Jubrozan Dragon Riders
EARNED A ACCI FICTION-LITERARY AWARD AND A BOOKY AWARD FOR MOST HONEST GRIEF
★★★★★ 5-Star Editorial Review from Reader Views
A veteran reborn. A dragon queen waiting. A world that needs riders again.
She never expected to become a Dragon Rider. But in Jubrozan, leadership isn’t given – it’s survived. When ancient forces rise, she must choose between tradition, truth, and survival.
Kristy London dies in a hospital bed on Earth and wakes in Jubrozan with a new body, a new name, and her loyal dog Kula still beside her.
Now called Rani, she learns from Sephira, Queen Mother of the Dragons, that the gods of this world brought her here for a reason. The dragon riders of Jubrozan were wiped out by plague generations ago, leaving keeps empty, eggs silent, and one ancient dragon to guard what remained.
But the Proving Sands are stirring.
New dragons are ready to hatch, and new riders must be trained before the corruption that once destroyed the old bonds rises again. Rani has spent a lifetime surviving war, grief, and responsibility. Now she must use all of it to rebuild what Jubrozan lost.
Jubrozan Dragon Riders is a sweeping fantasy adventure filled with dragons, second chances, chosen family, and the courage to answer a mission you never expected.
One of the biggest highlights has been Jubrozan Dragon Riders. This exciting book recently received recognition through over 400 AP News outlets and has now earned a Booky and ACCI Award. With judges praising its emotional depth, second-chance journey, and unforgettable bond between Rani and her loyal companion, Kula. It has been exciting to see this story finding new readers and receiving such strong support.
Perfect for fans of Anne McCaffrey’s Dragonriders of Pern and Christopher Paolini’s Eragon, with courageous riders, powerful dragons, and a young woman searching for where she belongs.
Jubrozan Dragon Riders Earns a Booky and ACCI Awards!
Reviews:
Dan: Jubrozan Dragon Riders by Karen L. West is a compelling blend of epic fantasy and emotional character-driven storytelling. The novel follows Kristy London, a seventy-five-year-old veteran reborn as Rani in a world of dragons. She must rebuild a lost order of riders and confront an ancient evil tied to the very heart of the planet.
What sets this story apart is its unique protagonist. Rani’s lived experience, resilience, and grief give the narrative a grounded emotional depth rarely seen in traditional dragon-rider tales. Her bond with both her dragon, Abellona, and her loyal K 9 companion Kula adds warmth and authenticity, anchoring the high-stakes fantasy in real human connection.
The world-building is vivid and immersive, with striking imagery—from glowing dragon eggs and ancient keeps to corrupted creatures shaped by the shadow blight. The central conflict evolves from mystery into a larger existential threat, revealing that the “plague” is only a symptom of something far more dangerous beneath the Heart of Jubrozan.
Overall, Jubrozan Dragon Riders is an engaging and imaginative journey that will appeal to readers who enjoy dragon-centered fantasy with strong emotional stakes and a mature, character-driven perspective.
Jose: What caught me right from Chapter 1 was the sheer emotional weight of the main character, Kristy/Rani, who bring her 75 years of real-world experience, trauma, and devastating grief to the table. The absolute shock she feels when realizing she has a flawlessly healed 25-yr body, while the ones she last back on Earth never got a second chance, is written with such profound beauty.
And I love how Kula, her real-life military working dog, was able to cross over into the magical world with her as her grounding anchor; it completely warmed my heart.
Lastly, I like that the dragons are not just dominating beasts, but that they have a spiritual, mental connection. Abellona was so much fun, being fiercely independent and refusing to follow standard military drills in order to chase clouds and snuggle on Rani’s shoulder. A big 5-Stars!!