The Cursed Dragon

by Bodie Summers

Scales become dust and bones turn to ashes as our curse tears the world apart.

All I want is freedom, to be free of the restraints that keep me a Netherling, a slave to please others.

Until them and their claim.

I'm torn between dragons as old lives come back to haunt and torment us, trying to break us apart as this curse claims our souls.

Can we destroy the shackles of our curse? Can we repent for the sins of our past lives and create a new fate? Or are we doomed to repeat our past...again...


'The Cursed Dragon' is a fantasy romance, dragon riders and shifters mixed with greek mythology.

Genres: Romantasy, Mythology, Spicy, Dragons, Fantasy

387 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 2, 2024

Reviews

[KMart Vet]

DNF at 35% - I just can't with Ares being such an ass. I'm not into irrational alpha holes. Everything else was great.

[Kara McCrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greek Mythology meets Dragon shifters. This book engaged me from beginning To end. The tension was high and the stakes were higher. This book was a great mix of action, drama, romantic tension and spice. From big grumpy Ares, to sweet level headed Ethan and of
course strong willed and determined Rodi,
the characters grabbed ahold of me and just
refused to let go. The story also flowed nicely in my opinion.

I will be absolutely be interested in reading the next book :)

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes! Greek God Dragon Shifters!

The Cursed Dragon is the first book in a new series by Bodie Summers and she certainly can weave a fantasy romance tale filled with dragon shifters, dragon riders, curses, magic, multiple lifetimes, fated love, why choose and captivating characters.

The Cursed Dragon is a well written book with a strong plot and great imagination and so much heat, fire and steam along with a little growling and biting!

This is a clever take on a few of the Greek Gods with fun and creative world building and filled with betrayal, death and destruction, secrets, drama, devotion, love and formed family.

I cannot wait for the next book, The She Dragon, and to dive deeper into this mythical world of sexy dragon shifters, strong sassy women and the mystery of the Dragon Shifters.

[Clary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not big on paranormal/fantasy stories but with the fact that it had dragon shifters and MMF pairing, I couldn’t resist not reading it and I’m glad I did. The story is an Ares and Aphrodite retelling full of romance, angst, and plenty of steam. It kept me entertained and engaged from beginning to end, wondering what was coming next, plenty of suspense. The steamy scenes were great and had me sweating! I only wish there was a little more about the dynamics between the different dragons, as well as the different creatures. However, it didn’t detract from the awesomeness of the story. Would definitely recommend, and I can't wait to see what's next.

[Sarah Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this one's the story about the gods and goddesses story of Ares and Aphrodite with a little twist with dragons. I liked this story. It was interesting and adventurous. But it was also kind of really sad. Just hearing at how much Ares had change from what he first was to when he finally gets her to now the end of the book. Plusers a interesting double mate in this book.

I like all the action that went through, but it was kind of sad like at the end what happened to them when it was more still of a happy ending. But the way the book ends you get the next book which is interesting because I want to see how that goes. I don't want to say what exactly it's about because in that ruins some things in the book. So you just have to read to figure outI don't want to say what exactly it's about because in that ruins some things in the book. So you just have to read to figure out.

[Krystal (KindlyKReads) A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a decently written, interesting, fun, and sexy page turner. This is definitely worth the read. It has great world and character building implemented into it. I also truly like the main character. I can’t wait to see what comes next from this Author!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alicia Wood · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn’t get past Ares and how possessive and irrational he is. I dnf’d the book at 35% - I hate that I had to but I just didn’t like forcing myself to keep reading.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this book!! The whole concept was amazing, and I just couldn't put it down once I started reading. I would DEFINITELY recommend this book to everyone!

[Kayla Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started and finished this ARC in 3 hours because I physically couldn't put it down!

Ares and aphrodite were cursed by hephateus to live a mortal life, dying over and over to never be together. This final life may be their most intense, beautiful and soul fulfilling with the joining of Ethan. This story had an amazing amount of intimacy, tension, jealousy, mates, and true love.

I already love greek mythology and ares is one of my favorite gods so I was invested in this book and even more so when Ethan showed up. I found myself very connected and in love with all the characters and I immediately signed up for the ARC for the second book!

[Merilu Keenum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bodie Summers never disappoints! PNR, dragons, gods, witches, oh my!! Rodi’s journey from orphan to dragon rider is painful, scary, and suspenseful. Ares and Ethan want her as their mate, but it’s very complicated and difficult for them to realize that dream. This is truly an epic tale of love, heartbreak, and dramatic moments. It’s full of beautiful imagery of a whimsical world, emotional moments, and steamy encounters!! I loved the energy, the human foibles that even gods can’t avoid, and the battles were awesome! Great start to a new series!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jackie Robicheaux · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a magical and spicy twist on Ares and Aphrodite’s love story, and with dragon shifters thrown into the mix, I devoured this book so quickly! I loved Ares, Rodi and Ethan’s love story. Some parts of the book felt like they went quickly over details but that also just may be because I loved the story and wanted to know everything there is to know about each character and their back story. Overall I would absolutely recommend this book if you like fantasy and love the spice!

[Lydia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was ok. The first 50% was really painful to read but it really picked up after that. I liked the final like 40% but I felt like the ending was very rushed and a little too easy. I really wanted to enjoy this book but just struggled. I’m unsure if I would recommend it or not but I can’t say I 100% liked or disliked it.
I read this as an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Grace Leonora Griffiths · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting interpretation of the story of Hades and Persephone.
Brilliant character building. Fascinating relationship build up.
Keep a box of tissues handy as it tears at the heart strings.

[Michelle Frater · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're a fan of Greek mythology, buckle up—because when you throw dragons and dragon riders into the mix, it's like hitting the literary jackpot. Ares, a dragon shifter cursed to walk the earth alone, has been reborn countless times, endlessly searching for his fated mate. After what feels like an eternity, he’s finally found her. Rodi is a Netherling, an unmated dragon rider, trained as a slave to the dragons, who never expected to find a mate of her own. But fate has other plans. When Ares reveals that they are destined for each other, sparks fly, but things are far from straightforward. Rodi is undeniably drawn to Ares, yet she doesn’t feel the magical bond she’s supposed to—and to complicate matters, she’s equally attracted to Ethan, Ares’ Warden. Ares’ jealousy kicks into overdrive, forcing her into an impossible decision, but just when things seem at their most intense, the reappearance of Hephaestus, disguised as Cedric, throws everything into chaos.
This story is a thrilling rollercoaster of passion, tension, and tangled relationships that’ll keep you glued to the pages. Rodi’s evolution from a victim to a fierce, empowered woman who fights for her freedom and for love is truly inspiring. Her struggle between two mates, Ares and Ethan, adds a layer of complexity that’s both heart-wrenching and captivating. Ares, with his fiery jealousy and alpha-hole antics, took some time to warm up to, but Ethan? He was a keeper from the very beginning, the perfect balance to Ares' raw, testosterone-fueled intensity. The ending, while bittersweet, left me hungry for more. Knowing what these three characters had sacrificed tugged at my heartstrings, and the hope for what’s to come has me eagerly anticipating the next chapter in their journey.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lindsey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 🌶️🌶️🌶️

I love the fantasy world of dragons! I have always adored Greek mythology! Putting these two together created a book I didn’t even know I needed in my life. Bodie did such an amazing job weaving together Greek mythology, dragons, shifters, and a romance packed with tension.

The relationships between Rodi (FMC), Ares (MMC1), and Cedric (MMC2) could have been messy. The MMCs bond runs deeper than having an undeniable attraction to the same woman. Cedric is Ares right hand and they have always supported each other. Rodi can’t deny the bond she feels with both of them as well. She loves how Ares challenges her, but adores Cedric’s devotion. How is she going to choose? Wait! Who says she has to choose?

The characters that Bodie gives us in this story were amazing! Layered, dynamic, so many feelings just bubbling under the surface; that when they finally erupt, the emotions are so good! My cheeks hurt from the smiling I did throughout this book at how she intertwined all three of them in a beautiful way. The story goes beyond this throuple as well. There are forces trying to upset their world and they must work together to defeat said forces.

The beauty in which the dragons were depicted as well, left nothing to the imagination. The majestic, gorgeous creatures were easy to imagine as Bodie spared no detail in depicting them. Some could argue that there is too much fantasy within her book; choose one; dragons or Greek retelling, but Bodie delivers this combination seamlessly. I can’t wait for book two and to see where her stories take us next.

As always, review any author notes before reading.

Tropes:
🐲Cursed Lovers
💕Greek Mythology
🐲Why Choose
💕Bi-Awakening
🐲Dragon Shifters
💕Fated Love
🐲Ares and Aphrodite Dark Retelling

[Lara Loves Lit · Rating 4 out of 5]

(In order not to spoil anything, I have been vague on purpose about certain parts of the story and the characters).

“Her body turns cold, and so does mine as my fears have become a reality. He’s back. He’s here. For her. No.”

I mean the author seriously had me at dragons, but adding in greek mythology made this even more enticing for me to read. Ares is a fierce dragon shifter cursed to live away from his home and his mate. Each time he is reborn, he continues to search for her, even as a god, Cedric, is working against him to keep them separated in retribution for his wife’s affair with Ares.

Rodi is a netherling a low born unmated dragon rider, who has been groomed to be a slave to the dragons. All she wants is her freedom. When Ares says he is her mate, she doesn’t feel the bond or remember any of the past lives they have lived together; However, Rodi does feel a bond with Ethan, Ares’ Warden, and friend. As their passion grows, Ares’ jealousy threatens to keep Rodi unwilling to bond with him. As Ares wrestles with his own demons, Cedric finds them and is determined to make Rodi his mate.


Cleverly done, it takes a bit for the reader to figure out who the players are and what greek mythology they are from. I loved this retelling, especially as it shows growth in Ares and Rodi from their typical characterizations. The dragons are described beautifully which allows the reader to create a vivid picture of these dangerous majestic beasts. With spicy scenes, suspense and the fickleness of the gods, this was a captivating twist on the ancient myth and a great read.

[Merissa (Archaeolibrarian) · Rating 3 out of 5]

THE CURSED DRAGON is the first book in this Greek mythology/Dragon shifters series. Rodi is a netherling - an orphan, and as such, is the lowest of the low. When they are about to turn 18, they are put on display for dragon shifters to choose from. Some are lucky and find their mates. Most are not. Rodi is chosen by one dragon shifter, who tries to force her, but she is rescued by the overall leader, Ares. From then on, Rodi is with him but also wants Ethan, Ares' Warden.

I actually enjoyed the first half of this book more than the second. Once Cedric was introduced, my interest waned. Plus, there was the whole coma sequence that changed into real life without much fanfare so, for a time, I was still thinking it was a dream.

This was an interesting twist to the Greek mythology, and I loved the detail and history given to the dragons, but it just didn't work for me, although I'm sure it will be loved by many.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
24 Sep, 2024.

[sycokittykat - Stefanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Greek Mythology meets Dragon shifters and their riders

When the God of War is cursed to walk Earth as a dragon shifter can he find his rider?

When a rider turns 18 they can now hopefully find their fated mate or at the very least a dragon that will take them.

When Ares and his Warden come face-to-face with Rhodi they are both drawn to her with the hope they may be her mate. Rhodi hopes she finds her mate so she can finally escape the orphanage she grew up in.

Who wouldn't want the God of War to be a fierce dragon shifter cursed to live many lives unable to find Aphrodite again. Ares is not proud of what he has done in all these lives but he continues on hoping he will one day find Aphrodite again.

He was never prepared for him to find her and another also to have a claim on her.

This was a dark story but had me hooked right from the beginning. I couldn't wait to uncover all of the missing memories.

Also, that scene in the forest was freaking hot...I definitely could have used more of the spicy scenes but the story was so good and the tensions so high I still enjoyed it very much.

I'm super intrigued about where book two will be taking us.

[Kerry Officer · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 out of 5 stars)

🔥🐉 The Cursed Dragon is a thrilling mix of fantasy, dragon shifters, and Greek mythology wrapped in an emotional, polyamorous romance. Rodi, Ares, and Ethan—our fated trio—are bound by a curse that threatens not only their love but their very souls. The tension between them is palpable as they try to break free from the chains of their past lives. 😍💔

Rodi, desperate for freedom, is torn between his cursed past and the intense pull toward Ares and Ethan. Their bond crackles with chemistry and emotional depth, and watching them navigate both their curse and their love felt like an emotional game with everything at stake. 🏀🔥 The dragon battles, reminiscent of a high-stakes sports match, added to the epic feel of the story, while the Greek mythology wove in a timeless, god-like clash of fate.

Though the pacing felt uneven at times, the sizzling chemistry and action-packed plot kept me hooked. If you love fated mates, dragons, and epic battles of both heart and soul, this book will draw you in. 💖

[Doonut · Rating 5 out of 5]

I definitely didn't expect an amazing Fantasy romance with Greek mythology from this author, it threw me off but it was soo freaking amazing and I have no idea how to express it in words!!
This story is a Retelling of Aphrodite X Ares but a dark Retelling!! Ares has memory of all his lives he has lived but Aphrodite or Rodi doesn't remember or have no clue what happened to her past lives as she slowly navigates through her current life she finds two mates and gradually understand the true meaning of her life and remembers her past life and navigates and does everything to not repeat it again with her present self but in that process there is a villain who claims to have loved Rodi in her past life and want to keep her for himself but that with Rodi's determination to escape that fate seals the love she has for her two mates

I can't wait to read the 2nd book!!! I'm all in with this author

[Linda Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dragon shifters and cursed gods? Yes please! I enjoyed this take on the Ares/Aphrodite/Hephaestus love triangle mythology, lots of angst and possessiveness on all sides. Spicy scenes, action, magic, shifters, politics...there is a lot going on!

It did feel a bit off that they were supposed to actually be the Greek gods when this story takes place in a different world, though it is mentioned that they are not supposed to be there so...I guess just wanted more world building. I liked the story and the characters, and the world was interesting with the different Dragon clans, it could have been fleshed out a bit more in my opinion. It was a lot packed into less than 400 pages, it is hard to build and entire fantasy world and tell a completed story in that span. I am happy there will be more books to come!

[Kristie Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an emotional ride of power, political, lore, and magic. Rodi finds herself with Ares, the king of the dragons, and he's telling her that she's his mate? Yeah, right. Ok, buddy. But really...he's persistent!

She also feels drawn to his second, Ethan, and can't figure out how she possibly has two mates. As she tries to figure that out and decides she doesn't want to choose, Ares refuses to share. And Ethan is up for anything! Their whole dynamic was so fun to bounce between.

When Rodi is kidnapped, Ethan and Ares must figure out their sh*t and keep it together so they can get her back from the evil creature who took her, trying not only to claim her but the whole dragon hierarchy.

[Sarah Otte · Rating 5 out of 5]

An ares and Aphrodite retelling but with a whole new dragon world and another male.

Hooked!

Ares: huge alpha hole. Wanted to slap him, kick him. And I love how rodi stood up to him.

Rodi: our netherling, dragon rider. Makes her own choices!

Ethan: there were some moments where I disliked him but during the story I understood why he did certain things. I don’t want to spoil anything but his only way to have ares notice ‘notice’ him was through rodi.

Love the character development! The growth of ares. He lost everything before his stubbornness stepped aside.

Can’t wait for the next one!

Oh and the spice. Holy smokes. I really liked how the spicy truly didn’t over power the characters journey and really added to it!

[Dayna · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This was an interesting take on Greek mythology, and I loved the addition of dragons and their riders. I appreciated that the different colored dragons had different skills and abilities, which was very cool. Rodi couldn't remember the lives that she was supposed to have lived, and Ares is certain if she would only remember, then everything will go back to normal, and they can go home. But that isn't how curses work when you're a cursed god and others want to interfere. In the end, I don't think this book was for me, but I did finish it all.

“Rules can bend before they break,”

[Danniimood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dragon Romance smacks into Greek Mythology!

I absolutely love me some dragon shifter romance, but adding Greek Mythology to this gave us the right amounts of drama, romance, dragon fighting, and yes ... spice.

Rodi. Ares. Ethan.
Three people who after so many lifetimes finally get to have their 'happily ever after'.

I loved the angst between both Ares and Ethan. Sweet Ethan wears his heart for both Rodi and Ares. While Ares has to literally have everything taken from him in order to come to his relizations.

[Skipzel Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

★★★★☆4/5

I love a good dragon book, and I finished this one so quickly.

• Greek Mythology
• Fated Mates
• Spicy 🌶️
• Sassy FMC

I really enjoyed this book, the story telling was good. I did feel like I could see the places in my head. This was my first time reading a book that had more of a poly relationship exploration. Great read - got me out of my reading slump.

Thank you for allowing me to receive an eARC of this! I'm excited for the next book and to see where Isadora's story goes.

[Daria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Greek Shifters...
The play on mythology was fresh and on point.
The pretty, orphaned and all but hidden.
The scaled ones, though A and E complimented each other. There were a few times my hand itched to slap A. Lol...
The story definitely intriguing, lost and found. Past and present. Of course god dealings are in the mix and not always fare. Emotions throughout the story, detailed to keep you turning the page. All in all well done. Enjoy

[Kim Torrance · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from page one. OMG I loved every minute of it. Dragons mixed in with mythology now that is my jam. I love reading different takes on different myths and legends and Bodie did an amazing job telling her version of Aries and Aphrodite and the love they have for each other. Bringing in Ethan just strengthens the love they already have for each other. But will this love help them defeat their biggest enemy and threat to all they love and hold dear.

[Earth Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well well well I have to say that Brodie has written a great Dragon Shifter Romance book. This is a very wonderful read. This story is full of twists and turns. Lots of surprises that keep you turning the pages. This story grabbed my attention immediately and didn't let go till the last word. So far everything I have read of Bodie's is a fantastic read. This is definitely a must read. Enjoy everyone

[Georgia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cursed Dragon is my first time reading a book by Bodie Summers and I like her writing style! This was one of the best paranormal romance book I've read this year. It was a steamy page turner with magic, action, twists, dragons, drama and the suspense was fabulous. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t put it down. I highly recommend this book and you won’t be disappointed!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.