What do you think?
Rate this book
Dragos Primeri #1
Season of the Dragon
From award-winning author Natalie Wright, a sumptuous world of mages and rogues, dragomancers and dragons, myth and mystery, and court intrigue.
Quen Santu works for her father tanning hides, waiting for her tides to turn. Everyone she grew up with has already committed to a herdclan. But Quen was born cursed with a second, shadow soul. Sensing the oddity within, animals run from her—an untenable trait in a herding culture. On the cusp of her twentieth year, Quen is at risk of becoming pesha —no one.
Then, a dragon kills her father. The murder turns Quen’s life upside down and dashes her hope for an honorable life. As her anger grows, so does her untapped power. Fueled by a quest for vengeance, she joins a vigilante group of rogues hunting the beast. But her journey soon reveals a terrible truth: beyond the safety of her desert village, she has caught the attention of dangerous eyes. And now, she has become the hunted.
At the end of her journey, Quen’s fate will be sealed. Can Quen overcome her curse and unite her warring souls? Or will her shadow soul consume her—and everyone she loves?
The fate of her homeland—and all she loves—hangs in the balance.
Quen Santu works for her father tanning hides, waiting for her tides to turn. Everyone she grew up with has already committed to a herdclan. But Quen was born cursed with a second, shadow soul. Sensing the oddity within, animals run from her—an untenable trait in a herding culture. On the cusp of her twentieth year, Quen is at risk of becoming pesha —no one.
Then, a dragon kills her father. The murder turns Quen’s life upside down and dashes her hope for an honorable life. As her anger grows, so does her untapped power. Fueled by a quest for vengeance, she joins a vigilante group of rogues hunting the beast. But her journey soon reveals a terrible truth: beyond the safety of her desert village, she has caught the attention of dangerous eyes. And now, she has become the hunted.
At the end of her journey, Quen’s fate will be sealed. Can Quen overcome her curse and unite her warring souls? Or will her shadow soul consume her—and everyone she loves?
The fate of her homeland—and all she loves—hangs in the balance.
484 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2023
111 people are currently reading
3388 people want to read
About the author
Natalie Wright
12 books414 followersNatalie’s stories transport readers to realms of magic, myth, lovable misfits—and dragons! She is the author of Season of the Dragon (2023), named a Top 10 Indie Epic Fantasy by Ingram; a BookLife Editor’s Pick; and winner of the silver medal in the 2023 Readers’ Favorite Awards (Epic Fantasy).
The first in a planned 5-book series (Dragos Primeri), book 2—The Spring Dragon— is set to release in early Spring 2025.
Natalie also co-hosts the Tipsy Nerds Book Club podcast: The best of Sci-Fi & Fantasy—with a twist! You can download the popular SFF podcast free wherever you get your podcasts. Read the book, grab a cocktail, and join the conversation: http://tipsynerdsbookclub.com.
Natalie is a judge in the international NYC Midnight writing challenges and a full member of SFWA. She frequently appears on panels at book festivals, SFF cons, and other book events throughout the western US. If you'd like to meet Natalie in person, check her website for book tours/signings/event schedule.
Natalie lives in the desert southwest of America with her husband and two cat overlords, and visits her college-age son frequently in NYC.
For current news about new releases, cover reveals, invitations to ARC teams, etc., become a subscriber and/or follow Natalie on her socials:
Website: www.NatalieWrightAuthor.com
Threads: @NatalieWrightAuthor
Facebook: @NatalieWright.Author
Instagram: @NatalieWrightAuthor
TikTok: @NatalieWrightAuthor
The first in a planned 5-book series (Dragos Primeri), book 2—The Spring Dragon— is set to release in early Spring 2025.
Natalie also co-hosts the Tipsy Nerds Book Club podcast: The best of Sci-Fi & Fantasy—with a twist! You can download the popular SFF podcast free wherever you get your podcasts. Read the book, grab a cocktail, and join the conversation: http://tipsynerdsbookclub.com.
Natalie is a judge in the international NYC Midnight writing challenges and a full member of SFWA. She frequently appears on panels at book festivals, SFF cons, and other book events throughout the western US. If you'd like to meet Natalie in person, check her website for book tours/signings/event schedule.
Natalie lives in the desert southwest of America with her husband and two cat overlords, and visits her college-age son frequently in NYC.
For current news about new releases, cover reveals, invitations to ARC teams, etc., become a subscriber and/or follow Natalie on her socials:
Website: www.NatalieWrightAuthor.com
Threads: @NatalieWrightAuthor
Facebook: @NatalieWright.Author
Instagram: @NatalieWrightAuthor
TikTok: @NatalieWrightAuthor
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
June 13, 2023
Definite recommend. This has a strong female character who we follow through the book. Her journey to avenge her father, and the unknown that she finds out in the end. The ending of the book was not what I expected to happen. If you like a good fantasy book with dragons then this is a book for you.
April 30, 2024
I went into this blind, attracted to the title and meeting the author in person at the Tucson Festival of Books.
I read a lot of fantasy and I loved the worldbuilding and characters that Natalie created. The magic is unique and I loved how the history of the land was twisted within the story without a boring history lesson.
An amazing thing about this story was that it truely surprised me with the plot twists. Quen is a very relatable and likable heroine who is finding her place in a confusing world of courts and rankings. All she wants is to belong.... somewhere. Live her life and not be a tool to be used by others.
All the characters had interesting personalities and their own flaws, making them feel real. Aldewin is charming.
The plot builds at a satisfying pace and there is lots of interesting lore about dragons, for others like me who are obsessed with them. I enjoyed the unique take on the dragon gods and cant wait for more in this series.
I read a lot of fantasy and I loved the worldbuilding and characters that Natalie created. The magic is unique and I loved how the history of the land was twisted within the story without a boring history lesson.
An amazing thing about this story was that it truely surprised me with the plot twists. Quen is a very relatable and likable heroine who is finding her place in a confusing world of courts and rankings. All she wants is to belong.... somewhere. Live her life and not be a tool to be used by others.
All the characters had interesting personalities and their own flaws, making them feel real. Aldewin is charming.
The plot builds at a satisfying pace and there is lots of interesting lore about dragons, for others like me who are obsessed with them. I enjoyed the unique take on the dragon gods and cant wait for more in this series.
February 11, 2024
I had to DFN. I tried starting this book on two different occasions, and both times I got so lost so quickly. The lingo and language is so hard to grasp and organize. I never knew if it wasn’t making sense because it would come together later, or because I had missed something. Plus, I tried the audiobook version and that didn’t even help.
September 21, 2023
Wow! Started out strong right away. Didn't have a dull or slow moment. The ending was a little sad but really good. Can't wait for book 2!
January 8, 2024
Riveting plot with gorgeous world-building.
March 1, 2023
Grab it!
Wow. Now that is an introduction to a fantastic new series. Natalie Wright gives us depth, imagination and feeling. It's so real. And tangible. This story captured me from the beginning. I absolutely cannot wait to see where it goes!
I highly recommend this book, AND the author <3
Wow. Now that is an introduction to a fantastic new series. Natalie Wright gives us depth, imagination and feeling. It's so real. And tangible. This story captured me from the beginning. I absolutely cannot wait to see where it goes!
I highly recommend this book, AND the author <3
November 4, 2024
This book was extremely interesting and very unique. It has A TON of world building with a smidge of romance. The world building at times was a little overwhelming but the group of characters balanced it out. I feel like Wright wrote very dynamic characters and the group dynamics as well were interesting and entertaining. I was very unsure where this book was going but I was pleasantly surprised by the order of events. I felt so bad for Quen as she was constantly tossed to the next person wanting to control her but in the end I think she made the correct choice. Her character growth and acceptance of herself was executed very well. I felt that it made sense with the plot and I’ll be curious for what is next. I think going around the villages, then to the capitol, and then to the crazy dragon cult really gave the reader a good sense of the culture that the world building set up. It wasn’t only described but the FMC experienced those places and their existence felt even more important to the plot. I’m super curious about the next book and cannot wait to see where the story leads. I hope Quen continues to grow as she was very immature and young in this book.
The only reason this was a 4 star and not 5 is that I felt the romance was a little off. It felt rushed and a little shallow like I was missing something that had happened. There was definitely sexual attraction at the beginning but the whole “I love you” part just didn’t work for me but maybe I did miss where they spent time together actually speaking besides the few scenes we had seen. I also felt the chapters were a tad too long and it dragged at some bits. It is definitely medium paced despite a lot happening all the time.
The only reason this was a 4 star and not 5 is that I felt the romance was a little off. It felt rushed and a little shallow like I was missing something that had happened. There was definitely sexual attraction at the beginning but the whole “I love you” part just didn’t work for me but maybe I did miss where they spent time together actually speaking besides the few scenes we had seen. I also felt the chapters were a tad too long and it dragged at some bits. It is definitely medium paced despite a lot happening all the time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2025
This story is a dense and richly-crafted one with some pretty unique world-building. Quen’s journey is the heart of the story. The story explores some pretty weighty themes, and Quen’s path is far from easy as she joins a group seeking out a dragon - a creature thought long dead. Despite this intensity, the soft, slow-burn romance subplot and the found family aspect bring softer, quiet moments - offering a charming counterbalance to the heavier elements. I would say that this is an upper YA-to-NA blend, with just enough maturity to appeal to fans of both. But no spice. I did love the romance subplot and the characters.
My only complaint is that the ending felt a little rushed. The love interest’s acceptance of the ending felt a little too quick, which slightly undercut the emotional weight of their connection. There just wasn't enough time to linger in the moment for it to hit as hard as it could have. Still, with fantastic characters, a sweet romantic element, and world-building that’s nothing short of phenomenal, this book is a great pick for those who love detailed, character-driven fantasy.
If you’re a fan of darker fantasy this is well worth your time. While the story’s ending could have stood as a satisfying conclusion, it does leave room for more. I’m thrilled to dive into the sequel soon and see where Wright takes Quen’s story next.
Thanks to the author for the complimentary review copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
My only complaint is that the ending felt a little rushed. The love interest’s acceptance of the ending felt a little too quick, which slightly undercut the emotional weight of their connection. There just wasn't enough time to linger in the moment for it to hit as hard as it could have. Still, with fantastic characters, a sweet romantic element, and world-building that’s nothing short of phenomenal, this book is a great pick for those who love detailed, character-driven fantasy.
If you’re a fan of darker fantasy this is well worth your time. While the story’s ending could have stood as a satisfying conclusion, it does leave room for more. I’m thrilled to dive into the sequel soon and see where Wright takes Quen’s story next.
Thanks to the author for the complimentary review copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
January 21, 2024
Ever since i started reading again (8 years ago), it has taken me no less than 2 months, and as much as 1yr, to get through one single book. This is the first book that I've taken only 2 weeks to read in YEARS!! It's captivating, full of all kinds of emotions, and such a great read. There's even an appendix in the back with a pronunciation guide as well as the information about each person, place, event, etc. I cannot wait for more books in this series to come out and to check out more of Natalie Wright's books.
January 21, 2024
Could have been good... except
Story and premise are promising and could have been excellent, but I personally wasn't in love with the writing style or the general flow of the story.
It felt like the main character was trying to be a strong-willed character and yet somehow went along with things a little too easily to actually portray a strong-willed individual. The love connection felt weak and forced, and I wasn't feeling it at all. It felt like it held very little substance, just a love connection for the sake of it, and by the end, I really didn't believe the 'love' that was proclaimed.
A lot of the plot felt pointless. The character would travel a great distance and be brought somewhere intentionally and then leave and head somewhere else, having learned or gained absolutely nothing.
I don't think I expected the ending, and I would call that a positive because it's nice when a book can surprise, but I still unfortunately didn't enjoy the journey there so it illicited no real emotional response like it could or should have.
All in all, I'm not sure I can recommend.
Story and premise are promising and could have been excellent, but I personally wasn't in love with the writing style or the general flow of the story.
It felt like the main character was trying to be a strong-willed character and yet somehow went along with things a little too easily to actually portray a strong-willed individual. The love connection felt weak and forced, and I wasn't feeling it at all. It felt like it held very little substance, just a love connection for the sake of it, and by the end, I really didn't believe the 'love' that was proclaimed.
A lot of the plot felt pointless. The character would travel a great distance and be brought somewhere intentionally and then leave and head somewhere else, having learned or gained absolutely nothing.
I don't think I expected the ending, and I would call that a positive because it's nice when a book can surprise, but I still unfortunately didn't enjoy the journey there so it illicited no real emotional response like it could or should have.
All in all, I'm not sure I can recommend.
February 26, 2023
I loved this story, great world building and characters feel real. I want to feel for them and know their story.
March 24, 2023
Love love love it
Amazing characters . Intetesting storyline and world. I cant wait for the next in the series!!.
Definately following this author
Amazing characters . Intetesting storyline and world. I cant wait for the next in the series!!.
Definately following this author
February 14, 2025
Review of Season of the Dragon by Natalie Wright
Thank you to Natalie Wright for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5 rounded up to 5 stars)
This is how you do epic fantasy! From the first page, Season of the Dragon pulls you into a world that is deeply immersive, complex, and beautifully crafted. Natalie Wright has created a vast and intricate world with rich lore, layered characters, and a magic system that feels organic and deeply woven into the culture and religion of the story.
One of the biggest strengths of this book is the world-building. Instead of an overwhelming lore dump, we experience the different facets of Manauld naturally through Quen’s journey. We start with her daily life in Solia, then gradually expand outward into her province of Sulmère, and eventually into other regions of Indrasi. Each location is distinct, and the way we learn about them feels natural rather than forced. There were only a few moments where I felt lost in the vernacular or details, but overall, the balance of depth and accessibility in the world-building was excellent.
Quen’s story is powerful and deeply relatable. She didn’t ask to be born with a second soul, nor did she ask for the tragedies that shaped her path, yet she has no choice but to navigate a world that constantly sees her as different. Her struggle to find love, acceptance, and agency over her own fate resonated strongly with me. Her character arc is engaging, and I loved watching her transformation as she learns more about her power, her heritage, and the forces working against her.
The magic system, while rooted in elemental magic like many others, stands out due to its deep integration with the religious and cultural framework of the world. It doesn’t feel like an afterthought or something added for convenience—magic is an intrinsic part of society, belief systems, and even conflict.
I initially picked this book up because I was promised dragons, and while Season of the Dragon certainly delivers on that front, it also offers so much more. The political intrigue, shifting alliances, and complex characters make this an epic fantasy that truly stands out. Every character, from Quen to those she meets along her journey, feels fleshed out, with their own motivations, secrets, and purpose—not just within Quen’s story but within the world itself.
Final Thoughts:
If you love epic fantasy with incredible world-building, well-developed characters, and a magic system that is deeply tied to the story’s culture and themes, Season of the Dragon is a must-read. I can’t wait to dive into The Spring Dragon and see where this story goes next.
March 22, 2023
SEASON OF THE DRAGON is a masterclass in world-building and a triumph for dragon lovers and feminists everywhere.
Strong female characters dominate this world, from the heroes to the villains, and I found myself drawn in by all of them and their dimensionality. Woman power weaves this story, intertwining threads of love and those of destruction, with the most satisfying moments focusing on the struggle for freedom, equality, and autonomy.
Each new place Wright introduces us to within the world of Indrasi is rich and lush, and something readers have yet to taste. From creatures like the Yindril, a combination of what we know of as a plant and animal that boosts the powers of human mages; to the landscapes of endless sand, turbulent rivers, and decadent palaces; to the garb worn by members of the Kovan Dynasty consisting of shark teeth, live butterflies, and barely there tunics.
This is a story about dragons. Not one in which dragons occasionally appear for our oohs and awes but which is, at its core, focused on these mythical beasts. This is the story dragon lovers have been waiting for, and it does not disappoint.
The map has been drawn, the characters placed, and the conflicts and motivations laid bare for what is shaping up to be an epic over the struggle for power, the fight for autonomy and equality, the notion of what it means to be family, and the battle that any one person or creature can endure for love. SEASON OF THE DRAGON is the first book in the Dragos Primeri series, so fear not, readers, there will be more!
If Natalie Wright, like her character Quen Tomo Santu di Sulmére, carries a phantom soul, I would reckon her Nixon is some combination of Rebecca Roanhorse and Robert Jordan. If you enjoy their storytelling, you won't want to miss this book.
Strong female characters dominate this world, from the heroes to the villains, and I found myself drawn in by all of them and their dimensionality. Woman power weaves this story, intertwining threads of love and those of destruction, with the most satisfying moments focusing on the struggle for freedom, equality, and autonomy.
Each new place Wright introduces us to within the world of Indrasi is rich and lush, and something readers have yet to taste. From creatures like the Yindril, a combination of what we know of as a plant and animal that boosts the powers of human mages; to the landscapes of endless sand, turbulent rivers, and decadent palaces; to the garb worn by members of the Kovan Dynasty consisting of shark teeth, live butterflies, and barely there tunics.
This is a story about dragons. Not one in which dragons occasionally appear for our oohs and awes but which is, at its core, focused on these mythical beasts. This is the story dragon lovers have been waiting for, and it does not disappoint.
The map has been drawn, the characters placed, and the conflicts and motivations laid bare for what is shaping up to be an epic over the struggle for power, the fight for autonomy and equality, the notion of what it means to be family, and the battle that any one person or creature can endure for love. SEASON OF THE DRAGON is the first book in the Dragos Primeri series, so fear not, readers, there will be more!
If Natalie Wright, like her character Quen Tomo Santu di Sulmére, carries a phantom soul, I would reckon her Nixon is some combination of Rebecca Roanhorse and Robert Jordan. If you enjoy their storytelling, you won't want to miss this book.
January 29, 2025
This is the first book I've ever read from Natalie Wright and I am grateful I was entrusted with a copy of it as an ARC reader team member of the second book of this series The Spring Dragon! I am always more than grateful for the trust authors put in me to read their books and share them with the world through my reviews!
With a world-building to die for I am beyond obsessed with Dragos Primeri now! The world-building is extremely complex and creative and yet it did not require me to be incessantly scrolling to the Glossary and Notes at the end of the book to get insight or clarification. In truth, I barely had a peek of the Glossary and Notes before finishing the whole book, such is the masterful way Natalie tells the story and still manages to artfully infuse the whole myriad of terms, names, animals, places, religions and its terms,its locations and its ways, and anything related to the construction of the world and its workings into the story! The Glossary and Notes are there if needed but they are not a necessity in my opinion as all they speak of is so well infused and clear into the story we follow through reading!
Following Quen and her struggle to understand what is happening to her and to navigate the unknown with her was masterful! This is a story of discovery, love, freedom and rebelion! And I loved it to my core!
It's masterfully written, extremely engaging and it is such a great book!
Given this, I am jumping immeadiately to book 2 because I cannot handle to wait a second longer to know how the story progresses!
With a world-building to die for I am beyond obsessed with Dragos Primeri now! The world-building is extremely complex and creative and yet it did not require me to be incessantly scrolling to the Glossary and Notes at the end of the book to get insight or clarification. In truth, I barely had a peek of the Glossary and Notes before finishing the whole book, such is the masterful way Natalie tells the story and still manages to artfully infuse the whole myriad of terms, names, animals, places, religions and its terms,its locations and its ways, and anything related to the construction of the world and its workings into the story! The Glossary and Notes are there if needed but they are not a necessity in my opinion as all they speak of is so well infused and clear into the story we follow through reading!
Following Quen and her struggle to understand what is happening to her and to navigate the unknown with her was masterful! This is a story of discovery, love, freedom and rebelion! And I loved it to my core!
It's masterfully written, extremely engaging and it is such a great book!
Given this, I am jumping immeadiately to book 2 because I cannot handle to wait a second longer to know how the story progresses!
May 24, 2023
Amazingly Written
I bought this book from the author (and got it signed 😊) at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books on April 23, 2023, at USC (University of Southern California). This is the first book by Natalie that I have read but it will not be the last. I also bought the Kindle Version too just so I have it in my Kindle library and so that I could write a review on Amazon and Good Reads. The book was very beautifully written. The characters and world building were amazing. I cannot wait to see what happens next. The author herself was so nice and fun to talk to as well. I look forward to picking up the next book in this series and to checking out the other books that Natalie has written. Wonderful job Natalie! I cannot wait to read more.
I bought this book from the author (and got it signed 😊) at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books on April 23, 2023, at USC (University of Southern California). This is the first book by Natalie that I have read but it will not be the last. I also bought the Kindle Version too just so I have it in my Kindle library and so that I could write a review on Amazon and Good Reads. The book was very beautifully written. The characters and world building were amazing. I cannot wait to see what happens next. The author herself was so nice and fun to talk to as well. I look forward to picking up the next book in this series and to checking out the other books that Natalie has written. Wonderful job Natalie! I cannot wait to read more.
October 5, 2024
Such a great beginning to a series.. Introduction to such a different high/epic fantasy world. But love the characters we meet and follow along in this epic journey of trying to figure out Quen's destiny. It was such a great mix of emotions told by the audible narrator, Amelia Hugh. There are definitely parts you laugh and cry with the characters. I recommend the audio book with it having so much epic fantasy vocabulary. It also has many elements that wow you as a reader/listener.
Want to read
April 30, 2023Lost interest
April 2023
I tried to read this and wasn't feeling it, but I think it may be a mood thing with this one. The world is really cool and I like the desert setting. Also, I'm excited about dragons! I'm setting this one aside for now and I'll come back to it later.
April 2023
I tried to read this and wasn't feeling it, but I think it may be a mood thing with this one. The world is really cool and I like the desert setting. Also, I'm excited about dragons! I'm setting this one aside for now and I'll come back to it later.
September 1, 2023
Worth reading
Great read! This book kept me engaged and wondering what was going to happen next. Look forward to next novella
Great read! This book kept me engaged and wondering what was going to happen next. Look forward to next novella
September 20, 2024
This high fantasy book was new for me. It took me a few listens to really build the world in my mind, but once I did, it was easy to visualize what things looked like and the importance of the author’s descriptors. Amelia Hugh did very well at differentiating the characters in her narration. Her emotions were easy to feel through my headphones and she really brought the story to life!
February 25, 2025
This was spectacular! I wish I could give it more stars. Narration was immaculate. If you listen, definitely refer to the accompanying pdf. Because holy world building!!!!! This is some complex world building and I was here for it! The characters, the plot, the one of a kind magic system. I loved everything about this!!!!
dnf
February 11, 2025DNF @ 23%
Other exacerbating issues:
• Approximately 95,000 made up words, gods, and terms coming way too fast and thick. At a certain point, if you have to stop and infodump you have to stop and infodump, or contrive some reason for a character to have a conversation about the world's political structure or god pantheon, instead of constantly tossing out fake words and then giving parenthetical explanations. ("The Sulmere's roving bands of vigilante justicars, Jagaru wouldn't bother carting a Kentaro killer to a Dynasty prison." Like, BRUH.)
• Weird tone. Overall, the tone of the story is serious and more on the formal side. Then you'll have a character suddenly say, "What is her beef with that guy?" It's jarring.
• Some odd word usage: "Wetness played at Santu's lids, making his eyes twinkle." ← Pretty sure this is supposed to indicate being teary-eyed with distress. At one point "the man she loved" is used referring to the main character and her dead father. GIRL NO, don't say that about your dad!
• The narration is in third person, but the main character breaks in at least once every three paragraphs with italicized, first-person thoughts. I hate this. Commit to third person and actually do the work to convey your character's thoughts, or just write the book in first person. Half of these italic asides are pointless and could have been cut out completely, or just switched easily to third person to avoid the annoying POV break-ins.
• Unfortunately, I couldn't connect to the characters. If I could have, I probably would have loved the book and the rest of this would have been a mere side note. (I love The Goblin Emperor, after all, which shows that my issue with too many nonsense words is entirely situationally dependent.) Instead, Quen seems like a marionette, jerking back and forth with the semblance of agency and emotion, but it's just inauthentic and off-putting.
Me, standing in a massive, deserted warehouse with a single dim lightbulb hanging overhead: Prove to me that you're not as annoying as you seem... and perhaps I'll let you live.
This book, tied to a chair: *spits blood* Her loins tightened while a quiver ran through her.
Me: This is your last warning.
This book: The touch had lasted only a second, but it caused a cascade of reactions within her. Her... loins... tightened...
Me, sighing: *cocks gun*
Other exacerbating issues:
• Approximately 95,000 made up words, gods, and terms coming way too fast and thick. At a certain point, if you have to stop and infodump you have to stop and infodump, or contrive some reason for a character to have a conversation about the world's political structure or god pantheon, instead of constantly tossing out fake words and then giving parenthetical explanations. ("The Sulmere's roving bands of vigilante justicars, Jagaru wouldn't bother carting a Kentaro killer to a Dynasty prison." Like, BRUH.)
• Weird tone. Overall, the tone of the story is serious and more on the formal side. Then you'll have a character suddenly say, "What is her beef with that guy?" It's jarring.
• Some odd word usage: "Wetness played at Santu's lids, making his eyes twinkle." ← Pretty sure this is supposed to indicate being teary-eyed with distress. At one point "the man she loved" is used referring to the main character and her dead father. GIRL NO, don't say that about your dad!
• The narration is in third person, but the main character breaks in at least once every three paragraphs with italicized, first-person thoughts. I hate this. Commit to third person and actually do the work to convey your character's thoughts, or just write the book in first person. Half of these italic asides are pointless and could have been cut out completely, or just switched easily to third person to avoid the annoying POV break-ins.
• Unfortunately, I couldn't connect to the characters. If I could have, I probably would have loved the book and the rest of this would have been a mere side note. (I love The Goblin Emperor, after all, which shows that my issue with too many nonsense words is entirely situationally dependent.) Instead, Quen seems like a marionette, jerking back and forth with the semblance of agency and emotion, but it's just inauthentic and off-putting.
September 3, 2024
Wow
Ok it was slow at the start of the book and all the strange words but I opted to listen to the audiobook and that helped a lot so I will definitely recommend you listen and read the book. This series is definitely going to be one of my favourites where there are dragons in the book.
Ok it was slow at the start of the book and all the strange words but I opted to listen to the audiobook and that helped a lot so I will definitely recommend you listen and read the book. This series is definitely going to be one of my favourites where there are dragons in the book.
April 19, 2025
Throughout my time reading, I found myself having to refer back to the glossary, maps and rereading certain sentences and paragraphs time and time again to familiarize myself to the world of Menauld and make sense of what I’m reading. The first 100 pages were a much slower read for me, but as I got to part two and three, things began to pick up faster and I found myself completely immersed. It has been a while since I’ve read a fantasy book that is so packed with rich details and made me reminisce about the fantasy YA books I had read when I was younger. It was really fun to experience some of those feeling again. I also thoroughly enjoyed the ending of the book, which had such a unique and bittersweet twist. As I got to understand Quen more through the pages and see her character progression, I felt that her choice at the end was not only tragic, but noble and loving.
Now for the misses in the book… I found the flow to be… somewhat awkward at times? I also found myself cringing at repeated descriptions of the characters’ actions when they were crying or when feeling sexual attraction. But most, I hated “my bowels watered.” In terms of the romance between our heroine and her love interest, I just don’t quite feel their deep love for one another, especially when there wasn’t a lot of build up for that love to happen. However, she and Aldewin are young and probably controlled by raging hormones so that may make sense.
With that all being said, I had a good time reading this book and will be reading the second book! I have no idea what to expect from our supporting characters now due to this ending, but I hope that the story continues to be engaging and we learn even more of the world beyond the current continent and uncover more mysteries.
Now for the misses in the book… I found the flow to be… somewhat awkward at times? I also found myself cringing at repeated descriptions of the characters’ actions when they were crying or when feeling sexual attraction. But most, I hated “my bowels watered.” In terms of the romance between our heroine and her love interest, I just don’t quite feel their deep love for one another, especially when there wasn’t a lot of build up for that love to happen. However, she and Aldewin are young and probably controlled by raging hormones so that may make sense.
With that all being said, I had a good time reading this book and will be reading the second book! I have no idea what to expect from our supporting characters now due to this ending, but I hope that the story continues to be engaging and we learn even more of the world beyond the current continent and uncover more mysteries.
September 22, 2025
This epic fantasy series had me hooked from beginning to end! I was so captivated that I jumped right into book 2.
Quen’s simple life in desert of the Sulmere is upended when a mysterious woman visits her father and demands that Quen go with her. Quen’s father refused and Quen follows the woman, hoping to find answers to the second heartbeat thrumming in her. A desert storm stranded her, and she soon discovers that the life she had known has been completely obliterated. Quen and her brother Rhoji join a band of misfits, in hopes to avenge the death of their father, who was killed by the dragon, Vaghrin, held under control by the evil Rajani dragomancers. This story is filled with deep political intrigue, vivid characters, and the lush yet unique landscape settings throughout add a wonderful element. I highly recommend this epic fantasy novel!
Romantic Content: Low/Mid Spice Scene That Fades to Black/Vaguely Descriptive, Innuendos Throughout
TW: Violence, Torture, Magical Control, Mistreatment of Humans and Animals, Explicit Swearing Scattered Rarely Throughout, Fantasy/Made Up Crude Language/Phrases
Quen’s simple life in desert of the Sulmere is upended when a mysterious woman visits her father and demands that Quen go with her. Quen’s father refused and Quen follows the woman, hoping to find answers to the second heartbeat thrumming in her. A desert storm stranded her, and she soon discovers that the life she had known has been completely obliterated. Quen and her brother Rhoji join a band of misfits, in hopes to avenge the death of their father, who was killed by the dragon, Vaghrin, held under control by the evil Rajani dragomancers. This story is filled with deep political intrigue, vivid characters, and the lush yet unique landscape settings throughout add a wonderful element. I highly recommend this epic fantasy novel!
Romantic Content: Low/Mid Spice Scene That Fades to Black/Vaguely Descriptive, Innuendos Throughout
TW: Violence, Torture, Magical Control, Mistreatment of Humans and Animals, Explicit Swearing Scattered Rarely Throughout, Fantasy/Made Up Crude Language/Phrases
July 21, 2023
Great first novel in a series!!
This book is rich in details and relationships. The world building was excellent, and I completely enjoyed reading every word of this book, and most importantly, I didn’t want it to end. Can’t wait for the next installment!
This book is rich in details and relationships. The world building was excellent, and I completely enjoyed reading every word of this book, and most importantly, I didn’t want it to end. Can’t wait for the next installment!
March 1, 2023
I found myself in a bit of a quandary when it comes to reviewing this book. My concern was that if I’m fully honest, readers of this review might doubt it’s veracity. If you have such doubts, let me simply refer you to my other reviews on Amazon; you will see that I’ve had no hesitation in being critical when work falls short of what I consider to be standards. Regarding Season of the Dragon, it is not hyperbole when I say that it is one of the finest fantasy novels that I have read in a long, long time.
The novel is not a “quick read”. I was a bit confused when I wasn’t charging right through it as I normally do with fantasies. It took me a bit to realize why I was reading at a much slower pace than normal for me. It is not that the book is “dense” in a negative sort of way, but because the book is full of a different reality. With many fantasies, the world is so familiar that one can simply breeze through with relatively little thought or consideration – it’s often a song heard many times before. That was not the case with this novel. Wright has created a very full and involving world – the reader doesn’t simply blast through the same old same old – the reader is immersed in a new world that fully captures the attention. Any reader of fantasy has encountered stories of young girls, magic, dragons, etc. I certainly have, but Wright has created something new, something solid, something full of a different reality. I have read fantasy for over 50 years, and I can honestly say that I have not encountered such a fully developed and logical world since I read The Lord of the Rings trilogy! Am I saying Season of the Dragon is equal to LOTR? No, of course not – I am not capable of such blasphemy! But I AM saying that aside from the sacred LOTR, Wright’s work stands high above the majority of all others in world-building.
Almost all of the characters in the novel – and all of the main ones – are engaging and evolve throughout the course of the novel. That is another aspect of the reality created that is extremely well done. There are shades and nuances of character that ground them in the reality of their character and their world. They are so well developed, in fact, that you have the feeling that there could be an entire novel devoted to any of them, with no overlap. The plot has twists and turns as life does, but all develop logically and carry the reader along for an interesting and absorbing journey. The novel is first of a series, but does not create an amateurish cliff-hanger ending. It is a fully realized novel that stands alone and satisfies. It reaches its conclusion, and the reader is left with the knowledge that a major chapter in the lives of the characters is finished. There is more in the world and lives to come, but that takes nothing away from the pleasure of the journey that has brought you to this point. To use a real-life analogy, it is like reaching the end of formal education. The fact that there is a new life ahead does not take away from the satisfaction that comes from having lived and finished a significant portion of that life. An added bonus to the novel is both a pronunciation key and a wonderful glossary that adds even more to this carefully constructed world. I fully recommend it without reservation.
I did receive an ARC of this novel. That affected neither my opinion nor my voluntary review.
The novel is not a “quick read”. I was a bit confused when I wasn’t charging right through it as I normally do with fantasies. It took me a bit to realize why I was reading at a much slower pace than normal for me. It is not that the book is “dense” in a negative sort of way, but because the book is full of a different reality. With many fantasies, the world is so familiar that one can simply breeze through with relatively little thought or consideration – it’s often a song heard many times before. That was not the case with this novel. Wright has created a very full and involving world – the reader doesn’t simply blast through the same old same old – the reader is immersed in a new world that fully captures the attention. Any reader of fantasy has encountered stories of young girls, magic, dragons, etc. I certainly have, but Wright has created something new, something solid, something full of a different reality. I have read fantasy for over 50 years, and I can honestly say that I have not encountered such a fully developed and logical world since I read The Lord of the Rings trilogy! Am I saying Season of the Dragon is equal to LOTR? No, of course not – I am not capable of such blasphemy! But I AM saying that aside from the sacred LOTR, Wright’s work stands high above the majority of all others in world-building.
Almost all of the characters in the novel – and all of the main ones – are engaging and evolve throughout the course of the novel. That is another aspect of the reality created that is extremely well done. There are shades and nuances of character that ground them in the reality of their character and their world. They are so well developed, in fact, that you have the feeling that there could be an entire novel devoted to any of them, with no overlap. The plot has twists and turns as life does, but all develop logically and carry the reader along for an interesting and absorbing journey. The novel is first of a series, but does not create an amateurish cliff-hanger ending. It is a fully realized novel that stands alone and satisfies. It reaches its conclusion, and the reader is left with the knowledge that a major chapter in the lives of the characters is finished. There is more in the world and lives to come, but that takes nothing away from the pleasure of the journey that has brought you to this point. To use a real-life analogy, it is like reaching the end of formal education. The fact that there is a new life ahead does not take away from the satisfaction that comes from having lived and finished a significant portion of that life. An added bonus to the novel is both a pronunciation key and a wonderful glossary that adds even more to this carefully constructed world. I fully recommend it without reservation.
I did receive an ARC of this novel. That affected neither my opinion nor my voluntary review.
April 23, 2025
Publishing date: 01.03.2023 (DD/MM/YYYY)
Thank you to NetGalley and Menaris Books for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
TLDR: An interesting magic system, an also interesting world, but too many made up words, too much info in bulks, and the focus seems to be in the wrong places. 2 stars
In this book we follow Quen, who has two souls. Suddenly her town is ravaged by a dragon and she sets out to get her revenge and follow a certain someone who holds the answers she needs to several things.
I felt no particular way towards any of the characters. Neither like nor dislike. The arcs were fine and the characters had clear motivations and reasons for what they were doing, most of the time ... Overall they felt fleshed out, but I couldn't bring myself to like or dislike any of them.
Pacing was strange. It started off by dragging itself and moving slowly, but towards the end everything was moving incredibly quickly. Slightly jarring.
Story was nothing really new, it felt like something I had read before.
Now we will get to my gripes, I have a lot of them. The worldbuilding here has good bones, but the bones feel very messy. You have to be prepared to learn the names of an ever growing cast and keep track of multiple subplots that may or may not resolve during this book. Most of your memory however will be committed to learning oh so many made up words. There can be a whole paragraph of them and you will know nothing about them.
Seriously, I could pull any sentence out of this book and I guarantee you will understand only half of it without context. I feel like this book would benefit greatly from some proper infodumping early on in the book.
A few more quick points:
- Descriptions are inaccurate and the world is a little hard to imagine
- Mainly third person, but internal thoughts from FMC are in first person. This was very jarring
- The overall tone in the world does not match dialogue
I think the intended audience here are those who appreciate some romance in their fantasy, but set in a darker and more serious world. Adult audience definitely.
This is a book that should have worked for me, but it really didn't. Just be warned if you have the same tastes as me that it might not work out if enough of the negatives is enough to wrinkle your nose. Sadly, this is a two star for me.
Will not be picking up the sequel.
Thank you to NetGalley and Menaris Books for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
TLDR: An interesting magic system, an also interesting world, but too many made up words, too much info in bulks, and the focus seems to be in the wrong places. 2 stars
In this book we follow Quen, who has two souls. Suddenly her town is ravaged by a dragon and she sets out to get her revenge and follow a certain someone who holds the answers she needs to several things.
I felt no particular way towards any of the characters. Neither like nor dislike. The arcs were fine and the characters had clear motivations and reasons for what they were doing, most of the time ... Overall they felt fleshed out, but I couldn't bring myself to like or dislike any of them.
Pacing was strange. It started off by dragging itself and moving slowly, but towards the end everything was moving incredibly quickly. Slightly jarring.
Story was nothing really new, it felt like something I had read before.
Now we will get to my gripes, I have a lot of them. The worldbuilding here has good bones, but the bones feel very messy. You have to be prepared to learn the names of an ever growing cast and keep track of multiple subplots that may or may not resolve during this book. Most of your memory however will be committed to learning oh so many made up words. There can be a whole paragraph of them and you will know nothing about them.
Seriously, I could pull any sentence out of this book and I guarantee you will understand only half of it without context. I feel like this book would benefit greatly from some proper infodumping early on in the book.
A few more quick points:
- Descriptions are inaccurate and the world is a little hard to imagine
- Mainly third person, but internal thoughts from FMC are in first person. This was very jarring
- The overall tone in the world does not match dialogue
I think the intended audience here are those who appreciate some romance in their fantasy, but set in a darker and more serious world. Adult audience definitely.
This is a book that should have worked for me, but it really didn't. Just be warned if you have the same tastes as me that it might not work out if enough of the negatives is enough to wrinkle your nose. Sadly, this is a two star for me.
Will not be picking up the sequel.
May 11, 2023
I just read Season of Dragons by Natalie Wright. It was my first book by the author and I have to say... I'm impressed. This book took me into a world I was unfamiliar with and took me on an epic journey. Any time I put this book down I just kept thinking about it until I picked it up again. I definitely read this book late into the night and I'm so excited for what the rest of the series brings.
This book follows our main character, Quen, who is not like the people around her. She lives in a world of animals and herders except animals what nothing to do with her. She can't even get near them because she's **different**. Without going into too many spoilers, Quen has something inside her that not many other people do. In this book, we follow her journey of accepting that part of herself and learning to live and love it.
I do have some complaints about this book, however, and that's the reason it wasn't able to hit 5 stars for me. The first issue I had was the beginning of the book. It was really hard to get into. It just seemed like every possible new thing got thrown at us trying to understand a world very much different from our own. And I stand by this, I think the writing in this section could have used some work. The author provides a glossary which is great and all but I wish they would have introduced these new things in a better way than they did. I felt like I was doing research about a book instead of being told the story. It was just a bit much for me. My second issue is the POV&tenses. There seemed to be places the POV was omniscient 3rd and others were it seemed like limited. One time there was a total jarring switch to first. These two things almost caused me to dnf , but after I got past it and really into the story being told I really enjoyed the read.
I think something this author does really well is making this a character-led story. In the beginning, Quen is faced with a tough decision after her an incident in her village. From there the choices only get worse and more questionable. It's a wild ride and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys high fantasy and is willing to get past the learning curve.
This book follows our main character, Quen, who is not like the people around her. She lives in a world of animals and herders except animals what nothing to do with her. She can't even get near them because she's **different**. Without going into too many spoilers, Quen has something inside her that not many other people do. In this book, we follow her journey of accepting that part of herself and learning to live and love it.
I do have some complaints about this book, however, and that's the reason it wasn't able to hit 5 stars for me. The first issue I had was the beginning of the book. It was really hard to get into. It just seemed like every possible new thing got thrown at us trying to understand a world very much different from our own. And I stand by this, I think the writing in this section could have used some work. The author provides a glossary which is great and all but I wish they would have introduced these new things in a better way than they did. I felt like I was doing research about a book instead of being told the story. It was just a bit much for me. My second issue is the POV&tenses. There seemed to be places the POV was omniscient 3rd and others were it seemed like limited. One time there was a total jarring switch to first. These two things almost caused me to dnf , but after I got past it and really into the story being told I really enjoyed the read.
I think something this author does really well is making this a character-led story. In the beginning, Quen is faced with a tough decision after her an incident in her village. From there the choices only get worse and more questionable. It's a wild ride and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys high fantasy and is willing to get past the learning curve.
February 12, 2023
Natalie Wright’s Season of the Dragon opens up the Dragos Primeri series in a mystical storm. Using familiar elements like dragons and shapeshifters, the author succeeds in building a unique and complex world that easily takes root in the reader’s mind. Purchase Here.
Following the life of Quen, a young girl born under a curse or blessing – a simple matter of perspective – we embark on a journey of magical self-discovery. Since she was a child, Quen was different from the other children, more agile, faster, and stronger. However, what set her apart most was her differently colored eyes, flaming red and calm blue.
A misfit, Quen tries to suppress her unnatural abilities in hopes of social acceptance. Yet, she continues lingering as an outcast until the day an ominous visitor comes to claim her. That visit sets in motion a series of events that lead to the destruction of her home and deeply scar her family.
Quen promises to seek revenge for the loss and destruction the dragon inflicted on her settlement and loved ones. Thus, she sets off with a group of diverse misfits to find and destroy the fire-breathing dragon and his rider.
Her quest for revenge is deeply intertwined with self-discovery, as her true identity is at the center of everything. All her life, she tried keeping her shadow soul at bay, but the ancient voice gradually awakens and bubbles over in her conscious mind. As the duality within her asserts itself more and more, the possibility of an ongoing harmonious co-existence weighs heavy on Quen.
Walking in the shadow of prophecy, Quen tries to break free of the shackles set by ancient words. Natalie Wright makes her personal quest our own as we uncover a layered and disjointed social system of magic, politics, and religion.
While Season of the Dragon is aimed primarily at a young adult audience, it is a mesmerizing read for adults as well. Natalie Wright’s world-building skills, together with her astute psychological and social observations, weave a compelling and multi-layered story.
Following the life of Quen, a young girl born under a curse or blessing – a simple matter of perspective – we embark on a journey of magical self-discovery. Since she was a child, Quen was different from the other children, more agile, faster, and stronger. However, what set her apart most was her differently colored eyes, flaming red and calm blue.
A misfit, Quen tries to suppress her unnatural abilities in hopes of social acceptance. Yet, she continues lingering as an outcast until the day an ominous visitor comes to claim her. That visit sets in motion a series of events that lead to the destruction of her home and deeply scar her family.
Quen promises to seek revenge for the loss and destruction the dragon inflicted on her settlement and loved ones. Thus, she sets off with a group of diverse misfits to find and destroy the fire-breathing dragon and his rider.
Her quest for revenge is deeply intertwined with self-discovery, as her true identity is at the center of everything. All her life, she tried keeping her shadow soul at bay, but the ancient voice gradually awakens and bubbles over in her conscious mind. As the duality within her asserts itself more and more, the possibility of an ongoing harmonious co-existence weighs heavy on Quen.
Walking in the shadow of prophecy, Quen tries to break free of the shackles set by ancient words. Natalie Wright makes her personal quest our own as we uncover a layered and disjointed social system of magic, politics, and religion.
While Season of the Dragon is aimed primarily at a young adult audience, it is a mesmerizing read for adults as well. Natalie Wright’s world-building skills, together with her astute psychological and social observations, weave a compelling and multi-layered story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews