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Draken
A sacrifice born of love is about to change the world and rattle the stars.
And so the legend begins...
At nineteen, struggling to act as a carer for her mother, Skyla didn't think things could get much worse. But, with a knock at the door, her world implodes. A stranger arrives with the shocking truth: she was not born on Earth. But to a realm where magic rules, and mythical creatures roam.
There is only one choice; Skyla must return or her mother will die. But with the kingdoms on the brink of war, and evil forces that would see her family dead, she must evade detection and find a way to cure her mother.
Yet, things are about to get even more complicated, when, during her journey, visions of a tortured man plague her thoughts, and Skyla learns a deadly secret. These events spark a race against time, where the stakes could not be higher.
But with only a bunch of misfits to help, can she find a way to stop everything she loves from being destroyed? Or will it be too much for this heroine unprepared for her epic destiny?
And so the legend begins...
At nineteen, struggling to act as a carer for her mother, Skyla didn't think things could get much worse. But, with a knock at the door, her world implodes. A stranger arrives with the shocking truth: she was not born on Earth. But to a realm where magic rules, and mythical creatures roam.
There is only one choice; Skyla must return or her mother will die. But with the kingdoms on the brink of war, and evil forces that would see her family dead, she must evade detection and find a way to cure her mother.
Yet, things are about to get even more complicated, when, during her journey, visions of a tortured man plague her thoughts, and Skyla learns a deadly secret. These events spark a race against time, where the stakes could not be higher.
But with only a bunch of misfits to help, can she find a way to stop everything she loves from being destroyed? Or will it be too much for this heroine unprepared for her epic destiny?
391 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2016
657 people are currently reading
914 people want to read
About the author
S.B. Nova
8 books883 followersI’m a fantasy writer. I imagine places that don’t exist. I love to create weird and wonderful characters. I drink entirely too much tea.
Here's a longer, more official sounding version:
S.B. Nova is an English author of epic fantasy novels that focus on themes of found family, courage in the face of adversity, power and violence, oppressive authority figures, confining social norms, and sexual awakening. In other words, the horrors of growing up and the difficulties involved in finding one’s way in the world. The magic, ogres, dragons, and possessive fae are all just for fun.
Nova spends her time reading, writing, and dancing. She enjoys watching tarot pick-a-cards, wrestling matches, wuxia and xianxia shows, and street dance battles. The soundtracks to her life as a writer are heavy metal, hip-hop, and classical music. If she could be better at anything, it would be surfing.
The best way to stay in touch and learn about book updates is via her newsletter. Alternatively, you can visit her social media pages.
Here's a longer, more official sounding version:
S.B. Nova is an English author of epic fantasy novels that focus on themes of found family, courage in the face of adversity, power and violence, oppressive authority figures, confining social norms, and sexual awakening. In other words, the horrors of growing up and the difficulties involved in finding one’s way in the world. The magic, ogres, dragons, and possessive fae are all just for fun.
Nova spends her time reading, writing, and dancing. She enjoys watching tarot pick-a-cards, wrestling matches, wuxia and xianxia shows, and street dance battles. The soundtracks to her life as a writer are heavy metal, hip-hop, and classical music. If she could be better at anything, it would be surfing.
The best way to stay in touch and learn about book updates is via her newsletter. Alternatively, you can visit her social media pages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
March 31, 2018
Another great book, and now I am waiting for the second book in two series by the same author, someone out there must hate me.😆
Hurry up and get these book out S.B Nova!!!
I need them!
Hurry up and get these book out S.B Nova!!!
I need them!
July 10, 2018
I was really looking forward to this after loving A Kingdom of Exiles. However, it quickly became clear that AKOE is in a different league to this. The writing was immature and stilted with unnecessary descriptions and comments throughout the book that added nothing to the story and felt like a waste of words. I might have been able to get past this had the characters been easy to connect with. However, Skyla proved to have shown almost zero backbone even by the end of the book, made stupid pointless comments and constantly deferred to the opinions of Ruby who is quite frankly the most irritating character I have ever encountered and I’d have happily stepped into the book and slapped her for being an insufferable know-it-all for no apparent reason. The male characters had promise with some tantalising hints at romance and powers on Skyla’s part but ultimately it fell flat and I was thrilled when it was finally over. I’m not sure I can force myself to read the next one.
February 9, 2017
I absolutely loved the book, characters and world that was created. What I loved even more was the style of writing. Everything about it tied together seamlessly. There was not of wasteful purple prose or blah blah blah words used as fill in.
After reading the story, I immediately researched for the next book. It seems we will have to wait awhile, but there is another series that she has started. I hope she sticks to her style because for me it was a joy to read.
I don't think I would be as brave as Sky, but I won't miss going with her on her journey.
After reading the story, I immediately researched for the next book. It seems we will have to wait awhile, but there is another series that she has started. I hope she sticks to her style because for me it was a joy to read.
I don't think I would be as brave as Sky, but I won't miss going with her on her journey.
April 12, 2018
It takes a little time for the book to pick up but when it does, it does not disappoint. Can't wait for book 2!
April 12, 2018
Mystery, adventure and magic abound
Intriguing tale of being launched off into finding out who you really are, and not from the normally expected sources. A great clean tale of magical mystery and adventure.
Intriguing tale of being launched off into finding out who you really are, and not from the normally expected sources. A great clean tale of magical mystery and adventure.
April 12, 2018
Can't wait for the next one!!!
Buzzin' for news about the next books in both her series!! Fantastic reads for winding down in the evening and adding a bit of magic to your life
Buzzin' for news about the next books in both her series!! Fantastic reads for winding down in the evening and adding a bit of magic to your life
July 4, 2020
This book might have been decent if it weren’t for the fact that this is the SECOND book I have read by this author where she has not finished the story/series. This was written before ‘A Kingdom of Exiles’ which is also an unfinished series with only one book. They both leave cliff hangers with no prospect of ever having a conclusion and in ‘Draken’ the end was really the beginning as much of this book was a slow lead up to what might have been a good second book. With out it, this book is poorly written and has no plot other than false hope for a good story. Absolutely ridiculous this author has done this twice now, and makes the excuse of being ill and having a hard time finishing the AKOE series less believable, since it seems to be a pattern. ANOTHER DISAPPOINTMENT, DO NOT RECOMMEND!
September 7, 2019
It was ok
Good story, characters didn't quite make sense, story went all over the place, it felt like it was slow paced untill the very end
Good story, characters didn't quite make sense, story went all over the place, it felt like it was slow paced untill the very end
June 20, 2018
I just couldn't get into this... not sure why.
March 7, 2017
I really love the idea of this book - the premise and the world seem amazing. I just couldn't get over the simple writing and the horrible dialogue. The end with more action was a bit better, but I'm not reading any more of this series... Disappointed. :(
December 7, 2018
In “Draken” the first book in the "Southern Fire" series S.B. Nova creates a world separated into four kingdoms -North, South, East, West- where eleven families hold sway. In Arithia, East and South are still in conflict after the Draken Queen was killed and the tyrant Marcus was defeated in the Dragon Wars only to retreat to his fortress, using subtlety rather than violence to garner support.
Into this conflict has stepped nineteen-year-old Skyla who has discovered she’s adopted, that her friend Ruby was sent from Arithia at age fourteen to protect her, and as well that her assumed mother Evelyn is sick from her stay on Earth. With the kingdoms on the verge of war, her mother needing healing and her return foretold, Skyla must be home in Draken before her twentieth- birthday so the country’s enemies don’t gain the upper hand. But in their journey, with time of the essence she continually has visions of a tortured man and must make a decision whether or not to rescue him before he’s killed.
In a world where mystery, adventure and magic abound, the story heats up when Aris, Guardian of the Northlands and his son Henrik ally with Skyla and Ruby to track down Leo, heir to another aristocratic dynasty who’s being brutalized by the Aquans. With a trading agreement in force, Henrik is commissioned as an ambassador to the Aquans, taking the two women to meet with the Northlanders' spy and devising a mission to free Leo whenever they discover his whereabouts. Intensity and suspense climb as tension mounts when Henrik has to appear to be kidnapped after they join forces with local rebels to storm Dasûn. Well-developed and action-packed the plot flows quickly and smoothly to an explosive conflict and an ending that promises an exciting sequel.
Infusing the plot with depth and passion are wonderfully compelling and multifaceted characters like nineteen-year-old Skyla who was taken from the Southland as a baby, so she wouldn’t be assassinated as a child. Raised and home schooled by Evelyn on Earth Skyla is resentful, stubborn and full of fear when she’s whisked through the portal but as the story progresses shows a brave, forgiving and mediating side to her personality especially when sparks fly between irritable and dutiful Henrik, and brusque and feisty Ruby.
In this story romantic feelings flicker between Skyla and the tall, handsome Henrik whose father wants to unite them in an arranged marriage. But with Skyla wanting to love the man she eventually weds it will be interesting to see if the author takes this relationship further especially as she faces an uncertain fate in the Southlands.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Draken” and look forward to reading the next book in this series.
Into this conflict has stepped nineteen-year-old Skyla who has discovered she’s adopted, that her friend Ruby was sent from Arithia at age fourteen to protect her, and as well that her assumed mother Evelyn is sick from her stay on Earth. With the kingdoms on the verge of war, her mother needing healing and her return foretold, Skyla must be home in Draken before her twentieth- birthday so the country’s enemies don’t gain the upper hand. But in their journey, with time of the essence she continually has visions of a tortured man and must make a decision whether or not to rescue him before he’s killed.
In a world where mystery, adventure and magic abound, the story heats up when Aris, Guardian of the Northlands and his son Henrik ally with Skyla and Ruby to track down Leo, heir to another aristocratic dynasty who’s being brutalized by the Aquans. With a trading agreement in force, Henrik is commissioned as an ambassador to the Aquans, taking the two women to meet with the Northlanders' spy and devising a mission to free Leo whenever they discover his whereabouts. Intensity and suspense climb as tension mounts when Henrik has to appear to be kidnapped after they join forces with local rebels to storm Dasûn. Well-developed and action-packed the plot flows quickly and smoothly to an explosive conflict and an ending that promises an exciting sequel.
Infusing the plot with depth and passion are wonderfully compelling and multifaceted characters like nineteen-year-old Skyla who was taken from the Southland as a baby, so she wouldn’t be assassinated as a child. Raised and home schooled by Evelyn on Earth Skyla is resentful, stubborn and full of fear when she’s whisked through the portal but as the story progresses shows a brave, forgiving and mediating side to her personality especially when sparks fly between irritable and dutiful Henrik, and brusque and feisty Ruby.
In this story romantic feelings flicker between Skyla and the tall, handsome Henrik whose father wants to unite them in an arranged marriage. But with Skyla wanting to love the man she eventually weds it will be interesting to see if the author takes this relationship further especially as she faces an uncertain fate in the Southlands.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Draken” and look forward to reading the next book in this series.
February 9, 2019
I was very disappointed with this book. Having read A Kingdom of Exiles which was absolutely brilliant, I went for Draken as the sequel to Kingdom was not yet available....... I am still waiting......hopefully.
This story of Draken may be good but the writing is so immature, compared to the Kingdom book.
I found the style of writing trite, really irritating, the protagonists appear to be trivial.
But it is her first book I believe, so I will give her that as an excuse, we all have to start somewhere.
I realised that there is virtually no descriptions of the scenery, the smells, the shape of anything, the atmosphere has nothing. The climb up to a tower of messenger birds had nothing said about it and could have been very exciting
The cover is very good, and I see that this edition is I AM self publishing. To do the author justice I wish to point out how rapidly SB Nova has improved from this, her first novel.
But oh rats, have I the endurance to read to the end.... I don't know. Maybe just speed read it???
This story of Draken may be good but the writing is so immature, compared to the Kingdom book.
I found the style of writing trite, really irritating, the protagonists appear to be trivial.
But it is her first book I believe, so I will give her that as an excuse, we all have to start somewhere.
I realised that there is virtually no descriptions of the scenery, the smells, the shape of anything, the atmosphere has nothing. The climb up to a tower of messenger birds had nothing said about it and could have been very exciting
The cover is very good, and I see that this edition is I AM self publishing. To do the author justice I wish to point out how rapidly SB Nova has improved from this, her first novel.
But oh rats, have I the endurance to read to the end.... I don't know. Maybe just speed read it???
May 26, 2018
Amazing adventure!
I started reading Draken right after I finished Nova's other book AKOE. This one started up a little slower for me but I think it has a lot to do with filling the reader up on some of the basic need to know for the book. Once the book really took off though it became well worth the read.
I honestly don't like reading books from the same author back to back because it always feels like your reading about the same character. Nova to me did a wonderful job having two strong female characters in each of her books who are different from each other.
I didn't plan on becoming addicted to her books but I am fully invested now in both series. My only regret is that I didn't start reading these books until after all books in the series were out. Now I have to wait years before I can know the ending and I feel completely sad having to wait for the next books so this series can be back in my life.
I started reading Draken right after I finished Nova's other book AKOE. This one started up a little slower for me but I think it has a lot to do with filling the reader up on some of the basic need to know for the book. Once the book really took off though it became well worth the read.
I honestly don't like reading books from the same author back to back because it always feels like your reading about the same character. Nova to me did a wonderful job having two strong female characters in each of her books who are different from each other.
I didn't plan on becoming addicted to her books but I am fully invested now in both series. My only regret is that I didn't start reading these books until after all books in the series were out. Now I have to wait years before I can know the ending and I feel completely sad having to wait for the next books so this series can be back in my life.
January 13, 2019
For me I managed to read this book pretty quickly even at the slow paced beginning that was set.
First things first, the world building that is created is truly amazing and I can picture each scene just perfectly in my mind, there are various strong lead female and male characters, lots of magic, mystery, adventure and not to mention suspense.
I love the relationships that form throughout the book, so close that they become a mis-matched type of family that somehow work perfectly together and seem to fall apart when not.
I did enjoy this book and its safe to say that I will read the next in the series once it arrives but I feel I made the mistake of reading her other series first as there were just far too many comparisions to one another and I found that parts of the read I guessed before it actually happened, however, it was a very enjoyable read.
First things first, the world building that is created is truly amazing and I can picture each scene just perfectly in my mind, there are various strong lead female and male characters, lots of magic, mystery, adventure and not to mention suspense.
I love the relationships that form throughout the book, so close that they become a mis-matched type of family that somehow work perfectly together and seem to fall apart when not.
I did enjoy this book and its safe to say that I will read the next in the series once it arrives but I feel I made the mistake of reading her other series first as there were just far too many comparisions to one another and I found that parts of the read I guessed before it actually happened, however, it was a very enjoyable read.
June 22, 2018
Just like with AKOE, I waited to read this because I have serious issues with waiting for sequels, especially when I really fall in love with a story. Bit the bullet and tortured myself once more by becoming completely immersed in this story(definitely a book you'll refuse to stop reading until you hit the end). It was a bit slow to start, but I can now say I'm really invested in Skyla's story(also Ruby is wonderfully written character). Between Draken and AKOE, S.B. Nova has definitely become one of my new favorite authors. Her world building is phenomenal and I absolutely adore how she tells the story of her characters. Brb while I go reread AKOE now that I have been reminded how much I lover her writing.
December 22, 2018
1/5 ⭐️
I DNF’d this book just before the hundredth page mark. I tried so hard to push myself into reading more of it but it just wasn’t enjoyable at all for me so I chose not to waste my time on it. The dialogues felt extremely forced and unnatural, the characters are despicable and keep changing feelings every two sentences, the writing is bad... There’s no action, only a series of things which happen one after the other way too fast and with little to no description of what is actually happening. The relationship between the characters is weird (Ruby shows up and is instantly Skyla’s BFF after two pages?). The MC, Skyla, is childish and throws tantrum whenever something doesn’t go her way...
This book has a very pretty cover, but that’s all. I’m very disappointed.
I DNF’d this book just before the hundredth page mark. I tried so hard to push myself into reading more of it but it just wasn’t enjoyable at all for me so I chose not to waste my time on it. The dialogues felt extremely forced and unnatural, the characters are despicable and keep changing feelings every two sentences, the writing is bad... There’s no action, only a series of things which happen one after the other way too fast and with little to no description of what is actually happening. The relationship between the characters is weird (Ruby shows up and is instantly Skyla’s BFF after two pages?). The MC, Skyla, is childish and throws tantrum whenever something doesn’t go her way...
This book has a very pretty cover, but that’s all. I’m very disappointed.
April 14, 2020
Fantastic characters
Sky is a great female role in this magical story. In similar plots to this, the girl who finds herself in a new world always adapts to quickly and becomes crazy powerful a few chapters in. Sky, though, appears how most people would react. She goes with the punches, but has her days where she struggles. She isn’t just amazing and strong and powerful- but she does make wonderful friends and connections along the way. I love the mix of elements in this story and relationships formed. Warning however that the second book is not out yet.... and that makes me sad.
Sky is a great female role in this magical story. In similar plots to this, the girl who finds herself in a new world always adapts to quickly and becomes crazy powerful a few chapters in. Sky, though, appears how most people would react. She goes with the punches, but has her days where she struggles. She isn’t just amazing and strong and powerful- but she does make wonderful friends and connections along the way. I love the mix of elements in this story and relationships formed. Warning however that the second book is not out yet.... and that makes me sad.
November 9, 2018
What can I say....what happened?!
This story was more boring than watching paint dry! I kept waiting for the action or meaning to come but it never did! Yeah there was a little excitement at the end, but that quickly died back down to the boring drawn out story it was! This wasn't even worthy to be considered it's own book! What took up so many pages could've been told in five pages! I don't think I've ever read a book with so much promise constantly waiting for the story to jumpstart yet it never takes flight! Goodness, if the rest of the series is like this I'm done!
This story was more boring than watching paint dry! I kept waiting for the action or meaning to come but it never did! Yeah there was a little excitement at the end, but that quickly died back down to the boring drawn out story it was! This wasn't even worthy to be considered it's own book! What took up so many pages could've been told in five pages! I don't think I've ever read a book with so much promise constantly waiting for the story to jumpstart yet it never takes flight! Goodness, if the rest of the series is like this I'm done!
January 20, 2019
Turned out better then I thought!
At first I hated the main character. She’s whiny, entitled, spoiled. I figured she’d get better throughout the story and she did. I still don’t like her as much as I want to, but it’s a great story that’s very well written. The plot moves seamlessly from event to event, the character development is superb-even if I dont care for the main character yet I sure do know her! I’m glad I read this and I’m starting to really enjoy this author.
At first I hated the main character. She’s whiny, entitled, spoiled. I figured she’d get better throughout the story and she did. I still don’t like her as much as I want to, but it’s a great story that’s very well written. The plot moves seamlessly from event to event, the character development is superb-even if I dont care for the main character yet I sure do know her! I’m glad I read this and I’m starting to really enjoy this author.
May 8, 2018
Slow to get there...
Enjoyed the book overall but it was slow getting to the meat of the storyline. The main character Skylar and her broods gets annoying and her side kick Ruby needs to shed the chip on her shoulder. Waiting for book 2 to see how the characters develop and the plot deepens.
Enjoyed the book overall but it was slow getting to the meat of the storyline. The main character Skylar and her broods gets annoying and her side kick Ruby needs to shed the chip on her shoulder. Waiting for book 2 to see how the characters develop and the plot deepens.
August 20, 2018
I read this after reading the author’s other novel A Kingdom of Exiles. This is definitely a “first” novel- it’s starts very simplistically. However, I felt by midway through the book the author had developed the world much better and I ended up enjoying the book very much. I think her future books are going to be hard to put down. If you like fantasy YA, give this book a chance.
January 21, 2019
Slow start, fast ending
Where is book 2? Didn't like the characters at first. They didn't react the way I thought they should. Also, book had too many details, so much that I thought it distracted from the story. It just seemed to take them forever to get anywhere. As the two women traveled alone, their characters grew and the story evolved. Now, I want the story to continue!
Where is book 2? Didn't like the characters at first. They didn't react the way I thought they should. Also, book had too many details, so much that I thought it distracted from the story. It just seemed to take them forever to get anywhere. As the two women traveled alone, their characters grew and the story evolved. Now, I want the story to continue!
August 6, 2019
Disappointed with this book. I loved AKOE n can't wait for AKON. But with that being said, I can't blame this book was written by the same author. Sky is weak and absolutely useless. Ruby is arrogant and one of the most irrational and annoying characters ever invented. I honestly don't feel like anything was accomplished in this book. I hope skyla gains a backbone in the second book.
February 1, 2021
Even better the 2nd read!
I decided to read this book for a second time because I thought I liked it but couldn't remember as it had been a couple years. I LOVE THIS BOOK! It has a great storyline and wonderful characters that are complex and we'll written. I can't wait for the next book to come out!
I decided to read this book for a second time because I thought I liked it but couldn't remember as it had been a couple years. I LOVE THIS BOOK! It has a great storyline and wonderful characters that are complex and we'll written. I can't wait for the next book to come out!
July 16, 2025
Sequel Please!
This was so good! I see no updates on a sequel though so I am hoping the author will see this. I have read all of your books and eagerly look forward to more. Your world building is top notch, characters are well developed, and story is captivating. Anyone who likes fantasy books will love this!
This was so good! I see no updates on a sequel though so I am hoping the author will see this. I have read all of your books and eagerly look forward to more. Your world building is top notch, characters are well developed, and story is captivating. Anyone who likes fantasy books will love this!
April 30, 2018
So excited for the rest!
This was a great story with a lot of detail. I didn't initially look for this book but after reading another book by this author I was hooked. S. B. Nova is a great story teller. It leaves me anticipating sequel books for each book I have read.
This was a great story with a lot of detail. I didn't initially look for this book but after reading another book by this author I was hooked. S. B. Nova is a great story teller. It leaves me anticipating sequel books for each book I have read.
June 28, 2018
Series of another book of series?
I really liked this book and the one titled The Exlide Ones. I hope there are more to come. I would have been happy to give more stars of this information was available.
I really liked this book and the one titled The Exlide Ones. I hope there are more to come. I would have been happy to give more stars of this information was available.
July 19, 2018
I'm sorry, but I couldn't make it past Chapter 11. This book was hella boring and the main character got on my nerves. She's a bratty self centered little bitch who throws tantrums. Let her drown in a lake or something.
August 13, 2018
I had a hard time understanding the point of view this was written in. After i just gave up trying to make sense of that and just read it for what it is, i couldn't put it down. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
August 31, 2018
An intriguing tale with lots of character development and a good plot. Not quite as well written as A Kingdom of Exiles, also by this author, but this is the earlier book. Looking forward to continuing the story!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews