Daughter of Dragons

Dragonslayer Academy #1

by A.J. Flowers

Ever get that sense you just don't belong? I should be happy. It's my sixteenth birthday and my best friend and boyfriend are pulling out all the stops. No parents, plenty of friends, and a wild party that'll test my relationship with Nimrock Ohio's local small-town police.

Nothing exciting ever happens at Nimrock.

At least, not before James arrived.

He came blazing in on his motorcycle with entirely inappropriate leatherwear for the hot climate, but when he takes off his jacket those tattoos would make any good girl question her life choices.

There's something about James that I can't shake.

I'll soon find out James is my knight in shining armor... and I'm the dragon he's meant to slay.

Daughter of Dragons is Book 0 in the Dragonslayer Academy series, a paranormal fantasy where dragon shifters are real, knights of the round table have been keeping humanity safe, and not all hot guys are as tame as they seem. This novel is appropriate for teen audiences and contains a love triangle where the main character will choose one love interest by the end of the series.

Genres: Ebooks, Young Adult, Dragons

312 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 14, 2018

About the author

A.J. Flowers is a fantasy author, book blogger, and automotive engineer in Detroit. She loves her writing, her work, and above all, her faith and family. When not writing or designing, you can find her saving the world from annihilation on her favorite video games side-by-side with her Dutch husband and princess Blue Russian kitty named Mina.

Reviews

[Mandie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fast-paced action packed read! I am always entertained by this authors books. She never disappoints!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

[Carly Marino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really fun read

I enjoyed this book a lot and would def recommend it. I’ve read a few of AJ’s books and have never been disappointed.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t adjust to the idea that everyone expects Lily to pick a side before she knows anything about the sides. The ostensible reason is that no one wants to tell her anything she could share with their enemies if she picks the wrong side, but seriously, shouldn’t they at least be trying to sway her toward their own side? Leaving her with no information at all is just courting disaster.

I can’t say I’m thrilled with Lily’s taste in men. Damian is disgusted by what she’s becoming. James… has his own agenda, and is part of an order that’s at war with the dragons. I still don’t understand how this “choice” of Lily’s is really supposed to work. Does every dragon get this choice? The implication seems to be yes. But if that’s the case, then wouldn’t the order be made up partly of dragons, since that’s one of the sides being chosen between? Instead they seem to be into killing all the dragons.

Lily seems to come up with little assumptions and bits of information out of nowhere. I kept running into little things that made, me go, huh? Where’d that come from? Then after a major turn in the story the entire tone shifted, and the pacing dropped back as though this was early in a story rather than late. The story ends with plenty left unresolved. For instance, I still don’t entirely understand what happened to Lily’s parents. I still don’t understand what happened to Damian. Nor do I get how Lily seemed to affect something that happened in the past? Sorta? Maybe? It was weird. I also don’t understand why she stopped having blackouts as soon as they were no longer important to the plot.

Anyway, some of the basic paranormal worldbuilding is interesting, and it was easy to buy into the emotions of the kids in this story. But otherwise the story was something of a mess.


Original review posted on my blog: http://www.errantdreams.com/2019/05/r...

[Ann Holden · Rating 3 out of 5]

I kept waiting to like this book. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen. There was a great deal of teenage angst, too much confusion about who cared about whom, and many unanswered questions. Why would her parents just leave her? Did she love Damien? Why were Lily and Tess always fighting? Many more questions that would spoil the story so I won’t list them here.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Nicole Vanadia Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed this book. It was a modern update to the old Dragon vs Knights. Full of mystery, romance, supernatural creatures, and death. I thought the characters were balanced and complete. They didn't act out of character. The plot was interesting and fed you details as needed and still left you wanting more. My biggest complaint is that I wished the book were longer because though I understand the need for the mystery surrounding this world, I feel it could have used much more world building. The main character is still in the dark about her own world so I'm sure this is part of the plot but by the end of the book I'm still trying to figure out which side is good or bad, how these creatures exists and why. Being part of a series, I'm hoping they get answered in the next book. I wasn't a fan of the way this book time hopped but that's a stylistic preference. Overall, a fast read that makes you want to grab the next one.

[Stella · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in a promising new series, 'Daughter of Dragons' by AJ Flowers features the strong dynamic heroine Lily, one of the main protagonists who is changing into a dragon. The other protagonist is James, the hero, a knight who has come to kill the fledgling dragon to save humanity. Lily has then to prove to herself and to James that she will not hurt anyone.
The reader follows Lily through her trials and the challenges and struggles she goes through.
An emotional and romantic read, this paranormal romance/urban fantasy, is fast paced, full of action, has magic, lots of teenage angst, supernatural creatures and much, much, more.
With a good plot that flows smoothly, the story is well written.
There is good detailed descriptions to the various scenes and settings and to the vivid and interesting cast of supporting characters who play a strong role in the story and as they enhance the plot significantly.
This intriguing tale will take the reader on an incredible journey. I look forward to the next book.
Recommended!
Gifted with a copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

ONE FANTASTIC OPENING!!!
Talk about getting in over your head. Duck and roll. LOL. This is a great tale that brings all as it HITS the ground running. Don't look back, if you trip, you're toast. I thought Flowers did an amazing job with the narration, the characters and the scenes. The characters are well developed and believable with just enough flaws to make it real. Their personalities are unique with qualities and traits that balance's out perfectly. The scenes are so vividly detailed it paints a fantastic backdrop that adds flavor to the mix that really rolls right along smoothly. The twists and turns and unexpected surprises that kept your attention on the pages as the story unfolds. Remarkable job Flowers, thanks for sharing this awesome read with us.

[Jeraca · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dragons are my favorite right now so I was so excited to dive into this book.  But I found I had a hard time keeping up with the story.  There were chapters I had no idea what was going on and I felt a bit lost.  Maybe because it was through Lily's point of view and everyone was deceiving her and keeping her in the dark?  I think I liked James the most but again he was keeping so much under his sleeve that I'm not sure if I liked him. 

So sad to say this book wasn't for me.  And as much as I want to read the next part, it's done in episodes and isn't finished yet?  That just annoys me and makes me think the author is out for extra money.  I'm sure there are tons of readers out there that like that system, but it's just not for me. 

[Tammy Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daughter of Dragons is a fabulous book to read. The fast paced action pact story will leave you reeling in your seat. The main character Lily, for her life is being turned upside down as she is turning into a dragon and just when things weren't complicated enough enter smoldering hot James. Just one problem with him he's here to kill Lily. Can Lily prove she would never hurt anyone in time to keep James from killing her. These characters come together and take you on a wild ride adventure unlike any other. This book had me hook line and sinker and I can only hope that there is more to come. Daughter of Dragons is a must read.

[Kimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please tell me there is a book 2 to this story! Because i really am hooked on Lily's story! I need to know what happens next. There was so many surprises. I didn't even see it coming. That's how good is it. I am so shipping Lily & James.. but with the way things ended I'm not sure what to think. I hope Author A.J. Flowers will continue this awesome story. I love dragon shifter stories. And this one has "Knights" who kill dragons... which is different from any other dragon type story i have read so far. I definitely recommend this as a must read!

[Charlotte · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would say this could be read by ages 12 and up. It does not have sexually explicit content.
I like the story idea. A sixteen year old girl, Lily is becoming something, but doesn't know what. She has no warning and no one seems to want to help her figure things out. I think the book drags a bit in the middle.
There is going to be a book 2, so be ready for a cliffhanger.

[amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again!

I'm sucked into another series.

I must admit, it started out a bit slow for me. The main character I had a bit of trouble identifying with and found her a tad bit annoying. But as the chapters went on and the character really developed and really I appreciated it. The world building was what really kept things going in the beginning.

Now to wait for book two!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

. Things are boring for Lily until her parents disappears , her boyfriend starts acting strange, dreams are getting hot. Changes are coming and she's going to have to decide what she is going to do. I love strong females characters and she is one of those. Enjoyed the read and I'm pretty darn sure I'll be reading the one after this

[Lori Hammons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lily's coming of age story is frought with riddles and unanswered questions. All she knows is she must choose a side, with little to no information about anything. Leave it to a frustrated sixteen year old to come up with her own choice. This book is intriguing and suspenseful. I throughly enjoyed it.

[Maggie Borges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read constant surprises

The characters were great. Information was a surprise for both the characters and the readers. The end was nearly wrapped up... With a lead to the next post of the story not a cliffhanger but a new beginning. Loved it

[Donamarie Fournier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love dragon stories and this one did not let me down. I thoroughly enjoyed Lily and the turmoil that she went through. I look forward to the next book to see what her choice really is and how this will turn out. A very engrossing story that was a fast read.

[Tina Courts · Rating 5 out of 5]

first in this series and wow. really captures my imagination. went thru a rollercoaster of emotions. can’t wait for the next book to come out to see what will happen next. love dragons and this series is unique and has become a favourite of mine.

[Nikki Bao · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lily's sweet sixteen is coming and her bestie and boyfriend are throwing her the best party ever. There are no parents in sight. This party's the most exciting thing to happen here until James showed up. What does this tattooed bad boy have up his sleeve?

[Lejla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book got my heart.
I love dragons so this book is perfect for me.
I can't wait to read more about this.
I don't want to spoil anything so I will stop here.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daughter of Dragons is an awesome beginning to a new series. It is well-written (flows smoothly) and the characters are well developed and believable. Please, need more soon. I recommend this book.

[Dorothy Dreyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cool concept. I mean, who doesn’t love dragon shifters, right? Well, except maybe knights, lol. Or don’t they? 😉 Really enjoyed this and looking forward to more!

[Ashley Martinez (ilovebooksandstuffblog) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dragons, knights, magic and more in this exciting new start to a new magical series. The story was fast paced and full of exciting twists.

[Raeleane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic story of a coming of age dragon. Lily has no clue about her identity. The world and character building was really well done. I would recommend this book to my teenage grandchildren.

[PelicanFreak · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very addicting read! It’s in the perspective of a sixteen year old girl who is mature, wise beyond her years, and has good values so she’s easy to relate to and root for. We see her both in the day-to-day life of normal sixteen year-old and struggling to figure out who and what she is as she uncovers that there’s more that meets the world than just … humans.

The writing is really well done. Cover is gorgeous and professional and completely fitting of the story. Character development is fairly advanced with some complex relationships and individuals and editing/proofing-wise, it’s mostly clean.

I had a hard time putting this down. I skip around and read 100 different books simultaneously, depending on my mood and this is the one I kept going back to for a couple days until I’d finished it. It’s suspenseful and has a good amount of action and mystery throughout.

The protagonist is a strong, badass teenage girl who is destined to “choose a side”. Maybe she’ll choose right, maybe she won’t, or maybe she’ll do her own thing - I won’t spoil it, but it’s really well done.

4 stars.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Lady The Owls · Rating 5 out of 5]

How creative and awe inspiring story that I had a hard time putting it down. This is a new one from A.J. Flowers and I think she has out done herself in this tale and can hardly wait for the next one in the series.