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Return of the Darkening #2
Dragon Legends
Ever since scruffy Sebastian Smith and Lady Thea Flamma were paired as Dragon Riders, their lives have been forever changed. The unlikely duo forged an unbreakable bond, but now with dark stirrings in the south their bond will be put to the ultimate test.
Seb discovers Lord Vincent has returned and he wants to unleash an ancient evil that will destroy the lives of everyone in the kingdom – The Darkening. In order to defend the realm against unspeakable foes, Seb, Thea, and their shared dragon, Kalax, set out on an arduous journey to find the sacred Dragon Stones – before their dark power ends up in the wrong hands.
But to conquer an old enemy, Thea must find a way to overcome her own inner demons, and Seb has to muster the courage to become the brave leader his kingdom needs . . .
Seb discovers Lord Vincent has returned and he wants to unleash an ancient evil that will destroy the lives of everyone in the kingdom – The Darkening. In order to defend the realm against unspeakable foes, Seb, Thea, and their shared dragon, Kalax, set out on an arduous journey to find the sacred Dragon Stones – before their dark power ends up in the wrong hands.
But to conquer an old enemy, Thea must find a way to overcome her own inner demons, and Seb has to muster the courage to become the brave leader his kingdom needs . . .
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 3, 2016
551 people are currently reading
433 people want to read
About the author
Ava Richardson
149 books424 followersAva Richardson writes epic page-turning Young Adult Fantasy books. She creates lovable characters and drops them into intricate worlds that are barely contained within your eReader. Ava has written 21 YA dragon fantasy series, including her bestselling series Return of the Darkening and her recent series, Destia's Dragon Shifter War.
She grew up on a steady diet of fantasy and science fiction books handed down from her two big brothers – and despite being dog-eared and missing pages, she loved escaping into the magical worlds that those authors created. Her favorites were the ones about dragons; where they’d swoop, dive and soar through the skies of these enchanted lands.
She grew up on a steady diet of fantasy and science fiction books handed down from her two big brothers – and despite being dog-eared and missing pages, she loved escaping into the magical worlds that those authors created. Her favorites were the ones about dragons; where they’d swoop, dive and soar through the skies of these enchanted lands.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
August 26, 2017
Dragon Legends: Return of the Darkening, Volume 2
Written by: Ava Richardson
Narrated by: Tiffany Williams
This is another great book and continues the wonderful tale of these teen dragon riders. More battles, danger, suspense, and betrayal. Our heroes are getting more connected to their red dragon. Talking with their minds to the point they can sense what the dragon can sense. Someone has stolen the Memory Stone and using it to control people so the Darkness can come. Lots of battles, including dragon battles. Great mysteries, suspense, tension, and great interactions. Great fantasy!
The narration is so cool! Very good of getting the reader into the story! Makes the story more alive!
Written by: Ava Richardson
Narrated by: Tiffany Williams
This is another great book and continues the wonderful tale of these teen dragon riders. More battles, danger, suspense, and betrayal. Our heroes are getting more connected to their red dragon. Talking with their minds to the point they can sense what the dragon can sense. Someone has stolen the Memory Stone and using it to control people so the Darkness can come. Lots of battles, including dragon battles. Great mysteries, suspense, tension, and great interactions. Great fantasy!
The narration is so cool! Very good of getting the reader into the story! Makes the story more alive!
March 23, 2017
Dragon Legends is the enjoyable sequel to Dragon Trails which is fast paced and full of adventure. Like the first book I found it hard to tell how much time had passed. Also it was annoying how both Thea and Seb are both special and the chosen ones.
Seb s protective and very likeable but is also more cautious in this book; he is also helpful and generous. Thea I felt was all over the place in this book and had lots of mood swings, but she was always loyal even though she struggling with both sides of her life. However, I felt like they behaved younger and more innocent than they actually were.
I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading the concluding book Dragon Bonds. I would recommend Dragon Legends to fans of the first book Dragon Trails.
This and my other reviews can be found at Amethyst Bookwyrm
Seb s protective and very likeable but is also more cautious in this book; he is also helpful and generous. Thea I felt was all over the place in this book and had lots of mood swings, but she was always loyal even though she struggling with both sides of her life. However, I felt like they behaved younger and more innocent than they actually were.
I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading the concluding book Dragon Bonds. I would recommend Dragon Legends to fans of the first book Dragon Trails.
This and my other reviews can be found at Amethyst Bookwyrm
October 10, 2017
A very second book. Seb and his protector Lady Thea Flamma, ride the sky's to defend Torvald and the academy against the Darkening.
May 23, 2017
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I read this without having read book 1, and for the most part it made sense. It was easy to follow and a pretty good read. I think it kinda suffered the fate of all second books in trilogies - finishing up book 1's plot and setting up book 3's plot. For some parts I did struggle to differentiate between Seb and Thea's chapters, but that could have been improved by two separate narrators, rather than just one.
That being said, both characters were well developed and I enjoyed listening.
I read this without having read book 1, and for the most part it made sense. It was easy to follow and a pretty good read. I think it kinda suffered the fate of all second books in trilogies - finishing up book 1's plot and setting up book 3's plot. For some parts I did struggle to differentiate between Seb and Thea's chapters, but that could have been improved by two separate narrators, rather than just one.
That being said, both characters were well developed and I enjoyed listening.
June 21, 2016
I enjoyed the second book more than the first! I thought there was more development of the characters and more to define them as unique. I loved the back story development and I really got pulled into the drama. I think Thea is far less annoying now, although she still has her moments. It is also frustrating how inept others besides the protagonist seem to be, yet I believe most of the ramifications of this are appropriately grand, not just a watered down version with drama and real effects. I can't wait for the third book! Really. I have to wait three weeks and I'm dying a little bit inside.
November 12, 2017
Things got pretty exciting in volume 2, what with invasions, magic dragon "eggs", balls, and villains. The two protagonists are getting a little more grownup, although Thea can still be a little annoying.
Once again, this should be 4 1/2 stars - not quite a 5 but really better than a 4. I can see I will have to buy volume 3 of this series to find out what else is going to happen!
Reading again in prep for #3 which I finally received. This time I'm not enjoying it quite as much as I did the first time - it seems to be dragging a bit. All the indecision, and Thea's self-absorption are getting a little tiresome. However, it is still fairly exciting.
Once again, this should be 4 1/2 stars - not quite a 5 but really better than a 4. I can see I will have to buy volume 3 of this series to find out what else is going to happen!
Reading again in prep for #3 which I finally received. This time I'm not enjoying it quite as much as I did the first time - it seems to be dragging a bit. All the indecision, and Thea's self-absorption are getting a little tiresome. However, it is still fairly exciting.
May 18, 2016
This is a fun book to read. There are two main characters and the book switches between the two. The storyline is thought out and moves at a good pace. This is also a dragon lovers series. Plenty of dragons and battles for them. Thea and Seb are the two main characters and you are able to see them mature and get stronger through this book. I highly recommend this series. Great Reading Everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
July 16, 2016
As said a great in the story of dragon riders
This story is a very enjoyable sequel to the first building on this enjoyable tale . if you enjoyed reading Dragons of Perm by Ann McCaffrey you will like this tale, a great combination of dragon and magic which draws you into the story.
This story is a very enjoyable sequel to the first building on this enjoyable tale . if you enjoyed reading Dragons of Perm by Ann McCaffrey you will like this tale, a great combination of dragon and magic which draws you into the story.
April 17, 2016
Well here I go again waiting for book 3
This was a good book , the characters were really good and the storyline was great kept me interested the whole way through the book can't wait for book 3 so I begin again
This was a good book , the characters were really good and the storyline was great kept me interested the whole way through the book can't wait for book 3 so I begin again
May 23, 2016
Very Good Story & Characters
I really liked all 3 installments. I loved that the characters including the dragons have definite & distinct personalities.
I am looking forward to the next installment.
I really liked all 3 installments. I loved that the characters including the dragons have definite & distinct personalities.
I am looking forward to the next installment.
July 22, 2016
Great series
I love this series at first I wasn't sure but I think it's a great series. I'm about to start the third book which I believe is the conclusion of the series so I'm hoping for a continuation or another series.
I love this series at first I wasn't sure but I think it's a great series. I'm about to start the third book which I believe is the conclusion of the series so I'm hoping for a continuation or another series.
April 20, 2016
What an interesting read.
The switch between the female and male main characters is great. Cannot wait for the 3rd book. I am sure it will be awesome.
The switch between the female and male main characters is great. Cannot wait for the 3rd book. I am sure it will be awesome.
July 17, 2016
Enjoyable
It was a well written book with good plot. The ideas behind the book were unique and captivating. All in all well written
It was a well written book with good plot. The ideas behind the book were unique and captivating. All in all well written
May 23, 2016
Can't wait for more
July 16, 2019
Die Legenden der Drachenreiter ist der zweite Teil einer Trilogie, die ein bisschen an eine Mischung zwischen Harry Potter, Herr der Ringe und Drachenzähmen leicht gemacht wirkt. Da es eine Trilogie ist, kommt die Autorin natürlich wesentlich schneller zum Punkt als J.K. Rowling. Es wirkt quasi als hätte Richardson nur die Bücher 1, 5 und 7 von Harry Potter als Vorlage genommen.
Der erste Band endete damit, dass die Helden Thea und Seb den Bösewicht, Vincent, entlarvt und dessen Pläne vereitelt hatten. Thea wäre hierbei fast gestorben, wurde aber von Kommander Hegarty mit Hilfe des Steins der Heilung gerettet. Im Zuge des Kampfes konnten sie Vincent außerdem den Stein der Erinnerung abnehmen. Das Buch setzt kurze Zeit danach an. Seb und Thea müssen Patrouillen fliegen. Trotzdem sie die Existenz der Finsternis bewiesen hatten, scheint niemand diese Bedrohung ernst zu nehmen. Als Thea eine Unterhaltung mit dem Kronprinzen Justin führt, regt sich in ihr der Verdacht, dass der Stein der Erinnerung gestohlen wurde und wieder von Vincent eingesetzt wird. Sie versuchen nun einerseits diesen Verdacht zu bestätigen und außerdem den letzten Stein, den Stein der Rüstung, zu finden.
Das Buch ist im Grunde genauso gut geschrieben wie das erste. Trotzdem hatte ich meine Schwierigkeiten damit. Bei einer Trilogie sollte jedes Buch zur Gesamthandlung beitragen. Der Vergleich mit dem 5. Harry Potter rührt daher, weil es ein ein Füller ist. Es wird z.B. nie erklärt wie Vincent an den Stein gekommen ist. Das Buch scheint nur dazu zu diesen, um das Ende des ersten Buches wieder aufzuheben.
Das Buch enthält auch immer wieder Elemente, die vorgestellt, aber dann entweder vergessen oder nicht sinnhaft in die Gesamthandlung eingebettet wurden. ZB warum Vincent sich die Mühe machen sollte, Justin's Erinnerungen an Thea zu löschen. Dies dient eigentlich nur dazu, um Thea darauf aufmerksam zu machen, dass der Stein geklaut wurde. Der Stein wirkt auch wesentlich mächtiger als im ersten Buch. Auch muss ich sagen, dass angesichts der scheinbaren Allmacht dieses Steines, sein Plan einfach viel zu umständlich ist.
Ich hatte gehofft, dass die Charaktere, die im ersten Teil eher blaß waren, sich im zweiten Buch weiterentwickeln würden. Leider ist dem nicht so. Der Bösewicht fällt nicht zuletzt aufgrund der fehlenden Interaktionen in die Kategorie "böse um des Böseseins willen". Thea erinnerte mich tatsächlich an Harry Potter im Orden des Phönix mit ihrer ständigen Gereiztheit. Sie ist der Meinung, dass sie die Beste ist und alles sich gegen sie verschworen hat. Bei Prüfungen versagt sie dann, weil sie dauernd gedanklich woanders ist. Und so etwas möchte in eine Elite-Einheit kommen. Und Seb ist ihr "Ja, Schatz"-Pantoffelheld. Er hat keine nennenswerte Persönlichkeit und wird nur durch die Gabe des Kommunikation mit den Drachen definiert.
Ich werde die Serie zwar fertig lesen, wobei hier Kindle Unlimited die Entscheidung beeinflusst hat, aber wahrscheinlich nicht noch einmal etwas von dieser Autorin beginnen.
Der erste Band endete damit, dass die Helden Thea und Seb den Bösewicht, Vincent, entlarvt und dessen Pläne vereitelt hatten. Thea wäre hierbei fast gestorben, wurde aber von Kommander Hegarty mit Hilfe des Steins der Heilung gerettet. Im Zuge des Kampfes konnten sie Vincent außerdem den Stein der Erinnerung abnehmen. Das Buch setzt kurze Zeit danach an. Seb und Thea müssen Patrouillen fliegen. Trotzdem sie die Existenz der Finsternis bewiesen hatten, scheint niemand diese Bedrohung ernst zu nehmen. Als Thea eine Unterhaltung mit dem Kronprinzen Justin führt, regt sich in ihr der Verdacht, dass der Stein der Erinnerung gestohlen wurde und wieder von Vincent eingesetzt wird. Sie versuchen nun einerseits diesen Verdacht zu bestätigen und außerdem den letzten Stein, den Stein der Rüstung, zu finden.
Das Buch ist im Grunde genauso gut geschrieben wie das erste. Trotzdem hatte ich meine Schwierigkeiten damit. Bei einer Trilogie sollte jedes Buch zur Gesamthandlung beitragen. Der Vergleich mit dem 5. Harry Potter rührt daher, weil es ein ein Füller ist. Es wird z.B. nie erklärt wie Vincent an den Stein gekommen ist. Das Buch scheint nur dazu zu diesen, um das Ende des ersten Buches wieder aufzuheben.
Das Buch enthält auch immer wieder Elemente, die vorgestellt, aber dann entweder vergessen oder nicht sinnhaft in die Gesamthandlung eingebettet wurden. ZB warum Vincent sich die Mühe machen sollte, Justin's Erinnerungen an Thea zu löschen. Dies dient eigentlich nur dazu, um Thea darauf aufmerksam zu machen, dass der Stein geklaut wurde. Der Stein wirkt auch wesentlich mächtiger als im ersten Buch. Auch muss ich sagen, dass angesichts der scheinbaren Allmacht dieses Steines, sein Plan einfach viel zu umständlich ist.
Ich hatte gehofft, dass die Charaktere, die im ersten Teil eher blaß waren, sich im zweiten Buch weiterentwickeln würden. Leider ist dem nicht so. Der Bösewicht fällt nicht zuletzt aufgrund der fehlenden Interaktionen in die Kategorie "böse um des Böseseins willen". Thea erinnerte mich tatsächlich an Harry Potter im Orden des Phönix mit ihrer ständigen Gereiztheit. Sie ist der Meinung, dass sie die Beste ist und alles sich gegen sie verschworen hat. Bei Prüfungen versagt sie dann, weil sie dauernd gedanklich woanders ist. Und so etwas möchte in eine Elite-Einheit kommen. Und Seb ist ihr "Ja, Schatz"-Pantoffelheld. Er hat keine nennenswerte Persönlichkeit und wird nur durch die Gabe des Kommunikation mit den Drachen definiert.
Ich werde die Serie zwar fertig lesen, wobei hier Kindle Unlimited die Entscheidung beeinflusst hat, aber wahrscheinlich nicht noch einmal etwas von dieser Autorin beginnen.
August 17, 2024
Such a great series. Each one keeps getting better and better. The characters are well developed and getting stronger all the time.
Now as Thea and Seb learn more about the darkening, they know they will have to work together in order to defeat their foe. Seb and Thea are getting more connected to their red dragon. Talking with their minds to the point they can sense what the dragon can sense and Seb's ability is quite impressive, he is almost becoming one with Kalax. The pair believes that the darkening is somehow connected to the mines and now with dark stirrings in the south their bond will be put to the ultimate test. Seb has learned that Lord Vincent has returned and he wants to unleash an ancient evil that will destroy the lives of everyone in the kingdom. Thea gets injured in a fight and the healing stone was used to save her life. That's when the change occurs. She becomes angry and argumentative most of the time. That's when the group learns of the dragon stones. The memory stone has been taken and it's being used to control people so the Darkness can come in. Our heroes will have to use all their skills to defeat the darkening and the hoard of black dragons that come with it.
On to book 3. I am loving this series.
Now as Thea and Seb learn more about the darkening, they know they will have to work together in order to defeat their foe. Seb and Thea are getting more connected to their red dragon. Talking with their minds to the point they can sense what the dragon can sense and Seb's ability is quite impressive, he is almost becoming one with Kalax. The pair believes that the darkening is somehow connected to the mines and now with dark stirrings in the south their bond will be put to the ultimate test. Seb has learned that Lord Vincent has returned and he wants to unleash an ancient evil that will destroy the lives of everyone in the kingdom. Thea gets injured in a fight and the healing stone was used to save her life. That's when the change occurs. She becomes angry and argumentative most of the time. That's when the group learns of the dragon stones. The memory stone has been taken and it's being used to control people so the Darkness can come in. Our heroes will have to use all their skills to defeat the darkening and the hoard of black dragons that come with it.
On to book 3. I am loving this series.
August 2, 2017
I continue to feel very meh about this series. Still not a big fan of any of the main characters and the plot is still pretty generic. I was surprised by
At this point I'm planning to finish the series just to see what happens, but I'm not super invested in either the characters or the story.
At this point I'm planning to finish the series just to see what happens, but I'm not super invested in either the characters or the story.
July 29, 2023
Dragon Legends by Ava Richardson is the 2nd book in the Return of the Darkening series. The story follows Seb and Thea, who have been chosen by the red dragon Kalax. War is coming, and the newest dragonriders have been integrated into the bulk of the warriors. As the true nature of their adversary becomes apparent, a race begins to find the lost 'dragon stones', capable of great magic.
Seb, Thea, and Kalax continue to grow and change. There's more with Kalax as a stronger presence. Seb has a unique gift that allows him to speak with not just Kalax, but any dragon. Getting more of Kalax's inner thoughts and beliefs was exciting. The themes of friendship, loyalty, trust and bravery continue here. There are places where the writing stumbled a bit, but overall, Dragon Legends is a tantalizing tale that will tempt any dragon lover. Recommended for fantasy fans.
***Purchased and read for my own enjoyment.
Seb, Thea, and Kalax continue to grow and change. There's more with Kalax as a stronger presence. Seb has a unique gift that allows him to speak with not just Kalax, but any dragon. Getting more of Kalax's inner thoughts and beliefs was exciting. The themes of friendship, loyalty, trust and bravery continue here. There are places where the writing stumbled a bit, but overall, Dragon Legends is a tantalizing tale that will tempt any dragon lover. Recommended for fantasy fans.
***Purchased and read for my own enjoyment.
December 6, 2021
Erneut ein spannender Teil der Reihe! Ich konnte das Buch nicht aus der Hand legen, da die Geschichte um Seb, Thea und Kalax mich in ihren Bann gezogen hat. Ich möchte nicht zu viel zur Handlung sagen, es bleibt aber spannend! Hier nur eine ganz kurze Beschreibung des Inhalts. Die Finsternis zieht herauf und Lord Vincent wird stärker, insbesondere da er den Gedächtnisstein wieder in seinem Besitz hat. Es gilt also nun, wie anderen Steine zu finden. Außerdem wird Sebs Verbindung zu den Drachen stärker, was sich jedoch nicht immer nur als Vorteil, sondern auch als Problem darstellen kann. Es lohnt sich auf jeden Fall, das Buch zu lesen!
March 31, 2025
Dragon Legends is an amazing listen! The world building is rich and immersive and once you start you fall into its rich depths easily. Thea and Seb have grown as a team and have accomplished great feats of heroism. I’m a little upset at Thea for a mistake she made close to the end but it’s a mistake that may have saved her life in that moment. The loss is a big one so I look forward to seeing what happens next. Facing huge changes in leadership and a kingdom on the brink of collapse can Seb and Thea save the day? Start this series now if you haven’t it’s an epic dragon tale if you love fierce dragons and the riders who fight with them this series is for you!
June 13, 2023
Boring characters, scattered plot, a mom that objectifies her daughter, the idea of pure evil, Snape rip off, the most anticlimactic death ever, major plot hole (the main villain could just control everyone with the memory stone no fighting necessary), lack of character development/interactions, and still confusion about the main enemy (is the darkening a separate person from the prince and how does lord Vincent come into this?)
February 5, 2018
Through Devastation Hope Arises
The world has crumbled, friends have died. But tomorrow a new light will shine to bring the Dragon rides new hope. A new king, and new threats to deal with. Sbe and Thea have had to deal with problem of the Darkening alone or just about so. See how they handle it.
The world has crumbled, friends have died. But tomorrow a new light will shine to bring the Dragon rides new hope. A new king, and new threats to deal with. Sbe and Thea have had to deal with problem of the Darkening alone or just about so. See how they handle it.
April 11, 2018
Gripping story
It's a easy story to capture the imagination. The plot twists and turns like a dragon in flight. With just enough humour and love to carry the story through to the end. Leaving you the reader lusting for more☺ I cannot wait to see how the next book continues this story line.
It's a easy story to capture the imagination. The plot twists and turns like a dragon in flight. With just enough humour and love to carry the story through to the end. Leaving you the reader lusting for more☺ I cannot wait to see how the next book continues this story line.
November 4, 2018
Seb & Thea fight Lord Vincent
Sebastian the navigator and Alathea the defender as riders of Karax are searching for the mythical stones to fight the Darkening. Their city Thorvald is attacked by Lord Vincent who is trying to reestablish the Darkening. Seb is struggling to control his Dragon Afinity.
Excellent characterization & plotting.
Sebastian the navigator and Alathea the defender as riders of Karax are searching for the mythical stones to fight the Darkening. Their city Thorvald is attacked by Lord Vincent who is trying to reestablish the Darkening. Seb is struggling to control his Dragon Afinity.
Excellent characterization & plotting.
March 25, 2025
Is your will strong enough? This is a fantastic book; I really enjoyed listening to it. The story is exciting and takes unexpected turns. It's about power, obedience, and the loss of the ability to make one's own decisions. Where does the strength to shape one's own life come from? How can I assert my position? The narrator brings the story to life with his superb performance.
August 17, 2017
They just keep getting better
I can't wait to read book 3! The action, the emotion... I found myself almost to tears so many times because these are written so well that I feel so connected to the characters and what's going on. Who knows? Maybe I have the dragon affinity ;)
I can't wait to read book 3! The action, the emotion... I found myself almost to tears so many times because these are written so well that I feel so connected to the characters and what's going on. Who knows? Maybe I have the dragon affinity ;)
February 29, 2020
Oh! Man disaster!
The Dragon home is destroyed, the academy is torn down, and the city of Torvald is nearly totally destroyed. The Dragon riders are not in great shape. BAD stuff is coming.
The Dragon home is destroyed, the academy is torn down, and the city of Torvald is nearly totally destroyed. The Dragon riders are not in great shape. BAD stuff is coming.
April 26, 2020
Riders
I'm almost out of breath after all the flying, strategizing and the continuous action in this book. Since we are shelter in place , I have been reading out loud, so my grandson is caught up in the dragons we are readying to get into the next book.
I'm almost out of breath after all the flying, strategizing and the continuous action in this book. Since we are shelter in place , I have been reading out loud, so my grandson is caught up in the dragons we are readying to get into the next book.
October 3, 2021
Dragon Legends
Thea and Seb notice some strange occurrences In people with some memory losses then they spot an evil person that was in the capital at the winter ball how did that happen
Thea and Seb notice some strange occurrences In people with some memory losses then they spot an evil person that was in the capital at the winter ball how did that happen
November 9, 2022
could not put it down!
This plot is thickening and I could not put it down. Seb is getting stronger by the minute and together, Thea, Kalax and Seb are going to solve this problem! Perfect ending.
This plot is thickening and I could not put it down. Seb is getting stronger by the minute and together, Thea, Kalax and Seb are going to solve this problem! Perfect ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews