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Alveria Dragon Akademy #2
The Dragon Sickness
Their power is in the strength of their bond. But deceit threatens to break it.
It’s official. Kaelan Younger has finally been accepted as a dragon tamer at the Akademy. Yet even as she begins to learn the extent of her powers, a mysterious illness stalks the dragons and threatens Prince Lasaro.
More than her bond with the prince is endangered when Kaelan seeks help from a most unlikely source. As a result, the lies to cover her deception mount. But with the enemy’s armies gathering at Alveria’s borders, Kaelan will do whatever it takes to save those she has sworn to protect—even if it means sacrificing herself.
Now Kaelan and Lasaro must find a way to heal the dragons and harness the depth of their connection in order to stop the treachery from within.
If not, a once great nation will fall.
This novel contains some sexual content and violence.
It’s official. Kaelan Younger has finally been accepted as a dragon tamer at the Akademy. Yet even as she begins to learn the extent of her powers, a mysterious illness stalks the dragons and threatens Prince Lasaro.
More than her bond with the prince is endangered when Kaelan seeks help from a most unlikely source. As a result, the lies to cover her deception mount. But with the enemy’s armies gathering at Alveria’s borders, Kaelan will do whatever it takes to save those she has sworn to protect—even if it means sacrificing herself.
Now Kaelan and Lasaro must find a way to heal the dragons and harness the depth of their connection in order to stop the treachery from within.
If not, a once great nation will fall.
This novel contains some sexual content and violence.
468 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 24, 2018
762 people are currently reading
351 people want to read
About the author
Ava Richardson
162 books440 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 - 30 of 71 reviews
January 15, 2019
The ARC was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Dragon Sickness was so freaking good! I'm so happy that I got the first two books of this series as ARCs from NetGalley! I loved Kaelan in the first book and I was so excited to see her being an official dragon tamer. It just sucks ass that I remembered how the last book ended, with Lasaro breaking my heart.
Throughout this book, these two kids are just kids. They are growing up in front of my eyes. I just wanted them freaking together. I get that Lasaro was just trying to figure out what he wanted. Basically it all had to deal with the throne and power. I wanted more thoughts about Kaelan.. but I'll deal with that in my own way.
Then there's Kaelan dealing with her own thing. I wanted to see how her relationship with her dad was going to be. I was intrigued with how the first book ended with him saying hello, and I was so freaking pumped to see that grow into something.
The romance could've been better in my opinion. I was just expecting more from it and was a bit disappointed. Then there's the side characters. I don't know what the heck happened.. but why did everything just feel so different this time around? It's like they were meh and not the lovable people from the first book. Maybe it's just me thinking this?
Overall, I still enjoyed the crap out of this book. I loved getting the opportunity to read the first and second book of this series. I'm hoping and praying for another book because I need more from these characters!!
The Dragon Sickness was so freaking good! I'm so happy that I got the first two books of this series as ARCs from NetGalley! I loved Kaelan in the first book and I was so excited to see her being an official dragon tamer. It just sucks ass that I remembered how the last book ended, with Lasaro breaking my heart.
Throughout this book, these two kids are just kids. They are growing up in front of my eyes. I just wanted them freaking together. I get that Lasaro was just trying to figure out what he wanted. Basically it all had to deal with the throne and power. I wanted more thoughts about Kaelan.. but I'll deal with that in my own way.
Then there's Kaelan dealing with her own thing. I wanted to see how her relationship with her dad was going to be. I was intrigued with how the first book ended with him saying hello, and I was so freaking pumped to see that grow into something.
The romance could've been better in my opinion. I was just expecting more from it and was a bit disappointed. Then there's the side characters. I don't know what the heck happened.. but why did everything just feel so different this time around? It's like they were meh and not the lovable people from the first book. Maybe it's just me thinking this?
Overall, I still enjoyed the crap out of this book. I loved getting the opportunity to read the first and second book of this series. I'm hoping and praying for another book because I need more from these characters!!
January 2, 2019
Thank you NetGalley and Relay Publishing for this arc.
This book was a real slow read for me. I mean real, real, really slow. I'm surprised I finished it. I haven't read the first book of this series (this one was the 2nd). But I can't be bothered to go back to it. There was entirely too much adolescent angst and agonies (repeated over and over and over again and again and again and still again) for me to be even a little curious about the beginning of the way too predictable story. I found the characters to be immature, egotistical and incredibly stereotypical for 2018.
1.5 stars
This book was a real slow read for me. I mean real, real, really slow. I'm surprised I finished it. I haven't read the first book of this series (this one was the 2nd). But I can't be bothered to go back to it. There was entirely too much adolescent angst and agonies (repeated over and over and over again and again and again and still again) for me to be even a little curious about the beginning of the way too predictable story. I found the characters to be immature, egotistical and incredibly stereotypical for 2018.
1.5 stars
August 20, 2023
Why is it so good 😭😭😭
Ava Richardson has the uncanny ability to write a story, so enthralling that it just sucks you in. My emotions felt like they were on a roller-coaster. Every scene brought out emotions that I rarely feel when reading. It really felt like I was in the story, I've always had the ability to sit "behind my eyes" and watch events of a novel playout like on a TV, but this story took it to a whole new level.
A handful of minor editing mistakes were present but didn't take away from the quality of the book
Ava Richardson has the uncanny ability to write a story, so enthralling that it just sucks you in. My emotions felt like they were on a roller-coaster. Every scene brought out emotions that I rarely feel when reading. It really felt like I was in the story, I've always had the ability to sit "behind my eyes" and watch events of a novel playout like on a TV, but this story took it to a whole new level.
A handful of minor editing mistakes were present but didn't take away from the quality of the book
October 26, 2020
I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
This is another wonderful story from Ava Richardson.
The characters come alive on the pages and although this story is not as good as the first, being slightly slow in the middle it is still an enjoyable read.
I will certainly be reading the final book in the series.
This is another wonderful story from Ava Richardson.
The characters come alive on the pages and although this story is not as good as the first, being slightly slow in the middle it is still an enjoyable read.
I will certainly be reading the final book in the series.
March 2, 2021
I like the concept of this series. The execution, not so much.
It's definitely in the young young adult category (like middle school age appropriate I would say).
But let's get real, I don't think I would have loved this back when I was in middle school either.
There are a couple themes used in these books that simply drive me crazy. And the more I read, the more annoyed I feel.
#1 MOST ANNOYING ISSUE: All the characters are too stupid to live. The main duo (Kaelan and Prince Lasaro) are constantly bumbling around, making idiotic choices, and missing obvious clues over and over and over. They are complete morons, and it drives me nuts. For example, "This lady is so suspicious, I don't trust her, she's up to something, she might be a bad guy.....so let's go talk to her and tell her all my theories and secrets!" Ok that's not an exact quote but you get the idea. Another example is in regards to Mordon's Dragon prophecy
#2 SECOND MOST ANNOYING ISSUE: I'm generally just not a fan of books / TV shows / movies that have the "kids" running around saving the day, while constantly trying to get the adults to believe them. But the adults totally ignore them and dismiss them despite clear evidence or proof. This is a common theme in "young adult" books/movies/shows, and I find it completely ridiculous.
#3 THIRD MOST ANNOYING ISSUE: The world-building is seriously lacking. The whole plot about civil unrest in the kingdom and the brewing war with the neighboring country feel like they are just thinly veiled constructions to move the plot along from one thing to the next. The civil unrest in particular is somewhat alarming with the peasants actively rioting against dragons and royalty, however it's only used as a tool to get some brief action and is NEVER ACTUALLY ADDRESSED. The common folk are literally rioting and attacking dragon students (because apparently dragons get everything for free and can cause any kind of damage they want without paying for it? Huh?), but it never gets dealt with in any real way. Furthermore, the characters themselves lack any sense of dimension or development. The royal family may as well be a bunch of cardboard characters for all the personality or depth they have.
Bottom line: Nice idea for a story, but just too frustrating and flimsy for my enjoyment. I'll probably skim through the third book because I've already bought it as a bundle on Kindle, but wouldn't read it again. Possibly would be more enjoyable for younger readers?
It's definitely in the young young adult category (like middle school age appropriate I would say).
But let's get real, I don't think I would have loved this back when I was in middle school either.
There are a couple themes used in these books that simply drive me crazy. And the more I read, the more annoyed I feel.
#1 MOST ANNOYING ISSUE: All the characters are too stupid to live. The main duo (Kaelan and Prince Lasaro) are constantly bumbling around, making idiotic choices, and missing obvious clues over and over and over. They are complete morons, and it drives me nuts. For example, "This lady is so suspicious, I don't trust her, she's up to something, she might be a bad guy.....so let's go talk to her and tell her all my theories and secrets!" Ok that's not an exact quote but you get the idea. Another example is in regards to Mordon's Dragon prophecy
#2 SECOND MOST ANNOYING ISSUE: I'm generally just not a fan of books / TV shows / movies that have the "kids" running around saving the day, while constantly trying to get the adults to believe them. But the adults totally ignore them and dismiss them despite clear evidence or proof. This is a common theme in "young adult" books/movies/shows, and I find it completely ridiculous.
#3 THIRD MOST ANNOYING ISSUE: The world-building is seriously lacking. The whole plot about civil unrest in the kingdom and the brewing war with the neighboring country feel like they are just thinly veiled constructions to move the plot along from one thing to the next. The civil unrest in particular is somewhat alarming with the peasants actively rioting against dragons and royalty, however it's only used as a tool to get some brief action and is NEVER ACTUALLY ADDRESSED. The common folk are literally rioting and attacking dragon students (because apparently dragons get everything for free and can cause any kind of damage they want without paying for it? Huh?), but it never gets dealt with in any real way. Furthermore, the characters themselves lack any sense of dimension or development. The royal family may as well be a bunch of cardboard characters for all the personality or depth they have.
Bottom line: Nice idea for a story, but just too frustrating and flimsy for my enjoyment. I'll probably skim through the third book because I've already bought it as a bundle on Kindle, but wouldn't read it again. Possibly would be more enjoyable for younger readers?
January 3, 2019
This book was difficult to fully enjoy.
I picked it up first, read a few chapters then realized it was the second in a series. Had to go back to read the first one first.
The over all story was interesting enough, but it suffered for being YA. Now I don't have any issues with YA but only when it does not hold back so obviously. The world building, the unrest, the way the kingdom was set up felt very juvenile. And the problem with that is it feels like a paper thin backdrop to the 'romance and angst'. I mean all the dragons can just take anything from the people, shops and so on, without paying? Really? That does not feel real. And the fact that the queen seemed to just be there as the stern mother, she never felt like a fully fleshed out person. Her rule seemed so feeble.
The romance. I knew it would be a big part of the plot but while I liked the set up, the reasons why it was forbidden felt very shallow. (Esp the warning about the bond) The prophesy felt very obvious. The fact they they will end up together at the end of it all is not a secret. The more the characters drew my attention to it, the more it made me roll my eyes. Yes, we have to wait for book three for it to finally happen, but pretending it would not, focusing SO much of their thoughts on this thing they both wanted but would be noble and set aside, well is was just two teenagers playing at being mature, while ALL the grownups in the world felt like paper dolls. I think the story would have been stronger had it given us some other character to believe in.
I did not hate it. I would read the third book, to find out what happens next and to see it all wrap up in a neat bow, but this middle book is not as strong as the first one.
I picked it up first, read a few chapters then realized it was the second in a series. Had to go back to read the first one first.
The over all story was interesting enough, but it suffered for being YA. Now I don't have any issues with YA but only when it does not hold back so obviously. The world building, the unrest, the way the kingdom was set up felt very juvenile. And the problem with that is it feels like a paper thin backdrop to the 'romance and angst'. I mean all the dragons can just take anything from the people, shops and so on, without paying? Really? That does not feel real. And the fact that the queen seemed to just be there as the stern mother, she never felt like a fully fleshed out person. Her rule seemed so feeble.
The romance. I knew it would be a big part of the plot but while I liked the set up, the reasons why it was forbidden felt very shallow. (Esp the warning about the bond) The prophesy felt very obvious. The fact they they will end up together at the end of it all is not a secret. The more the characters drew my attention to it, the more it made me roll my eyes. Yes, we have to wait for book three for it to finally happen, but pretending it would not, focusing SO much of their thoughts on this thing they both wanted but would be noble and set aside, well is was just two teenagers playing at being mature, while ALL the grownups in the world felt like paper dolls. I think the story would have been stronger had it given us some other character to believe in.
I did not hate it. I would read the third book, to find out what happens next and to see it all wrap up in a neat bow, but this middle book is not as strong as the first one.
April 9, 2022
This book… ahhh. I loved every second of this. The chemistry between the two main characters, the story itself, everything. I’m really falling in love with this world, I think that when I finish this book, I’d probably be in a huge reading slump. I love this series so much I’m at a loss of what else to say 🤣 now don’t mind me while I start the next book
December 24, 2018
"She breathed in the unfamiliar night and let the foreign starlight trickle over her face, watching the Akademy - all strange angles and jolting lines - towering on its mountain"
What can I say? This book and its beautiful descriptions far exceeded my expectations. In comparison, the first book merely feels like a warm-up, a pleasant stretching of the wings in preparation prior to taking flight. I must admit, I have always had a weak spot for princes and I love how Ava Richardson has portrayed this pair of heroes.
It often irritates me when an author takes two young individuals and turns them into invincible people whom are not ignored or underestimated due to their age. Fortunately, The Dragon Sickness does no such thing. Both characters are young and their inexperience shows through their actions and words as demonstrated in the first book of the series. In the second book, we see them grow and mature as the young prince strives to be acknowledged by his mother and a tamer struggles to be accepted or listened to at all. Both are ignored and shunned and Lasaro finds out how little people listen to a youngest heir in times of crisis.
Relationships are challenged, particularly that of the Prince and his tamer. I can't deny that I love Lasaro's ambition and one of my favourite parts is where he is forced to consider whether he wants the throne for the good of the people or for himself.
"The man at her back, whatever else he might have been, was also her father. Much as she tried not to need him, she couldn't stop wishing he would see her -not just as a vessel through which to gain power, but as a daughter."
Most beautifully addressed was the relationship between the main character and her father. Rather than succumbing to outright hatred as a more two dimensional or immature character might have, the author allows for feelings of longing and loneliness for a father the main character has never had while still staying true to the rage of an abandoned daughter. At the same time, the terrible loneliness of an ambitious father in exile does not go ignored.
For the most part, the book has good character development where people learn from mistakes or grow cocky and arrogant from their successes. I do find however, that many side characters often become flat and feel underdeveloped, particularly in comparison the main characters. While to some extent this is understandable, I feel in particular General Marque is shown very much in black and white rather than shades of grey (or at least I find he is somewhat two dimensional). I have always found that the very best books can either paint the villains in shades of grey or make them so despicable that their actions can be none other than those of a psychopath.
That said, I judge my books on how much I enjoy them and this book and its beautiful characters have wormed their way into my heart so deeply that I could barely put it down. I am confident that if you enjoyed the first book, you will like this one even more.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What can I say? This book and its beautiful descriptions far exceeded my expectations. In comparison, the first book merely feels like a warm-up, a pleasant stretching of the wings in preparation prior to taking flight. I must admit, I have always had a weak spot for princes and I love how Ava Richardson has portrayed this pair of heroes.
It often irritates me when an author takes two young individuals and turns them into invincible people whom are not ignored or underestimated due to their age. Fortunately, The Dragon Sickness does no such thing. Both characters are young and their inexperience shows through their actions and words as demonstrated in the first book of the series. In the second book, we see them grow and mature as the young prince strives to be acknowledged by his mother and a tamer struggles to be accepted or listened to at all. Both are ignored and shunned and Lasaro finds out how little people listen to a youngest heir in times of crisis.
Relationships are challenged, particularly that of the Prince and his tamer. I can't deny that I love Lasaro's ambition and one of my favourite parts is where he is forced to consider whether he wants the throne for the good of the people or for himself.
"The man at her back, whatever else he might have been, was also her father. Much as she tried not to need him, she couldn't stop wishing he would see her -not just as a vessel through which to gain power, but as a daughter."
Most beautifully addressed was the relationship between the main character and her father. Rather than succumbing to outright hatred as a more two dimensional or immature character might have, the author allows for feelings of longing and loneliness for a father the main character has never had while still staying true to the rage of an abandoned daughter. At the same time, the terrible loneliness of an ambitious father in exile does not go ignored.
For the most part, the book has good character development where people learn from mistakes or grow cocky and arrogant from their successes. I do find however, that many side characters often become flat and feel underdeveloped, particularly in comparison the main characters. While to some extent this is understandable, I feel in particular General Marque is shown very much in black and white rather than shades of grey (or at least I find he is somewhat two dimensional). I have always found that the very best books can either paint the villains in shades of grey or make them so despicable that their actions can be none other than those of a psychopath.
That said, I judge my books on how much I enjoy them and this book and its beautiful characters have wormed their way into my heart so deeply that I could barely put it down. I am confident that if you enjoyed the first book, you will like this one even more.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 14, 2019
Overview
Would I Recommend?
Review posted on: https://aworldshapedbybooks.blogspot....
The Dragon Sickness is the sequel book to The Dragon Tamer where we learn more about the lives of Prince Lasaro, a royal dragon, and Kaelan Young, his peasant dragon tamer and the daughter of one of the most infamous dragons of all time. It exists in a universe where dragons are the only ones who can lead, and there are strong class distinctions in the dragon world between those who can take their full dragon form and those with only minimal dragon powers. These abilities are questionably linked to heritage, considering the one with the most dragon blood isn't even a dragon, but ultimately there are huge moral dilemmas surrounding how to protect the tamers and how to protect the all-human peasant population with the impending war.
I love dragons, but it's kind of annoying how mistreated the dragon tamers are in this series. Kaelan saves the whole country for the second time in a year in this book, and she's still relegated to the role of dragon lackey. It feels like there have been absolutely no reasoning given as to why the dragons should be in charge of everything, they haven't exhibited any moral, mental, or physical superiority. There is no love for the dragons in the general population of the country, the politics of this book are muddled at best.
The romance between the two main characters is also a little muddled, they hold each other back. I want to like them, but I can't feel it when they're so problematic and even their high moments feel kind of pushed. Love-at-first-sight never feels super authentic to me, and I get that they have history and stuff now, but I feel like I actually want a time-jump because I'm really not feeling anything with it.
Would I Recommend?
In a lot of ways, it's better than The Dragon Tamer yet simultaneously, there are a lot of places that I want more. It's a short read though, so if you love dragons like I do then it's pretty good.
Review posted on: https://aworldshapedbybooks.blogspot....
January 6, 2019
The Dragon Akademy in Alveria is under attack by Ungerian forces disguised as Alverian peasants.
Kaelan Younger had finally been accepted as a student tamer at the Akademy. Bonded with Prince Lasaro, Kaelan was also deeply and hopelessly in love with the young Prince. Hopelessly, because he could never marry a peasant girl, no matter that her father was the usurper Moredon. A strong debilitating illness was sweeping through both dragons and tamers at the Akademy. Many had already slipped into a coma, nearing closer to death daily.
Using her healing powers to strengthen the failing students and instructors, Kaelen, with help from Losaro, sought the cause of the illness sweeping through the Akademy. Kaelan enlisted the aid of a dark stranger who had befriended and protected her when she was traveling to the Akademy initially. Something about this man raised her hackles, but she also felt a bond to him. Could the three of them working together save the dragons and the Akademy?
Ava has once again produced an amazing story from the depths of her dragon fueled imagination. If you believe that dragons could exist, if you feel the magic in your imagination, then you will love this latest trilogy. If you love to read about dragon training, war, death, betrayal and romance all mixed together, you will love this trilogy. Don't take my word for it, judge for yourself and I know you'll agree - this is an excellent story with characters gloriously depicted, with life breathed into their actions. This is a great read!
Kaelan Younger had finally been accepted as a student tamer at the Akademy. Bonded with Prince Lasaro, Kaelan was also deeply and hopelessly in love with the young Prince. Hopelessly, because he could never marry a peasant girl, no matter that her father was the usurper Moredon. A strong debilitating illness was sweeping through both dragons and tamers at the Akademy. Many had already slipped into a coma, nearing closer to death daily.
Using her healing powers to strengthen the failing students and instructors, Kaelen, with help from Losaro, sought the cause of the illness sweeping through the Akademy. Kaelan enlisted the aid of a dark stranger who had befriended and protected her when she was traveling to the Akademy initially. Something about this man raised her hackles, but she also felt a bond to him. Could the three of them working together save the dragons and the Akademy?
Ava has once again produced an amazing story from the depths of her dragon fueled imagination. If you believe that dragons could exist, if you feel the magic in your imagination, then you will love this latest trilogy. If you love to read about dragon training, war, death, betrayal and romance all mixed together, you will love this trilogy. Don't take my word for it, judge for yourself and I know you'll agree - this is an excellent story with characters gloriously depicted, with life breathed into their actions. This is a great read!
June 13, 2022
So I'm apparently an idiot and didn't pay attention to the title of this book. That or I just ignored it.
Because I was surprised that all the dragons got sick.
And it turns out that's the title of the book.
Yeah.
Okay. So. I liked it. I liked it a lot. We have external conflicts. We've got internal conflicts. We've got familial conflicts. And we've got several dragon battles.
Oh, Lasso. (I have no idea what his name is. It just occurs to me that...hold on...Kaelan? Is that her name?)
Anyway, we've got some fun stuff going on. This is an enjoyable book. It's not complicated. We did finally get confirmation of the thing that I've been pretty sure about since Big Dragon Boy (AKA Morden) showed up in book 1.
I'd just like to say that it's really nice having a dragon shifter romance that's a slow burn. AKA these guys want but they can't. And I am here for this emotional pain. I want them to suffer. I do actually like them. I promise. I just enjoy watching them suffer before they get together. I have no doubts that they will, because-
OH RIGHT
We get to find out what the Morden prophecy is and it's a doozy. However, because of certain topics of conversation and certain...other definitions, I have a pretty good idea about what is going to happen in book 3. I think it's the last book of the trilogy. I'm not sure. I super pay attention to things. You know?
I'm not overly concerned about them having a happy ending. It's going to happen. At no point has this given me the sense that it's not going to end well.
Because I was surprised that all the dragons got sick.
And it turns out that's the title of the book.
Yeah.
Okay. So. I liked it. I liked it a lot. We have external conflicts. We've got internal conflicts. We've got familial conflicts. And we've got several dragon battles.
Oh, Lasso. (I have no idea what his name is. It just occurs to me that...hold on...Kaelan? Is that her name?)
Anyway, we've got some fun stuff going on. This is an enjoyable book. It's not complicated. We did finally get confirmation of the thing that I've been pretty sure about since Big Dragon Boy (AKA Morden) showed up in book 1.
I'd just like to say that it's really nice having a dragon shifter romance that's a slow burn. AKA these guys want but they can't. And I am here for this emotional pain. I want them to suffer. I do actually like them. I promise. I just enjoy watching them suffer before they get together. I have no doubts that they will, because-
OH RIGHT
We get to find out what the Morden prophecy is and it's a doozy. However, because of certain topics of conversation and certain...other definitions, I have a pretty good idea about what is going to happen in book 3. I think it's the last book of the trilogy. I'm not sure. I super pay attention to things. You know?
I'm not overly concerned about them having a happy ending. It's going to happen. At no point has this given me the sense that it's not going to end well.
September 23, 2019
"The Dragon Sickness" eBook was published in 2018 and was written by Ava Richardson (http://avarichardsonbooks.com). Ms. Richardson has published seven novels. This is the second of her "Alveria Dragon Akademy" series.
I received an ARC of this novel through https://www.netgalley.com in return for a fair and honest review. I categorize this novel as ‘G’. The story is set in a land with magic and dragons. The primary character is the young dragon tamer Kaelan Younger.
Younger has struggled to be accepted at the Akademy. She is trying to learn the extent of her abilities and to adjust to her partner Prince Lasaro. Her existence at the Akademy is complicated further by the sudden onset of a deadly illness among the dragons.
Younger must keep secrets from the Prince as she tries to discover the source of the illness. Their relationship struggles with the deception she must maintain. The kingdom itself comes under threat from Alveria’s enemies. Will she solve the illness before she is driven from the Akademy or branded as a traitor.
I enjoyed the 8.5 hours I spent reading this 367-page young adult fantasy. This was clearly targeted at a young adult audience. It is an adventure with a little romance thrown in. I like the chosen cover art. I give this novel a 3.8 (rounded up to a 4) out of 5.
Further book reviews I have written can be accessed at https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/.
I received an ARC of this novel through https://www.netgalley.com in return for a fair and honest review. I categorize this novel as ‘G’. The story is set in a land with magic and dragons. The primary character is the young dragon tamer Kaelan Younger.
Younger has struggled to be accepted at the Akademy. She is trying to learn the extent of her abilities and to adjust to her partner Prince Lasaro. Her existence at the Akademy is complicated further by the sudden onset of a deadly illness among the dragons.
Younger must keep secrets from the Prince as she tries to discover the source of the illness. Their relationship struggles with the deception she must maintain. The kingdom itself comes under threat from Alveria’s enemies. Will she solve the illness before she is driven from the Akademy or branded as a traitor.
I enjoyed the 8.5 hours I spent reading this 367-page young adult fantasy. This was clearly targeted at a young adult audience. It is an adventure with a little romance thrown in. I like the chosen cover art. I give this novel a 3.8 (rounded up to a 4) out of 5.
Further book reviews I have written can be accessed at https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/.
October 5, 2024
Such a great story. I do feel bad for the main female characters at times. She is picked on & treated poorly at the academy at times just because of who her father is. So in the book it's just like real life. Sometimes people are cruel and even dragons at times.
Kaelen & Lasaro are now fully bonded. Lasaro is working hard with his tamer still hoping his mother the queen will choose him as heir to the throne. Kaelen is by far the best tamer at the school but she is still having a hard time with some at the academy. They all believe she will turn evil like her father Mordon. Kaelen never knew him because he had been absent her whole life. She learned he had been banished from the school for his evil deeds and some can't forget. That is why some of the instructors are mean to her. As the threat of war looms on the horizon a strange sickness starts spreading through the dragons. Kaelen was desperately trying to find the source so she could stop it but that is when it happened. The school brought in an experienced healer named Air. The womans mere presence boiled Kalens blood. There was something about the woman that rubbed Kaelen the wrong way and her methods didn't seem to be working. Then it happened. Lasaro started getting sick. Kaelen knew she had to save him. She had fallen in love with him but knew that because of his royal status they could never be together. She threw herself into researching the sickness to save the dwindling dragon population before it was to late.
Kaelen & Lasaro are now fully bonded. Lasaro is working hard with his tamer still hoping his mother the queen will choose him as heir to the throne. Kaelen is by far the best tamer at the school but she is still having a hard time with some at the academy. They all believe she will turn evil like her father Mordon. Kaelen never knew him because he had been absent her whole life. She learned he had been banished from the school for his evil deeds and some can't forget. That is why some of the instructors are mean to her. As the threat of war looms on the horizon a strange sickness starts spreading through the dragons. Kaelen was desperately trying to find the source so she could stop it but that is when it happened. The school brought in an experienced healer named Air. The womans mere presence boiled Kalens blood. There was something about the woman that rubbed Kaelen the wrong way and her methods didn't seem to be working. Then it happened. Lasaro started getting sick. Kaelen knew she had to save him. She had fallen in love with him but knew that because of his royal status they could never be together. She threw herself into researching the sickness to save the dwindling dragon population before it was to late.
February 21, 2025
"don't fall for Daddio's charms" said grandmama. How ominous. What ever could that mean? Well anyway, time to go make a dragon oath of loyalty to my evil father whom I secretly believe might be misunderstood.
The sentient walls feel suddenly sick and dying, also I distrust this random "healer" who has a magical fog around her that made my dragon sick instantly when he walked into it. Curious. Well anyway, time to go on about my day. My stars! I've caught the nefarious devil in the act! Poison in the walls you say? How queer and unforseen!
Kaelan perfectly matches the stereotype of a DnD player who cannot fathom the most basic puzzle the DM throws their way. It's infuriating. Once again she does not have two braincells to rub together. Also how has she not been taught a single thing about physical combat yet? Hello? That feels necessary. Oh and she FINALLY found out who her mysterious stranger was. As if that wasn't completely obvious from day one. This book meandered around for so long with a "mystery" that was not at all mysterious, only frustrating to the core.
I'm also going to make a prediction that feels extremely obvious to me, but I could technically be proven wrong about with the next book: her "taking" the throne refers to her marrying her OBVIOUSLY lovestruck prince and happening to outlive him. That's it. Nothing nefarious or evil. Big whoop. This feels so obvious to me, and yet I'm sure that if it comes to pass it will be revealed as some shocking thing. Ugh.
The sentient walls feel suddenly sick and dying, also I distrust this random "healer" who has a magical fog around her that made my dragon sick instantly when he walked into it. Curious. Well anyway, time to go on about my day. My stars! I've caught the nefarious devil in the act! Poison in the walls you say? How queer and unforseen!
Kaelan perfectly matches the stereotype of a DnD player who cannot fathom the most basic puzzle the DM throws their way. It's infuriating. Once again she does not have two braincells to rub together. Also how has she not been taught a single thing about physical combat yet? Hello? That feels necessary. Oh and she FINALLY found out who her mysterious stranger was. As if that wasn't completely obvious from day one. This book meandered around for so long with a "mystery" that was not at all mysterious, only frustrating to the core.
I'm also going to make a prediction that feels extremely obvious to me, but I could technically be proven wrong about with the next book: her "taking" the throne refers to her marrying her OBVIOUSLY lovestruck prince and happening to outlive him. That's it. Nothing nefarious or evil. Big whoop. This feels so obvious to me, and yet I'm sure that if it comes to pass it will be revealed as some shocking thing. Ugh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2021
Ein starkes Band
(Hörbuch -Version )
Endlich gibt es die Fortsetzung dieser genialen Geschichte.Dies ist der zweite Teil einer Trilogie aus der Feder von Ava Richardson.Da das Hörbuch nahtlos an den ersten Teil anschließt,ist es von Vorteil,den ersten Band zu kennen,dadurch ist der Hörgenuss eindeutig größer.
Was soll ich schreiben,meine Erwartungen wurden vollkommen erfüllt.
Mit Ben Bela Böhm,der dieses Hörbuch intoniert,hat der Relay Publishing Verlag einen ausgezeichneten Sprecher gefunden.Die fantastische Geschichte um die 17-jährige Kaelan ,die ihre Berufung zur Drachenzähmerin sieht.Mittlerweile ist sie in der Akademie aufgenommen worden,doch wird sie von den anderen Schülern mißtrauisch beäugt und als seltsame Unfälle passieren,findet sich schnell ein Sündenbock.Sind die Drachen noch zu retten?Welche Rolle spielt die extra einberufene Heilerin? Bewegende und auch schöne Momente bereichern dieses fesselnde Hörbuch.
Die 10 Hörbuch-Stunden sind wie im Flug vergangen.
Ich habe mich sehr gut unterhalten gefühlt und ich freue mich schon auf den abschließenden Band und gerne mehr von dieser Autorin und diesem Hörbuch-Sprecher.
Fazit: Ein Fantasy-Highlight mit spannenden und bewegenden Momenten
(Hörbuch -Version )
Endlich gibt es die Fortsetzung dieser genialen Geschichte.Dies ist der zweite Teil einer Trilogie aus der Feder von Ava Richardson.Da das Hörbuch nahtlos an den ersten Teil anschließt,ist es von Vorteil,den ersten Band zu kennen,dadurch ist der Hörgenuss eindeutig größer.
Was soll ich schreiben,meine Erwartungen wurden vollkommen erfüllt.
Mit Ben Bela Böhm,der dieses Hörbuch intoniert,hat der Relay Publishing Verlag einen ausgezeichneten Sprecher gefunden.Die fantastische Geschichte um die 17-jährige Kaelan ,die ihre Berufung zur Drachenzähmerin sieht.Mittlerweile ist sie in der Akademie aufgenommen worden,doch wird sie von den anderen Schülern mißtrauisch beäugt und als seltsame Unfälle passieren,findet sich schnell ein Sündenbock.Sind die Drachen noch zu retten?Welche Rolle spielt die extra einberufene Heilerin? Bewegende und auch schöne Momente bereichern dieses fesselnde Hörbuch.
Die 10 Hörbuch-Stunden sind wie im Flug vergangen.
Ich habe mich sehr gut unterhalten gefühlt und ich freue mich schon auf den abschließenden Band und gerne mehr von dieser Autorin und diesem Hörbuch-Sprecher.
Fazit: Ein Fantasy-Highlight mit spannenden und bewegenden Momenten
January 22, 2019
DNF at 25%
Although I thought the first book was pretty good, this second book was Not. I struggled to get to 25% but I wanted to give it a fair chance. There was too much "Telling" us what happened and what characters felt instead of "Showing" us what happened and how they felt. It was like reading a summary of events instead of experiencing the events as they happened.
The character development went off a cliff. Suddenly all they can think about is their impossible love for each other and how they can't be in love but they are but they shouldn't be. Ug. It's all pretty clumsily done too, with lots of repetitive thoughts about not wanting to love each other even though they do want to.
The plot was very blunt and hurried, but at the same time the sense of urgency wasn't supported by the characters. Terrible things are happening but all they can think about is each other and going to a ball. And all the adults are too stupid to do anything.
I liked the first one okay, but this was should have been better and instead it was worse.
Although I thought the first book was pretty good, this second book was Not. I struggled to get to 25% but I wanted to give it a fair chance. There was too much "Telling" us what happened and what characters felt instead of "Showing" us what happened and how they felt. It was like reading a summary of events instead of experiencing the events as they happened.
The character development went off a cliff. Suddenly all they can think about is their impossible love for each other and how they can't be in love but they are but they shouldn't be. Ug. It's all pretty clumsily done too, with lots of repetitive thoughts about not wanting to love each other even though they do want to.
The plot was very blunt and hurried, but at the same time the sense of urgency wasn't supported by the characters. Terrible things are happening but all they can think about is each other and going to a ball. And all the adults are too stupid to do anything.
I liked the first one okay, but this was should have been better and instead it was worse.
January 2, 2019
I received a free copy of THE DRAGON SICKNESS (Alveria Dragon Akademy Book 2) by Ava Richardson in exchange for an honest review. Though Kaelan Younger has finally been accepted as a student at the Akademy and allowed to train, she’s still an outsider. The staff and other students continue to ostracize and bully her, and Lasaro begins to suspect Kaelan of plotting against his family. Since Kaelan seems to be the only one trying to figure out what’s causing all of the dragons to fall ill, one would begin to suspect that dragons probably aren’t really fit to rule, after all. Can she save the dragons before their prejudice slays their only hope?
I liked this book; this is a pretty good series so far. The only negatives are that I was hoping Kaelan and Lasaro would make some progress toward hatching the eggs, but they did not. Also, as previously noted, the dragons all appear to be pretty dim; they repeatedly completely fail to grasp the obvious.
#TheDragonSickness #NetGalley
I liked this book; this is a pretty good series so far. The only negatives are that I was hoping Kaelan and Lasaro would make some progress toward hatching the eggs, but they did not. Also, as previously noted, the dragons all appear to be pretty dim; they repeatedly completely fail to grasp the obvious.
#TheDragonSickness #NetGalley
January 25, 2021
I love a good trilogy or series, but I HATE with a passion authors that rehash all events from the previous book(s) and even rehash feelings etc. This drops the content of the second and subsequent books by up to a third and honestly read like the books were forced into a trilogy as they're so fluffed out from restating what we already know. Authors will say they need to recap - honestly they DON'T. If you must, do a refresher chapter first, where people like me that only read completed series can skip it and and just enjoy the story as it moves on.
Having said that I did enjoy The Dragon Sickness, it would have been 5 stars without the endless recapping. I'm nervous about going into the 3rd book as I know I'll be frustrated but I want to know how their story ends.
The characters could 'grow' more, the Queen and Lasaro's family seem just there because they're royalty, they could play a much bigger role, the same for Mordon. All in all it is very enjoyable and easy reading.
Having said that I did enjoy The Dragon Sickness, it would have been 5 stars without the endless recapping. I'm nervous about going into the 3rd book as I know I'll be frustrated but I want to know how their story ends.
The characters could 'grow' more, the Queen and Lasaro's family seem just there because they're royalty, they could play a much bigger role, the same for Mordon. All in all it is very enjoyable and easy reading.
December 28, 2018
I received this novel from net galley and the publisher. Thank you!
This novel was a great read for the next one in the series. I could not put it down! The novel continues where the first novel in the series left off. Kaelan Younger is now Prince Lasaro’s dragon tamer a the Akademy, but many are wary of her because she is Mordon’s daughter, the rogue dragon who wanted to remove the royal family from power. Kaelan and Lasaro continue to develop there bond, but keep secrets from each other which threatens their relationship. Both are in love with each other but cannot be together. When a sickness infects the dragons, Kaelan and Lasaro try to find a cure and the source of the sickness before dragons begin dying and Unger attacks. The story flows very well, with third person point of views between Kaelan and Lasaro, whom have to chose between each other and Alveria.
This novel was a great read for the next one in the series. I could not put it down! The novel continues where the first novel in the series left off. Kaelan Younger is now Prince Lasaro’s dragon tamer a the Akademy, but many are wary of her because she is Mordon’s daughter, the rogue dragon who wanted to remove the royal family from power. Kaelan and Lasaro continue to develop there bond, but keep secrets from each other which threatens their relationship. Both are in love with each other but cannot be together. When a sickness infects the dragons, Kaelan and Lasaro try to find a cure and the source of the sickness before dragons begin dying and Unger attacks. The story flows very well, with third person point of views between Kaelan and Lasaro, whom have to chose between each other and Alveria.
January 7, 2019
Book 2 follows on from Kaelan Younger finally being accepted as a student and Prince Lasaro’s dragon tamer. However after declaring to all that Morton is her father, many are wary and untrusting of her role at the Akademy. The twist in Book 2 surfaces when a sickness which infects all the dragons in Alveria.
Not to mention the undeniable attraction between Kaelan and Lasaro! The Dragon Sickness is captivating and a definite page turner.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and it was difficult to not put down.
Please note although I received a free copy of The Dragon Sickness (Book 2) via NetGallery (Thank you!), I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
When I received Book 2, I insisted on purchasing and reading The Dragon Tamer (Book 1) before continuing onto the next book, to thus have a better understanding and flow through of the story. Who knew it could be addictive?
Not to mention the undeniable attraction between Kaelan and Lasaro! The Dragon Sickness is captivating and a definite page turner.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and it was difficult to not put down.
Please note although I received a free copy of The Dragon Sickness (Book 2) via NetGallery (Thank you!), I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
When I received Book 2, I insisted on purchasing and reading The Dragon Tamer (Book 1) before continuing onto the next book, to thus have a better understanding and flow through of the story. Who knew it could be addictive?
January 19, 2021
The Dragon Sickness
Alveria Dragon Akademy, Book 2
By: Ava Richardson
Narrated by: Rebekah Nemethy
Series: Alveria Dragon Akademy, Book 2
Length: 9 hrs and 59 mins
I listened to this book at 1.50x
Surprisingly good.
Book 1
This is a story about a peasant girl with powers of healing and a Prince who is learning his able to transform into a Dragon.
The two meet up on their way to the academy of Dragons and trainers.
Book 2
Kaelan Younger has finally been accepted as a dragon tamer at the Akademy, and Prince Lasaro is her Dragon.
The two of them are on a mission to find the cure for whatever is making all the Dragon sick and dieing.
I was surprised how much I enjoyed this book. Its categorized as Childrens Audible but I'm 55 and listen to many genres. This is a fantasy book not just for children.
Narrated by: Rebekah Nemethy, did a great job. So many different voices
Alveria Dragon Akademy, Book 2
By: Ava Richardson
Narrated by: Rebekah Nemethy
Series: Alveria Dragon Akademy, Book 2
Length: 9 hrs and 59 mins
I listened to this book at 1.50x
Surprisingly good.
Book 1
This is a story about a peasant girl with powers of healing and a Prince who is learning his able to transform into a Dragon.
The two meet up on their way to the academy of Dragons and trainers.
Book 2
Kaelan Younger has finally been accepted as a dragon tamer at the Akademy, and Prince Lasaro is her Dragon.
The two of them are on a mission to find the cure for whatever is making all the Dragon sick and dieing.
I was surprised how much I enjoyed this book. Its categorized as Childrens Audible but I'm 55 and listen to many genres. This is a fantasy book not just for children.
Narrated by: Rebekah Nemethy, did a great job. So many different voices
December 31, 2018
I am really loving this series it is a great read for anyone who loves their mysteries with plenty of fantasy and magic. The romance is light with plenty of "issues" but even if you don't like your fantasy story mixed with romance you will enjoy this book.
This review was originally posted on Books In Brogan
January 2, 2019
An unknown illness is spreading among the dragons and the masters of the academy. Kaelan's actual tears help to alleviate the symptoms temporarily but a cure still needs to be found. Most of the academy students blame Kaelan for what is happening although she is trying to find out how the sickness keeps spreading. Then Kaelan's father returns intent on fulfilling the dragon prophecy. Kaelan and Lasaro are caught up in the chaos and conspiracy that surrounds them. So many revelations. Excellent storytelling! Can't wait for the next installment!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 21, 2019
I received a free copy for an honest review from Netgalley. As much I liked the first book, this one was a little harder for me to like as much. This book was about their struggles with being crazy about each other, but in some cases, it was too much for me. I loved that the characters grew in their self confidence, but some important characters seemed a little too flat, where some depth would have really helped. I think they could have done without talking so much about "I love him, but he has to marry someone more 'appropriate'." Though there was too much angst, the plot was great, and they unraveled the conspiracy in a good pacing.
January 26, 2019
Kaelan Younger came A long way from book one. And now she's accepted as Dragon Tamer at The Akademy. Cool, right? But not everything is painted in good colors.
Some sickness started and its dangerous! Everyone is in danger! What is going on? Nothing can be taken for sure. Kaelan's heirtage is making Her main suspect and students are blaming Her for it.
I liked how Kaelan and Lasaro developed in this book, more romance would be appriciated. Plot was Easy but getting to know what was going on was intriguing. The only thing that was not on Good side - secondary characters they seemed The same here, so Many changed from book one. Not.the best point in this book.
Some sickness started and its dangerous! Everyone is in danger! What is going on? Nothing can be taken for sure. Kaelan's heirtage is making Her main suspect and students are blaming Her for it.
I liked how Kaelan and Lasaro developed in this book, more romance would be appriciated. Plot was Easy but getting to know what was going on was intriguing. The only thing that was not on Good side - secondary characters they seemed The same here, so Many changed from book one. Not.the best point in this book.
December 31, 2018
Though this is the 2nd book in the series, this is the 1st one I've read after which I had to go and purchase the 1st one to read.
A captivating story that grips you to the very end. A beautiful shifter story with a little of adventure, romance, mystery, duty and so much more in it.
Most of the time all shifter sagas / series are similar to each other, so it's a pleasure reading & reviewing something that is original and different from the rest.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A captivating story that grips you to the very end. A beautiful shifter story with a little of adventure, romance, mystery, duty and so much more in it.
Most of the time all shifter sagas / series are similar to each other, so it's a pleasure reading & reviewing something that is original and different from the rest.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 1, 2019
5 stars
Really enjoying the series and eagerly awaiting the next book due to be released in about a month. In the meantime I have all of this authors previous works to read, so I have a few complete series on my TO READ list.
So much more was revealed in this book about Kaelen and there hints of more to be revealed - who is the slate dragon? And how is he related to Kaelen? And does Kaelen have a dragon form?
Really enjoying the series and eagerly awaiting the next book due to be released in about a month. In the meantime I have all of this authors previous works to read, so I have a few complete series on my TO READ list.
So much more was revealed in this book about Kaelen and there hints of more to be revealed - who is the slate dragon? And how is he related to Kaelen? And does Kaelen have a dragon form?
December 17, 2019
It's hard to be a hero when everybody seem to distrust you. It's even harder when you do things that, if known, would make people distrust you more. Still, our heroine is trying just that and seems to be lost into the way this impacts in her relationship with her bonded dragon.
While this is happening, dragons keep falling ill and a mysterious healer alchemist is called for help. Is this another Ungarian trap? Read it to find out.
While this is happening, dragons keep falling ill and a mysterious healer alchemist is called for help. Is this another Ungarian trap? Read it to find out.
August 5, 2020
I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobooks of this title.
If this was a story about just a boy and girl, with a father that had been shunned by society. It would be an enjoyable read.
Then add a dragon shifter Prince, a peasant girl, with the ability to read a person's health, and then a whole community of dragons, that seem to have caught some infection, which could wipe the whole species out!
Wow!! now you have fantastic read!!
If this was a story about just a boy and girl, with a father that had been shunned by society. It would be an enjoyable read.
Then add a dragon shifter Prince, a peasant girl, with the ability to read a person's health, and then a whole community of dragons, that seem to have caught some infection, which could wipe the whole species out!
Wow!! now you have fantastic read!!
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