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The Dragon Guard #2
Maiden of the Lux
A child of the dark is the only one who can save the light.
Epoch Sol is a beacon of light in a dark world, and the Maiden of the Lux ensures the light of the sun continues to shine. When the old Maiden dies, a new one must be found. So, Ten and her mentor Misdreous set out to find the new Maiden in the darkness outside the city giving Ten her first taste of the monsters that threaten the city she loves. Can they find and rescue the new Maiden so the light of the sun can continue to shine on their beloved city?
Epoch Sol is a beacon of light in a dark world, and the Maiden of the Lux ensures the light of the sun continues to shine. When the old Maiden dies, a new one must be found. So, Ten and her mentor Misdreous set out to find the new Maiden in the darkness outside the city giving Ten her first taste of the monsters that threaten the city she loves. Can they find and rescue the new Maiden so the light of the sun can continue to shine on their beloved city?
242 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2021
About the author
Jada Fisher
105 books169 followersJada 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
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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
April 30, 2023
I get sucked into this story so easily. It's so moving but I can feel they are building up to something and oh my that cliff hanger.
November 16, 2022
Ravenous Maw
My Thoughts:
A middle chapter of a bigger book.
This book started right where the first book ended and also, in turn, ends in a big whooping cliffhanger! So, do not start reading this book until you have all the books in the series in your hands.
As a middle chapter, the plot was started from previous book and will presumably end in subsequent books in this series. This is therefore, not meant to be read alone because the story really relies on what happened on the previous book.
Annoying as it is to buy chapters of this book as separate books, the story is never-the-less enchanting!
The way the book describes the Ravenous Maw makes me think of the sandworm in Dune. They sound kind of the same.
Quantitative Evaluation:
Story telling quality = 5
Character development = 5
Story itself = 4
Writing Style = 4.5
Ending = 2
World building = 5
Cover art = 3
Pace = 4.5
Plot = 2
Character development = 5
Story itself = 4
Writing Style = 4.5
Ending = 2
World building = 5
Cover art = 3
Pace = 4.5
Plot = 2
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5
February 14, 2022
DNF at 48%
Just got tired of reading and looking at that ugly dragon. The first book was more fun but this one was boring.
Just got tired of reading and looking at that ugly dragon. The first book was more fun but this one was boring.
September 7, 2022
This is the second book of the series. It is set in an embattled city-state, surrounded by a bleak and hostile world, only protected by the shield of The Lux. Ten, the protagonist, is a servant girl, living in a society which is highly caste driven and dominated by the Great Houses, who are above both the servant class and the freemen class. From The Great Houses, the elites of society; religious, political, and the dragon riders who protect the city from the evils that lie outside the shield of The Lux.
In the first book, Ten tricks the Great House she works in and enters the qualification process to become a dragon rider. And she eventually makes it, with the blessing of her House lords and her family (also servants). And this despite the open hostility of those who wish to enforce the caste/social class distinctions of the state. This is not a surprise, as this type of story is the American conceit, that it is a meritocracy, and the dragon riders as a whole support her ascending by her merit.
This book is about what happens now that Ten is a probationary dragon rider, with its promise of entering the top rung of society based on merit (passing the tests and being accepted by a dragon). But here is where the traditional society hits back. And as being a dragon rider is by meritocracy, the conservative elements of society have to fight back in the shadows. The naive Ten has allies in her fellow new dragon riders, and through demonstration of bravery in battle, some current dragon riders. But the opposition is in the form of back stabbing, obstacles placed in the way of progress, gaslighting, and overt hostility.
Fantasy and science fiction have its power in that they can create a world and society that is not our own, but because people are people, has parallels. Here is a story of one who is rising above where she started, based on effort, determination, and hard won skill. It is recognized by the defenders of the realm, which maintains the meritocracy and offers the chance for her to demonstrate her worth, and she is not found wanting. But when she gets there, like many in our real society with similar stories, she finds that for every step forwards, there are those who will drag her down and put obstacles in her way, because they don't want a living story of someone rising to take their place and serve the society they are the elites of. Even those who would rather noone rises, because they did not.
This book really needs to be read following the first. The first book invests you in the characters (others beside Ten develop naturally), and build up hope and have you root for Ten and her drive and determination. This book will continue the stories of drive and determination, but, like many such stories in real life, includes a gut punch that you would not expect in a YA novel.
In the first book, Ten tricks the Great House she works in and enters the qualification process to become a dragon rider. And she eventually makes it, with the blessing of her House lords and her family (also servants). And this despite the open hostility of those who wish to enforce the caste/social class distinctions of the state. This is not a surprise, as this type of story is the American conceit, that it is a meritocracy, and the dragon riders as a whole support her ascending by her merit.
This book is about what happens now that Ten is a probationary dragon rider, with its promise of entering the top rung of society based on merit (passing the tests and being accepted by a dragon). But here is where the traditional society hits back. And as being a dragon rider is by meritocracy, the conservative elements of society have to fight back in the shadows. The naive Ten has allies in her fellow new dragon riders, and through demonstration of bravery in battle, some current dragon riders. But the opposition is in the form of back stabbing, obstacles placed in the way of progress, gaslighting, and overt hostility.
Fantasy and science fiction have its power in that they can create a world and society that is not our own, but because people are people, has parallels. Here is a story of one who is rising above where she started, based on effort, determination, and hard won skill. It is recognized by the defenders of the realm, which maintains the meritocracy and offers the chance for her to demonstrate her worth, and she is not found wanting. But when she gets there, like many in our real society with similar stories, she finds that for every step forwards, there are those who will drag her down and put obstacles in her way, because they don't want a living story of someone rising to take their place and serve the society they are the elites of. Even those who would rather noone rises, because they did not.
This book really needs to be read following the first. The first book invests you in the characters (others beside Ten develop naturally), and build up hope and have you root for Ten and her drive and determination. This book will continue the stories of drive and determination, but, like many such stories in real life, includes a gut punch that you would not expect in a YA novel.
September 10, 2022
Dear Author
Please note, I still love the book. Ten's story is consuming, I am totally engulfed and your ending on this one perfect. I shared Ten's reaction and emotion regarding Mina. I highlighted this section " They will do everything to throw the book at you, distract you or ruin you. They are not interested in playing fair or being decent or kind. The only thing that matters is their goal and that goal is destroying you so hard that no one will ever be tempted to follow in your footsteps." There, right there is Ten's world. This is a 16 year old getting punched in the face of her rose colored glasses. So my problem, EDITING! Incorrect tense use- nodding vs nodded, has vs had, "managed deflected it". "She'd ever see the girl ever again " - Only one ever is needed. The scene with Emony in which she explains her plight, what was written and what was meant- try again. There is more and i hope that you will fix these issues so that nothing detracts from the enjoyment of Ten's story. To anyone, other than the author, I still love the book and will not miss out on continuing to the conclusion of Ten's journey which includes Epoch Sol. Lightbringer indeed.
Please note, I still love the book. Ten's story is consuming, I am totally engulfed and your ending on this one perfect. I shared Ten's reaction and emotion regarding Mina. I highlighted this section " They will do everything to throw the book at you, distract you or ruin you. They are not interested in playing fair or being decent or kind. The only thing that matters is their goal and that goal is destroying you so hard that no one will ever be tempted to follow in your footsteps." There, right there is Ten's world. This is a 16 year old getting punched in the face of her rose colored glasses. So my problem, EDITING! Incorrect tense use- nodding vs nodded, has vs had, "managed deflected it". "She'd ever see the girl ever again " - Only one ever is needed. The scene with Emony in which she explains her plight, what was written and what was meant- try again. There is more and i hope that you will fix these issues so that nothing detracts from the enjoyment of Ten's story. To anyone, other than the author, I still love the book and will not miss out on continuing to the conclusion of Ten's journey which includes Epoch Sol. Lightbringer indeed.
September 11, 2023
This was a good continuation of this series. While I want happier things for the MC than we have been getting, I feel like there is a point to it all. Like it is going somewhere. Once again, we have the cracks in this world and this culture pointed out to us. More forcefully even than in the last book. But we see the growth too. This book takes us to darker places than the previous one, and it ends in a darker place than the last one. I would caution anyone who is looking for a 'happy' read against this series (though the payoff later might be nice enough to offset things). This isn't a happy world. At least not during the events of this series. But it is a well constructed world and series so far. I immediately picked up book #3 after I finished this one.
October 9, 2025
This really is Ten's story, only it's not. It's really the story of the "Maiden of the Lux", just as the title would leave you to believe.
For Ten is was extension, after extension of her training to be a Dragon Guard. "Sometimes she wasn’t sure if it was for the better, however." When even going out in public: “her presence causing an entire brawl to break out wasn’t exactly encouraging.”
Actually the author summed up the book the best at the end: “Ten has realized her lifelong dream but is quickly learning things are not always as they seem. In fact, the darkness she is intent on fighting might already be inside Epoch Sol. Where will she turn now that everything she always believed to be pure and good might be tainted?”
For Ten is was extension, after extension of her training to be a Dragon Guard. "Sometimes she wasn’t sure if it was for the better, however." When even going out in public: “her presence causing an entire brawl to break out wasn’t exactly encouraging.”
Actually the author summed up the book the best at the end: “Ten has realized her lifelong dream but is quickly learning things are not always as they seem. In fact, the darkness she is intent on fighting might already be inside Epoch Sol. Where will she turn now that everything she always believed to be pure and good might be tainted?”
February 18, 2025
3.75
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.
Ps. This is my review for the first book. The books are short and kind of blend together.
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.
Ps. This is my review for the first book. The books are short and kind of blend together.
March 11, 2022
Signs Of Troubling Times
It is truly encouraging that despite the setbacks Ten is still hopeful of becoming a Dragon Rider. A least one senior Dragon Rider is continuing her training and funding. However, the ruling government and religious bodies are still ruling against her. Talk about a caste system that goes beyond the age of nobles and grand families.
The Epoch of Lux is highly prejudiced and is willing to use extreme lengths to support their bizarre beliefs. Whatever those bizarre mandates are will be utilized even to the point of mutilation.
It is truly encouraging that despite the setbacks Ten is still hopeful of becoming a Dragon Rider. A least one senior Dragon Rider is continuing her training and funding. However, the ruling government and religious bodies are still ruling against her. Talk about a caste system that goes beyond the age of nobles and grand families.
The Epoch of Lux is highly prejudiced and is willing to use extreme lengths to support their bizarre beliefs. Whatever those bizarre mandates are will be utilized even to the point of mutilation.
December 3, 2022
Awersome Second Book
This continues from the first and what a great second one . Ten. Is being taught how to fight and weapons by her mentor Misdreous, Her Dragon continues to grow. The church keeps extending her probation , without any reason, Ten has also been on a mission to rescue the next Lux with her mentor.
Jade Fisher did another excellent job writing this second book,
This continues from the first and what a great second one . Ten. Is being taught how to fight and weapons by her mentor Misdreous, Her Dragon continues to grow. The church keeps extending her probation , without any reason, Ten has also been on a mission to rescue the next Lux with her mentor.
Jade Fisher did another excellent job writing this second book,
July 14, 2023
Love this series!
I have been pulled into this series because I love the characters and how it is just like what has been happening to our country! Divisive people only interested in keeping their power and keeping the poor, lower class in their place. The split in the country and the fear of someone different from themselves rings way too familiar these days. On to the next book!
I have been pulled into this series because I love the characters and how it is just like what has been happening to our country! Divisive people only interested in keeping their power and keeping the poor, lower class in their place. The split in the country and the fear of someone different from themselves rings way too familiar these days. On to the next book!
August 3, 2022
Great Book
The second book is just as good as the first! I couldn't put it down! The Powers That Be ( PTB) don't want her to succeed, but she makes friends (and enemies) while receiving training. They really should have let her train with everyone else, now she can see the cracks....
The second book is just as good as the first! I couldn't put it down! The Powers That Be ( PTB) don't want her to succeed, but she makes friends (and enemies) while receiving training. They really should have let her train with everyone else, now she can see the cracks....
March 27, 2023
Book 2
Book 2 had errors throughout and was an okay read. The MC is so naive it as sounds me. She befriends the new maiden and does not see the corruption in the city or from others she is close too. The maiden has become cynical, once in the city and has no friends or family. The overall story is okay, but lacks so many things within the plot.
Book 2 had errors throughout and was an okay read. The MC is so naive it as sounds me. She befriends the new maiden and does not see the corruption in the city or from others she is close too. The maiden has become cynical, once in the city and has no friends or family. The overall story is okay, but lacks so many things within the plot.
December 6, 2023
Just gets better and better
Oh my gosh. World building is amazing. Character development, none better. Nothing that I didn't enjoy about this book. I am not usually a fan #2 books but... this one grabs the heart and leads piece by piece past what the main character has believed into the real world of her world. No romance. But not really needed. Love this book!
Oh my gosh. World building is amazing. Character development, none better. Nothing that I didn't enjoy about this book. I am not usually a fan #2 books but... this one grabs the heart and leads piece by piece past what the main character has believed into the real world of her world. No romance. But not really needed. Love this book!
February 24, 2024
Wow
Wow wow wow. Immensely fantastic. Surprised, terrible turns of fate, hidden truths… and still love, hope, and true bonding. Next book, yes! On to more layers to peel away, more sense to make from what should be simple. Sometimes I think simple doesn’t exist.
Read the series, ENJOY!
Wow wow wow. Immensely fantastic. Surprised, terrible turns of fate, hidden truths… and still love, hope, and true bonding. Next book, yes! On to more layers to peel away, more sense to make from what should be simple. Sometimes I think simple doesn’t exist.
Read the series, ENJOY!
March 16, 2024
A sequel better than its predecessor?
So yeah. This story was a slow start. I can see where the author could take this and I hope they did.
The words are still an easy read and I read this one in a day. Things are getting serious and now Im thoroughly engaged and driven to read more.
So yeah. This story was a slow start. I can see where the author could take this and I hope they did.
The words are still an easy read and I read this one in a day. Things are getting serious and now Im thoroughly engaged and driven to read more.
March 23, 2024
An enjoyable read
I started reading the next book in the series thinking it was going to be a lighthearted read but there were indications throughout that the story was going to address more serious issues than class segregation and religious zealotry. It was a good book but ended on a dark note and I'm not sure I want to continue reading.
I started reading the next book in the series thinking it was going to be a lighthearted read but there were indications throughout that the story was going to address more serious issues than class segregation and religious zealotry. It was a good book but ended on a dark note and I'm not sure I want to continue reading.
April 26, 2024
keeps getting better
Oh this series just keeps getting better and better. Depth is added so beautifully to the characters and plot line you just sink into the story. I love the absolute drop you on a cliff edge endings, but am glad the next book is waiting for me to continue the binge.
Oh this series just keeps getting better and better. Depth is added so beautifully to the characters and plot line you just sink into the story. I love the absolute drop you on a cliff edge endings, but am glad the next book is waiting for me to continue the binge.
September 23, 2024
Luxicon is so cute!
What isn’t cute is the way the powers that be are treating Ten!
She out ran them all in the second trial and yet they are trying to make her becoming a dragon rider impossible?
Some human beings have no actual humanity in them at all! Unfortunately these miscreants exit out side of fiction.
What isn’t cute is the way the powers that be are treating Ten!
She out ran them all in the second trial and yet they are trying to make her becoming a dragon rider impossible?
Some human beings have no actual humanity in them at all! Unfortunately these miscreants exit out side of fiction.
February 4, 2022
wonderful dark adventure
I loved the new character the maiden of lux- she could almost have her own book. Ten is wonderful as always, but with the current ending - I hope the next book advances some cause for hope and good guy victories.
Can’t wait for the next one
I loved the new character the maiden of lux- she could almost have her own book. Ten is wonderful as always, but with the current ending - I hope the next book advances some cause for hope and good guy victories.
Can’t wait for the next one
April 22, 2022
So when exactly is book 3 coming out anybody know? I really enjoyed both 1 & 2 but now I am very disappointed I cannot find #3!!! I really did not expect it to suddenly end like that!!! Is anyone going to tell me when #3 is due out??
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2022
enjoyable book
While this book is a YA I found it to be interesting and exciting. The MC is well developed and has exciting adventures as she is coming of age. She has a difficult road ahead and faces discrimination due to her station in life
While this book is a YA I found it to be interesting and exciting. The MC is well developed and has exciting adventures as she is coming of age. She has a difficult road ahead and faces discrimination due to her station in life
September 20, 2022
Brilliant second book
Fab follow on from the first book. It follows the outcome of Ten's trial from the previous book. We are all beginning to find out more about her world and how deep the cracks run, and how desperate people at the top are trying to maintain the hierarchy.
Fab follow on from the first book. It follows the outcome of Ten's trial from the previous book. We are all beginning to find out more about her world and how deep the cracks run, and how desperate people at the top are trying to maintain the hierarchy.
December 31, 2022
Wow! Just wow!
This series has suddenly got my serious attention. It raises the idea of bigotry and zealotry to new levels and is bravely addressed by Jada. I was blown away by the ending of this book. Wow! On to the next!
This series has suddenly got my serious attention. It raises the idea of bigotry and zealotry to new levels and is bravely addressed by Jada. I was blown away by the ending of this book. Wow! On to the next!
March 26, 2023
A continuation of the series. I'm enjoying some of the pacing and worldbuilding but the combat while in the Dark felt very rushed. I liked the alst minute surprise thrown into the mix with the new Maiden being blinding because "savages can never again see the light."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2023
Maiden of the Lux
What a thought inducing story this is turning into. This feels like an allegory of how people take on the judgments of others when it should be left to a higher power. It’s something that we are all guilty of at one time or another.
What a thought inducing story this is turning into. This feels like an allegory of how people take on the judgments of others when it should be left to a higher power. It’s something that we are all guilty of at one time or another.
August 13, 2024
Intriguing, I get embroiled in it and crave more!
I find those book very intriguing! It brings out many strong emotions that keep me interested and wanting more! I am looking forward, a little impatiently, for the next installment.
I find those book very intriguing! It brings out many strong emotions that keep me interested and wanting more! I am looking forward, a little impatiently, for the next installment.
October 3, 2024
fun read
The characters are very relatable and well developed without slowing the story down. It’s well written and a shame the whole series isn’t on audible. It’s a fantastic fun read.
The characters are very relatable and well developed without slowing the story down. It’s well written and a shame the whole series isn’t on audible. It’s a fantastic fun read.
October 30, 2024
3.5*
I actually enjoyed this more than the first one. Despite the church ostracising Ten she works hard and harder everyday. But it soon becomes apparent that they’ve no intention of letting her become a dragon rider.
I actually enjoyed this more than the first one. Despite the church ostracising Ten she works hard and harder everyday. But it soon becomes apparent that they’ve no intention of letting her become a dragon rider.
July 17, 2026
Never a dull moment. This is my second series I've read. Very good do far.
Like I said never a dull moment.
Jada Fisher excellent author. Character development storyline awsome!
The words above speaks for the rating I gave.
Like I said never a dull moment.
Jada Fisher excellent author. Character development storyline awsome!
The words above speaks for the rating I gave.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews