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Dragon Born Saga #1
Half-Blood Dragon
New York Times bestselling author, K.N. Lee presents Half-Blood Dragon, the first epic fantasy adventure in the Dragon Born Trilogy.
*Revised & lengthened with a bonus chapter!*
Pirates, dragons, mermaids. Embark on a coming of age journey that will leave you breathless.
A lady-in-waiting's job is to follow orders. For Rowen, it is to execute her stepfather's plan to elevate the family's station by an advantageous marriage to the crown prince. Intrigue and seduction fill Rowen's days, but the prophecies that haunt her dreams at night warn her that death awaits.
The taunts of her sleepless nights are realized when she is framed and sentenced to death for the prince's murder.
For a human, there’s nowhere to run and no one to turn to in a kingdom where power is tightly held by full-blooded dragon shifters.
It will take a stranger from the shadows to save Rowen from execution and reveal a truth full of terrifying potential. It is time for Rowen to find the courage to accept her fate, awaken her gift, and set the world on fire.
Change is coming. So is a new prophecy that threatens the fate of the entire world.
*Revised & lengthened with a bonus chapter!*
Pirates, dragons, mermaids. Embark on a coming of age journey that will leave you breathless.
A lady-in-waiting's job is to follow orders. For Rowen, it is to execute her stepfather's plan to elevate the family's station by an advantageous marriage to the crown prince. Intrigue and seduction fill Rowen's days, but the prophecies that haunt her dreams at night warn her that death awaits.
The taunts of her sleepless nights are realized when she is framed and sentenced to death for the prince's murder.
For a human, there’s nowhere to run and no one to turn to in a kingdom where power is tightly held by full-blooded dragon shifters.
It will take a stranger from the shadows to save Rowen from execution and reveal a truth full of terrifying potential. It is time for Rowen to find the courage to accept her fate, awaken her gift, and set the world on fire.
Change is coming. So is a new prophecy that threatens the fate of the entire world.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 14, 2017
1900 people are currently reading
4616 people want to read
About the author
K.N. Lee
132 books906 followersK.N. Lee is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who resides in Charlotte, North Carolina. When she is not writing twisted tales, fantasy novels, and dark poetry, she does a great deal of traveling and promotes other authors. Wannabe rockstar, foreign language enthusiast, and anime geek, K.N. Lee also enjoys helping others reach their writing and publishing goals. She is a winner of the Elevate Lifestyle Top 30 Under 30 "Future Leaders of Charlotte" award for her success as a writer, business owner, and for community service.
She is signed with Captive Quill Press and Patchwork Press.
K.N. Lee loves hearing from fans and readers. Connect with her!
www.knlee.com
www.WriteLikeAWizard.com
www.Facebook.com/knycolelee
www.twitter.com/knycole_lee
www.wattpad.com/user/KNycoleLee
She is signed with Captive Quill Press and Patchwork Press.
K.N. Lee loves hearing from fans and readers. Connect with her!
www.knlee.com
www.WriteLikeAWizard.com
www.Facebook.com/knycolelee
www.twitter.com/knycole_lee
www.wattpad.com/user/KNycoleLee
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 257 reviews
June 15, 2017
Forget just easing into K.N. Lee’s HALF-BLOOD DRAGON, unless the feel of a noose around your neck doesn’t grab your attention! Rowan has been having dreams of prophecy and every time she is about to be hanged…and she knows she must see it through…so what does it mean? What’s coming? Will she be ready or will life bring her a twist she could never imagine? Who is the dark figure who is “coming for her?” and why?
In a world of dragons and humans, Rowan just doesn’t fit in. She is both, but her dragon half is dormant, making her less in the eyes of the dragon shifters around her and no one knows of her secret magic or of the secret love she shares with the dragon prince. But there will be no fairy tale ending for Rowan, as murder and mayhem ensue and her lover is murdered and she is accused.
Will it be the dark dream figure who saves her from certain death or will he merely take her from the frying pan into the proverbial fire? This time, it may be more than Rowan’s life at stake…and she has no choice but to follow her dreams and play the cards she has been dealt or risk the fate of the entire world.
K.N. Lee’s world of Dragonia is a world with a lack of acceptance of those who are different, a world of deceit, secrets and the power wielded by powerful dragons. The stage has been set for mystery and intrigue in a world that appears harsh and unforgiving. Short, dark and ending in a hook that will leave readers wanting to know the rest of the story!
Trilogy - Dragon Born - Book 1
Publisher: Patchwork Press (January 14, 2017)
Publication Date: January 14, 2017
Genre: YA Fantasy
Print Length: 201 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
In a world of dragons and humans, Rowan just doesn’t fit in. She is both, but her dragon half is dormant, making her less in the eyes of the dragon shifters around her and no one knows of her secret magic or of the secret love she shares with the dragon prince. But there will be no fairy tale ending for Rowan, as murder and mayhem ensue and her lover is murdered and she is accused.
Will it be the dark dream figure who saves her from certain death or will he merely take her from the frying pan into the proverbial fire? This time, it may be more than Rowan’s life at stake…and she has no choice but to follow her dreams and play the cards she has been dealt or risk the fate of the entire world.
K.N. Lee’s world of Dragonia is a world with a lack of acceptance of those who are different, a world of deceit, secrets and the power wielded by powerful dragons. The stage has been set for mystery and intrigue in a world that appears harsh and unforgiving. Short, dark and ending in a hook that will leave readers wanting to know the rest of the story!
Trilogy - Dragon Born - Book 1
Publisher: Patchwork Press (January 14, 2017)
Publication Date: January 14, 2017
Genre: YA Fantasy
Print Length: 201 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
February 6, 2017
Half-Blood Dragon: Book One of the Dragon Born Trilogy (Kindle Edition) by K.N. Lee is a story I adored from page one! I loved the characters and the plot. The suspense was wonderful and non-stop. It kept me intrigued and eager to keep turning the pages. The only thing I didn't like is that it is a cliff hanger. I would have given it a 5 star for sure but this is a pet-peeve for me. I did buy the next book that is on pre-order which I rarely do, so that does say a lot about the book. It is a relatively short book for a novel so I would have rather waited and had a longer book, paid a bit more and had all the story at once. Anyway, great book even as is.
March 8, 2018
This had a fabulous synopsis and a beautiful cover so of course I wanted to read it. To be blunt it’s quite short and clearly is the beginning of a series as it ended just over 73% in. That in itself is a little annoying but alas this isn’t the only author to pad books out with chapters from other books.
Still here are my thoughts on this story. Rowen is supposedly half dragon and half human but is unable to shift. Loved by her mother but barely tolerated by her step father Rowen has hidden her prophetic dreams and other magic abilities from everyone. Now she’s a lady in waiting to the dragon princess and falling in love with Lawson the crown prince whilst trying to avoid his slimy brother Rickard. Her world comes crashing down though when not only is Lawson murdered but it’s Rowen accused of killing him !
If I’m brutal I will admit that I found the first 30% a bit dry and very nearly did not finish. I did however persevere and I’m glad that I did. Although I found little to excite me initially this book does perk up as we are introduced to a soul sucking pirate who travels with a mermaid ! Now that’s different to say the least but add in the mystery surrounding Rowens missing father , not to mention her abilities and all manner of possibilities fill my head. This is just the first in this series and I’m sure there’s much more to come as Rowen faces her destiny
Still here are my thoughts on this story. Rowen is supposedly half dragon and half human but is unable to shift. Loved by her mother but barely tolerated by her step father Rowen has hidden her prophetic dreams and other magic abilities from everyone. Now she’s a lady in waiting to the dragon princess and falling in love with Lawson the crown prince whilst trying to avoid his slimy brother Rickard. Her world comes crashing down though when not only is Lawson murdered but it’s Rowen accused of killing him !
If I’m brutal I will admit that I found the first 30% a bit dry and very nearly did not finish. I did however persevere and I’m glad that I did. Although I found little to excite me initially this book does perk up as we are introduced to a soul sucking pirate who travels with a mermaid ! Now that’s different to say the least but add in the mystery surrounding Rowens missing father , not to mention her abilities and all manner of possibilities fill my head. This is just the first in this series and I’m sure there’s much more to come as Rowen faces her destiny
May 27, 2017
This was a really short book that ended. I was really enjoying it but then it was over at 74%. The rest of the book was ads for another book. It didn't feel like it ended on a cliffhanger, it just ended with no climax. This may be a good series but I'm too aggravated to continue.
September 24, 2018
There was nothing that made this book special to me. I requested this because the cover has a dragon and I am a sucker for dragons. The actual story was not really special though. I don't have many feelings because this book didn't really give me any. I think the writing can improve a lot. Maybe I will pick up future works from this author to see if she improves.
May 27, 2017
Really loved both book 1 and book 2. Ms Lee has great story telling bones! Brown's tale is fascinated me all the way. Going from being a Lady in Waiting to a condemned murderer on the run keeps you locked into the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2017
Truly confusing and very inconsistent, with dead-end conversations. More editing seems needed.
In the first chapter, the action gets going as Rowan and her friend attempt to flee the castle. They're blocked on their way out (I'm still not even clear as to why) and instead of finding a different way, they sort of shrug to each other. Oh well. Back to the castle.
Like, huh?
Later, the mistress chaperone named Macana asks Rowan to come with her into town. Roan wants to know why, but Macana says it's a secret. Only, a page later...
I just need to pick up a remedy from herbmistress.
Not such a great secret after all.
Shortly after, there's a paragraph about a man named Lawson and a marriage bed. Um, who? I'm truly lost now.
Then there's this.
"Dear spirits," Rowan said in a breathy whisper. "Save me."
As if to deny her prayer, lighting crashed and rain poured onto her face.
Yeah, except where did the storm come from?
It goes on like this for a bit. There's so much thrown in there for seemingly no reason. She runs an errand. She runs another. There are dragon-people and mermaids and fairies. I'm 1/3 of the way through and still don't really understand the point of anything. Just, meh.
In the first chapter, the action gets going as Rowan and her friend attempt to flee the castle. They're blocked on their way out (I'm still not even clear as to why) and instead of finding a different way, they sort of shrug to each other. Oh well. Back to the castle.
Like, huh?
Later, the mistress chaperone named Macana asks Rowan to come with her into town. Roan wants to know why, but Macana says it's a secret. Only, a page later...
I just need to pick up a remedy from herbmistress.
Not such a great secret after all.
Shortly after, there's a paragraph about a man named Lawson and a marriage bed. Um, who? I'm truly lost now.
Then there's this.
"Dear spirits," Rowan said in a breathy whisper. "Save me."
As if to deny her prayer, lighting crashed and rain poured onto her face.
Yeah, except where did the storm come from?
It goes on like this for a bit. There's so much thrown in there for seemingly no reason. She runs an errand. She runs another. There are dragon-people and mermaids and fairies. I'm 1/3 of the way through and still don't really understand the point of anything. Just, meh.
July 9, 2018
Embarking on this breathless and fascinating journey is one that will readers will certainly enjoy as it brings pirates, dragons, sorcerers and even mermaids to brilliant and vivid life.
Rowen is planning to elevate her family’s status by marrying the crown prince, but prophecies haunt her dreams, intrigue and seduction fill her days and death awaits. Change is coming with a new prophecy that threatens the fate of the entire world and Rowen will have to accept her fate, awaken her gift and set the world on fire.
The characters are strong, captivating and easily enchant readers into their world full of thrilling suspense, excitement and daring plots that keep readers on the edge of their seat during this steady to fast paced plot. Most of the story is all about the intrigue which keeps ensures readers never have a dull moment as they try to determine what will happen next especially since it is filled with startling twists that cause astounding changes to Rowen’s life. There is also quite a bit of emotional issues that ensures that readers feel as if they understand the characters and which certainly adds depth to the story as Rowen faces prejudice, danger, and destiny. There’s not a whole lot of romance in this part of the story, although there is the seduction of the Crown Prince which is essential to Rowen’s stepfather’s plans.
The characters and the world are well developed and the author described the world and her characters vividly so it made is easy for me to imagine each and every scene as I became caught up in the story. The author did end the story at a decent point, but the story does have a cliffhanger as it is part of a saga, so I am looking forward to discovering what happens next in Rowen’s world.
Rowen is planning to elevate her family’s status by marrying the crown prince, but prophecies haunt her dreams, intrigue and seduction fill her days and death awaits. Change is coming with a new prophecy that threatens the fate of the entire world and Rowen will have to accept her fate, awaken her gift and set the world on fire.
The characters are strong, captivating and easily enchant readers into their world full of thrilling suspense, excitement and daring plots that keep readers on the edge of their seat during this steady to fast paced plot. Most of the story is all about the intrigue which keeps ensures readers never have a dull moment as they try to determine what will happen next especially since it is filled with startling twists that cause astounding changes to Rowen’s life. There is also quite a bit of emotional issues that ensures that readers feel as if they understand the characters and which certainly adds depth to the story as Rowen faces prejudice, danger, and destiny. There’s not a whole lot of romance in this part of the story, although there is the seduction of the Crown Prince which is essential to Rowen’s stepfather’s plans.
The characters and the world are well developed and the author described the world and her characters vividly so it made is easy for me to imagine each and every scene as I became caught up in the story. The author did end the story at a decent point, but the story does have a cliffhanger as it is part of a saga, so I am looking forward to discovering what happens next in Rowen’s world.
April 28, 2018
Pirates and dragons and mermaids, oh my! How could I resist such a fantastic tale? This was my first read by K.N. Lee, and I like where she is going with the premise of this series.
Our heroine, Rowan, is a half-blood dragon. Not enough dragon blood to have scales or transform, but enough to have some strength and magical ability. Though I was confused on whether the magical ability came from her human side or her dragon side - that was a bit murky. As a half-blood, our heroine feels the sting of prejudice from everyone around her, and people easily believe the worst when she is accused of killing the crown prince.
This is a short story, about novella length (200 pgs, 3.5 hours) and while I really liked the premise and features of the fantastical world, I was left wanting when it came to detail. Our story moved along at a fast clip only hitting plot highlights without the rich detail that really brings a fantasy to life. I wanted more character development and more world building. I wanted to understand people's motivations and know some of their inner thoughts. I did like the major points of the story that we hit, I just wanted more.
The story is still being told, almost like this is a serial. So expect to feel like we stopped in the middle, and we will pick up in the next book to see what happens next with Rowan, the pirate, and the royal family.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this audiobook that I received from the publisher, Tantor Audio.
February 6, 2017
A thrilling adventure that was full of mystery. It was an interesting start to what sounds like an epic series. There's just so many questions that I'm not quite sure what to think of it or Rowan yet. I look forward to discovering more about this world and characters in the next book.
January 24, 2019
I really like it! The beginning was a little slow, but then towards the middle I didn't put it down! I can't wait to read the next one!
June 16, 2017
Talk about staying up and reading this story in one gulp !! It's not long, but it's huge on magic, dragons and all other kinds of things that go bump in the night, like humans plotting the downfall of the Dragon Royal family and setting Rowan to take the fall !! Lots of twits in this story and it sets up book two beautifully as you want it, and you'll want it now !! I'm voluntarily choosing to leave an honest and unbiased review.
September 30, 2018
Half-blood dragon by K.N. Lee.
Rowen is s lady in waiting for princess noemie. She is half dragon and half human. Although she can't shift into a dragon. She sees the future in her nightmares. She sees herself being hanged. Can she stop it? But when prince Lawson is killed and they say she killed him? What will she do? Can someone save her?
A fantastic read. I loved the story and the characters well there was some I didn't like. Am looking forward to read more from this author. 5*.
Rowen is s lady in waiting for princess noemie. She is half dragon and half human. Although she can't shift into a dragon. She sees the future in her nightmares. She sees herself being hanged. Can she stop it? But when prince Lawson is killed and they say she killed him? What will she do? Can someone save her?
A fantastic read. I loved the story and the characters well there was some I didn't like. Am looking forward to read more from this author. 5*.
April 3, 2019
This was a total cover read, as it's gorgeous! The story itself was ok, but a bit hard to follow. I did the audio and it sounded like the narrator was whispering the whole time, which I think made it more difficult to follow as well. I will be reading book 2, to see where the story goes. Hoping it's a different narrator :P
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February 12, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/12/2020)! 🎁
September 9, 2021
Interesting.
Fast-paced with a very good story. I'm definitely wanting to read the rest of the series. I felt Rowan's predicament keenly.
Fast-paced with a very good story. I'm definitely wanting to read the rest of the series. I felt Rowan's predicament keenly.
February 4, 2024
skim read as found during stuff ur kindle day, wasnt to bad but isn't what i usually read.
March 13, 2017
The coarseness of the noose scratched at her tender skin as it was slipped over Rowen's head. The same experience has been plaguing her dreams this past week. The same nightmare three times in a week meant that the vision will soon be upon her. Her gift for prophetic dreams doesn't always seem like a gift, but if correctly interpreted it gave her the chance to forego the outcomes approaching. Calling on the power and magic in her soul to make out what she needs to see, as long as she looks closely enough, can mean shifting the time and place of her death to the next fork in the road.
Only then does she obtain her current 'get-out-of-gaol-free' card, the process subsequently starting all over again. As much as she'd prefer to awaken, making it to the next waypoint called for her to push past what she knew to be coming in order to zone in on the clues that can be changed. Rowen's faced her mortality time and again, since the insignificant choices of her childhood had shifted to something more sinister as she got older. Only this time it didn't happen as it should.
The audience of her dreams were usually hollow lifeless images doing whatever it is they were wont to do. Sentience and interaction wasn't suppose to happen. Being told by the man in question that he's coming for her couldn't get more ominous. If not for the tendency of her prophecies to have become about staving off her death, then the chilling recognition in the eyes of the sentient man could've been taken to various meanings. The salient question being savior or accuser. Perhaps this is why the vision of her upcoming hanging felt somehow different.
Awaking from prophecies was always harder, its a defining feature that permits her to distinguish vision from dream. But waking up on this occasion wasn't nearly as hard. The screech in her throat instantaneously replaces the snapping of the gallow's rope. In coming to the conclusion that they must know, she decides that restoring her mother's honour would have to wait. Irrespective of the ramifications of halting the purpose of why she'd been sent away from everything she had ever known, she couldn't achieve anything if she was dead. Awaking her sleeping best friend in the bed opposite hers, she decides to put into play the preparations that were designed to carry her to safety.
A kingdom of the sort where dragons frequent the skies to unfurl and stretch their wings, enraptured in their innate ability to fly. Where castles and guards, princesses and ladies-in-waiting walk the corridors. In the kingdom of Dragonia the former and latter are often one and the same. Dragon shifters capable of taking either form have chosen to give up the life of ruling from caves over the mountains they've claimed. In order to enjoy the pleasures of flight and to harness the lifestyles and pleasures of living as humans do, they partake in the labors of both beast and humankind.
So whilst Rowen does indeed have a gift, its not the one she wishes for most. No matter how hard she tries she isn't able to do what she covets most. She's down everything she can think of to release her wings or her dragon form. She has the wounds to show just how far she'd been willing to go to make it happen. Inevitably though, her half-blood nature hasn't bestowed what her mother's bloodline should've given her, had her father's bloodline been the same. Instead her father's bloodline must've given her the magic in her soul. But in Dragonia magic could get you killed or imprisoned, because the dragon shifters have made it illegal.
Captain Elian Westin of the Wandering Star isn't the sort to care about killing. He has taken too many lives to count, and passed out punishments long and short. Its the inconvenience of how dirty it can get you that causes his lips to sneer. But his crew knew before they ever became involved what sort of loyalty he commands. They're given an out before ever needing one. Once they come aboard his ship as pirates, they're bound by their oaths whether on land or water. In for a penny, in for a pound.
There's no true leaving on his ship, you kept quiet or you got dead. He makes no excuse and doesn't even feel the need to hide in dark allies the murder he's just committed. Be it in the close confines of a pirate ship at sail or in front of an inn's customers or barkeep, its all the same to Elian. There's also much more to the man, given soon after this latest murder he takes in an enormous breath, devouring the blackened soul of his latest victim. A scribe and memory recorder, Cook had done a poor job at both. He'd spoken to the wrong people and so he was being brought to measure. Now he'd obviously opened his trap one too many times, and so he'd earnt his captain's final displeasure.
Brooking no sensibilities, it is somewhat surprising that a man can do what he's just done, only to be put off by the dead man's loosening bowels. Once the soul has finally severed it's ties, the body releases the last of it's tension. The smell surely can't be any worse than places such as the bilge of his ship. For that matter it couldn't be any worse than the putrid smell of the docks. Riddled with the smell of rotting fish and sludge as they're heated by the rising and warming sun, its hard to imagine that one dead man's crap could be worse.
Admittedly he probably has people who are paid scrippance, little more than hammock and board plus the smallest percentage of loot. Its not the captain who has to deal with the bilge's smell but still, it does seem like it's something he'd expect and long ago having gotten use to it. A soul collector who makes money from pirated goods, he needs both for the payment of a prophet divining what his heart seeks most. With only half of a map completed he needs to know where to go and what to do, if he ever hopes to fill in the blanks leading to his little red dragon.
Two separate people intricately entwined by way of the fates. One seems to go where the other unknowingby needs to go. Could it be that it's who and not what they seek that matters the most. Chasing different things they may each require the other if their goals are to be met. If one of the two prophecies holds true, remembering that prophecies are only ever as accurate as they are when they're given, then Withrae is the place of fate. As the capital of Dragonia its where dragon royalty resides. Regarding the second it seems its possible that it's still in play. Rowen altered her plans to leave, plans intended to prevent it from happening. In a vague manner it could be that the second prophecy has provided clues suggesting Elian could be the man coming for Rowan, and that Rowen could be one of two bounties of his own prophecy.
Two very different people from very different backgrounds leading lives influenced by prophecy. One is her own prophet granted visions intended as a map to navigate her environments in the manner that is to keep her safe. She's never considered or had prophecies designed for an other person. The other has magical abilities but not the sort he seeks. He instead collects the resources necessary to pay for a prophet to divine about the thing his heart seeks. Both hold the knowledge of prophecies that inevitably relate to a map Two people each with magic living lifestyles that are inherently risky on the sheer basis of where they are and what they do there.
Each environment, as dangerous as the next. Its only that one would be easily recognised as such by those looking on. The other is assumed to be the lap of luxury, elegance and indulgence. Where any other than the experienced and educated in that life would recognise the danger that hides behind the masks of civility and nobility. One acts on the prophecies because of desire and greed, living a lifestyle free from the obligations and adherence to the moral and legal rules of citizenship. The other acts out of obligations to the people close to her, but those who still have greed and desires their own.
Only time will tell which is the one that faces the greatest dangers. If one ignores or fails to act in accordance with the prophecies then they'll miss the thing they want. The other's failures lead to the much more final errors that are those which bring death. Between the two are histories unknown and other's unrecognised. They each know more than either is telling. They are each intricately woven into the fabric of destiny and fate, in ways neither is aware of.
As with most tales of intrigue and mystery there's also those acting in silence, anonymity and collusion. The work from the shadows of lies in ways that neither of the obvious parties could've guessed at. For every immeasurable question and answer, more is unknown then what is known. Each answer often leads to as many, or more, questions arising than there were before the latest answer was obtained. Until the final pathway of everything happening and unknown rolls toward it's foregone conclusion, only the masterminds will have more answers than questions.
They might think they have all the information needed to manipulate and to predict, but they might fail to take into account the age old proverb of the truth shall set you free. In truly reaching absolute freedom its possible for puppets to cut their strings. It's then that they're able to act with impunity; which is the state from whence the puppets can do the absolutely last expected maneuver, because every choice that came before was only ever predictable because they didn't know more. Its probably that the biggest reason why the success of puppeteers is limited to only the times when they control the flow of knowledge.
Intrigue and mystery are the most obvious and evident aspects of the storyline in this first book of the Dragon Born Trilogy, Half-Blood Drsgon. In revealing the plot there's a steady pace that keeps each chapter and page moving toward the enlightenment of knowing what's going on. Characters have the trickiest qualities making it hard to determine friend from foe, heroes and heroines from villains. And the more complicated cases where they're both. The people who you love to hate and those you hate to love. The ones you love but probably shouldn't. Those you hate but for whom you don't know enough about.
With a cast and storyline such as these its east to get lost in your reading. Turning the best page only to realise it's the last. Wondering how long the torturous wait will be until you know how this will play out, and that will get what's coming to it. If those sneaky burgers are what they seem, and who's not what they seem. Its the well written storylines that keep you guessing without confusing you to what is still happening that often captivate the most. Set in the more traditional worlds of fantasy where the creatures are varied and the magic is more subtle, conflict often encompasses tooth and claw, sword and cannons. Once started I never stopped, never a truer characteristic in deciding how to rate it. This is only my second K.N. Lee book. Had that I'm not up with the times of her writing, but great in the way it means I can still binge.
Only then does she obtain her current 'get-out-of-gaol-free' card, the process subsequently starting all over again. As much as she'd prefer to awaken, making it to the next waypoint called for her to push past what she knew to be coming in order to zone in on the clues that can be changed. Rowen's faced her mortality time and again, since the insignificant choices of her childhood had shifted to something more sinister as she got older. Only this time it didn't happen as it should.
The audience of her dreams were usually hollow lifeless images doing whatever it is they were wont to do. Sentience and interaction wasn't suppose to happen. Being told by the man in question that he's coming for her couldn't get more ominous. If not for the tendency of her prophecies to have become about staving off her death, then the chilling recognition in the eyes of the sentient man could've been taken to various meanings. The salient question being savior or accuser. Perhaps this is why the vision of her upcoming hanging felt somehow different.
Awaking from prophecies was always harder, its a defining feature that permits her to distinguish vision from dream. But waking up on this occasion wasn't nearly as hard. The screech in her throat instantaneously replaces the snapping of the gallow's rope. In coming to the conclusion that they must know, she decides that restoring her mother's honour would have to wait. Irrespective of the ramifications of halting the purpose of why she'd been sent away from everything she had ever known, she couldn't achieve anything if she was dead. Awaking her sleeping best friend in the bed opposite hers, she decides to put into play the preparations that were designed to carry her to safety.
A kingdom of the sort where dragons frequent the skies to unfurl and stretch their wings, enraptured in their innate ability to fly. Where castles and guards, princesses and ladies-in-waiting walk the corridors. In the kingdom of Dragonia the former and latter are often one and the same. Dragon shifters capable of taking either form have chosen to give up the life of ruling from caves over the mountains they've claimed. In order to enjoy the pleasures of flight and to harness the lifestyles and pleasures of living as humans do, they partake in the labors of both beast and humankind.
So whilst Rowen does indeed have a gift, its not the one she wishes for most. No matter how hard she tries she isn't able to do what she covets most. She's down everything she can think of to release her wings or her dragon form. She has the wounds to show just how far she'd been willing to go to make it happen. Inevitably though, her half-blood nature hasn't bestowed what her mother's bloodline should've given her, had her father's bloodline been the same. Instead her father's bloodline must've given her the magic in her soul. But in Dragonia magic could get you killed or imprisoned, because the dragon shifters have made it illegal.
Captain Elian Westin of the Wandering Star isn't the sort to care about killing. He has taken too many lives to count, and passed out punishments long and short. Its the inconvenience of how dirty it can get you that causes his lips to sneer. But his crew knew before they ever became involved what sort of loyalty he commands. They're given an out before ever needing one. Once they come aboard his ship as pirates, they're bound by their oaths whether on land or water. In for a penny, in for a pound.
There's no true leaving on his ship, you kept quiet or you got dead. He makes no excuse and doesn't even feel the need to hide in dark allies the murder he's just committed. Be it in the close confines of a pirate ship at sail or in front of an inn's customers or barkeep, its all the same to Elian. There's also much more to the man, given soon after this latest murder he takes in an enormous breath, devouring the blackened soul of his latest victim. A scribe and memory recorder, Cook had done a poor job at both. He'd spoken to the wrong people and so he was being brought to measure. Now he'd obviously opened his trap one too many times, and so he'd earnt his captain's final displeasure.
Brooking no sensibilities, it is somewhat surprising that a man can do what he's just done, only to be put off by the dead man's loosening bowels. Once the soul has finally severed it's ties, the body releases the last of it's tension. The smell surely can't be any worse than places such as the bilge of his ship. For that matter it couldn't be any worse than the putrid smell of the docks. Riddled with the smell of rotting fish and sludge as they're heated by the rising and warming sun, its hard to imagine that one dead man's crap could be worse.
Admittedly he probably has people who are paid scrippance, little more than hammock and board plus the smallest percentage of loot. Its not the captain who has to deal with the bilge's smell but still, it does seem like it's something he'd expect and long ago having gotten use to it. A soul collector who makes money from pirated goods, he needs both for the payment of a prophet divining what his heart seeks most. With only half of a map completed he needs to know where to go and what to do, if he ever hopes to fill in the blanks leading to his little red dragon.
Two separate people intricately entwined by way of the fates. One seems to go where the other unknowingby needs to go. Could it be that it's who and not what they seek that matters the most. Chasing different things they may each require the other if their goals are to be met. If one of the two prophecies holds true, remembering that prophecies are only ever as accurate as they are when they're given, then Withrae is the place of fate. As the capital of Dragonia its where dragon royalty resides. Regarding the second it seems its possible that it's still in play. Rowen altered her plans to leave, plans intended to prevent it from happening. In a vague manner it could be that the second prophecy has provided clues suggesting Elian could be the man coming for Rowan, and that Rowen could be one of two bounties of his own prophecy.
Two very different people from very different backgrounds leading lives influenced by prophecy. One is her own prophet granted visions intended as a map to navigate her environments in the manner that is to keep her safe. She's never considered or had prophecies designed for an other person. The other has magical abilities but not the sort he seeks. He instead collects the resources necessary to pay for a prophet to divine about the thing his heart seeks. Both hold the knowledge of prophecies that inevitably relate to a map Two people each with magic living lifestyles that are inherently risky on the sheer basis of where they are and what they do there.
Each environment, as dangerous as the next. Its only that one would be easily recognised as such by those looking on. The other is assumed to be the lap of luxury, elegance and indulgence. Where any other than the experienced and educated in that life would recognise the danger that hides behind the masks of civility and nobility. One acts on the prophecies because of desire and greed, living a lifestyle free from the obligations and adherence to the moral and legal rules of citizenship. The other acts out of obligations to the people close to her, but those who still have greed and desires their own.
Only time will tell which is the one that faces the greatest dangers. If one ignores or fails to act in accordance with the prophecies then they'll miss the thing they want. The other's failures lead to the much more final errors that are those which bring death. Between the two are histories unknown and other's unrecognised. They each know more than either is telling. They are each intricately woven into the fabric of destiny and fate, in ways neither is aware of.
As with most tales of intrigue and mystery there's also those acting in silence, anonymity and collusion. The work from the shadows of lies in ways that neither of the obvious parties could've guessed at. For every immeasurable question and answer, more is unknown then what is known. Each answer often leads to as many, or more, questions arising than there were before the latest answer was obtained. Until the final pathway of everything happening and unknown rolls toward it's foregone conclusion, only the masterminds will have more answers than questions.
They might think they have all the information needed to manipulate and to predict, but they might fail to take into account the age old proverb of the truth shall set you free. In truly reaching absolute freedom its possible for puppets to cut their strings. It's then that they're able to act with impunity; which is the state from whence the puppets can do the absolutely last expected maneuver, because every choice that came before was only ever predictable because they didn't know more. Its probably that the biggest reason why the success of puppeteers is limited to only the times when they control the flow of knowledge.
Intrigue and mystery are the most obvious and evident aspects of the storyline in this first book of the Dragon Born Trilogy, Half-Blood Drsgon. In revealing the plot there's a steady pace that keeps each chapter and page moving toward the enlightenment of knowing what's going on. Characters have the trickiest qualities making it hard to determine friend from foe, heroes and heroines from villains. And the more complicated cases where they're both. The people who you love to hate and those you hate to love. The ones you love but probably shouldn't. Those you hate but for whom you don't know enough about.
With a cast and storyline such as these its east to get lost in your reading. Turning the best page only to realise it's the last. Wondering how long the torturous wait will be until you know how this will play out, and that will get what's coming to it. If those sneaky burgers are what they seem, and who's not what they seem. Its the well written storylines that keep you guessing without confusing you to what is still happening that often captivate the most. Set in the more traditional worlds of fantasy where the creatures are varied and the magic is more subtle, conflict often encompasses tooth and claw, sword and cannons. Once started I never stopped, never a truer characteristic in deciding how to rate it. This is only my second K.N. Lee book. Had that I'm not up with the times of her writing, but great in the way it means I can still binge.
November 1, 2022
Interesting but confusing! I'm not interested enough to continue with the series.
May 16, 2017
Title: Half-Blood Dragon
Author: K.N. Lee
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Format: Ebook
Pages: 201
Rating: 5
Heat: 3
Thoughts: Wow, this was so much fun to read! We know as much as Rowen, which isn't much. I love stories like this!! It's so unpredictable which keeps me glued to the pages, hoping for just one more hint as to what's going to happen. Even after reading the last word there are so many questions that I can't wait to get the answers to. There seem to be so many agendas and who knows all the players involved, or who's agenda is going to play out. Plus, dragons, how can you not want to read this?
Author: K.N. Lee
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Format: Ebook
Pages: 201
Rating: 5
Heat: 3
Thoughts: Wow, this was so much fun to read! We know as much as Rowen, which isn't much. I love stories like this!! It's so unpredictable which keeps me glued to the pages, hoping for just one more hint as to what's going to happen. Even after reading the last word there are so many questions that I can't wait to get the answers to. There seem to be so many agendas and who knows all the players involved, or who's agenda is going to play out. Plus, dragons, how can you not want to read this?
June 3, 2019
I really, really wanted to give this book a chance. I want to be kind to independently-published books, and anything with dragons can't be ALL bad, right? Sadly, this book hits three of my major pet peeves when it comes to literature in general and Kindle books in particular, and that coupled with bad writing, utterly flat and uninteresting characters, and poor worldbuilding just kill this one for me.
Rowen is a half-blooded dragon living in a kingdom where dragons take on human form, serving as a handmaiden to the kingdom's princess. Shunned for her human blood and unable to take on dragon form like the others, she schemes to marry the crown prince and secure a safe place for herself in the kingdom. But she has other gifts... magic gifts, in a kingdom where magic is forbidden. And said gifts could lead to her death... or sweep her up on a quest she could never have dreamed of.
This book promises epic fantasy, but it drops you right in the middle of events without bothering to explain anything, and while one can get the basic gist of the story and world if they work at it, it's still annoying. We're not given any time to get to know Rowen or get a feel for the world she lives in, and so being expected to be vested in her story is nearly impossible. It doesn't help that Rowen herself is an awful character, switching between a clever schemer and a naive innocent as the plot demands. And none of the other characters have any depth or consistency to them, which makes it even harder to like anyone in this book, even characters that SHOULD be cool like the soul-sucking sorcerer pirate and his tough mermaid sidekick. Seriously, how do you make THOSE characters boring? (Also, there's a twist involving the sorcerer that I saw coming a mile away...)
To make matters even worse, this book hits three of my major pet peeves when it comes to Kindle books, which seem to fall into these traps far more than print books:
1. There are a LOT of spelling and grammar errors. I do not excuse these even in self-published books, as every author, no matter how they're publishing, should hire an editor or at least proofread their work themselves. And as handy a tool as spellcheck is, it doesn't catch everything...
2. It ends with absolutely no resolution whatsoever, which ALWAYS feels like a cheap trick to force the reader into buying the next book. I feel that even if a series has an overarching arc to it, at least something should be resolved in each book. Entice your readers to buy the next book by making them love the story, characters, world, or all three, not by resorting to nasty tactics like this.
3. The book itself ends at about the 74% mark, filling up the rest of the page count with advertisements and samples of the author's other books. I understand an indie author has to promote their work somehow, but this is overkill...
"Half-Blood Dragon" is a regular mess of a novel, and one that feels more like a chunk out of the middle of a longer novel than a proper novel in and of itself. It encapsulates so much of what's wrong with self-published Kindle books that I'm almost impressed by it. And the author seems to think that ending it with NO ending whatsoever is a nice trick to get me to read the next book... but all it makes me want to do is delete this from my Kindle and avoid the rest of his writing.
Rowen is a half-blooded dragon living in a kingdom where dragons take on human form, serving as a handmaiden to the kingdom's princess. Shunned for her human blood and unable to take on dragon form like the others, she schemes to marry the crown prince and secure a safe place for herself in the kingdom. But she has other gifts... magic gifts, in a kingdom where magic is forbidden. And said gifts could lead to her death... or sweep her up on a quest she could never have dreamed of.
This book promises epic fantasy, but it drops you right in the middle of events without bothering to explain anything, and while one can get the basic gist of the story and world if they work at it, it's still annoying. We're not given any time to get to know Rowen or get a feel for the world she lives in, and so being expected to be vested in her story is nearly impossible. It doesn't help that Rowen herself is an awful character, switching between a clever schemer and a naive innocent as the plot demands. And none of the other characters have any depth or consistency to them, which makes it even harder to like anyone in this book, even characters that SHOULD be cool like the soul-sucking sorcerer pirate and his tough mermaid sidekick. Seriously, how do you make THOSE characters boring? (Also, there's a twist involving the sorcerer that I saw coming a mile away...)
To make matters even worse, this book hits three of my major pet peeves when it comes to Kindle books, which seem to fall into these traps far more than print books:
1. There are a LOT of spelling and grammar errors. I do not excuse these even in self-published books, as every author, no matter how they're publishing, should hire an editor or at least proofread their work themselves. And as handy a tool as spellcheck is, it doesn't catch everything...
2. It ends with absolutely no resolution whatsoever, which ALWAYS feels like a cheap trick to force the reader into buying the next book. I feel that even if a series has an overarching arc to it, at least something should be resolved in each book. Entice your readers to buy the next book by making them love the story, characters, world, or all three, not by resorting to nasty tactics like this.
3. The book itself ends at about the 74% mark, filling up the rest of the page count with advertisements and samples of the author's other books. I understand an indie author has to promote their work somehow, but this is overkill...
"Half-Blood Dragon" is a regular mess of a novel, and one that feels more like a chunk out of the middle of a longer novel than a proper novel in and of itself. It encapsulates so much of what's wrong with self-published Kindle books that I'm almost impressed by it. And the author seems to think that ending it with NO ending whatsoever is a nice trick to get me to read the next book... but all it makes me want to do is delete this from my Kindle and avoid the rest of his writing.
February 5, 2017
This book got me with dragons. I was expecting epic and sadly, it wasn't. The book felt like it started mid way and then in the middle got to the little bit of back story and maybe, what should have been the beginning.
The story is about Rowen, who is a ladies in waiting in the dragon kingdom. Being a half dragon she doesn't have the same abilities as the full fledged dragons in the kingdom. However, she does have the ability to foretell which she keeps a secret. Now, my issue with the way it was delivered. We don't know who Rowen is or where she is from until later and it seemed like the book started in the middle and then found its way to the beginning. Not to mention, her personality. There were SO many sides to it that it was hard to figure out who she really is? Is she a scheming bitch? Is she really that innocent? Skittish? Strong? WHAT???
Then came the part of the romance. Apparently, she was already in the middle of it in love with the crown prince. Where did that come from? At the same time she was tired of saying no to the other prince and somewhat feared his advances. At the same time Rowen, it seems, had her sights set on the throne for some reason as to making it even for her family.
Then, when shit really hits the fan due to some unexpected events....her emotions, were just off. So did she really love the crown prince? Or was it all part of the scheme. At the same time, she had no problem scheming, flirting with others to get what she wants??
AND 76% later....book is over! wha??? There is a cliffhanger and other stuff comes out and I kept thinking how did that happen? there was no leading to it....
Anyway, I doubt I will continue with the series. Shame, cuz I was hoping for some really kickass dragon story.
I honestly did not connect with any characters.
The story is about Rowen, who is a ladies in waiting in the dragon kingdom. Being a half dragon she doesn't have the same abilities as the full fledged dragons in the kingdom. However, she does have the ability to foretell which she keeps a secret. Now, my issue with the way it was delivered. We don't know who Rowen is or where she is from until later and it seemed like the book started in the middle and then found its way to the beginning. Not to mention, her personality. There were SO many sides to it that it was hard to figure out who she really is? Is she a scheming bitch? Is she really that innocent? Skittish? Strong? WHAT???
Then came the part of the romance. Apparently, she was already in the middle of it in love with the crown prince. Where did that come from? At the same time she was tired of saying no to the other prince and somewhat feared his advances. At the same time Rowen, it seems, had her sights set on the throne for some reason as to making it even for her family.
Then, when shit really hits the fan due to some unexpected events....her emotions, were just off. So did she really love the crown prince? Or was it all part of the scheme. At the same time, she had no problem scheming, flirting with others to get what she wants??
AND 76% later....book is over! wha??? There is a cliffhanger and other stuff comes out and I kept thinking how did that happen? there was no leading to it....
Anyway, I doubt I will continue with the series. Shame, cuz I was hoping for some really kickass dragon story.
I honestly did not connect with any characters.
July 31, 2019
Half-Blood Dragon was a very interesting story. I love how the author pulls you into the fantasy world of dragons, magicians, and mankind. What made me want to read this book was the amazing cover and the blurb. I felt as though it was going to be an exciting story and I am pleased to say that I was not disappointed! The author's writing style makes me think of C.S. Lewis and the world of Narnia. I wonder if Miss K.N. Lee was inspired by those books as a child. The only thing that I did not like about the books was the profanity occasionally spoken throughout the book. I ended up skipping over the words when they appeared. I think the story would still be just as good if the author had chosen to leave the cursing out of the book. Setting that one thing aside, the story is quite good. It's captivating! I do believe that I will be reading the next installment in this series. I have to know what happens next. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good fantasy story. Nice job Ms. K.N. Lee.
March 10, 2017
This is a real interesting read with lots of surprises and more to come. Rowan is half dragon and half human and is not accepted well by the dragon society or even her stepfather. Rowan has plans for herself but they get complicated by others who want to use her. There are many twists to the story that really keep you on your toes. The characters have lots of secrets and motives. You don't get the answers in this book and it will leave you eager to read the next one.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received,
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received,
August 4, 2018
3 🌟🌟🌟 - Not a bad story, but not my usual cup of tea and too many cliffhangers.
This felt more like a pure fantasy (not my favourite genre) and I didn’t get much in the way of romance from it. It also felt like it was the first part of a longer fantasy novel, where most of the exposition and world building takes place. Annoyingly I’m sufficiently diverted by the story that I’ve bought the sequels so I can find out what happens to the characters.
There was plenty of action to drive the plot, but there were so many different plot themes it didn’t advance the character development forward that much and I ended the novel with far more questions than answers. I’m not particularily adverse to cliffhangers if there has been sufficient payoff in other aspects of the plot and character development, which this book didn’t deliver.
I didn’t particularily like Rowen as a character. For a woman who obviously holds a lot of untapped power she seemed very weak willed and at times manipulative. I like heroines who are agents of change in their destiny if not mistress. Unfortunately Rowen reminded me of a Disney princess swept up in events and at the mercy of the men around her, whether it’s one of the royal princes or a bunch of pirates. Hopefully the second novel will show Rowen developing a backbone and becoming mistress of her destiny.
In general it’s well written and paced how I would expect a fantasy book to deliver, but missing the second and third act. If you choose to read this make sure you’re willing to invest in the sequels!
This felt more like a pure fantasy (not my favourite genre) and I didn’t get much in the way of romance from it. It also felt like it was the first part of a longer fantasy novel, where most of the exposition and world building takes place. Annoyingly I’m sufficiently diverted by the story that I’ve bought the sequels so I can find out what happens to the characters.
There was plenty of action to drive the plot, but there were so many different plot themes it didn’t advance the character development forward that much and I ended the novel with far more questions than answers. I’m not particularily adverse to cliffhangers if there has been sufficient payoff in other aspects of the plot and character development, which this book didn’t deliver.
I didn’t particularily like Rowen as a character. For a woman who obviously holds a lot of untapped power she seemed very weak willed and at times manipulative. I like heroines who are agents of change in their destiny if not mistress. Unfortunately Rowen reminded me of a Disney princess swept up in events and at the mercy of the men around her, whether it’s one of the royal princes or a bunch of pirates. Hopefully the second novel will show Rowen developing a backbone and becoming mistress of her destiny.
In general it’s well written and paced how I would expect a fantasy book to deliver, but missing the second and third act. If you choose to read this make sure you’re willing to invest in the sequels!
April 2, 2019
On the short side (153 pages) and a bit slow in the beginning as people are introduced and a bit of life in the palace is revealed. Then suddenly the murder, trial and aftermath happen quickly with the twist at the end providing the fodder for the next novel. At least the plot was complete in its parts, even if there are tons of questions left at the end, e.g., who is the murderer and what bad things were happening in the kingdom. The state of the kingdom definitely could have been illustrated and that would have filled out this skinny novel a bit. The characters could also have been illustrated a bit better, as there are so many questions about them. As a side note, the beautiful book cover has no basis in reality for this novel. If anything it is related to a brief, unexplained vision that Rowen has of the future. The reader doesn't know when the vision will happen, if at all, or what it means. The editing wasn't bad; i was only distracted once by a misuse of the "couldn't care less" phrase (could care less was used instead of the correct phrase). Overall, I look forward to the next novel, though I predict that at the end of this 5-book series, I'll think it could have been done in 3.
July 6, 2020
Listened to audio narrated really wel by Mary Sarah. The various accents of the characters really fit their characters.
Rowen is a half-blood dragon, with a secret she must keep hidden. She has prophetic dreams and lately they are showing her death. She's a lady in waiting, pursued by both princes but only loving one of them. Her dreams start to become reality when she is framed for murder and is sentenced to hang.
Captain Elian Westin is a sorcerer on a quest for the 'Red Dragon' but we're not told why. When his ship arrives to the dragon city he see's Rowen about to be hanged and realizes she's vital to his quest. He rescues her, only to interrogate her and treat her like a spy.
Everyone is keeping secrets and only a few things will be revealed toward the end leaving the reading with an uncertain ending.
I wanted to like this book, but the characters aren't very likeable and the story flow is a little disjointed and ends abruptly. I'll try one more book in the series to see if any of this turns around before I pass on this series.
If you like my reviews I hope you will follow my blog. https://wyldheartreads.wordpress.com/
Rowen is a half-blood dragon, with a secret she must keep hidden. She has prophetic dreams and lately they are showing her death. She's a lady in waiting, pursued by both princes but only loving one of them. Her dreams start to become reality when she is framed for murder and is sentenced to hang.
Captain Elian Westin is a sorcerer on a quest for the 'Red Dragon' but we're not told why. When his ship arrives to the dragon city he see's Rowen about to be hanged and realizes she's vital to his quest. He rescues her, only to interrogate her and treat her like a spy.
Everyone is keeping secrets and only a few things will be revealed toward the end leaving the reading with an uncertain ending.
I wanted to like this book, but the characters aren't very likeable and the story flow is a little disjointed and ends abruptly. I'll try one more book in the series to see if any of this turns around before I pass on this series.
If you like my reviews I hope you will follow my blog. https://wyldheartreads.wordpress.com/
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2018
A decent start to a story but way too short. This is a novella, it’s listed as 200 pages, but I think that would mean you are using a larger font size than average. There was just enough world building to get by. Because the book is so short there really wasn’t enough time to build character relationships. Also there seemed to be some confusion in the writing on the type of person the heroine is. First she is portrayed as naive, then a schemer, then right back to naive. Again, because the story was so short the shifts in her personality couldn’t really be justified.
This book is part of a trilogy that is being re-released. To me this story would’ve been better served combining all the parts into one book, making it a decent length. It seems that this is being redone under a publisher with grammatical and spelling corrections, but it could’ve used an editorial brush up as well. That being said I am curious to see where the story goes and would most likely read the next installment. This is one of the series you read to distract yourself while waiting for a anticipated book.
This book is part of a trilogy that is being re-released. To me this story would’ve been better served combining all the parts into one book, making it a decent length. It seems that this is being redone under a publisher with grammatical and spelling corrections, but it could’ve used an editorial brush up as well. That being said I am curious to see where the story goes and would most likely read the next installment. This is one of the series you read to distract yourself while waiting for a anticipated book.
November 16, 2018
This was a good, quick fantasy read. It kept me interested and pulled me in. The ending was not entirely predictable and the book itself was not cliche. It was, however, very fast paced and I would probably find missed details if I went back and re-read, between the quick pace of the book and my quick reading pace.
Rowan is a lady-in-waiting who is trying to secure a marriage to the crown prince (though this is not immediately clear). There are a number of side characters and since this is clearly marked a trilogy (though there are now 5 books), I did not expect all the side characters' stories to be wrapped up by the end. There are definitely some small cliffhangers... though the story does wrap to an ending of the story arc. I downloaded the second book already and will keep reading this series.
****ETA**** I figure out what was bothering me about the book... I knocked off a star for a reason and couldn’t quite put my finger on why at my first writing. At times it moved so quickly, it didn’t flesh out what was really going on (to the point it was a little confusing at times, leaving you wondering if you had missed something). The fast pace was nice for a quick read, but I’m hoping these things will get fleshed out in the next book or two so you aren’t left wondering why and what happened.
****ETA More**** The books are all VERY short and could have been made into one book total. I can read one in about 30 minutes give or take...I'll add reviews for the others soon.
Rowan is a lady-in-waiting who is trying to secure a marriage to the crown prince (though this is not immediately clear). There are a number of side characters and since this is clearly marked a trilogy (though there are now 5 books), I did not expect all the side characters' stories to be wrapped up by the end. There are definitely some small cliffhangers... though the story does wrap to an ending of the story arc. I downloaded the second book already and will keep reading this series.
****ETA**** I figure out what was bothering me about the book... I knocked off a star for a reason and couldn’t quite put my finger on why at my first writing. At times it moved so quickly, it didn’t flesh out what was really going on (to the point it was a little confusing at times, leaving you wondering if you had missed something). The fast pace was nice for a quick read, but I’m hoping these things will get fleshed out in the next book or two so you aren’t left wondering why and what happened.
****ETA More**** The books are all VERY short and could have been made into one book total. I can read one in about 30 minutes give or take...I'll add reviews for the others soon.
March 6, 2020
Shallow Characterization; Incomplete
I have read several books by this author, and unfortunately, I have found them to be of variable quality. This book is one of her lesser quality works. The author jumps us right into the middle of what appears to be a complex world without any world-building whatsoever. The characters are inconsistent, reshaping themselves into what the author needs at the time; they were not given proper growth arcs that would have allowed such changes to flow naturally. The book had no proper resolution either, making it seem like we are plopped down in the middle of a greater story without a proper beginning or end. I also didn't like that the book itself stopped at 75%. After that came excerpts from other books by the author. I think that’s against Amazon's policy now; a book is allowed to have only 10% bonus material. As the book promised much with the lovely cover and the book description, I find myself disappointed by this book.
Received as a free ARC and also purchased for free at Amazon.
I have read several books by this author, and unfortunately, I have found them to be of variable quality. This book is one of her lesser quality works. The author jumps us right into the middle of what appears to be a complex world without any world-building whatsoever. The characters are inconsistent, reshaping themselves into what the author needs at the time; they were not given proper growth arcs that would have allowed such changes to flow naturally. The book had no proper resolution either, making it seem like we are plopped down in the middle of a greater story without a proper beginning or end. I also didn't like that the book itself stopped at 75%. After that came excerpts from other books by the author. I think that’s against Amazon's policy now; a book is allowed to have only 10% bonus material. As the book promised much with the lovely cover and the book description, I find myself disappointed by this book.
Received as a free ARC and also purchased for free at Amazon.
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