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Desert Cursed #2
Dragon's Ground
Dragons and danger and magic collide... And it's only Monday.
In the second book of USA Today Bestselling Desert Cursed series, Zamira must once again test her mettle against a world bent on breaking her, proving she is more than she seems.
We survived the land of the Witch’s Reign, that much is true. But our arrival home is far from welcome.
My idiot brother has taken it upon himself to ride off in search of a mythical healer, someone who might help him walk again. Assuming she doesn’t eat him first. Because said healer is a dragon and happens to reside in the deepest reaches of the Dragon’s Ground. Like I said, idiot.
I’d go after him myself, but his leave-taking is not the only problem I face. My mentor has yet again forbidden me to leave the safety of the Stockyards. Her reasoning?
That I am too weak to weather the coming storms.
With my pride wounded in more ways than one, I must gather the few allies’ I have left. My ex-husband's new girlfriend at the top of the list and a goat bleating, oversexed Satyr.
FML.
If I’m lucky I’ll find a small dragon and a Jinn whose blue eyes still haunt my dreams along the way.
Buckle up, buttercup, this ride is about to take a seriously unforeseen twist.
If you like KF Breene, Ilona Andrews, Patricia Briggs, Faith Hunter, Jaymin Eve, Kelley Armstrong, Kim Harrison, or Shayne Silvers, you won’t want to miss Mayer’s books!
In the second book of USA Today Bestselling Desert Cursed series, Zamira must once again test her mettle against a world bent on breaking her, proving she is more than she seems.
We survived the land of the Witch’s Reign, that much is true. But our arrival home is far from welcome.
My idiot brother has taken it upon himself to ride off in search of a mythical healer, someone who might help him walk again. Assuming she doesn’t eat him first. Because said healer is a dragon and happens to reside in the deepest reaches of the Dragon’s Ground. Like I said, idiot.
I’d go after him myself, but his leave-taking is not the only problem I face. My mentor has yet again forbidden me to leave the safety of the Stockyards. Her reasoning?
That I am too weak to weather the coming storms.
With my pride wounded in more ways than one, I must gather the few allies’ I have left. My ex-husband's new girlfriend at the top of the list and a goat bleating, oversexed Satyr.
FML.
If I’m lucky I’ll find a small dragon and a Jinn whose blue eyes still haunt my dreams along the way.
Buckle up, buttercup, this ride is about to take a seriously unforeseen twist.
If you like KF Breene, Ilona Andrews, Patricia Briggs, Faith Hunter, Jaymin Eve, Kelley Armstrong, Kim Harrison, or Shayne Silvers, you won’t want to miss Mayer’s books!
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 10, 2018
2221 people are currently reading
1762 people want to read
About the author
Shannon Mayer
149 books7,081 followersA long time ago, in a galaxy far away, I was born into a family of Star Wars nuts. I have a lot of siblings (somewhere I lost count but I think there was more than could be numbered on one hand) and being one of the young padawans I was subjected to Star Wars marathons, on a regular basis. If you've read any of my books you'll see there is often a reference to said movies as a small homage to my upbringing. May the force be with you and all that jazz.
I started writing when I realized I didn't want to grow up not believing in magic, or not believing in creatures everyone else said didn't exist. That being said, I have never seen a fairy, unicorn or dragon. I had a neighbour who swore they fed the leprechauns in their garden, but I never caught the little buggers no matter how long I lay in wait. (And consequently had to help the neighbours plant new flowers to replace those I killed waiting for the leprechauns to show their faces.)
Along the way, I found my husband who is the rock that keeps me from floating away into my dreams, and we have a little boy who is the centre of our world. Living on a farm keeps us busy (as if the writing wasn't enough) and I have more than my share of stories about wrestling with cows, helping birth calves and ending up in the creek during the process, falling in the mud (we'll call it mud but we all know that on a farm, mud is rarely mud) and chasing escaped livestock in the hopes the four legged convicts don't make it to the highway.
I've taken up archery, and the goal is to move into horseback archery in time (you know, when I can hit the target on a consistent basis) and when no one is looking, I love to bake (this doesn't happen often as it's hard to keep the sweet treats in stock with two boys in the house.)
As to what's coming next for me? More stories (since those never stop inside my head, I might as well share them with all of you!) and more adventures. Pretty much, when the fancy strikes, I'll jump on it. Leap before you look I'm sure that motto was created for me.
Or was that . . . think big and dream bigger, ready, set, pull the trigger . . . yeah. That one is a good one too. But only if you have a gun. And are hunting elephants. Which is not cool because of so many reasons. Let's stick with the first one with an addendum.
Leap before you look and let your dreams carry you on their wings. And that, my friends, is me in a nutshell.
I started writing when I realized I didn't want to grow up not believing in magic, or not believing in creatures everyone else said didn't exist. That being said, I have never seen a fairy, unicorn or dragon. I had a neighbour who swore they fed the leprechauns in their garden, but I never caught the little buggers no matter how long I lay in wait. (And consequently had to help the neighbours plant new flowers to replace those I killed waiting for the leprechauns to show their faces.)
Along the way, I found my husband who is the rock that keeps me from floating away into my dreams, and we have a little boy who is the centre of our world. Living on a farm keeps us busy (as if the writing wasn't enough) and I have more than my share of stories about wrestling with cows, helping birth calves and ending up in the creek during the process, falling in the mud (we'll call it mud but we all know that on a farm, mud is rarely mud) and chasing escaped livestock in the hopes the four legged convicts don't make it to the highway.
I've taken up archery, and the goal is to move into horseback archery in time (you know, when I can hit the target on a consistent basis) and when no one is looking, I love to bake (this doesn't happen often as it's hard to keep the sweet treats in stock with two boys in the house.)
As to what's coming next for me? More stories (since those never stop inside my head, I might as well share them with all of you!) and more adventures. Pretty much, when the fancy strikes, I'll jump on it. Leap before you look I'm sure that motto was created for me.
Or was that . . . think big and dream bigger, ready, set, pull the trigger . . . yeah. That one is a good one too. But only if you have a gun. And are hunting elephants. Which is not cool because of so many reasons. Let's stick with the first one with an addendum.
Leap before you look and let your dreams carry you on their wings. And that, my friends, is me in a nutshell.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 422 reviews
December 20, 2022
EPIC!!!!
I am in awe of this storyline, the emotions have been such a rollercoaster and the plot thickens as the mystery slowly spills in every direction...
These characters are amazing, the friendships, the bonds, the fun, the tears... they are truly a unique blend of everything!
Shannon Mayer is such an amazing author, I love how she captures my imagination, she makes me feel like I'm watching the stories play out in my mind as opposed to reading words and I am itching to grab the 3rd book to see where the pages take me!
I am in awe of this storyline, the emotions have been such a rollercoaster and the plot thickens as the mystery slowly spills in every direction...
These characters are amazing, the friendships, the bonds, the fun, the tears... they are truly a unique blend of everything!
Shannon Mayer is such an amazing author, I love how she captures my imagination, she makes me feel like I'm watching the stories play out in my mind as opposed to reading words and I am itching to grab the 3rd book to see where the pages take me!
June 19, 2019
This is the second book in this new series by Shannon Mayer and it didn’t take my reading very far into this book to appreciate how deep Mayer’s planning goes. In book #1, we meet Zamira, the hero of this soon-to-be saga. We learn that she is a shape-shifter. Her “pride” can shift from lion to human form and back again. For some reason, Zamira is a feisty runt who can only shift to being about house-cat size. The world (an alternate Earth) that Mayer creates has a “wall” between most humans and the “supes” (supernatural creatures that include witches, djinn and dragons among others).
This world is operating on a number of levels including:
• The day-to-day drama of Zamira’s struggles
• Her relationship to “new” pride and its members
• Her service to the “witch,” Ish
• The missions to retrieve jewels and/or individuals
• Their relationship to the Wizard, Merlin
• The threat of a waking god
“Merlin smiled at me. “That is exactly what you are, Zamira the Reckless. A Wall Breaker.”
Yes, Zamira “punches above her weight class” and her senses of pride, duty and loyalty make every day an adventure. Her ex-husband, Steve, is now her chief antagonist. He cheated on Zam and is now intent on doing her ill to advance his own stature. The jewels that Zamira, Steve and others have been “collecting” for Ish seem to be changing this once kind and supportive witch. Zam has to break the witch’s hold to go out to rescue her brother. That’s basically where this book’s story begins.
Usually, I am wary of sagas that cycle between “the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat” on such a frequency. But, Mayer knows what she is doing with a judicious parceling of information, mixed with some nice ideas about magic and monsters, and topped with both feminist sensibility and saucy language. Yes, I will be picking up another volume before too long. Here are some samples that won’t spoil the plot:
“Oh, bonkers, it’s blue flames. That is bad.” Blue flames were alive, and they sought out their prey. More than likely, us."
“I’m riding you now, you bitch!”
“I am not a bitch. You only use that for females!”
I could not believe he answered me. “Let me explain. I think you’re as useless as you think—wrongly—that your females are, which makes you my bitch!” I clenched my claws"
"Back in the day, there was only one male in a pride, just like natural lions. And he got to fuck all the ladies as much as he liked. My father had changed that, and the Bright Lion Pride had been healthier, happier for that. One mate to one mate."
This world is operating on a number of levels including:
• The day-to-day drama of Zamira’s struggles
• Her relationship to “new” pride and its members
• Her service to the “witch,” Ish
• The missions to retrieve jewels and/or individuals
• Their relationship to the Wizard, Merlin
• The threat of a waking god
“Merlin smiled at me. “That is exactly what you are, Zamira the Reckless. A Wall Breaker.”
Yes, Zamira “punches above her weight class” and her senses of pride, duty and loyalty make every day an adventure. Her ex-husband, Steve, is now her chief antagonist. He cheated on Zam and is now intent on doing her ill to advance his own stature. The jewels that Zamira, Steve and others have been “collecting” for Ish seem to be changing this once kind and supportive witch. Zam has to break the witch’s hold to go out to rescue her brother. That’s basically where this book’s story begins.
Usually, I am wary of sagas that cycle between “the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat” on such a frequency. But, Mayer knows what she is doing with a judicious parceling of information, mixed with some nice ideas about magic and monsters, and topped with both feminist sensibility and saucy language. Yes, I will be picking up another volume before too long. Here are some samples that won’t spoil the plot:
“Oh, bonkers, it’s blue flames. That is bad.” Blue flames were alive, and they sought out their prey. More than likely, us."
“I’m riding you now, you bitch!”
“I am not a bitch. You only use that for females!”
I could not believe he answered me. “Let me explain. I think you’re as useless as you think—wrongly—that your females are, which makes you my bitch!” I clenched my claws"
"Back in the day, there was only one male in a pride, just like natural lions. And he got to fuck all the ladies as much as he liked. My father had changed that, and the Bright Lion Pride had been healthier, happier for that. One mate to one mate."
November 16, 2018
Dragon’s Ground starts a few days after the end of Witch's Reign. Zam, Lila, and Maks are together again for more supernatural thrills, action, and adventure.
Zam, pulls me towards her character and I can relate to her. She’s the under dog, not feeling like she fits in, and fighting even when everyone says she can’t win. Her courage, her will, and her foul mouth just add to the story.
The world building is wonderful. We get depth and dimension. As for the story their is no shortage of danger. We get daring escapes, a few rescues, and a hunt for Zam’s brother and the jewel. The characters continue to develop and what happens will surprise you. The action is non-stop, the emotions are all over the place on this one, and we are treated to some very powerful moments for our heroine. I cried at the end.
Dragon’s Ground pulled me in and didn’t let go. I went out and picked up the next book in the series. Urban Fantasy fans will enjoy this unique world and characters.
Rated: 4 Stars
Zam, pulls me towards her character and I can relate to her. She’s the under dog, not feeling like she fits in, and fighting even when everyone says she can’t win. Her courage, her will, and her foul mouth just add to the story.
The world building is wonderful. We get depth and dimension. As for the story their is no shortage of danger. We get daring escapes, a few rescues, and a hunt for Zam’s brother and the jewel. The characters continue to develop and what happens will surprise you. The action is non-stop, the emotions are all over the place on this one, and we are treated to some very powerful moments for our heroine. I cried at the end.
Dragon’s Ground pulled me in and didn’t let go. I went out and picked up the next book in the series. Urban Fantasy fans will enjoy this unique world and characters.
Rated: 4 Stars
June 3, 2022
A bit better than the previous book. For some reason though, I can't seem to care too much about the characters, the world, anything. Meh.
I still have hope though, maybe something will happen and this series will turn out like I'm hoping it would.
I don't wanna believe that this author is not as good as I remember her.
I still have hope though, maybe something will happen and this series will turn out like I'm hoping it would.
I don't wanna believe that this author is not as good as I remember her.
October 23, 2018
This series is getting better with each book and I’m absolutely loving it. I think part of the reason I enjoy it so much is that Zam reminds me of myself, underestimated and foul mouthed and I adore it. Lila comes in at a close second for my favourite character, she’s definitely a big part of what makes this series so enjoyable as well. I also really love the Shakespearean insults thing they have going on, it adds some humour to the story and actually had me laughing out loud at certain parts. I honestly love everything about this book, Mayer has a gift for writing one hell of a story!
January 25, 2019
Heart of a lion. Soul of a dragon. Power of a Jinn.So many feelers! That ending!
Kind of pooey that book 2 didn't have the laughs that the first one did. But when I got to that ending. HOLY SCHMOLY! The action! The feelers! All done in Shannon Mayer style. Blew my pants off! Actually, Mak stole my pants. Yes, all you ladies should be jelly because "neener neener neener"! Mak is mine! And look at that cover!! It's my favorite one of the series.
Totally getting my game on with books 3 and 4 which are already waiting for me in my Kindle. I really need to fill my library up with more Shannon Mayer books.
November 27, 2018
4 Stars... A big improvement from the first book in regards to the dialogue... This installment held all the same fantasy adventure that readers of Shannon Mayer love without the bizarre wording that pulls away from the story... I enjoyed this read, learning more about who Zamira is and her role in the overall storyline... Snippets of information are revealed throughout this book giving readers morsels that have them craving more... I will certainly continue with the series and look forward to seeing how the storyline plays out for these characters.:)
February 16, 2019
Poor Zamira and Bryce. I liked this one as well. We are getting closer to the big reveal and I can't wait.
March 17, 2018
Warning! Do not read this book if you suffer from heart conditions, high blood pressure, overly active imaginations, neck injuries or are susceptible to outbursts of hysteria. Do not start this book if you have other commitments as this book will refuse to release its grip on you until the very last paragraph.
Every time I finish reading a Shannon Mayer book I feel like I need to catch my breath and slow my heart rate. This book is no exception. The action is NON-STOP. I don’t know how this author can create such an amazing world with such depth and dimension with so little time spent on descriptive text. I fall into her wolds like Alice in the rabbit hole and it’s like everything else just disappears.
This continuation of Witches Realm brings out 3 heroes to the Dragons Ground. The danger is around every corner and the characters are further developed through each obstacle they face.
I can not recommend this series or this author enough. She crafts an amazing story that races through the pages at breakneck speed.
Enjoy the ride- but beware- you will be left anxiously awaiting your next “fix”...
Every time I finish reading a Shannon Mayer book I feel like I need to catch my breath and slow my heart rate. This book is no exception. The action is NON-STOP. I don’t know how this author can create such an amazing world with such depth and dimension with so little time spent on descriptive text. I fall into her wolds like Alice in the rabbit hole and it’s like everything else just disappears.
This continuation of Witches Realm brings out 3 heroes to the Dragons Ground. The danger is around every corner and the characters are further developed through each obstacle they face.
I can not recommend this series or this author enough. She crafts an amazing story that races through the pages at breakneck speed.
Enjoy the ride- but beware- you will be left anxiously awaiting your next “fix”...
May 20, 2025
I have never rooted for a FMC so much.
November 11, 2021
“Hurry, Wall Breaker, Zamira Reckless Wilson. The world needs your heart more than ever.”
March 18, 2018
Well that was abso-fantastic Zam, Lila and Maks together again for more supernatural thrills and adventure.
Lot’s of travel and trouble along the way, betrayal and loyalty seem to go hand in hand around Zam she just has to trust in herself that she picks the right people by her side.
Lot’s of travel and trouble along the way, betrayal and loyalty seem to go hand in hand around Zam she just has to trust in herself that she picks the right people by her side.
April 11, 2018
Zamira is back and heading into trouble and danger once again. Ish has begun to change. That much was apparent when she returned after saving her friend Darcy, but didn't reveal her possession of the sapphire she had reclaimed. Ish seems to be being driven by the very jewels that she sends them out to recover. When Zam learns that her brother Bryce has left to find a legendary healer she is floored and afraid. Why would he do this? He can barely get around on his own. Zamira is determined to go and rescue him but her despicable ex-husband is intent on keeping her from going with him. Regrettably, he's not alone in this as Zamira quickly finds out. But if you think that's going to stop her then you don't know Zam. With the aid of a familiar weapon, sheer stubbornness and determination Zamira will break free and head to the Dragon's Ground to save her brother, reclaim a gem and come into her own.
Dragon's Ground is an epic triumph for Shannon Mayer in this second installment of the Desert Cursed Series. Zam is outstanding and she continues to grow as a character and I love it. She's strong and she does make some dumb decisions here and there, but I'm glad that she has great friends to help her through. I have to say that I am loving this series. These books are so hard to put down! I mean, why would you even want to put these books down?! The storyline is amazing. The world-building is fantastic and you get a great mix of characters! Zam is absolutely the underdog and it's heartbreaking to see all that she has to fight through in order to become whom she is meant to be. Honestly, there are a couple different ones I'd love to just smack. I love that characters who walked away are back. The author gives us more backstory and I absolutely ate it up. Of course she still is keeping a lot of secrets, but I don't mind. The books are totally worth it.
There is nothing I hate about this book. I just hate that the author literally makes me burst into tears. Yeah, I cried. You will too. So grab some kleenex and keep them handy. You'll thank me later. You'll cry, then you'll be riveted to the book and then you'll cry some more. I couldn't stand the heartbreak. Don't worry it just helps to elevate the story and make it even more enjoyable. I have to say the author really puts Zam through the paces in this book. The curses that surround her are no joke.
I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. This book is fantastic! It's a great story and if you read and enjoyed the first book you'll love this one. Just don't mind Steve. He's still a dumb idiot. I'm honestly waiting on Karma to get him. Hahaha! The world building, story development is absolutely fantastic. You'll laugh, you'll cry and you'll cringe when you see Ish continue to fall. This book is fantastic and a must get for your library. I'll absolutely be adding to mine!
Dragon's Ground is an epic triumph for Shannon Mayer in this second installment of the Desert Cursed Series. Zam is outstanding and she continues to grow as a character and I love it. She's strong and she does make some dumb decisions here and there, but I'm glad that she has great friends to help her through. I have to say that I am loving this series. These books are so hard to put down! I mean, why would you even want to put these books down?! The storyline is amazing. The world-building is fantastic and you get a great mix of characters! Zam is absolutely the underdog and it's heartbreaking to see all that she has to fight through in order to become whom she is meant to be. Honestly, there are a couple different ones I'd love to just smack. I love that characters who walked away are back. The author gives us more backstory and I absolutely ate it up. Of course she still is keeping a lot of secrets, but I don't mind. The books are totally worth it.
There is nothing I hate about this book. I just hate that the author literally makes me burst into tears. Yeah, I cried. You will too. So grab some kleenex and keep them handy. You'll thank me later. You'll cry, then you'll be riveted to the book and then you'll cry some more. I couldn't stand the heartbreak. Don't worry it just helps to elevate the story and make it even more enjoyable. I have to say the author really puts Zam through the paces in this book. The curses that surround her are no joke.
I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. This book is fantastic! It's a great story and if you read and enjoyed the first book you'll love this one. Just don't mind Steve. He's still a dumb idiot. I'm honestly waiting on Karma to get him. Hahaha! The world building, story development is absolutely fantastic. You'll laugh, you'll cry and you'll cringe when you see Ish continue to fall. This book is fantastic and a must get for your library. I'll absolutely be adding to mine!
October 10, 2018
4.5 stars! This book has everything I love in a book! A little romance, a helluva lot of sass and snark, a couple of Bad A female heroines, and a quest for...well who knows where were headed but the journey is hilarious! It does not matter what this author throws at this FMC she goes in fingers flying and knives blazing! I really love it. Her issues with her disgusting sheep loving Ex had me ROLLING! This girl can really put up with alot I'll tell you.
Zam is off breaking out of the stockyard to save her brother, only she is a sucker too for friends that take advantage of her, and has to drag the Ex's new girl who was at one time her sister. Its amazing to me how Zam can almost hate these people that have really done her dirty but care for them too because they are apart of her pride. Especially that dirty sheep lover. Zam catches up with Lila and they are off to save Maks even though hes a Jinn, because that's what they do. Sucker for punishment our Zam. Then its off to find brother before Steve finds him and kills him. I am amazed really that in such a short book there are so many heart pounding battles and rescue missions. Some new mysteries arise about Zam and Maks parentage and hints of a destiny, and all the while Zam is taking on everyone else's problems like she has this snarky mother hen complex.
Such an enjoyable read, with the constant theme that just because your small, or different, or an outcast doesn't mean you don't have it in you to save the world. Its the story of the world treating people like crap and them turning around and saving the world! I cant wait to read the next one.
Zam is off breaking out of the stockyard to save her brother, only she is a sucker too for friends that take advantage of her, and has to drag the Ex's new girl who was at one time her sister. Its amazing to me how Zam can almost hate these people that have really done her dirty but care for them too because they are apart of her pride. Especially that dirty sheep lover. Zam catches up with Lila and they are off to save Maks even though hes a Jinn, because that's what they do. Sucker for punishment our Zam. Then its off to find brother before Steve finds him and kills him. I am amazed really that in such a short book there are so many heart pounding battles and rescue missions. Some new mysteries arise about Zam and Maks parentage and hints of a destiny, and all the while Zam is taking on everyone else's problems like she has this snarky mother hen complex.
Such an enjoyable read, with the constant theme that just because your small, or different, or an outcast doesn't mean you don't have it in you to save the world. Its the story of the world treating people like crap and them turning around and saving the world! I cant wait to read the next one.
August 19, 2020
Still Good - Enjoying the Character Growth
This book didn't quite suck me in and hold me there like Witch's Reign did. It's still a good book. And let's be honest, taking 2 days instead of 1 to finish an audiobook is hardly not being sucked in. My measuring stick is just skewed since I didn't actively wake up feeling the NEED to finish the book first thing in the morning. (Which, has happened, and thankfully for my productivity, doesn't happen often.)
There is a lot going on in this story, with multiple people working toward their own agenda. And we, the listener, are only let in on little bits of information at a time.
Because of that, I'm still not sure who all can be trusted and who can't. Which I like because honestly, sometimes I just want to be surprised, or let down.
I have been enjoying the growth of the characters. Which I believe needs to happen in a book series. I would be disappointed if there are more than a few books and there's no growth of a character, especially one that doesn't start the series as a super-accomplished badass.
The story ends on … not quite a cliffhanger. The "current" conflict of the focus of this book was resolved. However, it's pretty telling where the story will go next. So, I'd say it's enough lead-up to the next book with enough resolution that I don't feel it was a cliffhanger.
I'm going to keep on listening to this series.
Besides, I can't wait to hear more of the creative cursing from Zamira.
Also, I just read a note that this is a spinoff of the Venom Trilogy. Which ties a few things together for me now, knowing that. Oops. I suppose I need to finish that series too shortly since I've only read book 1.
Narrator Note:
Lauren Fortgang is still one of my favorite narrators. So, if you're stumbling on this review as the first review from me. You should know that I've listened to a lot of audiobooks in a few short months and I know that a bad narrator can ruin a book. Lauren is the opposite of a bad narrator. She brings the characters alive and sucks me into their world.
In full disclosure, I received a free copy of the audiobook for an honest review.
This book didn't quite suck me in and hold me there like Witch's Reign did. It's still a good book. And let's be honest, taking 2 days instead of 1 to finish an audiobook is hardly not being sucked in. My measuring stick is just skewed since I didn't actively wake up feeling the NEED to finish the book first thing in the morning. (Which, has happened, and thankfully for my productivity, doesn't happen often.)
There is a lot going on in this story, with multiple people working toward their own agenda. And we, the listener, are only let in on little bits of information at a time.
Because of that, I'm still not sure who all can be trusted and who can't. Which I like because honestly, sometimes I just want to be surprised, or let down.
I have been enjoying the growth of the characters. Which I believe needs to happen in a book series. I would be disappointed if there are more than a few books and there's no growth of a character, especially one that doesn't start the series as a super-accomplished badass.
The story ends on … not quite a cliffhanger. The "current" conflict of the focus of this book was resolved. However, it's pretty telling where the story will go next. So, I'd say it's enough lead-up to the next book with enough resolution that I don't feel it was a cliffhanger.
I'm going to keep on listening to this series.
Besides, I can't wait to hear more of the creative cursing from Zamira.
Also, I just read a note that this is a spinoff of the Venom Trilogy. Which ties a few things together for me now, knowing that. Oops. I suppose I need to finish that series too shortly since I've only read book 1.
Narrator Note:
Lauren Fortgang is still one of my favorite narrators. So, if you're stumbling on this review as the first review from me. You should know that I've listened to a lot of audiobooks in a few short months and I know that a bad narrator can ruin a book. Lauren is the opposite of a bad narrator. She brings the characters alive and sucks me into their world.
In full disclosure, I received a free copy of the audiobook for an honest review.
October 10, 2018
This series is fun. It's an adventure but not one where you get bored with all of the traveling, there is always something entertaining going on and new enemies to defeat and new characters to like or hate. I liked where this one went with dragons and Lila especially. Zam is great still, she doesn't sit around feeling sorry for herself and just gets stuff done. Maks was great as always. I can't wait to see where the third book goes, I'm starting it right now.
I'm listening to this series on audio and they are really good.
I'm listening to this series on audio and they are really good.
April 7, 2018
Once again Shannon Mayer has blown me away with her amazing writing skills. As Zam continues her journey you fall even more in love with the characters, if that's even possible!
Shannon leaves you craving more from her characters even while taking you on a emotional rollercoaster. Once again Zam, Lila, and Maks make an amazing team as Zam continues on her quest to find her brother. She ends up finding so much more about herself, yet she still so much more to learn along the way.
If you are wanting a new series that draws you into a new world and makes you feel at home then I highly recommend this series! I have yet to find a book by Shannon that I don't recommend.
Shannon leaves you craving more from her characters even while taking you on a emotional rollercoaster. Once again Zam, Lila, and Maks make an amazing team as Zam continues on her quest to find her brother. She ends up finding so much more about herself, yet she still so much more to learn along the way.
If you are wanting a new series that draws you into a new world and makes you feel at home then I highly recommend this series! I have yet to find a book by Shannon that I don't recommend.
October 20, 2018
I really enjoyed this sequel, even though not as much as the original. Zam may still have been reckless but for some reason, her toughness and attitude from the first one was missing. She seemed more sensitive in this one? I know she’s going through a huge life change right now so maybe that’s what is going on, but I kinda missed her tougher spirit from the first one.
Although, I’m still looking forward to the next one in the series. It looks like we might get some answers about Zam in the next one and hopefully more about Maks. I’m also hoping they both get their heads out of their butts and finally realize how good they are for each other!
Although, I’m still looking forward to the next one in the series. It looks like we might get some answers about Zam in the next one and hopefully more about Maks. I’m also hoping they both get their heads out of their butts and finally realize how good they are for each other!
June 15, 2019
I really appreciate the character growth happening here!! I still feel like I’m missing some puzzle pieces, but each page brings new issues and fills in some gaps and it is excellently paced with very vivid and colorful characters!
July 11, 2019
Action packed all the way!
Great story line
Amazing characters
Life love laughter death and friendship
The action never stops but it's not hard to follow, and the story flows nicely.
Great story line
Amazing characters
Life love laughter death and friendship
The action never stops but it's not hard to follow, and the story flows nicely.
July 28, 2019
Is her life now a loop? First her friend was captured, now her brother is gone and she's gone after him. How often is she betrayed? Will no one stand with her? Though she is small, she is fierce. And she will be acknowledged.
Read by Tina
Read by Tina
August 25, 2021
I don’t know why I like these books so much. They’re a little silly with every kind of magical creature ever imagined living in a walled off Eastern Europe. But despite that, it is well written. The main character is sympathetic; I adore her love interest. And her drive for justice is inspiring.
I guess with the world being what it is right now, this a heart warming escape.
I guess with the world being what it is right now, this a heart warming escape.
November 8, 2021
You win some, you lose some!
Zamira is pulled further towards a destiny she can’t see. Maks is with her as is Lira. Unexpected supporters of the pride show up. Death awaits someone important.
Zamira is pulled further towards a destiny she can’t see. Maks is with her as is Lira. Unexpected supporters of the pride show up. Death awaits someone important.
April 4, 2018
Shannon Mayer is queen of the paranormal world! She creates worlds and characters that you can’t help but fall in love with (or hate with an uncontrollable passion to just jump in the book and give them a good old fashioned a** kicking!) Dragon’s ground is no different. Zam and Lila reunited and better than ever together, coming into their own and embracing themselves and their strengths, Maks returning who obviously has a supernatural mix of parents. And unfortunately Steve…. A definite roller coaster of emotions, on cloud nine happiness to falling off that cloud and crashing super hard to the rock hard ground. Highly recommended and anxiously awaiting to see where things turn next!
April 23, 2018
I so enjoyed this book. Lot's of crazy action and humor. A very nice balance. Already down for number 3. Thank you Shannon Mayer.
July 16, 2018
This series continues to excite me, strong writing,
Driven heroine, powerful emotions, strong team with united single purpose this series continues to surprise and exceed my expectations. Well done Shannon Mayer, well done. On to the next one!
Driven heroine, powerful emotions, strong team with united single purpose this series continues to surprise and exceed my expectations. Well done Shannon Mayer, well done. On to the next one!
May 29, 2021
Another epic adventure for these misfits! Fun banter, great action, and just a few moments which pulled on your heartstrings, this was a strong continuation from the first book. Definitely recommend! Also, audio was fantastic.
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November 6, 2021📕free 6 Nov 21 in box set📕
March 27, 2018
Shannon Mayer doesn't make life easy for her characters! However what she does do is create those that we the reader will fall in love with, want to join for the tremendous ride that they take us on and enable us to experience every raw emotion with them. Zam finds herself reunited with Lila and eventually Maks, whilst encountering those from the past and leaning some truths about her heart. The quest regarding the jewel stones becomes a little clearer and more focused on Zam's little team after a visit to one of the most awesome dragons I have ever read about. In this book we see that Zam's adventures are more about saving the world than a mission to reduce someone of steal a gem, and she is beginning to see that for herself. I have to say I do love a good journey quest and this book is all that and more. Zam is finding that she is stronger in body and spirit than she ever could have imagined and she needs that to deal with the inevitable heart break. There are still mysteries surrounding Zam's and Maks' parentage and those with power in the world that seem to hold all the control, and I can't wait to find out what the next book brings. This is the usual wonderful world from Shannon Mayer and always highly recommended from me.
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