Book Review: Scales and Sensibility (Regency Dragons) by Stephanie Burgis

Scales and Sensibility is the first book in the Regency Dragons series by Stephanie Burgis. Sensible, practical Elinor Tregarth really did plan to be the model poor relation when she moved into her aunt and uncle's house. She certainly never meant to kidnap her awful cousin Penelope's pet dragon. She never expected to fall in love with the shameless - but surprisingly sweet - fortune hunter who came to court Penelope, either. And she never dreamed that she would have to enter into an outrageous magical charade to save her younger sisters' futures. However, even the most brilliant scholars of 1817 England still haven't ferreted out all the lurking secrets of rediscovered dragonkind, and even the most sensible of heroines can still make a reckless wish or two when she's pushed. Now Elinor will have to find out just how rash and resourceful she can be when she sets aside all common sense. Maybe, just maybe, she'll even be impractical enough to win her own true love and a happily ever after, with the unpredictable and dangerous "help" of the magical creature who has adopted her.

Scales and Sensibility is a delightful read and my only disappointment is that I let it sit in my TBR pile for as long as I did. I loved the characters, and was thoroughly invested in Elinor's adventures from the beginning. Discovering the personalities and secrets of the characters along with her was a engaging journey, although I admit that there were a few times that I would have loved to have known what was going on in the minds of other characters on occasion. There were many times that I suspected certain twists and was glad to see them play out, but there were just as many points of the story that had me very concerned as to how it was all going to work out. I thought the dash of magic was just right, and drew me further into the world of the story, and eager to ferret out even more information. The secondary characters, story, and world building were well paced and balanced. The story came to a satisfying conclusion, but left me wanting more. The perfect blend of each for a series starter- and I will eagerly continue with this series. 

Scales and Sensibility is a charming start to a new series, and I cannot wait to see where the story goes from here.

Book Review: Creature Files Dragons: Encounter 20 Mythical Monsters by L J Tracosas

Creature Files Dragons: Encounter 20 Mythical Monsters by L J Tracosas is a children's book that blends fact and fiction. Do you believe dragons are simply the scaly stuff of myths? Or do you think they really existed? Whatever side you're on, this collection of twenty fascinating creatures is sure to spark your imagination.  In Creature Files: Dragons, you’ll take a tour through the world of fire-breathing, gold-hoarding, three-headed monsters and discover where and how these magical creatures came to be. Learn the unique folklore of cultures around the globe, from China to Russia to Eastern Africa, and see how people envisioned these otherworldly beasts through lush and evocative illustrations. Included are many meaty facts to gnaw on—like which dragon had too many teeth to count, and which dragon had teeth as big as a man’s arm—along with a realistic dragon-tooth necklace! And science lovers will also find something to sink their teeth into: facts about real-life dragons that exist today. These dragons may not breathe fire, but they share some of the same traits as their mythical brethren.

Creature Files Dragons: Encounter 20 Mythical Monsters is a nice exploration of how myths about creatures share certain traits across the world, but also differ in some ways. Dragon lore, and other legends, has always been one of my favorite topics.. I like that pronunciation is included for the different types of dragons from around the world, and the roles that dinosaur fossils played in the legends. I enjoyed the illustrations, especially how they detailed the features of the different dragon legends. I was very interested to see how the heads of some resembled well know animals- snakes, warthogs, fish, birds, and so on. I also liked that maps showing where the countries of origin for each type of dragon legend is included on the page with the information. I also like the inclusion of some creatures that I never considered to be part of dragon lore, but share similar features and traits- such as the hydra and cockatrice. I always considered them their own kind of creature, rather than part of a larger classification, but the little bit of lore given does explain these inclusions. My only two complains are that the font chosen for some of the text makes it hard to read, particularly in digital file, and that there are many different creatures included, the information offered about each is minimal, although well worded and interesting. 

Creature Files Dragons is an attractive and interesting read for those interested in mythical creatures in general, and dragons in particular. It is far from comprehensive, but offers some good bits of legends, lore, and information. The artwork is very eye catching and well done, and I found myself studying the art much more intently that the text. I can think of many middle grade readers that will read, enjoy and likely re read this book- but at a fan of the topic I was hoping for a little bit more. 

Book Review: Dragons; Father and Son by Alexander Lacroix, Ronan Badel

Dragons; Father and Son is a picturebook written by Alexander Lacroix, and illustrated by Ronan Badel. Poor little Drake! He doesn’t WANT to be a fire-breathing beast—but his traditional dad insists that he do what dragons have always done: destroy all the houses in town. With no choice but to obey, he reluctantly sets out to the village. Then, he meets a boy, a teacher, and a kind fisherman who show him there’s more than one way to be a good dragon. Filled with humor and compassion, this story will enchant children and encourage them to love themselves for who they are.

Dragons; Father and Son is a wonderful little story. I liked that the dragons are not the cute, cuddly dragons that so often appear in picturebooks. I also like that Drake is open to learning, and that he does not want to hurt anyone, but he does not want to anger his father. I think there are way too many young people with parents like the father in this story at home. Adults that hate or fear another group just because their family always has. I love that Drake got to know the people, and discovered that they are not so different, and that they just want to live their lives. Aside from the that part of the story, which could be seen as political, it is also a story about being true to yourself. Little Drake does not want to hurt anyone, and makes friends with the people. I like that he took that knowledge home, and using smarts and words was able to change his father's mind. 

Book Review: The Dragon Hunters (Dragon Brothers) by James Russell, Link Choi

The Dragon Hunters is the first illustrated chapter book in The Dragon Brother trilogy written by James Russell and illustrated by Link Choi. Living on an island means life is full of adventure for brothers Flynn and Paddy. So when a dragon swoops out of the sky and nabs their beloved dog, Coco, Flynn and Paddy know it's up to them to bring her home. That night, they pack their bags, make some terrible sandwiches, and set off on an epic adventure. 

The Dragon Hunters is a short and imaginative book in rhyme for young readers. The boys have an adventure to save their dog from a dragon, and do so with wit and humor. The illustrations are full of color, detail, and whimsy. As ab bonus for the technologically inclined young readers, the map in this book come alive with the use of your phone or tablet, once you download a free AR Reads app. If you do use the app, you can see and hear dragons fly, geysers gush, and get a glimpse of your favorite characters in action. A great incentive to get readers more interested in technology than print books to check it out.

Early Book Review: The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart by Stephanie Burgis

The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart by Stephanie Burgis is a middle grade novel currently scheduled for release on May 30 2017. Aventurine is the fiercest, bravest dragon there is. And she's ready to prove it to her family by leaving the safety of their mountain cave and capturing the most dangerous prey of all: a human. But when the human she finds tricks her into drinking enchanted hot chocolate, Aventurine is transformed into a puny human girl with tiny blunt teeth, no fire, and not one single claw. But she's still the fiercest creature in the mountains, and now she's found her true passion: chocolate! All she has to do is get herself an apprenticeship (whatever that is) in a chocolate house (which sounds delicious), and she'll be conquering new territory in no time, won't she?

The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart is fantasy and a coming of age story that is charming and heartwarming. Adventurine is much like any other tween and teen, tired of being told what to do my family and those around them. She is a dragon, raised with a very clear notion of what people are like, and how dragons should be. She is tired of being underestimated and kept from doing what she wants to do. When her attempt at proving herself goes wrong, she is forced to face the human world as one of us, and find her own way. She faces many different kids of people, while the particulars are different from what we see now because of the setting- the attempts at manipulation, friendship, and other activities ring true. Adventurine needs to figure out how to get by, who she is,  and what she wants regardless of shape. I liked the messages that were woven through the book about being yourself, following your passion, judging everyone by their own merits, and friendship. I also liked the way the characters ended the story- but I do not want to ruin that for you, but I cannot imagine a better conclusion for the book. 

The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart is a well written fantasy. I think that the characters are relatable and will resonate with many middle grade and teen readers. 

Book Review: Undiscovered (Amoveo Rising) by Sara Humphreys

Undiscovered is the first book in the Amoveo Rising series by Sara Humphreys, which is a spin off and continuation of the Amoveo Legend series. If you have read the previous series you will be at an advantage, but readers new to this world will be able to catch up quickly and enjoy the story.

A long time ago, Zander Lorens was cursed to walk the earth stripped of his Dragon Clan powers. Every night, trapped in a recurring nightmare, Zander relives his darkest moment. He can hardly believe it when the dream changes and a beautiful young woman appears. Zander believes she's the key to ending his torment. Finding her in the real world is one thing, but how will he convince her of who-and what-she really is? Rena McHale uses her unique sensitivity as a private investigator, touting herself as a "human divining rod" and finder of the lost. By day she struggles with sensory overload, and by night her sleep is haunted by a fiery dragon shifter. Nothing in her life makes sense, until the man from her dreams shows up at her door with a proposition.

Undiscovered has a good mix of character and story development. I like that both Zander and Rena have their own issues and stories, and that Rena has some sense of self preservation- even if she does run off with a random guy for a case, money, and answers. Zander's punishing of himself for his role in what has happened gets a little old, and Rena's almost perfection does wear a little thin after awhile. However, I like that they are fairly honest with each other, if not everyone else or themselves. I really liked how they came to terms with their own desires, but found that they came together almost too easily. I did think that the story was likely just the groundwork to start of the new series, and to connect it to the previous stories. However, despite its faults it did make for a diverting read while my kids made the attempt to drive me insane over April vacation.

Undiscovered is an entertaining urban fantasy. It has the balance of good writing, adventure, and romance that I have come to expect from the other books I have read by Humphreys. Not earth shatteringly wonderful, but an engaging read to escape into and enjoy.

Book Review: Renegade Dragon by Lolita Lopez

Renegade Dragon is the fourth book in the Dragon Heat series by Lolita Lopez. I have read two of the three previous books, but think newcomers could enjoy the read without the full back story, but as always knowing a bit more of the mythology and about the main players always helps. The previous books are Dead Sexy Dragon, Red Hot Dragon, and Wicked Dark Dragon. 

When her best friend goes missing during Spring Break, bio-engineering student Eris Jones refuses to believe Ivy is dead and follows the trail of clues to a mysterious, secluded estate. Locked away in the lair beneath his home, dragon shifter Niko Drakon suffers terribly from a massive overdose of a synthetic drug that forces his body into the mating heat. When her sweet, alluring scent hits him, Niko's dragon overtakes him and he breaks free from his bonds. Captured by the snarling, winged creature, Eris thinks she must be hallucinating when her touch transforms him into a human male-a dangerously sexy and highly seductive male. After one taste of Eris, Niko realizes a single week will never be enough. He wants her forever by his side and in his bed. But convincing the human to take a chance on a dragon won't be easy and suddenly Niko is faced with the hardest choice in his centuries of life.

Renegade Dragon is a high action, and entertaining read. I like that Eris an independent, smart woman. I did not like her immediate acceptance to Nico and all the weird that goes along with having eaten a mythical apple and being chased down by a dragon slash man after having broken into his house in search of her missing best friend. Yes, mates and pheromones, and mystical whatever, but there was no real adjustment or freaking out, or anything. she just kind of goes with it even after all hell breaks loose. That always bothers me. Not that I want a woman (or man for that matter) to freak out and get hysterical, but some actual concerns or safety attempts might be a better option than sleeping with the random dragon guy. Just saying. Niko is a good guy, a bit one dimensional but it has been so long since I have read anything from the series that I have forgotten any previous knowledge of his character and why he had himself locked in a dungeon while pumped full of a synthetic drug that strengthened his urge to mate- which strikes me as a really bad idea-  but I am reasonably certain there must have been a reason. Once you get past logic and desire to survive, the story is a lot of fun. It is high action, with some high drama moments. The inclusion of a bit of mythology was fun, and I liked the touch of science as well. A good read for staying warm on a snow day, which is when I read it.

Renegade Dragon is a good paranormal romance, but the insta-love and acceptance that is so important in getting mates together her, and the shrugging off all the weird is what makes the series less than perfect for me. Great for a hot weekend read, but not a series that I would hunt down or re read. 

Book Review: Jarek (Dragons of Preor) by Celia Kyle as Erin Tate

Jarek (Dragons of Preor) by Celia Kyle as Erin Tate is the first book in a romance series. I am not sure if I should dub this or the previous related series science fiction or paranormal romance. The males in this series are dragon shifters from space and it tales place in the future... so call it what ever you want.

At 457 Preor years old, Jarek sen Claron is a dragon ready for his final flight into the skies. This voyage to Earth as the War Master of the third fleet will be his final assignment. Once he has helped his fellow Preors secure human mates, he will return to Preor before the madness of loneliness overtakes his mind. That all changes when he meets Melissa. Human Melissa with her sparkling eyes, bright smile, and body that would make any hot-blooded male drool. Unfortunately, she never registered as a Preor mate hopeful. No matter, the Knowing stretches between them and there is no way she can resist him. Until she does. Jarek wishes to give her the choice to mate him, while everything inside him screams to take Melissa beneath his wing, now. No choosing necessary.  But should he draw her to his side when his enemies are circling? Many males do not believe the son of a Preor mass murderer deserves to have a mate. Can he survive the coming battles? Or will he die without tasting sweet Melissa’s lips?

Jarek was a fast, fun read. I liked that Jarek and Melissa work through their issues in their own time. They have several cultural and personal issues to work through- especially personal doubts and worries about worthiness. I really like that they do work things out, and actually discuss those issues rather than just throwing their hands in the air and blindly following the Knowing. I hate when the "mate" factor comes into play and magically all other problems magically disappear. I also liked that in this series opener the couple does not hop into bed until those issues are discussed and resolved. It made everything a little more real.

Jarek was not great literature, but it was a fun read and kept me warm on a winter holiday weekend. I will admit to having quickly binge read the next three books in the series in the same long weekend. All of the books offer a variety of emotional issues and a different time frame for the physical and emotional attachment between the main couple. They each offer just enough of a hint about the couple that will appear in the next book that curiosity kept me reading the series long after I should have moved on to something else.

Book Review: Not His Dragon by Annie Nichols

Not His Dragon by Annie Nichols is a paranormal romance. Eoin Grant hasn’t encountered a female of his race in decades, and this crazy person’s scent declares her unmated. Fate set her in his path, and he won’t let this opportunity slip through his claws. No matter how wary she is of him. After all, how many chances does a dragon have at finding love? But fate can be a crueler mistress than his perfect mate. Of all things, she thinks she’s human. Business is taking off for Angie Weldon. She put her freakishly sharp nails to good use when she opened her back-scratching spa in downtown New Porter City. The local shifter community pounced on her skills and she’s knee-deep in shed fur. By the end of the year, if lucky, she could afford to move out of her crappy apartment. Dollar signs flash before Angie’s eyes when a dark, brooding stranger books her solid for a week but she notices the possessive fury in his glare. She’s been around enough shifters to know the look, and she won’t go down that road again. Angie is literally swept off her feet by the intense shifter and he wants more from her than she’s willing to give. She figures it’s best to avoid eye contact and back away slowly. Until he changes her life by insisting she’s a dragon. 




Not His Dragon is a fun paranormal romance. Angie is a quirky heroine, although her internal dialogue in the very first chapter almost had me putting the book down. I am glad I kept reading though, because the read was fun with several twists and plenty of world building. I thought this might be part of a series, but so far I have not found any evidence of that. I liked the interplay between Angie and Eoin, and that our dragon had to admit some vulnerability to our heroine before we normally see that kind of sharing in romance involving alpha males of any species. There were several very funny moments, and some that were very high tension. I liked that there was a nice mix of mystery, romance, suspense, and magic throughout the read. There were faults, several of the twists were fun but either not fully developed or unnecessary, but I enjoyed the read on a snowy weekend as I stayed snug and dry indoors.

Early Book Review: My Wild Irish Dragon by Ashlyn Chase

My Wild Irish Dragon by Ashlyn Chase is the second book in the Boston Dragons series. It is schedule for release on September 6 2016. The first book, I Dream of Dragons, is connected by characters, but I think that readers coming fresh to the story will be able to enjoy the story without having read the previous book.

Dragon shifter Chloe Arish is hell-bent on becoming a Boston firefighter. She uses her Irish charm and fake documents to score an interview, knowing she has to work every bit as hard as a man, harder if she wants their respect. Born into a legendary Boston firefighting family, phoenix shifter Ryan Fiero can't possibly let someone best him on the training course or the job. He'd never hear the end of it. When a feisty new recruit comes along who's determined to do just that, Ryan plots to kick her out-until their sizzling chemistry turns explosive.

My Wild Irish Dragon gives the assertive sister of the Irish dragon clan that has started settling into Boston her story. Chloe wants to help people, she has the skills and strength to be a firefighter so that is what she wants to do. Ryan comes from a family of fire fighters, and he cannot imagine doing anything else. The pair begin as rivals, but soon verbal sparing and competition turns into something much better. As they find their way together the pair need to keep their secrets, including their paranormal sides and couple status so they they are not separated on the job. As always, challenges keep popping up and inner doubts of the characters are shared regularly. I liked them both, and felt like their connection was solid. I think they fell together more easily than I am used to, but got to have an extra large surprise at the end because of that. It was a fun read, just not one that had me staying up late to finish.

My Wild Irish Dragon is a fun romance with plenty of chemistry and complications. While not the best paranormal romance I have read, it was an entertain read and I liked that the world of paranormal creatures n Chase’s books just expanded again. 

Book Review: Dragon’s Heart (Dragon Fey Saga #1) by Michelle Rabe

Dragon’s Heart is the first book in the Dragon Fey Saga by Michelle Rabe. Serena Harlowe always knew her place. A foundling placed with the tutor of Illedrian royalty, she grew to be a talented fighter. After rising to the rank of lieutenant in the royal army, she proves her worth and thwarts the attempted assassination of the man she loves. The selfless act will change her life forever and start a chain of events that will unlock her hidden past.

Dragon’s Heart is a multilayered start to a series that offer high fantasy, romance, and fierce female characters. Killian is the human prince, fierce and fair but tired of doing his family's bidding and dealing with the marriage mart when he already found the woman of his dreams. Serena is a foundling that has been raised around the palace and worked hard to become part of the guard that protects the kingdom. Neither know that the Dark Fey, which everyone assumes are gone, are pulling strings and trying to take over, while the Dragon Fey are not quite extinct either and both are much closer to things than anyone might expect. The characters each are multi dimensional, and have growth as the book progresses, this is true both the main characters and the secondary characters. Royal expectations, life, and love are all on the line as Serena's past comes to light and best friends turned lovers have bigger obstacles to over come than either could have expected. Secondary characters and the expanding world make this an extremely interesting and entertaining read. I am looking forward to seeing where all this goes next.

Dragon’s Heart is a solid opening to what promises to be an interesting series. I enjoyed the character and world building, and while many questions are answered there are some interesting options left open at the end of the book. The balance between satisfying readers and leaving them looking forward to the next book is done close to perfectly here.

Book Review: The Faerie Godmother’s Apprentice Wore Green by Nicky Kyle

The Faerie Godmother’s Apprentice Wore Green by Nicky Kyle is a short but interesting story. The village of Styesville has a dragon problem, and is in sore need of a knight in shining armor to solve it for them. Instead, they get a strange traveler in a ragged cloak they barely even notice at first. Worse still, it soon becomes clear the problem setting fire to their village isn't as simple as a dragon.

The Faerie Godmother’s Apprentice Wore Green is a new take on the idea of fearie godmothers and wishes coming true. I liked the twists, and the cloaked figure that leads the show. I did not like that readers do not get to see much, if any character development or growth. We are told how things happen, and some of why, but there is little emotional attachment or pressure felt as the story unfolds. I did like that sexuality was mentioned, but in a way that made it clear that in their world love is not held to gender stereotypes. I also like that the pressures of parents for their children is covered, but again since readers do not get into the hearts and minds of the characters much all of it seemed a little flat. I enjoyed the concept, and the plot, but sadly was not as invested in the fate of the characters as I might have been otherwise.

The Faerie Godmother’s Apprentice Wore Green is a story that offers a nice twist, but does not do a whole lot of character development. The plot was good, but I felt like it could have been so much more. 

Book Review: I Dream of Dragons by Ashlyn Chase

I Dream of Dragons is the first book in the Boston Dragons series by Ashlyn Chase. While this is the start of a new series, Chase fans will recognize the Boston location and several characters from the Strange Neighbors series. It can stand on its own just fine, but readers that are caught up on the entire reading list from Chase might see some of their favorite characters have a cameo here.

When Rory Arish and his two fiery dragon siblings are run out of their ancestral Irish home, it seems their luck has run out. That is until they arrive in Boston and find a paranormal-friendly apartment building. There is only one problem; Rory's new lair has simultaneously been rented to an infuriating woman who is as stubborn as she is beautiful and will not leave 'her' apartment matter how steamed he may be. Amber McNally is a down-on-her-luck flight attendant. She needs this apartment, and not even a fire-breathing dragon with his Irish charm and scorching good looks is going to scare her away. Holing up in their respective corners, a battle of wills ensues. Who will be the first to blink, or give in to their off-the-charts chemistry and decide to make this unorthodox living arrangement a little more permanent? 

I Dream of Dragons is a great weekend read. Rory and his sister have been falsely accused for theft by leprechauns and banned from Ireland. Amber is looking for a new home and a new start in life. When the two desperate renters clash over an apartment and more things get heated in more ways than one. I like that we also get a look at how Rory's sister settle in and the leprechauns search for the missing gold. This might be a fun, light hearted read with plenty of humor and hot moments. However, it is not simple. There is plenty going on and it kept me eagerly turning pages and looking forward to see what crazy thing was going to happen next. Supernaturals of all sorts, including ghosts and muses, keep things very interesting. I got a kick out of the book and am fast becoming a fan of Chase.

I Dream of Dragons is a fast and fun paranormal romance. I like that there were several interesting new characters introduced and I wonder where Chase will take the dragons and residence of the paranormal club from here.

Book Review: Dragon Fall by Katie MacAlister

Dragon Fall is the first book in the Black Dragons series, which is the fourth sub series in the larger Dragon Sept series by Katie MacAlister. I have missed a few books along the way in the grand scheme of this series but feel like I was able to get back into the swing of things pretty quickly.

 

For Aoife Dakar, seeing is believing-and she's seen some extraordinary things. It's too bad no one else believes that she witnessed a supernatural murder at an outdoor fair. Before Aoife can really get settled after returning to the scene of the crime she encounters a wise-cracking demon dog and a naked man who can shift into a dragon and kiss like a god.  Kostya has no time for a human woman with endless questions, no matter how gorgeous or tempting she is. He must break the curse that has splintered the dragon clans before more of his kind die. But his powerful attraction to Aoife runs much deeper than the physical-and there may be more to her than even his sharp dragon eyes can see. To survive the coming battle for the fate of his race, he needs a mate of true heart and soul.

Dragon Fall is a great return to the world of McAlester’s worlds of dragons and magic. I missed a few books, so I do not know the details of the curse, except for how they are described and play out in this book. However, I felt like I caught up to speed quickly, particularly since Aoife needed to learn everything about the dragons and Jim (the demon dog) for the first time. I liked  Aoife’s nature and outlook on life, how she was able to stay so good natured after being institutionalized by her siblings is astounding to me. Kostya has been through so much as well, and the pair have great understanding and a strong connection because of their ordeals.  Figuring out just where they stand with each other, and with the magical community as a whole is full of choices and interesting encounters. However, do not think that the story is all doom and gloom because of their hard lives, the curse, and so on. There are plenty of laughs to be had. I really love how MacAlister makes me laugh on a regular basis through simply but effective moments in dialogue and situations.  

Dragon Fall reminds me of what had me eagerly reading the Aisling Grey books in the beginning of the Dragon Sept series. The characters are multi dimensional, quirky, and likable even when you want to kick them. The combination of action and humor is what made me a MacAlister fan to begin with, and that balance is in full effect here.