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The Dragoneer #1
The Bonding
Trysten has a special bond with the dragons of Aerona. But will that bond be enough to save the dragons and the village when her father is crippled and his dragon mortally wounded?
All her life, Trysten has wished to follow in her father's footsteps and lead the dragons of Aerona into battle, but the title of Dragoneer has always gone to a male heir since the beginning of history. As war approaches with the changing of the season, Trysten must prove to her father, the village and the other dragon riders that she is an able leader and a fierce warrior of legendary capabilities.
Fantasy fans will love this thrilling dragon ride! This coming of age story features strong women, hope, and a compelling story-telling style appropriate for most ages.
All her life, Trysten has wished to follow in her father's footsteps and lead the dragons of Aerona into battle, but the title of Dragoneer has always gone to a male heir since the beginning of history. As war approaches with the changing of the season, Trysten must prove to her father, the village and the other dragon riders that she is an able leader and a fierce warrior of legendary capabilities.
Fantasy fans will love this thrilling dragon ride! This coming of age story features strong women, hope, and a compelling story-telling style appropriate for most ages.
303 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 27, 2018
1499 people are currently reading
1638 people want to read
About the author
Vickie Knestaut
22 books45 followersAll books are also with her husband Danny Knestaut
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
January 24, 2021
I'm not sure how to relay why this is a 5-star read, other than to say it is. Adventure, excitement, a strong female lead, dragons....
This epic made me smile, smirk, rage, scream, cry, and cheer out loud for Trystan and her magnificent dragon Elevera. I can't wait to read book two!
This epic made me smile, smirk, rage, scream, cry, and cheer out loud for Trystan and her magnificent dragon Elevera. I can't wait to read book two!
April 23, 2020
At first this book didn’t hold my interest. The beginning takes a while to get into and lacks much interest in all honesty. You could even call it boring. But it was worth the push thru to the second half of the book where everything picks up the past and keeps building. I’m now super excited to read book two and see where this intriguing story goes.
February 27, 2019
I was disappointed in this book. The concept sounded promising for young adult fantasy fiction, but the characters were flat, the story predictable, and the writing tedious and often grammatically poor. What bothered me most was that I didn't much like the central character. Spoiled and obnoxiously entitled at the start she somehow manages to become a brilliant battle general despite having no training whatsoever. She walks all over everyone else's feelings and has a very narcissistic world view. I won't bother continuing with the series.
April 7, 2019
Wow, did not expect to find a book like this on kindle unlimited. On top of that, it has almost no reviews?? After reading a bunch of cheesy YA novels to pass the time, this was a breath of fresh air.
The characters were 3 dimensional and there was a unique motivation driving each one. The story was plot driven instead of romance driven. Thank goodness. In fact, there was no romance at all, which is usually a risky endeavor with authors, but I respected him for doing it. Not everything needs a love story, and I would rather read about her connection with the dragons if anything.
I also really liked that although there was some gender inequality in the novel, it wasn't the focus of all the heroine's actions. It existed, but the scenes were not written to make you feel, woe is me I am a woman and the whole world is out to get me. The heroine acted selflessly and courageously, and people grew to respect her for her actions.
Bravo! Look forward to reading the rest of the author's books.
The characters were 3 dimensional and there was a unique motivation driving each one. The story was plot driven instead of romance driven. Thank goodness. In fact, there was no romance at all, which is usually a risky endeavor with authors, but I respected him for doing it. Not everything needs a love story, and I would rather read about her connection with the dragons if anything.
I also really liked that although there was some gender inequality in the novel, it wasn't the focus of all the heroine's actions. It existed, but the scenes were not written to make you feel, woe is me I am a woman and the whole world is out to get me. The heroine acted selflessly and courageously, and people grew to respect her for her actions.
Bravo! Look forward to reading the rest of the author's books.
January 1, 2026
Dragons!
Awesome read if you’re into Dragons and the bond that comes about with humans. Makes you want to get out of the chair, climb aboard a dragon then wisp away into the air.
Awesome read if you’re into Dragons and the bond that comes about with humans. Makes you want to get out of the chair, climb aboard a dragon then wisp away into the air.
February 24, 2023
The Dragoneer Book 1
Really great first book, the role of first Dragoneer comes to a young woman. The prediction of not being a man, is central but as events unfold, the attacks and conflicts show that this Dragon rider has proven herself more than capable. Tristan can communicate with better than anyone, she can bond dragons better than anyone else! Tristan has become a Dragon Lord.
Really great first book, the role of first Dragoneer comes to a young woman. The prediction of not being a man, is central but as events unfold, the attacks and conflicts show that this Dragon rider has proven herself more than capable. Tristan can communicate with better than anyone, she can bond dragons better than anyone else! Tristan has become a Dragon Lord.
August 10, 2019
I really enjoyed the idea behind this book: a land where hordes of dragons and their riders, led by a Dragoneer who is bonded to the alpha dragon, defend their villages from enemy dragon hordes. The book itself is a safe read for any age, and the writing to me felt more middle grades than young adult.
Overall, the book was enjoyable, but at times it did drag and some thoughts seemed repetitive. The main character Trysten wants to be a Dragoneer like her father, but there’s one problem: everyone tells her it’s against the law for women to bond with dragons. Though her character shows courage and resilience at this limitation, at times she seemed whiny and very disrespectful of her elders. I did enjoy the gradual revelations of why she has such a strong bond with the dragons, and the ending does make me curious about what’s in store for her and her village in the next book. My favorite parts of this book were definitely the dragons, and I could easily read an entire book about their thoughts alone.
3.5/5
Overall, the book was enjoyable, but at times it did drag and some thoughts seemed repetitive. The main character Trysten wants to be a Dragoneer like her father, but there’s one problem: everyone tells her it’s against the law for women to bond with dragons. Though her character shows courage and resilience at this limitation, at times she seemed whiny and very disrespectful of her elders. I did enjoy the gradual revelations of why she has such a strong bond with the dragons, and the ending does make me curious about what’s in store for her and her village in the next book. My favorite parts of this book were definitely the dragons, and I could easily read an entire book about their thoughts alone.
3.5/5
October 19, 2022
A GREAT ADVENTURE!
I would like to share my opinion of this Great Adventure! I would recommend all ages to read & ride this Dragoneer adventure! It Is Well Worth Your Time To Read And Well Worth The Cost To Be Able To Enjoy This Amazing And Well Written Book! I Did Feel That I Was There And Part Of This Adventure!
I would like to share my opinion of this Great Adventure! I would recommend all ages to read & ride this Dragoneer adventure! It Is Well Worth Your Time To Read And Well Worth The Cost To Be Able To Enjoy This Amazing And Well Written Book! I Did Feel That I Was There And Part Of This Adventure!
February 24, 2024
Oh wow, best dragon book I've read in ages! Trysten has a special bond with her dragon Elevera, indeed with all dragons. Girls are not even supposed to ride dragons, much less lead them, but the men don't have much choice since she's the one their dragons follow. I'll be starting the next book in the series almost immediately, after I get a bit of sleep tonight, rather morning.
August 19, 2019
This book. I don't even know how to start reviewing the Dragoneer, book 1: the Bonding. If you like strong female leads and dragons, you'll like this.
The book is separated into two parts, both of which have story arcs that could make it two separate books merged in to one. I read both parts in one day.
It's a story that follows Trysten, the only child of Maroc, the village's former Dragoneer. She's a girl. Girls aren't supposed to bond with dragons. Especially not dragons that will become the alpha of the horde (aka group of dragons). In fact, they aren't even supposed to be able to.
Normally I don't easily get attached to characters especially in the first half of the book. Now I don't know if it was because I'd drank an entire bottle of wine or what, but I am so emotionally involved in the success of Trysten at this point that I legit cried at her internal and external struggles in the first part of this book.
I gave this book five stars. Not only did I enjoy it, but I will recommend it to others and I will read the next one (already started and almost done with actually XD).
The book is separated into two parts, both of which have story arcs that could make it two separate books merged in to one. I read both parts in one day.
It's a story that follows Trysten, the only child of Maroc, the village's former Dragoneer. She's a girl. Girls aren't supposed to bond with dragons. Especially not dragons that will become the alpha of the horde (aka group of dragons). In fact, they aren't even supposed to be able to.
Normally I don't easily get attached to characters especially in the first half of the book. Now I don't know if it was because I'd drank an entire bottle of wine or what, but I am so emotionally involved in the success of Trysten at this point that I legit cried at her internal and external struggles in the first part of this book.
I gave this book five stars. Not only did I enjoy it, but I will recommend it to others and I will read the next one (already started and almost done with actually XD).
October 18, 2018
Book 1
Book 1 had errors throughout and dragged on for about 60% of the book. The main character complained throughout the book and only started to grow up towards the last few chapters, with hints of her whining mixed in. The plot is interesting, but the characters are not fun to read about. I would not recommend this book.
Book 1 had errors throughout and dragged on for about 60% of the book. The main character complained throughout the book and only started to grow up towards the last few chapters, with hints of her whining mixed in. The plot is interesting, but the characters are not fun to read about. I would not recommend this book.
October 21, 2018
Brilliant page turner
I enjoyed the book from page 1. And was devastated when I got to the last page. The description of the environment made me feel like I could be living in it. I just love everything from the characters to the story line. Will definitely read the next book
I enjoyed the book from page 1. And was devastated when I got to the last page. The description of the environment made me feel like I could be living in it. I just love everything from the characters to the story line. Will definitely read the next book
May 26, 2022
I must admit that I love books about dragons, and have read many over the years, but this series has gripped me from the start and I am really in love with this amazing trilogy. Trysten is a young girl who lives in the village where her father is the dragoneer, and where they have a weyr and she understands dragons like no one else does. She aspires to take on the role of dragoneer when her father or his dragon pass on, however when an accident takes place whereby her father is injured and his dragon dies she is forbidden from taking on the role, since according to tradition no woman had ever done so and no woman could bond with a dragon. However when Trysten realises that unless she steps in, and she knew she could bond with the alpha and become the next dragoneer, the dragons would abscond. The village would be undefended during the next fighting season and they would lose the weyr, so Trysten defies her father and everyone else as she takes the alpha dragon Elevera and their horde of dragons to the skies into the fight against the western kingdom. Trysten comes back with not only a larger dragon horde but prisoners from the west which is totally unheard of, but though lauded as a hero in Aerona, her troubles are far from over as she is challenged by one of the western prisoners who escapes to take the news to the King in the City. Trysten's defiance could put all of Aerona in danger? Can she stand up to the King and survive? I love that Trysten is such a powerful heroine, ready to break with tradition and bring about the much needed change in mentality in order to defend her village and the kingdom. She is courageous and very powerful and her bond with the dragons goes beyond what any other dragoneer had before her! I just could not put this trilogy down, it is amazing!
May 13, 2025
This Dragoneer series had a unique take on humans & dragons. There is a human dragoneer. He bonds with the alpha dragon. The alpha dragon keeps the rest of the weyr dragons in line. When the dragoneer enters the weyr, all of the dragons (not just the alpha) immediately react to his presence by breathing in unison.
Our protagonist is the child of the current dragoneer. So far, so good.
Except this child is a girl. Women are forbidden not only being the dragoneer but are not allowed to even ride the any dragons of the weyr.
Our protagonist Trysten not only is a female, but she can sense what the dragons are feeling. She can't read their minds, per se, but she knows when they are curious, when you have earned their trust, etc. etc.
Of course, the book opens when her father has already been gravely injured in the last battle. His alpha dragon is dying, and he needs to name a successor immediately. And Trysten already has a strong bond with the beta dragon (the alpha dragon's successor). [She had never been allowed to ride a dragon, of course, but she had helped care for the dragons while growing up.]
My first love, of course, is Anne McCaffery's dragons where each dragon has a telepathic bond with his or her dragonrider. This series comes close in that Trysten can sense what the dragons are feeling (although no one else in the weyr can, even her father).
Highly recommended for Anne McCaffrey fans, series fans, dragon fans, and feminist fans who believe that girls can do anything boys can do, given the chance!
Our protagonist is the child of the current dragoneer. So far, so good.
Except this child is a girl. Women are forbidden not only being the dragoneer but are not allowed to even ride the any dragons of the weyr.
Our protagonist Trysten not only is a female, but she can sense what the dragons are feeling. She can't read their minds, per se, but she knows when they are curious, when you have earned their trust, etc. etc.
Of course, the book opens when her father has already been gravely injured in the last battle. His alpha dragon is dying, and he needs to name a successor immediately. And Trysten already has a strong bond with the beta dragon (the alpha dragon's successor). [She had never been allowed to ride a dragon, of course, but she had helped care for the dragons while growing up.]
My first love, of course, is Anne McCaffery's dragons where each dragon has a telepathic bond with his or her dragonrider. This series comes close in that Trysten can sense what the dragons are feeling (although no one else in the weyr can, even her father).
Highly recommended for Anne McCaffrey fans, series fans, dragon fans, and feminist fans who believe that girls can do anything boys can do, given the chance!
January 25, 2026
I enjoyed reading this book and ordered book #2 to read about further action and what happens to Trysten and the dragons. In the beginning of this story, I thought she was acting like a child and not as a grown person. I also wondered about how quickly she used hand commands when she's made it abundantly clear that she's not been taught anything regarding the dragons. Her perseverance has paid off by the end of the book. She has a more mature outlook and seems to handle problems better. I must have missed something, though. At the very end, there are prisoners who escaped and were recovered. From where did these dragon riders come? The story ended abruptly, which leaves the reader with a choice. One can say 'yep, this was a decent story' and go on to read another book or one can say 'I want to know what happens next' and buy book #2 in this series. All in all, it's a good, solid read that's not too challenging. I rate it four stars.
August 24, 2019
Is myth history, or is history myth?
An amazing story, filled with survival in a time of legends retold over and over, each teller adding, subtracting, making the story their own. Trystan knows what she feels, what she needs, but has only a hazy, picture painted by the women who design and create the hordes uniforms, each carrying a secret from the past. This story holds twists and turns. A calm start, with daily routine, life in the village,learning about dragons and life as hoardsmen . With the death of the alpha Dragon history and life change. Prepare for a world turned upside down as this book gives birth to a world in transition. Perhaps a bit of a relaxed start, but hold onto your dragons saddle and prepare to take flight! Loved it, yes I'll soon be leaving the computer age, and listening to the tales of the Dragoneer!
Barb
An amazing story, filled with survival in a time of legends retold over and over, each teller adding, subtracting, making the story their own. Trystan knows what she feels, what she needs, but has only a hazy, picture painted by the women who design and create the hordes uniforms, each carrying a secret from the past. This story holds twists and turns. A calm start, with daily routine, life in the village,learning about dragons and life as hoardsmen . With the death of the alpha Dragon history and life change. Prepare for a world turned upside down as this book gives birth to a world in transition. Perhaps a bit of a relaxed start, but hold onto your dragons saddle and prepare to take flight! Loved it, yes I'll soon be leaving the computer age, and listening to the tales of the Dragoneer!
Barb
March 10, 2023
Every young person aspires to do something wonderful or magically amazing or even just to do good with their lives. This is a marvelous read of dreams and standing for what you believe in. This is a cast of characters a reader will love and want to follow them on their quests to do the great things of their dreams. There are so many things worse than spending the time to read this book and the one after. You know, things like laundry, scrubbing a floor, washing a car or mowing the lawn.
Sit down in a comfy chair, with something hot if you live where it’s cold, or something cold if you live where it’s warm. Trust me when I tell you that there are characters you will fall in love with, a few others you may want to slap. But from beginning to end- you will not be sorry you went to the village of Aerona, met Trystan, Elevera and the others.
Sit down in a comfy chair, with something hot if you live where it’s cold, or something cold if you live where it’s warm. Trust me when I tell you that there are characters you will fall in love with, a few others you may want to slap. But from beginning to end- you will not be sorry you went to the village of Aerona, met Trystan, Elevera and the others.
August 30, 2023
This book has my heart!!! Trysten is an amazing and strong woman that pushes and doubts the patriarchy and questions everything of the old laws and traditions. I absolutely loved reading of her growth and seeing her become stronger and the leader she always was going to be while inspiring women inside the novel and out.
—
In a patriarchal world where women are banned from being Dragoneer and said to never bond with dragons. Trysten, the daughter of the current Dragoneer, fights against stigma and years built up of oppression and lack of autonomy of women.
She breaks the stigma, leading her horde into history and spreading hope to the women across the kingdom that they too, can ride dragons.
But a woman Dragoneer has said to never happen and internal and external conflicts arise in her kingdom, threatening to crush her and all she’s worked for.
—
In a patriarchal world where women are banned from being Dragoneer and said to never bond with dragons. Trysten, the daughter of the current Dragoneer, fights against stigma and years built up of oppression and lack of autonomy of women.
She breaks the stigma, leading her horde into history and spreading hope to the women across the kingdom that they too, can ride dragons.
But a woman Dragoneer has said to never happen and internal and external conflicts arise in her kingdom, threatening to crush her and all she’s worked for.
February 15, 2025
Excellent beginning!
I wasn’t sure I liked the heroine of the story at first. She grew on me over the course of the story, and I began to figure out where she was coming from, with her rebellious attitude, and a few desperate actions.
A born leader can’t/won’t accept defeat without an all out fight.
Sometimes you can win the battle, without understanding just how big the war is.
It’s going to be interesting to see what happens when a prince comes to tell the first female Dragoneer most people have ever heard of, that she not only has to stand down, but the King is taking the horde, and she is no longer allowed to have anything to do with her dragons; or any others.
This is after defeating a vicious enemy and saving the town.
The king just might be starting a war with his own people!
I wasn’t sure I liked the heroine of the story at first. She grew on me over the course of the story, and I began to figure out where she was coming from, with her rebellious attitude, and a few desperate actions.
A born leader can’t/won’t accept defeat without an all out fight.
Sometimes you can win the battle, without understanding just how big the war is.
It’s going to be interesting to see what happens when a prince comes to tell the first female Dragoneer most people have ever heard of, that she not only has to stand down, but the King is taking the horde, and she is no longer allowed to have anything to do with her dragons; or any others.
This is after defeating a vicious enemy and saving the town.
The king just might be starting a war with his own people!
August 30, 2025
3.5/5 stars
I love dragon books, finished this pretty quickly, and the book overall was... okay? I'm not really sure. The main character annoyed me at times, so that obviously made reading the book difficult at times. Another thing is that I found myself annoyed with the main dragon, Elevera, which I found frustrating and pretty shocking-I was annoyed with a DRAGON. I wish there was a more wide cast of characters, but the characters we got were pretty good. I liked Paege, he was awesome.
There were a lot of times where there were long paragraphs that dragged on and on and I just kind of skimmed over.
Unsure if I'll continue the series, but there were some pretty good parts. :)
I love dragon books, finished this pretty quickly, and the book overall was... okay? I'm not really sure. The main character annoyed me at times, so that obviously made reading the book difficult at times. Another thing is that I found myself annoyed with the main dragon, Elevera, which I found frustrating and pretty shocking-I was annoyed with a DRAGON. I wish there was a more wide cast of characters, but the characters we got were pretty good. I liked Paege, he was awesome.
There were a lot of times where there were long paragraphs that dragged on and on and I just kind of skimmed over.
Unsure if I'll continue the series, but there were some pretty good parts. :)
March 28, 2020
I would just like to write a few lines to ask you to read this book. I normally
don't like writing reviews, because I mostly talk about problems in books, (not
that all of them are bad, but I always think they could do things differently).
Yes, this one has a few problems, but I was so surprised by the quality of
the book, the plot is fantastic, a female hero struggling to get what she believes in, just cool.
I'll add the same review to all six books in the series if I like them as much as I liked this one.
don't like writing reviews, because I mostly talk about problems in books, (not
that all of them are bad, but I always think they could do things differently).
Yes, this one has a few problems, but I was so surprised by the quality of
the book, the plot is fantastic, a female hero struggling to get what she believes in, just cool.
I'll add the same review to all six books in the series if I like them as much as I liked this one.
January 30, 2023
Top-notch!
The heroine is indeed a strong character and the story enthralling. My one disappointment would be that most of the male characters are not as strong. I hope book two in the series will offer that. Men and women can be equally strong partners who all play to their strengths to enrich the whole. I want more of that. I will read on to find out if this very talented couple offer us that.
The heroine is indeed a strong character and the story enthralling. My one disappointment would be that most of the male characters are not as strong. I hope book two in the series will offer that. Men and women can be equally strong partners who all play to their strengths to enrich the whole. I want more of that. I will read on to find out if this very talented couple offer us that.
August 24, 2023
I’m … wow. Can’t believe it’s over. Super book!
I picked this book up this morning; didn’t put it down while I made dinner, or while I ate. It’s that engrossing.
A young woman fights to be included in the rites for leadership of the dragons, but is denied on the basis of her gender. What no one knows yet is that this woman will become a legend in her own time.
This is the story of how it came to be.
I picked this book up this morning; didn’t put it down while I made dinner, or while I ate. It’s that engrossing.
A young woman fights to be included in the rites for leadership of the dragons, but is denied on the basis of her gender. What no one knows yet is that this woman will become a legend in her own time.
This is the story of how it came to be.
May 28, 2024
Just what I was looking for!
After reading a lot of fantasy books I was feeling off track. This book is exactly what I was looking for, just what I needed! Great characters, believable emotions, excellent storyline, no added smut and swearing for no actual reason and most of all, a relationship with dragons! A good clean, pure, heartfelt story. Looking forward to the rest of the series!
After reading a lot of fantasy books I was feeling off track. This book is exactly what I was looking for, just what I needed! Great characters, believable emotions, excellent storyline, no added smut and swearing for no actual reason and most of all, a relationship with dragons! A good clean, pure, heartfelt story. Looking forward to the rest of the series!
June 4, 2024
Although each book in the series may be read on its own, together they are greater than the sum of their parts. There are 8 books, I read them in 5 days and then reread them. That way I got them as one story and I think I benefitted from them that way.
Individually some of the books may be only worth four stars but, as a series, they are worth at least five so I shall rate them all as five stars.
Individually some of the books may be only worth four stars but, as a series, they are worth at least five so I shall rate them all as five stars.
July 31, 2024
Storyline is good
I love the storyline so far and look forward to the next book, however the writing sometimes seemed to drag on for me and I found myself skipping over paragraphs to get to the good parts. The ending definitely keeps you wanting though! I feel like the character development could have used a little more flourish but maybe that’s to come. This book has heart though!
I love the storyline so far and look forward to the next book, however the writing sometimes seemed to drag on for me and I found myself skipping over paragraphs to get to the good parts. The ending definitely keeps you wanting though! I feel like the character development could have used a little more flourish but maybe that’s to come. This book has heart though!
December 6, 2024
A fantastic tale
If your looking for a story with a tenacious female lead, this is it. Written for the younger masses I still enjoyed the story, the world it was made for and the idea of it.. Perfect for boys and girls old enough to understand our world and still young enough to look for the magic in a book. No matter your age I think you may enjoy the story if this genre appeals to you, and maybe if it doesn't. this may be the series that ropes you in with the rest of us!
If your looking for a story with a tenacious female lead, this is it. Written for the younger masses I still enjoyed the story, the world it was made for and the idea of it.. Perfect for boys and girls old enough to understand our world and still young enough to look for the magic in a book. No matter your age I think you may enjoy the story if this genre appeals to you, and maybe if it doesn't. this may be the series that ropes you in with the rest of us!
July 27, 2025
I'm not quite sure how to rate this book. In the beginning I didn't care much for it. Trystan is so annoying, whining because she doesn't get her way. She pulls reckless stunts to force her father to give into her. She's young and thinks she knows it all. The book does get a bit better towards the end, but she is in way over her head. She got what she wanted but may lose it all anyway. There are like 6 books in the series and I am on the fence as to reading the rest.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2025
The Dragoneer
Vickie and Danny Knestaut
This is by far one of the best dragon books I’ve read in a long time! The heroine, Trysten, feels so real — strong, curious, and easy to root for. As she begins to uncover her powers and learns she’s actually a descendant of the Originals, the story takes off and doesn’t let go. It’s one of those “just one more chapter” books that keeps you up way too late. I couldn’t put it down — and I’m already diving straight into Book 2!
Vickie and Danny Knestaut
This is by far one of the best dragon books I’ve read in a long time! The heroine, Trysten, feels so real — strong, curious, and easy to root for. As she begins to uncover her powers and learns she’s actually a descendant of the Originals, the story takes off and doesn’t let go. It’s one of those “just one more chapter” books that keeps you up way too late. I couldn’t put it down — and I’m already diving straight into Book 2!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews