Baptism of Fire (Draconi Series, #1)

Oct 15, 2012 Valerie Mcqueen rated it 5 of 5 stars

My review of Baptism of Fire by Stephanie Constante

Rating 5*****

This book was provided by the author for honest literary review. The opinions expressed ok this review are solely my own.
YATR REVIEW PANEL REVIEW

Lieto has had an unfair life. Her mother was killed by a dragon while she was small. Her father has been lost in a bottle ever since. Unable to overcome his own grief, he can barely look at his daughter. He also has became a noted dragon slayer. Then one fateful night changes their lives fo...more

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Jan 09, 2013 Lunar Haven Reviews and Designs rated it 5 of 5 stars

Leito’s father is the resident dragon slayer. Due to the killing of his wife by one of these dragons, he and a few others make sure to hunt them down and kill them. But that all changes one night when Leito witnesses the slaughtering of a female dragon. Distraught by the sight she goes in search of the other dragon they had shot down that night. As she does this she comes upon a young dragon child. She helps him escape that night by getting caught herself in the fields during the men's hunt, and...more Leito’s father is the resident dragon slayer. Due to the killing of his wife by one of these dragons, he and a few others make sure to hunt them down and kill them. But that all changes one night when Leito witnesses the slaughtering of a female dragon. Distraught by the sight she goes in search of the other dragon they had shot down that night. As she does this she comes upon a young dragon child. She helps him escape that night by getting caught herself in the fields during the men's hunt, and then Leito asks her father to retire once and for all from dragon slaying.

A few years later, though retired from killing dragons, her father has to pay a price: give his only daughter to the dragons or risk endangering the whole town. Although her father is unwilling to hand her over, Leito offers herself up with no fuss hoping that with the hidden knowledge that dragons can take human form, which she learned the night that she saved the dragon child from death. Also on her side is the fact that dragons can possibly be reasoned with. The question is, will it work? What Leito doesn't know is that what awaits for her in the lair of the dragon will eventually change everything she has known in a massive way for her… It is Aiden.

Wow, I was enthralled first by the blurb of the book and then by the cover itself. I am very big on the presentation of book covers, for the most part. The main reason I may buy a book in the store is because the cover caught my interest first.

Not only was the blurb and cover just enough to tickle my curiosity, but the plot and setting that the Author has woven is astonishing and mystifies one’s mind. I was enraptured by the story as if the characters were but a mere step away from my physical existence. To be honest I haven't read a book like this in a while and Baptism of Fire has helped fueled me even more with the love of reading. This is the type of book that many would enjoy and want to read. Dragons, sacrifice and of course love, all wound up into this book creates the perfect recipe for an unforgettable story. I was so glad to find out that this book is the first in the Draconi Series; knowing that more of the story is going to unwind in future books has left me anxiously waiting for the release of the second installment.

I loved the characters that Stephanie Constante has created in Baptism of Fire. I enjoyed the overall interactions and personalities of Leito and Aiden, our main characters in the book, but I will have to say Cillian was perhaps the most entertaining with his playful personality towards Leito, not only because you can become easily swoon by him, but because the jealously that radiates from Aiden is priceless. Though it is hard not to even become just a little swooned by Aiden as well, as in one of my favorite lines from the books describes how Leito herself could not keep her eyes off his body.

"A bit of warning when you are planning on disrobing would be nice....

I am not as shy about my body as you are. But if it makes you feel uncomfortable you can always turn around.” Leito did not realize she was staring at him instead of doing just that."

I am so honored that Stephanie Constante allowed me to review the book for her, I am anxiously looking forward to the next book and can say without a doubt that this book is going on my special series TBR list, which as many of you probably have read from posts I have done as a blogger from Paranormal Reads as well, that there are certain series I continue to read and reread and others that I may try or read through just once, this is a book I can certainly reread several times and am sure the series will be just the same.
5/5 crescents

~Marie(less)

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Jan 09, 2013 Heather Alexander rated it 3 of 5 stars

When Leito's mother is killed by dragons, her father becomes a dragon slayer and kills as many as possible. After one such attack, Leito saves a young male dragon after his family is killed by her father. She makes her father promise to stop after that. Unfortunately, years later to appease the dragons, they must atone for her fathers crimes. Leito is sent to battle a dragon to the death. Instead the dragon takes her captive and and over time they grow close to one another. As she is held captiv...more

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Dec 03, 2012 Paranormal Reads rated it 5 of 5 stars

The cover drew me in but the story left me breathless and wanting more.

Leito’s dad is the town dragon slayer since one killed his wife when Leito was young. But all that changes one night when Leito’s curiosity gets the better of her while he is out on a hunt. She sees her cousin shot down a small dragon while her dad and the other men are dealing with the momma. Leito goes to check on the dragon but what she sees changes everything for her. For in the place of the dragon is a young boy. Leito s...more

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Dec 03, 2012 Sabrina rated it 5 of 5 stars

The cover drew me in but the story left me breathless and wanting more.

Leito’s dad is the town dragon slayer since one killed his wife when Leito was young. But all that changes one night when Leito’s curiosity gets the better of her while he is out on a hunt. She sees her cousin shot down a small dragon while her dad and the other men are dealing with the momma. Leito goes to check on the dragon but what she sees changes everything for her. For in the place of the dragon is a young boy. Leito s...more

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Oct 03, 2012 Marie DeLaRosa rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed

Review:
Leito’s father is the resident dragon slayer. Due to the killing of his wife by one of these dragons, he and a few others make sure to hunt them down and kill them. But that all changes one night when Leito witnesses the slaughtering of a female dragon. Distraught by the sight she goes in search of the other dragon they had shot down that night. As she does this she comes upon a young dragon child. She helps him escape that night by getting caught herself in the fields during the men's hu...more Review:
Leito’s father is the resident dragon slayer. Due to the killing of his wife by one of these dragons, he and a few others make sure to hunt them down and kill them. But that all changes one night when Leito witnesses the slaughtering of a female dragon. Distraught by the sight she goes in search of the other dragon they had shot down that night. As she does this she comes upon a young dragon child. She helps him escape that night by getting caught herself in the fields during the men's hunt, and then Leito asks her father to retire once and for all from dragon slaying.

A few years later, though retired from killing dragons, her father has to pay a price: give his only daughter to the dragons or risk endangering the whole town. Although her father is unwilling to hand her over, Leito offers herself up with no fuss hoping that with the hidden knowledge that dragons can take human form, which she learned the night that she saved the dragon child from death. Also on her side is the fact that dragons can possibly be reasoned with. The question is, will it work? What Leito doesn't know is that what awaits for her in the lair of the dragon will eventually change everything she has known in a massive way for her… It is Aiden.

Wow, I was enthralled first by the blurb of the book and then by the cover itself. I am very big on the presentation of book covers, for the most part. The main reason I may buy a book in the store is because the cover caught my interest first.

Not only was the blurb and cover just enough to tickle my curiosity, but the plot and setting that the Author has woven is astonishing and mystifies one’s mind. I was enraptured by the story as if the characters were but a mere step away from my physical existence. To be honest I haven't read a book like this in a while and Baptism of Fire has helped fueled me even more with the love of reading. This is the type of book that many would enjoy and want to read. Dragons, sacrifice and of course love, all wound up into this book creates the perfect recipe for an unforgettable story. I was so glad to find out that this book is the first in the Draconi Series; knowing that more of the story is going to unwind in future books has left me anxiously waiting for the release of the second installment.

I loved the characters that Stephanie Constante has created in Baptism of Fire. I enjoyed the overall interactions and personalities of Leito and Aiden, our main characters in the book, but I will have to say Cillian was perhaps the most entertaining with his playful personality towards Leito, not only because you can become easily swoon by him, but because the jealously that radiates from Aiden is priceless. Though it is hard not to even become just a little swooned by Aiden as well, as in one of my favorite lines from the books describes how Leito herself could not keep her eyes off his body.

*** A bit of warning when you are planning on disrobing would be nice.
"I am not as shy about my body as you are. But if it makes you feel uncomfortable you can always turn around.” Leito did not realize she was staring at him instead of doing just that. " ****

I am so honored that Stephanie Constante allowed me to review the book for her, I am anxiously looking forward to the next book and can say without a doubt that this book is going on my special series TBR list, which as many of you probably have read from posts I have done as a blogger from Paranormal Reads as well, that there are certain series I continue to read and reread and others that I may try or read through just once, this is a book I can certainly reread several times and am sure the series will be just the same.
5/5 crescents

~Marie(less)

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Jan 15, 2013 Becca rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, indies-that-are-drool-worthy-good

Okay So wow...okay well this is strange because i just finished reading the second one, really they need to read back to back or you will go crazy i know i almost did. Anyways this isn't about the second one this is about the first one!

So Leito i think that is how you spell and thats how im going to spell it for now on so :p . Anyways.... Leito's father has an interesting habit, its killing dragons. And no good can come from pissing off a dragon right? Well...thats sort of true, but not really....more Okay So wow...okay well this is strange because i just finished reading the second one, really they need to read back to back or you will go crazy i know i almost did. Anyways this isn't about the second one this is about the first one!

So Leito i think that is how you spell and thats how im going to spell it for now on so :p . Anyways.... Leito's father has an interesting habit, its killing dragons. And no good can come from pissing off a dragon right? Well...thats sort of true, but not really. I was pleasantly surprised with Leito she had a ton of courage, and does what most people would shy away from. She is a very awesome main character. She is pleasantly blunt. These two, Leito and Aidan do not play games, they don't do the well i care for him but i am not sure if he cares about me. And its totally and utterly refreshing to be honest. Half the time i am screaming my head off at the book how the characters are soo stupid if they just talked to each other, just told each other how they felt we wouldn't be having this problem....anyways getting off that rant for a bit.

I want to take a break for a second about my thoughts on the character to do the plot reallll quick.

So the plot: its a true fucking story about love. These two actually and honestly fall in love. There isn't the soulmate connection thats like bam you have to love each other now. No, these two fall for each other, they make each other better. I was SOOO HAPPY ABOUT THIS, and i know my friends would tell me well then go read a compt. fiction story but i like my paranormal, fantasy stuff and honestly its hard to come across a genre like story and not run into soulmates of some sorts. which don't get me wrong i love, i truly do, because there are really interesting takes on them but these two got to ... sort of chose each other. They didn't have to be together, but they gradually fell in love, they went on DATES! well what could be consider dates... hell i wish i could have done some of their dates.... anyways... the first one in this two part story really was about them falling in love but its not just that. there is betrayal, there is hurt, action, and just plain old fashion fun! its a really new interesting plot that i encourage you as a reader to give it a shot, fall in love and tell everyone you know about it because i know i want to. And i am going to. okay...back to characters....

Aidan: our main man, and yes this is a dragon shifter novel i am putting that out there right now because when i started reading it i was like is this just dragons? like they are just the mythical beast not part human...don't worry they are shifters! YAY! Aidan is dark, dangerous, human-hating, and falling in love with one? Those are always the best, really they are! So as Aidan falls for Leito, we do get to see an outsiders view, we know he was not always his playful, fun guy he tends to be with her. I love, absolutely love when characters join in a romantic relationship they make each other better, and its shown so that the reader can see it, not just telling us. And that is what Stephanie Constante does!

The extra characters are all amazing, and i love that they are all separate they don't become this one entity. its happened i promise i say it a lot and i think people are starting to think i made it up but i am not! anyways moving on from that...

I thought that this was a beautifully written tale in a fantastic new world. I loved the characters, i love the story that was being told and honestly the only thing i can honestly say that i hated was the god damn ending, if you don't have time to read this...like me who started it at midnight and kept reading until 330 in the morning even though i had to get up early to go to school then please wait until the weekend because i can honestly say that i did NOT want to put this down for anything...literally. And the ending is a huge ass cliffhanger, don't worry the second one is out so just make sure you have time to start the next one and finish it because you will kick yourself if you don't

So did you enjoy my thoughts on this book? Really?! For cheezizes? well fantastic because you can check out this review and the one for the second book on my blog along with many other books i want to shove down your throat! and my friend has some too!!! so check us out here: http://theviolethourbookreviews.wordp... and ENJOY(less)

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Dec 08, 2012 Tanja Brewer rated it 5 of 5 stars

I honestly thought Baptism of Fire was a great read! The cover of the book was breathtaking in my opinion. This story focuses on Leito a girl who grew up in a small village who lost her mother at a young age and whos father is rather distant. Leitos father is a dragon hunter who is on a mission to get revenge. Hate it a hard thing to rid yourself of and love is something precious that you would go to extreme lengths for as Leito will learn soon enough. I hope Stephanie can write fast because I c...more

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Jan 26, 2013 Kristy Centeno rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book had me hooked by the first chapter.

First of all, let me just say that not once since I began to read was I bored with this book. It was an absolute page turner. In fact, I read it in two days (and only because I needed a good night sleep). Otherwise, I would have read it all the first night.

The romantic elements to this story are strong and captivating. The characters are charismatic, fun, and entertaining. The plot is unique and keeps you interested from the very beginning.

Aidan, the...more

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Dec 11, 2012 Tiffany rated it 4 of 5 stars

To see the full blog post click HERE

Ever Since Leito's mother was killed by a dragon long ago, her father has been killing dragons to get revenge. One night she hears her towns hunters yelling and screaming. She can't take it any longer and heads out to see what is happening. There she finds they have trapped a female dragon. Her cousin also shoots down another dragon while she is there and she rushes off to save it. What she sees will change the way she looks at dragons forever. And what price...more To see the full blog post click HERE

Ever Since Leito's mother was killed by a dragon long ago, her father has been killing dragons to get revenge. One night she hears her towns hunters yelling and screaming. She can't take it any longer and heads out to see what is happening. There she finds they have trapped a female dragon. Her cousin also shoots down another dragon while she is there and she rushes off to save it. What she sees will change the way she looks at dragons forever. And what price will she have to pay for her father deeds when she gets older. She is in for a surprise b/c it is nothing like she imagined.

This book was so cool. I think I've only read a couple of books about dragons. This to me would be in the top five. I always enjoy books that have shifters in it and the book was no different. I will admit in the beginning it took me awhile to get into it. It had a lot of descriptions and details all coming at me at once and really fast. After that I got used to it. The romance was a bit predictable, but I enjoyed it none the less. It was interesting learning about the dragons and how they are and what there laws are. I was hoping there would be a little more action and there was towards the end. I think most of the action will take place in the next installment and I can't wait. I also love how authors know how to end a book and leave you wanting more. This is what the end of this book did to me.

Leito- She was stubborn to the hilt. She says what she means and isn't afraid to say it. Sure she sometimes she says things without thinking and apologizes but she is only human.I think she is a very brave, loyal, and passionate character. I felt for her most of the book and I wanted to help her.

Aiden- Did I like him? Yes, but he was just so jealous during the book. He just didn't trust anyone. I wish he would have opened up more. He is also Hot-tempered, but that is to be expected LOL He is a dragon for crying out loud.

Cillian- He was a hoot. I didn't figure him out until the end of the book. He is such a charmer and loves to torment Aidan. No, it's not nice but it is fun to watch. i wish he gets to be with the one he loves. ;)

Overall this book was full of dragons, secrets, dangers and more. It will have you breathing fire by the end.

4 DRAGONS :D(less)

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Dec 13, 2012 Micheline rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, author-req, young-adult, dragons, historical-fiction

Before I even begin my review, I have to say it: I loved this book! Baptism of Fire immediately grabbed my with it's first pages and kept building from there! I loved the concept, the mythology, the characters, the story's progression and that killer ending - when can I get my hands on book 2??? Seriously, I need it...now!

Leito's father is the village dragon-hunter and has dedicated his life to this task after his wife was killed by a dragon when Leito was just a little girl. When her father &...more Before I even begin my review, I have to say it: I loved this book! Baptism of Fire immediately grabbed my with it's first pages and kept building from there! I loved the concept, the mythology, the characters, the story's progression and that killer ending - when can I get my hands on book 2??? Seriously, I need it...now!

Leito's father is the village dragon-hunter and has dedicated his life to this task after his wife was killed by a dragon when Leito was just a little girl. When her father & the other dragon hunters in the village are out hunting a huge dragon - Leito simultaneously discovers & saves an injured dragon child & helps him escape the hunters. Year later, when Leito has become a young women, she is faced with a cruel twist of fate when her village her up as a sacrifice as a sort of peace offering for her father's crimes against the dragons. Leito bravely agrees to go if it will save her village from the wrath of the dragons but this is just the beginning of an adventure that will forever change her...and her destiny.

I can't really reveal anything more about the plot, because early on there is something of an unexpected twist and the whole story's progression sort of starts at that point. When author Stephanie Constant reached out to me and offered me a chance to read this story in exchange for an honest review I said yes right away! I have this thing where I LOVE dragons! The idea of a girl having to face a dragon and prove herself worthy, or use her wits to survive against a dragon were instantly attractive to me. Speaking of attractive: that cover ♥ ! The way the colours play with the shimmering lights at the bottom of the beautiful girl's feet!? *dies of pretty* I'm thrilled to say that Baptism of Fire is just as pretty on the inside. As I mentioned above, I liked this story right away and the more I read the more delighted I became. The story really flows and I never once got bored throughout. It is a fairly quick read though but everything really develops and wraps up nicely (almost) ;)

Leito the main protagonist was likeable and easy to relate to. She's feisty, opinionated & brave. She's curious by nature & though it can get her into a bit of trouble at times, I still found it endearing & believable. What really made me love Leito though, was the compassion she shows that young dragon even after losing her own mother to a dragon. She understands her father's motives, she knows how miserable losing his only love has made him and that he seeks to avenge that loss by hunting dragons...but she has not learned to hate as he does. And Aiden? Oooh Aiden made me fall in love with him as well, and I wanted to know more,and the more I learned the more I wanted to learn! Everything about this boy was appealing to me: he's a dark, brooding bad boy with a heart. He's sweet and adventurous but he can be aggressive and knows how to fight. Yum, right? The build of romantic tension throughout was both adorable & exciting. Paired with the beautiful descriptions of dreamy scenery & settings, it's hard not to fall in love with this romance.

The pacing was consistent and I could feel it building as the story progressed. The plot felt tight & like I said, I never felt bored even when not much was happening...cause you just knew something else exciting was coming up soon! The dialogue felt a bit stiff to me at first, but I quickly got used to it and it seemed to fit the medieval setting...people spoke more formally in the olden days in any event so it gave the story a realistic feel, even in such a fantastical world. The further along a got in the story the more it captivated me and it held till the very last scene when I was completely spellbound....gah! And then it was over too quickly and I just wanted to keep reading but there was nothing left! All things considered this was a an exciting and fun romantic fantasy read!

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Oct 12, 2012 Brittni Guillen rated it 4 of 5 stars

i really, really enojoyed this book! i loved the setting and the dragons. this was a nice a quick read i finished it in a day and everytime i had to put it down i found myself staring at my kindle waiting to be able to pick it back up again. i also loved where the cliffhanger left us. i will definatly be waiting for the second book and other works from this author.

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Apr 09, 2013 Tracey rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, mystical, new-adult

3.5 Stars. This is a well written fantasy about Dragons/Humans, involving romance and action. Suitable for Older YA/New Adult, the plot is interesting and leaves you wanting to complete the series.

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Dec 06, 2012 Delphina rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book is made of amazing and reminds me why I love YA so much! I can not wait for book two!!

I will edit this with a full review, but did not want this book to go unpraised!

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Feb 23, 2013 Wicked Walker rated it 5 of 5 stars

Great start to a series if you are a dragon lover like me. Glad the 2nd one is already out, I would hate to have to wait with that ending!

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Feb 23, 2013 Ornella rated it 4 of 5 stars

3.5

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Dec 12, 2012 Liz Calderone rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: good-books

4.5

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Nov 17, 2012 Rebecca Lea rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-new-releases, dragons, fantasy, kindle

Omg! - such a great story!

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May 17, 2013 Ariadne marked it as to-read

May 14, 2013 Legato Darksummers added it

Shelves: daddy-dark-s-baby-warrior-list

May 11, 2013 Katerina rated it 3 of 5 stars

May 08, 2013 Tiffany marked it as to-read

Apr 11, 2013 Mei marked it as to-read

Mar 25, 2013 Kirsty Bassett rated it 4 of 5 stars

Mar 23, 2013 Kayla marked it as to-read

Mar 14, 2013 Stephanie marked it as to-read

Mar 14, 2013 davina marked it as to-read

Mar 14, 2013 Tracey (YA Book Addict) marked it as to-read

Shelves: for-review

Mar 09, 2013 Jwalin marked it as to-read

Mar 08, 2013 Ashley marked it as to-read

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Baptism of Fire (Draconi Series #1)

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