"My favourite part of dragon rider books is always the part where we get the interactions with the dragons, and I often find myself wishing that the book had a dragons pov. When I realised that this story was being told solely from the perspective of the dragon, I was so happy. And it didn't disappoint!

This is a ya fantasy story about finding friendship, believing in yourself, self-acceptance, grieving, and standing up for what is right. It is implied that the dragon rider Syl is aro and/or ace. What I appreciated in this story as a whole is that romance isn't the focus. We, instead, focus on the platonic relationship between Syl and Isidra, and seeing them grow as individuals and as bond mates brought me so much joy. It was wonderful to see the platonic love and trust develop while they're trying to figure out who's behind the mysterious murders.

Elena has written a brilliant story that's set in the same universe as her previously written Shadow War saga. This story definitely tickled my curiosity, and I'm also hoping to see more adventures of Isidra and Syl. "

"A heroic and thrilling tale of two unlikely friends who battle the odds, and each other, to uncover a murderer and save their world from dark and ancient forces.

Isidra has only ever wanted one thing: to become a Dragon Ascendant by attending the academy. There's a problem though, she has no magic, and she can barely fly, two very important attributes every dragon must have if they are to attend the academy and take up the mantle of Dragon Guard of Allentria.

When the magic that powers the city spirals out of control, she is thrown into a tenuous partnership with Syl, a human girl who hates dragons, and granted entrance to the academy.

Mysterious deaths and disappearances begin to occur, and everyone is a suspect, and anyone could be their next victim. Isidra and Syl are forced to set aside their differences to uncover the evildoer before the world changes forever.

I loved this story so much. The worldbuilding is spectacular, and Mugdan throws you into the conflict immediately. Isidra and Syl both have very interesting backstories and their relationship develops naturally and cohesively with the plot.

I love how Mugdan creates real characters capable of making mistakes and failing. The heroes have genuine struggles and challenges, and there was more than one chapter where I had no idea what was going to happen.

Mugdan's conflict here is not a black and white good vs evil; there's nuance and logic behind why the characters, even the villain, does what they do.

If you love dragons, frenemies, mystery, and complex, flawed characters, then you need to read this one asap!"

"lmao casually dropping a new book without any warning to anyone

anyway lots of dragons, my MOST DRAGON-CENTRIC BOOK YET (and that's saying something)
"