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Dragon Mage Chronicles #1
Stormdrake
Jander Teregnan has succeeded in his ambition to become a mage-apprentice, but the troubles that face him are far from over. He and Andrei set out on their first mission together as mage and apprentice to investigate a mysterious series of dragon attacks near a provincial city at the edge of the kingdom, where Jander's unique talents may particularly come into play. What they find there turns out to be far more devastating than a mere homicidal dragon, as they are caught up in a conspiracy that will threaten not only their own lives, but the lives of everyone in the kingdom they have sworn an oath to protect. (Book I in the Dragon Mage Chronicles)
- GenresRoyaltyHistoricalFantasy
180 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 2020
11 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
J.A. Jaken
31 books105 followersJ.A. Jaken has been writing homoerotic fiction for more than ten years. She got her start in the profession writing slash fanfiction, where she has published numerous stories under the pen-name Rushlight. Over the years she has written erotic short stories and novels in genres ranging from science fiction/fantasy to gothic horror to modern detective mysteries.
She realized at a young age that she was attracted to the darker side of life in the fictional stories she felt compelled to write. She feels there is something enormously satisfying about putting a character through intense physical and emotional hardship, and then carrying him or her through out the other side. She believes that is the main reason why she tends to write stories with a darker edge to them. Characters are the most interesting when they've had all of the baggage, all of their many masks, stripped away from them and they're left with nothing but the purest core of who and what they are.
Outside of writing, her interests include studying foreign languages, riding horses, practicing martial arts, and collecting medieval weaponry. She speaks a little bit of French, a little bit of American Sign Language, a little bit of Japanese, but she's not really fluent in any of them (although she's trying!). She's endlessly fascinated by just about everything she sees around her and is constantly looking for new ways to learn and improve her knowledge of the world.
She realized at a young age that she was attracted to the darker side of life in the fictional stories she felt compelled to write. She feels there is something enormously satisfying about putting a character through intense physical and emotional hardship, and then carrying him or her through out the other side. She believes that is the main reason why she tends to write stories with a darker edge to them. Characters are the most interesting when they've had all of the baggage, all of their many masks, stripped away from them and they're left with nothing but the purest core of who and what they are.
Outside of writing, her interests include studying foreign languages, riding horses, practicing martial arts, and collecting medieval weaponry. She speaks a little bit of French, a little bit of American Sign Language, a little bit of Japanese, but she's not really fluent in any of them (although she's trying!). She's endlessly fascinated by just about everything she sees around her and is constantly looking for new ways to learn and improve her knowledge of the world.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
March 29, 2020
I really enjoyed this. A slightly more linear story line than in the first one but a good sequel.
A few niggling criticisms though. There was one obvious timeline error, which did not have a major impact but seems a shame regardless.
I also hope that Jander being captured by Kirin isn't going to be a recurring event, two books in a row seems excessive. Also, why is there no teaching going on? Jander is an apprentice mage but he's not being taught anything in this book, Andrei even considers Jander's lacking education.
Overall though, this only made me want the next book more. I can't wait!
A few niggling criticisms though. There was one obvious timeline error, which did not have a major impact but seems a shame regardless.
I also hope that Jander being captured by Kirin isn't going to be a recurring event, two books in a row seems excessive. Also, why is there no teaching going on? Jander is an apprentice mage but he's not being taught anything in this book, Andrei even considers Jander's lacking education.
Overall though, this only made me want the next book more. I can't wait!
September 19, 2021
Rating (All ratings use a Scale of 1-5) = 3.5 rounded up. This was a less intense read in ALL aspects to the Prequel. Some of which is probably good for many readers depending on mood, preferences, etc... I know I was relieved the violence in all aspects was toned down, but I do wish it had maintained its intensity in all other areas.
Blurb = 3
My Genre Scale = 5
Odds if not your genre = 2
Development of: =
*World = 4
*Plot = 4, Development was good, just not the flow and intensity.
*Characters = 3
What stood out = Lots of little interesting things, but nothing to make it particularly memorable down the road.
Mood Type / Appeal to those looking for = A balanced read not particularly taxing on emotions or in intensity. Solid fantasy to pass the time of day.
Warnings = None; other than to those easily agitated by overly descriptive, flowery language, or pauses in action for philosophical musings.
HFN/HEA = M/C relationship is good, but story is HFN.
Series Notes = Including Prequel, 2nd book in the series.
*Reading on? Probably, because fantasy is at the very top of my preferred reading. But, I'm not "Just can't wait" to start the next book. So... I'm not sure. I will check some reviews and decide.
*Reading back to back? Yes, I have thus far.
*Can be easily read without the previous? Yes
Rating Notes = (SubPlots, thoughts, etc... )
I struggled more to stay engaged with this one. At times, the musings or overly descriptive writings disrupted the flow for me. It felt like the description, of say just one part of a cliff, took multiple adjective filled sentences. By the time a scene was set, it took pages (a lot of the time) . On top of that, multiple metaphors are often used to describe the same event, feeling, etc... I'm unsure if this was actually less of an issue in the first book, or if the intensity and newness of the world made it less obvious. That being said, I still enjoyed thestory overall, even if I was unable to escape the "real world" as much as I woukd have liked. The author is thorough and detailed with events happening logically if not always surprisingly.
***************
I am way off my usual rate of reading over the last 11+ years. Real life has hit hard this year. Most recently with the death of my mother, and I had just been getting back into the swing of things. More upheaval appears to be on the horizon, but it has as much potential to be good as bad. I have no idea what that means for the rate of my reading and reviewing, but we will see...
***************
Below is my philosophy on reviewing!
***************
1. I try to take into account and note common pet peeves often bemoaned by others.
2. "Brain candy' does not necessarily carry a negative connotation. (What is brain candy? Publishing industry 's version of pop music - Typically: formulaic, from a prolific author published often and quickly (like monthly), things escalate fast, and are often solved easily etc..) It has its uses: to pass time when tired, on the beach, etc... The problem comes when "brain candy" is unexpected or even disguised.
3. Blurb rating purpose:
Like many readers, I do not like to think I'm reading one kind of story; just to end up with another. But...I also don't think a book should be docked stars for being as stated. If I don't like stories about "_________", and I choose to read it; I shouldn't give it 2 stars based JUST on my preferences. Unless... it wasn't clear in the blurb.
4. Other Factors that effect my perspective when reviewing:
Since 2009, I have exclusively read m/m. My 1st was in 2007. I am a Kindle diehard, and I never do audio for m/m. I read at least 100+ books a year - with an average length of 220± pages; but the total number of books is usually much higher. My Goodreads lifetime rating (at the start of 2021) was a 3.64 average for 1527 books. Which considering, one should be better at picking out books the more one reads, I feel is an accurate average. I have over 795 reviews within the m/m genre here on Goodreads.
Blurb = 3
My Genre Scale = 5
Odds if not your genre = 2
Development of: =
*World = 4
*Plot = 4, Development was good, just not the flow and intensity.
*Characters = 3
What stood out = Lots of little interesting things, but nothing to make it particularly memorable down the road.
Mood Type / Appeal to those looking for = A balanced read not particularly taxing on emotions or in intensity. Solid fantasy to pass the time of day.
Warnings = None; other than to those easily agitated by overly descriptive, flowery language, or pauses in action for philosophical musings.
HFN/HEA = M/C relationship is good, but story is HFN.
Series Notes = Including Prequel, 2nd book in the series.
*Reading on? Probably, because fantasy is at the very top of my preferred reading. But, I'm not "Just can't wait" to start the next book. So... I'm not sure. I will check some reviews and decide.
*Reading back to back? Yes, I have thus far.
*Can be easily read without the previous? Yes
Rating Notes = (SubPlots, thoughts, etc... )
I struggled more to stay engaged with this one. At times, the musings or overly descriptive writings disrupted the flow for me. It felt like the description, of say just one part of a cliff, took multiple adjective filled sentences. By the time a scene was set, it took pages (a lot of the time) . On top of that, multiple metaphors are often used to describe the same event, feeling, etc... I'm unsure if this was actually less of an issue in the first book, or if the intensity and newness of the world made it less obvious. That being said, I still enjoyed thestory overall, even if I was unable to escape the "real world" as much as I woukd have liked. The author is thorough and detailed with events happening logically if not always surprisingly.
***************
I am way off my usual rate of reading over the last 11+ years. Real life has hit hard this year. Most recently with the death of my mother, and I had just been getting back into the swing of things. More upheaval appears to be on the horizon, but it has as much potential to be good as bad. I have no idea what that means for the rate of my reading and reviewing, but we will see...
***************
Below is my philosophy on reviewing!
***************
1. I try to take into account and note common pet peeves often bemoaned by others.
2. "Brain candy' does not necessarily carry a negative connotation. (What is brain candy? Publishing industry 's version of pop music - Typically: formulaic, from a prolific author published often and quickly (like monthly), things escalate fast, and are often solved easily etc..) It has its uses: to pass time when tired, on the beach, etc... The problem comes when "brain candy" is unexpected or even disguised.
3. Blurb rating purpose:
Like many readers, I do not like to think I'm reading one kind of story; just to end up with another. But...I also don't think a book should be docked stars for being as stated. If I don't like stories about "_________", and I choose to read it; I shouldn't give it 2 stars based JUST on my preferences. Unless... it wasn't clear in the blurb.
4. Other Factors that effect my perspective when reviewing:
Since 2009, I have exclusively read m/m. My 1st was in 2007. I am a Kindle diehard, and I never do audio for m/m. I read at least 100+ books a year - with an average length of 220± pages; but the total number of books is usually much higher. My Goodreads lifetime rating (at the start of 2021) was a 3.64 average for 1527 books. Which considering, one should be better at picking out books the more one reads, I feel is an accurate average. I have over 795 reviews within the m/m genre here on Goodreads.
February 2, 2025
Stormdrake (Dragonmage 1)
By J.A. Jaken
White Owl Publishing, 2020
Four stars
I was introduced to this series by its audio prequel, “The Magician’s Apprentice,” which I highly recommend. J.A. Jaken has created a fantasy world in which she follows the story of a fisherman’s son, Jander Teregnan, who discovers his own powerful magic, and has become the apprentice to Andrei Teresh. Teresh is a powerful mage and advisor to the king of Corascia. He is also Jander’s lover. Having discovered his ability to control dragons, Jander is learning to harness his power in the service of his king.
In “Stormdrake,” Jander and Andrei have traveled to the edge of the kingdom, to the city of Tempest. A series of unexplained attacks by an ancient dragon that had gone unseen for many years have brought the king’s mage and his apprentice to this isolated mountain town. They need to discover why the dragon is attacking, and to do something about it. That’s the trick, since Jander’s power, while great, is untried and untrained.
Jaken has created a moody, atmospheric tale, which takes much of its emotional power from Jander’s inexperience and lack of understanding of how his power works. This is a young man trying to understand his power, and wanting to do no harm to the great creatures with whom he is connected. Jander’s innate kindness and unique magical link to dragons are important. He was not born to power; his love for his master and teacher anchors him in this unfamiliar new life.
At the center of the story is the dragon itself. Jander knows he cannot simply treat this violent threat as something to be destroyed. Dragons are too powerful and complicated to dismiss. The attacks must have a reason. Dark forces are at play here, and the two mages must find their way to the truth. Their adventure is interrupted by the arrival of Boaen, Jander’s first friend in his new life, and the king’s concubine. Boaen, who has no magic, is simply a friend, and the power of that friendship becomes an essential part of the mages’ quest.
The book is a great setup for the next in the series.
By J.A. Jaken
White Owl Publishing, 2020
Four stars
I was introduced to this series by its audio prequel, “The Magician’s Apprentice,” which I highly recommend. J.A. Jaken has created a fantasy world in which she follows the story of a fisherman’s son, Jander Teregnan, who discovers his own powerful magic, and has become the apprentice to Andrei Teresh. Teresh is a powerful mage and advisor to the king of Corascia. He is also Jander’s lover. Having discovered his ability to control dragons, Jander is learning to harness his power in the service of his king.
In “Stormdrake,” Jander and Andrei have traveled to the edge of the kingdom, to the city of Tempest. A series of unexplained attacks by an ancient dragon that had gone unseen for many years have brought the king’s mage and his apprentice to this isolated mountain town. They need to discover why the dragon is attacking, and to do something about it. That’s the trick, since Jander’s power, while great, is untried and untrained.
Jaken has created a moody, atmospheric tale, which takes much of its emotional power from Jander’s inexperience and lack of understanding of how his power works. This is a young man trying to understand his power, and wanting to do no harm to the great creatures with whom he is connected. Jander’s innate kindness and unique magical link to dragons are important. He was not born to power; his love for his master and teacher anchors him in this unfamiliar new life.
At the center of the story is the dragon itself. Jander knows he cannot simply treat this violent threat as something to be destroyed. Dragons are too powerful and complicated to dismiss. The attacks must have a reason. Dark forces are at play here, and the two mages must find their way to the truth. Their adventure is interrupted by the arrival of Boaen, Jander’s first friend in his new life, and the king’s concubine. Boaen, who has no magic, is simply a friend, and the power of that friendship becomes an essential part of the mages’ quest.
The book is a great setup for the next in the series.
June 25, 2020
While this is book one of this series, there is another book which introduces the characters in more detail. It led me to this series. Jander is now a mage-apprentice and he and his master, Andrei are off to investigate problems with a mysterious series of dragon attacks. Jander's talent may be needed. Upon arrival, they find a lot more than expected. They must work together to save the lives of the kingdom. The action is exciting and keeps you guessing. I love the relationship between Jander and Andrei. The next book should be just as excellent.
July 29, 2020
After a great prequel that was The Magician's Apprentice, this proved a little 'tame' in comparison. To be sure - there's an angry dragon threatening the lives and livelihood of a fairly remote mountain community and yes, there are fanatical hooded bad guys lurking in the background ... but the action and excitement was sporadic and patchy and really only came into the forefront well into the last third of the book. I hope the next book will prove more engaging. - just barely a 3 star read this time.
March 15, 2020
Good book
I really enjoy the series. This book is not as intricate and exciting as the prequel, the Magician's Apprentice, but I liked it all the same. I look forward to following more of Jander and Andrei's adventures as Jander learns more about his powers as a dragon mage. This book was exciting, loved that Boaen was present and Kirin makes a truly terrifying and evil nemesis.
I really enjoy the series. This book is not as intricate and exciting as the prequel, the Magician's Apprentice, but I liked it all the same. I look forward to following more of Jander and Andrei's adventures as Jander learns more about his powers as a dragon mage. This book was exciting, loved that Boaen was present and Kirin makes a truly terrifying and evil nemesis.
April 2, 2020
After reading the prequel to the series, The Magician’s Apprentice, I was eagerly awaiting the release of Stormdrake to see how Jander and Andrei’s adventures would unfold. Stormdrake doesn’t disappoint, and stepping back into this world felt easy and comfortable since the majority of the world-building took place in the prequel.
Here we find Jander and Andrei have become more relaxed and secure in their personal relationship. We don’t get to see much training going on, but that can be attributed in part to the new situation in which they find themselves with the appearance of another dragon causing havoc in the kingdom.
There is a good balance of tension, action, and intrigue, plus new characters are introduced who are well developed and contribute well to the storyline—in particular Stephan, a fellow mage, and Tanith, a servant. I was pleased see the return of Boaen as I really liked his character in the prequel, and he was a great support to Jander and Andrei in this story.
As events develop, it begins to become obvious that there is a lot more to everything that is going on than what happens in this book, and the darkness that they are facing goes deeper than they realize. This has me intrigued for the next books in the series, not just for following Jander and Andrei as they continue to battle against the evil that’s threatening the entire kingdom, but also for the evolution of Jander’s talents as he has shown he has incredible potential.
The apex of the conflict in Stormdrake comes to an unexpected conclusion (which is actually a bit sweet…you’ll see what I mean), and while this portion of the story does wrap up, it’s evident there is a lot more on the horizon—and plenty for readers to look forward to. 4.5 stars for Stormdrake, and I would highly recommend you read the prequel before starting this book so you have a strong frame of reference and understand the backstory…it may be hard to follow along otherwise. This story is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.
Here we find Jander and Andrei have become more relaxed and secure in their personal relationship. We don’t get to see much training going on, but that can be attributed in part to the new situation in which they find themselves with the appearance of another dragon causing havoc in the kingdom.
There is a good balance of tension, action, and intrigue, plus new characters are introduced who are well developed and contribute well to the storyline—in particular Stephan, a fellow mage, and Tanith, a servant. I was pleased see the return of Boaen as I really liked his character in the prequel, and he was a great support to Jander and Andrei in this story.
As events develop, it begins to become obvious that there is a lot more to everything that is going on than what happens in this book, and the darkness that they are facing goes deeper than they realize. This has me intrigued for the next books in the series, not just for following Jander and Andrei as they continue to battle against the evil that’s threatening the entire kingdom, but also for the evolution of Jander’s talents as he has shown he has incredible potential.
The apex of the conflict in Stormdrake comes to an unexpected conclusion (which is actually a bit sweet…you’ll see what I mean), and while this portion of the story does wrap up, it’s evident there is a lot more on the horizon—and plenty for readers to look forward to. 4.5 stars for Stormdrake, and I would highly recommend you read the prequel before starting this book so you have a strong frame of reference and understand the backstory…it may be hard to follow along otherwise. This story is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews