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Dragon Mage Chronicles #2
Seadrake
After much deliberation, Andrei chooses to bring his inexperienced and highly unusual apprentice to the far-off island of Sutan-lei, where the eminent mage-scholar Master Luth is rumored to abide. It is Andrei's hope that Master Luth will have answers to the growing mystery he and Jander began to uncover in the city of Tempest as well as help his apprentice gain some degree of mastery over his unique--and highly unpredictable--prowess in the magic. But even as they struggle to piece together the puzzle in front of them, their enemy is close behind them every step of the way...and he is determined not to let the two of them get in his way.
(Book II in the Dragon Mage Chronicles)
(Book II in the Dragon Mage Chronicles)
- GenresFantasy
189 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 8, 2020
7 people are currently reading
14 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 - 4 of 4 reviews
May 9, 2020
Continuing on with the Dragon Mage Chronicles, this time we get a deeper look at the intricacies of the magic itself as Andrei and Jander seek out information to help them in their quest. Here you’ll find a closer examination of the “why” of magic, as we see Jander finding a greater understanding of it, and of his place and role.
Granted, this means this book is much lighter on the action—at least until the more adventure-centered last quarter of the story—but it also lets readers form a better grasp of the possible meaning behind Kirin’s actions, as well as the moral responsibilities that being a dragon mage present to Jander. This gives Seadrake a more somber tone, which is balanced not only by the deep bond he’s formed with Andrei, but also by the resolve Boaen and Tanith display as their little group strengthens.
For those looking for the action, you’ll find it in the last quarter of the story as the danger from the latest dragon reaches its peak. I did find the resolution this time around just a tiny touch anti-climactic given the story and that final skirmish up to that point, but plenty happened along the way to keep me solidly on board with the overall adventure.
Along with the seriousness of this story came a point for Boaen that truly wrenched my heart, and while his situation might not be the primary focus of the series, the author has made his character so endearing that I am just as fully invested in his happiness as I am in Jander and Andrei’s…I really need to see him get his own happy ending when all this is said and done.
Note that this book is really not meant to stand alone—you really should have read Stormdrake first, and I also strongly recommend you read the prequel, The Magician’s Apprentice before starting the series to understand the full backstory of Jander and Andrei’s relationship. Once you’ve done so, you’ll have a better appreciation of what the characters have gone through up to this point, and see the progress they’ve made personally and with each other. 4.5 stars for Seadrake…now bring on the fire! Keep in mind when starting this series it is meant for readers 18+ due to adult language and sexual content.
Granted, this means this book is much lighter on the action—at least until the more adventure-centered last quarter of the story—but it also lets readers form a better grasp of the possible meaning behind Kirin’s actions, as well as the moral responsibilities that being a dragon mage present to Jander. This gives Seadrake a more somber tone, which is balanced not only by the deep bond he’s formed with Andrei, but also by the resolve Boaen and Tanith display as their little group strengthens.
For those looking for the action, you’ll find it in the last quarter of the story as the danger from the latest dragon reaches its peak. I did find the resolution this time around just a tiny touch anti-climactic given the story and that final skirmish up to that point, but plenty happened along the way to keep me solidly on board with the overall adventure.
Along with the seriousness of this story came a point for Boaen that truly wrenched my heart, and while his situation might not be the primary focus of the series, the author has made his character so endearing that I am just as fully invested in his happiness as I am in Jander and Andrei’s…I really need to see him get his own happy ending when all this is said and done.
Note that this book is really not meant to stand alone—you really should have read Stormdrake first, and I also strongly recommend you read the prequel, The Magician’s Apprentice before starting the series to understand the full backstory of Jander and Andrei’s relationship. Once you’ve done so, you’ll have a better appreciation of what the characters have gone through up to this point, and see the progress they’ve made personally and with each other. 4.5 stars for Seadrake…now bring on the fire! Keep in mind when starting this series it is meant for readers 18+ due to adult language and sexual content.
April 7, 2025
Seadrake (Dragon Mage 2)
By J.A. Jaken
Published by White Owl, 2020
Four stars
This magical fantasy saga is immensely fun to read, and beautifully written. The two central characters, Jander and Andrei, are appealing and complex, and while the story is presented through Jander’s eyes, Andrei, his mage-mentor and emotional partner, is a strong presence throughout. Boaen, the courtesan, and the young wytch Tannith, play supporting roles that, as story unfolds, become essential.
At the very beginning of the book, we have a prologue that seems to be a flashback to Jander’s childhood in a small coastal fishing village. That’s followed by an eerie opening scene that involves Kirin, the dark mage who was once Andrei’s apprentice. That opener is never followed up on, yet leaves us with the uneasy sense that we know something nobody else does.
But at the center of this tale is the Seadrake, another newly-emerged ancient dragon with whom Jander must deal. Our little quartet makes its way to an idyllic island in order to consult with an elder mage who is thought to be the world’s expert on dragons. The entire book covers only about a fortnight in actual time, but a great deal happens, both to advance our understanding of the characters, and to push this increasingly dark story closer to its ultimate showdown between good and evil magic.
Although dragons are the core motif of this adventure series, they are treated by the author with great mystery. We are only just beginning to understand what they are, what drives them to act, and why they have reemerged after centuries of invisibility. We don’t end the book knowing all that much more; but what we do know is most tantalizing.
Jander battles with a lack of confidence, while Andrei battles guilt. They support each other in the most lovely way, reminding the reader that these quiet heroes are important for a reason. Jander’s insecurity is, ultimately, his greatest asset, because it leaves him open only to good. This, perhaps, is the most valuable lesson of this third episode in the five-part series. We are right there beside Jander, sharing his every emotion and discovery. It’s an exciting journey.
By J.A. Jaken
Published by White Owl, 2020
Four stars
This magical fantasy saga is immensely fun to read, and beautifully written. The two central characters, Jander and Andrei, are appealing and complex, and while the story is presented through Jander’s eyes, Andrei, his mage-mentor and emotional partner, is a strong presence throughout. Boaen, the courtesan, and the young wytch Tannith, play supporting roles that, as story unfolds, become essential.
At the very beginning of the book, we have a prologue that seems to be a flashback to Jander’s childhood in a small coastal fishing village. That’s followed by an eerie opening scene that involves Kirin, the dark mage who was once Andrei’s apprentice. That opener is never followed up on, yet leaves us with the uneasy sense that we know something nobody else does.
But at the center of this tale is the Seadrake, another newly-emerged ancient dragon with whom Jander must deal. Our little quartet makes its way to an idyllic island in order to consult with an elder mage who is thought to be the world’s expert on dragons. The entire book covers only about a fortnight in actual time, but a great deal happens, both to advance our understanding of the characters, and to push this increasingly dark story closer to its ultimate showdown between good and evil magic.
Although dragons are the core motif of this adventure series, they are treated by the author with great mystery. We are only just beginning to understand what they are, what drives them to act, and why they have reemerged after centuries of invisibility. We don’t end the book knowing all that much more; but what we do know is most tantalizing.
Jander battles with a lack of confidence, while Andrei battles guilt. They support each other in the most lovely way, reminding the reader that these quiet heroes are important for a reason. Jander’s insecurity is, ultimately, his greatest asset, because it leaves him open only to good. This, perhaps, is the most valuable lesson of this third episode in the five-part series. We are right there beside Jander, sharing his every emotion and discovery. It’s an exciting journey.
January 16, 2021
Readers should read The Magician's Apprentice before embarking on the Dragon Mage Chronicles series.
This was a good second book in this series, providing significant backstory detail to MC Andrei and his past history/dealings with main antagonist / baddie Kirin. The author also expands more on Jander's special magical power / link to dragons and their magic. A very very brief introduction to a new character at the very start leads me to assume this character will be featured more in upcoming books. The titular sea dragon is merely referenced throughout the main part of the book but proved a dangerous adversary to Jander and team at the end. 3.5 stars overall.
This was a good second book in this series, providing significant backstory detail to MC Andrei and his past history/dealings with main antagonist / baddie Kirin. The author also expands more on Jander's special magical power / link to dragons and their magic. A very very brief introduction to a new character at the very start leads me to assume this character will be featured more in upcoming books. The titular sea dragon is merely referenced throughout the main part of the book but proved a dangerous adversary to Jander and team at the end. 3.5 stars overall.
June 10, 2020
Love this series
I love this series, action, drama, suspense, loyalty and betrayal. Oh and magic and dragons! Each book has been great with story and world building. I have never been disappointed. Love Jander and Andrei and all their friends. Kirin is a great, scary, powerful enemy. I love that though Jander is a powerful Dragon mage, he is not all powerful. He is in fact vulnerable as he still learns how to wield his magic and struggles with his own insecurities. I also love how loving and supporting Andrei is in teaching him. (Lots of love here) I am eager to find out what happens next!
I love this series, action, drama, suspense, loyalty and betrayal. Oh and magic and dragons! Each book has been great with story and world building. I have never been disappointed. Love Jander and Andrei and all their friends. Kirin is a great, scary, powerful enemy. I love that though Jander is a powerful Dragon mage, he is not all powerful. He is in fact vulnerable as he still learns how to wield his magic and struggles with his own insecurities. I also love how loving and supporting Andrei is in teaching him. (Lots of love here) I am eager to find out what happens next!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews