Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsProbably the best book I've ever read.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 31 July 2023
Oh wow, what a wild ride. I actually think this is my favourite book that I’ve ever read. If I could give it 6 stars I would.
“A dragon without its rider is a tragedy. A rider without their dragon is dead.”
Step into the cutthroat world of dragon riders at Basgiath War College. Meet Violet Sorrengail, destined for the Scribe Quadrant, but thrown into the race to become an elite dragon rider by her tough-as-nails mother. With her fragile physique, bonding with dragons seems impossible, and the odds stack against her. As deadly secrets and ruthless competitors lurk, Violet must rely on her wits to survive. Amidst a war-torn kingdom and failing defenses, every day brings new challenges, alliances, and betrayals. At Basgiath War College, the path to victory is treacherous, and the only options are to graduate or die. When I tell you this is the best, not only fantasy, but the best book I have ever read I am not exaggerating.
Firstly, I was absolutely h o o k e d within the first 20 pages. That has never happened for me in a book before 😭 I fell in love with Violet almost instantly. She's the tiny but mighty FMC who, even though she has a disability, takes and runs with literally anything that is thrown at her. We enter the world following Violet as she enrolls in Basgiath and takes on her first challenge almost instantly. We're thrown into the world, but it doesn't seem confusing. Everything is explained and I didn't feel lost at all when I was reading this.
“But I will not run. I wouldn't be standing here if I'd quit every time something seemed impossible to overcome. I will not die today.”
Violet is amazing, she's sassy, caring, charming and a complete and utter queen. She takes no bs, but also is incredibly caring, kind and compassionate, even when other characters didn't deserve it. Xaden is also a complete highlight. He's your typical dark and brooding MMC, but what lies beyond that is such a deep and complex character. I would follow him into battle.
The romance in this book is absolutely sizzling. I was melting everytime their eyes met from across the room 😩 Lord give me strength because I was NOT prepared for *those* scenes 🥵🥵
But the most shocking part for me, was how much I absolutely fell in love with the Dragons. Tairn is a whole mood. The dialogue with the dragons was some of the best dialogue I've ever read and had me giddy and giggling like a child the whole time.
“You're making us look bad. Stop it.”
This book may only be around 500 pages but EVERY. SINGLE. PAGE of this book was full of action, information and funnies. There was absolutely no filler in this book at all. I was completely entranced.
The last sentence absolutely BROKE me. Rebecca, how could you do this? How can you leave us like that?! I can't believe we have to wait until November to find out what happens next. I did not see that coming - AT ALL.
Overall, were the tropes in this book original? No. But it was so incredibly enjoyable and written so well that it's now one of my (if not the top) all time favourite books. I'm already NEEDING the next book.
