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Riders of Fire Dragon Masters #5
Dragon Captain
Rusty loved once. She won’t make that mistake again. Now she, her crew, and her sea dragon seek vengeance on the pirate captain who killed her family. Star is orphaned, penniless, and alone in the world. She joins Captain Rusty’s crew of bloodthirsty women sailing the Naobian Sea and seeking revenge. Star’s scouring the sea for her brother—who was kidnapped by pirates ten years ago. With only one tenuous clue to guide her, and no idea if he’s alive or dead, Star is prepared to face death to find him. If you love epic dragons, swashbuckling pirates, danger & romance, set sail with Dragon Captain today!
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 23, 2023
103 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Eileen Mueller
70 books876 followersEileen Mueller is a USA Today multi-award-winning author of heart-pounding fantasy novels that will keep you turning the page.
Dive into her worlds, full of magic, love, adventure and dragons! Eileen lives in New Zealand, in a cave, with four dragonets and a shape shifter, writing for young adults, children and everyone who loves adventure.
Visit her website at www.EileenMuellerAuthor.com for FREE books, new releases or to become a Rider of Fire!
Awards:
2019 Two Storylines NZ Notable Book Awards - Ezaara & Dragon Hero
2017 Sir Julius Vogel Award, Best New Talent
2016 Sir Julius Vogel Award, Best Youth Novel
2017 finalist, Romance Writers New Zealand Chapter Short Story contest.
2013 winner, SpecFicNZ Going Global
2013 co-winner, New Zealand Society of Authors’ NorthWrite Collaboration
New Zealander of the Year Local Hero medalist.
Dive into her worlds, full of magic, love, adventure and dragons! Eileen lives in New Zealand, in a cave, with four dragonets and a shape shifter, writing for young adults, children and everyone who loves adventure.
Visit her website at www.EileenMuellerAuthor.com for FREE books, new releases or to become a Rider of Fire!
Awards:
2019 Two Storylines NZ Notable Book Awards - Ezaara & Dragon Hero
2017 Sir Julius Vogel Award, Best New Talent
2016 Sir Julius Vogel Award, Best Youth Novel
2017 finalist, Romance Writers New Zealand Chapter Short Story contest.
2013 winner, SpecFicNZ Going Global
2013 co-winner, New Zealand Society of Authors’ NorthWrite Collaboration
New Zealander of the Year Local Hero medalist.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 23, 2023
What a treat to get back into this fun world! To get reacquainted with Rusty and her fabulous crew. And who can not absolutely adore Ustoria! It's been years since Rusty and the Scarlet Hand, umm...parted ways. Rusty is disillusioned by news reaching her ears that the Scarlet Hand is still a vile slave traders and coming across a burnt out ship and it's entire crew, she swears vengence. But we all know how dangerous not having the full facts can misconstrue the truth. Rusty is resolute, she will end the Scarlet Hand, even though she still cannot forget him, even though she still loves him. And Jack? Like the song " Living next door to Alice", I thought "who the flip is Jack???? What's his deal?" Well....yes, just well.....
The Scarlet Hand loathes himself and what he is forced to do in the Emperor's name. He just doesn't know how to get out of this dreadful predicament and it just seems to get worse and worse. Just as he sees a way out, so he's pulled in even tighter, like a noose around his neck, tightening and slacking but never disappearing. All his actions, as despicable as they may be, are to be free of the bondage impossed on him, to leave this life behind him and find the love of his life. His horror at what he has to do, the remorse he suffers through, got my heart aflutter feeling his pain. His feelings for Rusty are...well, complicated. So much misadventure, so much misinformation, so resolute they both are, that a confrontation and battle was inevitable but holly molly NOTHING like a normal battle!!
This almost cat and mouse dance is expertly and vividly illustrated, their fears, their feelings, their emotions felt as though they were wearing them on their sleeves. When Star enters the fray, I was intrigued by her. I wasn't sure about her in the beginning but she's definitely shown her teeth! Driven and motivated to find her brother, taken by pirates years ago, there's an inkling of who he might be and I find myself thinking "could it be? Surely not? But it must be" So well concealed by Ms Mueller, it really made me anxious to find out if I caught the clue! Plots, traps, betrayal are thick and fast but with twists and turns, I was never absolutely certain which way I was dodging! Kept me nimble though....A confrontation and battle was inevitable but holly molly NOTHING like a normal battle!! OMG! You HAVE to read it!!! What happened was so heartbreaking I thought mine would shatter! Gahrrr! I don't loathe many characters as much as I despise Vizza!
Eileen has a unique way of building up the tension, of building up the drama, until I thought I was going to burst! Between holding my breath, stilling my racing heart, upping the stakes, I was as limp as a jellyfish washed up on shore and heaven help me did she up the stakes! Her writing grabs every inch of me, her characters I wear like a favourite jersey, I laugh with them, I squirm with them, I love with them and I cry with them and I delight with them. From beginning to end, this was a journey of so much mishap, a wonderous world I entered into and a stellar performance by all the cast that if I were in the theatre, I would have jumped to my feet and applauded until my hands ached. I'll be counting the days to the next performance with this magnificent cast!
The Scarlet Hand loathes himself and what he is forced to do in the Emperor's name. He just doesn't know how to get out of this dreadful predicament and it just seems to get worse and worse. Just as he sees a way out, so he's pulled in even tighter, like a noose around his neck, tightening and slacking but never disappearing. All his actions, as despicable as they may be, are to be free of the bondage impossed on him, to leave this life behind him and find the love of his life. His horror at what he has to do, the remorse he suffers through, got my heart aflutter feeling his pain. His feelings for Rusty are...well, complicated. So much misadventure, so much misinformation, so resolute they both are, that a confrontation and battle was inevitable but holly molly NOTHING like a normal battle!!
This almost cat and mouse dance is expertly and vividly illustrated, their fears, their feelings, their emotions felt as though they were wearing them on their sleeves. When Star enters the fray, I was intrigued by her. I wasn't sure about her in the beginning but she's definitely shown her teeth! Driven and motivated to find her brother, taken by pirates years ago, there's an inkling of who he might be and I find myself thinking "could it be? Surely not? But it must be" So well concealed by Ms Mueller, it really made me anxious to find out if I caught the clue! Plots, traps, betrayal are thick and fast but with twists and turns, I was never absolutely certain which way I was dodging! Kept me nimble though....A confrontation and battle was inevitable but holly molly NOTHING like a normal battle!! OMG! You HAVE to read it!!! What happened was so heartbreaking I thought mine would shatter! Gahrrr! I don't loathe many characters as much as I despise Vizza!
Eileen has a unique way of building up the tension, of building up the drama, until I thought I was going to burst! Between holding my breath, stilling my racing heart, upping the stakes, I was as limp as a jellyfish washed up on shore and heaven help me did she up the stakes! Her writing grabs every inch of me, her characters I wear like a favourite jersey, I laugh with them, I squirm with them, I love with them and I cry with them and I delight with them. From beginning to end, this was a journey of so much mishap, a wonderous world I entered into and a stellar performance by all the cast that if I were in the theatre, I would have jumped to my feet and applauded until my hands ached. I'll be counting the days to the next performance with this magnificent cast!
August 12, 2023
I cannot highly recommend enough this fun book, the 5th in the amazing Dragon Masters series. A book which follows Rusty, a captain of a ship with an all female crew, who are seeking revenge on the Scarlet Hand, a pirate captain who had broken her heart and who had chosen to become a slaver rather than be with her. She hated what he was and sought to free as many slaves as she could by attacking the fleet of the red sails with the help of Ustoria, her bonded dragon. Star, a young orphaned girl who had to become a street assassin in order to survive, joined her crew in the hope that she would find her long lost brother who had been taken by pirates. The women are all courageous but none more so than Star who suffers a lot in this book both physically but more so emotionally. I love the twist in the book, the lives which are ruined because of a bastard general who cares only for power and nothing for the lives of those he enslaves or orders around. I really enjoyed the banter between pirates and female sailors and look forward to the next book in the series! I hope we will once again travel the high seas with the same characters as there is so much more to their tale!
August 23, 2023
An amazing new story for the Riders of Fire Dragon Masters series. I have been looking forward to reading this book with enthusiasm and high hopes. Well, no disappointment there! "Wow", What a great story! Following Rusty, Captain of the Salty Flame and her sea dragon Ustoria. Then there is Star, an orphan Rusty takes aboard as a new crew member who by the way has her own agenda. And then there is the Scarlet Hand, the notorious pirate captain of the seas, his ship the Fiery Dragon and his sea dragon Scarletta. Both captains have loyal and brave crews. All these characters are charismatic and a joy to get to know and care about. Lose yourself in a tale of piracy on the Naobian Seas. The thrilling adventure, intense situations, battles, hard choices, close calls and even tragedy! A story that draws you in and makes you want more. This has a fascinating plot woven with skill and patience. It is rich, satisfying, and epic in scale. I especially love the twists and turns that you don't see coming. The author weaves an Epic and Thrilling tale of Pirates and their Destiny. So experience a page turning non-stop adventure like I did. You will not be disappointed!!!
August 14, 2023
Have Rusty and co. lost their minds? Okay, I just had to say that. Sometimes, one digs a hole so deep it doesn’t seem it’s possible to get out of it and then the sides crumble bringing everyone else in as well. Um… yeah. That’s what seems to be happening in this well-written book continuing the Dragon series Author Mueller has created.
I enjoyed the characters and their banter especially. I also found it amusing that on a ship fully crewed by women, having a male on board does not immediately have crewmembers saying it constitutes bad luck whereas so often the reverse is true. Women are obviously more sensible!
While there are villains to hiss at, there are also those doing villainous deeds who appear to have better motives. The book fits in well with the series, but can be read as a stand alone. (But why? Read the rest!)
Strong themes of found family, love, loss, and heroics weave throughout the book. And dragons as well – obviously!
I enjoyed the characters and their banter especially. I also found it amusing that on a ship fully crewed by women, having a male on board does not immediately have crewmembers saying it constitutes bad luck whereas so often the reverse is true. Women are obviously more sensible!
While there are villains to hiss at, there are also those doing villainous deeds who appear to have better motives. The book fits in well with the series, but can be read as a stand alone. (But why? Read the rest!)
Strong themes of found family, love, loss, and heroics weave throughout the book. And dragons as well – obviously!
August 21, 2023
I found in the story of Star a new heroine worth following, albeit at times in sorrow of the hardship she suffered as young girl till the slip of a girl she turned out to be. I will certainly look out for her further adventures, should she return in any subsequent book.
And Rusty? Having escaped the clutches of the Scarlet Hand, she certainly turned into an amazing successful business woman as well now in charge of her own ship and mind melded with a sea dragon, Ustoria.
That is, until she got obsessed with finding the Scarlet Handed and to end his reign of terror.
I still think he is an idiot besides an egotistical megalomaniac dictated to by an avaricious emperor.
And from the aforementioned it is also clear that author Eileen Mueller once again crafted quite an immersive fantasy again, raising some strong opinions amongst a reader.
Enjoy.
And Rusty? Having escaped the clutches of the Scarlet Hand, she certainly turned into an amazing successful business woman as well now in charge of her own ship and mind melded with a sea dragon, Ustoria.
That is, until she got obsessed with finding the Scarlet Handed and to end his reign of terror.
I still think he is an idiot besides an egotistical megalomaniac dictated to by an avaricious emperor.
And from the aforementioned it is also clear that author Eileen Mueller once again crafted quite an immersive fantasy again, raising some strong opinions amongst a reader.
Enjoy.
September 24, 2023
17yo Star leaves home to find her brother Will, who was press-ganged 10 years ago.
Will (AKA the slaver pirate Scarlet Hand) is stuck in a horrible contract that he can't get out of no matter how hard he tries.
And Rusty has decided that it's time to do something about The Scarlet Hand before he ends up enslaving everyone who tries to sail the seas.
This book was mostly sad, violent, and even a little disappointing for most of the characters as they try to figure out their happily ever after, or if they'll even get one.
As this series continues, it feels less and less like a YA series. The brightly colored covers are a little misleading because the subject matter is pretty dark. Two of the POV characters are also in their late 20s. It seems more classic adult epic fantasy to me.
Will (AKA the slaver pirate Scarlet Hand) is stuck in a horrible contract that he can't get out of no matter how hard he tries.
And Rusty has decided that it's time to do something about The Scarlet Hand before he ends up enslaving everyone who tries to sail the seas.
This book was mostly sad, violent, and even a little disappointing for most of the characters as they try to figure out their happily ever after, or if they'll even get one.
As this series continues, it feels less and less like a YA series. The brightly colored covers are a little misleading because the subject matter is pretty dark. Two of the POV characters are also in their late 20s. It seems more classic adult epic fantasy to me.
September 6, 2023
Ah what to say, what to say?! As always, Eileen has created a roller coaster ride of emotions with this tale of high seas, pirates, slave trading and death threats. All this is intertwined with friends, family and a love that just won't go away.
Rusty is determined to see the Scarlet Hand pay for his crimes, Will is determined to finish up his contract and Star is desperate to find her brother somewhere out in the big blue!
A tale that will make you laugh as as much as make your heart break, this is a page turner for the ages!
Kudos to Eileen who manages to create such wonderful works of art that keep the reader entertained from the first page. 😍
Rusty is determined to see the Scarlet Hand pay for his crimes, Will is determined to finish up his contract and Star is desperate to find her brother somewhere out in the big blue!
A tale that will make you laugh as as much as make your heart break, this is a page turner for the ages!
Kudos to Eileen who manages to create such wonderful works of art that keep the reader entertained from the first page. 😍
September 4, 2023
Pirate story with underlying emotional drama
When I began this book and the Pirate action started, I kept hearing the Pirates of the Caribbean music in my head. I could imagine Rusty and crew sneaking or swinging on to ships for a battle and a rescue. That’s fun and well done, although I prefer fewer battles and more story in between. The longing of Rusty and of Will create an interesting story with twists and turns. A new character, Star, complicates things. All the characters are well done and the pace is good. It’s a fun read if you can deal with the fighting and killing.
When I began this book and the Pirate action started, I kept hearing the Pirates of the Caribbean music in my head. I could imagine Rusty and crew sneaking or swinging on to ships for a battle and a rescue. That’s fun and well done, although I prefer fewer battles and more story in between. The longing of Rusty and of Will create an interesting story with twists and turns. A new character, Star, complicates things. All the characters are well done and the pace is good. It’s a fun read if you can deal with the fighting and killing.
October 13, 2023
Another grand adventure!
Rusty is a friggin' badass! Through heartache, her purpose is clear, and she stands to defend it. I seriously love her crew. Wicked-claw make me smile, Sadie is of Amazon women status, and Inara... Love her! I am always excited, never disappointed to dive into Eileen's books. This is another adventure that leaves me pining for the next (though I am forced to wait). Keep the stories coming!
Rusty is a friggin' badass! Through heartache, her purpose is clear, and she stands to defend it. I seriously love her crew. Wicked-claw make me smile, Sadie is of Amazon women status, and Inara... Love her! I am always excited, never disappointed to dive into Eileen's books. This is another adventure that leaves me pining for the next (though I am forced to wait). Keep the stories coming!
November 14, 2025
Still going strong!
Continuing 10 years from Book 3, this story was just as much of a roller-coaster ride of emotions too! Laughing, crying, cheering, and more, I couldn't predict everything that would happen but I got close at times. The characters were still wonderful and the plot sad but thought-provoking. The series is still going strong and I'm still invested in what happens next!
Continuing 10 years from Book 3, this story was just as much of a roller-coaster ride of emotions too! Laughing, crying, cheering, and more, I couldn't predict everything that would happen but I got close at times. The characters were still wonderful and the plot sad but thought-provoking. The series is still going strong and I'm still invested in what happens next!
August 23, 2023
WOW I couldn’t put it down, read it in a day, an excellent read.. I can really recommend this book.
It keeps you on the edge of your seat with all the twists and suspense throughout the book, it keeps you wondering what will happen next to Rusty, her feisty crew and the Scarlet Hand.
Thanks Eileen for yet another fabulous book.
It keeps you on the edge of your seat with all the twists and suspense throughout the book, it keeps you wondering what will happen next to Rusty, her feisty crew and the Scarlet Hand.
Thanks Eileen for yet another fabulous book.
August 24, 2023
Trapped!
Go on an exciting and unpredictable pirate adventure with Rusty, Star and an all female crew hunting Scarlet Hand/Will and his pirates and don't forget about their dragons. Find out what happened to some of your favorite characters. The choices they made and the lives they are trapped in. This book has sword fighting, gold, romance and so much more in this fascinating story.
Go on an exciting and unpredictable pirate adventure with Rusty, Star and an all female crew hunting Scarlet Hand/Will and his pirates and don't forget about their dragons. Find out what happened to some of your favorite characters. The choices they made and the lives they are trapped in. This book has sword fighting, gold, romance and so much more in this fascinating story.
September 5, 2023
Absolutely brilliant read , the storyline is gripping and the characters new and old are well appointed, the author has made it so hard to do a review with out giving spoilers also reserve plenty of time as this is a I don't want to put it down novel.
I can't give enough praise to this and as such I have no problem highly recommending this .
I can't give enough praise to this and as such I have no problem highly recommending this .
August 25, 2023
Totally captivating!
Eileen Mueller has done it again! Dragon Captain pulls yoh in on page one and holds you till the last page leaving you wanting more! Twist and turns. Fiesty pirates, sword fights, Dragons and fiesty love.
Eileen Mueller has done it again! Dragon Captain pulls yoh in on page one and holds you till the last page leaving you wanting more! Twist and turns. Fiesty pirates, sword fights, Dragons and fiesty love.
October 10, 2023
Getting Better
I still think this author goes over the same things way too much. The story is good I just don’t want to hear it 4 or 5 times. I gave you more stars this time because you are improving. Hopefully the rest of you books will get even better.
I still think this author goes over the same things way too much. The story is good I just don’t want to hear it 4 or 5 times. I gave you more stars this time because you are improving. Hopefully the rest of you books will get even better.
October 20, 2023
Dragon Captain
Another great book from Eileen, full of action and great characters. With lots of luck but most of it bad, Will can't manage to escape the contract he signed with General Vizza.
Another great book from Eileen, full of action and great characters. With lots of luck but most of it bad, Will can't manage to escape the contract he signed with General Vizza.
September 1, 2023
Live this Series!
I absolutely love this series!!! I am always excited to see what happens next! Thank you for hours of entertainment!!
I absolutely love this series!!! I am always excited to see what happens next! Thank you for hours of entertainment!!
September 9, 2023
Opus
Love and Heartbreak go hand in hand. Will Rusty and Will ever be able to stay in each other’s arms.
Love and Heartbreak go hand in hand. Will Rusty and Will ever be able to stay in each other’s arms.
September 22, 2023
Great series of books
I love this book. Rusty is a fiery sailor. Star is a strong young woman. Too bad they both love a seemingly unredeemable pirate, the Scarlet Hand.
I love this book. Rusty is a fiery sailor. Star is a strong young woman. Too bad they both love a seemingly unredeemable pirate, the Scarlet Hand.
October 13, 2023
Absolutely fantastic. A ship run by women only. Some want revenge, others to show they’re strong. Maybe there’ll be romance included. Perfectly written and balanced. Loved it.
December 26, 2023
Great story
Pirates and dragons a great combination with a little love mixed in.
Pirates and dragons a great combination with a little love mixed in.
July 29, 2025
Good book
I liked this book, looking forward to the next one.And I don't like it when I have to post more than I want to.
I liked this book, looking forward to the next one.And I don't like it when I have to post more than I want to.
December 7, 2023
Once again, a rousing tale, not quite my cuppa tea
This book, like the previous book, are not books I would recommend to others. They are well written, but dragons are not at the heart of them. Instead, they are love stories, but not with an ending you might predict.
And while many adults probably will have no idea where I am coming from, my background is conservative enough to regret the choices several of the characters make.
I would not recommend these last two books for young readers or readers offended by sex and violence.
This book, like the previous book, are not books I would recommend to others. They are well written, but dragons are not at the heart of them. Instead, they are love stories, but not with an ending you might predict.
And while many adults probably will have no idea where I am coming from, my background is conservative enough to regret the choices several of the characters make.
I would not recommend these last two books for young readers or readers offended by sex and violence.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews