This is the second trilogy I’ve read by Ava Richardson and I noticed there is a pattern to her writing. Once again, one of the characters becomes significantly more powerful in the second book; cramming the lack of development in the first book into the second.

If I’m right, the third book will have the same happen to the other character.

It’s not a bad thing: I have fun reading her books. I’m wish the characters can learn and develop together rather than leapfrogging each other, that’s all.

After the revelation at the end of the last book, Bower must accept who he is and what it means to be king. But he is far from kingly material when it comes to physical activities. What he does have, however, is his mind and Bower is able to connect to people in a way Saffron can’t understand. It’s entertaining seeing bookworm-Bower realising that perhaps he does have what it takes to be king, despite his crippling self-doubts.

Bower’s development is about more than becoming a king: he has the dragon affinity. He can connect to the dragons and communicate with them. The dragon affinity is how Bower suddenly becomes powerful enough to save the day: he tries it and calls to him all the dragons everyone else (including him) believe to be extinct.

Saffron develops throughout the second book – she stops herself from losing control of her magic and even has a semblance of control on more than one occasion. But her progress is slow and I get the feeling the third book is going to be about her controlling her magic. Saffron’s story hasn’t yet been told, not compared to how Bower grows this time.

There are a lot more dragons this time around – which I loved. You get to know Jaydra more as her connection with Saffron deepens further and she is also able to communicate with Bower. But she is just one of many: the legendary Crimson Reds make a reappearance, as do the wild blacks. Having read the first trilogy, this perhaps has more of an effect than if you hadn’t – you understand the history behind these dragons.

As both Saffron and Bower (to an extent) can understand the dragons, you also get far more of their behaviour and what it means. Personally, I found that added another level to the book and I enjoyed it.

The pacing and tension are much stronger this time around. Clashes with Enric’s forces happen throughout the book and there is a feeling of urgency throughout. This made Dragons of Kings more engaging compared to the first book; it feels like the plot is consistently moving forward rather than a sudden bombshell at the end.

Another easy and enjoyable read if you like fantasy books and dragons. The switching first person narration meant it took me until this book to really start to like the characters, but there is development and potential there and I look forward to finishing the series.

I thoroughly enjoyed the plot and characters.
The interaction between all characters including the dragons was brilliant.
This would probably have received 5 stars if I had read the first book in the series.

It had a really strong voice, and I enjoyed the world! I'm not usually a fan of dragons but this stirred my interest enough to keep me reading throughout.

This book was a good read but you need to read the first book in the series to understand what is happening. The author again writes well and with good details. The author alternates between the first points of view of Saffron and Bower. The book picks up where the first book left off.
Saffron, Jaydra, and Bower have escaped from Enric. They return to the island where Saffron is training Bower. She gets frustrated with him at times. Bower and Saffron are together throughout the novel. Saffron also realizes she needs to gain control over her magical abilities and Bower needs to realize that he is the dragon-king, that the dragons will listen to him. They both need to harness their abilities in order to defeat Enric and rebuild the relationships between dragons and humans. Enric finds them at the island and will kill anyone who gets in his way. This forces Saffron and Bower to flee and seek other dragons at the three rivers. The other dragons need to leave the island due to Enric's iron warriors. The dragons want Bower to prove he can get the humans and dragons to work together. As the story progresses, Bower is able to grow and realize what he needs to do to save the kingdom. Saffron and Bower have many obstacles to overcome. As they travel to their destination, they encounter Ryland, who leads his people and captures dragons. Saffron and Jaydra have difficulty communicating with these black dragons, who despise the humans that imprisoned them. Bower is able to convince Ryland and his council to release them, after showing his ability to call dragons when he needs their aid. Enric still keeps sending his iron warriors and tries to get Saffron. He comes close a few times, but Bower and Jaydra help to keep Saffron from him. Enric finds them once again and they once again have to flee, but not without consequences. Saffron and Bower realize they must end Enric's reign and restore the trust dragons and humans once had. I cannot wait to end the next novel!!