Riders of Fire: Books 1-3 by Eileen Mueller
- Sara Lawson
- Jul 28
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 30
I may have been listening to the audio of one of the books when my car broke down and then regaled the tow truck driver with the story during our hour plus ride. I’m not saying that definitely happened (it did), or that the tow truck driver was utterly fascinated and asked me to write down the name of the book so she could get it for her daughter (she did), only that this story is so good and filled with so much of everything…now I want to read the books again too!
Ezaara
The only thing wrong with this book was that I lost sleep over it because I couldn't stop listening. The story was perfect; the narration was perfect; the characters were perfect. Not since Eragon, have I loved a dragon or a dragon rider so much.
Bored with her small-town life and fascinated with dragons, it was no surprise that Ezaara so quickly bonded with the first dragon she met. Zaarusha, however, is not just any dragon—she’s the dragon queen. Together, the two return to Dragon's Realm where Ezaara meets dozens of dragons and riders and other humans. Ezaara's master trainer, Roberto, is challenging and she struggles to become a rider worthy of the queen, although Zaarusha never doubts her fitness.
But there are traitors in Dragon's Realm, and Ezaara can’t tell who she can trust. Her adventure leads her beyond Dragon's Realm into even more dangerous places where she discovers enemies far more deadly than she’d ever imagined…as well as unexpected friendships.
Dragon Hero
Starting in the same place and time as Ezaara, Dragon Hero follows the journeys of Tomaaz (Ezaara's brother) and Hans and Marlies (Ezaara's parents). We finally hear Hans and Marlies’s backstories. Tomaaz is a particularly complex, wonderful character—he has so much heart and an incredibly strong moral compass. While Ezaara was busy exploring Dragon's Hold and only ventured outside briefly, Dragon Hero gives us a closer view of Lush Valley and Death Valley and the journey between them.
The thing is, while Ezaara has my heart, Dragon Hero delved so much deeper into the story and the lore of Dragon's Realm. After failing to reach Ezaara before she set off with Zaarusha, Marlies sets off on her own quest—to rescue a young dragon in Death Valley or die trying. Along the way, she meets old friends and attempts to subvert tharuk trackers, mind readers, and ultimately Zens himself. In the meantime, Lush Valley is under attack, Hans is falsely imprisoned, and Tomaaz is thrown into the midst of a world he didn’t know existed. Those he once thought were friends turn against him, while those he rarely thought of became the most significant people in his world.
Great bravery is required of Tomaaz, but kindness is not. Still, he consistently makes choices that show compassion toward anyone in need. He is a remarkable young man, so much more than the typical male teen hero. And when his compassion brings additional suffering to him and those he loves, he chooses what he believes is right, regardless of the personal consequences.
Dragon Rift
I don't know how she does it, but this series keeps getting better and better! Building on the world set up in Ezaara and Dragon Hero, Dragon Rift begins with Tomaaz arriving in Dragon Hold, barely alive with news that Roberto has been taken captive by Zens. Due to Spymaster Tonio's hatred of Roberto's father, Roberto spends nearly the entire book as a captive, while Ezaara, Adelina, and others propose various rescue attempts.
Unlike the first two books that focus on the riders, the mages take center stage, and we learn about their decades-long quarrel with the dragon riders. Kierion, a mischievous, young dragon rider hopeful reconnects with his old friend, Fenni, who is facing his mage trials. Together, they remind both the mages and dragon riders that they can be stronger together. The theme of unity—of putting aside misunderstandings and past hurts for the good of the realm—runs through the entire book. Mages and riders. Archers and soldiers. Even council member and council member. Prejudices run deep but must be overcome for Dragons' Hold to take a stand against Zens.
Despite this uncertain future, there is yet celebration and life. We get to watch mage trials, dragon races, even a hand-fasting ceremony. And in the end, our beloved riders are moving forward, not giving up, not giving in to despair, but more determined than ever to defeat Zens and to live!
These books are phenomenal. Perfect for family reading time. Perfect for an introduction to the fantasy genre. And perfect for anyone who loves dragons and a good old-fashioned adventure with lots of heart. As for me, I’m always looking for books to remind me that good still wins. And here, in Dragon’s Realm, it does.
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