House Of Dragons By Jessica Cluess
Jessica Cluess is a Young Adult Fantasy writer. She's best known for her trilogy, A Shadow Bright and Burning. She currently works and lives in Los Angles and is a Northwestern University graduate.
Young Adult doesn't just have to be for people after a certain age; it's for everyone that wants a good story. Fantasy and fiction are two genres that are highly liked by many. These two genres give readers a chance to step out of the world of reality into exciting, high-stakes adventures filled with adventures, magic, and creatures that we wouldn't see on Earth.
Jessica Cluess does exactly that in her latest book series, House of Dragons.
House of Dragon follows five children from five of the royal families as they experience the ‘Call.’ The Emperor has died, and now the challenge comes to where a new Emperor or Empress. Normally the ‘Call’ comes to the eldest child of the royal families, so what happens when the youngest child is called? The ‘Call’ has come to five young people, who are far from wanting the dragon throne, but their dragons are ready to answer the call.
Jessica gives us a look into the five people who have been chosen by the ‘Call’ of the Great Dragon. We follow their struggles as they battle the different tests that persists have set up by the Great Dragon.
We follow Emilia from House Aurun, who must hide her Chaos Magic to fear being killed for her dangerous power. There’s Lucian from House Sabel, who, after seen the horrors of war, has sworn never to pick up a sword again. Lucian wishes to be in the Brotherhood, leaving out his days in peace until he’s called. Vespir, the greatest dragon trainer and servant to House Pentri, should’ve never been called.
She wasn’t royalty; she was nothing who just wanted to live out her life with her dragon and the love of her life, Antonia, the daughter of House Pentri. Ajax, who’s an illegitimate son to the nobleman of House Tiber. He’s another face that is often forgotten and look down upon because he is not truly of royal blood. But Ajax has learned how to survive his world, and he can become one of the best thieves in the entire kingdom.
Ajax knows he has to play smart to stay alive, possibly. Finally, Hyperia of House Volscia is the eldest of her family; she has trained her entire life for this test and was ready to take the throne at all cost. But when her younger sister, Julia, who is the only thing Hyperia loves, is called, what is she to do?
Each of these characters now must fit to win or risk the ever daunting Cut. The real question now is, who will win and who will never fly the skies again?
Jessica takes us on a wild adventure as we follow these five amazing characters. Each character has a powerful story and an even more powerful development. You will find yourself rooting and cheering for each character but have a love-hate relationship as well. Jessica does not hold back as she invites you into the world of Etrusia, as you never know what’s going to happen next.
She writes a beautiful story that gives each character their own distinct voice. You can feel each character's emotions, and she also writes the love relationship of Vespir and Antonia beautifully.
This high stakes book is similar to Game of Thrones as we see each character trying to survive the grueling challenges of each test. We see those who are willing to sacrifice it all in the game of politics, who’s willing to kill for the sake of their lives, and who wished they were never called in the first place. But the real question while reading House of Dragons is who you can trust? Can you really trust anyone when your life is at stake?
This is a book that you won’t be able to put down once you start as you race to find the answers to these questions and see who will win the Dragon Throne and suffer the cut.
And don’t forget to check out more Jessica Cluess’ books! You can pick up House of Dragons at any local bookselling store, online store, and it will soon be coming as an audiobook. And be on the look at for War of Dragons coming out May 11, 2021!
Opinions and Perspectives
Already pre-ordered War of Dragons. Can't wait to see what happens next!
I'm invested in every character's story, which is rare in a book with multiple POVs.
The descriptions of dragon riding feel so realistic despite being fantasy.
Fascinating how each character's past influences their approach to the competition.
The ending left me speechless but also made perfect sense for the story.
Reading about Emilia's struggle with Chaos Magic was absolutely riveting.
The world feels lived in, with history and consequences that matter to the story.
Never thought I'd sympathize with characters who initially seemed antagonistic.
The way family expectations shape each character's choices is really compelling.
The competition aspects remind me of Hunger Games but with much more political depth.
The scenes where characters bond with their dragons are some of my favorites.
Anyone else catch the subtle hints about Vespir's backstory early on? Brilliant foreshadowing.
The magic system feels fresh and well thought out, especially the limitations and consequences.
Really impressed by how each character's voice is so distinct in their chapters.
The concept of the Cut is terrifying and adds so much tension to every challenge.
I appreciate that the romance doesn't overshadow the main plot but adds to character development.
The way Cluess handles trauma and healing through Lucian's character is really well done.
Can we talk about how intense the final test is? My heart was racing the entire time.
The friendship that develops between some of the competitors is unexpected but wonderfully written.
Love how the dragons have such distinct personalities that match their riders.
The political maneuvering between houses keeps you guessing until the very end.
I'm fascinated by how each house has its own distinct culture and traditions.
The diverse cast of characters feels natural and adds so much depth to the story.
Ajax's survival skills and street smarts make him such a refreshing character in a royal competition.
The worldbuilding reminds me of other fantasy series but Cluess adds her own unique spin to everything.
I wish we got more scenes with Antonia. Her relationship with Vespir needed more development.
Anyone else think the tests set by the Great Dragon are metaphors for different aspects of leadership?
The way family loyalty is tested throughout the story is really powerful. Especially with Hyperia and Julia.
I think people are overlooking how funny this book can be. The banter between characters is fantastic.
Lucian's struggle with his pacifist beliefs versus the violent competition is such an interesting conflict.
The descriptions of dragon flight are absolutely breathtaking. I felt like I was soaring through the clouds myself.
While I loved the book, I think having five POV characters was a bit ambitious. Some perspectives felt shortchanged.
The stakes feel so real in this book. The threat of the Cut adds such intense pressure to every scene.
I appreciate how each character's motivation for wanting or not wanting the throne feels genuine and complex.
The way Cluess writes dragon personalities is amazing. They feel like real characters rather than just magical pets.
Actually found the Game of Thrones comparisons a bit misleading. This stands on its own as a unique story.
We need to talk about that plot twist with Vespir's true identity. I did not see that coming at all!
The magic system is really unique. The way Chaos Magic is feared adds such an interesting layer to Emilia's storyline.
I found myself constantly switching allegiances between characters. That's good writing when you can't pick just one to root for.
The tension between tradition and change throughout the story is brilliant. Really makes you think about power structures.
Reading this made me realize how tired I am of chosen one narratives but this book completely subverts that trope.
The worldbuilding of Etrusia is fantastic but I wish we got more background on how the Call actually works.
Lucian's character arc from warrior to pacifist really resonated with me. It's not often we see male characters choosing peace.
Anyone else get major Game of Thrones vibes but in a good way? It has similar political intrigue but feels fresh and unique.
The dragon training scenes are incredible. You can tell Cluess really thought through how these creatures would interact with their riders.
I actually think Hyperia's struggle with her sister Julia being chosen is the most heartbreaking part of the story.
The relationship between Vespir and Antonia is so beautifully written. It's refreshing to see LGBTQ+ representation done well in fantasy.
Strongly disagree about the pacing. Those political scenes were crucial for building the world of Etrusia.
Honestly, I found the pacing a bit slow in the middle. The political intrigue is good but sometimes overshadows the dragon aspects.
Am I the only one who thinks Ajax is the most compelling character? His background as a thief and illegitimate son gives him such depth.
The chaos magic element with Emilia's character adds such a unique twist. I was on the edge of my seat wondering if she'd be discovered.
I love how this isn't your typical chosen one story. The fact that the Call went to unexpected candidates makes it so much more interesting.
Just finished House of Dragons and I'm absolutely blown away by how Cluess handles the complex dynamics between the five main characters!