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Paladero #1
The Riders of Thunder Realm
The Knights of Thunder Realm is the first in an epic fantasy series about hope, betrayal, and trying to make a better life for yourself when you’ve come from nothing. It’s also about dinosaurs, which is awesome.
Welcome to Thunder Realm, where cowboy-knights known as paladeros herd dinosaurs during peacetime, and take up arms during war. Joss, a young orphan, has always wanted to be a paladero – but first he must prove himself by going on The Way, a treacherous journey through the kingdom to retrieve a rare Questing Egg.
With his trusty raptor Azof by his side, Joss will face off against witches, bloodthirsty monsters and even his own brethren to learn what it truly means to be a paladero – all while uncovering a dark conspiracy at the heart of the kingdom.
Welcome to Thunder Realm, where cowboy-knights known as paladeros herd dinosaurs during peacetime, and take up arms during war. Joss, a young orphan, has always wanted to be a paladero – but first he must prove himself by going on The Way, a treacherous journey through the kingdom to retrieve a rare Questing Egg.
With his trusty raptor Azof by his side, Joss will face off against witches, bloodthirsty monsters and even his own brethren to learn what it truly means to be a paladero – all while uncovering a dark conspiracy at the heart of the kingdom.
320 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2016
7 people are currently reading
222 people want to read
About the author
Steven Lochran
9 books21 followersSteven Lochran spent his childhood writing stories and now he does it for a living. He graduated from Queensland University of Technology with a Bachelor's degree in Creative Writing, and has worked as a film critic, projectionist and DJ. He's spent the last decade in the publishing industry surrounded by books, as well as writing the VANGUARD PRIME and PALADERO series. He lives in Melbourne with his wife and two spoilt cats.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 8, 2017
Bloody Hell. Now that is how a cover should look. Am I right or what? Paladero, The Riders of the Thunder Realm was a brilliant book. Any fan of Deltora Quest will love this. It was fresh, exciting, fun, had a dash of magic and freaking dinosaurs!! and there was never a dull moment!!! I fell in love with this book from page one guys, like oh my god. And Steven Lochran, buddy... I NEED THE NEXT BOOK BRO!!!!
July 4, 2016
Now that's how a cover should look! Fantastic!
Thunder Realm in the Kingdom of AI is a world where dinosaurs are herded like cattle, and the 'cowboys' who herd them are trained like knights. In their lengthy training to become a revered Paladero, they may face deadly foes like witches, ghosts, tyrannosaurus' and murderers and thieves like the infamous Grim Rider.
Joss wants to be a Paladero more than anything despite the danger and the chance comes sooner than he would ever dream possible. He is suddenly faced with three others who have the same dream. But they are all very different and all very mistrusting of each other. Will they ever pull together to achieve their quest's goal?
This story has it all. Dinosaurs and prehistoric animals, futuristic technology and gadgets, mythical creatures and an age-old quest to complete. There is action aplenty, a transgender character and a seriously endangered species issue to compare to real life. The first in a new series, this is going to be hugely popular!
Thunder Realm in the Kingdom of AI is a world where dinosaurs are herded like cattle, and the 'cowboys' who herd them are trained like knights. In their lengthy training to become a revered Paladero, they may face deadly foes like witches, ghosts, tyrannosaurus' and murderers and thieves like the infamous Grim Rider.
Joss wants to be a Paladero more than anything despite the danger and the chance comes sooner than he would ever dream possible. He is suddenly faced with three others who have the same dream. But they are all very different and all very mistrusting of each other. Will they ever pull together to achieve their quest's goal?
This story has it all. Dinosaurs and prehistoric animals, futuristic technology and gadgets, mythical creatures and an age-old quest to complete. There is action aplenty, a transgender character and a seriously endangered species issue to compare to real life. The first in a new series, this is going to be hugely popular!
May 8, 2016
I would have loved this as a child... who am I kidding? I loved it now!
Cowboy-ish knights with dinosaurs instead of horses/livestock, in a steampunk Western type world! Brilliant. Add in a touch of magic & a quest, and you have a fantastic fantasy novel appropriate for 9+, although there's no reason a teenager or adult wouldn't find this a fun & enjoyable read.
Cowboy-ish knights with dinosaurs instead of horses/livestock, in a steampunk Western type world! Brilliant. Add in a touch of magic & a quest, and you have a fantastic fantasy novel appropriate for 9+, although there's no reason a teenager or adult wouldn't find this a fun & enjoyable read.
September 7, 2017
Kurzbeschreibung
Der 15- Jährige Knappe Joss träumt davon eines Tages ein Paladero zu sein und mit seinem Raptor Azof ein Reiter des Donnerreiches zu sein.
Allerdings ist es noch lange nicht soweit und nur durch eine missliche Lage gerät er in eine Situation die alles verändern könnte. Denn er will seinem Kumpel Edgar helfen, da dessen Herrn leider nicht am Spießrutenlauf teilnehmen kann als Paladero, deshalb verkleidet sich Joss als eben derjenige und geht als Paladero an den Start. Das ausgerechnet er es ist,
der diesen Kampf für sich entscheiden kann ist nicht nur ein Glücksfall sondern deckt auch seine wahre Identität auf und somit beginnt auch sein langer Weg der Ausbildung, die vor ihm liegt.
Cover
Das Cover zeigt für mich sehr gut zum einen Joss und seinen Raptor Azof, wie auch seine Freunde die mitten durch gefährliches Gebiet unterwegs sind. Für mich passend auch mit dem Schein der sich hier spiegelt und gefällt mir sehr gut, da es Fragen aufwirft was die Freunde alles erwartet.
Im Übrigen erwartet den Leser im Inneren des Buches nicht nur eine absolut tolle karte die das Reich Ai aufzeigt und wo sich was befindet, so dass man den Freunden Problemlos folgen kann, sondern es erwarten den Leser auch noch Zeichnungen auf manchen Seiten die mir persönlich ganz gut gefallen und Situationsbedingt passen. 😍💖
Schreibstil
Der Autor Steven Lochran hat einen flüssigen und bildhaften Schreibstil der einen mitnimmt in die Welt von Ai und dessen Herrscher Greel. In dieser Welt sind die Paladeros sehr Hilfreich und es ist eine Ehre zu den Reitern des Donnerreiches zu gehören. Soweit so gut dachte ich und muss sagen, dass mich die Mischung aus Fantasy mit einer Mischung Jurassic Park sehr gut gefällt. Denn Hier erwarten unsere Helden nicht nur Haarsträubende gefährliche Abenteuer, sondern auch vergangene Geheimnisse die ans Licht kommen, wie auch Mut, Freundschaft und Hilfsbereitschaft. Denn nur gemeinsam kann man stark sein. Die Charaktere gefallen mir hier, sei es von dem eher zurückhaltenden Edgar, bis hin zu Joss der für seine Freunde da ist und auch den Mut hat zu helfen. Wie auch Sur Veritas, Joss Meister, die einsieht dass sie nicht immer über alle wachen kann was vor sich geht, oder auch den anderen.
Sehr gelungen und macht Lust gleich weiterzulesen. 💖
Meinung
Wenn das Schicksal Dich ruft...
Dann sind wir hier bei dem 15- Jährigen Josiah Sarif kurz auch Joss genannt, der zur Rundschild Ranch gehört und der Knappe ist von Sur Veritas, der er dient.
Die ist gerade bei dem Spießrutenlauf der alle zwei Jahre ausgetragen wird und wo es einen Tyrannosaurus zur Strecke zu bringen gilt. Denn nur dem Sieger winkt Ruhm, Ansehen und eine Prämie, sondern auch das Liedschwert.
Sur Veritas ist die Siegerin der letzten Male und auch Willens dieses Jahr den ersten Platz zu belegen. Allerdings hat sie da nicht mit ihrem Knappen Joss gerechnet, denn der springt für Sur Wallace Wundamore ein, um dessen Knappen und Freund Edgar einen Gefallen zu machen, da Edgar sonst das Nachsehen hätte, wenn sein Herr keine Sponsoren mehr hätte, was eindeutig der Fall wäre, wenn die wüssten, das er voll wie eine Haubitze im Zelt vor sich hin schnarcht.
Gesagt getan, obwohl Edgar das nicht wirklich für einen guten Plan hält. Aber Joss ist schon auf dem Weg. Mit was Joss nicht gerechnet hat, ist das ausgerechnet er und sein treuer Gefährte ein Raptor namens Azof den Tyrannosaurus zur Strecke bringen.
Leider ist es so, dass der Sieger nicht unerkannt verschwinden kann und so fliegt Joss Identität auf, auch wenn der Regent ihn so, als absoluten Sieger darstellt und Joss gefeiert wird. Nur Joss weiß, das er sich seiner Mentorin Sur Veritas und seinem Ziehvater Lord Malkus stellen muss.
Denn seine Ausbildung als Paladero wo er schon immer werden wollte liegt jetzt vor ihm und mit ihm der Weg durch das Donnerreich das ihn erwartet und das hält nicht nur mächtige Hexen bereit.
Zum Glück ist Joss nicht allein und hat seine Freunde bei sich und gemeinsam wagen sie denn Schritt.
Gelungener Auftakt der mich begeistert hat und ich freu mich schon auf die Fortsetzung.
Ein Abenteuer wo man sich die Frage stellt, was passiert wohl als nächstes in dem Verlauf der Geschichte.
Fazit
Absolut empfehlenswert!!! 💖💖💖
Eine Reise ins Ungewisse des Donnereiches erwartet Dich.
Die Reihe
- PALADERO - Die Reiter des Donners (Die PALADERO-Reihe, Band 1)
5 von 5 Sternen
Der 15- Jährige Knappe Joss träumt davon eines Tages ein Paladero zu sein und mit seinem Raptor Azof ein Reiter des Donnerreiches zu sein.
Allerdings ist es noch lange nicht soweit und nur durch eine missliche Lage gerät er in eine Situation die alles verändern könnte. Denn er will seinem Kumpel Edgar helfen, da dessen Herrn leider nicht am Spießrutenlauf teilnehmen kann als Paladero, deshalb verkleidet sich Joss als eben derjenige und geht als Paladero an den Start. Das ausgerechnet er es ist,
der diesen Kampf für sich entscheiden kann ist nicht nur ein Glücksfall sondern deckt auch seine wahre Identität auf und somit beginnt auch sein langer Weg der Ausbildung, die vor ihm liegt.
Cover
Das Cover zeigt für mich sehr gut zum einen Joss und seinen Raptor Azof, wie auch seine Freunde die mitten durch gefährliches Gebiet unterwegs sind. Für mich passend auch mit dem Schein der sich hier spiegelt und gefällt mir sehr gut, da es Fragen aufwirft was die Freunde alles erwartet.
Im Übrigen erwartet den Leser im Inneren des Buches nicht nur eine absolut tolle karte die das Reich Ai aufzeigt und wo sich was befindet, so dass man den Freunden Problemlos folgen kann, sondern es erwarten den Leser auch noch Zeichnungen auf manchen Seiten die mir persönlich ganz gut gefallen und Situationsbedingt passen. 😍💖
Schreibstil
Der Autor Steven Lochran hat einen flüssigen und bildhaften Schreibstil der einen mitnimmt in die Welt von Ai und dessen Herrscher Greel. In dieser Welt sind die Paladeros sehr Hilfreich und es ist eine Ehre zu den Reitern des Donnerreiches zu gehören. Soweit so gut dachte ich und muss sagen, dass mich die Mischung aus Fantasy mit einer Mischung Jurassic Park sehr gut gefällt. Denn Hier erwarten unsere Helden nicht nur Haarsträubende gefährliche Abenteuer, sondern auch vergangene Geheimnisse die ans Licht kommen, wie auch Mut, Freundschaft und Hilfsbereitschaft. Denn nur gemeinsam kann man stark sein. Die Charaktere gefallen mir hier, sei es von dem eher zurückhaltenden Edgar, bis hin zu Joss der für seine Freunde da ist und auch den Mut hat zu helfen. Wie auch Sur Veritas, Joss Meister, die einsieht dass sie nicht immer über alle wachen kann was vor sich geht, oder auch den anderen.
Sehr gelungen und macht Lust gleich weiterzulesen. 💖
Meinung
Wenn das Schicksal Dich ruft...
Dann sind wir hier bei dem 15- Jährigen Josiah Sarif kurz auch Joss genannt, der zur Rundschild Ranch gehört und der Knappe ist von Sur Veritas, der er dient.
Die ist gerade bei dem Spießrutenlauf der alle zwei Jahre ausgetragen wird und wo es einen Tyrannosaurus zur Strecke zu bringen gilt. Denn nur dem Sieger winkt Ruhm, Ansehen und eine Prämie, sondern auch das Liedschwert.
Sur Veritas ist die Siegerin der letzten Male und auch Willens dieses Jahr den ersten Platz zu belegen. Allerdings hat sie da nicht mit ihrem Knappen Joss gerechnet, denn der springt für Sur Wallace Wundamore ein, um dessen Knappen und Freund Edgar einen Gefallen zu machen, da Edgar sonst das Nachsehen hätte, wenn sein Herr keine Sponsoren mehr hätte, was eindeutig der Fall wäre, wenn die wüssten, das er voll wie eine Haubitze im Zelt vor sich hin schnarcht.
Gesagt getan, obwohl Edgar das nicht wirklich für einen guten Plan hält. Aber Joss ist schon auf dem Weg. Mit was Joss nicht gerechnet hat, ist das ausgerechnet er und sein treuer Gefährte ein Raptor namens Azof den Tyrannosaurus zur Strecke bringen.
Leider ist es so, dass der Sieger nicht unerkannt verschwinden kann und so fliegt Joss Identität auf, auch wenn der Regent ihn so, als absoluten Sieger darstellt und Joss gefeiert wird. Nur Joss weiß, das er sich seiner Mentorin Sur Veritas und seinem Ziehvater Lord Malkus stellen muss.
Denn seine Ausbildung als Paladero wo er schon immer werden wollte liegt jetzt vor ihm und mit ihm der Weg durch das Donnerreich das ihn erwartet und das hält nicht nur mächtige Hexen bereit.
Zum Glück ist Joss nicht allein und hat seine Freunde bei sich und gemeinsam wagen sie denn Schritt.
Gelungener Auftakt der mich begeistert hat und ich freu mich schon auf die Fortsetzung.
Ein Abenteuer wo man sich die Frage stellt, was passiert wohl als nächstes in dem Verlauf der Geschichte.
Fazit
Absolut empfehlenswert!!! 💖💖💖
Eine Reise ins Ungewisse des Donnereiches erwartet Dich.
Die Reihe
- PALADERO - Die Reiter des Donners (Die PALADERO-Reihe, Band 1)
5 von 5 Sternen
February 23, 2017
An enlightening read filled with action, adventure and a wonderful array of characters. This book seamlessly brings together dinosaurs, knights, quests, magic and more in a delightful read.
Read
July 9, 2017Review to come.
July 4, 2016
Dinosaurs, an epic quest with four young companions, how can you go wrong? I want quite sure what to expect from this one but I loved it!
Review posted on Tea in the Treetops blog in July 2016:
A young hero, riding a dinosaur on an epic quest with three companions in a steampunk world? Yes, this story is as awesome as it sounds!
Joss, a prentice at Round Shield Ranch, accidentally finds himself part of the Paladero Tournament. His confidence manages to land him a place on the Way – a journey with four brethren to retrieve a Quetzalcoatlus egg. If successful, they will take their places as part of the order of Paladeros – the proud order of knights who guard the Thunder Realm.
The characterisation in this story is brilliant, with four teenagers at odds with one another, but forced to work together to complete their quest. Plus, the villains are nasty: just the way I like them.
The Riders of Thunder Realm not only deals with the issues of fitting in and the finding of inner strength that are in most coming-of-age adventures, but also sensitively deals with a transgender character and gently pushes gender equality and conservation messages.
The writing is excellent – even though there were some fairly major info-dumps early on, the rest of the story was character-driven and I was sad to reach the end. I would have devoured this book as a kid, much as I did as an adult!
The Riders of Thunder Realm is the first in a new series, and I can’t wait to see what the new Paladeros get up to next.
Read this book if you enjoy a cracking tale of adventure. It seems to be aimed at teen readers, but readers from any age group will enjoy it. Read it – you won’t regret it!
I received a copy of The Riders of Thunder Realm from Hardie Grant Egmont in exchange for an honest review.
Review posted on Tea in the Treetops blog in July 2016:
A young hero, riding a dinosaur on an epic quest with three companions in a steampunk world? Yes, this story is as awesome as it sounds!
Joss, a prentice at Round Shield Ranch, accidentally finds himself part of the Paladero Tournament. His confidence manages to land him a place on the Way – a journey with four brethren to retrieve a Quetzalcoatlus egg. If successful, they will take their places as part of the order of Paladeros – the proud order of knights who guard the Thunder Realm.
The characterisation in this story is brilliant, with four teenagers at odds with one another, but forced to work together to complete their quest. Plus, the villains are nasty: just the way I like them.
The Riders of Thunder Realm not only deals with the issues of fitting in and the finding of inner strength that are in most coming-of-age adventures, but also sensitively deals with a transgender character and gently pushes gender equality and conservation messages.
The writing is excellent – even though there were some fairly major info-dumps early on, the rest of the story was character-driven and I was sad to reach the end. I would have devoured this book as a kid, much as I did as an adult!
The Riders of Thunder Realm is the first in a new series, and I can’t wait to see what the new Paladeros get up to next.
Read this book if you enjoy a cracking tale of adventure. It seems to be aimed at teen readers, but readers from any age group will enjoy it. Read it – you won’t regret it!
I received a copy of The Riders of Thunder Realm from Hardie Grant Egmont in exchange for an honest review.
May 6, 2016
I was lucky enough to score an advanced reading copy of this book and I am so glad that I did!
Riders of the Thunder Realm is an excellent read for 10+ kids. It has action, adventure, death-defying moments and some pretty awesome characters too! It was like reading about Indiana Jones in a world where some Dinosaurs and People get along.
I love that we get to see Joss as he enters this world to help out a mate and what he makes of his chances. Lochran has created some extremely believable teenagers. Although set in this fantastic world of the Thunder Realm, they are all dealing with some very real and very modern day issues. I grew attached to all of these characters and I have to say that I was disappointed with one such character...I could see where it was going but I kept rooting for them to stay away from the 'dark side'. Alas, it had to be someone and it does fit truly with the story.
The descriptions of the sidekicks for each person are full and the illustrations help to get a complete grasp of the look of these creatures and the people who ride them. The relationships that the two form have you wishing for your own Azof or Pietro (I would love a Pietro)!
I look forward to continuing the journey with this Brethren of Paladero's and seeing where they go and how they develop. This is one of the best action/adventure stories I have read in long while and I think that it will have a broad appeal to both boys and girls, especially with a character called Hero! This is the sort of book that will be good for the non-readers who need something to sink their teeth in to.
Riders of the Thunder Realm is an excellent read for 10+ kids. It has action, adventure, death-defying moments and some pretty awesome characters too! It was like reading about Indiana Jones in a world where some Dinosaurs and People get along.
I love that we get to see Joss as he enters this world to help out a mate and what he makes of his chances. Lochran has created some extremely believable teenagers. Although set in this fantastic world of the Thunder Realm, they are all dealing with some very real and very modern day issues. I grew attached to all of these characters and I have to say that I was disappointed with one such character...I could see where it was going but I kept rooting for them to stay away from the 'dark side'. Alas, it had to be someone and it does fit truly with the story.
The descriptions of the sidekicks for each person are full and the illustrations help to get a complete grasp of the look of these creatures and the people who ride them. The relationships that the two form have you wishing for your own Azof or Pietro (I would love a Pietro)!
I look forward to continuing the journey with this Brethren of Paladero's and seeing where they go and how they develop. This is one of the best action/adventure stories I have read in long while and I think that it will have a broad appeal to both boys and girls, especially with a character called Hero! This is the sort of book that will be good for the non-readers who need something to sink their teeth in to.
December 12, 2016
Staff Pick August 2016:
Josiah Sarif (Joss for short) is a Paladero in training, a paladin-cowboy that guards the Thunder Realm and protects it’s people from outside threats. After becoming victorious in the Paladero Tournament, Joss lands a position on the Way, a rite of passage that tests the confidence and bravery of him and his fellow prentices. If successful in retrieving the sought after Quetzalcoatlus egg, they will join the order as a Paladero, the one common dream he and the others share. This places them in situations along the journey that put them at odds with one another. making them question each other’s identities and loyalties to the order and the protection of the realm.
Lochran has created a fun, coming-of-age quest adventure that places him alongside Australian children’s fantasy greats John Flanagan and Emily Rodda. Fans of Ranger’s Apprentice and Deltora Quest will find new characters to cheer for and a new exciting world to be absorbed in. It was the characters that truly won me over, particularly the strong and self-assured Hero, a trans character who belonged to this world as much as any other character, all outsiders (Joss included) trying to find their Way – there’s no tokenism here.
The first book of four, I can see this series getting the audience it deserves soon enough. Magic, dinosaurs, machines, quests. What more could a kid want? #loveozya
Josiah Sarif (Joss for short) is a Paladero in training, a paladin-cowboy that guards the Thunder Realm and protects it’s people from outside threats. After becoming victorious in the Paladero Tournament, Joss lands a position on the Way, a rite of passage that tests the confidence and bravery of him and his fellow prentices. If successful in retrieving the sought after Quetzalcoatlus egg, they will join the order as a Paladero, the one common dream he and the others share. This places them in situations along the journey that put them at odds with one another. making them question each other’s identities and loyalties to the order and the protection of the realm.
Lochran has created a fun, coming-of-age quest adventure that places him alongside Australian children’s fantasy greats John Flanagan and Emily Rodda. Fans of Ranger’s Apprentice and Deltora Quest will find new characters to cheer for and a new exciting world to be absorbed in. It was the characters that truly won me over, particularly the strong and self-assured Hero, a trans character who belonged to this world as much as any other character, all outsiders (Joss included) trying to find their Way – there’s no tokenism here.
The first book of four, I can see this series getting the audience it deserves soon enough. Magic, dinosaurs, machines, quests. What more could a kid want? #loveozya
May 15, 2016
I liked this book. I was asked to read and advanced copy for my wife's shop, as I commonly read adult fantasy and science fiction. This is a book for girls and boys from 10+. The story was a great mix of pre-technology and advanced sci fi gadgets. The characters were interesting and there was a gender identity issue that some parents might find a problem with. But it was introduced, handled and accepted without question like most children are taught to these days so I think only hard line parents might find issue with it. There was a definite sexual equality feel thought the book. The animal characters I thought could be given a bit more depth in the future books. The story introduced some very interesting "baddies" with more on the way.
Looking forward to more books in the same series. Would definitely recommend this to young readers and adults looking for a light read.
Looking forward to more books in the same series. Would definitely recommend this to young readers and adults looking for a light read.
January 28, 2017
I think this book is probably a four star for its target audience. It has sought after ingredients like; a trustworthy and likable hero, a quest that must be accomplished by a small group of disparate young people and lots of obstacles (including some very unpleasant badies) that need to be worked through. What makes this story stand out from others in the genre is the setting. The author has created an eclectic world where dinosaurs (and other prehistoric beasts) are kept as cattle and are ridden like horses in tournament competitions where riders compete with swords as well as high tech weapon. Jetbikes, stun rifles, golden sword wielding Paladeros, and the like, coexist with old world magic. Readers will want to read book two.
December 14, 2016
Can we just take a moment to admire this gorgeous cover. I saw it at the book store and was like, yes, I'm going to add you to my collection.
A fun quick read ( that yes took me 2 weeks to read ) that you didn't need to think too much about. I really enjoyed the plot line and the diverse cast of characters, my favourite being hero.
Can't wait to see where the next book takes us.
A fun quick read ( that yes took me 2 weeks to read ) that you didn't need to think too much about. I really enjoyed the plot line and the diverse cast of characters, my favourite being hero.
Can't wait to see where the next book takes us.
September 27, 2018
I loved this book! It was really fun to read and I loved the premise. Also the trans representation meant so much to me!!! Almost cried in my school’s library haha. So thanks to Steven Lochran for that, it was definitely noticed, and highly appreciated.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2025
I REALLY, REALLY wanted this to be a 4 or 5 star book. The ideas that they have in this story, the world it creates are AMAZING!! BUT the characters are so weak and the plot is so predictable. I hope that Steven Lochrans writing skills improve with time because there is so much potential here.
The Trans character was frustrating. They are meant to be 'Brethren' and trust each other but the Spriggan tells everyone Drake doesn't want to share a secret not even to save his life except for 1 comment from Zeke the other two Brethren never try to find it out or question whether they can trust Drake even tho they don't know the secret he is hiding. Things like this happen all thru the book.
Sur Verity never talks to him/prepares him or trains him for what he is going to go thru on the challenge and it's not clear if that's because she is angry or isn't allowed to and the character doesn't feel anything about it and he is supposed to be Sur Verity's Prentice and has been a good and faithful one as far as we can see but she doesn't care about him enough to stop being angry with him and prepare him for what he will face but she's still supposed to be good?
Also we go from one minute there are only Dinosaur riders to Paladins riding what ever they want, like polar bears, sabre tooth tigers and mechs. why? and why does everyone in the group have something different? there is no explanation or reason for it? Don't get me wrong I love it, but why are they all suddenly riding different things, especially Hero, why does a girl from a pterosaur farm ride a giant Cat?!
The characters spend barely any time interacting. The main character has no friends and isn't liked but you don't know why? and every problem they encounter is solved just way too easily. oh no Giant mantises have split open Drakes guys. Don't worry there is a Spriggan to save them. Bad guys stole our stuff, that's ok they'll be at the nearest town and Hero can pick out a child thief who she has never met before and the child will know exactly where the sword and constellation key will be. Zeke's about to be trampled by centaurs. Joss tells him to go limp and whips him out of the way?? (how does that even work??) and Grandmaster Eno is mad with Joss for deceiving everyone and impersonating a Paladero but Regent Greel is there to say that it's ok. There is no complexity of emotions, very few sub plots or intrigues. I just wanted more humanity from the characters. There wasn't enough substance to them.
The Trans character was frustrating. They are meant to be 'Brethren' and trust each other but the Spriggan tells everyone Drake doesn't want to share a secret not even to save his life except for 1 comment from Zeke the other two Brethren never try to find it out or question whether they can trust Drake even tho they don't know the secret he is hiding. Things like this happen all thru the book.
Sur Verity never talks to him/prepares him or trains him for what he is going to go thru on the challenge and it's not clear if that's because she is angry or isn't allowed to and the character doesn't feel anything about it and he is supposed to be Sur Verity's Prentice and has been a good and faithful one as far as we can see but she doesn't care about him enough to stop being angry with him and prepare him for what he will face but she's still supposed to be good?
Also we go from one minute there are only Dinosaur riders to Paladins riding what ever they want, like polar bears, sabre tooth tigers and mechs. why? and why does everyone in the group have something different? there is no explanation or reason for it? Don't get me wrong I love it, but why are they all suddenly riding different things, especially Hero, why does a girl from a pterosaur farm ride a giant Cat?!
The characters spend barely any time interacting. The main character has no friends and isn't liked but you don't know why? and every problem they encounter is solved just way too easily. oh no Giant mantises have split open Drakes guys. Don't worry there is a Spriggan to save them. Bad guys stole our stuff, that's ok they'll be at the nearest town and Hero can pick out a child thief who she has never met before and the child will know exactly where the sword and constellation key will be. Zeke's about to be trampled by centaurs. Joss tells him to go limp and whips him out of the way?? (how does that even work??) and Grandmaster Eno is mad with Joss for deceiving everyone and impersonating a Paladero but Regent Greel is there to say that it's ok. There is no complexity of emotions, very few sub plots or intrigues. I just wanted more humanity from the characters. There wasn't enough substance to them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2017
Upper primary and teen fans of Flanagan's 'Ranger's Apprentice' and 'The Outsiders' series, will enjoy the 'Paladero' series. It is set as a fantasy adventure in Thunder Realm, part of the Kingdom of Ai, where cowboy-knights called Paladeros have apprentices, tournaments and quests along the diabolical Way. Their steeds are mighty beasts: dinosaurs, polar bears and even high-tech rocket cycles.
Young apprentice Joss - Josiah Sarif - is the lone survivor from the destroyed city of Daheed. As a lowly apprentice with his raptor steed Azof (barely beyond a hatchling himself), Joss has to grasp dangerous opportunities, use every ounce of his strength, logic and know-how, and navigate personal and actual minefields as he finds himself part of the Bladebound Brethren.
He is surrounded by:
Sur Verity - his severely tough female knight and long-standing holder of the Champion's Blade
His Bladebound brethren:
Zeke Zadkille of the super wealthy, high-tech Zadkille Station
Hero (Henrietta Ravenhelm) of Blade's Edge Acres
(Ganymede) Drake of Starlight Fields in the Northern Tundra
and his mysterious but fearful benefactor, Lord Malkus.
Other series which might compliment Paladero, could be: Skulduggery Pleasant (Landy); Dragonlinks (Collins); Star Wars; Jurassic Park (Crichton); The Mortal Instruments (Clare).
Nice author interview here: https://stevenlochran.com/2016/02/29/...
Young apprentice Joss - Josiah Sarif - is the lone survivor from the destroyed city of Daheed. As a lowly apprentice with his raptor steed Azof (barely beyond a hatchling himself), Joss has to grasp dangerous opportunities, use every ounce of his strength, logic and know-how, and navigate personal and actual minefields as he finds himself part of the Bladebound Brethren.
He is surrounded by:
Sur Verity - his severely tough female knight and long-standing holder of the Champion's Blade
His Bladebound brethren:
Zeke Zadkille of the super wealthy, high-tech Zadkille Station
Hero (Henrietta Ravenhelm) of Blade's Edge Acres
(Ganymede) Drake of Starlight Fields in the Northern Tundra
and his mysterious but fearful benefactor, Lord Malkus.
Other series which might compliment Paladero, could be: Skulduggery Pleasant (Landy); Dragonlinks (Collins); Star Wars; Jurassic Park (Crichton); The Mortal Instruments (Clare).
Nice author interview here: https://stevenlochran.com/2016/02/29/...
March 7, 2021
Joss dreams of becoming a paladero, riding his raptor and conquering evil doers threatening his home, Thunder Realm. Desperate to help his only friend, Joss finds himself disguised as a drunk knight. The notoriety that comes from this substitution brings unexpected opportunity and torment for Joss.
Joss gets his wish of an attempt at The Way. The only path to becoming a paladero. Four prentices are sent on the quest. All, however, have a secret they will go to extraordinary lengths to keep hidden. Who sets out to the sabotage the prentices? Is Joss successful?
I enjoyed the mix of fantasy and prehistoric animals. The mix of knights and shining armour, cowboys honour and dinosaurs is great fun.
Recommended for Tweens and YA 10+
Joss gets his wish of an attempt at The Way. The only path to becoming a paladero. Four prentices are sent on the quest. All, however, have a secret they will go to extraordinary lengths to keep hidden. Who sets out to the sabotage the prentices? Is Joss successful?
I enjoyed the mix of fantasy and prehistoric animals. The mix of knights and shining armour, cowboys honour and dinosaurs is great fun.
Recommended for Tweens and YA 10+
November 24, 2017
omg what a fun book!!!! Likeable, multidimensional characters, bit of adventure, bit of bonding but no bloody romance, dinosaurs! Seriously, page turning fun. A good reminder that reading is supposed to be ... fun! And that cover! How can anyone not love that completely over the top ridiculously wonderful cover? Do yourselves a favour, put aside your sherry, fez, and literary angst and just read this!
June 11, 2021
An interesting world and premise yet the story felt very linear and predictable. The characters had all the potential to be vibrant and deep but each of them fell flat with only the basic personality traits explored. The book cover is absolutely stunning but the writing doesn't live up to the epicness. I bought the first three books before I started, so will continue the series and see if it gets better. If anything, they look great on my bookshelf!
January 23, 2018
Quest story with mixture of technology, dragons and other mythological creatures, mixture of goodies and baddies and those who are still finding their way; a transgender character, conservation and gender equality issues.
August 7, 2021
While the ride felt rushed, I really enjoyed my time with this book. And I absolutely adore the trans rep, as a member of the LGBT+ community myself. Highly recommended to fans of the Summoners series starring Fletcher and fans of the Ranger's Apprentice series.
January 31, 2019
Nice fantasy story for younger readers, but the quality is quite high. I am looking forward the other books also. Recommended.
January 9, 2020
Not bad for a 10-13 year old's book.
November 21, 2020
Coming of age story, adventuring in a strange and fantastical land. Good.
December 14, 2023
really good lots of plot twists amazing recommend to anyone
April 23, 2024
DNF features a transgender character totally inappropriate for children teenagers and young adults 1 Star
March 10, 2017
3.5 stars
What an incredibly fun book to read. I so wished I picked this book up sooner, but I'm so glad that I had.
I mean, come on! Old school Western cowboys with dinosaurs and space ships?!?!? Gah, I love the world already.
The story isn't too bad, can see what will happen a mile away, but the characters surprised me. Quite well thought-out and interesting to read.
Bring on book 2!!!
What an incredibly fun book to read. I so wished I picked this book up sooner, but I'm so glad that I had.
I mean, come on! Old school Western cowboys with dinosaurs and space ships?!?!? Gah, I love the world already.
The story isn't too bad, can see what will happen a mile away, but the characters surprised me. Quite well thought-out and interesting to read.
Bring on book 2!!!
December 13, 2016
2 1/2 stars. If I had read this book when I was 13 it would have been 4 stars I think.
I started off enjoying this book quite a bit. The poor writing and over use of cliches only made me wince every now and then:
"Though Grandmaster Eno's expression betrayed nothing of what he was feeling, he was clenching his jaw so tightly that the veins on his head stood out"
I am not quite sure how this is possible as I would have thought visibly clenching his jaw would have been counted as part of his expression.
However... the lazy writing just got worse as the story progressed, and the formula to which the story adhered was so obvious I was looking for the twist. Unfortunately that didn't happen .
All in all, the story was great for someone who had little enough experience not to find it predictable, but was very tedious for me.
I started off enjoying this book quite a bit. The poor writing and over use of cliches only made me wince every now and then:
"Though Grandmaster Eno's expression betrayed nothing of what he was feeling, he was clenching his jaw so tightly that the veins on his head stood out"
I am not quite sure how this is possible as I would have thought visibly clenching his jaw would have been counted as part of his expression.
However... the lazy writing just got worse as the story progressed, and the formula to which the story adhered was so obvious I was looking for the twist. Unfortunately that didn't happen .
All in all, the story was great for someone who had little enough experience not to find it predictable, but was very tedious for me.
Read
October 27, 2016Welcome to Thunder Realm, where cowboy-knights known as paladeros herd dinosaurs during peacetime, and take up arms during war.
Joss, a young orphan, has always wanted to be a paladero – but first he must prove himself by going on The Way, a treacherous journey through the kingdom to retrieve a rare Questing Egg.
With his trusty raptor Azof by his side, Joss will face off against witches, bloodthirsty monsters and even his own brethren to learn what it truly means to be a paladero – all while uncovering a dark conspiracy at the heart of the kingdom.
Joss, a young orphan, has always wanted to be a paladero – but first he must prove himself by going on The Way, a treacherous journey through the kingdom to retrieve a rare Questing Egg.
With his trusty raptor Azof by his side, Joss will face off against witches, bloodthirsty monsters and even his own brethren to learn what it truly means to be a paladero – all while uncovering a dark conspiracy at the heart of the kingdom.
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