Book Review: Eight Simple Rules For Dating a Dragon (The Embraced) by Kerrelyn Sparks

Eight Simple Rules For Dating a Dragon is the third book in The Embraced series by Kerrelyn Sparks. While newcomers to the series will be able to enjoy the romance portion of the story, I think those that are reading the series in order will get more from the read, because of the ongoing intrigue and danger that carries through the series.

Gwennore has a talent, able to track down the cause of an illness and heal it, she’s a valuable asset to her people. But when the kidnapping of a young girl thrusts Gwennore into the very heart of the realm of the dragons, she discovers not only a place of power and magic, but also a haunted land, plagued by an ancient curse that all but ensures extinction to the royal family. When she meets the smoldering General Silas Dravenko, they strike a bargain to save the country from its cursed illness and return the kidnapped girl. Silas has no way of curing the family he’s loyally served for years. But when a beautiful elf, long considered the enemy of the dragons, comes bursting into his world, Silas is awakened to passion and desire in a way he’s never felt before. But can he trust a sworn enemy to save the very existence he holds dear? And can their love survive those that threaten to tear them apart?

Eight Simple Rules For Dating a Dragon is a story that captured me from the very start. Gwennore is sweet and strong, and constantly looked down on by most people because of her heritage. Like her sisters she was raised with no knowledge of her family, so has no idea who her parents are, or when an elven girl would be sent to the convent to be raised. When she hitches a ride on a dragon to stay with her kidnapped she had no idea what would happen next. She is dropping into a kingdom where the rulers are losing their minds, plots are underway, everyone is afraid, and poison could be anywhere. Silas is intrigued by Gwen, and needs to get to the bottom of the plots swirling around them. Secrets abound, as does attraction, but can they overcome it all to find a way? I liked that bother characters were strong, and that they stayed true to themselves through the book. I really loved Gwen's character, she is the perfect combination of soft and caring with a backbone of steel when needed. I also liked that at no point did Silas underestimate her, her had full respect for the women in his life, and acknowledges their skills and strengths.  As I have come to expect from from Sparks, the secondary characters are as well crafted and interesting as the main players. I am eager to see some more of them interact and hopefully see them find their own happy endings in future books.

Eight Simple Rules For Dating a Dragon is a nice addition to the series, and I am very much looking forward to what comes next.