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How to Drive a Dragon Crazy (The Dragon Kin, #6)
by G.A. Aiken
by G.A. Aiken
If I had written this review a week ago when I read the book, I believe my review would have been different from what is to follow. My first impression was a mix of love and like. Not bad, right? Seven days later...
I loved this book.
I've made no secret as to my feelings of Izzy's actions, and frankly, my feelings on her sleeping with Celyn haven't changed a bit. There were issues not addressed in regards to Izzy sleeping with Celyn for the reader, but I had the advantage of re-reading the series shortly before reading this installment and if this book had contained tantrums and blow-ups or even concern about Celyn in the picture then I think as the reader I wouldn't have been convinced either Izzy or Eibhear had matured enough to get to this point. I know I can't have it both ways, so I'm pleased the romance was between two mature adults--although Izzy had her moments making her, still, one of my least favorite characters. What I do appreciate is Eibhear maturing enough to have apologized to Izzy for his actions and no groveling being involved.
Overall, I found Izzy and Eibhear's coming together appropriate and quite enjoyable for the persons they have become and not the characters they were 10 years prior.
What really made this a 5-star book for me was the overall story. Aiken's books have evolved into a series that not only has strong characters, but a strong plot to support those characters. Because Izzy and Eibhear's book has been so built-up many series would have difficulty following such a book. "How to Drive..." has only notched up my desire for more. More characters and more story. The twins, Rhi, Brannie, Aiden, Frederick...the more the merrier. I can't seem to get enough of this series.
Sidenote: What I missed in this book has no bearing on my enjoyment, but two lingering questions from the previous books.
1. Did Ragnar Claim Keita?
2. Has Brastias aged 10 years or did he get the Chain of Beathag as well.
If I missed the answers to these questions, please would someone let me know, because I can't stop wondering.
Pre-release statement:
I know I will end up giving this book 5-stars. I love the series but mostly the author. I have to admit I' ve been irritated with Izzy for sleeping with Eihbar's cousin. I don't think she should have waited around for Eihbar, but his cousin...really? While I'm supposed to believe she loved him too. I think Aiken gave her a pass in book 5 and it has bothered me since. I' m looking forward to the series beyond this book because I think Izzy should have to work for Eihbar, not the other way around. Knowing this won't happen will not prevent me from reading the book or enjoying it. Needed to vent that, it's been bothering me.
I loved this book.
I've made no secret as to my feelings of Izzy's actions, and frankly, my feelings on her sleeping with Celyn haven't changed a bit. There were issues not addressed in regards to Izzy sleeping with Celyn for the reader, but I had the advantage of re-reading the series shortly before reading this installment and if this book had contained tantrums and blow-ups or even concern about Celyn in the picture then I think as the reader I wouldn't have been convinced either Izzy or Eibhear had matured enough to get to this point. I know I can't have it both ways, so I'm pleased the romance was between two mature adults--although Izzy had her moments making her, still, one of my least favorite characters. What I do appreciate is Eibhear maturing enough to have apologized to Izzy for his actions and no groveling being involved.
Overall, I found Izzy and Eibhear's coming together appropriate and quite enjoyable for the persons they have become and not the characters they were 10 years prior.
What really made this a 5-star book for me was the overall story. Aiken's books have evolved into a series that not only has strong characters, but a strong plot to support those characters. Because Izzy and Eibhear's book has been so built-up many series would have difficulty following such a book. "How to Drive..." has only notched up my desire for more. More characters and more story. The twins, Rhi, Brannie, Aiden, Frederick...the more the merrier. I can't seem to get enough of this series.
Sidenote: What I missed in this book has no bearing on my enjoyment, but two lingering questions from the previous books.
1. Did Ragnar Claim Keita?
2. Has Brastias aged 10 years or did he get the Chain of Beathag as well.
If I missed the answers to these questions, please would someone let me know, because I can't stop wondering.
Pre-release statement:
I know I will end up giving this book 5-stars. I love the series but mostly the author. I have to admit I' ve been irritated with Izzy for sleeping with Eihbar's cousin. I don't think she should have waited around for Eihbar, but his cousin...really? While I'm supposed to believe she loved him too. I think Aiken gave her a pass in book 5 and it has bothered me since. I' m looking forward to the series beyond this book because I think Izzy should have to work for Eihbar, not the other way around. Knowing this won't happen will not prevent me from reading the book or enjoying it. Needed to vent that, it's been bothering me.
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Comments (showing 1-50 of 82) (82 new)
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Llsbear3
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Mar 19, 2012 08:47am
I 4 1 couldn't agree more with U/
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I agree with both of you! no matter how hard i tried, i could never really believe Izzy loved Eibhear.....im still reading this book but this is not one of my favorite heroines
Can't agree with you more - she irritated me so very much. And I just wanted to give Big Blue a huge hug.
Really? If anything Éibhear was being a really big jerk toward Izzy. He was nice and caring to everyone but her. Éibhear had no right to get upset when he found out Izzy slept with his cousin because he was the one rejecting his feelings about her. Yes I believe she loved them both or at least she tried to push her feeling away about Éibhear because a girl can only be reject so much it kinda hurts.
Yes Eib was nice and caring to everyone else, but every-one else didn't grab his tail make demands to be taken
flying and steal his property. Than too unless she was
very very very stupid she had to know that *ucking any
family member wasn't a good idea, not if she was hoping
for a future with him.
Yes, she made a mistake but that's was makes her character more real... the whole grabbing his tail and taking his things was nothing more than her trying in anyway she could to get his attention. Izzy was only 16 when she first met Éibhear and she had been traveling with her protectors who I highly doubt let her around anybody let alone a boy, so when she came across a young dragon that she like she flirted in a completely "Izzy" kinda of way.
Well her mother or someone else should point out to herthat doing what she did will get his attention, but not
in a favorable way.
I agree with Tabitha. His cousin? Really? Bc that wasn't going to be awkward or anything and look how it turned out: badly and awkwardly. While I don't think Izzy should have waited like a good little virgin for Eib, she could have at least gone with someone who wasn't A) related to him and B) a loudmouth. You KNOW Celyn wasn't going to keep it quiet or discreet like Izzy was.
I really like Shelly's books because family actually has meaning in her stories (Dragons and Shifters alike). I cannot ignore Izzy slept with Blue's cousin, then it was shrugged off, like "oh well, you didn't want her and she can sleep with who she wants". Which is fine and I agree with, except she slept with his FAMILY and I can't shrug that off and believe she loves Éibhear. I believe her actions weren't just a mistake but she showed her immaturity and she has really BAD taste. Éibhear's cousin is a creep and I find I can't forgive Izzy for her actions even if Éibhear can.
Again, I totes agree with you Tabitha. I also love the family connections in Shelly's books - they are tangible, honest and dysfunctionally awesome. That's what made Izzy sleeping with Celyn feel so wrong to me. She could have been with hundreds of men and I wouldn't care, but the fact that it was his cousin really rubbed me the wrong way. Although, for the record, I am really excited for this book, no matter my feelings about this issue, lol!
I'm excited too, but I may be a bit more excited for the books that follow. I do love revisiting the characters Shelly writes, so even with Izzy, I'm happy to read more. She really is the funniest author I've read.
I love this series! One of my all time favorites because it's so funny! I also love how involved the past characters are and I love seeing them in future novels. I can't wait for Izzy and Eihbar's story. They both are so ridiculous! Have you read the excerpt that was put out for this book? Good stuff.
I did read the excerpt and the blurb on the website that was actually when my annoyance was peaked with big-shot Izzy. I'm not saying she's not kick-ass, but she refers to a time when she would have done anything for Éibhear. At that time, she was no more than an immature child, then when she kind of blossomed as a woman, is when she slept with Celyn. The text also reads like Éibhear will be doing the pursuing and that really irked me. I know the book will be funny and well written, but Izzy getting a pass frustrates me to no end. I'm not holding a lot of hope that Izzy has any remorse for sleeping with Celyn, because she hasn't shown any yet.
I feel the same trepidation you do Tabitha, that he'll be persuing her. But I interpreted the back of the book as he accompanying her and her using that time to pursue him (rightfully so). I think she needs to acknowlege the damage her decision (to sleep with Celyn) did and if she is scot-free in Eib's book I will be PISSED. Altho he is so freaking sweet, he just might *sigh*
P.S. Izzy frustrates me to no end as well, lol.
Yes, they both became increasingly frustrating in the series. So much tension! Izzy was so sweet before and then she became sort of ruthless in more ways than just her fighting. Eibhear really got to me in the last book. He acted so immature and it was surprising, but I guess this will show his growth? I need to re-read this series! I think before summer ends I'm going to re-read this straight through. This and the Charley Davidson series;)
BTW my favorite book in this series is "What a Dragon Should Know" I could NOT stop laughing!
I get the feeling that quite a few years have pass withEib living in the north on his own. I think you will be
suprise how much Eib has grown up, it always happens
when you are on your own.
I don't doubt Eibhear has grown. When he lost his best friend it was a huge turning point in his life and I don't think he reverted to an immature dragon. I'm sure Izzy has matured too, because like you said, a number of years has passed. I think those of us unhappy with Izzy are concerned Eibhear will forgive and forget she slept with Celyn easily making it a non-issue, when the issue is huge to me and others.
@Ann,I don't think anyone is saying Izzy was wrong to be with someone else when Eibhear rejected her. My problem is her sleeping with his family. How do you "love" a person, then choose to sleep with that person's cousin, while still flirting with Eibhear, I remind you. In my mind AND heart there is a difference between her sleeping with a random soldier and Eibhear's cousin.
I agree again Tabitha, lol. I sound like a parrott. Btw, re-reading the series from the beginning now bc I can't stop thinking about it lol. God Annwyl cracks me up. My fave book is About a Dragon bc Talaith and Briec make me laugh so hard!
Krista wrote: "I agree again Tabitha, lol. I sound like a parrott. Btw, re-reading the series from the beginning now bc I can't stop thinking about it lol. God Annwyl cracks me up. My fave book is About a Dragon..."
I honestly don't think I could pick a favorite. Every book is hilarious and a real joy to read. I'll be starting my re-read next month in anticipation of "How to.."
Okay, so last night I was half asleep but reading About a Dragon, wondering why Eib was so dumb about Izzy being "family" and got to the part after the magic-baby-making moon... Talaith put a knife to his throat and threatened him, which is prolly scarier to Eib than his brother's threatening him, bc he respects and loves Talaith. So I ask to you other lovers of the Dragon Kin series - do you think that moment was a turning point where he decided Izzy must be 'family' (or not touched for fear of losing his balls) or do you think he'd always be a stubborn blue-haired sweetie who has silly notions of being an "uncle"?
BTW, I feel really bad for Izzy with the whole Rydderch Hael (sp) thing. She really trusted him to make everything "right" and he broke her heart :( Stupid gods!
IMO, what Eib's biggest issue was his age. I know he's over 100, but many times throughout the series it was pointed out that he was essentially an adolescent. With that in mind, I guess I think of him as a 17 year old that does not want to have feelings for a anyone. Add that to Talaith and brothers actions and comments AND Izzy is related through marriage. Not the situation a teenager takes on, but a man. @Krista, I agree Izzy situation with sucks, but we will certainly get some resolution in this book since Izzy is the main character.
Tabitha wrote: "IMO, what Eib's biggest issue was his age. I know he's over 100, but many times throughout the series it was pointed out that he was essentially an adolescent. With that in mind, I guess I think ..."You're right Tabitha, I always seem to forget how young they both are during the books, even in the last one they are both still quite juvenile. I'm betting this book will be many years in after the last (the glory of Shelly's alternate universe) and they will be able to sort their shit out. I'm so excited tho - call me a perv but I think their sex is gonna be so HAWT bc of all the pent up stuff between them!!!! And from the sounds of the exerpt, Rhi and the twins are much older (and causing trouble) so we get to learn more about them! I'm such a nerd but so excited!
One think you can bank on is HOT sex from Shelly. I don't know if you read the Pride books, but Ronny and Brandon's role playing will forever live in my favorite sex scenes in ANY romance.
Tabitha wrote: "One think you can bank on is HOT sex from Shelly. I don't know if you read the Pride books, but Ronny and Brandon's role playing will forever live in my favorite sex scenes in ANY romance."I LOVE the Pride books! The role playing was SUPER hot! Altho I will admit that the last book with Crush and Bare Knuckles - the cop sex was really super hot too!
I think the role playing is so memorable is because I have never read any other author do that. Favorite aspect to Shelly's sex scenes are they are fun. Shelly makes sex fun.
I haven't read any of the "Pride" series books, but read 3 of the "Magnus Pack" series books because after I read the Dragon Kin series I was IN-freakin-LOVE and wanted more from the same author. I didn't like the "Magnus Pack" series. Aside from the female in the first book, the women in the series were awful. They were unjustifiably mean and unlikable. Is the "Pride" series better? I just couldn't connect with the characters in the "Magnus Pack" series and that annoyed me.
@Lori,The Magnus pack threesome were definitely at extreme end of the bitch scale. Like DK, the women in Pride are tough and take no shit, but not nearly as bad as the Magnus girls. Example, in the Beast in Him, Sara has a quick cameo and it is explained that her crazy far exceeds the characters in the Pride books. I'd give the Pride ones a shot. I think the characters are pretty similar to the DK series, more than the Magnus books.
Tabitha wrote: "@Lori,The Magnus pack threesome were definitely at extreme end of the bitch scale. Like DK, the women in Pride are tough and take no shit, but not nearly as bad as the Magnus girls. Example, in..."
Thanks, I will definitely give them a try.
Tabitha wrote: "@Ann,I don't think anyone is saying Izzy was wrong to be with someone else when Eibhear rejected her. My problem is her sleeping with his family. How do you "love" a person, then choose to slee..."
Lori wrote: "Yes, they both became increasingly frustrating in the series. So much tension! Izzy was so sweet before and then she became sort of ruthless in more ways than just her fighting. Eibhear really got ..."
I never said her actions should be overlooked. I just think since everyone has a soft spot for "blue" people are taking things out on Izzy instead of seeing that both of them were being idiots.
Ann wrote: "Tabitha wrote: "@Ann,I don't think anyone is saying Izzy was wrong to be with someone else when Eibhear rejected her. My problem is her sleeping with his family. How do you "love" a person, the..."
Yes, Eibhear acted really immature and you're right, they were both being idiots.
@Ann, I agree they both made mistakes. I'm ultra focused on Izzy's actions because I literally stressed about it for weeks. I remember clearly how sick I felt after reading that scene she had with Celyn. Up to that point I was really pulling for Eib and Iz to get together. There was a line in "Last Dragon..." that really reinforced Izzy's actions. Paraphasing here: Izzy didn't want to stick around and be the "whore that came between two cousins." This was Izzy statement and I couldn't agree more unfortunately.I suspect both Eib and Iz have aged and hopefully matured. That may make their union more palatable, but I'm personally having a hard time forgiving Izzy. Very weird of me to take it to heart like I have, but a testament to Shelly's ability to have us connect to (or be betrayed by) her characters.
Although my 'review' is expressing some angst towards Izzy in particular (not joking that I was pretty unhappy for a while after "Last Dragon...") make no mistake that I'm really looking forward to this book. I love revisiting Shelly's characters and there is a lot going in this world that I'm excited to follow more.
I felt pretty sick to my stomach too when I read the part of Izzy and Celyn, especially bc Eib was watching. I understand logically that she didn't do it to hurt Eib, that she was doing what every woman has the right to do and y'know in all honesty, I didn't want her to wait for Eib, I wanted them both to grow up first. But I still can't get over the fact that it was his (loudmouthed, braggart) cousin, she could have chosen better.Also, after his friend died and she went to "comfort" him - I didn't like that. She said all the things that he didn't need to hear.
Now Eib, he was a jerk for beating up Celyn in front of EVERYONE, making it a big deal and for carrying on like an immature prat - not cool. But I still feel for him because give him a break - her mother threatened his life if he touched her, his family was harassing him non-stop and only Morfyd took the time to see how much he was actually hurt and no one fully said out loud "btw, we don't see you as her uncle, stop being an idiot".
Like Tabitha tho, I look forward to this book bc Iz and Eib have great chemistry, are hilarious together and I know they will have really hot sex lol. Also, totally want to see how the Demon Twins are turning out, they crack me up!
Eib did Celyn a favor. Izzy & Celyn weren't very dis-cret and if one of her other uncles, dad or grandad
had found out first Celyn would be dead.
K so Shelly's newsletter came out yesterday and she announced she got signed for 3 more Dragon Kin books after this one! Hooooooray!!! She also included a quote from this book and it has Branwen and Izzy as kind of a "Sissy Mae and Ronnie Lee" friendship going on, which is cool.
The part with Izzy playing the "Our family wants us to be proper niece and nephew" card kinda made me roll my eyes because REALLY? If that's the way this book is gonna go (her teasing him and him continuing to run) I might cry a little. I want Eib to put on his big-boy pants and Claim her like a man!!!
Krista wrote: "K so Shelly's newsletter came out yesterday and she announced she got signed for 3 more Dragon Kin books after this one! Hooooooray!!! She also included a quote from this book and it has Branwen a..."
I was really excited about B & I's exchange. I'll tell you what I got out of the excerpt AND that I was very excited about it. It seems like Izzy will be pursuing Eib and I think that's great. The last thing I wanted was for him to chase her after she messed up huge, IMO. I also get the feeling that exchange was her attempt to let Eib think everything was normal...then she'll make her moves.
Tabitha:Really? I guess I'll have to reread it because it seemed like she was just playing with his head again to try and get him to chase after her (Sissy or Ronnie move). I hope you're right that she is persuing him!
I definitely think they were messing with him (in a Ronnie & Sissy kind of way). I just think the 'every thing is normal' conversation is Izzy's way of setting up her pursuit. Also, her being naked seemed pretty intentional and Branwen took it a step further by sticking her clothes out of reach. My interpretation is she was getting his attention while making him think she could careless about getting his attention.
Excerpts show Iz is still after Eib she is just usingdifferent tactics, maybe she has gotten a little smarter.
Llsbear3 wrote: "After reading all the excerpts I get the feeling I amnot going to like this book at all."
Why's that???
Iz is still after Eib and it doesn't look like he has tocrawl, but it looks like she will make a fool of him and
that is just as bad if not worst.
