Dragon Rider by Taren Matharu


Summary:
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 a dowry: 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.

Review: 3-Star

This book was just alright. I struggled to get into the storyline and could put the book down for days without even thinking about it. The only positive thing I can say is that it’s well edited.


I received this book from NetGalley for my honest review.

This book is very slow at first and has a lot of imagery building, but the plot falls short. This book doesn't have a lot of balance between plot, character building, and scene building.

Wow! I found this to be a slow start, but there was a lot of storyline that had to be established. I loved the characters, especially the relationships with the dragons, and the plot twists. I wish I could have seen a map. This reminded me of Game of Thrones, with the political intrigue, blended with Eragon. I look forward to the next book in the series.

Dragon Rider had a bit of a complicated start but if you stick with it and enjoy epic high fantasy series this could be a great pick.

E-ARC review via NetGalley, all views expresses are my own.

“Dragon Rider” by Taran Matharu follows Jai, a young man who has been relocated from his home as part of a peace treaty. Jai goes through many trials, losses, and transformations throughout the story. He remains steadfast in his character, almost to a slightly humorous degree. This book is full of the hallmarks of basic fantasy and contains a few time-honored tropes as well.

I found it slightly difficult to immerse myself into the world and lore of this story in the beginning. There is an abundance of scheming, plotting, and uncertainty (political and general) in the first several dozen pages that made it hard for me to understand every moving piece. After that, it read like a regular fantasy book, and despite wanting to, I found it hard to get myself to believe in or deeply care about the characters.

I do feel like the author had some really good ideas and concepts within this story, and I hope to see these ideas and characters fully sharpened in future books within the series.

I would recommend this book to someone who enjoys reading traditional fantasy and is not looking to depart far from this genre style.

The writing/dialogue felt stilted and unnatural. Not for me. I stopped at the end of chapter 1 (2%). I’d guess a solid three stars from the target audience, four to potentially five from the right readers.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC.

I received a copy through NetGalley for review.

While I was really hoping to like this one, I unfortunately did not. it's a 3.5 for me.
It reads like old school fantasy in format. Honestly the last time I encountered anything that's been written in the format I'd have to go back to early 2000's fantasy to find something that feels like this.
If very traditional fantasy is your thing, you may like this.

And although it wasn't a that big of a book, I absolutely slogged through it.
We meet Jai, who is the youngest son, technically a prince of his tribe that has been conquered and subjugated into the Sabine empire. He's a hostage from his tribe, negotiated by his uncle who is king of their tribe. All three of them in line were handed over and given to the Royal Family as servants.

There's a lot of info to gather about this country and its conquered peoples that have been absorbed, and there are many. The Sabines have a large army and a larger contingent of Soulbound warriors who have bonded with great powerful beasts, giving them the ability to become stronger physically and magically. Through Ascending and building up mana they can survive injuries, and hardships that would kill most people, and still have strength to fight.

Jai is the manservant to the blind, aging former emperor, Leonid. Jai is his eyes, informing him of what he's seeing. And while Leonid may be old, his brain isn't slow.

The Sabines are looking to marry their Heir to the Dansk, a northern people who they have battled against for hundreds of years, who have to power to Soulbond to Dragons. The princess is resilient and shrewd and will do whatever it takes to save and protect her people.

There are plots, assassinations, violence, dragons, unlikely friendships, adventure, and a young Prince who realizes he has a pathway to power if he only reaches out to claim it.
And that going home to his people has a very different meaning than he expected.

Thank you Netgalley/Avon and Harper Voyager for the eARC!

DRAGON RIDER is a solid read if you can stick out the tough beginning. While I usually prefer female-led fantasy (which has overtaken the market) this was an interesting change of pace. I found the ending much more captivating than the beginning. Having read the author's previous works, I have never found his writing style all that engaging, though I do see improvements over his last series. I felt DRAGON RIDER set the stage for sequels as opposed to standing on its own regarding character and worldbuilding, meaning that I did find some of those elements more lacking than they should have been.

Also, a lack of dragon-riding. Disappointing.

First, the title is a bit misleading as Jai did not actually ride a dragon in this book.

That being said, I still really enjoyed this novel. I agree with some other readers that this book starts off a bit slow. There is some immediate world-building, then a very long build-up of Jai's backstory as he is more or less a bystander in the court.

But things start to get wild when a massacre leads fleeing Jai to stumble upon a dragon egg. As the egg hatches to save Jai's life, we are thrown into the main adventure of Jai's journey with Frida another refugee on the run. We are privy to the bond between Jai and his dragon, Winter, who is just a pure ball of light. I loved their bond and the way that the magic system is thoroughly explored throughout the book.

Where the first third was slow, the last third was full of nail-biting anxiety that had me flipping pages so I could rest. If you can push past the first part, this was a very solid start to Matharu's series.

Thank you NetGalley, Avon and Harper Collins Voyager for this eARC!

I have been obsessed with reading about Dragons lately and have been looking for my next read. Dragon Rider was what I have been looking for.

We have Dragons, soulbonds, and great world building!

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers for a copy of this eARC in exchange for my honest review!
I was very intrigued reading this. Feels like it could be an epic high fantasy.
As you first start off the book with a royal hostage held by a concurring empire that seems intent on taking over the world. Jai, the 3rd son, is basically a handmaiden to an elder King. UNTIL there is a wedding announcement. The world building and politics in this book is a good start off to the series.
Tarun Matharu is bring us the next Eragon series.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This was a high fantasy with a massive world and magic system. I loved the use of all the mythical creatures that humans could be soul-bonded to. Winter was brave and adorable. Jai was a good narrator and main character and he went through a TON of stuff on this journey. Since it’s fantasy you really have to pay attention to all the details of the new world the author created. The book starts out really slow and picks up towards the middle. The shorter chapters definitely made this easier to read. I wished the characters had more in-depth personalities, but liked them overall.

This was very good hi fantasy book. This fallows the story of a young man who his life as his family’s enemies servant for years until things happen and he is push on his own travels. This was very well written, and I look forward to reading the next book.

This was an absolute blast!

If you though Fourth Wing was lacking in writing quality, but loved the dragons and violence- this is for you!

We are dropped into a world with complex and brutal politics at play. Jai is a prisoner, one living in a castle serving the elderly royal who murdered his father. He was born a third string prince to a people at war, but has lived most of his life as a hostage. His two older brothers become companions of a sort for the Sabine prince Titus, but Jai rarely leaves the palace.

The Dansk royals come to marry their princess off to the Titus to protect the fragile peace between their nations. Jai meets the princess' handmaiden and by luck, she saves his life. Things quickly become bloody, and it's clear that Titus has no intention of allowing a peaceful future. Jai's life is now at risk and he attempts to flee and warn the Dansk of the horrors intended for them.

During his escape he discovers a dragon egg and soul bonds with it. Individuals can soul bond with certain animals in order to gain the ability to use mana. They must cultivate it within themselves through a painstaking process. The mana allows them to use magic. Fire, light, speed, and strength are all available to those who have bonded with such a creature. In fact, the Sabine royal family has a deadly group of soldiers who are soul bound to Gryphon and they strike fear into the hearts of any who encounter them. The process is incredibly secretive and intended only for the elite.

From there it's an epic journey of survival, endearing love for his baby dragon Winter, and determination to finally be free. Jai and the handmaiden Frida team up to escape with their lives. They encounter starvation, extreme elements, battles for their life, and one man who promises to help them survive- at a high price.

The bond that forms between Jai and Winter is beautiful to watch, they pull each other through some incredibly dark moments, The process of cultivating mana was creative and detailed, I could picture Jai reaching within and seeing his core, pulling mana from the world around him and directing it through the passages of his soul. I do wish that ascension was more thoroughly explained as it is vaguely described as reaching a new level of soul bound ability that is rare and makes the individual incredibly powerful. Along with that, while the process of creating mana is detailed, the actual use of magic is brushed over. This is partially due to the fact that Jai is constantly on the move, captured, tortured, or just unable to find a single moment of peace. That being said, how to the hand gestures work? What is the extent of the magical abilities? Does it consist of spells or intentional thought? I also wish that I knew Jai a bit better. I don't have much intimate knowledge of who he is personally or his motivations (other than freedom), despite closely following him throughout the book. I have a clear view of teh overarching world, but would love to get deeper in his brain.

This world and the politics were expertly crafted, and the violent bloodshed is a hallmark of many of my favorite books. While the beginning is slow, it is very much needed to set up the world that Jai is living in and provide context to what is to come. If you stick with it you will be rewarded! Betrayal, subjugation, poisonings, brutal beatings, patricide, and a pinch of mystery all wait within these pages. There was nothing light and easy about this, but that makes it all the better! There is great struggle, deep pain, and honor in unexpected places if you choose to fall into this insane world. EVERYONE PLEASE READ ASAP. It's killing me that I can't discuss my theories until you all get this into your grubby little hands. :)

Thank you NetGalley and HarperVoyager for providing an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review!

While this was a good read I had a hard time really getting into the story and relating with the characters. Three stars

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.75

This was a pretty good start of what looks like a series. As someone who has grown up loving dragons, and stories with dragons I can be pretty apprehensive about a story with said dragons. But I'm glad I got this ARC. If you like dragons, want more books with dragons, etc I suggest trying this when it's out.

"Dragon Rider" by Taran Matharu is a captivating debut adult fantasy that immerses readers in a world filled with magic, dragons, political intrigue, and a quest for vengeance. Set in a richly crafted universe, this novel introduces readers to an engaging story filled with dynamic characters and a blend of action and mystery.

The protagonist, Jai, is a royal hostage in the Sabine Court, bound by his father's failed rebellion against the empire. The story takes an intriguing turn when a marriage alliance brings dragons from the neighboring Dansk Kingdom into the mix. These dragons possess unique powers, and the art of soulbonding with them is shrouded in secrecy. As chaos unfolds in the Sabine Court, Jai seizes the opportunity to escape with Frida, a Dansk handmaiden, and a stolen dragon hatchling. The journey ahead is fraught with danger, challenges, and the need for Jai to cultivate his own magical abilities and become a formidable warrior.

Taran Matharu's writing is immersive and vivid, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the world he has created. The narrative seamlessly blends elements of fantasy, adventure, and political intrigue, creating a well-rounded and engaging story. The exploration of dragon magic, the intricacies of soulbonding, and the complexities of the characters' relationships add depth to the plot.

Jai is a compelling protagonist whose growth and development are central to the story. His determination to seek revenge and protect those he cares about drives much of the narrative. The dynamic between Jai and Frida is well-developed, adding emotional depth to the story. Frida's strength, intelligence, and loyalty make her a standout character in her own right.

"Dragon Rider" explores themes of power, identity, friendship, and the choices individuals make when faced with adversity. The novel keeps readers engaged with its fast-paced plot, unexpected twists, and moments of high-stakes action.

Overall, "Dragon Rider" is a promising start to Taran Matharu's adult fantasy series. With its imaginative world-building, complex characters, and a blend of magic and intrigue, this novel is a must-read for fans of epic fantasy and dragon-centric stories. Matharu's storytelling prowess shines through, making this book a compelling addition to the genre.

Jai is the third son of the late leader of the Steppefolk. He has lived his entire life as a royal hostage in the Sabine court serving the former emperor. Jai dreams of the day he and his brothers can return to their homeland. However, his life changes significantly with the arrival of the Dansk and their dragons. When insurrection throws the court into chaos, Jai finds an opportunity to escape with a dragon egg. He and his companions, his soul-bonded dragonet and a Dansk handmaiden, must elude the Sabine army. Can Jai learn the magic of the soulbound warriors?

Jai is my favorite type of character in fantasy novels. A novice, one who is slowly learning as they go. I like how Jai experiences small successes and setbacks. He does not get things right away, which makes his character more realistic and relatable. I love Jai and Winter’s bond. Through Winter, Jai is learning more about himself, his strengths, and his weaknesses. Winter gives him the incentive to fight.

DRAGON RIDER is the first book in Taran Matharu’s adult fantasy series, THE SOULBOUND SAGA. I am new to this author. It was the dragon angle that caught my interest. I am a sucker for dragon stories, especially ones in high fantasy genre. This book did not disappoint my fantasy needs. Yes, the story does have an Eragon vibe. (I have not read those books, just watched the movie.)

It does start out slow. That is to be expected. The author does a wonderful job setting up his world, the kingdoms in play, and the Sabine politics and history. The Sabine kind of reminds me of the Romans, especially in their insatiable need to conquer.

The second part of the book delves more into the world’s magic system. The unique intricacies and restrictions of it. And how the soul-bonded animals play into it. I like the variety of creatures/animals people could soul-bond with. There were a couple I had to search up because I was unfamiliar with. I also like how there are some creatures more favored in certain kingdoms than others.

I only have one minor nitpick. I would have liked, especially in the middle, to have Frida’s point of view.

I was really excited when I saw that this book existed– I was a huge fan of the author's Summoner series when I was in middle school, and I hoped that this book would be similar in that I would really like it. Unfortunately, that did not happen. The book was just completely unoriginal in so many ways, and the characters were not even compelling enough to make up for that. The adult part of the adult fantasy that this book markets itself as seems to mainly just be taking the fun out of it, not really actually making the writing (or even the characters) more mature. Overall, this book is just not that good. It’s not particularly bad, necessarily, there’s just not really anything new that this book brings to the table. Also I did not like the names of any of the characters– they all felt like a weird combination of too modern/realistic and too fantasy (but not really fantasy because half of them are the names of Roman emperors)

This is a book / series that I am really excited about. This book feels like a slightly more adult spiritual successor to Eragon, which remains one of my favorite series. Despite the comparison and it scratching my always persistent “fantasy with dragons” itch, the characters and world stand on their own and were intriguing to read. The first part of the book focuses more on political intrigue and court dynamics (which is another itch I love scratching) with developing events leaving the second half more focused on presenting the magic system and character development. This does a very thorough job of introducing us both to the world / politics / social dynamics, but also the aspects that make this a fantasy novel. As the book ends with the imminent danger seeming to have passed, I am excited to see the two main characters grow and be more developed, and hope we can see more of their personalities as well as their dynamic.


The magic system has a LOT of explanation put into it, yet there are some aspects I’m still confused on (like what is the role of the hand gestures? Why does the beginning of the book imply that strong magic rare but towards the end it appears that everyone has it?). There are also some points that I think future editing would help (while acknowledging that this is an advance copy!!) for example, a reveal that I had kinda already guessed at was confirmed due to the incorrect name being used. The writing felt stiff at some parts, with Jai being written somewhat bland. I do hope that in the next book we see him develop more of a personality, as mentioned above.

All in all, I think this really does have a ton of potential. I’m excited to see where this goes.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book!