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The Stone Crown #1
Dragon Connection
One crown can unite them—or destroy them all.
The three kingdoms lie splintered, their aging dragon riders content with stories of glorious battle victories. But a new evil creeps across the land. Inyene, a powerful noblewoman of the Northern Kingdom, plunders valuable resources to power mechanical dragons in her quest to gain a foothold in the Middle Kingdom. From there she will ascend the High Throne, once again uniting the realms under a single crown.
For the wearer of the Stone Crown can wield unlimited power—if it can be found.
Narissea has spent a quarter of her sixteen years slaving away in the mines, accused of a crime she didn’t commit. When word reaches her of the horrors assailing her village, Narissea knows she must act despite the risk. Already her arm is scarred with four brands signifying previous escape attempts. If she’s unsuccessful in her fifth, it will mean death.
But her life forever changes when she stumbles upon an injured dragon, discovers an ancient shrine, and learns the true purpose behind Lady Inyene’s mechanical abominations.
Now, Narissea has only one choice: gain Inyene’s trust and find a way to thwart her plans, even if it means sacrificing that which she desires most of all.
Her freedom.
This book contains violence.
The three kingdoms lie splintered, their aging dragon riders content with stories of glorious battle victories. But a new evil creeps across the land. Inyene, a powerful noblewoman of the Northern Kingdom, plunders valuable resources to power mechanical dragons in her quest to gain a foothold in the Middle Kingdom. From there she will ascend the High Throne, once again uniting the realms under a single crown.
For the wearer of the Stone Crown can wield unlimited power—if it can be found.
Narissea has spent a quarter of her sixteen years slaving away in the mines, accused of a crime she didn’t commit. When word reaches her of the horrors assailing her village, Narissea knows she must act despite the risk. Already her arm is scarred with four brands signifying previous escape attempts. If she’s unsuccessful in her fifth, it will mean death.
But her life forever changes when she stumbles upon an injured dragon, discovers an ancient shrine, and learns the true purpose behind Lady Inyene’s mechanical abominations.
Now, Narissea has only one choice: gain Inyene’s trust and find a way to thwart her plans, even if it means sacrificing that which she desires most of all.
Her freedom.
This book contains violence.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 25, 2019
508 people are currently reading
195 people want to read
About the author
Ava Richardson
151 books428 followersAva 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 30 reviews
April 17, 2020
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Dragon Connection is the first of The Stone Crown series by Ava Richardson.
This is the first installment of Narissea (Nari), a strong-willed slave stuck in the dangerous mines owned by self-proclaimed Queen Inyene. Determined to free herself and her people (despite 4 already failed attempts) she digs in and does her work and on one day, discovers Ymmen, an injured dragon. Thus begins the adventure and spark of hope she has to be able to free all the Daza people from the iron hand of Inyene.
Along the way she teams up with Tamin, her god-uncle from Daza; Abioye, the Queen's brother; and Montfre, a mage who's been locked in a tower to create weaponry for the Queen.
I enjoyed reading about her learning process of working with and bonding with a dragon in a world where most of the dragon riders are in the past. I also liked the scheming going on with the main characters to, essentially, save the world.
This book is just the start of that adventure, so I definitely can't wait to start Book #2!
Side note: One thing I'd very much like to see either in the book or on the author's website, is a list of characters that includes a pronunciation guide. I've read this book and while it has a fabulous story, I still can't figure out how to pronounce the names of some of the main characters - such as Abioye, Inyene, etc. In my head, I pronounce them differently every time. But - I keep reading because - it's a terrific story!
This book was provided to me by Net Galley as an ARC and I am voluntarily reviewing it here and on other related sites.
Dragon Connection is the first of The Stone Crown series by Ava Richardson.
This is the first installment of Narissea (Nari), a strong-willed slave stuck in the dangerous mines owned by self-proclaimed Queen Inyene. Determined to free herself and her people (despite 4 already failed attempts) she digs in and does her work and on one day, discovers Ymmen, an injured dragon. Thus begins the adventure and spark of hope she has to be able to free all the Daza people from the iron hand of Inyene.
Along the way she teams up with Tamin, her god-uncle from Daza; Abioye, the Queen's brother; and Montfre, a mage who's been locked in a tower to create weaponry for the Queen.
I enjoyed reading about her learning process of working with and bonding with a dragon in a world where most of the dragon riders are in the past. I also liked the scheming going on with the main characters to, essentially, save the world.
This book is just the start of that adventure, so I definitely can't wait to start Book #2!
Side note: One thing I'd very much like to see either in the book or on the author's website, is a list of characters that includes a pronunciation guide. I've read this book and while it has a fabulous story, I still can't figure out how to pronounce the names of some of the main characters - such as Abioye, Inyene, etc. In my head, I pronounce them differently every time. But - I keep reading because - it's a terrific story!
This book was provided to me by Net Galley as an ARC and I am voluntarily reviewing it here and on other related sites.
December 26, 2019
Finished the book. Struggled, though. Will not read anymore.
January 30, 2020
Dragon Connection tells the story of a time when most of the dragons have gone and with them, the Dragon riders. The land is being dominated by a vicious wannabe queen who is enslaving many free citizens under ridiculous charges. Narissea is one of the unfortunate souls taken from her homeland on trumped up charges and forced to work in the mines for the “queen”, Inyene.
Narissea has made multiple attempts to escape. She’s been promised by the overseers that her next attempt will be her last. No more branding her arm as punishment…death will put an end to her misery.
As further punishment for her latest failed prison break, Narissea is sent into treacherous territory to hunt for Dragon scales. She thinks her luck has turned for the better when she discovers more scales than anyone ever has! And not just any scales – these are black, large and fully intact. She follows the trail and eventually finds herself in a precarious situation, which is made all the more deadly when find herself face to face with a living, breathing, black Dragon!
Narissea has no idea how the connect made that day will change her life – and possibly the lives of her people. When she returns from her punishment/adventure, she’s in even more danger than before.
I fell in love with almost every character in this book! Narissea, her “uncle”, her best friend Oleer – even the queen’s brother, Abioye. And of course I grew quite attached to the mage, Montfre! I’ve got a special place in my heart for mages and dragons. I can’t wait to start the next book in the Stone Crown series to see where their story goes from here!
Dragon Connection by Ava Richardson is a fun, exciting, and emotional read. I recommend it to anyone who loves stories with dragons!
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or my review. Full review at www.jesscombs.com
Narissea has made multiple attempts to escape. She’s been promised by the overseers that her next attempt will be her last. No more branding her arm as punishment…death will put an end to her misery.
As further punishment for her latest failed prison break, Narissea is sent into treacherous territory to hunt for Dragon scales. She thinks her luck has turned for the better when she discovers more scales than anyone ever has! And not just any scales – these are black, large and fully intact. She follows the trail and eventually finds herself in a precarious situation, which is made all the more deadly when find herself face to face with a living, breathing, black Dragon!
Narissea has no idea how the connect made that day will change her life – and possibly the lives of her people. When she returns from her punishment/adventure, she’s in even more danger than before.
I fell in love with almost every character in this book! Narissea, her “uncle”, her best friend Oleer – even the queen’s brother, Abioye. And of course I grew quite attached to the mage, Montfre! I’ve got a special place in my heart for mages and dragons. I can’t wait to start the next book in the Stone Crown series to see where their story goes from here!
Dragon Connection by Ava Richardson is a fun, exciting, and emotional read. I recommend it to anyone who loves stories with dragons!
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or my review. Full review at www.jesscombs.com
December 26, 2019
This is book one of the Stone Crown series and follows the main character, Nari (Narissea), a sixteen year old girl who has spent the last four years as a slave in a mine, run by the so called Queen Inyene, a rich and powerful noblewoman from the Northern Kingdom. She has been enslaving people from all the tribes across the Plains and further afield, conning them into purchasing unwanted goods and then punishing them when they cannot pay for them. Getting them brought to her mines, looking for ore, dragon scales and strange light rocks, all for her own evil plans.
Inyene is searching for the ultimate item of power, the Stone Crown, a relic of the first great ruler, which will supposedly give the one possessing it, the power to rule all the Kingdoms, which were split between three sons and now further split and fought over. One crown to unite them all or destroy them all, with untold power given to the person who wields it. The three kingdoms and the Plains between, have long told stories of dragons and their dragon riders, tales of daring and victory, but now long since disappeared. Dragons are not a sight seen in the skies anymore, but the reason for their sudden disappearance is not known.
Nari has few she can call friends in the slave encampment beside the mine and she has alienated some with her previous escape attempts. Earning her a brand on her arm for each of her four attempts so far, and a fifth will mean death! She doesn’t know why she is supposed to owe a debt and ended up here as a slave, worked to death almost and on meagre rations, with cruel and vicious guards ready to give out punishment for a wrong look or word. A new influx of prisoners brings a face from her past, her honorary uncle Tamin. He has news of her village and her mother being in grave danger and Nari starts to plan another escape.
A visit by Inyene’s younger brother, brings a metallic abomination to the eyes of all. A mechanical dragon, puffing out noxious fumes and covered in the dragon scales Nari and others had been sent up the mountain to find. It seems Inyene is building as many of these magically powered dragons as she can, using the produce of the mines, the light stones and the dragon scales, to make these monstrosities, all to take the fight for supremacy over all the Kingdoms, as her ancestor once did. She will stop at nothing to achieve what she believes in, no matter how mad she becomes.
On a trip to recover dragon scales, as a punishment for a cave in, Nari discovers a wounded black dragon and ends up with a connection to it. The cave in led her and her uncle to an ancient shrine deep within the mountain and being caught there adds to her troubles. She ends up in Inyene’s brother’s hands and soon learns far too much about Inyene’s true plans and why her people have been ending up in the mines as slaves, working off imaginary debt. To help her people, she will have to sacrifice what she wants most, which is her own freedom. She gains a couple of allies and defeats one thorn in her side, but there is much more to come.
Her connection with the injured dragon continues to grow and her uncle’s memories of past history provide her with details of what this could mean. Her journey has only just begun, with her uncle, the brother and even a mage, but most dangerously, she has to pretend to be on Inyene’s side and prevent her from reaching the Stone Crown before Nari and her group find it. This first book sets up the main characters well and leaves you at a satisfying point, ready to go out on the expedition to find the Stone Crown and to visit the lands of Nari’s birth, following an ancient map full of dragon rider markings and secret towers. A great start to the series and I personally cannot wait to read the next one! Anyone who loves a dragon tale or two, will love this book.
Inyene is searching for the ultimate item of power, the Stone Crown, a relic of the first great ruler, which will supposedly give the one possessing it, the power to rule all the Kingdoms, which were split between three sons and now further split and fought over. One crown to unite them all or destroy them all, with untold power given to the person who wields it. The three kingdoms and the Plains between, have long told stories of dragons and their dragon riders, tales of daring and victory, but now long since disappeared. Dragons are not a sight seen in the skies anymore, but the reason for their sudden disappearance is not known.
Nari has few she can call friends in the slave encampment beside the mine and she has alienated some with her previous escape attempts. Earning her a brand on her arm for each of her four attempts so far, and a fifth will mean death! She doesn’t know why she is supposed to owe a debt and ended up here as a slave, worked to death almost and on meagre rations, with cruel and vicious guards ready to give out punishment for a wrong look or word. A new influx of prisoners brings a face from her past, her honorary uncle Tamin. He has news of her village and her mother being in grave danger and Nari starts to plan another escape.
A visit by Inyene’s younger brother, brings a metallic abomination to the eyes of all. A mechanical dragon, puffing out noxious fumes and covered in the dragon scales Nari and others had been sent up the mountain to find. It seems Inyene is building as many of these magically powered dragons as she can, using the produce of the mines, the light stones and the dragon scales, to make these monstrosities, all to take the fight for supremacy over all the Kingdoms, as her ancestor once did. She will stop at nothing to achieve what she believes in, no matter how mad she becomes.
On a trip to recover dragon scales, as a punishment for a cave in, Nari discovers a wounded black dragon and ends up with a connection to it. The cave in led her and her uncle to an ancient shrine deep within the mountain and being caught there adds to her troubles. She ends up in Inyene’s brother’s hands and soon learns far too much about Inyene’s true plans and why her people have been ending up in the mines as slaves, working off imaginary debt. To help her people, she will have to sacrifice what she wants most, which is her own freedom. She gains a couple of allies and defeats one thorn in her side, but there is much more to come.
Her connection with the injured dragon continues to grow and her uncle’s memories of past history provide her with details of what this could mean. Her journey has only just begun, with her uncle, the brother and even a mage, but most dangerously, she has to pretend to be on Inyene’s side and prevent her from reaching the Stone Crown before Nari and her group find it. This first book sets up the main characters well and leaves you at a satisfying point, ready to go out on the expedition to find the Stone Crown and to visit the lands of Nari’s birth, following an ancient map full of dragon rider markings and secret towers. A great start to the series and I personally cannot wait to read the next one! Anyone who loves a dragon tale or two, will love this book.
July 15, 2020
Couldn't Get Past the Narration
I have read other books by Ava and have really enjoyed them all. My biggest complaint with this one was with the narration, this was the first book I have listened to by Amy Snakes and I don't know if it is was her interpretation or just the tone of her voice... but it made many of the characters come off whiny, bratty and just overall annoying. It really became a struggle to want to listen to because it simply grated on my nerves. The story line was interesting and since I have listened to other books of Ava's I really was invested in seeing where this one was going. I guess my recommendation is to listen to the full audio sample before you purchase it and if you don't like the sound of this narration than buy the book instead of the audio version -the story is definitely worth a read either way. This author does a great job of bringing the characters and scenes to life while also keeping her stories clean and free from sex scenes, excessive violence and bad language.
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I have read other books by Ava and have really enjoyed them all. My biggest complaint with this one was with the narration, this was the first book I have listened to by Amy Snakes and I don't know if it is was her interpretation or just the tone of her voice... but it made many of the characters come off whiny, bratty and just overall annoying. It really became a struggle to want to listen to because it simply grated on my nerves. The story line was interesting and since I have listened to other books of Ava's I really was invested in seeing where this one was going. I guess my recommendation is to listen to the full audio sample before you purchase it and if you don't like the sound of this narration than buy the book instead of the audio version -the story is definitely worth a read either way. This author does a great job of bringing the characters and scenes to life while also keeping her stories clean and free from sex scenes, excessive violence and bad language.
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
February 21, 2020
I couldn't get into the book but am sure lots of readers will like it. This is an epic story that will play out over the trilogy involving Narissea, a brave wrongly enslaved girl who will end up taking on the corrupt queen in protection of her people. She had been a slave for four years and was branded for her 4 attempts to escape, another failed escape attempt would result in her death.
This doesn't stop her so when a disturbance happens at the mines she flees with another to a cave where they discover an injured dragon. There is much to learn from the dragon and her honorary uncle as she starts on her new mission to save her people from the villain Inyene and her mechanical dragons. We learn about dragons, dragon rider and the Stone Crown that would give the possessor the power to rule all the Kingdoms,
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This doesn't stop her so when a disturbance happens at the mines she flees with another to a cave where they discover an injured dragon. There is much to learn from the dragon and her honorary uncle as she starts on her new mission to save her people from the villain Inyene and her mechanical dragons. We learn about dragons, dragon rider and the Stone Crown that would give the possessor the power to rule all the Kingdoms,
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 3, 2020
My biggest struggle with the book was actually in the names of some of the characters. I know that that seems silly, but when you spend half of your time trying to figure out how to pronounce their names and still can't come up with anything that flows of the tongue by the end of the book it takes away from connecting to the story.
The story starts off pretty slow but does eventually pick up a bit. I will say that it intrigued me enough to want to know what happens next but It's not a book that I would re-read. Having read The Dragon Riders of Pern books by Anne McCaffrey, it's hard not to compare the two when it come to the bond between human and dragon. What I did like about this one was that the bond is deeper than just being able to talk to one another and encompasses all the senses. That and Ymmen has a sense of humor!
The story starts off pretty slow but does eventually pick up a bit. I will say that it intrigued me enough to want to know what happens next but It's not a book that I would re-read. Having read The Dragon Riders of Pern books by Anne McCaffrey, it's hard not to compare the two when it come to the bond between human and dragon. What I did like about this one was that the bond is deeper than just being able to talk to one another and encompasses all the senses. That and Ymmen has a sense of humor!
January 11, 2020
I have read all of Ava Richardson's books in the previous Dragon series and I love how she sticks to her M.O by having a lead female heroine. In this series, it's Nari, and she's one of the many villagers who have been enslaved by Inyene who is after power- seeking to revive the reign of dragons, and in building her empire, she goes to all lengths to make sure that she has everyone doing as she pleases, at the cost of their freedom.
This book's pace is unlike all the other first books in the author's series, I found it slow.
This slowed down my reading and I found myself taking time to really get on with the reading, and it was only when I accepted that it's set years after the reign of dragon masters and tamers- that I started to appreciate how bleak Nari's time seemed.
I believe the second book will be better.
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC.
This book's pace is unlike all the other first books in the author's series, I found it slow.
This slowed down my reading and I found myself taking time to really get on with the reading, and it was only when I accepted that it's set years after the reign of dragon masters and tamers- that I started to appreciate how bleak Nari's time seemed.
I believe the second book will be better.
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC.
March 26, 2020
Dragon Connection is the first book in the Stone Crown series by author Ava Richardson. It is a well-written, fast paced, YA fantasy fiction novel that follows the life of Narissea as she navigates the mines as a slave and later embarks on a journey to find the Stone Crown. Nari is a strong willed girl, set to work in the mines as a slave along with many of her people, trapped into this situation based on falsified debts that are owed to Lady Inyene.
I particularly enjoyed how the author does not waste time building up the story, but throws the reader right into the middle of it. The author later on takes her time to explain some of the setting and give us a sense of the background of the people and the reason for their current predicament. Most of the things that happen in this book come as a pleasant surprise though some parts are a little predictable.
With a strong desire to thwart Lady Inyene's plans, Nari embarks on a journey that involves an injured dragon, the Lady's brother and a mage. Add to this mix some magic and we have the perfect recipe for an enjoyable read! I truly cannot wait to pick up the next book and find out what happens!
I particularly enjoyed how the author does not waste time building up the story, but throws the reader right into the middle of it. The author later on takes her time to explain some of the setting and give us a sense of the background of the people and the reason for their current predicament. Most of the things that happen in this book come as a pleasant surprise though some parts are a little predictable.
With a strong desire to thwart Lady Inyene's plans, Nari embarks on a journey that involves an injured dragon, the Lady's brother and a mage. Add to this mix some magic and we have the perfect recipe for an enjoyable read! I truly cannot wait to pick up the next book and find out what happens!
December 25, 2019
A slave bonded to a dragon. Narissea has been a slave in the mines for four years. She has tried to escape several times and been punished. The next time she will die. But then an opportunity arises and she escapes with her uncle to a cave with a dragon. After bonding with the dragon she wants to free her people and stop the evil false queen Inyene from creating mechanical dragons and taking over the world. But how can one young woman, a dragon and an old man stop her? She just might have a few more people on her side. Can’t wait to see if she can succeed in the next book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
January 6, 2020
This starts a new series for Ava Richardson it's set in the same "world" but a long time after the pervious series. While this book was not a great read I still hope that the next one is more in line with what I would expect from Ava Richardson.
This review was originally posted on Books In Brogan
January 28, 2020
How can you enslave the wind?
This one took me a bit longer to get into then other books by this author but I still enjoyed it and want to read the rest of this series.
Narissea has been a slave for four years, she has no clue how she ended up a slave and is always planning her escape. When she first comes across a dragon, then a hidden cavern in the mines, she meets the most unlikely ally. This begins the quest to free her people and stop a tyrant.
I enjoy Narissea's interaction with the dragon and that unlikely ally. Good book for any age.
This one took me a bit longer to get into then other books by this author but I still enjoyed it and want to read the rest of this series.
Narissea has been a slave for four years, she has no clue how she ended up a slave and is always planning her escape. When she first comes across a dragon, then a hidden cavern in the mines, she meets the most unlikely ally. This begins the quest to free her people and stop a tyrant.
I enjoy Narissea's interaction with the dragon and that unlikely ally. Good book for any age.
January 23, 2020
The kingdom's are split and there is a new danger coming. They have mechanical dragons who wants to conquer all. She has four scars on her arm after four failed attempt to escape. She knows if she fails a fifth time it means death. She will try when she heard there is trouble at her home village. Will finding an injured Dragon help her? Can they help each other? See if she can save her village
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 2, 2020
There’s much to love in Ava Richardson’s Dragon Connection (The Stone Crown Series Book 1). A really stron kick-a** heroine in Narissea. Action, intrigue and thrills in a truly strong plot with a great cast of dimples characters and great writing. I’m glad I came along this book and happily recommend it.
January 12, 2020
A dragon, a slave girl and a fight for freedom. An action-packed, fast-paced magical adventure, the first in a new series, that will appeal to all fans of fantasy books. A clean read, perfect for teens and young adults.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 9, 2020
What a Song
A great start to this adventure! Loving Nari and her spitfire personality! So many ways this adventure can take, I can't wait to read the next one!
*I received this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A great start to this adventure! Loving Nari and her spitfire personality! So many ways this adventure can take, I can't wait to read the next one!
*I received this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 26, 2020
Excellent storyline
If you've read the Dragon Riders of Pern, then this is a series that you will definitely want to read. I was mesmerized by th depth of the characters and truly wished there were dragons in today's world.
If you've read the Dragon Riders of Pern, then this is a series that you will definitely want to read. I was mesmerized by th depth of the characters and truly wished there were dragons in today's world.
January 12, 2021
Good read
I always enjoy a book I can’t put down. I read until it’s done. Then I want more. It’s wonderful that this is a series. I like that it’s in first person. It allows you to truly become the character. I am ready for more!
I always enjoy a book I can’t put down. I read until it’s done. Then I want more. It’s wonderful that this is a series. I like that it’s in first person. It allows you to truly become the character. I am ready for more!
February 6, 2021
Another good book
from Ava Richardson. Even as a Silver reader, I thoroughly enjoy her stories.
The characters are good people, except for the bad ones, without being prissy.
I write terrible reviews, I recommend the series
from Ava Richardson. Even as a Silver reader, I thoroughly enjoy her stories.
The characters are good people, except for the bad ones, without being prissy.
I write terrible reviews, I recommend the series
December 20, 2024
I received a free copy via Netgalley.
This is another easy read by Ava Richardson.
If you like dragons and well developed characters this will be for you.
I look forward to reading the next in the series.
This is another easy read by Ava Richardson.
If you like dragons and well developed characters this will be for you.
I look forward to reading the next in the series.
April 16, 2025
Dragon Connection
Another wonderful start to a trilogy! Ava is an amazing writer who has created an incredible world with lots of wonderful characters. The Dragon lore is truly unique and the storylines are captivating.
Another wonderful start to a trilogy! Ava is an amazing writer who has created an incredible world with lots of wonderful characters. The Dragon lore is truly unique and the storylines are captivating.
December 15, 2019
This is a great story. Dragon's and magic and just all kinds of things to keep it interesting. Marissa is a very strong character and I can't wait to see what she does in the next installment!
December 31, 2019
Fantastic!
This is a well written,easy read story! The characters are so real to life and interact seamlessly. The evil and corrupt empire of the queen will come to light!
This is a well written,easy read story! The characters are so real to life and interact seamlessly. The evil and corrupt empire of the queen will come to light!
February 11, 2020
Brilliant
Loved this book and can’t wait to get started on the second. I felt as though I was actually there in the book.
Loved this book and can’t wait to get started on the second. I felt as though I was actually there in the book.
January 22, 2021
True friendship and adventure
I like dragons and have been reading the stories in this world. So they are comfortable and understandable. I like the characters too.
I like dragons and have been reading the stories in this world. So they are comfortable and understandable. I like the characters too.
June 20, 2020
Girl meets Dragon
I thought this was a really good start to this series. Nari is a force all to herself, however when she bonds with a Dragon things get good. She is a free spirit so being a slave was not in the cards for her. Wanting to free her people and save the world is a lot to handle for Nori and her Dragon. Will her new found friends be able help?
I thought this was a really good start to this series. Nari is a force all to herself, however when she bonds with a Dragon things get good. She is a free spirit so being a slave was not in the cards for her. Wanting to free her people and save the world is a lot to handle for Nori and her Dragon. Will her new found friends be able help?
July 9, 2023
This is the second series I've read by Ava Richardson. I so love the imaginative stories she tells.
Narissea is a slave who dreams of escape. Well, actually, she does more than dream. Every year, she attempts it. And every year, she is caught and punished with more time being added to her sentence. There are several problems.
1. The slave masters are incredibly cruel, insisting that she work without enough food, water, or rest, and
2. Narissea didn't actually do anything to deserve her captivity.
And 3., the slaves are mining for dragon scales.
But Narissea is no quitter. And when she discovers several of the queen's deepest secrets and finds some unexpected allies, she sets out to take back her own freedom and ultimately take down the queen.
There are so many great characters. A teenage slave. A child mechanic. Several different types of dragons. Even the evil queen has an interesting background. The stories felt unique and new, which is saying something with all the reading I do. The world building is also very intriguing. We spend most of this story in the mines and the palace, but it looks like we will be exploring the land more broadly in the next book, which I am thrilled about.
I do have a couple of complaints. The biggest one is that I struggled with the narrator. The narration doesn't fit the characters. Narissea comes across as a whiny teenager, whereas if I were reading the words, I think I would see her differently. The narrator also doesn't do a great job with male voices, particularly older males. Second, there is a lot of telling in the story. Narissea frequently eavesdrops and happens to hear all the information she needs. Overall, it's still a wonderful story, but I did feel the need to point it out for readers who are sensitive to either of those issues. There is also a good deal of violence and zero romance, although, I can speculate on a future couple. We'll, see. I will definitely be continuing the series to see what Narissea is up to next.
I received a free audiobook from the author and have reviewed it willingly.
Narissea is a slave who dreams of escape. Well, actually, she does more than dream. Every year, she attempts it. And every year, she is caught and punished with more time being added to her sentence. There are several problems.
1. The slave masters are incredibly cruel, insisting that she work without enough food, water, or rest, and
2. Narissea didn't actually do anything to deserve her captivity.
And 3., the slaves are mining for dragon scales.
But Narissea is no quitter. And when she discovers several of the queen's deepest secrets and finds some unexpected allies, she sets out to take back her own freedom and ultimately take down the queen.
There are so many great characters. A teenage slave. A child mechanic. Several different types of dragons. Even the evil queen has an interesting background. The stories felt unique and new, which is saying something with all the reading I do. The world building is also very intriguing. We spend most of this story in the mines and the palace, but it looks like we will be exploring the land more broadly in the next book, which I am thrilled about.
I do have a couple of complaints. The biggest one is that I struggled with the narrator. The narration doesn't fit the characters. Narissea comes across as a whiny teenager, whereas if I were reading the words, I think I would see her differently. The narrator also doesn't do a great job with male voices, particularly older males. Second, there is a lot of telling in the story. Narissea frequently eavesdrops and happens to hear all the information she needs. Overall, it's still a wonderful story, but I did feel the need to point it out for readers who are sensitive to either of those issues. There is also a good deal of violence and zero romance, although, I can speculate on a future couple. We'll, see. I will definitely be continuing the series to see what Narissea is up to next.
I received a free audiobook from the author and have reviewed it willingly.
March 13, 2020
A slave girl and a dragon.
Sound like the setup for a bad joke? Nope. It's the beginning of another sequence in the Torvald saga and a new twist to the Dragon Akademy. From small beginnings great stories can unwind. I have great hopes for Nari and Ymmen. I have confidence (and faith, with a touch of hope) that the author will turn this storyline to a great read like she has before.
If you like Anne Maccaffrey's Pern, you'll love the Dragon Connection! I can't wait for the next book.
Sound like the setup for a bad joke? Nope. It's the beginning of another sequence in the Torvald saga and a new twist to the Dragon Akademy. From small beginnings great stories can unwind. I have great hopes for Nari and Ymmen. I have confidence (and faith, with a touch of hope) that the author will turn this storyline to a great read like she has before.
If you like Anne Maccaffrey's Pern, you'll love the Dragon Connection! I can't wait for the next book.
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