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The First Dragon Rider #3
Dragon Mage
To unite a fractured kingdom, a reluctant hero must rise. Neill has been charged with the impossible task of bringing the Middle Kingdom together to fight the burgeoning threat posed by the rogue sorcerer Ansall and his dragon Zaxx. Neill longs for his old life as a mere foot soldier for his father responsible only for his family’s wellbeing, and is unsure about whether he is fit to lead an army. Neill’s contemplative nature forces him to consider every aspect of the problems he faces, but often makes it difficult for him to take action—and failure to act could mean the deaths of many. Now, echoing Char and their dragon Paxala, his duty beckons him to lead the Dragon Riders—and take his rightful place as king—but with doubt and new enemies creeping in, his resolve will be tested. When the mysterious Dark Prince arrives with an offer, Neill will have to make a decision that could change the course of history. As Ansall grows in strength by harnessing black magic, Neill must choose between his own desires and the welfare of the entire kingdom. Can he rise to the challenge before it’s too late?
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 30, 2017
296 people are currently reading
207 people want to read
About the author
Ava Richardson
151 books429 followersAva Richardson writes epic page-turning Young Adult Fantasy books. She creates lovable characters and drops them into intricate worlds that are barely contained within your eReader. Ava has written 21 YA dragon fantasy series, including her bestselling series Return of the Darkening and her recent series, Destia's Dragon Shifter War.
She grew up on a steady diet of fantasy and science fiction books handed down from her two big brothers – and despite being dog-eared and missing pages, she loved escaping into the magical worlds that those authors created. Her favorites were the ones about dragons; where they’d swoop, dive and soar through the skies of these enchanted lands.
She grew up on a steady diet of fantasy and science fiction books handed down from her two big brothers – and despite being dog-eared and missing pages, she loved escaping into the magical worlds that those authors created. Her favorites were the ones about dragons; where they’d swoop, dive and soar through the skies of these enchanted lands.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 24, 2018
Dragon Mage
The First Dragon Rider, Book 3
By: Ava Richardson
Narrated by: Tiffany Williams
This is an audible book I requested and the review is voluntary.
I love these dragon books! I love most dragon books but these I feel I get to know the dragons and the riders personally. The action, excitement, intrigue, thrills, danger, and so much more all rolled up in these books. This is a great series. What is better than a young sorcerer and a dragon?
The narrator is awesome and performs the voices well and makes the emotions flow with her words. Wonderful job!!!
The First Dragon Rider, Book 3
By: Ava Richardson
Narrated by: Tiffany Williams
This is an audible book I requested and the review is voluntary.
I love these dragon books! I love most dragon books but these I feel I get to know the dragons and the riders personally. The action, excitement, intrigue, thrills, danger, and so much more all rolled up in these books. This is a great series. What is better than a young sorcerer and a dragon?
The narrator is awesome and performs the voices well and makes the emotions flow with her words. Wonderful job!!!
January 24, 2018
I received a free copy from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
I was disappointed with characters leaving the story and then magically turning up again when required.
Overall though this is a good end to a really enjoyable Trilogy.
I was disappointed with characters leaving the story and then magically turning up again when required.
Overall though this is a good end to a really enjoyable Trilogy.
January 15, 2021
Neill must grapple with his insecurities to lead the dragon academy into the next chapter.
Final battle with Zaxx and Ansall causes casualties.
Char and Neill prepare to face the future alongside the dragons.
Final battle with Zaxx and Ansall causes casualties.
Char and Neill prepare to face the future alongside the dragons.
January 2, 2018
Neill has overthrown the old order of Draconis monks, and set the dragons free from their old tyrant, Zaxx. Now, new enemies line up to challenge the new dragon academy.
I received a free copy from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
First of all, when I requested the book, I wasn't aware that this was the third and final instalment of the First Dragon Rider trilogy.
The good news is that it is all really easy to pick up, and you quickly become immersed in Richardson's fantasy world. But, I might have felt more invested in the characters, had I read the rest of the series.
The story starts with Neill and his friends, in the ruins of the monastery, tentatively working out what direction they will take, now they have overthrown the brutal Draconis Order.
There are mistakes to be made, and ambitions to work towards.
I like that these young recruits aren't letting tradition hold them back. They have fought for what they believe in, and now they are ready to follow their dreams to work with the dragons, and to encourage learning, rather than fear and submission.
They are keen to get going - sometimes a little too keen - jumping into decisions and actions too early, and putting themselves in danger.
Most of the story follows the rebuilding and reorganising of the new Dragon Academy, with Neill, his best friend Char, and dragon/mother hen Paxala.
There are still frictions within their group, as the older monks find it hard to change their ways, and respect these little lordlings.
Not-so-good.
I didn't like the main character Neill. I thought he was a whiny little twit.
I know, he had good reason - he's half-noble, half-gypsy, and was cast out of his home. His father kept distant, and (minor spoiler) dies early in the book. His older half-brothers are gits. And now, people are looking to him to lead the academy. Expecting him to have all the answers.
But every time he narrates, it was a repetitive cycle of him thinking he wasn't good enough, he didn't want to lead, he didn't want to make choices, he didn't want people looking at him, he didn't want to think about his future...
I wanted to slap him and tell him to stop whining and do something. Go live with his uncle and the gypsies, or go live with the dragons, or go be a hermit somewhere.
The sections where Char is our narrator are much stronger. She is capable and determined, and her connection with Paxala is really rather sweet.
Overall, this was an OK read. I might like it better, if I read the rest of the trilogy first.
I received a free copy from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
First of all, when I requested the book, I wasn't aware that this was the third and final instalment of the First Dragon Rider trilogy.
The good news is that it is all really easy to pick up, and you quickly become immersed in Richardson's fantasy world. But, I might have felt more invested in the characters, had I read the rest of the series.
The story starts with Neill and his friends, in the ruins of the monastery, tentatively working out what direction they will take, now they have overthrown the brutal Draconis Order.
There are mistakes to be made, and ambitions to work towards.
I like that these young recruits aren't letting tradition hold them back. They have fought for what they believe in, and now they are ready to follow their dreams to work with the dragons, and to encourage learning, rather than fear and submission.
They are keen to get going - sometimes a little too keen - jumping into decisions and actions too early, and putting themselves in danger.
Most of the story follows the rebuilding and reorganising of the new Dragon Academy, with Neill, his best friend Char, and dragon/mother hen Paxala.
There are still frictions within their group, as the older monks find it hard to change their ways, and respect these little lordlings.
Not-so-good.
I didn't like the main character Neill. I thought he was a whiny little twit.
I know, he had good reason - he's half-noble, half-gypsy, and was cast out of his home. His father kept distant, and (minor spoiler) dies early in the book. His older half-brothers are gits. And now, people are looking to him to lead the academy. Expecting him to have all the answers.
But every time he narrates, it was a repetitive cycle of him thinking he wasn't good enough, he didn't want to lead, he didn't want to make choices, he didn't want people looking at him, he didn't want to think about his future...
I wanted to slap him and tell him to stop whining and do something. Go live with his uncle and the gypsies, or go live with the dragons, or go be a hermit somewhere.
The sections where Char is our narrator are much stronger. She is capable and determined, and her connection with Paxala is really rather sweet.
Overall, this was an OK read. I might like it better, if I read the rest of the trilogy first.
October 31, 2019
I finally finished a trilogy under Ms. Richardson, is it worth it??? Do I want to read it again??? I am of two minds to read it again, we have strong female leads, of course Dragons, any one ever read a weak portrayal of these massive, destructive, regal creatures, but on this particular trilogy, they came out as weak, even Zaxx, I am not that impress, another down for me, a rather whiny and not so impressive male protagonist, Ansall was a bit impressive but theatrical, there was a bit of fascinating detail that I am looking at, which I was led to believe to be included in the first book, I am now reading..........
My personal thinking maybe the trilogy was not that impressive because it was the first time human and dragons's met, so naturally they have to know each other's capability, I am now reading The Darkening and I can say it is getting intersting..........
My personal thinking maybe the trilogy was not that impressive because it was the first time human and dragons's met, so naturally they have to know each other's capability, I am now reading The Darkening and I can say it is getting intersting..........
July 22, 2018
This book is mostly from Neill’s point of view. He has difficult decisions ahead... they have taken the Monastery from the evil Ansall and ousted Zaxx from the crater with the help of the dragons. But now what? How are they to run their new Dragon Academy? How are they to protect it? How are they to help the people in the surrounding lands from tyrants and Ansall and Zaxx, and most of all - is he truly the one to be in charge? Unsure of his abilities, of offered alliances, or family ties, Neill along with Char and their human and dragon friends do what they can.
This is not a complicated or in-depth book, but a very enjoyable read for teens to adults. This is the second book I’ve read/listened to by this author and I would love listen to another. I have previously listened to Dragon Dreams (book 2). I want to listen to all in this series and would like to try another series by her as well. This book has a conclusion but is not a stand-alone. It ends setting the scene for the next book.
This is the second book I’ve listened to by this narrator (Tiffany Williams) and I would gladly listen to another. She has different voices for the individual characters. I like the voices she gives to the dragons and how she makes their screeching sounds. She brings life to the story.
There are no explicit sex scenes, excessive violence or swearing.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and voluntarily left this unbiased review
This is not a complicated or in-depth book, but a very enjoyable read for teens to adults. This is the second book I’ve read/listened to by this author and I would love listen to another. I have previously listened to Dragon Dreams (book 2). I want to listen to all in this series and would like to try another series by her as well. This book has a conclusion but is not a stand-alone. It ends setting the scene for the next book.
This is the second book I’ve listened to by this narrator (Tiffany Williams) and I would gladly listen to another. She has different voices for the individual characters. I like the voices she gives to the dragons and how she makes their screeching sounds. She brings life to the story.
There are no explicit sex scenes, excessive violence or swearing.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and voluntarily left this unbiased review
September 15, 2024
A great finish to this series. The stories from this author are very intriguing. Many different kinds of dragons and full of evil people.
In the last one after driving the Abbott & Zaxx from the monastary, Neill & Char are trying to get some dragon riders learning and practicing. It's not easy because the riders haven't bonded like paxala & Char. Still they practice. They are also trying to pick someone to lead and Neill thinks it should be Char. Then Neill receives word that his father has died from a poison arrow from one of his enemies so Neill returns home. The reception he gets isn't welcoming. His brothers don't like him and they make that quite clear. They allow him 1 day to mourn and then forbid him from returning. So Neill gets his mourning over with and then returns to the monastary. The riders are starting to get better and they are hoping for more dragons to choose riders but then it happens. Zaxx starts calling and trying to control the dragons again. This is bad and also with the dark prince there trying to take over, Neill will have his hands full. As Zaxx and the Abbott approach his evil doing becomes quite clear to our group. The changes in the Abbott make his intentions quite clear. Now all of them dragos, monks and the dark prince will have to work together to defeat this evil.
In the last one after driving the Abbott & Zaxx from the monastary, Neill & Char are trying to get some dragon riders learning and practicing. It's not easy because the riders haven't bonded like paxala & Char. Still they practice. They are also trying to pick someone to lead and Neill thinks it should be Char. Then Neill receives word that his father has died from a poison arrow from one of his enemies so Neill returns home. The reception he gets isn't welcoming. His brothers don't like him and they make that quite clear. They allow him 1 day to mourn and then forbid him from returning. So Neill gets his mourning over with and then returns to the monastary. The riders are starting to get better and they are hoping for more dragons to choose riders but then it happens. Zaxx starts calling and trying to control the dragons again. This is bad and also with the dark prince there trying to take over, Neill will have his hands full. As Zaxx and the Abbott approach his evil doing becomes quite clear to our group. The changes in the Abbott make his intentions quite clear. Now all of them dragos, monks and the dark prince will have to work together to defeat this evil.
May 14, 2018
It felt like poor Neill kept getting thrown into situations he didn't want to be in and then no one was noticing how he felt, yet he always came through when he was needed just like in the first 2 books.
This book is a great ending to the story, and these books definitely need to be listened to in order.
There's lots of action and old enemies keep coming back. The story is creative and I enjoyed the twists that it took. With dragons a wizards it's not surprising that there's not a dull moment.
The character voices were great and the delivery was well paced and conveyed the emotions of the characters and scenes.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and/or narrator and/or publisher and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
This book is a great ending to the story, and these books definitely need to be listened to in order.
There's lots of action and old enemies keep coming back. The story is creative and I enjoyed the twists that it took. With dragons a wizards it's not surprising that there's not a dull moment.
The character voices were great and the delivery was well paced and conveyed the emotions of the characters and scenes.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and/or narrator and/or publisher and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
August 27, 2018
AUDIOBOOK edition
Another great addition to the saga and it gets even more intense where it culminates in the battle between the good and evil. I am happy the good wins in the end, but at what cost. Listening to Neill battling with all the insecurities broke my heart, those around him never saw it and sometimes made it worse. It ended well for him though, realizing that Char is the one meant for him. Loved the dragons, their interaction with the riders and how they are integral to the whole story.
I recommend this book, the series to listeners of all ages. - 5 stars
I enjoy listening to Ms. Williams' voice and her story-telling style making for an enjoyable listening experience. - 5 stars
Another great addition to the saga and it gets even more intense where it culminates in the battle between the good and evil. I am happy the good wins in the end, but at what cost. Listening to Neill battling with all the insecurities broke my heart, those around him never saw it and sometimes made it worse. It ended well for him though, realizing that Char is the one meant for him. Loved the dragons, their interaction with the riders and how they are integral to the whole story.
I recommend this book, the series to listeners of all ages. - 5 stars
I enjoy listening to Ms. Williams' voice and her story-telling style making for an enjoyable listening experience. - 5 stars
January 23, 2022
Gelungener Abschluss einer super spannenden Buchreihe! Meiner Meinung nach der beste Teil der Reihe. Generell muss ich sagen, dass Der Erste Drachenreiter neben der Drachenakademie von Alveria Ava Richardsons beste Buchreihe ist. Ich finde es schade, dass diese Reihe zu Ende ist und Die Rückkehr der Finsternis erst so viele Jahre später ansetzt, sodass wir nicht mehr sehen, wie es mit Neill, Char und Paxala weitergeht. Ich hätte so gerne gesehen, wie all die Methoden der Drachenreiter entwickelt werden und es letztendlich dazu kommt, dass das Mittlere Königreich als Torvald bekannt wird. Und natürlich auch, wie es zwischen Char und Neill weitergeht.
Ich kann allen, die Drachen lieben nur empfehlen, diese Reihe zu lesen!
Ich kann allen, die Drachen lieben nur empfehlen, diese Reihe zu lesen!
February 19, 2020
(Review for full trilogy)
The story is good, enjoyable and rather gripping towards the end. However it falls down in writing quality. One example is that throughout the trilogy, the author cannot decide on the gender of a pony (referred to as he, she and it sometimes in the same sentence!) Clearly a small publisher and the book has not been QA'd. Does not stop you enjoying the story however, a good set up for the large number of books by this author set in this universe.
The story is good, enjoyable and rather gripping towards the end. However it falls down in writing quality. One example is that throughout the trilogy, the author cannot decide on the gender of a pony (referred to as he, she and it sometimes in the same sentence!) Clearly a small publisher and the book has not been QA'd. Does not stop you enjoying the story however, a good set up for the large number of books by this author set in this universe.
January 14, 2018
Through Flames a New World Begins
Trying to understand just what to do and being afraid you will screw it up . These are some of the problem Neil confronts . His only advantage Char and Paxx, but is this enough? Plus you still have a giant Dragon and a crazy wizard to deal with, and not forget the Dragon Acdamey.
Trying to understand just what to do and being afraid you will screw it up . These are some of the problem Neil confronts . His only advantage Char and Paxx, but is this enough? Plus you still have a giant Dragon and a crazy wizard to deal with, and not forget the Dragon Acdamey.
February 13, 2018
Mistakes
Good book, and well organized. I would like to have heard what would have happened if Neill had gone to visit his family when his father passed. There was a mention of going but no real explanation of why he did not. There were quite a few errors in the sentences. I think you need a better profreader.
Good book, and well organized. I would like to have heard what would have happened if Neill had gone to visit his family when his father passed. There was a mention of going but no real explanation of why he did not. There were quite a few errors in the sentences. I think you need a better profreader.
March 6, 2018
Missed the mark
I believe this is my first semi-negative review on Amazon. This trilogy left me frustrated and without posting spoilers it’s very hard to explain. The author had a brilliant idea with this trilogy, but just couldn’t deliver for me. The ending felt so forced and just meh. Sorry guys and gals I would not recommend this one.
I believe this is my first semi-negative review on Amazon. This trilogy left me frustrated and without posting spoilers it’s very hard to explain. The author had a brilliant idea with this trilogy, but just couldn’t deliver for me. The ending felt so forced and just meh. Sorry guys and gals I would not recommend this one.
February 9, 2021
I don't know, I kind of like the series but it's missing something. I like the characters but I think the stories could be better. More suspense or something.
It would have been nice that when Zaxx died the evil cloud return the people back to their natural form with the knowledge that they were lifeless, maybe a little demented.
I want the white to bond with Neil.
It would have been nice that when Zaxx died the evil cloud return the people back to their natural form with the knowledge that they were lifeless, maybe a little demented.
I want the white to bond with Neil.
January 3, 2018
Dragon Mage
Neill, Char and Pax have done it the Dragon Academy stands new in place of the old Dragconis order. Faith and caring for the dragons and each other has made a strong bond.
Neill, Char and Pax have done it the Dragon Academy stands new in place of the old Dragconis order. Faith and caring for the dragons and each other has made a strong bond.
September 24, 2018
Dragon Academy
Dragon riders fighting against evil must win in the end as good should always trump evil. Who will survive at the end? As the old old old school ruler tries to regain control
Dragon riders fighting against evil must win in the end as good should always trump evil. Who will survive at the end? As the old old old school ruler tries to regain control
January 10, 2019
A great trilogy
This is a very entertaining trilogy. This is the third trilogy I have read written by Eva Richardson and would highly recommend them to any one who enjoys stories of dragons and their riders.
This is a very entertaining trilogy. This is the third trilogy I have read written by Eva Richardson and would highly recommend them to any one who enjoys stories of dragons and their riders.
April 10, 2019
Great hojgjhfjhbk
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March 14, 2022
This is an improvement over the first two books, however the entire trilogy (and, I suspect, the complete series) could do with being edited and proofread. The story is good, and I look forward to the second trilogy.
December 2, 2017
Good book to read
Just was a good series just wish it was a little bit longer use the words were kinda weird but other than that it was great
Just was a good series just wish it was a little bit longer use the words were kinda weird but other than that it was great
December 7, 2017
Loved this series!!
January 5, 2018
The last in trilogy. Was glad to get to the end
April 6, 2018
Loved this series so very much and I really hated that it has ended. The charaters are outstanding and the plot keeps you reading. Great Reading Everyone!
June 16, 2019
The First Dragon Rider Books
I love the books. I have never heard of this author before but I read her again. I would follow her.
I love the books. I have never heard of this author before but I read her again. I would follow her.
November 28, 2020
The story was brilliant and I hope I'm right in that it has set up an interconnected world for the other books too the author defonetley has the talent for it a brilliant end to the the trilogy
December 19, 2025
this is the last of a three book series that continues with 3 more books this has been a great read and would recommend to other readers.
January 21, 2019
Full review here
Dragon Mage brings The First Dragon Rider trilogy to a close. As with the others, I found this an innocent, engaging and enjoyable read. I always feel I’m slightly too old for these books, so I would aim them at teen-readers? They’re an ideal introduction to fantasy because they are a classic ‘good-v-evil’ scenario and easy reads, just with some dragons and magic thrown in.
Dragon Mage effectively increases the tension as the final battle looms closer. Will the monastery survive, or is the damage too extreme, rife with arguments and confliction? As Neill takes it on himself to save his friends, he realises that letting go is perhaps the best way to move forward. The monastery changes and we start to seethe beginnings of the Dragon Academy that we know and love from Return of the Darkening trilogy.
Neill has been my favourite character throughout and I enjoyed seeing him in the spotlight this time. His sense of duty and responsibility shape his life as he refuses to let his friends fall into chaos when he could help, despite the offering from his uncle to take ‘his dragon and his girl’ and get away from the politics.
This time, however, we don’t just see Neill come into his own as a dragon rider. We see him as a leader, one who makes tough choices and has to deal with scenarios that he never thought would fall to the third son of Lord Torvald.
While Neill steals it for me, the other characters also grew and developed. Char truly embraces her connection with Pax and is a strong rider. She has a hilarious moment of disregarding social restraints and makes her feelings known by cutting down a prince’s tent while his men are still inside. Those small moments not only made me laugh but connect you to the characters; they’re prepared to fight for their home in any shape or form.
Despite the Abbot and Zaxx being the bad guys, they feature very little. There is a tense and exciting final fight against Zaxx, but even though the Abbot is present, he doesn’t actually do a lot. The characters still see him as dangerous, but from a reader’s perspective, he doesn’t appear as much of a threat.
I can’t write this without mentioning the dragons themselves. You see their personalities develop more in this final book. Paxala obviously is the main dragon, but others now have names and are more part of the plot than just a nameless herd as they had been. Having read the books out of chronological order, it’s always fun to see the beginning of something that becomes so important.
These books aren’t a piece of amazing literature. What they are, however, is charming, fun and feel-good reads that draw you in and help you to connect and engage with the characters. The characters are loveable, the dragons are awesome and while I wish the magic had more of a role, it’s a great blend!
Dragon Mage brings The First Dragon Rider trilogy to a close. As with the others, I found this an innocent, engaging and enjoyable read. I always feel I’m slightly too old for these books, so I would aim them at teen-readers? They’re an ideal introduction to fantasy because they are a classic ‘good-v-evil’ scenario and easy reads, just with some dragons and magic thrown in.
Dragon Mage effectively increases the tension as the final battle looms closer. Will the monastery survive, or is the damage too extreme, rife with arguments and confliction? As Neill takes it on himself to save his friends, he realises that letting go is perhaps the best way to move forward. The monastery changes and we start to seethe beginnings of the Dragon Academy that we know and love from Return of the Darkening trilogy.
Neill has been my favourite character throughout and I enjoyed seeing him in the spotlight this time. His sense of duty and responsibility shape his life as he refuses to let his friends fall into chaos when he could help, despite the offering from his uncle to take ‘his dragon and his girl’ and get away from the politics.
This time, however, we don’t just see Neill come into his own as a dragon rider. We see him as a leader, one who makes tough choices and has to deal with scenarios that he never thought would fall to the third son of Lord Torvald.
While Neill steals it for me, the other characters also grew and developed. Char truly embraces her connection with Pax and is a strong rider. She has a hilarious moment of disregarding social restraints and makes her feelings known by cutting down a prince’s tent while his men are still inside. Those small moments not only made me laugh but connect you to the characters; they’re prepared to fight for their home in any shape or form.
Despite the Abbot and Zaxx being the bad guys, they feature very little. There is a tense and exciting final fight against Zaxx, but even though the Abbot is present, he doesn’t actually do a lot. The characters still see him as dangerous, but from a reader’s perspective, he doesn’t appear as much of a threat.
I can’t write this without mentioning the dragons themselves. You see their personalities develop more in this final book. Paxala obviously is the main dragon, but others now have names and are more part of the plot than just a nameless herd as they had been. Having read the books out of chronological order, it’s always fun to see the beginning of something that becomes so important.
These books aren’t a piece of amazing literature. What they are, however, is charming, fun and feel-good reads that draw you in and help you to connect and engage with the characters. The characters are loveable, the dragons are awesome and while I wish the magic had more of a role, it’s a great blend!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews