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Dragon Heir #1
Dragon's Call
After her Celtic kin proved too big a bunch of bastards to bother with, Rowan sought solace among witches.
The first book in a magic-laced, fast-paced fantasy trilogy. With dragons.
After the Breaking, not much was left. I assumed it was a case of magic gone bad—until I discovered my goddess mother had broken the world. She didn’t like it that I’d turned my back on the pantheon. My long tenure among witches rubbed salt into the wound.
After a confrontation where Mommy Dearest fessed up—and lacked the decency to bat an eyelash about the widespread destruction she’d caused—I was digesting what to do next when a dragon showed up.
Yes. A dragon.
The beast didn’t talk with me or anything, but it flew overhead wreaking havoc on a goblin horde. Witches are old souls with kind hearts, but they’re not particularly strong magically, so I was grateful for the help.
And suspicious as hell. Why a dragon? Why here and why now? More importantly, why was he—she?—helping me? Part of me didn’t want to know, and another part was certain I’d find out anyway.
The first book in a magic-laced, fast-paced fantasy trilogy. With dragons.
After the Breaking, not much was left. I assumed it was a case of magic gone bad—until I discovered my goddess mother had broken the world. She didn’t like it that I’d turned my back on the pantheon. My long tenure among witches rubbed salt into the wound.
After a confrontation where Mommy Dearest fessed up—and lacked the decency to bat an eyelash about the widespread destruction she’d caused—I was digesting what to do next when a dragon showed up.
Yes. A dragon.
The beast didn’t talk with me or anything, but it flew overhead wreaking havoc on a goblin horde. Witches are old souls with kind hearts, but they’re not particularly strong magically, so I was grateful for the help.
And suspicious as hell. Why a dragon? Why here and why now? More importantly, why was he—she?—helping me? Part of me didn’t want to know, and another part was certain I’d find out anyway.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 13, 2019
160 people are currently reading
373 people want to read
About the author
Ann Gimpel
174 books654 followersAnn Gimpel is a USA Today bestselling fantasy and romance author. She's also a clinical psychologist with a Jungian bent. Avocations include mountaineering, skiing, wilderness photography and, of course, writing. A lifelong aficionado of the unusual, she began writing speculative fiction a few years ago. Since then her short fiction has appeared in a number of webzines and anthologies. Her longer books run the gamut from urban fantasy to paranormal romance. She’s published over 75 books to date, with several more contracted for 2019 and beyond.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
January 5, 2020
I was tired and I had all intentions of doing something I never do; I was going to scan this book and then “phone in” a review and be done with it ……. That idea fell apart after a couple of chapters, turns out this is a damn good book!
The story of Rowan and to a large part Bjorn also slowly became a “can’t put it down” story and I loved it, she wants to know who her father was and what she is and the journey to find out is riveting.
What would a great fantasy story be without a “save the world” plot? That is what we have here, this is a world (our world actually, or what is left of it after a horrible event) where few humans survive and things from your nightmares roam the world.
Never been a dystopian fan of any sort which should give you an idea how good this story was but I will just leave you with the fact that as soon as I finished this book (which has no cliffhanger BTW) I bought the other 2 books of this trilogy. I am going to call this 4.5 Stars for a great story.
The story of Rowan and to a large part Bjorn also slowly became a “can’t put it down” story and I loved it, she wants to know who her father was and what she is and the journey to find out is riveting.
What would a great fantasy story be without a “save the world” plot? That is what we have here, this is a world (our world actually, or what is left of it after a horrible event) where few humans survive and things from your nightmares roam the world.
Never been a dystopian fan of any sort which should give you an idea how good this story was but I will just leave you with the fact that as soon as I finished this book (which has no cliffhanger BTW) I bought the other 2 books of this trilogy. I am going to call this 4.5 Stars for a great story.
February 25, 2024
Dragon's Call, book 1 in Ann Gimpel's new series Dragon's Heir, starts off running and never slows down. The storyline is well-written and fast-paced, filled with magic, mayhem, intrigue, revenge, Celts, Norse, romance and, of course, dragons! The characters are well-developed and very engaging. In typical Ann Gimpel style, the world-building is fantastic and so intrinsic it is mind blowing!. I can't wait for book2!
Update: The audiobook version is fantastic! The narration is well done and easy to listen to. The characters really come to life, enriching the experience. I highly recommend the audio version to anyone who likes to listen!
Update: The audiobook version is fantastic! The narration is well done and easy to listen to. The characters really come to life, enriching the experience. I highly recommend the audio version to anyone who likes to listen!
May 10, 2023
It’s good, but I have no interest in continuing the series lmao, I saw that there’s pregnancy in book 3 and I’m just. Ugh not dealing with that.
This one is cool though, I did like the world and the lore
This one is cool though, I did like the world and the lore
November 2, 2021
Really Interesting Story OVER 18 READING
Rowen has been hiding with the witches on earth since she walked out of her mother's . Bjorn is a wizard for the nine worlds and a lot of the border worlds when anyone is having magical problems from a spell gone wrong to something magical not working right anymore or someone needing a spell of some kind. Without either one knowing it they have both been watching for something to go wrong on earth due to a spell cast by Rowen's mother a Celtic goddess that had damaged the earth years before. Rowen only knows magic from teaching herself with the books that her mother had and on her years among the witches of earth who she had to hide how powerful she really was as they don't know she is an immortal. She doesn't know she has another name till the day she meets two dragons who tell her Rowen is not her name and they will continue their talk after she knows her real name. She simply tells them it's the only name her mother ever called her. When they meet they soon discover that their magic not only works well together but lets them draw power from each other to strengthen their spells. After years of asking her mother about her father which she never answered she is given some knowledge about him but not much. Just that no one knows just how powerful or what all she will be able to do because her parents had both broken so many forbidden rules like mating with others than their own groups. This story will keep your interest up as things are always coming out and it changes everything. Looking forward to continuing.
Rowen has been hiding with the witches on earth since she walked out of her mother's . Bjorn is a wizard for the nine worlds and a lot of the border worlds when anyone is having magical problems from a spell gone wrong to something magical not working right anymore or someone needing a spell of some kind. Without either one knowing it they have both been watching for something to go wrong on earth due to a spell cast by Rowen's mother a Celtic goddess that had damaged the earth years before. Rowen only knows magic from teaching herself with the books that her mother had and on her years among the witches of earth who she had to hide how powerful she really was as they don't know she is an immortal. She doesn't know she has another name till the day she meets two dragons who tell her Rowen is not her name and they will continue their talk after she knows her real name. She simply tells them it's the only name her mother ever called her. When they meet they soon discover that their magic not only works well together but lets them draw power from each other to strengthen their spells. After years of asking her mother about her father which she never answered she is given some knowledge about him but not much. Just that no one knows just how powerful or what all she will be able to do because her parents had both broken so many forbidden rules like mating with others than their own groups. This story will keep your interest up as things are always coming out and it changes everything. Looking forward to continuing.
August 6, 2019
This author knows how to take a reader away to far away worlds with the words between the pages. This one also has my favorite in it:dragons along with magic. In this world I got sucked in along with the characters taking me away.
With a different kind of story along with a different world Rowan is the one taking us in this fast spinning one filled with all kinds of drama. The special thing that shows up is the dragon. You will also have a open heart where this one is concerned. Good base with nice suspense pulling to bring out the intrigue. Goes quickly because you are so pulled in. Looking forward to what may be next.
With a different kind of story along with a different world Rowan is the one taking us in this fast spinning one filled with all kinds of drama. The special thing that shows up is the dragon. You will also have a open heart where this one is concerned. Good base with nice suspense pulling to bring out the intrigue. Goes quickly because you are so pulled in. Looking forward to what may be next.
November 18, 2019
It wasn't bad. A little lacking in character development but decent for what it is. The ye's were a bit annoying. It makes sense that the Celtic gods would have an Irish accent, but the witches and Norse characters too?
November 1, 2021
Interesting world build of mythologies where Earth is literally broken, humans are nearly wiped out and "magical" creatures have overrun the planet.
February 8, 2024
I just finished listening to this audio book, and I'm diving into book 2 ASAP. The story itself is a fantastical journey full of Gods, magic, fast paced action, danger, dragons. There are other mythological creatures as well, but dragons are my favorite. It focuses on Rowen and Bjorn. She's the daughter of a goddess. He's a powerful wizard. They're thrown together and have an undeniable connection, but the story is mostly a slow burn with some spice towards the end. That spice is of an adult nature, so I wouldn't recommend the story to younger teens.
As for the narration, I loved it. Gregory Salinas does a fabulous job of capturing the essence of all of the characters and bringing them to life. He portrays the emotion and tension beautifully, and it was easy to block out the world and fall into the story. He even got the accents just right. Listening to him was pure joy.
As for the narration, I loved it. Gregory Salinas does a fabulous job of capturing the essence of all of the characters and bringing them to life. He portrays the emotion and tension beautifully, and it was easy to block out the world and fall into the story. He even got the accents just right. Listening to him was pure joy.
July 24, 2023
DNF @25%
I couldn't get into this even a little bit.
There was so much complexity but nothing was actually going on, while the writing was devoid of whatever was needed to connect me to the characters. 95% of what I read was either Rowan or Bjorn's rather boring internal monologue. Even character interactions somehow felt distant and disconnected.
The author created this vast, multi-world landscape with a slew of different mythologies all interconnected... but it felt like the more they added to the world, the more muddy it made everything else. In this case, more doesn't mean better, more is just more.
I was just so deeply uninterested in anything going on in this book I had to call it.
I couldn't get into this even a little bit.
There was so much complexity but nothing was actually going on, while the writing was devoid of whatever was needed to connect me to the characters. 95% of what I read was either Rowan or Bjorn's rather boring internal monologue. Even character interactions somehow felt distant and disconnected.
The author created this vast, multi-world landscape with a slew of different mythologies all interconnected... but it felt like the more they added to the world, the more muddy it made everything else. In this case, more doesn't mean better, more is just more.
I was just so deeply uninterested in anything going on in this book I had to call it.
January 22, 2022
There are many reasons why I didn't give very many stars for this book, but first I wanted to say something positive. I liked the story. The dragons were well described, with personality. The 2 main characters were likable and worked well together. The magic seemed real and doable. Oh, and I liked the cat, Mort. :-) Now for the negatives... too much sex for me, overuse of the "f" word for adjectives and adverbs ( I mean, really, just use a thesaurus), and lastly, the clichés (I mean, Freshman 101 warns against this even) of which don't really apply to this fantasy world anyway. Sorry for the negativity, I'm not a writer, but I feel like there's room for improvement.
February 7, 2024
Awesome Story!! I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the audio version of this book. Ann Gimpel is one of my favorite authors, and I highly recommend listening to this exciting story. The plot line has captivating intrigue and mystery in it that will keep you glued to your ear pods—wanting to find out what will happen next. The narrator did a wonderful job in bringing this story to life. I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 1, 2022
Great start to the tale
I loved this book, it has everything you could want in a mystical tale, witches, dragon's, God's and goddesses. I cannot wait to find out what happens to Rowan in the next book. Rowan is a wonderful character, she is so loveable you cannot help rooting for her. I loved Bjorn too, I am really looking forward to finding out more about him too.
I loved this book, it has everything you could want in a mystical tale, witches, dragon's, God's and goddesses. I cannot wait to find out what happens to Rowan in the next book. Rowan is a wonderful character, she is so loveable you cannot help rooting for her. I loved Bjorn too, I am really looking forward to finding out more about him too.
November 17, 2022
The 'Breaking' just about destroyed Earth. Most of the population was killed. Unfortunately bridges have opened to other worlds and goblins, gnomes, trolls and other evil creatures are crossing and killing.
Rowan is doing her best to help a group of witches to survive. Life gets more complicated when dragons get involved in her life.
Life is never easy
Rowan is doing her best to help a group of witches to survive. Life gets more complicated when dragons get involved in her life.
Life is never easy
November 1, 2021
Spellbinding read
Loved this book: unputdownable! Nonstop action and fascinating characters. Also shows Ms Gimpel's erudition: one of the relatively rare e-books that's not littered with spelling and grammatical errors!
Loved this book: unputdownable! Nonstop action and fascinating characters. Also shows Ms Gimpel's erudition: one of the relatively rare e-books that's not littered with spelling and grammatical errors!
November 9, 2021
Enjoyable dragon read with lots of familiar characters
Fast paced story with surprises along the way which contributes to the fun. Characters are great, storyline is enjoyable. Thanks, Ms. Gimpel.
Fast paced story with surprises along the way which contributes to the fun. Characters are great, storyline is enjoyable. Thanks, Ms. Gimpel.
Read
August 27, 2022An interesting beginning to a trilogy... witches, sorcerers, dragons and other magical creatures...
Mythology comes to life and this fast paced book is hard to put down. Definitely looking forward to the next in the series.
Mythology comes to life and this fast paced book is hard to put down. Definitely looking forward to the next in the series.
October 30, 2021
DNF at 22%. It’s not terribly written or edited. It just doesn’t grab me. Hence 2* not 1*, for fairness.
October 31, 2021
Fantastic read.
The characters are unbelievable. I am purchasing book 2 and can not wait to sink my eyes into this book.
The characters are unbelievable. I am purchasing book 2 and can not wait to sink my eyes into this book.
February 12, 2022
Spellbound!
I was enthralled with all the characters, the worlds and descriptions of each! Combined with magic, mayhem & dragons how could it be any better!
I was enthralled with all the characters, the worlds and descriptions of each! Combined with magic, mayhem & dragons how could it be any better!
June 22, 2022
too many f--- words!
January 12, 2022
The plot itself has potential but the writing just doesn't draw me in the way a first book in a series should. It's actually kind of boring.
There is lots of 'ye' and old-timey speech. I think it's supposed to suggest an accent but I'm having trouble with Celtic and Norse gods having the same accent? They are also inconsistent. Sometimes a character will talk in an 'accent' and then it'll be done by the next page. (update: it took me getting to about 50% in the book before realizing the 'ye' actually indicates a character is speaking in Norse or Celtic. Kind of a lazy way of doing things and not well explained).
I find the timeframe a little confused as well. Sometimes it seems like it's based in a completely different universe and othertimes it seems like it's based in a dystopian future in this universe.
There is lots of 'ye' and old-timey speech. I think it's supposed to suggest an accent but I'm having trouble with Celtic and Norse gods having the same accent? They are also inconsistent. Sometimes a character will talk in an 'accent' and then it'll be done by the next page. (update: it took me getting to about 50% in the book before realizing the 'ye' actually indicates a character is speaking in Norse or Celtic. Kind of a lazy way of doing things and not well explained).
I find the timeframe a little confused as well. Sometimes it seems like it's based in a completely different universe and othertimes it seems like it's based in a dystopian future in this universe.
January 29, 2024
Rowan, the daughter of a Celtic goddess, turned her back on her pantheon and was lovingly accepted into a coven of witches. In retaliation, her mother tried to force her back and ended up breaking the world, destroying much of it. Earth, which is what she destroyed, is actually identified as Midgard, part of the nine Norse worlds.
Odin and the Wild Hunt, comprised of long-dead faeries and skeletal warriors, were flying on horseback above Rowan and Tansy’s heads as the two hid in the foliage below, trying to avoid capture. But Tansy, a very young witch, used magic to ward herself and the Hunt could easily smell magic. Knowing what vile things they would do to her, Rowan jumped up and put her own protection around them instead – although it wouldn’t last very long. Negotiating with Odin for Tansy’s safe release, her hood fell back and she was afraid he would recognize her – he sort of did and asked about her parentage, but she refused to tell him anything.
Bjorn Nighthorse is the Master Sorcerer for the Nine Worlds and he is sent by Nidhogg, a dragon, to identify what caused the Breaking and to help Rowan attempt to save the world because the others will break as well if Midgard (Earth) is not repaired. Can Rowan and Bjorn succeed at their task together? Can they trust and rely on each other? Will combining their magic bring them what they need?
I absolutely love this author’s imagination! She gave us dragons, and that is the best gift ever! The characters in this story are wonderful, brilliantly described and placed vividly in the reader’s mind for an up-close look! Rowan and Bjorn are on a journey of discovery and growth, and I am eager to see where they are headed! And to my further delight, the audiobook version was narrated by Gregory Salinas who was excellent and brought the story to life. His narration made it easy for the listener to get an accurate impression of what each character is like which sets the mood, familiarizes the reader with the characters, and is a pleasant way to “read” and enjoy the book.
Odin and the Wild Hunt, comprised of long-dead faeries and skeletal warriors, were flying on horseback above Rowan and Tansy’s heads as the two hid in the foliage below, trying to avoid capture. But Tansy, a very young witch, used magic to ward herself and the Hunt could easily smell magic. Knowing what vile things they would do to her, Rowan jumped up and put her own protection around them instead – although it wouldn’t last very long. Negotiating with Odin for Tansy’s safe release, her hood fell back and she was afraid he would recognize her – he sort of did and asked about her parentage, but she refused to tell him anything.
Bjorn Nighthorse is the Master Sorcerer for the Nine Worlds and he is sent by Nidhogg, a dragon, to identify what caused the Breaking and to help Rowan attempt to save the world because the others will break as well if Midgard (Earth) is not repaired. Can Rowan and Bjorn succeed at their task together? Can they trust and rely on each other? Will combining their magic bring them what they need?
I absolutely love this author’s imagination! She gave us dragons, and that is the best gift ever! The characters in this story are wonderful, brilliantly described and placed vividly in the reader’s mind for an up-close look! Rowan and Bjorn are on a journey of discovery and growth, and I am eager to see where they are headed! And to my further delight, the audiobook version was narrated by Gregory Salinas who was excellent and brought the story to life. His narration made it easy for the listener to get an accurate impression of what each character is like which sets the mood, familiarizes the reader with the characters, and is a pleasant way to “read” and enjoy the book.
August 5, 2019
This book promises to keep you on the edge of your seat and rethinking what you thought you knew about mythology and the Gods. I thought my family was hard to deal with, but my mom didn't break the world and keep it a secret. My mom is also not a goddess. Rowan is the goddess Ceridwan's daughter, but there are no maternal feelings involved. She has no clue who her father is and her mother's not telling. Rowan left the pantheon to find someplace she belonged. She was found by witches who took her in, nurtured her, accepted her for herself and loved her. In a snit, Ceridwan cast a spell to get Rowan to come back, but broke the world instead. Rowan feels a responsibility to help the witches who are left. Bjorn Nighthorse is the master sorcerer for the Nine Worlds and tasked with helping Rowan try to save the world. I love Bjorn and Rowan together. They fit just right and so does their magic. This book has so much detail and excitement! With the Celtic gods, the Norse gods, dragons, Yggdrasil, all sorts of nasties intent of destruction, and the witches there are no dull moments. In with all that, there is still tenderness and a budding relationship that promises so much more. If they can only fix the world before it destroys everything and everybody. I requested an advanced reader copy and am under no obligation to leave this review.
August 12, 2019
I absolutely adore this author's work. It has been a while since I have read this author's work and I knew that this author was one of my favourites but i forgot how much I absolutely adore reading her books and how unbelievably talented that she is!
The storyline is brilliant and as soon as you start reading this book you cannot stop turning the pages as it's so addictive to read and I am seriously excited to read book two. Being Scottish I always love anything either based in Scotland or with a Celtic pantheon and as this has both it makes my day. I also love that it's not just Celtic pantheon that's in this story.
I love Rowan/Runa's character ... I love how strong and independent that she is and how she is nothing like her mother. She has a huge heart and always puts others before herself. I loved reading about Bjorn too, he and Rowan are very similar in a lot of ways especially in their independance and their need to only rely on themselves so it's so Interesting to read about them working together and i cant wait to see where it goes.
I can't recommend this book highly enough, it is absolutely amazing and if I could give it more than 5* I would!
The storyline is brilliant and as soon as you start reading this book you cannot stop turning the pages as it's so addictive to read and I am seriously excited to read book two. Being Scottish I always love anything either based in Scotland or with a Celtic pantheon and as this has both it makes my day. I also love that it's not just Celtic pantheon that's in this story.
I love Rowan/Runa's character ... I love how strong and independent that she is and how she is nothing like her mother. She has a huge heart and always puts others before herself. I loved reading about Bjorn too, he and Rowan are very similar in a lot of ways especially in their independance and their need to only rely on themselves so it's so Interesting to read about them working together and i cant wait to see where it goes.
I can't recommend this book highly enough, it is absolutely amazing and if I could give it more than 5* I would!
August 15, 2019
Rowan, aka Runa, is the daughter of a goddess. Her mother always treated her with disdain so Rowan escaped to Earth to live amongst humans, especially witches. She never told anyone what she was. While living on Earth, the Breaking occurred, which destroyed the majority of the population & the land. Bjorn is tasked by Nidhogg, a dragon, to find out what caused the Breaking & to work to heal it. Bjorn & Rowan meet only to discover they are both doing the same thing. When they are forced to fight as a team, they realize they need to combine their magics & the results are amazing. They discover who caused the Breaking & know it's going to take a lot to stop the spread of the evil.
You get a visit from Odin & the Hunt, as well as several Celtic & Norse gods & goddesses. There's mention of Thor, but he doesn't play a part in the story. You also have dragons, trolls, gargoyles, & other beings.
I really enjoyed this story & am looking forward to book 2. This included everything I expect from one of Ann's stories--great characters, wonderful world building & an awesome plot.
You get a visit from Odin & the Hunt, as well as several Celtic & Norse gods & goddesses. There's mention of Thor, but he doesn't play a part in the story. You also have dragons, trolls, gargoyles, & other beings.
I really enjoyed this story & am looking forward to book 2. This included everything I expect from one of Ann's stories--great characters, wonderful world building & an awesome plot.
August 11, 2019
Wow what a tale earth has been broken by magic that has taken on a life of its own. But that isn’t the worst of it if the break isn’t fixed the nine worlds will all be destroyed. This book involves Norse and Celtic gods and goddesses so be ready for a visit from Odin and the Hunt also the Valkyrie but you also get dragons and many more “fabled” creatures like Griffons and trolls. The story revolves around Rowan aka Runa and Bjorn and how their magic blends and Rowan has always been on a path to fix the break. Bjorn who is from Vanhiem has also been keeping and eye on the Breaking. Rowan is also a Celtic Goddess who knows who her mother is but not her father. In this book she finds out what race her father is but not who. But I’m more left wondering who Bjorn’s parents are because of the things he can do. The story leaves you wanting more but ends at just the right point. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series
July 23, 2019
My heart really went out to Rowan, her mother is just an awful person. The good thing about it though is Rowan doesn’t let that get her down, she’s a survivor and rises above the mistreatment. She has a lot of holes in who/what she is but so far, she seems strong enough to handle anything. She also has a lot to learn about what she is and how to use the magic that flows through her. Bjorn is just as drawn to her as she is to him, he seems trustworthy but I’m not completely convinced about him quite yet. Plot is very interesting with mysterious elements and exhilarating paranormal galore. Enjoyed reading their story and look forward to what will be revealed next as Rowan continues her discovering journey. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation from the author.
August 16, 2019
This is the first book I have read by Ann Gimpel and it is amazing! This is a fast-paced and standalone book that will keep you engaged from start to finish. There is action, adventure, drama, danger, suspense, twist/turns, enemies, survival, intrigue, mystery/secrets, surprises, fear, anger, conflict, resolution, confusion, dragons, strength, courage, magic, respect, kindness, gentleness, stubbornness, grief, lies, fantasy, betrayal treachery, miscommunication, loyalty, happiness, struggles, romance, passion/lust and love.
Can't wait to read the next book by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Can't wait to read the next book by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 12, 2019
Rowan found comfort and solace with a group of Witches after leaving her mother and their people behind. Bjorn is the Master Sorcerer for the Nine Worlds and was tasked with keeping an eye on things in Midgard. Not everything is as it first seems and these two may just have to team up to save their worlds, but can they trust each other??
I loved this book and how you are transported to another world when reading it. Such a good start for this series. I can't wait to learn more about the prophecy and how it will all play out.
I loved this book and how you are transported to another world when reading it. Such a good start for this series. I can't wait to learn more about the prophecy and how it will all play out.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews