Fledgling

By: Nicole Conway

Narrated by: Jesse Einstein

Length: 7 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's Summary

Can one boy stand between two kingdoms at war?

Jaevid Broadfeather has grown up as a wartime refugee, hiding from the world because of his mixed racial heritage. He feels his future is hopeless - until a chance encounter with a wild dragon lands him in Blybrig Academy, a place usually forbidden to anyone but the rich and royal.

But Jaevid's case is special; no dragon has voluntarily chosen a rider in decades, so the proud riders of Blybrig must begrudgingly let him join their brotherhood despite his bloodline. Lieutenant Sile Derrick, a sternly tempered man with a mysterious past, becomes his instructor and immediately takes a peculiar interest in Jaevid's future. While struggling through the rigorous physical demands of training, things begin to go awry. Jaevid witnesses the king's private guards kidnapping Sile in the dead of night. When none of the elder riders is willing to help him, Jaevid begins a dangerous adventure to save his instructor. Everything Jaevid learned at the academy will now be put to the ultimate test.

©2013 Nicole Conway (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

Critic Reviews

"Not just another dragon story; this memorable escapade is fast-paced and packed with action. It will leave readers on the edge of their seats." (D. J. MacHale, author, The SYLO Chronicles and Pendragon)

Starts with artificial, exaggerated reading but......

I've always liked the legends of dragon riders and their dragons and we always seem to start with the young dragon picking a youthful, untalented, inappropriate male but they become a single unit to conquer their enemies, usually highly placed corrupt individuals or royalty. Sometimes both. Fledging is not far from being a cookie cutter work but with some different characters, some new twists, and a "wild" dragon doing the selecting and having a rather droll sense of humor, this listen is well worth the credit and time. But At the third chapter I was despairing of having a narrator who was using an exaggerated, artificial voice that was ruining a good book with his too enthusiastic, artifical reading. Thank goodness by the fifth chapter he had relaxed and began a natural cadence read. I haven't looked but I'm sure he does the next book. Hope he starts relaxed and doesn't waste any story.

9 of 9 people found this review helpful

A fun new dragon series with a twist.

This new dragon series has a twist to it: the lead character is half-human and half-elf. As a result, he is disliked but nearly all humans and elves.

The story gets off to a slightly slow start, but the action and drama later on is worth the somewhat slow start. The slow beginning is necessary to set the foundation for the lead character's home life and background as well as his entry into the elite dragon riders' academy. His chief instructor and his best friend turn out to be his sole support, along with his unique dragon. There are two female characters who lend potential love interests as well.

Overall, this is a strong start for this young adult series. I am also a big fan or Eragon and the Inheritance Cycle (Eragon, Brisngr, Eldest, & Inheritance). This series is a bit lighter weight, without the added complexity of dwarves, extensive use of exotic languages or such a wide cast of characters and subplots. Nonetheless, Fledgling is worthwhile in its own way and on its own unique strengths. I've already purchased the second audiobook in this series, Avion, and can't wait to listen to it next.

Finally, the narration is first rate throughout. All characters are given appropriate voices, and the general narration is pleasant to listen to. He is a good choice for this series.

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

the BEST 5 stars

I've read this series at least 5 times and now that it's out in audible it's even better I highly suggest reading this book or listening to it. a very good story and well written

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

only, always, never, ever

borrowed concepts that lack originality. everything is written in black and white, to the extreme degree, no shades of grey.

Nothing simply happens in an organic way, it's always "it's the worst" "he's the best" " no one ever" "everyone always"

every character lacks dimension

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Good Story, Decent Performance, Over all 3/5

Would you try another book from Nicole Conway and/or Jesse Einstein?

Sure, probably going to listen to the second book and see what happens next.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Fledgling?

The King Drake incident near the end of the book was really interesting.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Jesse Einstein?

Eh... don't know, but the narrator was not nearly as good as he could have been. He kept switching voices for characters, one minute one characters voice would be deep, then it would be lighter. It was a bit distracting.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Sure, at the dollar theater.

Any additional comments?

Over all this was a really good book. However the narrator, and the simplicity of the story, as well with the Deus ex machina nature of a lot of the stuff that happens leads it to be very YA rather then traditionally more High Fantasy.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I am love

I just love the plot and the characters. so sad book on was so short. Can't wait to start book 2. Talk to you later?

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Amazed by the Chronicle stories!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Heck yes! Listening to the story made the characters come alive. I felt more connected, like they were in the room with me.

What other book might you compare Fledgling to and why?

This is difficult for me because this is the first series I've read with dragons because I've always thought dragons were overdone in movies, so I wasn't interested in reading a story with them. But it's not about the dragons, it's about Jaevid. And I was very much connected. And I'm extremely fond of the dragons in this story.

What does Jesse Einstein bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He brought Jaevid to life for me. Honestly, I couldn't imagine anyone else reading as Jaevid now.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Heck yes! Nicole is an exceptional writer. How is it this hasn't become a movie yet?

Any additional comments?

BUY IT!!!! You won't be disappointed!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I really enjoyed this book

You'll like this book if you like Eragon, Godling chronicles, and other Dragon / Elves stories. Great read. Can't wait to finish the series.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Fledgling

Oh my goodness what a great book! Loved it and am excited to begin book two! This story is a wonderful well written fantasy about racial discrimination and not allowing others to define who you are. Through strength and determination, no one has to accept what others say about them; you are more than who you appear to be...be wonderful.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Can't wait for the next book

After reading Fledgling I am counting down the minutes to read the second in the series. The book flowed well and the characters were easy to fall in love with. Each member in the story has their own tale and all of them are twined together! Great job Mrs. Conway. I can't wait to finish the series.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

it discribes well and it is exiting

yes loved it was so amazing no spolers though bye i loved it so amazing

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Very enjoyable.

This book was a very enjoyable listen and i loved every minute. I love stories with dragons and riders and this was just what i needed. If you are a fan of Christopher Paolini then this book is for you. The narration was very good and you could identify between the different characters. I have already purchased books 2 and 3 so i'm off to listen to the next in the series.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

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