Mystic Dragon

The Mystic Trilogy #2

by Jason Denzel

Mystic Dragon: The enchanting epic fantasy series from Jason Denzel, the founder of Dragonmount

Seven years have passed since Pomella AnDone became the unlikely apprentice to Mystic Grandmaster Faywong. Despite having attained significant accomplishments as a Mystic, Pomella feels incomplete. She laments that her Master isn’t teaching her quickly enough.

As a rare celestial event approaches, Pomella feels her lack of experience more than ever. The Mystical realm of Fayün is threatening to overtake the mortal world, and as the two worlds slowly blend together, Moth is thrown into chaos. People begin to vanish or are killed outright. Mystics from across the world gather to protect them, among them Shevia, a dark and brilliant prodigy whose mastery of the Myst rivals even that of the greatest High Mystics.

Shevia will challenge Pomella in every possible way, from her mastery of the Myst to her emotional connection with Pomella's old friend Sim, in this epic fantasy adventure.

At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction

472 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 17, 2018

About the author

My name is Jason Denzel, and I invite you to check out my adult and YA-friendly epic fantasy saga, THE MYSTIC TRILOGY, which begins with Mystic and continues with two sequels, Mystic Dragon and Mystic Skies.

In addition to writing, I'm also an award-winning filmmaker, and the founder of Dragonmount.com, the leading online community for Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson's Wheel of Time saga.

When I'm not writing or pursuing other creative ventures, I study Choy-Li-Fut Kung Fu. I live in Northern California.

For updates on The Mystic Trilogy and other projects, you can follow me on Twitter (@jasondenzel) and Instagram (@jasondenzel), or check out my website at JasonDenzel.com. Thanks for reading!

Reviews

[Bookwraiths · Rating 2 out of 5]

Originally reviewed at Bookwraiths.

My rating is 2.5 stars.

Mystic Dragon is the second novel of a series (the followup to Mystic), but unlike many sequels, the story doesn’t read like a sequel or require you to know much at all about the previous installment. Jason Denzel doing a great job reintroducing the old characters for new readers, presenting fans of the first book with more matured versions of the people they have previously grown fond of, and continuing to mold this world and its unique magic. And while Mystic Dragon will not go down as one of my favorite reads of 2018, I’m still glad I gave this book a try and know many fantasy fans will find it more to their liking.

Taking place close to a decade after Mystic, this story begins with Pomella AnDone having become comfortable in her position as Mystic Grandmaster Faywong’s apprentice. She has matured, grown into her power, yet is still eager to learn more, nearly obsessed in the belief that her master isn’t teaching her at the rate she deserves and needs to learn. This feeling exacerbated by the celestial event which is looming over the mystic realm of Fayün; this rare occurrence threatening to cause the physical and magical realms to merge into one. Pomella’s world in near chaos as people vanish or die; Mystics from across Moth gathering together to attempt to stop the growing cataclysm.

Cue the entrance of the dark, brilliant and powerful rival (of sorts) of Pomella: Shevia. This powerful Mystic’s past a roller coaster ride of mastery and unhealthy relationships which have molded her into a enigmatic figure who challenges Pomella in every possible way. This new relationship forcing our unlikely heroine to examine her beliefs, define the limits of what she feels her power should be used for.

Probably my favorite element of Mystic Dragon is the writing itself. Jason Denzel penning a flowing, lyrical narrative which was a pleasure to read and capably conveyed all the emotional turmoil these characters and their world suffer through during the course of the present and the past.

On the other hand, my least favorite aspect of the book is its uneven pacing. Specifically, the narrative read like two distinct stories. The first one quite interesting, fast paced, and exciting at times. The second one a more mundane, plodding, and never ending build up to a conclusion. This might not be a problem for others, but it definitely was for me personally.

The other criticisms I’d level against the book was Pomella’s tendency to stumble upon just the right magic to use at just the right time in just the right way as well as the numerous flashbacks used by the author. I mention the former because I really get annoyed by characters who are great — just because. And the later bothers me when the flashbacks are inserted in such a way that they interfere with the flow of the book, and I really felt they did many times in this novel.

As I mentioned earlier, I cannot say that I loved Mystic Dragon, but I did find Jason Denzel’s writing to be quite enjoyable. Honestly, the book was a fairly standard fantasy with some interesting characters (Pomella, Shevia, and Sim), quite a few flashbacks which did flesh out and deepen the story, and some good world building, especially the magic system. I can see many readers really enjoying the emotional reflection here, empathizing with the maturation of our main characters, and finding nuggets of wisdom in these individuals personal growth, as they find their way in an adult world where things are not as straightforward as they once believed. So pick this one up if you are already a fan of the series/author or just find this type of fantasy to your liking.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. I’d like to thank them for allowing me to receive this review copy and inform everyone that the review you have read is my opinion alone.

[The Captain · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ahoy there me mateys!  I received this fantasy eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  While I try to post no spoilers, if ye haven’t read the first book then ye might want to skip this post. If ye keep reading this log then ye have been forewarned and continue at yer own peril . . .

This be the second book in me e-Arc Extravaganza Challenge wherein I attempt to read 5 books in 7 days before their July 17th release date.  Arrr!  Yesterday I reviewed the first book in the Mystic Trilogy.  Yes it came out in 2015 but was included in me Challenge because I inadvertently, and happily, requested book two.  I saw Jason Denzel's name and thought "oh I love him" and clicked only to realize that while me ports for plunder list had the first book, mystic, on it to buy since 2015,  I never had!  Remedied, read, and really loved.

Now I be conflicted on this one.  Part of this is because I don't read blurbs for sequels on account of spoilers.  So I was expecting the story would pick up soon after the events of the first book.  Instead seven years has passed and we have skipped Pomella's training.  This is super clear in the blurb.  So I can't get too grumpy about it.  But I really wanted to know more about how and why the magic works the way it does and especially how Pomella uses her version of it.  Like specifics.  And I thought we would get to be on every part of her journey.  Nope.

What ye do get is a celestial event that threatens the very fabric of Moth and the rest of the world.  The time up to and through the eclipse is especially dangerous.  The Fayün world is blending in with the mortal world and the mystics from all different regions have gathered to help during the chaos.  There be some explanation of how the magic works in an overarching way.  This part was kinda odd and cool.

Ye also get a new mystic apprentice named Shevia.  I absolutely loved her background, character, and part in this story.  Ye get more awesome Fayün creatures.  I could have used even more!  Ye get to know why dragon is in the title.  The answer is surprising and certainly different.  I enjoyed how that played out.  Ye get to see more of Sim.  I adore him and I found the story of his seven passing years to be engrossing and wonderful.  And I still of course enjoy Pomella.

Two small problems for me were lots of flashbacks and Pomella's magic.  The flashbacks themselves were wonderful.  The shifts in time and plot took some getting used to.  And Pomella's magic was performed mostly through intuition.  I personally didn't like that her magic always "just worked."  I like me magic to have rules that I can follow.

I cannot say that I loved this one but I certainly enjoyed it for the most part.  The writing was as lovely as in book one.  I just had expectations that weren't met.  And that be okay.  The author went in a different direction.  It happens.  I think that this is the fault of me as a reader and not the author as a writer.  In any case, there seemed to be clues of how book three will go.  I will be reading it but I will keep a more open mind next time.

So lastly . . .

Thank you Macmillian-Tor/Forge!

Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordp...

[Mogsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2018/10/14/...

It’s been a while since I read Mystic, so I wasn’t at all surprised that getting back into the world with its sequel felt like a completely new experience. In a way though, that’s exactly what Mystic Dragon was going for. Seven years have passed since we last saw our protagonist Pomella, who, against all odds, had managed to best the competition and become apprenticed to the new High Mystic, despite being a commoner. But while she is proud of her achievements, a part of Pomella still wants more. She feels that her mentor, the Grandmaster Faywong, isn’t teaching her fast enough.

But now, everything is about to change. A rare celestial event approaches, disrupting the delicate balance between the Mystical realm of Fayün and the mortal world of Pomella’s home. The two sides are beginning to overlap, with Fay creatures pouring through in greater and more dangerous numbers. Soon, people are disappearing or dying. Called upon to do something about the threat, Mystics everywhere are gathering for an important ritual on Moth, the small island where Pomella resides. One of the new arrivals is a young female apprentice named Shevia, whose strange power immediately draws the attention of our protagonist. With familiar echoes of the first book, the story also includes a third perspective featuring Sim, Pomella’s old friend who has spent much of the intervening time traveling as a ranger.

While Mystic Dragon is a sequel, there’s no doubt it was written to be a standalone so that readers can start here without having read the first book. Normally, I would be a big proponent of reading a series in order to gain a full picture, but in this case, Jason Denzel has truly made this book a perfect point to jump on board. One reason for this is the seven-year leap ahead, which makes the story feel like a bonafide fresh start. But even then, newcomers aren’t left hanging. The narrative does a superb job introducing you to the main characters and filling out their background, which includes providing a general idea of what Mystic was about and what has happened since.

That said, everything that made Mystic Dragon such a great standalone also left me with a sense of wistfulness and regret. In my review of Mystic, I called the book one of the most charming fantasy debuts I read in 2015. Much of that was due to the protagonist Pomella, a pure-hearted and somewhat naïve teenager at the time, whom nonetheless refused to let her doubts get in the way of a goal that seemed impossible to achieve. In addition, many of the story’s important coming-of-age themes contributed to its charm and magic, making the protagonist’s emotions and experiences feel very relatable and genuine.

While in general I enjoy seeing character evolve over time, I was taken aback by how much Pomella has changed in Mystic Dragon, which went simply beyond growing up into a more mature and confident Mystic. Of course, I was aware how different a person could become in seven years, but still—gone was the charisma I so adored about her in the first book, to the point I actually found myself struggling to stay interested during her chapters. A part of me also felt disappointment at jumping so far ahead in time, missing the many formative years Pomella had trained with Master Faywong. Needless to say, I did not expect to feel any of this wistfulness when I first picked up the book, which made the early reading experience somewhat difficult and frustrating.

Happily, other characters stepped up to win my heart. Shevia was a fantastic introduction, and I loved her backstory and the role she was given to play. My biggest surprise, however, was Sim, mostly because he was a character I barely remembered from the first book, but he was given a chance to really shine in Mystic Dragon. It was fascinating to get a glimpse into some of things he’s been up to the for the last seven years, and his chapters also reminded me of many things I enjoyed about Mystic, from the imaginative world-building to the well thought out magic system.

In sum, while I did stumble a bit in the early parts of Mystic Dragon, I eventually grew to enjoy it. It also bears mentioning that Mystic was a book that made a strong impression on me; whatever negative feelings I had towards this sequel, the fact that it was not the comfortable return to the familiar characters and setting I had expected probably played a role in them. Your own mileage will certainly vary, whether you are also continuing this journey or just now deciding to visit the world of the Mystic series for the first time. Regardless, I really do think Jason Denzel has written a decent sequel.

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book started on a really strong note and quickly got off track.

This book was interesting to begin with. Though it is technically a sequel, it didn't feel like one and it opens on an interesting magic system (where you harness Myst, which feels kind of like the Force) and a compelling action scene. And for the first several chapters, I was very engaged and really excited about this book. The characters were fascinating and their backstories really felt like they added to the world and to the story. And the magic system kept getting more complex and the politics of magic wielders really fascinated me. It was a slow build that really felt like it would pay off and I was really enjoying reading it.

And then, about halfway through, things changed suddenly. The slow crescendo picked up without warning and immediately went from a growing p to fff. It was an abrupt shift that felt forced and unnatural and it was unclear how we got from the first half to the second half. Suddenly, we're at what feels like the climax of the book, but we're only 2/3 through and it keeps building and building, but without any breaks or really any additional character development. It felt like the first half of the book was completely dedicated to setting the scene and getting to know characters and the second half was completely action. And that was unfortunate. Plus, the longer the action went on, the less sense it made. The ending came out of nowhere and really didn't make any sense and I felt like we had suddenly (again, everything in the second half is sudden and unexpected) come to a halt and the book was over. And I didn't even quite understand what had happened - there were no signs or clues of the twist ending that the author tried to throw in and so it really fell flat and felt forced.

It feels like this author excels at character development and struggles with coherent plot. Reading the characters' backstories and how they get to the action made a lot of sense and was really rewarding. As soon as we got away from character development and focused completely on THINGS ARE HAPPENING NOW, a lot was lost and it felt like an entirely different (and much worse) book.

I may be interested in giving this author a second try because I was so impressed with the first half of this book, but the second half made me lose a lot of faith in this author's ability to craft a coherent story and I'll be approaching his future books warily.

[George Hahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read the beta version of this new Mystic novel, and thought it was even better than the first. If you're a fantasy fan, get Mystic now so that you'll be ready for Mystic Dragon when it's released.

[Clayton Ellis · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay

[Angela Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

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[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, this book is not marketed as a sequel or even part of a series. So boo. That being said, it kind of feels like you're coming in in the middle of a story, yet everything is explained in this book so you'd never know you ARE in the middle. I found this book while shopping for the boyfriend. Obviously he didn't get this one. After seeing the cover art and reading the write up, I was hoping this book would be awesome. And it was. Until the end, which was sad. Although this book does suck you in to the point I started asking my own pets if they were Fay. :)

[Jeff Jarvis · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid follow-up in the Mystic series. The characters were written very well, but the timing in the series felt off to me (too quick, then too slow, then all out, ...). The flashback sequence was nice to learn more about the characters, but the pacing from one to the next could have been touched up. I would have given it 3.5 had there been decimals in the ratings and I’m looking forward to the third book in the Mystic series.

[Ellis Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS WAS SO GOOD.......the first book could not have prepared me for this in any way so please just read this one if you've read Mystic. All the character development is amazing and just everything wow. Shevia is my new favorite and I think there's no replacing her. Sim is beyond forgiven for his okayness in the first one

[Joy Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This took a couple weeks to get through because life is busy, but I did enjoy it. Seeing Pomella a bit older and with more training was great. The whole idea of Crow Tallin was a good one, and the way it was subverted for the ending and moving forward the story was pretty good. I didn’t love how Sim turned out in the end, but it was good to see he wasn’t just dead or something before the story even started. I think the flashbacks weren’t put in where I’d have really liked them, but they were super helpful for understanding how the story worked out and I’m not sure how it would have worked otherwise. From the beginning I felt like Saint Brigid was a bit of a Chekov’s gun, but it worked out well too. Will definitely read the end of the series. Sometime…

[Alexa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think i likes the first book better. The first is more beginning the main character finding out who she could and her journey to me a possible mystic. As she goes she meets new friends and some old friends. There is more trials and tests and mentors. This second one is a bit heavier with more of a powerful growth and mystics and monsters are more released. Power grows and do poverty, deaths, and there is a new character shiva as a oracle.

[Brian Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review

Mystic Dragon was a great follow up to mystic. Ponella's journey was hurtful to watch, but beautiful at the same time. The story was magic and real!y felt like something with reading and consuming. I will remember this book for awile.

[Kristen Wares · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ratings of this series so far is so disappointing! Jason Denzel brings a new perspective to the idea of fantasy worlds. This world he created has helped get me through some of the darkest points in my life. I cannot wait to see what the 3rd book will bring.

[Graff Fuller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, that did not end the way I thought it would. Jason Denzel is setting up a magnificent third book adventure. So much happened at the end, I will need to reread it to fully comprehend the sheer gravitas of what just happened. Can't wait for book three.

[Garrett Olinde · Rating 4 out of 5]

imaginative

[Amber Wooddell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an exceptional book, loved all the characters. It kept my interest the only downside is that this is 2 in a trilogy and not sure when the next one will come out.

[Chuck Ledger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the magic and the lands. Almost gave it 3 stars because i'm not a fan of books that have so many flashbacks.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great second installment to the series, looking forward to the third book!

[Nikhil Koparkar · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read.. and then a re-read!! A devastatingly profound ending, rich world and magic system. Prepare to be sucked in!

[M.A. McComas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can't wait for book three! This one definitely raised the stakes.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even better than the first book. Jason Denzel is an excellent storyteller.

[Sandy Zaro · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was ok - a little too much time changing but I guess it was Denzels way of explaining his back-story. I may read the next book - not sure yet.

[Ted Cartier · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really enjoyed thefirst book in this series but fund book 2 to be slow on ponderous.

[Karen Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was doing well until someone's spine came out like the unsheathing of a sword ... umm ... eww.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could hardly put it down. The characters came to life just as if the Myst itself rose up from the pages.
I read the first book a long time ago, but it was like catching up with old friends. I warmed to the characters instantly.
The intricate details of Fayün are an absolute delight. This book takes place seven years after Pomella's arduous yet successful passing of the Mystic Trials.
I will need to go back to the first book, to refresh my memory a little on the trials and Black Claw.
My heart kept for joy at dear Sim's reappearance but also broke because of all the hardships he had to face over those seven years.
A new character emerges as a young girl called Shevia. Her past is also not a good one, so I could empathize with her on certain things while others I still felt were too cruel to come from such a young girl.
I cannot wait for the next installment. Especially after the bittersweet ending of Sim disappearing in the tower, though the two worlds are now united, through Pomella's love and enhanced gift. Hopefully Sitting Mother will find him again.
I highly highly recommend this book and series.

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sooooooo...not as good as the first but I only read the first because at some point I realized this was the second. There is a lot to love in this series but the middle third of this book felt ... boggy. The last third was suspenseful and fast paced. I just struggled to keep up. I will definitely read the third, and I’m hoping it’s as satisfying as the first.

[Kayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Presenter seemed uninvolved at first.

[Bentgaidin · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Mystic Dragon' is an interesting second novel. The previous book, Mystic, is about its characters growing up and discovering their power; this one jumps ahead a decade to show them struggling with the ramifications and limits of that power, living as adults in a world that doesn't always work out the way they hoped. It also introduces a new character who has grown up in a series of abusive relationships, each time gaining power and authority, but never respect, never an escape. But there is a Mystic cataclysm approaching, and as the characters are drawn back together to their island home, the upheaval of the world might let them discover the truths behind their world, and find freedom. It's a look at the uses of power, and their orthogonal relationship to satisfaction, healing, and justice; there's a very Buddhist strain of philosophy running through the book about the necessity of letting go of worldly power and attachments before one can find peace. On the other hand, the book opens with Pomella's fighting against slavery and an unjust caste system, and closes with -- despite the resolutions obtained by the viewpoint characters -- massive social chaos, death, and destruction, problems that magic can only touch in the most limited of ways, and suffering that exists outside of one's relation to the world. It's going to be interesting to see how this very personal enlightenment can be brought to bear on the difficulties of the world at large, when the next book comes out.

[Henry Lazarus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jason Denzel continues his tale of a world split into reality and a world of mist where fey creatures live. Pomella AnDone, the first commoner to become a Mystic (paper) has become known as Hummingbird because of the fey birds familiars that help her in her quest to free the unclaimed from the slavers who collect them. It is time for the Crow Tallin, a time when the mystic world comes closest to reality and a time when all the High Mystics come to Kelt Apar, Pomella’s home, to help people deal with the confluence and to prevent the last Mystic Dragon (hard from Tor), responsible for the separation. Pomella has to deal with a young woman with psychic ties to the dragon, and with protecting her mentor, a retired high mystic, from his disapproval of the High Mystics actions. Fun. They’ll be a third tale coming to finish the story. Review printed by Philadelphia Free Press