What do you think?
Rate this book
A Crash of Sea and Storm
Katla has everything she desires. Named a Victor for slaying her first dragon, she is content with the honorary festivities and congratulations, gifts and pride. Her success was never meant to attract an inescapable marriage contract with the King’s nephew, to force upon her a title she never sought to bear.
She sets off to carry out a deed so great, the honor to break the agreement will be undeniably hers. Whispers of a new sort of beast travel across the water, and her sword has never felt lighter. Her foe is clear. The only one who stands in the way of her freedom is the Dragon Rider, and every breath they still draw.
Aidan knows something has changed. Never before has the barbaric Sigurd Clan moved quite like this; with human captives, an influx of warships for their growing armada, imprisoned dragons and stolen scales. The Sigurd are preparing, and a noose has slipped around the Voluspian Isles. He is no longer enough to force it back.
A dragon waits at his back as a girl holds a blade to his throat, and they will find that worlds may need to converge, in order to save those from which they come.
She sets off to carry out a deed so great, the honor to break the agreement will be undeniably hers. Whispers of a new sort of beast travel across the water, and her sword has never felt lighter. Her foe is clear. The only one who stands in the way of her freedom is the Dragon Rider, and every breath they still draw.
Aidan knows something has changed. Never before has the barbaric Sigurd Clan moved quite like this; with human captives, an influx of warships for their growing armada, imprisoned dragons and stolen scales. The Sigurd are preparing, and a noose has slipped around the Voluspian Isles. He is no longer enough to force it back.
A dragon waits at his back as a girl holds a blade to his throat, and they will find that worlds may need to converge, in order to save those from which they come.
Kindle Edition
First published December 26, 2021
83 people are currently reading
7395 people want to read
About the author
Taylor Vander Leest
4 books116 followersTaylor Vander Leest is the 20-year-old author of the These Bonded Souls series. She was raised in small town Iowa, and currently resides an hour away studying english & creative writing and marketing at the University of Iowa. She is semi-fluent in ASL, Spanish, and knows a few phrases in High Valyrian. Before adopting her dog Benji she could be found daydreaming to a fault or playing basketball, but now she's usually just trying to stop him from eating her books. A Crash of Sea and Storm and A Dagger of Betrayal and Lies are her first novels, with their sister The Lady Dáinn soaring onto shelves sometime soon...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
January 14, 2022
Whilst beginning my read, I found myself free in the sky - I was flying overhead with no destination in mind, just a book in my hand and a dragon underneath me. And that, specifically, made me fall in love with this book.
“𝘕𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘭, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘴.”
The story follows young Katla, warrior and this year’s winner of the Hunt, who decidedly ran away to prevent herself from being married off to a silly prince. On her journey, she encounters an ambush and falls unconsciously into a world so far from her own.
Meet Aidan, dragon rider and enemy to the Kingdoms of the archipelago, and his dragon companion - Fafnir.
Both teenagers delve into wonders, and interest right off the bat, no actual threat in mind until the second half of the book.
Unfortunately, while I loved the descriptions and the sensation of flying, I did not enjoy how quick Katla’s and Aidan’s relationship became to be - I expected it to be enemies-to-lovers (as marketed) and slow paced. Furthermore, the plot of the book was very interesting but was not necessarily the center of the book - and I personally prefer plot over romance. Yet, when the action began, I was very much enjoying it!
Overall, this book was a fun debut novel! The author, being a teen author, has an incredible talent - whipping up gorgeous imagery and a world so vivid, it felt like I was watching How To Train Your Dragon! Definitely a book I was happy to read, and one so extremely nostalgic.
Rating: 3.5
“𝘕𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘭, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘴.”
The story follows young Katla, warrior and this year’s winner of the Hunt, who decidedly ran away to prevent herself from being married off to a silly prince. On her journey, she encounters an ambush and falls unconsciously into a world so far from her own.
Meet Aidan, dragon rider and enemy to the Kingdoms of the archipelago, and his dragon companion - Fafnir.
Both teenagers delve into wonders, and interest right off the bat, no actual threat in mind until the second half of the book.
Unfortunately, while I loved the descriptions and the sensation of flying, I did not enjoy how quick Katla’s and Aidan’s relationship became to be - I expected it to be enemies-to-lovers (as marketed) and slow paced. Furthermore, the plot of the book was very interesting but was not necessarily the center of the book - and I personally prefer plot over romance. Yet, when the action began, I was very much enjoying it!
Overall, this book was a fun debut novel! The author, being a teen author, has an incredible talent - whipping up gorgeous imagery and a world so vivid, it felt like I was watching How To Train Your Dragon! Definitely a book I was happy to read, and one so extremely nostalgic.
Rating: 3.5
January 20, 2022
I bought this book because I saw it on TikTok and it had a lot of good reviews. I was very disappointed. The world is poorly built, the characters not fully described, and it is very clearly written by an inexperienced author. Should not have been published.
May 31, 2023
This is probably the best debut novel I have ever read, and the author was only 16 when she wrote it. Don’t let the title fool you. This book delivered. I was expecting a decent, vibey, tropey, booktokish book. Instead I got a wonderfully written world with actually lovable characters and all the feels. I definitely expect this book to be one of my favorites this year. This book is definitely inspired by How to Train Your Dragon and Tangled, but it is done in such a way that it doesn’t feel like a ripoff.
It is set in a Norse mythology based world, in which most people view dragons as demonic and terrible. The world building is immersive and I would want to live there.
The plot made sense, and the foreshadowing for certain twists was very well done. I am proud to see I saw the main one coming, but only because I’ve been reading a lot of books with that same trope lately. The plot could stand alone without the romance (although Aiden and Katla are so cute)
I absolutely loved our main characters, I do wish the side characters were a smidge more developed though. The best way to describe Aiden is a hotter version of Hiccup mixed with a gender bent Rapunzel and given some trauma. Katla is one of the few great heroines I’ve read that is a baddie without being a pick me or tearing down other women or loosing her femininity.
The whole thing astonished me. I was expecting the writing to be more juvenile. Taylor definitely follows the show don’t tell rule. It makes her scenes so easy to picture
Overall, I loved this book, it gets 5 stars. The only icks I have with it are 1st the title. I think something less basic could have been picked, especially since it could turn off potential readers with its a _ of _ and_ format, and there was never really a storm in the book despite lots of sea. There were also a few minor typos but nothing that would detract from the story. Please give it a read, especially if your looking for a better alternative to Fourth Wing.
It is set in a Norse mythology based world, in which most people view dragons as demonic and terrible. The world building is immersive and I would want to live there.
The plot made sense, and the foreshadowing for certain twists was very well done. I am proud to see I saw the main one coming, but only because I’ve been reading a lot of books with that same trope lately. The plot could stand alone without the romance (although Aiden and Katla are so cute)
I absolutely loved our main characters, I do wish the side characters were a smidge more developed though. The best way to describe Aiden is a hotter version of Hiccup mixed with a gender bent Rapunzel and given some trauma. Katla is one of the few great heroines I’ve read that is a baddie without being a pick me or tearing down other women or loosing her femininity.
The whole thing astonished me. I was expecting the writing to be more juvenile. Taylor definitely follows the show don’t tell rule. It makes her scenes so easy to picture
Overall, I loved this book, it gets 5 stars. The only icks I have with it are 1st the title. I think something less basic could have been picked, especially since it could turn off potential readers with its a _ of _ and_ format, and there was never really a storm in the book despite lots of sea. There were also a few minor typos but nothing that would detract from the story. Please give it a read, especially if your looking for a better alternative to Fourth Wing.
July 10, 2022
Not very worth the read. Now the Author said this is a enemies to lovers but I don’t think I would call it that much at all. It was more one sided and it didn’t last long really much at all. They became friends too fast and they didn’t have really much chemistry. When they would talk they just seemed like normal friends not starting to develop feelings or anything really.
And I feel like everything was TOO inspired by how to train your dragon. Like Katla wants to kill the dragon right and is confused about why a human would ride a dragon and says he’s crazy. That’s too much like how Hiccup and Astrid were. Astrid called Hiccup crazy and tried to kill toothless. And then Hiccup takes her for a ride and she sees it’s all not so bad.
Everything in this that has to do with how to train your dragon is just way too inspired all it really is is just how to train your dragon but slightly different.
Now I will say that I know that this is a debut novel so I’m not going to say I down right hate it. But the Author if you are reading this I’d just say it definitely needs work I’m definitely not a writer myself but it definitely could use work. I’m not the best at pointing those out, now there are a lot of other things I could say that need work I can’t really get into right now.
This was my review if you enjoyed the book that’s fine I’m not stopping you this book just definitely was not for me.
And I feel like everything was TOO inspired by how to train your dragon. Like Katla wants to kill the dragon right and is confused about why a human would ride a dragon and says he’s crazy. That’s too much like how Hiccup and Astrid were. Astrid called Hiccup crazy and tried to kill toothless. And then Hiccup takes her for a ride and she sees it’s all not so bad.
Everything in this that has to do with how to train your dragon is just way too inspired all it really is is just how to train your dragon but slightly different.
Now I will say that I know that this is a debut novel so I’m not going to say I down right hate it. But the Author if you are reading this I’d just say it definitely needs work I’m definitely not a writer myself but it definitely could use work. I’m not the best at pointing those out, now there are a lot of other things I could say that need work I can’t really get into right now.
This was my review if you enjoyed the book that’s fine I’m not stopping you this book just definitely was not for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2022
This book was absolutely FANTASTIC! I have waited for years to find another “dragon rider” book and was absolutely amazed to stumble upon this new author thanks to TikTok. Upon reading, I was even further awed to find aspects of Norse mythology mixed in with a “how to train your dragon” vibe.
Absolutely amazed with this first book from this young and upcoming author and I cannot wait for her next instalment and see what adventure awaits!
Absolutely amazed with this first book from this young and upcoming author and I cannot wait for her next instalment and see what adventure awaits!
January 15, 2022
I didn’t know what to expect from this book as this young teen authors tiktoks showed up on my FYP and I bought this on a whim. I figured the writing may be a little unpolished but I was excited to empower a young adult who so bravely published her work for all to read and either love or hate on it.
What I didn’t expect was to fall in love so quickly with the characters or the world she created. I found myself enthralled my Aidan and Katla’s and a world of dragons and warriors. For anyone who loves Norse Mythology, dragons, or the thrill of a marvel movie, this book is for you. I can’t wait to read the next one in this series!
January 27, 2025
Had me hooked from the very first line. This book gave me the fill of dragons I have yet to find in any other. I tabbed and annotated as I went along, and there was a lot more to tab than I thought there would be. I love the Norse mythology that was incorporated throughout.
This book just screams ‘Long Live’ by Taylor Swift. Although they ride the dragons instead of fighting them and now I will always associate that song with this book.
I would highly recommend if you like a fast paced high fantasy about a couple of badass dragon riders. It is a truly unique book with magical writing and a well built world that I cannot wait to return to.
This book just screams ‘Long Live’ by Taylor Swift. Although they ride the dragons instead of fighting them and now I will always associate that song with this book.
I would highly recommend if you like a fast paced high fantasy about a couple of badass dragon riders. It is a truly unique book with magical writing and a well built world that I cannot wait to return to.
January 12, 2022
Outstanding book! Has a couple errors but otherwise I really enjoyed the character and story. I would recommend some more world building as it’s not quite clear where each of the islands are and so would have liked to understand how the characters look more. Other than that I was moved and captivated. Not wanting to put the book down. Highly recommend for early teens!
July 4, 2022
I had seen the TikToks posted by the author and I decided to buy the book. I could not be more than obsessed with this book. I totally fell in love with Bluebell and Fafnir and the rest of the dragons. I loved seeing Katla go from someone who really didn't think twice about killing dragons to being someone who would die for them. I loved Aidan and just the story that went around with him and his mother. Honestly, this was one of the most refreshing reads in my 2022 reading so far. I will totally pick up the second book when it gets out. I really think that the author has a great series in her hands and to see her being so young and already pretty good, I can't imagine how her writing will be in her next few books. The sky is the limit with her and this whole series!
April 12, 2022
This was…not good. I was reluctant to buy this book because it seemed somewhat expensive, but I’d heard good reviews and wanted to help out a teen author.
I want my seventeen dollars back.
Sure, this is a debut novel, but it felt too forced, and predictable. The author is descriptive, but sometimes it can feel like a lot of unnecessary words thrown together to sound smart. It can be confusing to read at times, and it meddles with the other important details - if something needs to be said, just get it out.
I made a mistake in buying this book, and it will most likely sit on my bookshelf and never be read again. Others may have different opinions, but this is mine. I downloaded goodreads just to leave this review and give potential buyers a heads up and not sugarcoat this book.
I want my seventeen dollars back.
Sure, this is a debut novel, but it felt too forced, and predictable. The author is descriptive, but sometimes it can feel like a lot of unnecessary words thrown together to sound smart. It can be confusing to read at times, and it meddles with the other important details - if something needs to be said, just get it out.
I made a mistake in buying this book, and it will most likely sit on my bookshelf and never be read again. Others may have different opinions, but this is mine. I downloaded goodreads just to leave this review and give potential buyers a heads up and not sugarcoat this book.
August 5, 2022
Fantasy, War, Medival, Enemies to Lovers... This book had me on the edge of my seat, page after page. The tension between Katla and Aidan is thick, I often did not know who to root for. Katla (who kills dragons) and Aidan (their fierce protector) seem like an unlikely pair. With opposite goals in mind, it is hard to distinguish who is "in the right" for their motives. Throughout the book, we fall in love with the person Katla becomes, with the help of Aidan. I admire the character development, as well as the plot.
Favorite Quote:
- "The flickering dragons swirled around us in our very own sea of stars, encaptured by the people below them. Moonlight scattered and reflected brilliantly across the pure scales of the dragon whose wings were moved upon..."
Favorite Quote:
- "The flickering dragons swirled around us in our very own sea of stars, encaptured by the people below them. Moonlight scattered and reflected brilliantly across the pure scales of the dragon whose wings were moved upon..."
June 23, 2022
This book is amazing! As a person who is obsessed with How to train your dragon, it was just perfect for me. I was hooked from the start. Enemies to lovers, dragons, great plot and dialogue, what could you want more? I love the characters especially Aidan ;) and really had to laugh at some lines Fafnir said. I love Katla and Aidan together, (the dancing scene lives rent free in my head) and I can’t wait to see how their story continues. I have to thank the author so much for creating such an enjoyable read and making me feel like I’m riding a dragon! Can’t wait for the next book.
June 19, 2022
I read this book a while ago, and I haven’t stoped thinking about it since.
Despite being the authors first book, it is well written, the world building is enticing and you can see the characters developments.
This book took me places I didn’t realise I wanted to go. I deeply miss the characters and I cannot wait to see them again, whenever that may be.
Despite being the authors first book, it is well written, the world building is enticing and you can see the characters developments.
This book took me places I didn’t realise I wanted to go. I deeply miss the characters and I cannot wait to see them again, whenever that may be.
May 3, 2022
This book was how to train your dragon’s better, hotter, and more mature older sister. As an aspiring teen author myself, I’m using Taylor Vander Leest as not only a role model but as a sign that I could do this too. This book was amazing and I can’t wait to see what happens next it this story.
January 2, 2022
This book took me into a world of dragons and unrest and how hope, love, and perseverance can broaden our minds and open us to infinite possibilities! Katla represents girls who are tired of being tied down by a patriarchal society and makes her mind up to live her life the way she wants to and also opens her L’s elf up to new opportunity and a chance on love! The bond between the riders and dragon is an impressive mix of humility and power and how understanding each other is key in order to unlock a new world of acceptance!! Such a brilliant debut for a young author! Can’t wait to see what happens next in Lamlin and with Aiden and Katla!
October 4, 2022
When I saw a tiktok on my fyp about this book I knew I had to buy it. So I did…
For a debut novel I think this was a great book. Even if it weren’t a debut. I loved it very much. And yeah it wasn’t very much enemies to lovers but i think the love story was even better. It was just two teenagers falling in love and it was very realistic. The way they were nervous around each other and the whole vibe, I just liked it very much.
I’ve read a various amount of fantasy books and it wasn’t like any other book I’ve read.
I think this author did a great job on writing her first novel and I can’t wait for the second.
How can you leave us with a last sentence like that !!!
For a debut novel I think this was a great book. Even if it weren’t a debut. I loved it very much. And yeah it wasn’t very much enemies to lovers but i think the love story was even better. It was just two teenagers falling in love and it was very realistic. The way they were nervous around each other and the whole vibe, I just liked it very much.
I’ve read a various amount of fantasy books and it wasn’t like any other book I’ve read.
I think this author did a great job on writing her first novel and I can’t wait for the second.
How can you leave us with a last sentence like that !!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2022
This book was good, especially considering this is the author's first book! Great story, interesting world, lovable characters, overall a very enjoyable experience.
Some things were a bit predictable, which isn't necessarily a bad thing at all (a bit inevitable after reading so many YA books), and I don't think it detracted from the reading experience.
I think this is a great debut novel from a young author who can only get better, and I will be re-reading this book in the future as well as purchasing the next book in the series when it comes out.
3.5 Stars!
Some things were a bit predictable, which isn't necessarily a bad thing at all (a bit inevitable after reading so many YA books), and I don't think it detracted from the reading experience.
I think this is a great debut novel from a young author who can only get better, and I will be re-reading this book in the future as well as purchasing the next book in the series when it comes out.
3.5 Stars!
August 20, 2022
First surprise about this book, is that it is not a standalone! This will actually be a series.
Secondly, the dragons!!! I was so pleasantly surprised by how detailed this world was, down to the descriptions of each dragons' scales. Comparisons to How To Train Your Dragon are very accurate, and I loved that so much.
Fafnir, Aiden, Katla, and of course Bluebell completely stole my heart.
This book feels like comfort, and I absolutely breezed through it. I am frustrated to discover that it is a series, simply because I need more!
Secondly, the dragons!!! I was so pleasantly surprised by how detailed this world was, down to the descriptions of each dragons' scales. Comparisons to How To Train Your Dragon are very accurate, and I loved that so much.
Fafnir, Aiden, Katla, and of course Bluebell completely stole my heart.
This book feels like comfort, and I absolutely breezed through it. I am frustrated to discover that it is a series, simply because I need more!
July 15, 2022
this book was AMAZINGGGG!!! the world was really easy to understand and super easy to get into. this was the first fantasy book that i’ve read in a while, and sometimes fantasy can really be hit and miss, but this was def a hit! also, we need to talk about the fact that the writing in this book was beautiful. it sounds like it could have come from someone who went to college and majored in english, def not from a high school student. i’ll be recommending this book to everyone from now on!
December 16, 2022
This book was so fun! I absolutely adored the dynamic between Katla and Aiden, they were just checking off every mark in what I like to see in a duo like them. I also adore how the dragons are portrayed here; learning about all of the different types and how they act was super fascinating. Every twist and turn had me hooked even further into the story. Definitely recommend this book!
January 1, 2022
the best read of the year
I am absolutely in love with this book and these characters! I have never left a review on Goodreads but this book deserves it, I absolutely can not wait for the next one!!!
I am absolutely in love with this book and these characters! I have never left a review on Goodreads but this book deserves it, I absolutely can not wait for the next one!!!
April 30, 2022
It was an amazing journey! I really loved the whole story about Aidan and the dragons. And what kind of a cliffhanger! :D I hope we don’t have to wait to long for the second book :3
Congrats to the young author who published such an incredible book!
Congrats to the young author who published such an incredible book!
February 7, 2022
This is an absolutely fantastic read! It lived up to and exceeded everything I was promised. I absolutely adored the characters, the plot was engaging and the writing thrilling!!
Definitely worth a read if you’re considering it!
Definitely worth a read if you’re considering it!
December 30, 2021
So good! Can't wait to see where the future takes Katla and Aiden!
January 31, 2024
I bought this book as soon as I saw it on booktok and I can't wait to read more!
March 16, 2022
OH MY WORD this so amazing the world building is absolutely fantastic and the characters will own you by the end
December 17, 2022
Finally a great Dragon book!
Just what I needed to warm up my winter days and pull me along a marvelous adventure! I look forward on reading more when the sequel is published!
Just what I needed to warm up my winter days and pull me along a marvelous adventure! I look forward on reading more when the sequel is published!
January 20, 2023
I will Never say no to a how to train your dragon esque fantasy
June 11, 2023
I've heard some people say this book is like How to Train your Dragon's older, hotter sister, and they are absolutely right! This book is amazing, and the fact that it was written and published by a teenager make it all the more amazing!! The writing is beautiful, and as a fellow writer, I WISH I was this great of a writer at 16-17! Taylor Vander Leest is for sure going places as writer/author, and I will be reading whatever other books she writes in the future!!
January 21, 2025
This is by far one of my all time favourite reads. it was like reading HTTYD in a parallel universe it was so good!
the Astrid and Hiccup vibes were so adorable and I just adored Aiden so so so so MUCHHH and I love the character development of Katla, she was truly an amazing lead character and I liked that Leo finally came to his senses and stopped acting like an asshole. and omg omg omg J can't wait to get my hand on book 2 cause that ending!??!?!?!? OMG OMG
the Astrid and Hiccup vibes were so adorable and I just adored Aiden so so so so MUCHHH and I love the character development of Katla, she was truly an amazing lead character and I liked that Leo finally came to his senses and stopped acting like an asshole. and omg omg omg J can't wait to get my hand on book 2 cause that ending!??!?!?!? OMG OMG
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews