Dragon Trials Audiobook By Ava Richardson cover art

Dragon Trials

Return of the Darkening, Volume 1

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Dragon Trials

By: Ava Richardson
Narrated by: Tiffany Williams
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About this listen

Soar above the skies in this dragon rider epic...

Eighteen-year-old Sebastian Smith never expected to be chosen as a Dragon Rider. Coming from the lowest ranks of Torvald society, his future seemed bleak—until he’s selected to train at the prestigious Dragon Academy. Thrust into a world where he doesn’t belong, Seb finds the connection with his dragon more powerful than he ever imagined.

High-born Agathea Flamma intends to bring honor to her family by following in her brothers’ footsteps and taking her rightful place as a Dragon Rider. Failure means a life of arranged marriage—something Thea refuses to accept. She’s not thrilled with her awkward, non-noble riding partner, Seb, but their dragon has chosen, and now the unlikely duo must learn to work as a team.

When Seb uncovers rumors that an ancient danger is reemerging, he and Thea are drawn into a dangerous mystery. Armed only with their determination and the dragon they both ride together, they may be the only defence against the Darkening that threatens to sweep the land.

Seb and Thea must unite to save their kingdom… or see both their futures shattered.

New version coming soon.

©2015 Ava Richardson (P)2016 Ava Richardson
Fantasy Fiction Young Adult Dragons

What listeners say about Dragon Trials

Highly rated for:

Engaging Storyline Intriguing World-building Excellent Narration Exciting Dragon Lore Promising Series Start
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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

A medium sized portion of mediocraity

Perhaps, I would have enjoyed it more if i was in the target audience of the book. (pre-teen).
I wish that audible would indicate the intended audience as a part of the books description.
The story was predictable, There is about a 50 / 50 chance that i I will continue the series

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

A new dragonrider series!

WHAT IT'S ABOUT
High-born Agathea Flamma intends to bring honor to her family by following in her brothers’ footsteps and taking her rightful place as a Dragon Rider. With her only other option being marriage, Thea will not accept failure. She’s not thrilled at her awkward, scruffy partner, Seb, but their dragon has chosen, and now the unlikely duo must learn to work as a team.

Seventeen-year-old Sebastian has long been ashamed of his drunken father and poor upbringing, but then he’s chosen to train as a Dragon Rider at the prestigious academy. Thrust into a world where he doesn’t fit in, Seb finds a connection with his dragon that is even more powerful than he imagined. Soon, he’s doing all he can to succeed and not embarrass his new partner, Thea.

When Seb hears rumors that an old danger is reemerging, he and Thea begin to investigate. Armed only with their determination and the dragon they both ride, Thea and Seb may be the only defense against the Darkening that threatens to sweep the land. Together, they will have to learn to work together to save their kingdom…or die trying.

MY TAKE
I found this audiobook through the narrator, Tiffany Williams, of whom I'm a fan. As always, she does a great with the storytelling and the characterizations.

As a huge fan of Anne McCaffrey's Dragonriders of Pern series, I was excited to read this story of dragonriders. Whereas McCaffrey's world (while appearing to be fantasy, it's not) is science based, Richardson's world definitely has magic in it.

The teen angst of both the main characters is true to the age. There's Thea who's got many issues to overcome, including living up to her family's reputation as dragonriders but she's also got an elitist attitude about the peasants. And poor Seb, her partner. He's a peasant who's had no experience with dragons before, but he's got a great heart. Thea's attitude toward him in the beginning and even into the middle of the story started to irk, but that's her character arc.

I'm looking forward to the next book, also narrated by Williams.

4 1/2 stars

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Slow to start

Decent series launch, it's very YA so it's not very deep. I didn't find the characters all that likable, which makes it hard to enjoy the book. Still the writing and story was good. I'll probably follow up with future book and see if they get better.

The narrator gave a good performance.

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Wow

Loved this story. Two unlikely people will help to save their world. Thea is determined to follow in her brothers footsteps and become a dragon rider. Seb is a young man who wants out of the poor upbringing that he has. Dragons are released every four years to choose their riders and these two are chosen by the same dragon. The three of them must work together to become a cohesive unit. Through guts, strong will and determination they become the best and are the only ones who believe the rumors that something terrible is about to happen. They use the same skill set they had in the academy to pursue and conquer this danger.
The narration added to the story. I was given this book in exchange for an unbiased review via audiobook boom. This is worth a credit because it is so well written and engaging.

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4 people found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Continuity Issues

Enjoyable, but as the series continues the author struggles with continuity from book to book. Backstories for characters completely change, and lots of action appears to happen that isn't written about so that the story becomes confusing.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Took a while to get used to

The duel first person perspective was difficult to get used to. It was a pretty good story line after that a little reminiscent of the Eragon story line, but still different enough to have it's good points. Overt all I am planning on giving the rest of the books in the series a chance as well.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Really enjoyed this book!!

Loved the storyline! Seb and Thea are so real with their thoughts and emotions! Can't wait to start the next one!

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Intense fun!

In Dragon Trails we get to discover what it is to be a candidate to be a dragon rider. We are going through the trials (trainings) with Agathea and Seb and things are not as they seem on the surface. I could feel trouble brewing on the fringes of their training. For me, this ranked with other dragon books I've read such as Eragon. There is so much wonderful magic woven into the words and narration of this book. Definitely pick up this book! It's also kid friendly for the most part (some fights and little to no bad language).

This review copy audiobook was provided by the author/narrator/publisher free of charge.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A Soaring Adventure

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. I loved everything about it. I can't wait for the next segment.

Author Ava Richardson created such a wonderful world of fantasy and mystery. Her characters were believable. I am looking forward to reading/listening to more.

What other book might you compare Dragon Trials to and why?

Dragon Spell by Donita K Paul

Have you listened to any of Tiffany Williams’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No. Ms. Williams created a fabulous production. I enjoyed her narration. Superb storytelling. I hope she produces the entire saga.

Any additional comments?

I received a copy via audiobook boom in exchange for an unbiased review

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

great book

I have always been fascinated with dragon's so I absolutely enjoyed this book. the narrator was very good I received this book free from the author, publisher and or narrator for a honest and unbiased opinion via audio book boom.com

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