A Wyvern dragon shifter. Revenge, lies and a deadly magical challenge
When her parents were murdered eleven years ago, leaving her physically scarred during the event, dragon shifter Astri never learned the identity of their killer. That is until he appears to her in a nightmare.
The powerful Duke Jorgen not only rules the city of Rivenna where she lives, he is also responsible for her parents’ death and for the disability she’s had to bear most of her life. When the chance arises for her to compete to become Duke’s assistant, she realises this is her opportunity for revenge.
But everything in Astri’s world comes with a price. Can she overcome her disability and make Duke pay?
Joanna Mazurkiewicz was born in Poland. She moved to United Kingdom when she was only nineteen and just finished high school. She had aspired to be a writer upon completion of the Harry Potter series but also enjoyed reading books like ‘Gone with the Wind’, ’Animal Farm’ and ‘The doll’. She graduated from Swansea University with a bachelor degree in American Studies. While studying in the UK she made a decision to start writing fiction in English. The “Whispers of the Sprite” is her first debut novel and she is currently working on other projects. Joanna lives in Cowbridge, a small town in South Wales near Cardiff with her boyfriend Bruce. She enjoys cycling around Welsh countryside some of which has become the settings in her first series.
I wanted Astri to be the strong wyvern that she said she was, wanted to believe that she can kick everyone's butt like she said she could....the keyword here was "wanted". Astri falls short, every single time, of being strong. She gets beaten, cheated and hurt, as in a lot. She's all bark and no bite, and I though Sebastian was the bad one mouthing off all the time. Yet when she's strong enough to overpower her opponents, it's just one sentence describing her win. Where's the all powerful wyvern that I was led to believe she was? All the time getting her revenge, she goes back and forth, back and forth between wanting to kill the guy and getting the hots for him. It's fresh in the beginning, but when she's still wishy-washy towards the end, I've had more than enough of her "struggles" of getting revenge (make up your mind girl!). She had the potential of become so much more, and falls short, as in way too short of that potential. The story was like Astri, a lot of potential but ends up disappointedly short.
I really wanted to like this one because the premise sounded good, but...
The writing doesn't flow. The world isn't built. The dialogue is stilted. It tells instead of showing. The characters are whiny and annoying.
I actually gritted my teeth and skimmed through the last third because I was hoping it would end up being okay. It wasn't. It's not a good book. I can't suggest it to anyone.
But she cannot make up her mind about ANYTHING. First, she's free from her past. Then she isn't. She's convinced she knows who killed her parents. Then she isn't. She thinks she attracted to someone, then she isn't. Or wait, maybe she is? Maybe she isn't
The character inconsistencies were really hard to stick with. Also, it felt like someone really young wrote this because the plot developments feel so canned. She literally remembers nothing of her parents...oh, wait, except this one time they were talking politics. She literally has nothing of her parents....oh wait, except a good necklace when she needs it (that was conveniently never mentioned) and then also a good cup (which conveniently is also never mentioned, but happens to have magic enough to save the king's life.)
It had promise. But the plot was all over the place (oh yeah, did we mention unicorns conveniently can help her with the theory she has been agonizing over, and then she just finds one....stuff like that).
I wanted this flawed girl to grow into a bitch was woman. Instead I feel like I just listened to a high schooler try and recount their last two weeks of life drama, with the same amount of maturity and ability to stay on topic.
I sadly could not finish this book. I read the summary and was so excited to enter into this world with Astri. I loved the thought of this strong female character (not to mention the DRAGONS! I LOVE DRAGONS!) who starts from the bottom and claws her way up. But that is not how this book plays out. It is written like it is meant for middle school children. The drama of the book was immature and I was able to foresee what was going to happen before it was even mentioned or hinted at because of how immaturely it was written. Side note: The guardians actually annoyed me to the point I skimmed over every part they were in. This book was just such a disappointment from what the summary says it is. I would prefer to read a fanfic off of the summary than the actual book. Please do not let this review stop you from deciding for yourself if this book is meant for you. Thanks
Collective Favorite Quote: “Do you want me to go and punch him or fart in his face?” -Lenin
Sensitivities: Tiny amount of Language and Violence
Other books within the series: Wyvern Awakening (Mage Chronicles 1), Wyvern’s Secret (Mage Chronicles 2), Wyvern’s Passion ( Mage Chronicles 3), and Wyvern’s Destiny ( Mage Chronicles 4)
Hello readers!
Today we will be reviewing Wyvern Awakening (Mage Chronicles 1) by author Joanna Mazurkiewicz.
Please see above for more details on the book.
This story is about a dragon shifter named Astri. Her parents were killed by a mysterious mage shifter, and Astri is left scarred. Astri struggles with living in her Aunt and Uncle’s home, when the Duke is looking for an assistant. Astri finds herself not only able to get out of her horrible home, but becomes one step closer to getting her revenge.
We love our dragon books, how does this one compare?
Bridgette– I do love a good dragon book. As many of you know, my adventures in reading indie books, which started last year, began with The Darkest Drae series by Kelly St. Clare and Raye Wagner. It was quirky and grabbed my attention quickly. Since reading that first book, I have picked up several other dragon books and loved them in different ways. This book was good in its own way. I enjoyed the new twist I hadn’t read before with the extinction of a particular type of dragon. This book checks a lot of boxes for me, not only with dragons but also some mystery, overcoming adversity, and difficulty knowing who to trust.
Amy– This one is slightly different, there seems to be some interest but not a lot in another person. Which for me is kind of a big deal. I didn’t hate it though! I loved the strong person Astri was without looking for a man. I wish there was more information on types of dragons but I’m sure that will come!
Claire- Dragons, revenge, and scar tissue that I wish you saw 🎼 (just kidding, everyone saw) made this book a good introduction to its series. It started a bit slow but really picked up the pace and included many characters that intrigued me. Many things were predictable which resulted in a lack of tension but it was a good, quick read nonetheless.
Love, hate, and marry?!?!?
Bridgette- Love – Jorgen, Hate – (aptly named) Uncle Richard, Marry – Duke Hans (obviously to make a difference by influencing a man of power for the greater good)
Amy- Lenin, The Aunt, and the Duke Jorgen of course!
Claire- Emilia, Sebastian, and Lenin.
Did this book have your attention?
Bridgette- This was a quick read for me and kept my attention throughout. I felt like the story had really great elements to keep me hooked. There were times when I was distracted by the way certain things were written throughout the book, but overall I really enjoyed the story. There were characters who had me laughing, characters who had me cringing, and still other characters who made me feel warm and fuzzy inside. The story really moves along and I am able to identify with it through the key themes of self-acceptance, trust of others, and struggling for survival while trying to do the right thing. I think we can all relate in one way or another with these themes.
Amy- Like I said surprisingly without any love interest, it did keep me occupied. I really enjoyed the trials Astri went on, and the butt kicking capabilities she has!
Claire- This novel presented a unique story with interesting characters and an attractive fantastical world. That being said, the plot itself was told with the poise of a teenage fanfiction writer, who I am sure would tell the story in a more engaging manner if given the opportunity. It was hard to keep up with the author who would add conveniences where necessary with little explanation.
Do you think you would have stayed with Astri’s Aunt and Uncle as long as she did?
Bridgette- I can see how Astri would have felt trapped and pressured to stay with her aunt and uncle. The grass is always greener on the other side. It is difficult knowing that without her invitation to compete as an apprentice for the duke if she could have thrived in a world outside of her aunt and uncle’s home. The world she lives in is a complicated one with plenty of prejudice and violence. In a perfect world, no of course you don’t stay with them, but in reality it is easier said than done.
Amy- Uh no. I think I would have lived in the sewer with Pennywise instead. They were pretty horrible, and I’m sure they had money to cover the cost of living. They kept her in the basement, and treated her like dirt. I would have hit the road a long time ago.
Claire- As if Astri didn’t have enough trauma in her life, she has to live with a couple of guardians who had no more charisma than Hitler himself. That being said, I would have gotten out of dodge real quick. My vengeance has no time to waste. Smell you later, losers.
What do you think of the relationship between the Duke Jorgen and Astri?
Bridgette- My personal opinion from the start was Astri’s memories aren’t serving her correctly. The mind is able to influence us immensely, oftentimes to help protect ourselves. I think Astri ought to have reorganized her mission to gather intelligence before allowing anything to happen to the duke. The relationship between the two is clearly building to something so much more. If given time the two could change the world, but events in this first book may destroy a possible future of this alliance. I may have also been secretly hoping for a love story to pop up somewhere in there. I hold out hope.
Amy- It was very confusing. I still don’t know what to believe. Is he good? Bad? I want to know more, and find out what happens from here.
Claire- Misplaced? Like, at one point in the book Astri is telling him she lived with her torturous aunt and uncle for so long because she had to and that apparently was the perfect time to try and kiss her? Oh wait, this potential makeout sesh is quickly recovered by the duke’s repulsion. If I had even the slightest inkling that this person killed my parents, my radar would be zoned into using this person exclusively to my advantage. This begs the questions; why would Astri even consider using her alleged womanly woes to her advantage when she has such poor self-esteem? This ain’t etch-a-sketch, gf. He’s a bad guy. *shake shake* Maybe he isn’t. *shake shake* Maybe he is.
Do you think Astri made the right choice by not helping the Duke?
Bridgette- I would have liked to have read a different ending to this story, but the ending certainly has me interested to find out where the story will go in future books. She would certainly have won the competition and when she was closer to the duke would have access to information to help her determine the right way forward. In my opinion, Astri would also feel more fulfillment if she were the one to pass sentence to the duke.
Amy- I think Astri will find that she made a mistake. I think she should have saved him before he lost it all, and did more digging when she became his assistant.
Claire- I could certainly argue both sides of this question but ultimately her revenge was bittersweet. She watched him suffer as she did, however, it seems victory has defeated her. And that’s the worst kind of winning.
Do you feel like this book is worth picking up? Will you continue this series?
Bridgette- I think any book is worth picking up because you can learn a lesson, good or bad, by reading a variety of books. I do think this book can be enjoyed by a variety of readers while sending positive messages to readers. I think the mystery, themes, and personal struggles in the book will allow readers to find something in the book to enjoy. There were some aspects of the writing I found distracting; however, this book is certainly worth the read and I will be continuing on with the series.
Amy- During this pandemic anything is worth picking up! I thought it was good and would like to continue with book 2!
Claire- Just like socks and sandals, I have mixed feelings about this pick. I like books that offer fresh perspectives and unexpected twists that accompany the freedom of wearing sandals with no socks but the security of the predictable plot was cushioned by the material found between my foot and its shoe. I’m not opposed to continuing the series in the hopes that the action increases and the predictability recedes.
Thanks for reading. Comment below if you have read Wyvern Awakening (Mage Chronicles 1) by author Joanna Mazurkiewicz or if you are going to put it on your TBR!
Disclosure: We are in no way affiliated with the author and are not being compensated for this review.
Amy & Bridgette & Claire
Amy’s Rating: 3.5
Bridgette’s Rating: 4.0
Claire’s Rating: 3.5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Kindle Unlimited 3.5 I've read a lot of Joanna's work so when a new book comes out I usually give it a go. This one doesn't disappoint and I will certainly be on to the next novel, which gladly isn't too far away.
The characters are complex with support characters drawn out in less detail. If you're looking for a romance, that hasn't evolved yet but the novel is heading there.
The plot is nothing new, but the work is well written and definitely worth picking up. The only thing that annoyed me was the pace - I found it way to slow and will confess to some skimming. The environment and atmosphere were clearly defined but continually reinforced with too much detail and not enough oomph. Remember, this is my opinion and most others don't seem to have a problem with it. I will say that I hope this doesn't turn into a drawn out agonizing romance and actually starts getting somewhere soon.
I really wanted to like Astri, her life has not been an easy one and with family like her aunt and uncle, well they leave much to be desired. They're horrible people. The thing is that while Astri delivered a good game, positive speeches and millions of pep talks, at the end of the day she always failed to deliver. She basically failed at everything, she was such a pathetic creature. She let everyone take advantage of her and never defended herself. The one time she tried to defend herself against her aunt and uncle turned out as usual...a failure. I understand she wanted to be the bigger person and that's admirable, but sometimes you just have to kick some ass and Astri was just notoriously bad at that.
Overall it was a very engaging story, despite Astri just being a frustrating character, I was still glued to the book, hoping and praying that this girl would finally do something worthy of herself but at the end, the little so called victory just wasn't enough to get me to like this sad girl. Plus this book ends on a whopper of a cliffhanger, that just sucks!!
When Astri was young her parents were killed and she was disfigured. She comes to live with her aunt and uncle and has a horrible life. The only thing really keeping her going was thinking about getting revenge on the person that killed her parents. She gets her chance when he holds a contest to become the Lords assistant and she decides to try to win it to get close to him. But then she starts having second thoughts and doubting that he is the one that really killed her parents. Astri also finds herself falling in love with him.
Astri is physically deformed and has been teased about it her whole life. Because of this and her abusive aunt and uncle she has no confidence. But then she plans on getting revenge for her parent’s deaths by competing to kill the killer. But is he really the one that killed her parents? Is she really falling for the killer of her parents?
I understand that Astri has been beat down but it did get to be a bit much. I was getting so frustrated by her being so wishy washy that I ended up skimming to the end of the story. Where is this bad ass with training that you constantly hear about? This book has so much potential but fell flat for me.
I received Wyvern Awakening from Reading Addiction Virtual Book Tours for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
That in a word was spectacular! I know it's normally romance books I read, and this is a young adult book was simply amazing. It was so well-written and thought out. Just truly a joy to read so much so as I just got book 2. I had to know what happens next.
This is Astri's story. I felt bad for her haven gone through what she did as a child. And man her Aunt and Uncle deserve to be thrown in jail and the key thrown away. Then there are her welsh fairies oops pixies. Big difference and they will tell you so. I so love the little guys. Especially leone he had me laughing at his antics. Oh and her boss the witch, she is really special. She is more of a mom than anything se ever had. Then she has a dream and in it is the face of a man that scarred her and killed her parents. And of course he is a powerful man or so she believes. So she enters his contest to get close to him. But when she thinks she will get her revenge it is bitter sweet as she may very well have the wrong man. Let us hope she does not regret whatever choice she makes.
.Now before I ruin this for you I will leave off here. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. If you do like this book, please consider leaving a review. The Authors really like it when you do; they value your opinions too
I kept wanting this book to get better but it never did...
I first suspected I was going to be disappointed in the first few pages. The author kept repeating the same information over and over again. I swear it felt like "I started having visions when I moved into my aunt and uncle's house" (paraphrased) was repeated 5-6 times in the first chapter or two. Additionally, I hate the main character. Her only consistency that she never stands up for herself. Her will is weak and flips around. She also talks about all this training she has but never shows any of these 'mad skills'. (Also she actually starts bawling and beating her fist on the ground at one point.) Additionally, much of the writing is confusing even in little things such as how she travels from one place to another. Finally, the big plot twist at the end is obvious from the very beginning. Don't waste your time on this book.
Astri is defined by her scar and it truly holds her back socially for most of her life. She grew up in essentially the same situation Harry Potter grew up. But Harry wasn’t a cool dragon, 21-years-old and completely superficial. So much potential, but I felt like this book was made for tweens. It lacked world-building and descriptions. The writing style and dialogue was extremely simple, and Astri’s wish-washy, slow thought process was extremely frustrating.
If you believe you found the person who killed your parents, you would not think about how attractive they are, all the time. That wouldn’t even be on your radar except maybe to use to your advantage. On that note, why would she consider using her womanly whiles to distract him, when she has the lowest self esteem on the planet? That doesn’t add up with her personality and issues.
The best part of the book was in the mountain with the wild shifters when she toughened up. She was ruthless and I wish it wasn’t spoiled by guilt.
I love received a free copy of this book and voluntarily decided to review it
This is an exciting tale about Astri, a wyvern shifter who was disfigured when her parents were killed
She is shunned and ridiculed all her life because of her disfigurement and wants to get her own back on the person who inflicted her injury and killed her parents. She soon gets the chance to fulfil her wish
The story is extremely well written, different to anything else I have read, the author draws you in to this mystical world with excitement, danger and a great plot
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next book. This is the first book I have read by this amazing author and it will not be the last. I highly recommend this book, it is a real page turner
First book in a series and I can’t wait to read the next one. One of the best books I’ve read this year. This is one of those books that when you start reading it, you can’t put it down. She’s the last of her kind. Astri is injured in an attack that killed her parents when she was a child and moved in with relatives that are humans. Her relatives were so mean that she was forced to live in the basement because of her screaming from the nightmares. She also had to come up with money to pay her uncle every month for living quarters and the bills she made when she was in the hospital. After 11 years, she leaves the family to go live at the castle to be a part of a contest to become the assistant to the Duke. If you want more, and I suggest you do, go check this story out!!
This was a good sized book and it was a very fast paced read in addition to it. It kept me wanting to continue, it was fun and addictive. There wasn't any time to have my mind wandering. From the get go, there was lots of things happening at once.
The writing style was simple and the narration was easy to follow. The imagery had me immersed in the realm introduced by the author. The characters were rich and well portrayed. The smooth flow of the tale kept me stable even through the surprising twists and turns taken in the story.
I can say that the author has done a commendable job of writing a fantastic setting and a adventure rich story for fantasy lovers.
For a fantasy tale, this was a good sized book and it was a very fast paced read in addition to it. It kept me wanting to continue, it was fun and addictive. There wasn’t any time to have my mind wandering. From the get go, there was lots of things happening at once.
The writing style was simple and the narration was easy to follow. The imagery had me immersed in the realm introduced by the author. The characters were rich and well portrayed. The smooth flow of the tale kept me stable even through the surprising twists and turns taken in the story.
I can say that the author has done a commendable job of writing a fantastic setting and a adventure rich story for fantasy lovers.
Book 1 in the series . This fantasy story by the author is full of mystery , love , suspense and action . The author wrote strong characters that are right for each other that start of with friendship that grows into love . Heroine is Astri. Astri lives with her aunt and uncle but she doesn’t feel wanted . Luckily she has her 2 pixies with her . Astri made a decision to move on , find work and a place to live . Along the way she meets an evil duke , that’s is when things heat up . When do they save each other . Grab the story and find out Jacq Ainsworth performance was good , first time I heard her . Her voice is strong and cleat
Pese a las malas reseñas que había leido sobre este libro la verdad es que me ha gustado mas de lo que esperaba. Y os preguntareis que si me ha gustado tanto porque le doy 2 estrellas...Bueno la razón es que he sentido que el libro se hacia repetitivo, podria en un solo capitulo como 500 veces que el duque habia matado a sus padres... eso para empezar, para seguir eso de que el personajes cambie tanto de un momento a otro me ponía nerviosa siempre que decia una cosa hacia otra completamente distinta, le faltaba un poco mas de personalidad y realismo como personaje.
PEro aparte de eso me ha parecido una lectura bastante agradable
I liked the diversity and originality of this novel.
Believeable and Relatable characters really help to captivate the reader and get them invested in the happenings of this story.
This was a great start to the series, a lot of backstory needed and had to understand a lot as with a lot of first in series, but I am excited to see where it goes next.
I really enjoyed the pacing and how it was steady throughout. It is fast paced and doesn't let up and didn't have moments that dragged. It made for a fast and furious read.
I received a complimentary copy of the book and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
I love starting a new series especially when the authors words hold me tightly in their grasp with scenes I can only imagine and characters to adore.
Astri has not had a happy upbringing since becoming an orphan and appears weak willed at times and stronger at other times. We follow Astri throughout the story as she faces challenges she must overcome to reach her desired outcome but is it the right choice.
You will not want to put the book down its that good.
This was very repetitive. If I heard she was a strong Wyvern one more time. But she never showed it. Maybe in the latter books but not in this one.
Other times there were sentences repeated a few pages later. It seemed all over the place. She was leaving the house at eight, then you got a huge backstory, then she was again leaving the house at eight. I found it hard to follow at times.
I think this book seems to be aimed at a younger audience. Not like the others in the anthology I'm reading. Even though the h was supposed to be 21, I thought she acted much younger.
well thats a case of dnf ...... first thing is ... she talks how strong she is, that she doesnt care about her aunt and uncle, and that she wants to take revenge....... The writing style is pretty simple and the plot is obvious after the first few chapters. I thought i could finish it but at 67% i just couldnt do it anymore Y_Y
It started out not so bad but page by page it got worse and worse. The writing...ughhhh...it's terrible! Juvenile to the max.I wanted it to be good,I really did,but it was hard to read.Maybe it's my fault for reading this book after a talented authors one and it ruined my perception. But then,shouldn't I expect good writing?
Story had a good potential. The idea itself is not bad. Author tried . She really did. Just rushed and failed to create it. And while I'm a 1% curious what will happen next,99% is unwilling to torture myself through next installments.
To be able to pull a book like this from your imagination & put it down on paper while having it make sense, more than extremely amazing! I enjoy writing myself, making anything a daily habit with my ADD mind is next to impossible. I get easily bored or distracted by other things going on around me. But, this; I couldn't put it down. I had to finish it before starting a new book... I found it mysterious, fun, & true to life! For anyone over 13 years old...
Astri is a dragon shifter who has nightmares of her parent’s death eleven years ago. In her dreams a Mage tells her that he has killed her parents and she seeks revenge for their death. Astri lives with her aunt and uncle who do not care for her. She has two Pixie friends she had rescued. Astri tries to payback her uncle for her medical bills due to her physical injuries she suffered when she was younger. When Astri has the opportunity to work for Duke Jorgen of Rivenna the person responsible for her parent’s death she wants revenge. I really enjoyed this young adult fairy tale novel.
4 stars because I like the adventure. This book had a strong female heroine. Her life, that she can remember, begins when her parents are killed at 10. She has lost her memories of the life before them and has been raised by an awful aunt and uncle who never claimed her. The story is a true underdog story. She will rise, but at what cost? And who is behind her parents death? That's what she'd like to know
Wyvern Awakening is an interesting and entertaining tale of a young female who decides to take part in a tournament involving shifters. The story’s character is older than what is expected. The book has a teenager feel to it instead of the young adult the 21 year old main character is. I thought the book was a decent read but not good enough to pull me along for the second book. I’m a cover snob and I must say that I love this book’s cover; hence the four stars instead of 3.
I really liked this story the main character had depth. Astri and her two adopted pixies live with her vicious aunt and uncle after being scarred and orphaned as a child. Astri leaves her home and job to compete for the Lords assistant. I found this book unique and fun to read will definitely be reading book 2.
A young Wyvern dragon shifter lives in the basement of the home of her human aunt and uncle who took her in when her mother and father were murdered when she was only eleven years old. They put her in the basement after she started keeping them awake with the nightmares she has of the murder of her parents.
Astri’s aunt and uncle are cruel to her. They treat her as if she is a servant and not family. Astri was injured by the killer and left scarred so her aunt and uncle didn’t want people to know that they were kin to her. They were always verbally abusive to her and they made her clean their house as if she was a servant. Astri works in a shop for a witch and when she is paid she comes home and gives her check to her aunt and uncle to pay for her hospital bills all those years ago. Astri and her little pixie friends thinks she has paid the debt over and over but aunt and uncle says that it will never be paid.
Astri believes that her nightmares are visions that tell her who is responsible for the death of her parents and she has made herself a promise that she will make the person responsible for their deaths pay.
When Astri hears that the Duke is looking for an assistant and that there will be a contest to determine who will get the job she decides to enter. If she can become the Duke’s assistant it will put her in close proximity of the killer and she can make them pay. Astri will have a lot of obstacle to get through to win the contest. With being the only woman she will have to fight harder because men do not like being beaten by a woman.
There was this one guy Sebastian who was also fighting to be the Duke’s assistant who would make me so mad with the things he did to Astri to win with his mean, terrible and cheating ways. Her aunt and uncle would make me mad too. I wanted to reach in the book and give them all a good shake.
I loved Lenin and Jetli. I loved how Lenin wanted to help Astri out and the way he would help her. Oh did I say I loved Lenin? Lenin and his little pixie self, so cute. I can’t wait to read more of Lenin and Jetli and Astri as well as Duke Jorgen. I would recommend Wyvern Awakening to anyone who loves a good book or who just loves reading about dragons and pixies of course.
What a story. Poor Astri is living with her horrible aunt and uncle, when opportunity is given to her to change her circumstances and become the Duke's assistant. Can she overcome her disability or will the opportunity slip into through her fingers. Totally enjoyed this book. Looking forward to the next book.