Return of the Darkening: The Complete Series

Return of the Darkening #1–3 omnibus

by Ava Richardson

The Complete 'Return of the Darkening Series' Boxset. Books 1, 2 & 3.

Dive into a dragon filled adventure! When scruffy Seb and noble Thea are paired as dragon riders, they never imagined they'd be the Kingdom's last hope...

Book One: Dragon Trials
High-born Agathea Flamma intends to bring honor to her family by following in her brothers’ footsteps and taking her rightful place as a Dragon Rider. With her only other option being marriage, Thea will not accept failure. She’s not thrilled at her awkward, scruffy partner, Seb, but their dragon has chosen, and now the unlikely duo must learn to work as a team.

Seventeen-year-old Sebastian has long been ashamed of his drunken father and poor upbringing, but then he’s chosen to train as a Dragon Rider at the prestigious academy. Thrust into a world where he doesn’t fit in, Seb finds a connection with his dragon that is even more powerful than he imagined. Soon, he’s doing all he can to succeed and not embarrass his new partner, Thea.

When Seb hears rumors that an old danger is reemerging, he and Thea begin to investigate. Armed only with their determination and the dragon they both ride, Thea and Seb may be the only defense against the Darkening that threatens to sweep the land. Together, they will have to learn to work together to save their kingdom…or die trying.

Book Two: 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 . . .

Book Three: Dragon Bonds
The Darkening has risen...

Agathea Flamma and Sebastian Smith now face an overwhelming enemy. The rapid spread of the Darkening, a threat arising from the mists of legend, looms over the entire land. With both their families torn apart by the conflict and betrayal lurking around every corner, one mistake could doom the kingdom.

They'll have to decide where to put their faith: blood ties or newfound friends?

After the destruction of the Dragon Academy, it’s up to Thea and Seb to gather their loyal comrades—and forge uneasy new alliances—to quell the ancient menace and face the evil Lord Vincent. With civil war raging, the Dragon Riders must race against time to find the legendary Dragon Stone, the only tool they have to fight against the endless darkness that threatens to swallow them all.

Genres: Fantasy, Magic, Dragons, Audiobook, Young Adult

890 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 18, 2016

About the author

Ava 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.

Reviews

[Montzalee Wittmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Return of the Darkening Series: Complete Boxset
Written by: Ava Richardson
Narrated by: Tiffany Williams
I requested this audible book and the review is voluntary.

Dragon Trials: Return of the Darkening, Volume 1
Written by: Ava Richardson
Narrated by: Tiffany Williams
This is a fun teen fantasy novel centered around dragons and hopeful teens. These teens want to be picked to be dragon riders. The choosing happens every 5 years. It follows a very rich girl and a poor boy. Very few of each are ever picked. They are teamed up and it is not only the story of how they learn to be dragon riders but the interaction with the dragon, bullying from other riders, getting to know each other, and more. A fun, fantasy, and every kids dream to ride a dragon! At least I always wanted a dragon and not a pony!
The narrator is perfect for this book. She is able to perform all the multitude of voices without fault. Wonderful job.

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!

Dragon Bonds: Return of the Darkening, Book 3
Written by: Ava Richardson
Narrated by: Tiffany Williams
This book ends a great series with lots of battles, magic, emotions, thrills, and surprises. A great series and I must say I will miss the dragons and their riders! I may not be a teen or young adult but I enjoyed this series too. Lots of special powers are exposed and the one behind the darkness. Everything comes together nicely. The narrator is wonderful to continue the great with consistency, emotions, and so much more. Perfect for these books!

[Allison ☾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This is a good young adult series for anyone who enjoys dragons, riders, combat and boarding school dynamics.


- There is no romance or sexual content in this series.


- There is very little violence and gore, although there are some battles and deaths.


- There is a happy ending.

[Bill Tillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a trilogy! If you love dragons and dragon adventure this is for you. If you like characters you can totally relate too this is for you. Bad guys, yup got obvious dark ones and the sneaky. What are you waiting for?

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I set out to listen to this I was thinking "this is going to be long" 3 books in 1 is a lot of book to listen to after all. By the end I was thinking "no, don't be over yet!"

I haven't seen anyone have two riders per dragon, but it works really well in this story.

The characters are a real mix of personalities. It's clear that a lot of thought went into creating realistic personalities and histories to give reasons for why characters act the way that they do.

The story line is complex, interesting and engaging. It was impossible to not get emotionally involved in what was happening.

The narration was perfect for the story. The character voices all worked really well and were easily recognizable, the delivery was emotive, well paced and sounded very natural.

I received this book free from the narrator/publisher/author in exchange for an honest review.

[Dave Shepherd · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic trilogy!

If you like fantasy novels, then this book is for you. When I first started reading book 1, I thought its going to take me ages to read all 3 books, but I was wrong. The story gripped me and I found it hard to put the book down! I won't spoil it by explaining the plot...all I will say is that if you like a good fantasy story, then I would strongly recommend this set of books. I hope you enjoy this trilogy as much as I have!!!

[Jodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1: Dragon Trials:
We start off by meeting Thea and Seb right before they are each chosen by their dragon, Kalax. One will be the protector and one will be the navigator. Both are from very different worlds. I immediately liked Seb and admired his determination. It took me a little longer to warm up to Thea because she seemed spoiled and impatient. As she grew to understand Seb, Thea became more understanding and likeable. This story goes through the trials to determine which character will be assigned to each role. The navigator leads the dragon in battle and the protector protects the navigator and dragon. We learn that it takes a lot of trust in each other for Thea and Seb to move forward at the academy.
Book 2: Dragon Legends
Now that Thea, Seb, & Kalax have formed a bond, they have become a team. As official Dragon Riders, they need to become even more connected to help find the person who has the Memory Stone so that person can be stopped from bringing the Darkening. It seems that most people don’t believe in the Darkening, or they aren’t remembering everything. It is up to this team to strengthen their bond to be able to fight the battles they need to, so they can fight the Darkening.
Book 3: Dragon Bonds
This last novel really shows the growth of Thea and Seb. Kalax is very bonded to the both of them, so she keeps them in line, I found myself laughing out loud during a few scenes thoughout. I don’t want to ruin anything in this story – but be prepared for the ultimate battle to reclaim the kingdom.
Overall, I was glad to read these all back-to-back. The author did a great job keeping things cohesive. I would like to read more of her books in the future. Tiffany Williams brings these characters alive. She has a wonderful voice for so many different characters. I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher courtesy of Audiobook Boom.

[Kathryn Holden · Rating 2 out of 5]

This review is for the box set of a 3 part story.

Book 1 and 2 are deserving of 3 stars. The overall fantasy tale is solid in the selecting and pairing of 2 unlikely dragon riders from vastly different parts of society and their growth and development along with the dragon that selected them. Seb, Thea and Kalax make quite the team.

However, book 3 dragged in the story telling then wrapped up the big finale in the last 3 pages and tacked on a hurried epilogue. Additionally the editing in the 3rd book was abysmal. I’m not talking about spelling and grammar issues either (plenty of those) but of serious continuity issues. 6 riders, and therefore 3 dragons set off on their own quest. They are all referred to by name frequently. Yet somehow they were constantly counted as 5 or 6 dragons plus the additional two they picked and then 8 total. It bothered me bc I had no idea who was with the initial 3. Additionally, the group picked up some supporters along the way, but that group just seemed to disappear and then reappear in the epilogue. Lastly the epilogue was told from Seb’s point of view but also referred Seb and made it sound like POV changed? Yes, more than once I think the wrong character name was inserted. These inconsistencies just got under my skin, so I can not give this any higher a rating.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The New Dragon Riders

Sebastian Smith, the overworked son of a blacksmith and Thea Flamma of the House of Flamma, a noble were both chosen by the crimson red dragon, Kalax. A mismatched pair as cadets, they nevertheless become worthy dragon riders.

When Seb and Thea become full dragon riders, it’s during a time of a mysterious darkness that overtakes everything in its path.

This trilogy was full of adventure and danger as each rider learns the meaning of family.

This was as entertaining and mesmerizing as the First Dragon Rider series, and worth a five star review.

[Alicia Kuntz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Needs better editing.

My mom and I are both reading this series and enjoying it. However the editing needs work. This review is from my mother.

“As much as I am enjoying the dragon books, I am disappointed in the editing of these books.
I am an older reader, but these books are aimed at a young audience and the lack of proper grammar and missing words is making it difficult. How do we expect our youth to be educated when we don't use our language properly”

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Good Story

The three books in this set are a fast paced adventure. The story is interesting and the characters are acceptably developed. However, the author has problems has problems with time. Reading along thinking a few story days have passed and the author indicates that almost a year has elapsed. Despite the problems with time, I recommend this book.

[lawrence gaisin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent character development, a good read


I've come to expect tight prose, strong develment and careful additions of back stories as an integral part of Ms Harriman 's stories. She comes through again.

[Kris Talbot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

I loved this series, different people and dragons but a great story with good characters. When all looks lost for Torvold a small group of dragons and riders band together to fight the Darkening

[Sheila A. Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting

I enjoyed this trilogy as I enjoyed the first trilogy of the series. Although she changed the original first dragons story, this is a good dragon story of friendship between human, dragon, human.

[Miriam Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read, couldn't put it down ..

until my eyes were closing on their own! Constant excitement, and wonderful visualizations! Editing wasn't perfect but it was easy to slide past just to read more!

[Robbin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like it.

It is good book for eleven and twelve year olds. If the child likes to read, it will help them to evolve into the adult genre of like stories.

[John W. Orr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Return of the Darkening The Complete Series

Enjoyed reading about young people who over think and then learned how to just do it! Good dragon communication. Thank you for writing for our enjoyment!

[Triona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Return of the darkening is a good read.

If you love a book on dragons a must read. It will hold your interest and keep you wanting more.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

Great dragon and dragon rider series. Being able to read the series straight thru really emphasized the characters change and growth from beginning to end.

[Carol Gadwaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible!

This trilogy was fantastic! There were a few areas where it dragged on a bit but over all the read was great. I found myself not being able to put it down.

[Susan A. Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating Story

I love the story, and the characters are easy to relate to.
I recommend to anyone of any age.
I didn’t like Thea much at first, but she grew on me!

[mark farrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Return of the Darkening

This is the second time I’ve read this series and have enjoyed it as much as the first time,your awesome Ava Richardson.

[John H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

Other than a few typos, this series was very enjoyable, and I recommend it to anyone who loves stories about dragons!

[NELSON POMALES · Rating 5 out of 5]

Return of the Darkening

I liked the way the author mixed the different social strata with adventure and feelings. The evolution of the characters was refreshing.

[julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid 4 1/2 stars… there were parts that got a little slow, but overall a good clean book. I think it’s clean for youth too.

[Stephen Levesque · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this series before and I certainly enjoyed it again. Great characters and story makes you keep reading it. You'll fall in love with the characters and you will root for them throughout, sharing all thier emotions. Great Reading Everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Andrew Cabrera Sr. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story line

The book kept me interested even when it slowed down. I have always enjoyed dragons a n sorcery. Thank you

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Seb and Thea are chosen by a dragon, they are both determined to become dragon riders. They will both incur lots of obstacles and will be tested to the max. They realize the Darkening has returned and the devastation it is causing. They need to help find the dragon stones and prevent more harm from coming to the villages. Seb and Thea go out on their own without permission but not without grave consequences. They each are learning they need to work together to accomplish what needs to be done. Seb and Thea continue to encounter more challenges in trying to figure out where the dragon stones are and who is taking the memories from the dragon riders and their dragons. Seb dragon affinity is getting stronger, and things are starting to happen to him. Thea knows something has changed within her since they used the healing stone on her. Lots of unpredictable moments. The Darkening has returned, and Lord Vincent wants to recover the Dragon Stone and become all-powerful, and rule all the lands. Seb and Thea and their companions come together to go in search of the Dargon Stone, but they do not realize the power that it has. Allies will be gained but friends will be lost. Great trilogy and a real page-turner.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noble born Agathea Flamma and the son of a blacksmith, Sebastian Smith, were chosen by a young red dragon named Kalax. As they trained together, learning to fly and fight from Kalax's back, they could never believe that they would lead the fight against the Darkening, the evil that was once vanquished, now returned to enslave Torvald and the rest of the world.

This well-written trilogy brings dragons to life, and fully describes life in the different social structures cooperating to defend the city of Torvalds and preserve their way of life, and eventually fighting to preserve the lives of all. Thea, Seb and Kalax must learn to get along, to fight and to survive as they battle the resurgent Darkening.

The stories are action packed and there are entertaining dialogues between the protagonists and their peers. I can recommend this trilogy to all readers.

[Jennifer Rinker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Epic adventure

A wonderful dragon adventure. It is a well-written story with lots of action. The heroes and heroines are intelligent and human. They learn that friends are the family you get to choose and there is always hope.

[Laura Calamuci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable fantasy

I have been reading science fiction and fantasy since I was a child. This was enjoyable!; strongly recommend reading series.