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The Tainted Scales #1
The Seventh Year Trials
If my father finds out I’m secretly raising an orphaned dragon, he’ll kill it. Thank the gods for my brother’s help. In the same breath, curse him for sticking by me as I likely dig our graves deeper with each desperate decision.
My name is Mirren, and until now, my greatest ambition has been to stay clear of our father’s temper as best I can. But all that’s changed with my dragon’s life on the line. I only have one option to keep her from starving to death...
Compete.
Desperate choices must be made with the approaching Seventh Year Trials — a deadly dragon riding competition for the nation’s wealthiest youth. But I’m a far cry from a member of the elite, and a vindictive ex-noble is determined to win at any cost in a game all his own.
The charming son of a lord seems to see potential in my dragon and I, but I can’t help but wonder if it’s genuine. I’m dying to hope. But the risks are quickly outweighing the reward as the Trial’s dark history rears its head. And I’m in too deep to turn back now...
The Seventh Year Trials is book 1 of The Tainted Scales Series, a fantasy series featuring adrenaline-fueled dragon riding competitions, a plucky underdog from a have-not family, and an unforgettable brother-sister bond.
My name is Mirren, and until now, my greatest ambition has been to stay clear of our father’s temper as best I can. But all that’s changed with my dragon’s life on the line. I only have one option to keep her from starving to death...
Compete.
Desperate choices must be made with the approaching Seventh Year Trials — a deadly dragon riding competition for the nation’s wealthiest youth. But I’m a far cry from a member of the elite, and a vindictive ex-noble is determined to win at any cost in a game all his own.
The charming son of a lord seems to see potential in my dragon and I, but I can’t help but wonder if it’s genuine. I’m dying to hope. But the risks are quickly outweighing the reward as the Trial’s dark history rears its head. And I’m in too deep to turn back now...
The Seventh Year Trials is book 1 of The Tainted Scales Series, a fantasy series featuring adrenaline-fueled dragon riding competitions, a plucky underdog from a have-not family, and an unforgettable brother-sister bond.
590 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 15, 2020
20 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
About the author
Alexis D. Johnson
5 books35 followersAlexis D. Johnson is a fantasy author whose books range from adventurous noblebright, to dark epic with a spark of hope. She lives a Hobbitish life with her husband (and often times co-author) tending her peach tree and menagerie of creatures in the Texas desert, writing on anything from napkins and notebooks, to computers and typewriters. No matter the world she finds herself in, she firmly believes no story is complete without a heady mixture of gutsy underdogs riddled with flaws and strengths, delicious sibling banter, and mythical creatures.
She pours her soul into her heroes and heroines, turning fears, struggles, and triumphs into reflections of ourselves. Her aim is to sweep you away into richly woven new worlds with characters you'll never forget.
When she isn’t writing, you’re almost certain to find her cooking something scrumptious, going for a swim in her desert oasis, or curled up with a good book.
For news about her upcoming books, behind-the-scenes insight, and giveaways, join her newsletter here: https://sendfox.com/alexisdjohnsonauthor.
She pours her soul into her heroes and heroines, turning fears, struggles, and triumphs into reflections of ourselves. Her aim is to sweep you away into richly woven new worlds with characters you'll never forget.
When she isn’t writing, you’re almost certain to find her cooking something scrumptious, going for a swim in her desert oasis, or curled up with a good book.
For news about her upcoming books, behind-the-scenes insight, and giveaways, join her newsletter here: https://sendfox.com/alexisdjohnsonauthor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 30, 2021
This book was exceptional. Af first I felt like it was too predictable and I thought it was going to bore me, but I finished it in less than a day and was wrapped up in the story. Mirren is an absolute badass. I was worried, I loved reading about her and I couldn't believe it was going to end, but there was no way, with the ending coming close, that there was a way to pave the way for a second book, but holy crap! I am so excited to see what happens next. I cannot wait to see Eric go against his father!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2021
If you love a good fantasy read then this is the read for you! The first book in an epic fantasy slow burn romance series and it is so so good! It’s a well written story full of adventure, emotions, Twists and turns to keep you on your toes and some fantastic characters. The world building is so good you will find yourself drawn in and unable to leave as we follow Mirren on her fantastical journey. Oh and then there’s dragon my absolute favourite and Rai is amazing! It’s a fantastic story about family and friendship, love and loyalty and I cannot wait to read more!
August 20, 2020
The Seventh Year Trials is one of the best books I've read in recent years, I couldn't put it down! Johnson's way of describing things immediately filled my imagination and I had the clearest picture of everything that was happening the whole way through. She also does an incredible job of world building in such a natural way that initially I didn't even notice it was happening --- instead of an all-at-once information dump at the beginning the lore was woven throughout the story at a pace that gave me everything I needed to understand what was going on at that exact moment, and by the time I reached the end I was left with a fully-realized world filled with completely believable, complex people all with their own joys, struggles, and fears, and fighting to either grow through them or be swallowed by them.
Mirren, the heroine of the story, immediately had me rooting for her just as a person, her interactions with the people around her were spot-on and had me cackling (especially with her brother Rhodes!), cringing sympathetically at her awkwardness, saddened at the struggle of broken relationships, and appreciative of the genuineness with which she walks through life. On that note, every character I met feels like a complete person, and even after their moment in the story, however brief, I could totally picture them scattering out into the world to continue their own lives, regardless of what was happening in the book I was reading. And then on top of the wonderful characters and a heroine that has my whole heart, WE WERE GIVEN DRAGONS. And it's dragons done in a way that I've never seen before, like, what if dragons were just a normal part of everyday life? It's so creative and unique, my mind was blown and I can't wait for more!
I don't want to spoil anything that happens further into the story, but just know that I laughed, screamed, cried, freaked out, and had to take deep breaths to calm my anxiety through the entire story as I cheered Mirren and her posse on through their adventures. The ending was so satisfying and yet completely heart-wrenching, and though the Seventh Year Trials is a full story arc on its own, I CAN'T WAIT for the next book!
If you're like me and enjoy any of the following --- Lord of the Rings, Avatar the Last Airbender, Redwall, Hunger Games, Ranger's Apprentice, Brotherband Chronicles, Harry Potter, Terry Pratchett's Tiffany Aching series, and the Eragon series --- then I'm certain you'll love The Seventh Year Trials. The second that you open this beautiful story it will demand your full attention and not let it go!
Mirren, the heroine of the story, immediately had me rooting for her just as a person, her interactions with the people around her were spot-on and had me cackling (especially with her brother Rhodes!), cringing sympathetically at her awkwardness, saddened at the struggle of broken relationships, and appreciative of the genuineness with which she walks through life. On that note, every character I met feels like a complete person, and even after their moment in the story, however brief, I could totally picture them scattering out into the world to continue their own lives, regardless of what was happening in the book I was reading. And then on top of the wonderful characters and a heroine that has my whole heart, WE WERE GIVEN DRAGONS. And it's dragons done in a way that I've never seen before, like, what if dragons were just a normal part of everyday life? It's so creative and unique, my mind was blown and I can't wait for more!
I don't want to spoil anything that happens further into the story, but just know that I laughed, screamed, cried, freaked out, and had to take deep breaths to calm my anxiety through the entire story as I cheered Mirren and her posse on through their adventures. The ending was so satisfying and yet completely heart-wrenching, and though the Seventh Year Trials is a full story arc on its own, I CAN'T WAIT for the next book!
If you're like me and enjoy any of the following --- Lord of the Rings, Avatar the Last Airbender, Redwall, Hunger Games, Ranger's Apprentice, Brotherband Chronicles, Harry Potter, Terry Pratchett's Tiffany Aching series, and the Eragon series --- then I'm certain you'll love The Seventh Year Trials. The second that you open this beautiful story it will demand your full attention and not let it go!
August 18, 2020
The Seventh Year Trials is the debut young adult fantasy novel of Alexis Johnson. I fell in love with Mirren in the first chapter. My heart soared at her triumphs and plummeted at her trials throughout the book. There are aspects of the story that remind of The Hunger Games including a poor heroine who becomes the people’s choice for a champion. However, the trials are not a fight to the death like the Hunger Games were. The interactions Mirren has with the other characters are very real - she disagrees and argues with her parents, she and her brothers exhibit typical sibling behavior. For more on her relationships with her competitors and the cute boy - you’ll need to read the book to find out what happens with those.
Johnson has several surprises as the reader approaches the end of the story - some are happy surprises and others are a disappointment (but necessary for the plot). The Seventh Year Trials has many aspects which make it a great fantasy - it takes place in another world, a fight between good and evil, heroism (Mirren is a strong heroine), mythical creatures (lots of dragons), and an epic journey.
While The Seventh Year Trials has a satisfying ending, it did leave me eagerly anticipating book 2 in The Tainted Scales series. I am very impressed with Alexis Johnson’s work and look forward to many more books from her in the future.
The Seventh Year Trials would be a great addition to a K-12 Christian school library. There is at least one reference to hell as a swear word. There are also comments like, “He swore under his breath.” That is the only swearing. For the most part the book is appropriate for fifth grade and up.
I have known Alexis Johnson for a number of years - she is a friend of my daughter and was in a band with one of my sons when they were both in high school. This did not influence my review. I received a complimentary copy of The Seventh Year Trials as a member of the launch team. This is my honest review.
Johnson has several surprises as the reader approaches the end of the story - some are happy surprises and others are a disappointment (but necessary for the plot). The Seventh Year Trials has many aspects which make it a great fantasy - it takes place in another world, a fight between good and evil, heroism (Mirren is a strong heroine), mythical creatures (lots of dragons), and an epic journey.
While The Seventh Year Trials has a satisfying ending, it did leave me eagerly anticipating book 2 in The Tainted Scales series. I am very impressed with Alexis Johnson’s work and look forward to many more books from her in the future.
The Seventh Year Trials would be a great addition to a K-12 Christian school library. There is at least one reference to hell as a swear word. There are also comments like, “He swore under his breath.” That is the only swearing. For the most part the book is appropriate for fifth grade and up.
I have known Alexis Johnson for a number of years - she is a friend of my daughter and was in a band with one of my sons when they were both in high school. This did not influence my review. I received a complimentary copy of The Seventh Year Trials as a member of the launch team. This is my honest review.
September 24, 2020
You know that it’s a good story when you put the book down but your mind is still in the fantasy realm within the pages… when you spend your nights (that run into your early mornings) completely binge-reading because every turn of the page draws you further into the drama and excitement. You know it’s a good book when the characters and their exploits twist your emotions into knots until you have to give your best friend a midnight call to let off some steam. This is a little taste of what it is like to read this story… It contains all the elements that I would want in a YA fantasy adventure—action, romance, mystery, tension, gutsy heroes, detestable villains… and of course, the most endearing and fierce companions of all: DRAGONS. On top of that, Johnson builds a unique yet timeless world that you feel you become part of as the story unfolds, and her voice and writing style makes her work absolutely seamless.
The Seventh Year Trials is a work that I would put on par with The Hunger Games and the Percy Jackson series, among others. I can’t wait for more, and I 100% recommend that you give it a read! You are likely missing out on the next great series if you don’t!
The Seventh Year Trials is a work that I would put on par with The Hunger Games and the Percy Jackson series, among others. I can’t wait for more, and I 100% recommend that you give it a read! You are likely missing out on the next great series if you don’t!
August 25, 2020
One feisty girl, one unusual friend you'll never forget, and a competition that seals their fate and sets them on the ride of their lives. The Seventh Year Trials will take you into Mirren's world and turn your ideas about courage on its head. This heart pounding adventure is well grounded in believable characters and has plenty of twists to keep you guessing. You've never met a partner quite like her dragon Rai and will be staying up way too late to find out what happens when these two turn the status quo upside down. I'm thoroughly invested in Johnson's characters! Loved the humor and the spine-tingling scares alike. I couldn't put it down and found myself talking to Mirren in my head and dreaming about the Trials. I cannot wait to read more in this new fantasy series!
February 19, 2022
I loved this story about a girl and her dragon...which must be kept hidden at all costs.
Mirren Calia has just the right level of audacity and common sense for me to want her to succeed, although I could never quite get why she was so scared of her father—apart from him being grumpy about dragons and not wanting them near his family. But it did create some nice tension.
What I most liked was the attention to detail when it came to world building and dragon riding and the crazily deadly "trials" that Mirren has to survive—and succeed at—if she's to keep her precious dragon.
A great adventure with twists and turns and high danger as the young heroine fights to save her dragon’s life.
Mirren Calia has just the right level of audacity and common sense for me to want her to succeed, although I could never quite get why she was so scared of her father—apart from him being grumpy about dragons and not wanting them near his family. But it did create some nice tension.
What I most liked was the attention to detail when it came to world building and dragon riding and the crazily deadly "trials" that Mirren has to survive—and succeed at—if she's to keep her precious dragon.
A great adventure with twists and turns and high danger as the young heroine fights to save her dragon’s life.
September 11, 2020
Loved this book! An easy 5 stars. The storyline is very entertaining & exciting. Johnson describes the scenes very clearly – easy for the reader to visualise what’s going on. The different characters’ personalities and the way their relationships develop and change through the story are real and relatable. Good clean fun. There are characteristics of the story that reminded me of Lord Of The Rings & The Hunger Games. And the dragons. Oh my goodness, the dragons! Johnson introduces the reader to such an interesting concept about the role of dragons in her fantasy world. I particularly loved the scene with the darts! Can’t wait for the next one in the series!
August 28, 2020
Get ready to enter a fantasy world that invites you to explore incredible landscapes, fall in love with the characters and give you moments of fun and adventure.
The level of descriptive writing manages to create an effect of reality that few authors achieve, allowing you to unleash your imagination and facilitating the reader to create a mental image about the fantasy world of Mirren, Rai and the incredible characters that accompany them.
The subtlety with which the book explores family and friendship relationships makes it more real and deep. The unique character of each character makes them very identifiable, we all know a Rhodes or a very dear Pax!
The author makes you dive in and find little clues that help you follow an intangible trace within the plot, leading you to an unexpected place.
I love that it kept me looking forward to the end. There is not a point where you feel that the story is slow, it always has you expectant of what will happen next.
I can't wait to read the next installment of this great and fun story!
The level of descriptive writing manages to create an effect of reality that few authors achieve, allowing you to unleash your imagination and facilitating the reader to create a mental image about the fantasy world of Mirren, Rai and the incredible characters that accompany them.
The subtlety with which the book explores family and friendship relationships makes it more real and deep. The unique character of each character makes them very identifiable, we all know a Rhodes or a very dear Pax!
The author makes you dive in and find little clues that help you follow an intangible trace within the plot, leading you to an unexpected place.
I love that it kept me looking forward to the end. There is not a point where you feel that the story is slow, it always has you expectant of what will happen next.
I can't wait to read the next installment of this great and fun story!
September 3, 2020
Couldn’t put it down!
This book was a lot of fun to read. I’ve ready many first books that left much to be desired with editing, not so with this one. The characters and plot were well developed, the story flowed effectively, and I couldn’t put it down, wanting to know what happened next. I enjoyed getting swept away on the adventure and I can’t wait for the next one!
This book was a lot of fun to read. I’ve ready many first books that left much to be desired with editing, not so with this one. The characters and plot were well developed, the story flowed effectively, and I couldn’t put it down, wanting to know what happened next. I enjoyed getting swept away on the adventure and I can’t wait for the next one!
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August 20, 2020I thought that this was a very exciting story about the love hate relationship between man and dragon. But the more I read I realize it was so much more than that. It's about family, love, courage, and growing as people.
It is page after page of the most riveting story I have read in a long time. And to my surprise I fell in love with dragons!
This book is full of such beautiful detail you would swear that you were in the pages flying along on a magnificent dragon!
This lovely young author has created a fascinating land with amazing people and animals. Her gift of writing places the reader on the back of a dragon and takes you on the right of your life!
If you want page turning excitement, suspense, and a great story take up this book now you won't be able to put it down!
It is page after page of the most riveting story I have read in a long time. And to my surprise I fell in love with dragons!
This book is full of such beautiful detail you would swear that you were in the pages flying along on a magnificent dragon!
This lovely young author has created a fascinating land with amazing people and animals. Her gift of writing places the reader on the back of a dragon and takes you on the right of your life!
If you want page turning excitement, suspense, and a great story take up this book now you won't be able to put it down!
August 25, 2020
I really enjoyed reading The Seventh Year Trials. Having a teen girl protagonist was a treat!
Reading how she thrived under pressure, seeing her struggle with hardship and use her tenacity and stubbornness to her advantage was entertaining. Johnson created a uniquely strong character in Mirren.
Reading how she thrived under pressure, seeing her struggle with hardship and use her tenacity and stubbornness to her advantage was entertaining. Johnson created a uniquely strong character in Mirren.
September 1, 2020
Keeps you on the edge of your seat!
From the beginning Johnson pulls you into Mirren's life, endearing you to her and her brother. The Seventh Year Trials is an epic beginning to The Tainted Scales series, full of adventure and emotion. Johnson weaves a story so exciting and fast-paced that it pulls you in and makes it hard to put it down. I can't wait to read book two when it comes out!
From the beginning Johnson pulls you into Mirren's life, endearing you to her and her brother. The Seventh Year Trials is an epic beginning to The Tainted Scales series, full of adventure and emotion. Johnson weaves a story so exciting and fast-paced that it pulls you in and makes it hard to put it down. I can't wait to read book two when it comes out!
August 20, 2020
I really enjoyed The Seventh Year Trials! Watching the dragons' unique personalities interacting with their human companions brought back a lot of good memories of various pets. Some dragons are lazily affectionate, while others are mischievously cunning, and Mirren's growth and confidence in handling them really shines through. Her desperate struggle to save her family by participating in the extremely competitive (and sometimes deadly) Seventh Year Trials had me turning the pages well into the early morning. I can't wait to see how the next book unfolds this fascinating world!
August 27, 2020
The seven year trials was a fun and interesting book. It gives you a real sense of family with profound characters that win your heart. The story feels young and fresh, it is funny and full of adventure, fluent and fast pased so that it never gets tedious. Overall an interesting story, perfect for those who love fantasy and adventure.
August 20, 2020
This book was amazing!
It was completely clean with characters that I loved, especially Mirren's brothers. Johnson created an amazing world that truly made me feel like I was there and the plot sucked me in right away. I read it in one sitting.
Mirren was a spunky heroine with completely relatable flaws and strengths, and oh my goodness, THE DRAGONS!! I won't give away any spoilers, but let's just say that there were several plot twists I didn't see coming. The romance was cute, age appropriate, and made me smile.
It was completely clean with characters that I loved, especially Mirren's brothers. Johnson created an amazing world that truly made me feel like I was there and the plot sucked me in right away. I read it in one sitting.
Mirren was a spunky heroine with completely relatable flaws and strengths, and oh my goodness, THE DRAGONS!! I won't give away any spoilers, but let's just say that there were several plot twists I didn't see coming. The romance was cute, age appropriate, and made me smile.
May 18, 2021
To say I fell in love with the first few chapters is an understatement, I couldn't put the book down. Everything about the story from the writing, to the scenes and most importantly the characters was so nice. A well written young adult fantasy novel that will envelope your senses. Get ready for a ride.
August 29, 2020
A fantasy, emotional, dragon journey
Words can't describe how much I loved this book. A debut novel and it was just awesome. Without spoilers the characters were great, the action was awesomw and visual and I truly oved the voice in the book. A true pick up up for those who love dragons and bonding of characters and family. Love it!!
Words can't describe how much I loved this book. A debut novel and it was just awesome. Without spoilers the characters were great, the action was awesomw and visual and I truly oved the voice in the book. A true pick up up for those who love dragons and bonding of characters and family. Love it!!
October 28, 2020
What a great book! The story's quick paste made me unable to stop reading. I loved the characters, plots, and deeper understory of family, loyalty, class inequality. If I continue writing I would only repeat what so many of the readers before me said. Can't wait to read the sequel!
October 19, 2020
This work was a fun, interesting read and utilized a seldom-used way of including dragons into the story's world. The characters were well-written and likeable, and the story moved along at the perfect pace, keeping it interesting without too much happening all at once. The only thing I noticed was that there were some opportunities for conflicts between certain characters that could have caused character growth or depth but weren't utilized. But even without this, the work was so well-written I stayed up much later than I should have reading it! Highly recommend to Adults and Young Adults alike.
I received a complimentary copy of this work through Voracious Readers Only in exchange for my honest opinion.
I received a complimentary copy of this work through Voracious Readers Only in exchange for my honest opinion.
November 5, 2022
Fantasy is not a genre I usually enjoy and WOW did The Seven Year Trials change my mind! The story sucks you in by the end of the first page and keeps you glued to every word waiting to see what happens next. The descriptions of everything from the characters themselves to the wide array of settings you’re given a personal tour of throughout this amazing story are so rich and full of delicious detail that you swear you’re actually within this magical world! Girl power is on full display as we’re lead through the transformation of Mirren, the fiesty and courageous young heroine, as she blossoms from a shy but sassy wallflower into a powerful force to be reckoned with. The premise of the story is truly unique and I highly recommend that anyone wanting to be taken on a thrilling and inspiring feel-good adventure buy this book immediately!
October 20, 2020
**I received this book from Voracious Readers Only and the author in exchange for an honest review**
It should say something that I read this book in one sitting. I was immediately drawn into the world and connected with the protagonist’s family. Yes, parts were extremely predictable because of where we know the story is headed. But in this case, it didn’t bother me at all.
I fell in love with Rai, and now want a dragon as a pet. And Mirren was a great protagonist to follow because she wasn’t perfect, and the trials weren’t easy.
Give this story a read. You’ll enjoy it.
It should say something that I read this book in one sitting. I was immediately drawn into the world and connected with the protagonist’s family. Yes, parts were extremely predictable because of where we know the story is headed. But in this case, it didn’t bother me at all.
I fell in love with Rai, and now want a dragon as a pet. And Mirren was a great protagonist to follow because she wasn’t perfect, and the trials weren’t easy.
Give this story a read. You’ll enjoy it.
June 21, 2021
This was an amazing book! The characters are well developed, believable people. The settings are vivid, beautiful, and horrible. The plot is superb. Alexis does a fantastic job with descriptions, using all of the senses.
Mirren Calia lives in a world where dragons abound, from tiny mousy dragons to battle dragons. They pull carts, they make aerial deliveries, they fuel the fires in forges, and more. But not in Mirren's home. In Mirren's home, dragons are hated.
An infection tore through the dragons during the war, turning them into vicious monsters, and when the war ended, the disease did not.
While making a delivery, Mirren stumbles upon a dragon. Her life changes forever when she decides to hide it from her family and enter The Seventh Year Trials.
The only thing I didn't like about this book was that it ended. I could have read on and on.
Mirren Calia lives in a world where dragons abound, from tiny mousy dragons to battle dragons. They pull carts, they make aerial deliveries, they fuel the fires in forges, and more. But not in Mirren's home. In Mirren's home, dragons are hated.
An infection tore through the dragons during the war, turning them into vicious monsters, and when the war ended, the disease did not.
While making a delivery, Mirren stumbles upon a dragon. Her life changes forever when she decides to hide it from her family and enter The Seventh Year Trials.
The only thing I didn't like about this book was that it ended. I could have read on and on.
August 23, 2020
I absolutely love the dynamic between Rhodes and Mirren. I also love how you can just feel the emotions of the everyone in the story. Like as if you yourself are there. Alexis has done an amazing job of painting a fantasy world that one can immerse themselves in. I can not wait for book two and all the awesome new adventures that await.
June 7, 2021
Great book!!! I am starting the second one, thank you so much for such a great fantasy book I love the descriptive writing! <3
July 21, 2022
I've never come across this author's work before, but you can be absolutely certain that I'll be following her work with interest from now on. The Seventh Year Trials is one of those books that grabs you, throws you into the action and simply refuses to let go. It's a fast paced young adult novel, but completely caught me and I'm long passed being anywhere near a young adult I fear. I was a little worried that it would fall into the typical YA competition cliches and tropes, but the inclusion of the dragons as such a central element at the heart of the novel means that this stands on it's own merits. It's also the first time in a long time that a book has wormed it's way into my dreams!
When Mirren rescues and decides to raise a young dragon, it's absolutely essential that her father does not find out. In some ways dragons are an essential and everyday aspect of daily life. But since the war and the sickness that spread through the dragons, there is always a danger that they will become infected and go rabid. But Mirren's impulsive rescue comes with new challenges; even young dragons have ferocious appetites and Mirren's family struggles to feed the human mouths they've already got. Can Mirren train her dragon to a standard to complete in the illustrious Seventh Year Trials? The prize money is more than she could dream of, but she'll be up against those with the coin to have been training dragons for years.
As mentioned earlier, I absolutely fell into this novel and devoured it. The world building was done so well, so dragons are quite literally part of the everyday fabric of the world. If you've ever wanted to imagine a dragon pulled cart, this is the book for you! It felt completely natural and organic and I now want a dragon. And in the midst of this day to day life, you have the Seventh Year Trials where the best dragon riders compete in fraught and dangerous trials to come out on top. It's action packed and fast paced. I had to force myself to put it down at 11.52am last night as otherwise I'd be grumpy for work in the morning.
On top of this, you have a series of believable characters you can empathise with throughout. Of course you have Mirren, the plucky underdog, and her young dragon Rai - who is a fantastic character in her own right. But all of the surrounding characters felt real and fleshed out; you can see the struggles that her family are going through and the lengths they have to go to just to put food on the table. The friends and found family that surround her are just as wonderful and there are a few surprises in store as Mirren discovers new sides to people she thought she knew best like her father.
All in all, an excellent book that really doesn't feel like it's nearly six hundred pages. The pages fly by quickly and I really want to see what is next in store for Mirren and Rai.
When Mirren rescues and decides to raise a young dragon, it's absolutely essential that her father does not find out. In some ways dragons are an essential and everyday aspect of daily life. But since the war and the sickness that spread through the dragons, there is always a danger that they will become infected and go rabid. But Mirren's impulsive rescue comes with new challenges; even young dragons have ferocious appetites and Mirren's family struggles to feed the human mouths they've already got. Can Mirren train her dragon to a standard to complete in the illustrious Seventh Year Trials? The prize money is more than she could dream of, but she'll be up against those with the coin to have been training dragons for years.
As mentioned earlier, I absolutely fell into this novel and devoured it. The world building was done so well, so dragons are quite literally part of the everyday fabric of the world. If you've ever wanted to imagine a dragon pulled cart, this is the book for you! It felt completely natural and organic and I now want a dragon. And in the midst of this day to day life, you have the Seventh Year Trials where the best dragon riders compete in fraught and dangerous trials to come out on top. It's action packed and fast paced. I had to force myself to put it down at 11.52am last night as otherwise I'd be grumpy for work in the morning.
On top of this, you have a series of believable characters you can empathise with throughout. Of course you have Mirren, the plucky underdog, and her young dragon Rai - who is a fantastic character in her own right. But all of the surrounding characters felt real and fleshed out; you can see the struggles that her family are going through and the lengths they have to go to just to put food on the table. The friends and found family that surround her are just as wonderful and there are a few surprises in store as Mirren discovers new sides to people she thought she knew best like her father.
All in all, an excellent book that really doesn't feel like it's nearly six hundred pages. The pages fly by quickly and I really want to see what is next in store for Mirren and Rai.
August 6, 2024
Loved it from beginning to end
A young woman of an impoverished rural background finds herself caught in a quandary. A county nobleman has ended the life of a dragon infected with a malady that can spread to domesticated dragons … like those who pull wagons and work blacksmith bellows. She alone has seen that the dragon had a baby who was, miraculously, not killed, but should have been.
Her father is one of the few who abhor dragons and refuse to have anything to do with them, including allow his children to even talk about them.
If she saves the babe, how will she keep it from her family; how will she feed it - her family doesn’t even have enough for themself. Despite knowing how impossible it is, she saves the baby.
From there, life takes on surreal moments as she worries about discovery. She is, of course, found out. First by her slightly older brother, then a young man who treats her with respect, and eventually, by a nation.
What she discovers travelling from rural nobody to national heroine is going to be a punch in everyone’s gut.
Good worldbuilding, characters, storytelling and pacing; a few ‘shoulda seen that’ moments tucked away for the reader to discover at the end, a huge wtf moment, and confusion about what’s going to happen next. A hugely successful story!
A young woman of an impoverished rural background finds herself caught in a quandary. A county nobleman has ended the life of a dragon infected with a malady that can spread to domesticated dragons … like those who pull wagons and work blacksmith bellows. She alone has seen that the dragon had a baby who was, miraculously, not killed, but should have been.
Her father is one of the few who abhor dragons and refuse to have anything to do with them, including allow his children to even talk about them.
If she saves the babe, how will she keep it from her family; how will she feed it - her family doesn’t even have enough for themself. Despite knowing how impossible it is, she saves the baby.
From there, life takes on surreal moments as she worries about discovery. She is, of course, found out. First by her slightly older brother, then a young man who treats her with respect, and eventually, by a nation.
What she discovers travelling from rural nobody to national heroine is going to be a punch in everyone’s gut.
Good worldbuilding, characters, storytelling and pacing; a few ‘shoulda seen that’ moments tucked away for the reader to discover at the end, a huge wtf moment, and confusion about what’s going to happen next. A hugely successful story!
June 20, 2022
This author did amazing putting her own flair into this “hunger games” type tale!
Throw an orphaned baby dragon at a spunky, naive teenager and thrust her in the middle of a have/have not competition. While others have years to prepare, she gets a few months.
The way this author portrayed The MC, Mirren, felt very true. She comes from a have not family, so the struggles are real and you can relate to Mirrens highs and lows. The MC has youthful confidence, but still is grounded enough to recognize the enormity of her path and portray the doubts and fears.
Besides the very dangerous competition which had me at the edge of my seat, I thoroughly enjoyed experiencing the true to life hardships and joys Mirren and her family go through, being from a have not family myself. The economic impact even one day of not working can have on a family unit.
This tale is worthy of a read. Heart pounding action, gut wrenching emotional scenes, hints of romance, in your face hatred and blatant discrimination, even the horror of betrayal. All my reviews are always voluntarily written.
Throw an orphaned baby dragon at a spunky, naive teenager and thrust her in the middle of a have/have not competition. While others have years to prepare, she gets a few months.
The way this author portrayed The MC, Mirren, felt very true. She comes from a have not family, so the struggles are real and you can relate to Mirrens highs and lows. The MC has youthful confidence, but still is grounded enough to recognize the enormity of her path and portray the doubts and fears.
Besides the very dangerous competition which had me at the edge of my seat, I thoroughly enjoyed experiencing the true to life hardships and joys Mirren and her family go through, being from a have not family myself. The economic impact even one day of not working can have on a family unit.
This tale is worthy of a read. Heart pounding action, gut wrenching emotional scenes, hints of romance, in your face hatred and blatant discrimination, even the horror of betrayal. All my reviews are always voluntarily written.
July 8, 2024
Mirren is a fifteen year old girl of a family struggling to survive. Finding an orphaned baby dragon, Mirren sneaks it home and hides it in the woods, as her father is fiercely against dragons. Determined to save the dragon, Mirren ends up enlisting Rhodes, one of her brothers’ help. Together they struggle to feed the dragon, eventually deciding it is a losing battle unless they can win some money in a secret dragon competition.
That competition is the start to what becomes a life changing event for Mirren and her family.
This is a wonderful story! I loved every word and event. Definitely filled with despair, excitement, danger, hope and deceit. If you love reading about dragons, you will enjoy this story.
That competition is the start to what becomes a life changing event for Mirren and her family.
This is a wonderful story! I loved every word and event. Definitely filled with despair, excitement, danger, hope and deceit. If you love reading about dragons, you will enjoy this story.
September 16, 2022
A fabulous dragon orientated story
I found the book quite slow to get into but once I did, there was no putting it down! Fabulous characters, amazing world building and excellent plotline.
I absolutely love the idea of all the different dragons, especially the mousing dragons, they sound so cute!
I really like Eric and Mirren for their strength of character and standing up for what they believe in as well as their budding romance. Rai is a great character too, and I love Iggi's cheek of pinching food.
This is the first of Alexis’ books that I've read but book 2 is definitely in my tbr pile now.
Fans of dragon stories and Eileen Mueller's books would really enjoy this.
I found the book quite slow to get into but once I did, there was no putting it down! Fabulous characters, amazing world building and excellent plotline.
I absolutely love the idea of all the different dragons, especially the mousing dragons, they sound so cute!
I really like Eric and Mirren for their strength of character and standing up for what they believe in as well as their budding romance. Rai is a great character too, and I love Iggi's cheek of pinching food.
This is the first of Alexis’ books that I've read but book 2 is definitely in my tbr pile now.
Fans of dragon stories and Eileen Mueller's books would really enjoy this.
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