Zilferia

Crystal Dragon Saga #1

by Katie Cherry, Kelvin Foong Kuan Jeang (Illustrator)

What would you do if your worst nightmare became a reality? Scream? Cry? Fight tooth and nail to escape?
The kidnapping changed my life forever, turning my quiet life into a race against the clock to save a kingdom that I was apparently heir to.
Growing up, I always told myself one magic isn't real , it can't be. And even though I knew that I could shift my eyes into dragon eyes, everyone has weird skills, right? Believing in magic would mean changing my entire life, something I'd rather not do. But when I'm kidnapped and transported to another realm, entirely against my will I might add , I suddenly don't have a choice but to.
Flung smack in the middle of an impending war against the Dragon Hunters—a fierce, brutal race of people who want to eradicate every dragon in the seven realms—I have all the odds stacked against me. These people think I'm their long lost princess who holds the key to saving their world. If I don't hone the very powers I don't want, my life, and the lives of hundreds of thousands on Zilferia are doomed. But all I can think about is making it back to my real family, and I'll do whatever it takes. Even if it means using the very magic that colors my nightmares.
Zilferia is a new Coming of Age Urban Fantasy Novel. The first in the Crystal Dragon Series , Zilferia is jam-packed with your favorite magical creatures—Dragons, Mermaids and Werewolves—and a few new ones. Set in modern times, Zilferia will have you devouring pages, anxiously fighting alongside our heroine Crystal. Grab your copy today!

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Urban Fantasy, Dragons, Young Adult

322 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 2, 2018

About the author

Katie Cherry began writing at thirteen when her love of books outgrew the supply available. Fantasy stories- and especially dragons- are her passion. Magic can be found in all of her works, and are enjoyed by bookwyrms of all ages!

When writing on her main project gets slow, she creates small freebies for her followers. You can visit her Facebook page, Katie Cherry's Fantasy Works, or join her newsletter at https://www.subscribepage.com/katiech... for access to these free short stories and novellas.

Find Katie on Amazon and across other social media platforms here: https://linktr.ee/KatieCherry

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 crystal stars

Crystal Dragon will sweep you on a magical adventure with challenges that rival those of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and a fight for survival worthy of the most ruthless Hunger Games

Let the Games begin!



The Games from Zilferia are very different from those of The Hunger Games.
Designed to find each contestant's magical ability - Gifts, as they are called - these Games are meant to train and help. But this time, things are different. This time the contestants may need to fight for survival. And not only their lives are at stake, but also the future of dragonkind- and all of Zilferia

Crystal is abruptly introduced to this world when a man approaches her, claiming her to be their lost Princess. She is whisked to this new world she knows nothing about and given no other option but that of taking part in the Games. She’s drawn into a maze of intrigue and discovery, one pitting her against man-eating mermaids, bloodthirsty werewolves, Dragon Hunters, and countless other magical creatures, one more exotic than the other.
Crystal takes it all in stride, shaking her head in disbelief before shrugging, figuring it's not the craziest thing that's happened to her lately and, head held up high, she steps into her 'new insanity that is, supposedly Zilferia'.

Teamed up with Nathan, also from another planet, Crystal has no choice but to fit a role she doesn’t understand and fulfill a destiny she couldn’t have imagined. Be the princess and ruler of that world, as well as the prophesied savior of dragonkind. But to achieve it all, she must first discover her gifts and learn how to use them, as well as escape the traps set by those who want to see her fail.

Perhaps Crystal would find it easier to cope with her new reality, if she were willing to embrace both her new role as well as magic. But magic hasn't existed in her world before and Crystal finds it difficult to accept it now. It's just to surreal. And all Crystal can think of is:
'I'm not. I'm not special. I haven't done anything extraordinary... I can't do extraordinary things... I'm just a normal girl...'

Until the Games force her hand and Crystal discovers she must either embrace her new existence or loose not only any hope of getting back to 'her real home' on Earth, but also her life.

Fast paced and entertaining, with lots of intrigue and unexpected twists, Crystal Dragon is one of the most ingenuous and amazing tales I have ever read. Full of the most imaginative challenges and exotic magical creatures, this page turner here is an absolutely enchanting tale. Kudos to the author for a brilliant imagination. It had me downright impressed!
And the little baby dragon practically swept me off my feet. Can I have one too please?

My only complaint lies with phrasing and certain text-related issues, and this is also the reason I'm not rating it a full 5 stars. But the story is amazing, the characters to root for and the little baby dragon - to fall in love with!

I highly recommend this to everyone out there in search of a new magical adventure.
Give Crystal Dragon a try and you won't be disappointed.

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

[₊ ˚ ale ࿓ ♡ ⋆｡˚]

7/20 book 1-3 are free on amazon :)

[Colette Samimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action packed full of fantastic creatures and adventures

I really enjoyed reading Zilferia! I was reminded of hunger games in a fantasy world with fun creatures and strange New worlds. The story takes you through trials and tribulations and emotional ride that is well written and kept me wanting more! I'm looking forward to the next book and the new adventures that Crystal will endure.

[Lisa Eiff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Games of a new type

I really enjoyed reading this book. Crystals world is expanding in many unexpected ways all through this book. If you enjoy stories about dragons, you'll love reading this book.📚

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall rating: 4.9

I tend to have more than one book at a time. This book however, totally threw me off my reading regimen. It grabbed my attention and insisted I read it to its fruition. It feels like a hunger games retell but the author added her own nuances to this to make it entirely her own tale. The games themselves are just a fraction of the real threats these characters face. This intriguing storyline being captured within this authors great world building, needless to say the next in this series is already plotted out in my reading plan. Now to catch up where this book put me behind with. All my reviews are always voluntarily written.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This rating was so easy lol wow what a fantastic story . Katie Cherry does a tremendous job with this story . Her world building is excellent and her main characters become friends and before you even realise it your vested in them and you are concerned and worry if they are going to be okay . When the author is able to get you to care about the characters she has imagined and put pen to paper you know your reading a fantastic story . So go ahead and buy this book and be ready to be taken on an adventure with new friend's . Go buy this book you will not regret it .

[Christine Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
What would you do if you were kidnapped and told the world you live in isn’t the only world there is? Crystal the main character at 16 years old has a whirlwind of a time within Zilferia.
Ware wolves, mermaids, dragons and humans. Brought together and a magical world call Zilferia. This relatively fast paced, action packed novel brought together fun, innocent games, a waging war and a building of great relationships. I look forward to seeing where the story continues on in hopes the Dragons win out against the Hunters.

[Vicki DeVico · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a thoroughly enjoyable read! I love the world-building and am still working out the magic system, but that's ok because there are more books in the series and I've already jumped into book 2. I also enjoyed the way the main characters acted and reacted...their actions were perfect for the teenagers that they are. The only problem I have is that the editing needs work--syntax and incorrect words used--but, much as that usually bothers me, it didn't, because I loved the story so much. Katie Cherry has a great imagination and I can't wait to read more of her work.

[Kay Moody · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading this book, I really want a pet dragon, lol. The little baby dragon was my absolute favorite!

My second favorite was Nathan. I loved him, and I can't wait to see more of him in future books. Crystal was a great main character with relatable emotions and desires. I love the predicament she's in. I can't wait to read the rest of the series to find out how everything turns out. :)

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book. The only reason I put it down at night is because I have to get up early for work. The characters were easy to connect with and feel like you were going on their journey with them. The plot twists were different and exciting which kept me on my toes. Highly recommend reading.

[Sarah Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cant wait to read it

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magic, dragons and not so nice mermaids all come together for an outstanding book. Absolutely fantastic. Ready for the next one.

[Francesco Tehrani · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I posted this review for the second edition*

Wow... Just wow... I am loving finding these hidden gems on Kickstarter. I did not know what to expect from this book, but what I read and experienced, was pure joy. This story had everything I look for in a story, and so much more. The plot was nicely balanced with all the points that were going on. The characters were beyond relatable and quite enjoyable. The world-building and lore were just fantastic! I would love to continue the series to find out what happens next, but I want to wait for the second editions to be released! So I am going to wait a very long time to continue and finish this series! Much love for this creation!

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this rewrite of Katie’s first book. There is lots of suspense and action, some great characters and fantastic world building, what more could you ask for?! There are also some unexpected twists and the ending is spectacular and somewhat shocking! You need to read this book!!

[Beba Andric · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful rich world the author has created! Full bodied, well rounded, vivid in so many ways, very different and enthralling. A young girl, a loner, shunned by everyone as weird, a young girl who would love to fit in, finds herself bullied rather than accepted. All Crystal ever wanted was to fit in, to be normal, which is an impossible task seeing as she isn't quite like everyone else. She's ultra strong, she has the ability to calm animals, and oh boy, her eyes, yep, her eyes are definitely"other", a fact she tries to keep hidden. When she's approached by a stranger with a proposal, she discounts him as looney but a wild chase has her fleeing with said stranger, to an entirely new world. A new world, filled with wonders.

Well mostly... there's this rather bizarre trial that takes place, with Crystal firmly in the middle of it all, as an unwilling participant, for the large part, seeing as she agreed under duress, in the hopes of going home to her world. These trials are something else! In the supposed outcome of the winners being the next generation of leaders but they are fraught with danger, even deadly. This Realm, as pretty as it is, is far from safe, a casual walk in the forest can be the end of you and that's not counting the Werewolves, the huge snakes and all the other creatures thrown their way. These encounters test her mettle and those of her partner to the limit. She discovers truths about herself, about the Dragon Hunters, goodness, even that their are 7 different realms! Oh and prophecies, there is a prophecy that Crystal desperately wants to discount but heck, we all know prophecies have a way of happening, whether one wants it or not! Poor Crystal, torn apart internally, she wants to help but she also wants to get home, to her reclusive life.

Crystal is a lovely character, so much heart, so much determination, and so much to unpack. She's incredibly gullible though, she acts instinctively, whether to survive or help others, all of which have consequences, some outcomes good but some, well, oh Lordie! Although let's not forget she's only 16 and for everything that has been thrown at her, I think she's done exceptionally well under the circumstances. Her encounter with the Dragons was so cool, although the one who stole my heart was little Eric, what a sweetie!

The fights, the flights, the dire situations are extremely well executed, bringing me right into the mayhem. The many characters are awesome, Nathan, Crystal's rock and partner, Thaddeus, a long lost uncle, Vlad, who isn't what he seems, oh I could go on and on! With the utmost conviction, I can say that this very complex, intricate tale, awesome world building and character growth will entertain you, will capture you, will drag you with it through every twist, turn and event, will have you clambering for the next book!

[Sara Lawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I come from another universe... another realm, if you will. An alternate realm. Now, before you interrupt, I must insist that you only listen. If, while you are listening, you are closed to what I am saying and trying to disprove everything, you will gain nothing from this. Just listen and believe. Fight against it later, if you must."

And thus begins the adventure of Crystal Shay, or if she dares believe it, Crystal Dragon, Princess of Zilferia. Actually, the adventures began when she learned that she was adopted, but they quickly became more exciting after she was kidnapped and then whisked away to another world. In Zilferia, Crystal is one of 14 teenagers chosen to participate in a series of games, games that would serve to awaken their gifts. Together with her partner Nathan, Crystal begins to love this new land, meeting dragons and mermaids, answering riddles and participating in daring escapes, and learning who she is and who she was born to be. It's a crazy adventure, and by the end of the book, she realizes that she has come to believe all of it.

I can hardly believe that Katie wrote this book when she was in high school. It reminded me of Harry Potter or Percy Jackson, but with a different kind of magic. There were also several aspects of the book that made it seem darker than HP and PJ. The book begins with a twisted villain kidnapping and threatening to kill the kings newborn children. While I realize a lot of fairy tales begin similarly, the amount of dialogue and description gave the setting a sense of foreboding. I wasn't sure how dark the rest of the book would be. Additionally, characters were kidnapped at many times throughout the story, which started to feel like a bit much after a while, especially at the beginning when the "good guys" kidnapped teenagers and forced them to participate in the games until they either died or won. This is isn't Hunger Games. And the rulers of the kingdom were not villains, which is why the games felt a little suspicious. Regardless, Crystal and Nathan survived everything, and while they may not have saved the kingdom just yet, it seems likely that they will do exactly that...on another day.

I received a free ARC from the author and have reviewed it willingly.

[Alyssia Cooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an entertaining and fast paced young adult fantasy that is held back somewhat by period didactic writing that tells rather than shows and some plot holes that made my suspension of belief falter at times. The premise is interesting and at points Katie Cherry’s writing shines; I particularly enjoyed the underwater world and the descriptions of the mermaids. What I struggled more with were the long passages of character backstory that didn’t really bring much to the world building and characters doing really stupid things for no good reason and then not learning from them.

Take the games themselves, the central purpose for Crystal being kidnapped from her own world and hurtled into a strange world full of mythical creatures and magical abilities. Supposedly, the entire reasoning behind sticking teenagers in trials that can and frequently are fatal is to find the missing Royal children. Except even when key characters know that the Princess is now actually competing, they still go ahead. Or when Thaddeus, one of the main advisors and uncle to the Queen, knows that something is off with the games master, but decides that nothing can be done until the games are over, even though people might die. Or how nobody thinks to bring Crystal to her parents, even though they are believed to have gone into a coma due to grief and stress. Or how Crystal repeatedly puts herself in harms way and doesn’t seem to learn anything.

All in all, I felt this had a great premise and there is a huge amount of imagination on display here, but there were too many holes to be a great book.

[Lovetoread · Rating 2 out of 5]

I tried. I really tried to get into this story but the telling vs showing and the redundancies and repetitiveness, made it very difficult to read. I did not give this book a better rating because the author needs to work on the craft of writing. I also think this book would be far better written in third person vs. first person.

To be clear, I read the entire book. I think the premise shows promise and kept hoping it would get better. However, I was unable to get lost in the book or to suspend reality because I was never able to connect with the heroine and I felt like the writer was as bored with the book as I was. How many times does the heroine have to fall asleep, wake up in the hospital, and eat, or go to bed, get up, and eat? It was like walking the dog on a treadmill.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic adventure

Zilferia takes you on an action packed adventure with games, dragons, werewolves, mermaids, evil humans, and magic! There are characters you'll love to love as well as ones you'll love to hate! The plot is unpredictable as surprising twists and turns pop up. Definitely recommend and can't wait to see how everything unfolds.

[Clarity Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was an early reader of Zilferia. I have loved every minute of it. This is the first book in the series and I can't wait for more. Katie creates a beautiful world that is so much fun to explore as a reader. Her characters are intriguing and balanced. They are strong and still have flaws. This is one series you will want to have on your bookshelf.

[Amanda Sagen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recieved an advanced copy of this book from the author and here's my thoughts -

Dragons, magic, magical and mythical creatures, far away magical lands, wonderful world building, complex characters with plenty of room to grow...
This series starter has all the magic you could want for in a book!
Looking forward to book 2!

[Michelle Sargent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty good start of a new series

Really nice start to a new series... Crystal being kidnapped and taken to another realm , one of 7 as she just finds out... A whole new world full of adventure and magic and creatures she's only ever dreamed about... So far I am enjoying this series... On to the next one!!!

[Brandi Devillier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never read this genre before but decided to give it a chance. I must say I was absolutely wowed by this book. It kept me turning page after page and on my toes with everything that kept happening! I can’t wait to read First Earth!

[Cherish Kasner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reminded me of the hunger games but with dragons, werewolves and other mythical creatures. Crystal is a smart girl. She's also sassy and kicks butt! I'm definitely looking forward to the next book. I want to see how the relationships in the story evolve. Great book!!

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book series contains many common fantasy tropes and cliches. Which also happens to include phenomenal world building, enjoyably balanced characters, action, and the story's development can go many different ways, its was quite an enjoyable read.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun storyline-the characters are well thought out and well put together. I enjoyed reading this book and looking forward to the next one. If you like dragons, fantasy, and magic then this series is for you!

[Melissa (missy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of Action , Creatures , Magic and Twists and Turns you won't expect.
Whats not to LOVE

[Amanda Sagen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dragons, magic, magical and mythical creatures, far away magical lands.... This series starter has all the magic you could want for in a book!
Looking forward to book 2!

[Jeanette George · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is well written and imaginative.

[Jellybean70 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book I���ve read by Katie Cherry, I loved her writing style!! If you enjoy dragons, mystery, adventure, strong friendships, and more dragons. I encourage you to read this book!!