Return of the Darkening Series: Complete Boxset

By: Ava Richardson

Narrated by: Tiffany Williams

Length: 24 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

Dive into a dragon filled adventure! When scruffy Seb and noble Thea are paired as dragon riders, they never imagined they'd be the Kingdom's last hope.

High-born Agathea Flamma intends to bring honor to her family by following in her brothers' footsteps and taking her rightful place as a Dragon Rider. With her only other option being marriage, Thea will not accept failure. She's not thrilled at her awkward, scruffy partner, Seb, but their dragon has chosen, and now the unlikely duo must learn to work as a team.

Seventeen-year-old Sebastian has long been ashamed of his drunken father and poor upbringing, but then he's chosen to train as a Dragon Rider at the prestigious academy. Thrust into a world where he doesn't fit in, Seb finds a connection with his dragon that is even more powerful than he imagined. Soon, he's doing all he can to succeed and not embarrass his new partner, Thea.

When Seb hears rumors that an old danger is reemerging, he and Thea begin to investigate. Armed only with their determination and the dragon they both ride, Thea and Seb may be the only defense against the Darkening that threatens to sweep the land. Together, they will have to learn to work together to save their kingdom or die trying.

The unlikely duo forged an unbreakable bond, but now with dark stirrings in the south their bond will be put to the ultimate test.

Seb discovers Lord Vincent has returned and he wants to unleash an ancient evil that will destroy the lives of everyone in the kingdom; The Darkening. In order to defend the realm against unspeakable foes, Seb, Thea, and their shared dragon, Kalax, set out on an arduous journey.

©2016, 2017 Relay Publishing (P)2017 Relay Publishing

A new type of dragon rider

When I set out to listen to this I was thinking "this is going to be long" 3 books in 1 is a lot of book to listen to after all. By the end I was thinking "no, don't be over yet!"

I haven't seen anyone have two riders per dragon, but it works really well in this story.

The characters are a real mix of personalities. It's clear that a lot of thought went into creating realistic personalities and histories to give reasons for why characters act the way that they do.

The story line is complex, interesting and engaging. It was impossible to not get emotionally involved in what was happening.

The narration was perfect for the story. The character voices all worked really well and were easily recognizable, the delivery was emotive, well paced and sounded very natural.

I received this book free from the narrator/publisher/author in exchange for an honest review.

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Actually begging for a love triangle by the end!

This is a textbook for books where the main characters are kids and their mad at all the adults because their years of experience tell them differently! The entire book, the MC's are furious because "They know better!" And that never goes away by the way. We have next to 0 character development and growth!

Now that we've emphasized that these are kids and they need to shut up and let adults actually do their jobs...lets talk about the the plot holes. I won't list them, just know that there are many. And they're glaring. So much frustration.

The sad part, is that the story itself isn't all that bad. It's just in desperate need of some TLC. The plot holes were numerous but avoidable. The commoner who becomes a hero, but nobody in the book still ever notices him. The noble who becomes bonded with the commoner and then refuses to ever see him as anything but a commoner (Or even a person! The nobles in the world are just the worst and they never grow out of it!) The bad guy was both literally and figuratively an idiot. The constant mentioning of "The Darkening" like we're supposed to know what the hell that is! And then, we have 3 books of constant hinting at the love triangle between the two MC's and the Prince/King. It just keeps slapping you in the face and then never goes anywhere! I've never been angry about a lack of a love triangle...ever! And what the hell happened to Jensen, his partner and their dragon! They literally disappeared after book 2 without an explanation! Did they die? What's going on! PLOT HOLES!!!!!!!!!

Williams didn't too bad I guess, but there was really no saving this. At least it's a 3 books in 1 package. But save your credit, go somewhere else!

amazing story

in my opinion this was a great adventure seeking story, just the way I like it :)

Return of the Darkening Series

Book 1: Dragon Trials:
We start off by meeting Thea and Seb right before they are each chosen by their dragon, Kalax. One will be the protector and one will be the navigator. Both are from very different worlds. I immediately liked Seb and admired his determination. It took me a little longer to warm up to Thea because she seemed spoiled and impatient. As she grew to understand Seb, Thea became more understanding and likeable. This story goes through the trials to determine which character will be assigned to each role. The navigator leads the dragon in battle and the protector protects the navigator and dragon. We learn that it takes a lot of trust in each other for Thea and Seb to move forward at the academy.
Book 2: Dragon Legends
Now that Thea, Seb, & Kalax have formed a bond, they have become a team. As official Dragon Riders, they need to become even more connected to help find the person who has the Memory Stone so that person can be stopped from bringing the Darkening. It seems that most people don’t believe in the Darkening, or they aren’t remembering everything. It is up to this team to strengthen their bond to be able to fight the battles they need to, so they can fight the Darkening.
Book 3: Dragon Bonds
This last novel really shows the growth of Thea and Seb. Kalax is very bonded to the both of them, so she keeps them in line, I found myself laughing out loud during a few scenes thoughout. I don’t want to ruin anything in this story – but be prepared for the ultimate battle to reclaim the kingdom.
Overall, I was glad to read these all back-to-back. The author did a great job keeping things cohesive. I would like to read more of her books in the future. Tiffany Williams brings these characters alive. She has a wonderful voice for so many different characters. I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher courtesy of Audiobook Boom.

Wow!

This was a roller-coaster ride of a story in so many ways. The author created a highly detailed world with characters one can relate to. The narrator provides unique and memorable voices for the characters (which is good as the author swaps them between chapters without warning). I especially like the dragon's thoughts.

"I was given this free review copy audio book at my request from the author and have voluntarily left this review."

fantastic

could not stop listening to it. wonderful and fantastic. loved the world that she created and the dragonsthat dwelt within

Great dragon set for young adult/teens or adults!

Any additional comments?

Return of the Darkening Series: Complete Boxset
Written by: Ava Richardson
Narrated by: Tiffany Williams
I requested this audible book and the review is voluntary.

Dragon Trials: Return of the Darkening, Volume 1
Written by: Ava Richardson
Narrated by: Tiffany Williams
This is a fun teen fantasy novel centered around dragons and hopeful teens. These teens want to be picked to be dragon riders. The choosing happens every 5 years. It follows a very rich girl and a poor boy. Very few of each are ever picked. They are teamed up and it is not only the story of how they learn to be dragon riders but the interaction with the dragon, bullying from other riders, getting to know each other, and more. A fun, fantasy, and every kids dream to ride a dragon! At least I always wanted a dragon and not a pony!
The narrator is perfect for this book. She is able to perform all the multitude of voices without fault. Wonderful job.

Dragon Legends: Return of the Darkening, Volume 2
Written by: Ava Richardson
Narrated by: Tiffany Williams
This is another great book and continues the wonderful tale of these teen dragon riders. More battles, danger, suspense, and betrayal. Our heroes are getting more connected to their red dragon. Talking with their minds to the point they can sense what the dragon can sense. Someone has stolen the Memory Stone and using it to control people so the Darkness can come. Lots of battles, including dragon battles. Great mysteries, suspense, tension, and great interactions. Great fantasy!
The narration is so cool! Very good of getting the reader into the story! Makes the story more alive!

Dragon Bonds: Return of the Darkening, Book 3
Written by: Ava Richardson
Narrated by: Tiffany Williams
This book ends a great series with lots of battles, magic, emotions, thrills, and surprises. A great series and I must say I will miss the dragons and their riders! I may not be a teen or young adult but I enjoyed this series too. Lots of special powers are exposed and the one behind the darkness. Everything comes together nicely. The narrator is wonderful to continue the great with consistency, emotions, and so much more. Perfect for these books!

disappointed

I was so annoyed by Agathea attitude that I can't finish listening to this.
Her being annoyed with everything is tiresome.

Boring and predictable

Don't bother getting this unless you just need sound in the background. The story never made me feel like the characters we in danger. Side character feel more than place holders and the antagonist is just some grumpy old dude that wants to control the world.

The story is too short and the final battle was over way too quickly for the amount of lore thus story has.

The dragons and riders relationships are generic.

"I am big smart dragon, you pathetic small minded human. But we still friends. "

Why is it that all the books I have listened to about dragons are so shallow in depth? Time to find another read.

could have been good, too many logical inconsisten

tlThe rules and punishment system at the dragon academy shouldn't allow any riders to pass ever. the world is pretty bland. Thea is a terrible person and a worse partner and friend. there is some adventure and quippy dialogue but mostly this book is fairly tedious.

Great storytelling.

Listened to the whole series back to back. Has everything to offer. Dragon, Magic, Battles. What more could you want out of a great story.

I Highly recommend these books. You won't be disappointed:)

Not wroth the a credit

It was a bit boring to be honest. Not enough stuff to write over 3 books. What ever problem it was it was repeated over and over again. It could all be in one book without any problem. I was really disappointed

Hard work

The whining of the lead character was off putting and the narration was poorly done

Good listen, for younger audience's

I was under the impression this was a novel with more substance. Also narrator could have been more performing 👍

Very enjoyable

I enjoyed this series and would recommend it. Looks like I have found a new Author.

Quite good!

The story is quite good, if not a bit predictable.
Even so, I still found it entertaining and would recommend it :)