Dragon Ascendant

My favourite part of dragon rider books is always the part where we get the interactions with the dragons, and I often find myself wishing that the book had a dragons pov. When I realised that this story was being told solely from the perspective of the dragon, I was so happy. And it didn't disappoint!

This is a ya fantasy story about finding friendship, believing in yourself, self-acceptance, grieving, and standing up for what is right. It is implied that the dragon rider Syl is aro and/or ace. What I appreciated in this story as a whole is that romance isn't the focus. We, instead, focus on the platonic relationship between Syl and Isidra, and seeing them grow as individuals and as bond mates brought me so much joy. It was wonderful to see the platonic love and trust develop while they're trying to figure out who's behind the mysterious murders.

Elena has written a brilliant story that's set in the same universe as her previously written Shadow War saga. This story definitely tickled my curiosity, and I'm also hoping to see more adventures of Isidra and Syl.

A heroic and thrilling tale of two unlikely friends who battle the odds, and each other, to uncover a murderer and save their world from dark and ancient forces.

Isidra has only ever wanted one thing: to become a Dragon Ascendant by attending the academy. There's a problem though, she has no magic, and she can barely fly, two very important attributes every dragon must have if they are to attend the academy and take up the mantle of Dragon Guard of Allentria.

When the magic that powers the city spirals out of control, she is thrown into a tenuous partnership with Syl, a human girl who hates dragons, and granted entrance to the academy.

Mysterious deaths and disappearances begin to occur, and everyone is a suspect, and anyone could be their next victim. Isidra and Syl are forced to set aside their differences to uncover the evildoer before the world changes forever.

I loved this story so much. The worldbuilding is spectacular, and Mugdan throws you into the conflict immediately. Isidra and Syl both have very interesting backstories and their relationship develops naturally and cohesively with the plot.

I love how Mugdan creates real characters capable of making mistakes and failing. The heroes have genuine struggles and challenges, and there was more than one chapter where I had no idea what was going to happen.

Mugdan's conflict here is not a black and white good vs evil; there's nuance and logic behind why the characters, even the villain, does what they do.

If you love dragons, frenemies, mystery, and complex, flawed characters, then you need to read this one asap!

Amazing world building, I love how you added the unlikely friends trope and the dragons. I hope to read more like this.

This book is cuteness overloaded!!! Loved every single second of this story. Dragon Ascendant is so cool and It was a pleasure to read a story like this one is. I rated it 4 stars.

I love stories about dragons so was intrigued by this one. I wasn't disappointed as I thought there was plenty of action and drama throughout. The world-building was brilliantly done and you truly got a feel for the characters and their motives. As an aro-ace person myself, it was much appreciated to see something of myself reflected in the character of Syl - even if that aro-ace 'status' as it were is only implied. I hope there will be more tales to come in this series.

A MURDER MYSTERY WITH DRAGONS!!! An intriguing and delightful read told from a unique and unexpected point of view!! I LOVED IT!! I don't want to give any spoilers as I would love for the readers to be as wonderfully shocked as I was in finding out in whose point of view the story is told. There is plenty of snarky banter between the two main characters which adds to the charm of the story. Altho this is a YA story - adults will enjoy the charm of the story also. I highly recommend adding this story to your TBR. You will not be disappointed.

Enemies to best friends in the best way. There is real character development between Syl and Isidra as they overcome their differences and become friends. This book has great representation of a character who is so downtrodden that she feels worthless coming in to her own. There is political intrigue and wonderful world building. This is a wonderful book. So lucky to get the chance to read this!

Elana A. Mugdan's “Dragon Ascendant” transports readers to a world filled with magic powers, and dragons. The story echoes the values of having love for those that are important to you, being resilient,, and having full faith and trust in your partner.

Isidra is such a delightful dragon that is full of determination, and bravery she puts up a fight to stay with her bond mate Sylvanna (Syl).

Whereas Sylvanna is a tough character to understand she starts off hating Isidra due to personal matters, but at the end she persiveres for the two of them to stay together

This story takes one on swooping turns. From the second you believe you know the plot there is another surprise in another corner. - Wrote this one on Goodreads

Hello, fellow readers! 🐾 This is Max the canine critic here, back with another tail-wagging review this time for Elana A. Mugdan’s “Dragon Ascendant.” This story takes you on a magical journey filled with dragons, daring adventures, and the power of bonds!

In “Dragon Ascendant,” we are whisked away to a world where magic and dragons rule the skies. This uplifting story is all about believing in yourself, love, resilience, and the importance of trust in your partner. Just like a pup and its human, the bond between the characters Isidra and Sylvanna (Syl) is filled with loyalty and bravery.
Isidra, the dragon, is a truly paw-some character. Her determination and courage make her the perfect companion to her bond-mate Sylvanna. You’d think she were a canine with how closely she sticks to Syl’s side and how together, they face challenges paw-in-paw.

Sylvanna can be a tough nut to crack at first, but much like a dog who won’t leave your side, she grows to understand and appreciate her bond with Isidra. The two of them navigate a whirlwind of emotions and battles, ultimately persevering to stay together.
The story is filled with swooping turns and thrilling plot twists that will have you barking in excitement. The bond between Isidra and Sylvanna is unbreakable they, showcase the power of love and trust. There are so many surprises and twists you’ll be on the edge of your seat

Rating: 🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾 (5/5 Paws!)
Elana A. Mugdan’s “Dragon Ascendant” is a fantastical tale that will have you captivated from start to finish. Whether you’re a fan of dragons, magical adventures, or stories about unyielding bonds, this book is a must-read. Just like the bond between a dog and their human, Isidra and Sylvanna’s story is one of loyalty, bravery, and self-acceptance.
So grab a comfy spot, maybe even cuddle up with your furry friend, and dive into this magical adventure. You’ll find yourself cheering for Isidra and Sylvanna every step of the way!
Happy reading, and may your adventures always lead you to magical places!

Can’t wait for your next magical read? Neither can we! 🐶- Wrote this one on Instagram

"Dragon Ascendant" by Elana A. Mugdan is a suspenseful Teen and Young Adult Academia and Action Fantasy Novel. While it shares the same universe as her previously written Shadow War saga, this book is a standalone gem.
Fifteen-year-old Isidra is an orphaned young dragon in the magical world of Allentria. Though plain in appearance, she possesses a golden heart and a precious, big dream. Everyone around her—tutors and peers alike—looks down on her, shattering her self-esteem and confidence. Yet, deep down, she knows she is destined to find her perfect human bondmate, train at the Academy, and triumph as a Dragon Guard of Allentria. However, when this day finally arrives, disaster strikes. Amidst the chaos and rubble, she is blood-bonded to Sylvanna Ashwood, turning their lives into a living nightmare. As dragons are brutally murdered and their human partners go missing, half the Andarae consider Syl and Isidra the culprits, the other half potential victims, and almost all deem them unworthy of their midst. If it weren’t for Syl’s deep hatred for dragons, things might be easier. Will they be able to find balance, prove themselves up to the challenge, and save their world before evil changes it forever?
Elana A. Mugdan has crafted one of the most enchanting and delightful dragon tales. The story, seamlessly unfolding through the eyes of the dragon protagonist, is utterly spellbinding. I’m completely in love with Isidra and have been rooting for her all along, while ‘hating’ the outrageous Syl and her Sarah J. Maas’s Nesta vibes—please, Nesta’s fans, don’t come at me. The fast-paced plot is full of mystery, relentless twists, and suspenseful action that keeps readers turning pages nonstop up to the heartbreaking yet heartrending ending.
"Dragon Ascendant” is the perfect book to transform even the most reluctant fantasy reader into an avid dragon tale advocate. It’s a remarkable blend of frenemies, mystery, politics, and mortal conflicts, with an enthralling blurry line between black and white, evil and good. This book will leave you hungry for more of Elana A. Mugdan’s captivating stories.

I extend my sincere appreciation to NetGalley and the author for granting me access to the eARC—I was thoroughly enchanted by the story.

Let just start with the fact that the book has dragons, if it has dragons that's immediately a yes for me.. Also very good world building and the story was incredible well written.. I have a thing with foes who put their differences aside for a good reason which in this case was a mystery to be solved and also that the characters were imperfect but still try to be better and were willing to grow up