The excitement when I saw I'd been offered this ARC. After the Baby Dragon Cafe series I had high hopes for this new series and was not disappointed.

It is a gripping and imaginative fantasy that delivers strong world-building, engaging characters, and a fast-moving plot. A. T. Qureshi creates a vivid setting where dragons are more than spectacle—they’re central to the story’s tension, politics, and emotional stakes. The pacing is tight, with plenty of action balanced by quieter character moments that give the story depth. The protagonist’s journey is compelling, and the themes of power, loyalty, and choice are woven naturally into the narrative.

Overall, this is a solid and entertaining read that will appeal to fans of dragon-centered fantasy and character-driven adventures. I’m glad I had the opportunity to read this as an ARC and would happily continue with the series.

📚I was able to read an advanced copy of title thanks to NetGalley, A. T. Qureshi and Avon Books UK📚
📚All reviews and opinions are entirely my own📚

Ginny has wanted to race her dragon and win for as long as she can remember but it certainly won't be without consequences. This book prominently features the dragons in particular the races. I was fully immersed in everything about this book from the magic to the romance and family dramas and especially the danger. I love the dragons and fell deeply emotionally connected to Fang. The story is so much fun and exciting. It's also heart in your mouth full of suspense. I screamed at the cliff hanger ending and screamed even more because now I have to wait for the second book and I desperately needed it yesterday. Dare I say this is even better than Fourth Wing.

I really enjoyed Rider of Dragons. It was an easy story to settle into, and once I did, I found myself getting fully absorbed in the world and the characters. It has that comforting fantasy feel while still keeping things interesting and emotionally engaging.
One of my favorite parts was the bond between the rider and the dragon. It felt meaningful and well developed, not rushed, and added a lot of heart to the story. I liked that the dragon was not just there for spectacle, but actually played an important role in the emotional side of the narrative.
The worldbuilding was immersive without being overwhelming. I appreciated how the story takes its time establishing the setting and the rules of the world, which made everything feel more grounded. Once things got moving, I found it hard to put the book down.
The main character was easy to root for, and I enjoyed watching their growth over the course of the story. The themes of loyalty, duty, and identity were handled in a thoughtful way, and the quieter moments were just as effective as the more action driven scenes.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable read for me. It felt warm, immersive, and emotionally satisfying, especially if you enjoy dragon fantasy with strong character relationships. I would happily recommend this to readers who love dragons and character driven fantasy stories.

*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

want to preface this review by saying I’m historically not a fantasy genre fan. There have been a few books/series that I have enjoyed but overall I tend to avoid them. However, when I saw the book cover on NetGalley it caught my eye enough for me to read the jacket blurb, and that piqued my interest further. I decided to give it a shot.

I am so glad I did!

The author did a wonderful job creating not only the world, but also the characters. I felt like I could see the story playing out in my head- which I’m going to go ahead and say now I can’t wait to watch the movie that this will inevitably be made into.

*Spoiler Alert*

The tension between the main characters is delicious. I am waited with bated breath to see who Ginny enlists to help her in the next book. Crossing all my fingers that it’s Zavi and we get to see this love triangle play out.

I also am so incredibly curious to see how Qais got himself into this mess and to learn more about what was going on in the background that the reader and Ginny were unaware of.

I am so delighted that I took a chance on this book and cannot wait for the next one!

This is my favourite book of A.T. Qureshi by far! This book had me hooked and I didn't realise its a duology until the end of the book. But thank God because I need answers. The plot twist at the end had me shocked to my core. I loved how the book centred around female empowerment and helping women achieve their goals the same way we do for men. The themes of love, power and loyalty (plus dragons) were executed so well. August 27th can't come soon enough for you I promise.

Rider of Dragons is an engaging fantasy that I had so much fun reading. Dragons, destiny, and danger are woven into a story that’s easy to sink into and genuinely exciting.
I especially appreciated how elements from the author’s previous work, The Baby Dragon Café, were woven into the plot. That connection added depth to the world and felt like a real treat as a returning reader. I also completely fell in love with the dragons, and I became deeply emotionally connected to Fang in particular.
The sense of adventure is strong, the pacing keeps the suspense high, and there were several heart-in-your-mouth moments. That cliffhanger ending made me actually scream, and then scream again when I realised I now have to wait for book two, which I desperately needed yesterday.
A thrilling, emotional read for fans of dragon-centered fantasy, with enough excitement and heart to leave you wanting more.

Thank you to Net Gallery for this ARC!

Wow! The characters in this book were introduced to us in The Baby Dragon Cafe, but this series is so different!! Action, intrigue, spicy slow burn romance! Loved it!!

We follow Ginny and her entry in the Dragon Racing Championships!

I warn you now the ending will make go "Noooooo dont end there, I need to know!!"

Next book is out in 2027! I'll be reading it for sure!

I have been enjoying the light romantasy series "Baby Dragon" by A. T. Qureshi, so I was excited to read "Rider of Dragons" the first book in her new duology, set in the same world and featuring many of the characters that fans will recognise. However, the author provides sufficient introduction that new readers can dive right into the duology without missing any useful information.
Ginny comes from a family of dragon owners but only her brother Danny had the privilege of being a dragon rider and racing dragons. Ginny is determined to become a rider too, despite her family's opposition.
This book is spicier than the Baby Dragon series and I enjoyed the tension and drama of the race scenes. The final chapter sets up the scene brilliantly for the second book.

Oh my gosh I don’t even know what to say! Wow

This book absolutely blew me away, I knew I’d enjoy it as I’ve loved all the other books set in the same universe but I did NOT know what I was in for with this

This book felt very different, less cosy and a bit more fantasy! The spicy scenes were definitely more intense, frequent and more detailed than those in the baby dragon series, and I liked that it was different!

Learning about the dragon races was so interesting, I’d always been so intrigued about them being mentioned in other books

The book really kept me on my toes - who would she pick? Who is the good guy and bad guy?

As soon as I got to the end my jaw dropped, I’m really not sure how I’m meant to function whilst waiting for the next instalment!

Easily one of my favourite books of the year so far and my favourite from the author. Highly recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. Rider of Dragons is a gripping, immersive fantasy that delivers rich world building, compelling characters, and a powerful emotional core. From the opening chapters, this story pulls you straight into a vivid, high stakes world built around dragons, duty, and identity.
The characters are a standout. The protagonist is determined, layered, and easy to root for, with clear growth throughout the story. The supporting cast adds depth and tension, and the bond between rider and dragon is particularly well done it’s emotional, complex, and central to the heart of the plot. The relationships feel earned and grounded, enhancing both the action and quieter moments.
The story blends classic dragon fantasy with a fresh voice and thoughtful themes, and fans of Eragon, Fourth Wing, and The Priory of the Orange Tree will find a lot to love here. The pacing stays strong, the stakes remain high, and the world feels expansive without being overwhelming.

Overall, this is a polished, engaging read that dragon-loving fantasy readers will devour. A confident addition to the genre and a book I’d happily recommend and continue as a series. 🐉

Rider of Dragons is such a wonderful fantastic read. I love the writing style as it fully immerses you into the world . Dragons.. lots of dragons, destiny, spice and danger are captured into a story that’s easy to escape in with a fast paced plot.

Having loved the baby dragon cafe, I really loved this book included some of the characters from this. I was gripped when I was reading this.. and the cliff hanger just made me want to read more and wanting the next instalment already yet we’ve got to wait until 2027!! I can’t wait!!

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Set in the same world as the adorable “Baby Dragon Cafe” series, this is a familiar setting with a change of pace.

Ginny’s story is exciting, she pushes the boundaries of what’s expected for her by becoming a Dragon Rider which she’s forbidden to do.

The romance is a sizzle throughout and it turns up at the end, which leave you wanting and desperate for book 2.

Lovelies, we are not at the The Baby Dragon Café anymore! (I mean, we're still in Starshine Valley but we're getting SERIOUS.) I knew Genevieve's book was going to be incredible but this? This I couldn't put down. (Literally, I read it in one sitting.) This is what your favorite dragon riding - super tournament-fight to the death-championship contest should read like.

And then you get to the END.... Aamna, what did you do to your readers?! The last chapter absolutely killed me and I'm not sure how I'm going to survive until 2027...

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an e-ARC of this book!

So firstly, many thanks to Netgalley for this digital ARC.

4.5⭐️

I actually hate you Aamna Qureshi. I hate the ending, I need Ginny to team up with Zavi or Aiden for the rescue. I can’t believe that Qais did what he did. I feel like it wasn’t very predictable.

At first I thought that Ginny was to dumb and naive, especially at the beginning. But her character really developed and Qureshi is really good at writing that. I am actually completely obsessed with Qais. He is actually so amazing which is why I guess the betrayal came as such a shock. Qureshi is also very good at using time skips effectively. It seemed as though they were always there for a reason and it didn’t feel weird when it skipped like two weeks.

But, some breaks did feel really unnatural. For example, when Qais is explaining to Ginny how the races works, and he just leaves for a few minutes to grab his armour. I don’t know but it just didn’t feel normal. Another bit was near the end of the book where there was also an unnatural break/time skip.

The beginning also felt really unnatural and not worthy of an introduction to the world of dragon racing. It took a while for me to get fully invested in the book. I think the moment it really clicked for me was when Ginny left home, but before then I didn’t really know what to think. The intro is quite slow imo but that could just be me. i do enjoy reading fantasy and I am very excited for the next book to come out.

Thanks again to netgalley, and publishers for the ARC.

Rider of Dragons by A.T. Quereshi published by Avon Books UK, is the first book in the Dragon Racer Series.
Be aware the book is left with a major cliffie, so consider you warned.
Genevieve grew up privileged and in a wealthy powerful family. She's a 24 year old woman. still living under the roof/thumb of her parents. And these parents are set against her attending a dangerous dragon race.
Genevieve us all on her own in this endevor and what she needs is a trainer. Here Quais comes into the picture. But again be warned, heisn't what he seems.
I read the book and couldn't help myself, Ginny is a naive, disillusionistic character who has a fair share of growing up to do. But noo, she knows best. And the male love interest, yep she'd should have stayed far away from him, but Ginny knows best - not.
This book had me torn. I loved meeting the characters from the previous book, but I didn't like how they acted at all. But the writing is great, the suspense fantastic and I couldn't not finish the book.

"Rider of Dragons" by A. T. Qureshi is an absolutely captivating read that immerses you in a richly developed fantasy world filled with adventure, magic, and unforgettable characters. The author’s vivid storytelling and intricate plot twists keep you hooked from start to finish, making it impossible to put the book down. The depth of the characters and the author’s masterful world-building create a truly immersive experience that transports you into a realm where dragons soar and heroes rise. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves epic fantasy novels—it's a five-star masterpiece that will leave you eagerly awaiting more from A. T. Qureshi!
https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNRDcX4vS/

I loved the baby dragon series and I was so sad when it sensed so I knew when this was announced that I had to get my hands on it asap!

I loved Genevieve’s story and the themes of loyalty and equality and choice surrounding her. I feel like they were really well executed and loved how it was written.

I thought the author did an amazing job at world building and even if someone hadn’t read the baby dragon series, the author gave a full overview of everything a reader needed to know.

I need book 2 in my hands like yesterday!!

What’s not to love about this book it had everything you could need! Trials, dragons, twists and turns, tension, yearning and that ending was phenomenal!

I was lucky and received an arc copy of this so thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK, although I will say it means I have to wait longer to read the second one!

The pacing was spot on and the characters were well written, Fang was absolutely the favourite for me though.

Genevieve's family doesn't want her to join the deadly dragon races. She asks Qais to train her even though he's an alleged member of a dragon poaching gang.

Fast paced and exciting... The characters are terrfic. And of course, there are dragons... Love the emotional outbursts too...

Thanks to the publisher for the arc.

"Ever so gently, he ran a finger down her throat. An electric current shot down her spine, and she resisted the urge to lean into his touch. Then it was his turn to whisper in her ear, 'Best behave, then.'
Rider of Dragons, by A. T Qureshi
Excuse me but WHAT?! This book was OUTSTANDING. And that ending?! I am almost devastated I had this ARC because now I have to wait even longer for the next book and I genuinely do not know how I am supposed to cope. I need reassurance. I need resolution. I need revenge.
How do I even describe this book? It is written and set in the same world as The Baby Dragon Cafe, so it carries those cosy romantasy vibes, but it also delivers high stakes dragon racing, dangerous gangs, a bad boy love interest, incredible tension, and just a touch of spice. The writing is so strong that I was completely hooked from the first page and by the final chapter my heart was pounding. I devoured this in one day.
The characters were compelling, the dragon human bond was absolutely adorable, and I loved the side characters. I fully despised Genevive’s father, even if his intentions might be good, and I was very invested in the subtle hint that there may be more than one love interest. I cannot wait to see how that plays out in book two.
If you love romance, dragons, determined FMCs, dragon companions that must be protected at all costs, and cliffhanger endings that leave you screaming, add this to your TBR immediately.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this. I absolutely loved it.

Firstly I wanna say thank you to NetGallery for allowing me to have an advance copy, highly appreciate it.

My review- in the beginning I thought Ginny was a naive girl who was a tad dumb, but as the story went on her character grew beautifully. I do find that Amna Qureshi does that well, she also uses time skips quite well. Her writing has grown since the baby dragon cafe (which I adore) the time skips didn’t feel weird or awkward at any point it just flowed.

However, the beginning did feel a bit unnatural and not right for what the dragon races are about.

I absolutely adored the Baby Dragon series - I was over the moon to see this one. Still set in the stunning world of Starshine Valley but it took on a whole new feel and adventure.

We follow Ginny on her journey to the Dragon Rider Championships. With her grand ambitions to follow in her brother’s footsteps, she knows she can win if given the chance. However with strict instructions from her father to enter under no circumstances, she defies the odds, finds a trainer and signs herself up to one of the most dangerous (and illegal) dragon races with her dragon Fang.

It was seriously such an amazing story and I whipped through it. I loved the compilations of her training, developing her bond with Fang (& with her trainer of course) and seeing how much she rose to the challenge and danger everytime. I’m so excited to follow up with the next book but man did I hate the ending. Guess I’ll have to calendar watch until the day of the next book release!

Rider of Dragons is an expansive and exhilarating fantasy that grips from its first page with a blend of high-stakes adventure, richly imagined worldbuilding, and compelling character arcs. A.T. Qureshi delivers a story that will satisfy anyone who loves dragons that feel ancient and awe-inspiring, conflicts that span continents, and heroes who must grow into the legends they are destined to become.

The heart of the novel lies in its protagonist, whose journey from uncertainty to courage drives the emotional core of the book. Qureshi writes protagonists with depth—caught between duty, fear, and the lure of a destiny they never asked for. As alliances form and betrayals unfold, the reader is invited to share in every triumph and setback, making the stakes feel both personal and epic.

One of the real standouts in Rider of Dragons is Qureshi’s worldbuilding. The setting feels vast yet lived-in, from soaring mountain crags that serve as dragon roosts to bustling market cities where magic and politics collide. Dragons in this world are not just beasts—they are intelligent, ancient forces whose presence reshapes culture, war, and what it means to be human. The bond between humans and dragons is complex and often uneasy, giving the story emotional resonance beyond spectacular flight scenes or battle sequences.

Themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and identity are woven seamlessly into the narrative. Qureshi explores what it means to belong—to a community, to a legacy, even to oneself—especially when old orders crumble and new powers rise. The novel doesn’t shy away from darker moments, but it balances them with heart and hope, giving readers moments of triumph that feel genuinely earned.

Overall, *Rider of Dragons* is an immersive, thrilling fantasy that will appeal to fans of dragon epics and character-driven adventures alike. A.T. Qureshi brings fresh energy to familiar genre touchstones, delivering a story that is both exhilarating and emotionally resonant. This book soars, and it’s just the beginning of what promises to be an unforgettable journey.

Honestly I am absolutely in love with this book. I loved the baby dragon series but this book steps it up a notch! Literally obsessed with both MMCs (EVEN AFTER THAT CLIFF HANGER) and I love the FMC. Spice is just right! I am absolutely devastated that I have to wait for the second one. Great job!!

I love it when fantasy incorporates cultures from our world, and it's a nice change from all-white casts. Qureshi has written a wonderful world where dragons race, and only those with money can secure the best trainers and equipment.

Genevieve's family do not want her to race, but when she defies them, they refuse to fund her. So she has to turn to the one person she doesn't want to, to help her, despite his reputation for dragon poaching.

As her skill increases, so do things between her and Oais, but can she truly trust him?

A fun fantasy read that makes a nice change.

Thank you to Avon Books for gifting me this e-book in exchange for my honest review. After The Little Dragon Café, Bakery and Bookshop, I was beyond excited to return to the world of Starshine Valley—and Rider of Dragons did not disappoint.

Ginny has spent her life wrapped in cotton wool by her parents, all while dreaming of following in her brother Danny’s footsteps and competing in the deadly Dragon Racing Championships. Enter Qais: from the wrong side of town, tied to a notorious dragon-poaching gang, and exactly the kind of trouble everyone warns her about. He may be the only one who can train Ginny to become fast, fearless, and dangerous enough to win—but can he really be trusted?

While the Little Dragon books are cute and cosy, Rider of Dragons cranks everything up a notch. There’s real danger, high drama, and so much tension, alongside the familiar characters and family dynamics I already love. And that ending? A full-on cliff-hanger that had me staring at the wall in silence. I adore this world and its people—and I was absolutely not ready to leave.

I have enjoyed other books by the author and Rider Of Dragons was no different. Fans of fourth wing will love this. From the very first page the author's writing had me hooked and I kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. The story was so action packed that sometimes I forgot that I was reading. Overall a brilliant read that I highly recommend to other e.

I loved this! A brilliant fantasy of adventure, beautiful world building and Romantasy goodness.

I’ve not read her previous novels, but after this, I will definitely be picking another up.

Also, the ending. Immense. When is the next one? I need it yesterday!

I just love this author and just like her previous novels, I was thoroughly entertained.

I especially liked the references back to her baby dragon series.

Fantasy and romance combined, oh I was definitely here for it.

Enemies, to friends, to lovers you say. Yes please.

This review needs few words because the story was brilliant from start to finish.

The ending though! What a twist.

Why must I wait for next one, why?

Thank you to NetGalley & Avon Books for this E-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Genevieve, our FMC, is full of determination & perseverance. She is all the things I love in a strong and powerful FMC.

This story of illegal dragon racing raises the stakes from the traditional cozy feel of the previous Baby Dragon books. There’s high stakes, secrets, and Genevieve with her eye on the prize, the Dragon Riders’ Championship. This story does a great job at highlighting the struggle women go through in our current world when it comes to proving our worth vs. a man.

We have an MMC, Qais, who has an utterly tragic backstory, who becomes Genevieve’s trainer while she prepares for the race that her family are adamantly against.

Provider by Sleep Token was stuck in my head throughout the entirety of this book, and it sums Qais up perfectly. The romance is FULL of slow burning tension & yearning. But trust me. If steam is what you want, just you wait 🔥

The dragons are arguably my favorite part of this story, because nothing quite beats the bond between a rider and their dragon.

The ending… I have sobbed for 20 minutes straight trying to fathom waiting for book 2. Incredible. I truly have no words for how much I loved this book.

I never read the Baby Dragon Café series, so this was my first experience of Aamna Qureshi's writing, and I enjoyed it! I really liked the world building in this book, it felt very immersive, and I am a sucker for any book with dragons in. The bonds between dragons and riders were one of my favourite parts, and I loved seeing Ginny and Fang grow their bond throughout the book. The competition was a great base for the story to be based around, although the trials did start to merge into one for me. I think this was a well thought out book, and I am happy it will be a duology. The twist at the end of book one had me gripped, and I will definitely read book 2 to finish up this story.

Although, this book did read as more of a YA novel to me instead of adult and as the centre of the story, Ginny was frustratingly naïve. I am definitely not a fan of the "I'm not like other girls, I don't wear makeup and people don't interest me" vibes that she was radiating. It seemed like she felt that she knew better than everybody else in the story, and wouldn't take anybody's advice to heart. She was quite childish, and I'm not entirely sure her personality fit well into an adult fantasy novel. But seeing her grow throughout the story was nice!

On the romance side of things, it definitely leans more on the side of a slow burn romance, instead of enemies to lovers, as they really don't know each other before meeting, and get on reasonably quite quick into their partnership. Qais was mysterious and interesting, his relationship with his brother was so interesting, and I can't wait to see what happens with him in the next book. Although, I do sense a love triangle on the horizon.

With the other side characters, I hope we see more in the second book if there is a deeper reason that Ginny's father was so unsupportive and cruel, or if it is just straight up sexism. Zaviyar & Vaneeza were good additions, and I hope there is more of them both in the follow up.

Really glad I read it, it was an enjoyable experience, and this has prompted me to look up more of Qureshi's work! Thank you for the e-arc.

Rider of Dragons is full of action and adventure which is quite a change from the authors previous books about the Baby Dragon Cafe although this is referenced. Ginny is definitely a girl on a mission and her relationship with her dragon is wonderful. The pace will draw you in and I couldn't put it down. Watch out for a cliffhanger though.

I absolutely loved Rider of Dragons. Swept me straight into a vivid, high‑stakes world full of heart, magic, and brilliantly realised dragon lore. The bond between rider and dragon was especially well done—emotional, tense, and wonderfully immersive.

The pacing is tight, the characters compelling, and the worldbuilding rich without ever feeling heavy. A couple of moments felt a tadge long, but overall the story was gripping and thoroughly enjoyable.

A fantastic, uplifting fantasy read that I’m so glad I got the pleasure of reading.

LOVED this book what a fun, intense, incredible world this author has built. The writing is so great, and this is a story that stays with you way long after you finish it.

I love this book! The writing, story and characters were all a hit for me. I love Ginny's story, fighting with her family for something she believes in.
That ending though 🤯

This book completely pulled me into its world and did not let go. Rider of Dragons is one of those stories where the atmosphere wraps around you like smoke from dragon fire and suddenly you look up and realize hours have passed.
The worldbuilding was rich and vivid. You can feel the danger, the politics, and the tension simmering under everything. And the dragons? Absolutely stunning. They weren’t just background creatures. They felt powerful, mysterious, and deeply tied to the story in a way that made every scene with them exciting.
The characters were another highlight for me. The main character’s journey felt emotional and real, especially as the stakes kept rising. Watching them grow, struggle, and make tough choices made it easy to stay invested the entire time.
The pacing started a little slower in the beginning while the world and story were being set up, but once things took off, it was impossible to put down. The action, the twists, and the intensity kept building until the end.
Overall, this was a fantastic read and an easy 4.5 stars for me. If you love dragons, high stakes adventure, and immersive fantasy worlds, this one is definitely worth picking up.

Really enjoyed this book, I loved the flow and action of it all.
It was a nice change on a dragon book I find, written in 3rd person which I sometimes find harder to engage with but this author writes really well and I enjoyed it.

I struggled to get into this book. I put the effort in and jt did improve, but some of the damage was done in terms of how I felt about the book. I enjoyed the representation of the FMC, and anything with dragons will her my vote.

HELLO OH MY GOD THAT ENDING?!?!😭😭

My jaw is literally on the floor right now. Rider of Dragons was so freaking amazing. I’m lowkey devastated that I finished it early because now I have to wait for the next book to come out🥲this is set in the same world as the baby dragon books, but is drastically different in tone. It is far darker and the sense of danger is pretty high.

I have to say, Genevieve is one of my favourite MCs that Aamna has written. She is determined to compete in deadly dragon races, even if her family says no. Genevieve is relentless and refuses to listen (you know what, good for her!!) and finds herself a trainer in Qais, a mysterious bad boy with a secretive past. I really liked how the story didn’t shy from highlighting how much pressure Genevieve had and how it constantly felt like she had something to prove. I could totally connect with her on those struggles, especially her father’s reluctance and complete refusal to let her be a dragon racer. There’s so much complexity and nuance to her character and she is someone I think people will end up adoring.

Qais was a interesting character to me too. He kinda had bad boy vibes, and I say kinda, because as you read through the story, he started to feel like a real softy. The more you learn about his past, the more your heart went out to him. If Aamna ever does a bonus chapter with his POV, I’d love to read it hehe. Especially the chapters when he and Genevieve get…well, “close”🤭🤭

We also get to see some very familiar characters make appearances, plus some new ones that I think may or may not get their own spin-offs👀👀The plot was super cool, and I loved seeing all the races described in the book. They all had a uniqueness to it, even though they were structured the same and I thoroughly enjoyed reading them. And that ending?? I wasn’t expecting that at all.

Rider of Dragons was brilliant, captivating and one of the best dragon books I’ve read. If you’ve love yourself a romantasy with dragons, unrelenting FMCs, a bad boy with a soft heart love interest, and a very intriguing plot, then you need to add this to your TBR!!!

I liked this but wasn’t 100% sold on it! It was really good fun but just didn’t have the extra push to make it a 5 star read for me

This was my first time reading Aamna Qureshi, as I have not read the Baby Dragon Café series, and overall I had a very enjoyable experience. One of the book’s strongest elements was its world-building, which felt vivid and immersive throughout. I am always drawn to stories that feature dragons, so that aspect immediately appealed to me. In particular, I loved the connection between dragons and their riders, and watching Ginny and Fang’s bond develop over the course of the novel was one of my favourite parts of the story.
The competition structure provided a strong foundation for the plot and helped maintain momentum, even if some of the trials began to feel a little repetitive to me as the story progressed. Still, the overall concept felt well developed, and I think making this story a duology was a smart choice. The twist at the end was especially effective and definitely left me eager to continue with the second book.
That said, the novel felt more like YA fantasy than adult fantasy to me, largely because of Ginny’s characterization. At times, she came across as frustratingly naïve and somewhat immature, and I was not especially fond of the “not like other girls” energy she often gave off. She frequently seemed convinced that she knew better than everyone around her and was reluctant to take advice from others. Even so, I did appreciate seeing her grow over the course of the book.
The romance leans much more toward a slow burn than a true enemies-to-lovers dynamic, since Ginny and Qais do not really begin as enemies and settle into their partnership fairly quickly. Qais was a compelling character, and I found both his mysterious nature and his relationship with his brother particularly interesting. I am very curious to see where his story goes next, although I do suspect a love triangle may be developing.
As for the supporting cast, I hope the second book explores them in greater depth. I would especially like to learn whether there is more behind Ginny’s father’s harsh and unsupportive behaviour, or whether it simply comes down to sexism. Zaviyar and Vaneeza were both welcome additions, and I hope they have a larger role in the sequel.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with an eARC.

How exciting was this first instalment of this duology. Set in the same universe as the Baby Dragon stories, you will come across characters you know and love, as well as meeting new characters and dragons. Genevieve aspires to be a dragon rider like her brother before her and despite her family's wishes she trains for the championship.

I loved the setting of this book. There was some world building but not as immersive as some other stories. However I think as it was so action packed in places, it would have slowed the pace down. The dragon races were intense, however they became a little repetitive at times. I liked how there was a contrast between the pace of in between the races and the races themselves. The tension building up to the last race was great. I loved the development of the character particularly how Ginny's confidence grew. The cliff hanger finale was brilliantly written. I am already excited to see where this story goes.

I would say the book definitely has a more cosy feel to it then dark romantasy (one of the category's its under on Amazon). I have a feeling this may change in the second book based on the finale, but we shall see.

I will definitely be recommending this series and I will be reading the second instalment.

This was amazing!!!
I thought I was getting into a cosy fantasy series after reading AT Qureshis other books, what I got was fast paced, exciting and spicy!! I loved this book, loved the characters and adored Fang, the darkness of dragon thieves and the excitement of dragon racing - I cannot wait until August 2027 for this!

Wow - what an ending to a book. What have you done to me?! I need to know what happens next!

This book is a great cosy fantasy with a steady pace that really picks up towards the end. I really felt immersed in the world, the championship and the emotions of the characters. I was fully drawn in.

So why is this a 4 and not a 5 star read? For me, some aspects of the story were skipped over that I would have preferred more detail about. For example, I would have loved to have heard more about the FMCs training and I would have liked more insight in to her family dynamics throughout her training.

Would I recommend? Absolutely. Will I be reading the next book? Yes please!

Please note I read this book as an ARC and provide this review voluntarily.

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

Having read and loved the baby dragon books I was looking forward to reading this book. It did not disappoint..

The story is set in the same way as in the baby dragon series. We’ve met Ginny in those books, and this story features her and other characters from them too.


Ginny really wants to take part in the dragon races, but her father doesn’t think she’s ready just yet. So, without telling him Ginny does what she wants and in doing so, she’s kicked out of the family home.

We see how she takes part in the races, finds out what it will take for her to win.

The story does give you glimpses of the characters in the other books to help you get to know the characters more.

Aamna has written a brilliant book.

I highly recommend this book.

Rider of Dragons by Aamna Qureshi is an exciting romantasy story set in the world of the Baby Dragon Café series, but it works perfectly as a standalone duology. Even though I hadn’t read the original series before picking this up, I was able to dive right into the world without feeling lost.

Set in the vibrant and dangerous Starshine Valley, the story follows Genevieve, a young woman whose dream is to become an illegal dragon racer, just like her late brother Danny once was. The underground racing world is full of danger, rivalries, and secrets, making every chapter feel high-stakes and unpredictable.

What I loved most about this story is Genevieve’s growth. She begins as someone driven by grief and ambition, but throughout the story she learns to stand on her own, find her strength, and open her heart to love along the way. At the same time, the novel explores themes of loyalty, revenge, and the long shadows of the past, showing that some people wait years to settle old scores.

Between the intense dragon racing, complicated relationships between high-born families and gangs, and the ever-present danger surrounding Genevieve’s dream, the story kept me completely on the edge of my seat. And that ending? A true cliffhanger that left me eager for the next installment.

If you enjoy romantasy with strong character growth, high stakes, and dragons, this is definitely one to add to your TBR. I’ll be counting down the days until book two releases in Summer 2027!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

#RiderOfDragons #AamnaQureshi #Romantasy#NetGalley

Oh wow, what an ending!! I was so excited to receive this ARC, but now I have to wait until next August to find out what happens next?? That cliffhanger has really left me hanging! My wordddddd. Who is she going to end up with??? Honestly, I don’t even know who I’m rooting for at this point… both??

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins for giving me the chance to read this arc. I was over the moon to have a chance to read and review this brilliant book. A cosy romance book that had me transported into the world. I enjoyed the characters and dynamics.

Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins Publishing for the arc of this book. Rider of Dragons in the first book in Aamna Qureshi's new series Dragon Racer. If you have read The Baby Dragon series the female main character of this book, Genevieve Sterling is very familiar. This book was a roller coaster. I read it in one evening. I absolutely did not want to put this book down. I did not not see the ending of this book coming. Shocking!!!! This book ended on a cliff hanger and I cannot wait to read the next book in this series. I highly recommend this book.

Thank you NetGalley!

I haven’t read the baby dragon cafe and you may get a little more out of the story if you have as some of the characters are from that!

Overall story was good, does feel a little more YA than Adult until certain scenes! It has a bit of a cutesy vibe and I couldn’t help picturing the dragons as more isle of berk than game of thrones vibes.
But love that they have their own personalities.

Good premise, with the racing and the world in general, would like to have seen more of the side characters.

3.5⭐️ for me just as it got a little repetitive with the races but the ending was wild, had a feeling there was something to do with her brother but wasn’t expecting that!

I really enjoyed this book. A. T. Qureshi is a fantastic writer and this one book is no exception. Im so grateful I got to read it. Plus girl dragon racers? *chefs kiss*

I was so excited to get an E-ARC of this Book through NetGalley and Avon books. I have loved the baby dragon books by Aamna so really wanted to see what she could do with a book that had a bit more fantasy than cosy to it. She did not disappoint.
The book is set in the same universe as the baby dragon and we follow Guinevere plus see many of the old favourites. Guinevere (Ginny) wants to compete in the dragon races but her father believes her too fragile and so she goes behind his back leading her to be kicked out of the family home. From here we follow her as she competes in the races, learns how much it will take to actually win and navigate the complexities of love.
The book has some back flashes which help the reader to understand the characters and their behaviours. I loved the races too which combined the vibes of books like fourth wing and how to train your dragon. Aamna is great at building attachment to characters and romance, both of which she uses in this book. If you are a fan of romantasy and/or would like higher stakes, but loved the baby dragon then I highly recommend this book. Though be warned the cliff hanger at the end will have you screaming for more!

I didn’t think that I would be giving this book 4 stars. But it surprised me. In a very good way. The first half of the book is a lot of world building and explaining about the races. It was kinda hard to get through.

Ginny also has A LOT of growing up to do. Which could have been part of the issue. She’s a top tier family who hasn’t had a rough life. Treated like a princess. But of her own choosing she enters the race and begins to grow up and fight for herself which I loved.

Once the races start, this author does an AMAZING JOB of keeping you glued to the pages. The suspense during the races and tension between her Qais was done really really well.

I’ll definitely be reading book two!

I’m just going to start by saying this is exactly why I don’t like reading unfinished book series. I cannot believe I have to wait 1.5 years for the next book!

This book is about a woman who wants to participate in dragon racing, which is an almost exclusively male sport.

I absolutely loved Rider of Dragons. The world building was so subtle that I hardly noticed it was happening, which is a big plus as I sometimes find fantasy world building to be somewhat tedious. The characters were well written and I liked almost all of them. Qureshi does a very good job of giving the characters mystery - you don’t know everything about any of them and it really kept me engaged and invested in them and their development throughout the book.
My favorite thing about the books was how Qureshi wrote her dragons. I loved that they had characteristics of horses and dogs - she gave detailed animal husbandry (how they were cared for - grooming, stabling, etc…) and really emphasized the bonds between a dragon and its owner/rider. It definitely gave Hiccup and Toothless from How to Train Your Dragon vibes and I loved that.
This book was suspenseful, action packed, romantic, comical. I loved it and will definitely recommend it and look forward to the next book.

I received this book as an ARC via NetGalley.

DRAGON RACING???
yeah I was SOLD immediately.

This book is honestly just pure fun --> fast-paced, dramatic, and full of chaotic, high-stakes energy that had me flying through it.

The dragon racing concept is SO cool. It’s not just about speed, it’s sabotage, strategy, and straight-up violence being encouraged?? Every race felt intense and unpredictable, and I loved how brutal and competitive the world was. It really kept the stakes feeling high the whole time.

And the dragons!!!
Fang especially stole my heart 🥹 I’m always a sucker for dragon/rider bonds and this one was just so good. Watching that connection grow was easily one of my favourite parts of the book.

Now, Genevieve (Ginny).
I won’t lie, at the start she did feel a bit naive and frustrating at times, BUT her character development really came through as the story went on. Once she leaves home and starts actually stepping into her own, that’s when the book really clicked for me. I ended up rooting for her a lot more by the second half.

Qais though???

yeah I’m obsessed.

Morally grey, mysterious, possibly dangerous, and training her to be ruthless?? SAY LESS. Their dynamic had so much tension, and even though the romance is more slow-burn, you can definitely feel something building there. And that twist/betrayal?? I was NOT okay.

The pacing is a bit of a mix - slow start, then it really picks up. Some parts felt slightly rushed or a bit repetitive (especially around the races/training), and I did wish we got more depth from side characters and relationships. But honestly, once I was hooked, I was hooked.

BUT THAT ENDING??? actually rude. I need book two immediately. and I will 100% be continuing because I need answers.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars — chaotic dragon fun + emotional damage at the end)

At first I thought that Ginny was to dumb and naive, especially at the beginning. But her character really developed and Qureshi is really good at writing that. I am actually completely obsessed with Qais. He is actually so amazing which is why I guess the betrayal came as such a shock. Qureshi is also very good at using time skips effectively. It seemed as though they were always there for a reason and it didn’t feel weird when it skipped like two weeks.

But, some breaks did feel really unnatural. For example, when Qais is explaining to Ginny how the races works, and he just leaves for a few minutes to grab his armour. I don’t know but it just didn’t feel normal. Another bit was near the end of the book where there was also an unnatural break/time skip.

The beginning also felt really unnatural and not worthy of an introduction to the world of dragon racing. It took a while for me to get fully invested in the book. I think the moment it really clicked for me was when Ginny left home, but before then I didn’t really know what to think. The intro is quite slow imo but that could just be me. i do enjoy reading fantasy and I am very excited for the next book to come out.

A fast-paced fantasy with vivid world-building and exciting dragon lore. The characters are engaging and the story keeps you hooked, though a few moments feel slightly rushed. Overall, a very enjoyable read for dragon-fantasy fans. 🐉📚

Looking forward to seeing where it will go! And will give the next book a read!

It had my usual tropes that I do enjoy! So it was a good read and will recommend!

I loved this book!! It gave me everything I needed in a fantasy, and I cannot wait to read more books from this author!

I really enjoyed this! It was fast paced and we love some dragons!

Wish the characters were more developed and the plot was abit predictable

If you love dragons, training arcs and ‘the chosen one’ energy you will enjoy this book!

This is a fast paced fantasy with dragon bonds and high stake moments. I absolutely loved the connection between Jaevid and Gabrion!

I’m a big lover of dragon stories and I really enjoyed this one! The only thing that I would say that let it down was it was predictable at times and that it would have been great if the side characters had a bit more depth.

Other than this is was a great read! 🐉

Oh I loved this book so much, it was just what I needed and anything with dragons is always going to be a winner for me and this book delivered everything I love so much about fantasy.

A fantasy that blends together perfectly with political intrigue and dragon riding into something that feels very much like a classic story but also so fresh, engaging and fun. The world building is immersive and vivid and also vast but it is done in such an way that makes it easy to understand and your never left confused. The romance is more of sub plot but I loved it so so much and it never once took away from such an amazing plot.

The ending left me so devastated and I will now be patiently waiting for the next book! Highly recommend such a great read.

I would love to interview A.T. Qureshi on my podcast Raise Your Words. I have interviewed Ally Carter on Raise Your Words.

Rider of Dragons is a high-stakes romantasy that blends dragons, danger, and morally messy choices into an intense, fast-paced story. Set in a brutal world of dragon racing—where sabotage and violence are not only allowed but expected—the novel follows Genevieve, a determined young woman willing to risk everything to chase her dream of becoming a racer.

The novel also explores deeper themes like ambition, sacrifice, and identity. Genevieve is forced to confront how far she’s willing to go to win—and whether success is worth losing parts of herself along the way. This moral conflict gives the story more depth than a typical fantasy adventure.

Final Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐(5/5)

A thrilling and addictive romantasy with dangerous dragon races, intense chemistry, and high emotional stakes. Perfect for fans of fast-paced fantasy with romance—but be prepared for tension, tough choices, and a cliffhanger ending.

Well I'm not going to lie to you I am utterly emotionally wounded upon finishing this book! That ending has wrecked me! This is one of my favourites from this author though the ending has ruined my life, I was very emotionally invested in the charecters and definitely had the sense something bad was coming but my god I did not expect the pain. This is a lot less cozy than the Baby dragon books though it still has some cozy scenes, the romance and love triangle are good but maybe not the most polished. A good read and I need the sequel asap!

Rider of Dragons by A.T. Qureshi is a fast-paced, gripping fantasy that blends high-stakes competition with emotional depth. Genevieve is a determined and compelling protagonist, and her refusal to back down from the deadly dragon races makes her easy to root for. The dynamic between her and Qais adds tension and complexity, especially as trust and survival collide in a brutal, anything-goes racing world.

The story shines in its action scenes and the ruthless atmosphere of the races, where danger feels constant and real. While some plot points can feel familiar, the intensity and character-driven conflict keep it engaging throughout.

Overall, a thrilling read with strong characters and a fierce, rebellious heart—definitely worthy of a solid 4 stars.

3.5 ⭐️

After reading the Baby Dragon books by A. T. Qureshi, I went into Rider of Dragons with fairly low expectations but I was pleasantly surprised.

I experienced this as an audiobook, and the narrator did a fantastic job bringing the story to life. Compared to the earlier series, this book had much more depth, and I found the story both engaging and entertaining throughout.

That cliffhanger was a killer, and I’m already looking forward to the next instalment.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

I have a confession to make: I haven’t read The Baby Dragon Café, so I wasn’t sure what to expect when I picked up Rider Of Dragons, so I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this book.
If you’re the kind of reader who loves dragons, racing, and romance, then you definitely need to pick up a copy of Rider of Dragons by A. T. Qureshi. This book has a lot to offer: a stubborn heroine with something to prove, a morally questionable man who is, unfortunately, extremely attractive, and high-stakes, deadly dragon races, exactly what you want from this kind of story.
Genevieve is the kind of heroine who makes questionable choices for very understandable reasons. She’s determined to race dragons no matter what her family says, and that stubborn streak carries the whole book. You really feel how much this dream means to her, which makes every risky decision hit harder.

Then there’s Qais… and listen, I’m not saying he’s trustworthy. I am saying he’s exactly the kind of morally grey trainer you expect to cause problems. Their dynamic is full of tension and reluctant reliance, with just enough spark to keep you invested without rushing the romance.

The dragon racing itself is easily the highlight. It’s fast, brutal, and genuinely cutthroat, less “sport” and more “survive if you can”, which makes those scenes properly gripping.

Just be prepared: this book is very much setting up a series. Threads are left dangling, the stakes are still escalating, and by the end you’ll probably feel equal parts satisfied and mildly betrayed that you don’t have book two immediately in your hands.

It’s dramatic, addictive, and unapologetically fun. Come for the dragons, stay for the tension, and prepare to develop strong opinions about fictional racing strategies, and one suspiciously charming trainer.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely, especially if you like your fantasy a little dangerous and a emotionally messy.

Absolutely loved this book, i absolutely love anything with dragon, trials and riders and it was right up my alley, i absolutely cannot wait to get the physical copy of this book

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🐉 DRAGONS, RACING, AND A DASH OF ROMANCE 🐉

*Rider of Dragons* by A. T. Qureshi is an exciting and immersive fantasy that blends high-stakes dragon racing with a compelling character journey and a slow-burn romantic thread.

Genevieve is a determined and headstrong protagonist, and I found her persistence in pursuing the dangerous dragon races despite her family’s disapproval easy to admire. Her growth throughout the story felt natural, particularly as she’s forced to confront the harsher realities of the racing world and what it might cost her to win.

Qais, her reluctant trainer, adds an intriguing layer to the story. As a morally grey character with a questionable past, he brings both tension and depth to the narrative. The dynamic between him and Genevieve develops gradually, with a nice balance of conflict and chemistry that enhances the overall story without overpowering the central plot.

The dragon racing itself is a standout element. It’s not just about speed strategy, sabotage, and survival all play a part, and this creates a consistently tense and engaging atmosphere. The races feel vivid and dangerous, with real stakes that kept me invested throughout.

I also listened to the audiobook and thought Amelia March did a fantastic job with the narration. She captured the tone of the story well and brought energy and clarity to the characters, making the listening experience particularly enjoyable.

Thank you to HarperCollins UK Audio for the audio ARC and to Avon Books UK for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Overall, this is a strong and entertaining fantasy with engaging characters, an original competitive edge, and a compelling emotional core. I would recommend it to readers who enjoy character-driven fantasy with action and romance elements.

This was SO GOOD ugh!!! A fiery and intense read. Genevieve is a relentless and brave protagonist. She knows what she wants and ruffled those feathers (or rather scales) to get it. The ending was so unexpected and totally broke me 😭

Additional note: It was so lovely to read how the Sterling family members were doing after their stories from the Baby Dragon series and the author, A. T. Qureshi, integrates the previous characters so effortlessly.

Rider of Dragons is an easy 5⭐️—an exciting start to the Dragon Racing Duology. It quickly establishes the world, main themes, and stakes, pulling you in right from the beginning.

If you enjoy dragons, a touch of romance, and high-stakes racing, this is the perfect book for you.
Watching Ginny navigate the pressures of family, intense training, and everything that comes with competitive racing was especially engaging, and the romantic subplots added a lot of charm.
I also loved the subtle nods to characters from the Baby Dragon series—a cozy fantasy romance by the same author set in the same world (you don’t need to read beforehand). Each character shines in their own way, and I particularly appreciated how Danny remained a meaningful presence throughout the story.

The end had such a cliffhanger that I didnt see coming & I do not know how I will survive until the 2nd book is released!

Thank you so much A.T. Qureshi and Avon for the chance to ARC read this wonderful book!

I went into Rider of Dragons mainly for the dragons and I loved this in this book.

One of my favourite parts of the book was the bond between the riders and their dragons. The relationship between Ginny and Fang felt really genuine and emotional, and it made the racing scenes feel so much more intense because there was actually something at stake beyond just winning. I loved seeing that trust develop and how important that connection was throughout the story.

Qais was also such an interesting character. He’s very much the morally grey, mysterious trainer type and I was constantly unsure whether to trust him or not. I loved reading about him !!

The dragon racing itself was really fun to read about too. The stakes felt high and the world of competitive dragon racing was brutal in a way that kept the story engaging.

My main critique would probably be the pacing at the beginning. It took me a little while to fully get into the story and the world, and there were moments where I wanted things to move a bit faster. Once the races started picking up though, I found myself much more invested.

4.5 stars
Not having read any of the baby dragon books that happen in this universe it took me a second to get to grips with the characters but after a few chapters was fully caught up.
The beginning it quite long which means the 13 stages in the tournement go by in a blur making you think everything will be tied up in a nice neat bow. It was only 1 chapter from the ending that I got a huge shock questioning everything in the book.

Exciting fantasy book, with dragons, brutal competitions and Genevieve a women who wants to break free from her family’s expectations. If her brothers can, then she can too. The story starts gently and almost ‘frilly’, but soon becomes gritty. I suppose one star less for the speed of recovery from injuries that would leave people in a hospital bed for months, that get shrugged off in a week or two. However I’m looking forward to the second, concluding book, in this duology. Thank you to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

I really enjoyed this book. I wish I had read the baby dragon series as I didn’t realise they are kind of interlinked, but I don’t think it’s ruined anything by reading this one first.

Ginny is a great FMC, she’s from a very privileged family, but she has determination and grit, and really wants to prove that she isn’t just the type to sit back and be handed everything. The other characters we meet along the way (Xavier, and Qais in particular) all seem to have a lot more about them than what we have seen so far, so I’m looking forward to book 2.

That cliffhanger 😱😱 I was so shocked. I guessed something would happen, but not that!!

Overall a fun, easy, interesting read

Ahhh I could not.put this one down! Absolutely 5*. I devoured this book today! I am so looking forward to seeing what is next in this series. If you are looking for a slow burn romantasy featuring dragons then this is the book for you!

This was great, I can’t wait to read more by this author! The writing style was incredible and I truly felt immersed in the story

4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars!

As a fan of the Baby Dragon series, I was so excited when Rider of Dragons was announced and couldn’t wait to get my hands on it! Whilst Rider of Dragons is set in the same world, you absolutely do not need to have read the Baby Dragon books before stepping into this world, but if you do will spot some familiar faces.

We follow Genevieve (Ginny) Sterling as she enters the world of illegal dragon racing against her family’s wishes. Needing a dragon trainer, Ginny ends up paired with the brother of a notorious gang member who helps her and her dragon Fang prepare for the races… but at what cost?

Ginny is determined to prove herself in the races and become the first female winner in the history of the races. Her family who supported her brother racing won’t accept her decision to race due to the dangers it poses, and Ginny calls out them out on their hypocrisy and becomes even more determined to win and prove what women are just as capable as men.

Ginny and her dragon Fang face challenges in the trials as they work to strengthen their bond whilst faced with angry dragons and their riders, knives and the very real threat of injury, mutilation and death.

Alongside the dragon races, we have two potential love interests; Zavi, whose family are frenemies of the Sterlings, and Qais, her trainer who is linked to the gang known for dragon poaching. I was torn throughout on who Ginny’s actual love interest is between Zavi and Qasi and let me tell you… I still haven’t figured it out!

I am absolutely SCREAMING at that ending! I LOVE a cliffhanger in a fantasy series, and this did not disappoint. If you love a betrayal in a fantasy, you’ll love Rider of Dragons! It is definitely setting up for even higher stakes in the second part of the duology and I cannot wait to see where A. T. Qureshi takes us next!

Thank you to Avon, Netgalley and A. T. Qureshi for the ARC, all opinions are my own.

I really liked the racing element instead of the normal dragon wars. They started in with a heavy loss in the begining where it drove the MFM to train, and go against her parents wishes to race. The races are very dangerous but this was part of their families legacy and just because she is a girl didn't mean she would not compete. Finding the perfect trainer when her dad had so much power within the races made it impossible. She finally found one and she sqeeked in on the entrance race. I found the races to be kind of boring which was supposed to be the more action packed parts. Overall it was a decent read.

Thank you so much for letting me read and review this book
As soon as I read the blurb I knew I had to read this love all her books and this one was different to her other books This story of illegal dragon racing raises the stakes from the traditional cozy feel of the Baby Dragon books but I really enjoyed it slow burn

Genevieve the fmc was full of passion and determination

The story really pulled me with the writing and Qais, the mmc his back story and together there slow burn chemistry

4.3/5 stars from me for this one.
I really enjoyed the cosy vibes mixed with the brutal side of the racing. That ending as well😤🤯
I haven’t read any other books by Aamna but I believe this is set in the same world as her baby dragon books, and I’m glad it was still easy to follow the world building without reading them.
This is perfect for lovers of dragons, illegal racing and a couple of hot men as well! Genevieve was such a perfect main female character, I loved the strong feminist vibe she gave through out the book and her unapologetic nature as well which was refreshing to read!
Cannot wait for the next one to come out and excited to see what ginny and fang are up to next

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

This was such a fun and fast paced book. It really hooks you so quickly and keeps things interesting throughout. I loved how action packed the races were and found myself holding my breath through these scenes until I knew what happened!
The end plot twist and cliffhanger has me really intrigued for the next book as I hadn't realised it wasn't a standalone, so this really surprised me!
Overall found this an absolutely great read and so excited for the next book!

This was such a good book! It was a fantastic slow burn with twists and turns that kept the pace quick and engaging.

The cliff hanger is clenching and I cannot wait to read book 2.

I love the addition of the book to the world of the baby dragon cafe and the fact that it’s a bit spicier is particularly enjoyable

✨5 Star Read✨
📚Publication Date: 27th August 2026
📖Author: Aamna Qureshi | Series: Dragon Racer

Rider of Dragons delivers:
🐉Slow Burn Romance
🐉Enemies to Lovers
🐉Forced Proximity
🐉Dragon Racing
🐉High stakes
🐉 Epic Cliffhanger

I was completely absorbed in this book and I couldn't put it down! I’m new to the romantasy genre but I have officially found a new favourite romantasy series with amazing characters to obsess over!
This book does take place in the same universe as the Baby Dragon Cafe series but it also works nicely as a standalone duology. This is the first book of Aamna’s that I’ve read and I was able to follow along perfectly without reading the Baby Dragon series.

The Characters:
❤️‍🔥Ginny - I particularly enjoyed Ginny's growth throughout this book! I admired her drive and determination whilst training and taking part throughout the different stages of the competition. I was impressed by her strength and her mindset within the story, especially when she was dealing with everyone else doubting her ability to take part and win the Dragon Riders’ Championship. Her courage truly stands out within the story and I found her to be a very inspiring FMC
❤️‍🔥Fang - I loved him!!! Fang was just so sweet and the most adorable dragon🩷 One of my favourite parts of the story was the strong bond between Fang and Ginny and I loved how deeply they loved one another. I officially have a new favourite dragon to love🥰
❤️‍🔥Qais - The mysterious Qais had my attention as soon as he made an appearance in the book. There's so many rumours that surround Qais but his appeal on the page definitely pulled me in and I needed to know more. He's such an intriguing character and I’m looking forward to learning more about Qais in book two!

My overall thoughts:
The story’s pacing and structure were very well done. I thought both the training and Dragon races were exciting to read about and I really enjoyed reading about this world.
The ending…. I was completely shocked and did not see that coming! 😱Aamna's writing was just incredible and this has to be one of the best and most shocking cliffhangers I have ever read! It was truly amazing even though it hurt!!👏👏
I’d also like to note that I’m very curious about the secondary characters such as Zaviyar. I loved his backstory with Ginny and I feel like I know where this might be going and I'm so excited!!
Overall, this was a fantastic read with a page-turning storyline with compelling characters, driven by a powerful emotional core that leaves you wanting to know more! I don't know how I'm going to wait until 2027 for the next book but in the meantime I will definitely be catching up with Aamna's other releases.
If you're a fan of romantasy and love a little bit of danger and dragons with an emotional gripping storyline then this is the book for you!
Thank you to Avon Books UK, Netgalley and author Aamna Qureshi for sending me an eARC of Rider of Dragons in exchange for an honest review. I’m so honoured to have been chosen as an ARC reader for Aamna’s new release🫶

This was an easy story to settle into. It follows Ginny and her entry into dragon racing. It was a fun premise and my first book by this author.

A slower-burn dragon fantasy that lead with emotionality rather than up front and center action. The rider/dragon bond has real depth (not just vibes), and the story stays grounded within the conflicts the main character faces. Slower burns are harder for me personally, but overall the writing and the characters kept me reading!

I'm a huge romantasy fan especially if it involves dragons so I was very excited to get to read this. I would describe this as more of a cosy read than a dark fantasy as it's described but I enjoyed this story overall. I liked the race elements to it and the romance. The cliffhanger has definitely made me want to read the next book

I didn't know this was a spin-off to the Baby Dragon Cafe series which I haven't read so I feel like I was missing a lot of world-building and backstory especially to the side characters. I would definitely say to read that series first

Huge thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC

Rider of Dragons is a “How to Train Your Dragon” romantasy mashup, and I personally loved it. This book is perfect for readers who are looking for a low stakes fantasy romance. I would definitely give this book 4 stars.

The book follows Genevieve, a girl from a prominent dragon riding family, as she embarks on her journey to be the first woman to ever win the Dragon Riders Championship. Her biggest competition is the boy she’s had an undeniable connection to most of her life and her trainer is the brother of a notorious gang leader who runs the races. And it’s clear she has feelings for both.

I usually struggle with love triangles, but this one kept pulling me in further and further! I was hooked. I couldn’t put the book down because I desperately needed to know which one she picks (Team Zavi!). It does start off slow, but you have to keep going. And the ending is absolutely gut wrenching! I don’t know how I’m going to wait 1 year and 4 months for the second one to come out (hopefully I get an arc of book 2!).

Although I really enjoyed the book, there were a couple of things I struggled with, such as the number of races in the story (13 Grand Stake Duos) and how they were initially explained. You don’t find out much about the races until about halfway in. Then it feels like all the information was just dumped. After a couple of races it made more sense to me but was very confusing at first. However, the idea for the ring races was actually very good and made for a far more entertaining story. The races are deadly and vicious, and what happens in the air stays in the air!

This was a good a cozy fantasy read.
Thanks NetGalley
l'd love to connect to the characters more with more depth and background/history. The FMC, Genevieve, read more as very young and sometimes she just annoyed me.
Although the Grand Stake Duos felt like it dragged on at times, it gave us more insight.
I predicted the ending [Sorry Qais, I just knew you were up to no good, you told her], which is fine (& l honestly thought her dad was involved in some way but I guess not (maybe))!
I still want to read the second book just to see what happens. I hope we get more character depth and more to the story. I also want to see what happens with the FMC and her dad's relationship.
This is a book that you can read to just enjoy without having to over think. I call it a relaxing book!
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This is a slow-burn, cosy romantasy with a grumpy x sunshine dynamic—perfect for dragon lovers!

It’s a lovely continuation of the baby dragon series, with likeable characters and a few unexpected twists. The ending, in particular, was a real shock and definitely leaves you wanting to dive straight into the next instalment.

Overall, the pacing is a little slower than you might expect, but it’s still well worth the read.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the ARC.

Thank you for the ARC! It was a wonderful read! I loved the main characters but I especially LOVED Fang! An easy read that kept you going!

Thanks NetGalley and Avon Books for this ARC.

I enjoyed the way this book expanded the Baby Dragon Café series into a slightly grittier world. As always, the dragons were the best part and getting to see the dragon racing was really fun (particularly as it gets references in the other series).

I liked Genevieve as the FMC, she was strong and eager to challenge things around her. While Qais was intriguing as an MMC and his backstory was really interesting.

I think this series is possibly what I wanted out of the baby dragon series - which is confusing because I enjoyed it a lot more. But I would call this cosy romantasy, definitely not the dark romantasy it is labelled as. I wish the story had been woven a little more into the previous books, as we had a lot of aggressive warnings that dragon racing was terrible, but very little depth or context to make this book feel as exciting as it could have.

I went in expecting to enjoy rider of dragons (I previously thought the baby dragon cafe was so stinking cute) but I wasn’t prepared for just how much of a step up this would be! It's less cosy and definitely leans more into full fantasy, with dragons, destiny, and danger, but what more could I want??

we follow ginny’s dream of racing her dragon, fang, and the book has some of my favourite tropes: races/trials, magic, a slow-burning romance as well as plenty of twists and turns. I loved the dragon races themselves and the scheming behind the scenes, and the baby dragon cafe easter eggs brought a smile to my face!! this was also a lot spicier than I initally first thought which was a welcome surprise as I found ginny and qais' relationship really fun, as well as adoring how he softend for her beneath his borderline sassy exterior, I can't wait to carry on in the universe when book 2 comes out.

thank you for the ARC <3

Thank you to Avon Books and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Rider of Dragons follows titular rider FMC, Genevieve, and her pursuit to compete in and win the Dragon Riders’ Championship against her family’s wishes.

Perfect for any Romantasy fan who has a penchant for dragons, Qureshi offers an easy-to-read Romantasy without the intense world-building - the qualifying races also offer a cheeky nod to real-world Formula one setups for any racing fans!

In moments the races do feel repetitive, but Qureshi does well in places to summarise where necessary, and differentiate and drive the plot forward in others. Often there are moments referred to retrospectively that have happened off the page, that may have added extra depth to the story if explored on the page.

Readers can look forward to favourite tropes including grumpy x sunshine, mentor-mentee and forced proximity.

The conclusion produces the main plot twist in Rider of Dragons, teeing up the forthcoming sequel in this duology. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

A.T.Qureshi has done it again. Rider of Dragons is a fast paced, action filled, unputdownable romantasy. I read this in a day and I loved every page.

It's no secret that I love The Baby Dragon series, but I have been dying to have Genevieve's story and this really did not disappoint. I was curious as to what Qureshi's writing would be like away from a cosy series, and I might be biased due to my love for Genevieve but Rider of Dragons is without a doubt my favourite. This book was so exciting and had me on the edge of my seat multiple times, but it still had some elements of cosy fantasy to it which I adored.

While it's not completely necessary to read The Baby Dragons before reading Rider of Dragons I do recommend it. Partly due to the appearance of the other characters (their stories are amazing and Rider of Dragons will make readers want to pick the books up), but also because I think Rider of Dragons slightly relies on the world building in the other books. I liked the world building in Rider of Dragons, but I think things just make more sense if The Baby Dragon series has been read first.

As for that ending, excuse me while I sob for the next week! I will be counting down the days to the sequel (and will maybe give this a reread).

So good it put me into a slump for a few weeks to be completely honest!

Genevieve, our FMC is one strong woman, which I am a complete sucker for.

The story itself was a perfect blend of high stakes while also feeling fun and easy to read. I loved the Baby Dragon books too, but this was something else! It definitely highlighted the struggles that we go through as women in a world ruled by men, in my opinion!

Don’t know how I’m going to wait for book 2 to be honest! Excellent and loved it thoroughly.

🐉rider of dragons proof💌
SOO GOOD!! I had no idea that it would link to the baby dragon series & I loved Genevieve ANYWAY!!
also I know a lot of people weren’t too keen on the baby dragon series for it being quite simple but I think this is will be enjoyed by more fantasy readers so please give it a go🤞💓 it’s higher stakes & feels much more fantasy with so much world building!
the return of fang & sparky I just squealed🐉🥹 (spoiler🚨‼️ THE ENDING WITH FANG AAHHHHHH I was almost in tears)
I will admit that it got a little repetitive during the qualifying rounds though, apart from that I enjoyed the rest of the plot!!
BUTTT the plot twists?! AND the last chapter had me reeling I don’t think I can wait over a year for the ending of this duology🥹
also if I could do a “taste the book” experience I think this would win?!😍😋🤤

This was such an enjoyable Romantasy read! Admittedly, I haven’t read The Baby Dragon Cafe but I don’t think that changed the reading experience for me - I still felt immersed and I didn’t come away feeling confused by anything, yay!

I loved Ginny and Qais’ banter and I was a big fan of the grumpy x sunshine dynamic - who doesn’t live a mysterious MMC?! I would have loved to have had a Qais pov thrown in, but I think that’s personal preference and my own nosiness coming through. I’m genuinely looking forward to seeing how his arc develops in the next book.

Fang was my favourite 🥰 I can’t wait to see character art. Enjoyed the dynamic Ginny and him had 💕

The end of the book had me gasping and I’m no desperate for book 2!

Overall, a great read full of emotion and passion. It was a story that sucked you in from the start, and while some parts were a little repeatable the story had depth and perfectly tees you up for an exciting book two.

Gorgeous!! A beautiful cozy read, I devoured this book! If you are a fan of dragons, a cozy setting and lovable characters this one is for you!

“She forgot about everything except for her and her dragon, masterfully defying death. She had never felt more alive, and she knew Fang felt it, too.”

This is set in the same world of The Baby Dragon Cafe series & comes after the 3 books. While you don’t have to read them to read this, I do recommend it to have a deeper understanding of the world & characters.

This is a romantasy with a deadly competition, a slow burn romance & a morally grey love interest.

I really enjoyed being back in this world & seeing how the characters I loved from the previous books were doing and seeing an older Ginny.
The story was interesting & fast paced as we see Ginny train for & race in the dragon racing competition. And I loved her banter & chemistry with Qais, who is her dragon race trainer.

Ginny is trying to prove she is capable and can do something great by competing and follow in her brother’s footsteps but her family are against it & so we see her strike out on her own against her families wishes.
Ginny is the youngest sibling & truly gives off youngest sibling vibes, not understanding why her older brother or parents would discourage her from competing in a deadly race & risking both her life & her dragons.

I do wish there was a little more nuance to this conversation of how parents may not support your dreams in life in what you want to achieve while also Ginny seeing that they just don’t want her to die, especially her brother Aidan who has lost his brother already & Saphira who’s mother also died due to the races. Hopefully we will see more of this in the next book.

The book overall was enjoyable even though Ginny annoyed me at times. I did really like Qais & I hope we get to see more of him & his motivations in the sequel. I would love to see his PoV!
I also really liked the side characters introduced in this book & the female friendships & how they supported each other despite being rivals in the race.
And of course, I love the dragons!

The ending was left on a cliffhanger which left me reeling and now I definitely need the sequel asap to know what will happen next!

This book is going to be the next Fourth wing. I could not put it down and was on the edge of my seat the entire time.

Anyone know where I can get a dragon?

This was so much fun, I haven't had the pleasure of reading Qureshi's previous work but found this to be fast paced, fun and filled with action and adventure. There were plenty of cameos from the 'Baby Dragon' series but these were introduced in a way that didn't make you feel you were missing something if you haven't read those yet (like me).

Fang (Ginny's Dragon) was the highlight of the story for me, and watching him bond and grow alongside Ginny was a great adventure. There's enough dragon riding to do the title justice, and it's convinced me to pick up the baby dragon series!

One part I did struggle with was the love interest and think this one will definitely fall into the rapidly rising tamlin effect (first love interest is not endgame). However, I could be wrong? (I'm probably not) It's also definitely not a dark romantasy but an enjoyable mostly action-based cozy fantasy with a love interest and plenty of adventure.

This book had aspects that I enjoy in fantasy books such as the trainer and trainee relationship. I haven't read any of this author's other books which I understand are set in the same world so I went in fresh and I found it to be an enjoyable first book in a duology and I can tell there are more secrets to be learned in the next one. The dragons were written really well and the sub characters all had so much personality. The romance is a slowburn which I also enjoyed. I would recommend this book to new fantasy readers especially.

Firstly, please be aware that Rider of Dragona is the first book in a duology, set in the same world as the absolutely cosy - The Baby Dragon Cafe series, for which A. T. Qureshi has already published 3 books. Now, you don’t have to have read any of them but, if you have you’ll already have an awareness and deeper understanding of the world building and will also have met the protagonist Ginny when she was younger.

Yes, this is a romantasy and there is an element of spice, no question but, I wouldn’t call it super dark, more shades of morally grey, with a definite slow burn love interest with core focus on Ginny’s journey to prove her family wrong after the death of her brother, and become a dragon rider in the not so legal Dragon Races.

As the youngest daughter in the family, Ginny has been very much limited to the confines of what her father deems appropriate and feminine, which Dragon Racing most definitely does NOT fall under. Ginny wants more from life than shopping and her library job. She has the most wonderful dragon Fang and she wants to compete in the deadly Dragon Races that her late brother previously won. She wants to prove that she can do something great but, her father explicitly forbids her from doing so, telling her that if she does enter the Dragon Races he will throw her out and exclude her from the family.

Of course there wouldn’t be a book if Ginny didn’t go against her father anyway and this is the story of how Ginny hooks up with Qais, a most definitely character of dubious morals and background, who becomes her coach throughout the races. Now, if you love dragons, which I most definitely do, you’ll really enjoy the training and racing elements of the book, Qureshi does a great job of narrating the races themselves, ensuring that they remain interesting and engaging with just enough risk/reward balance to attract anyone with an urge for excitement.

The relationship between Qais and Ginny is most definitely slow burn, grumpy / sunshine but, what makes this book more interesting are the other supporting characters and friends/acquaintances along the way, and I really enjoyed the female friendship that Ginny cultivated during the races, which provided a healthy balance to the whole story.

Ultimately Rider of Dragons will leave you with a huge cliffhanger headache that won’t be resolved until next year with the release of the sequel, The Dragon Thief but, if you’re looking for a dragon focused story that has the right balance of fantasy, adventure, risk and emotion that won’t drag you down into the depths and convolutions of epic or high fantasy, then Rider of Dragons is the perfect read.

Thank you so much Avon Books UK and NetGalley for sharing this arc with me in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

I just finished Rider of Dragons by A. T. Qureshi and honestly, I got way more attached to the story than I expected. It has that perfect mix of fantasy, adventure, and emotional moments that makes you want to keep reading “just one more chapter” until suddenly it’s 2am.

The world-building was really cool without being overly complicated, and the dragons were obviously one of the best parts. They didn’t just feel thrown in for the sake of fantasy either, they actually felt important to the story and the characters. I also liked how the main character felt real and relatable instead of being unrealistically perfect all the time.

What I enjoyed most was probably the atmosphere of the book. It had this exciting, magical feeling the whole way through, but there were still some darker and emotional moments that made the characters feel believable. Some scenes genuinely had me stressed in the best way possible.

The writing was easy to get into, which made the story flow really well, and even when things slowed down a little, I still wanted to know what would happen next. If you like fantasy books with dragons, action, friendship, and a bit of tension, I’d definitely recommend it. It honestly felt like the kind of story that would make an amazing movie or series someday.

Set in the charming world of the “Baby Dragon Cafe” series, this story offers a familiar backdrop with a refreshing twist. Ginny’s journey is thrilling as she defies expectations and breaks the rules by becoming a Dragon Rider, something she’s not allowed to do. The romance simmers from start to finish, heating up at the end and leaving you eager and impatient for book two.

Throw cozy to the wind because this is a fast-paced, high-stakes story full of grit, determination, and heart. Geniveve is such a feisty and determined character, and I loved following her journey as she fights to chase her dreams despite everyone standing in her way.
The racing scenes were thrilling, the dragons were incredible, and the pacing kept me completely hooked from start to finish. I absolutely flew through this one and the ending left me desperate for book two immediately.

Rider of Dragons - 4🌟

Thank you to Avon Books for sending this ARC!

Rider of Dragons follows Genevieve as she fights to prove herself in the Dragon Riders’ Championship despite her family’s objections. The book blends competitiveness and romance with my favourite mythical character - dragons!

The world building is easy to follow and isn’t overwhelming which is what I love about A.T Qureshi’s work. It allows readers to easily follow the story while not feeling daunted by lots of information.

The pace of the book flowed well with the engaging characters keeping the story alive. The dragon races were fun and gave a hint of formula one action which, as a formula one fan, I really enjoyed!

Overall, this was a fun and easy-to-read romantasy, and I’m excited to see where the story goes next.

I was so excited to get a copy of Rider of Dragons and I must say it did not disappoint. I was so invested in it from start to finish especially since I adored the baby dragon series and this is set in the same world so I loved the little snippets of the characters from the baby dragon series. Where the baby dragon series is cosy, This is cosy but with a lot more stakes and excitement. it was everything I could have wanted to read.

All I'll say is that ending has left me dazed! How on earth can I wait for the conclusion?!

I really enjoyed this book overall. It started as quite a slow burn, but once Qais was introduced, the story really picked up and became difficult to put down.

The family dynamics were written incredibly well. As the youngest sister with two older brothers myself, I found the sibling relationships especially relatable and authentic.

One of my favourite aspects was the female empowerment throughout the story. Seeing Ginny succeed was so satisfying, and I absolutely loved her relationship with Vaneeza — she was such a standout character for me. I also loved seeing Ginny’s mum finally stand up to her dad at the end.

The pacing during all of the races was brilliant. None of them felt repetitive or boring; it genuinely felt like watching your favourite athletes compete in real time.

The twist at the end was great too. I was slightly worried the ending was going to feel a little too perfect or predictable, so I appreciated the direction it took instead.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book and I’m really looking forward to completing the trilogy. I’ll definitely be reading more from this author.

In "Rider of Dragons" by A.T. Qureshi, set in the world of the Baby Dragon series, Genevieve Sterling, now 24, is determined to compete in the illegal Dragon Riders Championship—a yearly event that offers both a cash prize and a prestigious trophy. After the loss of her brother, Danny, who once won, and with her other brother, Aiden, who always opposed the event, Genevieve defies her father’s warnings and follows in Danny's footsteps. As she pursues her dream, she forms unexpected bonds with fellow riders and is guided by an unlikely trainer. Together, they challenge what Genevieve thought she knew about racing, family, and forging her own path—while uncovering other hidden expectations she never realized. There is so much more that can be added to this series and I can't wait to see what is to come in the Dragons thief. I loved the opportunity to be able to read this ARC to better understand this world. This is a book you are able to read without reading the baby dragon series because you get some background information throughout the book, but it's nice to know something going into this portion of the series. I love the deep dive into the Dragon Riders Competition it's not really talked about in the other series and it left many questions as well as how Danny dies. Waiting till August of 2027 seems like such a long time for the second book and I can not wait to get my hands on it.

There were a couple of moments where it felt really rushed or not fully completed, the connection between Genevieve and her family even after kicking her out for breaking the wish her father demanded of her seemed to contradict what they were wishing for. Genevieve wanting to race and her father wanting to protect her where as by kicking her out they were causing many moments for her to be hurt not through the races.

From the very first page, this book completely pulled me into its world. The writing felt immersive and easy to get lost in, and I found myself becoming more invested with every chapter. The balance of action, emotion, and world-building worked so well, making it incredibly difficult to put down once I started reading.

One of my favourite parts was how vivid and atmospheric everything felt throughout the story. The characters were engaging, the stakes felt real, and there was a strong sense of adventure that kept me wanting to know what would happen next. It had the kind of pacing that made me constantly say “just one more chapter.”

Overall, this was such an enjoyable read and one I would happily recommend to fantasy readers looking for an exciting and immersive story. I already can’t wait to read more from this author in the future.