The Dragonslayer's Sword (Dragonslayer, #1)

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The Dragonslayer's Sword (Dragonslayer #1)

by Resa Nelson (Goodreads Author)

4.02 of 5 stars 4.02 · rating details · 42 ratings · 26 reviews

For Astrid, a blacksmith who makes swords for dragonslayers, the emergence of a strange gemstone from her body sets in motion a chain of events that threaten to destroy her life. Her happiness is shattered when her lover-the dragonslayer-disappears without a trace, and the life that she knows and loves implodes without warning. Astrid lives in a world of shapeshifters whos...more

Paperback, 288 pages

Published June 1st 2008 by Mundania Press LLC

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Aug 31, 2012 Tana rated it 4 of 5 stars

Dragonslayer's Sword by Resa Nelson

The Dragonslayer is a unique novel, Resa writing is fantastic I was drawn into this world and couldn’t believe I just about passed it up. Resa has created a world of unlike anything that I have read, I would say this novel would be classified as a medieval, fantasy novel. She brings us dragons, shape shifters, ghosts, thieves, dragonslayers and Astrid.

Astrid is a blacksmith who makes swords and weapons for the dragonslayers; she lives a solitary life and does...more

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Sep 09, 2012 Melissa Hayden rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebook, fantasy

Wow. Really enjoyed that tale of Dragons, adventures, in life and love.

*****Full Review*****
We meet Astrid as she is looking forward to her future, even after being given to the Child Seller and travels the land finding someone to buy her. To Astird it's better than where she came from, and what they did to her. Along the way he picks up another little girl, Mauri. Heading into Guell with both girls they come across a dragonslayer boy, DiStephan, and his father. Astrid is taken by the idea of a...more Wow. Really enjoyed that tale of Dragons, adventures, in life and love.

*****Full Review*****
We meet Astrid as she is looking forward to her future, even after being given to the Child Seller and travels the land finding someone to buy her. To Astird it's better than where she came from, and what they did to her. Along the way he picks up another little girl, Mauri. Heading into Guell with both girls they come across a dragonslayer boy, DiStephan, and his father. Astrid is taken by the idea of a dragonslayer and thinks the boy is cute. This is the last town the Child Seller will attempt to shack Astrid, because of her marred face no one will take her, so she may die at the Child Sellers hand soon. The blacksmith, Temple, understands why Astrid is special, knowing what the scars are from, and is a strong person and takes her. Astrid is to stay inside the Smithery, where no one but Temple sees her, until she comes of age and can change her body to look as she wishes.

Over ten years later she's eighteen, loves being a blacksmith and realizes she loves DiStephan. However, eight months ago DiStephan did something that Astrid didn't approve of with a dragon. Sending him away, she didn't realize he'd not return. The town is left vulnerable until a new Dragon slayer arrives. However, the new Dragonslayer seems to take a liking to Astrid, creating issues for her; changing her body, and other things. But when a dragon shows up at her smithery one day, it's not good for her or her town...or is there something more here. When her town is then attacked by bandits and her past is drawn forth to Astrid, will she fight or hide from all of the world?

Astrid considers herself a monster, one people stare at and are scared of. As I went through the book I learned there is more behind the monster claim Astrid makes, other than just the scars all over her body. Her history is tied into this as well. Astrid was scarred by a dragon, chewed up and spit out. Astrid is physically and emotionally a scared character, from the time we meet her as a child. DiStephan, a very nice young man who helps Astrid, giving with the support of his father the name of someone who will take her if no other will. Someone they know. This being Temple.

Very Interesting!! People get to an age (maturity) and can change their bodies (allowed to do) to what they want. There are those who are strong enough to change others, which is NOT allowed to do, that can make the world dangerous. Astrid could hide her scars then. Then we have the Dragons. I really like the stories of the dragons in relation to the perception of others. Dragons see humans as small and weak, so people become so. But a few are strong enough to over come that forced change, hence they are Dragonslayers. The lore behind the dragons is interesting, and the ties it has with the storyline, really held me to the story to learn the way it works out.

This book is done in sections that highlights Astrids life, important pieces of her life. First we learn of her travel to Guell as a young girl. Then we jump to ten years later where Astrid is older, happy with life, and maybe even in love. We see times of when she learned to make a dragonslayers sword with her father-figure and mentor Temple.

In the first hundred pages I wasn't sure where the plot would lead. We meet Astrid and secondary characters. Grow attached and learn their life history leading to where they are now. This set up made me curious to Astrids scary past and scars and the ability to change ones skin, and to see the dragons as well. After that all falls apart and Astrid learns secrets of her past, her heritage, and of the true dragons.

I'm not one for metal yielding. I don't know much about how to do it, but Resa had to have taken great effort and time to learn it to describe it so detailed for me to understand what to do.

This story is of the birth of a dragonslayer. This story struck me as an adventure in love, not love of lovers but the love when you are where you belong and finding your way there. The love of friends and family, other than blood related. Being accepted by yourself for who you are and others accepting you as well. Feeling comfortable in your own skin. This adventure we take with Astrid as she is sold a few times, tries to fit in with her scars, hides who she is along with her scars of her scary past. A journey through life and love. A love for self and acceptance ~ with others and in ones eyes.(less)

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Sep 23, 2012 Maghon Thomas rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, review-4-author, young-adult

I was browsing goodreads one day and saw the cover for the first book, and thought it looked like a great read, so I added it to my to be read pile and then, not a week or two later, I’m opening an email from the author asking if I’d like to be part of this tour. I almost said no, with my life being crazy lately- BUT I’M SO GLAD I DID!!! This book is so good!

There’s so many good things about this book, and the writing is at the top of that list! I want to call it formal, but that’s only because...more

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Jul 27, 2012 Marina rated it 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book as soon as I started reading. Fantasy, mystery, dragons and swords. I was captured.

Astrid was a small girl whose body was full of scars. She didn't know her origin, she was travelling with the child seller, but no one wanted to buy her because of the scars. She was given a blanket not to get warm, but to hide the scars. A blacksmith finally bought her and raised her like his own daughter. there, in his castle, Astrid found her own path, she became a blacksmith. But the destiny...more

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Jan 06, 2012 Kate rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: dragons, fantasy

Bite-sized Review
While it would have benefited from a little more detail, particularly in the character motivations area, The Dragonslayer's Sword brought to life great characters, an interesting world, and a fast-paced plot. Recommend.

King-sized Review
Astrid's world of dragons and people who change their appearance by their own perceptions was definitely a plus. (I love dragons.) The Dragonslayer's Sword is Astrid's journey of self-discovery, and I enjoyed watching her learn about herself and t...more Bite-sized Review
While it would have benefited from a little more detail, particularly in the character motivations area, The Dragonslayer's Sword brought to life great characters, an interesting world, and a fast-paced plot. Recommend.

King-sized Review
Astrid's world of dragons and people who change their appearance by their own perceptions was definitely a plus. (I love dragons.) The Dragonslayer's Sword is Astrid's journey of self-discovery, and I enjoyed watching her learn about herself and the people around her.

I really liked Astrid as a character and watching her confidence grow throughout the book was a wonderful experience. Her flaws added to her character's appeal – how many beautiful, smart, witty, powerful heroines have you read about lately? Are they really all that interesting? Astrid is. She has scars – literally – and it makes her a better character. I can't stress enough how much I appreciated having such a great main character – the book is worth reading for her alone.

I did have some trouble really following her reasoning in some places. She made a couple decisions that seemed like they were more in the interest of moving the plot along than an actual result of her character, so those could have used either more explanation or different rationales. I think that might be a consequence of Resa's fairly sparse writing style. There's not a lot of detail or description in this book, and while I never thought I'd say this, some parts, especially in the middle, could have used a bit more fleshing-out. Obviously I still liked the story, but there were a few sections in the middle where I was a bit confused.

But spartan or not, this book had that thing that makes you want to keep reading. I don't know what that thing is. (I'm not sure anyone does.) Call it the X factor or that je ne sais quoi or some spark, but The Dragonslayer's Sword has it, and it's what kept me reading even when I wasn't entirely certain where things were coming from.

Don't expect a lot of romance from this book. That's perfectly fine with me, but if you're looking for a love story, look elsewhere. What The Dragonslayer's Sword does have is dragons, blacksmiths, ghosts, evil alchemists, footless cobblers, and overall a great story.

For detailed ratings and recommendations, go to http://neverbakeinblack.blogspot.com/...(less)

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Sep 09, 2012 Candace (Lovey Dovey Books) rated it 4 of 5 stars

The Dragonslayer's Sword is a unique and very thought-provoking novel. Resa Nelson focuses one young woman's journey to empowerment while fully entertaining fantasy fans with dragons and danger.

Astrid lives in a special village, Guell, where people are able to change their appearance at will, however it suites them at the moment. Astrid is self-conscious about her body because she is scarred from a dragon attack. The only people to ever look at her as if she were normal are her blacksmith mentor...more

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Aug 11, 2012 Flora Bateman rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, sci-fi, young-adult

I received a free copy of this book for review.

This was such a fun read. We follow the life of Astrid from the time she is a small child that is bought from a bad place by a child seller. Alone and horribly disfigured she is terrified of the world but at the same time determined to find a place for herself in it. In a world full of dragons and lizard and shapeshifting humans Astrid grows up to make a life for herself and learn what true friendship is.

I love the way the story comes together as A...more

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Feb 20, 2012 Jojo rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

This book was well-written in terms of keeping the reader interested. The characters were interesting, DiStephan and Lenore especially. I found the setting to be very unique; the concept of what it means to shapeshift as well as the role of the dragons. I also approve of the very concise writing style. Nelson leaves a strong impact when she writes a one sentence paragraph.
It's written like this.
I would like to point out that she does do it often. Personally, I had no problem with it but some peo...more This book was well-written in terms of keeping the reader interested. The characters were interesting, DiStephan and Lenore especially. I found the setting to be very unique; the concept of what it means to shapeshift as well as the role of the dragons. I also approve of the very concise writing style. Nelson leaves a strong impact when she writes a one sentence paragraph.
It's written like this.
I would like to point out that she does do it often. Personally, I had no problem with it but some people might not like this style so here's a heads up.

I would love to give this book more stars but there were some things that detracted from my reading experience. I felt that the plot was very lacking in some ways. It felt too forced and yet hesitant, which made it hard for me to really commit. Too much detail was given about things that didn't matter and too little about things that do. For example, when the secret that Astrid was hiding is revealed, the effect was ruined because there was little to no foreshadowing. I couldn't bring myself to care mainly because I didn't even know what (view spoiler) even meant! In general, I felt very little sympathy for the characters. Aside from a few of them, I couldn't understand why the characters did what they did. One character pledged to go wherever Astrid goes but it doesn't make sense since she (or he) never showed any sign of loyalty to her. I was also a bit annoyed at how the final battle went down. (view spoiler) It's not much better, in my opinion.

Overall, this book is great for a rainy day when you just want to read a quick action-packed story. There is a bit of dismemberment going on so it might not be the best pick for children. Anyway, the book is not perfect and might not become one of your top favorites but it's certainly a fun read.

Won in a giveaway in return for an honest review(less)

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Aug 18, 2010 Joelle rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-own

I bought this from the author while she was at King Richard's Faire last year, and I finally got around to reading it. I really liked Astrid and could definitely tell the author shared her love of blacksmithing (it wasn't surprising to read in the author description that Nelson had taken several blacksmithing courses and knows about swords and stuff).

I definitely enjoyed the way Nelson took standard dragon lore and twisted it and turned it a bit. Dragons, shape shifters, dragon slayers, thieves,...more

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Jan 05, 2012 Sherre Leach rated it 2 of 5 stars

The Dragonslayer's Sword was a book unlike any other I had ever read. I had no idea what to expect when I began reading this book, and it was a good thing. There was no way for me to even guess at the things that would be discussed. This book was nothing, if not unique.

The beginning of this book dropped us right in the midst of the feelings swirling inside a young, abused girl, Astrid. It was somewhat depressing, and confusing. The reader had no idea why she was like she was or what happened to...more The Dragonslayer's Sword was a book unlike any other I had ever read. I had no idea what to expect when I began reading this book, and it was a good thing. There was no way for me to even guess at the things that would be discussed. This book was nothing, if not unique.

The beginning of this book dropped us right in the midst of the feelings swirling inside a young, abused girl, Astrid. It was somewhat depressing, and confusing. The reader had no idea why she was like she was or what happened to her family. However, we learned that Astrid is very intuitive and learns things about her surroundings easily. She doesn't forget and uses everything she learns to make her a better person.

Initially, I did not like this book. I thought it was too confusing and convoluted. Nothing made sense. I didn't understand why the people could change the way they appeared, or anything. As the book went on, I was very tempted to quit and never read it again. I didn't like how easily things came for Astrid. Often, she said "I understood now why..." or "That explained why...". It got me a little annoyed because, well, it explained nothing to me, and I didn't understand why. There were way too many links and loopholes between people and events. There was just way too much to this book, too many different people with too many backstories and not enough pages to explain them all. It felt rushed and oftentimes, I found myself wondering how on earth I made it to where I made it in my book.

Despite these many issues, there was much I liked about the book. I loved the fact that the main character was unattractive and was able to grow into her true potential. I liked that they showed the power of belief on people. In addition, once things were explained at the end, I felt much better about the book. It was the end that improved the rating I had about the book.

I would suggest that only those who are thoroughly interested in Fantasy read this book. If you are interested more in paranormal romance and expect this book to be heavy on the romance and otherworldly explanations about the reasons life is the way it is, don't read this book. You much throw out all your preconceived notions and come to the table with an empty slate.

I give this book 2.5 stars. It wasn't really my type of book, although I liked much about it. I will probably read the next book (not just because I promised the author, but because I want to).
(less)

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Jan 05, 2012 Alexia rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2012

This medieval fantasy novel knocked my socks off – seriously! Resa Nelson is an amazingly talented author. I would love to take a walk through her mind and see how she creates her characters and books. What a storyline… sheesh, totally original and freaking epic.

Astrid has had such a hard life growing up and yet she prevails and comes out at the top. Her true passion in life is being a blacksmith and of course her soft spot for DiStephan. She is AMAZING!! I can go on and on about how cool Astrid...more

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Jul 10, 2012 Michelle rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-read

This was a captivating story with an imaginative world full of interesting characters and a unique plotline that made it difficult to put this book down.

It started off a little slow compared to what I normally prefer but once I got past the half-way mark it sped up to a fast pace where I was totally hooked and from that point I struggled to stop reading to perform other daily functions.

The author paints a world that is very unique and something I haven't come across before. I was fascinated by...more

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Oct 19, 2011 Dome rated it 5 of 5 stars

In The Dragonslayer’s Sword, Resa Nelson has imagined a mysterious world full of fantasy and terror. She brings the reader in by abruptly dropping them into this world with a frightened, disfigured, monster-child, Astrid, who is given away to a child seller by her unknown parents to be disposed of. Astrid is the reader’s guide through this world, for as she finds her way , so does the reader. As unreal as this universe is, the raw emotion of the frightened child brings it into quick focus for u...more

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Jan 28, 2012 Rubysbooks rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, medieval, 5-stars, favorites, from-author

I just finished reading The Dragonslayer's Sword and I have to say I'm very tempted to go back and read it again.

I'm going to be honest here. I was completely out of my comfort zone with this book. First of all, I don't think I've read a lot of books with medieval themes. So I didn't really knew what to expect. Also, I know nothing about blacksmiths. I was pleasantly surprised by the way Ms. Nelson managed to combine the fantasy details with the historical details. Another thing I loved was how...more I just finished reading The Dragonslayer's Sword and I have to say I'm very tempted to go back and read it again.

I'm going to be honest here. I was completely out of my comfort zone with this book. First of all, I don't think I've read a lot of books with medieval themes. So I didn't really knew what to expect. Also, I know nothing about blacksmiths. I was pleasantly surprised by the way Ms. Nelson managed to combine the fantasy details with the historical details. Another thing I loved was how the author described the process of sword making and how she made it sound somewhat easy. Of course, I know it's not easy, but it didn't sound like something impossible to learn.

I also loved the new take on shapeshifters and dragons. It was refreshing, because it's so unlike any other fantasy novel I've read, it's different and new. I liked that a lot, because I didn't feel like I knew what the dragons or shapeshifters would be like.

In this book we watch the heroine, Astrid, grow up and become an amazing woman. Despite her childhood, she manages to move on with the help of DiStephan, the dragonslayer, and her best friend, Mauri. Most of the book is told from her perspective, but at the end, we get to see some of the scenes told from the perspectives of other characters and I liked that.

I have to say, one of the things I loved most about this book was the balance in it. The descriptions weren't too big or too short for me, the action scenes were great and the dialogues were well written and they had the perfect length. The book also fast-paced and I loved that. There wasn't a moment when I felt that the story was in one scene or place more than it should.

The only thing I was hoping was to be inside other character's perspective a little more. There is one scene with Astrid and some other blacksmiths when Astrid realized how she was truly seen by those men and it makes her more confident in herself and in who she is, so I think it would've helped her more to see things from another angle.

I think this was a great start for a series and I'm very curious what happens next, in The Iron Maiden(less)

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Jan 21, 2012 Alex Connolly rated it 4 of 5 stars

This a fantasy novel following Astrid, a blacksmith, who lives in a world of dragons and of shape-shifters. Initially involved only in that she made swords for Dragonslayers, she find herself involved in a much greater turn of events in something that began beyond her own memory, and continues way beyond her home.

The first thing that I really like about this book is the plot. When do we have a blacksmith as a protagonist? Never. But why not- they're strong, determined and hard working. They soun...more This a fantasy novel following Astrid, a blacksmith, who lives in a world of dragons and of shape-shifters. Initially involved only in that she made swords for Dragonslayers, she find herself involved in a much greater turn of events in something that began beyond her own memory, and continues way beyond her home.

The first thing that I really like about this book is the plot. When do we have a blacksmith as a protagonist? Never. But why not- they're strong, determined and hard working. They sound made for the role. This kind of quirky uniqueness was a big plus for me because it was so different to your everyday sword and sorcery fantasy. Don't get me wrong, I adore sorcery, but I appreciated this difference in style and outlook. It made the experience that bit sweeter.

The plot itself was very linear. We don't get long travelling monologues or description, which I know makes some people scream for joy, but the first time I got this feeling it jolted me a little. I felt like she'd travelled miles in a matter of words and drew me out just a bit. I imagine if it had been a long drawn out description, I would have complained a little as well, the only difference is that the jolting was painless. It didn't stop me enjoying the book, and the conversations and events in the areas she goes make it easily a fantastic involving story- it rendered the travel commentary unnecessary.

The two main fantasy elements (dragons and shapeshifting) are very quickly introduced in a perhaps merciless manner. But the tone of writing doesn't make you think that this ignorance will last. We're not told everything at once, but neither we left in the dark. We're given what we need to know to get by, and we can learn the rest ourselves. Usually the lore and specifics of both are revealed as time progresses and we get a more rounded view of it, which matches how Astrid learns.

The shapeshifting is a self-perception idea. Astrid can make herself appear as she sees herself or wishes herself to be; equally she could change someone else's appearance. I loved this embodiment of the idea that we are who we want to be, and others shouldn't change us (in the book it's considered bad manners to change another's appearance). Everything we encounter and see is how we choose to see it, which is the foundation of prejudice. Calling something beautiful or ugly is a mix of feelings and pre-conceptions. The shapeshifting takes this is step further to say that this power, this belief, can have an actual affect on people. A strong man may become weak merely because someone sees them as weak and (intentionally or not) compels this view onto the man's shape. I just really like the idea as well that if you are self-confident, or happy with who you are, then no one can change you at all.

I'm not going to lie that I was a bit dubious about the last part of the story, not the actual last chapter/conclusion. It felt like a rather separate story to the original plot, and I didn't expect it to continue as it did. It wasn't bad in itself, but I wonder whether it should have went there or what not. Also, as with the travelling, bits occasionally felt rushed over; as though it was necessary as part of the plot, but nothing else. It just had to happen.

Otherwise, this is really great fantasy. It's a short book at 286 pages long, but it keeps one riveted such that it could be comfortably finished in an afternoon. It's something I'd recommend to a fantasy reader because it's a pleasant and different read. I don't think like I had to try hard: I could just enjoy reading it.(less)

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Oct 01, 2012 Think rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-reads, e-book

The Dragonslayer’s Sword was one of the most creative, original stories I have read in a long time. And, I might not have ever found this book if the author, Resa Nelson, had not contacted me to be a part of her book tour. I am so glad she did!
The story follows Astrid’s journey through life. She struggles throughout the novel with figuring out who she is truly. I completely related to this and feel many of my fellow readers would too. The story starts with Astrid as a child. A child-seller that...more

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Feb 01, 2012 Splash Of Our Worlds *Yiota* rated it 4 of 5 stars

Seriously what where the chance to say no to the book related to dragons...yeah...like zero...so here we are with the Dragonslayer's Sword by Resa Nelson.

What can i say? I really didn't expect to like it that much (i was thinking to go for 4 starts but you will see later why i didn't). The world is amazing and different. A mix of many different people and beliefs. And while it starts from a small town, you get to know more and other things too. The story? Captivating from the very first chapter....more Seriously what where the chance to say no to the book related to dragons...yeah...like zero...so here we are with the Dragonslayer's Sword by Resa Nelson.

What can i say? I really didn't expect to like it that much (i was thinking to go for 4 starts but you will see later why i didn't). The world is amazing and different. A mix of many different people and beliefs. And while it starts from a small town, you get to know more and other things too. The story? Captivating from the very first chapter. You see the world from our heroines eyes, and you get to know and understand everything along with her. You know what she knows. And that made the whole story new and surprising. Don't remember when was the last time, i didn't know what will happen until the last page. You are literally one with the character and you grow with her. Secondary characters? Complex, with full personalities and ideas like Astrid. Even characters who are not as important to the story, they have a story and are connected beautifully with the world and help you understand it better.

Another big...really big actually, part of the book is the blacksmiths. Never read a book before, where the blacksmiths are that important or so front in the story. You get to see their world, in amazing detail and honestly? I fell in love with them, that much that i just created a new blacksmith characters for my imagination stories :P I could kept reading just for them...who cares about dragons? How they worked, lived, and thought was way more interesting than anything else in the book.

Then of course we have Astrid who is one of my favorite characters ever! She is strong, clever, kind hearted and no matter how many bad things happened to her she is not the usual cry-baby girl. She fights and she found a way to survive. You read about her and you are proud of what she done. She has some negative things of course, but who hasn't? We are not perfect, and she in not. She is just a character who you can connect with and appreciate her part.

Now, as i said i was going 4 stars but i gave it 3.5. That's only because there is a really strange idea about the shapeshifting of the world. Even at the end of the book, you are still might missing things. And at first i was very confused on how it worked. It took me half the book to actually understand in a decent level the whole thing so here is the minus -0.5. Maybe it didn't work out for me, or it could have been explained differently since it's also important for the story. Of course now, i have no questions about it so we are okay.

So here is, the first i believe, fantasy book i recommend for 2012! Different, original, complex but easy to read, with lots of action and a really great world to spent some days in!(less)

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Sep 20, 2012 Tammi rated it 2 of 5 stars

This book had some interesting ideas but was very confusing when it came to plotlines. Things didn't really appear to make sense & it was not very streamlined. Jumps in time were awkward and unclear as well as in location. The world felt really small also & I'm not sure it was supposed to. Some things were left unexplained that seemed more interesting than what the story was about. Characters were barely likable, which makes it hard to keep reading when that happens. Overall, a valiant a...more

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Mar 31, 2012 Katie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: school-reading-2011-2012

The Dragonslayer's Sword is a nicely done fantasy that's filled with lots of revelations and twists along the way.

One of the things that I liked best about The Dragonslayer's Sword was the plot. I was very interested in the plot, mainly because Nelson incorporates a lot of fantasy that I've never seen before! She definitely did a great job with that. The shape-shifting part was easily my favorite. There are some slow parts in the middle of the book but after you get over that hump the reading wa...more

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Jan 03, 2009 Bitten_by_Books rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: lyda

When she was taken by the child seller, Astrid had the most gruesome scars covering her entire body. But that is not why she kept calling herself a monster. Ashamed of who she was and how she looked, Astrid felt that life was full of nothing but despair...

For the entire review please go to the Best Paranormal & Urban Fantasy Review site on the web, Bitten By Books for the review of The Dragonslayer's Sword in it's entirety. You won't be sorry.

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Jun 15, 2012 Delia rated it 5 of 5 stars

Now this one I happened to pick up by chance. The writer happened to be at a local Ren faire so I figured I would pick up a copy. If you enjoy fantasy that this one is for you. Resa Nelson has crafted a world of shape shifters unlike any you have read before. Even better than that is the fact that she is able to craft a whole new world you understand in just one book. It usually takes me into the second book of a new series to enjoy the world its in but this world just seems to flow.

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Feb 25, 2013 Nick Haslam rated it 3 of 5 stars

This book is a nice mixture of fairy tale/fantasy. It has many original ideas and remains light in its content rather than getting bogged down in unnecessary detail (unlike many of its peers). It is uncomplicated and is a quick read and that is welcome in this genre. Its kindle edition is very reasonably priced and I look forward to reading the next in the series.

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Jul 30, 2012 Maria rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads, favorites

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Feb 11, 2010 Karen Ribble rated it 4 of 5 stars

Great book. Love having such a great heroine. We need more like it. Especially recommend it to any young girl. Couldn't put it down.

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Aug 16, 2012 Alana ~ The Book Pimp rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult, series-r-us, owned-books, fantasy-non-urban, ebooks, to-review, 2012-reading-challenge

Review to come- but overall....

great YA fantasy. If you love fantasy, and dragons, and swordplay- this is SO the book for you. Fantasy is not my favorite genre (I usually prefer urban in my fantasy) but this was still an engrossing tale that swept me into it's pages.

It's also a 'safe' YA book that would be appropriate for younger audiences. There is violence, and death, but it's not to an over-the-top gory level.

1 like · like · see review

May 20, 2012 Deanna rated it 5 of 5 stars

I really loved this book and am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

like · see review

May 16, 2013 Shelby marked it as to-read

May 15, 2013 Maisha marked it as to-read

May 04, 2013 Rebecca Eaton marked it as to-read

Apr 22, 2013 Michael marked it as to-read

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Fantasy

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Young Adult

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Fantasy > Dragons

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Fantasy > High Fantasy

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About Resa Nelson

Amazon Bestselling Author in the categories of Epic Fantasy & Fantasy Romance

Resa Nelson is the author of The Dragonslayer’s Sword , a medieval fantasy novel based on a short story first published in the premiere issue of Science Fiction Age magazine and ranked 2nd in that magazine's first Readers Top Ten Poll. The Dragonslayer’s Sword is Book 1 in her Dragonslayer series. It was nominated fo...more

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Books by Resa Nelson

The Stone of Darkness (Dragonslayer, #3)

Marion Zimmer Bradley's Sword and Sorceress XXIII

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The Dragonslayer's Sword (Dragonslayer #1)

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