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Savage begins the Dragonrider Legacy series, a thrilling companion to the international bestselling Dragonrider Chronicles.

Never send a hero to do a monster’s job.

Forty years have passed since Jaevid Broadfeather brought peace to Maldobar and Luntharda. But that fragile truce will be tested as darkness gathers on the horizon. The vicious armies of the Tibran Empire have crossed the far seas and are threatening to destroy Maldobar completely. Not even the dragonriders can match the Tibran war machines. And after an attempt to awaken Jaevid from his divine sleep fails, the fate of Maldobar is looking grim.

Reigh has never known what it means to be a normal human. Raised amongst the gray elves in the wild jungle of Luntharda, he’s tried everything to fit in. But the dark power within him is bursting at the seams—refusing to be silenced. And while his adoptive father, Kiran, insists this power must be kept secret, Reigh knows he’s running out of time.

As Maldobar burns, the world is desperate for a new hero. Destiny has called, and one boy will rise to answer.

296 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 26, 2017

360 people are currently reading
1308 people want to read

About the author

Nicole Conway

40 books600 followers
Nicole Conway is originally from North Alabama and attended Auburn University. She is happily married and enjoys writing as a full time career.

Best known for her international bestselling fantasy series, THE DRAGONRIDER CHRONICLES - Nicole is currently working on a follow-on series, THE DRAGONRIDER LEGACY. Her other published works include MAD MAGIC, THE DISTANCE BETWEEN STARS, SCALES (Releasing Spring 2019), and RENEGADE RUNNER (2021).


Nicole is represented by Fran Black of Literary Counsel.

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5 stars
452 (56%)
4 stars
229 (28%)
3 stars
88 (10%)
2 stars
22 (2%)
1 star
10 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for Danielle's.
Author 1 book169 followers
August 12, 2018
Reigh is struggling to find his place in the world. He loves the man who raised him but knows he's not his father. He lives in the city of grey elves but he is not one of them. Reigh feels like an outsider even though he wants to fit in, but he is destined for a greater path. He is more than an ordinary human boy.

This is a story of war and adventure. It is a mystery and Reigh is at the centre of the chaos. He wants to be good and help people but he carries darkness. His darkness is powerful but difficult to control. This is just the beginning and the story is continuous. It's fast-paced and the dynamics change throughout.

I really enjoyed this book. The world created is interesting and the people are captivating. The book had me hooked on every word and I'm so glad I have the next instalment to sink my teeth into. There is a dragon but I don't want to give too much away about this story.

4.5 stars out of 5. I received an ARC as part of the tour for book two.
Profile Image for Emily.
575 reviews48 followers
September 30, 2017
The adopted, human son of a gray elves, Reigh had problems fitting in. Not only was he still considered a child when his grey elf peers were adults, but he also held a secret that could destroy his life. A darkness lived within him that he was barely controlling. But when a human prince stumbled into the jungle seeking aid, Reigh realized that he might have a chance to prove himself and use his darkness for good. He would fight alongside the other humans to defeat the enemies that haunted their doorsteps.

Savage was so much better than I had hoped it would be. Set in a memorable fantasy world, it featured an intriguing adventure. There were some times when I could predict the plot, but most of the book was new and exciting. The world especially was interesting. I enjoyed the new take on elves, dragons, humans, and magic. I am curios as to discover where the series will turn next. And, as always, I want a dragon.

As for the main character, Reigh was a bit of a brat at the beginning. He had a lot of pride for one so immature. I still liked him, and he does learn. He also had a lot of hurdles to overcome in his life. Who his parents were, why his adoptive father would never let Reigh call him father, and why Reigh has a frightening and powerful spirit living inside of him. Tough stuff, there, but as I mentioned earlier, he reacted like the child everyone declared him to be. However, he was still able to overcome himself to achieve great things.

Yes, my review is full of mixed complements and criticisms. That is my analytical brain. The other, feeling side of my brain says this is a totally awesome book. I want a dragon, and I want the next book, and I want to read everything else in the other Dragonrider Chronicles by the same author. I really, really want to read more. But, sadly, I will have to wait months for the next book in the series. I suppose I will have to settle for the other series that is about a character only glimpsed in Savage. Still, it has to be awesome!

I recommend this book to fans of YA high fantasy. Dragons, elves, magic, and more await!

I received a complementary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Ashley McCartney.
182 reviews4 followers
August 28, 2017
I absolutely love the main character of this book. Like the rest of us he has his own internal battles that he fights throughout the story making him fresh and relatable. With a few surprises hidden in the folds, each chapter takes you further into the world of the dragon riders. Really looking forward to finishing this series. Patiently awaiting the next book.
Profile Image for One Man Book Club.
965 reviews56 followers
May 29, 2019
Check out my blog, One Man Book Club

The Value of a Star: Ratings Explained

Now here's a series your fantasy loving middle graders will love!

The Dragonrider books by Nicole Conway are marketed as two separate series.

The first four books are The Dragonrider Chronicles. They introduce the main characters and deliver the first story arc. The Dragonrider Legacy includes the final three books. This series continues the story of the main characters after a 40 year time jump, introduces new characters, delivers it's own story arc, and puts a nice bow on the conclusion of both series. Because the two series are so connected, I consider them one, seven book series.

The Dragonrider series isn't unique and it's quite formulaic. Not really any surprises here.

Unassuming, unloved boy gets accepted into Dragonrider school after a dragon chooses him to be his rider. The boy discovers he's the chosen one, destined to unite the people of the land, restore order and balance, overthrow the evil tyrant, and save the day. Twice. You know, because there are two series. The ending to the first story arc was meh, but the wrongs are righted in the end of the second story arc. Dues ex machina is the go to solution for the biggest problems.

But if the formula works, it works, and these stories work for their audience. The Dragonrider series are definitely story driven. It was enough to keep me interested through 7 books! Battles, mysteries, coming of age, magic, elves, first love, humor, friendship, bad guys, heroes.

Plus...dragons! Like I always say: dragons are the bacon of books--they make everything better!

The Dragonrider books are targeted for upper-middle grade fantasy fans and dragon lovers everywhere. Content appropriate for 10 and up.

Happy reading!
Profile Image for Cassandra.
1,188 reviews110 followers
September 30, 2017
My Thoughts - 5 out of 5 Unicorns - I loved it!!!
***I choose what I read and review based on what intrigues me!! Yes, I got a review copy of this book, but no one tells me what to think, feel, or write about any book! I loved this book, and I bought my own copy! I own the series before this book too!

This is the first book in this new series that is a spin-off of the Dragonrider Chronicles! This is a YA book! Okay I loved this book because it went back to Nicole’s original style! It does end leaving you wanting more! I need the next book like NOW!

This book is about Reigh who is a human teen who has always lived in a Grey Elf city. Kiran from the first series raised him. He doesn’t know who he is, or what the deal is with his power. There is so much action and mystery going on that you get pulled right into the story, and I found it hard to put the book down! I can’t wait for book 2, and to see how things go and what destiny has in store for Reigh!!

I highly recommend to any Dragonrider fans who loved the first 3 books because you will enjoy this book! If you are new to Nicole’s work, I would read the first series, and then start this one afterward!
29 reviews1 follower
May 1, 2022
Enjoyable!

Fun! I read the Heritage series first, and seeing all the characters from the older generation as young, kickass children here is ABSOLUTELY HILARIOUS. I'm looking forward to the next one!
Profile Image for Sharon Hughson.
Author 31 books63 followers
September 28, 2017
Dragons? Yes, please. If that's what you want, there's not much of that here. But there is a story and it earns 3.8 out of five stars from me.
This is a follow up to the Dragon Riders series by Conway. I only read the first and last books in that series, and I think this book stands apart from it enough that it would be enjoyed be readers new to the universe Conway created.
It starts with tension, but it didn't hook me. That's why I started it and put it down. However, when I picked it up the second time, I persisted and eventually got drawn in to the tail.
This is a middle grade/young young adult story. I love this age group for fantasy tales. The drawback can be that certain unbelievable aspects are allowed to stay because younger readers will often let them slip past. And it is fantasy, right?
However, Reigh seemed to come too quickly into his power. He sees it as a dark and destructive thing, or does he? And I never connected with him. He felt pouty and too willing to run away from any problem. By the end, I still didn't feel much sympathy for him, although I'm sure young teenagers will relate to him perfectly.
I had several moments of deja vu reading this story. It reminded me of the later books in Paolini's INHERITANCE CYCLE. It echoed themes and twists used frequently in the fantasy genre. I won't drop any of them here because: spoilers. Read it, and you'll immediately understand that this feels familiar, like a story you've read before.
Although I wasn't thrilled with the ending, it was as I expected. And the first chapters of the next book are at the back to prime you for the next book. But when will that book be released?
I received an advance copy of this book and chose to review it.
Profile Image for J. Ford.
Author 7 books135 followers
October 5, 2017
Where do I start with how much I loved this book?

I didn’t think Nicole Conway’s writing could get any better. I was in love with the Dragonrider Chronicles and didn’t believe there was any way she could top those tales. Boy, was I wrong.

From page 1, SAVAGE captured my interest and held it to the very end. The world-building, the characters…a-maaaazing!!! And I loved the adventure! Conway managed to weave a convincing tale of elves and dragons, humans and magic.

My heart went out to Reigh and all that he has to overcome. I will admit, in the beginning I thought he was a spoiled brat, but then I learned about him and the terribly frightening demon inside of him and I got why he behaved the way he did. I wanted to jump in the book and help him, hug him. But all I could do was watch everything unfold before me. I honestly couldn’t put this book down.

I want book 2. NOW!!

If you love YA fantasy, action, adventure, elves and especially dragons, you’re going to fall in love with this book. Get it today. Don’t pass Go. Don’t collect $200. This is a winner that you much have for your library. And get a copy for someone you love. They’ll thank you a million times over.

Time to go read it again.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Amber.
220 reviews
July 26, 2019
I wasn’t sure about continuing reading another book/series by Nicole Conway after finishing Immortal, which is the last book in her dragonrider series. This is the first book in a continuation trilogy. Honestly just like all the other books of Nicole Conway’s that I have read I have been drawn in from the very first chapter. I had to keep reading or listening to find out would would happen next. The book is full of heart felt moments, moments that bring joy, and others that bring heartache. This book has a lot of dark elements that I found a little disturbing at times, and yet I couldn’t turn away having to know what happened next. Over all it was a very good book, and I am glad I decided to read it!
13 reviews
November 1, 2017
Brilliant storyteller in need of Thesaurus

I gobbled up the first four books. Ms Conway has taken a fairly run of the mill story and made it excitingly, page turningly tense. This one is no exception and I can hardly wait to read the next one.

But . . . Would someone please get her a Thesaurus! There are many other words to describe a facial expression other than "smirk." If she could just learn and use some of them. PLEASE!
Profile Image for Neelesh Jain.
31 reviews
June 25, 2019
Firstly, this book is for kids. Just plain sprinkling of magic and dragons with nothing to tie them. Everything happens just because the author wants it to happen. No reason to read this. Flop show
Profile Image for J. d'Merricksson.
Author 12 books50 followers
October 7, 2017
***This book was reviewed via Chapter by Chapter Book Tours

Savage, by Nicole Conway, is the first in a follow-up series to her awesome Dragonrider Chronicles. Reigh lives in two worlds, feeling out of place in both. He's a human adopted by grey elves. As such, he ages different, and to make matters worse he is host to an enigmatic spirit called Noh. When he runs away, hoping to protect others from Noh, he stumbles across a group of humans lost in the dangerous forest Reigh and his adopted kin call home. Aubren has come to the grey elf Queen for aid in a war against his home of Maldobar. Reigh decides to go with Aubren, hoping to put his dark spirit to a noble use. Noh may just be the biggest asset in the fight to come.

I have the Dragonrider Chronicles and was excited to start this series. Overall, I enjoyed this story. This is a YA read, and is full of the standard fantasy tropes. Nevertheless, it holds its own as unique. These elves are not the typical elves you find in fantasy, where they often come across as haughty and better than humans. These grey elves are a different species, with unique culture, and vibrant presence, seeming far more real.

Reigh is young, a tempestuous teenager. Events beyond his control force him to grow up quick, and he displays increasingly more maturity as he goes along. Noh is fascinating as well. Why does Reigh have this amoral companion. And why is Noh becoming visible to people other than Reigh?

My favourite characters were Kiran, the grey elf who adopted Reigh, and Aubren, who turns out to be a Prince of Maldobar. Kiran is a healer, and a great one despite his gruffness. Aubren was likeable from get-go. He's loyal to his people, willing to do whatever it takes to protect them.

The world Conway paints is rich and vivid. It was a pleasure to visit. The grey elves and their forest home are beautiful, if deadly, and Maldobar with its dragons is exciting. I would have liked to see more of the dagons. Haha, I'm a sucker for them. I'm sure I'll get my fill as the story progress. I can't wait to read the next in the series!

📚📚📚📚📚
Profile Image for Jan farnworth.
1,653 reviews149 followers
September 20, 2017
I am a fan of the series that this one is the spin off of so i eagerly dived into to Savage.  I love the delightful interaction between the characters and the dragons to the point where you can really picture the whole interaction happening.  This book starts out just the first one in the other series you got a character who does not necessarily know everything about themselves.  As a result a adventures unfolds and like peeling an onion you get a small piece of the whole bigger picture as you read. This is a great start to what is gonna be another amazing series.  Anyone else want some dragon kisses?
Profile Image for Hannah Michaels.
567 reviews13 followers
September 25, 2017
This book was great! The thing that I enjoyed most about this book is, even though I did not read the previous series, I did not need to to understand this one. It gently guides you through the after effects and the resulting story line. I think Reigh got a little lost for me sometimes. He's a character searching for his family and his origins and why he doesn't feel like he belongs, which is a story any teenager can relate to. It was a great build up and a good story. Definitely not one to drag you through any mundane scenes. Looking forward to the next one!
Profile Image for Jim Westcott.
68 reviews
February 14, 2020
The protagonist is a sulking whiny teenager with a dark mysteriously deadly superpower. Started off pretty well but its very difficult for me to like him, as he flip flops between running away in self pity and running home, he throws reckless pouting tantrums and strikes out foolishly. This book is imaginative, quick paced and colorful enough for a young reader... though it lacks the grit and detail that a more seasoned reader may desire in their reading. I didn't mind the writing, but following the spoiled brat's selfish moodiness for one book was enough.
22 reviews1 follower
November 20, 2017
A great sequel

I quickly ate my way through the Fledgling series and I was thrilled to see that there was a sequel. It is quite good and adds new characters that the reader wants to survive and thrive. The descriptions could have been fleshed out fuller, as it was hard to picture everything in my head. A few missing words, a few grammatical errors, a few misspelled words, but overall a great read.
19 reviews
May 23, 2018
Savage, the book I am currently reading, has a character who is scared, confused, sad and angry. The character is scared because he has a monster and power inside of him, who he doesn’t have control over. Confused, because people are saying he is related to the royal family and the land is at war. Sad and angry because he murdered many people in a certain radius, both foe and friend.
818 reviews3 followers
October 3, 2018
Book 1

Book 1 was a fun read and had errors throughout. The build of of the plot and characters was slow. It did not pick up until almost halfway through. I did enjoy the book once it got going. The main character boy complains a lot and is less mature than i hoped. I do look forward to book 2 and I hope it progresses faster than book 1.
44 reviews
March 4, 2018
Great book with interesting story

This is. A great book with interesting story. I would recommend this book to anyone. The story keeps you reading to find out what's going to happen next
96 reviews2 followers
September 26, 2018
Intense

Lot of things happened. Lot of plot twists.

I got more to say but it been awhile since I read this book, so I kinda forgot.

I want the female dragon he bonded to to be mates with him or at least never take another and never leave each other side.
32 reviews
July 22, 2019
Another great book from Nicole Conway

I really enjoyed this book. Well written, great characters and dialogue, all placed in a very imaginative universe. Highly recommend reading the first trilogy before starting this one.
Profile Image for WIZE FOoL.
296 reviews25 followers
September 29, 2019
This story of your classic orphan coming to power, moves along swiftly. This makes for a light entertaining read!
With magic, dragons and fighting, it's a fun read that keeps you going right to the end.
Enjoy.
Profile Image for Sheshank Joshi.
56 reviews
February 17, 2020
Good Book. It is not great to transport me into another world like Harry Potter did. But, Harry potter didn't materialize into a series until much later. This is just like Harry Potter first Book.
I liked it
Author 4 books28 followers
June 9, 2020
Great fantasy! I know there's a lot out there with elves and dragons but there's always room for more. I thoroughly enjoyed this one. It lacked a little in the world-building making me feel confused at times, but the story was good enough to make up for it. Looking forward to Book 2.
Profile Image for Gigi Sedlmayer.
Author 6 books65 followers
March 19, 2022
Interesting book, I bought the book because i love dragons. Well, in the first book there are hardly any dragons, but i hope there will be more in the next book. But one thing was standing out, what i liked:
"You focus too much on what you are not - you forget to see what you are."
118 reviews1 follower
June 29, 2022
I am really enjoying my time with this series. They aren't very long. They are fairly fast read, but I find myself extremely engaged with the characters, the world, and the lore. Again, not much dragons with this one, but I am not complaining.
50 reviews2 followers
December 30, 2024
"Savage" is a great read. Reigh is an interesting person. He is sometimes pretty driven and other times not so sure of himself. Probably like us all. All in all this book is a great read. I recommend it to be read.
Profile Image for Rebecca Stalnaker.
46 reviews6 followers
September 26, 2017
If you love dragons as much as I do, READ THIS BOOK!
be sure to watch for my full review, coming soon to my blog, Book Review Becca!
46 reviews3 followers
October 12, 2017
Great read!!!

Can't wait Harbinger book 2. The characters were outstanding and the development of them was priceless to read about. Hopefully the next installment will be as good
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews

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