Bookseller Reviews
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It’s the year of the dragon: boy does Matharu shine
What. A. Book. With impeccable worldbuilding, an intrinsically built magic system and royalty domain, Matharu has taken the time required to craft what is ... READ MORE
A stunning first instalment in an epic new series!
Dragon Rider is an epic fantasy adventure with detailed worldbuilding and captivating storytelling that is full of magic, politics and survival. The plot f... READ MORE
A Fantastic Book for Dragon Lovers
Dragon Rider is one of the best 'dragon-rider' trope novels I have read, and I've read a lot of books with dragons in. It's really well written, incredibly... READ MORE
Dragon fantasy at its best!
Dragon Rider is a truly epic quest adventure fantasy!
With politically charged world-building and characters that felt more fleshed out as the plot progre... READ MORE
A return to classic fantasy
A return to expansive, classic fantasy, really digging into worldbuilding and culture - all tied up together with a quest narrative and baby dragons. I rea... READ MORE
A brilliant start to an epic fantasy series
I loved Taran Matharu's first jump into adult fantasy. It was everything I want from a fantasy series, dragons, a likeable main character that goes on an e... READ MORE
What a (dragon) ride!!
Well I think 2024 is definitely the year of the dragon! I have just finished dragon rider and already need the sequel! I found the first half to be full o... READ MORE
Politically Charged Fantasy
If you like fantasy politics, dangerous road trips, magic and dragons, you are going to love this book! This book perfectly sets up our protagonist, Jai, w... READ MORE
Classic fantasy is back
When I was younger and first got into the fantasy genre I don't think I really acknowledged how full of magical creatures most of the fantasy books I read... READ MORE
A much-needed addition to your fantasy collection
Beautifully written fantasy. I struggled to put down Dragon Rider. The stunningly detailed worldbuilding draws you into Jai's struggles and the depth of th... READ MORE
Fantastic fantasy
I love that the dragons in this book aren't super in your face, in fact they feature very little in this first instalment. The world building is fantastic,... READ MORE
Soulbonding Dragons
This is a good start to an epic fantasy series.
While it was a slow start for me, it took a while for me to warm up to the characters. However, the latter... READ MORE
Excellent
If Game of Thrones feels too daunting for you, then this book is a perfect alternative. It gives the same vibes but focuses on one protagonist. Some graphi... READ MORE
Epic fantasy at it’s finest
Ooo this is a fantastic start to the series.
Set in a Rome-esque world, this deals with the brutality of an ancient empire through the eyes of seventee... READ MORE
Embark on a New Adult Fantasy Journey
Taran Matharu has nailed his debut adult fantasy in 'Dragon Rider', bringing his fantastic writing skills, which lead to such success in his YA series, to ... READ MORE
Here there be dragons...
I didn’t quite realise how much I missed having dragons in my world until now!
It’s been a little while since I last read a more classic or high fantasy... READ MORE
Synopsis
Jai is nothing more than a royal hostage and lowly servant to the empire that slew his family and now rules his people. He has been manservant to the old emperor for most of his life, and only watches on from a distance as the empire grows more powerful - a new alliance is to be formed as the young prince is betrothed to Princess Erica of the Dansk Kingdom - a people from a northern, icy realm.
The princess brings with her a gift: dragons. Only Dansk Royalty can soulbond with these magical beasts to draw on their power and strength.
Until now.
When the betrothal goes wrong, a bloody coup leads to chaos at court, and Jai uses the turmoil as an opportunity to escape. Fleeing, Jai comes into possession of a dragon egg - sparking the beginning of a bond which will change his fate - and that of the world - forever.
Publisher information
- Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
- ISBN: 9780008517632
- Number of pages: 576
- Dimensions: 240 x 159 x 53 mm
- Weight: 820g
- Languages: English
Customer Reviews
View allBrilliant, first instalment in the series
This inaugural book in the high fantasy series brilliantly lays the groundwork for an engaging saga. Jai, the third son of the Steppefolk's king, captivate... READ MORE
Dragon Rider
Brilliant book, full of good characters and a follow narrative.
Perfect fantasy
This is a great start to a fantasy series perfect combo of world building and action plus dragons loved it
Favourite book of 2024 so far!
I loved this Book so much. Very few books captivate me these days, but this one did it. Amazing world building, with a magic system so intriguing. Can't wa... READ MORE
The start of an epic series
When I ordered this I thought it was a stand alone novel but having just finished reading it I can't wait for the next installment.
At first I thought it ... READ MORE
Underrated
This is such an underrated book, it’s not a romantasy like Rebecca Yarros’s Fourth wing and it’s a lot more slow paced. But despite that it’s extremely pol... READ MORE
Enjoyable fantasy with plenty of potential
Dragon Rider is a book with a lot of potential. I found the plot interesting and engaging, cared about the main character and loved the dragon. The ending ... READ MORE
Tired of romantasy?
Wow, wow, wow. If you’re tired of romantasy and want an action packed book, read this.
This book has an absolutely fantastic plot that will keep you on... READ MORE
Beautiful High Fantasy with Dragons
- Dragons
- War
- Magic
- magical companions
- Friendship
- Single POV
- First book in a series
This is an amazing Fantasy book with Dragons.
I... READ MORE
So far not bad
I’ve just finished fourth wing, and bought iron wing. Along with the book this one caught my attention so I thought I’d give it a try. Three chapters in, a... READ MORE
Highly recommended
The excellent start of a new fantasy series that made me appreciate dragons again. Fast paced, action packed, and well plotted.
I loved the storytelling a... READ MORE
This is too good
There was something about this book that pulled me into this story; not even 500 pages was enough to keep me back from going further into the story wanting... READ MORE
5 stars
Excellent world building, great plot and it has dragons. What more could you want x
There was, in fact, no dragon riding.
As a massive fan of Eragon, I was excited to see this highlighted as a similar book in my local Waterstones, so I bought it.
It was well written and kept... READ MORE
amazing Fantasy book with Dragons.
I have not read a book with a male main character in a while but I loved this so much. The magic system in this book is unique and amazing. I can't wait to... READ MORE
Fantasy with dragons
Possibly 3.5?
Okay, so the main reason I give this 3 stars was because I didn't care for the more 'adult' scenes in the book, they seemed very forced a... READ MORE