Series: Rivenworld #1
Release Date: January 8th 2021
Publisher: Stoneguard Publications
Pages: 982
Find it on: Goodreads. BookDepository. Waterstones.
Source: I received a copy of this book through Storytellers Tours
Rating: 5/5 stars

Synopsis

Aram Raythe has the power to challenge the gods. He just doesn’t know it yet.

Aram thinks he’s nothing but a misfit from a small fishing village in a dark corner of the world. As far as Aram knows, he has nothing, with hardly a possession to his name other than a desire to make friends and be accepted by those around him, which is something he’s never known.

But Aram is more. Much, much more.

Unknown to him, Aram bears within him a gift so old and rare that many people would kill him for it, and there are others who would twist him to use for their own sinister purposes. These magics are so potent that Aram earns a place at an academy for warrior mages training to earn for themselves the greatest place of honor among the armies of men: dragon riders.

Aram will have to fight for respect by becoming not just a dragon rider, but a Champion, the caliber of mage that hasn’t existed in the world for hundreds of years. And the land needs a Champion. Because when a dark god out of ancient myth arises to threaten the world of magic, it is Aram the world will turn to in its hour of need.

Review

Dragon Mage is a book that I have seen around quite a lot recently and I have heard nothing but incredible things. I went in with pretty high expectations and this brilliant coming of age story has immediately rocketed into my favourite books of 2021.

Dragon Mage follows Aram, a young boy living in a small fishing village. Seen as an outcast, all Aram wants is to make friends. What Aram doesn’t know is that he has a rare and powerful magic within him – magic that people would kill him for, or use him for their own gain. This magic earns Aram a place at the academy – a plan to train and become a dragon rider. With this comes the chance to be a Champion, something the world has not seen for hundreds of years. When the world of magic becomes in danger of a vengeful god, only a champion will be able to stop them. But will Aram survive?

Dragon Mage is a big book, coming in at just under 1000 pages. The story Spencer has created is incredibly well crafted and I was so invested in Aram and his journey. I was never once bored and completely fell in love with this world and these characters. This coming of age fantasy adventure is everything I could possibly have wanted and I am so excited to learn there will be more books in the series.

Spencer has created some truly wonderful characters in this book and that is most evident with our main protagonist Aram. From the very first chapters, I was rooting for him, when all he wants is to have a friend. Dragon Mage is this epic journey as he finds himself and his place in the world. I similarly really liked Markus, Aram’s friend who sticks by him no matter what. I loved seeing their relationship grow as the story progressed and they are tested in ways they don’t expect. The worldbuilding in this story is excellent and everything felt really fleshed out. I can’t wait to see where Spencer is going to take us next.

The world of Dragon Mage is a dark one, and there’s plenty of action scenes to keep the reader hooked. I really enjoyed Spencer’s writing style and it was so easy to get lost in this world for hours at a time. There were definitely moments I sat down to read a chapter or two and glanced up and I’d been captivated by the story for several hours. Dragon Mage is a brilliant, gripping read – one that classic fantasy fans will adore.