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The Ironfire Legacy #1.5
Priceless
A little ambition can turn into a lot of trouble—even for the city’s wiliest double agent.
After years of rebel spywork in the dragon-human war, Nula Thredsing is ready to claim her legacy.
As the Scepter of Commerce’s new liaison to dragons, she’s one step away from the old family seat on the city council. But during her first meeting with dragon diplomat Tiers Sunscaler, they are attacked by rogue dragons—one of them Sunscaler’s former tactical partner, who is bitterly determined to keep the sham war in action and turn the diplomat to his side.
At the same time, Nula and Tiers discover a startling connection: an embermate bond. While a political marriage suits Nula, the bond’s side effects are obnoxious—and potentially deadly.
Aided by an unexpected cat-dragon and a mysterious unicorn, Nula and Tiers must track down the rogue dragons before their dangerous bond tears them apart.
Fortunately, Nula Thredsing is used to impossible odds—and this time, she has a dragon on her side.
A steampunk fantasy novella with espionage, cat-dragons, snark, and a side of romance.
After years of rebel spywork in the dragon-human war, Nula Thredsing is ready to claim her legacy.
As the Scepter of Commerce’s new liaison to dragons, she’s one step away from the old family seat on the city council. But during her first meeting with dragon diplomat Tiers Sunscaler, they are attacked by rogue dragons—one of them Sunscaler’s former tactical partner, who is bitterly determined to keep the sham war in action and turn the diplomat to his side.
At the same time, Nula and Tiers discover a startling connection: an embermate bond. While a political marriage suits Nula, the bond’s side effects are obnoxious—and potentially deadly.
Aided by an unexpected cat-dragon and a mysterious unicorn, Nula and Tiers must track down the rogue dragons before their dangerous bond tears them apart.
Fortunately, Nula Thredsing is used to impossible odds—and this time, she has a dragon on her side.
A steampunk fantasy novella with espionage, cat-dragons, snark, and a side of romance.
163 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 13, 2018
About the author
Janeen Ippolito
36 books139 followersJaneen Ippolito believes you should own your unique words—and make them awesome! She’s a multi-published author of bestselling fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. She’s also an experienced book editor and marketing strategist, plus the CEO of Uncommon Universes Press, a publishing company with award-winning books. She hosts the podcast Own Your Unique Words, which helps gutsy fiction authors grow their businesses without burning out. In her spare time, she helps her missionary husband with his youth swordfighting ministry, indulges her foodie ambitions, reads whatever books she feels like, and explores a slew of random hobbies. Her life goals include traveling to Antarctica and riding a camel while wearing a party hat. She loves to connect, so join her on social media or at janeenippolito.com
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 10, 2018
I enjoyed Lawless, book one in The Ironfire Legacy, but I IMMENSELY enjoyed Priceless! Everything about it was simply awesome, but the relationship between Nula and Tiers was by my favorite part of this story.
It makes me smile to think that in book one, I wasn't fond of Nula and didn't really like her. Meanwhile, within the first chapter of Priceless, I'm already starting to *really* like her and continue to like her EVEN more as the novella progresses. I give major props to the author for taking a character and letting the reader dig deep into who she is. She made her relatable and encouraged my heart to have compassion for her.
Overall, this is definitely a must read novella in this series. Nula and Teirs' growing relationship and how they work through things made me glued to the book (and read it almost in a day). Can't wait to (hopefully!) read more about them!
It makes me smile to think that in book one, I wasn't fond of Nula and didn't really like her. Meanwhile, within the first chapter of Priceless, I'm already starting to *really* like her and continue to like her EVEN more as the novella progresses. I give major props to the author for taking a character and letting the reader dig deep into who she is. She made her relatable and encouraged my heart to have compassion for her.
Overall, this is definitely a must read novella in this series. Nula and Teirs' growing relationship and how they work through things made me glued to the book (and read it almost in a day). Can't wait to (hopefully!) read more about them!
August 25, 2019
Okay, so I will admit I wasn't as fond of the main characters in this book as I was of the ones in the first of the series, but I did grow to like them more as the story unfolded. The story world is still awesome, and this one added even more dimensions, added history and new info about the dragons. Some real surprises start hitting about half-way through.
June 4, 2018
This is a fun novella set in the same world as Lawless, featuring one of the characters who played a major role in that book. Nula is a countess with a heavy history of espionage and betrayal, someone who keeps her heart closely guarded.
Unfortunately for her, the dragon diplomat coming for a visit turns out to be her embermate! Chaos ensues as they both struggle with their pasts and this new bond that threatens their lives.
This is a romantic steampunk novella, with politics, imminent danger, and a dash of intrigue. There's also a cat-dragon named Freckles, who is definitely my favorite (I really want a cat dragon!)
I do wish there had been more development regarding Tiers's former tactical partner. However, this is a novella and as that, the story works.
Readers should be aware that this is an adult fantasy, and thus contains some thematic elements related to attraction and the bedroom side of romance. Nothing explicit, but things do get a bit heated (there are dragons involved, after all!)
I received an ARC from the publisher. This is my own, independent review.
Unfortunately for her, the dragon diplomat coming for a visit turns out to be her embermate! Chaos ensues as they both struggle with their pasts and this new bond that threatens their lives.
This is a romantic steampunk novella, with politics, imminent danger, and a dash of intrigue. There's also a cat-dragon named Freckles, who is definitely my favorite (I really want a cat dragon!)
I do wish there had been more development regarding Tiers's former tactical partner. However, this is a novella and as that, the story works.
Readers should be aware that this is an adult fantasy, and thus contains some thematic elements related to attraction and the bedroom side of romance. Nothing explicit, but things do get a bit heated (there are dragons involved, after all!)
I received an ARC from the publisher. This is my own, independent review.
June 11, 2018
Okay, I pretty much loved Lawless to bits, so when I was offered a review copy of Priceless it was all *grabby hands*.
Priceless is not as... involved, since it's like an in-between-novella that focusses on Nula Thredsing, one of the minorish characters in Lawless, and Tiers Sunscaler, who if I recall correctly hasn't quite showed up yet, other than in a few mentions. So yeah-- if this is a tactic to make readers excited for book 2, then Ippolito has nailed it. Because Priceless...
- is snark and craziness
- a little bit of Deus ex machina, but not really, once everything is explained
- spies
- cat-dragon
- bloody unicorns
- like wth cat-dragon
- all these helpless people falling in love but is it love if they are, like, embermates and have no say?
Oh gosh, why am I reading a romance? But you know, it's dragons. And cat-dragons . And all these lovely snarky people ignoring the festering deep, dark desires they've shoved aside for politics and appearances. Until it's almost too late.
Note: I received a digital copy of this book from the author. I was given the book with no expectation of a positive review and the review is my own.
Priceless is not as... involved, since it's like an in-between-novella that focusses on Nula Thredsing, one of the minorish characters in Lawless, and Tiers Sunscaler, who if I recall correctly hasn't quite showed up yet, other than in a few mentions. So yeah-- if this is a tactic to make readers excited for book 2, then Ippolito has nailed it. Because Priceless...
- is snark and craziness
- a little bit of Deus ex machina, but not really, once everything is explained
- spies
- cat-dragon
- bloody unicorns
- like wth cat-dragon
- all these helpless people falling in love but is it love if they are, like, embermates and have no say?
Oh gosh, why am I reading a romance? But you know, it's dragons. And cat-dragons . And all these lovely snarky people ignoring the festering deep, dark desires they've shoved aside for politics and appearances. Until it's almost too late.
Note: I received a digital copy of this book from the author. I was given the book with no expectation of a positive review and the review is my own.
September 13, 2018
Priceless is book one and half in the Ironfire Legacy, an inventive steampunk series that combines fantasy creatures, super powers, and espionage with a thread of romance. The series is aimed at New Adult readers.
Enchanted by the first book, Lawless, I was eager to return to the world of Sekastra. Priceless draws the reader into the complicated and challenging life of Nula Threadsing, an ambitious double-agent from the first book. Nula now seeks a position on the grand council as the Liason of Dragon Affairs to futher her agenda. But things go awry when she meets the dragon diplomat, Tiers Sunscaler.
Priceless’ gripping plot and bold voice kept the pages turning. Action, intrigue, deception, and a snarky romance between two spies revealed a trove of secrets. A couple of new species in the world of Sekastra were even intoduced.
Priceless is spicer than it’s predecessor and includes a moment of situational humor - a product of the personalities featured in this story. But there’s nothing graphic. It’s borderline PG/PG-13.
What I enjoyed most about Priceless was the opportunity to get to know Nula better. The ambitious and cunning double agent closely guards more than information, so it was a thrill to see her heart and vulnerability. There’s more I could say, but I don’t want to spoil it for you.
Overall, I really enjoyed Priceless and look forward to returning to Sekastra when book two releases this fall.
Enchanted by the first book, Lawless, I was eager to return to the world of Sekastra. Priceless draws the reader into the complicated and challenging life of Nula Threadsing, an ambitious double-agent from the first book. Nula now seeks a position on the grand council as the Liason of Dragon Affairs to futher her agenda. But things go awry when she meets the dragon diplomat, Tiers Sunscaler.
Priceless’ gripping plot and bold voice kept the pages turning. Action, intrigue, deception, and a snarky romance between two spies revealed a trove of secrets. A couple of new species in the world of Sekastra were even intoduced.
Priceless is spicer than it’s predecessor and includes a moment of situational humor - a product of the personalities featured in this story. But there’s nothing graphic. It’s borderline PG/PG-13.
What I enjoyed most about Priceless was the opportunity to get to know Nula better. The ambitious and cunning double agent closely guards more than information, so it was a thrill to see her heart and vulnerability. There’s more I could say, but I don’t want to spoil it for you.
Overall, I really enjoyed Priceless and look forward to returning to Sekastra when book two releases this fall.
September 21, 2018
Love it
A great read, quick, and action packed with awesome characters. Romance without too much mush. I Highly recommend this book!
A great read, quick, and action packed with awesome characters. Romance without too much mush. I Highly recommend this book!
September 17, 2018
A Lot of Story in a Small Package
I thoroughly enjoyed Nula and Tiers story. It’s so fully developed and tightly written, it reads like a full length novel. In part, because it picks up where Lawless left off; no time is wasted reacquainting the reader to Nula. The story world expands organically and at a good pace. Then there’s Freckles, because cat dragons make everything better.
I thoroughly enjoyed Nula and Tiers story. It’s so fully developed and tightly written, it reads like a full length novel. In part, because it picks up where Lawless left off; no time is wasted reacquainting the reader to Nula. The story world expands organically and at a good pace. Then there’s Freckles, because cat dragons make everything better.
July 2, 2018
What happens when a man-dragon discovers his heart is bound to a woman he just met—and being separated means death? That, in a dragon-shell, is the premise of this novella, which builds on the intriguing Embermate concept I fell in love with in the first book (“Lawless”).
Tiers Sunscaler, gentle dragon diplomat can feel the Embermate pull from the moment he lays eyes on Nula Threadsing. There's just one problem—she's human. Will she prove strong enough to forge the Embermate bond? If not, they might both be toast!
In “Lawless,” Nula Threadsing was a mystery—and not especially sympathetic. After reading “Priceless,” I daresay she was just misunderstood. Throughout the novella, I enjoyed seeing her fleshed out as a character. I also enjoyed the hero and heroine's sparking dialogue as they continued to fight their strange attraction. For example: “The sounds of cannons and gunfire drowned out all other noise, including Countess Thredsing's words, which undoubtedly concerned why he treaded water with her in his arms. “You were in danger! Dragons!” [he explained]… She shouted back, “You are in danger if you keep holding me.”
Much of what I said in my review of “Lawless” applies to “Priceless” as well:
“Between the shapeshifting, snarky humor, and intriguing story world details, this book was sooo much fun to read.” (Seriously. We need more humor in our lives.) “The romantic heat was high but not explicit, the mood—at times—very sensual.” (It's a lifelong bond, sealed with an irreversible procedure, so it didn't feel, to me, like a justification for sleeping around. I enjoyed the romance.) In spite of some minor confusion and a few plot events that could've afforded more setup, the story was an overall positive experience.
I look forward to seeing what this author creates next.
Tiers Sunscaler, gentle dragon diplomat can feel the Embermate pull from the moment he lays eyes on Nula Threadsing. There's just one problem—she's human. Will she prove strong enough to forge the Embermate bond? If not, they might both be toast!
In “Lawless,” Nula Threadsing was a mystery—and not especially sympathetic. After reading “Priceless,” I daresay she was just misunderstood. Throughout the novella, I enjoyed seeing her fleshed out as a character. I also enjoyed the hero and heroine's sparking dialogue as they continued to fight their strange attraction. For example: “The sounds of cannons and gunfire drowned out all other noise, including Countess Thredsing's words, which undoubtedly concerned why he treaded water with her in his arms. “You were in danger! Dragons!” [he explained]… She shouted back, “You are in danger if you keep holding me.”
Much of what I said in my review of “Lawless” applies to “Priceless” as well:
“Between the shapeshifting, snarky humor, and intriguing story world details, this book was sooo much fun to read.” (Seriously. We need more humor in our lives.) “The romantic heat was high but not explicit, the mood—at times—very sensual.” (It's a lifelong bond, sealed with an irreversible procedure, so it didn't feel, to me, like a justification for sleeping around. I enjoyed the romance.) In spite of some minor confusion and a few plot events that could've afforded more setup, the story was an overall positive experience.
I look forward to seeing what this author creates next.
June 9, 2018
Priceless by Janeen Ippolito, takes place after the events of Lawless and should not be read first. Trust me there is a lot that hinges on the events of the first book.
Priceless follows the character of Nula, a minor character from lawless. I wasn't sure if I would like this book as I didn't care for her character in the first book. It turns out she just doesn't like coming in second. Once she takes center stage her imposing personality becomes confidence and drive. Also her back story makes her much more sympathetic.
Priceless is a novella, so it's a fast read, and it will help with the Ironfire legacy cravings between Lawless and Faithless.
Priceless follows the character of Nula, a minor character from lawless. I wasn't sure if I would like this book as I didn't care for her character in the first book. It turns out she just doesn't like coming in second. Once she takes center stage her imposing personality becomes confidence and drive. Also her back story makes her much more sympathetic.
Priceless is a novella, so it's a fast read, and it will help with the Ironfire legacy cravings between Lawless and Faithless.
July 10, 2018
I hadn’t read LAWLESS, but I still found the universe easy to immerse myself in. While short, this is a complete story with dynamic characters who go on a journey and come out the other side a little wiser.
Since it’s a novella, PRICELESS gave me more questions than answers, but it held true to my dragon shifter expectations, and I would happily revisit these characters and this fantasy realm again and again.
Believe in dignified dragons? Like spy novels? Want a heroine with an attitude she can back up with action? You’ll want to read this book then.
Since it’s a novella, PRICELESS gave me more questions than answers, but it held true to my dragon shifter expectations, and I would happily revisit these characters and this fantasy realm again and again.
Believe in dignified dragons? Like spy novels? Want a heroine with an attitude she can back up with action? You’ll want to read this book then.
December 13, 2018
Two words (or one hyphenated word ... it really depends on your point of view) CAT-DRAGON!
Honestly, if that's not enough to get you running to Amazon, I don't know what is.
However, if I must expand, this is a fun adventure with a romance with some heat, a dose of mystery, and a creative world.
Much Steampunk.
Much dragon.
Much cat-dragon!
Honestly, if that's not enough to get you running to Amazon, I don't know what is.
However, if I must expand, this is a fun adventure with a romance with some heat, a dose of mystery, and a creative world.
Much Steampunk.
Much dragon.
Much cat-dragon!
June 8, 2018
Fun quick read. I love Tiers' self-confidence and Nula's stubbornness. And who doesn't love a death unicorn?
September 25, 2018
Hi!
So, I was one of the blessed folks who read this novella as an ARC, and I kinda forgot to leave my review in exchange, at the time of my excitement (although totally intended to, I promise!)... whoops! My bad, guys, haha. If you loved Lawless like I did, you'll for sure love Priceless. Since most of the other reviewers summed it up pretty well, I'll just say you get more backstory and insight to Nula and her new embermate, Tiers, who I adore.
The only thing that really bugs me a bit about the embermate thing at all is that it's like Cupid's arrows-- one look at each other, and BAM-- they basically fall in love. Granted, they DO get to know each other better *after* a series of events, but would've preferred that *first*. However, since this is fiction, that is not how an embermate bond works.
I think that was honestly my biggest/only beef, though. The world-building is excellent, as ALWAYS (I mean, Janeen's literally wrote books on THAT topic, so it'd better be!), the complexity of the characters is great (although I do wish we'd gotten a bit more backstory on Tiers' and his former BFF's relationship, I think that would've deepened his character a bit more), and the plot twists! THE SNARK!!! Oh. My. Glarpa. That. Snark. Janeen's definitely stepped up her game from Lawless; her snarky romantic banter is one of the MAJOR highlights of her writing. I was legit practically howling while rolling around on the floor while reading this-- when I wasn't fangirling or squealing. Not gonna lie there.
If you haven't already, read it. Well worth your money, I promise.
So, I was one of the blessed folks who read this novella as an ARC, and I kinda forgot to leave my review in exchange, at the time of my excitement (although totally intended to, I promise!)... whoops! My bad, guys, haha. If you loved Lawless like I did, you'll for sure love Priceless. Since most of the other reviewers summed it up pretty well, I'll just say you get more backstory and insight to Nula and her new embermate, Tiers, who I adore.
The only thing that really bugs me a bit about the embermate thing at all is that it's like Cupid's arrows-- one look at each other, and BAM-- they basically fall in love. Granted, they DO get to know each other better *after* a series of events, but would've preferred that *first*. However, since this is fiction, that is not how an embermate bond works.
I think that was honestly my biggest/only beef, though. The world-building is excellent, as ALWAYS (I mean, Janeen's literally wrote books on THAT topic, so it'd better be!), the complexity of the characters is great (although I do wish we'd gotten a bit more backstory on Tiers' and his former BFF's relationship, I think that would've deepened his character a bit more), and the plot twists! THE SNARK!!! Oh. My. Glarpa. That. Snark. Janeen's definitely stepped up her game from Lawless; her snarky romantic banter is one of the MAJOR highlights of her writing. I was legit practically howling while rolling around on the floor while reading this-- when I wasn't fangirling or squealing. Not gonna lie there.
If you haven't already, read it. Well worth your money, I promise.
October 22, 2018
Priceless is a novella that is between Lawless and Faithless. It focuses on Nula Thredsing, who was a minor character in Lawless, and Tiers Sundcaller.
This was clearly meant to make readers excited for Faithless, and Janeen Ippolito did just that. There is quite a bit of snark and craziness, spies, a cat-dragon (!), and romance.
I absolutely loved this short bridge from book one and book two. It added quite a bit to the world, and I highly recommend checking this one out!
*I received an ARC from the publisher. This review is my own independent and fair evaluation.*
This was clearly meant to make readers excited for Faithless, and Janeen Ippolito did just that. There is quite a bit of snark and craziness, spies, a cat-dragon (!), and romance.
I absolutely loved this short bridge from book one and book two. It added quite a bit to the world, and I highly recommend checking this one out!
*I received an ARC from the publisher. This review is my own independent and fair evaluation.*
October 6, 2018
The Price of a Spy
Double agent and diplomat, unloved daughter of liars and traitors, Nula Thredsing desperately needs someone to rely on-whether she realizes it or not. She finally has a chance to step out of the shadows, if she can find two rogue dragons.
This novella is an excellent bridge between Lawless and Faithless. We get to meet several new characters, including the adorable and mysterious Freckles the cat-dragon.
Double agent and diplomat, unloved daughter of liars and traitors, Nula Thredsing desperately needs someone to rely on-whether she realizes it or not. She finally has a chance to step out of the shadows, if she can find two rogue dragons.
This novella is an excellent bridge between Lawless and Faithless. We get to meet several new characters, including the adorable and mysterious Freckles the cat-dragon.
May 23, 2019
Refreshing and Direct
Nula and Tiers are perfect together. I’ve read this book before and I found it just as engaging and enjoyable the second time around. This is book 1.5, a novella taking place after the story with Kesia and Zephyn, which is the only complaint— it’s shorter than a full book, and I loved it.
Nula and Tiers are perfect together. I’ve read this book before and I found it just as engaging and enjoyable the second time around. This is book 1.5, a novella taking place after the story with Kesia and Zephyn, which is the only complaint— it’s shorter than a full book, and I loved it.
December 2, 2018
An amazing story. So fast paced that kept me reading. Ready for the next one.
March 20, 2019
The author took my love-to-hate character from Lawless and made her likeable. I have mixed feelings about that... :)
May 25, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this book. It's a segue between the first and second books, but it can be read as a standalone since it isn't a continuation of the first story.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews