The Prophecy

A Dragon's Tale #1

by Mark Boyd

The prophecy, a foretelling of a great king born of dragon-human-elven blood that unites all of the races in a millennium of peace is an ancient story told to all dragon hatchlings from the Dragon Book of Lore. A foretelling born of old majic, through the centuries, became just another story to give the young hope. The old believed...the young cannot perceive how it could ever manifest; who would ever want to be other than pure blood dragon? The prophecy existed in story only, until Anaterri Strayarth, a blue dragon living in human form and the daughter of Stragor Strayarth - Head of the High Council of Dragons, saves the life of Prince Leandro Sargovia with a transfusion of her dragon blood. The unification of human-dragon blood sets in motion the beginning of the once dormant tale and a love that transcends time. Grand Magi Aloysius Alamaris, a black dragon hiding in human form, learns of the initiation of the prophecy and plots the ultimate destruction of all who seek to bring the prophecy to fruition. Anaterri and Leandro are now pitted against the ultimate evil, fighting not only for their own lives but also the lives of their children...and they must insure the prophecy is allowed to manifest...at all cost.

Genres: Dragons, Fantasy, Paranormal, Fiction

496 pages, Paperback

First published December 13, 2012

Reviews

[Sherry Fundin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adult

A fresh, original, and fabulous story about one of my favorite supernatural creatures, The Dragon.

Go out for a fish dinner – dragonstyle.

How many fish does it take to fill a dragon?

Always time for a little humor.

We begin with action and I am hooked. The couples story captured my full attention as they struggled to understand the prophecy.

Prince Leandro…she saved him, and he is the only human who had developed such feelings of love for Faeries.

They met and fell in love, but don’t get too comfortable.

Mark Boyd a shapeshifting dragon love story to a new level and to write this as a man surprised me most of all. He creates an antagonist who is so filled with greed and the need for power that he will stoop to the lowest levels of humanity to get what he wants. He does add a layer to the story that I didn’t see coming and it smacks of magical science fiction.

The character development and world building took me deep into the fantasy. Once I almost felt like I was flying with the majestic dragons, banking, diving, shooting up the face of the mountain for play and training. Think Avatar.

Vampires, trolls, werehounds, sirens, shapeshifting dragon, healer. An awesome collection of supernaturals. Magic visions, graphic and gruesome deaths.

Bliss and sorrow. Good and evil.

Even though it starts out with a storyline that is predictable, Mark Boyd adds plenty of fresh, original twists that kept me enthralled as I wondered what will come next. Give me more, please.

I voluntarily reviewed a free Arc of The Prophecy by Mark Boyd.

To see more visit fundinmental

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Dragon King will Unite the Magical Races

Click on Banner to Enter
Be One of Six Winners! U.S. & International
Ends March 5, 2015

Give me fantasy, add some dragons, maybe a few other magical beings, kick in fabulous writing and I’m hooked! Mark Boyd’s The Prophecy is a completely enthralling trip into a world where dragons live, love and fly and I was there with them! (Okay, I pretended I was an ocean blue dragon doing aerial acrobatics, I was that drawn in. And, yes, I was awesome.)

In ancient times a prophecy stated that a great king would rise, one born of dragon, human and elven blood and he would bring about great change. This is a story of love, family and loyalty, as well as how this king came to be. Two hearts, one forbidden love and the gift of dragon blood for a dying prince and our tale begins.

Young Prince Leto is unaware of his true heritage, of the dragon blood that flows through his veins, but the time has come for him to know, there is darkness and danger lurking in the shadows, evil is coming to stop the prophecy from being fulfilled. He learns of his father’s brush with death and the healer who saved him while being welcomed into a world unlike anything he has known, where dragons are not the vile creatures he has been told to fear, but are warm and caring, intelligent and filled with their own special magic. Will he be ready for the true test of his power? Will he be able to bring the prophecy to its intended fulfillment? With the help of his new found family, loyal friends and the power of love and sacrifice, only the final battle will determine his fate.

I wasn’t just pulled into this tale; I was cocooned within Mark Boyd’s magical world. From the vivid imagery he provides to the characters that leap off the pages, this is one tale that will leave you never wanting it to end. There is conflict, there is fear and doubt, but the overall atmosphere is one of love, excitement, discovery and trust, of believing in good over evil. There is magic in Mark Boyd’s pen that flows onto each page and weaves itself through every step of this incredible journey! Heroes will fall, but their deaths are honorable and it comes through loud and clear. Some things are worth dying for, including family, love and the future. Absolutely magnetic in its appeal, I highly, highly recommend entering into this world of fantasy from Mark Boyd.


I received a review copy from Mark Boyd in exchange for my honest review.

Series: A Dragon's Tale - Book 1
Publication Date: May 10, 2013
Publisher: Mark Boyd
ISBN: 1480064629
Print Length: 497 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Jola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review also on www.jolasbookshelf.wordpress.com

Dragons! I don't think there is a book about them that I have read and didn't like. In 'The Prophecy' these creatures are different and that made it even more exciting. I enjoyed reading this book, it was very unique and I'd love to see what else there is in store for us.

Thanks to Mark Boyd for sending me an ebook in exchange for an honest review.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first time in reading this author. The prophecy that is in this one is fascinating and original. The way this author takes you into this world you forget it is not real as you get deeper into it. The names of the characters though are a bit big but original too. He threads it all in here with love, evil and lots of drama that carries us through this. Lots of types of paranormal inhabit this also with it being very versatile. i can see this also going far with this one alone having a twist or two.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for fantasy books - more so where there are dragons and wizards involved! This book packs an amazing punch in both of those categories. The level of detail surrounding the characters and the terrain in which the story is set is incredible and seriously enhances the reader experience without bogging the reader down with unnecessary word play. Each character is delightfully described down to the finest detail, again without unnecessary information and in such a way that incorporates the whole 'from birth to present day' imagery which may not be strictly needed but does fit in with the story as a whole. Some of the details fascinated me just as much as the story did! The plot line remains steady throughout the twists and turns each page brings. This in itself keeps the reader hanging, desperately needing the next piece of the adventure to pull them to an inevitable conclusion - pieces of the tale are dropped throughout the story which appear random at first but cannot be ignored as they fall into their true place as we continue onward. The ending brings with it a whole new dawn and sets the scene for the sequel.

This is one series to jump on the bandwagon with - it is seriously worth picking up and reading

I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

[Ari Ovalle · Rating 5 out of 5]

*A complimentary copy of this ebook was given by the author in exchange for my honest review.*

I enjoyed this dragon tale. One thing that I absolutely have to have while reading anything is an author who can tell you a great story without losing interest. Boyd nailed it. His visuals, his details, his story was awesome. I love fantasy. I loved how captivated I was by this dragon tale that I felt right at home in my mind. I just kept reading until the very end like NO, I WANT MORE!! Even a week after I've read this tale I'm still thinking about it. That's what reading is all about. Finding something good & never wanting it to end. The story itself is pretty cool. A prophecy is foretold and becoming reality. Classic Good vs Evil. Loaded with action. Things moved quite quickly which I love because it got you where you're going. The finale. What a finale it is!! It was well written and I really loved it. I really want to know what lays ahead for this series.

[Donadee's Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Dragons Tale – The Prophecy bk 1 by Mark Boyd Review
Who and what is the DRAGON KING???? Is it fact or fiction?

The prophecy, a foretelling of a great king born of dragon-human-elven blood that unites all of the races in a millennium of peace is an ancient story told to all dragon hatchlings from the Dragon Book of Lore. A foretelling born of old majic, through the centuries, became just another story to give the young hope. The old believed…the young cannot perceive how it could ever manifest; who would ever want to be other than pure blood dragon? The prophecy existed in story only, until Anaterri Strayarth, a blue dragon living in human form and the daughter of Stragor Strayarth – Head of the High Council of Dragons, saves the life of Prince Leandro Sargovia with a transfusion of her dragon blood. The unification of human-dragon blood sets in motion the beginning of the once dormant tale and a love that transcends time. Grand Magi Aloysius Alamaris, a black dragon hiding in human form, learns of the initiation of the prophecy and plots the ultimate destruction of all who seek to bring the prophecy to fruition. Anaterri and Leandro are now pitted against the ultimate evil, fighting not only for their own lives but also the lives of their children…and they must insure the prophecy is allowed to manifest…at all cost.

What did I like? Welcome the next Fantasy Magical Series! Magic, Dragons, Wizards, Vampires, mystery, romance, action, plots, prophecies and justice! I loved this book and have already downloaded the next book, so I can stay involved.

What will you like? Fly to another world and enjoy the fantasy action on a grand scale, with dragons, evil plots, and action that will wake you up in this wonderful land and take you on a magical journey of the Dragon King. Joint the family in watching the prophecy come to life and then take the journey to defeat the evil that threatens to destroy the world of the Dragons and all those around them. The amazing action comes to life on the pages without lots of excess descriptions, details that keep you involved and ready to hold your breath. I had to tell myself to breath several times. The story is so well developed but it and the characters grow and come to life on the pages as you watch the action. The evil drips off the pages and the fate of the dragon world hang in balance! But the emotions of the characters, the love that was expressed and the care for all around the center family was exceptional! This definitely should be made into a movie, it will be a hit with all of us fantasy lovers.

[TheReadingCornerforAll Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Love wipes out all sense of time; it destroys all memory of a beginning and all fear of an end.”

Such a powerful quote from “The Prophecy.”

When Prince Leandro is attacked by bandits, and mortally injured, Anaterri Strayarth (a dragon in human form) saves his life by transfusing some of her blood to him. However, Anaterri’s blood gives Leandro more than just life…she also passed on her dragon blood and inevitably causes the start of The Dragon King's prophecy.

This is a book about dragons, dynasties, and inescapable destiny!

There is nothing greater than finding new and original novels narrated by authors who have a clear vision of their imagination and, even more so, have the ability to share their world with readers through written form. In his first book of “A Dragon’s Tale” trilogy, Mark Boyd extends his hand of fantasy to adult readers.

All in all, I found “The Prophecy” to be a work that carries on the tradition of fantasy established by authors such as J.R.R Tolkien that belongs next to works of the modern age like “The Inheritance Cycle” by Christopher Paolini.

Now the question for the readers is: will you be a part of
The Prophecy

[L.K. Evans · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a difficult review for me to write. A couple things to note first:

1. I’m a rather tough critic. If you look at my reviews, only two books have received 5 stars. Most of the time I’m a three star person. Few books rise above 3 stars for me and the majority of them that do are ones that I grew up on.
2. If I had my wish, I would want a half star option, giving this book 2 1/2 stars. With some changes to my personal tastes, this could have easily wiggled its way into my 3 star ranking. Maybe even four. As you’ll see below, I liked the storyline.
3. This book has received four and five stars from other readers. Please remember, reading is subjective and this is just the opinion of one person.
4. I received a free copy of The Prophecy in exchange for an honest review.

The reason this is so difficult for me to write is that what I liked about the book was also what bothered me. The one thing that I’ll have nothing bad to say about is the storyline, which I found entertaining. Though nothing earth shattering, it’s still something I wanted to read which is why I selected it…obviously.

Now for my thoughts:

The ‘good guys’ all run together for me. I don’t have a distinct voice in my head between certain characters. The guys sound the same and so do the gals. The good thing is that I liked the characters overall. A strong sense of right and a lot of compassion. What’s not to like? Problem is there were too many like that and too similar. I think the only one who seemed to stand out was Devan, more for his ailments than anything else. The ‘bad guys’ were split into really bad guys and bad guys that had redeeming qualities. Too many still grouped together for me. Shame, because, like I said, I liked the characters. I wish they’d just had a different voice and characteristics.

And now my pet-peeve about books and movies in general. When you have a protagonist who loses everything, I want emotion. Their world just crashed around them. In most books and movies, the character mopes for about five minutes then gets angry and goes on a revenge streak. This can be applied to anything. Say they just found out their child lived through a horrible accident. A quick hug and then everything’s back to normal. Ugh! No sane person would recover that quickly!!! Now that I’ve vented, I’m happy to report that the Prophecy actually shows emotion! Hark! When something bad happened to one of the main protagonist, they didn’t carry on as if everything was super. But...it was a little overdone for my taste. There was too much emotion. Three quarters of the way through it, I was desensitized to their tears.

I’m a fan of multiple points of view. I enjoy reading from different character perspectives. My pet-peeve: head hopping from paragraph to paragraph with no warning. Ugh. The Prophecy has multiple points of view from several characters, and, YAY, Mr. Boyd broke those up with a space. There was no question that you were switching to a different character. But...it happened too often. Just as I got involved with one character, it’d switch (unnecessarily in my opinion), sometimes for only a few paragraphs before it switched back. A little less of this and I wouldn’t have had a ‘but’.

Some aspects of the writing itself was not to my personal taste. It was a little repetitive for me (repeat of words, but, more so, repeat of scenes without much change, i.e. the flying scenes), and told me more about what was going on than submersing me in the story (there would be breaks where you learned a fact instead of it being worked into dialog or a scene). For the entire book, I knew I was reading. However, since this book has gotten four and five stars, I think this goes back to personal taste. I did enjoy the shortness of some of the sentences. The writing wasn’t flowery and convoluted. It was straight forward. But...I would have preferred a little more description in what the characters were experiencing. For instance, when they change from human form to dragon form, I had a hard time imagining the change itself. It just seemed abrupt to me with little to no character sensation. Also, setting descriptions are lacking for certain locations which made it hard for me to imagine where the characters were.

So in conclusion, read the first chapter on Amazon. If you like the writing, you’ll like the book. Like I've said, the storyline is good.

[Bluesman99026 · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I am not mistaken, this is a first novel by this author, Dr. Mark Boyd. I must say that anyone finding themselves in the mood to read the first book in this to be a trilogy, A Dragon's Tale - The Prophecy, will very quickly find themselves a fan. This is very well done. Vivid characters with not only personalities, but some have a wonderful sense of humor! The conflicts are many and done so well you want to climb into the pages yourself. There are many action scenes throughout this novel and if you have never imagined yourself flying through the air hanging on to the tail of a massive dragon, or riding on ones back...you will during this read and quite possibly after! I highly recommend this book for anyone looking to just jump in and thoroughly enjoy a wonderful story! I also want to say, that I, through some literary channels, have been able to procure the first 300 pages of the second story in the trilogy, The Book of Genevieve! It starts right where book one leaves off and if I may say so, takes off to even higher heights than the first one! WOW! Thank you Mark! God bless you in your endeavors! Tom K.

[Nathan Curtis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.

When it comes to dragons, I have always had a soft spot in fantasy books. Although they are majestic and powerful creatures, they are often, unfortunately, pigeonholed as either bad or minor characters. This is one of the things that appealed to me so much about this book. The Prophecy is about just that--a prophecy of a great king born of human, dragon, and elven blood.
When Prince Leandro is gravely wounded, he receives a transfusion of blood from the healer Anaterri, who is actually a dragon in human form. This is the beginning of the prophecy, as Leandro now possesses both human and dragon blood, and so will his children.
First, the fact that the major characters in the book were either dragons or half dragons was a very novel concept. I enjoyed the way the author had the dragons' magic adjusted due to human minds. It was very well done. At the heart of this book, however, was a family and regardless of human, dragon, or a combination thereof, they truly loved each other. I really look forward to the next book in the series.

[Linda Romer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Dragon's Tale The Prophecy book 1 by Mark Boyd

A fantastic tale of dragons,magic and royalty!
I loved A Dragon's Tale The Prophecy book 1 by Mark Boyd. From the first page to the last you will enjoy the journey of Aneterri and Prince Leandro.

I was swept away into another world and time reading this wonderfully written novel. A Dragon's Tale will take you places you can only dream of.

This is a tale of love, loyalty and acceptance. Many wonderful and evil characters to keep the story interesting. Looking forward to continuing with The Book of Genevieve book 2.

I give A Dragon's Tale The Prophecy book 1 5 stars for it's in depth tale of love and tragedy.

I would recommend this novel for the adult audience.

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely wonderful book. The Prophecy completely kept me at the end of my seat, wanting to see what happened next. With every detail of the characters, scenes, and life events, you are brought into the book and able to visualize all of the activity taking place. At first, I caught myself being a little questionable about what was going on as the story had surprised me. However, I caught myself up and was able to fully envision the whole story line. I'm patiently anticipating reading the next book as I loved having the opportunity to read the first chapter of the next book at the end. A great book for anyone to read.

[Jan farnworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! It is about dragons, which I totally love reading about. This one really gives you everything, because you get to read all about how this great dragon family is going to be created and unite the people. I love the uniqueness of this dragon story as the dragons are not just dragons, but human as well. Mark did a wonderful job of pulling you into the story; you get to follow the tale. I enjoyed it thoroughly.

Just a warning to parents --This story has some very adult situations, so I would at best preview the story before allowing your child to read it.

[Samantha Cutler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this via firstreads. The characters were fresh and interesting while the ploy was surprising and intriguing. However, the downside of this story was the mature content that I had not expected to find. For the most part the mature content made sense in the story which was refreshing to say the least, but there was still more than necessary. Overall it was an enjoyable read.

[Ray Emerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating tale. This is typically not my genre but a friend said I should read it. I'm glad I did. It introduced me to a world I have been unfamiliar with. The descriptions the author uses are colorful and very vivid to the imagination. I enjoyed the characters and the story is one of good vs evil. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy a good fantasy.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!
The magic and excitement of Harry Potter for adults.
The characters and their mission are so well written, the description of surroundings and feelings are so intense, that it plays like a wonderful adventure movie in your mind as you read.
I can't wait till the next book!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won/received this book through Goodreads.

Great first novel! I can't wait to read the rest of the triology! I absolutely love that this is a book that gives you what I love about kids fantasy books, but for an adult! Couldn't put it down!