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Dragon Ridden Chronicles #2
Of Bone and Ruin
An ancient discovery has been made close to the city of Aurelia—one that promises wealth and power equal only to the dangerous secrets lying at its heart.
With three powerful groups vying for control of the discovery’s unlimited potential, it will take a delicate touch not to tip the scales toward war. Something Tate Fisher, a newly accepted dragon-ridden with a bit of a memory problem, has never been known for possessing.
Tate must learn to navigate the undercurrents of this society if she wants her friends and empire to come out the other side in one piece. Because these secrets involve Tate, and they don’t intend to let her go so easily.
With three powerful groups vying for control of the discovery’s unlimited potential, it will take a delicate touch not to tip the scales toward war. Something Tate Fisher, a newly accepted dragon-ridden with a bit of a memory problem, has never been known for possessing.
Tate must learn to navigate the undercurrents of this society if she wants her friends and empire to come out the other side in one piece. Because these secrets involve Tate, and they don’t intend to let her go so easily.
351 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 18, 2017
696 people are currently reading
405 people want to read
About the author
T.A. White
25 books3,569 followersT.A. White is the pseudonym for Tobey White. She is a USA Today Bestselling author who writes Science Fiction/Fantasy novels that contain a hint of romance.
Today, she lives in Delaware, OH with her husband and their two cats, Loki and Odin, who view themselves as her overlords. They are harsh taskmasters as long as they aren’t distracted by long naps on Tobey’s keyboard or the yummy, yummy treats disguised as the author’s plants.
Today, she lives in Delaware, OH with her husband and their two cats, Loki and Odin, who view themselves as her overlords. They are harsh taskmasters as long as they aren’t distracted by long naps on Tobey’s keyboard or the yummy, yummy treats disguised as the author’s plants.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
September 15, 2025
Tate. You had ONE goddamn job.
to STOP people from KiLliNg EACH OTHER.
I am a total sucker for the dragon tropes. And when this book’s premise was dragon abilities connected to a wicked looking dragon tattoo??
Im intrigued, please continue
The plot creatively brings together more details about the world building, that was sorely missing in the first. We officially meet the three power groups of the empire and I love how unique and different each one was.
The humans as uppidity mages and scholars. The Kairi as terrifying merpeople with strong honorbound values. And the Silva as the powerful animal shifters but often dismissed as barbarians
Together, these 3 groups are the united empire. And they all fucking hate each other.
So naturally, Tate is asked to mediate a political summit between them.
What do we know about Tate?
She has amnesia. She has dragon tattoo, ergo dragon powers. And she’s a sassy little shit
There still seems to be a very large disconnect between old life Tate: hardened warrior, soldier, badass. And our current Tate: teasing sassy dragon in training
Current Tate is thrown into situations that past Tate would have the skills and memories to easily deal with. But right now, she a dum dum, who is way over her head.
I loveddd the intro of Gabrielle who I really hope comes back later, she had such a confident bloodthirsty amazon warrior vibe. Maybe she can teach Tate some of that
Ryu is still a manipulative dick…. but now he sorta including Tate in his scheming
5 seconds later …
She gets KIDNAPPED BY EVERYONE… which is really annoying and Mary-Sue passive bleh vibes
But then Ryu was the gall to blame her for it !?!?!
Now for the big reveal. I am so goddamn happy with how TA built the cute squad of misfits
Night the monster cat, and Dewdrop the thief turned buddy are some awesome characters. Their loyalty and dynamic with Tate is actually what made me like her better ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Looking back, I realize where this series really kinda bugged me. I love the characters. I hate Tate’s backstory. I love the premise. I hate the world-developing that felt incomplete. Group dynamic is hilarious. Ryu is a prick. Theres cool cat and merpeople. Blade isn’t the love interest.
Its this constant back and forth battle happening while I was reading, and I kept going because I saw it getting better. But its not necessarily improving at a rate for me to look back and say ‘Yah I enjoy the book’ . But mama didn’t rise no quitter and I’m too invested in Dew and Night that I gotta know how the series ends for them
The rest of this review will be me riffing on Tate’s character
———————————————————————————————————
The badass gets sent to school. I’m not fucking kidding. AND THEN DOESN’T EVEN TRY TO LEARN.
The whole beginning is just scenes of her complaining about getting access to knowledge *wtf*. She gets bored easily during the lectures ABOUT HER OWN ABILITIES
This was such a whiny teenager attitude that made no sense with the history and past that we coming to find out about her.
She a magical badass in ancient important time? But she still don’t wanna know more about her own abilities? That makes no fuckign sense
The denial on her part just made everything all the more annoying. It was like pulling teeth trying to get her to progress in her own story.
She was content to just dick around in her townhouse with her buddies Dew and Night. How was she ever one of the soldiers that sacrificed herself for people??
iM bOrEd
Also it only took getting to the second fucking book but Tate is finally reacting to the character dynamics from the first book— the betrayal
“Instead, they waited until things boiled over and she discovered the truth on her own. It was the first time she’d felt less than. Less than a friend. Less than crew. Less than a thinking person with feelings.”
Okay at least now she has feelings. The end.
to STOP people from KiLliNg EACH OTHER.
I am a total sucker for the dragon tropes. And when this book’s premise was dragon abilities connected to a wicked looking dragon tattoo??
Im intrigued, please continue
The plot creatively brings together more details about the world building, that was sorely missing in the first. We officially meet the three power groups of the empire and I love how unique and different each one was.
The humans as uppidity mages and scholars. The Kairi as terrifying merpeople with strong honorbound values. And the Silva as the powerful animal shifters but often dismissed as barbarians
Together, these 3 groups are the united empire. And they all fucking hate each other.
So naturally, Tate is asked to mediate a political summit between them.
What do we know about Tate?
She has amnesia. She has dragon tattoo, ergo dragon powers. And she’s a sassy little shit
“Wasn’t it you who said Ryu was a misbegotten son of an ass who couldn’t be trusted not to make everyone else as miserable as he was?”
“That was you.”
Tate paused and frowned. That’s right.”
There still seems to be a very large disconnect between old life Tate: hardened warrior, soldier, badass. And our current Tate: teasing sassy dragon in training
Current Tate is thrown into situations that past Tate would have the skills and memories to easily deal with. But right now, she a dum dum, who is way over her head.
“Gabriella held up one finger. “You’re involved in an event that intersects with three of the most powerful people in the empire. None of whom like each other.”
She held up another finger. “You’re the first female dragon in known history. Your existence is bound to shake things up. Create enemies. Anyone standing next to you had better be prepared for a wild time.”
I loveddd the intro of Gabrielle who I really hope comes back later, she had such a confident bloodthirsty amazon warrior vibe. Maybe she can teach Tate some of that
Ryu is still a manipulative dick…. but now he sorta including Tate in his scheming
“Then do so,” Ryu snapped back. “Try not to get poisoned, kidnapped or tortured for the next day and maybe I won’t be prone to overreacting.”
5 seconds later …
“Tate, so glad we could meet again,” Lucius said from the other side of the carriage. Tate sighed. Ryu was never going to let her live this down.
She gets KIDNAPPED BY EVERYONE… which is really annoying and Mary-Sue passive bleh vibes
But then Ryu was the gall to blame her for it !?!?!
Now for the big reveal. I am so goddamn happy with how TA built the cute squad of misfits
Night the monster cat, and Dewdrop the thief turned buddy are some awesome characters. Their loyalty and dynamic with Tate is actually what made me like her better ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
“You’re kind of crazy, you know that?” Gabriella said.
“Oh yes,” Dewdrop responded. “We are well aware, but it’s the kind of crazy that usually works out in the end.”
“And you follow her willingly?”
“I’d take her crazy over the self-interest and self-involvement of others every time.”
Looking back, I realize where this series really kinda bugged me. I love the characters. I hate Tate’s backstory. I love the premise. I hate the world-developing that felt incomplete. Group dynamic is hilarious. Ryu is a prick. Theres cool cat and merpeople. Blade isn’t the love interest.
Its this constant back and forth battle happening while I was reading, and I kept going because I saw it getting better. But its not necessarily improving at a rate for me to look back and say ‘Yah I enjoy the book’ . But mama didn’t rise no quitter and I’m too invested in Dew and Night that I gotta know how the series ends for them
The rest of this review will be me riffing on Tate’s character
———————————————————————————————————
The badass gets sent to school. I’m not fucking kidding. AND THEN DOESN’T EVEN TRY TO LEARN.
The whole beginning is just scenes of her complaining about getting access to knowledge *wtf*. She gets bored easily during the lectures ABOUT HER OWN ABILITIES
This was such a whiny teenager attitude that made no sense with the history and past that we coming to find out about her.
She a magical badass in ancient important time? But she still don’t wanna know more about her own abilities? That makes no fuckign sense
The denial on her part just made everything all the more annoying. It was like pulling teeth trying to get her to progress in her own story.
She was content to just dick around in her townhouse with her buddies Dew and Night. How was she ever one of the soldiers that sacrificed herself for people??
iM bOrEd
Also it only took getting to the second fucking book but Tate is finally reacting to the character dynamics from the first book— the betrayal
“Instead, they waited until things boiled over and she discovered the truth on her own. It was the first time she’d felt less than. Less than a friend. Less than crew. Less than a thinking person with feelings.”
Okay at least now she has feelings. The end.
May 31, 2017
3 1/2
Definitely an author to keep an eye on.She has yet to master her skills fully, butshe definitely is on her way to. I found her book interesting, and the world building is good enough. Plus, she does edit her books ;)
I have liked almost all of what she has written. Not a full 4 as her main character has still a touch of Mary Sue and shows absolutely no growth. For all I know this could be a choice, like in some mystery series or even many TV ones. But I'm not a fan. :)
Definitely an author to keep an eye on.She has yet to master her skills fully, butshe definitely is on her way to. I found her book interesting, and the world building is good enough. Plus, she does edit her books ;)
I have liked almost all of what she has written. Not a full 4 as her main character has still a touch of Mary Sue and shows absolutely no growth. For all I know this could be a choice, like in some mystery series or even many TV ones. But I'm not a fan. :)
February 26, 2020
I still have a big problem with Ryu and Jost, who continue to put her into bad situations without the info she needs to make good choices and/or survive. I honestly loathe both of them, at this point.
And I have a problem with Tate, for blithely going along with it.
And I have a problem with Tate, for blithely going along with it.
July 9, 2021
I wasn't sure how I felt about this series after reading the first book. It just seemed like everyone in Tate's life used her and backstopped her. I've read all of this authors other series and she has always had some really great side characters that add the story, so I was disappointed in the first book.
I decided to keep reading and see how things went. I am happy that I did. While things are still pretty secretive and you still don't know who's a good guy or bad guy, we are finally start seeing some that these things will be changing. Tate is much more than what is implied in the first book and I think this is where I'm going to start getting hooked.
Enough was revealed in book 2 that I really can't wait to read more and found out all the secrets when Tate finds out. I was much more interested in what was happening book 2 and I think it's only going to get better.
I decided to keep reading and see how things went. I am happy that I did. While things are still pretty secretive and you still don't know who's a good guy or bad guy, we are finally start seeing some that these things will be changing. Tate is much more than what is implied in the first book and I think this is where I'm going to start getting hooked.
Enough was revealed in book 2 that I really can't wait to read more and found out all the secrets when Tate finds out. I was much more interested in what was happening book 2 and I think it's only going to get better.
October 31, 2021
Btw, don’t expect you will get your usual dragon shifter here.
You know, the usual a shifter looking for a mate 😳🙄😂.
The romance is still non exist at this time, eventhought the hero already there since early chapters of books #1. 😘
You know, the usual a shifter looking for a mate 😳🙄😂.
The romance is still non exist at this time, eventhought the hero already there since early chapters of books #1. 😘
July 8, 2021
3.5/5.0
Great story! A bit like Indiana Jones the female version. I do feel the dragon aspect is awfully week, though. For supposedly being so powerful there isn’t a thing to show for it where Tate is concerned. Also, there is absolutely no romantic interest at all, and that is one thing I really miss.
Overall… I don’t think this series is nearly as tightly written as Ms. White’s Broken Land or Firebird series but it still holds the gems that make her books unputdownable.
Great story! A bit like Indiana Jones the female version. I do feel the dragon aspect is awfully week, though. For supposedly being so powerful there isn’t a thing to show for it where Tate is concerned. Also, there is absolutely no romantic interest at all, and that is one thing I really miss.
Overall… I don’t think this series is nearly as tightly written as Ms. White’s Broken Land or Firebird series but it still holds the gems that make her books unputdownable.
January 30, 2022
A great addition to this series. I enjoyed this book only a tiny bit less than the last so I'd consider this another win. One thing I'd like to mention about this one is Ryu. Like, I know he's a bit of a prick, we learnt that in the previous book and I was cool with it, he can be a prick and a functional character. However, in this one his prick-ness bothered me a tad more than before. The vibes are telling me that he cares far more for his dumb empire than he does for Tate and her safety. This is nothing new of course, but it has started to grate me a tad more. My dragon girlie deserves better than how she's being treated hmmf!
May 27, 2020
Tate, you had one job
And boy did she manage to somehow screw it all up.
Welcome back to the story of Tate, a gal with few memories and so many enemies its amazing she continues to breathe.
This begins moreso like a murder mystery, as Ryu drags Tate into some peace talks that are anything but peaceful and folk wind up quite badly dead.
The why of it, as well as subsequent kidnappings, attacks and death tie back to Tate mostly (only sometimes in a surprising way).
We learn more about the Silva, see a return of the Kairi and Lucius Two (as well as Blade) and get a taste of what its like to live like an Upper.
While more questions occur then answers, I can at least say some of my suspicions about some pretty blatant clues bore fruit. And also, while I like a slow burn romance Ryu is practically moving slow enough a snail could lap him. Twice. (Though he shows a lot of progress in a weird way!)
And boy did she manage to somehow screw it all up.
Welcome back to the story of Tate, a gal with few memories and so many enemies its amazing she continues to breathe.
This begins moreso like a murder mystery, as Ryu drags Tate into some peace talks that are anything but peaceful and folk wind up quite badly dead.
The why of it, as well as subsequent kidnappings, attacks and death tie back to Tate mostly (only sometimes in a surprising way).
We learn more about the Silva, see a return of the Kairi and Lucius Two (as well as Blade) and get a taste of what its like to live like an Upper.
While more questions occur then answers, I can at least say some of my suspicions about some pretty blatant clues bore fruit. And also, while I like a slow burn romance Ryu is practically moving slow enough a snail could lap him. Twice. (Though he shows a lot of progress in a weird way!)
September 13, 2020
I first read the pathfinder series by this writer, recommended by Ilona Andrews I think. And this is the second series by her. The thing is she writes intriguing story lines, builds interesting worlds, and characters that have potential. Actually this is the biggest problem for me with this writer, every aspect of her work has potential which doesn’t ever realise. She develops characters that at first seem to be generally well-rounded but then leaves big chunks off. And she needs a good editor. Most of the times she writes three or four pages of redundant filler information just to let us know the character, turned her head for example. She needs help with her pacing. Her characters’ reluctance to communicate and talk are Exhausting and annoying. So far I’ve read two series, comprised of seven books in which the heroine quietly and passively endures while people somehow take advantage of her. There was a lot of inconsistencies with dragon shape shifting throughout these three books. the story was compelling enough that you wanted to read on, but again the problem with the whole story line is that it great potential and promise which up to this point never got delivered. I hope the future books in this series will improve.
July 10, 2025
It's really hard to review this series. I read two books so far. My main impression is that I'm missing a lot of information at any point of the two books. I like some parts of the story some parts are not so good. Same with the characters.
I'm tying to read the third one soonish.
I'm tying to read the third one soonish.
June 19, 2019
More Discoveries
Tate has a knack for getting herself in bizarre circumstances. Once again performing an "easy" job for Ryu, Tate gets dragged into a situation that is much more than what it seems. She even gets involved with various political factions. Then some crazy shows up and tries to use her again and nearly kills her.
We also get more of Tate's past. Some of it, I had guessed from book one, though Tate seems skeptical about it. I wonder how long until someone else finds out.
Also, I loved how protective Ryu is of Tate at times. His Dragon seems to be just as attached to Illith as well. I also !over seeing so much of Jost. I love Jost.
Tate has a knack for getting herself in bizarre circumstances. Once again performing an "easy" job for Ryu, Tate gets dragged into a situation that is much more than what it seems. She even gets involved with various political factions. Then some crazy shows up and tries to use her again and nearly kills her.
We also get more of Tate's past. Some of it, I had guessed from book one, though Tate seems skeptical about it. I wonder how long until someone else finds out.
Also, I loved how protective Ryu is of Tate at times. His Dragon seems to be just as attached to Illith as well. I also !over seeing so much of Jost. I love Jost.
July 6, 2021
Remarkable
This is truly a remarkable fantasy story with a sci-fi vibe woven through it. The picture is starting to become clear, though the facts are still mostly back ground at the moment.
This is truly a remarkable fantasy story with a sci-fi vibe woven through it. The picture is starting to become clear, though the facts are still mostly back ground at the moment.
April 4, 2018
This book reminds me in many ways of Michelle Sagar’s Chronicles of Elantra series.
Also, there is use of the phrase “clever meat” here, which just screams Anne Bishop’s The Others series.
Also, there is use of the phrase “clever meat” here, which just screams Anne Bishop’s The Others series.
July 30, 2019
This was in the same vein as the last- not altogether compelling but intriguing enough to continue. I didn’t like that the heroine’s potential love interest willingly puts her in danger all the time. It’s not cool that she’s constantly being manipulated by one person or another. People break into her personal space often and others are constantly kidnapping her and/or trying to kill her.
The only thing that would make this “she’s in mortal danger again” theme more palatable is if the romance had moved along a little bit. But you guessed it. No such luck. I am curious to see if the heroine ever gets together with her guy. And I’m making assumptions that he is indeed her guy. She hasn’t been pining which may be the best thing about this whole series. She has way more important things going on in her life.
The only thing that would make this “she’s in mortal danger again” theme more palatable is if the romance had moved along a little bit. But you guessed it. No such luck. I am curious to see if the heroine ever gets together with her guy. And I’m making assumptions that he is indeed her guy. She hasn’t been pining which may be the best thing about this whole series. She has way more important things going on in her life.
March 5, 2022
I continue to enjoy this series, though I liked this second book slightly less than the first. Tate is just becoming so very much a special snowflake. And while I'll acknowledge that White finally created some female characters in the world (which is an improvement over book one), she also wrote Tate as perfectly willing to take instruction from all the men around her. Even her 17yo side-kick gets to boss her around, because as every 'not like other girls' ever written she just can't be bothered with fashion. It's a small thing in the specific, but a painfully common one in general.
I did hope there would be a little development on the romance front. But there really wasn't. So, that's still simmering. And there have been several big hints at large plot developments that haven't happened yet. All of which makes this feel very much like a middle book. But I still had fun following Take and Dew Drop's adventures and plan to read more of the series.
I did hope there would be a little development on the romance front. But there really wasn't. So, that's still simmering. And there have been several big hints at large plot developments that haven't happened yet. All of which makes this feel very much like a middle book. But I still had fun following Take and Dew Drop's adventures and plan to read more of the series.
July 26, 2021
Onto book 3
I’m really starting to get drawn into the storyline of the Dragon Ridden Chronicles. Of Bone & Ruin starts to provide some small glimpses into Tate’s mysterious past, and she’s also building her own small family of misfits she finds along the way. Very slow build up with Ryu, the occasional hint that he feels something more for Tate, but I guess we will see what happens there in the next books :)
I’m really starting to get drawn into the storyline of the Dragon Ridden Chronicles. Of Bone & Ruin starts to provide some small glimpses into Tate’s mysterious past, and she’s also building her own small family of misfits she finds along the way. Very slow build up with Ryu, the occasional hint that he feels something more for Tate, but I guess we will see what happens there in the next books :)
September 30, 2021
I liked this book but at times Tate drove me a little crazy. The person she is right now just doesn't seem to mesh with who she was before she lost her memory and bonded with a dragon. I do love her little "family" that she is creating. The romance is very slow burn and is almost non-existent in this one. The plot is interesting and it kept me guessing with some definite surprises along the way. Looking forward to seeing what happens next.
April 23, 2022
Ok so much happens in this one.
I feel like I should have done a reread.
Tate gets a little more info on her background.
We still have dewdrop and the loyal wolf as great sidekicks.
We meet and interact with tates dragon who has a great personality.
3.5 star listen I do like the narrator.
No real romance still, tho I do believe at some point there will be something there with reyu.
I feel like I should have done a reread.
Tate gets a little more info on her background.
We still have dewdrop and the loyal wolf as great sidekicks.
We meet and interact with tates dragon who has a great personality.
3.5 star listen I do like the narrator.
No real romance still, tho I do believe at some point there will be something there with reyu.
May 4, 2020
Good enough
I like the mystery. I like the banter. But I'd feel better if there were more clues revealed about her past. Plus, I still get a bit lost sometimes. Not enough to put me off reading the next one.. but Tate is no Shea, Kira, or even Aileen.
I like the mystery. I like the banter. But I'd feel better if there were more clues revealed about her past. Plus, I still get a bit lost sometimes. Not enough to put me off reading the next one.. but Tate is no Shea, Kira, or even Aileen.
March 21, 2020
3.5 stars!
April 16, 2025
3.5
it’s getting better as i’ve come to expect from TA
it’s getting better as i’ve come to expect from TA
March 26, 2018
Copy is better in this compared to book one, but not enough of the mystery is revealed and she is still getting patronizing bullshit from all sides. I would cut someone. These arrogant manipulative twats of a government can stick kt where the sun dont shine. I hope they get their comeuppance.
July 29, 2021
4.5 🌟
Even better than the first.
While I'm sure it's part of the story and writing style, but after 2 books, I would really like to know the characters a bit better...
Mystery is all good and fine where the story as a whole is concerned, but I need more to involve myself and truly care for the characters..
This is the only reason it didn't get 5 ⭐️
I'm desperate to follow the story, and solve all the mysteries, but I don't feel truly connected to the characters.
While I would be very disappointed by the loss of some, I wouldn't grieve as I do in other stories..
I truly enjoy reading about them, and want to get to know them better, but it's just taking so long.
Definitely going to keep reading, but sincerely hope things get a bit more detailed, with more character depth, way more quickly!
Even better than the first.
While I'm sure it's part of the story and writing style, but after 2 books, I would really like to know the characters a bit better...
Mystery is all good and fine where the story as a whole is concerned, but I need more to involve myself and truly care for the characters..
This is the only reason it didn't get 5 ⭐️
I'm desperate to follow the story, and solve all the mysteries, but I don't feel truly connected to the characters.
While I would be very disappointed by the loss of some, I wouldn't grieve as I do in other stories..
I truly enjoy reading about them, and want to get to know them better, but it's just taking so long.
Definitely going to keep reading, but sincerely hope things get a bit more detailed, with more character depth, way more quickly!
February 11, 2018
Again! With the editing! I've read both of White's other series and I do not have the same issue in any way with them. At all. In fact I loved them. It boggles my mind. I can't tell if the narrative is third person or third person omniscient because sometimes you get way too much description of a character's actions and expressions. I'm so confused. I'd also like a little more information about Tate, I really don't think the stringing along of the information she learns about herself provoking. It's too slow.
I really wanted to like this series because dragons. And female kick assery. And dragons.
I really wanted to like this series because dragons. And female kick assery. And dragons.
January 28, 2020
Great world building
This story is so good with all its complex characters and beautiful backstory. The only issue is the heroine. She is allowed to be somewhat reckless but she seems to border on st***d. She goes half cocked every. single. time. She has all this back up and uses none of it. She acts without care to consequences even after the events of the first book. I will read the next one because I want to know the full story but I'm half hoping she gets amnesia again and has a better character when she wakes up.
This story is so good with all its complex characters and beautiful backstory. The only issue is the heroine. She is allowed to be somewhat reckless but she seems to border on st***d. She goes half cocked every. single. time. She has all this back up and uses none of it. She acts without care to consequences even after the events of the first book. I will read the next one because I want to know the full story but I'm half hoping she gets amnesia again and has a better character when she wakes up.
June 26, 2019
Not sure about the series
The writing has a repetition problem and the MC is becoming more contradictory. She's adult sometimes, other times she's a thoughtless teenager and inbetween she's dreaming about a potential boyfriend. It's getting difficult to separate the threads.
The dialogue is kind of childish and the amnesia is getting tired. The series has a trajectory that I can't quite make out. I'm going to read the next volume.
The writing has a repetition problem and the MC is becoming more contradictory. She's adult sometimes, other times she's a thoughtless teenager and inbetween she's dreaming about a potential boyfriend. It's getting difficult to separate the threads.
The dialogue is kind of childish and the amnesia is getting tired. The series has a trajectory that I can't quite make out. I'm going to read the next volume.
April 9, 2019
Super convoluted
A very complex society, and a story with elaborate plots and counter plots, which sounds great but didn't really grab me...
A very complex society, and a story with elaborate plots and counter plots, which sounds great but didn't really grab me...
July 17, 2021
DNF.
So I went back and reread the series I enjoyed it more the second time. I actually just finished the last book in the series and I am very glad that I did.
So I went back and reread the series I enjoyed it more the second time. I actually just finished the last book in the series and I am very glad that I did.
July 22, 2025
3 stars — and that’s generous, only because Dewdrop, Night, the twins and Ilith carried this book on their beautifully sarcastic backs.
Normally, I write my reviews right after finishing a book — while everything’s fresh.
Not this time.
I was so disappointed, I didn’t even stop to process. I just kept reading, desperate to find the spark I knew T.A. White was capable of. I read the entire series — five books plus the novella — hoping something would redeem the direction this story took.
Spoiler: it didn’t.
😞 Where It Fell Apart
Let’s start with the structure. On paper, I should’ve loved this book. There’s a major overarching plot that spans the series, and each installment has its own side-arc that pushes the bigger story forward. I love that kind of setup — it’s what makes long fantasy series feel rich and satisfying.
The problem? Every book feels like a copy-paste version of the last.
Tate gets kidnapped (again), blackmailed (again), or forced into danger (again).
She ignores every warning sign, misses every clue, and somehow still stumbles her way through like she’s on a reality show called Magical Survival, But Make It Clueless.
I adored Tate in Book 1. She was sharp, morally complex, and independent. But here? She’s reduced to a frustrating mix of naivety, impulsivity, and selective stupidity. She has to be hit in the face with truth to even consider it, and when she finally does, she still tries to explain it away like the world's dumbest detective.
T.A. White can write brilliant female characters — I know she can — so I genuinely don’t understand why she keeps doing this. It feels like she’s trying so hard to make her heroines “different” from series to series that she sacrifices what actually makes them strong. Being strong and smart doesn’t make a character repetitive. Giving them all ginger hair and strange eyes does.
💫 The Saving Grace: Side Characters
The only reason this book didn’t get 1.5 stars is Dewdrop, Night, the twins and Ilith.
Night is stubborn, protective, and sharp — the one voice of reason and maturity in their wonderfully dysfunctional little found-family.
Dewdrop is an absolute standout — loyal, observant, smart, and fierce, but also emotional in the way a well-written teenager should be. He’s strong without being hardened, vulnerable without being weak. Honestly? One of the best-written characters in the whole series.
The twins are chaotic joy in tiny, adorable packages. Their nonsense antics made me laugh more than once, and their presence added levity exactly when it was needed.
And Ilith? Look, she’s an arrogant, ancient dragon — and her internal commentary is hilarious. She’s wise, powerful, and petty in equal measure, and I loved every snarky thought she shared.
Their banter, loyalty, and chemistry are what made this book readable. Without them, I would’ve rage-quit halfway through.
😒 Ryu: The Mysterious MMC I Want to Throw
I love a morally grey male lead. I’m all for secrets and slow-burn tension.
But Ryu is inching into “red flag factory” territory. Controlling. Dishonest. Constantly forcing Tate’s hand. And somehow, we’re supposed to root for this?
Why do we keep getting toxic relationships framed as romantic tension? Why can’t we have a couple who actually functions like a team and grows together? Why do authors keep mistaking manipulation for attraction?
Newsflash: Healthy women are not drawn to men who lie to them and treat them like a puzzle to solve. That’s not mysterious. It’s just exhausting.
🧍♀️ The Isolated FMC Trope — Again
I’m also so tired of the whole “everyone hates the FMC” trope. It’s the same formula we’ve seen too many times:
Tate arrives.
Every character with a pulse is hostile.
She saves them.
Now she’s kinda an ally.
Rinse and repeat.
It’s old. It’s predictable. And it strips the story of any real tension because we know exactly how it’ll go.
📉 Final Thoughts
I gave this book 3 stars — but honestly?
That rating is entirely thanks to Night, Dewdrop, the twins and Ilith. If I had to judge this based on Tate and her actual journey, we’re talking a solid 1.5 at best.
It breaks my heart, because the potential is there. The bones of a great story exist. T.A. White has proven she can write complex characters, layered politics, and emotionally rich arcs.
But this book?
This wasn’t it.
Normally, I write my reviews right after finishing a book — while everything’s fresh.
Not this time.
I was so disappointed, I didn’t even stop to process. I just kept reading, desperate to find the spark I knew T.A. White was capable of. I read the entire series — five books plus the novella — hoping something would redeem the direction this story took.
Spoiler: it didn’t.
😞 Where It Fell Apart
Let’s start with the structure. On paper, I should’ve loved this book. There’s a major overarching plot that spans the series, and each installment has its own side-arc that pushes the bigger story forward. I love that kind of setup — it’s what makes long fantasy series feel rich and satisfying.
The problem? Every book feels like a copy-paste version of the last.
Tate gets kidnapped (again), blackmailed (again), or forced into danger (again).
She ignores every warning sign, misses every clue, and somehow still stumbles her way through like she’s on a reality show called Magical Survival, But Make It Clueless.
I adored Tate in Book 1. She was sharp, morally complex, and independent. But here? She’s reduced to a frustrating mix of naivety, impulsivity, and selective stupidity. She has to be hit in the face with truth to even consider it, and when she finally does, she still tries to explain it away like the world's dumbest detective.
T.A. White can write brilliant female characters — I know she can — so I genuinely don’t understand why she keeps doing this. It feels like she’s trying so hard to make her heroines “different” from series to series that she sacrifices what actually makes them strong. Being strong and smart doesn’t make a character repetitive. Giving them all ginger hair and strange eyes does.
💫 The Saving Grace: Side Characters
The only reason this book didn’t get 1.5 stars is Dewdrop, Night, the twins and Ilith.
Night is stubborn, protective, and sharp — the one voice of reason and maturity in their wonderfully dysfunctional little found-family.
Dewdrop is an absolute standout — loyal, observant, smart, and fierce, but also emotional in the way a well-written teenager should be. He’s strong without being hardened, vulnerable without being weak. Honestly? One of the best-written characters in the whole series.
The twins are chaotic joy in tiny, adorable packages. Their nonsense antics made me laugh more than once, and their presence added levity exactly when it was needed.
And Ilith? Look, she’s an arrogant, ancient dragon — and her internal commentary is hilarious. She’s wise, powerful, and petty in equal measure, and I loved every snarky thought she shared.
Their banter, loyalty, and chemistry are what made this book readable. Without them, I would’ve rage-quit halfway through.
😒 Ryu: The Mysterious MMC I Want to Throw
I love a morally grey male lead. I’m all for secrets and slow-burn tension.
But Ryu is inching into “red flag factory” territory. Controlling. Dishonest. Constantly forcing Tate’s hand. And somehow, we’re supposed to root for this?
Why do we keep getting toxic relationships framed as romantic tension? Why can’t we have a couple who actually functions like a team and grows together? Why do authors keep mistaking manipulation for attraction?
Newsflash: Healthy women are not drawn to men who lie to them and treat them like a puzzle to solve. That’s not mysterious. It’s just exhausting.
🧍♀️ The Isolated FMC Trope — Again
I’m also so tired of the whole “everyone hates the FMC” trope. It’s the same formula we’ve seen too many times:
Tate arrives.
Every character with a pulse is hostile.
She saves them.
Now she’s kinda an ally.
Rinse and repeat.
It’s old. It’s predictable. And it strips the story of any real tension because we know exactly how it’ll go.
📉 Final Thoughts
I gave this book 3 stars — but honestly?
That rating is entirely thanks to Night, Dewdrop, the twins and Ilith. If I had to judge this based on Tate and her actual journey, we’re talking a solid 1.5 at best.
It breaks my heart, because the potential is there. The bones of a great story exist. T.A. White has proven she can write complex characters, layered politics, and emotionally rich arcs.
But this book?
This wasn’t it.
March 14, 2022
format: Audiobook
rating: 4
I really adore T.A. White's books. I have some problems with them, there are some tropes that seem present in all her books that I find really annoying in excess, but all in all she is a great author. There is a link to my review of the first book at the bottom of this review where I go into this in more detail.
The World
White has created a which is a fascinating mix of Fantasy with Sci-Fi elements. There is a lot of reference to a great war between the Ancients and the Creators. You get the feeling there might have been some sort of technological collapse, and that society was more advanced before.
Arthur C. Clarke wrote:
"Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic"
And there is a case to be made for that. Some things like chanting in obscure languages and creating runes for spells seem like they must be magical. Other things like the artifacts seem like they could just be very advanced technological devices.
Could it be both?
Are the "Guardians" that the people of this world call minor Gods just creepy advanced holograms? Are they AI's?
Are they real people become code?
Are they actually minor deities?
We've yet to get an answer, but these questions are fascinating, and as the world slowly unfolds we are getting for and more insight into what came before.
The Players
Illith—Tate's bonded dragon—is awesome, arrogant and glorious. I want to see her stretch her wings and devour all her enemies!!!
Tate herself is an awesome character, she continues being brave and stubborn. She is loyal to a fault, and she has an ability to inspire that quality in those around her. It is clear that she is more powerful than she knows, and I'm hoping for some scene in a future book where her and Illith really get to come out and play and wreak havoc. For the time being she has to pick her battles, and though she has a rebellious streak a mile wide, she is a pawn in a game played by giants.
Night and Dewdrop from the first book return in this installment, as it seems as though Tate is collecting strays.
Dewdrop the former cutpurse has thrown his lot in with Tate and seems a better person for it.
Night is, well Night. The adorable bearcat being she saved in the first book.
Tate is creating a found family of misfits and outcasts, and I can't wait to see who else she'll pull in.
Ryu the man who seems to be the future love interest is still a jackass and forces Tate into a tight corner she doesn't want to be in. Despite that we see less of him her and we get less of that infantilizing controlling bullshit. It is clear he cares for her, but since I'm still pissed at him and dislike him, I'm glad the romance is a pretty non-existent element.
In Conclusion
The worldbuilding here is great, the plot in this book was also pretty tight. White is a good writer with a firm grip on the story she is telling. It is clear that things aren't haphazard and many plot threads are planned out in advance. She has good side characters as well as a compelling main.
However, I'm really tired of Tate getting tossed around like a bag of so much nothing. It might be realistic and believable that she has to make the smart choice and bow to those with more power than her, but I just want her to kick arse and take names. She gets kidnapped for the third time around in this book. And I just wish she was a bit more cutthroat and found a way to kill her enemies.
If she doesn't get to murder some of these bastards like the dickbag nightlord Lucius from book 1 at some point I'm gonna riot. Because Tate might not be the sort of character that bears a grudge, but I sure do.
Dragon-Ridden (Dragon Ridden Chronicles, #1) ★★★★
rating: 4
I really adore T.A. White's books. I have some problems with them, there are some tropes that seem present in all her books that I find really annoying in excess, but all in all she is a great author. There is a link to my review of the first book at the bottom of this review where I go into this in more detail.
The World
White has created a which is a fascinating mix of Fantasy with Sci-Fi elements. There is a lot of reference to a great war between the Ancients and the Creators. You get the feeling there might have been some sort of technological collapse, and that society was more advanced before.
Arthur C. Clarke wrote:
"Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic"
And there is a case to be made for that. Some things like chanting in obscure languages and creating runes for spells seem like they must be magical. Other things like the artifacts seem like they could just be very advanced technological devices.
Could it be both?
Are the "Guardians" that the people of this world call minor Gods just creepy advanced holograms? Are they AI's?
Are they real people become code?
Are they actually minor deities?
We've yet to get an answer, but these questions are fascinating, and as the world slowly unfolds we are getting for and more insight into what came before.
The Players
Illith—Tate's bonded dragon—is awesome, arrogant and glorious. I want to see her stretch her wings and devour all her enemies!!!
Tate herself is an awesome character, she continues being brave and stubborn. She is loyal to a fault, and she has an ability to inspire that quality in those around her. It is clear that she is more powerful than she knows, and I'm hoping for some scene in a future book where her and Illith really get to come out and play and wreak havoc. For the time being she has to pick her battles, and though she has a rebellious streak a mile wide, she is a pawn in a game played by giants.
Night and Dewdrop from the first book return in this installment, as it seems as though Tate is collecting strays.
Dewdrop the former cutpurse has thrown his lot in with Tate and seems a better person for it.
Night is, well Night. The adorable bearcat being she saved in the first book.
Tate is creating a found family of misfits and outcasts, and I can't wait to see who else she'll pull in.
Ryu the man who seems to be the future love interest is still a jackass and forces Tate into a tight corner she doesn't want to be in. Despite that we see less of him her and we get less of that infantilizing controlling bullshit. It is clear he cares for her, but since I'm still pissed at him and dislike him, I'm glad the romance is a pretty non-existent element.
In Conclusion
The worldbuilding here is great, the plot in this book was also pretty tight. White is a good writer with a firm grip on the story she is telling. It is clear that things aren't haphazard and many plot threads are planned out in advance. She has good side characters as well as a compelling main.
However, I'm really tired of Tate getting tossed around like a bag of so much nothing. It might be realistic and believable that she has to make the smart choice and bow to those with more power than her, but I just want her to kick arse and take names. She gets kidnapped for the third time around in this book. And I just wish she was a bit more cutthroat and found a way to kill her enemies.
If she doesn't get to murder some of these bastards like the dickbag nightlord Lucius from book 1 at some point I'm gonna riot. Because Tate might not be the sort of character that bears a grudge, but I sure do.
Dragon-Ridden (Dragon Ridden Chronicles, #1) ★★★★
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