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Riders of Fire #1
Ezaara
In Lush Valley, it’s a crime to even talk about dragons�
When Ezaara meets Zaarusha the Dragon Queen, she’s swept up in a blaze of color and they imprint, forming a deep bond. She must give up her home and family to become the new Queen’s Rider. Ignorant and unprepared, how can she possibly succeed?
Luckily, she has a dragon master � although rumors say she might be better off with the enemy.
Plunged into a world of cutthroat politics and traitors in every shadow, who can Ezaara trust as Commander Zens and his army of bestial tharuks march closer, razing villages and enslaving the people of Dragons� Realm?
What personal price must Ezaara and her Dragon Master pay to save their people?
382 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 18, 2018
730 people are currently reading
1,318 people want to read
About the author
Eileen Mueller
59books871followersEileen 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 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 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 - 30 of 110 reviews
November 21, 2019
5 brave stars!
Ezaara reminded him of everything good in the world. Of innocence. Of loving family bonds. Of fun... Of warmth and friendship.
And this is exactly what it reminded me of too!
A lovely tale that once you start, you simply cannot set down, Ezaara will charm the young audience for whom it was intended just as much as the older souls like me!
Light and fast paced and yet full of meaning, as well as lots of heart-felt feeling; this tale will appeal to all the dragon-lovers out there, regardless of their age.
When Ezaara meets Zaarusha the Dragon Queen, she’s swept up in a blaze of color and they imprint, forming a deep bond. She must give up her home and family to become the new Queen’s Rider. Ignorant and unprepared, how can she possibly succeed?
Brought up in Lush Valley, where it’s a crime to even talk about dragons, Ezaara not only has to learn everything there is about her new dragon, but also do it fast enough to be able to face the ruthless general Zen who is readying for war. But if only that was all!!
Ezaara is plunged into a world of cutthroat politics and traitors in every shadow, a world where she is seen as nothing but an ignorant clod from a superstitious backwater. And to make matters worse, she is opposed and sabotaged at almost every turn.
Thank a nest full of dragon's eggs, she has a dragon master to rely on. One who will teach her all she needs to know about her new position of Honoured Rider of the Queen Dragon. Although rumors say she might be better off with the enemy.
As Commander Zens and his army of bestial tharuks march closer, razing villages and enslaving the people of Dragons� Realm, Ezaara needs to determine who she can trust as well as take the proverbial bull by the horns and prove to everyone at the hold that she is worthy of the Queen Dragon who chose her.
Ezaara is a fast-paced adventure full of intrigue and edge of the seat action, complete with cheeky dragons and occasional dragonly grins. I absolutely loved it and once started, I couldn't set it down.
Despite this being the first in series, I would recommend that you read the prequels first. and will give you a proper base to easily grasp the conflict at the beginning of . If you haven't read those, you may find yourself a little lost among characters, places and events in the very first chapters. But do not worry and keep flying through it! It will all become clear.
If you loved Pern, The Riders of Fire will be right up your alley! The deep bond in between dragons and riders, the fascinating intrigue and betrayal as well as the sweet young love are beautifully rendered on the backdrop of a well crafted world with remarkable magic, creepy monsters and fascinating cultures.
Dragon's bleeding fangs! You have got to read this people!
It is fabulous!
Find this review and more on my book review and cover art blog
Ezaara reminded him of everything good in the world. Of innocence. Of loving family bonds. Of fun... Of warmth and friendship.
And this is exactly what it reminded me of too!
A lovely tale that once you start, you simply cannot set down, Ezaara will charm the young audience for whom it was intended just as much as the older souls like me!
Light and fast paced and yet full of meaning, as well as lots of heart-felt feeling; this tale will appeal to all the dragon-lovers out there, regardless of their age.
When Ezaara meets Zaarusha the Dragon Queen, she’s swept up in a blaze of color and they imprint, forming a deep bond. She must give up her home and family to become the new Queen’s Rider. Ignorant and unprepared, how can she possibly succeed?
Brought up in Lush Valley, where it’s a crime to even talk about dragons, Ezaara not only has to learn everything there is about her new dragon, but also do it fast enough to be able to face the ruthless general Zen who is readying for war. But if only that was all!!
Ezaara is plunged into a world of cutthroat politics and traitors in every shadow, a world where she is seen as nothing but an ignorant clod from a superstitious backwater. And to make matters worse, she is opposed and sabotaged at almost every turn.
Thank a nest full of dragon's eggs, she has a dragon master to rely on. One who will teach her all she needs to know about her new position of Honoured Rider of the Queen Dragon. Although rumors say she might be better off with the enemy.
As Commander Zens and his army of bestial tharuks march closer, razing villages and enslaving the people of Dragons� Realm, Ezaara needs to determine who she can trust as well as take the proverbial bull by the horns and prove to everyone at the hold that she is worthy of the Queen Dragon who chose her.
Ezaara is a fast-paced adventure full of intrigue and edge of the seat action, complete with cheeky dragons and occasional dragonly grins. I absolutely loved it and once started, I couldn't set it down.
Despite this being the first in series, I would recommend that you read the prequels first. and will give you a proper base to easily grasp the conflict at the beginning of . If you haven't read those, you may find yourself a little lost among characters, places and events in the very first chapters. But do not worry and keep flying through it! It will all become clear.
If you loved Pern, The Riders of Fire will be right up your alley! The deep bond in between dragons and riders, the fascinating intrigue and betrayal as well as the sweet young love are beautifully rendered on the backdrop of a well crafted world with remarkable magic, creepy monsters and fascinating cultures.
Dragon's bleeding fangs! You have got to read this people!
It is fabulous!
Find this review and more on my book review and cover art blog
November 5, 2018
Took me a while to warm to it but once the intrigue started it had me hooked - and kept me reading so late I can barely keep my eyes open. Gripping stuff!
Better review to come :)
Better review to come :)
October 21, 2018
I was hooked on Anne McCaffrey when I was young. Still, love those books, so I gobbled this one up and it delivers, fun, action-packed and characters you love. I want to be a Dragon Rider again. Thank you, Eileen Mueller, for helping me experience that feeling again as a reader. Can't wait to get the next book. Highly recommend.
October 29, 2018
“A great fantasy read,� says Dean O’Gorman, the actor who played Fili the dwarf in Jackson’s cinema version of The Hobbit. And it’s true that lovers of high fantasy fiction will devour Ezaara, the first book in Eileen Mueller’s epic Riders of Fire series. Another YA coming of age story, this book focuses on Ezaara, a teen with healing skills and a competitive streak. Raised in sheltered (almost backward) Lush Valley, one day, out of the blue, she’s whisked away by a dragon, none other than Queen Zaarusha herself, leaving behind her parents and her twin brother. But her arrival at the dragon stronghold throws the Council into disarray, as unknown to her, Ezaara’s parents have history here, and had left the stronghold as outcasts. Against a backdrop of political intrigue and betrayal, the disdain of her tutor, and the incessant march of the approaching tharuk army, Ezaara must prove her worth as the Queen’s dragon rider. As you would expect from a two-time winner of New Zealand’s Sir Julius Vogel Award for Science Fiction and Fantasy, Ezaara is a pacy adventure, filled with all our favourite fantasy elements � dragons, feuding masters, battles, and young love. I especially liked Mueller’s monsters, the brutish tharuks, with their muscled bodies and dripping tusks, which put me in mind of warthogs, or perhaps the Gamorrean guard Jubnuk � the one who’s eaten by Jabba the Hutt’s pet Rancor in the Return of the Jedi movie. This is the first in a series of five books, so a lot of the magic and world-building work for the series is done in Ezaara and yet the story isn’t weighed down with explanations, as could easily be the case. Instead, Mueller uses every word to introduce the magic of her world, while also telling an engaging story in its own right. A fabulous debut to what will no doubt be a great addition to fantasy fiction.
October 21, 2018
A solid tale of adventure and empowerment, with lashings of dragons and monsters and sword fighting and treachery thrown in for good measure. Ezaara is the story of a young girl forced to grow up sooner than she ever thought she would, to don the mantle and responsibility of leadership against overwhelming odds. Looking forward to this series, because these stories of taking charge of our own destinies are the stories our daughters need to be reading.
November 8, 2018
Great fun! A fast-paced adventure set in an amazing Swiss-German influenced fantasy setting.
I loved the unique touches of this well-developed world: the distinctive dialog, culture and rituals that set apart from others of this ilk. The book may be called Ezaara, but it is filled with a fascinating cast of other characters, including the wonderful but tortured Master Roberto. The plucky Ithsar was another favourite. I hope to read more of her story in the coming books
I loved the unique touches of this well-developed world: the distinctive dialog, culture and rituals that set apart from others of this ilk. The book may be called Ezaara, but it is filled with a fascinating cast of other characters, including the wonderful but tortured Master Roberto. The plucky Ithsar was another favourite. I hope to read more of her story in the coming books
October 20, 2018
I was swept away by this epic fantasy - and if you love dragons, I think you'll love it too! :)
December 14, 2019
3.5 stars. Looking at several of the other reviews, many compared this to McCaffery's Pern series ... but this didn't really come close to that for me. It wasn't bad, but I didn't make that close connected to the characters the way I did with the . I liked how it started, introducing us to Ezaara and her family, then suddenly, there is the dragon, and imprinting, and flying off. I had received the audio for free (requested from AudiobookBoom in exchange for an honest review) but was glad I had the Kindle copy too in Kindle Unlimited. I had to stop my reading and browse the book to make sure I was on track as the story shifted perspectives and scenes. It was just a little hard to follow. Lots of different names, so many characters, I found it a bit challenging to try and remember who was who. There were all the names with double letters (Ezaara, Tomaaz, Zaarusha ... this was never addressed or explained, if there was a reason, like the contracted names in McCaffery's F'lar, F'nor, etc.) then all the names starting with vowels ... Adelina, Erob, Ithsar, Izoldia. Then there was Robarto also called "The Naobian" lots of the time plus all the other people and dragons.
While I think I have a pretty good idea of the story and where it went, if I tried to recap it myself, I think I'd have a little trouble summing it up, remembering all the aspects and such. I know I got tired of Roberto thinking "she's beautiful, she's gorgeous" spoken in a sighing voice by the narrator. Eyerolling overkill. I wasn't very invested in the relationship to smile and think it was cute and romantic.
The narrator here was Caitlin Davies, who is good. Very young sounding, which matches the main character here. I have heard her before ... ironically with the , also about dragons (although a more "realistic" than fantasy setting). Glancing over her other books, looks like she narrates a couple other dragon series too! Sometimes if the voice and subject is too similar, I can get books mixed up in my mind somewhat. And while the story was mostly from Ezaara's perspective (3rd person, but still ...) at one point it switched to Adelina, and her "voice" (both the narrator and the writing) were exactly the same and it confused me (she was thinking about her brother, meaning Roberto, and I was thinking it was Ezaara thinking about Thomaas) - not sure if it was more clear in print, if I'd been reading rather than listening.
I don't know that I'll continue on with the series ...
While I think I have a pretty good idea of the story and where it went, if I tried to recap it myself, I think I'd have a little trouble summing it up, remembering all the aspects and such. I know I got tired of Roberto thinking "she's beautiful, she's gorgeous" spoken in a sighing voice by the narrator. Eyerolling overkill. I wasn't very invested in the relationship to smile and think it was cute and romantic.
The narrator here was Caitlin Davies, who is good. Very young sounding, which matches the main character here. I have heard her before ... ironically with the , also about dragons (although a more "realistic" than fantasy setting). Glancing over her other books, looks like she narrates a couple other dragon series too! Sometimes if the voice and subject is too similar, I can get books mixed up in my mind somewhat. And while the story was mostly from Ezaara's perspective (3rd person, but still ...) at one point it switched to Adelina, and her "voice" (both the narrator and the writing) were exactly the same and it confused me (she was thinking about her brother, meaning Roberto, and I was thinking it was Ezaara thinking about Thomaas) - not sure if it was more clear in print, if I'd been reading rather than listening.
I don't know that I'll continue on with the series ...
October 26, 2018
This is an engaging coming-of-age hero’s journey set in a realm of dragons and uniquely, creative magic. While it is definitely Young Adult in themes and action, it is a very well-written, clean read. This fantasy is full of meaningful conflict and satisfying resolution. Ezaara is ripe for film.
December 6, 2019
Read for SPFBO 5 - review and rating to come soonish
September 22, 2019
The overall plot of this book was actually decent, my issue with this was that it could have been so much better if it wasn’t so rushed. The entire world, lore and magic is completely new but it really needed to be expanded on, explained and developed, for instance we are brought into a world with dragons and riders, but the author never really explains why dragons need riders and how they become bonded when it is clear the dragons possess intelligence and wisdom to rule by themselves...there is a queen of dragons but her council demeans her and she doesn’t seem to hold any power over them, the villain at the moment seems to be a black and white evil character, it all just felt glossed over.
It was easy to get swept up in the story, a girl from no where gets thrown into being a rider, a forbidden love interest and a plot to harm the world order. it is a plot I have seen before and it does work so much that I wanted to see what happened and I felt the novel improved as it went along. However again the plot the characters seemed more cardboard cut outs, we don’t see true emotion, the hero kept his love hidden but then it went to 100% with both characters in one page realising they were completely in love, there could have been more moments and a gradual increase, even with this it seemed rushed. I think the shining moment though was the scenes with Ithsar, the ‘deformed� assassin who is seen as a weakness but is actually more powerful than anyone realises.
I think the key here is that if I paid for this I would have rated this novel a lot lower, given it is free I was happy to just go along with the plot and glance over the issues and if I have time I will read the next in the series as they appear to be expanding the plot a lot more.
It was easy to get swept up in the story, a girl from no where gets thrown into being a rider, a forbidden love interest and a plot to harm the world order. it is a plot I have seen before and it does work so much that I wanted to see what happened and I felt the novel improved as it went along. However again the plot the characters seemed more cardboard cut outs, we don’t see true emotion, the hero kept his love hidden but then it went to 100% with both characters in one page realising they were completely in love, there could have been more moments and a gradual increase, even with this it seemed rushed. I think the shining moment though was the scenes with Ithsar, the ‘deformed� assassin who is seen as a weakness but is actually more powerful than anyone realises.
I think the key here is that if I paid for this I would have rated this novel a lot lower, given it is free I was happy to just go along with the plot and glance over the issues and if I have time I will read the next in the series as they appear to be expanding the plot a lot more.
November 7, 2018
If you loved Dragonriders of Pern, grab this book. I read it in on sitting, can't wait for the next one.
October 3, 2019
This is a well paced fantasy novel that draws you into the world in a way that the novella's never quite managed for me. If you enjoy a good romp with dragons with some political intrigue thrown in for good measure then this will be right up your street as it has dragons, well fleshed out characters and a plot that ticks along at a good pace. The sense of being caught well out of your comfort zone is well done as we follow Ezaara through her first days as the Queen's rider.
My only complaint would be that some of the foreshadowing was very obvious and the twists and turns therefore easy to see coming. Indeed, it made Ezaara seem far more stupid than she actually is when she couldn't see through some bleeding obvious machinations. I found myself wanting to scream at her... The trust issues scattered throughout are a good example. Regardless of this though, I really enjoyed the characterisations here. The cast of masters and students really do come to life, making the intrigue and treason tense and vibrantly managed.
All in all, this is a fine read which has wetted my appetite for the follow on. It's got thrill and excitement in spades, along with some gentler aspects of world building to draw you in. I would certainly recommend this to fantasy fans and would make the point that it would also work as a good book for older children and young adults.
My only complaint would be that some of the foreshadowing was very obvious and the twists and turns therefore easy to see coming. Indeed, it made Ezaara seem far more stupid than she actually is when she couldn't see through some bleeding obvious machinations. I found myself wanting to scream at her... The trust issues scattered throughout are a good example. Regardless of this though, I really enjoyed the characterisations here. The cast of masters and students really do come to life, making the intrigue and treason tense and vibrantly managed.
All in all, this is a fine read which has wetted my appetite for the follow on. It's got thrill and excitement in spades, along with some gentler aspects of world building to draw you in. I would certainly recommend this to fantasy fans and would make the point that it would also work as a good book for older children and young adults.
January 30, 2019
Awesome epic fantasy
I give this 4 stars because of the excellent writing. Eileen Mueller has created a wonderful world of magic, adventure, dragons, monsters, spies, traitors, and unforgettable characters. I love the personality and life that she breathed into the characters and especially the dragons. Lots of grand adventure and mystery and love permeates the entire book from beginning to end. I highly recommend this book for all ages.
I give this 4 stars because of the excellent writing. Eileen Mueller has created a wonderful world of magic, adventure, dragons, monsters, spies, traitors, and unforgettable characters. I love the personality and life that she breathed into the characters and especially the dragons. Lots of grand adventure and mystery and love permeates the entire book from beginning to end. I highly recommend this book for all ages.
May 6, 2019
Strong writing, enjoyable fantasy with imaginative world building...good stuff!
Creative world building, strong character driven story, a coming of age story with encouraging potential for series growth. I look forward to reading more asap., work well done Eileen Miller, well done, thank you.
Creative world building, strong character driven story, a coming of age story with encouraging potential for series growth. I look forward to reading more asap., work well done Eileen Miller, well done, thank you.
February 28, 2020
**Edit**
After reading the second book, I say definitely read the first two together before deciding if this series is for you. Things make so much more sense, and almost everything that bothered me in this book is resolved by having all the information in book 2!
Now, on to the review.
Here you'll find great pacing, clever world building, real characters, and a healthy dose of mystery. Opposing these excellent qualities, however, is a level of convenience and coincidence that borders on excessive.
Although I've been hearing amazing things about Caitlin Davies for a long time, this is my first time actually listening to a book she's narrated.
I have to admit to being suitably impressed. It's rare to find a narrator (or any gender) who can believably produce both male and female voices, but Caitlin manages it with flying colors. Each voice in the book is unique and well crafted. Her vocal inflections are top notch, and her tempo shifts throughout are very nearly perfect.
So why only 4 stars for her performance, you ask?
Well, it comes down to choices made that I disagree with personally. In short, the Dragon voices just sound too human.
Yes, there is a school of thought in which dragons sound like people if you disregard the growls and snarls and roars. I do not subscribe to that particular school of thought. It is my opinion that draconic voices should be powerful and either guttural, hissing, or otherwise monstrous.
For me, a dragon whose voice sounds perfectly human is tantamount to if Gollum had spoken in Andy Serkis's natural speaking voice in the LotR films. It would have ruined the experience.
Now, as is my wont, I will largely forego a discussion of the book's plot. I'm sure there are plenty of reviews that will go into that.
The story opens with a fun little snapshot of the titular character that shows how she interacts with those around her. It gives us a strong sense of who she is as a person, as well as the displaying the main strength that she develops and leans on throughout the story (her mind).
After this lovely glimpse into Ezaara and her home village, however, we jump right into an overly convenient encounter with a dragon that, if I'm being honest, almost pulled the rails out from under the story for me.
Clearly, Ezaara "imprinting" on the Dragon queen was the impetus for the whole story. I totally get that and even think it makes sense, given what we learn later. However, the matter of just what the Dragon queen was doing there and how she happened upon Ezaara is never addressed and I think the story suffers for it.
After that minor hiccup, though, we get into some super interesting world building concerning the Dragon nation and its enemies and just what Ezaara's place in all that is going to be.
Now, I'll admit that there are a few 2-dimensional characters that feel like cardboard cutouts. And there are times that I just want to slap Ezaara because she's being a complete idiot, especially as it pertains to her training.
But by and large, the characters are very well drawn and compelling. And while Ezaara's love interest is very clearly "the love interest" from his introduction, he manages to develop into a well-rounded character in his own right.
My one complaint about the romance subplot is that it's unbelievably quick. Ezaara seems to go from hating him to deeply in love virtually at the flip of a switch.
In fairness, something happens that kind of explains that, but I still don't feel that there was enough development for it to make sense.
With the length of these books, I would have been much happier with a slow burn romance that takes several books to really manifest.
Elsewise, however, I have no real critiques. The writing is smooth and skillful. Although certain world elements do feel just the tiniest bit short-sighted, it's all very well crafted. And while there isn't much about it in this book, what there is of the magic system seems fascinating.
Which brings is to the climax of the book.
The author clearly put a great deal of effort into crafting this ending, and it really pays off. Everything comes together brilliantly, and while it feels like there is a lot going on behind the scenes (so much, in fact, that it feels almost as though there are POVs missing from the climax), everything that happens feels like a consequence to something that has come before. You'll find no Deus Ex Machina here.
In the end, although this book is guilty of a few of the things that I tend to dislike about YA, it was minimal enough that I could still get invested in these characters and I can't wait to see what happens in the next book!
After reading the second book, I say definitely read the first two together before deciding if this series is for you. Things make so much more sense, and almost everything that bothered me in this book is resolved by having all the information in book 2!
Now, on to the review.
Here you'll find great pacing, clever world building, real characters, and a healthy dose of mystery. Opposing these excellent qualities, however, is a level of convenience and coincidence that borders on excessive.
Although I've been hearing amazing things about Caitlin Davies for a long time, this is my first time actually listening to a book she's narrated.
I have to admit to being suitably impressed. It's rare to find a narrator (or any gender) who can believably produce both male and female voices, but Caitlin manages it with flying colors. Each voice in the book is unique and well crafted. Her vocal inflections are top notch, and her tempo shifts throughout are very nearly perfect.
So why only 4 stars for her performance, you ask?
Well, it comes down to choices made that I disagree with personally. In short, the Dragon voices just sound too human.
Yes, there is a school of thought in which dragons sound like people if you disregard the growls and snarls and roars. I do not subscribe to that particular school of thought. It is my opinion that draconic voices should be powerful and either guttural, hissing, or otherwise monstrous.
For me, a dragon whose voice sounds perfectly human is tantamount to if Gollum had spoken in Andy Serkis's natural speaking voice in the LotR films. It would have ruined the experience.
Now, as is my wont, I will largely forego a discussion of the book's plot. I'm sure there are plenty of reviews that will go into that.
The story opens with a fun little snapshot of the titular character that shows how she interacts with those around her. It gives us a strong sense of who she is as a person, as well as the displaying the main strength that she develops and leans on throughout the story (her mind).
After this lovely glimpse into Ezaara and her home village, however, we jump right into an overly convenient encounter with a dragon that, if I'm being honest, almost pulled the rails out from under the story for me.
Clearly, Ezaara "imprinting" on the Dragon queen was the impetus for the whole story. I totally get that and even think it makes sense, given what we learn later. However, the matter of just what the Dragon queen was doing there and how she happened upon Ezaara is never addressed and I think the story suffers for it.
After that minor hiccup, though, we get into some super interesting world building concerning the Dragon nation and its enemies and just what Ezaara's place in all that is going to be.
Now, I'll admit that there are a few 2-dimensional characters that feel like cardboard cutouts. And there are times that I just want to slap Ezaara because she's being a complete idiot, especially as it pertains to her training.
But by and large, the characters are very well drawn and compelling. And while Ezaara's love interest is very clearly "the love interest" from his introduction, he manages to develop into a well-rounded character in his own right.
My one complaint about the romance subplot is that it's unbelievably quick. Ezaara seems to go from hating him to deeply in love virtually at the flip of a switch.
In fairness, something happens that kind of explains that, but I still don't feel that there was enough development for it to make sense.
With the length of these books, I would have been much happier with a slow burn romance that takes several books to really manifest.
Elsewise, however, I have no real critiques. The writing is smooth and skillful. Although certain world elements do feel just the tiniest bit short-sighted, it's all very well crafted. And while there isn't much about it in this book, what there is of the magic system seems fascinating.
Which brings is to the climax of the book.
The author clearly put a great deal of effort into crafting this ending, and it really pays off. Everything comes together brilliantly, and while it feels like there is a lot going on behind the scenes (so much, in fact, that it feels almost as though there are POVs missing from the climax), everything that happens feels like a consequence to something that has come before. You'll find no Deus Ex Machina here.
In the end, although this book is guilty of a few of the things that I tend to dislike about YA, it was minimal enough that I could still get invested in these characters and I can't wait to see what happens in the next book!
August 5, 2019
Fantasy dealing with dragon riding is my absolutely favorite genre, so I read books just like this all of the time. That being said, Ezaara tops the list! I fell in love with the depth of the characters and all the details that make up their lives. The connection they have with the dragons is perfectly balanced, and the whole concept of "being a dragon of fire" ...awesome! I love this book, and can't wait to read the next one in the series. I'll also be buying some of these to give away to friends. Read it! I hope you love it. The Author did an amazing job!
July 29, 2023
I was having a hard time deciding what to read when I started this. Boy am I glad I did. Good story, characters, and dragons. There is a growing romance but it doesn’t overshadow the story. Quick easy read
September 11, 2019
Fantastic start to what promises to be an awesome series! Getting a feel for Ezaara's character was easy, she's very relatable as is Roberto. Some of the characters shone through early on as not particularly trustworthy and i found myself almost shouting at the book about them 😏
Very much looking forward to seeing where the next book takes us and seeing if my theory of who the next seer is going to be proved correct.
Very much looking forward to seeing where the next book takes us and seeing if my theory of who the next seer is going to be proved correct.
September 13, 2019
I love this series, the characters are so love-able. I feel like I'm there with them, fighting the battles and riding the dragons, it's so interesting. I'm excited to get started on "Hero" book 2 in this series. I got this book free from the writer and left this review voluntarily.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Wonderful characters
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Wonderful characters
September 8, 2019
I love Dragons and Dragon Rider stories, and this book delivers everything I love. This book is so well written I was drawn in from the first page. Ezaara, a young woman who bonds with a Dragon, but not just any dragon, she bonds with Zaarusha, the Dragon Queen. Now Ezaara must pass rigorous testing and training to be accepted as the Dragon Queen Rider. She must also learn to navigate through Dragon Hold politics, intrigue, treachery and unknown enemies. Ezaara will learn what her abilities are and forge new friendships. I enjoyed this book so much and highly recommend it.
July 21, 2019
Ezaara knows there is a plan for more for her life. She just doesn't know that it will be filled with dragons and mystery and adventure! Wonderful adventure story! A story well worth reading! I can't wait to read the second book! I know it will be money well worth spending!
January 11, 2023
This is a 3+ with potential for me. Full disclosure - I am not a huge fan of YA and the MC in this is a very believable young adult. If you like spending your time in the head of a smarter-than-average teenager then you may enjoy that more than I as this is a competently executed trope in this instance.
I have heard a lot of comparison's with McCaffrey's Pern and, while I think this is a good dragon story in its own right, it doesn't hit my radar like Pern. But I did enjoy it enough to see how it progresses and how the MCs mature. I must confess a lifelong fascination with the notion of dragon riding and telepathic/empathic bonds with dragons so I'm kinda the target market, if not for the YA bit. Perhaps she will mature quickly. :) In a perfect world.
I have heard a lot of comparison's with McCaffrey's Pern and, while I think this is a good dragon story in its own right, it doesn't hit my radar like Pern. But I did enjoy it enough to see how it progresses and how the MCs mature. I must confess a lifelong fascination with the notion of dragon riding and telepathic/empathic bonds with dragons so I'm kinda the target market, if not for the YA bit. Perhaps she will mature quickly. :) In a perfect world.
November 24, 2024
What a great story. This is my first read from this author & all I can say is I am hooked. Once I started it I could not put it down. The story has great characters. Some of them will make you despise them and some you will love. This story is full of dragons, betrayal, courage & triumph. I was so glad when the traitors were finally dealt with. Ezaara certainly had earned the right to be called the Queen,s rider. I am looking forward to book 2. Eileen goes on the favorite authors list for sure.
February 4, 2019
Ezaara from Eileen Mueller's Riders of Fire series is an excellent beginning for a fantasy revolving around dragons. I found the characters to be well developed, diverse, and interesting. The story/plot flows along to a cliffhanger, urging the reader into the second book in the series. While not a fan of cliffhangers in middle grade books, I recommend this book to upper middle grade/young teen readers, especially those who enjoy multi book series.�
August 30, 2020
Oh wow
After reading the two novelettes I knew I was in for a great adventure. What an amazing story is unfolding before me. I have not found a series of books to rival the Dragons of Pern until now. The characters are beautifully described and the world they inhabit totally depicted. I was enthralled from page one, fell asleep reading. I highly recommend you grab a copy, curl up in your favourite reading spot and enjoy a fabulous series.
After reading the two novelettes I knew I was in for a great adventure. What an amazing story is unfolding before me. I have not found a series of books to rival the Dragons of Pern until now. The characters are beautifully described and the world they inhabit totally depicted. I was enthralled from page one, fell asleep reading. I highly recommend you grab a copy, curl up in your favourite reading spot and enjoy a fabulous series.
October 10, 2019
I enjoyed this book. It had alot of positives and was well written. The characters are enjoyable and the banter was great. The world we're drawn into has so much detail that you can easily picture everything. I love dragons and this book is the perfect story for anyone looking for an entertaining and intriguing fantasy adventure to get lost into!
January 4, 2019
Good read
I just finished the first book in this series . This author has a unique style that I found entertaining and interesting take on Dragons and their riders relationship. I will be reading this series .
I just finished the first book in this series . This author has a unique style that I found entertaining and interesting take on Dragons and their riders relationship. I will be reading this series .
April 5, 2019
This book was amazing. It is an action-packed and fast-pace read. The world was so imaginative and creative. I love the well-developed characters and plot. It was so fun to read and I can’t wait for more.
November 24, 2018
Excellent story. Great characters. I couldn't put the book down until I finished
It now starting the sequel.
It now starting the sequel.
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