Rider of Dragons
by A. T. Qureshi
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Pub Date Aug 27 2026 | Archive Date Not set
Avon Books UK | Avon
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Description
THE FIRST PART OF A THRILLING NEW DRAGON RACING ROMANTASY DUOLOGY FROM THE AUTHOR OF THE BABY DRAGON CAFE, FOR FANS OF FOURTH WING AND WHEN THE MOON HATCHED.
🐉 DRAGONS. RACING. ROMANCE. 🐉
She wants to race dragons
Genevieve's family is dead set against her joining the deadly dragon races. But she won't let them stop her.
He's the trainer she doesn't want, but needsWithout her family's money, nobody will train her. Desperate for help, she agrees to a terrible deal: Qais, an alleged member of a dragon poaching gang, will train her to win the races, if she agrees to give him her prize money.
Every race could be their lastThe dragon races aren't just about being the fastest. In these races, sabotage, attacks and all out violence aren't just allowed, they're encouraged. The devastatingly handsome Qais will teach her to be cunning and cruel, and Genevieve will be forced to answer a devastating question: to win, is she willing to lose everything?
UNCORRECTED PROOF. NOT FOR COPY OR RESALE.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9780008834258 |
| PRICE | £16.99 (GBP) |
Available on NetGalley
Average rating from 123 members
Featured Reviews
Sarah H, Reviewer
The excitement when I saw I'd been offered this ARC. After the Baby Dragon Cafe series I had high hopes for this new series and was not disappointed.
It is a gripping and imaginative fantasy that delivers strong world-building, engaging characters, and a fast-moving plot. A. T. Qureshi creates a vivid setting where dragons are more than spectacle—they’re central to the story’s tension, politics, and emotional stakes. The pacing is tight, with plenty of action balanced by quieter character moments that give the story depth. The protagonist’s journey is compelling, and the themes of power, loyalty, and choice are woven naturally into the narrative.
Overall, this is a solid and entertaining read that will appeal to fans of dragon-centered fantasy and character-driven adventures. I’m glad I had the opportunity to read this as an ARC and would happily continue with the series.
📚I was able to read an advanced copy of title thanks to NetGalley, A. T. Qureshi and Avon Books UK📚
📚All reviews and opinions are entirely my own📚
Leanne D, Reviewer
Ginny has wanted to race her dragon and win for as long as she can remember but it certainly won't be without consequences. This book prominently features the dragons in particular the races. I was fully immersed in everything about this book from the magic to the romance and family dramas and especially the danger. I love the dragons and fell deeply emotionally connected to Fang. The story is so much fun and exciting. It's also heart in your mouth full of suspense. I screamed at the cliff hanger ending and screamed even more because now I have to wait for the second book and I desperately needed it yesterday. Dare I say this is even better than Fourth Wing.
I really enjoyed Rider of Dragons. It was an easy story to settle into, and once I did, I found myself getting fully absorbed in the world and the characters. It has that comforting fantasy feel while still keeping things interesting and emotionally engaging.
One of my favorite parts was the bond between the rider and the dragon. It felt meaningful and well developed, not rushed, and added a lot of heart to the story. I liked that the dragon was not just there for spectacle, but actually played an important role in the emotional side of the narrative.
The worldbuilding was immersive without being overwhelming. I appreciated how the story takes its time establishing the setting and the rules of the world, which made everything feel more grounded. Once things got moving, I found it hard to put the book down.
The main character was easy to root for, and I enjoyed watching their growth over the course of the story. The themes of loyalty, duty, and identity were handled in a thoughtful way, and the quieter moments were just as effective as the more action driven scenes.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable read for me. It felt warm, immersive, and emotionally satisfying, especially if you enjoy dragon fantasy with strong character relationships. I would happily recommend this to readers who love dragons and character driven fantasy stories.
*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
want to preface this review by saying I’m historically not a fantasy genre fan. There have been a few books/series that I have enjoyed but overall I tend to avoid them. However, when I saw the book cover on NetGalley it caught my eye enough for me to read the jacket blurb, and that piqued my interest further. I decided to give it a shot.
I am so glad I did!
The author did a wonderful job creating not only the world, but also the characters. I felt like I could see the story playing out in my head- which I’m going to go ahead and say now I can’t wait to watch the movie that this will inevitably be made into.
*Spoiler Alert*
The tension between the main characters is delicious. I am waited with bated breath to see who Ginny enlists to help her in the next book. Crossing all my fingers that it’s Zavi and we get to see this love triangle play out.
I also am so incredibly curious to see how Qais got himself into this mess and to learn more about what was going on in the background that the reader and Ginny were unaware of.
I am so delighted that I took a chance on this book and cannot wait for the next one!
Reviewer 1883978
This is my favourite book of A.T. Qureshi by far! This book had me hooked and I didn't realise its a duology until the end of the book. But thank God because I need answers. The plot twist at the end had me shocked to my core. I loved how the book centred around female empowerment and helping women achieve their goals the same way we do for men. The themes of love, power and loyalty (plus dragons) were executed so well. August 27th can't come soon enough for you I promise.
Rider of Dragons is an engaging fantasy that I had so much fun reading. Dragons, destiny, and danger are woven into a story that’s easy to sink into and genuinely exciting.
I especially appreciated how elements from the author’s previous work, The Baby Dragon Café, were woven into the plot. That connection added depth to the world and felt like a real treat as a returning reader. I also completely fell in love with the dragons, and I became deeply emotionally connected to Fang in particular.
The sense of adventure is strong, the pacing keeps the suspense high, and there were several heart-in-your-mouth moments. That cliffhanger ending made me actually scream, and then scream again when I realised I now have to wait for book two, which I desperately needed yesterday.
A thrilling, emotional read for fans of dragon-centered fantasy, with enough excitement and heart to leave you wanting more.
Jo W, Reviewer
Thank you to Net Gallery for this ARC!
Wow! The characters in this book were introduced to us in The Baby Dragon Cafe, but this series is so different!! Action, intrigue, spicy slow burn romance! Loved it!!
We follow Ginny and her entry in the Dragon Racing Championships!
I warn you now the ending will make go "Noooooo dont end there, I need to know!!"
Next book is out in 2027! I'll be reading it for sure!
I have been enjoying the light romantasy series "Baby Dragon" by A. T. Qureshi, so I was excited to read "Rider of Dragons" the first book in her new duology, set in the same world and featuring many of the characters that fans will recognise. However, the author provides sufficient introduction that new readers can dive right into the duology without missing any useful information.
Ginny comes from a family of dragon owners but only her brother Danny had the privilege of being a dragon rider and racing dragons. Ginny is determined to become a rider too, despite her family's opposition.
This book is spicier than the Baby Dragon series and I enjoyed the tension and drama of the race scenes. The final chapter sets up the scene brilliantly for the second book.
Lisa M, Reviewer
Oh my gosh I don’t even know what to say! Wow
This book absolutely blew me away, I knew I’d enjoy it as I’ve loved all the other books set in the same universe but I did NOT know what I was in for with this
This book felt very different, less cosy and a bit more fantasy! The spicy scenes were definitely more intense, frequent and more detailed than those in the baby dragon series, and I liked that it was different!
Learning about the dragon races was so interesting, I’d always been so intrigued about them being mentioned in other books
The book really kept me on my toes - who would she pick? Who is the good guy and bad guy?
As soon as I got to the end my jaw dropped, I’m really not sure how I’m meant to function whilst waiting for the next instalment!
Easily one of my favourite books of the year so far and my favourite from the author. Highly recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. Rider of Dragons is a gripping, immersive fantasy that delivers rich world building, compelling characters, and a powerful emotional core. From the opening chapters, this story pulls you straight into a vivid, high stakes world built around dragons, duty, and identity.
The characters are a standout. The protagonist is determined, layered, and easy to root for, with clear growth throughout the story. The supporting cast adds depth and tension, and the bond between rider and dragon is particularly well done it’s emotional, complex, and central to the heart of the plot. The relationships feel earned and grounded, enhancing both the action and quieter moments.
The story blends classic dragon fantasy with a fresh voice and thoughtful themes, and fans of Eragon, Fourth Wing, and The Priory of the Orange Tree will find a lot to love here. The pacing stays strong, the stakes remain high, and the world feels expansive without being overwhelming.
Overall, this is a polished, engaging read that dragon-loving fantasy readers will devour. A confident addition to the genre and a book I’d happily recommend and continue as a series. 🐉
Rider of Dragons is such a wonderful fantastic read. I love the writing style as it fully immerses you into the world . Dragons.. lots of dragons, destiny, spice and danger are captured into a story that’s easy to escape in with a fast paced plot.
Having loved the baby dragon cafe, I really loved this book included some of the characters from this. I was gripped when I was reading this.. and the cliff hanger just made me want to read more and wanting the next instalment already yet we’ve got to wait until 2027!! I can’t wait!!
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Becca T, Reviewer
Set in the same world as the adorable “Baby Dragon Cafe” series, this is a familiar setting with a change of pace.
Ginny’s story is exciting, she pushes the boundaries of what’s expected for her by becoming a Dragon Rider which she’s forbidden to do.
The romance is a sizzle throughout and it turns up at the end, which leave you wanting and desperate for book 2.
Lovelies, we are not at the The Baby Dragon Café anymore! (I mean, we're still in Starshine Valley but we're getting SERIOUS.) I knew Genevieve's book was going to be incredible but this? This I couldn't put down. (Literally, I read it in one sitting.) This is what your favorite dragon riding - super tournament-fight to the death-championship contest should read like.
And then you get to the END.... Aamna, what did you do to your readers?! The last chapter absolutely killed me and I'm not sure how I'm going to survive until 2027...
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an e-ARC of this book!
Reviewer 1965583
So firstly, many thanks to Netgalley for this digital ARC.
4.5⭐️
I actually hate you Aamna Qureshi. I hate the ending, I need Ginny to team up with Zavi or Aiden for the rescue. I can’t believe that Qais did what he did. I feel like it wasn’t very predictable.
At first I thought that Ginny was to dumb and naive, especially at the beginning. But her character really developed and Qureshi is really good at writing that. I am actually completely obsessed with Qais. He is actually so amazing which is why I guess the betrayal came as such a shock. Qureshi is also very good at using time skips effectively. It seemed as though they were always there for a reason and it didn’t feel weird when it skipped like two weeks.
But, some breaks did feel really unnatural. For example, when Qais is explaining to Ginny how the races works, and he just leaves for a few minutes to grab his armour. I don’t know but it just didn’t feel normal. Another bit was near the end of the book where there was also an unnatural break/time skip.
The beginning also felt really unnatural and not worthy of an introduction to the world of dragon racing. It took a while for me to get fully invested in the book. I think the moment it really clicked for me was when Ginny left home, but before then I didn’t really know what to think. The intro is quite slow imo but that could just be me. i do enjoy reading fantasy and I am very excited for the next book to come out.
Thanks again to netgalley, and publishers for the ARC.
Reviewer 378873
Rider of Dragons by A.T. Quereshi published by Avon Books UK, is the first book in the Dragon Racer Series.
Be aware the book is left with a major cliffie, so consider you warned.
Genevieve grew up privileged and in a wealthy powerful family. She's a 24 year old woman. still living under the roof/thumb of her parents. And these parents are set against her attending a dangerous dragon race.
Genevieve us all on her own in this endevor and what she needs is a trainer. Here Quais comes into the picture. But again be warned, heisn't what he seems.
I read the book and couldn't help myself, Ginny is a naive, disillusionistic character who has a fair share of growing up to do. But noo, she knows best. And the male love interest, yep she'd should have stayed far away from him, but Ginny knows best - not.
This book had me torn. I loved meeting the characters from the previous book, but I didn't like how they acted at all. But the writing is great, the suspense fantastic and I couldn't not finish the book.
"Rider of Dragons" by A. T. Qureshi is an absolutely captivating read that immerses you in a richly developed fantasy world filled with adventure, magic, and unforgettable characters. The author’s vivid storytelling and intricate plot twists keep you hooked from start to finish, making it impossible to put the book down. The depth of the characters and the author’s masterful world-building create a truly immersive experience that transports you into a realm where dragons soar and heroes rise. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves epic fantasy novels—it's a five-star masterpiece that will leave you eagerly awaiting more from A. T. Qureshi!
https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNRDcX4vS/
Bookseller 1877915
I loved the baby dragon series and I was so sad when it sensed so I knew when this was announced that I had to get my hands on it asap!
I loved Genevieve’s story and the themes of loyalty and equality and choice surrounding her. I feel like they were really well executed and loved how it was written.
I thought the author did an amazing job at world building and even if someone hadn’t read the baby dragon series, the author gave a full overview of everything a reader needed to know.
I need book 2 in my hands like yesterday!!
Kim C, Reviewer
What’s not to love about this book it had everything you could need! Trials, dragons, twists and turns, tension, yearning and that ending was phenomenal!
I was lucky and received an arc copy of this so thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK, although I will say it means I have to wait longer to read the second one!
The pacing was spot on and the characters were well written, Fang was absolutely the favourite for me though.
May P, Reviewer
Genevieve's family doesn't want her to join the deadly dragon races. She asks Qais to train her even though he's an alleged member of a dragon poaching gang.
Fast paced and exciting... The characters are terrfic. And of course, there are dragons... Love the emotional outbursts too...
Thanks to the publisher for the arc.
"Ever so gently, he ran a finger down her throat. An electric current shot down her spine, and she resisted the urge to lean into his touch. Then it was his turn to whisper in her ear, 'Best behave, then.'
Rider of Dragons, by A. T Qureshi
Excuse me but WHAT?! This book was OUTSTANDING. And that ending?! I am almost devastated I had this ARC because now I have to wait even longer for the next book and I genuinely do not know how I am supposed to cope. I need reassurance. I need resolution. I need revenge.
How do I even describe this book? It is written and set in the same world as The Baby Dragon Cafe, so it carries those cosy romantasy vibes, but it also delivers high stakes dragon racing, dangerous gangs, a bad boy love interest, incredible tension, and just a touch of spice. The writing is so strong that I was completely hooked from the first page and by the final chapter my heart was pounding. I devoured this in one day.
The characters were compelling, the dragon human bond was absolutely adorable, and I loved the side characters. I fully despised Genevive’s father, even if his intentions might be good, and I was very invested in the subtle hint that there may be more than one love interest. I cannot wait to see how that plays out in book two.
If you love romance, dragons, determined FMCs, dragon companions that must be protected at all costs, and cliffhanger endings that leave you screaming, add this to your TBR immediately.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this. I absolutely loved it.
Channelle G, Reviewer
Firstly I wanna say thank you to NetGallery for allowing me to have an advance copy, highly appreciate it.
My review- in the beginning I thought Ginny was a naive girl who was a tad dumb, but as the story went on her character grew beautifully. I do find that Amna Qureshi does that well, she also uses time skips quite well. Her writing has grown since the baby dragon cafe (which I adore) the time skips didn’t feel weird or awkward at any point it just flowed.
However, the beginning did feel a bit unnatural and not right for what the dragon races are about.
I absolutely adored the Baby Dragon series - I was over the moon to see this one. Still set in the stunning world of Starshine Valley but it took on a whole new feel and adventure.
We follow Ginny on her journey to the Dragon Rider Championships. With her grand ambitions to follow in her brother’s footsteps, she knows she can win if given the chance. However with strict instructions from her father to enter under no circumstances, she defies the odds, finds a trainer and signs herself up to one of the most dangerous (and illegal) dragon races with her dragon Fang.
It was seriously such an amazing story and I whipped through it. I loved the compilations of her training, developing her bond with Fang (& with her trainer of course) and seeing how much she rose to the challenge and danger everytime. I’m so excited to follow up with the next book but man did I hate the ending. Guess I’ll have to calendar watch until the day of the next book release!
Reviewer 1105141
Rider of Dragons is an expansive and exhilarating fantasy that grips from its first page with a blend of high-stakes adventure, richly imagined worldbuilding, and compelling character arcs. A.T. Qureshi delivers a story that will satisfy anyone who loves dragons that feel ancient and awe-inspiring, conflicts that span continents, and heroes who must grow into the legends they are destined to become.
The heart of the novel lies in its protagonist, whose journey from uncertainty to courage drives the emotional core of the book. Qureshi writes protagonists with depth—caught between duty, fear, and the lure of a destiny they never asked for. As alliances form and betrayals unfold, the reader is invited to share in every triumph and setback, making the stakes feel both personal and epic.
One of the real standouts in Rider of Dragons is Qureshi’s worldbuilding. The setting feels vast yet lived-in, from soaring mountain crags that serve as dragon roosts to bustling market cities where magic and politics collide. Dragons in this world are not just beasts—they are intelligent, ancient forces whose presence reshapes culture, war, and what it means to be human. The bond between humans and dragons is complex and often uneasy, giving the story emotional resonance beyond spectacular flight scenes or battle sequences.
Themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and identity are woven seamlessly into the narrative. Qureshi explores what it means to belong—to a community, to a legacy, even to oneself—especially when old orders crumble and new powers rise. The novel doesn’t shy away from darker moments, but it balances them with heart and hope, giving readers moments of triumph that feel genuinely earned.
Overall, *Rider of Dragons* is an immersive, thrilling fantasy that will appeal to fans of dragon epics and character-driven adventures alike. A.T. Qureshi brings fresh energy to familiar genre touchstones, delivering a story that is both exhilarating and emotionally resonant. This book soars, and it’s just the beginning of what promises to be an unforgettable journey.
Honestly I am absolutely in love with this book. I loved the baby dragon series but this book steps it up a notch! Literally obsessed with both MMCs (EVEN AFTER THAT CLIFF HANGER) and I love the FMC. Spice is just right! I am absolutely devastated that I have to wait for the second one. Great job!!
I love it when fantasy incorporates cultures from our world, and it's a nice change from all-white casts. Qureshi has written a wonderful world where dragons race, and only those with money can secure the best trainers and equipment.
Genevieve's family do not want her to race, but when she defies them, they refuse to fund her. So she has to turn to the one person she doesn't want to, to help her, despite his reputation for dragon poaching.
As her skill increases, so do things between her and Oais, but can she truly trust him?
A fun fantasy read that makes a nice change.
Reviewer 1881426
Thank you to Avon Books for gifting me this e-book in exchange for my honest review. After The Little Dragon Café, Bakery and Bookshop, I was beyond excited to return to the world of Starshine Valley—and Rider of Dragons did not disappoint.
Ginny has spent her life wrapped in cotton wool by her parents, all while dreaming of following in her brother Danny’s footsteps and competing in the deadly Dragon Racing Championships. Enter Qais: from the wrong side of town, tied to a notorious dragon-poaching gang, and exactly the kind of trouble everyone warns her about. He may be the only one who can train Ginny to become fast, fearless, and dangerous enough to win—but can he really be trusted?
While the Little Dragon books are cute and cosy, Rider of Dragons cranks everything up a notch. There’s real danger, high drama, and so much tension, alongside the familiar characters and family dynamics I already love. And that ending? A full-on cliff-hanger that had me staring at the wall in silence. I adore this world and its people—and I was absolutely not ready to leave.
Emma A, Reviewer
I have enjoyed other books by the author and Rider Of Dragons was no different. Fans of fourth wing will love this. From the very first page the author's writing had me hooked and I kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. The story was so action packed that sometimes I forgot that I was reading. Overall a brilliant read that I highly recommend to other e.
I loved this! A brilliant fantasy of adventure, beautiful world building and Romantasy goodness.
I’ve not read her previous novels, but after this, I will definitely be picking another up.
Also, the ending. Immense. When is the next one? I need it yesterday!
I just love this author and just like her previous novels, I was thoroughly entertained.
I especially liked the references back to her baby dragon series.
Fantasy and romance combined, oh I was definitely here for it.
Enemies, to friends, to lovers you say. Yes please.
This review needs few words because the story was brilliant from start to finish.
The ending though! What a twist.
Why must I wait for next one, why?
Thank you to NetGalley & Avon Books for this E-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Genevieve, our FMC, is full of determination & perseverance. She is all the things I love in a strong and powerful FMC.
This story of illegal dragon racing raises the stakes from the traditional cozy feel of the previous Baby Dragon books. There’s high stakes, secrets, and Genevieve with her eye on the prize, the Dragon Riders’ Championship. This story does a great job at highlighting the struggle women go through in our current world when it comes to proving our worth vs. a man.
We have an MMC, Qais, who has an utterly tragic backstory, who becomes Genevieve’s trainer while she prepares for the race that her family are adamantly against.
Provider by Sleep Token was stuck in my head throughout the entirety of this book, and it sums Qais up perfectly. The romance is FULL of slow burning tension & yearning. But trust me. If steam is what you want, just you wait 🔥
The dragons are arguably my favorite part of this story, because nothing quite beats the bond between a rider and their dragon.
The ending… I have sobbed for 20 minutes straight trying to fathom waiting for book 2. Incredible. I truly have no words for how much I loved this book.
I never read the Baby Dragon Café series, so this was my first experience of Aamna Qureshi's writing, and I enjoyed it! I really liked the world building in this book, it felt very immersive, and I am a sucker for any book with dragons in. The bonds between dragons and riders were one of my favourite parts, and I loved seeing Ginny and Fang grow their bond throughout the book. The competition was a great base for the story to be based around, although the trials did start to merge into one for me. I think this was a well thought out book, and I am happy it will be a duology. The twist at the end of book one had me gripped, and I will definitely read book 2 to finish up this story.
Although, this book did read as more of a YA novel to me instead of adult and as the centre of the story, Ginny was frustratingly naïve. I am definitely not a fan of the "I'm not like other girls, I don't wear makeup and people don't interest me" vibes that she was radiating. It seemed like she felt that she knew better than everybody else in the story, and wouldn't take anybody's advice to heart. She was quite childish, and I'm not entirely sure her personality fit well into an adult fantasy novel. But seeing her grow throughout the story was nice!
On the romance side of things, it definitely leans more on the side of a slow burn romance, instead of enemies to lovers, as they really don't know each other before meeting, and get on reasonably quite quick into their partnership. Qais was mysterious and interesting, his relationship with his brother was so interesting, and I can't wait to see what happens with him in the next book. Although, I do sense a love triangle on the horizon.
With the other side characters, I hope we see more in the second book if there is a deeper reason that Ginny's father was so unsupportive and cruel, or if it is just straight up sexism. Zaviyar & Vaneeza were good additions, and I hope there is more of them both in the follow up.
Really glad I read it, it was an enjoyable experience, and this has prompted me to look up more of Qureshi's work! Thank you for the e-arc.
Rider of Dragons is full of action and adventure which is quite a change from the authors previous books about the Baby Dragon Cafe although this is referenced. Ginny is definitely a girl on a mission and her relationship with her dragon is wonderful. The pace will draw you in and I couldn't put it down. Watch out for a cliffhanger though.
Joanne M, Reviewer
I absolutely loved Rider of Dragons. Swept me straight into a vivid, high‑stakes world full of heart, magic, and brilliantly realised dragon lore. The bond between rider and dragon was especially well done—emotional, tense, and wonderfully immersive.
The pacing is tight, the characters compelling, and the worldbuilding rich without ever feeling heavy. A couple of moments felt a tadge long, but overall the story was gripping and thoroughly enjoyable.
A fantastic, uplifting fantasy read that I’m so glad I got the pleasure of reading.
Amber K, Bookseller
LOVED this book what a fun, intense, incredible world this author has built. The writing is so great, and this is a story that stays with you way long after you finish it.
I love this book! The writing, story and characters were all a hit for me. I love Ginny's story, fighting with her family for something she believes in.
That ending though 🤯
This book completely pulled me into its world and did not let go. Rider of Dragons is one of those stories where the atmosphere wraps around you like smoke from dragon fire and suddenly you look up and realize hours have passed.
The worldbuilding was rich and vivid. You can feel the danger, the politics, and the tension simmering under everything. And the dragons? Absolutely stunning. They weren’t just background creatures. They felt powerful, mysterious, and deeply tied to the story in a way that made every scene with them exciting.
The characters were another highlight for me. The main character’s journey felt emotional and real, especially as the stakes kept rising. Watching them grow, struggle, and make tough choices made it easy to stay invested the entire time.
The pacing started a little slower in the beginning while the world and story were being set up, but once things took off, it was impossible to put down. The action, the twists, and the intensity kept building until the end.
Overall, this was a fantastic read and an easy 4.5 stars for me. If you love dragons, high stakes adventure, and immersive fantasy worlds, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Really enjoyed this book, I loved the flow and action of it all.
It was a nice change on a dragon book I find, written in 3rd person which I sometimes find harder to engage with but this author writes really well and I enjoyed it.
I struggled to get into this book. I put the effort in and jt did improve, but some of the damage was done in terms of how I felt about the book. I enjoyed the representation of the FMC, and anything with dragons will her my vote.
HELLO OH MY GOD THAT ENDING?!?!😭😭
My jaw is literally on the floor right now. Rider of Dragons was so freaking amazing. I’m lowkey devastated that I finished it early because now I have to wait for the next book to come out🥲this is set in the same world as the baby dragon books, but is drastically different in tone. It is far darker and the sense of danger is pretty high.
I have to say, Genevieve is one of my favourite MCs that Aamna has written. She is determined to compete in deadly dragon races, even if her family says no. Genevieve is relentless and refuses to listen (you know what, good for her!!) and finds herself a trainer in Qais, a mysterious bad boy with a secretive past. I really liked how the story didn’t shy from highlighting how much pressure Genevieve had and how it constantly felt like she had something to prove. I could totally connect with her on those struggles, especially her father’s reluctance and complete refusal to let her be a dragon racer. There’s so much complexity and nuance to her character and she is someone I think people will end up adoring.
Qais was a interesting character to me too. He kinda had bad boy vibes, and I say kinda, because as you read through the story, he started to feel like a real softy. The more you learn about his past, the more your heart went out to him. If Aamna ever does a bonus chapter with his POV, I’d love to read it hehe. Especially the chapters when he and Genevieve get…well, “close”🤭🤭
We also get to see some very familiar characters make appearances, plus some new ones that I think may or may not get their own spin-offs👀👀The plot was super cool, and I loved seeing all the races described in the book. They all had a uniqueness to it, even though they were structured the same and I thoroughly enjoyed reading them. And that ending?? I wasn’t expecting that at all.
Rider of Dragons was brilliant, captivating and one of the best dragon books I’ve read. If you’ve love yourself a romantasy with dragons, unrelenting FMCs, a bad boy with a soft heart love interest, and a very intriguing plot, then you need to add this to your TBR!!!
I liked this but wasn’t 100% sold on it! It was really good fun but just didn’t have the extra push to make it a 5 star read for me
This was my first time reading Aamna Qureshi, as I have not read the Baby Dragon Café series, and overall I had a very enjoyable experience. One of the book’s strongest elements was its world-building, which felt vivid and immersive throughout. I am always drawn to stories that feature dragons, so that aspect immediately appealed to me. In particular, I loved the connection between dragons and their riders, and watching Ginny and Fang’s bond develop over the course of the novel was one of my favourite parts of the story.
The competition structure provided a strong foundation for the plot and helped maintain momentum, even if some of the trials began to feel a little repetitive to me as the story progressed. Still, the overall concept felt well developed, and I think making this story a duology was a smart choice. The twist at the end was especially effective and definitely left me eager to continue with the second book.
That said, the novel felt more like YA fantasy than adult fantasy to me, largely because of Ginny’s characterization. At times, she came across as frustratingly naïve and somewhat immature, and I was not especially fond of the “not like other girls” energy she often gave off. She frequently seemed convinced that she knew better than everyone around her and was reluctant to take advice from others. Even so, I did appreciate seeing her grow over the course of the book.
The romance leans much more toward a slow burn than a true enemies-to-lovers dynamic, since Ginny and Qais do not really begin as enemies and settle into their partnership fairly quickly. Qais was a compelling character, and I found both his mysterious nature and his relationship with his brother particularly interesting. I am very curious to see where his story goes next, although I do suspect a love triangle may be developing.
As for the supporting cast, I hope the second book explores them in greater depth. I would especially like to learn whether there is more behind Ginny’s father’s harsh and unsupportive behaviour, or whether it simply comes down to sexism. Zaviyar and Vaneeza were both welcome additions, and I hope they have a larger role in the sequel.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with an eARC.
Jan D, Reviewer
How exciting was this first instalment of this duology. Set in the same universe as the Baby Dragon stories, you will come across characters you know and love, as well as meeting new characters and dragons. Genevieve aspires to be a dragon rider like her brother before her and despite her family's wishes she trains for the championship.
I loved the setting of this book. There was some world building but not as immersive as some other stories. However I think as it was so action packed in places, it would have slowed the pace down. The dragon races were intense, however they became a little repetitive at times. I liked how there was a contrast between the pace of in between the races and the races themselves. The tension building up to the last race was great. I loved the development of the character particularly how Ginny's confidence grew. The cliff hanger finale was brilliantly written. I am already excited to see where this story goes.
I would say the book definitely has a more cosy feel to it then dark romantasy (one of the category's its under on Amazon). I have a feeling this may change in the second book based on the finale, but we shall see.
I will definitely be recommending this series and I will be reading the second instalment.
This was amazing!!!
I thought I was getting into a cosy fantasy series after reading AT Qureshis other books, what I got was fast paced, exciting and spicy!! I loved this book, loved the characters and adored Fang, the darkness of dragon thieves and the excitement of dragon racing - I cannot wait until August 2027 for this!
Wow - what an ending to a book. What have you done to me?! I need to know what happens next!
This book is a great cosy fantasy with a steady pace that really picks up towards the end. I really felt immersed in the world, the championship and the emotions of the characters. I was fully drawn in.
So why is this a 4 and not a 5 star read? For me, some aspects of the story were skipped over that I would have preferred more detail about. For example, I would have loved to have heard more about the FMCs training and I would have liked more insight in to her family dynamics throughout her training.
Would I recommend? Absolutely. Will I be reading the next book? Yes please!
Please note I read this book as an ARC and provide this review voluntarily.
Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.
Having read and loved the baby dragon books I was looking forward to reading this book. It did not disappoint..
The story is set in the same way as in the baby dragon series. We’ve met Ginny in those books, and this story features her and other characters from them too.
Ginny really wants to take part in the dragon races, but her father doesn’t think she’s ready just yet. So, without telling him Ginny does what she wants and in doing so, she’s kicked out of the family home.
We see how she takes part in the races, finds out what it will take for her to win.
The story does give you glimpses of the characters in the other books to help you get to know the characters more.
Aamna has written a brilliant book.
I highly recommend this book.
Rider of Dragons by Aamna Qureshi is an exciting romantasy story set in the world of the Baby Dragon Café series, but it works perfectly as a standalone duology. Even though I hadn’t read the original series before picking this up, I was able to dive right into the world without feeling lost.
Set in the vibrant and dangerous Starshine Valley, the story follows Genevieve, a young woman whose dream is to become an illegal dragon racer, just like her late brother Danny once was. The underground racing world is full of danger, rivalries, and secrets, making every chapter feel high-stakes and unpredictable.
What I loved most about this story is Genevieve’s growth. She begins as someone driven by grief and ambition, but throughout the story she learns to stand on her own, find her strength, and open her heart to love along the way. At the same time, the novel explores themes of loyalty, revenge, and the long shadows of the past, showing that some people wait years to settle old scores.
Between the intense dragon racing, complicated relationships between high-born families and gangs, and the ever-present danger surrounding Genevieve’s dream, the story kept me completely on the edge of my seat. And that ending? A true cliffhanger that left me eager for the next installment.
If you enjoy romantasy with strong character growth, high stakes, and dragons, this is definitely one to add to your TBR. I’ll be counting down the days until book two releases in Summer 2027!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
#RiderOfDragons #AamnaQureshi #Romantasy#NetGalley
Oh wow, what an ending!! I was so excited to receive this ARC, but now I have to wait until next August to find out what happens next?? That cliffhanger has really left me hanging! My wordddddd. Who is she going to end up with??? Honestly, I don’t even know who I’m rooting for at this point… both??
Emma J, Reviewer
Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins for giving me the chance to read this arc. I was over the moon to have a chance to read and review this brilliant book. A cosy romance book that had me transported into the world. I enjoyed the characters and dynamics.
Reviewer 1241053
Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins Publishing for the arc of this book. Rider of Dragons in the first book in Aamna Qureshi's new series Dragon Racer. If you have read The Baby Dragon series the female main character of this book, Genevieve Sterling is very familiar. This book was a roller coaster. I read it in one evening. I absolutely did not want to put this book down. I did not not see the ending of this book coming. Shocking!!!! This book ended on a cliff hanger and I cannot wait to read the next book in this series. I highly recommend this book.
Rachel S, Reviewer
Thank you NetGalley!
I haven’t read the baby dragon cafe and you may get a little more out of the story if you have as some of the characters are from that!
Overall story was good, does feel a little more YA than Adult until certain scenes! It has a bit of a cutesy vibe and I couldn’t help picturing the dragons as more isle of berk than game of thrones vibes.
But love that they have their own personalities.
Good premise, with the racing and the world in general, would like to have seen more of the side characters.
3.5⭐️ for me just as it got a little repetitive with the races but the ending was wild, had a feeling there was something to do with her brother but wasn’t expecting that!
I really enjoyed this book. A. T. Qureshi is a fantastic writer and this one book is no exception. Im so grateful I got to read it. Plus girl dragon racers? *chefs kiss*
I was so excited to get an E-ARC of this Book through NetGalley and Avon books. I have loved the baby dragon books by Aamna so really wanted to see what she could do with a book that had a bit more fantasy than cosy to it. She did not disappoint.
The book is set in the same universe as the baby dragon and we follow Guinevere plus see many of the old favourites. Guinevere (Ginny) wants to compete in the dragon races but her father believes her too fragile and so she goes behind his back leading her to be kicked out of the family home. From here we follow her as she competes in the races, learns how much it will take to actually win and navigate the complexities of love.
The book has some back flashes which help the reader to understand the characters and their behaviours. I loved the races too which combined the vibes of books like fourth wing and how to train your dragon. Aamna is great at building attachment to characters and romance, both of which she uses in this book. If you are a fan of romantasy and/or would like higher stakes, but loved the baby dragon then I highly recommend this book. Though be warned the cliff hanger at the end will have you screaming for more!
Jessie A, Bookseller
I didn’t think that I would be giving this book 4 stars. But it surprised me. In a very good way. The first half of the book is a lot of world building and explaining about the races. It was kinda hard to get through.
Ginny also has A LOT of growing up to do. Which could have been part of the issue. She’s a top tier family who hasn’t had a rough life. Treated like a princess. But of her own choosing she enters the race and begins to grow up and fight for herself which I loved.
Once the races start, this author does an AMAZING JOB of keeping you glued to the pages. The suspense during the races and tension between her Qais was done really really well.
I’ll definitely be reading book two!
Laura M, Reviewer
I’m just going to start by saying this is exactly why I don’t like reading unfinished book series. I cannot believe I have to wait 1.5 years for the next book!
This book is about a woman who wants to participate in dragon racing, which is an almost exclusively male sport.
I absolutely loved Rider of Dragons. The world building was so subtle that I hardly noticed it was happening, which is a big plus as I sometimes find fantasy world building to be somewhat tedious. The characters were well written and I liked almost all of them. Qureshi does a very good job of giving the characters mystery - you don’t know everything about any of them and it really kept me engaged and invested in them and their development throughout the book.
My favorite thing about the books was how Qureshi wrote her dragons. I loved that they had characteristics of horses and dogs - she gave detailed animal husbandry (how they were cared for - grooming, stabling, etc…) and really emphasized the bonds between a dragon and its owner/rider. It definitely gave Hiccup and Toothless from How to Train Your Dragon vibes and I loved that.
This book was suspenseful, action packed, romantic, comical. I loved it and will definitely recommend it and look forward to the next book.
I received this book as an ARC via NetGalley.
Tiana P, Reviewer
DRAGON RACING???
yeah I was SOLD immediately.
This book is honestly just pure fun --> fast-paced, dramatic, and full of chaotic, high-stakes energy that had me flying through it.
The dragon racing concept is SO cool. It’s not just about speed, it’s sabotage, strategy, and straight-up violence being encouraged?? Every race felt intense and unpredictable, and I loved how brutal and competitive the world was. It really kept the stakes feeling high the whole time.
And the dragons!!!
Fang especially stole my heart 🥹 I’m always a sucker for dragon/rider bonds and this one was just so good. Watching that connection grow was easily one of my favourite parts of the book.
Now, Genevieve (Ginny).
I won’t lie, at the start she did feel a bit naive and frustrating at times, BUT her character development really came through as the story went on. Once she leaves home and starts actually stepping into her own, that’s when the book really clicked for me. I ended up rooting for her a lot more by the second half.
Qais though???
yeah I’m obsessed.
Morally grey, mysterious, possibly dangerous, and training her to be ruthless?? SAY LESS. Their dynamic had so much tension, and even though the romance is more slow-burn, you can definitely feel something building there. And that twist/betrayal?? I was NOT okay.
The pacing is a bit of a mix - slow start, then it really picks up. Some parts felt slightly rushed or a bit repetitive (especially around the races/training), and I did wish we got more depth from side characters and relationships. But honestly, once I was hooked, I was hooked.
BUT THAT ENDING??? actually rude. I need book two immediately. and I will 100% be continuing because I need answers.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars — chaotic dragon fun + emotional damage at the end)
At first I thought that Ginny was to dumb and naive, especially at the beginning. But her character really developed and Qureshi is really good at writing that. I am actually completely obsessed with Qais. He is actually so amazing which is why I guess the betrayal came as such a shock. Qureshi is also very good at using time skips effectively. It seemed as though they were always there for a reason and it didn’t feel weird when it skipped like two weeks.
But, some breaks did feel really unnatural. For example, when Qais is explaining to Ginny how the races works, and he just leaves for a few minutes to grab his armour. I don’t know but it just didn’t feel normal. Another bit was near the end of the book where there was also an unnatural break/time skip.
The beginning also felt really unnatural and not worthy of an introduction to the world of dragon racing. It took a while for me to get fully invested in the book. I think the moment it really clicked for me was when Ginny left home, but before then I didn’t really know what to think. The intro is quite slow imo but that could just be me. i do enjoy reading fantasy and I am very excited for the next book to come out.
A fast-paced fantasy with vivid world-building and exciting dragon lore. The characters are engaging and the story keeps you hooked, though a few moments feel slightly rushed. Overall, a very enjoyable read for dragon-fantasy fans. 🐉📚
Looking forward to seeing where it will go! And will give the next book a read!
It had my usual tropes that I do enjoy! So it was a good read and will recommend!
Bookseller 1143846
I loved this book!! It gave me everything I needed in a fantasy, and I cannot wait to read more books from this author!
I really enjoyed this! It was fast paced and we love some dragons!
Wish the characters were more developed and the plot was abit predictable
If you love dragons, training arcs and ‘the chosen one’ energy you will enjoy this book!
This is a fast paced fantasy with dragon bonds and high stake moments. I absolutely loved the connection between Jaevid and Gabrion!
I’m a big lover of dragon stories and I really enjoyed this one! The only thing that I would say that let it down was it was predictable at times and that it would have been great if the side characters had a bit more depth.
Other than this is was a great read! 🐉
Oh I loved this book so much, it was just what I needed and anything with dragons is always going to be a winner for me and this book delivered everything I love so much about fantasy.
A fantasy that blends together perfectly with political intrigue and dragon riding into something that feels very much like a classic story but also so fresh, engaging and fun. The world building is immersive and vivid and also vast but it is done in such an way that makes it easy to understand and your never left confused. The romance is more of sub plot but I loved it so so much and it never once took away from such an amazing plot.
The ending left me so devastated and I will now be patiently waiting for the next book! Highly recommend such a great read.
I would love to interview A.T. Qureshi on my podcast Raise Your Words. I have interviewed Ally Carter on Raise Your Words.
Rider of Dragons is a high-stakes romantasy that blends dragons, danger, and morally messy choices into an intense, fast-paced story. Set in a brutal world of dragon racing—where sabotage and violence are not only allowed but expected—the novel follows Genevieve, a determined young woman willing to risk everything to chase her dream of becoming a racer.
The novel also explores deeper themes like ambition, sacrifice, and identity. Genevieve is forced to confront how far she’s willing to go to win—and whether success is worth losing parts of herself along the way. This moral conflict gives the story more depth than a typical fantasy adventure.
Final Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐(5/5)
A thrilling and addictive romantasy with dangerous dragon races, intense chemistry, and high emotional stakes. Perfect for fans of fast-paced fantasy with romance—but be prepared for tension, tough choices, and a cliffhanger ending.
Reviewer 1325745
Well I'm not going to lie to you I am utterly emotionally wounded upon finishing this book! That ending has wrecked me! This is one of my favourites from this author though the ending has ruined my life, I was very emotionally invested in the charecters and definitely had the sense something bad was coming but my god I did not expect the pain. This is a lot less cozy than the Baby dragon books though it still has some cozy scenes, the romance and love triangle are good but maybe not the most polished. A good read and I need the sequel asap!
jessica d, Reviewer
Rider of Dragons by A.T. Qureshi is a fast-paced, gripping fantasy that blends high-stakes competition with emotional depth. Genevieve is a determined and compelling protagonist, and her refusal to back down from the deadly dragon races makes her easy to root for. The dynamic between her and Qais adds tension and complexity, especially as trust and survival collide in a brutal, anything-goes racing world.
The story shines in its action scenes and the ruthless atmosphere of the races, where danger feels constant and real. While some plot points can feel familiar, the intensity and character-driven conflict keep it engaging throughout.
Overall, a thrilling read with strong characters and a fierce, rebellious heart—definitely worthy of a solid 4 stars.
Reviewer 1356640
3.5 ⭐️
After reading the Baby Dragon books by A. T. Qureshi, I went into Rider of Dragons with fairly low expectations but I was pleasantly surprised.
I experienced this as an audiobook, and the narrator did a fantastic job bringing the story to life. Compared to the earlier series, this book had much more depth, and I found the story both engaging and entertaining throughout.
That cliffhanger was a killer, and I’m already looking forward to the next instalment.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
I have a confession to make: I haven’t read The Baby Dragon Café, so I wasn’t sure what to expect when I picked up Rider Of Dragons, so I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this book.
If you’re the kind of reader who loves dragons, racing, and romance, then you definitely need to pick up a copy of Rider of Dragons by A. T. Qureshi. This book has a lot to offer: a stubborn heroine with something to prove, a morally questionable man who is, unfortunately, extremely attractive, and high-stakes, deadly dragon races, exactly what you want from this kind of story.
Genevieve is the kind of heroine who makes questionable choices for very understandable reasons. She’s determined to race dragons no matter what her family says, and that stubborn streak carries the whole book. You really feel how much this dream means to her, which makes every risky decision hit harder.
Then there’s Qais… and listen, I’m not saying he’s trustworthy. I am saying he’s exactly the kind of morally grey trainer you expect to cause problems. Their dynamic is full of tension and reluctant reliance, with just enough spark to keep you invested without rushing the romance.
The dragon racing itself is easily the highlight. It’s fast, brutal, and genuinely cutthroat, less “sport” and more “survive if you can”, which makes those scenes properly gripping.
Just be prepared: this book is very much setting up a series. Threads are left dangling, the stakes are still escalating, and by the end you’ll probably feel equal parts satisfied and mildly betrayed that you don’t have book two immediately in your hands.
It’s dramatic, addictive, and unapologetically fun. Come for the dragons, stay for the tension, and prepare to develop strong opinions about fictional racing strategies, and one suspiciously charming trainer.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely, especially if you like your fantasy a little dangerous and a emotionally messy.
Absolutely loved this book, i absolutely love anything with dragon, trials and riders and it was right up my alley, i absolutely cannot wait to get the physical copy of this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🐉 DRAGONS, RACING, AND A DASH OF ROMANCE 🐉
*Rider of Dragons* by A. T. Qureshi is an exciting and immersive fantasy that blends high-stakes dragon racing with a compelling character journey and a slow-burn romantic thread.
Genevieve is a determined and headstrong protagonist, and I found her persistence in pursuing the dangerous dragon races despite her family’s disapproval easy to admire. Her growth throughout the story felt natural, particularly as she’s forced to confront the harsher realities of the racing world and what it might cost her to win.
Qais, her reluctant trainer, adds an intriguing layer to the story. As a morally grey character with a questionable past, he brings both tension and depth to the narrative. The dynamic between him and Genevieve develops gradually, with a nice balance of conflict and chemistry that enhances the overall story without overpowering the central plot.
The dragon racing itself is a standout element. It’s not just about speed strategy, sabotage, and survival all play a part, and this creates a consistently tense and engaging atmosphere. The races feel vivid and dangerous, with real stakes that kept me invested throughout.
I also listened to the audiobook and thought Amelia March did a fantastic job with the narration. She captured the tone of the story well and brought energy and clarity to the characters, making the listening experience particularly enjoyable.
Thank you to HarperCollins UK Audio for the audio ARC and to Avon Books UK for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Overall, this is a strong and entertaining fantasy with engaging characters, an original competitive edge, and a compelling emotional core. I would recommend it to readers who enjoy character-driven fantasy with action and romance elements.
Noor N, Reviewer
This was SO GOOD ugh!!! A fiery and intense read. Genevieve is a relentless and brave protagonist. She knows what she wants and ruffled those feathers (or rather scales) to get it. The ending was so unexpected and totally broke me 😭
Additional note: It was so lovely to read how the Sterling family members were doing after their stories from the Baby Dragon series and the author, A. T. Qureshi, integrates the previous characters so effortlessly.
Rider of Dragons is an easy 5⭐️—an exciting start to the Dragon Racing Duology. It quickly establishes the world, main themes, and stakes, pulling you in right from the beginning.
If you enjoy dragons, a touch of romance, and high-stakes racing, this is the perfect book for you.
Watching Ginny navigate the pressures of family, intense training, and everything that comes with competitive racing was especially engaging, and the romantic subplots added a lot of charm.
I also loved the subtle nods to characters from the Baby Dragon series—a cozy fantasy romance by the same author set in the same world (you don’t need to read beforehand). Each character shines in their own way, and I particularly appreciated how Danny remained a meaningful presence throughout the story.
The end had such a cliffhanger that I didnt see coming & I do not know how I will survive until the 2nd book is released!
Thank you so much A.T. Qureshi and Avon for the chance to ARC read this wonderful book!
I went into Rider of Dragons mainly for the dragons and I loved this in this book.
One of my favourite parts of the book was the bond between the riders and their dragons. The relationship between Ginny and Fang felt really genuine and emotional, and it made the racing scenes feel so much more intense because there was actually something at stake beyond just winning. I loved seeing that trust develop and how important that connection was throughout the story.
Qais was also such an interesting character. He’s very much the morally grey, mysterious trainer type and I was constantly unsure whether to trust him or not. I loved reading about him !!
The dragon racing itself was really fun to read about too. The stakes felt high and the world of competitive dragon racing was brutal in a way that kept the story engaging.
My main critique would probably be the pacing at the beginning. It took me a little while to fully get into the story and the world, and there were moments where I wanted things to move a bit faster. Once the races started picking up though, I found myself much more invested.
Reviewer 1588694
4.5 stars
Not having read any of the baby dragon books that happen in this universe it took me a second to get to grips with the characters but after a few chapters was fully caught up.
The beginning it quite long which means the 13 stages in the tournement go by in a blur making you think everything will be tied up in a nice neat bow. It was only 1 chapter from the ending that I got a huge shock questioning everything in the book.
Exciting fantasy book, with dragons, brutal competitions and Genevieve a women who wants to break free from her family’s expectations. If her brothers can, then she can too. The story starts gently and almost ‘frilly’, but soon becomes gritty. I suppose one star less for the speed of recovery from injuries that would leave people in a hospital bed for months, that get shrugged off in a week or two. However I’m looking forward to the second, concluding book, in this duology. Thank you to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.
Abbie H, Reviewer
I really enjoyed this book. I wish I had read the baby dragon series as I didn’t realise they are kind of interlinked, but I don’t think it’s ruined anything by reading this one first.
Ginny is a great FMC, she’s from a very privileged family, but she has determination and grit, and really wants to prove that she isn’t just the type to sit back and be handed everything. The other characters we meet along the way (Xavier, and Qais in particular) all seem to have a lot more about them than what we have seen so far, so I’m looking forward to book 2.
That cliffhanger 😱😱 I was so shocked. I guessed something would happen, but not that!!
Overall a fun, easy, interesting read
Gemma A, Bookseller
Ahhh I could not.put this one down! Absolutely 5*. I devoured this book today! I am so looking forward to seeing what is next in this series. If you are looking for a slow burn romantasy featuring dragons then this is the book for you!
This was great, I can’t wait to read more by this author! The writing style was incredible and I truly felt immersed in the story
Reviewer 1853738
4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars!
As a fan of the Baby Dragon series, I was so excited when Rider of Dragons was announced and couldn’t wait to get my hands on it! Whilst Rider of Dragons is set in the same world, you absolutely do not need to have read the Baby Dragon books before stepping into this world, but if you do will spot some familiar faces.
We follow Genevieve (Ginny) Sterling as she enters the world of illegal dragon racing against her family’s wishes. Needing a dragon trainer, Ginny ends up paired with the brother of a notorious gang member who helps her and her dragon Fang prepare for the races… but at what cost?
Ginny is determined to prove herself in the races and become the first female winner in the history of the races. Her family who supported her brother racing won’t accept her decision to race due to the dangers it poses, and Ginny calls out them out on their hypocrisy and becomes even more determined to win and prove what women are just as capable as men.
Ginny and her dragon Fang face challenges in the trials as they work to strengthen their bond whilst faced with angry dragons and their riders, knives and the very real threat of injury, mutilation and death.
Alongside the dragon races, we have two potential love interests; Zavi, whose family are frenemies of the Sterlings, and Qais, her trainer who is linked to the gang known for dragon poaching. I was torn throughout on who Ginny’s actual love interest is between Zavi and Qasi and let me tell you… I still haven’t figured it out!
I am absolutely SCREAMING at that ending! I LOVE a cliffhanger in a fantasy series, and this did not disappoint. If you love a betrayal in a fantasy, you’ll love Rider of Dragons! It is definitely setting up for even higher stakes in the second part of the duology and I cannot wait to see where A. T. Qureshi takes us next!
Thank you to Avon, Netgalley and A. T. Qureshi for the ARC, all opinions are my own.
Marisa B, Reviewer
I really liked the racing element instead of the normal dragon wars. They started in with a heavy loss in the begining where it drove the MFM to train, and go against her parents wishes to race. The races are very dangerous but this was part of their families legacy and just because she is a girl didn't mean she would not compete. Finding the perfect trainer when her dad had so much power within the races made it impossible. She finally found one and she sqeeked in on the entrance race. I found the races to be kind of boring which was supposed to be the more action packed parts. Overall it was a decent read.
Thank you so much for letting me read and review this book
As soon as I read the blurb I knew I had to read this love all her books and this one was different to her other books This story of illegal dragon racing raises the stakes from the traditional cozy feel of the Baby Dragon books but I really enjoyed it slow burn
Genevieve the fmc was full of passion and determination
The story really pulled me with the writing and Qais, the mmc his back story and together there slow burn chemistry
Ellie G, Reviewer
4.3/5 stars from me for this one.
I really enjoyed the cosy vibes mixed with the brutal side of the racing. That ending as well😤🤯
I haven’t read any other books by Aamna but I believe this is set in the same world as her baby dragon books, and I’m glad it was still easy to follow the world building without reading them.
This is perfect for lovers of dragons, illegal racing and a couple of hot men as well! Genevieve was such a perfect main female character, I loved the strong feminist vibe she gave through out the book and her unapologetic nature as well which was refreshing to read!
Cannot wait for the next one to come out and excited to see what ginny and fang are up to next
Baylee I, Bookseller
I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.
This was such a fun and fast paced book. It really hooks you so quickly and keeps things interesting throughout. I loved how action packed the races were and found myself holding my breath through these scenes until I knew what happened!
The end plot twist and cliffhanger has me really intrigued for the next book as I hadn't realised it wasn't a standalone, so this really surprised me!
Overall found this an absolutely great read and so excited for the next book!
This was such a good book! It was a fantastic slow burn with twists and turns that kept the pace quick and engaging.
The cliff hanger is clenching and I cannot wait to read book 2.
I love the addition of the book to the world of the baby dragon cafe and the fact that it’s a bit spicier is particularly enjoyable
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