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mefromson's review against another edition
5.0
Wonderful worldbuilding! Great story, loved the twists.
mellhay's review against another edition
4.0
Wow. Really enjoyed that tale of Dragons, adventures, in life and love.
*****Full Review*****
We meet Astrid as she is looking forward to her future, even after being given to the Child Seller and travels the land finding someone to buy her. To Astird it's better than where she came from, and what they did to her. Along the way he picks up another little girl, Mauri. Heading into Guell with both girls they come across a dragonslayer boy, DiStephan, and his father. Astrid is taken by the idea of a dragonslayer and thinks the boy is cute. This is the last town the Child Seller will attempt to shack Astrid, because of her marred face no one will take her, so she may die at the Child Sellers hand soon. The blacksmith, Temple, understands why Astrid is special, knowing what the scars are from, and is a strong person and takes her. Astrid is to stay inside the Smithery, where no one but Temple sees her, until she comes of age and can change her body to look as she wishes.
Over ten years later she's eighteen, loves being a blacksmith and realizes she loves DiStephan. However, eight months ago DiStephan did something that Astrid didn't approve of with a dragon. Sending him away, she didn't realize he'd not return. The town is left vulnerable until a new Dragon slayer arrives. However, the new Dragonslayer seems to take a liking to Astrid, creating issues for her; changing her body, and other things. But when a dragon shows up at her smithery one day, it's not good for her or her town...or is there something more here. When her town is then attacked by bandits and her past is drawn forth to Astrid, will she fight or hide from all of the world?
Astrid considers herself a monster, one people stare at and are scared of. As I went through the book I learned there is more behind the monster claim Astrid makes, other than just the scars all over her body. Her history is tied into this as well. Astrid was scarred by a dragon, chewed up and spit out. Astrid is physically and emotionally a scared character, from the time we meet her as a child. DiStephan, a very nice young man who helps Astrid, giving with the support of his father the name of someone who will take her if no other will. Someone they know. This being Temple.
Very Interesting!! People get to an age (maturity) and can change their bodies (allowed to do) to what they want. There are those who are strong enough to change others, which is NOT allowed to do, that can make the world dangerous. Astrid could hide her scars then. Then we have the Dragons. I really like the stories of the dragons in relation to the perception of others. Dragons see humans as small and weak, so people become so. But a few are strong enough to over come that forced change, hence they are Dragonslayers. The lore behind the dragons is interesting, and the ties it has with the storyline, really held me to the story to learn the way it works out.
This book is done in sections that highlights Astrids life, important pieces of her life. First we learn of her travel to Guell as a young girl. Then we jump to ten years later where Astrid is older, happy with life, and maybe even in love. We see times of when she learned to make a dragonslayers sword with her father-figure and mentor Temple.
In the first hundred pages I wasn't sure where the plot would lead. We meet Astrid and secondary characters. Grow attached and learn their life history leading to where they are now. This set up made me curious to Astrids scary past and scars and the ability to change ones skin, and to see the dragons as well. After that all falls apart and Astrid learns secrets of her past, her heritage, and of the true dragons.
I'm not one for metal yielding. I don't know much about how to do it, but Resa had to have taken great effort and time to learn it to describe it so detailed for me to understand what to do.
This story is of the birth of a dragonslayer. This story struck me as an adventure in love, not love of lovers but the love when you are where you belong and finding your way there. The love of friends and family, other than blood related. Being accepted by yourself for who you are and others accepting you as well. Feeling comfortable in your own skin. This adventure we take with Astrid as she is sold a few times, tries to fit in with her scars, hides who she is along with her scars of her scary past. A journey through life and love. A love for self and acceptance ~ with others and in ones eyes.
*****Full Review*****
We meet Astrid as she is looking forward to her future, even after being given to the Child Seller and travels the land finding someone to buy her. To Astird it's better than where she came from, and what they did to her. Along the way he picks up another little girl, Mauri. Heading into Guell with both girls they come across a dragonslayer boy, DiStephan, and his father. Astrid is taken by the idea of a dragonslayer and thinks the boy is cute. This is the last town the Child Seller will attempt to shack Astrid, because of her marred face no one will take her, so she may die at the Child Sellers hand soon. The blacksmith, Temple, understands why Astrid is special, knowing what the scars are from, and is a strong person and takes her. Astrid is to stay inside the Smithery, where no one but Temple sees her, until she comes of age and can change her body to look as she wishes.
Over ten years later she's eighteen, loves being a blacksmith and realizes she loves DiStephan. However, eight months ago DiStephan did something that Astrid didn't approve of with a dragon. Sending him away, she didn't realize he'd not return. The town is left vulnerable until a new Dragon slayer arrives. However, the new Dragonslayer seems to take a liking to Astrid, creating issues for her; changing her body, and other things. But when a dragon shows up at her smithery one day, it's not good for her or her town...or is there something more here. When her town is then attacked by bandits and her past is drawn forth to Astrid, will she fight or hide from all of the world?
Astrid considers herself a monster, one people stare at and are scared of. As I went through the book I learned there is more behind the monster claim Astrid makes, other than just the scars all over her body. Her history is tied into this as well. Astrid was scarred by a dragon, chewed up and spit out. Astrid is physically and emotionally a scared character, from the time we meet her as a child. DiStephan, a very nice young man who helps Astrid, giving with the support of his father the name of someone who will take her if no other will. Someone they know. This being Temple.
Very Interesting!! People get to an age (maturity) and can change their bodies (allowed to do) to what they want. There are those who are strong enough to change others, which is NOT allowed to do, that can make the world dangerous. Astrid could hide her scars then. Then we have the Dragons. I really like the stories of the dragons in relation to the perception of others. Dragons see humans as small and weak, so people become so. But a few are strong enough to over come that forced change, hence they are Dragonslayers. The lore behind the dragons is interesting, and the ties it has with the storyline, really held me to the story to learn the way it works out.
This book is done in sections that highlights Astrids life, important pieces of her life. First we learn of her travel to Guell as a young girl. Then we jump to ten years later where Astrid is older, happy with life, and maybe even in love. We see times of when she learned to make a dragonslayers sword with her father-figure and mentor Temple.
In the first hundred pages I wasn't sure where the plot would lead. We meet Astrid and secondary characters. Grow attached and learn their life history leading to where they are now. This set up made me curious to Astrids scary past and scars and the ability to change ones skin, and to see the dragons as well. After that all falls apart and Astrid learns secrets of her past, her heritage, and of the true dragons.
I'm not one for metal yielding. I don't know much about how to do it, but Resa had to have taken great effort and time to learn it to describe it so detailed for me to understand what to do.
This story is of the birth of a dragonslayer. This story struck me as an adventure in love, not love of lovers but the love when you are where you belong and finding your way there. The love of friends and family, other than blood related. Being accepted by yourself for who you are and others accepting you as well. Feeling comfortable in your own skin. This adventure we take with Astrid as she is sold a few times, tries to fit in with her scars, hides who she is along with her scars of her scary past. A journey through life and love. A love for self and acceptance ~ with others and in ones eyes.
bored_chloe's review against another edition
2.0
This book promised so much and I really hoped it would deliver and I wanted it to so badly. I was debating between 2 and 3 stars because while I liked it, there were some problems, so it would be a 2.5 if Goodreads allowed it. It started with interesting characters and a mystery. I continued reading, but mostly out of wanting to finish the book and be done with it that because it was page-turning, though it was really interesting at times.
The relationships were poorly developed with weak reasons for other characters to help or betray or attack other characters. The world building stated good but had little explanation and the large amounts of "oh, this can happen in this world?" At times it was confusing, and I'm not sure how some of the characters died or survived at points.
The plot... Half way through the book, I wasn't sure what the plot was. By the end, I still wasn't sure. It seemed more like a series of events the character was going through and I have no idea what the plot was, as I thought I had reached the climax of the story at around 60% of the way through.
Even though I was confused at plot, motivations and some character's relationships, it was a fun read. I still enjoyed it, but the problems weighed it down a little too much.
The relationships were poorly developed with weak reasons for other characters to help or betray or attack other characters. The world building stated good but had little explanation and the large amounts of "oh, this can happen in this world?" At times it was confusing, and I'm not sure how some of the characters died or survived at points.
The plot... Half way through the book, I wasn't sure what the plot was. By the end, I still wasn't sure. It seemed more like a series of events the character was going through and I have no idea what the plot was, as I thought I had reached the climax of the story at around 60% of the way through.
Even though I was confused at plot, motivations and some character's relationships, it was a fun read. I still enjoyed it, but the problems weighed it down a little too much.
justasking27's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Torture
ladilira's review against another edition
5.0
I have spent the past couple months working my way through this series. After having read her newest story for the companion series Dragonfly, I needed to know more about the characters I was being introduced to. The Dragonslayer Series, is the story of Astrid, a common blacksmith, who in the end is anything but common. Each book continues her journey and each one contains an element she must overcome to gain knowledge about herself and about the world she is destined to protect.
I find it sometimes hard to critique one book in a series when they are heavily connected — where the sequels are just a continuation of the story. Therefore, instead of talking about each one individually, I prefer to look at the series as a whole.
There are four books in the series: The Dragonslayer’s Sword, The Iron Maiden, The Stone of Darkness, and The Dragon’s Egg.
Once again Nelson had me hooked within the first couple chapters. Every element a good story should have Nelson included. I never felt anything was missing. Plot holes I was afraid would never be answered, were tidied up at the end. A clean, well-written, dragon-ish and magical adventure that I believe most fantasy buffs will enjoy. Nelson is a good storyteller and I feel a part of the world she created. A place where dragons are not always dragons, and what is a dragon exactly? A place where the bad guys aren’t always as awful as one first thought and like all of us have many complicated layers. The protagonist is a likeable character, she has suffered much in her life, and is always just looking to belong. But where does she belong is the ultimate question. I cannot recommend this series enough.
I saw a review about Nelson being a simple writer. I am not sure why that is supposed to be a bad thing? I personally read for enjoyment and appreciate an author who cares more about telling a good story than about sounding erudite. I enjoyed her writing and ease of her flowing words. She also had some great quotes that touched a cord in me.
If you are a fantasy lover like me, than I’m sure you will enjoy this story. A collection of cultures much like our own in history, Nelson breathes life and imagination into the creatures and civilizations we have only read about. A beautiful story that will appeal to many and to all ages.
My other reviews:
https://cellardoorbooks.wordpress.com/
I find it sometimes hard to critique one book in a series when they are heavily connected — where the sequels are just a continuation of the story. Therefore, instead of talking about each one individually, I prefer to look at the series as a whole.
There are four books in the series: The Dragonslayer’s Sword, The Iron Maiden, The Stone of Darkness, and The Dragon’s Egg.
Once again Nelson had me hooked within the first couple chapters. Every element a good story should have Nelson included. I never felt anything was missing. Plot holes I was afraid would never be answered, were tidied up at the end. A clean, well-written, dragon-ish and magical adventure that I believe most fantasy buffs will enjoy. Nelson is a good storyteller and I feel a part of the world she created. A place where dragons are not always dragons, and what is a dragon exactly? A place where the bad guys aren’t always as awful as one first thought and like all of us have many complicated layers. The protagonist is a likeable character, she has suffered much in her life, and is always just looking to belong. But where does she belong is the ultimate question. I cannot recommend this series enough.
I saw a review about Nelson being a simple writer. I am not sure why that is supposed to be a bad thing? I personally read for enjoyment and appreciate an author who cares more about telling a good story than about sounding erudite. I enjoyed her writing and ease of her flowing words. She also had some great quotes that touched a cord in me.
If you are a fantasy lover like me, than I’m sure you will enjoy this story. A collection of cultures much like our own in history, Nelson breathes life and imagination into the creatures and civilizations we have only read about. A beautiful story that will appeal to many and to all ages.
My other reviews:
https://cellardoorbooks.wordpress.com/
qu073179's review against another edition
2.0
This wasn't my cup of tea. I found it to have magic layered on top of magic. Magic as a reasoning for this, that. The plotline took a backseat. Kind of haphazard magic, and uselessness took up the majority of it. She had a really good start though, it could have really been something special. Sorry.
napqueeniereads's review against another edition
5.0
WHAT AN ADVENTURE! I loved reading this book. The premise is something new to me, and that's always exciting. There's magic and dragons, love and loss. The writing was really good, and the details were amazing. I didn't know how to forge a sword before, but I do now! I was never bored reading this. Astrid is a really intriguing character to follow. She goes through so much in her lifetime that you can't help but feel connected to her. I think Lenore was my favorite though. Her tragic story turning into a fairytale made me really happy. Not everything ended with a happy ending either, and I really appreciate that. Not every story should end perfectly.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
flosmith's review against another edition
4.0
I received a free copy of this book for review.
This was such a fun read. We follow the life of Astrid from the time she is a small child that is bought from a bad place by a child seller. Alone and horribly disfigured she is terrified of the world but at the same time determined to find a place for herself in it. In a world full of dragons and lizard and shapeshifting humans Astrid grows up to make a life for herself and learn what true friendship is.
I love the way the story comes together as Astrid gets older. We see bits and pieces of her life reavealed and come to learn what happened to her as a child. Along with Astrid, the characters that are a part of her life are not perfect. They are flawed as humans are. Love is sometimes requited and sometimes those we love will die or betray us. The bad characters are also not all evil. There are shades of gray among the dark.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story and I look forward to reading the next book in this series. I would recommend this to anyone who loves a YA fantasy set in a land with dragons and magic. Its not something I would recommend for younger children as it is a bit bloody in places. To sum it up: a very fun read!
This was such a fun read. We follow the life of Astrid from the time she is a small child that is bought from a bad place by a child seller. Alone and horribly disfigured she is terrified of the world but at the same time determined to find a place for herself in it. In a world full of dragons and lizard and shapeshifting humans Astrid grows up to make a life for herself and learn what true friendship is.
I love the way the story comes together as Astrid gets older. We see bits and pieces of her life reavealed and come to learn what happened to her as a child. Along with Astrid, the characters that are a part of her life are not perfect. They are flawed as humans are. Love is sometimes requited and sometimes those we love will die or betray us. The bad characters are also not all evil. There are shades of gray among the dark.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story and I look forward to reading the next book in this series. I would recommend this to anyone who loves a YA fantasy set in a land with dragons and magic. Its not something I would recommend for younger children as it is a bit bloody in places. To sum it up: a very fun read!
marufahoque's review against another edition
2.0
Stars and dragons and swords! That's what the whole story is about. I found myself thinking about Sabriel, which is one awesome book, but unlike Sabriel, I didn't like Astrid. Maybe it's the writing style. I just felt like it wasn't working for me. It was too choppy and more telling than showing. The story had many typos/errors (Kindle version), and the plot was basically Astrid being naive and childish. I got the feeling that the "dragonslayer's sword" was actually Astrid, since at the end she has some sort of transformation. Too be honest, I don't like the name Astrid. But for some reason, coincidentally, this story also made me think of a novel I'm working on about a main character girl who's a blacksmith employed under the king, but then is forced to make a sword to slay the dragon that killed the prince.
kjharrowick's review
5.0
Why I picked up this book:
I picked this book out of a stack of freebies to hit my email one day. Not expecting much, I put it in line behind about a dozen other books I wanted to read first.
All I gotta say is some things are always worth waiting for, and this story was no exception. It was everything I could have hoped for in a fantasy, and I can’t wait for more.
This review may contain spoilers.
What I loved:
I couldn’t put this book down. Every page I turned just got better and better, and sometimes weirder, but in an awesome way. No matter what I had going on, it was handled and I was curled up with my kindle again, my nose almost pressing through the screen.
Astrid was an amazing main character. I tend to fall in love with side characters far too easy, but Astrid really stole my heart. She’s strong, smart, and yet there’s something about her that’s both endearing and optimistic.
I fell in love with DiStephan from his opening pages all the way to the end. Then halfway through I fell in love with Randim’s character. I spent the rest of the book wanting both men for Astrid… and that’s all I’m gonna say about that. Anything else will put out spoilers.
Areas needing a touch of refinement:
If I had to be nit-picky, I would have loved to see at least one scene with Astrid and DiStephan as adults before his disappearance. To sort of drive home the special bond they shared. I see why the author chose not to, but I really, really wanted it. And maybe an awkwardie scene with Randim as well.
Overall:
I absolutely loved this book. The world is rich and beautiful, and each character is strong and memorable. I’ve already marked the next one for my TBR list and I’m looking forward to diving back into Astrid’s story.
I picked this book out of a stack of freebies to hit my email one day. Not expecting much, I put it in line behind about a dozen other books I wanted to read first.
All I gotta say is some things are always worth waiting for, and this story was no exception. It was everything I could have hoped for in a fantasy, and I can’t wait for more.
This review may contain spoilers.
What I loved:
I couldn’t put this book down. Every page I turned just got better and better, and sometimes weirder, but in an awesome way. No matter what I had going on, it was handled and I was curled up with my kindle again, my nose almost pressing through the screen.
Astrid was an amazing main character. I tend to fall in love with side characters far too easy, but Astrid really stole my heart. She’s strong, smart, and yet there’s something about her that’s both endearing and optimistic.
I fell in love with DiStephan from his opening pages all the way to the end. Then halfway through I fell in love with Randim’s character. I spent the rest of the book wanting both men for Astrid… and that’s all I’m gonna say about that. Anything else will put out spoilers.
Areas needing a touch of refinement:
If I had to be nit-picky, I would have loved to see at least one scene with Astrid and DiStephan as adults before his disappearance. To sort of drive home the special bond they shared. I see why the author chose not to, but I really, really wanted it. And maybe an awkwardie scene with Randim as well.
Overall:
I absolutely loved this book. The world is rich and beautiful, and each character is strong and memorable. I’ve already marked the next one for my TBR list and I’m looking forward to diving back into Astrid’s story.