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Riders of Fire #1 - 3

Riders of Fire Books 1-3: Ezaara, Dragon Hero, Dragon Rift

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Join the Riders of Fire adrenaline strong heroes & heroines, nail-biting action, sword & sorcery and dragons. 3 award-winning and bestselling books in one volume.

Praise for Ezaara & Riders of Fire

★★★★★ “A great fantasy read.”

              —Dean O’Gorman, actor, Fili the dwarf in The Hobbit

★★★★★ “An explosive series.”

When Ezaara imprints with the dragon queen, she’s swept into a world she’d never dreamed of. A world of dragons, treachery, intrigue and danger. Now the new Queen’s Rider, Ezaara must lead her people as Commander Zens and his army of tharuk monsters rampage across Dragons’ Realm, killing and enslaving innocents. She must stop them.

But who can she trust when political intrigue puts her own life in danger?

And when Zens is growing terrible new creatures faster than she and her dragon riders can defeat them…

_______________

1: Ezaara

In Lush Valley, it’s a crime to even talk about dragons…but when Ezaara meets the Dragon Queen, they imprint, forming a deep bond. She must flee and give up everything to become the new Queen’s Rider. Ignorant and unprepared, how can she possibly succeed?

Luckily, she has a dragon master — although rumors say she’d be better off with the enemy.

Plunged into a world of traitors, attacking beasts and treachery, Ezaara must pay a terrible price to save her people.

2019 Storylines New Zealand Notable Books Award

2019 Epic Fantasy Fanatics Readers’ Choice Award, Quarter Finalist.

_______________

2: Dragon Hero

When a dragon steals Tomaaz’s twin sister, Ezaara, he discovers dangerous secrets. Secrets that rip his family apart.

He never wanted to be a hero… but his sister is gone, his mother disappears, his father is wrongly imprisoned, and his village is under attack.

Tomaaz has no choice.

Except who to save first.

2019 Storylines New Zealand Notable Books Award

2019 Epic Fantasy Fanatics Readers’ Choice Award, Quarter Finalist.

_______________

3: Dragon Rift

A captive dragon master. A dangerous rift between mages and riders. And a secret weapon that will tear Dragons’ Realm apart.

When Ezaara’s powerful dragon master, Roberto, is captured by Commander Zens, her world is thrown into turmoil. The council is refusing to rescue Roberto, her clandestine lover. The caverns of Dragons’ Hold echo with whispers of a prophecy that says she has no right to be Queen’s Rider. And a bitter feud prevents mages from working with riders. Tension escalates into an attempt on her life.

Ezaara must take action or Commander Zens will destroy her lover and Dragons’ Realm with his mysterious new secret weapon.

 _______________

Over 900 pages of dragon-filled action.

828 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 16, 2020

798 people are currently reading
184 people want to read

About the author

Eileen Mueller

68 books878 followers
Eileen Mueller is a USA Today multi-award-winning author of heart-pounding fantasy novels that will keep you turning the page.

Dive into her worlds, full of magic, love, adventure and dragons! Eileen lives in New Zealand, in a cave, with four dragonets and a shape shifter, writing for young adults, children and everyone who loves adventure.

Visit her website at www.EileenMuellerAuthor.com for FREE books, new releases or to become a Rider of Fire!

Awards:
2019 Two Storylines NZ Notable Book Awards - Ezaara & Dragon Hero
2017 Sir Julius Vogel Award, Best New Talent
2016 Sir Julius Vogel Award, Best Youth Novel
2017 finalist, Romance Writers New Zealand Chapter Short Story contest.
2013 winner, SpecFicNZ Going Global
2013 co-winner, New Zealand Society of Authors’ NorthWrite Collaboration
New Zealander of the Year Local Hero medalist.

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5 stars
375 (63%)
4 stars
149 (25%)
3 stars
47 (7%)
2 stars
11 (1%)
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7 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Laura.
1,040 reviews89 followers
July 31, 2020
5 heartfelt stars

Ezaara reminded him of everything good in the world. Of innocence. Of loving family bonds. Of fun... Of warmth and friendship.

And this is exactly what this series reminded me of too!



A lovely tale that once you start, you simply cannot set down, The Riders of Fire will charm the young audience for whom it was intended just as much as the older souls like me!
Light and fast paced and yet full of meaning, as well as lots of heart-felt feeling; this tale will appeal to all the dragon-lovers out there, regardless of their age.

Ezaara is a fast-paced adventure full of intrigue and edge of the seat action, complete with cheeky dragons and occasional dragonly grins. I absolutely loved it and once started, I couldn't set it down.

Fast paced and downright addictive, Dragon Hero will give you a tale full of flawed heroes and amazing dragons, hopeless battles and daring rescues, loyalty, perseverance and, above all, compassion.
And it is all so full of feeling!!
This book is a lot darker than Ezaara and yet, the author still manages to retain a light enough YA tone, adequate for a younger audience.

Dragon Rift is downright brilliant! A captive dragon master. A dangerous rift between mages and riders. And a secret weapon that will tear Dragons ’ Realm apart.
What can possibly go wrong?!
This book broke my heart!! And I loved every single page of it!

Twists and turns that you won't see coming, intrigue and heartbreak and above all, family, friendship and love! Eileen Mueller gives you all this and much more!
This author has a talent in making you see the tale unfold. And feel what her characters feel. She'll put you though a roller-coaster of emotion and make you get lost within the pages, forgetting the world around.

If you loved Pern, The Riders of Fire will be right up your alley! The deep bond in between dragons and riders, the fascinating intrigue and betrayal as well as the sweet young love are beautifully rendered on the backdrop of a well crafted world with remarkable magic, creepy monsters and fascinating cultures.

Dragon's bleeding fangs! You have got to read this people!
It is fabulous!




Find this review and more on my book review and cover art blog The Magic Book Corner
866 reviews12 followers
September 7, 2020
Not good..

This was too disjointed. The story started with the mc boring life then boom she ues dragon rider. Then the focus changed is with traitors and politics with multiple P.O.V. Not enough characters and romance development.

This was a telling type of book instead of showing. Couldn't connect with the weak character, weak actions, and ended up getting lost on who's the mc was. DNF...
Profile Image for E.G. Stone.
Author 25 books89 followers
August 5, 2020
Sometimes, when the world gets tough, all you need is a good adventure with dragons (which are awesome), characters you can really root for, a challenge or villain to overcome, and dragons (still awesome). Eileen Mueller’s Riders of Fire series does just that. But since I don’t want to spoil later books, I shall focus on Ezaara, the first in the series.

1. Thoughts on the plot
In this book, Ezaara is found by Zaarusha, the Queen of the dragons, and they imprint as rider and dragon. From that dramatic beginning starts a series of events that land Ezaara right in the middle of a fight between the dragons and Zens, a being from another world who wants to conquer the realm of Dragons; a series of political machinations that call her right to ride Zaarusha into question; a quest to prove her devotion to her friends and to the realm; and some serious drama. There are many things going on and it is really wonderful.
I was hesitant at first because things started off so quickly, but once you got past the first five percent of this book, events really started to take form and it works really well. This series focuses not just on the overarching battle between the dragons and Zens, but the little details as well. The training, the character growth, the relationships that form between friends and more, the back story, all of it is woven together in an intricate web that draws the reader from one scene to the next in an enthralling manner. The plot, in short, is quite fun.

2. Thoughts on the main character
I like Ezaara. A fair bit. From the outside, she looks like a hesitant sort who can’t quite seem to figure out what to say to appease the politicians, and isn’t quite certain of her place in this world. But as we get to see what Ezaara is thinking, and how she grows, we learn that she really is just someone with a bit of spunk who wasn’t born into this world of dragons, but grows to become one of its most valued assets. That, and she really does very well at not caring hugely what others thing. Well, she cares, but isn’t afraid to stand on her beliefs, either. And the growing connection between her and Roberto? I think it adds that extra element of depth to the story.

3. Favourite part
I think my favourite part has to be the bond between Ezaara and Zaarusha. They just seem to be matched so well in personality, but are independent thinkers, too. It works so well and makes the story more than your typical YA fantasy.

4. Least favourite part
The cliffhanger! Aaaah! I will warn you that every book of this series that I have read so far (1-3) ends in a dramatic cliffhanger. It makes sense, because each story is leading into the next and we can’t be allowed to forget that there is a larger story at stake and things are going to get worse, but…my goodness!
As a writer, I can appreciate the cliffhanger, because it makes the stories flow together quite well. But as a reader, I give that all-too-typical dramatic “oh, no!” that comes with such things.


Overall, I would say that Ezaara is a great first book to a really fun and interesting YA fantasy series. The plot does not follow the formula that you would expect. The characters are deep and interesting. There is always something new to discover around the next corner. Basically, I enjoyed it quite a lot. I would say that it is very good.
Profile Image for Lana.
2,769 reviews59 followers
June 24, 2021
I am completely enthralled by this amazing grimdark epic fantasy dragon series and just cannot stop reading. Ezaara, a young woman from a small village which feared and hated dragons and who never thought she would amount to much finds herself bonded to a dragon and not any dragon but the Dragon Queen of Dragon Reach. She is flown by Zaarusha to dragon's reach to be introduced as the queen's rider, but though welcomed as the one chosen by the queen herself who had been without a rider for many years, the political intrigue at dragon's reach meant that she had enemies galore and that she would be tested to the extreme. This book is full of intrigue and betrayals and testing one to their limits but also one of love and friendships formed and loyalty to both the queen and her rider. Ezaara goes all out to prove she is the rightful queen's rider, and that fighting between themselves when a war with Zens and his tharuks was imminent was not the way forward. However Zens was cunning and was managing to infiltrate the riders minds and home and turning them against one another, putting many lives in danger when they are captured by him. I love the loyalty of the dragons for their riders, their magical powers and the way they mind-melded with their riders and I also love the romance growing between Ezaara and Roberto, which goes through so many trials and tribulations. I love the world building that goes into painting such a scary picture of Death Valley as compared to the beauty and freedom of life at dragon's reach. The horror experienced at the hands of Zens and triple by Roberto, and the fear Tomaaz, Lovina, Malies and the young orphan boy experienced in the death camps. Bill the merchant is a betrayer out of nightmares and I do hope we get the satisfaction of seeing him killed once forever sometime soon. I cannot wait to continue reading the next 3 books in this excellent series which compares with masters such as Anne McCaffrey and her Dragon Riders of Pern series.
Profile Image for Tomas Grizzly.
Author 2 books33 followers
May 29, 2022
This is probably my first time reading a bundle, so it's harder for me to review. The individual books all have decent pacing of the writing, even though the pacing of the plot may be a bit slower at times. A lot of the plot is affected by old grudges between characters that lead to the fact most of the main characters are focused on their own past rather than the threat at their doorstep, and wouldn't consider mending those grudges even if keeping them meant the end of the world.

The first book is written really well in the way that you, similar to Ezaara, are left wondering who to trust. Thus, I think the first book is actually stronger than the rest. The second book has a major chronological overlap with the first, focusing on the same timeframe with a different set of characters, though this joins somewhere midway through. However, there are some unresolved issues. One is . Another is continuity from book two to book three and how it pretty much skims through the early events - for reasons I can understand, though it still feels jarring. And the end of book three raises more questions that I wonder if they'll be answered in the later books.

In summary, 90% for book one, 85% for books two and three, leaning towards 85% for the whole set due to minor plot holes and narrative issues.

Individual reviews of all three books are on my blog.
Profile Image for Karen.
1,424 reviews2 followers
June 1, 2020
A House Divided

This KU library selection is the story of a classic war between good and Zens, an evil being on a power trip. It begins in a small town in the edge of Draqon's Realm where twins battle at the market, then are reprimanded by the town's leader, who refuses to acknowledge dragons as protectors. So after one of the twins, Ezaara, is spirited away by a dragon near the town, her father is targeted as a dragon lover and jailed. A Zens minion stirs the pot, while Ezarra and the Dragon Queen journey back to her queendom in Dragon's Realm, where Zens has also made inroads.

This is a darker story than I anticipated, including violence, torture, murder, mind control, slavery, outdated laws, and prejudice. In the darkness, there are bright moments and there's a tentative happy ending to the trilogy, but the struggle continues into book four.
50 reviews1 follower
October 19, 2022
Love love love this series!! The characters are unique, well written, and grow as the story progresses. The dragons have distinct personalities, which is rare in these types of stories, and are fun to read. But I think one of the biggest 5-star things for me is the world building. In many books, the world building is either nonexistent making it difficult to visualize, or too exhaustively detailed, breaking the flow of the story. Eilleen Mueller has done a fabulous job of creating a world easy to visualize, as part of the storyline instead of separate from it, making this series very easy to read. The characters, twists and turns, and epic proportions of the story keep the reader engaged, waiting to find out what happens next!

Make sure you shower first and have a few free days when you start this series, because you WILL NOT be able to put it down!!
224 reviews1 follower
September 7, 2021
Extremely Good Read

So many sleepless night as I determined to keep reading. I am doing love with these excellently written characters; even the evil ones. Their backgrounds were so identifying and true to each characterization. I truly felt as though I could clearly identify with each dragon, dragon rider and mage. Although tragedies and horrific events occurred, it was so encouraging to discover that all the characters were canned or cursed. That you Eileen Mueller for allowing me to remember that not all lose themselves in tragedies and severe abuse situations. The stronger ones still manage to sour to victory.
183 reviews
September 16, 2021
Good read.

After reading the Silver Dragon and the Bronze Dragon, I read book 1 - 3 in this series straight through. The first book in the series seemed a little slow at the beginning of the first book, but then the paced changed and continued to improve through the other books. Throughout each book, I enjoyed the descriptive world building and the detailed character development. If you are looking for a fun, nice paced read, which includes dragons, magic and well done twists and turns throughout, I recommend the first three books (in order due to character building/reveal details). I am looking forward to reading the remaining books in this series.
Profile Image for John Mulhall.
Author 1 book2 followers
February 27, 2021
Well written and a good story line. Very average start however with one of the characters having behavioural contradictions that made the story line wobble in book 1 as suspension of disbelief was difficult; thus making it a trying read. However, kudos to the author as she bounced back in books 2 and 3 with 5 star reads that were very engaging. If you can wait for it to take off in book 2 at 30% or so, then this is for you. If the internalised narrative in book 1 was toned down and less detailed allowing the reader to fill in the blanks, it would have been a 5 star read end to end!
230 reviews
May 17, 2021
Book 2

The council is not happy with Tonio who is loading venom on Roberto; whose father had killed his. mother. Lars,council leader does not agree with Tonio but when Ezaara and Roberto are caught in a forbidden kids it makes the perfect excuse to send Roberto to Death Valley as a spy. Including major fights with just about anybody, mood changing crystals inserted under the influence of Zens, the archery you could have thought there was no more room. But a final section of the now legal wedding of Roberto and. Edward makes a fine ending.
Profile Image for Karen.
235 reviews1 follower
November 21, 2022
A great read

I fell in love with Ezaara the moment I first met her. A fiercely independent person who was taken from her own quiet existence into drama and Dragons. Master Roberto took me a little longer to like, with good reason.
We meet all of Ezaara"s family and the back story as the story progresses.
This story is full of prose. The words used to describe Lush Valley, Dragons Hold, Spanglewood Forest, very poetic. The wortldbuilding that has gone into these books is phenomenal. The attention to detail really brings this story together.
2 reviews
August 3, 2020
Great read

I really enjoyed this series. The character development is awesome. Loved the humor of some characters and dragons. This relieved some of the serious situations & offers a reprieve from some of the seriously upsetting events. I immediately downloaded the next book in this series & cannot wait time start reading!!
Profile Image for Chrissi.
1,578 reviews11 followers
January 18, 2021
Loved this boxset!! Could not put it down. The lore is well thought out and the world building is phenomenal.
The characters are diverse and complex and the storyline keeps you turning pages!
YA is not my usual thing, but this wasn’t missing anything, and it’s quite refreshing to read books concentrating on plot and character development than heat factors to keep a reader reading.
15 reviews
January 22, 2021
Dragons, heros and villains

This series has everything you need to enjoy! Dragons of all colors, and just like humans all kinds of emotions and attitudes. The heros are just as diversified! Great read, I highly recommend this series for those that love dragons,adventure, magic, and great heroes and most importantly a great story.
39 reviews
February 21, 2021
Sizzling good read!

Haven't read a lot of books featuring dragons , whom I think are great anyway . This series of books had it all! Plenty of action, drama, and suspense with a bit of love thrown in.Not to mention really bad guys! (Monsters to be more precise!) Looking forward to reading the next three books in the series.
28 reviews
August 22, 2021
Poor story telling

I had to quit in the middle Of the 1st book. There was no story from one action to another, and one time a action was said to have occur before they talked of doing it. How does a dragon just drop from the sky and u are just like ok we are best BFF, linked even. There was no depth here at all.
11 reviews
February 8, 2022
Dragon lovers beware

Don't read this book. Go tend to your families, go to work, enjoy the outdoors, but don't read this book. Once you start you won't want to put it down until it's done. This series is too captivating. It's twists and turns will keep you guessing, and the villain could be anywhere.
6 reviews
March 25, 2022
Excellent read

There are a lot of characters in this series, but introduced in such a way that there easy to keep them in mind as they contribute to the story. I enjoyed every book and looking forward to the conclusion. If your a fantasy fan I think you will enjoy the series too.
Profile Image for Jenae (Jeni).
476 reviews7 followers
June 23, 2020
First time reading this author

But not the last. I'm completely hooked on this series. From the first dragon sighting to the happily ever after (maybe?), your taken on a ride you are thrilled to be on. Enjoy!
Profile Image for dennis youngblood.
28 reviews1 follower
July 23, 2020
Amazing

I couldn't out this box set down!! It has everything I want in a fantasy series....dragons, Dragon riders, wizards and a bad ass bad guy with all his minions!! Can't wait to pick up book four!!
3,323 reviews30 followers
July 25, 2020
Riders of fire

Dragon riders and an extremely nasty bad guy. Lots of prejudiced people in positions of power who would rather burn people at the stake than attempt to listen. The main character Ezaara and the Dragon queen struggle to open minds and hearts.
Profile Image for Christine Richmond.
93 reviews2 followers
August 9, 2020
Dragons galore

Have enjoyed these three books, learning about the Dragon Queen and her rider, and the mages too. Mistakes have been made but now the younger generation might put it right. Looking forward to the next ones.
Profile Image for Jenny Clark.
150 reviews1 follower
August 10, 2020
Fantastic

What a great introduction to a new author. I read the trilogy in less than a week. It is playful and serious, bad things happen to good people kids of book. It all works itself out! I live her writing style with a fantastic story line!
4 reviews
October 1, 2020
A very good book

This was a good well developed story with well developed characters. Even though this story was satisfying it left me with a desire for what comes next. The relationship between the main characters was intriguing but didn't over shadow the stpry.
Profile Image for Brigitte Frantz.
155 reviews1 follower
October 10, 2022
wonderful

These books are so wonderful. The story they tell is so exciting. There is a lot of suspense and magic. The characters are vastly defined. I can’t wait to read the next book.
7 reviews
January 9, 2023
Great story

The characters come to life in this epic tale of dragons and humans. It is marvelous how we follow 6 characters and it is all tied together in the end. Of course, they leave you hanging at the end. I loved it.
103 reviews1 follower
November 19, 2023
A Must Read!

Nice Setup for dragon fantasy! Dragons, Dragon riders, mages, healers, sword thrusters, arrow flingers, 000, Comander Zen!
Got your attention yet? Read to see what I'm talking about!
59 reviews
October 2, 2020
I loved these 3 books. The characters are great, and who doesn't love dragons?! After finishing these 3 books, I am looking for the next in the series.
9 reviews
January 30, 2021
An interesting tale of dragons and their riders

Because the book is good an interesting tale well told, keeping the readers interest all of the time almost unputdownable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

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