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The Lost Riders #1
The Relic Bond
Dragons stir once more in the heart of a relentless war…
For years, the Dragon War has scorched the land, its resolution hanging on the brink of elusive ancient relics. These artifacts, shrouded in mystery, are believed to hold the power to end the conflict once and for all.
Hal's life takes an unexpected turn with the unearthing of one such relic, awakening a dormant force within him. This revelation not only grants him unforeseen abilities but also unveils startling truths about the war, truths that shake the very foundations of his beliefs.
Now, Hal stands at a crossroads. Mastering this newfound connection to the relic could be the key to bringing lasting peace. However, the path is fraught with risks, and the wrong choice could lead to the kingdom's utter ruin.
Embark on an enthralling journey in this new dragon rider fantasy, where the fate of a war-torn land rests in the hands of an unlikely hero and the ancient secrets he wields.
For years, the Dragon War has scorched the land, its resolution hanging on the brink of elusive ancient relics. These artifacts, shrouded in mystery, are believed to hold the power to end the conflict once and for all.
Hal's life takes an unexpected turn with the unearthing of one such relic, awakening a dormant force within him. This revelation not only grants him unforeseen abilities but also unveils startling truths about the war, truths that shake the very foundations of his beliefs.
Now, Hal stands at a crossroads. Mastering this newfound connection to the relic could be the key to bringing lasting peace. However, the path is fraught with risks, and the wrong choice could lead to the kingdom's utter ruin.
Embark on an enthralling journey in this new dragon rider fantasy, where the fate of a war-torn land rests in the hands of an unlikely hero and the ancient secrets he wields.
293 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 4, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 25, 2022
Good book for young adults.
This style of writing is definitely for younger readers. It is predictable, & somewhat juvenile. Definitely not the standard of writing & story telling I am used to, but that's because I am used to reading much more in depth, interwoven, complicated & intriguing books.
This style of writing is definitely for younger readers. It is predictable, & somewhat juvenile. Definitely not the standard of writing & story telling I am used to, but that's because I am used to reading much more in depth, interwoven, complicated & intriguing books.
August 3, 2023
So this book very much reads like an action cartoon/anime. It’s a bit silly because it can be dramatic, and it has no nuance/politics but honestly it was a fun time? It’s so easy to read and the characters are likeable enough. You even get talking dragons! I also loved the plot of tomb/temple raiders, and I really hope this concept isn’t ditched in future books because it was honestly my favourite aspect.
I’d say it’s perfect to read if you want a light read or are too tired for anything complex but don’t except anything you haven’t seen before. Also, the characters are adult (with a wide age range) but it very much reads like a simple YA novel due to its writing the lack of politics and nuance.
I’d say it’s perfect to read if you want a light read or are too tired for anything complex but don’t except anything you haven’t seen before. Also, the characters are adult (with a wide age range) but it very much reads like a simple YA novel due to its writing the lack of politics and nuance.
December 21, 2023
Quick read. I think if I was 12 I would have really loved this book but I’m used to a bit more sophisticated writing nowadays. The author explaining everything that happens like the reader is an idiot is not my favorite
October 1, 2022
Could not finish
MC is an idiot story drags on long after it should be moving on cause like in all these stories mc just can't except the truth
MC is an idiot story drags on long after it should be moving on cause like in all these stories mc just can't except the truth
November 3, 2023
Great for Beginning Writer!
With Holmberg's name on this book, I expected a much better quality of writing, but for a beginning writer, that maybe describes Alden? this book is great. I have to admit that I tried the book because Holmberg's name was on it, but it set my expectation up for a more professionally, and skillfully written book. If it had only had Jasper Alden's name, I would have been more impressed by the story.
The story's adventure goes along at a good clip. Some parts are written very skillfully and thoughtfully, but a few parts seem very rushed. Some parts are hard to picture because the description is lacking or confusing.
Despite these negative comments, the story is Good. The dragon, Keershan, is very likable and you are cheering for him.
PG as it is a fighting dragon-rider story, so there is violence, some language.
If you like dragon-riders, magic, fantasy adventure stories you will enjoy this story and definitely need to check it out!
(Read with Kindle Unlimited subscription and listened to with Alexa Android app.)
With Holmberg's name on this book, I expected a much better quality of writing, but for a beginning writer, that maybe describes Alden? this book is great. I have to admit that I tried the book because Holmberg's name was on it, but it set my expectation up for a more professionally, and skillfully written book. If it had only had Jasper Alden's name, I would have been more impressed by the story.
The story's adventure goes along at a good clip. Some parts are written very skillfully and thoughtfully, but a few parts seem very rushed. Some parts are hard to picture because the description is lacking or confusing.
Despite these negative comments, the story is Good. The dragon, Keershan, is very likable and you are cheering for him.
PG as it is a fighting dragon-rider story, so there is violence, some language.
If you like dragon-riders, magic, fantasy adventure stories you will enjoy this story and definitely need to check it out!
(Read with Kindle Unlimited subscription and listened to with Alexa Android app.)
December 30, 2024
enjoyable
Take two trusting citizens. Throw in a crazy old hermit. Add prisoner and stir with one claw of dragon. Top off with a thief and you have a D&D party for the ages.
But this isn’t that kind of party. Everyone has goals. Everyone has secrets.
I enjoyed this story a lot! There were a few things that made me roll my eyes…the most significant being the insta-bruise incident. It stuck out for me.
But then the story tanned me back in.
Favorite character? Crazy old hermit who surprised me in a really fun way. But Kerrigan has to top my list. Great story with characters who aren’t the same-old same-old adventureing party.
More like a group who got stuck on a ski lift with very little in common. Give it a chance! :)
Take two trusting citizens. Throw in a crazy old hermit. Add prisoner and stir with one claw of dragon. Top off with a thief and you have a D&D party for the ages.
But this isn’t that kind of party. Everyone has goals. Everyone has secrets.
I enjoyed this story a lot! There were a few things that made me roll my eyes…the most significant being the insta-bruise incident. It stuck out for me.
But then the story tanned me back in.
Favorite character? Crazy old hermit who surprised me in a really fun way. But Kerrigan has to top my list. Great story with characters who aren’t the same-old same-old adventureing party.
More like a group who got stuck on a ski lift with very little in common. Give it a chance! :)
September 16, 2023
The war continues to wage between dragon and man with no end it site. Hal (our protangonist) is a relic hunter who is sent out to abandon temples and such looking for relics which may end the war. But as he has found his latest relic his world is turned upside down. Thus, begins our adventure along with Hal and his friends to find out the truth to the relics, the dragon, the demons, and even about himself.
If you have enjoyed any dragon rider type books in the past, you should enjoy the first book in this new
If you have enjoyed any dragon rider type books in the past, you should enjoy the first book in this new
June 22, 2026
The Relic Bond ( The Lost Riders #1)
by Jasper Alden
I rather love dragon - Human stories having read Anne McCaffrey and George RR Martin.
I love fantasy books too.
So this was a book i was going to try.
I found the story fun and whilst there is a dark part of the story it flows quickly from dark to light.
The writing is readable in many ways and enjoyable if your expectation is not too deep. But I have enjoyed the first book and will get the second one.
by Jasper Alden
I rather love dragon - Human stories having read Anne McCaffrey and George RR Martin.
I love fantasy books too.
So this was a book i was going to try.
I found the story fun and whilst there is a dark part of the story it flows quickly from dark to light.
The writing is readable in many ways and enjoyable if your expectation is not too deep. But I have enjoyed the first book and will get the second one.
October 13, 2022
Weak set up with even worse characters.
The entire book runs on blind desperation. The MC is meant to be a reluctant hero but comes off as a cowardly, self centered fool instead. The Dragon is treated as a throw away maguffin that is trotted out when needed then put away. The character work in the entire book is just horrible.
The entire book runs on blind desperation. The MC is meant to be a reluctant hero but comes off as a cowardly, self centered fool instead. The Dragon is treated as a throw away maguffin that is trotted out when needed then put away. The character work in the entire book is just horrible.
May 18, 2024
Pretty good read
Although at times this book felt a little "youngish" , the basic plot had me hooked. I love this kind of book, so I just hung on for the ride. And I can't wait to read the next book about Dragon Valley. Although I am hoping that it will be more D.K. Holmberg and The Cloud Warrior!
Although at times this book felt a little "youngish" , the basic plot had me hooked. I love this kind of book, so I just hung on for the ride. And I can't wait to read the next book about Dragon Valley. Although I am hoping that it will be more D.K. Holmberg and The Cloud Warrior!
August 14, 2022
Great follow up story.
Still as interesting as all the other books of DK Holmberg’ series. Dragons and dragon riders never get boring when the stories are written so well. Always a pleasure to read.
Still as interesting as all the other books of DK Holmberg’ series. Dragons and dragon riders never get boring when the stories are written so well. Always a pleasure to read.
June 17, 2023
I Like It
This was a good story. At first, I started to stop reading as it took me a minute to catch on. Let me say, I'm so glad I didn't. I can't wait to see what happens next.bet on board and be enchanted.
This was a good story. At first, I started to stop reading as it took me a minute to catch on. Let me say, I'm so glad I didn't. I can't wait to see what happens next.bet on board and be enchanted.
December 19, 2023
spectacular
The main character begins as a determined to do his job, steady as he goes. Connecting with a dragon is not something that appeals to him. Then the story gets better and better and better.
The main character begins as a determined to do his job, steady as he goes. Connecting with a dragon is not something that appeals to him. Then the story gets better and better and better.
January 3, 2024
I wanted to like this more, but alas it was just middlinh for me. No strong hate or love for the book. Weirdly paced, some parts felt fast others too slow. Many of the characters felt the same to me as well, in terms of voice.
May 2, 2025
Fun and new
This is a great retelling of several other stories. I can see the influence of other great authors in this writing. This is a very enjoyable and easy read. I recommend it. Keep up the great work.
This is a great retelling of several other stories. I can see the influence of other great authors in this writing. This is a very enjoyable and easy read. I recommend it. Keep up the great work.
August 16, 2022
Well told tale.
Relics, mages, demons, hunters, dragons evil queen and lots of problems for those involved in getting a relic. Great story with lots of action.
Relics, mages, demons, hunters, dragons evil queen and lots of problems for those involved in getting a relic. Great story with lots of action.
October 18, 2022
Very good
Great book! I do not know how two writers can write one book with lots of characters and bring everything together! Great story and lits if action! Thanks
Great book! I do not know how two writers can write one book with lots of characters and bring everything together! Great story and lits if action! Thanks
October 31, 2022
Great adventure
A great beginning. The epic adventure has begun. Dragon and rider united after centuries of separation, Hal and Ketchum team up to stop the Nameless One.
A great beginning. The epic adventure has begun. Dragon and rider united after centuries of separation, Hal and Ketchum team up to stop the Nameless One.
November 14, 2022
Great Read
Hal a young relic hunter and his mage guard goes on a hunt for a relic and find more than they bargain for.
Hal a young relic hunter and his mage guard goes on a hunt for a relic and find more than they bargain for.
January 13, 2023
Enjoyable Adventure
I really liked this book. This story took me on an enjoyable adventure. I liked the different viewpoints of the characters.
I really liked this book. This story took me on an enjoyable adventure. I liked the different viewpoints of the characters.
April 5, 2023
Betrayal and adventure
I didn't like the beginning, but the rest was very good. Friendships blossom. New friends, not so friendly acquaintances, dragon, demons and an evil queen.
I didn't like the beginning, but the rest was very good. Friendships blossom. New friends, not so friendly acquaintances, dragon, demons and an evil queen.
May 17, 2023
dragons
A familiar tale of good versus evil but interesting characters especially the dragon. Surprising about the king not taking control though
A familiar tale of good versus evil but interesting characters especially the dragon. Surprising about the king not taking control though
October 23, 2025
Maybe this would have been better if I read it instead of listening to the audiobook. Virtual narrators are not it.
April 15, 2023
This was an interesting read. There seems to be a lot going on which kept me intrigued. I am glad that i have finished reading this book. And am curious where the series will go.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews