Ceremonia - Shop now
Kindle Unlimited
Unlimited reading. Over 4 million titles. Learn more
Read for Free
OR
$4.99 with 72 percent savings
Print List Price: $17.99

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Sold by Amazon.com Services LLC.

Audiobook Price: $30.57

Save: $28.58 (93%)

Read with our free app
You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

David Estes
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Kraken Rider Z Kindle Edition

by David Estes (Author), Dyrk Ashton (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.7 out of 5 stars 537 ratings
If there's one thing dragons fear, it's a kraken.

Even lowly hull-scrubber Zee Tarrow knows that. Like everyone on the island kingdom of Tosh, he grew up frightened by fables and horrible tales of the great beasts of the deep. It seems an odd thing to impress upon the children of the realm, because--luckily for the dragons and their riders--no one has seen a kraken in a thousand years.

Then again, Tosh's lifeblood is the sea. Royal Dragon Knights guard the king's ships from the constant threat of pirates, hostile empires, and the monstrous horrors that dwell beneath the waves. It makes sense that the people would fear krakens, even after generations of Knights graduate and take flight from the ramparts of Triumf's Citadel, the country's most elite--and therefore also exclusive--military academy. A school that Zee, who has barely ever had more than two copper pennies to rub together, should have no chance of getting into.

Thing is...Zee has a secret. He's not only seen a kraken...

He saved its life.

When that truth gets out, will Zee be hunted by the Dragon Knights he has always envied and admired, or will he become the first Kraken Rider in history?

From the minds of David Estes and Dyrk Ashton, authors of Fatemarked and The Paternus Trilogy, comes a series perfect for fans of Iron Prince, Mage Errant, and Ascendant. Kraken Rider Z is an action-packed fantasy series with lots of heart, and the kind of unbreakable bond between man and beast that hasn't existed for centuries. Start your adventure today!
Read more
Previous slide of product details
  1. Reading age
    12 - 18 years
  2. Book 1 of 2
    Kraken Rider Z
  3. Print length
    630 pages
  4. Language
    English
  5. Publication date
    November 14, 2023
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
Next slide of product details
Unwell Hydration from Alex Cooper
Hydrate & focus with every sip Shop now

Shop this series

 See full series
There are 2 books in this series.
This option includes 2 books.

Customers also bought or read

Page 1 of 1Start overPage 1 of 1
Previous page
  4. Starbreaker: Volume 1
    Just released
    Kindle Edition
    $4.99
  11. Iron Blooded: A LitRPG Adventure
    Just released
    Kindle Edition
    $3.99
Next page
Loading...

Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for Kraken Rider Z

"Kraken Rider Z is exactly what it sounds like. You've got a kraken, you've got a kraken rider, you've got epic battles with sea monsters and dragons, and it's all absolutely awesome. Read it already!" -John Bierce, author of Mage Errant

"If you like dragon riders and want to see an artful twist, this heart-filled tale of a boy and his kraken will be for you!" -Sarah Lin, author of The Weirkey Chronicles

"A heartfelt tale of progression and wonder. Packing an emotional punch and exhilarating action, it's a wild ride you won't want to miss!" -Phil Tucker, author of Bastion and Dawn of the Void

"The title alone is awesome, but the book is even better. It's genuinely fun, funny, heartwarming, and exciting. It will also leave you wishing for a kraken in your life. -Davis Ashura, author of Instrument of Omens

"Awesome! Not since How To Train Your Dragon has the story of a rider and his beast-companion been so much fun." -Cameron Johnston, author of The Maleficent Seven

"A wonderfully fresh and upbeat entrant into the world of progression fantasy. Kraken Rider Z is an absolute delight from start to finish." ­-Andy Peloquin, author of Darkblade Assassin

"A rip-roaring progression fantasy with unforgettable characters." -Wolfmantula

"Epic AF and funny as hell. Ashton and Estes have created a story that's bursting with action and lively banter, as well as imbued with the incredible strength of a unique found-family bond. This is truly a 'kraken' read." -Fantasy Book Critic

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CM57D2BP
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Wraithmarked Creative (November 14, 2023)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 14, 2023
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4.0 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 630 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 out of 5 stars 537 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
David Estes

David Estes

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Get a FREE short story from David Estes' #1 Amazon bestselling epic fantasy series, Fatemarked, when you sign up for his mailing list: https://www.subscribepage.com/b2v6v3

David Estes is an Amazon #1 bestselling author who has written more than 30 science fiction and fantasy books, his most famous of which are Fatemarked, Slip, and The Moon Dwellers. David lives in Hawaii with his beautiful Aussie wife, Adele, his naughty cats, Bailey and Luna, and his rambunctious sons, Beau and Brody.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
537 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers find this fantasy book an engaging tale with well-developed characters, particularly appreciating how the kraken character evolves throughout the story. The writing is praised as a masterpiece, and customers enjoy the humor, with one noting how the author combines action scenes with wit. The book receives positive feedback for its unique world-building and development, though opinions about its pacing are mixed.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more

47 customers mention "Story quality"47 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story quality of the book, describing it as an engaging tale with an unexpectedly surprising plot development.

"...odds to prevail" has some unique bits to it that make it a very interesting and enjoyable read. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel." Read more

"...Devoured as fast as i could once i actually stated to read it. Great story. Excellent writing. Engaging characters. Can’t wait for the next!" Read more

"This is a fantastic story. There's great characters with well crafted personalities and plenty good action and drama...." Read more

"...The magic system is explained in detail, operating on specific rules that pertain to combat with named abilities and bonds between riders and beasts...." Read more

36 customers mention "Readability"36 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as a fantastic first book that is fun to read.

"..." has some unique bits to it that make it a very interesting and enjoyable read. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel." Read more

"What a great read!!! Devoured as fast as i could once i actually stated to read it. Great story. Excellent writing. Engaging characters...." Read more

"Kraken Rider Z is a very fun read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish and I can’t wait to get the second one!!" Read more

"...The characters are well developed and fun to read...." Read more

23 customers mention "Character development"23 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the well-developed characters in the book, with one customer highlighting the hilarious growth of the kraken character and another noting the engaging friendship and banter between them.

"...All of the characters are distinct and well-written, and the story, while it fits the trope of "poor common youth discovers amazing magical talents,..." Read more

"...Great story. Excellent writing. Engaging characters. Can’t wait for the next!" Read more

"This is a fantastic story. There's great characters with well crafted personalities and plenty good action and drama...." Read more

"...The characters are well developed and fun to read...." Read more

14 customers mention "Writing quality"14 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, describing it as a masterpiece.

"...All of the characters are distinct and well-written, and the story, while it fits the trope of "poor common youth discovers amazing magical talents,..." Read more

"...Great story. Excellent writing. Engaging characters. Can’t wait for the next!" Read more

"One of the great advantages of writing a fantasy is that the only limit is one’s imagination...." Read more

"...The action sequences are well executed and written, you can literally imagine the fights between the giant rides in this story...." Read more

8 customers mention "Humor"8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the humor in the book, with one mentioning how the author combines action scenes with wit.

"...They crack little jokes together and deeply care for each other in a way that's beautifully expressed...." Read more

"...Great character development, humor and adventure, and unlikely heroes that you will not soon forget...." Read more

"...I particularly liked the way the author combined the action scenes with humor and a happy ending as well." Read more

"Such a good book. Funny hero’s with a happy ending. Ha. I can’t wait for book 2. From a David fan who’s never felt the rush to give a review." Read more

4 customers mention "Uniqueness"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's uniqueness, with one customer highlighting its original world-building and modern flair.

"...The characters are believable (in an epic fantasy way), relatable and unique. The world is exceptionally well described...." Read more

"...if you like the dragon rider style books of the mid 2000s with a modern flair. Excited for what comes next." Read more

"A. Absolutely incredibly book. Unique wold building, subverting overused tropes, very aquatic focused setting, which is refreshing...." Read more

"Fun, engaging and original..." Read more

3 customers mention "Development"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the development of the book.

"Loved this first effort. Great progression, interesting plot, and I’m greatly looking forward to devouring the next in the series" Read more

"...The book develops well , and way the kraken character grows in the story is hysterical. The next one is waiting......" Read more

"I enjoyed this so much! The humor, the struggle, the progress, the varying relationships, all told so well through awesome writing. Highly recommend." Read more

8 customers mention "Pacing"5 positive3 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book, with some finding it great while others suggest it could be faster.

"What a great read!!! Devoured as fast as i could once i actually stated to read it. Great story. Excellent writing. Engaging characters...." Read more

"...Here are my current critiques: (1) the pacing could be faster, especially given the 600+ page length, (2) the villainous faction, while unsettling..." Read more

"This is a great read, makes good use of time skips while summarizing and made me smile uncontrollably quite often...." Read more

"I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It was fast paced with no and kept me interested the entire read...." Read more

Wonderful progressive fantasy. Loved Zee and Jessup!
5 out of 5 stars
Wonderful progressive fantasy. Loved Zee and Jessup!
I’m a huge fan of David Estes having started with him back when he was writing the Moondwellers series. So when I heard he was working on a book with Dyrk Ashton about a kraken and his rider, I couldn’t help but be completely intrigued with how that could possibly work. I’m also a huge fan of bonded dragons and have read all of Anne McCaffrey’s Dragonriders of Pern series, over and over and over… And just finished the Fourth Wing books. So, yes. I do love dragons! In Kraken Rider Z, we not only have the ONLY mythological kraken in existence, but we have an entire world which includes dragons, military dragon school, and a whole lot of magic. Count me in!!! And, as I’ve come to expect from David Estes, I was swept away by the story of 7 year old Zee finding and naming a baby Kraken. I was all in from the beginning chapters. Zee and Jessup are then separated for about 10 years and both have grown into adults. During this time Zee ends up as a hull scrubber on a ship and Jessup survives in a harsh ocean environment trying not to be eaten while he’s young. Zee spends his time dreaming of become a dragonrider. Without going into spoilers, all I can say is I fell in love with the two protagonists in this progressive fantasy. The action is non-stop and the ending is very satisfying! Although the book starts with a 7 year old, it’s not an MG book. It’s YA, but reads as adult fantasy. If you enjoy lovable characters, dragons, magic, or incredible world building in your fantasies, this book is for you. I preordered and listened to Kraken Rider Z on audiobook narrated by the incredible Tim Gerard Reynolds (does the Red Rising series) and I couldn’t get enough. Between the story and Tim’s performance, I listened to this book every second possible and would force myself to turn off the audio late at night so I could sleep. Really well done to both authors! I can’t wait for book 2!
Hide
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

  • Linny86
    5.0 out of 5 stars LOVED this book
    Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    After a slow-ish start made me concerned that this story was going to be a little too YA for me, things really started cooking. All of the characters are distinct and well-written, and the story, while it fits the trope of "poor common youth discovers amazing magical talents, finds other outcast friends, and overcomes incredible odds to prevail" has some unique bits to it that make it a very interesting and enjoyable read. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • sarah sperry
    5.0 out of 5 stars wow!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    What a great read!!! Devoured as fast as i could once i actually stated to read it. Great story. Excellent writing. Engaging characters. Can’t wait for the next!
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Oddmoore
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book!
    Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    This is a fantastic story. There's great characters with well crafted personalities and plenty good action and drama. All of this is done with a bit of humor here and there and in a surprisingly clean way but without feeling corny whatsoever.
    This is a great story for young adults on up.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Nikki Bright
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great fun!
    Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Overall - 7.5/10

    Plot - 6/10
    Characters - 8/10
    Concepts - 8/10
    Prose - 6/10
    Theme - 7/10
    Narration - 9/10
    Enjoyment - 8/10
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Kevin Xirau
    5.0 out of 5 stars Greatness and friendship can come from unlikely places.
    Reviewed in the United States on September 23, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    One of the great advantages of writing a fantasy is that the only limit is one’s imagination. A favorite concept of mine is the idea of the dragon rider. Just being able to go into battle with a legendary beast is sure to make one’s inner child giddy. Along comes a novel with a refreshing subversion, “Kraken Rider Z” by David Estes and Dyrk Ashton. In a world where knights bond with dragons to serve the kingdom of Tosh, young Zee Tarrow dreamed of being among them someday. Things take an unexpected turn when he discovers a hatchling creature he names Jessup. Turns out Jessup is a kraken, which has not been seen for a thousand years and is feared even by dragons. The two form a strong bond that grows as both age and face daunting hardships. Once publicly revealed, the pair are invited to Triumf's Citadel for a chance to train among dragon riders despite opposition. Zee and Jessup will learn what it takes to be warriors that act as one and face an unexpected enemy.

    The best part of this book has is the friendship between Zee and his kraken. Both are pretty much on the same wavelength, able to anticipate each other’s thoughts and feelings, rarely having any disagreement. It can be quite heartfelt, especially when each risks life and limb for one another (particularly in the first act). Together, they prove quick learners and powerful fighters, though the story balances things out by giving them obstacles they don’t overcome without trial and error. While they face discrimination based on a few factors, they make good friends and allies who, open to new things, support them as much as they can. Another major strength is world-building, revealed bit by bit from history to social structures to mythology to wildlife. The magic system is explained in detail, operating on specific rules that pertain to combat with named abilities and bonds between riders and beasts. Certain revelations are executed well with little teases to pique interest, though some things are left a mystery (at least for now). Action scenes are used a bit sparingly, but they are engaging when they happen, playing up the contrast between the heroes and dragon riders, especially the climactic showdown. Here are my current critiques: (1) the pacing could be faster, especially given the 600+ page length, (2) the villainous faction, while unsettling and powerful, isn’t focused on much until the climax.

    All in all, “Kraken Rider Z” is a great tale of friendship against imposing odds and learning to look past differences to work for a brighter future. The ending leaves an opening for a sequel, which I can’t wait to see. If you’re a fantasy fan, I’d say dive into this one.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Doug Price
    5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful book
    Reviewed in the United States on April 29, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Kraken Rider Z is a very fun read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish and I can’t wait to get the second one!!
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • jake zaky
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fun Must Read
    Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This a fun coming of age story with a great play on a traditional trope. The characters are well developed and fun to read. The action sequences are well executed and written, you can literally imagine the fights between the giant rides in this story. Highly recommend this to anyone who wants to read a fun engaging adventure.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fun, engaging and original
    Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Excellent story, original premise and well written characters. The world is well developed and feels very lived in. Looking forward to the next installment.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Looking forward to book 2
    Reviewed in Canada on December 15, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    This is a really fun ride from start to finish. There's an interesting magic system and an underlying plot that I'm excited to learn more about!
    Report
  • Tox
    2.0 out of 5 stars Readable but not really recommendable
    Reviewed in India on October 22, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I love reading progression fantasy and all the training arcs and levelups, but this book made me realise all the progression doesnt really matter at all if there are no proper battles(with proper stakes) to demonstrate the increase in power when leveling up. Most of the book they train and it became really boring quickly and had to skim them on the latter half as they do not really get to show their power until near the end. There was no driving purpose and the majority of it is low stakes so it is hard to get invested, the most I really cared about the outcome was when baby Jessup got caught. If the book was shorter then it wouldn't as bad.
    Report
  • Adam Turner
    5.0 out of 5 stars Book 2 can't come soon enough
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 21, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I find it when I read a lot of fanatsy books that's it's hard to create such a pure, wholesome bromance but Zee and Jessup just make me smile whenever they talk to each other and I can't help but wonder what the duo are going to get up to next.
    This book is awesome by the way, easy to follow progression, great characters, interesting world building can't wait for book 2!!!!
    Report
  • Deamon054
    5.0 out of 5 stars Truly enjoyable.
    Reviewed in Canada on November 18, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Excellent story. Gotta love the underdog lol. Looking forward to more!
    Report
  • Alan
    5.0 out of 5 stars Krakenly Phenomenal.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 3, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Wow, that was absolutely fantastic from start to finish. This book is one of my favourite reads this year, and it had it all, from Dragons, Dragons riders, a big ass Kraken, and a magic military academy.

    Kraken Rider Z is the first book in the series, and it's co-written by the amazing Dyrk Ashton and David Estes, known for their brilliant series Dyrks Paternus trilogy and David's Fate Marked series. You knew when these two good authors got together, this was going to be a cracking read. And damn they didn't disappoint.

    What I love is when two authors co-write together and the story just flows brilliantly, you can't tell who has written each scene, and it keeps you guessing because it's fast-paced and so action-packed and excellently put together.

    The worldbuilding and setting are brilliant, with lots of loveable characters, dragons, and some you will love to hate, but eventually grow on you as the story unfolds. I absolutely love this world Dyrk and David have created for us to live in, a place where authors really do write magical places for fantasy readers to get lost and away from reality for a while.

    It's a progression fantasy with a few twist and surprises and two bonded protagonists, a young farm boy Zee and his Kraken Jessup set on a world of vast oceans and terrible monsters lurking in the depths, always looking for their next meal.

    Zee has always dreamt of being a dragon rider, bombing around on the farms pig Midge, but being a low born, his chances are very slim. Then Zee comes across a rock pool with a baby Kraken weak from just hatching, Zee does he best to save it, and in doing so, it will create a bond that will last a lifetime.

    A secret Zee must keep because Krakens are a fable, stories to scare the children, and one hasn't been seen in thousands of years. So when Zee's father discovers the Kraken, his and the Kraken Jessup's whole lives are about to change forever.

    If you love magic military academies, royal dragon riders, pirates, big sea monsters, Wraith riders, and beasts and just some good oul storytelling at it's finest, then look no further than Kraken Rider Z, it's breath of fresh air, and I can not wait for book two, very highly recommended...😁🐙🐉⚡️🔥
    Report

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report