Trial by Fire

The Dragon Guard #1

by Jada Fisher

In a world full of darkness, the light of the sun is the only thing that can keep the Dark at bay. And dragons are the only thing that can protect the light.

Tennegan Felter (Ten) is a humble servant in Epoch Sol, a beacon of light in a world full of darkness. Her deepest desire is to serve the city she loves and defend it from the creatures of the Dark that live all around. The only way to do that is to join the Dragon Guard. There’s one big problem, though. She is a mere servant and faces near insurmountable odds just to get in. And then she has to pass all the tests. Can Ten prove her doubters wrong, overcome all the obstacles, and earn her way into the Dragon Guard?

Trial by Fire is the first book in the epic Dragon Guard fantasy adventure. If you enjoy magical worlds and unforgettable characters, you don't want to miss this epic adventure from bestselling author Jada Fisher.

Genres: Fantasy, Dragons, Young Adult, Romantasy, Ebooks, Magic

200 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 29, 2021

About the author

Jada Fisher is the pen name used by Dave and Shannon VanBergen for co-authored fantasy projects. By working with multiple other talented authors, it allows them to share a wide variety of stories.

Dave publishes science fiction and fantasy stories under his real, full name, David J. VanBergen Jr..

Shannon is a USA Today Bestselling Author who publishes cozy mysteries under her real name, Shannon VanBergen.

From Amazon

Reviews

[Cherry Mischievous · Rating 3 out of 5]

Luxion

My Thoughts:

This book got bought because... dragons!

This book being the first book in the series is just an introduction to The Dragon Guard world. It tells us of the class system in their society, politics in The Dragon Guard organisation and our heroine's entry in that institution. And that is it! The book ended in a big whooping cliffhanger!

This is my first Jada Fisher read and I am glad that I stumbled into them!

Another complaint I have about this book is that, it does not have an audiobook version!

Quantitative Evaluation:

Story telling quality = 4
Character development = 4.5
Story itself = 4.5
Writing Style = 4
Ending = 2
World building = 5
Cover art = 3
Pace = 3
Plot = 1.5

Overall Rating: 3.5 out of 5

[David Preston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put it down!

I purchased it for something to read when I got bored. Once I started it, I couldn’t put it down till I finished. Excellent story!

[Kennedy Morris · Rating 3 out of 5]

pretty good

Trials were too easy. How did more people not make it through?? Ending was so dumb. That was the conclusion?? I don’t understand what the possible outcome could have been. Protesting before she found her dragon or marked herself would have made sense but after both of those??? After it hatched what was their plan?? Let a girl and an untamed dragon roam the streets?? Plot hole.

[T.A. Burke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very low-end of the 3-star rating for me.

I skipped loads of content I wasn't much interested in. The MC had such an easy time of it, overcoming hurdles that seemed to not be very hurdley after all -- until the final overblown hurdle providing the set-up for the next volume.

Pleasant trope, though.

[Stephen Levesque · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just did not like it! To slow for me, it didn't hold my interest.

[Sara Henry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never read a lot of 'Dragon Rider' books/series when I was younger. I had a couple that I read, and happened to enjoy them, but it wasn't ever a genre I pursued. However, this one caught my eye at some point and I picked it up. Which I was reminded of when it caught my eye a second time, and Amazon said I owned it. Which meant it was the next book I needed to read, certainly. Or at least that's how I interpreted it. So, I began it. And it really captured me quickly. I thought it wasn't what I was expecting in a lot of ways. The book pointedly avoids too much happiness/feel-good stuff. And definitely avoids the pitfalls that come with a love interest. This book is about a very determined girl who purposefully goes out on a very thin limb to follow a dream that most people are shocked that she even has. She wants to defend her city and her people, but she doesn't realize how flawed the world and the people she wants to protect can be. But she's gonna find out. And there are a lot of details in the way the author characterizes the main characters' mental health, the political climate, the ideology of the citizenry, and the general hierarchy of society that are both detailed and... darker than I was expecting for this book. But somehow more realistic too. And it ended in a dark place, all things considered. But you also know the MC is going to do her best to persevere anyway. I immediately picked up book #2 after I finished this one.

[Celia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tennegan Felter is a bond servant to the House of Cupide along with her parents. She is a runner and her main duties are delivering messages all across the city of Epoch Sol. Ten has a secret that she has told no one. She dreams of being a dragon rider and part of the dragon guard. She has scrupulously saved every copper she has earned over the last five years to pay for the right to compete in the dragon trials. Competition is held every third year and Ten is ready. She finishes her tasks and races across town to the stadium and pays her entrance fee. There are dragon riders and guards there along with the priestess Vanda supervising. Priestess Vanda does not want to allow ten to enter because she is a bond servant but the laws do not forbid a servant from entering as long as they have permission from their House of Patronage. Ten has permission and the money so she is allowed to enter and compete. The first trial is today and there will be three or four more if she passes and she passes impressively.
This book tells the story of Ten's trials to become a dragon rider and become part of the dragon guard. If she passes her tests and is selected she will also be allowed into the hatchery where a newly hatched dragon will choose her as a bond mate.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book even though it had a few errors in grammar. Get an editor, Jada Fisher. This should be a good series. Did I mention I love dragon stories?

[Alisha Osman · Rating 3 out of 5]

AGE: 13+
Genre: Fantasy , Mystery

It very much confused me in the first two chapters but the more I read the more I got into it. This book revolves around a world where there is quite a lot of hierarchy. A girl called 'Ten' is a servant and she gets permission from her house to have one day to do whatever - as long as it's legal- and she tries to accomplish her dream in that one day! become part of the Dragon Guard!

I'm not quite sure why, but the town's names and what the citizens were called bothered me. It reminded me of when I try and write a book and can't come up with any good names. Despite that , I did enjoy seeing Ten's journey as part of the Dragon guard and her overcoming obstacles and making friends along the way.

If I came across this book again , I'd probably read it .

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Introduction to a Series

I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Tennegan (Ten) and her obstacle course to becoming the first servant in Epoch Sol to try and join the ranks of the Dragon Guard.

Wonderfully flushed out characters, a fabulous and strange world that we’ve barely touched the surface of its being, and so many directions the story could go!

I admit that I see a lot of influence from the Dragon Queen herself, Anne McCaffrey, in a very honorable fashion. Anne was my favorite author as a youngster, and remains so today. I love seeing the multitude of authors who have continued to explore the realm of these mystical creatures, most I believe inspired by her many novels. Jada Fisher is one of the best writers of dragon fantasy in today’s generations, and I’m glad to be able to enjoy her writing style.

Now on to the next book in the series! Enjoy!!!

[Julieann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book of The Dragon Guard series. It's set in a world of light, attacked by a force of darkness - or so it appears, in the first of the series.
The first book focuses on a breach of a long culture of caste systems, ranging from "Great Families" down to "servants" who are essentially slaves. A servant girl (Tennegan) has managed to pass all the tests and requirements to be a dragon rider, a member of the Guard. Initially she'd had a sponsor, but just before the final test - when or if a baby dragon, a hatchling chooses the person to be its Rider, its person.
Of course, there are still plenty of new tests and a new sponsor and a number of people (especially priest of Lux and the Great Families) who want her to be rejected.
Start reading the next book of the series to see what the tests (& outcomes) are.

[Valjomi527 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ten!

I loved this book. It has an awesome heroine, 15 year old Ten. She simply has a dream, to be a dragon rider and she does what is necessary to be that. Unfortunately she has to manage adults but fortunately she has an adult or two in her corner. The author manages Ten's journey well. I was immediately invested and hated putting the book down to do necessary stuff. I love that Ten is not plagued with self doubt, any doubt is due to the influence of those aforementioned adults. It's awesome to have a character armed with self determination. I cheered for Ten so much that the getting to the end of the book seemed abrupt but in a good way. I am immediately going on to the next installment.

[Aec · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! I suprisingly enjoyed this book so much! I have been on a hunt for a book I could get hooked into, but lately I haven't been able to find anything. I kept dropping books halfway through. Man this was an unexpected hidden gem I kinda stumbled upon while searching for a good dragon book.

The pacing of the story was quick and still really interesting. I really enjoyed Ten and her character and how much she loves Lux and wants to protect it. I am super excited to read her story and see all that she does. I've rated it a 4 but I don't know maybe I'll bump it up to a 5 because I just enjoyed it so much! And I felt like I breezed through it so fast, it felt so short! Excited for the next one.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

it starts really strong

And to be fair it probably deserves 3stars but I’m annoyed by the writing style. I did like that mryloch acknowledged this style but it still irked me…. Example the FMC is illiterate and thinks she is dumb when in actuality she was never taught! Little phrases like this happen all throughout this book. She knows in her heart that she was meant for this but is certain she will fail only to basically fly through every challenge. And compliments are received as though she is not even worthy enough to be spoken to. Maybe this was the author trying to stress the mindset of a servant but it just made the character weak when she was meant to be strong and fierce.

[Sarah Rowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heroine instead of a hero

Think "How to Train Your Dragon" but the relationship with the dragons is a good one from the start and the main character is a 15 year old servant girl. Ten is a runner for a Great Family and saves her tip money for 3 years in order to pay her dues and enter the trials to be part of the Dragon Guard. The odds are stacked against her, though, because of her lineage. The odds are even more against her when her sponsor, a well regarded member if the Dragon Guard, is killed on a mission before the final trial. Will she achieve her dream of becoming a member of the Dragon Guard? Read the book to find out!

[mary ann mcmullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outcast or Dragon Guard

I loved this book! The story and the characters have many layers. A young girl, a servant, in a strictly class oriented society, wants to become a Dragon Rider to protect her family, and the city that she loves so well. She must face many dangers, tests, and obstacles, some from the very people she wants to protect. Her courage, hard work, perseverance, and heart impress many who want to stand by her side and stand up for her dream. Will they be enough to help though, as there are many more against her? This book is a good choice for anyone who loves to cheer the underdog from the ages of 14-94😉!

[Lou Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-rounded tale!

The author took the time and trouble to make up the rules of her mythical society just so Ten could push the boundaries of being a servant.

Ten’s family was so proud of her! She had saved the money for her tribute for five years. The fact the she had kept her parents in the dark was painful for them but they understood.

This book is dedicated in its willingness to flaunt societal norms and show how the right person can get the right job.

I recommend this book to anyone old enough wise enough and understanding enough to see what Ten is experiencing is both unusual and right.

[Girl Meets Dragon · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75
2.17.25
Alrighty. This is my second time through having read it a while ago. I think I avoided a review before because it was hard for me to rate it.
Definitely needs some editing/refining but the world and story are solid and the characters endearing.
Very much a coming of age story for an adolescent and also there are DRAGONS! Not sure if you’ve ever come across the saying, “great story bro but it needs more dragons.” Or something like that. Well here there are plenty of dragons and my heart is all glowy now. Well there are more dragons as you go along. The glow happens more in the second book but they blend together.

[MGB · Rating 4 out of 5]

The competition to be a Dragon Guard is a trial by fire, it will be really obvious as you get deep into the story.

For Ten it is a dream she has always wanted. On the other hand: “She truly was sacrificing their lives together to be in the guard.” This would be a change and a battle she didn't know that she would have.

Ten is strong. She is resilient. She has the mental strength which is truly necessary, now to prove it. In the end: “Ten had always been a bit skeptical of magic.” But that is what she will need.

Definitely an enjoyable read with a good female protagonists, and dragons in the background - but not for long.

[Angela D. Napier · Rating 5 out of 5]

My New Favourite Series

Trial by Fire is so well written; in that the characterizations are so developed and concise. Additionally, so much research and development was evidently implored. All of the characters were so believable and well rounded. I am just sorry that Ten's mentor had to die so early. I truly looked forward to Myrloch's style of training. It was obvious that he had immense faith in her. It is hoped that her new mentor, Misdreous Balthezia will remain faithful to her. Lastly, I look forward to the further development of Ten's unique Dragon Luxion.

[Joseph K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the main character

These was a fun book with a great main character, lots of action, and an interesting world and universe that they lived in. Magic, dragons, lots of hard work and drive to get what you want. The book was a fun read all the way through. I am glad this is a series as that will give plenty of time to expand the world and see what other fun escapades the main characters and their dragons will get into. I recommend this book and look forward to the series.

[monica.b.czuba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trial by Fire 🔥 (The Dragon Guard Book 1)

What a great read and brilliant story this was, The main characters are Ten a servant girl who want to become a Dragon Guard but she has to prove that she can pass all the trials before she can be accepted and before she can find out if a hatching will accept her.
This story kept me up all night just reading it.
Dada Fisher the author did a superb job writing this ,cannot wait to read the next book in this series.
Highly recommended 5*****Stars well deserved

[Elizabeth Brattle · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's okay. Simple easy to read. Enough to keep you interested in the story. But hasn't really got me invested in the characters yet, not enough to really care.
I felt some parts of the story weren't explained very well. Also things like Ten's relationship with Myrloch was odd, she met him briefly a couple times, did her trial on his dragon with him where they barely spoke and had one outing with him? It just felt forced to me.
Likely at some point I will start the second in this series, hopefully as more gets added I'll get more invested.

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was okay. I know I’m not the target audience but I’ve read a lot of excellent young adult books. I found this one a bit slow and don’t get me started on the trials. Provided you’re not afraid of heights and let’s face it you wouldn’t be wanting to be a dragon rider if you were. The trials were so easy maybe with the exception of the very last one.

I found myself underwhelmed by this but I will be continuing on. Mainly because I want something easy to read at the moment and this fits the bill.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book starts slowly with the dragons only appearing in the last 10% or so. At that point it speeds up, but not to what could be called fast-paced.

While the book is fantasy, the fantasy elements are minimal, basically restricted to the dragons. Aside from that, it could be classified more as science fiction, although the world is not clearly defined so it may prove to be more fantasy later in the series. I personally hope not.

The question is, am I willing to read the rest of the series? I'm debating it. Maybe. Probably?

[Charles Rosenau · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved the story and its many characters that blew life into the pages !

A story that kept getting better as it went ! Enjoyable and fulfilling as life itself can be regardless of how some can twist reality in their heart to make simple facts fit their own set of self imposed realities of their own !
Well done !

Wanting very much to continue this story in book 2 !
Truly recommend this one like I’m invested in this young girl’s story she is fighting to have against all odds !

Charles R

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful book

This is a wonderful coming of age book about a determined heroine who simply wants to protect others and save her world.

There is so much here that we have yet to discover about Ten, the world, riders, etc…

The only downside is I wish the book was longer to explore a little bit more and I hope she will make some more friends and achieve her dreams and I can’t wait for the next one.

[Philippa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic epic adventure! An uplifting and inspiring start to a story with great storytelling. Ten’s dream is being a dragon rider and guard. Her determination and dedication in applying and taking the trials makes this an epic read. A really enjoyable story and looking forward to seeing what happens next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rhonda Bowling · Rating 5 out of 5]

there be dragons!!!!!!!

excellent book. kept me up well past the witching hour…… but what a read it was!! tennegan is a great character and I find myself wishing
the series was at least 10 books long, the author has really grabbed
my attention. ten as she calls herself has just gotten herself a baby dragon which she names Luxion. who knows what kind of adventures
they will have.

[Jennie C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing and inspiring

I loved this. Very inspiring and encouraging. A servant girl changing history to become a Dragon Rider. She faces challenges along the way, politically and physically, but we are mostly unaware of the politics until the end of the story, as we are mainly seeing things from Ten's point of view.

Very excited to read the next and see how Ten's training comes on.

[Kaylee Dolat · Rating 4 out of 5]

The opening was well done and hooked me from the beginning. I liked how the author described and showed the caste system and differences. They explained why it was so shocking for MC to enter the dragon rider trials and why it had never been done before. Much better than just telling and expecting the reader to understand. I wasn't shocked by the "new breed" dragon because some of the plot ending was reminscient of Anne McCaffrey's book.