After the plague has stollen her mother from her, Iris struggles to survive only to be caught thieving but before she is punished, she is offered a chance. Become the illegitimate daughter of the ruler of Sagresse. To Iris this is an opportunity to escape from the streets but the new world she finds herself in are fraught with as many dangers that she will have to overcome.
This was a lovey book, the characters were interesting an well developed. I loved the interaction between the players especially as it incorporated the believable court politics.
This was my first time reading this author and I would certainly look out for more of their work.

After finishing the novel, I've been gathering my thoughts, and all I can say is that I completely fell in love with the setting and the characters. This novel has some of the best world-building I've ever seen. Reptilian shapeshifters inhabit the incredibly diverse island of Dorohin, each with their own customs and traditions.

This was a DNF for me, it was just too long with not enough happening quick enough. Slow paced books just aren’t for me. Nothing against the author or story.

I did enjoy the world building and attention to detail though!

The world-building in this book is some of the best I've seen. Dorohin is a very diverse island with reptilian shapeshifters all of which have unique cultures and practices. The political intrigue within this world was used as a tool to progress both the characters and the plot. The authors attention to detail to build a world that feels like its own character truly had me captivated. I loved the facts at the beginning of each chapter, it is a very smart way to world-build without overwhelming the reader.

The main cast of characters in this book had depth and more emotional impact than I was expecting which was great. The conversations between the characters were equally entertaining as they were interesting. I appreciate how the author introduced the characters as well and included little subplots that centered around them. The characters made me laugh and even cry a few times.

Iris's character development was realistic in the context of the story but also believable for the reader. The rags to riches troupe can sometimes happen too fast however in this story it was done right. Her coming of age story was inspiring in all honesty. She saw her weaknesses and worked to better herself. Her willingness to learn more with the help of others made me appreciate her as a character. Her struggles with shifting, mental communication, and imposter syndrome made her vulnerable but also that much more loveable.

While this story has a lot of strengths, there are some areas that could be improved. This story could've had more depth with its interpersonal relationships. Specifically with characters like Everett and Kenzo. For Everett, I felt as though their relationship was rushed and came to a fast conclusion. Vas > Everett. However, my main character critique was of Kenzo. His character was great and added onto the amazing world-building, but I felt as though his though his POV didn't make sense until the end. His chapters were both fewer and shorter, so I didn't really have a connection to him. I would've rather had those chapters be of Iris and her interactions within Dorohin.

Overall, "Wyvern's Plague" by A.K. Bryce is strong debut that in time will make its mark on the fantasy genre. For fans of both dragons & fantasy it is a must read. The world is immersive and had me glued to my iPad from start to finish. I would recommend this book to almost anyone. An emotional roller-coaster that made me forget I was reading... IT WAS THAT GOOD.

Thank you Netgalley and A.K. Bryce for the ARC of Wyvern’s Plague.

Wyvern’s Plague felt like more of a draft than a finished piece to me. I did enjoy the book, but I think it could have used another round of editing. Pacing was an issue, especially leading up to the battle.

It was refreshing to have a FMC who isn't the chose one, or all of a sudden because good at everything. Iris had a hard life, and her adjustment to her new ability and environment was believable.

Title: Wyvern’s Plague
Author: A. K. Bryce
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Synopsis
Dorohin is populated by 10 shifter clans descended from the Divine Serpent. The dragons rule the region, but the Ryus seek to overthrow them to claim what they believe is rightfully theirs.
We follow Iris, an orphaned street rat of the Cockatrice clan, or so she believes… Until one day when her thriving goes horribly wrong she discovers her Wyvern form and is soon claimed as the heir of the Wyvern province.
The Wyverns however are also under threat from the Ryus, and there is also a sickness sweeping through Dorohin. Iris must master her Wyvern form, win over her new people and help them survive the threats that await them.

- Dragon/Wyvern/Ryu (and more!) shifters
- Self discovery and improvement
- Clan politics
- Battle and allegiances

My thoughts:
I enjoyed the politics of this book, learning about the 10 clans and their hierarchy. There was a lot more to the politics than I imagined and the detail was just enough without being overbearing. It also gives a lot of life to Iris’ character being considered a half-breed and her struggle for acceptance and respect. Her growth in the story was a joy to follow and it didn’t feel rushed, her relationships were also heartwarming and sometimes comical.

I found this really unique specifically around the clans, and I especially enjoyed the inclusion of art work in the early part of the book so you can visualise what each clan looks like in their shifted form. The information and politics between clans was my favourite part of the story. I found the pacing to be good even though it did actually me take me a lot longer than usual to read. This is mainly the reason for rating this 4⭐️ as though I throughly enjoyed this book I didn’t find myself desperate to pick it up all times of the day. I did find some discrepancies where references to the Divine Serpent became the Divine Dragon which often threw me off and caused me to re read this person sections, but this might already be resolved in editing - I received an early ARC of this book.

I received a free advanced copy of this book in return for a review. With thanks to NetGalley and the author for this copy.

Thank you A.K. Bryce and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

This book follows Iris an orphan who becomes the bastard Heir of the Lord Senbi of Sagesse. A true rags to riches story, with a hint of battle and love.

The world building was well done and I enjoyed the descriptions of all the Draconian kin.

It was very hard for me to stay focused on the book at times there was a lot of information. Even though the war was a focal point throughout the book the battle itself was short lived. I hoped for more.

It was a decent book and the storyline had a lot of potential. It just fell a little flat for me.

It’s a good YA novel for those interested in dragons.

"The right way is often the most difficult," said Zuma. "It's easy to curl up defensively and lash out at anything that comes close, so you can protect yourself from danger. You may survive but that's no way to live."

I've been collecting my thoughts since finishing this book, and all I can say is I absolutely fell in love with the world and the characters of this book. I'll be talking about some of my favorite characters, as well as a few notable quotes.

***Some spoilers ahead***

We first meet Iris. Iris is our main character, and we follow her as history is made in the land of the ten dragon clans. Iris begins as a street rat with a rough past. After a few odd events, she becomes the adopted (bastard) daughter of Lord Senbi, Lord of Sageese, the barrier between Dragonland (at one point the word 'dragonish' is used, so I think this is appropriate) and the Ryu outsiders. This is her journey, her fought for place in history, and she reacts to every roadblock with courage and controlled panic that I admire.

Wakana is one of the first characters that Iris meets, and is the right hand to Lord Senbi. She controls the rest of the servants, and without her, nothing would be done. Her and Iris never quite see eye to eye throughout the story, as Iris has more modern ideals, while Wakana is more proper and old-fashioned. Eventually towards the end, Wakana settles their differences and swears her allegiance to Lady Iris, the two eventually becoming closer. I like to imagine that after the last page, Wakana becomes a grandmother figure to Lady Iris' children, spending her last chapter filling the pages with smiles and laughter.

Lord Senbi had a problem. He had lost his wife of two decades, leaving him alone with no heir. This was why he brought in Iris, adopting her as his bastard. At first, Senbi kept her at a distance, but Iris wouldn't let that be their relationship. The two become an incredibly close father/daughter duo. During his last days, when most of the time he wasn't fully coherent, he was able to hold his firstborn grandson, his original problem fully resolved with the birth of the next generation. His character arc was one of the only fully resolved, even though it felt bittersweet.

Lyra and Calix were two of the servants under Wakana, and both are befriended and eventually beloved by Iris. They are also mentioned multiple times throughout the book that the two of them are in love. However, neither of their stories ended happily. I cried over them both. My only comfort was that they are together in their next life.

Vas - oh the things I could say about this man! However, my lips will remain sealed about him. I'll let you form your own opinion about him :)

Zuma was one of those characters that I was kind of confused as to his true purpose. He held quite a few roles that just screamed 'convenient' which isn't what you want in a story. Also every time I saw his name on the page, instead of thinking of a beautiful Quetzalcoatl, I thought of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever pup from Paw Patrol. So instead of a beast, I thought of this tiny puppy flying about in the sky, spying on the royal dragons, and teaching Iris how to change from human form into a Wyvern. His personality kind of fit, but I digress. I loved Zuma, even with his convenience.

Kenzo & Reiko are our two villains in the tale. The Emperor would've been the true villain if he had done anything, which he didn't, so that left these two imbeciles. One perished from basic wit, and the other from his own pride. I'll let you figure out which was which.

All these characters are just a selected few, and they all hold such depth that is rarely seen in today's crop of high fantasy. This book is truly a gem in a sea of dull rocks. My only concern is that this may be it for the ancient world of Dorohin, as the title reads 'Annals', which means 'a record of past events' or historical records. The next time Mr. Bryce writes form this world again, this book and the adventures it holds within might just be ancient history. This shouldn't dissuade you from reading this book, however, as this book teaches you that nothing is beautiful because it lasts. Here are some of my favorite quotes which I believe prove my point:

"Zuma took off first, probably to encourage her to follow, but she needed no encouragement. The spirit took over, flinging her over the edge. Her wings were already spread out, so she only felt like free-falling for a brief moment. There was no sudden drop; she just simply floated with nothing beneath her. The wind swept along her scales, but it was not so different from standing on the mountainside. It was surprisingly easy." (This was one of my favorite parts - Iris' first flight)

"There was a very long pause before Vas responded. 'Thank you Iris. I appreciate your honesty. Please, sleep well. I feel better knowing that you, at least, will survive this.'
'Good night, Vas' said Iris, and he broke contact.

"Milady, I hope this letter finds you in good health. I know you are supposed to be immune to the plague, but that does not mean you are immune to weariness and exhaustion. Most of all, I hope your spirit is still alive and well. I have been keeping your room tidy while you are away, though I wish I could do more for you. I have been practicing my flute, so that I may play a solo for you when this is all over, just as you played for me once. I never did thank you for insisting that I play with you. It has been a joy, and one that I hope we may share again soon. - Lyra
Iris wiped a tear from her eye as she folded up the letter."

I could talk about this book for hours, but I won't. I want you to have some surprises when you read this, because you most definitely should!

A huge, huge thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing, and Mr. A.K. Bryce for sharing an advanced copy with me in exchange for an honest review!

"Wyvern's Plague" by A.K. Bryce

In the enchanting realm of Dorohin, where reptilian shapeshifters reign supreme, A.K. Bryce introduces readers to a world brimming with intrigue, loyalty, and the allure of mythical beings. "Wyvern's Plague" invites us into the tumultuous journey of Iris, a street-smart thief whose life takes an unexpected turn when she discovers her dormant ability to transform into a Wyvern, a powerful dragon-like creature.

From the very first page, Bryce captivates audiences with a compelling narrative that seamlessly weaves together elements of fantasy and adventure. Iris's transformation from a homeless urchin to the heir of a noble Lord is just the beginning of her enthralling tale. As she navigates the treacherous waters of Dorohin's political landscape, readers are treated to a rich tapestry of characters and conflicts that add depth and complexity to the story.

One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its world-building. Dorohin emerges as a vibrant and multifaceted realm, inhabited by a myriad of shapeshifting clans, each with its own unique culture and traditions. Bryce's meticulous attention to detail breathes life into this fantastical setting, making it a character in its own right.

The cast of characters in "Wyvern's Plague" is equally captivating. From Iris, whose journey from rags to riches is both poignant and inspiring, to the enigmatic figures that populate her world, each character is imbued with depth and complexity. Whether it's the brooding guard, the sassy spy, or the stubborn maid, every member of the ensemble contributes to the richness of the narrative.

While the novel excels in many aspects, there are some areas where it could have been further developed. Some readers may find themselves longing for more depth in certain storylines, particularly those involving characters like Vas, Everett, Wakana, and Kenzo. Additionally, while the absence of a romance subplot doesn't detract from the overall enjoyment of the book, a more nuanced exploration of interpersonal relationships could have added an extra layer of complexity to the narrative.

Despite these minor quibbles, "Wyvern's Plague" remains a captivating read from start to finish. Bryce's deft storytelling and vivid imagination ensure that readers will be swept away on a thrilling journey filled with twists, turns, and unexpected revelations. Whether you're a fan of fantasy or simply looking for an engaging tale to lose yourself in, this book is sure to delight and entertain.

In conclusion, "Wyvern's Plague" is a masterfully crafted debut that heralds the arrival of a promising new voice in the fantasy genre. A.K. Bryce has created a world that is as enchanting as it is immersive, leaving readers eager for more. So, grab a copy, buckle up, and prepare to be whisked away to the magical realm of Dorohin. You won't be disappointed.

This book is an adventurous fantasy read that has multiple derivations of dragons in it.
The book starts with Iris an homeless Orphan that gets caught stealing and all of a sudden becomes an heir to a kingdom.
She is thrust into a world where all of a sudden she has to fit into an expectation and ideal that is completely new to her.
You follow along her journey of growing into herself and handling the thread of a war on top of it all.
The world building is sometimes quite a lot, especially with all these different derivations of dragons. The author does include
drawings of them though at the end of most chapters which really helps!
Over all it was a really exciting read and i would recommend it to fans of Dragons.

Not my typical fantasy novel, but I commend the author for his vast detail and immense world-building. I think it started a tad slow, I needed something more to get me excited to keep reading sooner.

When I picked up this book, I did not realise that I was sitting up to be on a rollercoaster ride with so many adventures and highs and lows. I'm crazy picky when it comes to fantasy, I critique so hard that even the critics take notes. So obviously, when I started reading Wyvern's Plague, it was with heavy skepticism. Bless my stars that it turned out so much more than what I could've ever expected it to be.
The concept is extremely fresh and the book is very well written. The characters are captivating and powerful and nowhere do you feel like anyone lacks an ability to keep you interested. In fact as you near the end, you get so attached to each of these characters that you're a crying, sobbing, mess.
I do think that the storyline could do with a little more depth when it came to the Vas, Everett, Wakana and Kenzo angles. There were also a few tiny little parts here and there that I think needed refining.
However, I loved the book as a whole and would really like to read more of this type.
Another day where I'm grateful to discover a new author!

I received this book from @netgalley and I have to say it was better than I expected!

This is a rags to riches story where a poor street rat gets claimed as a bastard to a wealthy lord who is without an heir. Iris has a heart of gold and she just wants to find a place to fit in. She was a well written character who struggled not only with belonging, but adjusting to a new life and managing the politics that go with her new position.

The looming war hovers over us with a presence that can not be ignored. It slowly builds throughout the book until it erupts in a fiery blaze. I did feel that it was over just a bit too quickly considering the way it loomed throughout the book, but the ending to the battle was ironic and just considering some of the plot points in the book.

This book lacks romance aside from brief looks and a quick nod to what could have been. I don’t know if it necessarily needed a romance storyline, but not having one didn’t take away my enjoyment of it.

The side characters are some of the best I have ever read. There is a stubborn maid, a brooding guard, a friendly handmaiden and a sassy spy. The spy was my favorite character and I loved every moment he was on the page.

The ending felt a bit rushed but it did provide a suitable wrap up of the story. The epilogue provides an all encompassing update on the remainder of Iris’ life and it ties everything up into a neat bow.

The way the author uses quick paragraphs at the beginning of each chapter to provide lore/world building was pretty smart! It gives you information without feeling like you’re getting info dumped.

Overall, it was a decent YA read. There are struggles, war, relationships, and a political web to get lost in. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a change in pace!

I give this book 4 stars. I was expecting more about it but it's just a personal theory of mine. It's such a great story. Loved how it was written.

Ten clans live on the island nation of Dorohin, with the power to shapeshift into reptilian titans. The Dragon clan rules all, but the jealous Ryu clan seeks after the emperor's throne which was once rightfully theirs.Caught in between them is Iris, an ordinary girl of a lesser clan. The Plague stole her mother from her, leaving her orphaned and homeless. However, in a moment of crisis, she discovers she is a half-Dragon shapeshifter known as a Wyvern. She is soon scooped up to become the heir of the childless Wyvern Lord Senbi, who defends the Dragon clan's border.Lord Senbi is under imminent threat from the zealous General Kenzo of the Ryu clan, and Iris is hardly welcome as an illegitimate child whose mother hails from lesser blood. To Iris, though, anything is better than a life on the streets. She will not only learn to master her Wyvern form, but she may turn out to be the missing piece needed to hold back the tide of war.Ten Dragon, Ryu, Wyvern, Quetzalcoatl, Amphithere, Cockatrice, Drake, Lindwurm, Hydra, Wyrm. This is a coming of age fantasy which will thrill and delight anyone who loves dragons and wants to see them in a fresh new world.

This was a really good, fresh and fun slow-burn fantasy. All of the classic tropes are here but done in a fairly fresh way. Keeping the ten different clans separated and remembering everything got a bit challenging at times, but not enough to lower my enjoyment of the book. A good 4 stars:)

This is an inventive novel focussing on dragons and various derivations of dragons (eg wyverns, wyrms etc). There are various warring clans that threaten to tear the world apart between them ... and a wandering waif of an orphan is thrust right into the middle of it all. Iris is cast adrift in a world that she is unfamiliar with and you really feel as though you want to root for her. (I certainly was.) I liked both Iris and Kenzo. I'm sure this would be a hit with both the young adult audience and indeed anyone (like me!) who loves dragons. Great fun (and very inventive as already mentioned. It is nicely refreshing to see a novel that treads a different path from the norm.)

I enjoyed the storyline. Iris is like orphan Annie meets Aladdin character. She is taken from humble beginnings and thrust into a world she never thought possible. Her character growth and acceptance of her circumstances make sense for the plot. It is easy to root for her, and you accept that she is a teenager coming into her own without feeling like she's being petulant or whiney. The dynamics of the shifter clans and the hierarchy are interesting and I liked the way they were explained at the start of each chapter. Some of the descriptive adjectives are a bit repetitive. It detracts from the flow of the book when it feels like you're reading the same sentences over again halfway down the page. There are still some spelling and grammar mistakes sprinkled throughout the book. I can't decide if I wanted more chapters about Kenzo, or less. Maybe more about him sprinkled through chapters in breaks and asides instead of the few dedicated chapters he had. I honestly thought he was going to be a bigger part of the story since he was the first character we were introduced to.