Dragon Rift

Riders of Fire #3

by Eileen Mueller

Riders of Fire is an award-winning fast-paced fantasy series by multi-award-winning author Eileen Mueller.

A captive dragon master. A dangerous rift between mages and riders. And a secret weapon that will tear Dragons' Realm apart.

When Ezaara's powerful dragon master, Roberto, is captured by Commander Zens, her world is thrown into turmoil. Why is the council refusing to rescue Roberto, her clandestine lover?

And why do the caverns of Dragons' Hold echo with whispers of a prophecy unfulfilled?
A prophecy that says she has no right to be Queen's Rider.

As tension mounts, with an attempt on her life, Ezaara must take action to prevent Commander Zens from destroying her lover and Dragons' Realm.
Kierion, a dragon rider and prankster, wants to bridge a bitter feud between dragon riders and mages, but his reputation prevents anyone from taking him seriously.

If mages and riders stand united, Dragons' Realm might stand a chance against Commander Zens' new secret weapon.

But when Kierion takes matters into his own hands, he risks more than he realizes.

How will Roberto survive Zens' torture?
How can Kierion heal the rift?
And how can Ezaara save the people she loves?

If you love epic coming-of-age fantasy, heart-pounding adventure and dragons, Dragon Rift and the Riders of Fire series are for you.

Fans of Sarah K Wilson, Anne McCaffrey, Paolini and Ava Richardson will enjoy Riders of Fire.

Are you ready for adventure? Scroll up and click to read today!

Riders of Fire Series: Book 1: EzaaraBook 2: Dragon Hero - 8 November 2018Book 3: Dragon Rift - early 2019Book 4: Dragon Strike - mid 2019Riders of Fire Novellas, coming in 2019: Book 5: Dragon HealerBook 6: Dragon MageBook 7: Sea Dragon
Bronze Dragon, a Riders of Fire novelette is free on Amazon.
Silver Dragon, a Riders of Fire novelette is available only on Eileen's website.
Test drive them today!

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Dragons

402 pages, Paperback

First published April 5, 2019

About the author

Eileen Mueller is a USA Today multi-award-winning author of heart-pounding fantasy novels that will keep you turning the page.

Dive into her worlds, full of magic, love, adventure and dragons! Eileen lives in New Zealand, in a cave, with four dragonets and a shape shifter, writing for young adults, children and everyone who loves adventure.

Visit her website at www.EileenMuellerAuthor.com for FREE books, new releases or to become a Rider of Fire!

Awards:
2019 Two Storylines NZ Notable Book Awards - Ezaara & Dragon Hero
2017 Sir Julius Vogel Award, Best New Talent
2016 Sir Julius Vogel Award, Best Youth Novel
2017 finalist, Romance Writers New Zealand Chapter Short Story contest.
2013 winner, SpecFicNZ Going Global
2013 co-winner, New Zealand Society of Authors’ NorthWrite Collaboration
New Zealander of the Year Local Hero medalist.

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series gets better and better with each book.

A captive dragon master. A dangerous rift between mages and riders. And a secret weapon that will tear Dragons ’ Realm apart.
What can possibly go wrong?!



Roberto is a prisoner of Zen's.
But the council refuses to rescue him. And the caverns of Dragons’ Hold echo with whispers of a prophecy unfulfilled. A prophecy that says Ezaara has no right to be Queen’s Rider.

And this is how another adventure in Eileen Mueller's Realm of the Riders of Fire begins. One full of edge of the seat adventure with twists and turns at every corner. One full of drama and suspense, gripping, heartfelt and absolutely addictive.

This author has a talent in making you see the tale unfold. And feel what her characters feel. She'll put you though a roller-coaster of emotion and make you get lost within the pages, forgetting the world around.

Will Roberto survive Zens’ torture? Will Ezaara still be the Queens rider after all that seems to stand against her? And will she be able to save the people she loves?
and above all, will the Prophecy come true?
Read this and find out.

It is downright brilliant!

But than end is killing me!! So I'll jump straight off into the next in series. Because I need to know what happens next.

If you love heart-pounding adventure, dragons and a lot of feeling, this series is a MUST READ!

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

[Suz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was best book so far in this series. The action and tension was off the chain. The author spent a considerable amount of time planting little bits for further story, but for the most part the original arc was wrapped up well while still leaving plenty of unanswered questions for further books.

Then the very last thing the author did was write an unnecessary hook, which I hate. I would have probably given a greater than 4 star review, otherwise.

This is the last of the audiobooks currently available in this series. Had the author not started writing hooks for endings I probably would have finished the series by ebook. But with these endings I think I'm just going to move on to other things. Maybe when or if the rest of them become available in audio, but I'm not dying to spend a couple days each on books I have to stop everything to read just to be dangled at the end, and I don't like AI voices that read ebooks as the cadence is usually so jarring, so hard pass.

My summation of the series having only read the first three is that this is YA in which you can't forget that most of the characters are kids trying to be adults, the romances are VERY slow burn with nearly no heat at all, the author is pretty good at dreaming up really horrific situations to put the characters through, the magic system is ok but the social system is pretty pathetic and unlikeable and kind of a common misogyny trope, the author spends a lot of time making us believe people are evil, that they SHOULD be killed for the good of everyone, and then trying to make us believe it wasn't really their fault. That felt a lot like coitus interruptus to me.

[LJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an outstanding reaffirmation trilogy as well as corresponding books in this series that is set in an imaginative, creative, dangerous, seductive world. I understand it may have been marked as YA, by some, however, it is gritty, soul bearing and captivating regardless of your age when reading it. I commend Eileen Mueller on writing a gripping, heartfelt, series of books and I recommend reading. Thank you Eileen Mueller on work well done, well done! I look forward to revisting this series often and frequently.

[Kevin Potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new character. New adventures. Deeper connections. Stronger arcs. Lots and lots of prior plot threads coming to fruition.

As with the previous books, Caitlin Davies gives us an excellent performance. She has a great assortment of voices with excellent vocal inflections and solid tempo shifts throughout. As before, my one complaint is that I don't care for her choices for the Dragon voices.

Oddly, I think in many cases the Tharuks sound more like dragons than the dragons do.

As with the last book, we're bouncing between a fairly large number of POV characters, which gives a lot of depth to their personalities.

In this one we dive even deeper into some of the existing relationships, the history, and some of the reasons for things being the way they are.

We're introduced to our first wizard, which also takes us on a deeper dive into the reasons for the rift between the Dragon riders and the wizards. And why it's been perpetuated for so long.

A lot of past beliefs are challenged, layers of meaning are stripped bare, and in the end we're left with an evolved sense of the world and the momentous events that have been set into motion.

My only complaints are minor and totally understandable.
I don't know if it's expected that nearly every major character will end up pairing off into romantic couples in YA, but it's definitely something that I see a lot. And it irks me a bit. I'm not opposed to the romance subplot, I just don't think everyone needs one.

And, there's a period of about six weeks that is totally glossed over in which big things are happening. I totally get the author's decision on this (it would have likely added a LOT of length to the book without adding a ton of depth), but I really would have liked more detail on those events.

And my only other complaint is that the next book isn't available in audio yet!

I think one of my favorite parts was finally getting some inside information about the main villain. It was fascinating getting a peak at what makes him tick!

Which brings us to the ending.

I can definitely see how the author is improving with each book, especially in regards to the climaxes. Although there were one or two things that I caught on to pretty early on that I think were meant to be surprise reveals, the ending still came together brilliantly. There is a series of successive climaxes that build with each one until we reach the final culmination of the novel...

Which, of course, sets up the next book while also bringing the events of this one to a very satisfying close.
And the suspense is killing me!
I can't wait to listen to the next one!

[Amanda Sagen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eileen has done it again in this wicked tale of dragons and riders and their battle against the evil that is Zens and his Tharuk army!
She spins a tale that keeps you turning the pages, hoping that everything will turn out for the better. It's so easy to imagine the world she's created, almost like you're sitting right there at the top of a mountain, overlooking all that's happening!
The characters themselves have grown since the previous books and a few more have been really fleshed out and the main cast has expanded to allow the original group to grow.
Looking forward to seeing how this pans out fot Ezaara and Dragons Realm!

[Susan1566 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t believe how much I’m enjoying this series. Good, easy reading book with lots of action, interesting characters, and good storyline. This is well written, most of the time I forget how young the main characters are supposed to be, I’m just enjoying the read. Well worth it

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing like a well-placed cliff hanger. This one wasn't my favorite in the series, but I will anxiously await the fourth so I can find out what happens to our heroes.

[Angie Barnes]

This is the first book of Eileen Mueller I have read. It is written so well with alot of twist, turns and mistrust between the characters that you just want to keep reading to find out what happens next. I wold recommend this book to readers who liked this type of book.

I received this ARC for a honest review.

[Elizabeth Lavender · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two vows are at odds with each other. Roberto and Ezaara find themselves choosing between their oath to protect Dragon Realm and the one to each other.
Roberto has taken on the role of protector all his life. He has sheltered his sister, taking as much of their childhood horrors he could in her place. Then with Ezaara, he promised to protect her, and he did so in countless ways, even taking an undeserved sentence to save her life and almost dying in the process. Then his protection extends to the whole as he serves Dragon Realm, because he has witnessed the monstrosity of what approaches like few have. It’s what he can’t forget, because it’s the only time he didn’t protect. Instead, he became an instrument of torture and death, controlled by Zen, the enemy. Now his vow to protect the realm he loves asks the unthinkable of him. To return to the place his nightmare started and to risk becoming the monster again that he can’t forgive himself for. He does what is asked of him though, so others remain safe and to spare them enduring what could happen if it goes wrong. Roberto is a survivor too, and we again see that side of him reemerge. It’s that one that will fight to hold on with his last breath no matter how much the enemy puts him through.
For Ezaara, her world is split apart as her position of the Queen’s Rider, the protector of Dragon Realm, collides with her commitment to Roberto. Ezaara prepares an entire realm for battle while contending with the threat of enemies in her own ranks. In the same breath, the unthinkable becomes reality when Roberto’s attempt to go behind enemy lines ends in his capture. As much as the Realm needs her, she can’t abandon Roberto. She loves him and won’t lose him to the enemy. Even if it means she has to go to the heart of Zen’s operations herself to reclaim him. Courage is something Ezaara has never been short on.
The enemy that comes will show no mercy though. Ezaara and Roberto must trust the bond to each other is stronger than anything from the enemy. It’s the only hope to keep the oath to save Dragon Realm and each other.

[Sara Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know how she does it, but Eileen Mueller's series Riders of Fire keeps getting better and better! Building on the world set up in Ezaara and Dragon Hero, Dragon Rift continues where the previous books left off. Tomaaz and Roberto have been away in Death Valley, when Tomaaz arrives back at Dragon Hold, barely alive and with news that Roberto is a prisoner of Zens. Due to Spymaster Tonio's hatred of Roberto's father, Roberto spends nearly the entire book as a captive, while Ezaara, Adelina, and others propose various rescue attempts.

The mages also take center stage in Dragon Rift, as we learn about their decades-long quarrel with the dragon riders. Kierion, a mischievous, young, dragon rider hopeful reconnects with his old friend, Fenni, who is facing his mage trials. Together, they remind both the mages and dragon riders that they can be stronger together. The theme of uniting and putting aside misunderstandings and past hurts for the good of the realm runs through the entire book. Mages and riders. Archers and soldiers. Even counsel member and counsel member. Prejudices run deep, but only by overcoming them can Dragons' Hold take a stand against Zens.

We also get our first glimpse at how Zens became the villain who strikes fear across Dragons' Realm. His childhood was difficult and his thirst for power and revenge is much larger than it seemed in the first two books. Yet, in the midst of an uncertain future, there is celebration and life. We get to watch the mage trials, the dragon races, and a hand-fasting ceremony.

And in the end, our beloved riders are moving forward, not giving up, not giving in to despair, but more determined than ever to defeat Zens and to live!

[Alyssia Cooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot happens in this book but it almost feels rushed through, so you don’t emotionally connect with events or characters properly. I think the scenes with the mages were perhaps the most striking here, which is strange as they are not the key players. I also felt that there were a few too many issues with continuity. In particular a really big deal is made of how the portals shouldn’t be used often for fear that the big baddy will be able to use them... this danger is pushed at you repeatedly and yet the characters keep on using them when it would have made far more sense to fly on the back of a dragon.

Whilst there was an effort to put more of an effort to push some motive and backstory into Zens evilness, there wasn’t really enough and the nasties in the Dragon Hold seemed crude in their actions and motives. This is perhaps because you spend so much time rushing from one catastrophe to another, so there isn’t really time to examine motivations and the actions have to be blatant and obvious otherwise they wouldn’t be acted upon. I think a slower build up of sly and clever nastiness would have worked better in honesty as this felt heavy handed at times.

All in all, with the non stop action and fairly black and white characters, this would make a good teen book... but then you have some rather disturbing descriptions of torture and violence that I wouldn’t think suitable for the younger reader. Unfortunately, it doesn’t quite have the subtlety and complexity that would make it really appeal to the older and more experienced reader. It’s like it’s trying to straddle the two worlds and not quite hitting either mark.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This exciting continuing tale of the Queens Rider and her dragon Zaarusha. Things are getting all twisted up in Dragon Realm, Tharuks are invading and killing off families, Commander Zen is planning something pure evil...but what exactly is it? Dragons and riders must find out what is going on in death valley.
Riders aren't supposed to be friends with Mages and Wizards but without their help can the people of Dragons Realm survive Commander Zen and his Tharuks? Will old grievances be overcome? What happens to Roberto and Erob? Will Ezaara still be the Queens rider after all the scandal and animosity stirred up against her? Will the Prophecy come true? What exactly has come over some of the people in dragons realm...
In this exciting tale some things come to the light and some are explained. Some traitors are still planning to do what they do best. This is an excellent exciting book, all the twist and turns keep you turning pages and holding your breath waiting to see what's next.
This is a must read!!

[RJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Time out for a little political intrigue within Dragon’s Realm. Each of our heroes also has its antagonist. Sophia has had it out for Ezaara since the accidental stabbing of her leg. Now she’s spreading dangerous rumors that could cause Ezaara big problems. Ezaara’s certification has yet been made official, so she’s vulnerable. Roberto has his own set of problems. Once again he is in the clutches of Zens. To add to Roberto’s troubles, his old antagonist Tonio is in no hurry to help to rescue him. Aside from these sub-plots, we have a couple more budding romances to fill in the gaps. Kierion, a new dragon rider makes his appearance as a prankster who has a more serious mission; to bring riders and mages together to defeat Zens. Speaking of Zens, he’s busy torturing Roberto while implementing a new plan up his sleeve. So many things going on, along with additional background on key characters. Eileen Mueller continues to spin an enduring tale. I eagerly await the next volume. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Shelley Nolan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this next book in the series, and getting to know more about old characters and to meet new ones. There was plenty of action and moments of peril for the main characters that make it tense in places. This was tempered with moments of humour. It got quite dark at times, increasing the sense of peril for the characters, though hints peppered throughout the earlier books, and in this one, showed the direction the story was headed. The dark times allowed for plenty of character growth and it was good to see minor characters like Adelina and Kierion getting their chance to shine. In all, it was a good story that ended on a point that promised plenty more action and dark times ahead for Ezaara and those she loves.

[Ramona Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

It had been discovered Zen had supposedly created a new creature to fight the dragons. Roberto and Tomaaz were to go to Death Valley and see if they could find out anything about the new creatures. Romance was forming in the air and lovers were saying goodbye to each other. This is a well written book continuing the story from the first two and the two prequels. Has the right amount of dismay and happiness but it does have spoilers if you haven't read the other two books. They really need to be read in order that way everything makes sense. Though if you don't mind the spoilers you can read them anyway you want it's a very good book...

[Alexander Fischer · Rating 5 out of 5]

So its already some months ago that ive read this book, but since the next 3 parts are out atm, i will start it up again.
And i still have that book quite clearly in my memorys.
I liked it, actually i liked it alot, the nice little insights you get only piece by piece and not a whole pre-story revelation is really nice!
THe story got drive quite abit here with why its happening and all that, and also we get more insights into the magic.
Only thing is that we have again some things that i would change, especially that...."dimension hopping", that can get very meh very quickly, but i hope that it wont happen too often anymroe. But im stoked to read the other 3 parts now!

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book picks up where book two left off and finally begins to reveal some secrets in regards to the bigger picture. We discover more of who Zens really is and how the fates of all the characters intertwine, whether it be past or present. There are also new characters introduced in this book and we become more familiar with characters mentioned in past books. The fast pace makes for an enjoyable read, however, I still find myself having a hard time connecting with the characters overall. They feel very shallow and lack the depth that I need to truly connect, which makes this series very frustrating for me. I am truly enjoying the overall story which keeps me engaged and wanting to read more, but I do wish the characters had been developed more.

[BobA707 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Summary: Some books are just too black and white. This is one. Some interesting characters, but stupid, pointless intrigues, Just all didn't quite work for me, despite a pretty good premise. Disappointing that 3 books is not enough to complete the story. I found myself skimming sections to try to just read the main plot. I won't be going on to book 4+. 3 stars is generous, but their is a decent book hidden in here somewhere.

Plotline: All a bit pointless

Premise: Interesting world building

Writing: Simple, descriptive

Ending: Disappointing, no where near reaching a conclusion.

Pace: Never a dull moment!

[Robin Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book. Can't wait for "Dragon Strike - Riders of Fire book 4". Best series sense Anne McCaffrey's "Dragon Riders of Pern". So glad we have a new author who writes these kind of books! Hope Riders of Fire series has a long list of books.
I got this book free from the author and left this review voluntarily.
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/18319...
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packed, Easy-to-read, Great world building, Inspirational, Original, Page-turner, Unpredictable, Wonderful characters

[Craig Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dragons Galore!
Ezaara still faces opposition, especially with Roberto all because of who is father was, but they find out, the actions of his father, may not have been his own. Roberto must find out what's going on, and in doing so is captured. It's up to Ezaara and some other fantastic characters, including some wizards who appear and start kicking butt with magic!!! to save him, and to unite old alliances.
This book was fantastic! The narration, wonderful. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series!

[Linda Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

EZAARO and ROBARTO dragon queen rider and her mate

Ezaaro and Robarto new dragon queen and her mate. Three months ago she didn’t know about dragons until Zaarusho came to find her dragon rider. Since then Ezaaro’s life has been Nothing but turmoil. She has to prove her right to be dragon queen and dragon rider. She has to fight for the right to love Roberto. She has to find out how to rule with her dragon the people and dragons at Dragons Hold and bring her world together. Fast paced, moving, emotional, family oriented I want more about everybody.

[Nicholas Whyte · Rating 2 out of 5]

https://fromtheheartofeurope.eu/three-new-zealand-fantasies-we-all-fall-by-helen-vivienne-fletcher-tyrelia-by-s-r-manssen-dragon-rift-by-eileen-mueller/

This is the third volume in a series of six, and I don’t think the other five would have helped convince me; it’s a world which is a knock-off of Pern with a few imports from Middle Earth, and lost me rather with the super-effective magical healing ointments.

[Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are not enough words to describe how incredible and awesome this book was. It was a great read and an even better adventure. This book pulled me into the world and let me see what was going on. It was a whirlwind of emotions. This series is easily one of my favorites. I can’t wait to figure out what will happen next.

I received an ARC of this book and I was so happy with it I am going to buy the paperback for my collection.

[Gay Deputee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book explodes with action and adventure, drama, suspense and love... in all its many forms. Riders and lovely but scarred ladies, dragons to their riders, Roberto and Ezaara, mages and dragon riders... love everywhere. With all that falling in love, there has to be drama to try to upset it. From start to finish, I couldn't read fast enough! Great storytelling with wonderful endearing characters. And, of course, lots of dragons. On to the next.

[Mary Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Much explained!

Enjoying the series and will continue. Appreciated the side stories and also times with explanations of the what and why the characters behaved the way they were. I was quite confused n the beginning and side not like the fickleness of the people as they would sway from love and appreciation to hatred and willingness the burn and murder.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a terrific book. I like how Ezaara handled things. I was so interested in the book it was hard to put down. I was tearry when Roberto got banished and then hurt, I thought that was the end. Then when each got to experience Death Valley, it was so hard to put down. I like the happy ending but can not wait for the next one, to see how they defeat Zens and his dragons.

[Cody Arko-Omori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

I love how she keeps you on the edge of your seat. The characters come alive through the pages. Ezaara is a heroine for young girls to look up to. She is strong, confident and self aware. Together with her dragon queen and family she what she needs to get things done. From the first book to now and I’m sure to the end these are wonderful stories to read.

[Christine Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a thrilling fast paced novel. Action packed and full of ups and downs, twist and turns. I was listening via audible and couldn't stop. I had to know what was next. This really tied together both the previous novels and some open questions I had of the past. The depth of each character is really shown. I cannot wait to keep going.

[sherry young · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good story,with a wonderful plott.

A great love story.I detest Zen's & his evil ways. Now I have to read the next book.Does Dragons bend have a chance? What about the lovers & their honeymoon? You will just have to read the book .Read the entire series. The author is amazing & talented.

[Phi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was so action-packed and intense and magical and fantastic! There was a whirlwind of emotions all throughout the book, both good and bad (not bad because of bad writing, but because the villain is truly evil). I'm so glad I got back started on this series! It's just so wonderful, and the ending was so perfectly sweet.