Chosen

The Brindle Dragon #1

by Jada Fisher

She is destined to soar with the dragons, but first...she needs to be chosen.
An epic dragon riding adventure from Jada Fisher, author of the popular Dragon Oracle series.

Eist was born to be a dragon rider, she just knows it. When fate conspires to take her parents and leave her orphaned and injured, her future appears bleak. Unwilling to back down, she must overcome a system stacked against her. Even if she passes all the tests, there’s no guarantee she will ever fly on a dragon. Can she beat the odds and find her destiny or will she be stranded on the ground?

Chosen is the first book in the Brindle Dragon series which follows the story of a young girl and her most unusual dragon as they set out to defeat an evil they don’t even know exists.

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Genres: Fantasy, Dragons, Young Adult, Fiction, Magic, High Fantasy, Amazon

154 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2018

About the author

Jada Fisher is the pen name used by Dave and Shannon VanBergen for co-authored fantasy projects. By working with multiple other talented authors, it allows them to share a wide variety of stories.

Dave publishes science fiction and fantasy stories under his real, full name, David J. VanBergen Jr..

Shannon is a USA Today Bestselling Author who publishes cozy mysteries under her real name, Shannon VanBergen.

From Amazon

Reviews

[Aubrynn M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Literally an ACTUAL YA version of fourth wing (but super short)

[Wolf Fortenberry · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am sorely disappointed with this book. There is a great foundation for an amazing book, but there is quite a lot left to be desired. The story flies through the timeline with little information on what is going on. The characters are pretty flat and uninteresting. The main antagonist in this book makes absolutely no sense to me. Typically, there is a legitimate reason the antagonist is the way he or she is, but not so in this book. They seem childish and just a pain in the butt to the main character just because they can be. The antagonist, Ain, is eventually allowed into the Dragon Rider academy along with Eist and many others. Why?? It was already explained that this academy is highly prestigious and focuses on honor, loyalty, helping others, etc., and Ain has shown NONE of these qualities throughout the story. So, why does he magically pass through to the Academy??
Overall, this story needs a lot more to bite into. The 88 pages I read was no where near enough of a story to really get lost in. The characters need more life to them, they aren’t all that believable, and you really don’t get to know them at all.
I had such high hopes for this book and am just left disappointed.

[Gypsy Madden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eist has always wanted to be a dragon rider. Her parents were both famous dragon riders, and died while she was still young, leaving her to be raised by her grandfather who worked in the dragon hatchery. Even though he didn’t approve of her wanting to be a dragon rider, putting herself in danger like her parents, he still trained her so that she would be used to everything a Dragon Academy student would have to go through: from the initial trials to earn her a position into the Academy, to all the training and learning of information she would have to do while at the Academy. But with how focused she was, she felt she didn’t have time to waste on making friends. So, when she does finally enter the Academy, she finds she is faced by bullies itching to prove she’s not worthy to become a dragon rider, but she also finds she has allies willing to support her and become friends during her quest to become a rider.

Even though this isn’t a paranormal academy book (thankfully no reverse harem here!), I can’t help but compare this to Harry Potter, just like I do with all the other academy books I review. I was hoping with this being about dragons and dragon riding it would break the mold. Our awkward (and rather anti-social, not to mention rather self-important) young teen heroine acquires two friends (we could name them Ron and Hermione, with Hermione being typically an over-achiever and top of her class) (the friends do grow on her, and she finds she enjoys having friends and the benefits from having friends, so she does become not-so anti-social over the course of the book, though she doesn’t really gain much humility) and she tangles with a rich self-important bully who loves tearing her down (let’s name him Draco). Though with the bully guy being physically abusive toward her, it feels like sexual harassment, and I’m second-thoughting the idea of seeing his abusive of her escalate. I love seeing her female friend Dille standing up to him, and itching to give him the same abuse back, especially with Dille being as small as she is. I did like that his henchman isn’t as evil as we ascribe the Draco-wannabe to be, and actually had a human moment of sympathy for our heroine. The dragon academy parts were on the boring side, but it doesn’t really spend much time on them just to say she took this class and that class, and some of the things she had to learn (some of the paranormal academy books I’ve read haven’t bothered with classes at all, which made me wonder why even set them at an academy), and ran those laps with the focus being on her relationships with her friends and the bully, and her moments of self-triumph doing things her way. It’s probably a spoiler, but the heroine has a physical disability that gets revealed toward the end (there might have been earlier mentions of it, but I didn’t notice them). It’s sad it didn’t get more of a mention or brought in more into the book, but I liked that it was there, since there really ought to be more awareness about disabilities. A group I’m in was looking for recommendations of indie books with the main characters or supporting character having disabilities and out of the hundreds of books I have on my kindle, I could only come up with about three titles. I did love how this book brings to life all of the dragons and Eist’s drive to want to be paired with one to help her kingdom doing all sorts of deeds and adventures and helping others. I loved Eist’s wonder of anything to do with dragons, and especially seeing them both close-up and at a distance. And I loved that end scene so much I had to page forward to the next book.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Quick But Good Start

This is very quick but engrossing read that buried you in character development. Eist is an interesting study, with a variety of strengths and flaws. She is no Mary Sue, having limitations including a childhood disability she must overcome to achieve her goals; but good training, an iron will and willingness to do hard work whatever the cost will see her a long way. She doesn't really achieve what she is truly able, however, until she comes out of her prickly shell to accept the friendship of others who are her friends for what she is - a genuinely good person, whatever her flaws, with a dream and the desire and intensity to chase it. A very good set-up for the next part of the story, where we hopefully start to flesh out a bit more of our setting (only lip service given, thus far) and developing of more characters (Eist's friends, especially the newest one!).

[Eloise Haynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

I loved when she gave him a kick as he was about to hit her with the plank. Also can't wait to read the next book now that she has her dragon.

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

An OK read!

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chosen (The Brindle Dragon Book 1) by [Fisher, Jada]Eist has been surrounded by dragons all her life. Her grandfather helped with the hatchery and her parents were famous dragon riders. She was orphaned as a child, this plus here injuries could jeopardize here dream. However, she goes on with the training not knowing if a dragon will even choose here in the end of it.

Chosen is the first of a series in the Brindle Dragon stories.

I loved this book. It was easy to immerse myself into the world of dragon riders and the training they had to do. Eist's story is one of not giving up on her dreams.

I was given this book by the author in exchange for my honest review.

[S White · Rating 1 out of 5]

I actually bought the second episode

I fell for it.
Maybe it was a moment of weakness but what is done is done.
The story line is fantastic and the characters enjoyable damnit!
However I don't even consider this a short story.
It has the potential to become a awesome book but if it ever does I will probably miss it.
If you have the disposable income to read all of this "series" enjoy.

[Ima · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok

Story was ok and could have been better in my opinion. The book itself needs editing - past, present and future tenses was usually thrown into the same sentence. Kind of confusing. I think the author thinks that being short, fat with short legs is a bad thing. Got fed up of Eist seeing herself in that light. Plus, the cover picture does not match a short/fat character.

[JB · Rating 4 out of 5]

IMO, should be one complete book instead of novellas

I don’t like to give spoilers on the books that I read. I believe the blurb on the back is enough for you to decide if you will read the book or not. If you choose to read, enjoy!

[michael hooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked it

I gave it four stars because the book is so short. Just as I was getting into it ended. I am not a fan of short stories.

[Aelvana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eist is determined to be a dragon rider. Despite losing both of her parents, despite her grandfather's warnings, she knows this is what she was destined to become. But the academy is not an easy process, and even passing all her classes doesn't guarantee she'll end up with a dragon.

This was decent, but a little too straightforward and short. Although it sets up the foundation, it's only about a third of what I would expect from a book. That means it has enough time to introduce the major characters and set some details about their world and problems, but nobody really has a character arc. I can't really count the ending as resolving much because even if the title and the cover image didn't clue you in, nothing really shakes Eist's belief that this is her destiny and she just has to get there.

The closest this comes to conflict is her periodic confrontations with a bully. Laying aside the fact that it throws some doubt on the moral part of this school's evaluation when he keeps sabotaging her during events under observation, the teachers don't seem terribly involved in this struggle on either side. One person looks kindly on a physical marker that showed up after an illness (it feels unnecessary to call it a mark of the gods, though), but otherwise they're entirely hands off. I don't mind that Eist has such a firm belief in her own destiny, but the only time her destination is really in question is when she starts missing classes, and that resolves without much fuss.

I did like that the main character struggles with a disability, which will be obvious to the reader very early on, though she doesn't admit it until the end. The professors having nothing but good things to say about it was a little weird though. She will have issues, especially since dragon riders seem to be part military or police-focused. That's not to say she can't also do the job, but it seems premature to say this won't impact her ability to do the same job if she just works harder. Hard work won't make a crowded street any less noisy or confusing in the middle of an emergency (presumably the dragon's senses can substitute?).

Overall I liked this well enough that I would probably read the rest of the series if I had Kindle Unlimited. I'm a bit leery of the more serial format, and I wish there was a bit more to the characters to make them more than "nice guy she likes" and "taciturn girl from a foreign country." I rate this book Recommended.

See my reviews and more at https://offtheshelfreviews.wordpress....

[Athenns Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read, stick with it and it will make sense

I almost question the author's choice on how they went about not explaining what's going on with Eist. I think it made her harder to connect to on a personal level because you don't understand her motives or actions anymore then those around her. Maybe if the author had put in more about her keeping a secret then they could still have the big reveal with losing readers to confusion. Once you understand or in my case once I had glimpsed the reason in a another review I went back and kept reading. I was able to focus more on her story instead of trying to understand what was "wrong" with her. I truly wish there had been more of a character description for her and more about who she is in the beginning. The random descriptions from the other characters like squished down, fat and stumpy were so distracting cause I didn't know if they were saying it because she was possibly a little person and that was her "disadvantage" or just that she was stout and short... With both her physical description and her true disadvantage being a mystery it made it to confusing to try to picture her in my head. Plus there are many unusual names so a pronunciation list before the story or even as they went like her name was A'le said like A-Lee (I have no idea if that's right lol) something would have been great so they didn't pull you out of the story by trying to figure them out each time they come up.
Aside from that the plot, pace and setting of the story itself is very clever. Even with factors making it harder to stay in the world I found myself needing to know more. Wanting to read on to see how it plays out. I think the disability could have been told to us an still cause us to anticipate the teachers learning of it, though.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eist has known for most of her life that she wants to be a dragon rider. She'll do anything to ensure that her dream comes alive, even lie to her grandfather who she's very close to, the person who brought her up after her parents died.

Just because she has her heart and soul set on this, doesn't mean to say that she will be successful - there are only so many dragon eggs to go around, the tests will take all she has, and the fact she is female and the daughter of famous riders won't help either.

This is a well written tale that keeps the reader turning the pages at speed to follow Eist's story. She is a strong-willed girl, and she will learn new lessons when it comes to other people and how they treat her, both good and bad. Great reading for all ages. A main character that's interesting, full of determination, and that everyone can get behind.

The ending has me desperate to find out what happens next!

[Vicki DeVico · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is really enjoyable. Eist is a loner--she doesn't have friends and doesn't want them. She's convinced that she's destined to be a dragon rider, to the point where she's arrogant about it (not a good quality to have). She has a prickly personality as she tries to discourage offers of friendship from others, but in spite of that, she gains 2 friends during her training and actually learns to appreciate them. Her nemesis is the rich kid who enjoys taunting her and trying to make her miserable. Apparently, he figured out her disability long before we, the readers, do! From the beginning, it's hinted that she has a disability or a deficiency of some sort, but we don't find out what it is until nearly the end of the book. This is a good book for someone looking for a quick read. I enjoyed the story.

[Ken Finlay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Initially I did not think that I would like “Chosen”, first in the 'Brindle Dragon' series.
It's YA and it has been decades since I was a teenager.
However, the further I read the more interesting it became, largely because of the moments of genuine emotion.
Eist, on the cusp of womanhood, is the orphan daughter of two dragon riders.
To follow in their footsteps is her single ambition and “Chosen” follows her first year of training.
There is bullying, but there is also friendship (a novelty of the solitary Eist).
The catch is that even if she qualifies, it is the dragons who make the final decision and there simply aren't enough dragons for everyone.
Will she be one of the lucky ones? When you consider that it part of a nine-book series the question really answers itself!
It could have done with a tighter edit.
3.5 Stars, brought back to 3 Stars.

[Jennifer Woodrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Training for Dragons

This is the beginning book of a series that I am enjoying very much. It is about a young teenager and her quest to become a dragon rider. She has several impediments to that goal, to which she refuses to pay attention. The world building was excellent and I am looking forward to the expansion of the world the author is so deftly building. Also, her characters are complex and real, allowing us to see into the thoughts and motivations of each person she invents. Then, finally, her skill at writing is just about perfect. Not once was I shaken away from my reading enjoyment because of bad grammar or editing mistakes. I am now going to dive into book 2, because I can’t wait to se what happens next.

[Margaret Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book #1 of the Brindle Dragon saga. It isn't a very long book and you can zip through it very rapidly. It is the story of Eist, a young orphan girl who lives with her grandfather and who is determined to become a dragon rider. The daughter of two dragon riders, she has a great pedigree, but she still has to be tested to get into the academy, and she is one of the youngest who is trying out. She has a lot of growing to do, and this book develops her character as she matures. She makes some friends as well as some enemies. There is even a class bully who picks on her relentlessly. We find that Eist suffered a fever earlier in life and has a physical reminder that she carries with her. This was a very good beginning to the series. I liked it, and I think you will too.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chosen: The Brindle Dragon is the first book in this series.

Eist is orphaned at a young age when both her Dragon Rider parents are killed.
She is raised by her grandfather who does his best to discourage her from going for her destiny.
She has many obstacles to overcome during her initial training and she manages to overcome them with the help of two friends she really didn't need or want when her journey began.

This was a really fun book with developed characters, great descriptions, and a bit of humor to keep the pages turning, while at the same time drawing you deeper into the story and not wanting it to end.

[Serena Buffaloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, there is a cliff hanger, but this story is pretty Great !!!

What a wonderful story that took me away !!!
All Eist has ever dreamed about is being a dragon rider. Even though the way is paved with difficulties and hardships, she tells herself that it will be worth it all in the end.
Eist has always felt like an outcast, and this Academy is no different.
Until it is .
Studying , and working hard is nothing new to her, but with her new found friends, maybe she isn't as alone as she thought !!
Just to let y'all know, there is a cliff hanger at the end of this book, and I am totally here for it !!! On to the next adventure !!

[Gayreth Walden · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Wonderful Dragon Academy story!

Not every Dragon Rider trainee will end up with a dragon. The first year at the Dragon Academy is full of gruelling training and challenging tests. Those who pass will find out if a dragon will choose them at the end of the year. This story is very well written and flows at a good pace. I was pulled in from the beginning. I so enjoyed the life, training and angst of the first year initiates. I came to care about the characters very much. Very entertaining and I am excited to read the next book!

[Carolyn Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can Eist win her hearts dream, with the odds stacked against her.

This first in book gives you background plus the trials of becoming a Dragon rider.
Eist is challenged more by being the target of a bully, offered friendship from another girl contestant, which she turns down, but when a horrible accident, almost kills her grandfather Eist has never made friends easily, so is surpised when she finds she has made two, who help her threw this and catch up on studies .
See how she reaches the end.
It's a good start , bit of a sudden ending, must have next ready to read.

[Matthew and Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would be a good book for middle grade readers

Although the book had some good parts and a few likable characters, the plot was simplistic with very little character arch. Every problem was solved within the chapter, and there was more tell than show.

I have to wonder if I looked at the age group incorrectly. This felt like a middle grade book, when I thought it was a young adult read. I don't plan to read the rest of the series. I do think, though, that this book would appeal to middle grade readers.

[Travis · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Brindle Dragon is the first book in this series, and while it's a quick read, it does cover a lot of ground in the world building phase of this universe. It does have some Pern elements, but some other parts as well, and while there's nothing I'd call new in this book, I do like how it's all put together, and intend to read more in the series.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like how she doesn’t let anything get to her, yes now and then she fires back with some great one-liners, but overall she just focuses on what she wants. To become a dragon rider or someone who helps dragons. She knows it in her bones. Her family history helps her, but she doesn’t abuse her parent’s passing to give her that extra edge. Which just shows who she is.

Kept me hooked and highly entertained.

(Disclaimer: I received a free copy from the Author. Does not affect my review)

[BobA707 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Summary: Simple coming of age type book, potential for better things so I'll keep going in this series, not sure about dragons. We'll see. Some of the characters are a bit 2 dimensional

Plotline: Very simple plot for this first, very short, book

Premise: Dragons. Much more to discover hopefully

Writing: Simple, descriptive

Ending: Well highly predictable, title gives it away really.

Pace: Never a dull moment!

[Amanda Bauman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the plot of this book however some of the details are all over the place as though the Author forgot details they had previously mentioned. They say multiple times that eggs hatch every 10 years but then they talk about the 5 year dragons and how small they are. They also mention that they have to be at least 15 to enter the academy but later say that for once Dillie was acting/seemed her 14 years. Overall a good book just wish that the details were consistent.

[Rhane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very satisfying read

This coming of age tale has everything necessary to make you long for the next book in the series. Set in a world with dragons and dragon riders, it still clearly describes the challenges of adolescence and being different. We have friendships being formed, tragedy to be overcome, and success through hard work and persistence. If you like strong female characters this is a great book for you.

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

A first for me by this author, this book sets a great example for young adults dealing with the pressures of being different than what society dictates. This MC has a dream, yet all odds seem stacked against her. I found myself rooting for this underdog to never let her confidence falter. This series is definitely on the list to recommend to one of my grandchildren ! All my reviews are always voluntarily written.

[Christine Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eist is set to become a dragon rider as were her parents before her. But the world is set to make that difficult, the judgements for someone with a disability is trying on the MC. But Eist has a set and determined mind that makes you root for her even when the odds are against her.
This was my first from Jada Fisher and it won’t be my last. This was the near perfect balance of work building, background information and action.

I look forward to continuing this series.