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Dragon's Daughter #1

Never a Dragon

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Dragons used to rule the world; those days are over. But humans, mages, and dragons have just begun learning to co-exist without conflict.

Kylara Diamantine has never met another dragon. Raised by her mother apart from the rest of their society without any idea why, she's always been curious about the rest of their species. She wants to get out there, to meet other dragons, to explore! To stretch her wings. Literally.

Be careful what you wish for, they say. They're right.

After a devastating magical attack on their home leaves Ky's mother missing, she's placed at a special school for her protection. A school for dragons - but this year, for the first time, mages will be attending alongside their scaley fellow students to learn more about magic and draconic powers.

The attacker who stole away Kylara's mother isn't finished yet and turns up the heat on the school. Ky's dragon powers keep growing in mysterious ways, but will even that be enough to save her?

Ky is a stranger in a place she doesn't know, under attack and desperate to find her missing mother. She'll need all her courage and strength to survive the tests ahead of her.

302 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 15, 2020

665 people are currently reading
348 people want to read

About the author

Kevin O. McLaughlin

174 books139 followers
When not practicing hobbies which include sailing, constructing medieval armor, and swinging swords at his friends, Kevin McLaughlin can usually be found in his Boston home. Kevin’s award-winning short fiction is now available in digital form at all major ebook retailers. He writes fantasy in settings both historical and contemporary, and science fiction in both the near and distant future.

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5 stars
392 (55%)
4 stars
208 (29%)
3 stars
91 (12%)
2 stars
14 (1%)
1 star
7 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for Rasa Ievkalne.
1,087 reviews15 followers
May 6, 2021
This may be a case of "it's me problem ".

I just couldn't stand the main heroine. The thing is, she may have acted as a teenager would, but because I never lashed out or broke rules myself at that age and had more brains, I couldn't get over how incredibly horrible Kylar was. Teenagers are known for their unreasonability, egoism and rudeness, but I don't want a protagonist in books I read to be such. Maybe I'm drawing too many comparisons to myself and my friends at that age and just find heroine severely lacking. I could never stand people like her, so I hated everything Kylar did and thought. She breaks rules set by adults, she wants to be hero so mutch, she constantly plays with everybodys lives around her, she dismisses authority for her fun and wants. She is rude and aggressive towards people who have done nothing wrong, only tried to help. And all her actions result in disasters. How am I supposed to relate or even like her?

The story is not the best either. The big secret is revealed in prologue and the actual book is just strings of heroine acting like an idiot. Writing did nothing to save this book either. It was sloppy and boring.

So, I had a lot of problems with this book, but as I mentioned, it just might be "me " factor. Maybe i am used to better writing, better characters and better story and this book was just BLEH by comparison. Other people, especially teen aged , may find it good. Especially if they have never come across anything well written.

I do not recommend it to anyone. Pass this over and choose something more palatable.
Profile Image for Amy Campbell.
Author 14 books131 followers
January 18, 2022
I haven't read the Steel Dragon series, but one of my big pushes for this year is to read more indie authors, and I found this title via my library. I enjoyed reading about the dragons, mages, and their struggles and now I want to go find the Steel Dragon books!
Profile Image for Dallass.
2,311 reviews
January 22, 2021
And we’re off to Dragon U.

I liked this, but I am so tired of the teenage protagonists acting like complete dumbass’ as they charge into danger despite the warnings and then have to be rescued trope. It works in some series, but I see it so often that I kinda tuned out when it popped up.

That said, I liked Kylara’s backstory, and the struggle she undergoes trying to get her life back on track while studying, and trying to find her mother. There are some interesting friendships developing (as well as a good nemesis waiting in the wings), and since I wasn’t aware that this was a spin-off of the Steel Dragon series I was very surprised when Kristen made an appearance.

Not a bad start, just a little predictable.
Profile Image for BloodyKelpie.
373 reviews4 followers
dnf
January 21, 2021
DNF 66% it’s a cool book but ... I’m just bored ...damn where is my medication when I need him ?

Uh-oh the girl can transform into a dragon ? Sooo cool hahaha , and I just found that has five book before in the same “universe “ ...if I like this one maybe I’ll read the other series too .

“Her mom had said to not leave, but surely she had meant the property and not the house? She was sure the caution was warranted, but this property had kept her safe for all this time. As long as she didn’t fly too high, she would be fine”


Oh girl don’t disobey you mother ...every time someone disobey their mother just like this things go bad .

“This couldn’t be a coincidence. Her mom had been right.
“Excuse me, miss. I only want to talk!” the dragon called. He had a gentle voice, so unlike Hester’s and most of the people who lived in this hostile desert landscape.
But, she reasoned, killers could have kind voices.”


Hahahaha I like her she is young but smart ... instantly she known her mother was right and that just because someone sounds kind doesn’t mean he is . Ok I’m having some minor spoilers of the other series and ...and damn why I didn’t read the others first ? Looks really good ...I’m really thinking in stopping and starting the other , and the coming back . And why I think Alexander Tully is someone important and I don’t know because I DID NOT READ THE OTHER SERIES ??? And ok ...this is really bothering me like REALLY now I know someone called Lumos died protecting the Steel Dragon ...argh he looks like someone I could miss and be sad of the death ,but guess what ? I don’t because I didn’t read the other series hahHa fuck I’m going crazy with this seriously . But now I know I won’t read the other series f*ck spoilers I hate them .

But so far I’m really liking the book , I want to know more abou Kylara powers , and I think she will be even more powerful than the Steel Dragon .

“Kylara considered going to a table and introducing herself. Hi, my name is Kylara. For some reason, my mom kept my existence hidden from the world but now, I’m here because it turns out she was right and was eaten by a fire monster. No, I’ve never eaten crab’s legs before. Is it that obvious?”


Hahahaha Kylara is really funny with her zero social skills and all ,and the better part is that this doesn’t make us roll our eyes and hope she grows up soon , I think this is really refreshing and funny .

“I’m Karl Midnight.” He extended his hand. She looked at her friend’s scowling face and didn’t take his hand.
“And is there a reason you told me that after you tried to touch me?” Kylara asked, unsure why the other girl looked so uncomfortable but certain that Karl Midnight seemed to be the source of her discomfort.
Karl smirked. “Most girls like the Midnight touch.”


And here I’m again already liking the wrong boy ...I think Sam will be the male lead but Karl just appeared and I already like him more ...damn me and my problem with love triangles, and I don’t even think this is a love triangle but I’m already thinking this is ... ok now I think he will be the bully guy and a prejudiced jerk ...damn this doesn’t do me like him less .

“Make him stop, she demanded of the magic and somehow, it listened. It was as if she had tried to take hold of water and had suddenly found a vein of ice. Something surged within her and the magic was hers. It cracked from the sky and struck Tempest, but rather than redirecting the energy, he took the full force of the blast of electricity”


I knew it !!! She is f*cking powerful like hell !!! I don’t think I trust Sam ...maybe I’m just being paranoid or something like this , but he really is ...too good ? And is really a coincidence that she meet him just before the fire monster ?

I’m getting really pissed because everyone speaks to Kylara like she’s a child ok that she is still a minor , but f*ck the thing took her mother . I want more action or whatever, I’m getting really bored that the people of the other series do everything and we don’t even know because this doesn’t is told in this book ...like for gods sake !!! This is another series why the girl can’t do anything because obviously the author is still thinking in the former series ? I’m getting fast bored ...with all this bullsh*t
584 reviews
December 16, 2022
Unflipping believable, incredible and all-around AWESOME


This series has been on my Kindle for quite some time, and I’m only now getting around reading it. To be honest, I’m a fan of almost everything that Michael Anderle has written or cowritten, but this one caught me entirely by surprise.

The concept, as much as I could grasp it just from looking at the covers and titles, didn’t really do much for me, but it was from one of my favorite authors, so I bought it anyway, and tucked it away for a day when I was bored. Now I wish I hadn’t waited so long.

Apparently this is actually a sequel series to another series that I also own, but by which I was even far less enchanted than this one. Having read either works by Kevin McLaughlin, I should’ve known better. Sadly, I didn’t.

Let me tell you now… This is an incredible read, and incredible premise, and really, you can’t go wrong in any size shape or form by picking it up, so do that now and ENJOY!

PS.

I’m now left with one major quandary… Do I keep reading this series, or do I go back and read the first one? I’ll have to let you know later.
Profile Image for Gayreth Walden.
439 reviews10 followers
November 17, 2021
Secrets, so many secrets!

A new age! Mages are no longer slaves to the dragons. Yet there is still mistrust and bigotry... This is the times Kylara is raised in. Kylara Diamantine is raised in complete seclusion by her mother, away from other dragons. At 17 she dreams of getting away to explore but life has a different plan for her. She ends up in a special school where dragons and mages train together. As a dragon she must learn her power and magic and how to use it. But evidently Ky is not what she appears to be either, as she gains new powers. It turns out the school is not the safe haven everyone thought because something is relentlessly hunting her. ... I enjoyed this book and love the twists the authors have woven into the story. The book is well written with engaging characters. This book ended satisfactory even though there will be another book! ( Note: there is a scattering of language here and there, but not enough to bother me).
319 reviews4 followers
October 15, 2021
Young Adult Dragons & Mages Find their Magic

Entertaining young adult series that can be enjoyed by readers of all ages. It’s an interesting and different concept of dragon to human shifters who discover their special abilities in a new school designed for young mages as well as the young dragon shifters. A young woman dragon named Kylara escapes from a fire monster that burns her home and steals her mother who has directed her to keep running until she reaches the dragon detective who directs her to the school. Once there, the bereft Kylara makes new friends and a few enemies as the fire elemental seeks her out causing puzzling new life saving skills to emerge. As an older reader it held my attention reminding me a bit of Harry Potter with a girl as the main character. Targeted for a young audience but written well enough with solid plot twists so I enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Travis.
2,941 reviews49 followers
November 29, 2020
I was a bit hesitant at first, because this book takes place in the same universe as the steel dragon series, and while I really liked those books, I wasn't sure how another spinoff series in the same universe would work. I'm happy to say, my fears were unfounded. This book was every bit as good as the original series, and I'd love to read more in this series. If you liked the steel dragon series, you'll enjoy this story as well, and if you haven't read any of the steel dragon books, don't worry, you can still enjoy this story, though you'll miss out on some of the linkages in the story, you'll still get a good story under your belt.
522 reviews5 followers
November 18, 2020
So good to see another entry into the Steel Dragon universe. While a most excellent read and I eagerly wait for more. I would have rated 5 stars except for a logical faux pas in setting the story's beginning.



Minor spoiler. Having somehow recognized an immediate threat Lady Diamante Sr. would not have rushed home in the jeep, she would have arrived much sooner by flying as maintaining cover was no longer necessary. This would have negated much of the story line but is nevertheless a jarringly out of character action.
119 reviews1 follower
September 21, 2021
Excellent read!

I remember reading the first chapter thinking " what the heck is this book about" and actually, I considered returning it. I put it down for a few days and picked it up again yesterday and haven't been able to put it down until now. What a story! I'm not a fan of books that take the first 4 or 5 chapters to get into the meat of the story. Never a dragon took off from the second chapter and sucked me in. Great characters, great story and I'm very much looking forward to reading the rest of this series. Well done Mr. McLaughlin, well done indeed!
355 reviews3 followers
November 18, 2020
And we’re off

Back to the world of the Steel Dragon, we meet a new character. Oh horror, it’s a teenage girl who lives alone with her mom... and she’s a dragon. With all the teenage angst and general frustration. She lives in the desert and isn’t allowed to meet other dragons. She’s supposed to masquerade as a human unless she’s home with her mom. Home schooled and taught to fight as a human, she longs to experience dragon society. And then things change. A good read.
Profile Image for William Setzer.
49 reviews
May 16, 2021
I accidentally purchased this before I realized it had Anderle's name on it, but I decided to give it a try anyway. And sure enough, it read and felt like almost every other book I read that had Anderle's name on it, even if he wasn't the primary author. I DNF'ed at 75%, when I didn't want to read "" for the 100th time.
Profile Image for Sandy Chapman.
240 reviews5 followers
December 18, 2020
Fantastic new series to complement the Steel Dragon series!

Highly recommend this new series when in the Steel Dragon Universe. Lots of twists and turns far include magic, action scenes, and plenty of unique parts that are sure h to please! Epically love how so many of the characters I'd come to love in the Steel Dragon series have returned in this one.
Profile Image for Emil Polashek.
15 reviews1 follower
May 5, 2021
Harry Potter lite—but well enough done

Hester the police dragon saves and raises alone and isolated the baby who is the only survivor of a mage raid. That young dragon is in for unending surprises as she loses Hester in an attack by a raging, sentient fire, and ends up at a school for dragons and mages.
320 reviews1 follower
October 22, 2021
Not Bad

Ok so I didn't realize that this was the same author who wrote the "Steel Dragon" series. I guess I need to go back and re-read that series. Having said that, I really enjoyed reading this book. And am looking forward to reading this series as well.

Take a chance, I think you will enjoy it as well !!!
Profile Image for Faye.
1,045 reviews4 followers
March 3, 2022
Rating: 4.3⭐
Age: Pg-13
*Bk 1 "Dragon's Daughter" Series*

This is solid young adult series..the lead character is a female but I would suggested for middle school boys as well. Dystopia were Dragons-Mages-Humans-pixies live together. Setting is a Dragon/Mage School. Fighting-love-mystery..Great.
Mrs.C💋
761 reviews6 followers
May 10, 2022
Enjoyable read.

Yet another teen/paranormal school type of series. I like the spin on dragons and magic and that characters are spilling over from the prior series. I like the snark and the pace is decent, though I often feel this author could get the journey done with a lot fewer words and lose nothing quality-wise. All these books are riddled with grammatical errors.
Profile Image for Lois Alston.
1,864 reviews3 followers
November 18, 2020
Great story

Love that you jumped right into the meat of the story right away. Love all of the action happening in this story. Enjoyed all of the background covered . just an outstanding story so far, impatiently waiting for the next one.
Profile Image for Louise.
102 reviews
November 19, 2020
Great new series

From the Steel Dragon world. I'd recommend reading that series first but it's not necessary it's just you'd recommend the characters more and have an understanding of the world.

This isn't wholly a school book. This is based on a teenager mother's story too.
Profile Image for Veronica.
1,015 reviews5 followers
December 7, 2020
The Steel Dragon was a great series, and this is an interesting spin off. Seeing some of the Steel a dragon characters ties it in neatly, and this is a good start to a new series. I look forward to seeing what happens next.
117 reviews2 followers
January 18, 2021
Top shelf

Wow. This turned into an all nighter . Didn't stop until it was over . . Great characters great plot and plenty of action . And interactions with the original series characters that not enough other series do..
1,231 reviews4 followers
July 26, 2021
Wow!

What an amazingly gifted character.
I highly recommend this enthralling book, and the phenomenal series in which it begins, to readers who love exciting magical Fantasy.
Enjoy!
Profile Image for Scott.
1,491 reviews12 followers
September 9, 2021
Enjoyable start

A few familiar faces and a lot of new ones help keeo this story going well with a great new story arc and another dragon with very interesting powers and backstory.
A little too familiar but it does work well and keep my interest.
Profile Image for Leslie Hysom.
140 reviews
September 23, 2022
Dragon’s Daughter Book 1, Never A Dragon

This was an entertaining book and is well written and is great for teens. I really enjoyed it and plan on starting the 2nd in the series immediately.
187 reviews1 follower
June 9, 2023
Kinda liked the story. kinda liked the alternative world.

Found the writing sometimes problematic. The author too frequently loses control of the syntax. Too many vague antecedents, too many confused and confusing use of pronouns. "the girl," over and over again, annoying.
47 reviews1 follower
June 26, 2024
Good sequel

When you normally do sequels,the end product is very inferior. I guess keeping Kristen as a side character and . developinqing a new strong character keeps the new generation going.
380 reviews3 followers
November 22, 2020
I do love good dragon stories

This one is right up their with the best - brilliant concept that truly brings the different mysticals together in an entertaining and original way.
312 reviews
November 24, 2020
Never A Dragon

I was prepared for an interesting story but I had trouble putting this one down! Please don't let the wait for the next one be long!
355 reviews
November 30, 2020
THAT is imagination!!

One of the slickest twists on magic and dragons EVER!! Terrific sequel!!!
Howard S (The S stands for Super Fan!)
Profile Image for Sarah.
10 reviews
December 27, 2020
Great book and fun read!

I loved this book! It was really enjoyable and different from other dragon books I have read. It has its own uniqueness to it and an interesting storyline. A great book to just have fun getting lost in another world of magic and dragons.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews

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