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Editorial Review by Book Excellence

Amy Seeling’s The King, The Wyvern, and I is an immersive young adult fantasy novel that explores themes of resilience, loyalty, and the fight against tyranny.

The novel opens with Isladora, princess of the Juna tribe, who is thrust into a desperate fight for survival when her father, King Thrace, is murdered. The Queen Mother, Thrace’s first wife and a secret agent of the tyrannical Emperor Zhu, orchestrates a coup, sending Isladora’s mother to Zhu as a peace offering and attempting to eliminate Isladora. Forced to flee, Isladora plunges from a cliff into the river below, presumed dead. Injured and alone, Isladora finds refuge in a mountain cave where she discovers her connection to a powerful magical escrima stick and the trapped spirit of her real father, King Elijashen. He begins to train her, preparing her for the inevitable confrontation with the Queen Mother. Meanwhile, Isladora’s mother, Queen Aceptye, endures brutal captivity under Emperor Zhu, relying on her wits and magic to survive and plot her escape. Ariah, a Draconian woman enslaved by humans, escapes captivity with the help of a wounded wyvern, Json, and returns to her homeland to face new dangers and uncover secrets about her past.

Returning to Juna, Isladora confronts and defeats the Queen Mother, freeing her father and reclaiming her birthright. In Draconia, Json and Ariah, reborn and empowered, navigate the complex politics of their homeland and confront a new threat to their people: the Protectors. With their advanced technology and mining operations that threaten the fragile lives of the Annites, native underground dwellers, the conflict between the Draconians and Protectors adds another layer of complexity to the narrative, raising questions about the cost of progress and the ethics of power. The final confrontation brings the Draconians, Protectors, and humans together in a battle for survival and the future of their interconnected world.

Seeling’s writing strikes a balance between lyrical beauty and grounded precision, vividly capturing everything from the shimmering frost fields to the fiery grace of wyverns in flight. The world-building feels complex and alive, with a history and ecology that matter deeply to the story’s stakes. The characters are nuanced and three-dimensional, each carrying personal struggles that draw readers into their journeys. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the tension to build naturally toward a climax that is both chaotic and cathartic. In addition, Seeling’s ability to intertwine environmental concerns within the context of an epic fantasy novel is particularly noteworthy.

However, what truly sets the book apart from others is its portrayal of complex female characters who defy traditional stereotypes. Isladora evolves from a sheltered princess into a skilled warrior, Ariah embraces her Draconian heritage and becomes a powerful queen, and Aceptye demonstrates resilience and cunning in the face of unimaginable cruelty. The supporting cast, including the wise Meluha Crocus, the loyal nursemaid Lepola, and the conflicted Protector Von, further enrich the plot. The exploration of themes such as the corrupting influence of power, the importance of found family, and the enduring strength of love resonates deeply, adding emotional weight to the fantastical elements.

With its strong female characters, intricate world-building, and exploration of timely themes, The King, The Wyvern, and I is an unforgettable story that is not to be missed. – Review by Book Excellence