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Dragon Rising #1
Hidden Dragon
An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.
I've been hunted my whole life...
My name's Mei Walker, and everyone wants me dead. Well, maybe not everyone, but some days it feels like that. Worst thing is, no one will tell me why. I'm not even sure my protectors actually know why.
The Earthbound—the secretive organisation hunting me—has spies everywhere. I've been in hiding ever since I can remember, and I've never felt completely safe. We move regularly from place to place, and I can never be sure if the next person I meet will be the one who betrays me.
To discover the secret behind their relentless pursuit, I have to make it to my twentieth birthday—that's when supernaturals come into their full power. It's not long now, but the Earthbound are stepping up their game. It's going to be fifty-fifty whether I make it.
Truth is, I know I'm not special. The Earthbound have made a mistake. If I can stay safe until my birthday, I can prove them wrong.
How hard could it be?
Hidden Dragon features a kick-butt heroine, a centuries-old mystery and paranormal adventure.
242 pages, ebook
First published August 9, 2014
678 people are currently reading
550 people want to read
About the author
Trudi Jaye
36 books53 followersI'm an indie author from New Zealand who writes Urban Fantasy and Epic Fantasy.
VISIT MY AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE!
https://www.amazon.com/Trudi-Jaye/e/B...
VISIT ME ON FACEBOOK!
https://www.facebook.com/TrudiJayeaut...
FIND ME ON INSTAGRAM!
https://www.instagram.com/trudijayewr...
MY LIST OF BOOKS
Dragon Rising Series (completed series)
Hidden Dragon
Searching Dragon
Fighting Dragon
Cursed Dragon
Warrior Dragon
Demon Hunter in Hiding Series (completed series)
Secrets & Demons
Agents & Demons
Magic & Demons
Dragons & Demons
Spells & Demons
The Elemental Witch Series (completed series)
The Trouble with Magic
The Problem with Witches
The Danger with Demons
The Dark Carnival Series
If Wishes Were Magic
The Gift
Tilly's Secret
High Flyer
Hidden Magic
Shadow Prophecy
Firecaller Series
Fire Mage
Oath of Embers
King of Flames (due out 2026)
VISIT MY AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE!
https://www.amazon.com/Trudi-Jaye/e/B...
VISIT ME ON FACEBOOK!
https://www.facebook.com/TrudiJayeaut...
FIND ME ON INSTAGRAM!
https://www.instagram.com/trudijayewr...
MY LIST OF BOOKS
Dragon Rising Series (completed series)
Hidden Dragon
Searching Dragon
Fighting Dragon
Cursed Dragon
Warrior Dragon
Demon Hunter in Hiding Series (completed series)
Secrets & Demons
Agents & Demons
Magic & Demons
Dragons & Demons
Spells & Demons
The Elemental Witch Series (completed series)
The Trouble with Magic
The Problem with Witches
The Danger with Demons
The Dark Carnival Series
If Wishes Were Magic
The Gift
Tilly's Secret
High Flyer
Hidden Magic
Shadow Prophecy
Firecaller Series
Fire Mage
Oath of Embers
King of Flames (due out 2026)
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
August 19, 2019
She’s been on the run her whole life, everyone wants her dead but no one will tell her why. If Mei Walker makes it to her twentieth birthday, she’ll discover the secret behind The Earthbound’s relentless pursuit, because that’s when supernaturals come into their full power. The truth is The Earthbound have made a mistake and she’s going to prove them wrong.
This urban fantasy has some fascinating and different elements that engage readers right from the start, for one thing most of the story is one big suspense gripping and adrenaline pumping chase with epic battles as Mei runs from her attackers. The plot is fast paced and full of strong, captivating characters all of which seem to have hidden agendas and their own endgames which leaves Mei with few to trust. The more Mei discovers, the more she has to wonder if anybody really knows what they are talking about and readers can’t help but become caught up in this exhilarating, secret keeping experience that is full of betrayals and unexpected twists that keeps readers on edge.
This urban fantasy has some fascinating and different elements that engage readers right from the start, for one thing most of the story is one big suspense gripping and adrenaline pumping chase with epic battles as Mei runs from her attackers. The plot is fast paced and full of strong, captivating characters all of which seem to have hidden agendas and their own endgames which leaves Mei with few to trust. The more Mei discovers, the more she has to wonder if anybody really knows what they are talking about and readers can’t help but become caught up in this exhilarating, secret keeping experience that is full of betrayals and unexpected twists that keeps readers on edge.
November 4, 2019
Nice try but a fail..
The plot sounded interesting plus the mc being able to fight should have made this book awesome except it was poorly executed. Too repetitive storyline and the mc constantly got beaten up or taken prisoner. No romance whatsoever. There was one kiss which was dry without chemistry. Got boring after awhile. No characters development. What a disappointment. Can't continue on this series. Same plot for book two with the mc getting cornered and being taken prisoner again.
The plot sounded interesting plus the mc being able to fight should have made this book awesome except it was poorly executed. Too repetitive storyline and the mc constantly got beaten up or taken prisoner. No romance whatsoever. There was one kiss which was dry without chemistry. Got boring after awhile. No characters development. What a disappointment. Can't continue on this series. Same plot for book two with the mc getting cornered and being taken prisoner again.
May 6, 2022
Full review: https://girlswithguns.org/hidden-drag...
Mei is pitched at a nice level of ability: competent, without being super-powered, and there’s a lack of significant romance which is pleasant. There is a spell in the middle which edges towards the dreaded urban fantasy love-triangle, before it backs off – at least, for now… Jaye does a decent job of building a world lurking just beneath ours, with the standout scene perhaps being Mei’s retrieval of the box from a pawnbroker, who is also a collector of magical artifacts and… things. But safe to say, I think I prefer my fantasy considerably less shrouded in mystery.
Mei is pitched at a nice level of ability: competent, without being super-powered, and there’s a lack of significant romance which is pleasant. There is a spell in the middle which edges towards the dreaded urban fantasy love-triangle, before it backs off – at least, for now… Jaye does a decent job of building a world lurking just beneath ours, with the standout scene perhaps being Mei’s retrieval of the box from a pawnbroker, who is also a collector of magical artifacts and… things. But safe to say, I think I prefer my fantasy considerably less shrouded in mystery.
October 5, 2019
Decent
Fast moving and action packed urban fantasy that jumps from moment to moment, barely slowing then to breathe or let the heroine consider her situation. As passengers to her adventure, we witness the highs and lows that smack her, including the gut wrenching realization that trust is far too fragile in this world.
Pros:
- Intriguing concept.
- Plot moves at a quick clip.
- I like the FMC... I think. Hard to tell. Very little introspection.
Cons:
- her dad? Ugh. Just ugh. Not the main villain, but definitely a villain of the heart.
- Sometimes TOO fast.
Fast moving and action packed urban fantasy that jumps from moment to moment, barely slowing then to breathe or let the heroine consider her situation. As passengers to her adventure, we witness the highs and lows that smack her, including the gut wrenching realization that trust is far too fragile in this world.
Pros:
- Intriguing concept.
- Plot moves at a quick clip.
- I like the FMC... I think. Hard to tell. Very little introspection.
Cons:
- her dad? Ugh. Just ugh. Not the main villain, but definitely a villain of the heart.
- Sometimes TOO fast.
Want to read
February 24, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/24/2020)! 🎁
October 5, 2016
I purchased Hidden Dragon during a .99 cent promotion. A good story line with a lot of fighting action and running/hiding from the enemy. Some surprises and plot twists kept me reading. Not quite a cliffhanger, as the book ends in a good place, but it's obvious there is more to to story. Not sure I'll continue reading as I prefer more proactive heroines, rather than ones who are reactive once caught. The story could easily develop in a direction where Mei takes more control of her fate, but at this point it seems she is too reliant on others.
August 24, 2019
3 & 1/2 stars rounded up.
This was a decent read, it hooked me into the story pretty quickly and had me reading until I was done with just a few breaks. The flow was sort of a rollercoaster ride, it would be fast & furious in places & others dragged on. There were a lot of places that could have used more info as to what was going down, I think this would have helped the story solidify for me. It's definitely a very, very slow burn. If it weren't for the single kiss, I might have thought that this wasn't even going to have romance. Mei was an interesting character, for being so prepped for worst case scenarios all her life, I kept thinking she was doing stupid things that made no sense for the amount of special training her mentor/handlers gave her to survive. I few times I didn't like her very much, and I really felt I didn't learn much about who she is by the end other than she can sometimes kick butt, and has been on the run for her whole life & is a dragon. Seth, well he seems to mostly be the strong silent type who thought this job would not help his career advance, I didn't really learn a lot about him in this book to decide how I feel about him in the end. The end was definitely a cliff-hanger. So I'm not sure I liked this enough to continue on with the series. I'll have to give that some consideration.
This was a decent read, it hooked me into the story pretty quickly and had me reading until I was done with just a few breaks. The flow was sort of a rollercoaster ride, it would be fast & furious in places & others dragged on. There were a lot of places that could have used more info as to what was going down, I think this would have helped the story solidify for me. It's definitely a very, very slow burn. If it weren't for the single kiss, I might have thought that this wasn't even going to have romance. Mei was an interesting character, for being so prepped for worst case scenarios all her life, I kept thinking she was doing stupid things that made no sense for the amount of special training her mentor/handlers gave her to survive. I few times I didn't like her very much, and I really felt I didn't learn much about who she is by the end other than she can sometimes kick butt, and has been on the run for her whole life & is a dragon. Seth, well he seems to mostly be the strong silent type who thought this job would not help his career advance, I didn't really learn a lot about him in this book to decide how I feel about him in the end. The end was definitely a cliff-hanger. So I'm not sure I liked this enough to continue on with the series. I'll have to give that some consideration.
July 6, 2022
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I completely change my mind on a series, so want to change my scoring.)
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
April 1, 2020
Cliffhanger Alert!
This is the first in a series about Mei, who has lived her entire life in protective custody, where apparently people from a group called the Earthbound are trying to kill her.
When a new agent is assigned to her protective team, things come to a head. Mei has to live until her twentieth birthday, but no one wants to tell her why.
It’s a complicated story, and I don’t want to spoil it, but I shall say a few things:
It’s a fast paced, well written trip, but a lot of what’s going on leaves not only Mei, but the reader in the dark!
That’s not to say it’s bad or that you don’t learn anything, because the truth is that it’s actually very good, and some BUT not ALL of the secrets are revealed.
If you enjoy fantasy or urban fantasy with hidden heroes, secretive backgrounds and more, you’ll enjoy this one.
This is the first in a series about Mei, who has lived her entire life in protective custody, where apparently people from a group called the Earthbound are trying to kill her.
When a new agent is assigned to her protective team, things come to a head. Mei has to live until her twentieth birthday, but no one wants to tell her why.
It’s a complicated story, and I don’t want to spoil it, but I shall say a few things:
It’s a fast paced, well written trip, but a lot of what’s going on leaves not only Mei, but the reader in the dark!
That’s not to say it’s bad or that you don’t learn anything, because the truth is that it’s actually very good, and some BUT not ALL of the secrets are revealed.
If you enjoy fantasy or urban fantasy with hidden heroes, secretive backgrounds and more, you’ll enjoy this one.
June 8, 2024
Hidden Dragon is the first book in this dragon series, and while it's not anything spectacular, it is a nice story, and one worth adding to your read shelf if you're a fan of dragon stories. I was able to grab the first one in the series for free, but the rest aren't in KU, and they're each 5 bucks or so, so no idea when/if I'll get to them, even though it looks like a series I'd like to read. We'll see. But, definitely put this one into your to read shelf if you're a dragon fan, it looks like it will be an interesting series.
June 30, 2019
A surprisingly enjoyable Urban Fantasy gem.
It's not perfect - but it has more than enough going for it to draw me in and allow me to overlook a few things.
Put it this way, at 75% of the way into the book I found myself buying the next 2 books in the series. :D
The characters are the most interesting. The concepts in the worldbuilding are intriguing and the pacing is fast.
I couldn't help but notice the odd missing words or incorrect words here and there that were missed in editing - but they can be easily overlooked as the story hooks you.
It's not perfect - but it has more than enough going for it to draw me in and allow me to overlook a few things.
Put it this way, at 75% of the way into the book I found myself buying the next 2 books in the series. :D
The characters are the most interesting. The concepts in the worldbuilding are intriguing and the pacing is fast.
I couldn't help but notice the odd missing words or incorrect words here and there that were missed in editing - but they can be easily overlooked as the story hooks you.
January 2, 2017
Great Read
I got into this book on the first page. The characters are great and the plot moves along in a relatively smooth manner. Mei is a compelling character. She is competent, strong, has magic yet is young and missteps some of the time. Their is some potential love interest with Seth. She has many perils to overcome in her struggle to find herself. Is she or is she not a Dragon. I'm definitely moving on to her next book Searching Dragon immediately.
I got into this book on the first page. The characters are great and the plot moves along in a relatively smooth manner. Mei is a compelling character. She is competent, strong, has magic yet is young and missteps some of the time. Their is some potential love interest with Seth. She has many perils to overcome in her struggle to find herself. Is she or is she not a Dragon. I'm definitely moving on to her next book Searching Dragon immediately.
September 1, 2019
Mei
Mei has been in protective custody since a child. Someone is always after her, but no one has ever told her why. She has some supernatural powers and water magic, but nothing special. Her trainers teach her to protect herself and they are always on the move. Her 20 th birthday will be soon, and they hint that she will come into her powers then. She is captured and told she will become a dragon......
Mei has been in protective custody since a child. Someone is always after her, but no one has ever told her why. She has some supernatural powers and water magic, but nothing special. Her trainers teach her to protect herself and they are always on the move. Her 20 th birthday will be soon, and they hint that she will come into her powers then. She is captured and told she will become a dragon......
January 30, 2020
Comming of age book
I enjoyed this story only a few things that didnt flow but easy to explain away the story of our heroine is interesting the support characters have enough of a back story and the villains are believable. Unfortunately she does leave the ending as a cliff hanger. But the most important questions are answered. So it makes you interested in reading the next one
I enjoyed this story only a few things that didnt flow but easy to explain away the story of our heroine is interesting the support characters have enough of a back story and the villains are believable. Unfortunately she does leave the ending as a cliff hanger. But the most important questions are answered. So it makes you interested in reading the next one
August 18, 2019
Mei has been in hiding all her life. Is she the dragon everyone thinks she is or is she just a decoy? Is agent Seth on her side? Will she get free from her tormentors? This was a very exciting story with strong unique characters. I loved everything but the cliffhanger! Can’t wait to read the next book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 27, 2020
This was such a frustrating read. You’re telling me this girl spent 19 years on the run, hiding, with paranoid guards yet a smile is enough to convince her someone is innocent? You’re telling me she *knows* exactly who her enemies are but she willingly shows off her hidden skills?? Just the level of stupidity astounds me. If there was ever a character that was tstl it’s this one 😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2021
A great start!
I enjoyed this first novel in this series. There are certainly a lot of twists and turns to keep it very intetesting, as well as bits of information about our main character. The story is told from her perspective and Mei's voice is consistent and believable. I will definitely continue this story.
I enjoyed this first novel in this series. There are certainly a lot of twists and turns to keep it very intetesting, as well as bits of information about our main character. The story is told from her perspective and Mei's voice is consistent and believable. I will definitely continue this story.
June 22, 2023
I loved everything but the end!
Powerful fast moving story with characters you feel like you know or should know. I do wish there had been a little more tying up of loose ends but I will be reading the remaining two books anyway so I trust they will take care of them. Thank you, Trudi for a great read!
Powerful fast moving story with characters you feel like you know or should know. I do wish there had been a little more tying up of loose ends but I will be reading the remaining two books anyway so I trust they will take care of them. Thank you, Trudi for a great read!
November 22, 2025
Hidden Dragon book 1
So is Now a dragon or not who knows Me I certainly don't have the faintest idea. Her protectors are definitely dying off one by one or should I say being killed off one by one, so can her latest protector Seth last or will be due off too. Will Mei ever find out is she a dragon or just a decoy human.
So is Now a dragon or not who knows Me I certainly don't have the faintest idea. Her protectors are definitely dying off one by one or should I say being killed off one by one, so can her latest protector Seth last or will be due off too. Will Mei ever find out is she a dragon or just a decoy human.
March 10, 2019
Action Dragon
Loved the story. Completely surprised. The adventure was nonstop. The twists and turns and looped De loops in the story kept me wondering what was coming next. Cliff Hangers are not my favorite,but got to get the next book!
Loved the story. Completely surprised. The adventure was nonstop. The twists and turns and looped De loops in the story kept me wondering what was coming next. Cliff Hangers are not my favorite,but got to get the next book!
September 10, 2019
Intriguing new series
This is an intriguing first book of this series and keeps you wondering what will happen and the characters are well written so that you want to find out what happens next.
This is an intriguing first book of this series and keeps you wondering what will happen and the characters are well written so that you want to find out what happens next.
March 5, 2020
Action
Got this book free, I didn't know what to expect. Wow! I was surprised. After reading the first book I turned around and bought the next 2. Since I had the 2nd book last year. A truly enjoyable read. I have found a new author 😎
Got this book free, I didn't know what to expect. Wow! I was surprised. After reading the first book I turned around and bought the next 2. Since I had the 2nd book last year. A truly enjoyable read. I have found a new author 😎
March 28, 2020
Great storyline and character development made this book a hot and enjoyable read! I could not put it down it was that good!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 19, 2020
This is a fun read!
Trudi has created a world where magic and dragons are intensely desired by rogue government agencies. This story has all the complexities of a Tom Clancy novel with magic as an added ingredient.
Trudi has created a world where magic and dragons are intensely desired by rogue government agencies. This story has all the complexities of a Tom Clancy novel with magic as an added ingredient.
August 30, 2020
Cliffhanger
It’s a cliffhanger. I consider stories that end in a cliffhanger lazy writing. If it’s a good story and you are a good writer that alone should keep your audience coming back for more.
It’s a cliffhanger. I consider stories that end in a cliffhanger lazy writing. If it’s a good story and you are a good writer that alone should keep your audience coming back for more.
January 14, 2022
different kind of sci fi Fantasy
I’ve read a lot of different types of fantasy fiction & this has a unique slant. Also it does not hurt. So much if the book is a freebie on Amazon . I do plan on reading the rest.
I’ve read a lot of different types of fantasy fiction & this has a unique slant. Also it does not hurt. So much if the book is a freebie on Amazon . I do plan on reading the rest.
January 27, 2022
A pretty good story about a girl coming into her majority at twenty and the forces stacked for and against her reaching that age when she is to turn into a dragon.
I would have rated this higher but the story really won't start until the NEXT book.
I would have rated this higher but the story really won't start until the NEXT book.
January 29, 2025
Great story
Very secret agent type of story. Action packed, but with a good story line. Keeps you thinking, what is going to happen next?
I hope you enjoy the story as much as I did.
Very secret agent type of story. Action packed, but with a good story line. Keeps you thinking, what is going to happen next?
I hope you enjoy the story as much as I did.
Read
April 8, 2025Hidden Dragon, book 1
I loved this book. I could hardly put it down. This was filled with action from both the good guys and bad guys.
I diffently Will read more of Trudi Jaye's books.
I loved this book. I could hardly put it down. This was filled with action from both the good guys and bad guys.
I diffently Will read more of Trudi Jaye's books.
June 29, 2018
Good
Pretty good start to this story. I hope she gets to a safe place to figure things out. And I hope she and Seth address that kiss!!
Pretty good start to this story. I hope she gets to a safe place to figure things out. And I hope she and Seth address that kiss!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews