Synopsis
One boy trains to join the Bitten Knights. Another boy trains to kill them. Their paths, and their blades, are destined to collide.
No one in the north was surprised when Maximus Duskfell found his hand between the fangs of a dragon hatchling. Maximus proved to be fearless, unyielding, and physically gifted- the ideal Bitten Knight. Maximus’ younger brother, however, is the opposite in nearly every way. But, when a freak accident on his way to the capital, Titan’s Nest, prevents Maximus from fulfilling his calling, Darren is forced to secretly inherit his brother’s dragon, identity, and destiny. Darren may not have the skill, muscle, or even the support of his brother’s dragon to help him survive the training, but he may just have the wit and the will.
Clear on the other side of the world, a mysterious cult has been quietly rising to power. Darren’s own friend, Ryker, has found himself entangled in their ranks. Their purpose? Butcher the Bitten Knights.
This story is told in first-person from the perspective of two friends, both unknowingly being trained to kill the other. The reader is forced to choose for themselves which character they believe is on the ‘correct side’ of the conflict as both parties inch closer and closer to an inevitable war. Titan’s Nest wields a plot driven by strained relationships, unpredictable twists, heart wrenching decisions, and a vibrant magical world.
Review
Continuing on ensuring my due diligence is done in raising awareness for my top 10 reads of 2023! Not only do I have a paperback, but the author offered me an audible code to check out the audiobook! I just wish I had listened sooner.
This is a dragon rider novel that features an underdog, found family, academy-like training, and uneven odds. The characters are fleshed out and the world feels real. I particularly liked that the novel does not tell you which side is the “correct” one to root for.
The dragons imbue their riders with fury, giving them enhanced strength, speed, and dragon scale-like skin. I enjoyed the slight dragonrider twist in that each dragon gives their rider a unique gifted power. Whether it’s lightning, water, fire, or air, the elemental powers felt like The Last Airbender on dragons. The dragons can grow large to riding size at will by their riders imbuing them back with their own pool of fury. It is a 50/50 relationship. This specific kind of dragon and dragon bonded magic felt refreshing and unique in the dragon rider sphere (at least from those I’ve read) and I seriously cannot wait for more where the action opens up and gets even bigger.
The world could use some additional building, especially because they take up a big portion being trained. But it is only because I am interested that it could use more. I didn’t really find it lacking, just super interesting.
I cannot fathom why more of my SFF friends have not picked this book up yet. I know what side I’m choosing. I wonder if you’ll agree.
Cannot wait for a book 2.
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