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The Dragons of Minyth

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What if the boy you loved, hated who you were?

Reine didn’t need excitement to live a fulfilling life. She was happy to live and work in her mundane village, unknown and unassuming. But as soon as she stepped into the darkness swirling the hut of the so-called ‘healer of Naðrverǫld’, her powers materialized, and her world changed forever.

Avri wanted greater adventure in life. More than his role as the last of the Dragon-Slayers set out for him. He never wanted to become his brother’s replacement. Didn’t want to carry the responsibilities that had always burdened his family. But when Andrit failed to return from a quest north, Avri was called on to take his place.

Moons of preparation led to this moment. The last chance Reine had, to remove her ‘gift’ and return to her happily simple ways, but she is faced with a dilemma. Avri has set out north against his will, to slay the dragon that has taken up residence in the Menfjall Peaks. The spirits are angry and Reine can’t lose the boy that she secretly loves.

Will Reine convince him to abandon his unwanted quest for someone he has never met? And will she make it back in time, to complete her ritual and return to 'normal'?

Will Avri prove to the king and council that he controls his own fate? And will he learn that the danger Naðrverǫld faces is not from the dragon rumbling in the mountains?

Or will they both learn that their fate—entwined as it is—is already sealed in the claw-tipped wings of Minyth?

A Fantasy Romance Norse Mythology Retelling of the Great Tale of Fafnir the Dragon and the origin story of one of Eonotora’s most powerful races.

319 pages, Paperback

Published January 29, 2023

4 people are currently reading
170 people want to read

About the author

C.N. McCabe

7 books93 followers
Born and raised between England and Ireland, before moving to Canada with her young family in 2016, C.N. McCabe sought greater adventure and purpose in life.

An eternal love for ethereal fantasy realms and creatures drives her current work in the YA Fantasy genre. Determined to bring the new generation works as loved as those of old.

Currently living on her small homestead along the mesmerizing Atlantic Coast, C.N. spends her days dreaming up new worlds for herself and her readers to escape into.

All you need, to become the heroine of your own dreams, is in between the pages of a good book.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
Profile Image for Casey Hayes.
391 reviews56 followers
February 6, 2023

*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a review.*

Honestly, this one reeled me in as soon as I saw the cover and simply by having “Dragon” in the title. I was totally new to the author, though I have since come to understand The Dragons of Minyth to serve as something of a prequel to Eonotora: The Heart Trials. It wasn’t quite what I expected, but I was ultimately not at all disappointed, and I can confirm that it certainly left me with the desire for more information. I am eager, myself, now to read Eonotora and see which of them could be answered within its pages.

As I’ve noticed a handful of others have mentioned, the story within a story aspect was definitely reminiscent of The Princess Bride for me, and I loved it just as much here as I did when watching that film for the first time. It almost grants you the illusion that you are Zarsyn, curled within the safe comfort of your bed whilst your mother spins a fantastical tale complete with adventure at every turn, danger lurking in the shadows, and a sort of forbidden romance that you’ll be cheering for throughout.

There were a handful of places that felt somewhat rushed for me, but all in all an extremely engaging high fantasy read that you’ll breeze right on through.

Fantasy readers and fans of Norse mythology, this one is definitely for you!
Profile Image for Corinne Tofanelli.
24 reviews3 followers
July 23, 2023
This is one of those books that catch you off guard and I loved it!!! It took me a few chapters to get into it but once the story picks up it REALLY picks up and then all of the story and character building snaps into place making perfect sense. I absolutely loved all of the fantasy character in this story from seers to dragons this story had it all! McCabe put so much thought and love into her character and the world and you can completely see it come through with the vivid paintings she draws for you- it’s so easy to see everything as it’s happening and I just couldn’t get enough! I believe this will have sequels (I really, really hope so anyway!!!) and between the world building from this I would be so incredibly excited to see how the story progresses and how fast it picks back up!!
Profile Image for M.E. Aster.
Author 4 books50 followers
January 29, 2023
The Dragons of Minyth has everything I want in a fantasy story, wonderful characters, a good romance, and a fantastic plot, plus the dragons didn’t hurt.

This is the second book I’ve read by McCabe and I’m so impressed with how much her writing style has grown in such a short amount of time. The prose in this story was GORGEOUS! And the way the plot twists and mysteries were unveiled to the reader were so well done!

Although this is an origin story I think it makes a great stand alone as well. In fact I enjoyed it even more than Eonotora: The Heart Trials (probably because I’m such a sucker for romance to be honest and the romance in this was 10/10!)

McCabe is quickly becoming one of my favorite fantasy authors and I can’t wait to read whatever she writes next!

*I received an ARC of this book from BookFunnel and this is my honest, voluntary review.*
Profile Image for Debbie.
198 reviews1 follower
January 24, 2023
I found this author on TikTok and was offered a chance to arc read. Honestly the story is interesting but I had to force myself to read it. I just don’t think it was a book for me. It was interesting just not a book for me.
Profile Image for scrappydoomomoftwo.
75 reviews12 followers
February 2, 2023
I received an ARC of Dragons of Minyth in exchange for my honest review.

Dragons of Minyth by C.N. McCabe was an awesome high fantasy romance that will have you rooting for the characters through and through! Do you enjoy tropes like forbidden love, found family, touch her and die? What about magical worlds with Seer's, Dragons, Vampires and Gods? If you answered yes to these questions, then you should definitely give this book a read! With concepts such as prejudices and how to overcome them as well as finding your way through the twists and turns of life's journey, The Dragons of Minyth not only tells us a story but can also teach you a little something along the way!

The thing i loved the most about this book was the way in which the story was being told. It has a 'Princess Bride' style of storytelling where a dragon princess by the name of Zarsy is being told a bedtime story by her mother about the origin of their kind and then we are whisked away into the story itself of Reine, a Seer, and Avri, a dragon slayer. Reine hates her powers because the people in her village treated her like an outcast and she had to leave and find refuge elsewhere. When her true identity is discovered in the settlement she took refuge in, her life is threatened unless she gives an enchanted sword strong enough to take down a dragon. A spirit voice warns her that if she gives in to this demand then a dragon slayer by the name of Avri will pay for it with his life. Avri comes from a family line of dragon slayers, but does not want to follow in his family's footsteps. He is thrust into a role he did not want after his brother went missing and was assumed dead to take his place in search of a dragon that is terrorizing their settlement.

Can Reine protect Avri at all costs and change his fate? You'll have to read it yourself to find out!



Profile Image for Alonna.
458 reviews18 followers
January 27, 2023
First, we need to talk about the world that this book takes you to. One where humans are few and the supernatural are many. A world where the words of one makes the decision for many. The king and his assembly are law and those under them have little say in the life they are living. A world where snakes call the shots. In this world we meet the two main characters, Avri (the last dragon slayer) and Reine (the seer).

Reine is reluctant of her powers and wishes nothing more than to be normal. Normalcy would bring her a place back in the village she fled from for her own safety and a love she has longed to have for many years. Avri is also reluctant of his title and destiny. He hates that he is a dragon slayer and wishes to flee the village that calls for him to fulfill his destiny and find the girl who has graced his dreams for so long. Their story seems perilous and doomed from the very beginning when they both are forced into destinies they never wanted. However, it seems to be the road they must take to truly get what they always wanted.

This book had me an emotional mess. The twists and turns had me flipping the pages faster than humanly possible at some points. I wished only for a happy ending for Avri and Reine. I found the fact that it was a story inside a story to be a very interesting thing and it kept me fully engaged. You will not regret reading this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for ThatBookishWriter.
389 reviews18 followers
January 28, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. I love how the story telling by the vampire queen to Zarsyn about the world of seer’s, humans, dragons, vampires and gods. It reminded me of The Princess Bride!

I overall loved the world that was created here and the magical world/ world building it the story gave us. It started out a little slow at first but it got really good not too long after!

I love Sygha. Such an interesting character. She kept me guessing on who she really was. I love the banter between her and Reina.

I disliked Xiaru right from the beginning and so glad he got what was coming to him!

Avri I really enjoyed him too. I can understand why he was feeling the way he did against the seer’s. I’m so glad he finally accepted Reina. They are just so cute together.

Reina felt the need to protect Avri right away. She felt that connection to him, which he felt the same. Between wanting to protect him and the dragon. Fear of hate of people have for her kind. It was so sad that felt she needed to change herself.

Love how it ended, wish it was a little longer though! I enjoyed it so much I didn’t want it to end!
Profile Image for Baylee.
257 reviews5 followers
July 14, 2023
I got this from the author to review and I loved it! This really was so so good! A story of destiny and willpower wrapped in a bedtime story. I absolutely will have to read the rest of her books. This totally was such a great book, like got me out of my Fourth Wing slump.
The Dragons of Minyth is about two young people who are on paths that will converge for a greater destiny. One is blessed with magic but sees it as a curse and wants to get rid of it until she is told by higher powers to stop the party heading to slay a dragon. The second, his family comes from a line of dragon slayers and it is finally his turn to go even if he would rather disappear into the wind. Their destinies quickly line up and have been know before the day the story starts. This is a must read! There is also two gorgeous cover designs! The paperback is of an ethereal woman and the hardcover is a beautiful design that almost looks like a grimoire.
Profile Image for Thecrackedspine.
215 reviews1 follower
January 21, 2023
I recieved an ebook arc from the author. I first found the author on tiktok, where she talked about her upcoming release The Dragons of Minyth. 

The first 10% of the book hooked me in. In general I struggle reading ebooks and for the longest time I just thought maybe ereads just aren't for me since I am so easily distracted. It turns out all I needed was a really good book to draw me in. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys high fantasy, world building that goes above and beyond, and a touch of Romance to make things interesting. There are dragons, vampires, and other supernatural beings to fill out this wonderful world. And my favorite part of this book is how the story is told~ I won't ruin it for anyone who is planning to read this book, but know that it is so beautifully told.
Profile Image for Kellie Nylund.
237 reviews
January 28, 2023
WOW! This was amazing to read. I loved it. The world building was well done.

Renie originally wanted to get rid of her seer powers due to it making her an unnatural being that was outcasted and wanted to live a normal life. Xiaru, he’s power hungry, found out who she is and threatened her life for an enchanted sword to kill a dragon. She does and a spirit voice warned her that Avri’s life will pay the price if the sword is used.

Avri doesn’t originally wanted to go north with Xiaru but was forced to go because the king believed in the dragon slayer family reputation. He was thrown into the role because his brother went missing and assumed dead. He eventually does go because his brother’s helmet appeared after an assume dragon attack on his home.

I’m excited for the second book and highly recommend if you enjoy Norse mythology retellings.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Persephones Chapter.
3 reviews
January 31, 2023
I was lucky enough to receive this as an Arc read from the author and it didn't disappoint.
This is my own review.
The storyline is filled with vivid imagery painting a fantasy world full of dragons and other supernatural beings before you that is unlike anything you've known.
The main characters have you following them and heavily investing in their journey. The twists have you second guessing any plot that you think you may have formed, which was wonderful.
I had not read MCCabes first book Eonotora but found myself able to follow this storyline well.
The only reason for the 4.5 stars instead of 5 on his book is purely down to the often flowery language that distracted from the scenes in front of you, but other than that it is a great book, well worth a read for any fantasy lover.
29 reviews2 followers
July 21, 2023
Reine is struggling with her fate as a seer. Seers are looked down on in the settlement and yet, the one she longs for is there. Reine is pulled by an urge to save her love from a dangerous quest.

Avri, is a berserker who has been tasked to slay a dragon. A very dangerous voyage indeed! He struggles with who he really is inside and who he was born to be.

This book has seers, friends, assassins, enemies, betrayals, curses, magic, supernatural beings and of course, dragons!! The world building was descriptive and really transported the reader. Characters were relatable and the ending 😮! I love how the author included not only a map, but a pronunciation guide prior to reading! This story was written as a dragon’s bedtime story and gave Princess Bride vibes. Highly recommend for any fantasy lover!
Profile Image for Jacqueline.
552 reviews4 followers
January 20, 2023
I found this lovely writer on TikTok and have been following her process as she got this book ready for publication so when she said she needed ARC readers you best believe I was signed up sharpish!

This was unlike anything I’ve read before and I absolutely loved it! I didn’t quite manage it in one sitting as I had to take my dogs out before it got dark but otherwise I would have powered through it in one sitting.

It was well written, imaginative with characters who both drew forth feelings of hate and compassion. The story flowed effortlessly and I liked the interludes with the story teller as part of the overall tale but also the unseen narrator.

I can’t wait to see more from this talented lady!

5⭐️
Profile Image for Rebekkah Johnson.
99 reviews7 followers
January 23, 2023
I was generously given an arc of The Dragons of Minyth by the author. These are my honest opinions about the book. I found the author on TikTok.

The work building was well done and the characters had depth to them. There was plenty of adventure and it kept me pretty hooked. There was some romance but it didn’t take away from the main adventure. There are many mythical creatures along the way.

I understand this is an origin story and I wish I had read the original book to get more understanding. My one critique is it does need some polishing as far as the dialogue and some descriptions. It felt like I was more of a beta reader then an arc reader. I believe with some polishing this would be easily a 5-star book for me.
Profile Image for Stacy Speir.
6 reviews1 follower
January 27, 2023
This story is an epic adventure full of magic, love, and characters you immediately connect with. You will find yourself fearing for them, crying with them, and fighting alongside them.

“The Dragons of Minyth” is told as a bedtime story to a young dragon. I enjoyed it when, with the small interruptions to the story, we went back and checked in with the storytellers and got glimpses of the life of a dragon to help us remember that this is a historical tale of their beginnings.

The story of Reine and Avri has romance, found family, overcoming prejudices, learning to love yourself, vampires, and witchcraft. The writing is captivating. The world is beautifully messy, and you feel as if you are in the middle of it all. It left me feeling satisfied and yet sad to leave this particular world behind.

This is a book series that I will be enjoying for years to come!
Profile Image for Sydney Uebelhoer.
14 reviews
January 28, 2023
Such an amazing story! The fact that it’s presented as a bedtime story is such a clever narrative spin. Reine and Avri are absolutely adorable and I would honestly love even more of them and the rest of their journey.

Reine is forced to leave home purely out of fear of what could happen to her and in her quest to try and remove a so called curse she is forced to help another and that leads her in a journey to protect the one she loves even if they didn’t feel the same. While on this new journey she learns even more about her past and meets an unlikely ally. As truths are revealed loyalties are tested and our main characters have to decide whether to hold on to their past hurt or follow their hearts to make their life and the world a better place.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ashley Hawkins.
327 reviews2 followers
February 11, 2023
3.75 stars

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

Although I am not all that familiar with Norse mythology, I really enjoyed this story of dragons, magic and adventure. The Dragons of Minyth very well may be my door in to exploring more books containing Norse mythology.

My only issue with TDM is that it was a bit slow and hard to get in to at the beginning. Once I reached about 40% through, the story and plot line began to pick up and got better from there. Also, there were times that it was a bit difficult to distinguish and keep the characters straight. But by the end of the book, I was completely engrossed in Reine and Avri's story.

I want to thank Ms. McCabe for this wonderful opportunity, and I look forward to reading more from you!
9 reviews
January 23, 2023
This story is told in a Princess Bride story within a story way. Our main storyline is actually the bedtime story a mother is telling her daughter. And we get to see them every now and again.

This is a book about:
Prejudices and overcoming them.
The messiness of family & love.
Loss and grief.
Finding your way in a messed up world.

There's magic. Vampires. Dragons.
Plenty of action. Some found family. Destinies. Romance.
The female main character is just as badass as the male main character.
Oh, yes! And there's a "Touch her and die"!

This is a fantastic book, and I'm enthralled with C.N. McCabe's writing now!
Profile Image for Ashley Stark.
8 reviews3 followers
January 29, 2023
I have been following this author on TikTok and received an ARC for an honest review.


If you are looking to jump into a new fantasy world in which the author spent a lot of time world building, this might be for you.

This story has humans, seers, assassins, dragons and more. The author did a great job of building a new world with familiar creatures.

The only thing I would say is because the world building while also trying to progress the plot is so much within a stand alone, I found myself having to re-read parts to fully understand what was going on.

The author has another book set in the same world and three more coming, that I will definitely check out.
Profile Image for Chloe Kaljouw.
36 reviews2 followers
January 29, 2023
I was lucky enough to be given an arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and have given it 3.5 stars out of 5 (rounded to 4).

I enjoyed getting to know Avri and Reine throughout the book and enjoyed their character development. They started off as quite two dimensional to me, but they definitely grew upon me! Their love for each other was good to see, with Avri fighting it at first, then coming round to showing that he truly cared for Reine.

The ending and the twists and turns that came with it I think I enjoyed most of all, but I won’t give anything away!

Thank you for the opportunity to read your book early, I definitely enjoyed it!
Profile Image for Eugenia M.
187 reviews4 followers
February 6, 2023
This was my first time reading C.N. McCabe and I really enjoyed this one. When I started reading again fantasy was what got me back into it so is my comfort place. McCabe did a wonderful job showing me why I love it so much.

This world building is amazing and the characters are wonderful. Loved the use of magic in this one as well. The development of the characters is amazing.

I really enjoyed Renie. Seeing her deal with the fact she is not happy with her powers but finally realizing that how they make her that much more.

Definitely recommend this one. This an ARC review and my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Samantha Grice.
70 reviews
January 24, 2023
This book reminded of The Princess Bride in the way it was an adult telling a story to a child. The portions with Zarsyn (the child) and her mother (the adult) were more difficult for me to connect with than the portions with the characters of the story Zarsyn was being told. Switching between the two sections was a little jarring because I was getting invested in the story of how Minyth came to be. But I did enjoy the journey of Reine, Avri, Xiaru, and Orga. And I felt the frustration of the characters and how they felt they didn’t have a choice in how their lives played out.
Profile Image for Christina Wallace.
Author 14 books35 followers
January 31, 2023
I really enjoyed this book, it was my first read from this author. The description is beautifully written. I enjoyed the adventure of the book, the twists and turns kept coming and at no point would I have predicted the ending. The beginning set up moved a little slow for me, but once the parties set out on their adventures, I found the book difficult to put down. Although dragons are part of the title and present in the book, the story revolves much more around the characters and their desires to choose their own fates. I truly enjoyed the book and would definitely recommend to others.
Profile Image for Kitty N..
Author 3 books46 followers
February 2, 2023
This book is an interesting journey. There was a different take on vampires, seers (witches), and Dragons. The writing style and I don't mesh well so I won't be reading this a second time but the plot was interesting enough to keep my attention and I did not DNF. As far as details, there were times that it was a bit wordy, and that broke the flow for me. Overall it was a decent book. This is a clean book with no spice which is perfectly fine because this story wasn't made for spice in my opinion.
Profile Image for Lilylou426 .
544 reviews37 followers
January 23, 2023
This story had unique characters and a good plot line laid out. I did have trouble keeping the characters straight several times to maybe a flow sheet at the beginning would have been helpful. I also felt I needed a bit more back story to fully grasp the seriousness of certain characters flaws/beliefs/current views. I felt like I would have been much more invested if I knew reasoning for certain aspects.
Profile Image for Emily Howes.
14 reviews1 follower
February 3, 2023
I received the Dragons on Minyth as an ARC ebook, and although I did enjoy the premise of the story, at times it could be quite slow paced and confusing.

The book is set during two timelines; one is following Zarsyn, a young dragon princess who can't wait to be able to fly, and in the meantime is being told the origin story of how dragons came to be by her mother. The other is following Reine and Avri, a seer and a berserker on the hunt to find the dragon that has been terrorising their settlement.

McCabe uses these two timelines to build the world the story is set in. While it is an interesting technique which I hope she builds upon in the future, the book was not long enough to properly incorporate both of these wonderful lands. As such I found myself not caring as much for Zarsyn's small POVs and believe McCabe could have done without her perspective, or kept it for another novel with her full story in.

Despite this, I enjoyed Reine's POV, especially when her chapters were introduced with citations from inworld texts.
56 reviews
January 30, 2023
I got the pleasure of being an ARC reader for this book. A hero who is braver than he realizes, A heroin who is stronger than she knows. A quest to save all they know if they can only comes to terms with their reality. A story within a story. Manipulation, treachery, soul deep love, this story has it all. Once I started reading I couldn't put it down till the last page. Even now I am looking forward to reading it again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jessica.
67 reviews
February 12, 2023
I have really been on a fantasy kick lately and this book did not disappoint
I will say the first few chapters had me a little confused just trying to keep everything straight but I’m also a complete newb to Norse mythology so I think that makes sense.
Once I started to understand more of what was being described, I found myself completely immersed.

It’s a beautifully written story with adventure and some romance. And I freaking loved it.
Profile Image for Amanda Schumacher.
305 reviews12 followers
January 27, 2023
Love this book!! It’s full of love, adventure, cursed dragons.. Avri and Reine are soooo meant to be together! The quest given to Avri by the king seemed straight forward… but it ends up complicated and fascinating.. the cursed dragon is a huge surprise! To find out what happens… read it for yourself!
Profile Image for Lacee  Kuhn.
266 reviews5 followers
January 28, 2023
I’m going to be honest I was confused in the first part of the book and I had some trouble keeping the characters straight in the beginning. Once I got the hang of the the characters though it was a good story line. The story was filled with magic, dragons, family, friendship, and love in an adventurous journey. Totally worth the read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews

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