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Dragon Born Serafina #4
Rival Magic
The alternate cover edition for this book can be found here.
From San Francisco to Munich to Las Vegas and beyond, mercenary mage Sera Dering faces her biggest challenge yet in this final installment of the bestselling Dragon Born Serafina series.
After twenty-four years of pretending to be human, Sera is adjusting to her new life with magic and a deepening relationship with dragon shifter Kai. But her magic is put to the test when the Grim Reaper, an immortal mage with godlike powers, begins to weave his sinister enchantments over the supernatural community. To defeat him, she has to ally with the very people who condemned her kind to death—and if they discover what she is, they will turn on her instead.
From San Francisco to Munich to Las Vegas and beyond, mercenary mage Sera Dering faces her biggest challenge yet in this final installment of the bestselling Dragon Born Serafina series.
After twenty-four years of pretending to be human, Sera is adjusting to her new life with magic and a deepening relationship with dragon shifter Kai. But her magic is put to the test when the Grim Reaper, an immortal mage with godlike powers, begins to weave his sinister enchantments over the supernatural community. To defeat him, she has to ally with the very people who condemned her kind to death—and if they discover what she is, they will turn on her instead.
295 pages, ebook
First published July 11, 2016
513 people are currently reading
571 people want to read
About the author
Ella Summers
66 books1,424 followersElla Summers has been writing stories for as long as she could read; she's been coming up with tall tales even longer than that. One of her early year masterpieces was a story about a pigtailed princess and her dragon sidekick. Nowadays, she still writes fantasy. She likes books with layered plots, lots of action and adventure, and a touch of romance. When she is not busy writing or spending time with her two young children, she makes the world safe by fighting robots.
Originally from the U.S., Ella currently resides in Switzerland. She is the author of Sorcery and Science, a fantasy adventure series set in a world splintered by magic and technology.
Originally from the U.S., Ella currently resides in Switzerland. She is the author of Sorcery and Science, a fantasy adventure series set in a world splintered by magic and technology.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
dnf
January 12, 2017What the actual shit?!
Are you serious?
You mean to tell me, to finish this four-part series, which I've already read all the way up to book three, I have to now go and read the other two connected series written by this author each containing a minimum of four book, to get what the f*ck is going on in this last book?
I'm sorry, am I supposed to be the moron in this scenario or the author? Cause quite frankly I'm baffled.
This feels like an epic waste of time.
Wish I'd have known this would happen sooner.
Wouldn't have wasted all this time reading the series.
April 15, 2018
This was rather irritating to read. Mainly because I read books 1 - 3 and this is book 4, yet it felt like it was book 6 and I had missed a couple books in between.
• There are suddenly characters in there who act like they've been around forever
• Major, life-changing events keep being referred to that apparently took place prior to the book but which were not in books 1 - 3
• The main character suddenly has a new ability and a new identity within herself that is just casually used without any explanation of where they came from or how she developed these. Presumably also from this time lapse in the books.
I'm assuming that the missing parts must be in the other series that stars the heroine's sister, Alex, as 2 of the Alex's book apparently come between Sera's book 3 and 4. This is quite irritating, as you shouldn't have to read a separate series with a separate heroine in order to read about THIS series's heroine's personal growth and major events in her life.
• There are suddenly characters in there who act like they've been around forever
• Major, life-changing events keep being referred to that apparently took place prior to the book but which were not in books 1 - 3
• The main character suddenly has a new ability and a new identity within herself that is just casually used without any explanation of where they came from or how she developed these. Presumably also from this time lapse in the books.
I'm assuming that the missing parts must be in the other series that stars the heroine's sister, Alex, as 2 of the Alex's book apparently come between Sera's book 3 and 4. This is quite irritating, as you shouldn't have to read a separate series with a separate heroine in order to read about THIS series's heroine's personal growth and major events in her life.
March 1, 2020
End of the line.
Well, this certainly ended with a bang. A lot of action and wrapping up of the threads that began in the first book. Loved how this couple developed and how they interacted with the characters plots. Such a fun and fast paced story with a well deserved HEA.
3.75 stars ⭐️
Well, this certainly ended with a bang. A lot of action and wrapping up of the threads that began in the first book. Loved how this couple developed and how they interacted with the characters plots. Such a fun and fast paced story with a well deserved HEA.
3.75 stars ⭐️
June 22, 2017
I really enjoyed the story and the characters. There is a great mix of action and romance.
July 27, 2025
ok i lowk didn’t know what was going on at all with this one because you’re supposed to read the other characters series first before doing this one cuz it’s all interconnected
January 27, 2017
Read these books a while ago and decided to finally add them to goodreads.
Want to read
June 12, 2019Putting on hold until I read Fairy Magic. I feel like I'm missing something big when I started this. I also noticed that this series, Dragon Born Serafina, also coincides with Dragon Born Alexandria. I haven't been reading Alexandria yet and haven't felt like I needed too, but Fairy Magic is before Rival Magic, so I'm going to see if that sets up for Rival Magic's start.
June 26, 2017
Ahhhhhhh such a good ending. Loved it
July 21, 2016
Lots of action, but it seemed rather frenetic and disjointed. Alex and Logan seem to appear and reappear via deus ex machina. Some of the scenes change in an almost disorienting way.
Basically, this book needs the touch of a skilled editor; Nothing overtly bad, a few spelling/grammar errors, but nothing to get bent out of shape over. However, it seemed more like a rough draft than a finished product.
Basically, this book needs the touch of a skilled editor; Nothing overtly bad, a few spelling/grammar errors, but nothing to get bent out of shape over. However, it seemed more like a rough draft than a finished product.
February 1, 2017
Bleh. I like this series a lot but this reads either like a barely edited draft or like it was written by someone else. I'm struggling to finish this and am pushing myself only because I'm invested in these characters. I'd rather wait longer for a well written and edited story than some mediocre yawn fest that was rushed out the door.
Edit: it got worse and my rating went from two stars to one. I couldn't finish it and this shockingly became a DNF. Some of the worst writing I've read in months. I'm completely baffled; I loved this series until now.
Edit: it got worse and my rating went from two stars to one. I couldn't finish it and this shockingly became a DNF. Some of the worst writing I've read in months. I'm completely baffled; I loved this series until now.
March 3, 2018
Ella Summers wins Gold once again
I did not think Ms. Summers could top the last book. She force feeds me crow on a stick everytime A little too much sex but the story would not really be complete without the romance. Hey! Don't judge me! Not everyone is into that. I like strong characters and tough battles. You don't win every fight nor can you convert everyone to your side. This is part of why I love Ms. Summers' books, and different series.
I did not think Ms. Summers could top the last book. She force feeds me crow on a stick everytime A little too much sex but the story would not really be complete without the romance. Hey! Don't judge me! Not everyone is into that. I like strong characters and tough battles. You don't win every fight nor can you convert everyone to your side. This is part of why I love Ms. Summers' books, and different series.
January 28, 2018
The best
This was the best part to Sera's side of the story. Alden really put Sera and Kai through the wringer. He is a very good villain. Reminds me of the Chancellor in Star Wars. All benevolent and wise, but actually rotten at the core. I loved how everyone got together and how all secrets were revealed. A few steamy scenes made it a perfect mix of romance and adventure.
This was the best part to Sera's side of the story. Alden really put Sera and Kai through the wringer. He is a very good villain. Reminds me of the Chancellor in Star Wars. All benevolent and wise, but actually rotten at the core. I loved how everyone got together and how all secrets were revealed. A few steamy scenes made it a perfect mix of romance and adventure.
July 20, 2017
So good
These are some great reads. So much excitement and adventure and love. All of these are truly well written and hold your attention from start to finish.
These are some great reads. So much excitement and adventure and love. All of these are truly well written and hold your attention from start to finish.
January 29, 2019
I liked it.. there was little humour thanks to Kai and the Commandos. I liked that their relationship grew in this book and that Sera is coming to terms with it.
All in all felt like it was fast paced and then the author just wanted to finish the book and just gave it up for us to deal with. It felt unsatisfying in away. I kept on hoping for better action but...very little was addressed
Like all over sudden Amara knew that the Grim Reaper had a charm necklace while in the realm.. I mean, we should have seen that addressed during their first meeting or any of the others..like how Sera noticed that he kept it on in every meeting...
Amara was just there to save her life and talk about things that Kai can do with his body and tongue. Amara should have been more pushy about teaching her about magic and the glyphs as well if not in the least about all this Dragon Born thing because Sera knew half of it.
How she saved Kai because Love conquers all..ugh
All the saving and being saved was tedious and it was repetitive.
I kept skimming because too much information and too little action. telling and not showing..There was repeated information about that second dynasty (Kensington?).
the book had potential but it was just...it coould have been better.
All in all felt like it was fast paced and then the author just wanted to finish the book and just gave it up for us to deal with. It felt unsatisfying in away. I kept on hoping for better action but...very little was addressed
Like all over sudden Amara knew that the Grim Reaper had a charm necklace while in the realm.. I mean, we should have seen that addressed during their first meeting or any of the others..like how Sera noticed that he kept it on in every meeting...
Amara was just there to save her life and talk about things that Kai can do with his body and tongue. Amara should have been more pushy about teaching her about magic and the glyphs as well if not in the least about all this Dragon Born thing because Sera knew half of it.
How she saved Kai because Love conquers all..ugh
All the saving and being saved was tedious and it was repetitive.
I kept skimming because too much information and too little action. telling and not showing..There was repeated information about that second dynasty (Kensington?).
the book had potential but it was just...it coould have been better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2022
Since their hideout in Munich has been compromised, they all decide to head in different directions: Alex and Logan to Paris and Sera and Kai home to San Francisco. But before they can get there they are captured by the Grim Reaper and taken to Alden.
The battle begins, Sera is exposed, dividing the Council and playing into Alden’s hands. After losing half their allies to superstition, Kai’s forces go into hiding to protect Sera. Then the Council come up with their own stupid plan to fight Alden forcing Kai to stop them.
I liked the part toward the end where we get a quick run of the events from Sera and Kai’s first meeting through his capture by Alden from Kai’s POV.
Fave scenes: Wonder Woman on the dragon, Kai & Sera in the void, Sera finding her dragon and Sera using her magic on Alden.
The battle begins, Sera is exposed, dividing the Council and playing into Alden’s hands. After losing half their allies to superstition, Kai’s forces go into hiding to protect Sera. Then the Council come up with their own stupid plan to fight Alden forcing Kai to stop them.
I liked the part toward the end where we get a quick run of the events from Sera and Kai’s first meeting through his capture by Alden from Kai’s POV.
Fave scenes: Wonder Woman on the dragon, Kai & Sera in the void, Sera finding her dragon and Sera using her magic on Alden.
August 15, 2018
Dragonborn story arc!
As always I write this review about the whole, rather than the singular. I love the way Ella has written the whole series, with three different protagonists, Sera, Alex and Naomi. A series around each woman, that, as with all good writers becomes so real in your own mind that you experience every emotion with each character as it is written, that, by the time you finish reading you feel emotionally drained. But also eager to read the next book, I didn't read them in the correct order at first but after the 3rd Sera book I realised and price to read them in order, definitely the better way to do it. I'm off to read Shadow World now, I can't wait! Enjoy everyone.😉
As always I write this review about the whole, rather than the singular. I love the way Ella has written the whole series, with three different protagonists, Sera, Alex and Naomi. A series around each woman, that, as with all good writers becomes so real in your own mind that you experience every emotion with each character as it is written, that, by the time you finish reading you feel emotionally drained. But also eager to read the next book, I didn't read them in the correct order at first but after the 3rd Sera book I realised and price to read them in order, definitely the better way to do it. I'm off to read Shadow World now, I can't wait! Enjoy everyone.😉
April 5, 2018
overall a satisfying ending to the series. What I loved so much about book 1 was the tension between kai and sera, but now that they’re together that tension is gone (but they are pretty cute tho).
strong enemy but even stronger heroine. the source of her power was a bit cheesy but I can let it pass.
one thing I didn’t like though was that it ties in to other series from the author and so it can be a bit confusing reading about new characters that would be helpful to have some background knowledge about.
strong enemy but even stronger heroine. the source of her power was a bit cheesy but I can let it pass.
one thing I didn’t like though was that it ties in to other series from the author and so it can be a bit confusing reading about new characters that would be helpful to have some background knowledge about.
June 25, 2020
It's such a simple thing
Sera is ever expanding her experience and her power to amazingly elevations. But then she's outed as Dragon Born and has a 5 million bounty put on her. But that's ok. The Magic Council is subverted and is splintered so primary government is on the rock. But that's okay. Kai is abducted and brainwashed by the most powerful mage on the planet. Not my man. Most powerful maybe, but he's got to go. A well written end to an engrossing series. I'm reading about Alex now.
Sera is ever expanding her experience and her power to amazingly elevations. But then she's outed as Dragon Born and has a 5 million bounty put on her. But that's ok. The Magic Council is subverted and is splintered so primary government is on the rock. But that's okay. Kai is abducted and brainwashed by the most powerful mage on the planet. Not my man. Most powerful maybe, but he's got to go. A well written end to an engrossing series. I'm reading about Alex now.
August 4, 2017
Ella Summers is a master of storytelling!
I love every single book I have read that Ella Summers has written and this series is no exception. Her magic filled worlds are full of monsters and mayhem, evil villains and sting heroes and heroines, and of course, strong love and devotion. Reading these books is addicting and each story pulls me further in. Thanks so much to the author for putting the books on Kindle Unlimited so they are free to read!
I love every single book I have read that Ella Summers has written and this series is no exception. Her magic filled worlds are full of monsters and mayhem, evil villains and sting heroes and heroines, and of course, strong love and devotion. Reading these books is addicting and each story pulls me further in. Thanks so much to the author for putting the books on Kindle Unlimited so they are free to read!
February 1, 2019
This has been on my to read list for a while and I am glad that I finally got to it. Out of all the characters in Ella Summers' Dragon Born universe, Sera is my favorite. Her character definitely develops in this one and even though I read the other three books before this one almost two years ago, I was able to pick right back up. I especially enjoyed that we got to see some of Kai's point of view.
August 18, 2019
I enjoyed this book. The only problem was in one chapter that Serafina "sees" Kai's memories. It didn't read like true memories, it read like a filler to help make the story longer. Most was a total repeat of previous books. Other than that I enjoyed the story. I loved how the villain was taken care of and that Love was powerful.
October 11, 2021
Marvel-less
I must have missed the part where Sera named her dragon, Amara. Honestly, having Sera’s inner voice being a completely separate entity that was a “dragon” without corporeal form, then suddenly named “Amara” and developing a corporeal form was bizarre and really did not work. It reminded me of the Marvel Spider-Man about Venom, the alien symbiote.
I must have missed the part where Sera named her dragon, Amara. Honestly, having Sera’s inner voice being a completely separate entity that was a “dragon” without corporeal form, then suddenly named “Amara” and developing a corporeal form was bizarre and really did not work. It reminded me of the Marvel Spider-Man about Venom, the alien symbiote.
June 14, 2025
I was promised a series that could be read seperately to the other series in the same universe! But you absolutely CANNOT read this one without those. Which would be fine if the others were good. I tried reading Dragon Born Alexandria but it's just. so. boring. After the last book was so dull and Nothingburger I don't see the point in trying further.
June 28, 2017
Read in the suggested order
This was a great series, the characters and storyline kept you on the edge of your seat. I will suggest the author's stories to anyone who enjoys magic and a different slant to the Dragon Born mage type.
This was a great series, the characters and storyline kept you on the edge of your seat. I will suggest the author's stories to anyone who enjoys magic and a different slant to the Dragon Born mage type.
February 20, 2018
Rival Magic
Really enjoyed this book and how it ended… I do wish I could have seen Sarah meeting Kai’s mom and the wedding actually happening! I can’t wait to see what happens next!!
Really enjoyed this book and how it ended… I do wish I could have seen Sarah meeting Kai’s mom and the wedding actually happening! I can’t wait to see what happens next!!
November 14, 2018
Nice ending to Sera's series. Like the previous Dragon Born books, I enjoyed Rival Magic very much. I did however feel that the reflection of the past through Kai's point of view was too long and the ending felt too rushed. Overall, still very good and highly recommended!
December 22, 2018
Fantastic addition to a great book series!
Compelling characters, beautiful backgrounds, intense emotional scenes, and magic. These books have it all!
As a fan of dragons this series is perfect.
Great villains, too!
Compelling characters, beautiful backgrounds, intense emotional scenes, and magic. These books have it all!
As a fan of dragons this series is perfect.
Great villains, too!
February 15, 2020
This series is getting better and better. I loved it. A mix of intense fighting and end of the world drama lifted up with a well balance love story.
I NEVER liked love stories but this one is different.
December 13, 2023
I'll say it again: this is a series worth reading when you are out on a beach and are looking for a fun, fast-paced, relaxing series. Is it memorable? Not really, but that doesn't lessen its ability to destress you and make you wanna read on.
It's an easy, fast read, with a fun plot and nice characters.
Definitely worth a try.
It's an easy, fast read, with a fun plot and nice characters.
Definitely worth a try.
January 26, 2024
4⭐️
This book does make more sense if you read the series in the recommended order. Ella has it at the end of the books and the recommendation has you reading some of Alex’s and Naomi’s stories first.
This book does make more sense if you read the series in the recommended order. Ella has it at the end of the books and the recommendation has you reading some of Alex’s and Naomi’s stories first.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews