What do you think?
Rate this book
The Remembered War #1
A Dragon's Chains
Dragons are slaves.
Using stolen magic, the human Kingdom of Rolm has risen to power on the backs of the world's most formidable predator, but that is about to change. Bayloo is the first of the free dragons. Born into slavery, his shackled mind has awoken to find a human giving him orders and his race enthralled to an evil king. The world shall now face the rage of dragons.
Experience a fearsome struggle of magic and cunning between humans and dragons, where victory will determine the fate of the world.
A fantasy epic.
Using stolen magic, the human Kingdom of Rolm has risen to power on the backs of the world's most formidable predator, but that is about to change. Bayloo is the first of the free dragons. Born into slavery, his shackled mind has awoken to find a human giving him orders and his race enthralled to an evil king. The world shall now face the rage of dragons.
Experience a fearsome struggle of magic and cunning between humans and dragons, where victory will determine the fate of the world.
A fantasy epic.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 16, 2021
1276 people are currently reading
1374 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
June 25, 2021
https://www.bookwormblues.net/2021/06...
When I was first contacted to edit this five-book series (plus a novella), I was nervous. That’s a huge investment of time, especially if I end up not liking it. I knew I had to be careful. I had the author send me a sample bit, which I edited. I realized when I saw this sample portion, this wasn’t my typical fantasy book. The protagonist is… different than the norm, and his voice is equally unique. This, reader, is what made me say yes to this project. I wanted to read more about Bayloo. I wanted to see how an author would tell a story from the perspective of an enslaved dragon.
Maybe that’s why this series gripped me so hard, at least at first, until the story really swept me under (which didn’t take much time at all). In epic fantasy, we read stories as told from the perspectives of orcs, trolls, humans, elves, witches, warlocks, and whatever else, but there have been precious few books I’ve read told from the perspective of a dragon (I think I read another one by Jo Walton a few years ago). Furthermore, this isn’t just any dragon. Bayloo has spent his life enslaved (Robert Vane’s novella, which you get if you sign up to his newsletter, tells how the magic that allows this enslavement to transpire began). Bayloo has spent his life basically living at the whim and will of his ryders. And it doesn’t quite end there, because this particular form of enslavement takes all his personality and independence, thought and emotion, and subsumes it, so his only will is to please his ryder, and his only whim is to make them happy.
When Bayloo accidentally frees himself from these bonds, everything changes, and it sets him on a course to not only get to know himself, but also steeps him in conflict that ends up getting bigger and bigger as the series progresses. You catch hints of it in this first book, but it isn’t until the second book and on when I realized how absolutely huge this story actually was. Here, in A Dragon’s Chains, the reader learns about Bayloo, enslaved by a fairly typical feeling fantasy kingdom (Meaning, European-esque). We learn about how he liberates his mind from bondage, and then… well, a lot more happens as well.
In truth, this book never stops its forward momentum, and Vane drops in hints and clues along the way, things that, in book three, you’ll remember and be like, “Holy crap, this tiny detail from book one ended up being a pretty big deal!” The book itself moves forward at an incredible clip, never stopping, never relenting. Poor Bayloo really goes through it, and it is probably even more heartbreaking because while he is free, his kin very much are not, so in one way he’s shaking hands with himself for the first time ever, and in another, he’s mourning the loss of those around him who cannot seem to break free from their mental bondage in the same way he has.
Of course, there are politics involved as well. Things are happening in his kingdom home, and things are happening abroad. Bayloo goes on a bit of an adventure and learns some surprising details from his past that both reformulate his present and open up a doorway into the wider series you’ll find past book one. A Dragon’s Chains ends with an incredible battle, as well. In fact, Vane has a knack for writing battles. They are visual and tense, and things don’t usually end the way I expect them to.
A Dragon’s Chains is very much a setup to the rest of the series, and it is absolutely a wonderful book. Just a whole lot of fun, but there’s some really subtle artistry going on as well, which readers of the full series will truly appreciate. Vane lays down some groundwork here that is so cleverly done, you won’t even realize he’s doing it until you’re like three or four books into the series looking back on what you’ve already read and drawing connections and conclusions. Furthermore, Bayloo’s voice is second to none. Snarky and heartfelt, this dragon goes on one of the most remarkable character journeys I’ve read in a very long time, and yet no matter how much he grew and evolved, he never once lost his sarcasm and humor. He never lost his voice.
This first book in the series is more character focused. It is establishing Bayloo as a presence in the world. It’s letting you get to know him, and his story, his fight for freedom and discovery of self. Around all of this, are political goings-on. Battles, and secrets, betrayal and mystery, and a world steeped in magic that is only just starting to be explored in this book. A Dragon’s Chains opens up the rest of the series, but where it truly shines, is its unique protagonist’s voice. Bayloo is unforgettable.
So, where does that leave us?
A Dragon’s Chains is an epic fantasy romp that is both fun and thought provoking, with a character who is equal parts snarky and thoughtful. Well-written with obvious passion, this book really blew me away, and kicks off a series that will forever be one of the delights of my editing career. Readers who love epic fantasy and might enjoy it with a bit of humor and levity to balance out the serious elements should look at this series.
When I was first contacted to edit this five-book series (plus a novella), I was nervous. That’s a huge investment of time, especially if I end up not liking it. I knew I had to be careful. I had the author send me a sample bit, which I edited. I realized when I saw this sample portion, this wasn’t my typical fantasy book. The protagonist is… different than the norm, and his voice is equally unique. This, reader, is what made me say yes to this project. I wanted to read more about Bayloo. I wanted to see how an author would tell a story from the perspective of an enslaved dragon.
Maybe that’s why this series gripped me so hard, at least at first, until the story really swept me under (which didn’t take much time at all). In epic fantasy, we read stories as told from the perspectives of orcs, trolls, humans, elves, witches, warlocks, and whatever else, but there have been precious few books I’ve read told from the perspective of a dragon (I think I read another one by Jo Walton a few years ago). Furthermore, this isn’t just any dragon. Bayloo has spent his life enslaved (Robert Vane’s novella, which you get if you sign up to his newsletter, tells how the magic that allows this enslavement to transpire began). Bayloo has spent his life basically living at the whim and will of his ryders. And it doesn’t quite end there, because this particular form of enslavement takes all his personality and independence, thought and emotion, and subsumes it, so his only will is to please his ryder, and his only whim is to make them happy.
When Bayloo accidentally frees himself from these bonds, everything changes, and it sets him on a course to not only get to know himself, but also steeps him in conflict that ends up getting bigger and bigger as the series progresses. You catch hints of it in this first book, but it isn’t until the second book and on when I realized how absolutely huge this story actually was. Here, in A Dragon’s Chains, the reader learns about Bayloo, enslaved by a fairly typical feeling fantasy kingdom (Meaning, European-esque). We learn about how he liberates his mind from bondage, and then… well, a lot more happens as well.
In truth, this book never stops its forward momentum, and Vane drops in hints and clues along the way, things that, in book three, you’ll remember and be like, “Holy crap, this tiny detail from book one ended up being a pretty big deal!” The book itself moves forward at an incredible clip, never stopping, never relenting. Poor Bayloo really goes through it, and it is probably even more heartbreaking because while he is free, his kin very much are not, so in one way he’s shaking hands with himself for the first time ever, and in another, he’s mourning the loss of those around him who cannot seem to break free from their mental bondage in the same way he has.
Of course, there are politics involved as well. Things are happening in his kingdom home, and things are happening abroad. Bayloo goes on a bit of an adventure and learns some surprising details from his past that both reformulate his present and open up a doorway into the wider series you’ll find past book one. A Dragon’s Chains ends with an incredible battle, as well. In fact, Vane has a knack for writing battles. They are visual and tense, and things don’t usually end the way I expect them to.
A Dragon’s Chains is very much a setup to the rest of the series, and it is absolutely a wonderful book. Just a whole lot of fun, but there’s some really subtle artistry going on as well, which readers of the full series will truly appreciate. Vane lays down some groundwork here that is so cleverly done, you won’t even realize he’s doing it until you’re like three or four books into the series looking back on what you’ve already read and drawing connections and conclusions. Furthermore, Bayloo’s voice is second to none. Snarky and heartfelt, this dragon goes on one of the most remarkable character journeys I’ve read in a very long time, and yet no matter how much he grew and evolved, he never once lost his sarcasm and humor. He never lost his voice.
This first book in the series is more character focused. It is establishing Bayloo as a presence in the world. It’s letting you get to know him, and his story, his fight for freedom and discovery of self. Around all of this, are political goings-on. Battles, and secrets, betrayal and mystery, and a world steeped in magic that is only just starting to be explored in this book. A Dragon’s Chains opens up the rest of the series, but where it truly shines, is its unique protagonist’s voice. Bayloo is unforgettable.
So, where does that leave us?
A Dragon’s Chains is an epic fantasy romp that is both fun and thought provoking, with a character who is equal parts snarky and thoughtful. Well-written with obvious passion, this book really blew me away, and kicks off a series that will forever be one of the delights of my editing career. Readers who love epic fantasy and might enjoy it with a bit of humor and levity to balance out the serious elements should look at this series.
January 4, 2024
Baylor the First of the Free
Dragon Chains is written from the point of view of the dragon named Bayloo, and he is magically attached to his rider named Jona. Bayloo finds himself slowly more and more aware, and realizes that his most recent rider treats him better than either of the previous four who have died in battle while riding on Bayloo’s s back. Unfortunately Jona is also injured in battle, but Bayloo protects Jona and flies him quickly to the place where the healers can help him.
Bayloo is certain that Jona will live until a vicious fighter among the King Mendakas men comes to Bayloo to become his next rider which could only happen if Jona was dead. Brindisi was harsh and had little care for his dragon other than for the glory it would bring him and the blood it would help him to spill. Brindisi and Bayloo went to find out if there were enemy ships scouting over one of their lesser islands. While there, Bayloo and Brindisi were engaged in a fierce battle with the Mizu who had better armor and weapons. Bayloo managed the weapons, but the Mizu also had a wizard who shot them out of the sky with lightning bolts. Dragon and rider eventually still managed to make it to the crater on the other side of the island where Bayloo found another dragon that was free! Bayloo turned on his rider to protect the free dragon, but she still died and her daughter was lost to the Mizu.
Bayloo was taken back to his old kingdom with terrible injuries, but with new information he planned to escape and rescue the young dragon. There was so much more to this story, but it would be spoilers and this is going to be a spectacular epic if you love dragons the way I do.
This was well written and I could easily imagine a dragon thinking the things that went through Bayloo’s mind, and dragons have a language they use to speak with humans. He has been reasonably kind to a few of the humans he owes, but unlike a lot of dragon stories he isn’t all hung up on affection for them. Bayloo is a dragon’s dragon and wants to free his brethren. My only problem with the series is that I noticed there are five books in the series. I loved this one, but will I love dragon talk for five books worth?
Dragon Chains is written from the point of view of the dragon named Bayloo, and he is magically attached to his rider named Jona. Bayloo finds himself slowly more and more aware, and realizes that his most recent rider treats him better than either of the previous four who have died in battle while riding on Bayloo’s s back. Unfortunately Jona is also injured in battle, but Bayloo protects Jona and flies him quickly to the place where the healers can help him.
Bayloo is certain that Jona will live until a vicious fighter among the King Mendakas men comes to Bayloo to become his next rider which could only happen if Jona was dead. Brindisi was harsh and had little care for his dragon other than for the glory it would bring him and the blood it would help him to spill. Brindisi and Bayloo went to find out if there were enemy ships scouting over one of their lesser islands. While there, Bayloo and Brindisi were engaged in a fierce battle with the Mizu who had better armor and weapons. Bayloo managed the weapons, but the Mizu also had a wizard who shot them out of the sky with lightning bolts. Dragon and rider eventually still managed to make it to the crater on the other side of the island where Bayloo found another dragon that was free! Bayloo turned on his rider to protect the free dragon, but she still died and her daughter was lost to the Mizu.
Bayloo was taken back to his old kingdom with terrible injuries, but with new information he planned to escape and rescue the young dragon. There was so much more to this story, but it would be spoilers and this is going to be a spectacular epic if you love dragons the way I do.
This was well written and I could easily imagine a dragon thinking the things that went through Bayloo’s mind, and dragons have a language they use to speak with humans. He has been reasonably kind to a few of the humans he owes, but unlike a lot of dragon stories he isn’t all hung up on affection for them. Bayloo is a dragon’s dragon and wants to free his brethren. My only problem with the series is that I noticed there are five books in the series. I loved this one, but will I love dragon talk for five books worth?
June 28, 2022
Excellent story with a very comprehensive world building and a great main character, Bayloo (don't mind his Winnie the pooh like name, this is not a real dragon's name, humans did that and will pay for it). He recounts his story with a fair mix of humor and sensitivity.
A series to keep on.
Edit : I had a long hesitation at starting this series, mainly from the amazon rating for 9-12 years readership (but after checking, only for the 1st book, curiously). Some reviews here finally made me suspect otherwise and I'm glad I followed that hint and gave it a try. While it is an easy read in itself, with no content unappropriate for younger ages, it has more than enough flesh, plot and character development as well as this humour tainted narration, to be a very nice read for all ages.
A series to keep on.
Edit : I had a long hesitation at starting this series, mainly from the amazon rating for 9-12 years readership (but after checking, only for the 1st book, curiously). Some reviews here finally made me suspect otherwise and I'm glad I followed that hint and gave it a try. While it is an easy read in itself, with no content unappropriate for younger ages, it has more than enough flesh, plot and character development as well as this humour tainted narration, to be a very nice read for all ages.
February 14, 2023
I LOVED this book. I was hooked the entire time. My eyes wouldn't read fast enough, especially during the excitement at the end of the book. On to book 2!
June 21, 2021
Amazon randomly recommended me this book and I’m so glad I took a chance and bought it! I am big dragon fantasy novel lover. My favorite fantasy series is PERN. I really enjoy other dragon novels or intelligent animals (Watership Down, Temeraire, Pierce, Hobb, Dragon Champion, Pullman, etc.)
The synopsis of the book intrigued me, as it features a dragon at odds with human society - dragons are drugged and made slaves to humanity via magic. Not your typical dragon trope! The main character frees himself and pretty much embarks on a quest to free his fellow dragons, while attempting not to blow his cover as an obedient slave. He is in a fully fleshed out world with different kingdoms of humans, all with different magics or enslaved creatures. There are several different types of dragons that don’t get too trope-y. There are also a smattering of other different fantasy creatures - griffins, some dragon killing tunneling insect, strange manta creatures - all of which seem to be intelligent and enslaved as well. There are interactions with this that promises maybe some future slave vs enslaver comeuppance.
The writing is humorous without the common modern trend of being too snarky that it jars you out of your immersion. The plus of having a non human POV is getting some funny takes on human behavior and their society - like the noises they make, their bloodlust, their alcohol… The humor doesn’t overtake the entire novel, though. There is also emotion, conniving and plotting, and action. The battle scenes are well written and fun to read, and it left me wanting more. I always read before bed and I know that a book is good when I just can’t put it down to go to sleep!
Overall, I think this is a very refreshing take on dragons and I look forward to reading more. It reminds me of E. E. Knight but less prose and more action. It doesn't feel like it’s geared towards YA but its not too dark. It cleansed my palette from some heavier novels I had just finished and put me in a great “man, I love fantasy” mood! If you’re looking to scratch your dragon itch, don’t hesitate to pick it up!
The synopsis of the book intrigued me, as it features a dragon at odds with human society - dragons are drugged and made slaves to humanity via magic. Not your typical dragon trope! The main character frees himself and pretty much embarks on a quest to free his fellow dragons, while attempting not to blow his cover as an obedient slave. He is in a fully fleshed out world with different kingdoms of humans, all with different magics or enslaved creatures. There are several different types of dragons that don’t get too trope-y. There are also a smattering of other different fantasy creatures - griffins, some dragon killing tunneling insect, strange manta creatures - all of which seem to be intelligent and enslaved as well. There are interactions with this that promises maybe some future slave vs enslaver comeuppance.
The writing is humorous without the common modern trend of being too snarky that it jars you out of your immersion. The plus of having a non human POV is getting some funny takes on human behavior and their society - like the noises they make, their bloodlust, their alcohol… The humor doesn’t overtake the entire novel, though. There is also emotion, conniving and plotting, and action. The battle scenes are well written and fun to read, and it left me wanting more. I always read before bed and I know that a book is good when I just can’t put it down to go to sleep!
Overall, I think this is a very refreshing take on dragons and I look forward to reading more. It reminds me of E. E. Knight but less prose and more action. It doesn't feel like it’s geared towards YA but its not too dark. It cleansed my palette from some heavier novels I had just finished and put me in a great “man, I love fantasy” mood! If you’re looking to scratch your dragon itch, don’t hesitate to pick it up!
July 18, 2021
A good entertaining, fun story that is rife with grammatical errors. What could have been a 4+ rated book drops to 3. Me/I misused frequently, commas instead of apostrophes, incorrect word order, past tense missed, singular/plurals missed, missing words... Too much for a professional author. Even a basic grammar checker would have caught 90% of these issues. No book should be released with this quantity of poor English grammar. The author must realize that this reflects poor writing/editing skills and is detrimental to him. Still a good read if you can live with the atrocious grammar.
I have just finished book 2 and it has all the same issues.
I have just finished book 2 and it has all the same issues.
October 4, 2023
I loved many things about this book. First, it is really interesting being on the side of the dragon-narrator, all his internal dialogues, doubts, turmoils and how he evolves. Constant topics: The eagerness for freedom, magic and valor. I enjoyed the world-building and the lore of the story, it is solid and original. The book has a great rhythm, at no time did I feel it flat or monotonous. I cannot wait to start the following books.
February 7, 2022
Great book with fascinating main character
June 19, 2023
A Dragon's Chains by Robert Vale: Gritty Adult Dragon Fantasy. Slavery. Intrigue/Manipulation. War. Action. Single First Person POV. Allies. Surrounded by Enemies. Magic. Hope.
This wasn't for me. A Dragon's Chains was a well-written slow-paced gritty high fantasy about slavery freedom and perseverance. I liked the dragon protagonist, Bayloo, in how he's sarcastic, clever and has entertaining moments where he manipulates others, but the story wasn't targeted at me. This would better suit someone who likes adult dragon fantasy involving freedom, slavery, injustice, and hope.
In terms of writing style, it reads like fantasies published in the 60s and 70s: gritty, struggles, and adult themes. Dragonriders of Pern and Monty Python come to mind. However, in comparison A Dragon's Chains is a little on the more serious side. Why? 1) Bayloo knows a good person who is murdered and they don't get closure (or at least it didn't feel like it to me, but I don't like murder when you know it's a good person); (2) the entire plot is about freeing themself and others from slavery with more failures than successes, but he never gives up hope; and (3) the majority of secondary characters treat the dragons as expendable or try to kill good people, but it was realistic for the society and it was satisfying seeing Bayloo manipulated them.
This also reads like a book that is setting up what's to come in the series.
How much did I like it? I liked aspects, but not for me.
Ideas - World Building: 5 Stars
Ideas - Plots: 4 Stars
Emotional Highs and lows: Lots of lows.
Character Depth: 4 Stars
Character interactions: Above Average
Animal Characterisation: Above Average
Non-human body language: N/A
Warnings: Slavery, murder, mild violence, lack of free will, and seeing loved ones die.
Execution: 4.9 Stars
This wasn't for me. A Dragon's Chains was a well-written slow-paced gritty high fantasy about slavery freedom and perseverance. I liked the dragon protagonist, Bayloo, in how he's sarcastic, clever and has entertaining moments where he manipulates others, but the story wasn't targeted at me. This would better suit someone who likes adult dragon fantasy involving freedom, slavery, injustice, and hope.
In terms of writing style, it reads like fantasies published in the 60s and 70s: gritty, struggles, and adult themes. Dragonriders of Pern and Monty Python come to mind. However, in comparison A Dragon's Chains is a little on the more serious side. Why? 1) Bayloo knows a good person who is murdered and they don't get closure (or at least it didn't feel like it to me, but I don't like murder when you know it's a good person); (2) the entire plot is about freeing themself and others from slavery with more failures than successes, but he never gives up hope; and (3) the majority of secondary characters treat the dragons as expendable or try to kill good people, but it was realistic for the society and it was satisfying seeing Bayloo manipulated them.
This also reads like a book that is setting up what's to come in the series.
How much did I like it? I liked aspects, but not for me.
Ideas - World Building: 5 Stars
Ideas - Plots: 4 Stars
Emotional Highs and lows: Lots of lows.
Character Depth: 4 Stars
Character interactions: Above Average
Animal Characterisation: Above Average
Non-human body language: N/A
Warnings: Slavery, murder, mild violence, lack of free will, and seeing loved ones die.
Execution: 4.9 Stars
January 6, 2023
*3.5 stars rounded down*
I’d recommend this as a good introductory book for someone trying to break into the fantasy genre as it’s a story told from the perspective of a slave dragon.
Likes
- Dragons throughout folklore are known to be arrogant, confident, and self-important, and you really feel that coming from Bayloo’s perspective and narration.
- The names of everything feel like they definitely belong in a fantasy novel.
- The spoon-fed details allow the reader to have no trouble understanding something abstract in a fantasy universe (though at times, it felt like over-explaining to a child).
- The runes and concept of runic link.
- Once the story got going, I was genuinely curious where it would take me.
Dislikes
- It gets awfully repetitive with “could have” and “would have” language, which I suppose fits into the arrogance of the character, but felt a little anti-climactic at times. If you could have snapped his neck, you should have. If it would have been easy to break out of the cave, do it. Otherwise it leaves a reader hanging.
- There’s a lot of down time before the story actually gets moving. Not all that much happens for nearly the entire first half other than explanation and self-realization. The real “plan” doesn’t come to fruition until about 70-80% into the book which might lose other readers.
- Seeing other human characters through the eyes of a dragon doesn’t really allow the reader to build a relationship with them, so I wasn’t invested in the humans or their problems, almost at all.
I’d recommend this as a good introductory book for someone trying to break into the fantasy genre as it’s a story told from the perspective of a slave dragon.
Likes
- Dragons throughout folklore are known to be arrogant, confident, and self-important, and you really feel that coming from Bayloo’s perspective and narration.
- The names of everything feel like they definitely belong in a fantasy novel.
- The spoon-fed details allow the reader to have no trouble understanding something abstract in a fantasy universe (though at times, it felt like over-explaining to a child).
- The runes and concept of runic link.
- Once the story got going, I was genuinely curious where it would take me.
Dislikes
- It gets awfully repetitive with “could have” and “would have” language, which I suppose fits into the arrogance of the character, but felt a little anti-climactic at times. If you could have snapped his neck, you should have. If it would have been easy to break out of the cave, do it. Otherwise it leaves a reader hanging.
- There’s a lot of down time before the story actually gets moving. Not all that much happens for nearly the entire first half other than explanation and self-realization. The real “plan” doesn’t come to fruition until about 70-80% into the book which might lose other readers.
- Seeing other human characters through the eyes of a dragon doesn’t really allow the reader to build a relationship with them, so I wasn’t invested in the humans or their problems, almost at all.
December 6, 2021
I saw this series recommended to me in an Amazon book recommendations email, and I thought: "sure, why not, let's give it a shot". And I must say, I was pleasantly surprised.
The trope of an enslaved race of dragons is one that is very commonly used in many fantasy books, but this one still managed to do a very interesting and fresh take on it. It was a relatively simple read, but many complexities in the plot did start to appear over time that served to set up the series.
The biggest positives for me were the world building and Bayloo's personality. The world building was surprisingly rich and plentiful, and served as a great backdrop and a great plot driver. Lots of warring kingdoms, interesting factions, curious magic and plenty of secrets that are yet to be uncovered and explained.
In regards to the personality of the dragon - Bayloo, I very much enjoyed reading about him. I can't even begin to describe that sort of personality, but his matter of fact-ly, dry delivery of lines and his understandable lack of understanding of many human behaviors and treats were both amusing and made him feel like a proper dragon.
This was a very good book, and it definitely made me interested enough in the world, plot and Bayloo himself, to make me want to read more of this series.
The trope of an enslaved race of dragons is one that is very commonly used in many fantasy books, but this one still managed to do a very interesting and fresh take on it. It was a relatively simple read, but many complexities in the plot did start to appear over time that served to set up the series.
The biggest positives for me were the world building and Bayloo's personality. The world building was surprisingly rich and plentiful, and served as a great backdrop and a great plot driver. Lots of warring kingdoms, interesting factions, curious magic and plenty of secrets that are yet to be uncovered and explained.
In regards to the personality of the dragon - Bayloo, I very much enjoyed reading about him. I can't even begin to describe that sort of personality, but his matter of fact-ly, dry delivery of lines and his understandable lack of understanding of many human behaviors and treats were both amusing and made him feel like a proper dragon.
This was a very good book, and it definitely made me interested enough in the world, plot and Bayloo himself, to make me want to read more of this series.
December 15, 2021
One of the best series I've read this whole year, easily. Storytelling feels fast and loose, yet never quite crosses the fine line that separates a "serious" book from a "light read". The first book in the series is as good as the rest, but as I just started reading I felt the it was worth 4 solid stars, as stories told like this often tend to be fairly superficial overall. As I kept reading through the following books, however, the world has been built up and fleshed out and it kept me completely captivated throughout, every time I picked it up.
This is a solid one. Can't wait for more works.
This is a solid one. Can't wait for more works.
July 11, 2021
I loved this whole series when I was proofreading it.
This first book introduces you to a super unique viewpoint, and SELLS you on it. The main character is truly the star. The worldbuilding is good and the characters in general are super solid, but it's the main character's growth and his relationships with others that kept me reading far later than I should have.
There are certain themes and events in this book that made me uncomfortable to read it, and intentionally so. I was grateful for the wonderful humor that the viewpoint provides, without ever losing sight of the stakes.
This first book introduces you to a super unique viewpoint, and SELLS you on it. The main character is truly the star. The worldbuilding is good and the characters in general are super solid, but it's the main character's growth and his relationships with others that kept me reading far later than I should have.
There are certain themes and events in this book that made me uncomfortable to read it, and intentionally so. I was grateful for the wonderful humor that the viewpoint provides, without ever losing sight of the stakes.
June 27, 2021
Decent work.
Has some typos, but not enough to be bothersome.
Two things that do bother me:
1) It makes no sense for Bayloo to try to remove the runes by destroying Lothar's chest. He's seen how runes are removed properly before and it makes far more sense to try that first.
2) Bayloo needs to have more time processing his actions. He forswears himself and becomes a slaver, and murders the kin he's fought so hard to free and he seems only mildly upset at both events.
Has some typos, but not enough to be bothersome.
Two things that do bother me:
1) It makes no sense for Bayloo to try to remove the runes by destroying Lothar's chest. He's seen how runes are removed properly before and it makes far more sense to try that first.
2) Bayloo needs to have more time processing his actions. He forswears himself and becomes a slaver, and murders the kin he's fought so hard to free and he seems only mildly upset at both events.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2021
I started this book since I love fantasy and dragons. Never even finished 20 pages. I disliked this dragons character. I disliked his attitude. Sorry, just didn’t like it at all.
January 31, 2025
A new favorite author!
A dragon finally awakens from the magical fog of slavery, of forced bondage to a human mind. He’s been (and is being) treated as less-than, simply because he is an ash dragon that doesn’t breathe fire as ash dragons are supposed to do. Still, he’s big and fast, fearless in the air. Unfortunately, he also has a habit of losing his riders ... mostly to their own stupidity, but at least one to bad luck.
Bayloo’s odyssey of self-discovery is tight with tension as he navigates the enslavement process again and again, fighting both in air and on the ground, humans who are less than he deserves and other magical beings who are more.
The author writes unerringly true to the narrative of a dragon who just wants to be free, then discovers a cause for which he’s willing to risk everything. Vane also instills Bayloo with a wicked sense of humour. The opening line is terrific:
I wanted to eat a human. Not just any human, of course. One of the plump ones with a bulging belly. A lord would be the best.
Random quotes:
I was tempted to release the gas in my bowels at that solemn moment while the prince’s pledge hung in the air, but that would’ve been a waste of some fine flatulence,
A wise dragon once said that only a fool walks away from ale or opportunity (actually, that was me)
I ground his bones and his flesh until there was nothing recognizable about my former ryder. Then I swallowed him. After all my waiting, it turned out that humans tasted like chicken. What a disappointment.”
“My claws finished the work, peeling back the planks the way the humans ate oranges (I liked them too, except I hated the outer skin, and nobody would peel them for me).”
A dragon finally awakens from the magical fog of slavery, of forced bondage to a human mind. He’s been (and is being) treated as less-than, simply because he is an ash dragon that doesn’t breathe fire as ash dragons are supposed to do. Still, he’s big and fast, fearless in the air. Unfortunately, he also has a habit of losing his riders ... mostly to their own stupidity, but at least one to bad luck.
Bayloo’s odyssey of self-discovery is tight with tension as he navigates the enslavement process again and again, fighting both in air and on the ground, humans who are less than he deserves and other magical beings who are more.
The author writes unerringly true to the narrative of a dragon who just wants to be free, then discovers a cause for which he’s willing to risk everything. Vane also instills Bayloo with a wicked sense of humour. The opening line is terrific:
I wanted to eat a human. Not just any human, of course. One of the plump ones with a bulging belly. A lord would be the best.
Random quotes:
I was tempted to release the gas in my bowels at that solemn moment while the prince’s pledge hung in the air, but that would’ve been a waste of some fine flatulence,
A wise dragon once said that only a fool walks away from ale or opportunity (actually, that was me)
I ground his bones and his flesh until there was nothing recognizable about my former ryder. Then I swallowed him. After all my waiting, it turned out that humans tasted like chicken. What a disappointment.”
“My claws finished the work, peeling back the planks the way the humans ate oranges (I liked them too, except I hated the outer skin, and nobody would peel them for me).”
November 21, 2022
This book is superb. That’s not to say it’s perfect, but it’s the best book I have read in some time. There are several things the author does right. Firstly and foremostly is the voice: the story is told in first person, from Bayloo the dragon’s perspective, and it works extremely well. Bayloo is a strong character; he really feels like a dragon, for he is brave and does not fear pain. Moreover, Bayloo has a perspective on human nature that is extremely illuminating. He understands humans better than they understand themselves—humans can be ignorant, prideful, and naive, but also cunning, perceptive, and powerful.
The story has plenty of momentum. Essentially, it’s about Bayloo’s quest to free himself from some nasty mind-control runes, but there are many twists. Later on, it becomes a quest to save his young sister. There are great battles that must be fought; there is loss and mourning; and there are secrets to unravel.
It’s not quite perfect. I feel like Bayloo is too impulsive: he has Plan A, but he never thinks about Plan B or Plan C. He is a warrior, not a schemer. I also feel he is too slow to pick on up on things that we, as the reader, can tell are important. To avoid being too spoilery, his song is the key to achieving what he wants, but he fails to pick up on such an obvious solution. Furthermore, I felt he could have avoided injury at certain times.
Overall, this is a great book and I look forward to the sequel. Rating: 4.5/5
The story has plenty of momentum. Essentially, it’s about Bayloo’s quest to free himself from some nasty mind-control runes, but there are many twists. Later on, it becomes a quest to save his young sister. There are great battles that must be fought; there is loss and mourning; and there are secrets to unravel.
It’s not quite perfect. I feel like Bayloo is too impulsive: he has Plan A, but he never thinks about Plan B or Plan C. He is a warrior, not a schemer. I also feel he is too slow to pick on up on things that we, as the reader, can tell are important. To avoid being too spoilery, his song is the key to achieving what he wants, but he fails to pick up on such an obvious solution. Furthermore, I felt he could have avoided injury at certain times.
Overall, this is a great book and I look forward to the sequel. Rating: 4.5/5
December 30, 2023
Man, all the books I've read the past couple weeks are bangers, and this one is no exception.
I LOVE books from the perspective of dragons. They've always been my favorite since the days of Dragonlance forever ago.
Short summary of the book: Bayloo, an enslaved dragon, slowly comes to the realization that his mind is free and he can think for himself. He doesn't understand how this has happened, but has made a promise to himself to escape, and free dragonkind. He dislikes humans, but finds some along the way who want to help him.
Bayloo is fantastically written. He is not a hero nor an anti-hero; he's just a sapient creature who wants what everyone wants: Freedom. He is beholden to no one, and cynical about the plight of dragonkind. Even so, he is full of wonder at various spoilery realizations and meetings, which makes for an amazingly deep, enchanting character.
The characters who surround him are similarly well-written, my favorite, of course, being Bethy Rann. I can't say why, because the layers upon which this book is written mean that almost anything I say could easily be a spoiler.
Anyway, immediately after finishing this book, I bought the other 4 in the series. I have high hopes that they'll be just as amazing.
I LOVE books from the perspective of dragons. They've always been my favorite since the days of Dragonlance forever ago.
Short summary of the book: Bayloo, an enslaved dragon, slowly comes to the realization that his mind is free and he can think for himself. He doesn't understand how this has happened, but has made a promise to himself to escape, and free dragonkind. He dislikes humans, but finds some along the way who want to help him.
Bayloo is fantastically written. He is not a hero nor an anti-hero; he's just a sapient creature who wants what everyone wants: Freedom. He is beholden to no one, and cynical about the plight of dragonkind. Even so, he is full of wonder at various spoilery realizations and meetings, which makes for an amazingly deep, enchanting character.
The characters who surround him are similarly well-written, my favorite, of course, being Bethy Rann. I can't say why, because the layers upon which this book is written mean that almost anything I say could easily be a spoiler.
Anyway, immediately after finishing this book, I bought the other 4 in the series. I have high hopes that they'll be just as amazing.
October 28, 2021
I began this book thinking it looked interesting, but was worried that it might be in the "subpar self-published (without proofreading)" genre. I was pleasantly surprised to find a quirky little piece spoken from the perspective of a dragon. Still, I thought it could go either way, even though “Freedom wasn't all ale and goats” really got me.
By the time the plot had begun to thicken and more elements of high magic were introduced, I realized this was indeed an excellent story that had great potential. The protagonist, a dragon whose true name is still forming, saw considerable growth and so did the world created by the author.
The book ended in epic fashion, with a story that had been allowed to evolve the way it should, without the author trying to force it into something else. Considerable care has been done to create an interesting and detailed world, with many elements only hinted at and left for later installments.
Overall, I am thrilled to have found not just an objectively good book, but a story and an author that I'm sure to follow for a long time to come. Read and enjoy ;)
By the time the plot had begun to thicken and more elements of high magic were introduced, I realized this was indeed an excellent story that had great potential. The protagonist, a dragon whose true name is still forming, saw considerable growth and so did the world created by the author.
The book ended in epic fashion, with a story that had been allowed to evolve the way it should, without the author trying to force it into something else. Considerable care has been done to create an interesting and detailed world, with many elements only hinted at and left for later installments.
Overall, I am thrilled to have found not just an objectively good book, but a story and an author that I'm sure to follow for a long time to come. Read and enjoy ;)
March 14, 2023
I wasn't expecting to like this book as much as I did but was pleasantly surprised that I was so drawn into the story and couldn't put it down. I read it in a few sittings. I like the POV/narrator was the dragon. At first I was a little shaken off when the author had his fart jokes and "shove things up his butt" statements, it pulled me out of the moment, setting, and mood and I don't think it worked with this story. Luckily he seemed to tone that down (maybe his editor helped) and didn't do that throughout just a bit in the beginning.I did like that the dragon was snarky, a little like Martha Well's Murderbot. I don't think this author has smoothed out his craft like hers just yet, but I think he is heading in the right direction. But I do think this author has great storytelling skills, he didn't get sidetracked with side plots which always make stories drag. In this book you just want to keep reading about the dragon and see what he does next. I just finished the first one and am off to buy the rest of the series. If you are on the fence, I recommend reading it, it's a fast read and really fun ride.
May 30, 2025
very hard to get into at the start
Dragons are slaves. Stolen from their nests as hatchlings, they are made slaves before their first moon. Forced to be docile, obedient weapons to the ryders of the Kingdom of Rolm, the King has amassed his power on the backs of these glorious creatures.
Bayloo is the first of the dragon slaves to awaken from his forced servitude. His mind is finally clear and he must now embark on a mission full of strength, cunning and magic if he is to free the rest of his race. His success could change the course of the world. His defeat could doom his race to slavery forever.
I really really struggled to get into this book. I actually considered DNF at one point (I never ever DNF). It was really slow and not the easiest to follow at the start but it finally picks up around the 40% mark and starts to get interesting. I’ve never read a book where it’s from the perspective of the dragon before and it was odd but interesting to hear a description of humans from a dragon’s POV. Will probably read the rest just to find out what happens next.
Dragons are slaves. Stolen from their nests as hatchlings, they are made slaves before their first moon. Forced to be docile, obedient weapons to the ryders of the Kingdom of Rolm, the King has amassed his power on the backs of these glorious creatures.
Bayloo is the first of the dragon slaves to awaken from his forced servitude. His mind is finally clear and he must now embark on a mission full of strength, cunning and magic if he is to free the rest of his race. His success could change the course of the world. His defeat could doom his race to slavery forever.
I really really struggled to get into this book. I actually considered DNF at one point (I never ever DNF). It was really slow and not the easiest to follow at the start but it finally picks up around the 40% mark and starts to get interesting. I’ve never read a book where it’s from the perspective of the dragon before and it was odd but interesting to hear a description of humans from a dragon’s POV. Will probably read the rest just to find out what happens next.
February 11, 2023
**This story intrigued me for one reason: it was written from a dragons pov. It was displayed as an add on my kindle and I fell for it. The premise was interesting enough that I didn’t dnf it but it took me longer than usual to finish.**
This book is a series of chaotic events. The plot ramps up quickly and a lot happens in a short span of time. Parts of it made me laugh- the dragon has a crude sense of humor, but the continued fart jokes throughout the book lost their effect after a while. The dragon was supposedly intelligent, but he never proved to be as clever as we were told he was. The last 10% of the book was pretty good, but it was still missing that spark for me and I don’t feel a strong connection to any of the characters. I struggled rating this one because the story is actually really good and the more I think about it the more I wish I liked the authors writing style.
Unfortunately, this book just wasn’t for me, but a part of me is curious how the series ends.
This book is a series of chaotic events. The plot ramps up quickly and a lot happens in a short span of time. Parts of it made me laugh- the dragon has a crude sense of humor, but the continued fart jokes throughout the book lost their effect after a while. The dragon was supposedly intelligent, but he never proved to be as clever as we were told he was. The last 10% of the book was pretty good, but it was still missing that spark for me and I don’t feel a strong connection to any of the characters. I struggled rating this one because the story is actually really good and the more I think about it the more I wish I liked the authors writing style.
Unfortunately, this book just wasn’t for me, but a part of me is curious how the series ends.
May 17, 2022
Wings of Fire, adult version
Told from a Dragons perspective I revelled in the technicalities of the Dragons. Referencing g force that would make a Rider pass out, up drafts and down drafts, fights from a Dragons perspective, I ate it all up.
I say this is an adult version of Wings of Fire because I couldn't read WoF because it was written for a much younger age group. Don't get me wrong, I believe this book is marketed toward 9-12 yr Olds but it was deep enough to satisfy my old soul.
Bayloo is also a morally gray character and some of the things he fails in, mistakes he makes, you can really empathize with.
I particularly loved that he is unashamedly a Dragon. He doesn't act as you would expect a human to act, he acts as he is. I loved that. Overall I'll be purchasing the rest of this series because this one suckered me in.
Told from a Dragons perspective I revelled in the technicalities of the Dragons. Referencing g force that would make a Rider pass out, up drafts and down drafts, fights from a Dragons perspective, I ate it all up.
I say this is an adult version of Wings of Fire because I couldn't read WoF because it was written for a much younger age group. Don't get me wrong, I believe this book is marketed toward 9-12 yr Olds but it was deep enough to satisfy my old soul.
Bayloo is also a morally gray character and some of the things he fails in, mistakes he makes, you can really empathize with.
I particularly loved that he is unashamedly a Dragon. He doesn't act as you would expect a human to act, he acts as he is. I loved that. Overall I'll be purchasing the rest of this series because this one suckered me in.
August 3, 2021
A different kind of dragon
Seeing dragons as slaves of humans was unexpected; although our history for enslaving creatures much stronger than we are should have been a clue. The main character is easy to like, but definitely not a perfect sweetie. The hints of underlying plot lines to come in future books are mysterious enough not to be blatantly identifiable yet clear enough to be enticing. I am very much looking forward to book 2. As usual with Amazon, I found 20 -30 errors that need to be cleaned up, but unlike some books they aren’t enough to completely ruin the book.
Seeing dragons as slaves of humans was unexpected; although our history for enslaving creatures much stronger than we are should have been a clue. The main character is easy to like, but definitely not a perfect sweetie. The hints of underlying plot lines to come in future books are mysterious enough not to be blatantly identifiable yet clear enough to be enticing. I am very much looking forward to book 2. As usual with Amazon, I found 20 -30 errors that need to be cleaned up, but unlike some books they aren’t enough to completely ruin the book.
January 15, 2025
Very good read! Told from the dragon's point of view which was a nice change of scenery from my typical reads.
The main character, a dragon with the human-given name Bayloo suddenly realized he was free from his mind prison, and could make his own choices away from the humans. Over the course of the book he grows more cunning, learns more about humans, and his own story. His character development was believable and flowed naturally, and it was nice to read his misgivings and personal struggles as he progresses through the book. I'm excited to read the next book in the series! Bayloo's story is far from over.
The main character, a dragon with the human-given name Bayloo suddenly realized he was free from his mind prison, and could make his own choices away from the humans. Over the course of the book he grows more cunning, learns more about humans, and his own story. His character development was believable and flowed naturally, and it was nice to read his misgivings and personal struggles as he progresses through the book. I'm excited to read the next book in the series! Bayloo's story is far from over.
November 6, 2022
Bayloo the Slave dragon
first I love that this book is well written, fast paced, exciting and just plain fun... and without the smut! I also loved the narration of the dragon Bayloo. His perception of the world around him from a dragons point of view is fascinatingly fun. Tons of heart, action, mystery and magic. Can the awakening Bayloo free himself from slavery? Can he find the secret to release his brethren without driving them to madness? If you love dragon books, this is a must read!
first I love that this book is well written, fast paced, exciting and just plain fun... and without the smut! I also loved the narration of the dragon Bayloo. His perception of the world around him from a dragons point of view is fascinatingly fun. Tons of heart, action, mystery and magic. Can the awakening Bayloo free himself from slavery? Can he find the secret to release his brethren without driving them to madness? If you love dragon books, this is a must read!
August 16, 2023
Robert Vane takes a very interesting approach of writing a story from a dragon’s perspective and the concept of dragon being subservient to humans I think is new. Overall I liked the story and will continue but there are times I felt like Bayloo’s view (the protagonist) was being beaten over my head. I don’t mean to be told more than once the purpose of a character’s motives. I felt like it said every time the situation came up and that became tiresome.
I am curious to see what happens. I did purchase the 2nd book.
I am curious to see what happens. I did purchase the 2nd book.
September 23, 2023
Started fantastic, ending not so much
Both husband and me were excited about this wonderful story told from the dragon's point of view. But as the plot advanced the dragon could never get anything together and it was totally frustrating. Authors may be stretching plots to go for trilogies or a series at the cost of a satisfying read for the one invested in the plot and characters.
Both husband and me were excited about this wonderful story told from the dragon's point of view. But as the plot advanced the dragon could never get anything together and it was totally frustrating. Authors may be stretching plots to go for trilogies or a series at the cost of a satisfying read for the one invested in the plot and characters.
October 23, 2021
False start
Of the last five books where I read thirty or even up to seventy pages before I realised the story line was not going to progress. This I finally finished. For a book of less than three hundred pages, it took twice as long to read as one of five hundred or more pages. At least I finished it.
Of the last five books where I read thirty or even up to seventy pages before I realised the story line was not going to progress. This I finally finished. For a book of less than three hundred pages, it took twice as long to read as one of five hundred or more pages. At least I finished it.
April 29, 2022
The writing on this was well done. Personally, though, I didn't really care for the story. It took a bit longer to really get into it than I like, and even then I felt like Bayloo was... egh, I don't really know. Not bad, but a little over the top.
Overall, it's well written, a decent story, but just not my type. I might give the second book a read at some point, maybe.
Overall, it's well written, a decent story, but just not my type. I might give the second book a read at some point, maybe.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews