Dragons Beyond the Pale (Jane Austen's Dragons, #7) in Austen Lovers TBR Challenge 2021

Apr 25, 2021 Sheila Majczan rated it it was amazing

The action doesn't stop in this fantasy tale. There is so much happening: some of it part of the preparations for the Cotillion in which Sage Elizabeth has been assigned four ladies to present: Georgiana Darcy, Mrs. Mary Collins, Lady Lydia Bennet and Mrs. Anne Wentworth. It is obvious that the she-dragons are hoping that Elizabeth with be embarrassed as there is just so much that these four much know perfectly when presented. It is more that what their greetings and posturing should be for the The action doesn't stop in this fantasy tale. There is so much happening: some of it part of the preparations for the Cotillion in which Sage Elizabeth has been assigned four ladies to present: Georgiana Darcy, Mrs. Mary Collins, Lady Lydia Bennet and Mrs. Anne Wentworth. It is obvious that the she-dragons are hoping that Elizabeth with be embarrassed as there is just so much that these four much know perfectly when presented. It is more that what their greetings and posturing should be for the various levels in the Blue Order, but they must also know various dance steps and have new gowns ordered. Elizabeth organizes a way to meet the demand but the she-dragons are not finished in their opposition.

While visiting with the Gardiners one little fairy dragon has learned a new trick at the urging of Joshua Gardiner. Little does Elizabeth or any of the Gardiners realize what that trick will bring down upon them.

Then we learn of sea dragons who are insulted and taken aback that they have been left out of the protection of the Blue Order and in fact are considered outside of the domain of the Blue Order. Their attitudes and positions when a crime is committed bring the two worlds to the edge of a fierce confrontation...a war may be in the immediate future.

I will admit that each time a dragon or his/her keeper came on the scene I had to pause and attempt to place them in the order of things.

There are some injuries to both humans and dragons. There is a storm at sea which threatens not only several ships but a smaller vessel in which some have been forced to embark.

While there are no new romances coming to fore in this story we have both Darcy and Elizabeth and their baby and Anne & Frederick Wentworth all doing their part and even going against orders when the situation demands it.

Mr. Bennet, a historian, has some thoughts and then actions having to do with his relationship with his daughter and with the need to track down information in some of the journals which might help solve not only the kidnapping but the mysteries around several groups of dragons...sea dragons and fairy dragons play a big part in this story.

This is not a stand-alone story. You should read the books in this series in order. The author does offer a chance to down load a copy of her index when signing up for her Dragon newsletters. I was actually wishing for a drawing of each dragon as there were so many descriptions of the various ones I could not keep that in my mind as I read on and came to another one.

I enjoyed this story as it had lots of angst which I enjoy. I highly recommend it. ...more

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Apr 25, 2021 Debbie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: kindle-unlimited, jaff

I have no idea how Ms. Grace does it. I'd be expecting a book series to be running out of steam or needing to recycle plot lines after six books, but this seventh story is just as action-filled as all the previous books, and I'm drooling for more.

Now that Elizabeth has been established as the Blue Order's Dragon Sage, she and Darcy are hoping for a respite from all the previous challenges they've weathered. Instead, they're thrown into a maelstrom of new problems.

The other Ladies of the Blue Or I have no idea how Ms. Grace does it. I'd be expecting a book series to be running out of steam or needing to recycle plot lines after six books, but this seventh story is just as action-filled as all the previous books, and I'm drooling for more.

Now that Elizabeth has been established as the Blue Order's Dragon Sage, she and Darcy are hoping for a respite from all the previous challenges they've weathered. Instead, they're thrown into a maelstrom of new problems.

The other Ladies of the Blue Order, jealous of Elizabeth's elevation in their ranks, have maneuvered things to force her sponsorship of four candidates at the upcoming Dragon Keepers' Cotillion: Lady Anne Wentworth, Miss Georgiana Darcy, Mrs. Mary Collins, and Miss Lydia Bennet. There's far more to this than a simple ball, and the obvious intent is to overload Elizabeth in order to embarrass her and take her down a few pegs.

Darcy is immediately summoned to see the Earl of Matlock, as the Order is facing another threat that could obliterate the Pendragon Accords and start a nasty dragon war. The earl is reluctant to involve Elizabeth despite her position as Dragon Sage, believing her to be too impulsive and reckless for such a delicate situation.

And young Joshua Gardiner has innocently encouraged his fairy dragon Friend, Phoenix, to learn an unusual trick, not realizing that this will precipitate a crisis related to the threat the earl has been warned about.

The depth of Ms. Grace's imaginary universe continues to expand, with new species of dragons encountered both on land and in the ocean. The politics and posturing of dragons and warm-bloods drive the action more than romance, though the bonds between Elizabeth and Darcy and between Anne and Wentworth are always present. The smaller, usually underestimated dragons show their mettle here when their help is needed the most, but it requires orders from the Blue Order to be disregarded in order to take advantage of their skills.

This is a wonderful, fantastical adventure from beginning to end. It provides a satisfying conclusion to the Blue Order's immediate problems, but there are unresolved larger issues - so there must be at least an eighth book coming, or maybe more!

Highly recommend, but read the previous books in this series first. Content is clean. ...more

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May 10, 2021 Carole (in Canada) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: regency, variations, pride-prejudice, favorites, austenesque, persuasion, fantasy

Dominance. Diplomacy. Danger. Intrigue. Jealousy.

"Not to minimize your outstanding success, my dear, but I hope our stay in London is not nearly so interesting." (quote from the book)

All is not well when Lady Elizabeth and Lord Darcy return to London from Bath to prepare for the Dragon Keeper's Cotillion. Not even home for an hour, and Lord and Lady Matlock descend on Darcy House. Lady Matlock has informed Lady Elizabeth she is presenting not only Miss Darcy at the Dragon Keeper's Cotillion, but Dominance. Diplomacy. Danger. Intrigue. Jealousy.

"Not to minimize your outstanding success, my dear, but I hope our stay in London is not nearly so interesting." (quote from the book)

All is not well when Lady Elizabeth and Lord Darcy return to London from Bath to prepare for the Dragon Keeper's Cotillion. Not even home for an hour, and Lord and Lady Matlock descend on Darcy House. Lady Matlock has informed Lady Elizabeth she is presenting not only Miss Darcy at the Dragon Keeper's Cotillion, but two of her sisters and Anne Wentworth! Lord Matlock has requested to see Darcy privately. This can't be good and Lady Elizabeth, the Dragon Sage, is not to be told!

Why was it so difficult to convince the men of the Council that things often went better when she was brought into a concern earlier rather than later." (quote from the book)

This was an edge-of-your seat drama that did not let up. Danger lurks around every corner and petty jealousies add to the mix. But when a young Fairy Dragon and his young Friend reveal an ability never seen before, the unthinkable happens! Why would this be the catalyst? Who is behind it and will the Blue Order be able to avoid a Dragon War?

"Sir, I think you underestimate Elizabeth's position with the dragons. The problem will not be having one ready to come to our aid. I fear there will be far too many dragons ready to exact justice for this insult to the Order." (quote from the book)

The intensity peaks even further. Unexpected alliances and bravery are the order of the day. Anne Wentworth soon shows her mettle and she was brilliant. Darcy and Wentworth...what can I say but that I loved seeing them come together to fight for what they believe was right, along with the dragons who really are the heroes/heroines!

"She might not like playing dominance games, but that did not mean she was unprepared for it." (quote from the book)

All I can say is to start with the first book, 'Pemberley: Mr. Darcy's Dragon', in order to fully follow the series and learn about each of the various dragons and the Blue Order. And remember: "Think like a dragon." (quote from the book) ...more

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May 07, 2021 MichelleH H rated it it was amazing

Shelves: have-audible-version, favorite-author, 2021-jaff-tbr-challange

Update: I listened to the audio book over the weekend narrated by the wonderful Benjamin Fife, and it was all that I'd hoped for. I believe I liked it even more the second time through and since I just gobbled it up the first time (what a page turner!!) I noticed some things that I hadn't truly paid attention to the first time. Really amazing work, Maria. And now too, Benjamin.

I highly recommend this entire series and this most recent book is just as great if not even the best so far, although Update: I listened to the audio book over the weekend narrated by the wonderful Benjamin Fife, and it was all that I'd hoped for. I believe I liked it even more the second time through and since I just gobbled it up the first time (what a page turner!!) I noticed some things that I hadn't truly paid attention to the first time. Really amazing work, Maria. And now too, Benjamin.

I highly recommend this entire series and this most recent book is just as great if not even the best so far, although don't make me pick a favorite. But please start with book 1.

Dragons Beyond the Pale is full of nail biting action, complicated politics, equally complicated and frustrating female hierarchical machinations. We also gain the unfortunate knowledge of many more dragons and their pompous attitudes toward the smaller of their own kind to the extent they are abused, even enslaved or hunted for sport after offering them to their own keepers.

That last comes into play when it causes Elizabeth, her cousin Joshua and his fairy dragon Phoenix to be kidnapped. This event is THE crisis for Darcy, Elizabeth's sisters, her aunt and uncle and her father. But no one at the Blue order seems to take her recovery seriously. 'Yes, it's too bad, but we have bigger problems here, and by-the-way you are working with me on my problems not yours.' (Matlock.) Darcy and Wentworth are sent in opposite directions to do what looks to anyone with a bit of sense as busy work. When their mission to find evidence of smuggling in dragon parts peters out, but are still told to stay where they are and keep at it, Darcy and Wentworth come up up with their own plan. This made me believe that Matlock had actually contrived to have the kidnapping happen himself, he was that frustrating.

The ending was very satisfying but things are left enough up in the air that make us pant for the next book. For my part I cannot wait for the audio version of Beyond the Pale. I also was not satisfied with Matlock's situation in the end. There's a lot more going on there and I think we'll learn more in the next book. Beyond the Pale is book 7, and it has lost none of the momentum, creativity, excitement or amazing world building yet, that you might think a series this long would. Oh, no. Oh keep them coming Maria Grace! ...more

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May 01, 2021 Talia rated it it was amazing

I need to read the next part!! Love this series. I don't want it to end.

Reread: So excited that I finally have the next one to read. ...more

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Jul 17, 2023 Sophia rated it it was amazing

Shelves: historical-pnr-uf-fantasy, jane-austen-austenesque

Continuing with the Jane Austen's Dragons series, I enjoyed diving back into the gaslamp fantasy world peopled with Jane Austen characters and a variety of dragons tangled in intrigue and relationships. Maria Grace has penned a superbly engaging world that immerses the reader from page one.

Dragons Beyond the Pale is the seventh entry in a tightly connected series.

In this book, Darcy and Elizabeth with their entourage depart Bath and arrive in London to discover that life is about to get more com ...more

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Oct 14, 2021 Rita Deodato rated it it was amazing

Review Published at:
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Dragon’s Beyond the Pale is Maria Grace’s latest book in the Jane Austen’s Dragons series, and she was able to once more surprise me with the introductions of new dragons and new plots.

I was expecting a book that would take place mainly in parlors and ball rooms, but I was pleasantly surprised to see that even though the book starts by introducing the preparations for the cotillion, it soon changes the main plot into an adventure where ...more

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Jul 11, 2021 Joan rated it it was amazing

Avid Reader

What an adventure Elizabeth, Joshua,and Phoenix had after they were kidnapped. Elizabeth 's kidnapping made Anne realize how much her father and sister Elizabeth had taken from her after April, the fairy Dragon was injured. Mary became close to Elizabeth and supported her in a way that Jane could not because Mary was a keeper of a dragon. Wentworth, Darcy, Longbourn, Laconia, and sea dragon saved Elizabeth with information from April, a fairy dragon. The sea dragons also destroyed the ...more

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Sep 09, 2021 Kimberly rated it really liked it

Absolutely intriguing adventure

Dragons Beyond the Pale is a fantastic adventure read that deals with abduction, spiteful "she-dragons", ignorant order members, and sea dragons. How will it all come together? Who do we trust? Sitting in baited breath awaiting the next installment. ...more

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