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Dragons of Wendal #1
Dragons of Wendal
Learning new magic isn’t as easy as Zoe expected, especially when the mages at Gorgon University seem dead set against teaching. Add in some necessary late-night sneaking about, and Zoe is almost certain to be kicked out. No one in their right mind would view going to Wendal as a good alternative, but that's where Zoe ends up after she accidentally gains the attention of both a dragon and a wolf shifter. To regain her freedom, all Zoe has to do is unravel one very large curse that has befallen Lindis, the dragon. And then there's the wolf, Derrick. He's more than happy to protect Zoe from the dragons, but what might he demand in return?
168 pages, Paperback
First published June 21, 2012
About the author
Maria E. Schneider
34 books162 followersIf you were a character from a book, who would you be??
I'd be a dream catcher, the mystic woven spheres of the American Indian, catching the bad dreams and letting through only the good.
I'd be a dream weaver, she who tells stories woven from bits of dust and starlight.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 5, 2012
I'm a huge fan of lighthearted fantasy, and DRAGONS OF WENDAL is that, and more. I loved this book -- loved the heroine Zoe, the settings, the pace, and especially the unique magical system the author created. You've got likable, realistic characters doing magical deeds in a well-conceived fanatsy setting, with libveral dollops of humor and romance -- what more could you ask?
Well, you could ask for professional editing, professional formatting, and a lack of typos or grammar glitches. And I'm glad you asked, because Schneider delivers all these. The formatting is perfect -- no drops, no odd spacing, no weird characters. I've had a run of books that featured all these so their complete absence in DRAGONS OF WENDAL is most welcome.
Reading this book is fun. I want -- no, I *demand* -- a sequel.
Lucky for me, the author has a number of other titles available too. But the DRAGONS OF WENDAL is a great place to start!
Finally, Maria, you owe me a couple of hours of sleep because I read way into the wee hours!
Well, you could ask for professional editing, professional formatting, and a lack of typos or grammar glitches. And I'm glad you asked, because Schneider delivers all these. The formatting is perfect -- no drops, no odd spacing, no weird characters. I've had a run of books that featured all these so their complete absence in DRAGONS OF WENDAL is most welcome.
Reading this book is fun. I want -- no, I *demand* -- a sequel.
Lucky for me, the author has a number of other titles available too. But the DRAGONS OF WENDAL is a great place to start!
Finally, Maria, you owe me a couple of hours of sleep because I read way into the wee hours!
June 25, 2012
Don't be fooled by the very short and simple blurb or the less than awesome cover. This is a satisfying read with great characters. There is definitely more to this book than the blurb lets on. And it isn't anywhere as cheesy or shoddy as the cover given impression.
There were a few moments in this story that it would jump in fits leaving me a bit confused. At other times the pace would drastically speed up making things feel like they happened too fast. The romance, for example, built fast than slammed on the breaks and sped off again. Aside from a few anomalies it was an interesting story. It reminded me a bit of Hawksong by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes.
The characters are highly entertaining. I enjoyed everyone's obsession with claiming Zoe. It was hilarious to follow her complete obliviousness to their true meaning. Very cute. I also loved Zoe's ability to offend the other characters when she is asking a sincere question. So funny. It is sweet that is turns out to be one of her many endearing characteristics.
The end comes with a feeling of the possibility of more to come yet is satisfying. Zoe is well placed and hopefully content. A good read in the world of fantasy.
There were a few moments in this story that it would jump in fits leaving me a bit confused. At other times the pace would drastically speed up making things feel like they happened too fast. The romance, for example, built fast than slammed on the breaks and sped off again. Aside from a few anomalies it was an interesting story. It reminded me a bit of Hawksong by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes.
The characters are highly entertaining. I enjoyed everyone's obsession with claiming Zoe. It was hilarious to follow her complete obliviousness to their true meaning. Very cute. I also loved Zoe's ability to offend the other characters when she is asking a sincere question. So funny. It is sweet that is turns out to be one of her many endearing characteristics.
The end comes with a feeling of the possibility of more to come yet is satisfying. Zoe is well placed and hopefully content. A good read in the world of fantasy.
June 26, 2012
I was first introduced to Zoe in the short Snitched, Snatched. I really enjoyed that story and I admit to pestering, er, sending a note to the author that if she had time to write more in this world I would love to read it.
In Dragons, Zoe is off to mage school but it is not turning out like she hoped. She hasn't learned any magic, except for what she's taught herself from books "borrowed" from the forbidden library. In the course of her illicit study, she witnesses the abduction of a fellow student. As much as Zoe would prefer the easier life of not getting involved, that really isn't her way.
Soon she's off with her roomate with a suspiscious link to the abductee and a seer on another adventure. She'll encounter mages, court conspiracies, shapeshifters and her disastrous cousin Lonnie. There's also a bit of romance.
Magic in Schneider's books is always very practical and the system is well thought out with consequences of using power. Some of the rune explanations were a little tough for me to follow, but that was just a tiny part.
A good one for those wanting a lighter, less violent fantasy read.
[I received an ARC of this to review.]
In Dragons, Zoe is off to mage school but it is not turning out like she hoped. She hasn't learned any magic, except for what she's taught herself from books "borrowed" from the forbidden library. In the course of her illicit study, she witnesses the abduction of a fellow student. As much as Zoe would prefer the easier life of not getting involved, that really isn't her way.
Soon she's off with her roomate with a suspiscious link to the abductee and a seer on another adventure. She'll encounter mages, court conspiracies, shapeshifters and her disastrous cousin Lonnie. There's also a bit of romance.
Magic in Schneider's books is always very practical and the system is well thought out with consequences of using power. Some of the rune explanations were a little tough for me to follow, but that was just a tiny part.
A good one for those wanting a lighter, less violent fantasy read.
[I received an ARC of this to review.]
June 9, 2015
I absolutely LOVED this book. It was a tremendous amount of fun! Both the lead protagonist and supporting female were strong, smart, and a whole lot of badass, and the male lead... Wow. I now think I understand the tag "book boyfriend". I think this one has made it into my favorites category. Best $2.00 I've spent in a long while.
February 24, 2015
In this enchanting story, Zoe desires to learn more magic than her mother has been able to teach her so far. Her bumbling cousin Lonnie has managed a mage position at the castle in Birk. In one of Lonnie’s magic spells gone wrong, Zoe meets an irate female whose dragon essence has been bound by an enchanted ring. Zoe is familiar with Lonnie’s magic and is able to send her back to Wendal from which she came. Magic and sorcery had been outlawed in Wendal for thousands of years, it is the home for dragons and shifters.
One year later Zoe is in Mage School at the Gorgon University far away from her cousin Lonnie. But Zoe gets caught up in a conspiracy while trying to save a friend who was being kidnapped one evening. Zoe recognizes the dragon lady, Lindis, being forced to marry the friend who had been kidnapped. Zoe is again able to free her but is unable to escape the wolf warriors who showed up to save Lindis as well.
Lindis implores Zoe to unbind the magic in the ring. Zoe warns her messing with another wizard’s magic is a highly specific magic that can go terribly wrong. Zoe is wary and sure that she is not trained enough to attempt such a feat. Derrick, the wolf who captured Zoe, is ordered to guard and protect her at his house with the help of his pack.
The story is unique and delightful as Zoe attempts to teach herself, Lindis, and Derrick the intricacies of drawing glyphs and casting spells with the help of power crystals. The story is told from Zoe’s point-of-view, she is very naïve about the ways of the world and very verbose. It was fun getting caught up in her head as she reasoned things out. She was highly ethical and always determined to do what was right. The plot takes some unexpected turns as the conspiracy of gryphon origin and the ring are brought to light. There are dragons, eagles, and wolf shifters all vying for Zoe’s attention. I can’t wait to read the next book.
Format/Typo Issues: I found no issues with proofing or formatting in this story.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy.** February 17, 2015
One year later Zoe is in Mage School at the Gorgon University far away from her cousin Lonnie. But Zoe gets caught up in a conspiracy while trying to save a friend who was being kidnapped one evening. Zoe recognizes the dragon lady, Lindis, being forced to marry the friend who had been kidnapped. Zoe is again able to free her but is unable to escape the wolf warriors who showed up to save Lindis as well.
Lindis implores Zoe to unbind the magic in the ring. Zoe warns her messing with another wizard’s magic is a highly specific magic that can go terribly wrong. Zoe is wary and sure that she is not trained enough to attempt such a feat. Derrick, the wolf who captured Zoe, is ordered to guard and protect her at his house with the help of his pack.
The story is unique and delightful as Zoe attempts to teach herself, Lindis, and Derrick the intricacies of drawing glyphs and casting spells with the help of power crystals. The story is told from Zoe’s point-of-view, she is very naïve about the ways of the world and very verbose. It was fun getting caught up in her head as she reasoned things out. She was highly ethical and always determined to do what was right. The plot takes some unexpected turns as the conspiracy of gryphon origin and the ring are brought to light. There are dragons, eagles, and wolf shifters all vying for Zoe’s attention. I can’t wait to read the next book.
Format/Typo Issues: I found no issues with proofing or formatting in this story.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy.** February 17, 2015
June 25, 2012
After much thought and discussion in trying to discover what books were like this one to better describe it, I've discovered that it is most like the wonderful humorous 'cozy fantasies' that were all the rage several decades ago.
Don't know what those are? Too young to remember those? To old to go back that far (trust me, I had to wrack my brains and the internet to get the exact titles and authors - not just "that great book with the x and the y where the x did this...") And because I want you people out there in GoodReads land to go get this book and enjoy it like I did, I spent a lot of time doing all that research. Here is a list of books that aren't just like Dragons of Wendal but have a similar sense of fun and whimsy:
Her Majesty's Wizard, Christopher Stasheff
St. George and the Dragon, Gordon R. Dickson
Stealing the Elf King's Roses, Diane Duane
Castle Perilous, John DeChancie
The Compleat Enchanter, L. Sprague de Camp/Fletcher Pratt
Spellsinger, Alan Dean Foster
So, if you like a bit of humor in your fantasy adventure tale then you might like this book.
If you liked any of the books above and realize they aren't truly like each other except in atmosphere, you get where I'm going.
And, if you are like me and now feeling nostalgic, you'll go out and query the library to see if these older books are still around!
Don't know what those are? Too young to remember those? To old to go back that far (trust me, I had to wrack my brains and the internet to get the exact titles and authors - not just "that great book with the x and the y where the x did this...") And because I want you people out there in GoodReads land to go get this book and enjoy it like I did, I spent a lot of time doing all that research. Here is a list of books that aren't just like Dragons of Wendal but have a similar sense of fun and whimsy:
Her Majesty's Wizard, Christopher Stasheff
St. George and the Dragon, Gordon R. Dickson
Stealing the Elf King's Roses, Diane Duane
Castle Perilous, John DeChancie
The Compleat Enchanter, L. Sprague de Camp/Fletcher Pratt
Spellsinger, Alan Dean Foster
So, if you like a bit of humor in your fantasy adventure tale then you might like this book.
If you liked any of the books above and realize they aren't truly like each other except in atmosphere, you get where I'm going.
And, if you are like me and now feeling nostalgic, you'll go out and query the library to see if these older books are still around!
December 3, 2014
Zoe keeps ending up in annoying situations, and then doing the Right Thing To Do - which lands her in deeper trouble.
This is a high 3, and a very cute read!
I loved the short-story prologue, but then it took me a bit to get into the main story with her at Gorgon Uni. Eventually worth the wait - a nice story with only a little too much romance (almost none, it's just what there was was a little odd). I like stories about family units that make sense, and people who like their families and still manage to have interesting adventures :)
This is a high 3, and a very cute read!
I loved the short-story prologue, but then it took me a bit to get into the main story with her at Gorgon Uni. Eventually worth the wait - a nice story with only a little too much romance (almost none, it's just what there was was a little odd). I like stories about family units that make sense, and people who like their families and still manage to have interesting adventures :)
March 1, 2024
I enjoyed this fun book. It is well written and had enough going on to keep me interested as well as a decent pace. The characters are all rounded and likeable (the good ones), one or two of the 'villains' were not so likeable - but that's fine! There is plenty of intrigue and magic across 2 very different countries. We have a political plot, dragon and wolf shifters and a feisty heroine. What's not to like?
March 4, 2019
The start of the book pulled me in right away. There is a lot of action in this one. I liked the lead character, Zoe, she seemed realistic. All the characters were good, but the story is more fun to read when you really like the main character(s). Good world-building, not gory (horror is NOT my thing), well-paced and well-edited. I've already bought book 2 of this series.
December 16, 2023
Swept away by the story. I was just going to read a bit of the first book and decide if I wanted to read it some time. Next thing I know I’ve spent the entire day reading the whole thing and buying the next book. Love the fun characters and the rich world. Marvelous fun for anyone who enjoys a good fantasy adventure with a touch of romance.
July 27, 2020
A little too fast and a too easy for me. Everything just unfolded and it seemed as though the book was written for the younger audience. As in, 12 years old or so. I hate to leave anything unfinished so I will go on and read the others, but I will just involve my daughter in it.
June 29, 2021
Delightful. Lighthearted fantasy with a unique magical system and interesting, lively characters. Quite a lot of fun to read.
October 9, 2023
Fun, detailed world with decently fast paced story telling. I like how the shifting is explained. While yes, a few things are odd or improbable it's a very fun read(and reread)
July 10, 2012
I'm a fan of author Maria Schneider's writing, and I've read most of her published works. I enjoyed the three books in the Sedona O'Hala series, but in my opinion, Ms. Schneider's calling is the fantasy genre. She showed an emerging talent for fantasy in two of her earlier books, "Tracking Magic" and "Sage: Tales from a Magical Kingdom," which were themed short story collections, then two full-length urban fantasies in the Moon Shadow series.
Now we have Dragons of Wendal, where the author created a complex fantasy world where shape-shifters, gryphons, dwarves, humans, and mages rule the various kingdoms. The world has been in an uneasy peace for hundreds of years, but a cruel, ambitious mage was about to change all that, upsetting the fragile political balance that kept the various factions in check. With an intricate binding spell embedded in a sapphire ring, he hoped to force a marriage that would have given him ultimate power over the world. The burden of thwarting his plans fell on Zoe, a half-trained human mage who was out of her class, but gamely did her best. With a few simple spells and some magic crystals, she embarked on an epic journey that would take her to other lands and place her in mortal danger, leading to a suspenseful showdown where she and her friends must escape from a mountain that is collapsing on them.
The story featured some of the best characters that the author has created. Zoe was a likable heroine, bravely going against heavy odds. Her troublesome cousin Lonnie was trying to help, although he kept showing up unexpectedly at the most inopportune times, but he did provide a bit of comic relief. Lindis, a shape-shifting dragon, was at the center of the conflict, as the ring's binding spell was meant for her. She knew that she had to break the spell, or a catastrophic war could break out. Zoe would have never made it without the help of Derrick, a powerful wolf-human shape-shifter, but Derrick had his own motives for being with Zoe. There was no shortage of bad guys, either. Alcen and Camden were ruthless power-hungry zealots vying for control of the world. Would their uneasy alliance hold together, or would they turn on each other? Surprisingly, one of the most important characters was four-year-old Hewitt, a seer whose timely help was crucial.
Dragons of Wendal tells a complete story, but it left promise of a sequel or series. If so, I'm looking forward to it.
Now we have Dragons of Wendal, where the author created a complex fantasy world where shape-shifters, gryphons, dwarves, humans, and mages rule the various kingdoms. The world has been in an uneasy peace for hundreds of years, but a cruel, ambitious mage was about to change all that, upsetting the fragile political balance that kept the various factions in check. With an intricate binding spell embedded in a sapphire ring, he hoped to force a marriage that would have given him ultimate power over the world. The burden of thwarting his plans fell on Zoe, a half-trained human mage who was out of her class, but gamely did her best. With a few simple spells and some magic crystals, she embarked on an epic journey that would take her to other lands and place her in mortal danger, leading to a suspenseful showdown where she and her friends must escape from a mountain that is collapsing on them.
The story featured some of the best characters that the author has created. Zoe was a likable heroine, bravely going against heavy odds. Her troublesome cousin Lonnie was trying to help, although he kept showing up unexpectedly at the most inopportune times, but he did provide a bit of comic relief. Lindis, a shape-shifting dragon, was at the center of the conflict, as the ring's binding spell was meant for her. She knew that she had to break the spell, or a catastrophic war could break out. Zoe would have never made it without the help of Derrick, a powerful wolf-human shape-shifter, but Derrick had his own motives for being with Zoe. There was no shortage of bad guys, either. Alcen and Camden were ruthless power-hungry zealots vying for control of the world. Would their uneasy alliance hold together, or would they turn on each other? Surprisingly, one of the most important characters was four-year-old Hewitt, a seer whose timely help was crucial.
Dragons of Wendal tells a complete story, but it left promise of a sequel or series. If so, I'm looking forward to it.
October 8, 2013
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Brought to you by OBS reviewer Sammy
What a wonderful story. I completely enjoyed every bit of it. The characters were well thought out and stayed true to form throughout the storyline. Interesting world, and politics.
Zoe is a kick butt kind of young woman, she knows what she wants and even with the hardships she has, she tried to make things work as best as she could.
Her cousin is a dolt and continued to be so even up to the end. I like how Zoe didn’t buy what he was selling. Zoe is smart and had so much common sense that it made this story so nice to read. Go figure a heroine that was able to think for herself and was smart in the way of things, not necessarily “schooling” but such a sense how to be careful and set spells. With an education she will make a fine Mage.
This story had it all: good guys, bad guys, mystery, spells, action, adventure, mild romance, dragons, shifters oh my! I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a smart urban fantasy, that is well written. this story has an ending, but is definitely open for more stories in this world. It’s a great story for all ages from young adults to adults. I’m hoping Maria will continue writing in this world, because it is so very interesting. I can’t wait to find out more of what happens.
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Sammy
What a wonderful story. I completely enjoyed every bit of it. The characters were well thought out and stayed true to form throughout the storyline. Interesting world, and politics.
Zoe is a kick butt kind of young woman, she knows what she wants and even with the hardships she has, she tried to make things work as best as she could.
Her cousin is a dolt and continued to be so even up to the end. I like how Zoe didn’t buy what he was selling. Zoe is smart and had so much common sense that it made this story so nice to read. Go figure a heroine that was able to think for herself and was smart in the way of things, not necessarily “schooling” but such a sense how to be careful and set spells. With an education she will make a fine Mage.
This story had it all: good guys, bad guys, mystery, spells, action, adventure, mild romance, dragons, shifters oh my! I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a smart urban fantasy, that is well written. this story has an ending, but is definitely open for more stories in this world. It’s a great story for all ages from young adults to adults. I’m hoping Maria will continue writing in this world, because it is so very interesting. I can’t wait to find out more of what happens.
February 23, 2015
The book cover represents well the story that you will read. A female mage student goes for the quest of her life in Wendal, a dragon world. She will use magic to save her race and the people she loves.
It wasn't really my type of book. The story is okay and the vocabulary used is good. I found it a little too girly and childish from what I expected. I thought it would be more about a dragon world than a mix of love, friendship and multiple types of beasts relations.
I went through this book quite fast, but I never really got into it. The worlds aren't really well described and the characters are multiples and not very well integrated.
My opinion can be biased by the fact that I was expecting something quite different and that this book didn't fell into my favorite reading.
Still, Maria Schneider is a very good author and I will for sure give it a chance on another book. I also got to thank her for this book I received through Goodreads giveaways.
It wasn't really my type of book. The story is okay and the vocabulary used is good. I found it a little too girly and childish from what I expected. I thought it would be more about a dragon world than a mix of love, friendship and multiple types of beasts relations.
I went through this book quite fast, but I never really got into it. The worlds aren't really well described and the characters are multiples and not very well integrated.
My opinion can be biased by the fact that I was expecting something quite different and that this book didn't fell into my favorite reading.
Still, Maria Schneider is a very good author and I will for sure give it a chance on another book. I also got to thank her for this book I received through Goodreads giveaways.
September 25, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this book. The characters are realistic, the plot engaging, the pacing kept me interested, the world building is seamless, and the system of magic is based on repeatable cause and effect. And to top it off, it's well edited and proofread. Ms Schneider is one of my favorite authors, regardless of the genre. I not only would read more books in this series, I'd read anything she'd care to write. So treat yourself to dragons, then search out the other books she's written.
July 18, 2012
Just started reading this but I think that it is going to be a good one!
(I'm actually reading the Kindle version but that didn't show up as an option here.
Fantastic fantasy! Maria Schneider created a great world with shapeshifters, wizards and assorted other folk. Fun, very actiony, good read.
(I'm actually reading the Kindle version but that didn't show up as an option here.
Fantastic fantasy! Maria Schneider created a great world with shapeshifters, wizards and assorted other folk. Fun, very actiony, good read.
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January 27, 2015Need a book cover? Why not copy and paste the dragon from another book cover?
If I flip it horizontally, no one will know about my copyright infringement!
If I flip it horizontally, no one will know about my copyright infringement!
March 28, 2013
Pretty entertaining light fare.
October 3, 2014
Fun fantasy, well written characters. reminded me of the Patricia C. Wrede's Enchanted Forest Chronicles :)
April 26, 2014
4,5- an extra 0,5 for giving the dragon the same name as my faviourite cousin Lindis :-D
March 4, 2018
If you're looking for a fantastic fantasy read this summer, look no further. Dragons of Wendal, a newly-released novel by Maria Schneider, offers readers all of the elements of a really terrific story: a strong heroine, a sweet romance, and plenty of action. Oh, and did I mention shifters? You've gotta love shifters!
When Zoe realizes that no one in her home kingdom takes her seriously, and that she will forever be in the shadow of less competent wizards, she runs away to school to study and learn the craft of magic. Once there, she stumbles upon a mystery that brings her face-to-face with the mysterious dragons of Wendal.
I became acquainted with Schneider's writing after reading her collection of fantasy short stories, Sage: Tales from a Magician Kingdom, and I've been following her work ever since. Schneider is an excellent story teller, and her plots are always vibrant and full of interesting characters.
This enchanting read definitely belongs on your summer reading list!
When Zoe realizes that no one in her home kingdom takes her seriously, and that she will forever be in the shadow of less competent wizards, she runs away to school to study and learn the craft of magic. Once there, she stumbles upon a mystery that brings her face-to-face with the mysterious dragons of Wendal.
I became acquainted with Schneider's writing after reading her collection of fantasy short stories, Sage: Tales from a Magician Kingdom, and I've been following her work ever since. Schneider is an excellent story teller, and her plots are always vibrant and full of interesting characters.
This enchanting read definitely belongs on your summer reading list!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews