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Dragon Ridden Chronicles #4
Secrets Bound By Sand
When the past forms the future, how does a woman with few memories survive?
No longer nameless or alone, Tate has put down roots in the city of Aurelia. She’s found a home, friends and a misfit family. When an assassination attempt leads to a dangerous loss of control over her dragon, Tate is sent to the farthest reaches of the empire on a mission she can’t refuse.
It isn’t long before Tate stumbles into her usual brand of trouble. Kidnapped and separated from her closest allies, Tate will have to find a way to survive old enemies and new acquaintances.
Piecing together the tattered remnants of her past might be the only thing separating her from death. Enemies long thought dead are returning and they won’t be satisfied until they have Tate’s head.
No longer nameless or alone, Tate has put down roots in the city of Aurelia. She’s found a home, friends and a misfit family. When an assassination attempt leads to a dangerous loss of control over her dragon, Tate is sent to the farthest reaches of the empire on a mission she can’t refuse.
It isn’t long before Tate stumbles into her usual brand of trouble. Kidnapped and separated from her closest allies, Tate will have to find a way to survive old enemies and new acquaintances.
Piecing together the tattered remnants of her past might be the only thing separating her from death. Enemies long thought dead are returning and they won’t be satisfied until they have Tate’s head.
367 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 3, 2019
397 people are currently reading
308 people want to read
About the author
T.A. White
25 books3,564 followersWriting is my first love. Even before I could read or put coherent sentences down on paper, I would beg the older kids to team up with me for the purpose of crafting ghost stories to share with our friends. This first writing partnership came to a tragic end when my coauthor decided to quit a day later, and I threw my cookies at her head. Today, I stick with solo writing, telling the stories that would otherwise keep me up at night.
Most days (and nights) are spent feeding my tea addiction while defending the computer keyboard from my feline companion, Loki, who would like to try her paw at typing.
Most days (and nights) are spent feeding my tea addiction while defending the computer keyboard from my feline companion, Loki, who would like to try her paw at typing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
January 24, 2023
I’ve come to the conclusion that I read this series so that my followers didn’t have to
Listen y’all, TA White is a STABLE in my bookshelves and I expected this series to contain her iconic strong heroine, complex plot twists, and hot love interest that she usually delivers. But this series is a DRAFT compared to her other works. While the premise is unique as fuck with funny characters, finishing this series leaves me with such a bland taste in my mouth.
So most of my critiques of the MC Tate haven’t been fixed at all
She doesn’t work well with others
“She let out a heavy sigh and faced the Black Order's representatives. "Why is it that every time I'm called in for a mediation, there is very little actual mediation happening and a surplus of running around just trying to stay alive?” \
She strongly in denial of fucking everything about herself
She's stubborn as fuck *okay fine I like this quality*
“It's forward or perish," she told him. "And I refuse to let this be my end.”
She can’t follow plans
“Dewdrop covered a wide yawn with his hand. "When they sent you here, I don't think it was to threaten the Order with death every time they did something to irritate you.”
She has like 0 logic or thought process
Also apparently her amnesia just never went away. In the series, we got sneak peaks into her identity implied that its really fucking important. But she really never tried to learn more about her past self. And she just never got her memory back which is just so fucking weird to me
And yet i keep reading for the unique premise and amazing side characters
The Dewdrop Night gang going strong and i still just totally love them. I’m sad they’ll never really get an ending or own spinoff series
“And I’m your family, Night promised. Which is why if you try to talk Dewdrop or me into letting you do this alone, I will rip your arm off.”
“Here I am, trying to have a memorable moment, and you threaten me. Sometimes I regret rescuing you from that cage.”
I will actually miss these two guys a lot now that the series *abruptly* ended
Also where did Blade go?
Tate’s dragon Ilith
So Tate isnt a dragon.. she turns into a dragon who has their own mindset goals. Basically she blacks out and becomes a toddler that breathes fire
“I’m assuming training didn't go according to plan," Tate said.
His lips quirked. "Yes, your dragon's inability to fly was most unexpected. It was humorous until she refused to transform back and then started crying for food."
Tate cringed. Yes, she remembered something to that effect. Her dragon had no shame”
But her dragon also made no sense considering the connections earlier with the other dragons bowing and respecting Tate’s dragon like ROYALTY and yet she acts like a useless baby dragon
One thing I still haven’t figure out is how Tate is able to talk to her dragon. Everyone else says thats a sign of insanity…. soo… actually yah no that would explain a lot
And they have funny banter back and forth
“Never outnumbered. We are dragon, was the emphatic statement.
"You nearly died last time, stupid," Tate muttered.”
“That was past. Now is now, Ilith said, sounding philosophical.
"That was only four days ago," Tate reminded her.”
And then there's this fucker, Ryu
“Do you remember when I was dying?" she asked him, her throat clogged and her voice was rougher than it should have been. "You told me I didn't have your permission to die. Well, the same goes for you. Whatever this is, you need to beat it and come back and help me solve this debacle. Do you hear me? I'm getting tired of waiting for you. Open your eyes, Ryu.”
He never fully redeemed himself in my eyes. His dickishness from the first book with zero trust or support while sending her on dangerous jobs MAKES NO FUCKING SENSE when in this book he claimed he has loved her when first saw her. Well that a hell of a way to show it bucko.
But this book definitely made more of an effort to build chemistry between Tate and Ryu
The creativity!!
This series continues to tempt and tease me with its interesting premise and witty lines that keep me reading despite my overstated objections to the heroine and her backstory
“Two dragons, a teenage banshee, a couple of bearcats, an Avertine with suspicious motivations, and a guardian who looked like he'd be more at home in an archive cataloging books. Not who she would have picked to infiltrate the Harridan's city, but you made do with what you had and hoped for the best.”
Like how fucking creative is that line??!?! That scenario ?!?! And yet the execution just didn’t quite fulfill it.
One thing I really loved was scrapping the flashbacks method and having this new magical old lady badass character that remembers the first time Tate walked the earth.
It honestly made me want to know more about past Tate than any other method used in this goddamn series because she must've been such a badass with how respected and loyal the gypsies are to her
“I regret I will not get to see you teach a new generation the meaning of your name, but I will look forward to the stories told."
"Not going to lie, I'm hoping those stories are boring and uneventful," Tate said.
The Ahnteela snorted as a chuckle escaped. "You always say that, yet somehow you always manage to be right in the thick of things.”
but… we never learn more about their friendship… or more about old Tate… or have current Tate make any character development. It was just stifling
This book definitely isn't supposed to be the ending of the series, I guess the author just stopped ?? I’m not kidding, this book is clearly set up to continue the series with us -- finally figuring out the last of Tate’s identity details, let the ship with her and Ryu sail, Dew and Night find happiness, and just some ending SOME GODDAMN ENDING. Instead, we get another info dump and a TBD that I guess is never coming. See what I mean?? It was a fun series with great characters. But if you are considering this series. I’m telling you right now, there was NO real payoff.
TA White is one of my favorite authors and I expected this series to deliver her usual strong heroine, complex plot twists, and hot love interest. And it had all those elements which kept me reading the series. But there no real pay off with the series. Even if there was another book after this one, i would be reading it to just find out what happened, not to enjoy the world like I usually am. And that says a lot.
Listen y’all, TA White is a STABLE in my bookshelves and I expected this series to contain her iconic strong heroine, complex plot twists, and hot love interest that she usually delivers. But this series is a DRAFT compared to her other works. While the premise is unique as fuck with funny characters, finishing this series leaves me with such a bland taste in my mouth.
So most of my critiques of the MC Tate haven’t been fixed at all
She doesn’t work well with others
“She let out a heavy sigh and faced the Black Order's representatives. "Why is it that every time I'm called in for a mediation, there is very little actual mediation happening and a surplus of running around just trying to stay alive?” \
She strongly in denial of fucking everything about herself
She's stubborn as fuck *okay fine I like this quality*
“It's forward or perish," she told him. "And I refuse to let this be my end.”
She can’t follow plans
“Dewdrop covered a wide yawn with his hand. "When they sent you here, I don't think it was to threaten the Order with death every time they did something to irritate you.”
She has like 0 logic or thought process
Also apparently her amnesia just never went away. In the series, we got sneak peaks into her identity implied that its really fucking important. But she really never tried to learn more about her past self. And she just never got her memory back which is just so fucking weird to me
And yet i keep reading for the unique premise and amazing side characters
The Dewdrop Night gang going strong and i still just totally love them. I’m sad they’ll never really get an ending or own spinoff series
“And I’m your family, Night promised. Which is why if you try to talk Dewdrop or me into letting you do this alone, I will rip your arm off.”
“Here I am, trying to have a memorable moment, and you threaten me. Sometimes I regret rescuing you from that cage.”
I will actually miss these two guys a lot now that the series *abruptly* ended
Also where did Blade go?
Tate’s dragon Ilith
So Tate isnt a dragon.. she turns into a dragon who has their own mindset goals. Basically she blacks out and becomes a toddler that breathes fire
“I’m assuming training didn't go according to plan," Tate said.
His lips quirked. "Yes, your dragon's inability to fly was most unexpected. It was humorous until she refused to transform back and then started crying for food."
Tate cringed. Yes, she remembered something to that effect. Her dragon had no shame”
But her dragon also made no sense considering the connections earlier with the other dragons bowing and respecting Tate’s dragon like ROYALTY and yet she acts like a useless baby dragon
One thing I still haven’t figure out is how Tate is able to talk to her dragon. Everyone else says thats a sign of insanity…. soo… actually yah no that would explain a lot
And they have funny banter back and forth
“Never outnumbered. We are dragon, was the emphatic statement.
"You nearly died last time, stupid," Tate muttered.”
“That was past. Now is now, Ilith said, sounding philosophical.
"That was only four days ago," Tate reminded her.”
And then there's this fucker, Ryu
“Do you remember when I was dying?" she asked him, her throat clogged and her voice was rougher than it should have been. "You told me I didn't have your permission to die. Well, the same goes for you. Whatever this is, you need to beat it and come back and help me solve this debacle. Do you hear me? I'm getting tired of waiting for you. Open your eyes, Ryu.”
He never fully redeemed himself in my eyes. His dickishness from the first book with zero trust or support while sending her on dangerous jobs MAKES NO FUCKING SENSE when in this book he claimed he has loved her when first saw her. Well that a hell of a way to show it bucko.
But this book definitely made more of an effort to build chemistry between Tate and Ryu
The creativity!!
This series continues to tempt and tease me with its interesting premise and witty lines that keep me reading despite my overstated objections to the heroine and her backstory
“Two dragons, a teenage banshee, a couple of bearcats, an Avertine with suspicious motivations, and a guardian who looked like he'd be more at home in an archive cataloging books. Not who she would have picked to infiltrate the Harridan's city, but you made do with what you had and hoped for the best.”
Like how fucking creative is that line??!?! That scenario ?!?! And yet the execution just didn’t quite fulfill it.
One thing I really loved was scrapping the flashbacks method and having this new magical old lady badass character that remembers the first time Tate walked the earth.
It honestly made me want to know more about past Tate than any other method used in this goddamn series because she must've been such a badass with how respected and loyal the gypsies are to her
“I regret I will not get to see you teach a new generation the meaning of your name, but I will look forward to the stories told."
"Not going to lie, I'm hoping those stories are boring and uneventful," Tate said.
The Ahnteela snorted as a chuckle escaped. "You always say that, yet somehow you always manage to be right in the thick of things.”
but… we never learn more about their friendship… or more about old Tate… or have current Tate make any character development. It was just stifling
This book definitely isn't supposed to be the ending of the series, I guess the author just stopped ?? I’m not kidding, this book is clearly set up to continue the series with us -- finally figuring out the last of Tate’s identity details, let the ship with her and Ryu sail, Dew and Night find happiness, and just some ending SOME GODDAMN ENDING. Instead, we get another info dump and a TBD that I guess is never coming. See what I mean?? It was a fun series with great characters. But if you are considering this series. I’m telling you right now, there was NO real payoff.
TA White is one of my favorite authors and I expected this series to deliver her usual strong heroine, complex plot twists, and hot love interest. And it had all those elements which kept me reading the series. But there no real pay off with the series. Even if there was another book after this one, i would be reading it to just find out what happened, not to enjoy the world like I usually am. And that says a lot.
October 5, 2019
For the past week I have read only books by T.A. White, I've read them so much my sister had to ask me to stop reading it because she has an exam and they are so good she wants to read it as well.
I thought I had finally found my go to author but alas that is not to be.
Review of books 1-4.
This series is going so-so for me. Notonly is it repetitive it is also becoming more mediocre with each book.
The premise is fantastic but the execution leaves a lot to be desired. The things I loved in the previous series were absent in this series. Tate was a badass, no question but her story is not progressing at all. It has been at a standstill for the past 3 books, I still say that even though a couple of things happened in this book I feel like it's not enough to appease me.
I don't understand how someone who's lost her memory is given several opportunities to learn about herself but refuses ,I can understand the fear and that's why I had no problem with the first book, but book 4 and you're still hesitant to find more about yourself? It makes no sense to me.
The next issue I had was with Ryu, talk about a lackluster character. He was so bland. There is nothing, none whatsoever that is interesting about him. For the first three books I thought someone else was going to swoop in and be the romantic interest, that's how dull he was and the zero connection they had.
It is odd, especially since I enjoyed Fallon in the Pathfinder's Way and the other guy whose name I forget(Garret or something) from Rules of Redemption. Now those men were the kind of MMC I want. I loved having their own POV to read, I thought it was her writing style so I'm so disappointed that this one didn't have the POV from the MMC though I doubt the POV would have been enough to salvage this one.
I just wish things move along, instead of it dragging. The same thing keeps happening over and over again. She's kidnapped almost every book and most of the time it's by the same guy! C'mon!
I am currently reading the Shadow's Messenger book so let's hope it's better than this one was.
I thought I had finally found my go to author but alas that is not to be.
Review of books 1-4.
This series is going so-so for me. Notonly is it repetitive it is also becoming more mediocre with each book.
The premise is fantastic but the execution leaves a lot to be desired. The things I loved in the previous series were absent in this series. Tate was a badass, no question but her story is not progressing at all. It has been at a standstill for the past 3 books, I still say that even though a couple of things happened in this book I feel like it's not enough to appease me.
I don't understand how someone who's lost her memory is given several opportunities to learn about herself but refuses ,I can understand the fear and that's why I had no problem with the first book, but book 4 and you're still hesitant to find more about yourself? It makes no sense to me.
The next issue I had was with Ryu, talk about a lackluster character. He was so bland. There is nothing, none whatsoever that is interesting about him. For the first three books I thought someone else was going to swoop in and be the romantic interest, that's how dull he was and the zero connection they had.
It is odd, especially since I enjoyed Fallon in the Pathfinder's Way and the other guy whose name I forget(Garret or something) from Rules of Redemption. Now those men were the kind of MMC I want. I loved having their own POV to read, I thought it was her writing style so I'm so disappointed that this one didn't have the POV from the MMC though I doubt the POV would have been enough to salvage this one.
I just wish things move along, instead of it dragging. The same thing keeps happening over and over again. She's kidnapped almost every book and most of the time it's by the same guy! C'mon!
I am currently reading the Shadow's Messenger book so let's hope it's better than this one was.
January 28, 2022
I really appreciate it when the main characters have really cool friends.
You know what I mean, right?
Those side characters that are way too important to be called side characters?
Those people who are there to more than help the MC, but to make her grow, to make her a better person, and, overall, to kick some ass and take some names!
Oh, yes! Give me more of these so-called side characters!
You know what I mean, right?
Those side characters that are way too important to be called side characters?
Those people who are there to more than help the MC, but to make her grow, to make her a better person, and, overall, to kick some ass and take some names!
Oh, yes! Give me more of these so-called side characters!
June 6, 2019
3 1/2
Compelling but also highly frustrating at times.
Couldn't put it down, and at the same time I was grinding my teeth.
I think you get the gist :)
Compelling but also highly frustrating at times.
Couldn't put it down, and at the same time I was grinding my teeth.
I think you get the gist :)
August 21, 2019
Edited 8.21.19 for errors. I had a hard time finishing this book. While there is finally some revelation regarding Tate’s past, I find it all a bit underwhelming. Like, that’s it after four books? Plus the heroine is kidnapped. Again. Twice. And poisoned. Again. I’m just getting bored. Plus there’s still a strange disconnect between me and the author’s writing style. Ah well. Better later than never to realize my feelings about the series. :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2021
I couldn’t stop reading, once I started.
Review at book #5
❤️❤️❤️
Review at book #5
❤️❤️❤️
June 9, 2019
I raced through this book. I was sooooo good. My poor husband had trouble pulling me away to cook dinner.
I love these characters. I love their relationships with each other. There’s one point in the book that’s a huge long conversation between several characters and I got to the end of their conversation and thought “how refreshing they talked out their problems and solved them together as a team.” I love that most of these books are about problem solving and communication. There are adventure scenes and fighting, but the core cast looks for crafty solutions, not flashy ones.
I will say, this book isn’t as satisfying as the third book in “Dragon Ridden”. There are a few misdirects into angst, I did not love. I actually think T. A. White didn’t like the angst either because she sets it up and then doesn’t go anywhere with it (which was a relief).
Beyond that, the Tate and Jax story was compelling in the first book and the second book, but by the third, I’d moved past it. To go back to this story in book four feels a bit like back tracking. And I care about the kids made dragon ridden against their will in book 3, I wanted more about them, How are they, what’s their development look like, what kind of roll does Tate continue to play in their lives?--Does Tate play a roll in their lives?
It was nice Jacob was included, he was a connection to the book 3 plot, but I’d have rather explored his recovery as he interacted with the kids. Is he protective of those new dragons? Has he taken over their care? Does the existence of these dragon ridden kids strengthen or weaken the empire?
Maybe it’s just my perception, but Tate is at her best when she defends minority groups. Out on her own, discovering her past when the over all stakes seem relatively low, isn‘t as compelling to me.
I still loved this book, and it comes highly recommended, I just like the third book better.
I love these characters. I love their relationships with each other. There’s one point in the book that’s a huge long conversation between several characters and I got to the end of their conversation and thought “how refreshing they talked out their problems and solved them together as a team.” I love that most of these books are about problem solving and communication. There are adventure scenes and fighting, but the core cast looks for crafty solutions, not flashy ones.
I will say, this book isn’t as satisfying as the third book in “Dragon Ridden”. There are a few misdirects into angst, I did not love. I actually think T. A. White didn’t like the angst either because she sets it up and then doesn’t go anywhere with it (which was a relief).
Beyond that, the Tate and Jax story was compelling in the first book and the second book, but by the third, I’d moved past it. To go back to this story in book four feels a bit like back tracking. And I care about the kids made dragon ridden against their will in book 3, I wanted more about them, How are they, what’s their development look like, what kind of roll does Tate continue to play in their lives?--Does Tate play a roll in their lives?
It was nice Jacob was included, he was a connection to the book 3 plot, but I’d have rather explored his recovery as he interacted with the kids. Is he protective of those new dragons? Has he taken over their care? Does the existence of these dragon ridden kids strengthen or weaken the empire?
Maybe it’s just my perception, but Tate is at her best when she defends minority groups. Out on her own, discovering her past when the over all stakes seem relatively low, isn‘t as compelling to me.
I still loved this book, and it comes highly recommended, I just like the third book better.
July 19, 2019
I am loving this series and sad that I have to wait for the next one. Now to check out the other series by this author
July 11, 2021
Each book in this series is like one adventure after another. It's exciting and fun to read about. I am really starting to love all these side characters. To think I went from not really liking any of them in the first book to loving them now. That is the great thing about this author and how she unlocks pieces of the story and pieces of each character with each book. We are learning so much more about each person and they are shifting to something new the more I read. Tate is no where near what she was in that first book. It's like reading a completely different character by this 4th book. And it feels right. With all the we have learned, and all that her memories have opened up to her, it wouldn't be right if she stayed that same clueless person from the beginning. I'm excited to read more.
July 26, 2023
FINALLYY!!! This is what I was waiting for! Things are finally getting interesting.
June 20, 2019
Loved It
This thing made my original review disappear. Suffice to say I'm still loving the series, loving Tate and Ryu with his fierce loyalty, loving Tate's family of choice and loving all of the secrets being revealed. I really wonder how much longer Tate's secrets will stay secret with crazy Christopher and Nathan running around. Not to mention that someone else is always around when some but of Tate's past is revealed. How will the empire's population react to who Tate really is?
I just can't wait for more.
This thing made my original review disappear. Suffice to say I'm still loving the series, loving Tate and Ryu with his fierce loyalty, loving Tate's family of choice and loving all of the secrets being revealed. I really wonder how much longer Tate's secrets will stay secret with crazy Christopher and Nathan running around. Not to mention that someone else is always around when some but of Tate's past is revealed. How will the empire's population react to who Tate really is?
I just can't wait for more.
July 21, 2021
Received this as my first arc copy and I loved it. T.A. White is one of my favorite authors I look forward to everything she puts out. If you have not read her work you are missing out and I highly recommend you get started because her worlds are some of the best to get lost in.
Read
June 1, 2020Overall series rating: 3.5 /5
There is some character development in this book, but too little, too late. Finally, Tate confronts her past, albeit after pushing it around a good deal. Ryu and Tate are together, and there was a third guy (or not).
I found two major inconsistencies regarding the dragon-ridden plot and the romantic plot that bothered me.
1. Leaders of all the tribe (for the lack of a better word) know about Tate's past, except the Emperor. On one hand, Emperor is portrayed as a powerful leader, on the other hand, he is the only one not aware of the origins of his new dragon-ridden. It does not do credit to the super-powerful ruler of all the empire.
2. The romantic development felt erratic, and a bit forced. In this book Ryu claims, in the first meeting itself, he found Tate beautiful and wanted her by his side. Still, in the first 2 books, he did not trust Tate with complete information, sent her on dangerous jobs, and doesn't even bother to turn up to help clean up the mess. Hell of a way to show romantic interest, get your lady love hurt or worse killed. And then taunt her for those. It felt, halfway through the series, the author decided to develop the romance plot and bought them together.
The timeframe for this series is not clear, is it past/present/future. At times language, especially by Dewdrop, was too modern.
Overall, the series had a nice, interesting plot. A concise edit from the entire series point of view would have made it more consistent, and better.
There is some character development in this book, but too little, too late. Finally, Tate confronts her past, albeit after pushing it around a good deal. Ryu and Tate are together, and there was a third guy (or not).
I found two major inconsistencies regarding the dragon-ridden plot and the romantic plot that bothered me.
1. Leaders of all the tribe (for the lack of a better word) know about Tate's past, except the Emperor. On one hand, Emperor is portrayed as a powerful leader, on the other hand, he is the only one not aware of the origins of his new dragon-ridden. It does not do credit to the super-powerful ruler of all the empire.
2. The romantic development felt erratic, and a bit forced. In this book Ryu claims, in the first meeting itself, he found Tate beautiful and wanted her by his side. Still, in the first 2 books, he did not trust Tate with complete information, sent her on dangerous jobs, and doesn't even bother to turn up to help clean up the mess. Hell of a way to show romantic interest, get your lady love hurt or worse killed. And then taunt her for those. It felt, halfway through the series, the author decided to develop the romance plot and bought them together.
The timeframe for this series is not clear, is it past/present/future. At times language, especially by Dewdrop, was too modern.
Overall, the series had a nice, interesting plot. A concise edit from the entire series point of view would have made it more consistent, and better.
July 21, 2021
3.5/5.0
This series continues to be a unique and enjoyable ride. The pluses and the minuses from the previous books stay the same while the overall enjoyment is still worth the read.
I rounded down to three stars this time rather than up to four because the story is a bit more disjointed and confusing than usual. Remember the Pirates of the Caribbean movies? In one of them, Jack Sparrow finds himself and his ship transported to a weird otherworldly place with nothing but white salt-like stuff for ground where he wanders around confused for what seems like forever. Well, there is a part in this book that SO reminds me of that scene. Tate is sucked into some other-worldly dimension and wanders around trying to get out. It is weird and confusing with little understanding of what the heck was happening. Not my cuppa for sure.
Still, I keep reading and will absolutely pick up the next book. Addiction is a real problem. :)
This series continues to be a unique and enjoyable ride. The pluses and the minuses from the previous books stay the same while the overall enjoyment is still worth the read.
I rounded down to three stars this time rather than up to four because the story is a bit more disjointed and confusing than usual. Remember the Pirates of the Caribbean movies? In one of them, Jack Sparrow finds himself and his ship transported to a weird otherworldly place with nothing but white salt-like stuff for ground where he wanders around confused for what seems like forever. Well, there is a part in this book that SO reminds me of that scene. Tate is sucked into some other-worldly dimension and wanders around trying to get out. It is weird and confusing with little understanding of what the heck was happening. Not my cuppa for sure.
Still, I keep reading and will absolutely pick up the next book. Addiction is a real problem. :)
June 5, 2022
ok finally i feel like things are on the move in this series.
leaps and bounds are made in this one in all aspects of the series.
romance wise FINALLY
we also hear more about Tates past thank the lord from a past lover.
so many characters are in this series whom i dont know what side they are on.
The world building aspect is intense and its like a blink and you miss a massive chuck that you need to know. I had to go back and listen to certain things two or three times.
im a massive fan of ta white, this is a good series but not on par with firebird or even aileen travers.
Maybe on par with the pathfinder?
anyway 4 star listen, big fan of lilith, she makes me laugh. Id like to hear more from the emperor, i am intrigued about his character.
leaps and bounds are made in this one in all aspects of the series.
romance wise FINALLY
we also hear more about Tates past thank the lord from a past lover.
so many characters are in this series whom i dont know what side they are on.
The world building aspect is intense and its like a blink and you miss a massive chuck that you need to know. I had to go back and listen to certain things two or three times.
im a massive fan of ta white, this is a good series but not on par with firebird or even aileen travers.
Maybe on par with the pathfinder?
anyway 4 star listen, big fan of lilith, she makes me laugh. Id like to hear more from the emperor, i am intrigued about his character.
July 8, 2021
4.5 rounded up
This is a great, if incredibly complicated, series. I enjoy the characters, the interactions and the interwoven mystery. It is, however, rather confusing - because we don’t have all the pieces, just like Tate. We are learning as she is, and it’s fascinating. I have had to reread a few parts, trying to catch what I thought I missed, or understand what happened when something is just suddenly “known”.
This is a great, if incredibly complicated, series. I enjoy the characters, the interactions and the interwoven mystery. It is, however, rather confusing - because we don’t have all the pieces, just like Tate. We are learning as she is, and it’s fascinating. I have had to reread a few parts, trying to catch what I thought I missed, or understand what happened when something is just suddenly “known”.
February 28, 2025
The best book in the series so far. We find out answers to many questions.
June 9, 2021
You can't put this author's books down once you start reading
T.A. White's books, if nothing else, are addictive to people who prefer their female leads to be smart and resourceful. The author also has a very creative world-building, with so many layers to explore. I have read three series by her till now and as frustrating as it got, I still wanted to know how they would end.
Coming to the Dragon Ridden Chronicles - it's a story about Tate, a girl who has lost her memory and is rescued/abducted by pirates. Said pirates teach her their language and culture which she then uses to live in the capital city of Aurelia. There she explores about her past, makes new friends and of course, kills bad guys and their innumerable cronies. There is no male lead really; there is a love interest, but he gets a very small part in the books to really call him a hero. It's truly just Tate and her friends going on various adventures.
As I said before, I love the world Ms. White imagines. It has so many layers that could be developed into a beautiful universe, but these usually stay unexplored even as the series comes to an end. With Dragon-Ridden Chronicles too there were so many things that were simply mentioned, never explained. This is the problem when you add too many elements to a story. Until and unless you can't write a tome each in a seven-part series, it is difficult to explore every avenue. Not explaining, however, just leads to a feeling of disconnect. As much as I wanted to, I could never feel a connection with Tate; the major plot of Tate's past and the various minor plots were also out of sync.
There are other many small points that if worked upon, could have saved the books. There is no depth to the characters apart from Tate - even then, it's not an abyss just shallow waters really. I think the author needs to work more on character-building than her world. Merely mentioning how a character feels isn't as impactful as when a reader can understand the emotion as a logical conclusion based on their past behaviour and experiences. Leaving unexplored the emotions of the male lead and the major villains just added to this disconnect.
Another point that irked me a little was how the language and the culture of the small snippets we get of Tate's past were no different than the present times in the books.
(I forgot to take notes, so I will add more points as I remember them)
Overall, it's a decent story if you are missing Kate Daniels like I am. I love how T.A. White focuses on writing her heroines as more resourceful and trained, than just strong because they have some rare magical powers. I did not like Tate as much as I liked Kira (Rules of Redemption) or even Shea (Pathfinder's Way); I stuck around skimming the pages only because I wanted to see how it would all end.
T.A. White's books, if nothing else, are addictive to people who prefer their female leads to be smart and resourceful. The author also has a very creative world-building, with so many layers to explore. I have read three series by her till now and as frustrating as it got, I still wanted to know how they would end.
Coming to the Dragon Ridden Chronicles - it's a story about Tate, a girl who has lost her memory and is rescued/abducted by pirates. Said pirates teach her their language and culture which she then uses to live in the capital city of Aurelia. There she explores about her past, makes new friends and of course, kills bad guys and their innumerable cronies. There is no male lead really; there is a love interest, but he gets a very small part in the books to really call him a hero. It's truly just Tate and her friends going on various adventures.
As I said before, I love the world Ms. White imagines. It has so many layers that could be developed into a beautiful universe, but these usually stay unexplored even as the series comes to an end. With Dragon-Ridden Chronicles too there were so many things that were simply mentioned, never explained. This is the problem when you add too many elements to a story. Until and unless you can't write a tome each in a seven-part series, it is difficult to explore every avenue. Not explaining, however, just leads to a feeling of disconnect. As much as I wanted to, I could never feel a connection with Tate; the major plot of Tate's past and the various minor plots were also out of sync.
There are other many small points that if worked upon, could have saved the books. There is no depth to the characters apart from Tate - even then, it's not an abyss just shallow waters really. I think the author needs to work more on character-building than her world. Merely mentioning how a character feels isn't as impactful as when a reader can understand the emotion as a logical conclusion based on their past behaviour and experiences. Leaving unexplored the emotions of the male lead and the major villains just added to this disconnect.
Another point that irked me a little was how the language and the culture of the small snippets we get of Tate's past were no different than the present times in the books.
(I forgot to take notes, so I will add more points as I remember them)
Overall, it's a decent story if you are missing Kate Daniels like I am. I love how T.A. White focuses on writing her heroines as more resourceful and trained, than just strong because they have some rare magical powers. I did not like Tate as much as I liked Kira (Rules of Redemption) or even Shea (Pathfinder's Way); I stuck around skimming the pages only because I wanted to see how it would all end.
September 14, 2020
Ok I'm starting to see the pattern for White's books.
Its vaguely concerning since my favorite series (Firebird Chronicles) is only on Book 2 and it seems like the leads don't get together til Book 4 or 5.
So once more our dear Tate is given a mission and somehow what should have been politically difficult, but personally easy became politically easy and personally deadly.
Kidnapped SEVERAL times, nearly killed even more often and oh year lots of memories. So many. And Tate may not have been a perfect altruistic angel (though she may have been at least BETTER than her Savoir cohorts).
The plot is a bit more jammed here as we fight through Night's application for sentient species acknowledgement, Christopher somehow being...not the craziest?, creeper shadow dude, Ryu getting possessive, lost memories, mediation for what happened last book, the Order being dicks and guys at this point I'm exhausted.
I appreciated that we're making way on Tate's memories since what happened so long ago is really screwing up the present. As little as Tate may want to remember, she needs to.
If paranoid mistrustfulness is a hallmark of Aileen's character, Tate's is more along the lines of unforgiving sense of betrayal. Though to be fair it does seem EARNED here since so many folk seem to betray her (nominally its not personal and its for her own good), even her enemies betray her expectations.
This all being said, I wonder how far we are in her struggle. It ALMOST feels like we're entering the final Act, but that could be because ffs how much can one gal get kidnapped, stabbed, poisoned and experimented on exactly?
Its vaguely concerning since my favorite series (Firebird Chronicles) is only on Book 2 and it seems like the leads don't get together til Book 4 or 5.
So once more our dear Tate is given a mission and somehow what should have been politically difficult, but personally easy became politically easy and personally deadly.
Kidnapped SEVERAL times, nearly killed even more often and oh year lots of memories. So many. And Tate may not have been a perfect altruistic angel (though she may have been at least BETTER than her Savoir cohorts).
The plot is a bit more jammed here as we fight through Night's application for sentient species acknowledgement, Christopher somehow being...not the craziest?, creeper shadow dude, Ryu getting possessive, lost memories, mediation for what happened last book, the Order being dicks and guys at this point I'm exhausted.
I appreciated that we're making way on Tate's memories since what happened so long ago is really screwing up the present. As little as Tate may want to remember, she needs to.
If paranoid mistrustfulness is a hallmark of Aileen's character, Tate's is more along the lines of unforgiving sense of betrayal. Though to be fair it does seem EARNED here since so many folk seem to betray her (nominally its not personal and its for her own good), even her enemies betray her expectations.
This all being said, I wonder how far we are in her struggle. It ALMOST feels like we're entering the final Act, but that could be because ffs how much can one gal get kidnapped, stabbed, poisoned and experimented on exactly?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2019
3.5/5
As much as I love the writing, I'm starting to get sick of certain.. trials? that occur in every. single. book. I understand, and it makes sense with the plot, but I'm still irritated by it. I'm also less enthused by the 'regaining memory' plot arc-but that's personal preference, not necessarily because of the way it's written or issues within the arc. I just don't care anymore.
I think part of my preference is that I like the supporting cast almost more than I like Tate, and the amnesia arc requires so much time spent in her head, or in places where only she can go because of her past and who she is.
Either way, I'll probably still read the next installation when it comes out, despite my building annoyance.
As much as I love the writing, I'm starting to get sick of certain.. trials? that occur in every. single. book. I understand, and it makes sense with the plot, but I'm still irritated by it. I'm also less enthused by the 'regaining memory' plot arc-but that's personal preference, not necessarily because of the way it's written or issues within the arc. I just don't care anymore.
I think part of my preference is that I like the supporting cast almost more than I like Tate, and the amnesia arc requires so much time spent in her head, or in places where only she can go because of her past and who she is.
Either way, I'll probably still read the next installation when it comes out, despite my building annoyance.
July 14, 2021
3.5 stars
July 17, 2022
The fallout from the events of the last book catches up with Tate and her friends in this, the fourth entry of the Dragon Ridden Chronicles, ‘Secrets Bound By Sand’ by T.A. White. After an aborted assassination attempt on Tate, in the middle of the Emperor’s palace no less, Tate and her companions are sent to Silvain to act as a mediator between the Silva people, The Guardians and the Black Order. Of course, this is Tate so nothing is going to go to plan, and she will find herself facing some old and new enemies. ‘Secrets Bound By Sand’ was a slight improvement over Book 3, ‘Destruction's Ascent’, but it still had several issues that pulled me out of the narrative and stopped me giving it a higher rating.
I don’t believe it is explicitly stated, but my impression is that ‘Secrets Bound By Sand’ starts several weeks after the conclusion of Book 3. Tate and Night are meeting with one of the Emperor’s magisters who he has requested help with Nights application for sentient rights. Things do not go particularly well and as they are storming out of the palace they are attacked by a creature and Tate is badly hurt causing her dragon, Ilith, to ascend to protect them both. Ilith takes care of the creature but is distracted by a large gem and the treasury. Whilst the Emperor appears amused by Ilith’s actions, he decides to send Tate/Ilith to Silvian which will allow the council time to calm down and forget Ilith’s transgressions.
Tate, Ryu, Dewdrop and Night enlist the help of Tate’s former pirate companions, the crew of The Marauder led by Captain Jost. After being joined by several familiar faces as well as some new ones, they set sail for Silvain. The trip itself is rather uneventful, and the group arrive in Silvain to be greeted by Gabriella who was last seen in Book 2, ‘Of Bone and Ruin’. The doyenne of the Fireday clan, Tala, announces that they are to escort the group to the Harridan’s city – the capital of the Silva people. Of course, before they can reach the Harridan’s city things get complicated and Tate is separated from the group and forced to confront past actions from the time of the Saviors.
Whilst the book is a little slow to start off with the moments where Ilith is ascendant help to enliven things with her amusing mix of arrogance and acquisitiveness. I would like to see her in some more mature moments though, she is supposed to be a Queen after all and one who had to protect herself before her time joined with Tate. The silliness of the situations she gets herself in is amusing, but without a thoughtful counterpoint it does occasionally feel like we are given a diet of sweets when all we want is something more substantial. When Tate is ascendant and Ilith is just providing commentary, I do feel like Ilith is taking the events a little more seriously. I just hope that Ilith doesn’t become a comedic foil without any depth.
Tate continues to learn more of her past and whilst she does find the answers for some, we are still left with many questions and secrets. I’ve enjoyed her as the main character and narrator, but with this being the fourth book I expected to have a lot more uncovered considering Book 5, ‘Where Dragons Collide’, is to be the last in the series currently. I am worried that not everything is going to be tied up before we finish the series which would be disappointing. Tate still holds true to her strong moral and ethical core, putting others above herself time and time again. It would have just had a bigger impact if we knew her full backstory.
As per the other three books, Dewdrop and Night – her pseudo family are the absolute highlight for me. I am hoping we get some books from their perspective at some stage. The three are very loyal to one another and show absolute trust in each other… even if they do squabble over food like toddlers.
‘Three mini balls of a doughy substance rested in her hand, a red-brown paste oozing from the one she’d accidentally mutilated.
“What’s that?” Dewdrop asked, peering over her shoulder. He made a hungry sound and tried to reach around her as she hunched over her treasures.
She slapped his questing hand away. “Nothing that concerns you.”
On her other side, Night stood on his hind legs, tilting his whiskers at Tate’s prize as he looked questioningly at it.
He licked his lips.
“No.”
He bent closer.
A growl ripped from her throat. “I will eat you.” ’
Roslyn has a larger part in the book, and it was a joy to see someone who was a bit of a nothing character for me originally grow to someone who intrigues and charms the reader. She demonstrates several times her courage and fortitude, and even though she isn’t strong in a physical sense, her intelligence and determination attests to her place with the group. A lot of the smaller characters make an appearance but as Tate is away with her group you don’t get a lot of relationship building apart from the core characters.
We see a lot more development in the relationship between Tate and Ryu. After three books of there being an underlying attraction, but not a lot more than that, things progress rapidly and to me incongruous to the actions of both characters. I just can’t get over how much Ryu has lied and manipulated Tate in the past. They barely seem like friends, and it doesn't seem like there is a lot of trust between the two and yet we the reader are supposed to believe that they are soulmates.
‘Passion was one thing. It could flicker and die in the blink of an eye, sputter out with little thought or regard unless tended carefully. True intimacy was more than that. Its foundation depended on trust and was so much harder to create. Its bindings formed ties that would far outlast any transient pleasure.’
I don’t deny that there is some attraction between them, but I can’t accept that you can go from no trust to pure love. For me, Ryu has never admitted to how poorly he has behaved in the past nor made any effort at redemption. I think they are end game for the author, but I still wish Tate would find someone more worthy of her love.
Overall, ‘Secrets Bound By Sand’ was an enjoyable book. The start had some pacing issues but once Tate and her friends reach Silvain things pick up. I do question the author not revealing the full extent of Tate’s background consider this is the penultimate book in the series. There are several characters and world building elements introduced and I don’t see how all that detail is going to be tied up satisfactorily in the last book – but if anyone can do it then it would be T.A. White. If you have read and enjoyed the first three books or anything else that the author has written, you will likely enjoy ‘Secrets Bound By Sand’. If you are new to the Dragon Ridden Chronicles or T.A. White but like fantasy adventure with a sprinkling of tech, magic, mystery and romance, then I highly recommend this series.
4 out of 5 stars!
‘Secrets Bound By Sand’ is the fourth book in the Dragon Ridden Chronicles by T.A. White. As of July 2022, the series consist of:
Book 0.5: Shifting Seas (Prequel written from Jost’s POV)
Book 1: Dragon-Ridden
Book 2: Of Bone and Ruin
Book 3: Destruction's Ascent
Book 4: Secrets Bound By Sand
Book 5: Where Dragons Collide
I don’t believe it is explicitly stated, but my impression is that ‘Secrets Bound By Sand’ starts several weeks after the conclusion of Book 3. Tate and Night are meeting with one of the Emperor’s magisters who he has requested help with Nights application for sentient rights. Things do not go particularly well and as they are storming out of the palace they are attacked by a creature and Tate is badly hurt causing her dragon, Ilith, to ascend to protect them both. Ilith takes care of the creature but is distracted by a large gem and the treasury. Whilst the Emperor appears amused by Ilith’s actions, he decides to send Tate/Ilith to Silvian which will allow the council time to calm down and forget Ilith’s transgressions.
Tate, Ryu, Dewdrop and Night enlist the help of Tate’s former pirate companions, the crew of The Marauder led by Captain Jost. After being joined by several familiar faces as well as some new ones, they set sail for Silvain. The trip itself is rather uneventful, and the group arrive in Silvain to be greeted by Gabriella who was last seen in Book 2, ‘Of Bone and Ruin’. The doyenne of the Fireday clan, Tala, announces that they are to escort the group to the Harridan’s city – the capital of the Silva people. Of course, before they can reach the Harridan’s city things get complicated and Tate is separated from the group and forced to confront past actions from the time of the Saviors.
Whilst the book is a little slow to start off with the moments where Ilith is ascendant help to enliven things with her amusing mix of arrogance and acquisitiveness. I would like to see her in some more mature moments though, she is supposed to be a Queen after all and one who had to protect herself before her time joined with Tate. The silliness of the situations she gets herself in is amusing, but without a thoughtful counterpoint it does occasionally feel like we are given a diet of sweets when all we want is something more substantial. When Tate is ascendant and Ilith is just providing commentary, I do feel like Ilith is taking the events a little more seriously. I just hope that Ilith doesn’t become a comedic foil without any depth.
Tate continues to learn more of her past and whilst she does find the answers for some, we are still left with many questions and secrets. I’ve enjoyed her as the main character and narrator, but with this being the fourth book I expected to have a lot more uncovered considering Book 5, ‘Where Dragons Collide’, is to be the last in the series currently. I am worried that not everything is going to be tied up before we finish the series which would be disappointing. Tate still holds true to her strong moral and ethical core, putting others above herself time and time again. It would have just had a bigger impact if we knew her full backstory.
As per the other three books, Dewdrop and Night – her pseudo family are the absolute highlight for me. I am hoping we get some books from their perspective at some stage. The three are very loyal to one another and show absolute trust in each other… even if they do squabble over food like toddlers.
‘Three mini balls of a doughy substance rested in her hand, a red-brown paste oozing from the one she’d accidentally mutilated.
“What’s that?” Dewdrop asked, peering over her shoulder. He made a hungry sound and tried to reach around her as she hunched over her treasures.
She slapped his questing hand away. “Nothing that concerns you.”
On her other side, Night stood on his hind legs, tilting his whiskers at Tate’s prize as he looked questioningly at it.
He licked his lips.
“No.”
He bent closer.
A growl ripped from her throat. “I will eat you.” ’
Roslyn has a larger part in the book, and it was a joy to see someone who was a bit of a nothing character for me originally grow to someone who intrigues and charms the reader. She demonstrates several times her courage and fortitude, and even though she isn’t strong in a physical sense, her intelligence and determination attests to her place with the group. A lot of the smaller characters make an appearance but as Tate is away with her group you don’t get a lot of relationship building apart from the core characters.
We see a lot more development in the relationship between Tate and Ryu. After three books of there being an underlying attraction, but not a lot more than that, things progress rapidly and to me incongruous to the actions of both characters. I just can’t get over how much Ryu has lied and manipulated Tate in the past. They barely seem like friends, and it doesn't seem like there is a lot of trust between the two and yet we the reader are supposed to believe that they are soulmates.
‘Passion was one thing. It could flicker and die in the blink of an eye, sputter out with little thought or regard unless tended carefully. True intimacy was more than that. Its foundation depended on trust and was so much harder to create. Its bindings formed ties that would far outlast any transient pleasure.’
I don’t deny that there is some attraction between them, but I can’t accept that you can go from no trust to pure love. For me, Ryu has never admitted to how poorly he has behaved in the past nor made any effort at redemption. I think they are end game for the author, but I still wish Tate would find someone more worthy of her love.
Overall, ‘Secrets Bound By Sand’ was an enjoyable book. The start had some pacing issues but once Tate and her friends reach Silvain things pick up. I do question the author not revealing the full extent of Tate’s background consider this is the penultimate book in the series. There are several characters and world building elements introduced and I don’t see how all that detail is going to be tied up satisfactorily in the last book – but if anyone can do it then it would be T.A. White. If you have read and enjoyed the first three books or anything else that the author has written, you will likely enjoy ‘Secrets Bound By Sand’. If you are new to the Dragon Ridden Chronicles or T.A. White but like fantasy adventure with a sprinkling of tech, magic, mystery and romance, then I highly recommend this series.
4 out of 5 stars!
‘Secrets Bound By Sand’ is the fourth book in the Dragon Ridden Chronicles by T.A. White. As of July 2022, the series consist of:
Book 0.5: Shifting Seas (Prequel written from Jost’s POV)
Book 1: Dragon-Ridden
Book 2: Of Bone and Ruin
Book 3: Destruction's Ascent
Book 4: Secrets Bound By Sand
Book 5: Where Dragons Collide
July 22, 2025
3 stars — still messy, but at least there was more action, and we finally left the same damn city.
Progress? Maybe. But if you squint too hard, you might miss it.
🌀 It’s Giving Déjà Vu… Again
We’re four books in. Four. And T.A. White still insists on reintroducing the characters like we haven’t spent hundreds of pages with them already.
Yes, Tate is the dragon-ridden woman with missing memories, a pirate past, a strong moral compass, and the IQ of a decorative fern whenever a plot device walks into the room.
Yes, Ryu is the handsome, controlling mystery man with enough red flags to open his own auto dealership.
Yes, Night is the sarcastic voice of reason, Dewdrop is the emotionally mature teen with actual depth, and Ilith is the arrogant dragon who steals every scene with a flick of her tail.
We know.
We’ve been here.
Let us move forward.
At this point, it feels like every book in the series was written for readers who skipped the rest. It’s repetitive, lazy, and makes me want to throw my Kindle across the room every time the author re-explains who the characters are — like it’s their LinkedIn bio.
🌪️ Worldbuilding? Still a Hot Mess
There’s no consistency. No cohesion. Just chaos dressed in fantasy tropes.
Dragon-ridden? Still hate the term. Still unclear what they can actually do besides being grumpy and getting angry very easily.
Magic? Technically exists, but you wouldn’t know it based on how rarely anyone uses it.
Training? We allegedly had a bit in Book 2 and some while traveling in this book, but Tate still only transforms in worst-case scenarios, and she doesn’t even try to access the elemental magic she supposedly has. Like... you know you have fire or water or something in your veins — maybe try it?
🧠 Tate: Still Choosing Ignorance Over Logic
Tate continues her trend of ignoring major revelations, brushing off dreams and visions like they’re spam emails, and refusing to ask even the most obvious questions. She has the self-preservation instincts of a paperclip.
She knows she’s being manipulated. She knows people are lying to her. She knows there are layers to everything. And yet, she refuses to engage with the mystery beyond surface-level gut reactions.
We’re at Book 4, and Tate still:
Doesn’t understand her bond with Ilith. Her dragon has memories. She was a dragon before. That’s kind of a big deal. But instead of asking questions, Tate shrugs and says, “Maybe later.” If my soul was tied to a terrifying, sarcastic dragon with ancient memories of my life, I’d be blackmailing her for information by breakfast.
Finds out fragments of important lore — and then immediately forgets about them. It’s like plot amnesia.
Stumbles into every storyline like she was pushed into it by a drunk toddler. And because it worked once, we’re doing the greatest hits again: forced into a new mission, manipulated by literally everyone, and kidnapped. Twice. And drugged. Because when in doubt, strip her of agency and toss her into danger.
It’s exhausting. And it’s ruining what could’ve been a great protagonist.
🔥 And Where Are the Dragons?!
It’s Book 4 in a dragon series, and we’ve had… maybe a handful of full dragon scenes? But wait — plot twist — transforming into a dragon is forbidden in their own headquarters.
Seriously?
How do you train? In your imagination? In a dream sequence? Please.
Ilith deserves her own spinoff. She’s arrogant, hilarious, and easily the best-written part of Tate. Honestly, I’d follow her into a volcano before I follow Tate into another overly convenient kidnapping.
📚 Final Thoughts
At this point, I feel like I’ve emotionally invested in a series that doesn’t love me back. I’ve read better fanfic with more coherent worldbuilding and less character regression.
T.A. White has shown brilliance before. But this?
This is a slow-motion train wreck with a great supporting cast and a lead character I barely recognize from Book 1.
Read it if you’ve already made it this far and are too stubborn to quit — like me.
Otherwise? There are better dragons elsewhere.
Progress? Maybe. But if you squint too hard, you might miss it.
🌀 It’s Giving Déjà Vu… Again
We’re four books in. Four. And T.A. White still insists on reintroducing the characters like we haven’t spent hundreds of pages with them already.
Yes, Tate is the dragon-ridden woman with missing memories, a pirate past, a strong moral compass, and the IQ of a decorative fern whenever a plot device walks into the room.
Yes, Ryu is the handsome, controlling mystery man with enough red flags to open his own auto dealership.
Yes, Night is the sarcastic voice of reason, Dewdrop is the emotionally mature teen with actual depth, and Ilith is the arrogant dragon who steals every scene with a flick of her tail.
We know.
We’ve been here.
Let us move forward.
At this point, it feels like every book in the series was written for readers who skipped the rest. It’s repetitive, lazy, and makes me want to throw my Kindle across the room every time the author re-explains who the characters are — like it’s their LinkedIn bio.
🌪️ Worldbuilding? Still a Hot Mess
There’s no consistency. No cohesion. Just chaos dressed in fantasy tropes.
Dragon-ridden? Still hate the term. Still unclear what they can actually do besides being grumpy and getting angry very easily.
Magic? Technically exists, but you wouldn’t know it based on how rarely anyone uses it.
Training? We allegedly had a bit in Book 2 and some while traveling in this book, but Tate still only transforms in worst-case scenarios, and she doesn’t even try to access the elemental magic she supposedly has. Like... you know you have fire or water or something in your veins — maybe try it?
🧠 Tate: Still Choosing Ignorance Over Logic
Tate continues her trend of ignoring major revelations, brushing off dreams and visions like they’re spam emails, and refusing to ask even the most obvious questions. She has the self-preservation instincts of a paperclip.
She knows she’s being manipulated. She knows people are lying to her. She knows there are layers to everything. And yet, she refuses to engage with the mystery beyond surface-level gut reactions.
We’re at Book 4, and Tate still:
Doesn’t understand her bond with Ilith. Her dragon has memories. She was a dragon before. That’s kind of a big deal. But instead of asking questions, Tate shrugs and says, “Maybe later.” If my soul was tied to a terrifying, sarcastic dragon with ancient memories of my life, I’d be blackmailing her for information by breakfast.
Finds out fragments of important lore — and then immediately forgets about them. It’s like plot amnesia.
Stumbles into every storyline like she was pushed into it by a drunk toddler. And because it worked once, we’re doing the greatest hits again: forced into a new mission, manipulated by literally everyone, and kidnapped. Twice. And drugged. Because when in doubt, strip her of agency and toss her into danger.
It’s exhausting. And it’s ruining what could’ve been a great protagonist.
🔥 And Where Are the Dragons?!
It’s Book 4 in a dragon series, and we’ve had… maybe a handful of full dragon scenes? But wait — plot twist — transforming into a dragon is forbidden in their own headquarters.
Seriously?
How do you train? In your imagination? In a dream sequence? Please.
Ilith deserves her own spinoff. She’s arrogant, hilarious, and easily the best-written part of Tate. Honestly, I’d follow her into a volcano before I follow Tate into another overly convenient kidnapping.
📚 Final Thoughts
At this point, I feel like I’ve emotionally invested in a series that doesn’t love me back. I’ve read better fanfic with more coherent worldbuilding and less character regression.
T.A. White has shown brilliance before. But this?
This is a slow-motion train wreck with a great supporting cast and a lead character I barely recognize from Book 1.
Read it if you’ve already made it this far and are too stubborn to quit — like me.
Otherwise? There are better dragons elsewhere.
May 29, 2023
I listed to all 5 of these audiobooks back-to-back during a particularly mindless work project (and about 10 others in other series by this author - it was a very long project!) I had stumbled on this author at someone's recommendation (thank you Goodreads!) and listened to all of another of her series, so I gave the others a chance. Glad I did.
First off: All of Ms. White's heroines have the same personality at their core. If you like one, you will like them all. Secondly: Most of her audiobooks are voiced by the same actor, so there's a lot of overlap in voices from one series to another. This is only confusing if you binge through them like I did. Thirdly: All the series follow the standard urban fantasy trope of a snarky, gifted woman with a heart of gold who collects a family of her own making. And there's always a powerful man who pursues her romantically and eventually helps her shine. If you are good with those, you will probably like these books.
Book One: This series opens with a woman, found abandoned and feral on a deserted island with no memory and a moving dragon tattoo, leaving the pirate ship that rescued her to live in the capital city of the realm. There's something a bit uncanny about her - learning with unbelievable speed- and she's pressured to leave by some of the more unsavory crewmen.
On a lark, she foils a theft by some street urchins, because she's fascinated by the race of their target - a noblewoman who seems part sea creature, apparently. She's never seen the like. This act of kindness does not go unpunished, bringing her to the attention of the kings of the underground. While at their mercy, she breaks out, bringing a sapient large cat (think panther) with her, and adopting one of the street urchins as her sidekick. She's also tortured. Eventually, she turns into a dragon and eats some of the bad guys.
Book Two: So it turns out she's the only female dragon ridden, ever. And all dragon ridden are required to be in the service of the crown. She's assigned to a dragon for supervision and sent to magic school while she adjusts to her new reality, but not given a job that pays. She's got 4 dependents to house and feed, so she and the 2 older dependents are looking for work, and sometimes step on toes. Eventually, she's assigned to escort some people to an archeological find that is in dispute. Slowly, some of her memories are unlocking, and she ends up deep underground at the mercy of a mad AI and some other unsavory characters. By the end, she's recruited another ally and impressed another race of people who seem melded with apex predators.
Book Three: Now our heroine is assigned to the dragon corp and not the best of recruits. I don't even remember the details of this book, but the gist is, there's a conspiracy afoot, and a lot of that conspiracy is layered into 1000-year-old history. One of her adopted meets up with his family of origin in this book, and there are lots of earthquakes. Turns out, the baddies are trying to awake something from below the city that will not be good news for the cities' residents. The heroine upsets a lot of powerful people foiling the plot.
Book Four: Our heroine has a knack for upsetting the powerful, so while things cool off at home, she's sent as an arbitrator to the land of the apex predator people. She's kidnapped, for maybe the 8th time in the series (probably not much of an exaggeration), learns more of her past by interacting with ancient technology, and mostly foils a very bad, no good plot.
First off: All of Ms. White's heroines have the same personality at their core. If you like one, you will like them all. Secondly: Most of her audiobooks are voiced by the same actor, so there's a lot of overlap in voices from one series to another. This is only confusing if you binge through them like I did. Thirdly: All the series follow the standard urban fantasy trope of a snarky, gifted woman with a heart of gold who collects a family of her own making. And there's always a powerful man who pursues her romantically and eventually helps her shine. If you are good with those, you will probably like these books.
Book One: This series opens with a woman, found abandoned and feral on a deserted island with no memory and a moving dragon tattoo, leaving the pirate ship that rescued her to live in the capital city of the realm. There's something a bit uncanny about her - learning with unbelievable speed- and she's pressured to leave by some of the more unsavory crewmen.
On a lark, she foils a theft by some street urchins, because she's fascinated by the race of their target - a noblewoman who seems part sea creature, apparently. She's never seen the like. This act of kindness does not go unpunished, bringing her to the attention of the kings of the underground. While at their mercy, she breaks out, bringing a sapient large cat (think panther) with her, and adopting one of the street urchins as her sidekick. She's also tortured. Eventually, she turns into a dragon and eats some of the bad guys.
Book Two: So it turns out she's the only female dragon ridden, ever. And all dragon ridden are required to be in the service of the crown. She's assigned to a dragon for supervision and sent to magic school while she adjusts to her new reality, but not given a job that pays. She's got 4 dependents to house and feed, so she and the 2 older dependents are looking for work, and sometimes step on toes. Eventually, she's assigned to escort some people to an archeological find that is in dispute. Slowly, some of her memories are unlocking, and she ends up deep underground at the mercy of a mad AI and some other unsavory characters. By the end, she's recruited another ally and impressed another race of people who seem melded with apex predators.
Book Three: Now our heroine is assigned to the dragon corp and not the best of recruits. I don't even remember the details of this book, but the gist is, there's a conspiracy afoot, and a lot of that conspiracy is layered into 1000-year-old history. One of her adopted meets up with his family of origin in this book, and there are lots of earthquakes. Turns out, the baddies are trying to awake something from below the city that will not be good news for the cities' residents. The heroine upsets a lot of powerful people foiling the plot.
Book Four: Our heroine has a knack for upsetting the powerful, so while things cool off at home, she's sent as an arbitrator to the land of the apex predator people. She's kidnapped, for maybe the 8th time in the series (probably not much of an exaggeration), learns more of her past by interacting with ancient technology, and mostly foils a very bad, no good plot.
June 25, 2019
Overview of whole series
This book: the pacing was great. I felt like we FINALLY got answers to so many questions that have been bugging me the whole series. I really enjoyed the slow burn to the romance and how there was believable, but little angst associated with it. I’m still a little put off with Tate’s stubbornness/ how the situation dealing with her memory loss is written. As a reader it got frustrating to the point I was seriously annoyed when for the 1000th time Tate choose to ignore/ not look at something from her past. I get the character motivations behind it, but as a reader it was becoming too much. This book was a lot stronger than the previous ones but I’m hoping that the scale of the series gets more epic in the closing books. There were a few editing errors (3-5), but nothing major. I’m excited to read the next book. It’s been awhile since I have stayed up and binge read a series. I’m also hoping Tate will quit hiding who she is. I am glad the author doesn’t make the other side characters clueless when people are throwing out hints about her identity everywhere.
Series as a whole: I really like the side characters (Night and Daniel are really well written sympathetic characters). It was more sci fi than I thought it was going to be when I downloaded the first book. Ryu is admittedly a little bland as a character but He is growing on me. The author was a little too slow for my tastes on revealing Tate’s identity and memories. I feel that book two did not have enough resolution towards her identity and that and the final two’s plots are a little too similar as a small critique. Sometimes tech explanations are too vague/ hard to picture. I get that these artifacts are mysterious but I’m drawling a mental blank in the first few books when the author depicts them. This got better as the series progresses. I’m really excited about the next books to come out. They’re really worth a read through- and Tate as a character is really well written. She is the strong female character many try to write and fail miserably. I seriously love her.
This book: the pacing was great. I felt like we FINALLY got answers to so many questions that have been bugging me the whole series. I really enjoyed the slow burn to the romance and how there was believable, but little angst associated with it. I’m still a little put off with Tate’s stubbornness/ how the situation dealing with her memory loss is written. As a reader it got frustrating to the point I was seriously annoyed when for the 1000th time Tate choose to ignore/ not look at something from her past. I get the character motivations behind it, but as a reader it was becoming too much. This book was a lot stronger than the previous ones but I’m hoping that the scale of the series gets more epic in the closing books. There were a few editing errors (3-5), but nothing major. I’m excited to read the next book. It’s been awhile since I have stayed up and binge read a series. I’m also hoping Tate will quit hiding who she is. I am glad the author doesn’t make the other side characters clueless when people are throwing out hints about her identity everywhere.
Series as a whole: I really like the side characters (Night and Daniel are really well written sympathetic characters). It was more sci fi than I thought it was going to be when I downloaded the first book. Ryu is admittedly a little bland as a character but He is growing on me. The author was a little too slow for my tastes on revealing Tate’s identity and memories. I feel that book two did not have enough resolution towards her identity and that and the final two’s plots are a little too similar as a small critique. Sometimes tech explanations are too vague/ hard to picture. I get that these artifacts are mysterious but I’m drawling a mental blank in the first few books when the author depicts them. This got better as the series progresses. I’m really excited about the next books to come out. They’re really worth a read through- and Tate as a character is really well written. She is the strong female character many try to write and fail miserably. I seriously love her.
September 28, 2019
Unlike the first books, I wouldn't advise reading this one out of order. You must at least have read the third one.
After a botched attempt on Tade’s life, Ilith ascends, steals the emperor’s crown and takes a nap in the treasury. This scene is absolutely hilarious. As punishment Tade is sent as a mediator to the Silvan country, who demand reparations for the children killed in the order’s experiments (book 3). As usual, this is a political powder keg with the non-human Silvans and dragon-ridden as well as the bigoted Order and Guardians involved.
At first, the book seems to rehash the plot of the second one. However, it rather delves into Tade’s past and how this is connected to the future. Who were the Creators and the Saviors? These questions are finally answered. You also get a clearer picture of whether this series is pure fantasy or sci-fantasy.
Furthermore, Tate’s and Ryu’s relationship evolves, and Ryu’s dragon-ridden status also changes a bit, in a good way. I also found Night’s backstory very enjoyable. Briefly put, I thought this book was awesome and can't wait for the next one.
There is nonetheless one fly in the ointment. In my reviews of the previous books, I spoke of the poor editing. For example, Tate frequently changes her height and once even eye color (in book 3 they were grey). There are also inconsistencies in regards to the height and color scheme of the dragons. In this book, this was particularly noticeable and also involved past events such as Tate’s relationship with Jost and his crew. Their issues had already been resolved in the second book so that in the third she went partying with Danny, Riley, and Trent. But then Jost accuses her of avoiding him. While these inconsistencies are mostly a nuisance, you can't help but feel that the author doesn't really have a plan.
After a botched attempt on Tade’s life, Ilith ascends, steals the emperor’s crown and takes a nap in the treasury. This scene is absolutely hilarious. As punishment Tade is sent as a mediator to the Silvan country, who demand reparations for the children killed in the order’s experiments (book 3). As usual, this is a political powder keg with the non-human Silvans and dragon-ridden as well as the bigoted Order and Guardians involved.
At first, the book seems to rehash the plot of the second one. However, it rather delves into Tade’s past and how this is connected to the future. Who were the Creators and the Saviors? These questions are finally answered. You also get a clearer picture of whether this series is pure fantasy or sci-fantasy.
Furthermore, Tate’s and Ryu’s relationship evolves, and Ryu’s dragon-ridden status also changes a bit, in a good way. I also found Night’s backstory very enjoyable. Briefly put, I thought this book was awesome and can't wait for the next one.
There is nonetheless one fly in the ointment. In my reviews of the previous books, I spoke of the poor editing. For example, Tate frequently changes her height and once even eye color (in book 3 they were grey). There are also inconsistencies in regards to the height and color scheme of the dragons. In this book, this was particularly noticeable and also involved past events such as Tate’s relationship with Jost and his crew. Their issues had already been resolved in the second book so that in the third she went partying with Danny, Riley, and Trent. But then Jost accuses her of avoiding him. While these inconsistencies are mostly a nuisance, you can't help but feel that the author doesn't really have a plan.
July 2, 2021
I truly enjoy the worlds that T.A. White recreates. She is masterful at developing unique and intriguing characters. Even the antagonists are skillfully crafted. “Secrets Bound By Sand” finds Tate and Ilith being attacked by a three headed creature. As Ilith opens up a can of why pass she also discovers a large gem next to the Emperor’s cache. Being a covetous dragon she can’t help but take it. Of course when she sees the emperor’s crown on his head she wants that as well much to everyone’s surprise. Some members of the council are not pleased; so the Emperor sends Tate on a mission diplomatic mission to the Silvian planet to act as an impartial party in settling a dispute.
Of course when it comes to Tate rarely does anything work out as planned. First, she encounters Christopher or Brown Eyes who warns her of a bomb. Then she is kidnapped leading to the revelation that all the Silva may not be so happy to see her. Tate’s past is finally revealed and boy is it a doozy. Deception, revelation, mystery and intrigue is just what she has for breakfast. Lol. The question is will her new found knowledge be the beginning of hope or the signal of the end. At this point it is anybody’s guess.
I was happy to see that Tate and Ryu have finally made some inroads as to whether or not a relationship is possible for them. The only question remaining is a what cost? I enjoyed this read but I must be honest of all the books this was my least favorite. Why? Because I grew weary from all of the running around with not much to show for it. Believe it or not I found the ending rather boring. Hopefully, this will be corrected in the next book. I really hope so.
Of course when it comes to Tate rarely does anything work out as planned. First, she encounters Christopher or Brown Eyes who warns her of a bomb. Then she is kidnapped leading to the revelation that all the Silva may not be so happy to see her. Tate’s past is finally revealed and boy is it a doozy. Deception, revelation, mystery and intrigue is just what she has for breakfast. Lol. The question is will her new found knowledge be the beginning of hope or the signal of the end. At this point it is anybody’s guess.
I was happy to see that Tate and Ryu have finally made some inroads as to whether or not a relationship is possible for them. The only question remaining is a what cost? I enjoyed this read but I must be honest of all the books this was my least favorite. Why? Because I grew weary from all of the running around with not much to show for it. Believe it or not I found the ending rather boring. Hopefully, this will be corrected in the next book. I really hope so.
July 23, 2023
Good
This is book four in the series, and yes, it’s imperative that you have read the other three books first, because this tale builds on those stories.
An incident with an attempted assassination, places Tate in a situation leading to her visiting the lands of the Silva, with Ryu, Dewdrop, and Night by her side.
Since Tate is involved, you know it won’t always go so smoothly, and it’s not long before she is undertaking an adventure that will reveal secrets and require all her skills to survive.
We learn a lot more about Tate in this book, although it’s not always clear precisely what we have learned. Some important events occur in this story, with some romantic progress, some important political issues, and some revelations that definitely make things interesting.
This is an engrossing story, with a slow burn romance, an intriguing mystery, and an impending battle for survival.
The characters are appealing, and at times amusing, and the main characters actually show growth.
This is a thoroughly engaging story, and one that both sci-fi and fantasy lovers will enjoy.
This is book four in the series, and yes, it’s imperative that you have read the other three books first, because this tale builds on those stories.
An incident with an attempted assassination, places Tate in a situation leading to her visiting the lands of the Silva, with Ryu, Dewdrop, and Night by her side.
Since Tate is involved, you know it won’t always go so smoothly, and it’s not long before she is undertaking an adventure that will reveal secrets and require all her skills to survive.
We learn a lot more about Tate in this book, although it’s not always clear precisely what we have learned. Some important events occur in this story, with some romantic progress, some important political issues, and some revelations that definitely make things interesting.
This is an engrossing story, with a slow burn romance, an intriguing mystery, and an impending battle for survival.
The characters are appealing, and at times amusing, and the main characters actually show growth.
This is a thoroughly engaging story, and one that both sci-fi and fantasy lovers will enjoy.
February 2, 2022
I’ll be honest lads, this series (and this book in particular) is a bit of a mess. The plot was everywhere here, things being discovered left right and centre giving us no time to process any of the new things we’ve learnt. It felt as though the author realised she hadn’t given us enough information in the previous books and knowing there was only one more left, just barraged us with what we needed to know.
One thing in particular that annoyed me with this one was Tate and Ryu’s relationship. We got the sense from the beginning that their was something brewing between them but we never actually had anything come from it. This is fine, I’m cool with a bit of a slow burn, however that’s not what happened here. Instead of a slow development we got nothing for 3 books and then somehow they were in love by this one??? Make it make sense. I really wish their relationship had been developed better because if I’m being completely frank, I really don’t care for anything going on with them at this point which is a real shame.
One thing in particular that annoyed me with this one was Tate and Ryu’s relationship. We got the sense from the beginning that their was something brewing between them but we never actually had anything come from it. This is fine, I’m cool with a bit of a slow burn, however that’s not what happened here. Instead of a slow development we got nothing for 3 books and then somehow they were in love by this one??? Make it make sense. I really wish their relationship had been developed better because if I’m being completely frank, I really don’t care for anything going on with them at this point which is a real shame.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2019
Am I gushing too much?
With most series, I find myself bored after the third book, but White is an author that never disappoints. After four books I'm still excited for the next part of the story. The characters are rich with personality; the story full of excitement and mystery. The character development both individually and in relationships has been incredible.
The story that is being weaved has everything you could want; adventure, mystery, romance, supernatural, and comedy. Ilith is an absolute delight and I love her more each book. The secondary characters were, as always, fantastic. Every book peels back another layer of Tate's mysterious past and I can't get enough. I could rave for hours about every book in this series, the newest installment included. If you haven't yet, you can't go wrong with reading any of this Authors books. Highly recommend them all.
With most series, I find myself bored after the third book, but White is an author that never disappoints. After four books I'm still excited for the next part of the story. The characters are rich with personality; the story full of excitement and mystery. The character development both individually and in relationships has been incredible.
The story that is being weaved has everything you could want; adventure, mystery, romance, supernatural, and comedy. Ilith is an absolute delight and I love her more each book. The secondary characters were, as always, fantastic. Every book peels back another layer of Tate's mysterious past and I can't get enough. I could rave for hours about every book in this series, the newest installment included. If you haven't yet, you can't go wrong with reading any of this Authors books. Highly recommend them all.
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