Redheart

May 24, 2011 Evie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Redheart is the first book in Jackie Gamber's Leland Dragon Series published by Seventh Star Press. It's an excellent YA fantasy adventure, full of magic, intrigue, excitement, love and fast-paced action. This beautiful and heart-warming story will no doubt enthrall readers of all ages!

Kallon Redheart is a red dragon, last in the line of reds and a rightful leader of the Leland province. He's a loner, who long given up on dragons and humans alike. After witnessing his parents being murdered, he...more Redheart is the first book in Jackie Gamber's Leland Dragon Series published by Seventh Star Press. It's an excellent YA fantasy adventure, full of magic, intrigue, excitement, love and fast-paced action. This beautiful and heart-warming story will no doubt enthrall readers of all ages!

Kallon Redheart is a red dragon, last in the line of reds and a rightful leader of the Leland province. He's a loner, who long given up on dragons and humans alike. After witnessing his parents being murdered, he decided he's better off on his own, far away from any human villages or dragon communities. He does not wish to be bothered by anyone, he enjoys his self-imposed solitude and the sense of peaceful emptiness his secluded cave provides.

Riza Diantus is in many ways Kallon's opposite. She's a young female on a quest to find meaning in life. She always felt that life was more than just getting married at young age and bearing children. Her mind was constantly wandering beyond the borders of the village she lived in. Her father often scolded her for not thinking like a normal girl should. He wanted her to marry, have children and lead an ordinary life. Refusing to consent to her father's wishes, aching to explore the world beyond her hometown and experience some unforgettable adventures, Riza escaped from home and set out on a journey that would change her life forever. She's brave and strong-willed, but her uncontrollable curiosity often gets her into all sorts of trouble and so she frequently needs to be rescued. Needless to say, she's in trouble when she first meets Kallon and she becomes the sole reason for our red dragon to finally leave his cave and face the world.

Kallon and Riza develop a strange, but wonderful bond. Annoyed with Riza's noisy and nosy attitude at first, Kallon soon realizes that he's enchanted by her genuine and caring character. As the story progresses, these two get more and more attached to each other and they find their strange and unique friendship oddly comforting.

But of course, it would all be too easy without the bad guys throwing obstacles in their way, right? And so we're introduced to Jastin Armitage, a vicious dragon hunter, who has some serious beef with the dragon kind. He, too, lost his family when he was a child. His family was mercilessly killed by a dragon, and since then Jastin is a sworn dragon hater, set on killing every last one of them. And if he gets payed for that? Well, that's even better! As bad to the bone as he might sound, Armitage is in truth a very complicated and hard to read character, who at times shows a great capacity for affection and love. He's not your typical black character, who is evil for the sake of being evil. Quite to the contrary, he's the kind of character that often makes you wonder which path would he have chosen to follow, if his parents haven't been brutally killed in front of his eyes.

Things get even more complicated when Jastin meets Riza and seems to be smitten with her from the very first moment that he lays his eyes upon her. Being dark and evil as he is, he doesn't let his feelings show easily, but he does a great deal to help Riza every time our damsel fins herself in distress.

Tension rises between dragons and humans, the province is on the verge of war. The Dragon Council Leader, Blackclaw, is using the situation to strengthen his leadership and fulfill his self-seeking ambitions. Riza finds herself thrown into the chaos of the human-dragon conflict. Accused of being a spy, she's held captive in the Wing Valley, the oldest of all dragon communities. Not only her freedom, but also her life is in great danger. To free her, Kallon has to get out of his comfort zone and find in himself how to be the leader he's destined to be.

*
Redheart is a captivating and enthralling book. A lot of things were done right; the language is beautiful, the writing is solid, the pacing is great, the characters, while sometimes their actions were a little haphazard and unpredictable, are fully fleshed out with their own unique complexities. That's especially true in Jastin's case. What a brilliant character he is! He's not 100% bad, nor 100% good. Just when you think you have him all figured out, he does something so unpredictable that you find yourself gasping or pulling your hair out. I think Jastin is one of the main reasons I thoroughly enjoyed this book, he turned an already wonderful fantasy story, into a total page-turner. I just had to keep on reading to find out what will happen to him! I do hope there will be plenty of Jastin in the second installment of the Leland Dragon Series.

Jackie Gamber has a fantastic way with words. She doesn't just tell the story, she paints it with her words. The scenes, the characters, the places.. they're so vivid and real, you can almost taste the fresh lake water, feel the wind in your hair and the sun on your skin! It's like she was born to write fantasy stories!

It truly is a great and enjoyable piece of YA fiction that promises a lot from future books in the series. Jackie built a wonderful world filled with colorful dragons, magic, interesting characters and intriguing places. Her book, even though intended for younger readers, can easily be enjoyed by adults of all ages. In my opinion Leland Dragon Series has a huge potential and if Jackie keeps up the great work I'm pretty sure that the next books in the series will be even better. I'm so looking forward to reading them!
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May 04, 2011 Ranting Dragon rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: stephan

http://www.rantingdragon.com/redheart...

Have you ever read a book that you absolutely adored, but when asked to explain why you loved it, you can’t think of any reason? In fact, you can probably think of a couple reasons you should have hated the book instead. That happens to me every now and then, and I call these books guilty pleasures.

This makes reviewing hard. I absolutely adored Redheart. It is the first volume in a young adult fantasy series written by Jackie Gamber, titled The Leeland Dra...more

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Dec 21, 2011 Jessica rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: own, review-copy, ya

I was most fortunate to be contacted by Seventh Star Press and asking if I was interested in reviewing a new book for them. I was eager even though I have a TBR pile about as tall as I am, ok taller. I really do need to spend a month or two catching up with things.

I liked the sound of Redheart by Jackie Gamber and was even more excited when it arrived in the mail. The cover is beautiful and the swag I got with it featuring art by Matthew Perry is amazing. Fantastic looking glossy prints of artwo...more

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Jun 19, 2011 ABookVacation rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Seventh Star Press has been extremely gracious in giving me a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review, and I couldn’t be happier to state that I just loved this book! Gamber is a very talented writer, combining beautiful prose with an intriguing story about a world in which dragons and humans co-exist, though not harmoniously anymore. I was intrigued from the very first chapter, and absolutely adored the narrative style Gamber employs in her writing, as the third person narration all...more

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Sep 04, 2012 R.J. Sullivan rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult, high-fantasy, dragons

REDHEART by Jackie Gamber was this summer's novel I read to my children most evenings. At 50 chapters, not being able to read every night, the engaging kid-friendly fantasy made for many memorable evenings as we took in the next chapter in the adventures of Kallon, the moody red dragon, Riza, the human determined to be his friend even if it kills her (and quite often it nearly does), and Jastin Armitage, the misguided mercenary who wants to save Riza from herself, even if it's for his own purpos...more REDHEART by Jackie Gamber was this summer's novel I read to my children most evenings. At 50 chapters, not being able to read every night, the engaging kid-friendly fantasy made for many memorable evenings as we took in the next chapter in the adventures of Kallon, the moody red dragon, Riza, the human determined to be his friend even if it kills her (and quite often it nearly does), and Jastin Armitage, the misguided mercenary who wants to save Riza from herself, even if it's for his own purposes.

Kallon is a dragon with many secrets--the last of the reds, the reader is let in on his past slowly, only as Riza breaks him down and peels away his defenses through time and trust. We learn the terrible tragedy of his parents, his status with a dragon council which which rules the dragon citizens that co-exist in an uneasy peace with humanity, and the dastardly plots of council leader Blackclaw and how he plans to usurp the council's purpose to his own ends.

It's difficult to weave political intrigue into a novel partly aimed at younger kids, and it made for interesting side discussion as Daddy explained what a town council does in real life, but the novel succeeds in not getting too bogged down in the details. The characters provide the real thrust of the story. There's Kallon, who the reader most wants to like--he's a red dragon, how cool is that--who doesn't want to be around others and just wants to be left alone. Riza, a human runaway rescued by Kallon in the first chapter of the book, does her best to break through. Her frustrations are the reader's frustrations, and these parts of the book work best.

Jastin is the toughest sell in this book. He's not particularly likeable, he often makes wrong choices, and often sets himself directly at odds with the goals of the other characters. At the same time, he is a continuing character whose story has not been entirely told.

The plot is solid. The characters are solid. The humor works. The surprises surprise, particularly the big surprise at the end. I must say, I did NOT see that coming.

My nitpicks, and I do have a couple, are minor. For one, (and this might be unique to the problem of reading the story aloud to others) the author needed to add more dialog tags in her prose, particularly in scenes with multiple characters in the room. Quite often, reading aloud, I found myself using my "Kallon" voice for three lines of dialog, only to get to the end of the line and read "said Riza." Oh, whoops! Had this only happened a time or two, I would not consider this mentioning, but it happened several times while I read it aloud. So if you're reading out loud like me, be prepared to scan ahead during the dialog, because it's not always clear who is speaking.

Also, at least for little kids, the book ran about two chapters too long. The wrapup chapters, at least as far as my children were concerned, didn't really convey a lot of new or needed information.

So these are quibbles. And I hear from good authority that SELA, the direct sequel, is a huge step forward from REDHEART. What I can tell you for sure is that my kids and I are anxious to start it tonight. Highly recommended.(less)

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Aug 18, 2012 NebraskaIcebergs rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: own

What I like best about Redheart are its misfit characters. There’s Kallon the dragon, who turned his back years ago on his own kind as well as humans, after his father was killed by a human. Kallon mopes around his cave, waiting to die, except when foraging for food. Then there’s the maiden Riza, who’s turned her back on her family and town because she doesn’t think like everyone else. After her fiancee cautions she’ll get “a burnin’ platform to stand on” if she keeps asking dangerous questions...more What I like best about Redheart are its misfit characters. There’s Kallon the dragon, who turned his back years ago on his own kind as well as humans, after his father was killed by a human. Kallon mopes around his cave, waiting to die, except when foraging for food. Then there’s the maiden Riza, who’s turned her back on her family and town because she doesn’t think like everyone else. After her fiancee cautions she’ll get “a burnin’ platform to stand on” if she keeps asking dangerous questions like whether the sky is just the beginning of the world instead of the end, she packs her bags and leaves. Finally, there’s Jastin, who hasn’t turned his back on anyone but tries to use both humans and dragons for his own revenge. One day they all meet and so begins Redheart, a great fantasy adventure by Jackie Gamber.

The relationships between these characters is another aspect that works well. At the forefront is the one between Kallon and Riza, whom Kallon rescues. A couple of years ago I tried to write a fantasy about the first encounter that a teenage girl had with a fairy in her backyard. Capturing the wonder and surprise of it all proved my biggest challenge. Next to that, I struggled most with showing how a friendship could even develop between two different species—especially two which were enemies. Gamber faces and quite successfully overcomes these obstacles. Riza’s relief at being rescued soon turns to shock upon realizing her savior was a dragon. Kallon himself wavers between regretting his choice to get involved and hoping Riza keep him company. For several chapters, their visits are similar to that feeling one has when picking at a scab to see if the skin below has healed, in being sporadic and cautious. Eventually though, their true feelings emerge and solidify. A second relationship develops about the same time between Riza and Jastin, a human who proves gentler and more protective than her earlier attackers. Jastin sets her up with a job as a cook at a local tavern. One thing leads to another and soon Jastin is courting Riza. Yet as in real life, friends sometimes let each other down and even betray one another. Will it be the dragon Kallon or the human Jastin who betrays Riza just when she’s beginning to feel safe again? And which one will need to change their ways the most if Riza is to be saved? While I won’t share those answers, I will tell you that I appreciated that Gamber didn’t make any of her main characters all good or all bad. Both Kallon and Jastin actually do forge true friendships with Riza, but the prejudice of one endangers them all.

Another fabulous feature of Redheart is Gamber’s light-hearted touch. Book-lovers, upon discovering I like fantasy, often offer me adult examples, few of which I finish because I find their hardcore treatment of the fantasy realm to be dull. In contrast, Gamber had me sold on Redheart by the end of the first chapter. Kallon had frightened off Riza’s attackers, which is easy enough for a dragon to do, but less easy is deciding what to do with her. He puts his claw to his cheek and then he mumbles “Going to regret this” flying her back to his cave. I love his insecurity! In the second chapter, Gamber switches to Riza’s perspective. Kallon leaves to fetch her a drink, but Riza is suspicious about his motives. After all, he’s a dragon. At the same time, Kallon had saved her. “Maybe it brought her back as some sort of pet. Pet Riza. She giggled, imagining herself romping on all fours, chasing a stick thrown by a great, curled dragon paw.” For those of you who don’t appreciate cute, Gamber’s humor also shows up in sarcasm. Consider the scene where Kallon meets up with his wizard friend Orman. The two are talking about how things used to be when the Redhearts (Kallon’s family) were in power. Kallon tells Orman, “The Reds are dead.” When Orman rebuts with a disagreeable observation, Kallon blows a puff of breath that causes Orman to stumble. Orman mutters, “Still got plenty of breath for a dead dragon.” Most of Redheart’s humor however arises from Gamber’s style. Riza whispers to Kallon, “Riza, that’s my name, in case you were wondering.” Kallon “must not have been wondering, because he didn’t react.”

There’s so much in Redheart that makes me smile, I almost hate to mention its flaws. For example, although I appreciated the major characters, I can’t say the same for all the minor characters. Kallon’s wizard friend Orman initially reminds me of the silly monkey in The Lion King, who helps Simba realize that he must reclaim his kingship. Both the wizard and monkey grow on me, but they also seem more like comic relief than real characters. I never did understand the significance of Layce Phelcher, who seemed ridiculous speaking to Jastin from within his horse. Then there’s the descriptions. For the most part Gamber does a good job of settin the lay of the land or evoking atmosphere, but at times his descriptions are overwritten: “He nodded toward the wispy half-breed Blue standing in as a recorder, who dipped his claw into red ink….” Last—and this is admittedly personal preference—I didn’t care for the constantly switching viewpoints. Sometimes we’re following Kallon, other times Riza, then we switch to Jastin, and finally we even hear the perspective of the dragon council. The change in view only happens with a new chapter, but I still don’t care for this literary technique. I like to get inside the head of one character and stay there; but I realize many readers will be more accepting than me on this point. And so really what flaws I found were minimal.

Redheart is promoted as being about friendship, which is a sure sell. In writing about two species who have a tenuous alliance, Gamber is also able to subtly tackle the issue of prejudice. Redheart is about something else too, which its young adult target audience should appreciate, and that is discovering one’s own destiny. Riza is expected to be like everyone else. Kallon is expected to follow in his father’s footsteps. Both resist those pressures and in doing so find a better path. Seventh Star Press has already promised to send me the next book in the Leland Dragon Series. You can trust I’ll be back with a review!(less)

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Jan 27, 2012 Once Upon rated it 4 of 5 stars

Although I am not a fan of dragons, I must say that this book was incredibly well written and because of the way it was written and the plot, it captured my attention and I enjoyed reading the book. The author does a great job in the description and personalities of all the different characters, you’ll fall in love. I was a little skeptic in accepting this book just because it was about dragons, but I am glad I did. The book tells a mystery in which it changes characters to fully describe the en...more

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Sep 19, 2011 Britta rated it 2 of 5 stars

There have been an increase in "dragon" books in YA recently, such as Firelight and Flying Blind, two books I really enjoyed. So the idea of another dragon book seemed appealing. Unfortunately, Redheart and I just did not mix well. Or at all really.

Redheart is not like the "dragon" books I was referring too. That's okay, being different is fine - sometimes great. In this novel, the dragons are actually dragons, not shape shifters. That seemed kind of cool to me, but the logistics just seemed to...more

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Sep 12, 2011 Daniel Cann rated it 5 of 5 stars

From Jackie Gamber comes this new fantasy novel, the first in a planned series of Leland Dragon series. Gamber transports the reader to the lands of Leland Province where dragon and human societies have lived uneasily together for a long time. Fordon Blackclaw is the brutal and despotic Dragon Council Leader who seeks to either subdue or eradicate humans off the face of the land.

Enter young dragon Kallon Redheart. He has turned his back on both humans and his own kind. This adventure finds him m...more From Jackie Gamber comes this new fantasy novel, the first in a planned series of Leland Dragon series. Gamber transports the reader to the lands of Leland Province where dragon and human societies have lived uneasily together for a long time. Fordon Blackclaw is the brutal and despotic Dragon Council Leader who seeks to either subdue or eradicate humans off the face of the land.

Enter young dragon Kallon Redheart. He has turned his back on both humans and his own kind. This adventure finds him meeting and befriending a young human woman, the feisty and independent Riza Diantus. She too has turned her back on the narrow confines of her village, seeking enlightenment and adventure elsewhere.

Together the two of them must face danger together and the suspicions and hatred of both humans and dragons. Kallon must also decide whether he continues to live in exile or fight for his rightful place as Dragon Council Leader. This is a story about friendship and courage between two unlikely kindred spirits.

The plot also concerns the search for the powerful Circlet of Aspira and there is a race to prevent all out war between the dragons and the humans. Other engaging characters include the wizard Orman, Jastin Armitage a dragon hunter as well as several colourful dragons!

Not only has Gamber created a vivid and exciting world she has written a novel that includes dragon politics! I loved reading about the ‘Dragon – Human Relations Pact.’ This is an original take on a familiar formula, although villages, castles, mountains and streams feature this is more than just a formulaic walk through old ideas.

This is in more ways than one a new take on a popular genre.

There is plenty of soaring action, drama, humour as well as a deeper message behind the thrill-fest about tolerance, understanding and peaceful coexistence.

If you liked the BBC series ‘Merlin’ the film ‘Dragonheart’ and the book and film ‘Eragon’ then this is a must read. ‘Redheart’ will appeal to all ages and is a great read right up to its final unexpected twist ending. (less)

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May 28, 2011 Amy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Redheart is a YA fantasy novel about dragons. Considering most YA fantasy novels these days are about vampires, I was pretty excited about a little, shall we say, change of scenery. Dragons!

Kallon is our main dragon character; Riza is our main human character. They meet, unexpectedly, and form a shaky friendship. Neither one of them seems to really get along with the rest of their kind. They are both lonely and hurt, unknowingly waiting for each other.

Their friendship takes an interesting jour...more

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May 20, 2011 Sheila rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: childrens, scifi-fantasy, young-adult

Book one of the Leland Dragon series, Jackie Gamber’s Redheart imagines an intriguing world of humans and dragons, medieval in feel yet almost modern in the character of changing climate and shadows of fear. Dragons and humans have lived side by side for centuries, but superstition overwhelms memory and common sense all too easily gives way to greed as resources become scarce.

The young dragon Kallon Redheart lives apart from his community, rejecting any obligations due to history and struggling...more

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May 12, 2011 Stephen Zimmer rated it 5 of 5 stars

First, a little disclosure here:

I wrote this review well before I had any idea that Jackie would be coming aboard Seventh Star Press. I couldn't be more happy to be a fellow SSP author with her, as she is simply fantastic as a person and writer. She puts incredible passion and heart into her work, on a level that I rarely encounter in my now-extensive travels through the convention/book fair circuit. I find it hard to imagine that anyone could not root for her, once they have had the good fortun...more

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Apr 23, 2011 William Bentrim rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Article first published as Book Review: Redheart by Jackie Gamber on Blogcritics which will theoretically get me more traffic on my posts. (http://blogcritics.org/books/article/...)

Redheart is book one of the Leland Dragon Series. Leland is the province where Kallon Redheart, a red dragon, resides. The province is in a drought and tensions between dragons and humans are at an all time high. Fordon Blackclaw, the Dragon Council Leader, is using the tensions to further his personal ambitions. This...more
Article first published as Book Review: Redheart by Jackie Gamber on Blogcritics which will theoretically get me more traffic on my posts. (http://blogcritics.org/books/article/...)

Redheart is book one of the Leland Dragon Series. Leland is the province where Kallon Redheart, a red dragon, resides. The province is in a drought and tensions between dragons and humans are at an all time high. Fordon Blackclaw, the Dragon Council Leader, is using the tensions to further his personal ambitions. This is the cauldron that a young woman named Riza finds herself embroiled in when she flees a life of mundane existence.

Riza Diantus epitomizes or perhaps symbolizes the plight of the woman in un-enlightened cultures. That is making the assumption that we live in an enlightened culture which isn’t always guaranteed. Equal opportunity often seems to be a cliché not realized in our tumultuous economic environment of today let alone in a rural agriculture set in a medieval style setting.

Riza questions all, not just those in authority, she questions everyone. Her lust for answers and her refusal to be bound by a rigid role proscribed by her agrarian life makes her a heroine in my estimation. She refuses to accept the role of victim and fights for what she wants and what she feels is right.

Jastin, the dragon hunter, is on a quest of vengeance. He is conflicted regarding his feelings for Riza. He perceives himself as a merciless mercenary but is surprised when Riza touches feelings he thought long abandoned.

Kallon, too, is far more than a cardboard cutout of a dragon. He deals with feelings of alienation and inadequacy. Kallon’s struggles with his fears and his relationship with Riza, Jastin and the wizard, Orman, become entwined with Blackclaw the Dragon Council leader.

Gamber has created loveable and despicable characters. She imbues them with real feelings, emotions and frustrations. Jackie Gamber brings alive dragons and adventure with colorful, involved storytelling. The intricate details of a Stephen Zimmer or Tolkien are not there but the warm characters and very believable emotions produce a book that will be remembered and cherished.

I highly recommend the book and look fervently for a sequel.
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Aug 02, 2011 Naj (Unputdownable Books) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2011

Few months back I received an email from a publisher asking me to review one of the books under them and actually wanted to send me a paperback. Its the first time I've received something as such since... well... ever! And I can't believe I took so much time to actually pick up the book.

Redheart is the first book in a new series focused on a dragon protagonist which is completely unique. I haven't read anything like this. At first, the protagonist Kallon, seemed depressing, pitiful and very stu...more

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May 02, 2011 Cindy rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2011, teen-fantasy

I had really high hopes for this book. I mean what's not to love about dragons? I am a huge dragon lover and any book I will read eagerly. That said, this book was a huge disappointment for myself.

Here's why:

From page one I felt as if I was thrown into a book/series that I had obviously failed to catch up on. It felt like there was a huge backstory that I wasn't a part of. Think of it as if you were reading Harry Potter but started on book 5, you'd be lost. Sure, the author reveals bits and pie...more

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Jun 14, 2011 Beverly rated it 4 of 5 stars

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

From the back of the book:

"Enter the lands of Leland Province, where dragon and human societies have long dwelled side by side. Superstitions rise sharply, as a sever drought strips the land of its bounty, providing fertile ground for the darker ambitions of Fordon Blackclaw, Dragon Council Leader, who seeks to subdue humans or wipe them off the face of the land.

As the shadow of danger creeps across Leland Province,...more I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

From the back of the book:

"Enter the lands of Leland Province, where dragon and human societies have long dwelled side by side. Superstitions rise sharply, as a sever drought strips the land of its bounty, providing fertile ground for the darker ambitions of Fordon Blackclaw, Dragon Council Leader, who seeks to subdue humans or wipe them off the face of the land.

As the shadow of danger creeps across Leland Province, a young dragon named Kallon Redheart, who has turned his back on dragons and humans alike, comes into an unexpected friendship. Riza Diantus is a young woman whos dreams can no longer be contained by the narrow confines of her village, and when she finds herself in peril, Kallon is the only one with the power to save here. Yet to do so means he must confront his past, and embrace a future he stopped believing in."

I've been a fan of dragon books ever since my sweet husband introduced me to Anne McCaffrey's Dragons of Pern series shortly before we got married. For our first anniversary he even bought me a dragon. So I was excited to find a new young adult series about dragons.

What I liked about the book: I liked that this was a young adult book about fantasy creatures that were not werewolves, vampires or fallen angels. It's a well written story about dragons verses humans and good verses bad. The fact that both sides have plenty of both makes for an engaging story. It's a love story, a rather different one - I won't say too much as I don't want to give anything away. The ending was very creative. When it looked as though all was lost, Gamber pulled off an ending that I did not see coming. It was a wonderful solution.

What I didn't like about the book: The story is engaging, but there were times I felt a little lost. I would have liked to have a little more of the history between the dragons and humans. Since this is the first of a trilogy, I'm guessing Gambler will reveal more in the upcoming books.

Overall this was a very enjoyable read. I highly recommend it for anyone who enjoys stories about magic and dragons.
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May 13, 2011 Valerie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-read

My summary:

Kallon Redheart is a red dragon, the last red dragon. His father was the leader of the dragons and it is Kallons destiny to follow him but Kallon hasn’t been seen in the dragon community since his father’s death. He lives in his cave far from the human village or the dragon council and he likes it that way. He prefers to be lonely. It’s easier than dealing with his life since the death of both parents. Enter Riza Diatus, a young girl who has left her own village because she chooses to...more My summary:

Kallon Redheart is a red dragon, the last red dragon. His father was the leader of the dragons and it is Kallons destiny to follow him but Kallon hasn’t been seen in the dragon community since his father’s death. He lives in his cave far from the human village or the dragon council and he likes it that way. He prefers to be lonely. It’s easier than dealing with his life since the death of both parents. Enter Riza Diatus, a young girl who has left her own village because she chooses to live a life different than everyone else. She doesn’t want to be forced to marry have children and stay in the same village doing what everyone else does. She wants something else. Then there is Jastin, the dragon slayer, who lost his wife and unborn child to a dragon attack. He is the hired sword and will kill a dragon for anyone with the money to pay him, even other dragons. The three of them converge to play out a story of love, family, destiny and heartbreak.

My thoughts:

3 stars

Let me start by saying that this is not a book I would have picked to read. It is a more traditional fantasy book, similar in genre to Eragon. It’s set in a village atmosphere prior to technology. While one of the main characters in a young women, I wouldn’t call this a YA book. I was asked by Seventh Star Press to read and review this book, which I was happy to do.
The first chapter captured my interest with Kallon, the red dragon. Then the book slowed down for me, which was unfortunate because chapter one was only three pages long. I spend the next 30 or 40 pages wanting more of Kallon and a whole lot less of Riza. I never liked Riza. She was trying to be this strong women who left her village and her father to venture out into the world and do things she wants but really she just made a lot of stupid decisions that required either Kallon or Jastin to save her! I was very disappointed in her character. What I did love about this book was the dragon world that Jackie created. I loved the different colors of dragons, the rich traditions, the crystals laced with magic and especially the mystic of the Gold dragon. And Kallon. I loved Kallon. I understood his character and could relate to his feelings. I saw his reluctance to commit to things outside his comfort zone. I loved how his feelings for Riza caused him to do things he didn’t want to do. His anger and jealous towards Jastin was so endearing. They certainly make an interesting group. The other aspect of this book that frustrated me was the ending. I saw the book going in a direction and then it swerved into something totally different. I know it’s fantasy but the twist was a little too much for me.

So reading this book was a very different experience for me that what I normally read. While, I liked parts of the book, I can’t give it an outstanding rating. It just didn’t do it for me.
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Jun 03, 2011 Heavensent1 rated it 4 of 5 stars

Redheart is book one of The Leland Dragon Series.

Once dragons and humans worked in harmony to secure peace upon the lands. However, all good things come to an end when the humans begin to betray the dragons. Raping the land of all its resources and leaving blackened husks in their wake, the humans want more and the dragons have had enough. Enter the manipulation of Fordon Blackclaw, Dragon council leader, whose only reason for breathing is to incorporate war upon the lands.

Kallon Redheart is the...more Redheart is book one of The Leland Dragon Series.

Once dragons and humans worked in harmony to secure peace upon the lands. However, all good things come to an end when the humans begin to betray the dragons. Raping the land of all its resources and leaving blackened husks in their wake, the humans want more and the dragons have had enough. Enter the manipulation of Fordon Blackclaw, Dragon council leader, whose only reason for breathing is to incorporate war upon the lands.

Kallon Redheart is the last of his kind, after witnessing the murder of his parents, he goes into seclusion, turning his back on his fellow dragons and disappearing into obscurity.

Riza Diantus is a young lady who has had enough of abuse at home and decides to run away and begin her own life. Before she gets far, however, she is almost raped, but is saved by Kallon, who happened to be flying by at the time.

Jastin Artimage is a dragon hunter for hire. He has come to Leland province to ensure that war breaks out amongst the dragons and the humans. His agenda is being directed by other parties and his will isn't truly his own, other than his immense hatred of all things dragon.

Together they are drawn into a web of deceit where only the strong survive.

I found this novel to be quite mesmerizing! I really enjoyed the characters and found it quite interesting to read the book from a dragon's point of view. The novel is told in third person by many of the characters involved and you just cannot help but want to continue reading. All the characters are believable as is the plot, and the flow only becomes a bit choppy near the end of the novel.

The friendship between human Riza and dragon Kallon was enjoyable to watch unfold. I must say that the ending though a bit predictable, there were very few ways for it to go, was very well written, and wasn't a disappointment. The scenery was extremely stimulating and the narrative prose had just the right blend of adjectives and imagery. The hidden agenda with Jastin added just the right touch of mystery and the reader is never sure where Jastin's actions are going to lead him.

I did have a small problem with some of the flow, like I mentioned, there was one point where Jastin is climbing a mountain, following a trail of blood, but he shouldn't have been able to do that, for it was mentioned that the injured party made great pains NOT to lead anyone back to their hiding place, so I don't know how Jastin found said blood trail leading him to where it did! They were already healed by the time they ended up in the hiding place for Jastin to "find". There were one or two other places that this occurred but I don't think its too much of a hindrance with the read.

Redheart is a real page turner, author Jackie Gamber has done a wonderful job with a great back story, strong back characters and has just the right amount of humour and horror mixed in~!! I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys fantasy novels involving dragons, the book often reminded me of some of our Dungeons & Dragons games, I could almost hear the die rolling~!! I am truly looking forward to the next book in The Leland Dragon series~!!(less)

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Jun 06, 2011 Splash Of Our Worlds *Yiota* rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

When i started reading Redheart i thought it was something similar to Voices of Dragons by Carrie Vaughn. But as the chapter passed, i saw it was going differently at each chapter. Maybe the concept of the dragons vs humans are the same but there are more.

You see a full world of dragons with their mythology,history,ideas. Violent and evil dragons, coward dragons, good dragons. I loved how well was the world created, without leaving you questions. I liked how the dragons were fearsome but they we...more

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Aug 26, 2012 Tim rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Great book, well thought out and exciting story. "Redheart" introduces us to a world where humans and dragons have interacted for ages, but tensions have grown between the two Kinds. This story was full of intrigue and action; I just don't know where to start with this review.

The characters were richly written. There were many times I forgot I was reading about dragons until a description was given about their claws or wings. The personalities were completely fleshed out and shown in the writing...more

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Jun 06, 2011 Jennifer Monzon rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2011

Although I am not a fan of dragons, I must say that this book was incredibly well written and because of the way it was written and the plot, it captured my attention and I enjoyed reading the book. The author does a great job in the description and personalities of all the different characters, you’ll fall in love. I was a little skeptic in accepting this book just because it was about dragons, but I am glad I did. The book tells a mystery in which it changes characters to fully describe the en...more

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Jun 06, 2011 Orchid rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

First Sentence:

Kallon soared.

Too me there's nothing more worrisome when a book starts out kind of slow, which is what happened in the first twenty or so pages of Jackie Gamber's Redheart, but regardless of the slow start Redheart turned out to be a truly original and satisfying fantasy read. Once it picked up speed, I just devoured it.

What really made this a unique read for me was that the dragons (i.e. Kallon among others) were the main characters, I thought it brought a new (and as far as I kn...more

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Jun 03, 2011 Truly Bookish added it · review of another edition

Redheart is a traditional fantasy novel where the main characters (Kallon and Blackclaw) are dragons. Kallon is a red dragon, the last of his kind and has chosen to live in isolation, away from humans and other dragons. Having witnessed his parents’ murder as a young dragon, Kallon is bitter and antisocial, refusing to take his father’s place as the ruler of the dragons. Instead, the dragons are ruled by Blackclaw, a scheming and despicable character with absolutely no redeeming qualities.

Despit...more

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Sep 26, 2012 Joanne hale rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

For a YA novel, it is very good, and fun, and something that a teenager would get into.

I personally had way to many issues, but that didnt make the ride anyless fun. I can see where other reviewers talk about a "shrek" storyline, i wont give nothing away, but you need to finish the story to find out.

I loved the girl, Riza, she was a damsel in distress who wanted to be a strong chick like the chick from brave, but has her moments.

My issues are small but really bothered me, the dragons to me fel...more

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May 22, 2012 Cassandra (The Book & Movie Dimension blogger) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: received-for-review, to-review, fantasy, favorites

--Full, non-spoiler review courtesy at Book & Movie Dimension a Blog--

Riza Diantus is an open-minded young woman compared to her fellow humans of her village of Cresvell. In these times dragons are becoming few and people are ignorant enough to hunt them for sport or plain fear. Riza has lived in the village of Cresvell all her life knowing how narrow-minded many of the villagers are that she's grown restless for something bigger or new to fill her life from what she obviouly suspects her li...more --Full, non-spoiler review courtesy at Book & Movie Dimension a Blog--

Riza Diantus is an open-minded young woman compared to her fellow humans of her village of Cresvell. In these times dragons are becoming few and people are ignorant enough to hunt them for sport or plain fear. Riza has lived in the village of Cresvell all her life knowing how narrow-minded many of the villagers are that she's grown restless for something bigger or new to fill her life from what she obviouly suspects her life in Cresvell will be- ignorant. A life marrying a young man who wouldn't be capable of accepting her with the many questions she asks as a woman. The men expeting her to be quiet and subservient where she knows that life isn't something she wants at all. Riza decides to run away instead of staying where she will undoubtedly be put to marry a man by pressure if she stays in Cresvell. Just when Riza is out on her own she's viciously asssaulted by a group of men while traveling. In her darkest moments she knows there's no one to help her and she may in fact have made a horrible mistake leaving the comfort of the life she knew. To her relieve on this day Kallon Redheart a Red dragon who has run away from his responsibility comes by and saves her feeling the need to show though he's a dragon humans can paint a bad picture of them but they arent evil creatures. Kallon turns out to be a rather moody dragon than anyone would expect. Some of his issues could come from feeling he has such a legacy to live up to: his father having beeng a magnificent dragon ruler. Kallon though doesn't want it especially holding guilt and shame over his parents being mudered by a human dragon slayer. The same dragon slayer who seems taken with Riza as well when she leaves off into the human way of living. Jastin Armitage a dragon hater, hunter, slayer, and all-around destroyer of more often than not innocent dragons. Jastin holds a lot of hate for dragonkind since his family was murdered by a particular mysterious Gold dragon a long way back. He can be hard but also honorable which as a character is impressive to see. He often gets assisted b a rather crazy wizard named Layce who often teases him fo his serious and dark attitudes. Jastin seems both annoyed and amused by her most of the time. There is a deep sense in humor pieces during this time in the book that's good to read. Kallon really worries about Riza over her and Jastin yet his father's wizard , Orman Tistleby, warns him on many days that he needs to confront his destiny as the leader of The Dragon Council of The Leland Mountain Dragons. To him its something he really feels he can't afford to think about. So, while he hesitates a darkly viscous dragon by the name of Fordon Blackclaw grows stronger who's assisted by an even unsavory dragon named Fane Whitetail. With allies in Riza, Vaya Brownwing, Hale Brownwing, and Orman, Kallon may have a chance at thrimph. If he'd just allowed his friendships to guide him to the bigger picture of taking his place as a leader.

In Redheart for a reader that really loves fantasy or dragons this novel series that begins with this book should be a delicious treat in an otherwise same -old- same-old - palette. The narration is omniscient allowing for the readers to really see into all the darkest corners of the story as well as characters. This is a book that seeps into your mind and the stortelling is just wonderful very picturesque.

Riza and Kallon formed a bond that really surpasses species boundaries through mutual understanding that besides the fascinating fantasy curving movement of the story held quite the lovely message. A fantasy not to discount.
Overall: Amazing read!
Genre: Fantasy, Dragons, Young Adult(less)

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Aug 11, 2011 Nora Ellen (The Bookery) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: adult-series, books-i-own

When I first started reading this book, I immediately thought of Patricia Wrede's Dealing with Dragons. In both of these books, a stubborn dragon meets a just as stubborn human and their rivalry turned friendship blooms from that point on. In Redheart, Kallon Redheart has renounced his name, his royal heritage, his species, and has resigned himself to a lonely life waiting for death to seize him. However, that plan fails with one scream.

Determined to see everything life has in store for her, Riz...more When I first started reading this book, I immediately thought of Patricia Wrede's Dealing with Dragons. In both of these books, a stubborn dragon meets a just as stubborn human and their rivalry turned friendship blooms from that point on. In Redheart, Kallon Redheart has renounced his name, his royal heritage, his species, and has resigned himself to a lonely life waiting for death to seize him. However, that plan fails with one scream.

Determined to see everything life has in store for her, Riza Diantus has run away to have adventure. Until she gets kidnapped, and is saved by a dragon. A DRAGON! She didn't know all the rumors of their existence were true! Kallon is about as dragony* as dragons come, but he doesn't seem to want to eat her, or keep her as victim. Rather, he seemed more annoyed over her presence than anything else. After leaving Kallon, Riza goes to a nearby village where she meets Jastin. But the more Riza tries to forget him,, the more she can think of only Kallon. And despite his general annoyance with life, Kallon kind of wishes he would hear her climbing the mountain to see him.

However, a storm is brewing over their heads. Blackclaw, the Dragon Council Leader, is hiring dragon hunters to kill his opponents, and is plotting to wipe humans off the face of the land that rightfully belongs to the dragons. Kallon, the rightful heir and leader of the dragons is the only one who can stop Blackclaw. But Kallon has given up his heritage since his father's death, and it will take a lot to get him to fight for a species that would rather see him dead. But when Jastin, the dragon hunter, captures Riza to forcer her to reveal Kallon's location, and Blackclaw's forces capture both Jastin and Riza. In the midst of a revolution, Kallon can either a stand up for his people and the woman he loves, or lose everything he ever cared about.

I loved this book! The action and adventures it focused on were so medieval and authentic that, as a reader, I could picture the landscapes, the fight scenes. It was as if I was there along with the characters. If you enjoy a good fantasy or adventure novel, I recommend this book. Redheart has all the necessary elements of an epic fantasy, and along with a touch of romance, dragons, and heritage, it will be sure to make it to your favorites shelf. I know it's on mine! :](less)

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Aug 07, 2011 Robin Blankenship rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

First I want to say that I loved that this is a Fantasy book written by a woman with a believable female character. She was strong and weak and loving and snippy when she needs to be. Riza was such a dynamic but believable character and I love seeing that in a Fantasy book when so many falter when writing female characters. What else did I love about this book? Yes you guessed it, Dragons. They were amazing. I loved being in the dragon's world. The descriptions of the dragons were amazing. They...more

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Aug 11, 2011 Alyssa hoffmaster rated it 3 of 5 stars

It took me forever to get through RedHeart. I am reviewing it per author request and I was almost going to quit 100 pages in, but I didn’t want to let the author down so I kept trudging through. It took me a couple weeks and many books later to read through the first half of the book but…..

After I got through the first half of the book I flew through the last half, the first half of the book got 1.5 stars but by the end of the book I rated it 3.5 stars. I really loved it and can’t wait to read t...more

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Jul 04, 2011 Sarah (Workaday Reads) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2011

Kallon Redheart is the last of the red dragons. He has retreated from both the dragon world and the human world and wants nothing more than to die. Until he meets Riza. Riza wants something more than a dull life as a wife who questions nothing. She left home to find a place for herself, but all she seems to find is trouble. Kallon rescues her life, but can she rescue him in return?

This was a beautiful story that, while aimed at young adults, is a warm fuzzy read for adults as well. The story is...more

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Jun 23, 2011 Lindsay Paige added it · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed

Interest: Dragons!
Title Thoughts: It totally fits.
Cover Thoughts: I like the heart in the background with the dragon in front sort of guarding it. Then there's the girl who's holding the necklace. While the cover doesn't overall appeal to me, I do like it and how it goes with the book.
WARNINGS: None.

This book was slow moving for me. Not that I had to force myself to read it, but I really had to concentrate and stay focused. I did like the story and its characters. They each have something spec...more

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title link	preview: Redheart
avg rating	preview: Redheart Goodreads rating: 3.83 (65 ratings)
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Redheart (Leland Dragon Series #1)

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