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The First Dragon
Kiiro’s family is perfect. Her realm is the picture of peace. But when she unlocks the wrath of their Ancient deity, she is cursed to live as the First Dragon, a reality that frightens everyone around her. Except for Neander. And of course except for those who she’s already eaten. The dead can’t really complain, can they?
Jump into this wild ride of a fantasy romance! Laugh, feel, cry, and laugh again as you find out you too have always been a Dragon.
A fantasy romance standalone from The First Collection. Read all the books in the series in any order! This one is action packed.
Jump into this wild ride of a fantasy romance! Laugh, feel, cry, and laugh again as you find out you too have always been a Dragon.
A fantasy romance standalone from The First Collection. Read all the books in the series in any order! This one is action packed.
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About the author
Teshelle Combs
58 books570 followersTeshelle Combs is the award-winning author of books like The Underglow and the First Collection.
She's well known for her fantasy romance standalones like The First Dryad, The First Stone, The First Nymph, and The First Flame. (Read in any order, listed in order of writing).
Tropes include enemies-to-lovers, forbidden love, arranged marriage, twists & turns, and more.
Find TC @booksarebrightstars on TikTok.
She's well known for her fantasy romance standalones like The First Dryad, The First Stone, The First Nymph, and The First Flame. (Read in any order, listed in order of writing).
Tropes include enemies-to-lovers, forbidden love, arranged marriage, twists & turns, and more.
Find TC @booksarebrightstars on TikTok.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
September 20, 2023
The 4 stars is only because I feel like the beginning drug on for soooo long. It was a crawl to get into but once I did it was absolutely amazing!!!! This is an ARC review, and I am so happy I had the opportunity. This was an amazing story and can't wait to see where she takes it! This was my first read from this author and I definitely wasn't disappointed
September 29, 2023
I received this book as an ARC and this review is my honest opinion I loved this book a strong female main character that knows her worth this book is filled with amazing characters and is fast paced it helps create a interesting and colourful new world that sucks you into the story of the first dragon and I felt connected to the characters through out the whole story I laughed I cried I loved this book this is a must read
September 13, 2023
If you are looking for a story to laugh, cry, and relate internally to... then grab this book as soon as you can. The way Kiiro speaks and thinks is so honest and blunt it feels like the responses I would have. Tess is a writing goddess who creates the most amazing worlds you can only dream about living in. I am forever amazed 6 single new book that is released.
September 14, 2023
Tess just always had amazing ideas! This one had a super cool concept, a flame gets killed but she comes back as a dragon, and kinda has no clue who she was! As the story goes along she finds her ‘new’ self and is hilarious along the way!
September 12, 2023
✨Arc Review✨
I absolutely love the dialogue between the so characters like right off the bat! Tess just has a way of instantly sucking you into her world and I love every minute of it! All I’m saying is when I go I hope I rise up as a dragon! 🐉 Mine the monkey is my new favorite side character! I’m living for this band of monsters I hope Tess writes more with them!
I absolutely love the dialogue between the so characters like right off the bat! Tess just has a way of instantly sucking you into her world and I love every minute of it! All I’m saying is when I go I hope I rise up as a dragon! 🐉 Mine the monkey is my new favorite side character! I’m living for this band of monsters I hope Tess writes more with them!
September 19, 2023
I got the privilege to give an ARC review & I must say there is definitely an audience for this book, however it personally was not my cup of tea.
Pros:
I will say that Teshelle Combs has a way with the quirky style of writing & utilization of humor like that of Christopher Moore (A Dirty Job, etc) & Douglas Adams (Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy). The usage of humor throughout is a nice breath of air given the amount of stressors Kiiro is having to go through.
There is definitely a solid concept. The potential for world building & expansion has definitely been given opportunities should she choose to expand further with this particular storyline.
Cons:
I personally felt like there was a lot going on in a short amount of time. I would have liked to see it spanned out over either a.) more books or b.) a longer book. Again, the concept is there, I just wanted elaboration on multiple aspects.
My other issue was that I never truly felt a connection with any of the characters. Kiiro was a little resembling of Drax from Guardians of the Galaxy, which is potentially incredible, but I didn’t personally connect to her finding herself throughout her trials & experiences. I found several other characters to be either unnecessary to the plot or even bothersome.
That’s just me though, obviously. Again, even though it wasn’t for me, there is definitely an audience for this & I look forward to reading other books from Combs in the future. :)
Pros:
I will say that Teshelle Combs has a way with the quirky style of writing & utilization of humor like that of Christopher Moore (A Dirty Job, etc) & Douglas Adams (Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy). The usage of humor throughout is a nice breath of air given the amount of stressors Kiiro is having to go through.
There is definitely a solid concept. The potential for world building & expansion has definitely been given opportunities should she choose to expand further with this particular storyline.
Cons:
I personally felt like there was a lot going on in a short amount of time. I would have liked to see it spanned out over either a.) more books or b.) a longer book. Again, the concept is there, I just wanted elaboration on multiple aspects.
My other issue was that I never truly felt a connection with any of the characters. Kiiro was a little resembling of Drax from Guardians of the Galaxy, which is potentially incredible, but I didn’t personally connect to her finding herself throughout her trials & experiences. I found several other characters to be either unnecessary to the plot or even bothersome.
That’s just me though, obviously. Again, even though it wasn’t for me, there is definitely an audience for this & I look forward to reading other books from Combs in the future. :)
September 18, 2023
I really hate to say this but I didn’t like this at all and I wanted to.
I just ranted to my friend for 15 minutes about this book.
Needless to say it was not for me. There’s too much going on and half the time you’re like… why is this happening? What is going on? Did I miss something?
I thought the constantly arguing was absolutely unnecessary and the most frustrating thing. It was not funny. Shari is the worst.
ARC review.
I just ranted to my friend for 15 minutes about this book.
Needless to say it was not for me. There’s too much going on and half the time you’re like… why is this happening? What is going on? Did I miss something?
I thought the constantly arguing was absolutely unnecessary and the most frustrating thing. It was not funny. Shari is the worst.
ARC review.
September 14, 2023
I really enjoyed this story… Kiiro was everything that I love about characters… I feel that she made the perfect Dragon!
Kiiro was strong, courageous, passionate, dangerous, endearing, sarcastic, and all things that make a dragon!
The storyline to her origin was beautiful, and the way she fought for herself and others was well written.
Kiiro was strong, courageous, passionate, dangerous, endearing, sarcastic, and all things that make a dragon!
The storyline to her origin was beautiful, and the way she fought for herself and others was well written.
September 24, 2023
Let me start by saying that I think the story I idea was great.. the way it was executed just wasn't for me. I love fantasy, and it's normally my main genre, but I just couldn't get into this. As much as I appreciated the glossary of terms at the beginning, the world building, in my opinion, was severely lacking. There was so much information and so many things happening that it was difficult to keep up and left a lot of plot holes for me. The group dynamics got really confusing and felt like more of a slap-stick "Gaurdians of the Galaxy" meets "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" type dynamic, and it just seemed out of place at times. By the end of the book, there were so many titles and labels that I just found myself skimming over chapters whenever a new character was introduced.. the Knitter, the Badwa, the Eshen, the Uli.. etc.. it was just very jumbled and hard to keep track of. I think Kiiro and Andy were great, but a lot of their story felt very rushed, as did a lot of the story. This just wasn't my cup of tea.
September 13, 2023
I was given an ARC of this book, my review is honest and voluntary.
As you can probably guess by the title, this book contains Dragons. Or more specifically A Dragon, the First Dragon. The most Dragon-like Dragon to ever Dragon! She is unapologetically a Dragon and I love her. (No, I am not sorry for the amount of times I used the word Dragon there)
This has quickly become my favourite of the First Collection, move over Sanaa (Stone) Kiiro is coming through!
I don't know what else I can say about this other than to read it!
This is the 8th book, in written order, of the First Collection. But seems to take place at a similar time to Dryad, with some of the characters popping up in the story.
As you can probably guess by the title, this book contains Dragons. Or more specifically A Dragon, the First Dragon. The most Dragon-like Dragon to ever Dragon! She is unapologetically a Dragon and I love her. (No, I am not sorry for the amount of times I used the word Dragon there)
This has quickly become my favourite of the First Collection, move over Sanaa (Stone) Kiiro is coming through!
I don't know what else I can say about this other than to read it!
This is the 8th book, in written order, of the First Collection. But seems to take place at a similar time to Dryad, with some of the characters popping up in the story.
February 2, 2025
Kiiro is the absolute epitome of dragon-ness and perfectly sure of herself, making for a refreshing take on a female lead with a wonderful friends to lovers romance entwined beautifully. Betrayal, twists, turns, fantasy, and of course, dragons makes for one of my favorite reads from Tess to date! 5/5⭐️ 2.5/5 🌶️
September 22, 2023
ARC review
I wanted to like this book. The concept is there and it has moments of humor. It just felt rushed, a lot was going on that IMO could have been left out or the story could have been stretched in a way to like the characters. Andy has so much potential to be "That Character" that you can't live without but needs a slight push.
I wanted to like this book. The concept is there and it has moments of humor. It just felt rushed, a lot was going on that IMO could have been left out or the story could have been stretched in a way to like the characters. Andy has so much potential to be "That Character" that you can't live without but needs a slight push.
September 13, 2023
This story is very near to my heart. I’m a huge fan of Teshelles writings in general, but this story is so special. The characters are hilarious and I found myself laughing very often while reading this. There’s sooo much character development for even the side characters and each of them is equally as special. It’s got a good ending, and it only took me a day to finish. Highly recommend for a good laugh and a heartfelt story.
September 17, 2023
* ARC Review *
The First Dragon was my introduction to Teshelle Combs and the amazing realms of the “Firsts”.
Tess brings to life characters who are relatable, lovable and some who you hope get what they deserve. Kiiro, a Flame who was sacrificed in becoming the first dragon takes us on a journey in remembering who she was and who she will become. Her quick witted banter with her found family will leave you laughing, crying and begging for more.
Here’s to hoping everyone has a Neander and Mine by their side and that Tess continues taking us on the dragon’s journey.
The First Dragon was my introduction to Teshelle Combs and the amazing realms of the “Firsts”.
Tess brings to life characters who are relatable, lovable and some who you hope get what they deserve. Kiiro, a Flame who was sacrificed in becoming the first dragon takes us on a journey in remembering who she was and who she will become. Her quick witted banter with her found family will leave you laughing, crying and begging for more.
Here’s to hoping everyone has a Neander and Mine by their side and that Tess continues taking us on the dragon’s journey.
September 17, 2023
ARC review* Typically I connect with the main female characters of Teshelle’s books but this installment of the First Collection has sooo many entertaining male characters! Every girl needs an Andy sidekick. I wasn’t a huge fan of Kiiro’s arrogance but I suppose it fits since she’s a great and powerful dragon. The family is fantastically disfunctional. Lots of laughs, especially at the expense of Shari... Fall out of the realm, Shari, please.
October 6, 2023
At about 50% of the way through the book I as ready to give this a solid 4 star review and then BAM, out of nowhere the story took a complete left turn. Enter: the Knitter and the Altogether. Now, this is not my first Combs book, so I should know better by now. Did this book improve on some of my issues with others of hers? Absolutely! There was a handy guide at the beginning even that explained (most of) the capitalized words throughout the book that in previous stories Combs wrote it felt like the reader should just know what they meant. The issue I therefore take with this particular tome is that it felt like two separate stories mashed together. Aside from the fact that, yet again, the book is supposed to be a stand-alone but feels like something is missing without having read the rest of the First Collection, this story feels rushed and often takes jumps in time without proper description/explanation. If Combs took more time and really fleshed out the story a bit it would have likely appealed more.
September 16, 2023
The First Dragon" by Teshelle Combs is the latest addition to The First Collection, a series of interconnected stories set in the same universe. While it can be enjoyed as a standalone, these stories are all set in an enchanting universe that is interconnected. I live for the easter eggs.
One of the highlights of this book is its colorful cast of characters, each of whom is entertaining and easily distinguishable. The story revolves around Kiiro, a Flame who, as the title suggests, becomes the first Dragon. I went through so many emotions between moments that brought tears to the numerous moments that had me laughing.
While the story unfolds, I wanted a more palpable sense of danger from the lead villain. He is mentioned plenty, and even appears a few times, but there were many other things to contend with that made for wonderful tension. For example, the uncertainty surrounding characters like Neander (Andy) and the looming threats posed by the Ancients and the Knitter added an element of suspense. Initially, I was somewhat off-put by the repeated name-calling towards a certain side character, but later on, I was in complete agreement. After all, the dragon is always right. Kiiro's transformation into a dragon doesn't overshadow her personality. Thus far this strong FMC is my favorite of The First Collection.
There is some spice in the story, though it is not overtly descriptive, and the way Combs writes it does not detract from the story. In conclusion, "The First Dragon" is a delightful addition to The First Collection. I would recommend this book to both new adult and adult readers who enjoy fantasy and fantasy romance.
One of the highlights of this book is its colorful cast of characters, each of whom is entertaining and easily distinguishable. The story revolves around Kiiro, a Flame who, as the title suggests, becomes the first Dragon. I went through so many emotions between moments that brought tears to the numerous moments that had me laughing.
While the story unfolds, I wanted a more palpable sense of danger from the lead villain. He is mentioned plenty, and even appears a few times, but there were many other things to contend with that made for wonderful tension. For example, the uncertainty surrounding characters like Neander (Andy) and the looming threats posed by the Ancients and the Knitter added an element of suspense. Initially, I was somewhat off-put by the repeated name-calling towards a certain side character, but later on, I was in complete agreement. After all, the dragon is always right. Kiiro's transformation into a dragon doesn't overshadow her personality. Thus far this strong FMC is my favorite of The First Collection.
There is some spice in the story, though it is not overtly descriptive, and the way Combs writes it does not detract from the story. In conclusion, "The First Dragon" is a delightful addition to The First Collection. I would recommend this book to both new adult and adult readers who enjoy fantasy and fantasy romance.
September 26, 2023
3.5 stars
I want to start by stating this book was engaging from page 1, and the pace continued steadily until the very end. I wanted to give this book 4 stars, as the story was unique and different from other fantasy books I’ve read; if only we can give half stars, as my final rating would have been 3.5 stars. There were a few things that lead me to settle on a rating of 3 stars. There were several side characters that I didn’t feel were necessary, as they didn’t really add to the story. In addition, there were characters/plot points that were hard to follow, as there was no background or information to really all make sense (doubles, roles of knitter/witness, setter, etc., places like The Altogether, Pockets). By the end I was able to sort of piece together what these were, but it was confusing. The banter between characters was great, and the representation of the MFC as a Dragon was wonderfully done, displaying characteristics of a dragon (greed, vanity, lethal, etc.). What was lacking was really a better foundation and explanation of various things. The other thing that was confusing, while I thought it was really unique and different, was the terminology used, as it really made this world its own, but it was hard to remember what meant what. I commend and appreciate the author’s use of this though, just for me, it was difficult to recall. All in all, this world and story has great potential, I did enjoy this book, just some things that lead me to my final rating. I have several more of Teshelle Combs’ books that I plan to read!
I want to start by stating this book was engaging from page 1, and the pace continued steadily until the very end. I wanted to give this book 4 stars, as the story was unique and different from other fantasy books I’ve read; if only we can give half stars, as my final rating would have been 3.5 stars. There were a few things that lead me to settle on a rating of 3 stars. There were several side characters that I didn’t feel were necessary, as they didn’t really add to the story. In addition, there were characters/plot points that were hard to follow, as there was no background or information to really all make sense (doubles, roles of knitter/witness, setter, etc., places like The Altogether, Pockets). By the end I was able to sort of piece together what these were, but it was confusing. The banter between characters was great, and the representation of the MFC as a Dragon was wonderfully done, displaying characteristics of a dragon (greed, vanity, lethal, etc.). What was lacking was really a better foundation and explanation of various things. The other thing that was confusing, while I thought it was really unique and different, was the terminology used, as it really made this world its own, but it was hard to remember what meant what. I commend and appreciate the author’s use of this though, just for me, it was difficult to recall. All in all, this world and story has great potential, I did enjoy this book, just some things that lead me to my final rating. I have several more of Teshelle Combs’ books that I plan to read!
September 20, 2023
The First Dragon
I received a free ARC of this book, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
In The First Dragon, we meet Kiiro, a young flame who has it all. A wonderful family, a peaceful homeland and a great best friend. When the Kahin sacrifice Kiiro, they unknowingly create the first Dragon. But being a Dragon isn’t as glamorous as you’d think.
When I started this book, I had very mixed feelings. Unfortunately, it took a few chapters to really draw me in. I usually love Tess’s books immediately, so this was a little strange for me. I didn’t feel the emotional connection to the characters until around 10 chapters in (they are very short chapters though, so this isn’t as drastic as it sounds). Once I had got past this point though, I was hooked! I loved Kiiro, and how incredibly funny she was, most of the time - not realising this. I love all the twists and backstabbing plot lines, her relationships with different characters, as well as her personal growth. I enjoyed the wee tie-ins to the First Dryad as well, which were the first books of Tess’s I read. I hope there will be a second book, as the ending left a lot of unanswered questions - but these could be answered in the other books in The First Collection.
At 342 pages long, this took me just under 3 and a half hours to read. I will continue to work my way through The First Collection, and highly recommend it to any fantasy lover.
7/10
I received a free ARC of this book, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
In The First Dragon, we meet Kiiro, a young flame who has it all. A wonderful family, a peaceful homeland and a great best friend. When the Kahin sacrifice Kiiro, they unknowingly create the first Dragon. But being a Dragon isn’t as glamorous as you’d think.
When I started this book, I had very mixed feelings. Unfortunately, it took a few chapters to really draw me in. I usually love Tess’s books immediately, so this was a little strange for me. I didn’t feel the emotional connection to the characters until around 10 chapters in (they are very short chapters though, so this isn’t as drastic as it sounds). Once I had got past this point though, I was hooked! I loved Kiiro, and how incredibly funny she was, most of the time - not realising this. I love all the twists and backstabbing plot lines, her relationships with different characters, as well as her personal growth. I enjoyed the wee tie-ins to the First Dryad as well, which were the first books of Tess’s I read. I hope there will be a second book, as the ending left a lot of unanswered questions - but these could be answered in the other books in The First Collection.
At 342 pages long, this took me just under 3 and a half hours to read. I will continue to work my way through The First Collection, and highly recommend it to any fantasy lover.
7/10
September 26, 2023
"If pain is my slave, agony is my advantage."
The First Dragon by Teshelle Combs is the latest novel added in The First Collection. This book can be read as a stand-alone, but takes place within the same fantasy universe as the other novels. Truly you are going to want to read this whole collection regardless!
The First Dragon starts with introducing us to our FMC, Kiiro, and MMC, Neander, who grew up together within the same village until the day both of their lives was changed and not for the better. A life-changing event for Kiiro brought the curse of the First Dragon upon her. Changing her outlook on everything and everyone, along with wiping away all her memories. The only one who didn't cower from her was Neander, but he hid his own secrets including his love for her that continued even with her changed form. Though Kiiro did not understand why, Neander was the only one who could soothe her primal side and "feed her" with the information necessary to grow.
The First Dragon gave us a different spin on a fantasy romance, one where the FMC had to learn right from wrong and to grow into herself once again. Kiiro, luckily for us, kept with her strong and witty personality. Neander was always the steadfast, intelligent friend who kept Kiiro in line and continued to be that after. While also helping teach Kiiro right from wrong, Neander also taught himself that he needed to let Kiiro be Kiiro, just with some restrictions.
I truly enjoyed this book and wish it was longer or maybe a spin-off to see how the story evolves!
The First Dragon by Teshelle Combs is the latest novel added in The First Collection. This book can be read as a stand-alone, but takes place within the same fantasy universe as the other novels. Truly you are going to want to read this whole collection regardless!
The First Dragon starts with introducing us to our FMC, Kiiro, and MMC, Neander, who grew up together within the same village until the day both of their lives was changed and not for the better. A life-changing event for Kiiro brought the curse of the First Dragon upon her. Changing her outlook on everything and everyone, along with wiping away all her memories. The only one who didn't cower from her was Neander, but he hid his own secrets including his love for her that continued even with her changed form. Though Kiiro did not understand why, Neander was the only one who could soothe her primal side and "feed her" with the information necessary to grow.
The First Dragon gave us a different spin on a fantasy romance, one where the FMC had to learn right from wrong and to grow into herself once again. Kiiro, luckily for us, kept with her strong and witty personality. Neander was always the steadfast, intelligent friend who kept Kiiro in line and continued to be that after. While also helping teach Kiiro right from wrong, Neander also taught himself that he needed to let Kiiro be Kiiro, just with some restrictions.
I truly enjoyed this book and wish it was longer or maybe a spin-off to see how the story evolves!
September 14, 2023
This is my first book from Tess but I can tell you I am about to read every single book she has published 😍
This was such a fun, adventurous story following a female main character that you can relate to in some way or another. We are in her mind the whole way through this book and honest I've never laughed out loud so many times while reading a book because of the inner dialogue this she has.
She is blunt, says it how it is with no care and I loved it so so much 😍
I really enjoyed watching this character grow from wanting to destroy everything and everyone to appreciating and loving her found family and doing everything she can to keep them safe. ❤️
This is an amazing imaginative world that you will sink right into and speed through so quick.
I knew this book was part of a wider world with many books interconnecting but I wasn't sure how this would work as I begun this book but things started to click together while reading and I am so excited to check out the others in this overarching world.
Check this out if you love
❤️ dragons
❤️ found family
❤️ no nonsense blunt female main character
❤️ funny bickering
❤️ hilarious characters
❤️ an adventure story with a little bit of romance 😍
This was such a fun, adventurous story following a female main character that you can relate to in some way or another. We are in her mind the whole way through this book and honest I've never laughed out loud so many times while reading a book because of the inner dialogue this she has.
She is blunt, says it how it is with no care and I loved it so so much 😍
I really enjoyed watching this character grow from wanting to destroy everything and everyone to appreciating and loving her found family and doing everything she can to keep them safe. ❤️
This is an amazing imaginative world that you will sink right into and speed through so quick.
I knew this book was part of a wider world with many books interconnecting but I wasn't sure how this would work as I begun this book but things started to click together while reading and I am so excited to check out the others in this overarching world.
Check this out if you love
❤️ dragons
❤️ found family
❤️ no nonsense blunt female main character
❤️ funny bickering
❤️ hilarious characters
❤️ an adventure story with a little bit of romance 😍
April 12, 2025
I’ve somewhat forgot about this page. 🤦🏻♀️ But let me tell you about my most recent read - The First Dragon by Teshelle Combs (@booksarebrightstars ).
If you love strong, I don’t give a f—k, I am amazing and you better recognize strong FMCs, then Kiiro is for you! Even as a descendent of ancients, Kiiro hasn’t had the best life as she has certain expectations placed upon her, expectations that impede the life she wants to live.
But then Kiiro is betrayed and with her will to not die, she unintentionally draws upon the power of the ancients and becomes a new being, the likes that the world has never seen before - a Dragon. And not just any Dragon, but a perfect and invincible one.
Join Kiiro on her journey of rebirth, found family, friends to lovers, and revenge. It’s definitely a book I didn’t want to put down, and under the right circumstances (as in if I didn’t have to work), I could have finished this in 1-2 days.
Easter Egg: If you’ve read The First Dryad, you’ll recognize a couple guest appearances. But nothing that will ruin the story if you haven’t yet.
Let me know if you read it and your thoughts!
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ overall (5/5)
5🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉 fantasy
5 🗺️🗺️🗺️🗺️🗺️ world building
3.5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🥵 spice
4 💜💜💜💜 romance
If you love strong, I don’t give a f—k, I am amazing and you better recognize strong FMCs, then Kiiro is for you! Even as a descendent of ancients, Kiiro hasn’t had the best life as she has certain expectations placed upon her, expectations that impede the life she wants to live.
But then Kiiro is betrayed and with her will to not die, she unintentionally draws upon the power of the ancients and becomes a new being, the likes that the world has never seen before - a Dragon. And not just any Dragon, but a perfect and invincible one.
Join Kiiro on her journey of rebirth, found family, friends to lovers, and revenge. It’s definitely a book I didn’t want to put down, and under the right circumstances (as in if I didn’t have to work), I could have finished this in 1-2 days.
Easter Egg: If you’ve read The First Dryad, you’ll recognize a couple guest appearances. But nothing that will ruin the story if you haven’t yet.
Let me know if you read it and your thoughts!
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ overall (5/5)
5🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉 fantasy
5 🗺️🗺️🗺️🗺️🗺️ world building
3.5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🥵 spice
4 💜💜💜💜 romance
October 28, 2025
I liked it. I’m coming from The First Dryad 1 and 2 which served as my introduction to this author’s writing. I fell in love with the characters and the world building that took place in the Dryad books and was looking forward to getting into this one but unfortunately it fell a little flat to me.
It took a while to build up and the world building didn’t feel as intentional or full as the previous books did. I also felt like there were a lot of conveniences with certain villains/plot lines/etc. so that the structure would require way less work to understand and would push the story along faster (while somehow still being slightly confusing because there is so much going on). It felt like I was taking the easy way out! I understand that as Kirro adjusts to her new life she has to relearn everything and as a reader you learn at her pace but the information was almost always spoon fed by a wise one. Only a few things were learned on her own and those were the details I enjoyed the most.
Moments where the scene is building up to what’s supposed to be a climax, suddenly switched into a comedic scene were a little hard to get used to at first, but I got acclimated and eventually enjoyed it. I think in the moment I found myself wishing that the plot committed to *something*. If you’re going to be funny, be funny! Some of the humor wasn’t really for me but that’s an extremely subjective take.
I was also a tad confused on who the target audience is. Like I said, a good chunk of the plot is spoon fed to you, and conveniently the main character has the attitude of a kid (said lovingly) who needs things spoon fed to her, but then the mature scenes get into quite a bit detail.
The Zan cameo was fun, but again felt convenient. I wonder if it would be confusing for readers who haven’t read any of her other books. Especially as they get into who the Knitter is and reference “Pockets”, but I don’t think it would be to a point where it would take away from the story. For those who read the Dryad books, it was cool to learn about how the realms and characters connect.
Grievances aside, this really was a good read! My favorite character was Jamai, and I liked every scene where the “family” is all together. There are definitely some dynamics here that kept me around till the finish line. And the plot twist towards the end was not expected.
3.5/5⭐️
It took a while to build up and the world building didn’t feel as intentional or full as the previous books did. I also felt like there were a lot of conveniences with certain villains/plot lines/etc. so that the structure would require way less work to understand and would push the story along faster (while somehow still being slightly confusing because there is so much going on). It felt like I was taking the easy way out! I understand that as Kirro adjusts to her new life she has to relearn everything and as a reader you learn at her pace but the information was almost always spoon fed by a wise one. Only a few things were learned on her own and those were the details I enjoyed the most.
Moments where the scene is building up to what’s supposed to be a climax, suddenly switched into a comedic scene were a little hard to get used to at first, but I got acclimated and eventually enjoyed it. I think in the moment I found myself wishing that the plot committed to *something*. If you’re going to be funny, be funny! Some of the humor wasn’t really for me but that’s an extremely subjective take.
I was also a tad confused on who the target audience is. Like I said, a good chunk of the plot is spoon fed to you, and conveniently the main character has the attitude of a kid (said lovingly) who needs things spoon fed to her, but then the mature scenes get into quite a bit detail.
The Zan cameo was fun, but again felt convenient. I wonder if it would be confusing for readers who haven’t read any of her other books. Especially as they get into who the Knitter is and reference “Pockets”, but I don’t think it would be to a point where it would take away from the story. For those who read the Dryad books, it was cool to learn about how the realms and characters connect.
Grievances aside, this really was a good read! My favorite character was Jamai, and I liked every scene where the “family” is all together. There are definitely some dynamics here that kept me around till the finish line. And the plot twist towards the end was not expected.
3.5/5⭐️
September 13, 2023
This book is Everything!!!
There is no way to express how much I loved this book!!
Tess has delivered again with a story about hat is filled with meaning, adventure, betrayal and of course laughs.
In it we find Kiro who is betrayed by a person who is meant to protect her and those of her kind. With the betrayal come the evolution into becoming the first of her kind, the First Dragon.
With all this power comes a loss of understanding of her position in life and she runs on instinct and basic urges.
She becomes a being of beautiful, innocent, destruction until she is able to find Andy again who works as her guide and anchor in her new life.
In her journey to learn how to protect instead of destroy we meet a slew of characters that are either hilariously funny or make you want to throw a show at them (Shari) making fit one great adventure.
It’s a beautiful book that couldn’t recommend more 🤍
There is no way to express how much I loved this book!!
Tess has delivered again with a story about hat is filled with meaning, adventure, betrayal and of course laughs.
In it we find Kiro who is betrayed by a person who is meant to protect her and those of her kind. With the betrayal come the evolution into becoming the first of her kind, the First Dragon.
With all this power comes a loss of understanding of her position in life and she runs on instinct and basic urges.
She becomes a being of beautiful, innocent, destruction until she is able to find Andy again who works as her guide and anchor in her new life.
In her journey to learn how to protect instead of destroy we meet a slew of characters that are either hilariously funny or make you want to throw a show at them (Shari) making fit one great adventure.
It’s a beautiful book that couldn’t recommend more 🤍
September 20, 2023
I received this for an honest review.
I loved the idea of the story, girl turned into a dragon and finding a new way to live. I do believe a big portion of the storyline felt rushed. Pushing to get to parts without much explanation and it was just boom, there. Like her lack of memories, I feel that could have gone into more detail when she first came back to life as the dragon. She didn’t even blink when Andy mentioned it had been a long time since she had been gone, it seemed odd. The romances between Ro (the main character) and Andy, as well as Ro and Jamai were quick to come out of no where.
Shari’s desperation was annoying, but I believe that was the point.
Other than the rushed feeling of the storyline, it was good! I think the middle of it you can tell the author got more excited and in depth about things than the beginning and end. Trying to make it one book instead of a series.
I loved the idea of the story, girl turned into a dragon and finding a new way to live. I do believe a big portion of the storyline felt rushed. Pushing to get to parts without much explanation and it was just boom, there. Like her lack of memories, I feel that could have gone into more detail when she first came back to life as the dragon. She didn’t even blink when Andy mentioned it had been a long time since she had been gone, it seemed odd. The romances between Ro (the main character) and Andy, as well as Ro and Jamai were quick to come out of no where.
Shari’s desperation was annoying, but I believe that was the point.
Other than the rushed feeling of the storyline, it was good! I think the middle of it you can tell the author got more excited and in depth about things than the beginning and end. Trying to make it one book instead of a series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2023
Book: The First Dragon
Author: Teshelle Combs
Highlights: Fantasy, mythical creatures, multiple worlds, world traveling
Favorite Character: Kiiro
Honorable Mentions: Rath, Andy, Puu, Hers
Character that grew on me: Fara - still mixed feelings but she is getting better
Favorite Scene: Any of the scenes with Rath or Puu
Overall thoughts: Amazing book - I love this series - they are standalone books but I love the little Easter eggs that bring the books together
Star Rating: 5 out 5
Why: Great writing, amazing characters, and the world is just real life enough that you can picture it vividly in your mind with the added fantasy aspects
Previous Predictions: A lot of my previous predictions in this series have to do with puzzle pieces coming together - and I’m every book she adds pieces to the puzzle.
Predictions: Every book I think to myself “what could possibly come next” and then She delivers and gives you exactly what you needed.
Author: Teshelle Combs
Highlights: Fantasy, mythical creatures, multiple worlds, world traveling
Favorite Character: Kiiro
Honorable Mentions: Rath, Andy, Puu, Hers
Character that grew on me: Fara - still mixed feelings but she is getting better
Favorite Scene: Any of the scenes with Rath or Puu
Overall thoughts: Amazing book - I love this series - they are standalone books but I love the little Easter eggs that bring the books together
Star Rating: 5 out 5
Why: Great writing, amazing characters, and the world is just real life enough that you can picture it vividly in your mind with the added fantasy aspects
Previous Predictions: A lot of my previous predictions in this series have to do with puzzle pieces coming together - and I’m every book she adds pieces to the puzzle.
Predictions: Every book I think to myself “what could possibly come next” and then She delivers and gives you exactly what you needed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2023
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I've been in a bit of a reading slump but was offered to read this book and it got me right out of it! So good! It's the first book in ages that has had me staying up late because I couldn't put it down.
It's witty, like a 2 spicy pepper romance, and heartfelt. The characters are entertaining and the plot was great. I really hope to read more from this universe but it also wraps up nicely so you can also just read this as a nice little break from some heavier books.
I do wish we got to see a bit more of the battle and it took me a little bit to catch on to the unique language. It took a little bit for me to catch on to the tone of Kiiro as well since things happen and it switches.
Even with those negatives, I'm recommending this to my bookclub and hope you give it a chance too!
I've been in a bit of a reading slump but was offered to read this book and it got me right out of it! So good! It's the first book in ages that has had me staying up late because I couldn't put it down.
It's witty, like a 2 spicy pepper romance, and heartfelt. The characters are entertaining and the plot was great. I really hope to read more from this universe but it also wraps up nicely so you can also just read this as a nice little break from some heavier books.
I do wish we got to see a bit more of the battle and it took me a little bit to catch on to the unique language. It took a little bit for me to catch on to the tone of Kiiro as well since things happen and it switches.
Even with those negatives, I'm recommending this to my bookclub and hope you give it a chance too!
September 25, 2023
TC does it again! She has such a way of creating these magical worlds, but still manages to keep the reeds quick and simple. I really appreciate that I could sink my teeth into such a delightful story and finish it in a couple of days. It was worth devouring! Kiiro is what so many of us would like to be. She is uninhibited by fear or doubt and I love her direct and unassuming style. I could see the value in each of us driving to live with such clarity. This book was a true delight and I enjoyed seeing the relationships built within the "family."
As one of TC's avid followers, this book was interesting because you're starting to see a shift in the greater world. There's clearly something afoot beyond this one story, and I am curious to see what is happening with the world on a greater scale.
As one of TC's avid followers, this book was interesting because you're starting to see a shift in the greater world. There's clearly something afoot beyond this one story, and I am curious to see what is happening with the world on a greater scale.
October 4, 2023
I continue to fall more and more in with Teshelle Combs stories. This one is no different because I fell into the stories as soon as picked it up with the story. The honest truth it was my complete favorites that she has done so far but if you like storied were the main character is in constant struggle with a beast that she needs to learn to control. Her own personal demons haunt her. As I read I fell in love with the building relationship Kiro and Andy. He wants to help her in some way but he has to learn what control of a beast means to him. So get ready to dive into a story of the test of control of dragons and the feelings between friends. Teshelle Combs will get you sucked into a story where you will never put it down so buckle up and have fun in the world she has created and question what you would do in the same situation that either Kiro or Andy sees themselves in.
October 9, 2023
Start: 09-18-2023
Finish: 10-09-2023
Rating: 4/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Took me a while to finish reading this book because I'm juggling 2-3 books per day and my cat doesn't make it easier. 😁
The characters are decent, the story is good, the worldbuilding is good.
My only problem about this book is that I'm confused every chapter on who's POV was it because it doesn't indicate it. But overall, I enjoyed the story.
I'm not really a fan of Sharina. She's a bish and she's annoying!
Jamai is adorable! 😁
I somehow find Kiiro a bit arrogant because she thinks she can do anything she wants just because she's a dragon and everyone fears her.
Andy, he's the best of friends you can ever have. Supportive and loyal.
Okay I will now read the correct timeline order of this series. I didn't know this was supposed to be read somewhere near last. 😁
Finish: 10-09-2023
Rating: 4/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Took me a while to finish reading this book because I'm juggling 2-3 books per day and my cat doesn't make it easier. 😁
The characters are decent, the story is good, the worldbuilding is good.
My only problem about this book is that I'm confused every chapter on who's POV was it because it doesn't indicate it. But overall, I enjoyed the story.
I'm not really a fan of Sharina. She's a bish and she's annoying!
Jamai is adorable! 😁
I somehow find Kiiro a bit arrogant because she thinks she can do anything she wants just because she's a dragon and everyone fears her.
Andy, he's the best of friends you can ever have. Supportive and loyal.
Okay I will now read the correct timeline order of this series. I didn't know this was supposed to be read somewhere near last. 😁
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