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The Heartstone #1
Dragon of the Federation
How far would you push yourself to save the world?
Ingal Jehai is an ancient Gold Dragon who rules over the White Lands Federation, but at over two thousand years old, his age wears on him. A young but powerful female mage, Torra Com Gidel, ventures to Ingal’s palace to deliver a dire warning from wrathful gods, pushing the limits of her courage. When an elvish prince is assassinated in Ingal’s court, the dragon and the mage team up to investigate. As war brews between three nations, the pair uncovers a vast conspiracy by the elves to let loose domineering gods upon the land, aided by the ruthless Iron Dragon, a vicious elvish warrior-cleric, and powerful renegade spells. If Ingal and Torra fail to stop the scheme, the world of Irikara – and its wild magic – will be forever lost.
Ingal Jehai is an ancient Gold Dragon who rules over the White Lands Federation, but at over two thousand years old, his age wears on him. A young but powerful female mage, Torra Com Gidel, ventures to Ingal’s palace to deliver a dire warning from wrathful gods, pushing the limits of her courage. When an elvish prince is assassinated in Ingal’s court, the dragon and the mage team up to investigate. As war brews between three nations, the pair uncovers a vast conspiracy by the elves to let loose domineering gods upon the land, aided by the ruthless Iron Dragon, a vicious elvish warrior-cleric, and powerful renegade spells. If Ingal and Torra fail to stop the scheme, the world of Irikara – and its wild magic – will be forever lost.
- GenresDragons
326 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2021
4 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
About the author
Jason Kilgore
9 books22 followersJason A. Kilgore is a multi-genre author, writing fantasy, horror, science fiction, and poetry. By day he is also a scientist with a global biotech company. He was raised in Arkansas but now lives in western Oregon. He's a father to two teens, loves the outdoors, and is a cat person. He is also horribly addicted to chocolate and will probably write you into a story for the cost of a Ghirardelli milk chocolate bar (but can't promise the character won't die a horrible death... just sayin').
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
October 2, 2021
I received a free ARC copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
It’s so rare I find a book that combines old and new so seamlessly. Dragons are hot always but since when do we get to follow a dragon as a main character? It’s a welcomed breath of fresh air while also carrying the love of the genre’s lore.
The beginning was a bit slow but rest assured, it does not last long! Once the story takes off, it takes off, much like riding the roller coaster to the top of the hill.
I truthfully didn’t know what direction the book would take me but it took me with a character that won my heart in its entirely. I wanted to explore the world and learn more and more! Definitely check it out!
It’s so rare I find a book that combines old and new so seamlessly. Dragons are hot always but since when do we get to follow a dragon as a main character? It’s a welcomed breath of fresh air while also carrying the love of the genre’s lore.
The beginning was a bit slow but rest assured, it does not last long! Once the story takes off, it takes off, much like riding the roller coaster to the top of the hill.
I truthfully didn’t know what direction the book would take me but it took me with a character that won my heart in its entirely. I wanted to explore the world and learn more and more! Definitely check it out!
May 18, 2022
Dragon, Elf, and Magic in a Masterfully Crafted World
Ingal and Torra join together against a long-planned scheme by the gods. Defying his own creator, Ingal fights for the world's humanity while Torra discovers her potential for magic on the journey.
The world around the protagonists is described in vivid details. Artifacts, locales, and characters all have intriguing histories and intricate descriptions. Even magic and supernatural phenomena are described in both sensations and appearances.
Now, I did pick out this book from among many similar magical fantasies because of the dragon PoV. Ingal's activities in the palace and thought process were interesting to read, as they are quite different from a human's. Even when the perspective shifts to Torra (the PoV flips back and forth), most of the time it is to describe Ingal and his actions from the view of an awestruck human. It was a joy to read as a fan of dragon xenofiction, though, of course, I wish the PoV stayed on Ingal more.
Would recommend for dragon PoV fans and anyone inclined towards a fantasy world with magic.
Ingal and Torra join together against a long-planned scheme by the gods. Defying his own creator, Ingal fights for the world's humanity while Torra discovers her potential for magic on the journey.
The world around the protagonists is described in vivid details. Artifacts, locales, and characters all have intriguing histories and intricate descriptions. Even magic and supernatural phenomena are described in both sensations and appearances.
Now, I did pick out this book from among many similar magical fantasies because of the dragon PoV. Ingal's activities in the palace and thought process were interesting to read, as they are quite different from a human's. Even when the perspective shifts to Torra (the PoV flips back and forth), most of the time it is to describe Ingal and his actions from the view of an awestruck human. It was a joy to read as a fan of dragon xenofiction, though, of course, I wish the PoV stayed on Ingal more.
Would recommend for dragon PoV fans and anyone inclined towards a fantasy world with magic.
October 2, 2021
Shockingly good - and I was already a fan of Kilgore's work.
I will try to convey what is amazing about this book without giving away spoilers.
The first few chapters I actually felt some mild cognitive dissonance, I couldn't understand what was happening when I was reading the perspective of the dragon - but slowly I adapted to this ancient, patient, powerful creatures view of the world and followed him through the story - imagine that - not only writing the perspective of the dragon sufficiently to draw you in, but then to grow this completely unique character as a personal journey!
The supporting character, is also very uniquely written, gone are the tropes of modern day media, Kilgore presents a very well balanced supporting character that grows through their own arc and adds considerable weight to the story.
However, my favorite part is his world-building, this is such a fantastically deep world that I hope we will get to see much more of in the future! From topology, legends, architecture, even herbology! Kilgore has built a stunningly detailed world (probably enough for a book of its own just to describe it) that was very rewarding to visit.
An entertaining and deep read, I highly recommend!
I will try to convey what is amazing about this book without giving away spoilers.
The first few chapters I actually felt some mild cognitive dissonance, I couldn't understand what was happening when I was reading the perspective of the dragon - but slowly I adapted to this ancient, patient, powerful creatures view of the world and followed him through the story - imagine that - not only writing the perspective of the dragon sufficiently to draw you in, but then to grow this completely unique character as a personal journey!
The supporting character, is also very uniquely written, gone are the tropes of modern day media, Kilgore presents a very well balanced supporting character that grows through their own arc and adds considerable weight to the story.
However, my favorite part is his world-building, this is such a fantastically deep world that I hope we will get to see much more of in the future! From topology, legends, architecture, even herbology! Kilgore has built a stunningly detailed world (probably enough for a book of its own just to describe it) that was very rewarding to visit.
An entertaining and deep read, I highly recommend!
June 17, 2023
4.5 stars total
This is a high fantasy novel. I find myself drawn into the beginning of this book, I haven’t read a book from a dragon’s pov before, like an actual dragon not a shape shifting one. This book you follow two different Povs one of Ingal Jehai the Gold Dragon and ruler of the White Federation. The second Pov is Torra who is a female mage with a sickness. There is political tension as well with a looming war about to breakout, but taking the forefront is a stone that started glowing that is a warning for the destruction of their civilization. The book is a hard one to put down, the writing has me gripped. The fight scenes are epic, there is even two dragons in a brutal fight 🐉 So many crazy things go down in this book. My jaw literally dropped two times while reading I even shouted out “wow !” , while reading in public 😂😂 the ending leaves an opening for the next book and honestly I’m excited about it 🖤
This is a high fantasy novel. I find myself drawn into the beginning of this book, I haven’t read a book from a dragon’s pov before, like an actual dragon not a shape shifting one. This book you follow two different Povs one of Ingal Jehai the Gold Dragon and ruler of the White Federation. The second Pov is Torra who is a female mage with a sickness. There is political tension as well with a looming war about to breakout, but taking the forefront is a stone that started glowing that is a warning for the destruction of their civilization. The book is a hard one to put down, the writing has me gripped. The fight scenes are epic, there is even two dragons in a brutal fight 🐉 So many crazy things go down in this book. My jaw literally dropped two times while reading I even shouted out “wow !” , while reading in public 😂😂 the ending leaves an opening for the next book and honestly I’m excited about it 🖤
November 6, 2024
Two PoVs alternate neatly to deliver a steady pacing that kept me hooked all along.
The world building and magic are solid and the plot integral part of them, an ensemble that works perfectly.
Ingal's perspective as a combination of a single individual with the multiplicity of his ancestors, is an interesting one that opens original horizons in the character's development. Despite his amazing inherited knowledge and wisdom, he remains a mortal with his own limits and uncertainties.
Torra's PoV is no less interesting. Though I picked this book for the sapient dragon PoV, I wasn't bored at all by this character.
She is thrown into an adventure she didn't expect and the many challenges she has to overcome just come naturally with the story, even though the sum of them could appear daunting retrospectively.
Descriptions of the world, landscapes and magic are immersive, the world and story unveil as it goes, keeping things interesting all the time.
The writing is of a rather high standard, with no mistakes I can remember of. Only thing I noticed is technical, in the kindle edition many chapters have their dropcap mixing with the chapter title. A really tiny spoil considering the overall quality.
A tease chapter of the next planned book suggests a new PoV from a character appearing in the first, whose loyalties and agenda remain shady.
It should be interesting for sure.
Note: book 2 is actually published, but not properly linked to the author profile or series. Probably soon to be fixed, but in the meantime : https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
The world building and magic are solid and the plot integral part of them, an ensemble that works perfectly.
Ingal's perspective as a combination of a single individual with the multiplicity of his ancestors, is an interesting one that opens original horizons in the character's development. Despite his amazing inherited knowledge and wisdom, he remains a mortal with his own limits and uncertainties.
Torra's PoV is no less interesting. Though I picked this book for the sapient dragon PoV, I wasn't bored at all by this character.
She is thrown into an adventure she didn't expect and the many challenges she has to overcome just come naturally with the story, even though the sum of them could appear daunting retrospectively.
Descriptions of the world, landscapes and magic are immersive, the world and story unveil as it goes, keeping things interesting all the time.
The writing is of a rather high standard, with no mistakes I can remember of. Only thing I noticed is technical, in the kindle edition many chapters have their dropcap mixing with the chapter title. A really tiny spoil considering the overall quality.
A tease chapter of the next planned book suggests a new PoV from a character appearing in the first, whose loyalties and agenda remain shady.
It should be interesting for sure.
Note: book 2 is actually published, but not properly linked to the author profile or series. Probably soon to be fixed, but in the meantime : https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
March 27, 2023
Dragon of the Federation by Jason Kilgore is a classic/high fantasy written by a modern author. It is somewhat unique in that it is told from two viewpoints, that of a dragon who is thousands of years old and a young female mage who doesn't realize how powerful she really is. The story is centered around the dragon and his efforts to protect the lands he cares for with the help of the young mage. This book has elves, dwarves, and the usual lot of humans fighting and betraying each other. Mix in some ancient gods bent on revenge and you have a tale worthy of the description, "High Fantasy".
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September 9, 2025Modern, but with all the atmosphere and detailed world building that makes for great classic high fantasy! Although the magic is deeply embedded into the story, it isn't used as a simple "and a spell solves everything" cheat, it is integral to this world. Even better, the dragon of the title isn't just a big lizard with wings, but a fascinating and unique take on a very complex non-human consciousness. But the best thing of all is it is a fun and engaging read!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews