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The Alaris Chronicles #2
The Dragon Rider
The barrier is down, war is brewing and dragons fill the skies once more.
Bakari is the first dragon rider in centuries but he alone cannot subdue the growing tensions among the kingdoms around Alaris. He begins a quest to find more dragon riders -- the only way to secure peace in the fractured lands around him.
In this second book of the Alaris Chronicles everyone is forced to choose sides in the battle for the governance of Alaris. Roland Tyre seizes control of the Citadel and carefully plays both sides -- but his immense charm and considerable wizard powers may prove useless against a deadly and hidden enemy. Battle Wizard Alli Stenos is in the thick of every fight she can find and only wants to secure an end to the violence.
The three young wizards, Bakari, Roland and Alli have become more powerful than many of their elders. But will that be enough to keep Alaris, and the surrounding kingdoms, from descending into all out war?
Bakari is the first dragon rider in centuries but he alone cannot subdue the growing tensions among the kingdoms around Alaris. He begins a quest to find more dragon riders -- the only way to secure peace in the fractured lands around him.
In this second book of the Alaris Chronicles everyone is forced to choose sides in the battle for the governance of Alaris. Roland Tyre seizes control of the Citadel and carefully plays both sides -- but his immense charm and considerable wizard powers may prove useless against a deadly and hidden enemy. Battle Wizard Alli Stenos is in the thick of every fight she can find and only wants to secure an end to the violence.
The three young wizards, Bakari, Roland and Alli have become more powerful than many of their elders. But will that be enough to keep Alaris, and the surrounding kingdoms, from descending into all out war?
- GenresFantasy
372 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 3, 2017
279 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
About the author
Mike Shelton
24 books190 followersMike was born in California and has lived in multiple states from the west coast to the east coast. He cannot remember a time when he wasn't reading a book. At school, home, on vacation, at work at lunch time, and yes even a few pages in the car (at times when he just couldn't put that great book down). Though he has read all sorts of genres he has always been drawn to fantasy. It is his way of escaping to a simpler time filled with magic, wonders and heroics of young men and women.
Other than reading, Mike has always enjoyed the outdoors. From the beaches in Southern California to the warm waters of North Carolina. From the waterfalls in the Northwest to the Rocky Mountains in Utah. Mike has appreciated the beauty that God provides for us. He also enjoys hiking, discovering nature, playing a little basketball or volleyball, and most recently disc golf. He has a lovely wife who has always supported him, and three beautiful children who have been the center of his life.
Mike began writing stories in elementary school and moved on to larger novels in his early adult years. He has worked in corporate finance for most of his career. That, along with spending time with his wonderful family and obligations at church has made it difficult to find the time to truly dedicate to writing. In the last few years as his children have become older he has returned to doing what he truly enjoys - writing!
Other than reading, Mike has always enjoyed the outdoors. From the beaches in Southern California to the warm waters of North Carolina. From the waterfalls in the Northwest to the Rocky Mountains in Utah. Mike has appreciated the beauty that God provides for us. He also enjoys hiking, discovering nature, playing a little basketball or volleyball, and most recently disc golf. He has a lovely wife who has always supported him, and three beautiful children who have been the center of his life.
Mike began writing stories in elementary school and moved on to larger novels in his early adult years. He has worked in corporate finance for most of his career. That, along with spending time with his wonderful family and obligations at church has made it difficult to find the time to truly dedicate to writing. In the last few years as his children have become older he has returned to doing what he truly enjoys - writing!
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 24, 2017
This epic tale continues with an impending battle to establish who holds the power to rule the land! These young characters seem too young to carry the burdens they face, yet thus amazing writer manages to establish their worthiness while keeping the innocence of their youth intact. Brilliantly written, I really enjoy Bak's internal turmoil at being placed in a leadership position. Each of these characters play vital parts in this epic YA fantasy. Love every page and can't wait for the continuation! This voluntary review is based against an advance copy.
October 18, 2018
Dragons and wizards and battles, oh my!
Wow, this book is a wonderful continuation to a great series. Full of magic and dragons and epic battles, there’s no way readers won’t fall in love with this series. Fans of Eragon will love this book!
Wow, this book is a wonderful continuation to a great series. Full of magic and dragons and epic battles, there’s no way readers won’t fall in love with this series. Fans of Eragon will love this book!
May 28, 2017
great series!!!
I received an ARC and am giving an un-bias opinion
I received an ARC and am giving an un-bias opinion
April 21, 2017
Disclosure: I received an ARC kindle version of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book did not have the same instant hook that the first book did, but once the story got going, it was hard to stop reading. The story line of the Chameleon is the most interesting. I really hope the room with the mysterious artifacts is explored more in the next book. They just seem to be glossed over in this book. I get that the main focus is supposed to be about the dragon rider, but at times Bak’s story line gets slow and repetitive (find the egg and the rider is conveniently there already, etc). I am looking forward to finishing the Chameleon’s story line in the next book.
This book did not have the same instant hook that the first book did, but once the story got going, it was hard to stop reading. The story line of the Chameleon is the most interesting. I really hope the room with the mysterious artifacts is explored more in the next book. They just seem to be glossed over in this book. I get that the main focus is supposed to be about the dragon rider, but at times Bak’s story line gets slow and repetitive (find the egg and the rider is conveniently there already, etc). I am looking forward to finishing the Chameleon’s story line in the next book.
October 31, 2018
Sadly book two not so good
This book is the second in a series, very poorly written, almost as if it were written by a six year old, a child rather then writing for young adults, who by the way, are often smarter then us full adults. However, this second book is so poorly written I have been skimming through the pages.
It's as if the author Mike Shelton let a niece or daughter write this book. Even if this were a children's book the author must respect the readers, and they are very smart. After all you want to teach good grammar, sentences structuring and interesting storylines. Children are not babies, children are very smart young adults.
I personally lost interest very quickly. Constant repetition, poorly constructed sentences which lay out the landscape of a scenery. Impossible action which make immersing and following the story very frustrating and difficult. Telling and retelling of same, same .... name confusion: "Abylar snorted in agreement.
The Dragon had informed Bakari that a dragon fed was near hier, but there was no sign o Beelyn yet...duuh? She had left Celstare a few days before Bakari and Kharlia ?????? Say what? (In book one Kharlia jumped into a ravine to escape from being eaten by an ugly beast, assumed dead, has never resurfaced.)
Kharlia had last visited. The King said she had escaped from Silla only two days ago......duhh ?? She who?"
"The afternoon sun had moved three-fourths of the way across the autumn soybean they found a patch of land big enough to land on
( to land Dragon and Bakari) next to the river. "River Bend will be just south of here," Bakari said. "A few t runs down river."
This thought made Bakari think of Kharlia again. They escaped from River Bend about six weeks earlier to make their way to Celestar. The pain odosing her was still present, but tasks at hand would distract him enough so that he didn't dwell on it too much.
"I think we should stay here tonight". Bandai pointed downstream. "I don't think the people of River Bend are ready to see a dragon yet."
The Dragon had informed Bakari that a dragon egg was near hier, but there was no sign of Breelyn yet. She had left Celestar a few days before Bajari and Kharlia had last visited. The King said she had escaped from Silla.......(Kharlia disappeared several weeks so, - in book One/about midway through book -
- we were not told that Breelyn was in Silla or why she needed to escape.
The sun had set earlier tonight,and Bakari wanted to get to sleep earl .......hmm one page ealier we were told: The afternoon sun had moved three-fourths of the way across the autumn sky when they found a patch of land big enough to land on
==========
The above is just a small taste of how confusing it can get in the reading of this story. Here is some more confusing writing:
<"Sir," called one of the stable boys. Roland jumped off his horse and walked over to the worried boy. "Someone left some of the stalls oprn, and quite a few horses are now missing."
"Whenn did this happen? I was just here."
Roland turned his head to take a quick look around the stable.
"Based on what the other boys have said, sir, it seems it must have been right before you arrived."
"Whose horses are they?" Roland turned his head toward Celia and then surveyed the stables.
"Each one belongs to one of the wizards still here at the citadel, sir," the stable master said, appearing nervous. "I sent men out to find them and gather them back. This is the third time this week something like this has happened."
Roland arched his eyebrows in a question. "I haven't heard anything about this."
"We didn't want to worry you, my Lord. Thought it must be just a couple of lazy boys. But things do seem a little stranger than usual: first some tack and gear went missing; then, some food; and now, these horses."
" Either someone is packing for a trip, or they are trying to take away our ability to leave," Roland said. He thought back to the other, seemingly separate happenings inside the Citadel that week. There were complaints of food missing from the cook, of clothes missing from the laundry, and of footsteps from someone sneaking around a night.
Roland turned back, to ask Ceilia a question, but she had left. Strange!! he thought. She had said she was positive she hadn't seen anyone in the stables, but he wanted to make sure. There was definitely something off about her. And, if she wastage one who did this, she was definitely involved somehow.
As he walked up the immense, wide, curved staircase to the second floor, the immense handlebars that hung from the ceiling fought his eye. Each night, one of the wizards apprentices was given the chore to light it. But it was not lit yet, and the time for the evening meal was approaching.
His mouth tightened, Approaching Titus's room, he knocked twice before someone answered the door. It was a servant.
"Fetch Wizard Titus for me," he informed the servant.
The
This book is the second in a series, very poorly written, almost as if it were written by a six year old, a child rather then writing for young adults, who by the way, are often smarter then us full adults. However, this second book is so poorly written I have been skimming through the pages.
It's as if the author Mike Shelton let a niece or daughter write this book. Even if this were a children's book the author must respect the readers, and they are very smart. After all you want to teach good grammar, sentences structuring and interesting storylines. Children are not babies, children are very smart young adults.
I personally lost interest very quickly. Constant repetition, poorly constructed sentences which lay out the landscape of a scenery. Impossible action which make immersing and following the story very frustrating and difficult. Telling and retelling of same, same .... name confusion: "Abylar snorted in agreement.
The Dragon had informed Bakari that a dragon fed was near hier, but there was no sign o Beelyn yet...duuh? She had left Celstare a few days before Bakari and Kharlia ?????? Say what? (In book one Kharlia jumped into a ravine to escape from being eaten by an ugly beast, assumed dead, has never resurfaced.)
Kharlia had last visited. The King said she had escaped from Silla only two days ago......duhh ?? She who?"
"The afternoon sun had moved three-fourths of the way across the autumn soybean they found a patch of land big enough to land on
( to land Dragon and Bakari) next to the river. "River Bend will be just south of here," Bakari said. "A few t runs down river."
This thought made Bakari think of Kharlia again. They escaped from River Bend about six weeks earlier to make their way to Celestar. The pain odosing her was still present, but tasks at hand would distract him enough so that he didn't dwell on it too much.
"I think we should stay here tonight". Bandai pointed downstream. "I don't think the people of River Bend are ready to see a dragon yet."
The Dragon had informed Bakari that a dragon egg was near hier, but there was no sign of Breelyn yet. She had left Celestar a few days before Bajari and Kharlia had last visited. The King said she had escaped from Silla.......(Kharlia disappeared several weeks so, - in book One/about midway through book -
- we were not told that Breelyn was in Silla or why she needed to escape.
The sun had set earlier tonight,and Bakari wanted to get to sleep earl .......hmm one page ealier we were told: The afternoon sun had moved three-fourths of the way across the autumn sky when they found a patch of land big enough to land on
==========
The above is just a small taste of how confusing it can get in the reading of this story. Here is some more confusing writing:
<"Sir," called one of the stable boys. Roland jumped off his horse and walked over to the worried boy. "Someone left some of the stalls oprn, and quite a few horses are now missing."
"Whenn did this happen? I was just here."
Roland turned his head to take a quick look around the stable.
"Based on what the other boys have said, sir, it seems it must have been right before you arrived."
"Whose horses are they?" Roland turned his head toward Celia and then surveyed the stables.
"Each one belongs to one of the wizards still here at the citadel, sir," the stable master said, appearing nervous. "I sent men out to find them and gather them back. This is the third time this week something like this has happened."
Roland arched his eyebrows in a question. "I haven't heard anything about this."
"We didn't want to worry you, my Lord. Thought it must be just a couple of lazy boys. But things do seem a little stranger than usual: first some tack and gear went missing; then, some food; and now, these horses."
" Either someone is packing for a trip, or they are trying to take away our ability to leave," Roland said. He thought back to the other, seemingly separate happenings inside the Citadel that week. There were complaints of food missing from the cook, of clothes missing from the laundry, and of footsteps from someone sneaking around a night.
Roland turned back, to ask Ceilia a question, but she had left. Strange!! he thought. She had said she was positive she hadn't seen anyone in the stables, but he wanted to make sure. There was definitely something off about her. And, if she wastage one who did this, she was definitely involved somehow.
As he walked up the immense, wide, curved staircase to the second floor, the immense handlebars that hung from the ceiling fought his eye. Each night, one of the wizards apprentices was given the chore to light it. But it was not lit yet, and the time for the evening meal was approaching.
His mouth tightened, Approaching Titus's room, he knocked twice before someone answered the door. It was a servant.
"Fetch Wizard Titus for me," he informed the servant.
The
November 11, 2017
The amazing adventure of three young wizards, Bakari, Roland and Alli continues in book two, The Dragon Rider. The second book in this series, is even more exciting than the first novel – with dragons, war, scheming and more. You literally do not want to put this book down in fear of missing what happens next.
The novel opens up with some history from the first novel but to really appreciate this novel, you should read the first in this series, which you can find more information here. After we get a recap of what has led up to this point, we dive into more of Bakari’s story. While I originally thought that Roland would emerge as one of the greatest wizards, it is Bakari – our quiet but thoughtful, compassionate and crazy smart wizard who emerges as the leader. It is Bakari who is marked as a leader and a saviour, a role that he does not relish in but accepts with humility. He is the perfect hero and as he searches for the remaining dragon riders to aid him in his quest, we see even more of his heroic qualities.
While he is on his mission, there is still so much going on in Alaris – a war over power that finds Alli and Roland stuck in the middle. Alli finds a new ally, one that neither you as a reader nor even she could imagine coming to her aid. Roland meets his match in an ancient and evil power. It is the evil power that Roland uncovers that helps us to understand the enormous evil that is about to be unleashed on the world. It is also a great bridge into the third book that leaves your craving for more.
The Dragon Rider is an excellent novel for young adults and adults who love a well written science fiction novel. Full of action, suspense and schemes you never see coming. I loved every moment of book two!
The novel opens up with some history from the first novel but to really appreciate this novel, you should read the first in this series, which you can find more information here. After we get a recap of what has led up to this point, we dive into more of Bakari’s story. While I originally thought that Roland would emerge as one of the greatest wizards, it is Bakari – our quiet but thoughtful, compassionate and crazy smart wizard who emerges as the leader. It is Bakari who is marked as a leader and a saviour, a role that he does not relish in but accepts with humility. He is the perfect hero and as he searches for the remaining dragon riders to aid him in his quest, we see even more of his heroic qualities.
While he is on his mission, there is still so much going on in Alaris – a war over power that finds Alli and Roland stuck in the middle. Alli finds a new ally, one that neither you as a reader nor even she could imagine coming to her aid. Roland meets his match in an ancient and evil power. It is the evil power that Roland uncovers that helps us to understand the enormous evil that is about to be unleashed on the world. It is also a great bridge into the third book that leaves your craving for more.
The Dragon Rider is an excellent novel for young adults and adults who love a well written science fiction novel. Full of action, suspense and schemes you never see coming. I loved every moment of book two!
May 17, 2018
Hardships yet to Bear
This author is quickly becoming one of my favorites. I would put him right up there with my others George R R Martin , and Robert Jordan. Here you see one of the main characters tested to his braking point,can be survive. Bakari is forming with the fact that he is the Dragon King,but a great stability comes back in to his life. This and much more you will find in here.
This author is quickly becoming one of my favorites. I would put him right up there with my others George R R Martin , and Robert Jordan. Here you see one of the main characters tested to his braking point,can be survive. Bakari is forming with the fact that he is the Dragon King,but a great stability comes back in to his life. This and much more you will find in here.
January 22, 2020
I like the series but didn't love it. This just jumps around way to much from character to character to character and again to another character. When it does that, the story doesn't flow and parts of it becomes sooooo boring. You could have gotten rid of a few of the sections and incorporated them in with the others making it and the story flow better and became less boring. This is a series so I might read the next I haven't decided yet. Ok reading everyone!
June 15, 2017
A great story
This is the continuing story following The Dragon Orb. The Magic and action/adventure just keeps going. Oh, did I mention "Dragons"? Yes , dragons. How wonderful. This story is so well written. And the characters are great. Read this, you will love it. I am now waiting for the release of book 3 in July.
This is the continuing story following The Dragon Orb. The Magic and action/adventure just keeps going. Oh, did I mention "Dragons"? Yes , dragons. How wonderful. This story is so well written. And the characters are great. Read this, you will love it. I am now waiting for the release of book 3 in July.
February 11, 2019
Book 2 “Dragon Rider” of the Alaris Chronicles is still an enjoyable read, but sadly a little bit less then the first book in this series. The story is fine enough, we have action, dragons (yay!), heroes; but the writing style makes it a bit predictable for me. I think that maybe a younger audience (teens) can enjoy this book better.
July 15, 2017
4.5/5.0
“The Dragon Rider” is the second book in The Alaris Chronicles.
Read full review in the 2017 July/August issue of InD'tale Magazine.
“The Dragon Rider” is the second book in The Alaris Chronicles.
Read full review in the 2017 July/August issue of InD'tale Magazine.
July 22, 2017
The story just keeps getting better
Well, by now you know the characters pretty well and what they're up against.
Bakari is doubting what his role is going to be. Gorn gives him great advice to try and deal with his confusing adventure.
Well written, for sure.
Well, by now you know the characters pretty well and what they're up against.
Bakari is doubting what his role is going to be. Gorn gives him great advice to try and deal with his confusing adventure.
Well written, for sure.
December 1, 2017
Brilliant follow on from Book 1.
A definite page turner. It was a pleasure to watch the characters grow throughout the story and at the end of the book they were fully formed.
Absolutely a must read.
I shall now be reading book 3.
A definite page turner. It was a pleasure to watch the characters grow throughout the story and at the end of the book they were fully formed.
Absolutely a must read.
I shall now be reading book 3.
December 2, 2018
Reminds one of Anne McCaffre
These books are great. At first making you think of Aregon, then Dragon riders of Pern. I couldn't stop reading. First books I've actually bought to keep reading.
These books are great. At first making you think of Aregon, then Dragon riders of Pern. I couldn't stop reading. First books I've actually bought to keep reading.
February 3, 2019
Wizards, Dragons, Intrigue, and Romance, everything you want in your next read!
A wonderful world of magic and Dragons. A book that is hard to put down. A must read for everyone that loves a grand adventure!
A wonderful world of magic and Dragons. A book that is hard to put down. A must read for everyone that loves a grand adventure!
May 12, 2019
The story continues...
There are 3 dragon riders now fighting for peace between the kingdoms. The fourth dragon is stolen by a greedy, power hungry, and thoroughly evil man. Can only 3 dragon riders protect Alaris and bring peace?
Great read!
There are 3 dragon riders now fighting for peace between the kingdoms. The fourth dragon is stolen by a greedy, power hungry, and thoroughly evil man. Can only 3 dragon riders protect Alaris and bring peace?
Great read!
June 4, 2019
Bakery has become a dragon rider after the fall of the barrier. He must find the other dragon riders and the dragon eggs There are many bumps in the road and war looms over the land. This is a great story with mAny possibilities for the next book 'The Dragon King.'
November 1, 2021
Exhilarating Action
The action and the thrill of the birth of the dragons has added an amazing thrill to the action along with the powerful young Wizards adding new dimensions to the war and the recovery of Alaris, and the safety of their world.
The action and the thrill of the birth of the dragons has added an amazing thrill to the action along with the powerful young Wizards adding new dimensions to the war and the recovery of Alaris, and the safety of their world.
May 30, 2017
Excellent series and good read.t
G
Strong characters with believability. The story has good drama. The characters have a charm and rea!istic struggles. Recommended for a!!.
G
Strong characters with believability. The story has good drama. The characters have a charm and rea!istic struggles. Recommended for a!!.
July 22, 2017
Awesome story
This book is even better than the first one and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
This book is even better than the first one and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
July 26, 2017
Good book
I love a book that keeps me hooked. Everything was great. The fighting, magic and even a bit of romance. Starting on book three.
I love a book that keeps me hooked. Everything was great. The fighting, magic and even a bit of romance. Starting on book three.
July 2, 2018
Fantastic book 2
This story brings you to the edge of your seat. Great story of a mystical place only seen in our dreams
This story brings you to the edge of your seat. Great story of a mystical place only seen in our dreams
February 4, 2019
Loved it! Great series!
Read
July 6, 2019the adventure continues with a bit of intrigue and a dash of romance tossed in for good measure. The book was exciting and I had a hard time putting it down
December 20, 2019
Dragons with riders!
I love stories of Dragon riders and this one delivers. Wizards and great swordplay add to the mix. Really great read.
I love stories of Dragon riders and this one delivers. Wizards and great swordplay add to the mix. Really great read.
October 14, 2020
Most excellent read. Looking forward to the next book. Highly recommend!!!
April 1, 2019
Love this fantasy series! Great storytelling, believable characters and a lot of action. What's not to like? When you need an escape from the everyday reality of your life, start this series and venture to a whole new realm.
May 24, 2017
This book was very good and hard to put down. Reading about wizards and dragons is one of my favorite type of book. This story takes place when the barrier that protects Alaris falls and the dragons riders that try to bring peace to Alaris.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. I recommend this book to everyone who loves fantasy and excitement.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. I recommend this book to everyone who loves fantasy and excitement.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews