Dragon Rider: A Novel [Hardcover]

New York Times bestselling author Taran Matharus debut epic fantasy series introduces an immersive story of magic and mayhem written in the tradition of progression and cultivation fantasy. Discover a rich world of magic, warriors, and dragons, in which a fearless orphan and an ambitious handmaiden flee from the empire that would imprison them, with a dream to return to their homelands and a determination thats unbreakable&

This coming of age story asks: 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 Courtever since his father Rohan, leader of the Steppefolk, led a failed rebellion and was executed by the very emperor Jai now serves.

When the emperors 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, an intricate magic system that draws on their power and strength. This marriageand the alliance that formswill change that forever.

But conspirators lurk in the shadows, and soon the Sabine Court is in chaos. In this sweeping revenge fantasy, 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.

“A dazzlingly epic and richly complex world of dragons, magic, and rebellion with an underdog-turned-hero protagonist—Taran Matharu serves high fantasy in style. A fresh and fiery entry to the shelves of dragon-lovers.” -Am?lie Wen Zhao, New York Times?bestselling author of Song of Silver, Flame Like Night

“Brutal politics, intricate worldbuilding, lCÏ