Snow and Red

Dragon Shifters' Hoard #1

by Eileen Mueller, A.J. Ponder

Snow & Red have always had strange powers. When they collide with the Draki twins, their lives explode.


Red’s always liked playing with fire, and Snow’s so frosty, she’s nicknamed the Ice Queen. Mom’s warned them not to use their powers. To be careful not to reveal they’re freaks.

But when Snow and Red sneak out at night to have fun, they have no idea of the dangerous world they’re about to get dragged into—a world of dragon shifters, mages and deadly Fae.

Snow and Red are attacked in an alley by a local gang. They instinctively react with fire and ice. Two buff guys swoop in to rescue them. Insanely attractive, with shimmering gold and silver tattoos on their faces and arms, the Draki twins may be more dangerous than the girls’ attackers.

As the girls get to know them, they’re drawn deeper into the deadly underworld simmering beneath the thin veneer of Pinevale.

Snow and Red is the first heart-pounding adventure in the Dragon Shifters’ Hoard YA paranormal romance series.

If you love sizzling attraction, magic, urban fantasy and dragon shifters, pre-order your copy today.

Genres: Fantasy, Adventure

286 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 13, 2022

About the author

Eileen Mueller is a USA Today multi-award-winning author of heart-pounding fantasy novels that will keep you turning the page.

Dive into her worlds, full of magic, love, adventure and dragons! Eileen lives in New Zealand, in a cave, with four dragonets and a shape shifter, writing for young adults, children and everyone who loves adventure.

Visit her website at www.EileenMuellerAuthor.com for FREE books, new releases or to become a Rider of Fire!

Awards:
2019 Two Storylines NZ Notable Book Awards - Ezaara & Dragon Hero
2017 Sir Julius Vogel Award, Best New Talent
2016 Sir Julius Vogel Award, Best Youth Novel
2017 finalist, Romance Writers New Zealand Chapter Short Story contest.
2013 winner, SpecFicNZ Going Global
2013 co-winner, New Zealand Society of Authors’ NorthWrite Collaboration
New Zealander of the Year Local Hero medalist.

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I absolutely adore Eileen Mueller's Riders of Fire series so I wanted to give this new one a try too.

A YA paranormal romance series featuring shifters and mages with a unique magic system and all sorts of shifters and magical creatures.
I dove into it as soon as I turned the last page of the Draki Twins prequel expecting to devour it, just as I did with any other of Eileen's books.
In the end however, while I did enjoy it, it didn't sweep me off my feet, the way Eileen's dragon series did.

It's fun and full of secrets, mystery, danger and excitement, with an intriguing storyline and great magical powers, and lots of fun brotherly and sisterly banter sprinkled all throughout. But the story starts slow and the pace picks up only in the second half of the book and I couldn't really connect with the characters either.
Now don't get me wrong. They are pretty cool. Just not my type of heroes. Because, at my age, I find myself having less and less patience with the angst of YA drama. And I'm sure they will probably be badass awesome to the YA audience they are meant for.

All in all, Snow and Red is a well written and engaging tale with a good wordbuilding, an intriguing plot and lots of great fun banter that will appeal to any YA UF/paranormal romance fan.
It does end in a cliffhanger, so be mindful of that if you want to give it a try. The next in series is just around the corner though, so you won't need to wait. And I for one will be giving it a try.

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This first book in a new urban shifter romance series is a big thrill, full of twists and turns to the story and beautiful main characters who come up against some real dark evil and powerful ones. Snow and Red are two young women whose mother always warned them not to use their powers in public for fear of being labelled as freaks. Red could play with fire whilst snow played with ice but they didn't know that there were others out there who also had their own powers till they met up with the Draki twins, Zephyr and Dante, who had been expelled from school and who they thought were bad boys. However they soon learned that those labelled as bad had been framed and that the world outside was far different than what they thought it was and that they were very ill prepared to cope with it's dangers. They had no idea about the great war between Mages and Shifters or the fae who tried to control them, a war which had been going on for long before they came on the scene but which was still ongoing and they found themselves flung right into the middle of it. What the Draki twins divulged to the siblings blew their mind and they vowed to work together to get the boys parents back from wherever the mage who had abducted them took them too! Wow, this is action packed and I cannot wait to read further into this beautiful shifter story especially as the ending left us really hanging!

[Beba Andric · Rating 5 out of 5]

As soon as I finished the Draki Twins, I knew I had to start this book immediately! To say I enjoyed it would be a huge understatement! I had a smile on my face each time I read the twins reaction to Snow and Red, it was so easy to picture them losing the plot around the girls, so adorable! I just love how tongue tied they get. They like each other but at the same time are very distrustful, each set having come to the to their own conclusions. But their friendship develops, and everything is suddenly made crystal clear. What a lovely "eureka" moment. Besides the budding romance, which is just beautiful, the mystery in this book is awesome! I had an inkling about Kristin and when it was confirmed, I let out a loud "yes! I knew it!" The 4 young adults have everything thrown against them, even those they should be able to trust are conspiring against them. Loved how they takkled it. The pace was brilliant, the world building spectacular and the story has everything!

[Charlotte Lieber · Rating 3 out of 5]

This urban fantasy introduces a unique magic system including all beings of the sort; dragons, mages, and Fae; from realm-traveling shifters to element-wielding shifters. Told through multi-perspective narration readers get to decide who to trust and what secrets to believe.

Meet Snow and Red, the ultimate sister duo, and self-described "freaks". It is up to these teen girls to learn more about their hidden powers through secrecy and adventure. Enter Dante and Zephyr, the bad boy twins who are on the quest to bring their abducted parents home. When these siblings cross paths, or in this case, alleyways, is it fate bringing them together?

"Snow and Red" is comparable to Cassandra Clare's Shadowhunters phenomenon with engaging world-building and cryptic setting balanced with playful banter and strong characters.

As (metaphorical) bombs drop, it is impossible not to question where your loyalties lie; sister vs. sister, twin vs. twin, and good guy vs. bad guy. The thoughtfully-planted easter eggs left along the way lead up to the grand finale of it all, my favorite, a cliff-hanger. What trouble could these characters get themselves into in book two?

While I had the potential to love this book, it was a three-star read because I personally struggle with urban fantasies and typically prefer dystopian societies.

Thank you Xpresso Book Tours for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book was released 1/13!

[Vicki DeVico · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading Snow and Red and am totally wrapped up in the story. It ends in a cliff hanger--I understand that this happens but the way the story reads, I could just keep going...and going...and going!!! Snow and Red are sisters who, while being opposites, are very protective of and love each other very much. They are opposite in more ways than one--Snow is quiet, bookish and reserved, while Red is flamboyant, animated and makes friends easily. As we get to know these wonderful sisters, they experience a role reversal and Snow ends up with two admirers--something that's never happened to her, and she's as surprised as Red.

All their lives, their mother has warned them--stranger danger, you know, in spades! I enjoyed watching them break her rules and learn to deal with the consequences. Then they meet Dante and Zephyr Draki, teens who had been expelled from their high school. There are suspicions galore, on both sides, as siblings meet siblings and sparks literally fly.

This book captured my imagination and my heart. I am rooting for all of the protagonists and can't wait for the next book to be released. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for an immersive experience--getting lost in a book is a wonderful thing!

I received an advance copy of this book from the authors in return for posting an honest review...this is amazingly honest. Buy this book!

[Piros OlaSz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Exellent idea but not good execution

Honestly these are the stories I love so so much. Dragons and not damsel gals love and action. However the writing style was not so good the dialogues boring and also some confusion on the timing (I mean parents stolen 3 weeks ago but guys been tattoed which is because of the curse but was already in the school however they were explelled for a while?!) its totally confusing. And Snow?! I mean she is Elza and lock pick and genius and the good girl but a smart cookie but still unable to draw conclusion on guys?! Ahhh so annoying.
So again, great idea (thats the only reason I finished but was close to multiple times not to) but not so good execution. 2nd book is about Snow and Zeph and as she annoyed the hell out of me I will not continue this series even though I liked Dante & Red

[GG · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book - using various narrators readers learn about Snow and Red - sisters with temperature-based powers and the individuals they come across.

I've always enjoyed the Rose Red fairytale versions and was excited to find a new on in that vein. And yes, this one is it! Like many young adults the two want to have fun and one night they stumble into a world that's more than they expected.

There are also the Draki twins and when the four meet sparks fly.

It takes a while and isn't an 'insta-love' but instead a growing acceptance and understanding of each other.

The pace was good, the character development lovely, and the worldbuilding gave hints of an exciting new UF world.

[Philippa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really engaging teen urban fantasy story with an element of mystery from the beginning. Slow at first but continuing to build the story of two teen sisters with different powers meeting two brothers with their own powers. This means school, parties, sneaking out and trying to hide their unique powers while something strange is occurring. Great world building, self discovery, secrets, relationships, tension and mystery. With hints to a unique hidden world of magic, mages and dragons - something big is building. I loved this story as it progressed and will be eagerly awaiting the next book.

I received an ARC from the authors in return for a honest review.

[Brenda Rumsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book. It kept me up late into the night and several times I found myself screaming at the characters to stop and open their eyes as there was danger lurking...lol. A fanciful tale of two sisters who have powers they find hard to control and a mother that is keeping secrets she fears they are not ready to hear about. In a world of danger, magic and illusion, Snow and Red must discover who is telling the truth and if they can risk giving their heart. Can't wait for book 2.

[Mel (CrazyforBooksandCoffee) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snow and Red. Ice and Fire. Their mother warned them to keep their powers hidden but a chance encounter will change their lives forever.

Wow ! This book had me hooked from the start. I feel completely in live with Snow,Red, Dante and Zeph I was all in on watching their romances grow. The story was a great mix of action and romance that kept me wanting to read more,
What a cliffhanger ending though 😳 Glad I don't have too long to wait for the next book.

Thank you to Netgalley and Phantom Feather Press for an advance copy of this book in exchange for sn honest review.

[Gayreth Walden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting and fun!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's full of excitement, mystery, secrets and danger. A definite page turner! I love the characters, Red, Snow, Dante and Zephyr. Yes, even Krispin! Talk about teen angst! Especially with a twist! Even with all the action going on, I felt this book gave excellent background and explained each characters personality and growing powers.... A tale that kept me riveted from beginning to end. A truly captivating read..... And, lots of fun! Can't wait for book two!

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun shifter fantasy mystery with romance and adventure. Snow and Red are teens with a sense of adventure and an overly cautious mom. So that means sneaking out getting into some interesting situations with shifters and mages, even though they don’t know what those are. Follow the girls who try to have fun, help solve a mystery, figure out themselves and the guys they meet. Flows quickly and enjoyably.

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fun and adventurous retelling of the Fairy Tale "Snow White and Rose Red". Overall, it was pretty good. However, it had a very slow start and I do wish there was a bit more character development. Also, note that this book is the start of a series and as a result, the main conflict does not get resolved in the end. Therefore, I would not call it a stand alone novel. I would recommend this for Dragon, Shifter, or Urban Fantasy Lovers.

[Ashley Corcoran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good

The story was great. I found Red and Snows names kind of simple though, like they lacked imagination. Snow seems very immature for her age, many of her thoughts about Zephyr are ones you would expect from a young girl in the 13-15 year old range.

Other than that, the story is great. I'm really interested in finding out more about Red and Snows parents, their history. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.

[Nan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snow and Red are the 1st book in the Dragon Shifter's Hoard series by Eileen Mueller and A.J. Ponder. The story is a good beginning to a series and the character development helps the reader understand much of the main characters thinking. If you like clean language and developing romance with adventure and some mystery and loads of magic, this is a good book for you. I am looking forward to reading the second book in the series.

[Teri Ruscak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snow and Red: Dragon Shifters' Hoard book 1 - an urban fantasy paranormal romance
A.J. Ponder
Snow and Red meets the Draki twins.
Such a well written book! I read it months ago, loved it, and re-read it today as I realized I hadn't left a review. I really enjoyed reading this book, and hope to read more from this author!

[Brian Busby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I totally enjoyed reading this.
The story line is brilliant and the characters are strong.
Saying to much would mean spoilers.
What I will say though is I found this to be a read I couldn't put down, the story line following the exploits of snow and red is written in such a way as you need to find out what is going to happen.
I absolutely recommend reading this book.

[Ashley Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it

I really enjoyed this book. Snow and Red are sisters. They have powers that their mother says they can’t let people know they have. They meet Zephyr and Dante. They have powers like Snow and Red. They hang out. Snow and Red find out what they really are. They are going to try and help the boys. This book has magic shifters and some romance. Can’t wait to read more.

[Cherish Kasner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snow and Red were two normal girls until they run into Dante with his brother Zephyr. Then their world is turned upside down. The girls learn things they never knew was possible and they discover things they rather they didn't know. It's a great adventure with strong characters, twists and turns, plus some fun!

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this modern Snow and Red retelling of the fairytale. The girls have been raised to hide their odd powers of cold and heat.I read this as a part of the Enchanted Kingdom anthology by J.A. Armitage.

[Taylor Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished Snow and Red by Eileen Mueller and AJ Ponder and all I can say is wow. Such a great book. Once you start reading you will find it hard to put down. It will grab you from the start and hold you all the way to the end (which comes too soon for me). I could really relate to Snow, and am crushing on Dante - if you love dragons this series is a must read.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun! Exciting!

I have been quite enjoying this series. This new approach to dragons and magic and the world of the paranormal Is thoroughly delightful. Looking forward to reading the next Dragon Shifters Hoard book.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fire and ice

They were weird, or at least it felt that way. Two sisters, Red and Snow, can do things no one they ever knew or heard of could do. Snow could freeze anything with a touch, and Red could heat or burn with her fire. Where did these abilities come from?

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome version of Rose Red fairytale. Love the Draki twins and Snow and Red’s interactions. Definitely makes for an enjoyable read.

[Robin Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liked this book, I don't usually read romance but this 1 had an even storyline not just romance. Can't wait to see what happens next!

[Sherri Nix Botta · Rating 5 out of 5]

AWSOME!

This book is truly fun. Love the characters. The storyline is great. I cannot wait to read the next book. If you like action, adventure, and mystery this is your series!

[rach mate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book its so interesting

[Don Estes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read.

A joy to read. Loved Eileen Mueller and A.J. Ponder's, Snow and Red: Dragon Shifters' Hoard book 1.
Starting the rest of the series.

[Janeandjerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snow and Red: Dragon Shifter's Hoard Book 1

I really enjoyed reading this and can't wait to see what happens next in this series. Red, Snow, Dante and Zeph are all great characters

[SHANE BARNES · Rating 3 out of 5]

slowwww

Frustrating as it took so long to get going. Only to end to quickly and without resolution of the story.