Another strong edition to the Elder Races Series. Book two follows the story of Tiago--Dr. Death and Nianine--Tricks from book ones Dragon Bound.

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Grade B+ or 3.75 Stars

After the climax from Dragon Bound and the Death of the Dark Fae King- Urien, Tricks is outed as heir to the Fae throne. She has been hiding from her destiny for 200 years. You see, Urien killed Nianine's entire family in order to up-seat the former king who was tricks father. Uriel killed her mom, dad and her younger brothers. Tricks escaped with her life, but she remained on the run.

Tiago is one of Drago's Sentinels and he is a Wyr. Thunderbird. Yes-- I said Wyr-Thunderbird. He is as old as the Sun, has worn many skins and has even been worshiped as a GOD.

One of the things I like most about Thea Harrison is her ability to write a story that is interesting. Her world-building is great and believable. (well, you know what I mean right?) She writes her characters with passion and realism. Her dialogue is snappy and easy to read. Her stories are Just. Plain. Fun.

Storm's Heart was darker and more melancholy. Most of the story is not happy. Dragon Bound was a wicked funny, enjoyable read that was light on the angst. I appreciated that and it was part of the reason I loved the book so much. I guess I was expecting much the same with Book two. In Dragon Bound, Tricks is H-I-L-A-R-I-O-U-S. Fall down drunk funny. I was expecting more of that carefree, fun loving attitude, and what we got was a much more serious, much more depressed, much more scared Nianine. It works for the setting, but I felt a little let down.

Tiago is your typical scary alpha male. For a Thunderbird I sort of expected more in the thunder and lighting department. We do see flashes and hear the rumbles, but it felt off somehow. I wish we could have seen more of his awesome wings, and his awesome power.

They also mated extremely quick for two people who have known each other for 200 years... I know that Thea tells us that they were rarely in the same room more than 6-8 times in those years, but it still felt strange to me. After I got over it, I really loved them together. Tiago has such an immense need to take care of Nianine, it was lovely to see. I liked when he quit and just followed her around like a love sick little hatchling. It was adorable.

During the climax of the story, a lot of stuff seems to happen off screen and we are told about it later. It's not one of my favorite story devices.

Aryal the Harpy and Rune the Gryphon are more prevalent in this edition from Thea Harrisons Elder Races, and I have to say I really look forward to Aryals book. She is so dang awesome!

Rune too ;)

All in all, a sound follow up to Dragon Bound, fans won't be disappointed, and I look forward to more by this awesome author.