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Dragon Mage #1

The Ward of Wyvern

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A lost mage. A dragon queen. A dangerous destiny unfolds.

Forced to pay his debt to society, seventeen-year-old Teagan is sent to a dragon-obsessed town to reform his rebellious ways.

Losing his freedom is the worst thing that could happen, and all he wants is to serve his sentence, and get out.

Until he meets Jade Drake.

She isn't like the other girls. She speaks as though she's from a different time, is constantly followed by two moody guys, and she has one epic secret.

When their destinies intertwine, Teagan and Jade unlock a forgotten past that brings deadly consequences to everyone they love. And each other.

But can their new bond withstand the pressure of the darkest power in their world?

Fans of Twilight, Eragon, and An Ember in the Ashes will love this epic fantasy adventure.

One-click to read it now!

291 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 2018

636 people are currently reading
1519 people want to read

About the author

L.J. Andrews

69 books6,795 followers
Writing is a beautiful thing.

I consider myself blessed I'm able to do this for a living. I live for fantasy books as a reader and author. I adore books like An Ember in the Ashes, The Night Angel Trilogy, Harry Potter, The Great Library series...I could go on.

Before I write I have four young humans I keep alive and love them to the stars and back again. I live in Utah with my sexy husband, the kiddos, two paranoid dogs, and a sinister cat. Between finishing a second degree, running a business, and eating too much chocolate, I love writing early in the morning when no one is awake. If you can't tell, I basically function on caffeine.

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5 stars
212 (38%)
4 stars
164 (29%)
3 stars
111 (20%)
2 stars
42 (7%)
1 star
19 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
40 reviews
February 10, 2024
I read this book because I had just finished the series "The Broken Kingdoms and the Ever Seas" by L J Andrews which I absolutely loved and wanted to read some more from this author. However, this book did not enthral me as much. It was without doubt written before "The Broken Kingdoms" and does not have the depth of writing that she definitely develops later on. The characters are not that realistic, ie. Teagan transforms in an instant from a rebellious, rather annoying brat with many issues to someone who is strong, honourable, brave, clever and hunky. I can vaguely understand the reasons for the instant draw between Teagan and Jade but the relationship does not get a chance to develop before it is unrequited love. Mini appears and then disappears without really doing much. The whole training of Teagan to teach him how to harness his powers happens in an instant with no-one really knowing what to say to him and yet suddenly he is High Priest! I do like fantasies but this is a bit too fantastical and, as I said, with no real depth to the writing, the fantasy world or the characters. I will continue with the series in the hope that they finally improve to the standard of all Ms Andrews other books.
Profile Image for Andrea Stoeckel.
3,155 reviews132 followers
January 9, 2019
“Keeping feelings hidden was a talent, and no—meeting Jade Drake was not going in Sapphire’s reflection journal.”

Teagen’s acting out yet again, and this time there were consequences as he ends up in a reform program to finish high school. Known for quiet fury, this new place and it’s inhabitants are more than intriguing. Now, why are dragons all over the place; who is Mr. Sapphire and just what had he gotten himself into now?

Shifters aren’t really my “thing” but good, intelligent quirky stories are. Magic, mystery and fantastic characters are important to me, and this book- and hopefully the next (and so on) are. LJ Andrews presents a fantastic journey...come on board! Highly recommended 5/5

[disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it]
Profile Image for Debbie Eyre.
5,918 reviews116 followers
July 20, 2021
OMG this is just brilliant! Filled with action, mystery, magic and of course dragons this had me on the edge of my seat! Fast paced with some intriguing character, this is going to be an awesome series!
Profile Image for Rawr Emmy.
154 reviews
March 4, 2023
I feel like if I read this book 15 years ago, I would have made it my entire personality!
But... As an adult now, there was a lot of small things that added up for me.

The good - I actually like the premise of the story and the take on mages, dragons, wyverns, etc. The idea of magical and non magical beings being "classified" and ranked in society by that feels very true to.. Well... Humanity. Unfortunately. I generally like the characters.. But that kinda brings me to

The bad- Teagan goes from this semi annoying, kinda whiney, rebellious outcast guy, to suddenly smitten and attempts to be charming, while also being a whiney, rebellious outcast guy. Then he suddenly becomes this hunky bad ass lover boy. Idk... It felt weird to me.
The world itself feels incredibly tiny, even being based on the real world.

Tbh, this was looking like 4 stars for me, until the last 3 chapters. Something about the "wrap up" felt super rushed and lack luster. And the whole "I'm gonna force you into freeing yourself by scaring the shit out of you as a declaration of unwavering trust" was lame.. Idk. Maybe other people like that... But I actually rolled my eyes when he jumped. That's just bad writing imo.

So.. 3.5, but I rounded down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kathy Mayer.
861 reviews9 followers
August 25, 2024
I love Teagan & Jade!!!

This series definitely starts off strong. Teagan is an orphan who lives with his aunt. Teagan lives in a magical realm but has no magic. They call them defects. He hates following rules as you will see by his long rap sheet. In this book there is earth and a magical realm called magis. Teagan has offenses in both. However, his third offense in magis is where the judge lays down the law. He either goes to a reform school or he faces solitary confinement. He isn't given much time to think about it. And the judge ends up deciding for him. He is sent to the reform school. There they actually have an integrated school of magical & human. Teagan is 19 years old but he still needs to graduate.

Jade is royalty. However, her family was betrayed & she is the last member. Her mother's best friend has raised her. She has two best friends that are warriors that go with her to school. She is going because she's bored. This school covers high school & college. Jade has elemental powers. Her friends, the elders, Mr. Sapphire, the council, & Jade have a big secret. They are dragon shifters.

While going to school Jade & Teagan feel a magnetic pull towards each other. At times they can't stop staring, touching, or kissing one another. When Teagan saves Jades life painful marks brand into his arms. They are jade in color. This has the older dragons nervous about her being around Teagan. Teagan is a mage they find out. And it turns out he's very powerful. Without Jade's cool power to make people not see her or whoever she chooses she wouldn't be able to spend so much time with him. Mini is a mage that is bonded to Sapphire. She ends up training Teagan. Jade convinces Teagan to leave the school so they can ask his aunt about his parents. They find out some interesting information Teagan never knew. Unfortunately, all their enemy needed was Jade to cross the boarder for them to know where the dragons were hiding. A battle breaks out and one person dies. Teagan is able to banish them. You should read this to hear about the deep bond between Jade & Teagan.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Smith.
61 reviews3 followers
April 21, 2022
This book couldn't keep me engaged. It felt like a slog despite theoretically being exactly what I look for: a romantic fantasy by an author I enjoyed other books ( Curse of Shadow and Thorns I was unable to put down) a broody male, mysterious female, small town clearly hiding something, dragons. But I'm writing this review with fewer than 20 pages left and absolutely dreading the idea of having to drag myself through those last few pages, knowing there won't be a satisfying ending as a device to entice people into the rest of the series - and I just can't stomach the idea of having to read another 3 books of this dreck. There are no heart-pounding moments, few characters with any substance, and everything feels like exposition, even the action scenes. The exposition just seems to repeat things that were explained earlier in the story.
12.7k reviews189 followers
July 24, 2021
Wow, what an amazing second book. It’s impossible to stop reading once you’ve started. Don’t miss out once it’s released.
Profile Image for R.E. Admore.
Author 2 books2 followers
March 3, 2022
I feel this book would have been twice as good if it were half as long. The first third of the book was amazing and I was thinking it would surely be a four star review. The characters were unique, interesting, and with some depth. The action was fast and the story unfolded nicely, and there was a nice sense of mystery and secrets to be discovered. Unfortunately, to me, the story became muddled and bogged down, despite the revealing answers to early mysteries. One of the problems was the repeated theme of the tension and bond between Teagan and Jade. The story kept circling back, when this should have been resolved and their relationship moved forward. It became a little tedious to reread all about their feelings and magical bond, again and again and again. Another problem was all the main characters seemed confused about the magic that was happening around them, to the point I became confused. There are plenty of fight scenes, with some that went on a little too long so that I lost interest. I was disappointed that one of the main characters gets killed, one of the ones I most enjoyed reading about. I am not a fan of killing off characters unless it is absolutely necessary and this didn't serve any purpose that I could see, so it quashed my "happily ever after" feeling. There were some great characters, moments, and interesting creatures, I just wish everything would have melded together a little better and quicker. One of my favorite dragon shifter books remains "Dragon Ascending" by Amy Beatty.
Profile Image for Fleur.
3,730 reviews29 followers
December 30, 2018
Teagan has never felt like he has belonged which led to him acting out any chance he can get, unfortunately the judge has reached the end of his rope so Teagan has to decide be sent to a reform program to finish out high school or put in detention until he is 21. Reform program it is but he finds the place he is living in weird not only does it have dragon inspired decor but also there appears to be more going on than it appears. Although he tries to keep his head down and do what he needs to so he doesn't disappoint his Aunt Liz but his attraction to the principles daughter may be his undoing. There is so much to love about this book with the mystery of who Mr Sapphire is along with others including Jade, why does he feel more at home in the forest behind his house, where did the tattoos come from and who were his parents really? I can't wait to read the next book and hopefully by then I will have forgiven LJ Andrews for one of things that happens in the book as I was not happy at all when this incident occurred! :P
Profile Image for The Mysterious Reader.
3,589 reviews66 followers
January 19, 2019
Betrayal, magic, thrills, action, adventure, Teagan and Jade’s story in LJ Andrews’ The Ward of Wyvern (Dragon Mage, Book 2) has it all. This really is the perfect dragon shifter fantasy and total catnip to someone like me who is a lover of fantasy stories involving dragons. Perfectly written, with a great plot, superb lead and supporting characters and the ideal works built for the take and series. This author is a master at fantasy story-telling and I’m delighted to have been among those who benefit. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises. The book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, and it is easy to highly recommend. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Karen.
1,424 reviews2 followers
August 7, 2019
Wyverns and Mages

This is a great series opener and coming of age story. Teagan Ward has pushed the limits one too many times and is sentenced to Wyvern Reform Program in the town of Wyvern Willows, Montana. But once there, he realizes not everything is as it seems. The headmaster for Wyvern Reform house is an imposing man who lays down the rules for staying at the house and attending school. Teagan has already been befriended by two older "reforms" and a local, but it's the girl with two bodyguards who captures his attention as they sit in the back of their literature class. She talks directly to him and sets his blood on fire. But who is she? And why does it feel like everything is changing....forever? The next book is available in the KU library and I'll be reading it next. And there's a prequel to the series that's available through the author, with a link at the end of this book.
Profile Image for Teri.
3,918 reviews37 followers
December 28, 2018
An orphan boy with out of control rage and other issues, mainly feeling like he didn't belong is thrown into a world he didn't know existed when he pulls one stunt too many. Others seem to recognize him or something about him which starts him on the path to discovering who and what he is. Tons of action and excitement because of course this author doesn't want to give you a chance to relax during her reads. It's a great follow up in the series as the connections are met and lines are crossed and allegiances are determined. Powers have been awakened and more than ever the time has come to face Bron because ready or not he is coming.
Profile Image for Sierra Tuttle.
111 reviews1 follower
March 12, 2022
Good read

This book is not entirely what I expected from the description, but I wasn't disappointed. Though it wasn't what I expected at first, that didn't matter after getting into the book more. I thourly enjoyed reading this book. I really like the characters and absolutely love all the twist and turns, plots, and secrets that are revealed. The world in general is interesting and gets even more so as you get further into the book. Im finding it difficult to discuss all the things I like about this book without spoilers. 4 stars from me. I will definitely be checking out the next one.
Profile Image for Esther.
678 reviews2 followers
January 2, 2023
Why high-school?

Why are these kids in high-school? Why not college or some kind of summer work camp? I really liked the story, but the whole high-school aspect just didn't fit. I also don't understand why the mmc is so strong. Perhaps it will be explained in book 2.
I really do like the characters and the story, and I'm excited to start the next book. I just don't like the setting.
158 reviews1 follower
December 25, 2018
Definitely ends different than it starts. It is an excellent coming of age story. Well written with fully developed characters. Lots of mystery and questions some answered, but not all. I am looking forward to where the series might go. I received a free copy of the book for my honest review and that was it.
Profile Image for Michelle VanDaley.
1,703 reviews5 followers
January 7, 2019
This series has it all, action, fighting, magic love and Dragons!!! I love this fascinating series so far. Fast paced non stop action with characters that you can't hep become invested in. Teagan's journey has just begin and I can't wait to see where the author takes this series next. A must read for all dragon fans!
Profile Image for Roger.
5,646 reviews28 followers
January 11, 2019
My seventeenth read from amazing/prolific author L.J. Andrews and the second book of a new trilogy. So different than the first book in the series. Well-written with intricately developed characters you can invest heavily in and the story-line with its intricate twists and surprises. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
Profile Image for Arls.
14 reviews
May 13, 2025
This book felt rushed toward the middle and end. At the beginning it took a minute, but then I realized I wanted more information, more of a background, just more.
Albeit it started out slow, but it needed to be for world building- and then all of the sudden we’re in another world.

It’s easy to catch up. I think I was just missing the meaty portions. It was surface based.
Profile Image for Linda Levine.
4,642 reviews25 followers
December 25, 2018
The series definitely captured my interest. I liked the characters and am intrigued by the storyline. I am very much looking forward to unlocking more of the secrets and reading more about the characters.

I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.
Profile Image for Fiona Andrew.
767 reviews16 followers
December 26, 2018
As l expected this book is awesome. We continue the story of the Dragons from Gaia. Totally well written and described beautifully. I highly recommend you discover this authors awesomeness for yourself.
158 reviews1 follower
December 30, 2018
Different than what expected. Very well written. A good storyline and characters. Surprises and action. Magic and dragons what more can I say. I received a free copy of the book for my review. I can't wait to read the next book.
Profile Image for Jensie.
445 reviews
October 18, 2022
Honestly, not a fantastic read. I just kept wanting a little something extra that never came. Overall I think the characters and story lacked substance, grit- whatever you want to call it. Wouldn't recommend.
353 reviews
October 30, 2022
Great story!

This is such a good story! The plot is very well written and the story itself is really entertaining. Ms. Andrews has an incredible imagination. You won’t be sorry to buy this book.
Profile Image for Karin Grimm.
7 reviews
December 31, 2018
I have to admit I wasn't sure if I was going to like it. It started in way that I didn't expect. Once I got further in the book I was hooked. I couldn't put it down.
Profile Image for Phthon.
2,318 reviews7 followers
January 10, 2019
Oh, WOW! This was an amazing book! Full of everything, I don’t know how to describe it, but I can’t wait to find out what happens next! WOW!
Profile Image for Janeandjerry.
625 reviews21 followers
January 29, 2019
The Ward of Wyvern: A Dragon Shifter Fantasy

This was a great book and is the second book in this series and will have you sitting on the edge of your seat from the beginning.
Profile Image for Jaime basham.
269 reviews
August 12, 2019
Just couldnt put it down!!

A completely different spin on dragons!! Starting i wasnt sure wether i would like it but i have to say an epic book!! Really do reccomend
Profile Image for Angie.
112 reviews1 follower
February 20, 2023
This book started a bit slow but once it starts on the action you just can't wait to see what's going to happen next!
16 reviews
April 2, 2023
At first this reminded me a little of the tv show legacy. But it definitely take a life on its own.
Profile Image for Shannon Doele.
57 reviews
September 7, 2023
3.5 I wish they'd do more world building. I still am unsure what the characters actually possess.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

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