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Curse of the Blood Dragon #1
Code Onyx
The Secure Wyatt Flint’s cooperation and collect a series of specialized magical objects. Who is Wyatt Flint? Not covered in debrief. Cooperation in what? Not covered in debrief. Purpose of objects? Not covered in debrief. Obscure directives are just another day at the office for Section X agent Jesse Talon. She’s used to it. As long as she’s got a strong drink and her magic gun Sweetcheeks, she’s got this. Sure, Wyatt isn’t cooperating, despite her resorting to seduction techniques. Sure, she’s got some other issues, like trying to win a gun fight in a tight, sequined dress, or her partner trying to gamble away the magic crystals they need, or the rogue British agent who’s got it out for all of them. Or—oh, yeah—the fact that the apocalypse might have started. But definitely, she’s, um, got this.
218 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 25, 2018
96 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
About the author
Val St. Crowe
61 books84 followersVal St. Crowe is the fantasy and sci-fi pen name for USA Today Bestselling author V.J. Chambers.
Under the name V.J. Chambers she writes mysteries, thrillers and horror.
Under the pen name Jove Chambers she writes dark romance.
A Joss Whedon fanatic, she loves all that is speculative, from Elemental Assassin to Arrow to The Lost Boys.
She lives in Shepherdstown, WV with her partner Aaron, their son, and their kitty cat.
Under the name V.J. Chambers she writes mysteries, thrillers and horror.
Under the pen name Jove Chambers she writes dark romance.
A Joss Whedon fanatic, she loves all that is speculative, from Elemental Assassin to Arrow to The Lost Boys.
She lives in Shepherdstown, WV with her partner Aaron, their son, and their kitty cat.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 2, 2020
Jesse is a secret agent. She has been working for them for quite some time and has all manners of experience from assassinations to seductions. We're also told how good she is at all of this but it turns out she really isn't.
Right from the start she struggles to seduce her mark and get him to cooperate. Which, I'm not really sure why a seduction technique was used if they needed his cooperation? Wouldn't it have made more sense to kidnap his parents and force him to do what was needed? Or was sex supposed to turn him into a little puppy that followed her around.
Anyways, seduction doesn't work so she tries to learn about his character and what would get him to do what they wanted. His need to save people ended up hitting the nail on the head. Now manipulated into thinking he's saving Jesse's sister he goes off with no qualms whatsoever.
Which, for a man who ruled a small country in another world, you'd think he'd have more sense about him.
Duke (Jesse's partner) are both awful at cover stories and keeping up with them. Connor, a gargoyle who is tagging along to watch after Wyatt (the mark), is the only character with any sense. He's constantly asking questions and poking holes in the cover story. Bless Connor, the only character I liked.
There was another issue I had with the progression of the story. It was embarrassing that a different group of agents saw the magic crystals Jesse had and then pretty much did a Google search and knew where to go and what they were doing.
What.
This book was piles and piles of frustration. But I don't want to completely end on a negative so there were some redeeming qualities about this book.
Connor and Duke being one. I enjoyed their little flirtations.
The Blood Dragon itself was an interesting concept. Born from a dragon and a vampire, he has to drink blood to be able to breathe fire or use magic. Incredibly inconvenient I'd say but it's better than him just being more powerful than regular dragons.
There was also a neat take on the prophecy setting. Wyatt was born to kill the Green King, but his parents did it for him. Now he didn't understand what his purpose was. Instead of fighting the prophecy he was ready to embrace it, only to have it taken from him.
I won't go on to read the rest of the series, it didn't interest me enough.
Rating: 17+
Sexual Content:
Language:
Frequent uses of Sh*, Fu*, Da* and so on
Right from the start she struggles to seduce her mark and get him to cooperate. Which, I'm not really sure why a seduction technique was used if they needed his cooperation? Wouldn't it have made more sense to kidnap his parents and force him to do what was needed? Or was sex supposed to turn him into a little puppy that followed her around.
Anyways, seduction doesn't work so she tries to learn about his character and what would get him to do what they wanted. His need to save people ended up hitting the nail on the head. Now manipulated into thinking he's saving Jesse's sister he goes off with no qualms whatsoever.
Which, for a man who ruled a small country in another world, you'd think he'd have more sense about him.
Duke (Jesse's partner) are both awful at cover stories and keeping up with them. Connor, a gargoyle who is tagging along to watch after Wyatt (the mark), is the only character with any sense. He's constantly asking questions and poking holes in the cover story. Bless Connor, the only character I liked.
There was another issue I had with the progression of the story. It was embarrassing that a different group of agents saw the magic crystals Jesse had and then pretty much did a Google search and knew where to go and what they were doing.
What.
This book was piles and piles of frustration. But I don't want to completely end on a negative so there were some redeeming qualities about this book.
Connor and Duke being one. I enjoyed their little flirtations.
The Blood Dragon itself was an interesting concept. Born from a dragon and a vampire, he has to drink blood to be able to breathe fire or use magic. Incredibly inconvenient I'd say but it's better than him just being more powerful than regular dragons.
There was also a neat take on the prophecy setting. Wyatt was born to kill the Green King, but his parents did it for him. Now he didn't understand what his purpose was. Instead of fighting the prophecy he was ready to embrace it, only to have it taken from him.
I won't go on to read the rest of the series, it didn't interest me enough.
Rating: 17+
Sexual Content:
Language:
Frequent uses of Sh*, Fu*, Da* and so on
Want to read
March 4, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/4/2019)! 🎁
Blurb:
The Mission: Secure Wyatt Flint’s cooperation and collect a series of specialized magical objects.
Who is Wyatt Flint? Not covered in debrief.
Cooperation in what? Not covered in debrief.
Purpose of objects? Not covered in debrief.
Obscure directives are just another day at the office for Section X agent Jesse Talon. She’s used to it. As long as she’s got a strong drink and her magic gun Sweetcheeks, she’s got this.
Sure, Wyatt isn’t cooperating, despite her resorting to seduction techniques. Sure, she’s got some other issues, like trying to win a gun fight in a tight, sequined dress, or her partner trying to gamble away the magic crystals they need, or the rogue British agent who’s got it out for all of them.
Or—oh, yeah—the fact that the apocalypse might have started.
But definitely, she’s, um, got this.
Blurb:
The Mission: Secure Wyatt Flint’s cooperation and collect a series of specialized magical objects.
Who is Wyatt Flint? Not covered in debrief.
Cooperation in what? Not covered in debrief.
Purpose of objects? Not covered in debrief.
Obscure directives are just another day at the office for Section X agent Jesse Talon. She’s used to it. As long as she’s got a strong drink and her magic gun Sweetcheeks, she’s got this.
Sure, Wyatt isn’t cooperating, despite her resorting to seduction techniques. Sure, she’s got some other issues, like trying to win a gun fight in a tight, sequined dress, or her partner trying to gamble away the magic crystals they need, or the rogue British agent who’s got it out for all of them.
Or—oh, yeah—the fact that the apocalypse might have started.
But definitely, she’s, um, got this.
June 11, 2023
Jesse Talon was a beautiful young woman, a dangerous, beautiful young woman, who also worked for Section X. Her assignment was to seduce Wyatt Flint and make him beholden to her, but he was so clueless to the moves she was putting on him it was useless. She would have preferred if she were to kill him. It would have been so much faster, but she hated those kinds of assignments. She only hated this kind much worse. She was able to connive her way into his space, but he slept on the couch while she slept on the bed. She had failed her mission, but she would find a way. Then she realized he wanted to be the knight in shining armor. She got him to help her, and now the first part of her and Duke’s mission, a drake and her coworker, had been completed. Along the way, she learned that he was a blood dragon, whatever that was, and he had a gargoyle sidekick named Conner that was coming along. Oh, well! Now she and Duke needed to finish their mission.
Interesting concept. I like it! The physical world-building is very well done, and the ambient world-building is there. We, men, can be so gullible at times, and the author takes advantage of this well. The character interaction is done so well that it feels like it could be real in spots.
This story is so full of fantasy, dark fantasy, and romance in a contemporary period and an urban setting with paranormal and supernatural characters is a five-star out of five-star read.
Interesting concept. I like it! The physical world-building is very well done, and the ambient world-building is there. We, men, can be so gullible at times, and the author takes advantage of this well. The character interaction is done so well that it feels like it could be real in spots.
This story is so full of fantasy, dark fantasy, and romance in a contemporary period and an urban setting with paranormal and supernatural characters is a five-star out of five-star read.
October 4, 2019
At first, I didn’t think I was going to be able to finish this book. The writing style didn’t jive with me. Or maybe it was the voices of the leads. They weren’t horrible or obnoxious, but I couldn’t connect with them. Plus, it takes the author a while to get into how the supernatural world works in this novel. Maybe all these things are what made it difficult for me. But, regardless, I honestly thought this book was going to be a no go for me.
Yet once I got past the first couple chapters, I couldn’t get enough of what I was reading. The characters became infinitely more interesting, the subdued-but-not-really tone of the mission was exciting, and I grew to love the way the supernatural creatures are and interact in this world. My reading went from dragging to me being done with it in a matter of hours.
Jesse is a really fun heroine. She’s got a bit of angst, but every good character is like that. She doesn’t use it as an excuse to make dumb decisions, though, thankfully. I also loved her flirtations with Wyatt and her partner. It’s a little spicy without making you blush.
I’m going to read the second novel, and I’m really excited to do so. If you like interesting takes on dragons, give this book a shot. It’s definitely going to take you by surprise, and you won’t mind it one bit.
Yet once I got past the first couple chapters, I couldn’t get enough of what I was reading. The characters became infinitely more interesting, the subdued-but-not-really tone of the mission was exciting, and I grew to love the way the supernatural creatures are and interact in this world. My reading went from dragging to me being done with it in a matter of hours.
Jesse is a really fun heroine. She’s got a bit of angst, but every good character is like that. She doesn’t use it as an excuse to make dumb decisions, though, thankfully. I also loved her flirtations with Wyatt and her partner. It’s a little spicy without making you blush.
I’m going to read the second novel, and I’m really excited to do so. If you like interesting takes on dragons, give this book a shot. It’s definitely going to take you by surprise, and you won’t mind it one bit.
May 24, 2018
Absolute power corrupts absolutely
Awesome. When a secret agent tries to recruit the only blood dragon she doesn't get very. However when she asks for his help, he does. Even though the story she fed him was a bunch of lies. After completing the task (to get magical items) they are sent on a mission that should have been dangerous but not fatal, only to find that someone else has beaten them to the post. Will they survive? Even if they do what will happen to the item they have been tasked to collect? Is there a traitor in their midst? Wonderful plot and it makes you want to read the next book straight away to see what will happen. The characters are full of life and vim with their own special strengths. From the heroine, who is gutsy and strong with an affinity to magic to the hero, who is an innocent in the ways of the world, but as the only blood dragon is extremely powerful. Their sidekicks are a guy gargoyle and a bi drake.
Awesome. When a secret agent tries to recruit the only blood dragon she doesn't get very. However when she asks for his help, he does. Even though the story she fed him was a bunch of lies. After completing the task (to get magical items) they are sent on a mission that should have been dangerous but not fatal, only to find that someone else has beaten them to the post. Will they survive? Even if they do what will happen to the item they have been tasked to collect? Is there a traitor in their midst? Wonderful plot and it makes you want to read the next book straight away to see what will happen. The characters are full of life and vim with their own special strengths. From the heroine, who is gutsy and strong with an affinity to magic to the hero, who is an innocent in the ways of the world, but as the only blood dragon is extremely powerful. Their sidekicks are a guy gargoyle and a bi drake.
May 21, 2018
Very good and shows promise as a series
Really enjoyed this first book in the series.
Strong characters, plenty of action and intrigue. The characters work together well, with the off-note being the boss, for good reasons as you can't be the boss and "one of the guys", can you? Can you?
I would like to read the book about Wyatt's parents as that promises to be another great read.
Looking forward to book two!
Really enjoyed this first book in the series.
Strong characters, plenty of action and intrigue. The characters work together well, with the off-note being the boss, for good reasons as you can't be the boss and "one of the guys", can you? Can you?
I would like to read the book about Wyatt's parents as that promises to be another great read.
Looking forward to book two!
May 19, 2018
4.5 stars, but I'm rounding up. This is a spinoff of her other dragon-shifter series, and I really enjoy that world. It felt a bit odd to tell the tale from a dual POV of two characters who weren't a couple, but I can see how she wanted to expand the viewpoints. Lots of interesting backstabbing/questions which keeps me turning pages.
May 6, 2018
Good read.
Great first book to a new series. Love the characters and how it was written that Wyatt grown. I would have liked a little more between him and Jesse since the story is supposed to be about them instead of Connor. Ready for book two.
Great first book to a new series. Love the characters and how it was written that Wyatt grown. I would have liked a little more between him and Jesse since the story is supposed to be about them instead of Connor. Ready for book two.
October 22, 2018
Well written and enjoyable UF actioner. 3.5 stars!
Many will enjoy this series but it didn't quite gel enough for me to want to keep reading the series. No problems with the book and I wasn't bored, it just didn't quite hit the spot for me personally.
Many will enjoy this series but it didn't quite gel enough for me to want to keep reading the series. No problems with the book and I wasn't bored, it just didn't quite hit the spot for me personally.
January 30, 2020
Good Beginning
Curse of the Blood Dragon, started out pretty good, I liked the world and character building quite a bit, really looking forward to seeing how the series fleshes out.
Curse of the Blood Dragon, started out pretty good, I liked the world and character building quite a bit, really looking forward to seeing how the series fleshes out.
March 21, 2021
Exciting story
This is a thrilling story with magic, and gargoyles and bad guys. Talon is an interesting character, lots of layers, and Wyatts backstory could have been a whole novel in itself. Book ends with a new baddie trying to take the power.
This is a thrilling story with magic, and gargoyles and bad guys. Talon is an interesting character, lots of layers, and Wyatts backstory could have been a whole novel in itself. Book ends with a new baddie trying to take the power.
August 31, 2022
This was a better story than I had bargained for, but I loath cliff hangers! The writing is good, the plot is easily followed, and the characters are very interesting. The world building is sound and believable. I definitely recommend this book.
May 26, 2018
Slow but exciting ending
The book was well written but it moved slowly but all in a!l,it left one to anxiously await The next book to answer the questions left by the first book.
The book was well written but it moved slowly but all in a!l,it left one to anxiously await The next book to answer the questions left by the first book.
January 8, 2019
Fun and edgy with a different premise. Oh, and I totally didn't see the surprise at the end coming. I mean, I had a feeling, but I didn't see THAT. Definitely need to get the next one.
September 30, 2019
A little gem
Well written, with interesting characters / creatures and a very good story, reminiscent of Lovecraft. It is love at first read!
Well written, with interesting characters / creatures and a very good story, reminiscent of Lovecraft. It is love at first read!
July 10, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. The way it was written, I look forward to her next book, If she carries on leading with Flint, and Conner going on another adventure.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews