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The Dragon Empire
On Yacrana dragons are the advanced species. But advanced doesn't always mean civilized...
There's trouble in the Dragon Empire, the kind that could start a war between dragons and the races of people. Hidden factions of dragons believe they should rule the lesser races, not simply stand aside and allow them to develop as they will. Having lived so long in peace, the Emperors turn a blind eye, many oblivious that such attitudes even exist.
Despite being only an architect class, emerald dragon, Grendar is willing to risk banishment and death to stop that which his rulers refuse to see. The hope of peace lies not within the scaled breast of a dragon however, but within the hands of a group of people. But if the hidden factions have their way, these people won’t live to fulfill such a destiny. With a reluctant seer at his side, Grendar must leave his precious Empire for the outside world to save those that will one day save his kind.
There's trouble in the Dragon Empire, the kind that could start a war between dragons and the races of people. Hidden factions of dragons believe they should rule the lesser races, not simply stand aside and allow them to develop as they will. Having lived so long in peace, the Emperors turn a blind eye, many oblivious that such attitudes even exist.
Despite being only an architect class, emerald dragon, Grendar is willing to risk banishment and death to stop that which his rulers refuse to see. The hope of peace lies not within the scaled breast of a dragon however, but within the hands of a group of people. But if the hidden factions have their way, these people won’t live to fulfill such a destiny. With a reluctant seer at his side, Grendar must leave his precious Empire for the outside world to save those that will one day save his kind.
360 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2013
3 people are currently reading
396 people want to read
About the author
Heather McCorkle
46 books315 followersFantasy & scifi in all their wonderful subgenres are my jam. Doesn't matter to me if it's indie or traditionally published, I read it all as long as it fits in those genres and piques my interest.
I'm also an award winning author~and aspiring to someday be a bestselling one. Life goals!~of paranormal, fantasy, steampunk, historical fantasy, and YA urban fantasy. When I'm not reading, editing, writing, or surfing my social networking sites, I can be found on the slopes, the hiking trails, or paddleboarding. As a native Oregonian, I enjoy the outdoors almost as much as the worlds I read about and create on the pages. No need to travel to the Great Northwest, though, you can find me on my website, in my newsletter, and on my social media sites.
I'm also an award winning author~and aspiring to someday be a bestselling one. Life goals!~of paranormal, fantasy, steampunk, historical fantasy, and YA urban fantasy. When I'm not reading, editing, writing, or surfing my social networking sites, I can be found on the slopes, the hiking trails, or paddleboarding. As a native Oregonian, I enjoy the outdoors almost as much as the worlds I read about and create on the pages. No need to travel to the Great Northwest, though, you can find me on my website, in my newsletter, and on my social media sites.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 11, 2013
Grendar is officially my new favorite dragon. He's the ultimate underdog. Picked on from the egg, too shy to tell the girl he loves how he feels, and constantly bullied by an overgrown brute of a dragon, you'll be rooting for Grendar from the first page. As he grows and matures throughout the book, I found myself cheering with his every victory and sighing over each defeat. If you've never read fantasy before, this is the book to introduce you. And if you're a fantasy fan, welcome the newest star of the genre, Heather McCorkle.
4.5 stars!
4.5 stars!
March 20, 2013
Anyone who says they don't like dragons are LYING!
That is why I was excited when Heather McCorkle asked me to read The Dragon Empire. This is a story about a young adult dragon named Grendar and his coming of age tale. First of all, let's talk about said dragons.
This book paints a brilliant picture of dragons all sizes and colors, from "gem" dragons, like Grendar, who are described looking just like gemstones....hence the name. Grendar is a green emerald dragon, but sapphire, ruby and others are mentioned. There are also metallic dragons (gold, silver etc.) and chromatic dragons that are dark as night. Within all these colors and sizes are different castes. Grendar is in the architect class, but Ashanti, Grendar's crush, is a skydancer. The world building is epic in this story because not only do you have the dragons living on the same planet as other creatures, but their own world is diverse.
This is where the story excels for me.
Yes, this is a huge fantastical world but I never got lost in it. I never had a moment when I didn't understand what was going on, everything was approachable and I LOVED IT. This includes the characters. You saw their own reactions and feelings about things happening in the pages, but also their families, friends and other dragons or humans around them. These fantasy giants that could fly seemed just like me. To balance a world with so much whimsy with characters that are relate-able is not easy and is done very well in The Dragon Empire.
The touching part of this was Grendar and his drive to help others. He wants to do great things in the empire but not just for dragons but humans as well. He has all the conflicting drive of wanting to make his parents proud, and wanting to do something for himself, a conflict that most college age adults probably encounter. However, he has such a drive to do more that it pushes the story along with vigor.
Ashanti is a great sidekick/love interest for Grendar as well. Glimpses into her family life, coupled with her own struggle with the gift of foresight really highlight another character that has goals to help in addition to Grendar. Most of the story you'll find yourself rooting for these two to just get together already!
Overall I really enjoyed reading this story and I;d love to hear more from the empire in the future. If you love fantasy, you'll enjoy this book but even if your usually not into dragons, read it because you'll find a world not just made up of flying creatures, but characters that will touch your heart.
Check this review out on my blog as well for Wicked New Wednesdays on 3/27/13 too!! http://bookmarksspoilersandhappilyeve...
That is why I was excited when Heather McCorkle asked me to read The Dragon Empire. This is a story about a young adult dragon named Grendar and his coming of age tale. First of all, let's talk about said dragons.
This book paints a brilliant picture of dragons all sizes and colors, from "gem" dragons, like Grendar, who are described looking just like gemstones....hence the name. Grendar is a green emerald dragon, but sapphire, ruby and others are mentioned. There are also metallic dragons (gold, silver etc.) and chromatic dragons that are dark as night. Within all these colors and sizes are different castes. Grendar is in the architect class, but Ashanti, Grendar's crush, is a skydancer. The world building is epic in this story because not only do you have the dragons living on the same planet as other creatures, but their own world is diverse.
This is where the story excels for me.
Yes, this is a huge fantastical world but I never got lost in it. I never had a moment when I didn't understand what was going on, everything was approachable and I LOVED IT. This includes the characters. You saw their own reactions and feelings about things happening in the pages, but also their families, friends and other dragons or humans around them. These fantasy giants that could fly seemed just like me. To balance a world with so much whimsy with characters that are relate-able is not easy and is done very well in The Dragon Empire.
The touching part of this was Grendar and his drive to help others. He wants to do great things in the empire but not just for dragons but humans as well. He has all the conflicting drive of wanting to make his parents proud, and wanting to do something for himself, a conflict that most college age adults probably encounter. However, he has such a drive to do more that it pushes the story along with vigor.
Ashanti is a great sidekick/love interest for Grendar as well. Glimpses into her family life, coupled with her own struggle with the gift of foresight really highlight another character that has goals to help in addition to Grendar. Most of the story you'll find yourself rooting for these two to just get together already!
Overall I really enjoyed reading this story and I;d love to hear more from the empire in the future. If you love fantasy, you'll enjoy this book but even if your usually not into dragons, read it because you'll find a world not just made up of flying creatures, but characters that will touch your heart.
Check this review out on my blog as well for Wicked New Wednesdays on 3/27/13 too!! http://bookmarksspoilersandhappilyeve...
March 13, 2013
Amazon's Summary:
On Yacrana dragons are the advanced species. But advanced doesn't always mean civilized...
There's trouble in the Dragon Empire, the kind that could start a war between dragons and the races of people. Hidden factions of dragons believe they should rule the lesser races, not simply stand aside and allow them to develop as they will. Having lived so long in peace, the Emperors turn a blind eye, many oblivious that such attitudes even exist.
Despite being only an architect class, emerald dragon, Grendar is willing to risk banishment and death to stop that which his rulers refuse to see. The hope of peace lies not within the scaled breast of a dragon however, but within the hands of a group of people. But if the hidden factions have their way, these people won’t live to fulfill such a destiny. With a reluctant seer at his side, Grendar must leave his precious Empire for the outside world to save those that will one day save his kind.
My thoughts:
I had read Heather's short story in the Winter Wonders Anthology about Yacrana a few months ago,and that whet my appetite for delving into the world a little deeper. So, when the author asked me if I'd like to review the book, I jumped at the chance.
I enjoyed the book a lot. It's my first foray into reading about nonhumanoid characters in quite some time, but I found the dragons easy to understand. Grendar and his friends are very sympathetic and likeable, and the villans of the story are definitely powerfully scary. I mean, who'd want a dragon mad at you? Even if you are another dragon..
The world was richly described, from the beautiful cities and buildings of the dragons, to the seas in which they hunt for dinner, to the tropical jungles of the outer islands they visit. I was definitely drawn in and could picture the images the author painted and enjoy them like a fine artwork.
The story itself had nice pacing as well as an intriguing plotline and kept me intrigued until the end, where I was silently bemoaning the fact that I had to leave Grendar, Ashanti and all the rest. There was a nice wrap up to the events that had transpired but yet left room and questions for the next novel.
For those who love fantasy, dragons and a sweet love story, this book is definitely a must read for you!
Thanks again to the awesome Heather McCorkle for allowing me a copy to enjoy!!
For this and other reviews visit me at http://geekybookgal.blogspot.com
On Yacrana dragons are the advanced species. But advanced doesn't always mean civilized...
There's trouble in the Dragon Empire, the kind that could start a war between dragons and the races of people. Hidden factions of dragons believe they should rule the lesser races, not simply stand aside and allow them to develop as they will. Having lived so long in peace, the Emperors turn a blind eye, many oblivious that such attitudes even exist.
Despite being only an architect class, emerald dragon, Grendar is willing to risk banishment and death to stop that which his rulers refuse to see. The hope of peace lies not within the scaled breast of a dragon however, but within the hands of a group of people. But if the hidden factions have their way, these people won’t live to fulfill such a destiny. With a reluctant seer at his side, Grendar must leave his precious Empire for the outside world to save those that will one day save his kind.
My thoughts:
I had read Heather's short story in the Winter Wonders Anthology about Yacrana a few months ago,and that whet my appetite for delving into the world a little deeper. So, when the author asked me if I'd like to review the book, I jumped at the chance.
I enjoyed the book a lot. It's my first foray into reading about nonhumanoid characters in quite some time, but I found the dragons easy to understand. Grendar and his friends are very sympathetic and likeable, and the villans of the story are definitely powerfully scary. I mean, who'd want a dragon mad at you? Even if you are another dragon..
The world was richly described, from the beautiful cities and buildings of the dragons, to the seas in which they hunt for dinner, to the tropical jungles of the outer islands they visit. I was definitely drawn in and could picture the images the author painted and enjoy them like a fine artwork.
The story itself had nice pacing as well as an intriguing plotline and kept me intrigued until the end, where I was silently bemoaning the fact that I had to leave Grendar, Ashanti and all the rest. There was a nice wrap up to the events that had transpired but yet left room and questions for the next novel.
For those who love fantasy, dragons and a sweet love story, this book is definitely a must read for you!
Thanks again to the awesome Heather McCorkle for allowing me a copy to enjoy!!
For this and other reviews visit me at http://geekybookgal.blogspot.com
March 9, 2013
This story, The Dragon Empire, is exactly what this dragon lover wanted and needed in a fantasy story. Heather, kudos for a job well done.
Grendar grew on me from page one. He's a very likable character, the kind of person we all know and want to root for. Or maybe it's my fascination with the underdog's tale that drew Grendar closer to my heart with each turn of the page. By the end, I wished I had a pair of frilly pom poms to cheer for him and for those in his corner. Suffice it to say, I'm digging in my heels waiting for the next installment of this series.
Grendar grew on me from page one. He's a very likable character, the kind of person we all know and want to root for. Or maybe it's my fascination with the underdog's tale that drew Grendar closer to my heart with each turn of the page. By the end, I wished I had a pair of frilly pom poms to cheer for him and for those in his corner. Suffice it to say, I'm digging in my heels waiting for the next installment of this series.
Read
March 7, 2013I confess, I haven't read much in the way of dragon fantasy, but thanks to author, Heather McCorkle, that's going to change. Grendar and his emerald lady love quickly found a way into my heart. I can't wait for the next book in this series. If you're mad about heroic quests, sympathetic lead characters, and sexual tension - don't be "dragon" your heels...put The Dragon Empire on your list of must reads.
February 17, 2013
I haven't read a book with a non-human main character in awhile. This book often had me forgetting the characters were dragons because it was so easy to relate to them. I felt an instant sympathy with Grendar.
May 27, 2025
I loved Grendar and Ashanti. They're both kind hearted and even while feeling afraid they still stand up for what they believe is right. They've been friends forever and you can't help but to root for them.
It was interesting to read from a dragons POV and that they could shapeshift to more humanoid species.
The descriptions put you right into this world. The mountains, the jungles, the icy waters. It's an interesting plot following Grendar and Ashanti's journey to make the peace between peoples and dragons. I certainly look forward to the next part of their story.
It was interesting to read from a dragons POV and that they could shapeshift to more humanoid species.
The descriptions put you right into this world. The mountains, the jungles, the icy waters. It's an interesting plot following Grendar and Ashanti's journey to make the peace between peoples and dragons. I certainly look forward to the next part of their story.
February 8, 2013
Told from a dragon's point of view, this tale of bravery and self-sacrifice is a must read for fantasy fans. It's more mature than Heather's earlier work~geared more for an older YA audience and adults I believe~so be prepared for a bit of violence and some difficult subject matter such as bullying and assault.
July 5, 2024
"The Dragon Empire" by Heather McCorkle is an exciting journey into a world where dragons reign supreme, blending intricate world-building with compelling characters and a thrilling plot. Set against the backdrop of a diverse and vividly described realm, McCorkle introduces us to Grendar, an emerald dragon of the architect class, whose journey from underdog to hero is both inspiring and heartfelt.
What sets this fantasy tale apart is its unique perspective—dragons, not humans, take center stage. McCorkle masterfully crafts a world where these majestic creatures navigate complex societal structures and face internal and external conflicts. From the bustling cities of the dragons to the untamed jungles of the outer islands, every setting is painted with rich detail, immersing the reader in a world that feels both fantastical and tangible.
At the heart of the story is Grendar, a protagonist whose determination to defy expectations and protect both his own kind and the humanoid races is deeply relatable. His dynamic with Ashanti, a skydancer dragon, adds layers of emotion and intrigue, as they navigate not only their own personal growth but also the looming threat of dark forces.
Speaking of which, the antagonist, Sidean, is a chilling presence whose malevolent intentions drive the narrative forward. The contrast between Grendar's earnestness and Sidean's cruelty creates a palpable tension that keeps the reader invested until the satisfying conclusion. While the story wraps up its immediate conflicts well, it cleverly leaves room for further exploration and deeper mysteries to unfold in future installments.
Overall, "The Dragon Empire" is a refreshing addition to the fantasy genre, offering a blend of imaginative storytelling, engaging characters, and a world that begs to be explored further. Heather McCorkle's ability to seamlessly weave together action, intrigue, and heartfelt moments makes this a must-read for fantasy enthusiasts looking for something new and exciting.
What sets this fantasy tale apart is its unique perspective—dragons, not humans, take center stage. McCorkle masterfully crafts a world where these majestic creatures navigate complex societal structures and face internal and external conflicts. From the bustling cities of the dragons to the untamed jungles of the outer islands, every setting is painted with rich detail, immersing the reader in a world that feels both fantastical and tangible.
At the heart of the story is Grendar, a protagonist whose determination to defy expectations and protect both his own kind and the humanoid races is deeply relatable. His dynamic with Ashanti, a skydancer dragon, adds layers of emotion and intrigue, as they navigate not only their own personal growth but also the looming threat of dark forces.
Speaking of which, the antagonist, Sidean, is a chilling presence whose malevolent intentions drive the narrative forward. The contrast between Grendar's earnestness and Sidean's cruelty creates a palpable tension that keeps the reader invested until the satisfying conclusion. While the story wraps up its immediate conflicts well, it cleverly leaves room for further exploration and deeper mysteries to unfold in future installments.
Overall, "The Dragon Empire" is a refreshing addition to the fantasy genre, offering a blend of imaginative storytelling, engaging characters, and a world that begs to be explored further. Heather McCorkle's ability to seamlessly weave together action, intrigue, and heartfelt moments makes this a must-read for fantasy enthusiasts looking for something new and exciting.
May 7, 2024
The Dragon Empire by Heather McCorkle is book one in the Niflheimr Series. I love the way this author writes and the ability to suck me into the story. I have read so many books by Heather and each one is just a refreshing read. When I read the book blurb for this book I knew I was going to be in for an amazing journey and I was! I devoured this book in one sitting! It gave me the “just one more chapter” syndrome. I don’t think I lowered my kindle once, I was so invested. This book is exactly what I wanted, it touched everything that a dragon fantasy story should have. I think my favorite element in this whole book was how great worldbuilding is and how descriptive everything feels. I was able to imagine everything with perfect clarity. I loved reading the hard decisions that had to be made for the better; to go against everything you were taught to believe. I absolutely enjoyed/loved the characters but especially Grendar… I was rooting for him so hard in this book. Something about him just really reverberates with me. This book is a page turner for sure. It’s written wonderfully with an addictive plot that moves at an incredible pace. I can’t wait to read more! This is definitely going into my favorites pile. Heather McCorkle is a phenomenal author and I urge you to check out not only this book but all of the other ones as well. You’ll be in for an amazing adventure!
Final review:
5 out of 5 stars
Final review:
5 out of 5 stars
May 1, 2024
I received a ebook copy for a review.
While fantasy isn't my go to genre for books, I found the plot enjoyable. It progressed and had some twist to it. The main character Grendar is hard not to like or root for. It was easy to read and I could visualize the world.
The only thing I would say is that if you love dragons definitely check out this book. Again fantasy is not my preferred genre of books. So in saying that I did struggle with relating to how dragons were more humans. It was difficult to understand some of the situations that the dragons were doing.
I loved how they were fighting for everyone. I enjoyed the characters, well most of them. :)
I really enjoy this author and her other books. This wasn't a bad read, just don't think it was for me.
While fantasy isn't my go to genre for books, I found the plot enjoyable. It progressed and had some twist to it. The main character Grendar is hard not to like or root for. It was easy to read and I could visualize the world.
The only thing I would say is that if you love dragons definitely check out this book. Again fantasy is not my preferred genre of books. So in saying that I did struggle with relating to how dragons were more humans. It was difficult to understand some of the situations that the dragons were doing.
I loved how they were fighting for everyone. I enjoyed the characters, well most of them. :)
I really enjoy this author and her other books. This wasn't a bad read, just don't think it was for me.
June 26, 2024
This book blew me away with its world-building and uniqueness. I wasn’t sure how I would feel reading from the perspective of a dragon but it definitely surpassed my expectations! I can relate to dragons quite well thanks to Heather’s fantastic writing. The characters are relatable and likable, except for our antagonist and his flunkies, of course! The world is nuanced but not so complex it is hard to understand. This was just such a refreshing read and I look forward to reading more books by this author! Recommend to any dragon, fantasy or D&D lover!
June 4, 2024
I adore these dragon characters and can’t wait to read more on them. My brain did have a bit of struggle keeping the different races apart, but that’s a me problem and not a book problem.
June 25, 2013
I received a free ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Dragon Empire is about a young male dragon, Grendar. He is bullied by higher-class dragons, and he is struggling to became a full grown dragon ready to take on the world. When he sees his bullies doing something forbidden, what will happen? And how will it affect his friend Ashanti, whom he desperately wants to be with?
What I liked about this book: The plot. I really, really enjoyed how this plot kept getting deeper as the story progressed. There were a few twists that I didn't see coming, and I liked how it ended and things came to a close. I also enjoyed the descriptions. I think for the most part they were very well done, and I had a nice visual of what was happening in the story throughout. Grendar is a nice main character. I liked seeing him grow throughout the story. The cover is also very pretty.
What I didn't like so much: I've read stories with dragons in them. What I love about mythological characters is that authors can do whatever they want with them. While I liked the overall dragon class system in this book, I really wish the actual dragons had been less human. Maybe if there weren't humans already in the story, it wouldn't have been such an issue, but I just felt the dragons needed to be more like their own species, something with their own non-human mind. I understand wanting to make the dragons easier to relate to, but I feel it could have been done while also making them more dragon-like than just physical appearance. With their being so human-like, I feel this story could have worked with the main characters being human and the humans being dragons.
I think in the end, it wasn't a bad read. I think there is a lot of potential with this author, and I wouldn't mind reading something else of hers, but this one wasn't for me. 3/5 stars.
The Dragon Empire is about a young male dragon, Grendar. He is bullied by higher-class dragons, and he is struggling to became a full grown dragon ready to take on the world. When he sees his bullies doing something forbidden, what will happen? And how will it affect his friend Ashanti, whom he desperately wants to be with?
What I liked about this book: The plot. I really, really enjoyed how this plot kept getting deeper as the story progressed. There were a few twists that I didn't see coming, and I liked how it ended and things came to a close. I also enjoyed the descriptions. I think for the most part they were very well done, and I had a nice visual of what was happening in the story throughout. Grendar is a nice main character. I liked seeing him grow throughout the story. The cover is also very pretty.
What I didn't like so much: I've read stories with dragons in them. What I love about mythological characters is that authors can do whatever they want with them. While I liked the overall dragon class system in this book, I really wish the actual dragons had been less human. Maybe if there weren't humans already in the story, it wouldn't have been such an issue, but I just felt the dragons needed to be more like their own species, something with their own non-human mind. I understand wanting to make the dragons easier to relate to, but I feel it could have been done while also making them more dragon-like than just physical appearance. With their being so human-like, I feel this story could have worked with the main characters being human and the humans being dragons.
I think in the end, it wasn't a bad read. I think there is a lot of potential with this author, and I wouldn't mind reading something else of hers, but this one wasn't for me. 3/5 stars.
May 24, 2025
Grendar realizes trouble is afoot in the Dragon Empire, yet no one is doing anything about it. Despite his class, he takes it upon himself to research further, risking his future.
Grendar is our gentle and sensitive MC - a dragon who is looking to make an impact on the world, while harboring a crush on his friend. He isn’t the largest dragon out there and ends up being bullied by a larger dragon and his cronies. Personally, I would go to battle for Grendar.
Not having been bitten by the dragon bug, this was my first foray into the world of dragons, and I’m so glad The Dragon Empire was my starting point. This story was captivating - both uplifting and frustrating in its subject matter and characters. This story made me feel so much, and the writing painted such a vivid picture of the world. It made the story really come to life in my mind’s eye.
If you are looking for your next (or first!) dragon read, look no further. I can’t wait for the second book in this series!
Grendar is our gentle and sensitive MC - a dragon who is looking to make an impact on the world, while harboring a crush on his friend. He isn’t the largest dragon out there and ends up being bullied by a larger dragon and his cronies. Personally, I would go to battle for Grendar.
Not having been bitten by the dragon bug, this was my first foray into the world of dragons, and I’m so glad The Dragon Empire was my starting point. This story was captivating - both uplifting and frustrating in its subject matter and characters. This story made me feel so much, and the writing painted such a vivid picture of the world. It made the story really come to life in my mind’s eye.
If you are looking for your next (or first!) dragon read, look no further. I can’t wait for the second book in this series!
June 19, 2013
I had high hopes for this book (who can resist dragons as the protagonists?), but the poor grammar ruined it for me. I had a difficult time moving past such errors as using the word "accept" when "except" was the proper choice. The editing problems gave the story the feeling of a junior high student's first attempt at writing fiction--despite a rather good story line. I wish I could give a higher rating, but I don't plan to read the sequel(s), nor do I plan to recommend the book to my friends.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews