Initiate

Dragon School #2

by Sarah K.L. Wilson

Magic comes to Dragon School. Can it be trusted?

With First Flight behind her, sixteen-year-old Amel believes she can finally settle into her studies and learn to be a Dragon Rider.

But when a friend is brutally injured, another has a dark secret, and Amel is entrusted with a vital message, she must question where her loyalties lie. Worse, Magikas have arrived at Dragon School and they bring both change and new prejudice against Amel.

With the home Amel found at Dragon School quickly disappearing, will she know who to trust or will her new friendships disappear as quickly as her safety?

Fans of Anne McCaffrey’s Dragon Rider’s of Pern, Christopher Paolini’s Eragon and Rachel E. Carter’s First Year will love Dragon School.

Genres: Fantasy, Dragons, Young Adult, Magic, Paranormal, Disability, Young Adult Fantasy

92 pages, ebook

First published December 2, 2017

About the author

Sarah K. L. Wilson is a USA Today Bestselling author who writes fantasy stories featuring practical heroes & heroines in the most impractical circumstances. She loves writing because it is the only way to make a living and give back to the world when your primary skill is an overactive imagination and a tendency toward violent daydreams.
Sarah can be found in the outdoors of Northern Ontario with her young boys and beloved husband, reading a book, or fending off her husband's pet turkeys with a straw broom.
You can find Sarah's books in paperback, hardcover, ebook and audiobook and they have also been translated into Italian, German, and (very soon) Turkish.
Please, do, enjoy the read!

*USA Today bestseller list, November 2, 2017
www.sarahklwilson.com
sarah@sarahklwilson.com
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TikTok @sarahklwilson

Reviews

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been a week since Amel and her peers have taken their first flight (their first major test), and all of the ones who made it are now considered initiates. Ever since that mysterious letter came from the capital of the Dominion, all Dragon School students of every level have been relentlessly studying to pass their next tests. What would normally take them months to learn and test for, they all have to do in a week. Most of Dragon School will be splitting up for an outside misson, unknown to anyone who isn't a full Dragon Rider, and they are waiting for further instructions to come with the arrival of the Majika's.

When the Majika's come with a Dominion Envoy (messenger -like the purple dragons) to deliver yet another cryptic message, all the upper level students and full riders go into a panic. Meanwhile, one of Amel's friends shows up badly injured, and because of that she has become entrusted with a secret message only an envoy or full purple rider can open. Another friend of hers is hiding something big and seems to think that message might pertain to her. One of her peers, who has always seemed to have something against Amel, has been getting suspiciously close with one of the Majika apprentices who also seems to have something against her. To top it all off, Amel will now have to bring her best friend back into the unknown with out the promise of a return.

Will Amel's injured friend be able to survive his wounds on their journey? Can she hurt her other friend by not revealing the contents of the message she was given, or will she ruin her honor by breaking the Dominion law? Can she and her best friend do what their first real mission requires and return to school alive and well? Perhaps more importantly, the Majika's are up to something, but can Amel figure out what it is and stop them before all is lost?

Initiate by Sarah K.L. Wilson is the second novella in her Dragon School serial. This is a fast paced, YA fantasy story.

I really enjoyed this sequel; it picks up a week later but the transition is smoothe. There are a lot of new characters and elements introduced in this novella and while a few of my questions from book one were answered, many more have popped up, haha. The world building is better in this part - in fact the world has expanded due to their mission. Some of the characters have more depth (like Leng), but I still wish I could have a better understanding of Amel's (and Roalcan's) life before dragon school. She mentions her parents briefly in a passing thought, but it didn't get deeper than that.

My questions about the magic in part one were sort of answered by the Majika's coming to the school. Majika's are kind of like witches or sorcerers? However, a full (red) dragon rider performed magic at one point (and one of the Grandis' did the bonding in book one) and I really wished it was explained how that was possible. There wasn't really any more information on the rules of magic, who can weild it and how much/ what kind, etc. So I still feel a bit lost on that aspect.

Roalcan and Amel have gotten much closer - I really love their friendship. I enjoy reading all their sweet moments, sarcastic and witty remarks and I love his nickname for her, too. Amel has also befriended Leng (a fellow purple - full rider) and has a strange sort of friendship with Savette (a high Castelan and red). I'm interested to see what else the Majika's might bring to this story line. Unfortunately we lost some characters in this installment (like we did in the first), and I'm interested to see what that means for our survivors.

Speaking of losing characters, one of the things I love most about Sarah K.L. Wilson's writing style is that she isn't afraid to injure or kill off her characters. Not that I want to see them suffer, but they're working with dragons and going on dangerous missions, so it makes sense that not all of her characters would survive or be left with out a scratch. Even our MC still suffers from an injury she received when she was just an infant. As upsetting as it may be, I'm glad for it because it makes the story more realistic.

This was an awesome follow up to First Flight, with just as much suspense as the first book! I'm excited to see what happens next. Sarah K.L. Wilson's Dragon School series is on KU - so read it for free if you can!

[Dea꧂ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, this quickly became extremely absurd. If it wasn't for Raolcan who is the only character that acts mature and has some believable and relatable thoughts that correspond to the situation he is in this would be pretty much unreadable. And Raolcan is a dragon...With that statement I rest my case.
The whole plot with all the characters is childlish and simply unbelievable.
One of the dragon rider teachers from the dragon school was burnt and actually killed with a single ball of fire!??? Older dragon rider...a teacher...someone with experience and knowledge...Simply amazing. Of course his dragon was also burnt to a crisp...with a ball of fire like he was made of paper....I was really overwhelmed with laughing myself to tears.
All would be well if the book wasn't tagged under young adult. Just no.
I still like the dragons though.

[Siobhan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I positively adore stories involving dragons, and when I enjoyed the first book in the Dragon School series, I decided I would try to overcome my evasion of serial stories and follow this one. If Dragon School: Initiate is any indication of how this series is going to continue growing, I’m positive I’ll soon forget about my dislike of serial releases.

The first book in the Dragon School series introduced us to Sarah K.L. Wilson’s wonderful world, leaving us wanting more. Picking up shortly after the first ended, Dragon School: Initiate quickly throws us back into the action. Building upon all we were introduced to in the first book, this second brings in many new elements. In fact, it added much more to the story than I had imagined it would. Honestly, there was so much added within this one, so many twists thrown in, that I find it difficult to believe the page count when I look at it – I cannot help but find it hard to believe so much could happen, and could be done so well, within so few pages.

Much like the first book, this is fast paced read that will keep you gripped throughout. There is more world building, there are new characters introduced, and as a whole I see no reason why fans of the first story will dislike this second. It has all the same things as the first book, only intensified: we still have great characters, the fantasy element is strong, and the plot is solid.

My only disappointment is that I do not have Dragon School: The Dark Prince to dive straight into. With so much opened up in this story, I’m overly eager to dive into the third story to find out where things will head in the future. I’m positive whatever comes next, I’m going to love it.

[MLL · Rating 3 out of 5]

Worse and Worse

Dragons who can't breathe fire or protect themselves from catching on fire, Dragon Riders who are clueless and also can't protect themselves, Amel to whom everything bad that can go wrong does and yet she is the only one who ever succeeds at anything.
That is what this book is about. Also it contradicts the first book and itself.

[Lyra Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this series for young teens and up. Imaginative and entertaining!

[*❆ Kαɾҽɳ ❆* · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this sequel! It was better than the first and I loved that one too!

So, where we left off in the last book, Amel is now training to become a dragon rider. And we see her progress, and her struggles but Amel is strong and doesn't let things get in her way.

But changes are happening in her school. There are secrets messengers and glimpses of betrayals. Amel isn't sure who she can trust, but she will do anything to keep her friends safe, Savette and Leng, from all dangers and harm. And she is lucky to have her trusted and most faithful friend and equal, her purple dragon, Raolcan.

Together with Raolcan, she will uncover shocking truths that will affect her perspective on the world and who she can trust.
Though this story ends with a cliffhanger, it's worth the ride! I cannot wait to read the next one!

Received a copy from the author herself in exchange for an honest review, thank you!

[Allison ☾ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving the story, but I probably wouldn't be reading this if I didn't have Amazon Prime or Kindle Unlimited.

[Dawn Siemer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Think of it as a serial

Again, this novella doesn't have a solid ending. The whole series is finished, so I guess that's not really a problem.

2 stars because the plot is silly, and the characters do stupid things to advance the plot. Also, I was surprised to discover the main character is 16. I thought she was closer to 12. She acts and thinks too young.

[Sabrina Wannet · Rating 5 out of 5]

short but powerfull

go go dragon rider amel :D

[Alyssia Cooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much like First Flight, Initiate is a short, bite-sized instalment that I think would work well for the younger teen audience. I still really liked the lead protagonist; having a strong disabled lead character is refreshing, and I like how Amel refuses to be defined by her disability even as others refuse to see anything else about her. Raolcan her purple dragon gets a little bit more to say in this instalment which is good, and you get hints and whispers of what sets the purple dragon riders apart. The world is expanded slightly with the inclusion of the Magika and the Dominion, and there is a looming threat of trouble of the horizon that isn't fully realised in this instalment, but will likely play a part in those to come.

I did find the same issues present here though that I had with the initial instalment; the world building is imaginative, but sketchy, with the short format just not giving enough space to flesh it out fully. A couple of secondary characters are more fully realised, and I liked Leng, the injured Dragon Rider who Amel is taking care of. There is a lot more action in this book than the previous book, however again, the reasons behind the action are skimmed over and rushed. I didn't get a real sense of why the Magika act in the way they do, or how they get away with it.

However, once more the writing flows well and I'm interested in where the over-arching narrative is going to go. I'd like events to be expanded on a little more and the world to be more fully realised though. I have to consider them each individual novella a 'chapter' in a larger narrative, rather than a story in and of itself, and stand by my previous comment that if you have Kindle Unlimited these are worth looking at, otherwise it's an expensive way to get short bites that may eventually add up into a larger whole.

[Marjolein · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second part was just as good as the first one! It is action packed, and puts Amel on a path towards becoming a Dragon Rider where she has to succeed or die, which is kind of a pressure, especially if you're already at a disadvantage because your leg doesn't work. I love the way her disability keeps playing a part in what she does and thinks (it's easy to erase it when convenient, but that doesn't happen). And I just adore Raolcan who's always there to inspire some courage in Amel when she herself might not have it... I'm looking forward to the next part!

[Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been a week since the end of First Flight and Amel is still trying to get her foot under her (literally) and now everything is changing at Dragon School. She has to carry out her first mission, some strange Magikas have shown up and what is going on with one of her friends?

Another fast paced installment of Dragon School that will keep you reading to the end and then wanting to start the next one. I really appreciate the fact that this heroine is flawed, but still can show what it means to be brave.

[Bill Tillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dragon School: Initiate

When you witness great storytelling I sit back to say well done. Sarah Wilson has a rare gift, drawing you in myself included. Amel Leafbrought and her dragon Raolcand leave the Dragon School on a desperate mission heading for the Ruby Isles. Along the way, Amel stumbles into a plot hatched by the Magikas (read Wizards) to kill the riders and turn their dragons to Magikas control.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second in the series and just as good as the first one. A big change in the way Sevette feels—the girl given to a prince for marriage to stop a war and so many changes as she is kidnapped. Amel has promised to always be her friend so she feel she must find her and leaves school. Surprising to her her group of girls follow her and one betrays them but Amel and another escape capture and also find Leng who is being tortured. Sevette has changed when they rescue her and life for Amel has really changed—for adults that love books about dragons this is a great book and anyone giving it a 2 star needs to remember this is a book for kids/YA. Ahmel’s dragon is hiding a big secret also and we are left with a cliff hanger—on to read the 3rd in the series now.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Continuing on from the first book we get more into the overall story arc of the series. This book starts to really get into the adventure of it all and we learn more about the characters. The author does a good job of continuing the growth of both the story and the characters. I really enjoy the secondary characters as well.

[amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lot like the first book. A nice and quick read. Perfect when you want just something to tide you over for a little while.

You get a good little story. I still feel like this cover doesn't pair up with the book. That is honestly my only complaint about this.

This is an ARC review.

[Taniqua Cary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once again I enjoyed this quick read. I love Amel and her noble ways! My only complaint is how this series is broken up in episodes and not just one or a couple of books so I don’t have to keep downloading the next one so soon because of how short they are.

[Linda Pérez · Rating 4 out of 5]

CW: Ableism

[Rea · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was ok for me.

[Lela Eder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!

This story keeps getting better and better! I cannot wait to read the next ones when they come out! Woot!

[Sharon (enjoythefandomlife) · Rating 5 out of 5]

My friends had been so enthusiastic about this book series and recommended it to me. It is like a series, they said. I didn’t realize until I started the first two books how similar it is to a series. It’s been a while since I’ve been so hooked on a book, let alone *made* time for reading besides my other time consuming hobbies. I’m sad I didn’t find this book series sooner, but on the other hand it leaves me more books to read in a row until I’m caught up. It’s slowly growing to one of my favorites. Well written, great and lively characters and thrilling plot.

[Jennifer Foster · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not enough of a bother.

Story line is a great read but not worth paying three bucks for fifteen minutes of reading. Not worth the bother.

[EscaPe iNTo thE PaGEs · Rating 3 out of 5]

upon finishing this second novella, I think this series is okay for what's worth...a little immature for my taste but I like the dragons a lot...more than I like the humans..

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dragon School: Initiate is book two in Sarah K.L. Wilson picks up where book one left off. Amel, having passed her first test, is now an Initiate at the Dragon School. Things have continued to be fast tracked as the students and Riders are being prepared for something big that is coming. For now, they still have the option to choose what happens to them – continue forward and become a rider or bow out and become a servant. Amel spends a lot of time with her dragon, because she feels comfort and peace with him. Plus, Raolcan helps her with her studies and to stay focused through their unique connection. One day, Leng and his dragon come back to the school, but Leng is hurt. He passes to Amel a missive that must be handed to the Dominion Envoy or another purple rider only. With Leng badly hurt, and out of commission Amel is the only one who can handle the missive, but she must not open it. She’s torn on a level between what she is charged with and her curiosity. When a girl who has somewhat befriended her begins to act strange, Amel is torn between helping the girl and following what she knows her duty is. The time tables will continue to be sped up, and danger will creep ever closer as Amel learns that few can be trusted in these dangerous times.
Dragon School: Initiate is yet another fast paced installment in the Dragon School series. We see Amel continue to grow as a dragon rider, but we also see that she still has to prove herself to others once again. Amel is a special person, and it’s nice to see that Leng sees that about her. The story flows nicely from one point to the next despite the speed that it progresses at. I’m glad to see that certain elements are points are not lost in the way. I like that the author brings a new danger element into the picture, that wasn’t seen before. It is hinted at in the story, but it isn’t long before the author brings it to the forefront. While I like how the author keeps the characters humanly-flawed, it still distresses me at the same time in certain moments.
There honestly isn’t anything story-wise that I don’t like about this book. It’s engaging and has me wanting to know what happens next all the way up to the end. This book does end on a cliffhanger again, but I don’t mind at all. It makes me more eager to get my hands on the next book in this series and learn what happens next with Amel and her dragon. I want to know why the things that are happening are happening and what has set them in motion.
I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. The storyline is engaging and I love it. I like the relationship Amel and Roalcan have and how they care for each other. The story is well done, and a good read for YA and adult readers alike. I recommend this book to those who like fantasy novels with dragons, magic and a young girl who strives to overcome her disability to become something more.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an exciting follow-up to the first book in the Dragon School series! In this second installment to the adventuresome story of Amel, a handicapped girl who is set on becoming a Dragon Rider, we find that life is about to get complicated. While she was able to beat all the odds and accomplish riding Raolcan, the dragon bonded to her, she has many more challenges to face.
Amel and Raolcan continue to develop their bond and strengthen the trust between rider and dragon. They have a symbiotic relationship where they look out for each other and work together to survive. Though it seems most of the time Raolcan is helping Amel more than anything else, Raolcan does not see Amel and her human frailty as inferior. If anything he views her courageous spirit as an admirable trait. Amel is compassionate and caring even with those who do not reciprocate the care, as it occurs with Tamas and Savette. Amel feels conflicted on how to help Savette, a fellow Inducted, when Savette learns that she will no longer be a Rider. An important decree is issued requiring all dragon riders, from the most recently inducted (which includes Amel) to the full experienced riders to depart from Dragon School and fulfill a mission. A mysterious situation involving Savette starts to unravel and Amel finds herself at a crossroad that will test her loyalties.
Coming into her own self-confidence Amel is placed in a predicament where she must trust her instincts and find the resolve to be a leader in order to save her group from an evil plot that is brewing. The story’s plot has developed further and now we see that chaos is ruling with an imminent rebellion against the Domion. As with all rebellions there is secrecy and scheming that will lead to unfortunate events.

The author does a splendid job in portraying dragons as people and illustrating how the marginalize in a society are treated. Through Amel’s tenacious personality and Roalcan’s firm confidence in her abilities we become her most ardent supporters rooting for her even when the cards are stacked against her. I cant wait to read the next book and see how Amel survives yet another challenge.

[Myriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book continues about a week after the end of the first book and it continues with the same fast and intense pace. My biggest problem here is giving a fair review without any spoilers. I refused to read the summary, so I had absolutely no idea what was going to happen from the beginning, and I absolutely loved being surprised all the time.
In the first book, it is pretty obvious what was going to happen and most of the book was in preparation and anticipation of the great event, but here things go a bit sideways, as the expected does not happen due to the unexpected announcement. There are hints of upcoming demise, but when it happens, it happens hard and fast.
As previously, I cannot emphasise enough how impressed I am with the author for being able to put so much content in so few pages. This obviously had its good and bad sides. The bad is that the book is over the moment you start reading it, but the good news is that the new book will be coming soon. 
Amel is still amazing, even more so than in the first book. Her strength surpasses all expectations and her compassion is inspiring and uplifting. Raolcan is a dragon I would love to have as a friend, and their friendship is probably the most amazing thing in the series. There is additional development of several side characters who suddenly become more interesting. Again, I am left in desperate need of the next book.
The series should be read in order: Dragon School: First Flight (Dragon School #1), Dragon School: Initiate (Dragon School #2), Dragon School: The Dark Prince (Dragon School #3), and Ruby Isles (Dragon School #4).

[Kanyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I could sit down and read all the stories in this series. I really enjoy them and I end up impatiently waiting for the next book! Amel is back and things are going quite haywire. Something is going on in the world and it is causing unrest at the Dragon School. Amel is torn between helping both of her friends, and finding it hard with no idea with what’s going on. When Magikas arrive at the school they bring change and a horrible uneasy feeling. Amel with her trusted dragon will have to outwit the Magikas if they plan on surviving outside of school grounds.

If you’re looking for a fun, quick read I would highly recommend this book! I would recommend this for readers of young adult fantasy or those who are fans of Eragon or How to Train Your Dragon.

Dragon School: Initiate is the second book in the Dragon School series.

I voluntarily received and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

Final Rating: 5 Stars

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Okay, so I didn't know that this series was going to be more episodic in nature until I actually picked up this book. I know that this style of writing is becoming more prominent, but I've been hesitant to read it because I feel like I would have issues with it. However, since I enjoyed the first book in this series, I decided to approach the second book with an open mind, and it lived up to the first book. The time gap between the ending of the first book and the beginning of the second book isn't so large that it becomes disorienting, yet is significant enough that there is room to establish a new problem and keep the reader engaged. As was the case with the first one, the reader is quickly swept up in the events and is able to easily understand what is happening, and the writing is of the same calibre. I still, however have the same minor criticism as the first one, which is that I wasn't able to really connect with any of the characters and I feel this is partly due to the short nature of the books. They're enjoyable and easy reads, but I wasn't immersed in the world long enough to fully get to know and love the characters before the book ended. I am looking forward to the next instalment, but I am worried that the episodic nature of the series, while enjoyable, will prevent me from fully developing a connection with any of the characters.

[Alex (Bri's Book Nook) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amel has passed her First Flight, and so she has to train to become a full-fledged Dragon Rider. First, her friend is injured, then she is entrusted with an important message. Just when she was starting to feel comfortable enough to call the Dragon School her home, she's learning secrets about the school that make her feel unsafe. 

This book felt even shorter of a read than the first book, but it was simply because I flew through it so quickly. Every installment of the Dragon School series is an amazing read. I am glad that we are seeing Amal's growth as a Rider, but she doesn't magically go from the girl with the "bad leg" to being a strong and courageous Dragon Rider. She has to take classes, pass tests, and prove her worth to herself, her teachers, and her classmates. This is definitely easier said than done, but Amal is determined to do it. She has a friend in her Dragon, and has friends that she has made at the school, but the School itself has many secrets that could make her unsafe. 

The pacing of this novel was perfect. There wasn't a dull moment in this novel, and all scenes were described in perfect detail. I definitely can't wait to read the rest of this series, just to see how the world expands as Amal goes through her years at the School. I also can't wait to see more of Amal's personal growth throughout the series. 

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a short and fun YA fantasy read!

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was already looking forward to this book and I was not disappointed at all! This book is everything I could have hoped for and written perfectly. It's actually a pity that I already finished it within less than a couple of hours.

This book continued where the previous book stopped and it tells the adventure of Amel after her first flight. What stands out in this book is the perfect balance between Amel's disability and her role in this fantasy story, that unfolds and doesn't wait for her. The story is action packed and Amel is forced to push her own limits. Her journey to find her own strength, to find ways to be a hero, is amazing to read and more than once I've been holding my breath.

And I can't even put into words how much I love Raolcan and the bond he and Amel share. He is the voice of reason in her head, but he's also the one reminding her of her courage, of her spirit, of her kindness and all those characteristics that are so much more important that the painful leg she's having to deal with.

I can't wait to read the last part of this story, because I can't wait to see Amel blossom and unfold her own wings so the world can see what Raolcan already knows: She's no less than anyone else, she's not useless. She's a hero in her own way and I can't wait for her to realize that.