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The Dragoneer #8
Elevera
In the thrilling conclusion to The Dragoneer series, Trysten and the villagers of Aerona deal with a stranger dropped in the den by Exeris. She warns Trysten of an approaching enemy, one that is impervious to the bows of the horde and Trysten's command of the dragons. But the stranger also has a plan to defeat Exeris once and for all.
If she can be trusted.
What was fated to be no longer is. Destinies fall into dust. And as Aerona grapples with an enemy unlike any faced before, Trysten must prove that she is willing to sacrifice anything to save the village, the weyr, and those she loves.
If she can be trusted.
What was fated to be no longer is. Destinies fall into dust. And as Aerona grapples with an enemy unlike any faced before, Trysten must prove that she is willing to sacrifice anything to save the village, the weyr, and those she loves.
345 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 22, 2020
210 people are currently reading
171 people want to read
About the author
Vickie Knestaut
22 books45 followersAll books are also with her husband Danny Knestaut
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
September 1, 2023
A strong homage to a dragon rider of another era. A fine finish.
With a saga expanded over eight books and just a smidge over 2,700 words, one is allowed to feel sadness at leaving the world they’ve inhabited for two weeks. I still feel the sad hours later.
I felt a whole range of emotions in reading the books, and even shed a tear a time or two. Our heroine is not a woman of sunny disposition; she’s not given to lightheartedness. Even when she shows her love, she’s fierce. As a follower, she’s challenging, argumentative and stubborn.
She occasionally jumps, full tilt, at something when the lightbulb has finally pinged on, but this doesn’t mean she’s flighty or guilty of making stupid, brash decisions. I applaud the authors for giving us an MC who is capable of making errors, but who generally doesn’t, and accepts the consequence of her own actions.
The characters all come and go, as necessary and are generally well-treated by the author, with a few exceptions. Bad guys, naturally. Trysten’s grandmother plays a part in the story, a pivotal one, and we never do get the satisfaction of knowing where her loyalties lie.
There’s other who doesn’t get enough ink, and that’s her love interest. At most, their relationship gets a paragraph of thought each book. I don’t object to it happening off screen, but there’s never any real emotion for us to sink into … no reason for us to be happy (or sad) in the end. It’s actually true of all her relationships, bar those with her uncle and father. I would have liked a little more emotional investment.
The plot is aces. Even up to the end, I didn’t know what would be coming from which direction. This, along with the world-building, is enough for me to give it an unequivocal thumbs up.
I likened it to the stories of Pern. The love of the Knestauts for those books is evident, even in usage of the term ‘weyr,’ which is not used outside of those two milieus, to my knowledge. It’s a strong homage and a good tale in its own right.
With a saga expanded over eight books and just a smidge over 2,700 words, one is allowed to feel sadness at leaving the world they’ve inhabited for two weeks. I still feel the sad hours later.
I felt a whole range of emotions in reading the books, and even shed a tear a time or two. Our heroine is not a woman of sunny disposition; she’s not given to lightheartedness. Even when she shows her love, she’s fierce. As a follower, she’s challenging, argumentative and stubborn.
She occasionally jumps, full tilt, at something when the lightbulb has finally pinged on, but this doesn’t mean she’s flighty or guilty of making stupid, brash decisions. I applaud the authors for giving us an MC who is capable of making errors, but who generally doesn’t, and accepts the consequence of her own actions.
The characters all come and go, as necessary and are generally well-treated by the author, with a few exceptions. Bad guys, naturally. Trysten’s grandmother plays a part in the story, a pivotal one, and we never do get the satisfaction of knowing where her loyalties lie.
There’s other who doesn’t get enough ink, and that’s her love interest. At most, their relationship gets a paragraph of thought each book. I don’t object to it happening off screen, but there’s never any real emotion for us to sink into … no reason for us to be happy (or sad) in the end. It’s actually true of all her relationships, bar those with her uncle and father. I would have liked a little more emotional investment.
The plot is aces. Even up to the end, I didn’t know what would be coming from which direction. This, along with the world-building, is enough for me to give it an unequivocal thumbs up.
I likened it to the stories of Pern. The love of the Knestauts for those books is evident, even in usage of the term ‘weyr,’ which is not used outside of those two milieus, to my knowledge. It’s a strong homage and a good tale in its own right.
May 23, 2025
I’m feeling lost after spending the last few days starting my day with the dragoneer and wondering where elevera was going to take me. The sadness I felt is still lingering after saying goodbye to the alpha. I can’t even decide on my next read because I’m still in this world.
I know it’s been left in a way that maybe one day she will be seen again. I’m even going to miss yallit (come on, who doesn’t want a little dragon as “not a pet”)
I really enjoyed this series, not just because of dragons but the fact that it wasn’t a love based story. There wasn’t the “will they, won’t they” between the characters. Trysten wasn’t spending her days pining after some love, she was the dragoneer and her real love was for her dragons, her family and her Aerona. She loved Paege and Ammon but not enough to distract her from her duties.
Sa Yalla
I know it’s been left in a way that maybe one day she will be seen again. I’m even going to miss yallit (come on, who doesn’t want a little dragon as “not a pet”)
I really enjoyed this series, not just because of dragons but the fact that it wasn’t a love based story. There wasn’t the “will they, won’t they” between the characters. Trysten wasn’t spending her days pining after some love, she was the dragoneer and her real love was for her dragons, her family and her Aerona. She loved Paege and Ammon but not enough to distract her from her duties.
Sa Yalla
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2024
I’m upset. The ending was disappointing but I get it. The subplot of Trysten and Paege never really came to fruition so I’m bummed about that but I guess this isn’t a romance at all? The timey whimey stuff was confusing and Eleventra going on ahead was awful. I hated how this series ended I’m not sorry.
May 13, 2025
I read a great deal of books. It has been 40 years since I’ve enjoyed one this much. I am actually sad it ended. The story superb and the characters so very rich. If I had one complaint it would be that I would have loved to know 100% that Trysten and Paege would become a couple for life.
November 2, 2025
The Dragoneer: Book 8 Elevera
Wow—there are truly no words that do justice to this series! What an extraordinary conclusion to a breathtaking saga. The authors have proven themselves to be master storytellers, weaving emotion, action, and prophecy into every page and keeping me captivated right to the very end.
The final battle with Exeris the evil original, was epic—raw, emotional, and full of heartache. Watching Trystan face such overwhelming odds, with the fate of kingdoms and dragons hanging in the balance, was both thrilling and bittersweet. The loss of Elevera struck deep, a heartbreaking moment that underscored just how high the cost of peace can be.
And yet, despite the sorrow, the prophetic sweetness of the ending left me gladdened for Trystan. I would have loved to see her end up bonded to an egg from Elevera and married to Paige, but even without that, her journey closed in a way that felt true and powerful.
This series is one I’ll never forget—rich in world-building, emotion, and courage. Truly a masterpiece for dragon-fantasy lovers.
Wow—there are truly no words that do justice to this series! What an extraordinary conclusion to a breathtaking saga. The authors have proven themselves to be master storytellers, weaving emotion, action, and prophecy into every page and keeping me captivated right to the very end.
The final battle with Exeris the evil original, was epic—raw, emotional, and full of heartache. Watching Trystan face such overwhelming odds, with the fate of kingdoms and dragons hanging in the balance, was both thrilling and bittersweet. The loss of Elevera struck deep, a heartbreaking moment that underscored just how high the cost of peace can be.
And yet, despite the sorrow, the prophetic sweetness of the ending left me gladdened for Trystan. I would have loved to see her end up bonded to an egg from Elevera and married to Paige, but even without that, her journey closed in a way that felt true and powerful.
This series is one I’ll never forget—rich in world-building, emotion, and courage. Truly a masterpiece for dragon-fantasy lovers.
April 10, 2024
Fitting ending
This was an excellent ending to a rather long, for me, fries of books . I'm proud of myself for finishing all 8 books and give praise to the author for her writing skill! Have to say, though, for as good as it was, it was also extremely heart breaking at the end. The bad guy, Exeris, was vanquished but at such a high cost! I will not say more on that score, as I don't want to spoil a readers enjoyment and surprise at hoe it all works out! Highly recommend this entire series! Happy reading!!
This was an excellent ending to a rather long, for me, fries of books . I'm proud of myself for finishing all 8 books and give praise to the author for her writing skill! Have to say, though, for as good as it was, it was also extremely heart breaking at the end. The bad guy, Exeris, was vanquished but at such a high cost! I will not say more on that score, as I don't want to spoil a readers enjoyment and surprise at hoe it all works out! Highly recommend this entire series! Happy reading!!
December 18, 2024
Read the whole series because I dislike not finishing what I start. It started out with so much promise, but just felt like from then on in, the author was dragging the whole thing out to fill some pages. It became tedious and I almost lost the will to finish. Just the same thing on repeat. Characters weren't developed and that's a shame because there was so much potentital to make them more than what they were. No true insight to feelings and thought processes, all very superficial. Would have benefited from multiple perspectives to enrich the characters more.
October 21, 2025
5 Stars Except The End
***Spoilerish***
The story as a whole was fantastic, and I am not sorry I read it and would recommend it to others, but for me, the sacrifice was too great and I cannot imagine Trysten being permanently grounded like that. It’s heartbreaking and made the ending just a bit unsatisfying. As a whole, I will reiterate that I loved the story. I had to deduct a star, not because it was sad, but because it felt like Trysten would never get to be completely whole or completely herself, and that’s heartbreaking and unsatisfying to me.
***Spoilerish***
The story as a whole was fantastic, and I am not sorry I read it and would recommend it to others, but for me, the sacrifice was too great and I cannot imagine Trysten being permanently grounded like that. It’s heartbreaking and made the ending just a bit unsatisfying. As a whole, I will reiterate that I loved the story. I had to deduct a star, not because it was sad, but because it felt like Trysten would never get to be completely whole or completely herself, and that’s heartbreaking and unsatisfying to me.
Read
July 7, 2025This whole series of books #1 thru #8 kept me reading. I would barely finish one of the books before I got the next one started. I hope the story continues. I felt the joy and the heartache as I read the saga of Trystan and Elevera. I know there has to be more. . .I need the rest of the story. I am researching and reading more books by this outstanding couple as they give us their brand of fantasy.
September 13, 2021
A Great Dragon Series
I have read several books about dragons bonding with humans and was delighted to find a new series with a great storyline and strong characters. The imagination of the authors created an unforgettable series of books. I highly recommend this series for ages from young adults to seniors.
I have read several books about dragons bonding with humans and was delighted to find a new series with a great storyline and strong characters. The imagination of the authors created an unforgettable series of books. I highly recommend this series for ages from young adults to seniors.
August 5, 2022
Dragons, honor and trust
I have always loved stories about dragons but have never read through 9 books without becoming bored at some point along the way. Till now. The One stairs have woven a fantasy with characters I wanted to know. I could see the village, the sky and the dragon fights and flights. I couldn't put it down!!!!
Ginger Kemper
I have always loved stories about dragons but have never read through 9 books without becoming bored at some point along the way. Till now. The One stairs have woven a fantasy with characters I wanted to know. I could see the village, the sky and the dragon fights and flights. I couldn't put it down!!!!
Ginger Kemper
February 11, 2024
Brilliant
You know ehen you haveca hood book and you cant put it down?? Well this series of books is just that. I have read the whole set of books in about 2 weeks. At home, at work. Everything else has taken a back seat until I finished. I love that the main characters are women, and that women can overcome a lot that is thrown at them.
Highly recommend.
You know ehen you haveca hood book and you cant put it down?? Well this series of books is just that. I have read the whole set of books in about 2 weeks. At home, at work. Everything else has taken a back seat until I finished. I love that the main characters are women, and that women can overcome a lot that is thrown at them.
Highly recommend.
January 21, 2025
I started this series of 8 books not knowing it's written for early teen audience.
That did not take away from the well written storyline but I felt the book could have had a couple less battles and thus a couple less books.....
Yet, I wish the ending would have extended a couple extra chapters for more closure....
Authors left it to the reader to assume what happened in the future
That did not take away from the well written storyline but I felt the book could have had a couple less battles and thus a couple less books.....
Yet, I wish the ending would have extended a couple extra chapters for more closure....
Authors left it to the reader to assume what happened in the future
January 29, 2025
The Dragoneer Series
I really enjoyed reading this series of books. The storyline was constant from one book to the next. The characters were well constructed and remained consistent throughout the series. The ending left an opening for a continuation of the series. If you like reading about dragons, you will like this series.
I really enjoyed reading this series of books. The storyline was constant from one book to the next. The characters were well constructed and remained consistent throughout the series. The ending left an opening for a continuation of the series. If you like reading about dragons, you will like this series.
July 30, 2025
This is a wonderful conclusion to an excellent series! It's not often that a plot holds my interest so completely with its tight construction and well-developed characters. I especially enjoyed all the ways love and loyalty were expressed with absolutely zero focus on sex and finished all 8 books in one week. I definitely want to read more from these authors.
September 7, 2025
Incredible
An incredible series which I thoroughly enjoyed! The characters are so real that they feel like your best friends and family. I was so swept up in the challenges, joy and unique experiences, that I couldn’t put it down The author, hazard, great imagination and creative flare. The story is executed smoothly and keeps the reader engaged as if living in their world.
An incredible series which I thoroughly enjoyed! The characters are so real that they feel like your best friends and family. I was so swept up in the challenges, joy and unique experiences, that I couldn’t put it down The author, hazard, great imagination and creative flare. The story is executed smoothly and keeps the reader engaged as if living in their world.
October 18, 2025
This was a good series. There were some things that annoyed me (If you want answers so bad, stop interrupting everyone who is trying to give you explanations, Trysten ) and the ending wasn’t exactly what I was hoping for, BUT it was still a good solid conclusion that left me satisfied. Book 7 was definitely the best in the series for me, but they are all good.
April 5, 2022
A story I never guessedthe ending on!
This entire series is one of the best I have ever read. The Authors are now added to my, " Must Read anything written by list." It is a short but prestigious list of Authors. Stephen King was the first with his story of a Dragon....
This entire series is one of the best I have ever read. The Authors are now added to my, " Must Read anything written by list." It is a short but prestigious list of Authors. Stephen King was the first with his story of a Dragon....
July 7, 2023
Oh my goodness
What a wonderful series. All I can say is bravo it kept me enraptured from page one of the first novel. I recommend this series get all of them, don't stop with the first book read all of them.
What a wonderful series. All I can say is bravo it kept me enraptured from page one of the first novel. I recommend this series get all of them, don't stop with the first book read all of them.
January 27, 2024
Really good
I enjoyed this story. It had everything you need in a good book. It dragged a little for me, but the story was so.good you had to know how it ended. Thanks for sharing this story.
I enjoyed this story. It had everything you need in a good book. It dragged a little for me, but the story was so.good you had to know how it ended. Thanks for sharing this story.
September 10, 2024
Outstanding!
A the absolute best series I've read.in a long long time. I WANT a dragon, even a wild one.
I.loved all the characters and the interplay between humans and dragons.
Looking forward.to the next series .
A the absolute best series I've read.in a long long time. I WANT a dragon, even a wild one.
I.loved all the characters and the interplay between humans and dragons.
Looking forward.to the next series .
March 7, 2025
Elevera
What a cliffhanger of an ending. There better be more books!! The story can not end here. Trysten figures out the cage but loses it all. All of the kingdoms come together to fight the last battle. She has sworn to protect them all.
What a cliffhanger of an ending. There better be more books!! The story can not end here. Trysten figures out the cage but loses it all. All of the kingdoms come together to fight the last battle. She has sworn to protect them all.
March 16, 2025
A great read
I loved this book and all before. At the end of each book I was left wanting to start the next. This was a very good ending to a very interesting series. The only down side is it is the end. Wish there were more! Great writing!
I loved this book and all before. At the end of each book I was left wanting to start the next. This was a very good ending to a very interesting series. The only down side is it is the end. Wish there were more! Great writing!
July 17, 2025
Well worth the time
Loved this series, good characters and a strong storyline. Sad to be at the end! Its hard to find a good story that relies on characters and the word by word build of a great tale, these books deliver!
Loved this series, good characters and a strong storyline. Sad to be at the end! Its hard to find a good story that relies on characters and the word by word build of a great tale, these books deliver!
August 21, 2025
EXCELLENT SERIES!
EVERY single book in this series was fabulous! Loved the storyline and the characters. ALL were FABULOUS! I'm looking forward to more of their books! Thank you so much for these books! GREAT imagination!
EVERY single book in this series was fabulous! Loved the storyline and the characters. ALL were FABULOUS! I'm looking forward to more of their books! Thank you so much for these books! GREAT imagination!
August 22, 2025
This series is great!!
I've enjoyed reading this series and the other series immensely. To the authors, please continue writing at least one more book showing how Trystan and Elevera reunite.
I've enjoyed reading this series and the other series immensely. To the authors, please continue writing at least one more book showing how Trystan and Elevera reunite.
October 10, 2025
excellent
I very much enjoyed this series. The characters and adventure in each book was enthralling and kept me continually turning to the next page . It was very hard to put these books down and partake in real life. Will read more from these authors
I very much enjoyed this series. The characters and adventure in each book was enthralling and kept me continually turning to the next page . It was very hard to put these books down and partake in real life. Will read more from these authors
September 23, 2021
I love these dragons and riders!
Excellent adventures, extraordinary characters, however many legged, and a great wrap up to this series! Of course I hope for more!
Excellent adventures, extraordinary characters, however many legged, and a great wrap up to this series! Of course I hope for more!
January 6, 2024
End of a good series--not quite sure it made sense?
February 7, 2024
Need more of The dragoneer
Brilliant books. So sad to get to the end 😥😥 . But hopefully it wont be the end of all the fab characters, especially Elevera 😀
Brilliant books. So sad to get to the end 😥😥 . But hopefully it wont be the end of all the fab characters, especially Elevera 😀
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews