By iamsandykay on July 1, 2025 ( Leave a comment )

Book Review – Dragon’s Apprentice

The Dragon’s Apprentice
by James Riley

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Book Description:

STOP. Don’t read any further. There are magic spells in this book, and the Emperor has forbidden anyone from learning magic, because it’s way too dangerous! If you try one of the spells, any number of terrible things might happen (or so the Emperor says).

Don’t be like Ciara, a twelve-year-old girl living in the tiny village of Skael. When she used a spell from within this book, she ended up summoning a dragon. A DRAGON! Those things breathe fire! From their mouths! She’s obviously doomed. And don’t listen if Ciara tells you that dragons won’t hurt humans, and that they even once taught us magic, a thousand years ago. Definitely don’t pay any attention to the fact that the dragon she summoned, Scorch, might be willing to help rescue Ciara’s mother and free her village from the Emperor and his Warden, because it’s all obviously a big lie. So put this book down, and forget about it. Magic is just way too dangerous. After all, you wouldn’t want to summon your own dragon, would you?

My Take:

I received a digital copy of this book from Random House Children’s and NetGally. I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Dragon's Apprentice Book Review Graphic

Great first book setting up a series. World building, magic system reveal, and character intros were all really well done.

This is clearly the start of a fantastic series through a world that is coming to life off the page. The pacing and exposition were handled very well for its intended audience with nothing being overwhelming nor getting bogged down in too many details. I found myself very engaged in the story wondering how these characters were going to get themselves to the end. I was very happy with the story and plot as they both illustrated that the author definitely knows how a 12-year-old would try to handle their obstacles.

Really great story about a 12-year-old who thought they needed to handle it all on their own.

As a reader, I really enjoy diving into middle grade books as they are soothing and healing to my own inner 12-year-old. Ciara is a very strong, smart, and capable young lady. She CAN do what she sets her mind to, but this story is super important to illustrate that even if you think you need to take care of it all on your own, you probably have an amazing team around you. Ciara and her friends learn a lot of great lesson and the power of working together.

The Final Verdict

My rating: 4 stars

Would I recommend? Yes

Great middle grade story about telling the truth, standing up for what’s right, and being a great friend.

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