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The Cloud Lands Saga #1
Dorelle's Journey
She carries a terrible warning.
And delivering it might mean death.
When her dragon is threatened with death, Dorelle is forced to flee her homeland with Mashira. After a difficult battle and a dangerous flight, the team finds a new home and makes new friends. But when they discover a terrible threat to her Kingdom and her family, Dorelle's loyalty wins out.
Will she and her dragon pay the ultimate price for warning her King?
This is the first book of The Cloud Lands Saga, which is now complete.
The other books are:
2. "Kraken War"
3. "Dragon Court"
4. "Betrayal"
And delivering it might mean death.
When her dragon is threatened with death, Dorelle is forced to flee her homeland with Mashira. After a difficult battle and a dangerous flight, the team finds a new home and makes new friends. But when they discover a terrible threat to her Kingdom and her family, Dorelle's loyalty wins out.
Will she and her dragon pay the ultimate price for warning her King?
This is the first book of The Cloud Lands Saga, which is now complete.
The other books are:
2. "Kraken War"
3. "Dragon Court"
4. "Betrayal"
100 pages, Paperback
First published February 19, 2015
64 people are currently reading
635 people want to read
About the author
Hannah Steenbock
53 books74 followersI'm a writer, dreamer and creator of worlds. I love taking my readers onto journeys into far-away lands where things are different and yet humans are still the same.
I live in the North of Germany, where seagulls scream, the wind never rests, and people are friendly.
Find me on Mastodon (@firlefanz@writing.exchange) and at my website www.hannah-steenbock.de. That's where you can sign up to my newsletter that I send out on every 13th of the month, with writing news and tales of my silly little dragon pet, Ember.
I live in the North of Germany, where seagulls scream, the wind never rests, and people are friendly.
Find me on Mastodon (@firlefanz@writing.exchange) and at my website www.hannah-steenbock.de. That's where you can sign up to my newsletter that I send out on every 13th of the month, with writing news and tales of my silly little dragon pet, Ember.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 8, 2015
Dorelle's journey is fantasy book targeted at younger audience about runaway dragon rider who is forced back from self imposed exile when her home is being threatened.
Story is interesting and has strong fairytaleish charm.Fights are competently written and exciting and it's nice that rider is actively involved in fights not just as passive commander.Unfortunately we don't find out anything more about setting itself and that is shame since I am getting slight Earthsea vibe from it.Hopefully we will find out more about world where book takes place and it's lore in next book.
If you are in pre-teen or early teen years or you are buying for someone that is than add one more star to this rating.In that case this book has my sincere recommendation.
If you are bit older, than this book might be interesting as short YA fix since it can easily be finished on bus ride to work or on longer coffee break.It doesn't require lot of time and attention but it's not book you will get attached to or remember for long after you are done with it.
Story is interesting and has strong fairytaleish charm.Fights are competently written and exciting and it's nice that rider is actively involved in fights not just as passive commander.Unfortunately we don't find out anything more about setting itself and that is shame since I am getting slight Earthsea vibe from it.Hopefully we will find out more about world where book takes place and it's lore in next book.
If you are in pre-teen or early teen years or you are buying for someone that is than add one more star to this rating.In that case this book has my sincere recommendation.
If you are bit older, than this book might be interesting as short YA fix since it can easily be finished on bus ride to work or on longer coffee break.It doesn't require lot of time and attention but it's not book you will get attached to or remember for long after you are done with it.
July 24, 2015
Just a wonderful book. If you love fantasy and dragons you will love this book.
June 8, 2022
A little dragon rider book targeted at a younger audience that my 12 year old greatly enjoyed. His mum too if I must confess. :D
Both my little one and I were hooked by it from the very first line, which managed to not only grab my interest, but also that of a kiddo with very strict reading preferences.
And we both cheered for a dragon 'who rose again, on tired wings but with a happy heart.'
The tale follows the adventures of Dorelle and her dragon Mashira, who flee their homeland when Mashira's life is threatened. Facing danger at almost every turn, our little rider-dragon duo manages to make friends and even find a new home away from home. But their story doesn't end there. Discovering a new threat to their kingdom, Dorelle and Mashira must decide if they are willing to leave their new found happiness behind and head back to warn their unsuspecting kingdom. If they go, death might be the only thing awaiting them there.
If they will decide to risk paying the ultimate price, you'll have to read this to find out, because I won't spoil. But I'll tell you instead what to expect while picking this up.
A fast paced adventure full of danger, cool aerial dragon training manoeuvres and a few exciting battles, a couple of mean cats, a lovely rider-dragon relationship as well as a great meaning. One very well imparted for a 12 year old to properly understand.
Don't sit back, as a silent witness to injustice, and don't hesitate to help whenever you can. Even though you might get into trouble for it, don't turn a blind eye, but stand up for those who can't help themselves.
I'll grumble a bit about the setting, which was sketchy at best and had even my little one confused at times as far as places and direction was concerned. But we've read this book in one sitting. And for a 12 year old to sit and read a book this way with no complaints.... that's really something.
The mum's review:
A lovely little tale that had my restless kiddo glued to the pages from the beginning to the end. With the occasional need of clarification regarding setting and place.
The 12 year old reader's review:
A pretty cool book. Can we get book two?
Both my little one and I were hooked by it from the very first line, which managed to not only grab my interest, but also that of a kiddo with very strict reading preferences.
And we both cheered for a dragon 'who rose again, on tired wings but with a happy heart.'
The tale follows the adventures of Dorelle and her dragon Mashira, who flee their homeland when Mashira's life is threatened. Facing danger at almost every turn, our little rider-dragon duo manages to make friends and even find a new home away from home. But their story doesn't end there. Discovering a new threat to their kingdom, Dorelle and Mashira must decide if they are willing to leave their new found happiness behind and head back to warn their unsuspecting kingdom. If they go, death might be the only thing awaiting them there.
If they will decide to risk paying the ultimate price, you'll have to read this to find out, because I won't spoil. But I'll tell you instead what to expect while picking this up.
A fast paced adventure full of danger, cool aerial dragon training manoeuvres and a few exciting battles, a couple of mean cats, a lovely rider-dragon relationship as well as a great meaning. One very well imparted for a 12 year old to properly understand.
Don't sit back, as a silent witness to injustice, and don't hesitate to help whenever you can. Even though you might get into trouble for it, don't turn a blind eye, but stand up for those who can't help themselves.
I'll grumble a bit about the setting, which was sketchy at best and had even my little one confused at times as far as places and direction was concerned. But we've read this book in one sitting. And for a 12 year old to sit and read a book this way with no complaints.... that's really something.
The mum's review:
A lovely little tale that had my restless kiddo glued to the pages from the beginning to the end. With the occasional need of clarification regarding setting and place.
The 12 year old reader's review:
A pretty cool book. Can we get book two?
April 11, 2015
Reviewed for Reader's Favorite.
In another land, at another time and in another place, dragons and their riders train for war. Dorelle and her dragon think as a team, they work together and her dragon helps her as much as she tells her dragon what to do. This does not sit well with her Commander, he believes that dragons are simple creatures that should do as told and never think. After saving another dragon and rider, which really steamed her Commander, Dorelle and her dragon sneak away at night, defecting from the army. Dorelle's Journey takes them to an uninhabited island, a lush island fraught with danger and finally another land and simple fishing village like she was raised in. Here Dorelle finds a new home, but when a threat to this village is exposed and the knowledge that it is heading to her own home, Dorelle must decide if she will risk going back. Hannah Steenbock not only gives the reader a fantasy story, but a lesson as well.
Dorelle's Journey in the first book is what author Hannah Steenbock is calling the The Cloud Lands Saga. It is a delightful little book, not too long at all, in fact it was a really quick read for me. You have dragons and an impending war that they are training for, and then good and bad guys in positions of power. It's everything you need. Oh and in case that wasn't enough, there is a little lesson on doing the right thing even if you could get hurt. This is a great book for middle schoolers on up. It doesn't really give an age for the dragonriders, but they feel about 13 - 14 to me, maybe a little older. I think it would be perfect for all ages to read.
In another land, at another time and in another place, dragons and their riders train for war. Dorelle and her dragon think as a team, they work together and her dragon helps her as much as she tells her dragon what to do. This does not sit well with her Commander, he believes that dragons are simple creatures that should do as told and never think. After saving another dragon and rider, which really steamed her Commander, Dorelle and her dragon sneak away at night, defecting from the army. Dorelle's Journey takes them to an uninhabited island, a lush island fraught with danger and finally another land and simple fishing village like she was raised in. Here Dorelle finds a new home, but when a threat to this village is exposed and the knowledge that it is heading to her own home, Dorelle must decide if she will risk going back. Hannah Steenbock not only gives the reader a fantasy story, but a lesson as well.
Dorelle's Journey in the first book is what author Hannah Steenbock is calling the The Cloud Lands Saga. It is a delightful little book, not too long at all, in fact it was a really quick read for me. You have dragons and an impending war that they are training for, and then good and bad guys in positions of power. It's everything you need. Oh and in case that wasn't enough, there is a little lesson on doing the right thing even if you could get hurt. This is a great book for middle schoolers on up. It doesn't really give an age for the dragonriders, but they feel about 13 - 14 to me, maybe a little older. I think it would be perfect for all ages to read.
December 18, 2021
I received a copy of this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.
First of all let me just say I felt a little dissapointed when I saw how short this book is. I was expecting a longer read for a fantasy novel. After reading it, I realised it is intended for a younger generation than myself. So that fixed my problem with its length.
The story itself is very captivating and dinamic. I was reading it while waiting to bord an airplane, and I almost missed my flight because I forgot to check the time. Good thing I finished the book, because I don't have a dragon to fly with, like the main character does.
My only real objection remains the lack of depth to the background story. While I understand that younger readers might not be interested in it, I still wanted to learn more about where the story takes place, why there are dragons around, and so on... Maybe the next book will satisfy my curiosity.
Conclusion: A fun, captivating, but somewhat short read. I would recommend it especially to older children/younger teenagers. Or to anybody waiting at an airport. It is about flying after all.
First of all let me just say I felt a little dissapointed when I saw how short this book is. I was expecting a longer read for a fantasy novel. After reading it, I realised it is intended for a younger generation than myself. So that fixed my problem with its length.
The story itself is very captivating and dinamic. I was reading it while waiting to bord an airplane, and I almost missed my flight because I forgot to check the time. Good thing I finished the book, because I don't have a dragon to fly with, like the main character does.
My only real objection remains the lack of depth to the background story. While I understand that younger readers might not be interested in it, I still wanted to learn more about where the story takes place, why there are dragons around, and so on... Maybe the next book will satisfy my curiosity.
Conclusion: A fun, captivating, but somewhat short read. I would recommend it especially to older children/younger teenagers. Or to anybody waiting at an airport. It is about flying after all.
July 4, 2015
I have received this book through Goodreads' First Reads giveaway, thanks!
The book has an interesting and clear plot. The pace is high but, for me, this a good point. The characters are not very detailed and the reader doesn't get a lot of background information about where the story is set. However, this makes the story more mysterious and I expect (/hope) to find this information in the upcoming parts.
I personally find this book close to perfection, but there are two tiny things that could have been done a little better. Firstly, there are a few spelling mistakes and typos, this is of course a pity but not terrible. The main thing that bothers me is that this book is only 69 pages long. I just don't get why this has to be a series. I mean, if you would combine all the eight parts you would have a reasonable sized book. Now, you're finished after just one and a half hour. I find this a shame and therefore I give this book "just" four stars.
Still, I really enjoyed reading this book and I'm definitely looking forward to the second part!
The book has an interesting and clear plot. The pace is high but, for me, this a good point. The characters are not very detailed and the reader doesn't get a lot of background information about where the story is set. However, this makes the story more mysterious and I expect (/hope) to find this information in the upcoming parts.
I personally find this book close to perfection, but there are two tiny things that could have been done a little better. Firstly, there are a few spelling mistakes and typos, this is of course a pity but not terrible. The main thing that bothers me is that this book is only 69 pages long. I just don't get why this has to be a series. I mean, if you would combine all the eight parts you would have a reasonable sized book. Now, you're finished after just one and a half hour. I find this a shame and therefore I give this book "just" four stars.
Still, I really enjoyed reading this book and I'm definitely looking forward to the second part!
July 29, 2015
This story was a fine dragon tale, but I'm afraid it moved too quickly for me. I really like books that are more character driven. Another problem I had was that I'm not familiar enough with dragon stories that I didn't need her to describe things to me.
The Good: The action scenes were fantastic and enthralling. Honestly, very well written and engaging.
The Bad: The transitions between action scenes, the driving force behind the story, the lack of strong character motivations, clear descriptions and good dialogue.
The story over all was not badly written, just not quite there. I think that if the author wrote it to include more character development, particularly between MC and love interest, as well as their 'home away from home', it would be more to my taste.
The Good: The action scenes were fantastic and enthralling. Honestly, very well written and engaging.
The Bad: The transitions between action scenes, the driving force behind the story, the lack of strong character motivations, clear descriptions and good dialogue.
The story over all was not badly written, just not quite there. I think that if the author wrote it to include more character development, particularly between MC and love interest, as well as their 'home away from home', it would be more to my taste.
May 24, 2015
The author kindly sent me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
"Dorelle's Journey" is one of those rare books where everything just feels right - the writing, the story, the pace, the setting, the characters... everything. It's all perfectly blended and seamless.
Hannah Steenbock writes using adult (but accessible and clean) language - perfect for younger readers, and also for us older folk who know a good story when they read one.
"The Cloud Lands Saga" is a series to watch out for.
"Dorelle's Journey" is one of those rare books where everything just feels right - the writing, the story, the pace, the setting, the characters... everything. It's all perfectly blended and seamless.
Hannah Steenbock writes using adult (but accessible and clean) language - perfect for younger readers, and also for us older folk who know a good story when they read one.
"The Cloud Lands Saga" is a series to watch out for.
October 18, 2015
This is an entertaining, high-paced short story by Hannah Steenbock. If you like strong-headed heroines, and dragons that are too clever for their official duty, you'll definitely appreciate “Dorelle's Journey”.
February 4, 2021
I have received the book through Goodreads giveaway. Thanks Hannah!!
The book is a nice journey of fantasy. I would recomment everyone to take the journey.
The book is a nice journey of fantasy. I would recomment everyone to take the journey.
April 11, 2024
Dorelle’s Journey is the first book in the Cloud Lands Saga. This book details the story of young Dorelle, dragon rider. She and her dragon, Mashira start off the story in quite a rough spot. Why? Well, apparently kindness is something frowned upon by the wing leader. Yes, war is harsh and typically the best are wanted to be a part of the fighters, but this guy...he takes things too far.
Well, when push comes to shove, Dorelle decides to do the only thing she can do inorder to protect her dragon...and this...she leaves. Desertion isn’t exactly something smiled upon, but she feels it’s what’s best for her dragon. Despite the threat to her dragon’s life for being considerate of others (i.e. not following orders precisely) when a bigger threat threatens the kingdom...she makes the hard choice to do the right thing.
Dorelle’s Journey is an engaging story that details Dorelle’s story. This is a fast-moving story so expect to cover a lot of ground in a short period of time. Dorelle and her dragon Mashira are both highly courageous. Marshia brings some humor to the story, but readers are going to appreciate how she takes such good care of Dorelle throughout this book.
This book is a good start to the series. Dorelle and Mashira have quite the journey ahead of them as danger threatens the kingdom. However, that may not be the only danger that our two heroines face moving forward. We’ll just have to wait and see where things go from here.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Well, when push comes to shove, Dorelle decides to do the only thing she can do inorder to protect her dragon...and this...she leaves. Desertion isn’t exactly something smiled upon, but she feels it’s what’s best for her dragon. Despite the threat to her dragon’s life for being considerate of others (i.e. not following orders precisely) when a bigger threat threatens the kingdom...she makes the hard choice to do the right thing.
Dorelle’s Journey is an engaging story that details Dorelle’s story. This is a fast-moving story so expect to cover a lot of ground in a short period of time. Dorelle and her dragon Mashira are both highly courageous. Marshia brings some humor to the story, but readers are going to appreciate how she takes such good care of Dorelle throughout this book.
This book is a good start to the series. Dorelle and Mashira have quite the journey ahead of them as danger threatens the kingdom. However, that may not be the only danger that our two heroines face moving forward. We’ll just have to wait and see where things go from here.
4.5 out of 5 stars
November 25, 2024
I really enjoyed this story. Another new author for me and I will continue with the series. It has great characters and Kraken.
Dorelle would do anything to protect her dragon Mashira. After her dragon is threatened with death, she flees to save her. When fleeing she was attacked and they had to fight to survive. Dorelle was attacked on an island that they stopped on to rest by a big cat and she was injured. With her rider injured, Mashira searched for people to help her rider. After finding a village Mashira landed and they found help. After recovering, Dorelle learned that the village had some missing fishing boats and Dorelle went to search for them. She found them being attacked by Kraken. Dorelle and Mashira battled them and managed a win against the ferocious opponents. Then Dorelle knew she had to return and warn her people. So the pair returned knowing that they could be attacked again. She was right. She had an injured passenger aboard Mashira when she approached her home. The big dragon and it's evil rider we're waiting for her. After fighting it & once again scoring a win she arrived home and delivered her warning. She then learned that the passenger she saved was a prince. Now after saving him her life was going to change.
A great story and I can't wait for Kraken wars.
Dorelle would do anything to protect her dragon Mashira. After her dragon is threatened with death, she flees to save her. When fleeing she was attacked and they had to fight to survive. Dorelle was attacked on an island that they stopped on to rest by a big cat and she was injured. With her rider injured, Mashira searched for people to help her rider. After finding a village Mashira landed and they found help. After recovering, Dorelle learned that the village had some missing fishing boats and Dorelle went to search for them. She found them being attacked by Kraken. Dorelle and Mashira battled them and managed a win against the ferocious opponents. Then Dorelle knew she had to return and warn her people. So the pair returned knowing that they could be attacked again. She was right. She had an injured passenger aboard Mashira when she approached her home. The big dragon and it's evil rider we're waiting for her. After fighting it & once again scoring a win she arrived home and delivered her warning. She then learned that the passenger she saved was a prince. Now after saving him her life was going to change.
A great story and I can't wait for Kraken wars.
March 3, 2022
As a long-time reading teacher for junior high and high school students, I was always in search of more books to appeal to adolescent girls. Books that have a strong and resourceful female main character are rare enough. But fantasy books with dragons, swords, and other magical creatures that would interest young girls are more precious than gold. The female dragon Dorelle rides is also a charming and crucial character. The story is engaging and it is the first book in a series, thus promising more of the same. I can't recommend this book strongly enough... especially to English teachers trying to get girls excited about reading.
August 8, 2020
A Terrific Dragon Rider Book!
This is a new author for me and and I am thrilled to have found her. I love Dragons and rider stories and this story does not disappoint! The story is skillfully crafted and very exciting. I fell in love with the characters from the very beginning. With amazing characters, flight from a possible death sentence, finding new friends and allies and a foreboding threat to the kingdom. Everything needed for fantastic storytelling. I highly recommend this book!
This is a new author for me and and I am thrilled to have found her. I love Dragons and rider stories and this story does not disappoint! The story is skillfully crafted and very exciting. I fell in love with the characters from the very beginning. With amazing characters, flight from a possible death sentence, finding new friends and allies and a foreboding threat to the kingdom. Everything needed for fantastic storytelling. I highly recommend this book!
February 13, 2024
This dragonrider novella was like a bite of candy, tasty and fun but too short-lived! I enjoyed the presentation of dragons as sentient companions, and I liked the main character Dorelle for her bravery and selflessness.
The story was very fast-moving, with less world-building and downtime than I typically read and prefer. It is a short story with short chapters, and you can read it all in about an hour, so if you just need a brain break and love action and simpler prose, then you may really enjoy this book.
The story was very fast-moving, with less world-building and downtime than I typically read and prefer. It is a short story with short chapters, and you can read it all in about an hour, so if you just need a brain break and love action and simpler prose, then you may really enjoy this book.
June 27, 2022
This was a fun, quick read! A world of dragon riders, a strong female lead who doesn’t take crap from anyone, and dragons, of course!
Dorelle runs away from a jerky Commander only to find a bigger threat to her world. She must decide if she will return and face the consequences of being a deserter in order to warn her family and the King, or stay a runaway and keep herself and her dragon safe.
I loved being able to read this in just a couple of hours!
Dorelle runs away from a jerky Commander only to find a bigger threat to her world. She must decide if she will return and face the consequences of being a deserter in order to warn her family and the King, or stay a runaway and keep herself and her dragon safe.
I loved being able to read this in just a couple of hours!
January 17, 2021
A great escape!
During these troubled times, this provided an action-packed escape from the Covid reality. Dragons have always been a welcome diversion for my imagination, even at the age of 71 years. Thank you for this entertaining read!
During these troubled times, this provided an action-packed escape from the Covid reality. Dragons have always been a welcome diversion for my imagination, even at the age of 71 years. Thank you for this entertaining read!
March 17, 2021
Just the tale for a late night read.
Sure, it's a simpler story. But it's perfect for young readers. Black and white the characters may be, but in the end good triumphs over evil and our heroine is ready to embark on a new adventure.
Sure, it's a simpler story. But it's perfect for young readers. Black and white the characters may be, but in the end good triumphs over evil and our heroine is ready to embark on a new adventure.
May 16, 2021
Dragons
I liked this Dorelle’s Journey which is a quick paced action about warrior teams of humans and dragons. I enjoyed how Dorelle stood up to protect another warrior team. How Dorelle was willing to sacrifice her freedom to save her family and country from sea monsters.
I liked this Dorelle’s Journey which is a quick paced action about warrior teams of humans and dragons. I enjoyed how Dorelle stood up to protect another warrior team. How Dorelle was willing to sacrifice her freedom to save her family and country from sea monsters.
May 8, 2023
Dragon and rider faithful to each other
A cruel trainer and his dragon make life miserable for the trainees, especially Dorelle. A brave young woman and her dragon change the whole situation. Good story
A cruel trainer and his dragon make life miserable for the trainees, especially Dorelle. A brave young woman and her dragon change the whole situation. Good story
June 16, 2025
A very enjoyable read with a dragon and dragon rider caring for each other. They extend their concern to other dragons and this could cost them. The cost comes from a revengeful leader who is not a leader but an abuser. This event leads to some adventure travel.
June 18, 2020
The beginnings of a wonderful tale
Action packed, filled with love of friends and family, loyalty and ending in more. If you like tales of fearless dragons this is for you.
Action packed, filled with love of friends and family, loyalty and ending in more. If you like tales of fearless dragons this is for you.
Read
February 14, 2021Not rated.
May 5, 2022
Entertaining story about a girl and her dragon needing to leave the dragon corps because her connection with her dragon is stronger than usual.
May 13, 2022
Short, simple, and fun. I just love a book about dragon riders, what can I say?
August 13, 2022
This is a story filled with heard, leading to a need to do the right thing whatever the foreseeable consequences.
April 21, 2024
Hannah was successful.
Great beginning. It keeps the reader glued to each page. I would think the next books would be just as engrossing.
Great beginning. It keeps the reader glued to each page. I would think the next books would be just as engrossing.
July 4, 2023
When Dorelle and her dragon are faced with the threat of death for thinking for themselves rather than blindly obey every command by their Wing Commander, they choose to flee for their lives.
This was a great, quick read. I would have enjoyed more details of the land and circumstances surrounding the training of the riders. But overall a fun story.
This was a great, quick read. I would have enjoyed more details of the land and circumstances surrounding the training of the riders. But overall a fun story.
November 18, 2023
I love this book that had a good story with interesting characters in it. I recommend this to those liking this type.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews