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Elements of Dragonis #1
Booker's Song
alternate cover edition of ASIN B01JDCNUO8
Rillian Mascini is one of the most knowledgeable mages in the world. Spending his days and sometimes nights with his nose in a book has taught him magic and histories that few care to remember. He has a passion for dragons that pulls him to learn all he can about them, including their language. He is one of the last people left alive who can speak to the magnificent beasts.
Conwyn D'Aver is squad leader of the Dragon Riders. He will do whatever it takes to protect the dragons and people he has given his oath to serve. Nothing is more important, and when Neela, his personal dragon, is attacked, Conwyn is out for blood. He vows to find the threat and defeat it.
When an old spell book is found that gives a person the power to control all dragons, Conwyn will do anything he can to keep it from getting into the wrong hands, even if that means teaming up with the bookish Rillian to find a way to overcome the evil enemies who seek to gain the power.
Together with the dragons, the two men must find a way to protect everything they both love, but while doing so, they risk losing their own hearts to each other. As their enemies seek to destroy them, they learn that sometimes it takes love and trust to defeat the things we fear the most.
Rillian Mascini is one of the most knowledgeable mages in the world. Spending his days and sometimes nights with his nose in a book has taught him magic and histories that few care to remember. He has a passion for dragons that pulls him to learn all he can about them, including their language. He is one of the last people left alive who can speak to the magnificent beasts.
Conwyn D'Aver is squad leader of the Dragon Riders. He will do whatever it takes to protect the dragons and people he has given his oath to serve. Nothing is more important, and when Neela, his personal dragon, is attacked, Conwyn is out for blood. He vows to find the threat and defeat it.
When an old spell book is found that gives a person the power to control all dragons, Conwyn will do anything he can to keep it from getting into the wrong hands, even if that means teaming up with the bookish Rillian to find a way to overcome the evil enemies who seek to gain the power.
Together with the dragons, the two men must find a way to protect everything they both love, but while doing so, they risk losing their own hearts to each other. As their enemies seek to destroy them, they learn that sometimes it takes love and trust to defeat the things we fear the most.
250 pages, ebook
First published July 29, 2016
132 people are currently reading
457 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
June 16, 2017
Despite the rather lackluster covers (both of them), I thoroughly enjoyed this story even more than I'd hoped I would.
Was it perfect? Definitely not.
A few things did tend to drive me crazy. Like use of the MC's pet names, "Frosty" and "Curls," and the use of internal monologuing as they fought against their developing feelings. I felt that both of these were extremely over-used and felt forced.
However, aside from a feeling that the book (pronounced "author") was trying too hard here and there, this story was so much fun and kept me smiling more often than not.
The intrigue surrounding Rill being spied on, who'd sent him the mysterious tome with the power to control dragons, and the very real threat of attack kept me extremely engaged.
Then there was the comradery between Con, his Dragon Rider unit and the dragons, with their banter and pranks, which I found very entertaining.
Basically, I never felt bored and was constantly dying to find out what was going to happen on the next page, in the next chapter, in the next book. That feeling never waned for even a moment and I *will* be reading book 2 next, mostly because I'm completely hooked and I'm itching for the story to continue.
What's going to happen NEXT??? #DyingHere
So if you're looking for a story that is, at times, sappily cute and non-stop fun, you might also want to give this 4 star story of dragons and magic a read, too.
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September 9, 2016
Okay, where do I start? None of the motives in this story made any sense. Why are Con and Rill so determined they won't make a good match? Con keeps saying he and Rill won't work long-term because Rill isn't a warrior, and that, for some reason, was what Con thought he needed. But this thought process was never explained. If the society as a whole believed a "booker" and a "warrior" should never mix, that theme was never explored.
As for the horrible, dragon-controlling spell? This is a spoiler, so don't read any further if you don't want to know...
Rill has to use the spell so that the invading forces stop trying to get a hold of the tome that contains the spell. So after Rill does this, the invading army gives up and goes home, and everyone close to Rill is like, "Well, he won't need any protection anymore since no one will try and get the tome now."
Did Walker not consider the fact that all anyone would have to do is kill Rill (laughing), and take the tome from him, then perform the spell? If anything, he was in more danger after he used the spell than he'd ever been when he was just suspected of having the tome.
Derp.
Lack of forethought makes me irritable. This irritated me so much that I kept considering what Walker wanted conveyed in the story in regards to the spell. I considered that perhaps Walker meant to imply that the spell could only be used once. But this is completely contradicted by the fact that a mage had already used the spell once. That was how the Dragonis Empire fell...
On top of that ridiculousness, this story is so full of sticky sweet sentiment that I almost got glued to it. Rill is a Marty Stu whom everyone but Con loves... Until Con loves him, too. Of course. Even during the bonding ceremony at the end, the mage that's performing the ritual talks about all of Rill's good points, none of which involve Con. But when he gets to talking about Con's good points, they almost all have to do with how strong he is with Rill. In the entire story, Con is treated like nothing more than an accessory to Rill.
And did I mention Rill is magnificent?
Gag me.
As for the horrible, dragon-controlling spell? This is a spoiler, so don't read any further if you don't want to know...
Rill has to use the spell so that the invading forces stop trying to get a hold of the tome that contains the spell. So after Rill does this, the invading army gives up and goes home, and everyone close to Rill is like, "Well, he won't need any protection anymore since no one will try and get the tome now."
Did Walker not consider the fact that all anyone would have to do is kill Rill (laughing), and take the tome from him, then perform the spell? If anything, he was in more danger after he used the spell than he'd ever been when he was just suspected of having the tome.
Derp.
Lack of forethought makes me irritable. This irritated me so much that I kept considering what Walker wanted conveyed in the story in regards to the spell. I considered that perhaps Walker meant to imply that the spell could only be used once. But this is completely contradicted by the fact that a mage had already used the spell once. That was how the Dragonis Empire fell...
On top of that ridiculousness, this story is so full of sticky sweet sentiment that I almost got glued to it. Rill is a Marty Stu whom everyone but Con loves... Until Con loves him, too. Of course. Even during the bonding ceremony at the end, the mage that's performing the ritual talks about all of Rill's good points, none of which involve Con. But when he gets to talking about Con's good points, they almost all have to do with how strong he is with Rill. In the entire story, Con is treated like nothing more than an accessory to Rill.
And did I mention Rill is magnificent?
Gag me.
July 18, 2018
~ 3.5 stars ~
This is a fun story for dragon lovers! I really enjoyed reading this book with an enemies-to-lovers AND pretend-boyfriend trope. Add some funny and fierce dragons and I was a happy girl :)
This story wasn't perfect, though. I, for one, was wishing for more world building. I don't need or want an info dump at the beginning of the book but I would have appreciated a little more detail about the world this story was set in. On the one hand, this story gives the reader enough room for their own interpretations but if you are like me and your imagination is practically nonexistent, it gets a tiny bit frustrating. By the time I had finished this book, I still had no real feeling for time and place. I found this book on the list Best Gay Spacemen so I'm guessing it takes place in another universe or on another planet but if you ask me, it could also have taken place on earth (if we had dragons, lol!). It also had a medieval feel to it but then the author would use modern words like 'video surveillance' and it kind of threw me out of the story.
Also, not everything made sense plot-wise and one particular scene made me scratch my head in confusion because it was presented as a solution but for me, it only added more potential danger and possible future conflict but maybe this will be addressed in the next book.
There were also too many monologs for my liking because both MCs had a habit of talking to their 'inner voices'.
Despite all that, I had fun reading this book and especially the antics of the dragons made me laugh out loud quite often. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book!
This is a fun story for dragon lovers! I really enjoyed reading this book with an enemies-to-lovers AND pretend-boyfriend trope. Add some funny and fierce dragons and I was a happy girl :)
This story wasn't perfect, though. I, for one, was wishing for more world building. I don't need or want an info dump at the beginning of the book but I would have appreciated a little more detail about the world this story was set in. On the one hand, this story gives the reader enough room for their own interpretations but if you are like me and your imagination is practically nonexistent, it gets a tiny bit frustrating. By the time I had finished this book, I still had no real feeling for time and place. I found this book on the list Best Gay Spacemen so I'm guessing it takes place in another universe or on another planet but if you ask me, it could also have taken place on earth (if we had dragons, lol!). It also had a medieval feel to it but then the author would use modern words like 'video surveillance' and it kind of threw me out of the story.
Also, not everything made sense plot-wise and one particular scene made me scratch my head in confusion because it was presented as a solution but for me, it only added more potential danger and possible future conflict but maybe this will be addressed in the next book.
There were also too many monologs for my liking because both MCs had a habit of talking to their 'inner voices'.
Despite all that, I had fun reading this book and especially the antics of the dragons made me laugh out loud quite often. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book!
January 6, 2018
3.5
World Building: entertaining enough to help getting over some logical lapses and foot holes
Magic Concept: let's say there is magic and funny applications and no real need for a concept
Steam: not too much and later in the story and one field for magical applications
Dragons: no shifters, mind you, but real dragons who once ruled an empire but are now seen as something between useful beast and intelligent pet. Only Rill understands their language and it's really amusing to hear their intervening talks
Romance: E2L although everyone else can see that it's more intense but unwanted attraction disguised as animosity. I always enjoy this topic and through most of the story it's much fun to see the guys struggle and even get into a pretended lover situation - until there's no reason for that false pretense anymore. I couldn't believe what happend afterwards and even the last scene some month later couldn't soothe my frowning.
Cover: Definately deserves a better cover
Overall: really enjoyable read with some shortcomings. It sometime just tries too hard to be entertaining and that was so not necessary. Was it good enough to read the next part? No doubt about it.
World Building: entertaining enough to help getting over some logical lapses and foot holes
Magic Concept: let's say there is magic and funny applications and no real need for a concept
Steam: not too much and later in the story and one field for magical applications
Dragons: no shifters, mind you, but real dragons who once ruled an empire but are now seen as something between useful beast and intelligent pet. Only Rill understands their language and it's really amusing to hear their intervening talks
Romance: E2L although everyone else can see that it's more intense but unwanted attraction disguised as animosity. I always enjoy this topic and through most of the story it's much fun to see the guys struggle and even get into a pretended lover situation - until there's no reason for that false pretense anymore. I couldn't believe what happend afterwards and even the last scene some month later couldn't soothe my frowning.
Cover: Definately deserves a better cover
Overall: really enjoyable read with some shortcomings. It sometime just tries too hard to be entertaining and that was so not necessary. Was it good enough to read the next part? No doubt about it.
October 7, 2018
**grm**
This author is always a sure bet for me, and If I want to read some book that will not make me angry or annoyed, I know I can read hers.
This first book was a nice start to a new series. The story was sexy, cute and with a good dose of jealousy(mostly velied) and a little bit of angst. If I had to point out something the story was missing, that would be a bit more of background about Rillian and Conwyn's pasts. I wanted also to know more about the Empire and its customs and the other reigns. Hopefully most of these things will be explained, or will find some kind of answer, along the way in the next books.
I loved the Dragons so much that now I'm a bit sad I can't have one of them to ride and pet ç_ç
This author is always a sure bet for me, and If I want to read some book that will not make me angry or annoyed, I know I can read hers.
This first book was a nice start to a new series. The story was sexy, cute and with a good dose of jealousy(mostly velied) and a little bit of angst. If I had to point out something the story was missing, that would be a bit more of background about Rillian and Conwyn's pasts. I wanted also to know more about the Empire and its customs and the other reigns. Hopefully most of these things will be explained, or will find some kind of answer, along the way in the next books.
I loved the Dragons so much that now I'm a bit sad I can't have one of them to ride and pet ç_ç
July 30, 2022
I loved this. I think I'm a little in love with the dragons. They were one of my favorite things about the book. Loved Rill too. I thought him and Con were perfect for each other. But omg can we say clueless with Con, lol. It was just a great book.
August 22, 2016
(Originally reviewed for Love Bytes Review with a copy from Amazon Kindle Unlimited. Rated 4.5 out of 5.0 Love Bytes.)
I have to tell you that I love the recommended row on Amazon. Especially the Kindle Unlimited recommendations, and particularly the M/M Sci-Fi/Fantasy recommendations. I get tons of books through the regular review channels to review, but I also particularly like searching out and finding new to me authors who are self-publishing on Amazon. I sometimes find a gem.
Hannah Walker is one such author. I’ll be honest, the blurb for the book grabbed me first, and then I saw a dragon on the cover and I was hooked. I had a couple things I had to do very early this morning, and I was exhausted while trying to do them because I stayed up more than half the night reading this book! I loved it. Ms. Walker’s world building and character development were very well done. I particularly enjoyed that there was no chunk of pages given up to tell us about the world, as too often is the case elsewhere. This author left it for the reader to figure out as they went along, and it worked. She used a combination of standard American English terms and some made up terms to lend a sense of ‘other’.
The story takes place on another planet. A planet that is inhabited by two races. One is a race of dragons, who we learn are the remnants of a mighty civilization that fell sometime back in history. The other race is human, and communication between the two races is one sided, since no one can talk to the dragons.
Enter our hero, Rillian Mascini. Rillian, or Rill, is a powerful young mage with a secret. He can speak to dragons. But he keeps it hidden because if everyone finds out, he might lose his position working with the books which are his passion. But can both books and dragons be in his future?
The bane of Rill’s existence is a Squad Leader from one of the Dragon Rider teams. Conwyn D’Aver, or Con. Con and Rill HATE each other. They snip and dig at each other whenever possible. But then something unexpected happens…Con kisses Rill and neither man can forget it.
Along the way the world learns of Rill’s ability to talk to dragons when Con’s dragon is injured in a mysterious event. Con, the dragons, and the other inhabitants of Rill’s country all learn that Rill is one of only four or so known individuals on the entire planet who have the ability. The dragons are ecstatic! Finally…someone who can hear them and communicate. But dark plot are afoot and strange things keep happening. There is also an underlying mystery involving a dangerous tome containing some very powerful spells.
I really enjoyed this story and the author’s writing style. I’m going to have to check out her Sci-Fi series next, and I’ll bring you my thoughts on those down the road. For now, let me tell you that I highly recommend this book. It is free on Kindle Unlimited. I’m not sure if more is planned in this world she has created, but I for one would welcome it eagerly. I think…since we never found out who sent Rill the spell book that is central to the story…that we might see more! Enough spoilers. If you are a M/M fantasy reader, give it a try. I think you’ll like it.
I have to tell you that I love the recommended row on Amazon. Especially the Kindle Unlimited recommendations, and particularly the M/M Sci-Fi/Fantasy recommendations. I get tons of books through the regular review channels to review, but I also particularly like searching out and finding new to me authors who are self-publishing on Amazon. I sometimes find a gem.
Hannah Walker is one such author. I’ll be honest, the blurb for the book grabbed me first, and then I saw a dragon on the cover and I was hooked. I had a couple things I had to do very early this morning, and I was exhausted while trying to do them because I stayed up more than half the night reading this book! I loved it. Ms. Walker’s world building and character development were very well done. I particularly enjoyed that there was no chunk of pages given up to tell us about the world, as too often is the case elsewhere. This author left it for the reader to figure out as they went along, and it worked. She used a combination of standard American English terms and some made up terms to lend a sense of ‘other’.
The story takes place on another planet. A planet that is inhabited by two races. One is a race of dragons, who we learn are the remnants of a mighty civilization that fell sometime back in history. The other race is human, and communication between the two races is one sided, since no one can talk to the dragons.
Enter our hero, Rillian Mascini. Rillian, or Rill, is a powerful young mage with a secret. He can speak to dragons. But he keeps it hidden because if everyone finds out, he might lose his position working with the books which are his passion. But can both books and dragons be in his future?
The bane of Rill’s existence is a Squad Leader from one of the Dragon Rider teams. Conwyn D’Aver, or Con. Con and Rill HATE each other. They snip and dig at each other whenever possible. But then something unexpected happens…Con kisses Rill and neither man can forget it.
Along the way the world learns of Rill’s ability to talk to dragons when Con’s dragon is injured in a mysterious event. Con, the dragons, and the other inhabitants of Rill’s country all learn that Rill is one of only four or so known individuals on the entire planet who have the ability. The dragons are ecstatic! Finally…someone who can hear them and communicate. But dark plot are afoot and strange things keep happening. There is also an underlying mystery involving a dangerous tome containing some very powerful spells.
I really enjoyed this story and the author’s writing style. I’m going to have to check out her Sci-Fi series next, and I’ll bring you my thoughts on those down the road. For now, let me tell you that I highly recommend this book. It is free on Kindle Unlimited. I’m not sure if more is planned in this world she has created, but I for one would welcome it eagerly. I think…since we never found out who sent Rill the spell book that is central to the story…that we might see more! Enough spoilers. If you are a M/M fantasy reader, give it a try. I think you’ll like it.
August 9, 2016
5+ Stars. I loved this book enough that I read it on Kindle Unlimited and then went back and bought a copy. Rill was great and even though I wanted to kick Con's ass (along with everyone else in the book) I still liked his character. And of course Dragons! I am definitely going to check out the rest of Hannah Walker books.
March 12, 2017
★★★★☆ ~ 4 Stars
So, Dragons. The dragons had great personalities. And yeah, their humans did too, lol. Rill and Con have been dancing around each other for a while. When Con's dragon, Neela, is attacked, Rill's secret is exposed. He is one of only a handful of people who can talk to the dragons. This begins a grand adventure that will follow in a trilogy, I believe.
There's magic, suspense, treachery, romance and DRAGONS!
So, Dragons. The dragons had great personalities. And yeah, their humans did too, lol. Rill and Con have been dancing around each other for a while. When Con's dragon, Neela, is attacked, Rill's secret is exposed. He is one of only a handful of people who can talk to the dragons. This begins a grand adventure that will follow in a trilogy, I believe.
There's magic, suspense, treachery, romance and DRAGONS!
Read
February 18, 2021This was great,had dragons in it, (I love dragons) and its free on Ku. What more could you want. X
I love the cover too xxx
I love the cover too xxx
September 2, 2025
2.5 Stars
It was ok. I liked the dragons, but didn't much like how they all talked like middle schoolers. Con's complete lack of self knowledge was rather annoying.... Meh. So much melodrama over nothing. I mean, just have a conversation already!
It was ok. I liked the dragons, but didn't much like how they all talked like middle schoolers. Con's complete lack of self knowledge was rather annoying.... Meh. So much melodrama over nothing. I mean, just have a conversation already!
dnf
October 30, 201937% DNF
I'm kicking myself I didn't remember this author's sophomoric writing. I gave it every chance but by 37% I knew I couldn't finish it. Nope. Not my cuppa.
I'm kicking myself I didn't remember this author's sophomoric writing. I gave it every chance but by 37% I knew I couldn't finish it. Nope. Not my cuppa.
Want to read
October 25, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (10/25/2019)! 🎁
February 22, 2022
February 2022
It was time for another re-read. I wish the author would write another story set in this world.
January 2020
I just needed to re-read this. ;)
February 2019
I loved reading this story. It reads more like a humorous fairy tale. You have the good and the bad.
There are dragons, Ethedrials (soul bonds with dragons), mages, dragons riders, kings and queens.
And there is love. So much love. Because every fairy tale needs a true love story as well. (Wow, the sex scenes...damn they're hot!)
It is a truly magical book, that will captivate you and won't leave you for just one minute.
It was time for another re-read. I wish the author would write another story set in this world.
January 2020
I just needed to re-read this. ;)
February 2019
I loved reading this story. It reads more like a humorous fairy tale. You have the good and the bad.
There are dragons, Ethedrials (soul bonds with dragons), mages, dragons riders, kings and queens.
And there is love. So much love. Because every fairy tale needs a true love story as well. (Wow, the sex scenes...damn they're hot!)
It is a truly magical book, that will captivate you and won't leave you for just one minute.
July 30, 2016
I have loved Hannah Walker's other books and was excited to see her venture into a more fantasy genre now. I've loved dragons back from my old Dragonlance days. This book didn't let me down. It was a fun and exciting adventure meeting the dragons and the guards who fight with them. It was enjoyable to see a humble mage go toe to toe with a gifted warrior and see the relationship build between them. The danger to the dragons, the ancient spells, and the way it all comes together makes this such a fulfilling read. I really hope there are other books and this becomes a series. I would love to see more of this fantastic world that Ms. Walker created. A fun, refreshing read. Well worth the time to sit back and enjoy.
February 11, 2018
Very fascinating world building
I love the world building. I love the dragons and the magic. But gosh darn it, the characters behaved more like high school kids than grown adults. Certainly not master chronicler and team leader of the dragon rider squad.
They squabbled like children. They pranked each other like teenagers. It basically just read like a YA book to me. I’m not trying to be nasty. I’m just a tad bit frustrated because the premise was awesome! The world the author built was honestly really fascinating. But then it gets spoilt by the tone of the characters and the way they behave. Incidentally, if the characters were younger, I might have been okay with the tone. But alas, I doubt a master chronicler is 20.
Oh wells.....*shrug*
I love the world building. I love the dragons and the magic. But gosh darn it, the characters behaved more like high school kids than grown adults. Certainly not master chronicler and team leader of the dragon rider squad.
They squabbled like children. They pranked each other like teenagers. It basically just read like a YA book to me. I’m not trying to be nasty. I’m just a tad bit frustrated because the premise was awesome! The world the author built was honestly really fascinating. But then it gets spoilt by the tone of the characters and the way they behave. Incidentally, if the characters were younger, I might have been okay with the tone. But alas, I doubt a master chronicler is 20.
Oh wells.....*shrug*
August 7, 2016
Well done!
Excellent world building and full of explosive chemistry. Rill and Con were great. The dragons were sweet and charming. I would love more books set in this world.
Excellent world building and full of explosive chemistry. Rill and Con were great. The dragons were sweet and charming. I would love more books set in this world.
January 12, 2017
With the exception of the word "Grek", I liked this book! Looking forward to the next book!
So I got over the "Grek" thing! Still a cute story! Reading the next book now!
So I got over the "Grek" thing! Still a cute story! Reading the next book now!
August 13, 2017
nice but somehow not enough .... there could have been more
September 26, 2016
'There would be no other for him after this. Rill had laid claim to him. He belonged to Rill now and Rill belonged to him.'
Rill is a skilled mage and spends his days with his nose in books. He has a huge love for dragons and is one of very few who can speak to dragons in their language.
Squad leader Conwyn will do anything to protect his dragons. And the people around him. Even if that means pretending to be the lover of the man who he's in mutual hate with when it seems the dragons are in danger.
"...After all, it was only pretend, right?"
I'm so happy I came across this book! It was so good!
Magic, Dragons and enemies to lovers goodness!!
I loved both Con and Rill and the relationship between them! The enemies to lovers was done really well. The building passion and lust between them was so exciting and just as HOT as when they finally do get together. Two men are equally strong and stubborn and knew exactly how to get under each other's skin. I loved how both of them shared control and how it happened who won the control depending on the situation. I loved the nicknames between the two, how they changed when their relationship changed. I honestly loved everything about them.
'The next moment, Con was kissing him like he needed it as much as he needed water to quench his thirst. Rill managed to pull his lips away briefly.
“I hate you.”
“I know. I hate you too,” Con murmured as he bit his earlobe before reclaiming Rill’s lips.'
This book was a great surprise because I wasn't expecting to love it but I actually did. The magic, the suspense and the romance all blended together brilliantly! The dragons! Gah! They were one of my favorite things about the book! They were charming, hilarious and so much fun! And I adored the relationship between them and Rill. The only reason this isn't 5 stars is because like most fantasy books sometimes the language and the wording can be hard to grasp and it was but only a little at the start. I didn't want to put this down at all! I loved the world and the secondary characters and can't wait to see what's next in this series!
August 20, 2016
Okay, there were some good parts to this story, so I'm going to start with those. I liked all the talks about books, and the fact that Rill had kept a part of himself hidden to make sure that he was never pulled away from his work with them. The magic was intriguing, and I liked the reach and limitations that the author set upon it. And I also loved the dragons; they were cute and funny and yet awesome at the same time.
Unfortunately, the bad parts of this book were so bad they actually became hilarious, and I found myself sniggering - and not due to intended humor - all the way through. The interactions between any characters were written in such a way that it made it seem like the author is a young teenager who thinks they know what an adult conversation is supposed to sound like, but hasn't actually been close enough to one to know for sure. There was so much melodrama and confessions that I was fully expecting someone to hold the back of their hand to their forehead or to suddenly need smelling salts. The two main characters kept arguing with themselves in their heads like they both had multiple personality disorder - which got extra confusing when Rill was also talking to the dragons in his head. And then there was the plot, which started out good, but then became very predictable and quickly became dull.
Having said all that, I did actually enjoy the story - although probably not in the way the author intended - hence the two star rating.
November 11, 2020
Okay, this series doesn't have the most sophisticated writing and plotting the world has ever seen, but the dragons more than make up for that. :) They're just wonderful!
As far as the stories in this three-books series go, each of them follows the development of a romance between a new couple. At the same time, there's an overarching plot where all of these characters need to work together to save dragons and to bring back the fabled dragon city of Dragonis.
I actually enjoyed this series very much, less for the romances than for the connecting storyline. I would have liked to have seen that fleshed out more, given more detail and drama. In the end, it felt just a bit as though it was all wrapped up to easily.
Still, a good read.
As far as the stories in this three-books series go, each of them follows the development of a romance between a new couple. At the same time, there's an overarching plot where all of these characters need to work together to save dragons and to bring back the fabled dragon city of Dragonis.
I actually enjoyed this series very much, less for the romances than for the connecting storyline. I would have liked to have seen that fleshed out more, given more detail and drama. In the end, it felt just a bit as though it was all wrapped up to easily.
Still, a good read.
August 9, 2016
Lovely!
Witty, funny & charming! I do hope the author does continue working in this world & turns this into a series!
The dragons are brilliant!
Witty, funny & charming! I do hope the author does continue working in this world & turns this into a series!
The dragons are brilliant!
March 25, 2021
DNF @ 50%.
I suspect this book needs a “young young adult” shelf. The dragons are a bunch of 3 year olds, the MCs just about the middle school age. What else can you think when a seasoned warrior places a water bucket over the door as a payback for a water-y accident which he himself had caused?
Editing. It needs lots and lots of editing. From typos like spreds (shreds), to too many words - particularly a nasty parasite one, greck, - to characters having their inner voices overwhelming full chapters. Did the author just finish reading 50 shades?
I saw several reviews praising the world building. What world building? Did we read the same book? Unless it was wedged in between all the goofing off and I’ve missed it (I admit, I skipped a few pages in favour of staying awake). I would love more history on dragons. Background on the country the story is taking place. How this particular kingdom got a hold of them. How the spells worked. Where and how did Rill learn to speak to dragons? What is Rill's story/background? It all should be clear at 50%, but no. And that’s not even a quarter of the questions I have.
I am very disappointed in this book.
I suspect this book needs a “young young adult” shelf. The dragons are a bunch of 3 year olds, the MCs just about the middle school age. What else can you think when a seasoned warrior places a water bucket over the door as a payback for a water-y accident which he himself had caused?
Editing. It needs lots and lots of editing. From typos like spreds (shreds), to too many words - particularly a nasty parasite one, greck, - to characters having their inner voices overwhelming full chapters. Did the author just finish reading 50 shades?
I saw several reviews praising the world building. What world building? Did we read the same book? Unless it was wedged in between all the goofing off and I’ve missed it (I admit, I skipped a few pages in favour of staying awake). I would love more history on dragons. Background on the country the story is taking place. How this particular kingdom got a hold of them. How the spells worked. Where and how did Rill learn to speak to dragons? What is Rill's story/background? It all should be clear at 50%, but no. And that’s not even a quarter of the questions I have.
I am very disappointed in this book.
June 17, 2017
I was really hoping this was an early book of the authors. Sadly it is not. I quite liked the story. It has dragons so I am going to love them regardless but these were pretty fabulous dragons and they were not shifters so that is a big plus. For the most part stuff help together logically. Unfortunately the writing drove me a bit bonkers. The entire tone was juvenile. And the internal dialogue was eye-roll inducing.
I have read and been able to enjoy much lesser books. But there is enough here that is above those books that I end up feeling disappointed that the writing is not better. Still I will read book 2 because Dragons!
I have read and been able to enjoy much lesser books. But there is enough here that is above those books that I end up feeling disappointed that the writing is not better. Still I will read book 2 because Dragons!
June 19, 2018
Amazing
This is the first in what looks like to be one hell of a great series. I will admit I was not sure what to exactly expect from the blurb especially about the dragons but this book was amazing. I admit that by the end the dragons where my favourite part lol. Especially how protective their where over Rill.
This is the first in what looks like to be one hell of a great series. I will admit I was not sure what to exactly expect from the blurb especially about the dragons but this book was amazing. I admit that by the end the dragons where my favourite part lol. Especially how protective their where over Rill.
Read
June 29, 2020DNF... There’s this interesting world built - but this feels like middle schoolers talking to each other. And there’s too many things that are “just because”.
But I’m not assigning stars because I can’t say some of my frustration/inability to connect isn’t because of quarantine funk. 😕
But I’m not assigning stars because I can’t say some of my frustration/inability to connect isn’t because of quarantine funk. 😕
September 10, 2019
This was fun, and I loved what we saw of the world and the magic, but the weird tone ultimately didn't work for me.
It was much more casual/light-hearted than I was expecting for the situations, which kept throwing me off a little bit, but I did think the dragons were awesome. And I am all about mixing humor and action, but this was just ... off somehow.
The action was well-done, though. I usually find my attention drifting during long battle scenes, but these were perfect. And a lot of the humor worked. Until one of them would make some wink-wink (literally winking) cutesy joke from ACROSS the BATTLEFIELD while the other was at that very moment fighting for his life, while also trying to protect the king, and then they'd smile at each other. Um, NO. Now you're all dead and the dragons are doomed! It just made no sense and was completely unnecessary.
The world-building was a little off, too. The parts about the dragons and magic were great, but there were a lot of gaps in the political explanations that added up to the most casually-run kingdom of magic users you can imagine. I mean, I would totally be on board with a world that worked this way, it just doesn't make much sense that it could or would.
I just needed a few sentences to explain the dynamics that allowed each group -- the king and his guards, the council of elders, the dragon riders, the scholars -- to operate so independently, as separate individuals really, and yet also somehow be accountable to the other groups when the story called for it...?? Without any explanation, you really just have to let it go and roll with it, and that just doesn't work for me, personally. I don't need to overthink these things, but "just don't think about it" is not a winning formula for me!
The romance didn't quite come together for me either. The dynamic worked until the end, but then Con just came off way too juvenile. I also hate when the emotional climax is achieved via drawn out inner monologues.
I really did love the magic and the dragons, so I just decided to put on my blinders and finish out the book, and I would recommend it as a light read. I can tell this series/author is not something I'm going to get much out of, so I'm going to stop here. But every once in a while I do use fantasy fluff to pull me out of a funk, and these would probably work well for that.
It was much more casual/light-hearted than I was expecting for the situations, which kept throwing me off a little bit, but I did think the dragons were awesome. And I am all about mixing humor and action, but this was just ... off somehow.
The action was well-done, though. I usually find my attention drifting during long battle scenes, but these were perfect. And a lot of the humor worked. Until one of them would make some wink-wink (literally winking) cutesy joke from ACROSS the BATTLEFIELD while the other was at that very moment fighting for his life, while also trying to protect the king, and then they'd smile at each other. Um, NO. Now you're all dead and the dragons are doomed! It just made no sense and was completely unnecessary.
The world-building was a little off, too. The parts about the dragons and magic were great, but there were a lot of gaps in the political explanations that added up to the most casually-run kingdom of magic users you can imagine. I mean, I would totally be on board with a world that worked this way, it just doesn't make much sense that it could or would.
I just needed a few sentences to explain the dynamics that allowed each group -- the king and his guards, the council of elders, the dragon riders, the scholars -- to operate so independently, as separate individuals really, and yet also somehow be accountable to the other groups when the story called for it...?? Without any explanation, you really just have to let it go and roll with it, and that just doesn't work for me, personally. I don't need to overthink these things, but "just don't think about it" is not a winning formula for me!
The romance didn't quite come together for me either. The dynamic worked until the end, but then Con just came off way too juvenile. I also hate when the emotional climax is achieved via drawn out inner monologues.
I really did love the magic and the dragons, so I just decided to put on my blinders and finish out the book, and I would recommend it as a light read. I can tell this series/author is not something I'm going to get much out of, so I'm going to stop here. But every once in a while I do use fantasy fluff to pull me out of a funk, and these would probably work well for that.
October 20, 2016
3.5 stars
Quite a few mixed feelings on this one, but overall I enjoyed it.
The best parts by far were the dragons. I don't think they could be any more perfect for me. Sweet cute childish I loved them all to pieces, especially Grith.
Story wise this had a lot going for it. I love this kind of olde world, with mages and kings. Rival countries threatening war. Traitors and camaraderie between fighters.
But I also never quite saw what I was reading. Little things like Dragon sizes was unclear. The battle at the end I couldn't see in my mind. With all the dragons on their side how were they over run by human and griffins? Even supposing their numbers were out weighed as we are told the dragons had far more power and I can't help feeling the ending of the fight should of been over quicker.
Another niggle was the lack of detail with Elder Tonkis and the rest. We never got to see anything after his arrest, and the King allowing things to play out without taking charge at the end made things seem weak. I felt like I was missing crucial details. Scarin was also not fleshed out enough for my taste. I felt like only a few leaders were corrupt and I badly wanted to go there and see what was really going on.
So while I certainly enjoyed this tale, I also found myself questioning too much. I was also not a fan once sex came into play. I loved the cute nick names Rill and Con had and I enjoyed the build of their relationship. But what I did not enjoy was the constant head talking they both did. One of them having a habit of talking to himself I can see but having them both do it rubbed me wrong.
But despite my niggles this was certainly worth the read and I hope to revisit this world again one day, especially if we get to see the new baby growing up.
Quite a few mixed feelings on this one, but overall I enjoyed it.
The best parts by far were the dragons. I don't think they could be any more perfect for me. Sweet cute childish I loved them all to pieces, especially Grith.
Story wise this had a lot going for it. I love this kind of olde world, with mages and kings. Rival countries threatening war. Traitors and camaraderie between fighters.
But I also never quite saw what I was reading. Little things like Dragon sizes was unclear. The battle at the end I couldn't see in my mind. With all the dragons on their side how were they over run by human and griffins? Even supposing their numbers were out weighed as we are told the dragons had far more power and I can't help feeling the ending of the fight should of been over quicker.
Another niggle was the lack of detail with Elder Tonkis and the rest. We never got to see anything after his arrest, and the King allowing things to play out without taking charge at the end made things seem weak. I felt like I was missing crucial details. Scarin was also not fleshed out enough for my taste. I felt like only a few leaders were corrupt and I badly wanted to go there and see what was really going on.
So while I certainly enjoyed this tale, I also found myself questioning too much. I was also not a fan once sex came into play. I loved the cute nick names Rill and Con had and I enjoyed the build of their relationship. But what I did not enjoy was the constant head talking they both did. One of them having a habit of talking to himself I can see but having them both do it rubbed me wrong.
But despite my niggles this was certainly worth the read and I hope to revisit this world again one day, especially if we get to see the new baby growing up.
August 12, 2016
There were things I liked a lot about this book but other things that turned me off. Some of the magic was really cool and original and all the talk about books was great to me as a big reader. There was a bit of intrigue introduced but it didn't seem very focused and was a little lame. One big mystery is never solved and no one seems to care about tracking it down. The main characters each have these internal voices that are constantly trying to open their eyes to their true feelings. This sounds okay on the surface but the voices are much more like a meddling best friend than a true internal monologue--it's almost like the MC's have schizophrenia! There is a LOT of cheesiness, especially in Rill's talks with the dragons and in the last few graggingly sweet last chapters. Huge paragraphs of long monologues professing profound and undying love, along with begging forgiveness for any past hurts, pour forth. I kept thinking that each chapter was the last only to turn the page and find another. Despite all this, I basically liked the story. I think it's because I liked Rill so much. Con is so clueless that I just never bonded to him. The dragons all have cute kid syndrome with lots of adorable behavior and pranks and such. I didn't like the Avanti Chronicles by this author but I think her writing has improved a lot. I would be interested to see if she will do a sequel, maybe featuring another of the Dragon Riders in Con's unit.
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