Dragon Pirate

Riders of Fire Dragon Masters #3

by Eileen Mueller

What can one lone woman, disguised as a cabin boy, do against a notorious pirate captain with a bloodthirsty crew and a fierce sea dragon?


When Rusty’s uncle is killed by the Scarlet Hand, a bloodthirsty pirate captain, she vows to avenge him.

She’s taken captive as the Scarlet Hand’s new cabin boy. She must keep her true identity secret or risk losing her virtue—or her life.

Will never wanted to become the Scarlet Hand, the notorious pirate captain of the Fiery Dragon, but his vengeful dragon goaded him into shedding the blood of the last captain. Instead of plundering and killing, Will sells prisoners. That way, they keep their lives, and the dragon gods may smile upon him and grant him luck.

The gods know he needs it.

He’s signed a contract with the formidable Emperor Haakin. If he doesn’t deliver, the emperor’s assassins will hunt him down, tie him to the yardarm of the Fiery Dragon, and slice him into pieces.

But when Will ventures into the emperor’s mines, he discovers a terrible secret.
And when his cabin boy learns of it, Will discovers the cabin boy has secrets of his own.

Secrets that turn their lives upside-down.

If you like swashbuckling pirates, sea dragons, and romance & danger on the high seas, set sail with Dragon Pirate.

402 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 9, 2022

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an adventure! Will is known as the Scarlet Hand and sails the seas to find slaves for Emperor Haakin. But the truth is he actually hates killing and is just trying to save peoples lives from his bloodthirsty crew. When he attacks Rusty’s ship, he takes her on as cabin boy, not knowing she’s a girl. At first, Rusty hates him, but then she learns some of his secrets, and he hers, and they find they are maybe not so different after all.

This is a great pirate tale that definitely gave me some Pirates of the Caribbean vibes! It showcases all the bloodthirsty pirates but as the story goes on certain members of the crew grew on me a lot and I really liked them. I really liked Joffa and Tiny especially! Of course there’s Scarletta, the magnificent sea dragon, who loves to put fear into the hearts of the pirates and keep them in line for Will. I liked the snippets from Will’s sister Star throughout the book and I’m curious how her story will tie in with the rest. There’s lots of action and excitement and some romance that really hit the spot. I didn’t want to put this book down because it was just so much fun to read! The end is a bit bittersweet but I liked it still because it made me respect Rusty more. If you like pirates and dragons, this is the book for you. I can’t wait to continue Will and Rusty’s story.

I received an ARC from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Mary T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story
Pirates and dragons a great combination with a little love mixed in.

[Ramona Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will watched as Captain Black-Eyed's Cutlass struck the jaded turquoise stained dragon egg killing the baby Dragon inside cleaving its goal from its body. Will Ward and raced for the Captain is the dandy whirled Will grip his cup was double handed and plunged it into the captains belly the captains mouth dropped and eyebrows flew up as he died. And here came in the Dragon crying that he'd killed her baby and Will said that he and his first mate who killed his best friend to the sea Dragon who demanded that he rip out the captain’s heart and feed it to her which he did and she ate it. Will woke up his cabin drenched in sweat drink once again the nightmare of his first meeting with his precious sea dragons Carletta who had eaten a part of Captain Black-Eyed because he killed her baby Dragon it. Will did not attempt to go back to sleep he got up and went out and sit next to Spider Faces his first mate and they planned a night of drinking. Will became Captain Scarlet Hand who was planning on capturing a ship that he would keep, turning the crew and passengers into slaves for the Emperor without any damage to the ship. The Silver Fin was taking on passengers only that took on some weird passengers one a lady that wasn't quite a lady that Rusty who was the cabin boy bought might possibly be a man told us that his uncle Captain Ned but Ned didn't pay any attention to Rusty. After they sailed out Captain Ned Said That the Crew of the Fiery Dragon was asleep and by the time they woke up they wouldn't know where the Silver Fin was. The on-ly problem was part of the passengers were Pirates. The Fiery Dragon with Captain Scarlet Hand in charge, was silently following them. When the Pirates attacked Ned told Rusty to get in the chest and hide and not to come out until he came back. The next thing she saw was a pirate in the captain's cabin and found him in the chest and drug him out in front of the Pirates. Rusty was pretending to be a cabin boy only she was a girl and she couldn't let the Pirates know that she was a girl. Captain Ned signed his boat over to The Captain Scarlet Hand and made a deal that he would protect the cabin boy. Ms. Mueller has been her own fashion written another excellent Dragon book which I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend that everyone read...

[Jessica McMahon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Intriguing storyline BUT...

I would not recommend this book for its listed 13-18 year old age range.

I'm a big fan of the SF & Fantasy genre and though I am in my 30's, I find a lot of great, well-written, imaginative stories in the 13-18 yo bracket. However, I personally am not a fan of overt se xual content in books and I find it inappropriate in books marketed towards minors. The in depth descriptions of an individual caressing his chest and the soft moans that follow... The details of his taut naked buttocks and the feelings it aroused.. Its a bit much for my taste.

Its a shame because the story itself has great promise. I really enjoyed the inclusion of Star's experiences and thought the author did a great job with going back and forth between the different characters and building the plot. Lots of complex emotions and several different types of conflict and traumas to work through. I was looking forward to the conclusion of this story but honestly just lost interest about halfway through. Something that rarely happens.

Overall, I'm disappointed. I enjoyed the first two books in this series and was looking forward to looking into the previous and following series by this author. I really loved the world that the stories are set in and being able to get to know peripheral characters from one story to the next. But I think I'm done with this author for now. However, I believe this author has talent and would love to try her again if she ever chooses to rewrite any of these or produces future SF & fantasy stories that are truly "clean."

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Scarlet Hand is the most feared pirate on the Naobian Seas, he is Will and he became a pirate after he lost everything he cared for. He is also bonded to the very angry dragon known as Scarletta who incites him to kill those who cross him, and give their hearts over for her to eat. He has become a slave trader, capturing ships and selling the pirates/sailors and passengers to the Emperor of Metropoli as workers in his gold mines. Till he came across a ship which he took over from Captain Ned who he stranded on an island leaving him to die, but promising to look after his cabin boy who was none other than Rusty, the captain's niece. This relationship between Will and Rusty started as an enemies one as she hated him for what he did to her uncle but ended up to become a lovers story as Rusty realised that Will was in reality a caring man but one who gave in to the rages Scarletta inflamed him with. I loved this high seas adventure romantic story but the ending was not what I was expecting. Maybe it is a new beginning for our courageous dragon rider but I still live in hope being a romantic at heart! As always the dragons in Ms. Mueller's tales are the real show stealers and Scarletta is nothing less!

[Gayreth Walden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was irresistibly drawn in!

The Scarlet Hand, the most notorious pirate captain on the high seas and totally irresistible! His Sea Dragon, Scarletta! Is there anything that can harden the captains heart forever? Rusty, A woman disguised as a cabin boy. will this protect her from a bloodthirsty pirate crew? I love that this story gives wonderful insight to what makes the Scarlet Hand tick. His inner turmoil and constant battle with his guilt. This is also Rusty's story, at least the beginning of her story! This is a fascinating and gripping tale of pirate life. With page turning action, moral dilemmas, challenging circumstances, danger at every turn and best of all, shocking twists and turns! The primary characters are amazing and the supporting characters are great too. Did I mention a Dragon? This is an exciting and imaginative tale that is totally entertaining and will leave you breathless!!!

[Amanda Sagen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Eileen has given us a fantastic new tale that keeps you flipping the pages (almost faster than you can read!).

Captain Will (better known and feared as The Scarlet Hand throughout the Naobian seas!) Is back with his crafty crew om the Fiery Dragon, working as a slaver for the emperor (cause that's got to be a better day job no?).
He takes in a feisty cabin boy who is not all that he seems, after taking control of a new ship, and this is where the story really starts to take off!

As usual, Eileen has filled the pages with excitement, intrigue, laughter and maybe even a little bit of heartbreak. A fabulous combination that keep you wanting more, even when you reach the very last page.

Can't wait to see what happens next for Will, Scarlets and the rest of the cast (pretty sure most of them have their very own stories to publish!).

[Larry · Rating 3 out of 5]

An unexpected and hopefully understood review

So I enjoyed reading the parts of this book which show the continuing struggles in Will's life.
What I didn't care for was the romance arc.
I certainly understand that some are all about romance and more.
And I appreciate the careful way that the author handled the enemies to lovers arc.
But even at 67 years of age, I still am uncomfortable feeling like a voyeur even when restraint is being handled in the story line.
Some will enjoy the arc. Some may wish or ask for more.
But I was embarrassed myself and certainly will not be able to recommend the book to others with my same old fashioned attitudes.
Likely there are not many of us in the sf and fantasy reader camps, so others without a similar mindset can know that the author has once again written a story which draws the reader in .

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

an excellent sequel, very unputdownable

This is an awesome instalment in the series and I really enjoyed it. It is one of those looks which jumps back and forth in time but we get to find out what happens to Star and Ma when Will disappears as well as the next part of Will's story as Captain Scarlet Hand.
We see how Ned and Rusty's story intertwines with Will's and there is plenty of twists and suspense along the way!
I really love Scarletta's personality, she has a very fiery temper which you would likely expect from a dragon! She has a sweeter, softer side to her too, a sis very protective of Will.
All dragon lovers will love this series, I can't wait for the next one!

[Francesco Tehrani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still going strong!

This one was an unexpected emotional roller-coaster of a joy ride! Without giving any spoilers, I didn't expect about half of what occurred, and what I did expect, I was pleasantly glad it did! I'm falling more in love with this series and world! The characters and plot are strong and solid, both old and new! I'm kind of glad that I'm reading this series in chronological order instead of publishing order because I feel that I will appreciate all that is to come better! And I look forward to it!

[Philippa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic pirate adventure full of action and surprising amount of empathy for Pirates. This is a true delight to read and an epic page turner. Surprising in its depth, it exceeded expectations and has a few unexpected surprises. Well written, exciting, action packed and with strong characters this is a great read. And don’t forget the dragons.

I have received an ARC copy and all views are my own

[Marie Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a while to get into this book; I think it's just Mueller's writing style, because this isn't the first of hers that started slow for me and then I ended up gobbling up the pages as fast as possible.

I'm excited to see what the future has in store for Rusty (I ended up liking her more than Will). The chapters about Star were so sad, but I'm happy we got to see what's happening to the poor girl while her brother is gone.

[Kimberly Newman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tad too violent for me

I would rate it higher but for some of the violence seeming excessive and unnecessary death of characters. I do enjoy the good pacing and interesting characters. I also felt they should have discussed their differences more before acting on things. (I am avoiding giving away anything. The author will know.)

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another delightful addition to Dragons' Realm!

Oh, goodness! Where to begin? Will... How I wish you could escape to path you have committed yourself to. Star, the Bloody Knives have your back, and I kind of want more, even if it jumps ahead a decade. Rusty... I smile at the possible future adventures you will go on.

[Margaret Partridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book!

I'm enjoying the series but this book may not be appropriate for thirteen year olds. It's more violent than the other books of this series and Riders of Fire series. Maybe the youngest readers should be 15 or 16. I've read the Riders of Fire series twice and will read it again when I have finished this series.

[Quilting Tangent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can a cabin boy save a captain?
In this fast paced, action, adventure, lives will be changed forever. An interesting, original story with plenty of twist and turns that gives you a peek into Rusty, Will and Star's young lives.

[Mrs. J.P. Cantle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A different side of life.

Somehow Rusty found herself disguised as a boy, serving the Scarlet hand. Part adventure, part love story with twists and turns the story ends with a surprising twist.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic pirate adventure. Th3 Scarlet hand takes over Rusty’s ship. As a cabin boy , she does her work. So far no one knows she’s female. Dange, and intrigue on the high seas. Another outstanding story.

[Tenna Chatman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clean read with lots of action

The characters are equally heartwarming and treacherous. Some are even both. Mueller is a master story teller that brings the characters, places and circumstances to life.

[Leda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enticing follow-up of the series.

[Kristina Flood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story!!! I love this book! You get to see by the bad guys became the bad guys. Again there's dragons and magic, as well as a great written story and an action packed book! A definite must read.