Dragons In Pieces

Maze Beset Trilogy #1

by Lee French

Real superheroes wear denim.

All Bobby wanted was a girl to come home to after a hard day of work. Like the last one said before she left, he was going exactly two places - no and where – and he was happy with that. But somebody had other plans for him. A murder. The Terrorist Watch List. For what? Underage drinking? Things couldn't possibly get worse. Right?

Oh yes, they could.

A lot.

He wouldn't believe superheroes were real if he wasn't one himself.

Tiny robot dragons send him chasing his humanity and his future, on the trail to discovering his past and a place to call 'home'. If he's lucky, maybe he can get a beer there.

266 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Ronin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! What an original idea! I feel like I know all the characters, as the speech, demeanor, and habits of each person like himself that the main character meets are so wonderfully crafted! I like the story lines, with the baser instincts of humans coming through even with their heightened abilities. I will not spoil the reader's fun, by telling what happens, just go along for the ride, you won't regret it! I started reading this book this morning, and came back to it as I flitted from one task to another, now I'm sad it's over, I didn't want to put it down, so enjoy! I only disliked 4 words in the whole book, for me, that's truly great! Yes, I read that fast, especially when it's this good. Well done, Ms. French!

[Scott Spotson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bobby is an older teenager with a problem. A huge problem, in fact. After happily living an ordinary life, he's seized by mysterious shadowy forces determined to trap him and examine him. You see, he has superpowers that he previously wasn't aware of.

Bobby quickly finds out that there are other young adults beside him who also have assorted other superpowers. They're also under attack by this covert group of sinister men dressed in business suits - are they FBI, CIA, or some private enterprise determined to achieve world supremacy?

The story is largely a "chase" story, with these young mutants forced to band together, discover each other, and create a new base for their powers. In short, you could almost sense an X-Men story developing, right up to their X-Mansion, (the Xavier Institute for Higher Learning) inherited by Professor Charles Xavier.

I felt thrills at moments when the various members of this mutant group are captured, then they escape, then they are captured again. There are some weird moments too, but that's good. Quirky is good.

The only suggestion I have is to tighten up some of the lulls in between escapes. Lulls are good, but it depends on the banter created and sometimes the dialogue seemed repetitive, like wondering what was going to happen next, talking about finding more members on a secret list. One very effective quiet scene was with Father Chris, the very insightful and open-minded pastor, when he gives them food, living within his credo as provider for the people, without bias.

I also liked the persona of one of the young mutants, Stephen, who is a bit of an arrogant twit, but his "voice" was very effective and we could sense who he is. Confident, he delivers the goods when he rescues his fellow colleagues.

At one point, I thought when the mutants made off with this secret list, then all the remaining mutants would have been rounded up against their will within 4 hours, as the FBI surely would have the resources all over the country to nab all the suspects. However, we don't know who these sinister men in business suits are, so we'll have to wait until the sequel to find out!

Overall, a very quick-paced book, with many thrills and shining examples of speculative fiction, like seeing something bizarre happen out of the ordinary in our real world. This is the kind of fiction I love best, and I love this book for it. Lovers of X-Men, The Watchmen and Dr. Who would love this book. I would have liked to find out who the shadowy force is by the end of the book, (and what their agenda really is) and how these mutants were related to one another and how their initially acquired their powers, but I'll read the sequel next, so maybe I'll find the answers.

[Sechin Tower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dragons in Pieces is a spirited addition to the Super Hero genre. It has all the classic super tropes that we know and love, with characters that are stronger, faster, and otherwise more gifted than can be imagined.

This group of heroes resembles the X-Men more than the Avengers in that they’re outlaws, misunderstood and hunted by the government. One day Bobby Mitchell is rounded up and sent to a strange lab where he is experimented upon. There are a few others with him, and they discover that they all have similar bright blue eyes. Are they all related? Are they aliens, machines, or mutants? Before they find answers, they need to escape and survive.

Bobby is a stand-out with his unusual powers. Instead of the usual mega-abilities, he gains the unique ability to break his body into a swarm of miniature, mechanical dragons. One of the pleasures of the book is exploring the implications of this ability, especially as it plays out in his conflict with the government suits sent to take him in, dead or alive.

Bobby is also an unusual hero because he’s a redneck “wrong side of the tracks” guy. If there’s one thing I didn’t find in the book, it was his connection to his family. In the beginning, he worries about his brother and mother, but they become irrelevant throughout the rest of the book. It makes sense: if he returns to his home, he would lead his enemies right to his loved ones, but he oddly doesn’t spend much time thinking back to them. However, this is only the first book of a trilogy and Bobby had much to keep him distracted during the short span of time covered in this fast-moving plot. I look forward to reading the next one to find out how it all comes together!

[Zeecé Lugo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really, really enjoyed this book. As the story opens, we meet Bobby, a young man who lives at home and works at a dead end job. Suddenly and inexplicably, he is accused of murder and arrested by a mysterious government agency. Bound and tortured, he finds that there are other young people also being held and tortured. Discovering a hidden super power within himself, Bobby manages to free himself and the others and escape. But now, the small group is on the run from an evil government organization, trying to keep from being recaptured while seeking to understand who they are, what they are, and save other targeted young people from the same fate.

There was not a single boring page in this book, and once I started, I could not put it down. The main character, Bobby, drew me in with his innocence, gravity, and his inner goodness. It is obvious from the start that he is going to have to learn some tough lessons in order to survive, and he does. The Bobby at the end of the story is still good, but strong and confident. I also liked Jayce and Stephen, more jaded characters but loyal and heroic. There are many questions left unanswered, which obviously indicates that this will be a series. I eagerly await the next book.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dragons in Pieces by Lee French

March 25, 2015

This book shocked and awed me from the get-go. By pg 14 my head was spinning. What?? Page 23...Whoa! Awesome...I had no idea what was coming and it was a sweet surprise. Excellent, exceptional story. A prime spot on my keeper shelf.

I picked the book up last night and finished it this morning. Could not put it down. For crying out loud! I am completely hooked into this story and the characters and can hardly wait to read more. I loved everything about it. On to the next!

Totally recommended to anyone (probably best for middle grade & up) Various genre possibilities: sci-fi, paranormal, horror, thriller, Gov conspiracy...on and on. Great read, must read. More!

In accordance with FTC guidelines: I was selected as a winner of this book through Masquerade Crew in The Big Freaking Giveaway. An honest review may have been requested, but was not required. I do not know the author personally nor did the receipt of this book in this manner impact or alter my review in any way. ~ Thanks!

[Erik Kort · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. To be honest, I didn't expect to like Bobby as a character; his isn't typically my favorite kind of hero. French did a splendid job of drawing me into Bobby's life and ensuring I cared, even as his world changed dramatically.

The world building proved to be consistent and deep, without dreaded Info Dumps. The cast of characters - which can only grow from here - were characterized enough that I could follow who was who.

Most importantly, though, there wasn't a point where I was bored. The pages kept turning until the book finished, and alas, I had to wait until the sequel. I'd recommend this to anyone interested in superheroes, or anyone with a casual interest in excellent characters.

[Lits · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this book.
I think Bobby was a realistic character with flaws and typical older teenager behavior then the action started very quickly with him being taking in on charges of terrorism, meeting the other kids with the same eyes, and discovering their powers. His power is super cool; in fact, I'm pretty jealous of it!
The group escaped their prison and started gathering the other people on the list as they are thought to have similar abilities. But that's what it was for the rest of the book. Although it was nice to meet everyone else, they had to escape these "agents" over and over again.
Then we heard from his mom how he was conceived and where he may have gotten his special eyes and abilities. Knowing this, every time Bobby mentions that one of the girls is good looking and how much he'd like to kiss her, I kinda cringed. I mean, they might be related in a way.
I'm still on the fence as to whether I will continue reading this series. It might be one of those that need a long setup (aka book 1) and then gets really interesting.

[Rachel Barnard · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Yes, it is a little disturbing to realize the only thing really preventing you from taking whatever you want is your own commitment to morality.” (Pages 153-154).

Bobby didn’t really have much going for him, but when the feds picked him up for a crime he didn’t commit, he used his upbringing to calm himself. Southern boys are polite, that is, until he was accused of being a terrorist, locked away, and experimented on like a lab rat. After discovering an unusual ability and meeting others with similar eery eyes, Bobby joins together with them to escape. But they find a list with more names then their own, and they can’t leave anyone to go through the hell they went through as lab rats, even if only for several days, and they make it their mission to save all the almond shaped eyed superheroes.

Dragons in Pieces starts with a focus on Bobby. He seems normal. He acts normal. He talks normal. He does normal youth-ish type things. There is a key difference, though, as Bobby is a Southern boy and he was never well off. He is quick to anger when something sparks the Southern Gentleman in him. His story starts when he takes it upon himself to tell off his mother’s boss and punches him right in the face. He is cooling off when he’s picked up as a terrorist. They must be wrong, Bobby didn’t do anything, just punched one guy.

Waking up hours or days later, Bobby doesn’t know, he is confronted by something quite unusual. Bobby and three others were being experimented on like lab rats and it won’t take long for Bobby and them to figure out why. They have super powers.

I loved Bobby. He had so much character, even if all that he said and did weren’t the best choices or the most smart decisions. Bobby has Southern charm and it’s apparent he has a Southern upbringing and grew up quite different than I did and I found him fascinating for these differences. It’s downright adorable that Bobby says “Heckbiscuits” as a curse word and tries to do what his momma done told him about being polite and how to handle himself in social situations. Bobby is rough around the edges but an extremely likable main character.

The story was also fascinating and the choices Lee French made for the super powers was interesting. French gives is interesting characters, a compelling story, and a hint at something more going on than Bobby and his friends know.

[Cyndi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to the audio version of this book and while I did enjoy it, I did not think it was amazing. The storyline shows a lot of promise, but this is the first book in the trilogy and to me it felt like I was listening to the beginning of a very long book. We are introduced to a lot of characters in this book and are building the storyline throughout the whole book. You must know that this book does not really end, you need to read the next book to see where the adventure takes them. The storyline shows promise and I am interested in the other books of the series to see where it goes.

This book starts out with Bobby being arrested for a murder he didn't commit and while being questioned he is taken away by FBI agents. When he wakes up, he realizes that everyone being held captive have the same eyes he does; which are quite different shaped and not normal at all. They start to talk and figure out they all have a different super power. They work out a plan to escape and pick up a list of other names while they are at it. They then set about their journey to find the other names on the list.

This series has the ability to be really good. It's full of super heroes and a conspiracy. Just know that this book is the start of it and most of it is introducing characters.

The narrator did a great job with the different character voices. His voice was a little too monotone during some of the action scenes for me. Overall, he did a good job though.

3.5 stars overall

Author: Lee French
Title: Dragons in Pieces
Narrator: Stefan Rudnicki
Publisher: Skyboat Media
Abridged or Unabridged: Unabridged
Length of Production (hrs & min): 7 hrs and 24 mins
Year of Publication: 2015

[Charlotte Gerber · Rating 4 out of 5]

The premise of this book was very unique- a new breed of superhero with unusual abilities, with a twist. The main character, Bobby, seems like the typical young adult, navigating the speedbumps of life, including a break up with his girlfriend. Things go off the rails when he decides to set a few things straight with his mother’s boss, who doesn’t seem to understand what sexual harassment is. A short while later, cops show up at his house and he is accused of the man’s murder.

While Bobby is in lockup, some “suits” from the government take him from the custody of the police, claiming he is a terrorist and under their jurisdiction. Bobby is confused, but not for much longer. He finds himself in a laboratory with others who have a similar physical attribute. Before long, they discover that they all have very unusual abilities.

I really enjoyed all of the characters that Bobby meets, and the way in which he travels to meet them. There is a great government conspiracy, and the possibility of other-worldly things to come. The ending was satisfying, but I want to read more about these characters and how they will begin to work as a group. I’m looking forward to the sequel!

This book was given to me by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. I give this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars.

[Yannick Serres · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bobby is a normal guy living a normal life ... well maybe a little sad for the time being, but nothing so abnormal, until he gets captured by Federal Agents. Story of superheroes with superpowers fighting togethers to rescue their siblings.

It gives a good start to a magnificent trilogy. The characters are originals, the story is simple, but complete and interesting.

Everyone can enjoy this relatively short sci-fiction novel, adults or teenagers, women or men. The language is pretty easy to understand, even if there is the use of some slangs.

Lee French has been able to make this book unique, even with all the novels and series we see involving superheroes.

You will love Bobby, the main character of this book, and you will wish to have him as a dad, brother, son or friend. Superheroes aren't all the same and this book prooves it.

I got to say a big THANKS to Lee French for giving me the opportunity to read this book through Goodreads giveaways, but also for being such an incredible author and person.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up at the craft fair where the local authors group had a table in hopes to give it to one of my kids to read. Unfortunately there was just a little at the beginning that touches subjects she is not quite ready to deal with yet...but other than that this book is pretty youth friendly. Some language (not really all that bad) and a few "adult" type comments at the beginning would lead me to suggest this for teens and up. The primary character is 19ish (if I remember correctly) and the character acts accordingly.
Moving on to the book itself...It was an absolute blast to read. Pure fun with a very entertaining protagonist. I read nearly half the book the first night and had to slow myself down! There were a few editing errors but it did not distract from the book at all. Fantasy, super hero, and adventure fans will enjoy this quick read brain candy.

[David P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dragon in Pieces is an entertaining mix of science fiction, fantasy, horror and conspiracy thriller. Bobby Mitchell is a twenty-something Georgia redneck from the wrong side of the tracks. His momma raised him without his Marine father who died when he was twelve. Or, was he his father? The story follows his path of self-discovery about whom and what he is. Along the way, he finds that he shares a unique characteristic with others, and the mystery grows.

Lee French weaves a good tale. She develops characters that I cared about, although some of them are scary. Her pacing is very good and she kept my attention throughout the book. I gladly recommend the book. I would give it a PG-13 rating if it were a movie because of violence.

[Jeffrey Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent first book, full of believable characters, with a flawed, but sympathetic lead. The editing is good throughout. The lead, in particular, has a unique super power that makes him especially fascinating to read in action as he learns his capabilities, and that definitely helps fuel extra interest in seeing where the series is going.
With a very big cast of varied people, the story jumps around through the secondary characters, with a lot of folks battling it out for 'screen time', not always to the story's benefit - but there's a lot to like.

I'll definitely be reading the second book in the series soon.

[Tempestraven Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. No wonder the title is what it is. The power of turning into a swarm of tiny mechanical dragons is something i haven't read before. You can check out the whole review here http://tempestraven.wordpress.com/201... you will really enjoy this book. There are a lot of characters in here and all of them are different. It feels like the start of X-Men where the 'different' people have to find a place they can call home and make a stand.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful debut. Exciting and different. Really enjoyed the characters and the imaginative powers. The next book is set up very well, and I am very much looking forward to it! The only negative I found was that there are a lot of characters to keep track of and they don't spend the entire book together, so it was sometimes hard to remember who was who when they were reintroduced. But, that certainly did not take away from my overall enjoyment of this story. I can't wait for the next one!

[Michael Griggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a fun fast paste read. The characters were great.

[Kay LaLone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bobby's world changes dramatically when mysterious shadowy forces are determined to trap him. By using his hidden super powers he is able to save himself and others. Never a dull moment.