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The Dragonmaster Trilogy #0.5
The Ronan Scrolls
They burned my brother on a stake.
For this reason, my grief and questions drive me to study his “mental condition,” starting in the Northern Network. I must scour Antebellum from top to bottom in my search to understand his life and decisions.
My burning questions cannot be ignored—my restless heart and soul crave answers. He died from this strange ailment. Or, rather, because of it. His confinement was wrong. He was not crazy. Something was different, yes. But not harmful. Not dangerous.
Something gave him sight into the future, and his murderers called it madness. I will figure it out in his name.
I am naive to the ways of the world. I have never slept under the stars or hunted for my own food or traveled on my own, despite being twenty-four years old and only a scholar.
Still, I go. I must.
Redemption isn’t free.
The Ronan Scrolls is a companion novella to the Dragonmaster Trilogy. This riveting short story will sweep you across the world of Antebellum and into the depths of a terrifying mystery. Fans of FLAME and FLIGHT can’t afford to miss this installment.
For this reason, my grief and questions drive me to study his “mental condition,” starting in the Northern Network. I must scour Antebellum from top to bottom in my search to understand his life and decisions.
My burning questions cannot be ignored—my restless heart and soul crave answers. He died from this strange ailment. Or, rather, because of it. His confinement was wrong. He was not crazy. Something was different, yes. But not harmful. Not dangerous.
Something gave him sight into the future, and his murderers called it madness. I will figure it out in his name.
I am naive to the ways of the world. I have never slept under the stars or hunted for my own food or traveled on my own, despite being twenty-four years old and only a scholar.
Still, I go. I must.
Redemption isn’t free.
The Ronan Scrolls is a companion novella to the Dragonmaster Trilogy. This riveting short story will sweep you across the world of Antebellum and into the depths of a terrifying mystery. Fans of FLAME and FLIGHT can’t afford to miss this installment.
120 pages, ebook
First published December 18, 2019
10 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
Katie Cross
120 books780 followersMy world revolves around my husband (who is a major hottie), my precious kids, my Vizsla’s who act like children, and the mountains.
I wear hiking boots instead of heels when I need to feel powerful, and on a bad day, I love a weightlifting workout. Actually, I love it on a good day.
I don’t eat bread because my thyroid doesn’t like it, although there are days I miss it. Especially ciabatta. Sweet potatoes are kind of my thing. Cookies too.
I write because I never stopped.
Author of The Network Series, The Dragonmaster Trilogy, and The Coffee Shop Series.
Email me at kcrosswriting@gmail.com
I wear hiking boots instead of heels when I need to feel powerful, and on a bad day, I love a weightlifting workout. Actually, I love it on a good day.
I don’t eat bread because my thyroid doesn’t like it, although there are days I miss it. Especially ciabatta. Sweet potatoes are kind of my thing. Cookies too.
I write because I never stopped.
Author of The Network Series, The Dragonmaster Trilogy, and The Coffee Shop Series.
Email me at kcrosswriting@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 29, 2022
I enjoyed traveling with Ronan and getting to meet this lovely, but tortured character… before reading it I’d heard mixed reviews. I was intrigued by this diary of a man in search of many things, but must admit, if you are not the diary type, it may get hard to read, though wanting to know the outcome will keep you going ;o). For me it was such an interesting thing to see the struggles and hardships and the desire to finish a task, that I just enjoyed traveling with Ronan and seeing him grow as a person.
December 11, 2019
This book was given to me early by the author for an honest review. This book is part of a series. It can be read as a stand-alone but would be better if the read in series order. It is a wonderful read that will take you on a journey of magic, bravery, and love.
May 30, 2022
Although this book is quite dark and mysterious, I loved it! I love reading journal entries Wich are intriguing and introduces you to others lives. Berry well done Katie!
January 25, 2023
Interesting novella in journal entry style. Doesn't spoil any big secrets, but explains a little of how things between Watchers and Defenders got where they are by Sanna and Isadora's time. I wish we had gotten a bit more info overall, and I found the journal entry dates a bit confusing to keep track of, but it was a nice refresh read between novels to give some perspective. I recommend reading this before the last novel in the Dragonmaster trilogy (Freedom).
Maturity rating: some violence, dangerous and intense situations, and brief drinking, but otherwise safe. I'd say high school and up to understand the plot threads and inferences the reader is supposed to make from what isn't written.
Maturity rating: some violence, dangerous and intense situations, and brief drinking, but otherwise safe. I'd say high school and up to understand the plot threads and inferences the reader is supposed to make from what isn't written.
December 18, 2019
What a nerd! And, WHAT a nerd!!!
This new short story from Antebellum really helps flesh out the other books!!! Ronan, a scientist, feels responsible for his twin's death. He must redeem himself and wants to prove Rodan was NOT crazy, merely different. But he finds blocks all along the journey. Every corner of Antebellum reacts differently to Watchers (his term). Some are accepting, but most either never heard of future seeing witches or deny their existence.
Ronan, ever the scientist, realizes that there must be a counter magic as well. His travels ultimately take him to Letum Woods where he just may find the answers he seeks...
I am absolutely in love with Ronan!!! He starts his journey as a scrawny scientist and ends as the discoverer of Watchers and Defenders. He's not sure which side is right but that's not his job as a scientist, right?!
I'm definitely going to reread Flame and Flight with new eyes! It's amazing how Ronan's story effects my understanding of Watchers now. Katie has brought a whole new level to her stories and I, for one, LOVE it!!!
This new short story from Antebellum really helps flesh out the other books!!! Ronan, a scientist, feels responsible for his twin's death. He must redeem himself and wants to prove Rodan was NOT crazy, merely different. But he finds blocks all along the journey. Every corner of Antebellum reacts differently to Watchers (his term). Some are accepting, but most either never heard of future seeing witches or deny their existence.
Ronan, ever the scientist, realizes that there must be a counter magic as well. His travels ultimately take him to Letum Woods where he just may find the answers he seeks...
I am absolutely in love with Ronan!!! He starts his journey as a scrawny scientist and ends as the discoverer of Watchers and Defenders. He's not sure which side is right but that's not his job as a scientist, right?!
I'm definitely going to reread Flame and Flight with new eyes! It's amazing how Ronan's story effects my understanding of Watchers now. Katie has brought a whole new level to her stories and I, for one, LOVE it!!!
December 17, 2019
This novella was an emotional and intellectual ride. It is thought provoking as Ronan took me on a journey through magic, intrigue and of course the promise of dragons. Reading it has left me with the need to race out and buy more of Katie Cross – the entire Dragonmaster Trilogy. Starting with Flame.
March 12, 2022
This book is a short novella about a scholar documenting what he learns during his travels after his brother died so it's like reading or listening to a diary. It gives an interesting account of the discovery of watcher magic which is not very well known. I'm glad it was a short book as I can't listen to a diary for too long. The ending makes me wonder if we'll ever hear of Ronan again... The author, as usual, is very creative in the stories, scenarios, creatures, lands and magics that she creates in that magic mind of hers.
January 9, 2023
Cross writes as introvert Ronan. Sedentary scholar delights in minutiae, research, details. Thus steps plod. After a mob burns his lively twin Rodan, guilt points his travel to find Watchers who see future paths. Ronan stays wordy in cold, hunger. "I digress". Cross partly builds a world of witches with "common magic" (some?) who transport anywhere. She keeps his fate secret till last page.
December 22, 2019
Adventure awaits!
Excellent, thought -provoking story! You'll love it!!
I have love all of Katie Cross' books and this new one does not disappoint.
Excellent, thought -provoking story! You'll love it!!
I have love all of Katie Cross' books and this new one does not disappoint.
August 27, 2022
Love the scientific perspective of this short story!
May 20, 2023
I'm not much for the journal style but I did like the background this gave. Surprise ending.
January 8, 2025
I LOVE this author, but the style of this one just wasn't for me. The end was great but mostly I was bored reading this book, I am glad it was short.
December 11, 2019
The Ronan Scrolls is a companion piece to the Dragon Master Trilogy that gives enduring a look into the scientific side of magic.
Ronan the Traveler seeks answers after his brother is burned at the stake for seeing the future. In a world where dragons roam and witches are real, even having the sight is seen as madness and dangerous. But Ronan cannot agree. He will travel all of Antebellum knowing his brother cannot be the only one who can see the future. The scrolls herein relay that story.
I truly enjoyed the Ronan scrolls. Ronan believe he can use intellect to understand magic and this unique perspective endears you him. Like many characters of the same situation, you do not pity him for the loss of his brother, instead you cheer on his adventure to help himself deal with his own pain. Whether or not you should look at magic scientifically is a question presented here but you absolutely want Ronan to find the answer because surely there is life is a mix of magic and science.
Katie Cross chooses a fun narrative structure to tell Ronan’s adventures. Past an introduction, the novella is truly Ronan’s tale each portion written by the character himself. While it limits the whole perspective in some ways that might be fur frustrating, it is that frustration one needs to understand to truly appreciate Ronan's journey. Cross does well with the “diary” form of writing moving the story along without giving too much away.
While this reads best for those who are familiar with previous entries in the series such as Flame and Flight, this is also an intriguing novella that can be a bridge for new readers. I encourage readers interested in magic to dip their toes in the Dragon Master world with this work and then see the world bloom in the full novels. For avid fans this is a must.
Overall, The Ronan Scrolls is a refreshing addition to Cross’s work looking at magic with a scientific slant.
Ronan the Traveler seeks answers after his brother is burned at the stake for seeing the future. In a world where dragons roam and witches are real, even having the sight is seen as madness and dangerous. But Ronan cannot agree. He will travel all of Antebellum knowing his brother cannot be the only one who can see the future. The scrolls herein relay that story.
I truly enjoyed the Ronan scrolls. Ronan believe he can use intellect to understand magic and this unique perspective endears you him. Like many characters of the same situation, you do not pity him for the loss of his brother, instead you cheer on his adventure to help himself deal with his own pain. Whether or not you should look at magic scientifically is a question presented here but you absolutely want Ronan to find the answer because surely there is life is a mix of magic and science.
Katie Cross chooses a fun narrative structure to tell Ronan’s adventures. Past an introduction, the novella is truly Ronan’s tale each portion written by the character himself. While it limits the whole perspective in some ways that might be fur frustrating, it is that frustration one needs to understand to truly appreciate Ronan's journey. Cross does well with the “diary” form of writing moving the story along without giving too much away.
While this reads best for those who are familiar with previous entries in the series such as Flame and Flight, this is also an intriguing novella that can be a bridge for new readers. I encourage readers interested in magic to dip their toes in the Dragon Master world with this work and then see the world bloom in the full novels. For avid fans this is a must.
Overall, The Ronan Scrolls is a refreshing addition to Cross’s work looking at magic with a scientific slant.
December 18, 2019
This novella appears between volumes 2 and 3 in the Dragonmaster Trilogy but it would work well as prequel to the series. It is set many centuries in the past, before the events in the trilogy, and sets the background for a significant conflict in the later books. It would perhaps work well as a standalone, but I am so deeply immersed in the Antebellum world Ms Cross has created in the Network series and the Dragonmasters that I am not able to be decisive about that. But I think it would work. It also would work well as an introduction to the series, although the tone is much more subdued and sad than the rest of the series.
Ronan is a young scholar who, suffering deep grief and guilt over his twin brother's death, sets off to discover what happened and why. Along the way he has many adventures, finds humour and love and great danger, grows as a person and finds the answers he is seeking.
I recommend this book to those who like a well developed alternate world and also to those who simply like a good story well told. (And now I will try to be patient waiting for the final volume to come out!)
Ronan is a young scholar who, suffering deep grief and guilt over his twin brother's death, sets off to discover what happened and why. Along the way he has many adventures, finds humour and love and great danger, grows as a person and finds the answers he is seeking.
I recommend this book to those who like a well developed alternate world and also to those who simply like a good story well told. (And now I will try to be patient waiting for the final volume to come out!)
December 18, 2019
More secrets of the Antebellum world are revealed through the eyes and experiences of Ronan, who throughout this novella seeks to find the answers that might help him understand, even atone for, his twin brother's death. Driven by guilt, intellectual curiosity, and hope, Ronan strives to set aside his fears and discomfort as he travels throughout the Networks to seek information about witches who possess (and hide) a unique magic. Ronan's notes reflect his desire to remain objective and scientific, but, to his dismay, become more emotional as he meets new people and awakens new understandings in himself. This is a departure from Katie's usual writing style due to the character and his quest. While I did not connect with him in the way I have with characters in her other Antebellum books (Network Series and Dragonmaster Trilogy), I rooted for him and for what his research means to Isadora and Sanna and to the rest of their story coming out in the next book, Freedom.
May 30, 2020
"Redemption isn't free."
The Ronan Scrolls is a nice companion novella to the Dragon Masters Chronicles. It tells the story of Ronan's quest to find answer to the "madness" of seeing the future that his brother Rodan possessed, and the reason Rodan was later killed. Was this ability really madness? Or magic? Could there be others that also possess this ability?
Reading this novella, it reminded me a lot of the Salem witch trials. In this case, in a world where witches exist, they begin to turn on their kind because of a new form of magic that they don't completely understand. It gives a nice backstory and introduction to "Watchers," and is better read along with the other Dragon Masters books.
The Ronan Scrolls is a nice companion novella to the Dragon Masters Chronicles. It tells the story of Ronan's quest to find answer to the "madness" of seeing the future that his brother Rodan possessed, and the reason Rodan was later killed. Was this ability really madness? Or magic? Could there be others that also possess this ability?
Reading this novella, it reminded me a lot of the Salem witch trials. In this case, in a world where witches exist, they begin to turn on their kind because of a new form of magic that they don't completely understand. It gives a nice backstory and introduction to "Watchers," and is better read along with the other Dragon Masters books.
December 20, 2019
Even in Antebellum, magic is never simple.
Anyone who has read any of the Network books or short stories knows that magic infuses everything about life in Antebellum. In many respects, magic simply IS.
But not in all respects. Some magic still has the power to evoke fear and violence; to upend society and ruin lives. Understanding the nature of this magic is Ronan's stated purpose, but in truth his journey is far more personal in nature - one driven by grief, guilt and even obsession.
I have to say, as an introvert, Ronan endeared himself to me immediately. A scholar who finds his adventures in books, scrolls and data rather than the outside world - until the outside world holds the only *path* forward.
Anyone who has read any of the Network books or short stories knows that magic infuses everything about life in Antebellum. In many respects, magic simply IS.
But not in all respects. Some magic still has the power to evoke fear and violence; to upend society and ruin lives. Understanding the nature of this magic is Ronan's stated purpose, but in truth his journey is far more personal in nature - one driven by grief, guilt and even obsession.
I have to say, as an introvert, Ronan endeared himself to me immediately. A scholar who finds his adventures in books, scrolls and data rather than the outside world - until the outside world holds the only *path* forward.
December 18, 2019
I first want to start this review off by saying thank you for the opportunity. To receive ebook arc of your new short story. In return for my thoughts and review. Let me say that I really enjoyed reading this book and getting some history behind some of our characters magic and responsibility they have. To learn about the history is amazing. Ronan character and his strength to protect and learn so much. Because Ronan brother had been killed. If you like dragons and witches I recommend the other books in this series Flame and Flight and soon Freedom the third book. Thank you again Katie Cross your amazing story teller. And enjoy your writing.
November 21, 2019
It took me until chapter two to adjust to the style of writing Katie used for this book. Once I got use to it, the story took off like a rocket. I feel like I have learned so much about waters and defender and the way the different networks live. The story not only tells you information and stories, it also causes you to think about ideas and what you believe is true or made up about the magic Ronan is researching. You are on a journey right along with him and get to meet so many different people as you travel. I think this book gives a ton of answers and creates new ones. I can’t wait to hear the rest!
December 20, 2019
Discover Katie Cross and the world she created.
What an amazing short story! It did so much for explaining the Watchers and Defenders and the rest dore Katie Cross! Her writing is amazing and I love everything she's EVER written! I hope you will discover her! Take my advice! She's bringing me back memories of childhood when I discovered Mercedes Lackey as a teen and Neil Gaiman over a decade ago!
PLEASE keep in mind that this is a short story of a larger work. And I want to recommend reading The Dragonmaster Chronicles and ALL of The Network Series. You will not be disappointed!!
What an amazing short story! It did so much for explaining the Watchers and Defenders and the rest dore Katie Cross! Her writing is amazing and I love everything she's EVER written! I hope you will discover her! Take my advice! She's bringing me back memories of childhood when I discovered Mercedes Lackey as a teen and Neil Gaiman over a decade ago!
PLEASE keep in mind that this is a short story of a larger work. And I want to recommend reading The Dragonmaster Chronicles and ALL of The Network Series. You will not be disappointed!!
December 18, 2019
This book will take you on an adventure with Ronan as he is trying to understand the magic his brother had. Ronan is driven by guilt to uncover what he can about this magic, and he meets a lot of interesting people as he travels all over. This book is written in journal form, so you get to experience it through the perspective of Ronan as he writes it down. I don’t want to give any spoilers away, but I will say he meets some nice and very helpful people during his journey, but then he also meets some not so nice people. I can’t wait to see what other information might come out about him in the next book!
December 11, 2019
First of all, wonderful book! For me this didn't feel like a novel...in a good way. It really feels like you are reading the journals of Ronan as he journeys around Antebellum searching for answers about the mysterious powers his brother had. This book explains a lot about the Watchers from the Dragonmaster Trilogy and the Defenders as well. I don't want to say too much more and spoil it, but every Antebellum fan should pick this up! And if you aren't an Antebellum fan yet, you should pick up Miss Mabel's School right now!
November 30, 2019
Such an amazing novella to add to the Dragonmasters series! Ronan gave us new and wonderful insight into the watchers and the defenders. If you haven’t read any of Sanna and Isadora’s stories yet, never fear! This book is a stand alone and a great way to suck you into this world. Written in a very different voice than Flame and Flight, it offers a whole new view on the strange magic of the watchers. I loved it and I think you will enjoy it too!
November 27, 2019
After his twin was burned on a stake, Ronan is determined to find more about some kind of unknown magic. His brother Ronan claimed that he could see paths and the future and they thought he was crazy. The more Ronan learns about these Watchers the more at danger he is. Will the truth finally be know?
December 18, 2019
A fantastic quick read novella. I love Ronans scientific mind and thought process. A great addition to the trilogy.
December 19, 2019
I loved escaping into this book, reading more about magic, travelling a new world with Ronan, and figuring out just what this magical system became. Seriously, it’s so good.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews