This is the proper start for an epic/high fantasy series. Solid world building delays the action at the start but provides a good explanation of the politics and lays a foundation for the world that is the stage of our adventure. An interesting magic system based on cultivation and magical creatures adds to the allure of the story. A protagonist that is endearing with a potential love interest as well as friends and enemies some of whom blur those lines permeate the adventure. This is the story of Jai's growth, in his magic powers, in his awareness of the world around him, and most importantly, into himself. All of this made me care for Jai and made me want to read more, to find out how Jai's adventure continues past the epilogue. If success of the first book in a series was a measure of the reader's desire for the next book, I give Dragon Rider all the points. And, did I mention there are dragons. Well, I definitely enjoyed this book and now am looking forward to the next of the series.
I received advanced digital access to this book thru NetGalley (for which I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher, Avon and Harper Voyager) for an honest review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers for a copy of this eARC in exchange for my honest review!

I'm having trouble even articulating how much I enjoyed Dragon Rider! It felt like everything a fantasy should be, extremely well informed, and just a fun overall read.

Jai's character growth was SO GOOD. He was sniveling and small at the beginning and by the end I felt pride in his character for taking risks he would've never at the start.

The story progression felt a little slow at times but it's the first in the series so it's almost expected as the world building needs to be set up.

I loved that every character not only had a purpose, but felt WHOLE. Even the smallest of roles didn't feel flat. The same could be said for the Magick system. It's explained so well that you feel like you're learning it all right beside Jai. How mana works, soul breathing, the emotional connection with your beast, etc. It was super interesting.

Also, I want a Winter of my own.

Keep your eyes peeled for Dragon Rider to drop in April of 2024! It's definitely a must-read fantasy (also, dragons. If not just bc freakin DRAGONS) 🥰

A political prisoner turned dragon rider in this thrilling new book from Taran Matharu.

Jai has been a hostage for most of his life, ever since his father's rebellion failed and he and his brothers were taken to the Sabine Court to keep their home country in line. Now with his brothers serving the heir to the empire, and Jai as the ex-emperor's servant they live in stasis until they reach the age of twenty.

When the heir is engaged to the northern princess, she brings with her a dowry of dragons. Only the royals of Dansk (northern kingdom) know the secret to soulbounding and with this alliance peace will be restored to the land.

However, insurrection erupts, and the Sabine Court is overthrown, and Jai escapes with a dragon egg and the Dansk handmaiden. Together they must make their way safely across the territories before breaking off to get back to their respective homes. Jai must learn to breath magic into his very soul if he can successfully evade the enemy and seek his revenge. The only question is: can he be the quick learner this requires?

It was everything I loved about ERAGON (The first book not the rest of the series) and the author is one I trust to handle the storyline to a continuous good series and not taper. I loved the descriptions and emotions. Truly a great fantasy.

What I liked:
-The magic system and the explanations. I really enjoy a well thought out system that makes sense.
-Winter
-I like the testing of all loyalties. It was realistic in a fantasy world.

What I didn't like:
-There's a lot of political talk and while I did zone out a few times, I will say that I know they are set ups for the following books.

Sidenote: I know the eARC isn't the complete unedited version but there were a few name switches I noticed but it's a very minor thing.

My thanks to NetGalley and Harper Voyer for gifting me this eARC in exchange for my honest opinion. I loved it.

I thought this was a fun take on the young adventurer story. The conflicts, both interpersonal and world-spanning, are handled well and, with the descriptions or the various cultures, help to build an interesting world. I will anxiously await the sequel.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book! Below is my honest review.

I'm not going to lie: I almost DNFed this book 35% into it. I thought the first third was really boring and slow; that the ratio between political talk and learning more about the mysterious dragons leaned too much towards the former rather than the latter. But as I got more towards the middle, it started getting more interesting. Jai, the main character, steals a dragon egg, which to no one's surprise, it hatches and the dragon bonds with him. He learns how to be one with the dragon (named Winter) from another dragon handler named Frida. They're both on the run and need to figure out how to get to safety.

I enjoyed how the author spends a lot of time explaining the magic system: how mana works, how it relates to the dragon, how to soul breath, etc. There is a lot of politics and discrimination and terrible, racist policies in this book, so just be aware of that. I'm glad that I didn't DNF this book, but I do wish that the beginning picked up a little more speed. Overall, it was a solid read!