Author : Taran Matharu
Book : Dragon Rider
/Fantasy, Adult/
Publication date : April 25, 2024
Blurb:
Author Taran Matharu’s debut adult fantasy series introduces a world of magic, warriors, and dragons, in which a fearless orphan and an ambitious handmaiden flee from the empire that would imprison them, with a dream to return to their homelands and a determination that’s unbreakable…
Can an orphan captive learn the secrets of the Dragon Riders to stand up and avenge his people? Jai lives as a royal hostage in the Sabine Court—ever since his father Rohan, leader of the Steppefolk, led a failed rebellion and was executed by the very emperor Jai now serves. When the emperor’s son and heir is betrothed to Princess Erica of the neighboring Dansk Kingdom, she brings with her dragons. Endemic to the northern nation, these powerful beasts come in several forms, but mystery surrounds them. Only Dansk royalty know the secret to soulbonding with these dangerous beasts to draw on their power and strength. This marriage—and the alliance that forms—will change that forever. But conspirators lurk in the shadows, and soon the Sabine Court is in chaos. With his life in danger, Jai uses the opportunity to escape with the Dansk handmaiden, Frida, and a stolen hatchling. Hunted at every turn, he must learn to cultivate magic and become a soulbound warrior if he has any chance of finding safety, seizing his destiny…and seeking his revenge.
My thoughts:
It's safe to say that comparing this book to Fourth Wing isn't doing justice to Dragon Rider because this story is sooo so much more!
It's not a romantasy with dragons, but it is leaning heavily into grimdark waters, and it's unapologetically gritty with no punches hold!
The story is about a boy who ends up as an orphan after his father's rebellion fails, leading to his people being forced into servitude. Even heavier deal for Jai because he is forced as a personal servant to the same man who killed his father.
Intricate story about revenge, saving his people, forming unexpected friendship and alliances while trying to stay alive in a crumbling empire pushed intentionally into war.
So many things to love in this book, and I will start with the wonderful world building and so many interesting beasts like khiroi and the Persian inspired chamrosh and the way bonding with those creatures works.
I loved how the relationship between old Leonid and Jai was portrayed with so many nuances and complexity that it gives you food for thought and at the bottom of it, a strange kind of respect between them.
Another thing that I liked was the fact that despite the chosen one trope, Jai's learning curve was far from easy and more like slowly finding his inner strength and his footing in a world he was not prepared for.
Furthermore, I have to mention, there's a plethora of captivating characters that you either love or hate with fervor because they are that good at being evil.
Amazing journey with such a distinctive atmosphere, and I'm curious to see what happens to Jai after that ending.