First Flight

Dragon School #1

by Sarah K.L. Wilson

Join Dragon School. Learn to Fly.

Sixteen-year-old Amel arrived at Dragon School just like everyone else – with a dream to ride dragons and join the Dominion Dragon Riders.

But Amel has a crippled leg and Dragon School training is grueling. Before she can even become an initiate, she must complete her First Flight on a dragon.

Can Amel survive First Flight and become a Dragon School initiate or will her dreams dash on the rocks below?

Genres: Fantasy, Dragons, Young Adult, Paranormal, Magic, Fiction, Young Adult Fantasy

102 pages, ebook

First published November 29, 2017

About the author

Sarah K. L. Wilson is a USA Today Bestselling author who writes fantasy stories featuring practical heroes & heroines in the most impractical circumstances. She loves writing because it is the only way to make a living and give back to the world when your primary skill is an overactive imagination and a tendency toward violent daydreams.
Sarah can be found in the outdoors of Northern Ontario with her young boys and beloved husband, reading a book, or fending off her husband's pet turkeys with a straw broom.
You can find Sarah's books in paperback, hardcover, ebook and audiobook and they have also been translated into Italian, German, and (very soon) Turkish.
Please, do, enjoy the read!

*USA Today bestseller list, November 2, 2017
www.sarahklwilson.com
sarah@sarahklwilson.com
Instagram @sarahklwilson
Facebook @sarahklwilson
TikTok @sarahklwilson

Reviews

[Stjepan Cobets · Rating 5 out of 5]

My rating 4.8

The very well-written short novel "First Flight (Dragon School # 1)" by Sarah K. L. Wilson simply pulls the reader to look forward to each new page. A great fantasy world and interesting characters will surely attract your attention as a reader. Sixteen-year-old Amel is the main character and simply grabs your attention because her arrival at Dragon School is a pretty dangerous thing in that that she has a crippled leg and can barely walk due to injury in her childhood. Amelie's very arrival at the school is an insult to the other students because most of them are from noble families, and she is of poor origin. Will Ameli withstand all the pressure and difficulties that come her way to become a dragon rider. But one thing is for sure it will not be an easy task. I would recommend the book to dragon lovers and fantasy worlds. I read it with pleasure :)

[Montzalee Wittmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dragon School's First Flight is amazing! It is by Sarah K.L.Wilson and it is for teens and even for possibly upper middle grade kids. I loved it and I am in my 60's. A fun adventure of a girl with a crippled leg in a Dragon School and going to pick a Dragon to be bonded with. The scary part is how they have to get on the dragons! Holy cow! Great story!

[Olivia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dragon School is a serial published on Amazon which consists of twenty books. They're novellas, each about 100 pages long. As is usual with serials, the episode just ends. In a series, books might have cliffhangers, but the main arc is complete, and there is a somewhat proper ending. With serials, the somewhat proper ending is missing and instead you immediately want to buy the sequel. In fact, you do not get the whole story unless you buy the sequel.

First Flight is aimed at teenagers, can definitely be classified as Middle Grade, but can also be enjoyed by adults. It offers interesting world-building and a protagonist with a disability. Amel is a great main character, a sixteen year old girl with a crippled leg, who wants to ride a dragon. It's the perfect story to get sucked into if you're into light, easy, short reads.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 wild stars on the back of a dragon!

I felt the tingle in my bones of a tale to be told. I shivered slightly, curled my feet up under me and read on.
Yep! this is exactly how I felt while reading this little novella. Now sign me up please! I want to join Dragon School!!

Dragon School is a series of novellas that was recommended to me in IFA Facebook Group on my rec request post for Broken Hero books. And I believe I have found another favourite.



Sixteen-year-old Amel arrived at Dragon School just like everyone else – with a dream to ride dragons and join the Dominion Dragon Riders.

But Amel has a crippled leg and Dragon School training is grueling. And to make things worse, she even has to content with the disdain and resent of her peers. Because a cripple like her has no place among the dragon riders.

And yet, Amel holds her head high and is determined not to be any less than someone with two working legs. Because by being a part of the Dragon School, she not only eases the burden of her poor family so that they don't need to care for a cripple, but may just fulfil an unbelievable dream! To fly free!

Hurdles await everywhere on her path. From being left the last to choose a dragon, to having to manage climbing up and down cliffs for her daily chores and much more. And despite all hindrances, scorn and even doubt, Amel keeps persevering.
'There was no way I could make it. There was no way I could let myself give up.'

A ruined leg shouldn't be a reason to destroy an existence. And Amel is determined to prove it.
'If they thought I wasn't worthy then I would just have to show them all that they were wrong about me.'
'No one wants a cripple like me to do anything except stay out of the way but I'm going to show them that I stand just as much chance as everyone else.'

After all, she wants to join a Dominion Colour and gain a purpose in life. And is determined to feel grateful even if she gets a 'surly swamp-colored dragon covered in warts with breath as bad as garbage heap', as long as that dragon will be hers and she'll be able to ride it.
If she really gets one just like this, you're going to have to read this to find out. But I guarantee you will love the journey!



Despite being such a short read, this little novella tugged on all my heartstrings! Because of the wondrous connection between Amal and her dragon, because of their feelings and shared gentleness, and because of all that injustice towards them both.

In a flawless narration that's a pleasure to read, Sarah K.L. Wilson gives us here a fast paced tale full of feeling. Daring, brave and endearing, this is one tale I simply couldn't set down.

'Dragon Riders sure were strange people. They were as wild and predatory as the creatures they rode.' And how I wish I could be one of them right now!!

If you love dragons and dragonhearted girls who, despite being broken, bravely defy odds with a bravery and kindheartedness to have you cheering in their corner from the very first paragraph, YOU HAVE GOT TO READ THIS BOOK!

It is F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S!!

And now I'm off to read the sequel because I want more!

Find this review and more on my book review and cover art blog The Magic Book Corner

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

It didn’t matter if you came from money or not, if you had what it takes in your heart, you could become a Dragon Rider. Dragon School was the great equalizer in society, but once you entered you would be part of that community for life, a huge commitment for anyone and sixteen-year-old Amel was ready, this was her dream, she could help her family financially instead of being a burden. All she had to do was prove to both herself and the world she could be as good, if not better than a person who didn’t have a disability. First she had to believe in herself and her dreams, just like the dragon who chose to open her eyes to the fact there are many types of disabilities in the world, and most are not physical.

DRAGON SCHOOL: FIRST FLIGHT by Sarah K.L. Wilson is THAT book to give any middlegrade reader for the magic of fantasy and the magic of believing in oneself no matter the odds against you. It is also a story of adventure, the pain of being the victim of bullying and condescension by small-minded peers. Best of all, it is a delightful read sure to prove the magic of books in the hands of a child.

I received a complimentary ARC edition from Sarah K.L. Wilson through Book Funnel. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Publication Date: January 3, 2018
Publisher: Sarah K.L. Wilson
Genre: Middlegrade Fantasy | Self-esteem
Print Length: 105 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Dea꧂ · Rating 3 out of 5]

2,5
This story is too short and it lacked depth. Amel is 16 but it feels like she is 11. The dialogues and inner monologues are somewhat childlish and stilted. But the story has potential and it is about a school...with dragons.. to become a dragon rider...
And did I mention dragons? Yes, so there goes 3 stars for now.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amel Leafbrought is a 16 year old girl with a crippled leg and who comes from a poor family, but all her life she's dreamed of becoming something more - someone important . No longer wanting to be a finacial burden to her family, and being fed up as only being seen as nothing more than a girl with a disability, Amel makes a life changing decision.

The grim thought of never even trying brings her to dragon school. What is there to lose when she already has no one and no money? Sure, she could lose her life , but it'd be better to lose her life trying to become something than to waste it by playing safe and always wondering "what if...?".

She had always imagined what becoming a dragon rider and living her days with purpose might be like, but never thought the day could ever come. But here she is now, in dragon school, along side her wave of new dragon rider trainees. Each one eager to pass every task and become a member of the Dominion Dragon Riders; to live their lives according to their chosen dragon color.

Dragon school is not for the weak. The work is grueling, and the tests could very well kill you if, of course, the untamed dragons don't do it first. Besides that, the teachers and students are all reluctant to become attached to any of the new trainees for fear of losing them to a brutal death before any of them can even reach the next stage. Though all the students struggle with their lessons, Amel struggles most of all because of her disability, and everyone around her believes she'll be dead before they take their first flight. However, she does make one friend, though, who seems to believe in her, and she refuses to give up and let her disadvantages stop her from doing what she set out to do.

When an urgent letter arrives to the school from the Dominion Capital, the teachers have to cut their students training time short. Though they were supposed to have weeks more to prepare themselves for their first flight, trainees only have until the next morning to either pass or... not.

What reason does the capital have to rush the dragon school to test their students so prematurely? Will Amel pass her test in time and move on to be an initiate or will she be one of the unfortunate failures who die trying?

First Flight by Sarah K. L. Wilson is a YA fantasy story about a girl with a crippled leg who wants to become a dragon rider and find her place in this world. This is the first novella in a series of twenty.

From start to finish this novella is packed full of action and suspense! The characters all have their own voice and unique personalities. I love Amel - she's strong willed, thick skinned and kind hearted. She has a disability and the author treats it realistically and makes it believable. Roalcan is another favorite of mine, I love his friendship with Amel and his attitude in general. I do wish that we could've gone a little deeper in these characters' backgrounds, as they're only really just touched on, but I found myself getting attached to certain ones despite that, anyway.

The world building was good. I would have liked a little more detail on the surroundings and much more detail on how the wild dragons live, the deal between the dragon queen and the Dominion people, the magic used in keeping the dragons/ bonding them and what the symbols represent/ etc, and the laws of the world they live in. However, this is the first novella of many, so I'm sure more of that information will come soon enough (I hope). I really enjoyed learning the differences between the dragon types, and what their colors represent. Purple is my most favorite color, and the fact that the main dragon of this story is purple makes me enjoy it even more.

Overall, this is a YA fantasy, fast paced short story / novella that's full of danger, suspense and overcoming nearly impossible challenges despite being at a disadvantage. If you have a love for dragons, strong female leads and fantasy worlds then this is for you! This doesn't end on a cliffhanger, but it will leave you reaching for the next book as soon as you finish! Sarah K. L. Wilson's Dragon School serial is on KU - so read it for free, if you can!

[*❆ Kαɾҽɳ ❆* · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may be a short novella, but boy is it packed with so much action and suspense!

Amel has lived a tough life. She is not athletic or fast or flexible. In fact she can barely walk on two feet without her crutch. Ever since she had an accident at a young age, her legs have not been perfect. Force to live with a disability, her life is no easy or glamorous but that does not stop her from joining the Dragon School and become a Dragon Rider

But, because of her disability she is underestimated and under appreciated. No one believes she will survive the tests and trials in order to become a rider. She makes enemies unintentionally with most of her classmates, particularly the girls and guys from the higher class status.
But she makes a true friend in the academy, one who she never thought will believe in her, much less able to talk to her, Rouclan a purple dragon

These dragons are noble and greatly appreciated, they are smarter than the rest, but what makes them special is their ability to have a closer and stronger connections with their riders. Because unlike the rest of the dragons, the riders do not choose them, they choose the riders and Rouclan chooses Amel as his rider.
They quickly develop a close friendship bond, very unusual for dragons to do, since they are wild creatures not yet tamed. It is the students job to gentle them eventually but Amel and Rouclan have a close bond that is stronger than anything.

But before she is able to claim him as her partner, Amel must complete the trials and tests required. However, the rules have been changed, instead of months preparing for the first flight test to begin, it must be completed only after a few days later from choosing their dragon. Amel is anxious to pass her first flight, if she doesn't she will be forced to become a servant at the Dragon School and watch other live their dream.

But she is determined to finish and do it, even if she is slower than the others, she has every right to try, but with so much On the line, can she be what she has always wanted to be?

I love Wilson's stories, they are so different and so diverse! I particularly loved this MC because of her disability. It brings a new way of seeing things, how everyone has the potential to do what they want, if only they work hard each day. I cannot wait to read more on this series.

Received a copy from the author herself, in exchange for an honest review, thank you!

[Julia Sarene · Rating 3 out of 5]

First off - I'd recommend this for ages 10 and up. For experiences readers the prose will be very easy and the concept won't be new. But if you read it at the age I think it is intended for, and you haven't read 200 fantasy books before, I think it works wonderfully!

I really enjoyed the main character who has a bad leg. She decides not to be a burden on her family, but instead go to dragon school despite everything obviously being much harder for her than for others. Really enjoyed how she doesn't just give up, but does the best she can do!

The world was interesting, and I would have loved reading it as a kid. The dragons are fascinating, and her being able to talk to her dragon would have made me all giddy dreaming about my own dragon!

The plot is interesting and keeps the pace up all the way to the end. Prose is easy enough to fall right into the story and delve into the world.

Would definitely recommend it for youngsters who want to start into fantasy and a big book like Eragon is just way too much still!

[Allison ☾ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know this was meant to be a story and not an entire book, but it was a beautiful opening to the series. Very heart felt. I can’t say I’ve read a story like this before.

And I love anything relating to dragon riding school.

[T.L. Branson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read. My only complaint is that it's too short. :)

BUT, there are 20 of them, so plenty more to read and plenty more action. I love the concept of different types of dragons. The character interaction is believable and the development of the hero and her relationship with her dragon is the best part of the story.

Definitely worth checking out if you're looking for a quick read, but reader beware, you will be sucked in! If you are looking for your next compelling series that will have you reading late into the night and convincing yourself to start the next book even though it's 2 AM and you should be going to bed, then you have found it.

[Bill Tillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice short story, a club foot young girl, and a purple dragon. How does a shy girl become a dragon rider? By developing a better self-image, facing her fears. Great mid-grade adventure.

[Siobhan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Books with dragons in are one of my biggest weaknesses. If a book involves dragons, I’m much more likely to read them. Thus, it should be no surprise to find out Sarah K.L. Wilson’s Dragon School series caught my attention. Sarah K.L. Wilson is an author to have been on my radar for a while, I keep meaning to pick up one of her books, so finding out she released a book about dragons killed two birds with one stone – I finally picked up a Sarah K.L. Wilson book and I got my hands on my next dragon read.

I’ll be completely honest, though – despite my love of all things dragons, I was a bit tentative about this one. You see, I’m not the biggest lover of short stories. This is one of those series where the story is split into parts, each released short story being a part of something much bigger. When it comes to my fantasy reads, I much prefer one huge book where I can work my way through each part just by turning the page instead of waiting for the next part to be released. Although I’m not crazy about stories told in this way, I was willing to give this one a try as the synopsis really grabbed my attention.

I’m glad I gave this one a chance.

Dragon School: First Flight is a wonderful introduction to the series, one that quickly pulled me into the world and guaranteed I would be back for more. It may be a short story, but so much happens throughout this one. We are introduced to wonderful characters, we get a basic understanding of the world, possibilities are presented, and the future of this series promises many amazing elements. For such a short story, this really does promise us so much for the future and I cannot wait to find out more.

If I had to pick a single element, however, as my favourite, it would be our leading lady. Strong leading ladies are everywhere in young adult fantasy – so much so, I often find myself disappointed by the lack of attention paid to stories told from the male point of view. What sets this apart from all the others, though, is how far from perfect our female lead is. I find female leads in young adult stories often set unrealistic expectations – they are beautiful, funny, charming, intelligent, and so many other things that I find myself rolling my eyes at their perfection. Our leading lady in this story has issues, she has problems to overcome. In fact, she has to deal with the stigma surrounding what many consider to be a disability in Dragon School. It makes for a wonderful change to see a female lead who is far from perfect, yet she overcomes and follows her dreams. It really did make for a wonderful change, and I’m so glad to be given something new in this regard.

Overall, Dragon School: First Flight was a wonderful introduction to the series, one that will leave you jumping straight into Dragon School: Initiate.

[Lisa Fleming · Rating 1 out of 5]

I like the concept but...

The dragons have saddles. The riders could climb on them from the ledge in the stables. Nope they have to jump off the top of the mountain. The school says the dragons will wither and die if they are abandoned after bonding. Several times it's mentioned you DONT do that....yet she speeds up the time for first flight then has people abandoning the dragons ....uhm no too contradictory. She has the protagonist seriously hated to the point people want her dead. It's frustrating. How can I obtain empathy for Amel when she can't even stand her....and she wrote her this way!? No one pushes Amel to her death it just feels like she needs to hurry up and piss off the right person so the story can move on with a better protagonist. I love the basis. It has such potential. It has almost as good a chance as being as captivating as any Orson Scott Card .... I just wished the writer believed in her vision as much ....

[Rhi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was solid.

At times, I found it a bit confusing as new characters would pop up who I thought I didn't know, only to realize later that I did, or maybe not? It's like they kept morphing into different identities. I'm not entirely sure.

Nevertheless, the book managed to hold my interest well enough that I'm intrigued to keep reading the next one.

[Nikki Jefford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the shorter episode-like format of the first in this series. Beautifully written and engaging all the way through. I'm looking forward to reading the rest.

I was rooting for Amel every limp of the way!

[Herman Fassett · Rating 2 out of 5]

A teens novella... Honestly, it was better than I expected and refreshing to see a uniquely semi-crippled main character, but it was lacking depth and is confusingly short (oh, that's it?)

[Faye Fite · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5, rounded to 5. Review to come!

[Cali Jewel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short story packed with action, emotional thrills and highly engaging (very relate-able) everyday struggles with a epic magical twist.

Dragon is the great equalizer in this society, it does not matter where you came from, rich or poor, as long as you have the heart and the drive you can be a dragon rider. You enter for a lifetime commitment and so do the Dragons. Amel lost the use of a leg years ago due to a accident and uses a cane to walk. Her only dream is to be a dragon rider and no longer be a burden to her family. Loved every heart pounding twist and turn in this adventure.

[Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever wanted to go to Dragon School and learn to ride a dragon?
An untamed dragon that you need to bond with and then convince not to eat you?
And if you fail you either die or become a servant of Dragon School?

Sounds like fun? What if you only have one good leg and need to hobble around on a crutch? Meet Amel who is determined to become an Dragon Rider....

[Sabrina Wannet · Rating 5 out of 5]

In total it took me around 4 hours off really good reading hours. Today i thought I have to finish it before I'll go off to work and I did.

Amel is a girl you just have to love, she is courageous and got the best choice you can think of :D

[Kaitlyn Davis]

Super fun! Loved the world and the main character.

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dragon School: First Flight by Sarah K.L. Wilson is an engaging fantasy novel that follows a young girl determined to be something more. As a young child, during a raid, she was severely injured. Her grandfather who was carrying her stumbled and fell. When he fell he fell on top of her crushing her hip and her leg. Regrettably, this accident left her crippled. Since her life will never be one of growing old and having children due to her injuries, she aspires to become a dragon rider or die trying. Few think that she will be successful because of her leg. Her fellow trainees ignore her so that "when" she fails that they will not feel sorry at her loss. But Amel is determined to prove that she will succeed.
This is the first ook Sarah K.L. Wilson that I have read but I literally devoured this book. I am an avid fan of dragons and I couldn't get enough of this book. Amel is a strong character and does her best to overcome her disability. She doesn't sit around and expect people to feel sorry for her. It's nice to see her develop a friendship with someone as well. There seems to be potential with a couple other characters, but one keeps their distance and another seems to turn on her because she refuses to give in. I love her determination.
There are a couple of moments of where I think that she is being truly foolish, but with the aid of her dragon, I have high hopes for her. Amel's character is well done and relatable. I just wish the story was longer! I wanted more!
I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. I honestly cannot wait for the next book in this series. I want to know what happens next. Not just with Amel, but with her potential new friends. This book is fast-paced, engaging and a good story. I think that many will enjoy reading this series and I look forward to reading more.

[Jemimah Decker-Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dragons, check ✅
Fantasy, check ✅
A strong heroine, check ✅

What's not to enjoy about this book when it has all three of the above in it and more? This book was a really exciting read for me, it was the kind that gives me that warm fuzzy feeling with the exciting little tingles in my belly. It was magical and it was captivating.

I always love stories about dragons and will devour as many as I can, but that doesn't mean all the dragon books I've read are good. It all depends on how the author portrays the Dragon. The author of this book, Sarah K. L. Wilson, painted Dragons the right way (in my view anyway) they're not warm fuzzy creatures, they're hard and tough and vicious, but they also have very bright and intellectual minds and if the right person is there to deal with them then they can also show some kindness.

The main character of this book, Amel, is not your typical heroine. She's not fully able bodied, and you'd think that would hold her back from becoming a Dragon rider, but no she is determined to show that she can and will be a Dragon rider. She's brave and she's strong, but she's also compassionate and admits her fears and shortcomings. I really liked her as a character and was cheering her on. The dragon, Raoclaw, is also great. He made me laugh, but I was also a little unsure about what he would do at times. He's the perfect Dragon match for Amel.

I'm really looking forward to reading the next part of this series, as I've said it's a really exciting book and is one I can see myself re reading again. A full five stars from me (would give it more if I could).

[Alex (Bri's Book Nook) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sixteen-year-old Amel joins the Dragon School with hopes of becoming an official Dragon Rider. What sets her apart from the other initiates is the fact that she has a crippled leg which makes training 10 times more difficult for her. She must complete her First Flight in order to become a Rider, but she can barely even get up and down the ladders at the camp. When a voice starts speaking to her, she doesn't know what to expect. Soon, she is thrown into the Dragon's point of view of the Dragon School and makes a new friend. 

I loved this book, as it gave visibility to people with any sort of disability. Amel should be able to ride a dragon, as this will not require her to use her leg that much. However, the people around her won't even give her a chance. They won't accommodate her in the slightest and so she lags behind in almost every event. This can be even shown in real life! For example, there are facilities throughout the city that are not completely wheelchair-accessible or aren't wheelchair accessible at all. This book puts the reality of groups of people into a fantasy story and a good fantasy story at that. Although the book was short, I can't wait to dive into the next book in this series!

[Marjolein · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is one big disadvantage to this book for me... it's far too short ;). Everything else just fits. It was the whole idea of a girl with a disability in a dragon school that drew me to this book and it appeared to be worked out better than I could have hoped for. I fell in love with Amel, with her (sometimes all too familiar) struggles to get around, with her (also sometimes all too familiar) doubts about what she will and will not be able to do and it's all worked out wonderfully. And along the way, I fell in love with her dragon and a few other characters too.
I can't wait for the sequel that's to come out in a few months and I'll definitely want to read it.

[Taniqua Cary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmmmm so I knew this was going to be a quick read but I honestly didn’t expect to like it as much as I did. It wasn’t bad at all maybe a little cheesy at some parts but I didn’t mind it. I think I enjoyed it most because of the main character. She was a true underdog and kind of still is at the end but she wouldn’t give up. For someone with a handicap and who was either pitied or made fun of all the time she remained true to herself and a better person than the others were to her. I’ll definitely be continuing this series for now to see how much she grows and where the rest of this series heads.

[Travis ARNOLD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very very good. But this wasn't a complete story.

The writing was excellent. I was immediately drawn into the characters, the plot, the world. But then the book ends so suddenly. I realized after I finished that this is a serial, with around 20 short ~100 page novellas making up the series.

I looked on Amazon because I SAS going to buy the next couple. Like I said, it was very good, but each serial was on sale, down for $7 to $3. Unfortunately, I can't justify $3 for such short pieces. If I want the whole series I'd be spending $60. I deducted a star because this just feels a little "price gougey."

If you have the money, however, then I highly recommend it.

[amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the most fast paced easy reads that I've read in a while. I love how this is almost straight to the point kind of book. Not a whole lot of fluff nonsense that drags the story on.

Honestly this is the perfect weekend read or even when you want to sit down and read a book from start to finish in one day. I really have no complaints about this book.

I take that back. The cover doesn't match the story, other than the fact that there is a dragon on the cover. That is a little misleading. But not a deal breaker.

This is an ARC review.

[Hyperion_slvt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was pretty good! I love dragons and medieval settings so this was right up my alley. I enjoyed the bond between Raolcan and Amel, they made for a good dragon/dragon-rider team! And I appreciate the level of detail put into the school's design. It's unique and refreshing somewhat.

The other characters were okayish, except for Leng, whom I really liked. Extroverted sunbeams like him make my day, so I look forward to seeing him more often in the next books.

I'll definitely read the rest of the series!