Rating: 4.75⭐️
Dragon Class, the first book in the outstanding fantasy series Riders of Jade and Fire by Melanie Ansley, is a book and series that I can recommend across the board for all ages.
I’ve already read through to the end of third novel and can say this one is very beautifully written series, so well executed and developed that each story exceeds the one prior to it.
Melanie Ansley, an amazing author I’ve discovered with this book and series, has taken historical figures and history as well as included some of China’s mythology and legends into her world building and characters.
The Tang Dynasty, its Empress Wu are facts she drew inspiration from and Aadan is modeled on a Prince Narsieh, who fled to China in 650’s with his father from Persia. So many of the elements here are based on things that actually existed in China’s “golden age”. It’s these layers of authenticity that add such richness and depth to this series and to the characters that exist within it.
The names are in the Chinese language order. Last names come first and what English speakers call first names are listed last when the full name is given. FYI.
Wang Kway Jin is our main character and she’s a standout among the multitude of similar dragonrider characters and series. The a storyline where Jin, a thief of unknown origins, steals a treasure that’s revealed to be a dragon egg. When it hatches, she and the rare jade dragon, form an illegal bond just before they are caught.
From this point, both Jin the lowly thief and Rayden, the rarest of dragons, fight to retain their bond while navigating the labyrinth of imperial Chinese societal laws and a Empress’s secrets and tightly controlling nature over her power, which includes Jin and her dragon’s future.
There’s an academy aspect to this, which layers in much of the history of the culture and current political landscape. It’s done so well that we feel a part of Jin’s character as she scrambles to survive in this new complex and dangerous world she’s living in and totally unprepared for.
The cast is as well executed as every main character. All the personalities continue to evolve and show development as this complicated narrative changes and gives us more secrets and expands into new territories and political disputes.
Persia, trade agreements, and the lack of dragons outside of the realm as well as how mages are educated and horrifically “created” to help channel their energy. It’s finely defined, broad in its reach and rich in its design.
But the emotional heft is beautifully carried by Jin and Rayden in a tightly held dynamic that the reader is absolutely connected to.
And the more she grows into her role, the darker the she situation becomes.
Just an incredible story and a cast of fantastic characters. A series that will deepen in the complexity and just get better and better.
Highly recommended for all lovers of fantasy and dragons.
Cover Design: Get Covers
The Riders of Jade & Fire series:
Night of the Black Dragon (prequel novella)
Dragon Class #1
Dragon Flame #2
Dragon Rogue #3
Dragon Blood #4 – Sept 2026
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Book 1 of 3: Riders of Jade and Fire
Blurb
A thief without a future.
A dragon born for kings.
A bond that could ignite an empire.
In the shadows of the Tang Empire, Jin survives by stealing from the rich and keeping her head down. Until a single reckless heist binds her to Rayshan—a rare jade dragon destined for royal blood alone.
The bond should have been impossible.
Instead, it marks her as a threat.
Faced with a brutal choice between a lifetime in the mines or competing in the Dragon Class trials, Jin is thrust into the deadly world of the empire’s elite dragon riders.
But dragons choose warriors. Nobles. Men.
Not thieves. Not girls.
As deadly rivalries ignite and dark secrets stir within the palace walls, Jin is drawn into a dangerous world of court intrigue, where a charismatic prince with a talent for manipulation seems determined to keep her close—and a fierce foreign dragon rider understands her in ways no one else can.
But while the Dragon Class trains for glory, unrest is spreading across the empire. A ruthless Minister of War will do anything to see Jin fail, and beyond the empire’s borders, a growing darkness threatens to drag the realm into chaos.
If Jin loses control of the power growing between herself and Rayshan, she could lose far more than her place in Dragon Class.
And if she survives, she may become the spark that sets an empire ablaze.
Perfect for fans of dragon rider academies, slow-burn romantic tension, fierce heroines, and epic fantasy steeped in imperial intrigue. Dragon Class is ideal for readers of “Fourth Wing”, “Eragon”, and “The Lunar Chronicles.”
“An exciting adventure that sinks its teeth into you and doesn’t let go.”
“The most well-written dragon rider book I have read!”
Writing Rooster Media
Publication date
October 25, 2023
Accessibility
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Language
English
Print length
408 pages
Book 1 of 3
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 