Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
When Alveria is plunged into a pitch-black darkness, can a dragon-shifter labelled as "Untameable" and the dragon-hunter sent to kill her, bond together to save their world? Laini Unclaimed, a maid at the Alveria Palace, thought supervising a kid's birthday party of young dragons was going to be the hardest part of her day. Then a never-ending darkness falls across Alveria, and an army of monsters are unleashed from the underworld. As attacks on humans and dragons rise, there’s little the royals can do to protect the people from creatures impervious to magic—and many think Laini is to blame. She's one of the first to face the terrifying monsters when she saves Prince Cade's life at the palace. After a lifetime of rejection, all the orphan wants is to find her place as an accepted member of Alverian society. But when the realm plunges into eternal night, her uncontrollable—unheard of—power the power over light and dark. Despite whispers of suspicion and blame, Laini denies responsibility for the darkness—how could it be her when she doesn't even understand her powers? Under the king’s guidance, she's sent to the prestigious Alveria Dragon Akademy to learn control of this newfound magic with a mis-fit group of other Untameables. But even the strong Akademy walls may not keep Laini safe, for a young dragon hunter lurks in the shadows, watching Laini and biding his time. Now Laini must discover the source of her powers and banish the darkness covering Alveria—before whispers become a cry for her death. But as the truth emerges, she learns that it is far more than her own life that's at stake, it's all of Alveria. Return to the Alveria Akademy in an all new dragon fantasy adventure! This novel contains violence and profanity.

344 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 26, 2019

517 people are currently reading
270 people want to read

About the author

Ava Richardson

150 books427 followers
Ava Richardson writes epic page-turning Young Adult Fantasy books. She creates lovable characters and drops them into intricate worlds that are barely contained within your eReader. Ava has written 21 YA dragon fantasy series, including her bestselling series Return of the Darkening and her recent series, Destia's Dragon Shifter War.

She grew up on a steady diet of fantasy and science fiction books handed down from her two big brothers – and despite being dog-eared and missing pages, she loved escaping into the magical worlds that those authors created. Her favorites were the ones about dragons; where they’d swoop, dive and soar through the skies of these enchanted lands.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
228 (57%)
4 stars
114 (28%)
3 stars
46 (11%)
2 stars
7 (1%)
1 star
4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
Profile Image for Alli.
394 reviews15 followers
Read
November 18, 2020
DNF at 38%
I didn’t like the other book I read by this author so I don’t know why I thought I would like this one 🤷‍♀️. Unfortunately it was a bust. I couldn’t stand the main character, she was just so dumb! And she was falling for that guy immediately, why? Just why?
Profile Image for Lexie.
2,066 reviews357 followers
October 7, 2020
I'm debating whether foregoing my show, skipping out on the comfort read and staying up til 230am on a work night is justified by this book.

I can't quite decide.

I read this before the first trilogy, though it doesn't feel like I was thrown into a world already formed. Richardson made this accessible on it own, which often times feels hard to find in series of connected trilogies.

I enjoyed the opening a lot - the Princess's birthday party did a whole lot to set the scene for who Laini is. We're shown her yearning for acceptance, how the small slights from her colleagues are taking their toll, her bravery and resourcefulness. Its possibly one of the best introductions I've read for a character in ages. Richardson shows us all these things, before reinforcing them with Laini's thoughts.

I wish the rest of the book followed suit.

There's a failing of logic at the core of why Laini is constantly one step from being executed after the party. They say its because her powers went berserker (either intentionally or accidentally depends on who you listen to) - except from all accounts working something THAT powerful would not have been a quiet act. Perhaps this was shown in the first trilogy (which incidentally was about the current King and Queen), but it was "Nightfall" for quite a while before she uses her powers - in defense of the Prince! - after spending thr majority of her time protecting and locating the other children.

Not a single other person, who's children she saved when all the other servants fled, said a single word in her defense? And if every one was so panicked, why did they ONLY trust their word?

It felt flimsy, and only felt flimsier as the Huntmaster is ready to commit TREASON on the very slim, unproven possibility that killing her will end Nightfall.

The whole fucking slate of adults (our main foursome are 17-18, with most secondary characters adults 10+ years older) made me feel disgusted and untrusting of any of them.

Worse it annoyed me as that whole thought process infects the entire novel.

Meanwhile, I found it darkly amusing to see Tyr slowly descend into hormonal madness snd have a complete existential crisis/crisis of faith because Laini is shy, intelligent and pretty.

Boy's been a hardened Dragonhunter for TWO YEARS and is the best. He's SEVENTEEN. Dafuq were all the veterans up to that in 2 years he's killed 7 Rogues.

OH that's something else - early on Tyr makes a point to say that really only 1-2 Rogues occurr annually. But he's killed 7 in two years, and presumably since there's a whole shady GUILD set up, the other Dragonhunters kill Rogues frequently as well.

Maths isn't my strong suit, but something seems off there. ESPECIALLY since apparently SOME hunters are cool with killing folk labeled Rogue, but not necessarily gone insane.

Anyhow - while it kept me reading I couldn't help but feel if the characters had been aged up a little it would have felt more realistic in terms of their supposed experience/inexperience. The basic plot is engaging, but it definitely gets bogged down at times by the nonsensical reasoning why everyone is team Kill Laini Brutally.
Profile Image for Thereadingbell.
1,433 reviews39 followers
May 12, 2023
Dragon Untameable by Ava Richardson

As Darkness falls over the land the people are afraid. The dragon kingdom of Alveria has had many peaceful years, but King Lasaro and Queen Kaelan cannot protect their people now. But with the darkness, Laini is surprised when a power over light and dark awakens in her. Having no control over it, she is sent to the Academy to learn. However, with everyone blaming her for causing the darkness, a dragon hunter’s attention is focused on her and he stalks her and waits for his chance to kill her. Is she really the reason for the darkness? Would her death restore the realm to its peace and prosperity? Or what else could be going on?
Profile Image for Damaged142.
206 reviews3 followers
August 25, 2023
Interesting continuation of the story

While I enjoyed this book, and while it did progress the story in an interesting direction. The story felt too similar to the last trilogy. It followed the same "outsider at the akademy, falls in love with someone she shouldn't." While the overarching story was new and very intriguing, the character interactions -especially between Laini and Tyr- felt much too similar to that of Kalean and Laraso (I hope I spelled those right lol) from the last trilogy.

That aside, I very much enjoyed this installment and am looking forward to the next!
Profile Image for Shelby Bollen.
892 reviews6 followers
September 15, 2019
Considering the amazing reviews, I thought that would really enjoy this but I just couldn’t get into it. It starts off brilliantly and draws you in straight away with magic, action and, of course, dragons. These are all things I love, so I was obviously excited to continue, but from here everything just felt a little...boring? I couldn’t fully immerse myself in the story as I feel that the writing only really covers the very basics of the magic system and world building, which are elements that I like to indulge in when reading fantasy.
Whilst it may not have been for me, I would still recommend this to those looking for a quick and easy YA fantasy, as I think my issues were purely down to personal preference!

Many thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for sending me a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Beth.
624 reviews2 followers
October 9, 2019
This was a quick read. It’s a YA fantasy with a good premise but some how misses its mark. The YA main characters are well written but the adults need a little more fleshing out. The story starts out exciting enough but after the initial magic reveal, not much happens as the story plods on. Nightfall has descended on their territory and everyone unreasonably blames Laini. She is taken to the Akademy to begin learning how to tame her magic. Once she is there, she attends classes with other students that can’t control their magic. Tyr is sent to assassinate Laini even though she is under the king and queens protection. The queen is supposedly teaching Laini but she never offers her training or any advice on how to control her magic. The Queen seems to constantly be in meetings about why the untameable students should or shouldn’t be banished or killed. The adults give the students all these rules but don’t supervise or enforce them. They are told not to leave their tower but they leave all the time and are never caught. Because the adults seem to be doing nothing but blaming, Laini is forced to solve the nightfall problem with the help of Tyr and the other untameables. There are so many inconsistencies in this story that I just didn’t enjoy it. It could have been a much better story if there was more action and less plodding along. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.7k reviews361 followers
August 28, 2019
Darkness falls over the land and people are afraid. The dragon kingdom of Alveria has had many peaceful years, but King Lasaro and Queen Kaelan cannot protect their people now. But with the darkness, Laini is surprised when a power over light and dark awakens in her. Having no control over it, she is sent to the Akademy to learn. However, with everyone blaming her for causing the darkness, a dragon hunter’s attention is focused on her and he stalks her and waits for his chance to kill her. Is she really the reason for the darkness? Would her death restore the realm to its peace and prosperity? Or what else could be going on?

This is an exciting read with a good story line. Laini will have to find out more about her powers, not only how to use them but where they came from. If she cannot restore things back the way they were, the frightened people will turn against her and demand her death, whether she has anything to do with this or not! Grab your copy and follow the adventure!
Profile Image for Scarolet Ellis.
7,445 reviews53 followers
September 4, 2019
Dragon Untameable by Ava Richardson is an amazing story that I loved reading. This is book number one in this amazing story that I have loved reading about dragons, mystery, magic and mayhem in it. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading aobut dragons,, mystery, magic and fantasy in thier stories.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jacqueline Walker.
96 reviews1 follower
September 13, 2019
Another great new series from Ava Richardson

Really enjoyed this new series and looking forward to the next one to see how the characters build up. Magical dragons what could b better.
Profile Image for Kenziey.
204 reviews2 followers
March 28, 2020
3.7 stars
Not too bad. This was a good read and had good potential. But it could have been better
856 reviews8 followers
September 5, 2019
I received this novel from net galley and the publisher. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This novel was a great read in Ms. Richardson's dragon saga. We see the return of old characters and the arrival of new ones. This novel is a bit different than the previous ones, bringing in the Norse gods and Asgard. The story is very well written and develops nicely for the second novel in this series. Laini, one of the main characters is a dragon and does not discover her abilities until a darkness falls over the land of Alveria. Laini is an orphan and desperately wants a family, a place where she belongs. But, she gets blamed for the darkness and she wants to suppress her powers and for things to go back to normal. Queen Kaelen wants to have Laini control her powers and along with two other powerful dragons, they become the Untameables. If their powers cannot be controlled, they will be declared rogues and the Hunters will be sent out to kill them. Laini does not realize a hunter is closer than she knows. This hunter, who has a past and secrets of their own, who believes in protecting the kingdom and the innocents, begins to see who Laini is and begins to question the orders from Huntmaster. As Laini and the others begin to unravel the mystery of the darkness, they realize that it an even greater danger that is coming, but will they be able to stop the inevitable?
229 reviews3 followers
March 1, 2020
This is the fourteenth book I’ve read/listened to by this author and I have enjoyed every book I’ve listened to. The books are not complicated, yet all carry little bits from other books that tie them together nicely. Some series are in the world where they just ride dragons, this is in the world where they can turn into dragons. I like the magic she gives to the dragons and tamers. This is in the same story thread as the Alveria Dragon Akademy series but about 12 years in the future. Laini lives in the Algerian Palace where Kaelan and Lasaro are King and Queen.

This is the fourth book I’ve listened to by this narrator ( Rebekah Nemethy ). She has done great performing all the books I’ve listened to. She helps immerse me in the stories.
In this one again, she brings out the characters personalities and emotions. She does well with the male and female voices.

There are no explicit sex scenes, excessive violence or swearing. I think this is good for preteens and up.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and voluntarily left this unbiased review.
Please feel free to comment on whether you found my review helpful.
Profile Image for Marie.
234 reviews55 followers
March 24, 2021
Nachdem ich die erste Buchreihe über die Drachenakademie von Alveria gelesen habe, musste ich einfach direkt weitermachen und es hat sich gelohnt! Erneut war ich begeistert und konnte das Buch nicht aus der Hand legen!
In diesem Buch steht Laini im Vordergrund. Sie ist Dienstmädchen im Palast, doch als plötzlich eine nicht endende Dunkelheit über Alveria hereinbricht, zeigt sie ungewöhnliche Kräfte. Laini ist ein Drache, aber sie kann nicht wie normale Drachen eins der vier Elemente kontrollieren, sondern Licht und Dunkelheit! Da sie von vielen für die Dunkelheit verantwortlich gemacht wird, schickt König Lasaro sie zur Akademie, wo Meisterin (und Königin) Kaelan sie und zwei weitere "Unzähmbare" unterrichten soll. Unzähmbar, da sie sich alle nicht mit einem Zähmer verbinden können, wie es für Drachen üblich ist.
Laini hat viele Feinde, darunter auch Drachenjäger. Diese jagen Schurken, doch der Jagdmeister hat nun auch Laini auf seiner Liste, da er denkt, ihr Tod könnte das Licht zurück nach Alveria bringen. Der Jäger Tyr wird damit beauftragt, Laini zu töten. Sein großes Geheimnis: er ist auch ein Drache und kann Magie unterdrücken. Durch diese Fähigkeit verschafft er sich Einlass zur Akademie, entschlossen, Laini zu töten. Doch was wenn er es nicht kann und sich sogar in sie verliebt?

Mehr möchte ich tatsächlich zur Handlung nicht sagen. Das Buch hat mir wieder sehr gut gefallen. Mein persönliches Highlight: Kaelan und Lasaro sowie ihre Kinder und Großvater Mordon! Ich werde direkt weiterlesen!
35 reviews
August 30, 2019
Dragon Untameable was opened nicely. I felt like I wasn't dropped in too soon or too late. A little of the background on the main character was given. I do believe in the next book more of the character's past is revealed, of that I am sure. There is always just enough action and dialogue in one chapter to keep you reading on into the next. The love interest is not rushed or made to feel like an unnatural occurrence which I appreciate. Now The main character could have more depth to her and in turn it would add a little more depth to the story. All together this tale isn't rushed and the dragons are believable. I appreciate how the Norse gods are weaved into the lore and backdrop of this book as well. It made a story I have never read more familiar in a way, some might view that Norse god angle as overused but the author did a great job here. Cool book, I look forward to the rest of the story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tamara.
291 reviews1 follower
September 5, 2019
I found this to be a great book and believe it is good to share with kids. In this one the main character Laini has always wanted to have a family. She tries so hard to fit in with others only to learn, the ones you're not expecting to be on your side are there for you.

Laini has been a maid at the palace, but when darkness falls, finds herself at the akademy being trained to control powers no one understands. She is being blamed by most for the darkness so she is being targeted and the best dragon hunter is after her.

This is a must read to find out why many think her death would solve the issues the country is going through and to find out what happens with the hunter.

I can't wait to read the next one in the series.
134 reviews
October 3, 2019
As always Ava Richardson comes through with an excellent book, dealing with the subject of Alveria and its Dragon Akademy from a different time in its existence. This book brings back the idea of the original Alveria Dragon Akademy series.

Unfortunately only 2 books of the trilogy are out, the 3rd one is due out the end of October, 2019. I'm definitely looking forward to it. Want to find out how everything is resolved.

If you enjoy Ava Richardson, you will definitely enjoy the Alveria Dragon Akademy's Untameables trilogy. It is a great story with vivid characterizations of the main characters and some interesting side characters in there as well (as usual). Read it and have fun.
Profile Image for Patricia.
610 reviews1 follower
August 29, 2019
Absolutely loved this story. Laini is a great character. The storyline is very different from other dragon stories I've read. Anyone familiar with the Alveria Dragon Akademy series will be happy to see some familiar characters, but make no mistake this story is about Laini and her friends. Great read. Can't wait to read the next in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
1,570 reviews
August 29, 2019
This is a great dragon fantasy series! Laini is an orphan who works for the King. When the darkness comes to their kingdom she is the one force that holds it back and protect the King's children. Having no idea she had any powers, she is sent to the Akademy to learn and for her own protection. She has to figure out to control her powers before the kingdom decides she is the reason for darkness. Great action, great characters...I can't wait to see what happens!
91 reviews
September 3, 2019
I have found a new favorite author! This is the beginning of the series, and I am on pin and needles for the next book to be released! Her world building and character development along with a well paced story line kept me from putting the book down. If you love dragons, adventure, and a touch of romance you have got to read this book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Claire Boniface.
111 reviews1 follower
September 3, 2019
I’m weirdly fussy when it comes to dragons in fantasy books but I found myself really enjoying the dragon elements of this book. I thought the plot was great and it was only let down by some characters being distinctly less fleshed out than others (Thea felt really flat especially in comparison to Lokari, when they’re both sisters it made this difference particularly obvious)
(I got this book via NetGalley and will be posting a more in depth review there)
2,891 reviews4 followers
September 5, 2019

This is a story about Laini who is a maid in the palace who is also an orphan. She only wants to fit in. The land is covered in darkness and when it’s discovered that she has power over light and dark some blame her. She’s sent to an academy to learn to figure out her power and control it. But there are some that think is she’s dead it would reverse the darkness. Will she figure out her power in time to stay alive? I reviewed this ARC From Bad Boy Update for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.3k reviews92 followers
September 6, 2019
The calm serenity of Alveria is about to change and the citizens are getting nervous. When Laini’s special powers appear, they wonder if she is the cause or the solution.

Laini is alone in the world but working as a maid in the palace has given her a place where she belongs. When her powers emerge, she is sent to school to learn what they entail but will she be able to uncover the truth before it is too late.
Profile Image for Rosemary Hughes.
4,192 reviews23 followers
August 8, 2020
I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobook of this title.
This is the second series of the dragons and their tamers, following on the previous series of "Alveria Dragon Akademy".
This centers on three "untameable" Dragons that cause all sorts of havoc on their own, together with a dragon hunter, sent to destroy on of these dragons.
However there is a bigger threat, which have these four working together to save their world.
Another intriguing yarn from this author.
Profile Image for Dennis.
78 reviews1 follower
February 18, 2021
A bit wordy, but imaginative

The new characters in Alveria are interesting and well conceived. It stays connected to the previous ones, but does a good job of creating both new drama, but also a new mission. Things got a bit wordy at times with literally pages taken to present what it could have in one. Good stories like this should not need all the verbal padding. I still enjoyed it and will read on....
Profile Image for Tonia Rodriguez.
304 reviews10 followers
April 21, 2023
This story was quite good. It was my first foray into the akademy-verse. The author is quite good at pulling you into the story and giving likeable characters. Quite good at giving unlikeable ones as well if I'm being honest lol. Makes you want more and to see where you'll be taken in this journey. I'll be looking for more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Michele.
1,540 reviews9 followers
August 29, 2019
This was an unforgettable adventure. I was drawn in and didn't stop till I read the last word. I was enchanted with the characters and their story. I would definitely recommend this book! I will be reading more from this author! I am voluntarily leaving my review after reading an advance reader copy of the book.
Profile Image for A.
349 reviews1 follower
September 4, 2019
I thought this was a good story. It was written well and i thought when i started ugggg I’m not going to like this because it’s a genre i usually don’t like but i have to say i was pleasantly surprised with the story. It was easy to follow and keep up with the story which made it much more enjoyable. I would recommend the book because i enjoyed it.
Profile Image for J. Ockenhouse.
1,743 reviews18 followers
September 4, 2019
The start to an epic fantasy adventure. Ava built a world that you do not want to leave. I couldn't get enough of the vision the words leave in my memory.

The characters will cast a spell and leave you wanting more. Lucky for us...we'll get more!!! I received an ARC for an honest and voluntarily review
Profile Image for Danielle Marlowe.
2,057 reviews9 followers
September 5, 2019
This was a good start to this series, Ava Richardson did a great job on it, the plot was written well with action, suspense, twists and more. The characters were good. Laini was a fighter, she went through a lot. I'm looking forward to reading more of this series.
Thanks, Ava Richardson. Great work :)
Profile Image for Christine Galletly.
1,125 reviews5 followers
September 23, 2019
I thought that this was a really good story with plenty of twists and turns
The characters were good together and I really enjoyed their interaction too
This was a great start to a new series and I am looking forward to book 2 to see where the author takes me - it is 4 stars from me for this one - highly recommended!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.