Review: Dragon's Magic by Ava Richardson

Title: Dragon's Magic
Author: Ava Richardson 

Series: Alveria Dragon Akademy Part 3: Reign of Chaos

Genre: Fantasy/Dragons

Publication Date: July 1st, 2020

Publisher: Relay Publishing

Edition: Kindle

Source: NetGalley

Purchase: Amazon US 

Synopsis:

It’s an all-or-nothing fight for the kingdom.

   The plague has been eradicated and the remaining nightmare monsters have fled Alveria—for now. With the Source of Fire now in their possession, Mari Asadottir and King Kai must remain vigilant during the royal ball held to honor their official bonding and graduation to Akademy initiates. For there are enemies all around.

   With the Head Councilor trying to steal power, Kai must prove to his people that he can wisely and effectively rule. Deception is at work from every side, and Chaos will use anyone to achieve his aim. Including a spy placed in their midst.

   When the Source of Fire goes missing, the betrayal cuts deep. But Mari and Kai can’t waste time licking their wounds while the fate of all magic hangs in the balance. Information from the captured spy leads them deep into the heart of enemy territory, seeking out the remaining Sources before Mari’s unique creation magic is destroyed forever.

   But when word reaches them of an attack on the Akademy’s mountain fortress, Mari and Kai become embroiled in a horrific battle that threatens to bring them to their knees. Now, dragon and tamer must give it their all or witness the end of Alveria’s magic and the universe as they know it.

    This was a fantastic conclusion to the series, the sub-plot with Skymount was wrapped up nicely, though parts of it were never fully explained or tied up. But in the end, it seemed that it didn't matter much. Even if I would have liked that to be more tied up than it was, considering how much of a presence it had with through the series and to the two protagonists.

    Kai and Mari continue to be great protagonists. There is something about their selflessness that seems believable in a way that other characters in other books I've read who are portrayed to be selfless aren't. They not only put themselves in dangerous positions, but they also force themselves to deal with people they'd otherwise prefer not to for the sake of others. Truly willing to sacrifice things they want if it means others will be happy or survive.

    The battles in this book felt high-risk. There were a lot of unknowns for many of the side characters. Richardson has yet to kill off an MC, so I knew they'd be safe. But other important side-characters I never sure how many would survive.

    The betrayal that happened, for me, it was pretty transparent when it happened, but it might have meant to be for the reader, and not so much for the characters. And considering who it was, they were in denial about it so it made sense they didn't catch on right away.

    These are very fast-paced books, can be read in one sitting. The romances in the Dragon Academy series' always feel very organic, and are nicely woven through the series. It never overshadows the main plot, and it's never filled with melodrama. So if you are someone who typically dislikes romance, these might be books you'd enjoy.

    I still stand by enjoying these Dragon Academy books a little more than her Kingdom of Torvald Dragon books, but that still might only be because I've read this series mostly in order and have read more of them. I would like to read that series from the start and read the ones in between that I haven't had a chance to read.