity.
First impression :It took me a while to adjust to the story. It was a little slow at the beginning but by the time the FMC got into the Academia everything unfolded great.
Brief synopsis : A slum-born Omega is brought to the elite First Dragon Academy as the central bond of an all-dragon battle unit. Surrounded by five Alphas, she finds that fate has made them her mates, and that bond could shake the whole Federation.
What worked:The FMC by far. Sable is strong, determinated and by for one the most hardworking characters i have ever read.
Final thoughts: This was a great start for the saga. I love the individual interaction from Sable with each one of the boys. And to see how each relationship grow between chapters was simply fantastic.
Cant wait for next book because the end left me insane.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you Eunice Amnell and Victory Editing NetGalley co-op.
This book is an incoming classic in the Why Choose and ABO Omegaverse genre. We experience the trials of a war academy primarily through the eyes of our FMC Sable, who is a battle-hardened omega with secrets and a noble cause. What is the noble cause? Rescuing her people from the oppression of her society which has been split into 10 districts. Districts 1-9 take advantage of the vulnerability of her home, leaving them open to death by wyvern and starvation. We are introduced to some excellent war game action and we see our FMC competing and earning respect.
This is a well paced, slow burn romance with zero spice, perfect for the yearners out there. If you like the Broken Bonds series by J Bree or are an OG Hunger Games reader this book could be for you. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I was wanting just a little bit more action and character development. This is not a bad thing for a reader to want! I am 100% invested and I will follow the author for updates on further books
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book starts off with a band and ends with a cliffhanger! It really gripped my interest and had me keep reaching for more. Sable’s story is intriguing and her strength of character is amazing. The book has districts and Sable comes from the lowest one as the highest genetic mate match for the most ready battle unit in an academy.
Sable and the men, over the course of the book, start to like each other. This part feels a little underdeveloped in the writing, but is still good. The men help Sable with her studies and programs in the academy because they realize they want to keep her as their central bond. However, you never see the ending coming. It definitely is a cliffhanger.
If you like a Fourth Wing-Shifter-Hunger Games kind of vibe, this is a good book for your TBR!
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read the book in advance. All reviews are my personal thoughts and given voluntarily.
Sable and the men, over the course of the book, start to like each other. This part feels a little underdeveloped in the writing, but is still good. The men help Sable with her studies and programs in the academy because they realize they want to keep her as their central bond. However, you never see the ending coming. It definitely is a cliffhanger.
If you like a Fourth Wing-Shifter-Hunger Games kind of vibe, this is a good book for your TBR!
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read the book in advance. All reviews are my personal thoughts and given voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Sable Ashborn grew up in the slums of District 10, and when the genetic match program paired her with all five dragon Alphas of the Montgomery unit, I was hooked by how she turned that public humiliation into her ticket inside the Academy, all while hiding her mission to destroy the Seal. Her determination to save her brother and prove a slum born Omega isn’t inferior gave every scene real stakes. I loved the five Alphas, each so distinct: Maddox’s possessive temper, Eli’s playful charm, James’s quiet perceptiveness, and Zael’s touch averse distance, which made me desperate to see how he’d thaw. The class divide gave it a Hunger Games edge with dragon shifters, and the slow build with romance and friendship rather than instant heat worked for me. Sable’s personality didn’t always match her fighting skill, and the relationships needed more on page moments, but the ending left me desperate for book two.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
October 10, 2026
ARC Copy received from NetGalley.
Dragons, reverse harem, and omegaverse?? Yes please!! Book 2, I need you to get here NOW! This is the most entertaining and engaging RH I’ve read in a while.
Arrival in Red is based on a hunger-games like caste system, with our main character Sable being from the lowest district. When she gets forced into District 1’s best Academy, she decides to make the most of it, and hatches a plan of her own.
This book was a delight. Our FMC is smart, resourceful, and calculating in the best way. Our MMCs are standoffish at first, but come around pretty quickly and apologize very well imo.
The tension can be cut with a knife. This is definitely a slow burn, and personally I was hoping it would be a bit spicier. Oh well, more to look forward to from the rest of the series!
Is this book going to win a Pulitzer? No. But darn if it’s not a GREAT time.
1 🌶️
Dragons, reverse harem, and omegaverse?? Yes please!! Book 2, I need you to get here NOW! This is the most entertaining and engaging RH I’ve read in a while.
Arrival in Red is based on a hunger-games like caste system, with our main character Sable being from the lowest district. When she gets forced into District 1’s best Academy, she decides to make the most of it, and hatches a plan of her own.
This book was a delight. Our FMC is smart, resourceful, and calculating in the best way. Our MMCs are standoffish at first, but come around pretty quickly and apologize very well imo.
The tension can be cut with a knife. This is definitely a slow burn, and personally I was hoping it would be a bit spicier. Oh well, more to look forward to from the rest of the series!
Is this book going to win a Pulitzer? No. But darn if it’s not a GREAT time.
1 🌶️
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September 30, 2026Why you should pick up this book: badass omega, swoony alphas, and zero toxic nonsense.
After a 97% mate match, our mercenary omega heads off to the academy with two goals: make sure her brother gets the health care he needs and complete a secret mission. She's strong, sharp, and actually has common sense, which is a joy to read.
I loved the alphas. There's no insta-love. They stand up for her, they actively help her (hello, tutoring sessions 😉), and when they screw up, they apologize and take accountability.
Sometimes it's just nice to have male leads who don't spend the entire book bullying the female lead.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Highly recommend for fans of academy romance, strong heroines, and alphas who communicate.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved everything about this, except for that brutal cliffhanger ending. Arrival in Red features a paranormal military academy setting, a slow-burn why choose romance, compelling love interests, political maneuvering within a world divided into districts, and one seriously badass female lead.
The balance between academy life, combat, and relationships was spot-on for me. I'm expecting rebellion plotline gets bigger part as the serie continues. Because this book was addictive, entertaining, and emotionally stirring—and has me desperately awaiting the next installment—it earns a 5-star rating.
Thanks to the publisher, Sentient Hen House, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance review copy!
The balance between academy life, combat, and relationships was spot-on for me. I'm expecting rebellion plotline gets bigger part as the serie continues. Because this book was addictive, entertaining, and emotionally stirring—and has me desperately awaiting the next installment—it earns a 5-star rating.
Thanks to the publisher, Sentient Hen House, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance review copy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received this book as an arc with NetGalley, and let me say. WHAT IN THE WORLD. GIVE ME MORE!! I am not normally an omegaverse reader but this book was superbly done! I really enjoyed the FMC, Sable, and her loyalty to her family, and her home. I loved the political landscape, and the fact that the MMC were a nice match for her each in their own way. I normally do not like bully romances, but there wasn’t really an aspect of true bullying by the MMCs. And the cliffhanger made me wish I could just instant jump in to book two! I can’t wait for this world to hopefully open up and to learn more in the next book!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Omg this book! This is another absolute banger!!
When I forest started it I was unsure, I couldn’t see where it was going and I almost gave up. Man am I glad I didn’t!!
It’s is now on my list of top reads for the year!
It’s a reverse harem shifter book, the spice is not the main focus of the story though!
It’s very character driven. The FMC Sabel is an amazing badass woman who finds her self in some pretty challenging circumstances, but keeps her head held high and her fight non the less
The FMCs are all original and lovable in totally different ways
This is another arc that I can not recommend enough
When I forest started it I was unsure, I couldn’t see where it was going and I almost gave up. Man am I glad I didn’t!!
It’s is now on my list of top reads for the year!
It’s a reverse harem shifter book, the spice is not the main focus of the story though!
It’s very character driven. The FMC Sabel is an amazing badass woman who finds her self in some pretty challenging circumstances, but keeps her head held high and her fight non the less
The FMCs are all original and lovable in totally different ways
This is another arc that I can not recommend enough
Review of advance copy
Really enjoyed this book, it has a gripping storyline and an amazing female lead who is physically and mentally strong proving to many elites that she is way more than an Omega from the poor district. Dispite recieving a less than warm welcome from the Montgomery unit that she was matched with it doesn't take long before they are all in awe of Sable and see that she is not what they expected. Im giving it 4.5 stars. Slow burn with a strong Omega who has a hidden agenda. Looking forward to the next book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sable is a fated mate for the most powerful. All she wants is her family safe and medical care for her sick brother. At the academy she is challenged and best of all their are dragons. I read this fantasy academy book so fast it blew me away. It's like Fourth Wing and I was beyond excited that it is the first book.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Was a bit confused with the story to start, as it throws you right in to it. But was easy to grasp once the explanations and backstory started.
Ended up loving all the characters, and enjoyed that its a bit more fast paced.
Was able to pick up on some of the twists, but not all of them, which is great! Love a book that can still surprise me.
Can't wait for book 2 after that little cliffhanger!
Was a bit confused with the story to start, as it throws you right in to it. But was easy to grasp once the explanations and backstory started.
Ended up loving all the characters, and enjoyed that its a bit more fast paced.
Was able to pick up on some of the twists, but not all of them, which is great! Love a book that can still surprise me.
Can't wait for book 2 after that little cliffhanger!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a new author for me.
I was pleasantly surprised. The story is full of twists and turns. Also some parts are very relatable. I found it impossible to put down.
I really hope we don't have to wait too long for the next book as this one ends in a cliffhanger.
I was pleasantly surprised. The story is full of twists and turns. Also some parts are very relatable. I found it impossible to put down.
I really hope we don't have to wait too long for the next book as this one ends in a cliffhanger.
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