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Axtara #1
Axtara - Banking and Finance
From the mind behind Shadow of an Empire and Colony comes a new YA Fantasy adventure full of friendship, discovery, and finance!
Meet Axtara, a young dragon just leaving the nest in pursuit of her lifelong dream: To own and operate her own bank. Her destination? The edge of known civilization: Elnacier. The coastal kingdom is small, but brimming with natural resources and poised for an economic boom if the right conditions can be met.
If. Change is never easy, and Axtara is going to have her claws full founding Elnacier’s first bank as she runs up against skeptical townsfolk, stubborn ministers, suspicious business owners, and tradition itself.
Especially as she’s also about to be Elnacier’s first dragon …
Meet Axtara, a young dragon just leaving the nest in pursuit of her lifelong dream: To own and operate her own bank. Her destination? The edge of known civilization: Elnacier. The coastal kingdom is small, but brimming with natural resources and poised for an economic boom if the right conditions can be met.
If. Change is never easy, and Axtara is going to have her claws full founding Elnacier’s first bank as she runs up against skeptical townsfolk, stubborn ministers, suspicious business owners, and tradition itself.
Especially as she’s also about to be Elnacier’s first dragon …
298 pages, Paperback
First published December 22, 2020
27 people are currently reading
249 people want to read
About the author
Max Florschutz
14 books24 followersMax Florschutz was born and raised in the wilds of southeast Alaska, on a little island that boasted both a large, lumber-based economy and one of the highest rainfalls to ever not be desired by humanity. In 2004 he began attending college at Brigham Young University Provo, taking a two-year break to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Upon his return, he continued to attend BYU Provo and began to delve heavily into English courses (among other things), including creative writing classes taught by authors such as Brandon Sanderson. Transferring out to BYU Hawaii to keep a promise, Max finished his degree, graduating in 2011 with more credits than most students would know what to do with and a 3.96 GPA.
After a year or so of the graduated life, the writing bug bit him again and he began to spend his free time writing once more. After a few months of making sure he still hadn’t lost his touch and some dedicated practice, he sat down and wrote his first publishable book: One Drink. Emboldened by the success of that release, he pushed forward, and has continued writing to this day.
After a year or so of the graduated life, the writing bug bit him again and he began to spend his free time writing once more. After a few months of making sure he still hadn’t lost his touch and some dedicated practice, he sat down and wrote his first publishable book: One Drink. Emboldened by the success of that release, he pushed forward, and has continued writing to this day.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
October 15, 2025
After finishing Royal Red and falling in love with it, I knew it would be hard to find another book with such a creative and lovely concept as that one, but once again, by pure chance, I found it. Axtara Banking and Finance tells the story of Axtara, the first dragon in a small developing kingdom, spreading her wings and entering the world of finances by opening her very own bank. Working for her uncle’s bank and being a very smart dragoness, surely it should be a walk in the park!
Much like Royal Red, Axtara focuses on a fantasy slice-of-life storytelling style, with death-defying adventure and conflicts replaced with friends, humor, a lot of tea, and growth as Axtara’s bank slowly gains attention. Also, it has a dragon protagonist and one hell of a twist. While I am sad this story is over, I am happy with its ending and do hope it shall earn itself a sequel, here’s hoping. If you enjoyed Royal Red, I implore you to check out this wonderful story, now with all of that said:
Good night and happy holidays
Much like Royal Red, Axtara focuses on a fantasy slice-of-life storytelling style, with death-defying adventure and conflicts replaced with friends, humor, a lot of tea, and growth as Axtara’s bank slowly gains attention. Also, it has a dragon protagonist and one hell of a twist. While I am sad this story is over, I am happy with its ending and do hope it shall earn itself a sequel, here’s hoping. If you enjoyed Royal Red, I implore you to check out this wonderful story, now with all of that said:
Good night and happy holidays
April 2, 2022
This was a delightful book written from the perspective of Axtara a dragon. It was fun, and the end had a couple of twists that made me gasp and then laugh. It's a story about friendship and being brave enough to stand between danger and your friend. I would recommend this book to anyone.
September 3, 2024
A cute, lowkey book with fun characters and a neat premise!
November 6, 2025
Axtara, Axtara , Axtara where do I start uhh well its BEEN HECK of a journey. Honestly reading Axtara made me realize just how much I love slice of life stories, they are really great! Axtara captivated my attention from the first pages, I never thought I would read a book about banking or finance that seems or sounds so boring right? NOPE I WAS WRONG anyone thinking this IS WRONG! Its such an epic journey of Axtara acclimating to her new home making friends and trying to help out the people there which she does so absolutely amazing. The writing itself is pretty detailed and the characters are all expressive & feel very real which is a thing I really appreciate. I think if you like slice of life stories and are willing to give this one a try I'm sure you will find it intriguing especially later on in the book. Overall great to Max and props to him:D
September 3, 2025
Axtara is another entry in a growing niche-within-a-niche that I like to call "mundane creature fantasy." It's about a world of nonhuman creatures doing decidedly mundane, human things - in this case, a dragoness opening a bank. Anyone who knows me well knows that I'm not exactly interested in finance stuff, but this book has the energy of someone you really enjoy rambling about something that you're normally not interested in, but you find yourself drawn into anyway because of the passion of someone you admire. Axtara is a great protagonist and a truly lovely dragon, and her relationships with the people she meets are interesting and dynamic. I'm interested to see where the world and story might go in the future.
I do think the final act is a little bit... weak in comparison to the rest of it. Not to any significant, story-ruining extent, but the introduction of a villain and higher, plot-driven stakes detracts from the cozy, friendly vibes of the rest of the work. I get that it needed some form of build up and climax, but I didn't care as much about that as I did the rest of the story.
I don't really have a ton to say about this one beyond that. It's a good, cozy read, and I hope to see more stories like this in the future, not just in this world, or about this specific subject, but more of this "mundane creature fantasy" niche.
I do think the final act is a little bit... weak in comparison to the rest of it. Not to any significant, story-ruining extent, but the introduction of a villain and higher, plot-driven stakes detracts from the cozy, friendly vibes of the rest of the work. I get that it needed some form of build up and climax, but I didn't care as much about that as I did the rest of the story.
I don't really have a ton to say about this one beyond that. It's a good, cozy read, and I hope to see more stories like this in the future, not just in this world, or about this specific subject, but more of this "mundane creature fantasy" niche.
November 1, 2022
My book club acquaintances sold this to me as "dragon slice of life" and I was eager to read it for that reason. It didn't disappoint. Axtara has serious positive energy and her passion for what she's doing shines. The contrast between this book and the melancholic mood I was in at the time I read it was painful, but beautiful; there are an awful lot of dreary or desperate books out there, and this one was neither. I loved getting a glimpse of this dragon's life and I hope to someday read other books similar to this one.
February 4, 2021
Another hit by Max Florschutz
Max Florschutz hit it out of the park with "Axtara--Banking and Finance." In writing a fantasy novel from the point of view of a dragon, Florschutz has shown his trademark willingness to go beyond the expected.
Florschutz shows his usual penchant for worldbuilding as he weaves together details great and small to immerse the reader into the small kingdom of Elnacier. We empathize with the titular Axtara as she has to deal with bigotry and misunderstanding on top of the struggle to make her newly-established banking business break even. Furthermore, the mystery under the surface is introduced unobtrusively and resolved well as Axtara's studious nature pays off well.
Regardless of whether you have a mathematical mind, I would highly recommend "Axtara--Banking and Finance", and if the author is considering making a sequel, I would definitely look forward to picking it up.
Max Florschutz hit it out of the park with "Axtara--Banking and Finance." In writing a fantasy novel from the point of view of a dragon, Florschutz has shown his trademark willingness to go beyond the expected.
Florschutz shows his usual penchant for worldbuilding as he weaves together details great and small to immerse the reader into the small kingdom of Elnacier. We empathize with the titular Axtara as she has to deal with bigotry and misunderstanding on top of the struggle to make her newly-established banking business break even. Furthermore, the mystery under the surface is introduced unobtrusively and resolved well as Axtara's studious nature pays off well.
Regardless of whether you have a mathematical mind, I would highly recommend "Axtara--Banking and Finance", and if the author is considering making a sequel, I would definitely look forward to picking it up.
June 4, 2023
This was a very cute story, full of friendship, adventure, and, as the title suggests, banking. I highly suspect there aren’t any other “dragon banker” books out there, but this is an admirable first to the genre. Rich but easy-to-follow worldbuilding, good characters, and a slice of life pace with action at the end; this book was a fun read.
February 23, 2021
Like dragons? They're your protagonist.
Like women? Protagonist.
Like finances? Well, you probably will after reading!
An eclectic mix of fantasy and economy that just works wonderfully.
Like women? Protagonist.
Like finances? Well, you probably will after reading!
An eclectic mix of fantasy and economy that just works wonderfully.
January 6, 2025
A cute quick little read! I would say that it had a great premise but could have used a little more editing/tightening up of the story. The overarching plot is great, and stays true to the peaceful nature of the characters while still being adventurous! The worldbuilding is strong, and I like the place that's been built here. I'd like to visit it more and see some of the other parts of this world!
There are some repetitive conversations between characters that probably could have been edited together to create a tighter narrative, and a few things that seemed to be foreshadowing a conflict but never actually made good on it (though those might come through in the next book?) Not everyone loves learning about how bank loans actually work via a fantasy novel, but I liked it, haha!
Definitely a worthwhile read. I'd put it at a late middle school, early high school age range due to age of protagonists and complexity of language.
Had dragons! Had intrigue! Had adventure! Had fun! =)
There are some repetitive conversations between characters that probably could have been edited together to create a tighter narrative, and a few things that seemed to be foreshadowing a conflict but never actually made good on it (though those might come through in the next book?) Not everyone loves learning about how bank loans actually work via a fantasy novel, but I liked it, haha!
Definitely a worthwhile read. I'd put it at a late middle school, early high school age range due to age of protagonists and complexity of language.
Had dragons! Had intrigue! Had adventure! Had fun! =)
June 28, 2022
A very original story, with a compelling main character. I'd really not so much procrastinate taking appointment with my banker, if I had one such.
Axtara while a gentle personnality, does not lack temper. Nor boldness, to venture into setting up a business in a backwater country barely out of the dark times of her world when man and dragon were mortal foes, where she might be perceived as a demon.
Also, the reversed morals of the last plot twist was rather fun, among other things.
It is well written with good proofing, no errors I can remind myself of.
The author states in his preface that he's always writing unsual stuff, so with that first sample I'd say keep it up so.
Axtara while a gentle personnality, does not lack temper. Nor boldness, to venture into setting up a business in a backwater country barely out of the dark times of her world when man and dragon were mortal foes, where she might be perceived as a demon.
Also, the reversed morals of the last plot twist was rather fun, among other things.
It is well written with good proofing, no errors I can remind myself of.
The author states in his preface that he's always writing unsual stuff, so with that first sample I'd say keep it up so.
April 12, 2021
A combination that turned out fantastic.
Dragons and banking.
The first I enjoy and the second, well, not so much.
But, I found myself rooting for Axtara with every new client she gained and found myself happy when she was.
I can safely say that I never expected those two things to mix so well together... but Max managed that and so much more.
If there's ever sequels to this then count me in, because seeing more of the best Dragon Banker and her friends is a good thing in my opinion.
Dragons and banking.
The first I enjoy and the second, well, not so much.
But, I found myself rooting for Axtara with every new client she gained and found myself happy when she was.
I can safely say that I never expected those two things to mix so well together... but Max managed that and so much more.
If there's ever sequels to this then count me in, because seeing more of the best Dragon Banker and her friends is a good thing in my opinion.
August 18, 2021
Charming, entertaining, and well written. A delightful read and characters that I'd happily spend more time with. Recommended for anyone who loves dragons.
June 3, 2023
I need to say that I didn't think I would enjoy this book as much as I did. It's guuud ^^
June 21, 2022
Just what I needed after a short reading slump. A nice and relaxing read, with a generous amount of scenes focusing on consuming good food and beverages.
Axtara is a dragon and experienced enough to open her own bank in a newish kingdom. The people are wary of change and dragons though. Amidst a series of incidents, Axtara and the eldest princess get to know each other and become best friends. With the stamp of approval from royalty, Axtara gets her first few customers. However, the rumors against Axtara continue to grow and the resolution becomes the main focus of the story.
The book was well written, especially when it came to Axtara interacting with the princess and her potential customers. I was impressed with the glimpses of rural industry and the people who ran them. A few chapters that primarily had descriptions of events and self-introspection were a bit boring though. I would've also loved a bit more onscreen magic, a side-character was a great fit but that never materialized.
Overall, I enjoyed this slice-of-life story and would recommend to those looking for a comfort read.
Axtara is a dragon and experienced enough to open her own bank in a newish kingdom. The people are wary of change and dragons though. Amidst a series of incidents, Axtara and the eldest princess get to know each other and become best friends. With the stamp of approval from royalty, Axtara gets her first few customers. However, the rumors against Axtara continue to grow and the resolution becomes the main focus of the story.
The book was well written, especially when it came to Axtara interacting with the princess and her potential customers. I was impressed with the glimpses of rural industry and the people who ran them. A few chapters that primarily had descriptions of events and self-introspection were a bit boring though. I would've also loved a bit more onscreen magic, a side-character was a great fit but that never materialized.
Overall, I enjoyed this slice-of-life story and would recommend to those looking for a comfort read.
November 3, 2023
I frickin' LOVED this book, so, so much. This book is the peak, the absolute IDEAL for me. The story, the world, the prose, the characters...
ugh, it was just so GOOD.
It was honestly just so much fun to read. An absolutely perfect blend of slice-of-life and adventure, with really fun, believable characters, and a very satisfying plot.
Plus it features a dragon as the sole perspective! A dragon who is actually a dragon, with no weird shapeshifting or other crap. Seriously, Max Florshutz did an incredible job writing Axtara. She had such distinct mannerisms, a wonderful background, and an amazing personality, all of which made her so much more than just "being a dragon". That's a HUGE win to me.
And I have to admit that I actually started reading this book a long time ago, just a month or two after it was first published. I couldn't bring myself to keep going because I didn't want it to be over, but man was it worth it. Kinda makes me regret not finishing it earlier, but whatever.
11/10, I need everyone I know to read this book now.
ugh, it was just so GOOD.
It was honestly just so much fun to read. An absolutely perfect blend of slice-of-life and adventure, with really fun, believable characters, and a very satisfying plot.
Plus it features a dragon as the sole perspective! A dragon who is actually a dragon, with no weird shapeshifting or other crap. Seriously, Max Florshutz did an incredible job writing Axtara. She had such distinct mannerisms, a wonderful background, and an amazing personality, all of which made her so much more than just "being a dragon". That's a HUGE win to me.
And I have to admit that I actually started reading this book a long time ago, just a month or two after it was first published. I couldn't bring myself to keep going because I didn't want it to be over, but man was it worth it. Kinda makes me regret not finishing it earlier, but whatever.
11/10, I need everyone I know to read this book now.
July 26, 2022
A cozy fantasy about a young dragon who sets off to a distant kingdom to start a bank. This took a few chapters to get into, but once I did, I flew through the book. It's mainly a slice-of-life story with a final plot reveal that is hinted at throughout (not really a twist because it's so obvious, but the resolution was unexpected). This does read as a YA though the MC is about 20 in human years, so it was a little jarring for Axtara to read younger but then have sophisticated conversations about banking and loan financing. But overall an enjoyable and gentle read.
March 1, 2024
Inoffensive but also largely uninteresting. Axtara seems like a story content to exist within a moment that brings up many potentially interesting ideas, but one that is also content to leave them largely unexplored. I may not be the kind of reader this book was looking for, but I am not thrilled to just exist with a world and characters that are mildly interesting, and deal with conflicts and questions that are conceptually flimsy or easily resolved.
March 8, 2024
A cute fun mystery! Easy to read, slice of life. Pieces of the mystery add up in such a way that you don't really realize that there is a mystery until pretty close to the end. For most of the book, you spend it thinking it's just about Axtara, our protagonist who is a dragon, trying to start her bank and get loans and suffering through the racism that she faces.
Very cute, very fun. Would recommend
Very cute, very fun. Would recommend
January 5, 2022
A Delightful Financial Fantasy
I'm a sucker for fantasy that's more concerned with everyday life than epic monsters and battles. Axtera is a delightful mix of humor and setting, and well worth a read.
I'm a sucker for fantasy that's more concerned with everyday life than epic monsters and battles. Axtera is a delightful mix of humor and setting, and well worth a read.
October 21, 2024
Imagine a nice SoL story that has the wit and pacing of Downton Abbey with the brilliant and genius use of mise en scene that studio ghibli is known for and, at least to me you have Axtara. Characters are lovable and the story is just brilliant.
June 23, 2025
This was a great YA book that has a dragon as a protagonist. It is able to bring readers in and make banking sound interesting and essential to the plot of the story. It is a great start to the series and hope that this series goes on for many years.
August 10, 2025
This was a delightful cozy fantasy! Who knew that a story about a dragon banker could be so fun?
November 17, 2021
This is one of the most original and interesting book which I had pleasure to read in a while. Young dragoness Axtara sets into unknown to built life of her own - to set up a bank. Axtara is such a likeable character and book is so well written, that I am eargerly awaiting sequel which is according to author website in the making - which can not come soon enough. This world and series hold much promise.
Also - book cover si beautiful.
Also - book cover si beautiful.
September 2, 2024
Very sweet, simple. Nice to have a dragon banker and use it to showcase what discrimination feels like. Writing not great
February 22, 2024
May 2022 I enjoyed this book very much. It's more simple and slice-of-life than I anticipated, and honestly if the main character wasn't a dragon, it probably would have been boring. But that's the charm of this book: a dragon banker! It's really fun to see where that concept was taken in this story, and it was honestly just a fun and relaxing read altogether. The characters were ones I could really care about, the plot was straightforward but interesting, the writing style was excellent, and the world was a lot of fun! I feel like I accidentally learned a lot about banking and finance, too. 😹
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews