R. K. Sampson – Plot Twist Fantasy Novels

R. K. Sampson | Fantasy Author

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Cover of Ember Dragon Daughter by R. K. Sampson – YA fantasy with dragons, missing heir, kingdom in peril.

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Content Guide

Every reader deserves a safe reading experience. View the series content guide if you’d like to review potential sensitivities or themes before reading.

Open For Featured Tropes

Featured tropes and themes you’ll love in Ember Dragon Daughter:

  • YA Fantasy coming-of-age
  • Lost princess/missing heir
  • Secret rebellion against the crown from within the castle, similar to Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
  • Insta-love at first sight, determined by the gods
  • Fated mates (called fated pairs in this world)
  • Found family
  • Betrayals and shocking twists
  • Character death (not everyone survives this series)
  • Dystopian influences
  • Enclosed/trapped kingdom
  • Mythical beasts like dragons and dragon-related subspecies
  • Royal balls

Ember Dragon Daughter

The Fated Tales Series, Book One

Ember has spent her life small, invisible, safe…

One mistake changes everything, exposing the beastly birthmark she’s hidden for years and revealing her as the long-lost dragon princess. Instead of the execution she expected, Ember is thrust into the palace and handed a crown she never wanted.

As rebel tensions rise, the last thing Ember expected was to meet her heart twin.

With her found family in danger and a court filled with liars, Ember must decide if saving the kingdom she was raised to fear is worth destroying everything that shaped her.

After You Read, Please Leave a Review:

Review on Goodreads
Review on StoryGraph

Ready to dive deeper into the Fated Tales universe? Explore the complete reading order, character lore, and behind-the-scenes content for this twisty YA fantasy series on the official series companion page.

Love to learn all the small details? Collapse the sections below to get more insight into book one in the Fated Tales series.

Open for an Author’s Note

There is a phrase on the back of the book I would love to share more about – Her destiny was her own.


Ember was born into a life not of her choosing, like us. Family drama, disease, lies, power plays… She was told it was safer to play small. Even to keep hidden, untrusting of everyone. In her only friendship, she feels guilty because of her upbringing. These early relationships and experiences are hard to break from. Is there something from your early life that has shaped you now?


After a traumatic event and an accident, the reason for her hiding is revealed and she is pulled into the exact opposite of her life.

Visible, important, even (gasp) public speaking. Also, princess life because yes YA books (and I) freaking love balls and ball gowns.

Ember had a few options. Fall to her fears, surrender to the will of others, or rise to the occasion.

No matter what situation we are in, we have a choice. It’s not always a good one, but the choice exists. I hope I showed that in Ember Dragon Daughter.

It’s something we all need to know.

Praise for Ember Dragon Daughter

“I loved this book! Sampson’s world-building is incredible. It is so easy to understand the context of this vibrant and inclusive world. It was such an enjoyable read!” – Heather Hataley, author of A Collection of Scars

“It left me desperate for more!” – Leilani Lopez, author of The Devil’s Heir

“A beautifully crafted debut with rich worldbuilding and strong writing! Rebecca did a wonderful job making me feel attached to Ember from page 1. I love the representation and diversity in the story as well.” – Holly Davis, Diversity is Lit Book Club Host and author of A Diamond Bright and Broken

“The whole “Fated” system is a really interesting idea, as the novel suggests it’s a great thing to be fated, but fate is not always glorious. It was a great concept that was well explained and comes across a but like in Once Upon A Time (TV Show) where fairytales are awoken to reality.” – R.S. Williams, author of Kingdom of Lies

“It’s impossible to anticipate all the twists and turns.” – Lea Falls, author of Goddess of Limbo

Metadata

Released: April 25, 2023
Available formats: ebook, paperback, hardback (Amazon exclusive), audiobook
Age rating: Teen+
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

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© 2025 by R. K. Sampson

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