Scan barcode
wellactjoally's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Iceland volcanoes and myths. A dead mom and a blind dad. Sexual violence and threat. A friendly fox.
bookswithmeghan's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
yolieca's review against another edition
4.0
This was absolutely great. I loved this dragon shifter romance adventure story
courtney_saba's review against another edition
4.0
Goddamn. What is it about dragons? They're about as fascinating and as guilty a pleasure as vampires are to me. Though it's so difficult to find a genuinely good dragon romance. What's that about?
I'm pleasantly surprised at this one. Overall rating is a 4.25.
The story was intriguing and somewhat original. Obviously, there were some cliche things, including dragons loving gold, stubborn and challenging female catches the eye of a powerful and immortal being, bad guys after the hero because there must always be a villain that's jealous of the hero, rapey and creepy minor character, "I don't know what I am," mate trope, royalty and evil queen set up. The usual.
Despite these things, some of which I don't fully object to, the book was really great. I really liked the characters and the set up for more to come in terms of battles, political/court intrigue, forbidden romance, power displays, and "what is she???" will be answered, hopefully.
One complaint:
The book ends on a good note, but it's a cliffhanger since there is a lot more to come in terms of plot and overthrowing evil (of course, why not). And the author has decided to write each book in different characters' perspectives, with a new love story in each subsequent book. I don't like this, especially when the most important characters, Freyja and Rurik, still have so much to offer. I get it, introduce new characters and point of views, but it also doesn't make much sense. I wish the sequel was a continuation instead of Haakon and Ardis's love story. Granted, that confrontation will be epic and exciting and tension-filled, but I'm a little disappointed in this direction the author chose.
But then again, I may change my mind. It's not like I've read the rest of the series, yet. Though Haakon is less interesting than Rurik, and I'm not entirely sure I'll continue with the series at this point. Time will tell.
Overall: I probably wouldn't re-read this, but I would definitely recommend this to dragon lovers and fans of a romance in a medieval-like world. Definitely one of the best dragon books I've read.
Happy reading, Goodreads fiends.
I'm pleasantly surprised at this one. Overall rating is a 4.25.
The story was intriguing and somewhat original. Obviously, there were some cliche things, including dragons loving gold, stubborn and challenging female catches the eye of a powerful and immortal being, bad guys after the hero because there must always be a villain that's jealous of the hero, rapey and creepy minor character, "I don't know what I am," mate trope, royalty and evil queen set up. The usual.
Despite these things, some of which I don't fully object to, the book was really great. I really liked the characters and the set up for more to come in terms of battles, political/court intrigue, forbidden romance, power displays, and "what is she???" will be answered, hopefully.
One complaint:
The book ends on a good note, but it's a cliffhanger since there is a lot more to come in terms of plot and overthrowing evil (of course, why not). And the author has decided to write each book in different characters' perspectives, with a new love story in each subsequent book. I don't like this, especially when the most important characters, Freyja and Rurik, still have so much to offer. I get it, introduce new characters and point of views, but it also doesn't make much sense. I wish the sequel was a continuation instead of Haakon and Ardis's love story. Granted, that confrontation will be epic and exciting and tension-filled, but I'm a little disappointed in this direction the author chose.
But then again, I may change my mind. It's not like I've read the rest of the series, yet. Though Haakon is less interesting than Rurik, and I'm not entirely sure I'll continue with the series at this point. Time will tell.
Overall: I probably wouldn't re-read this, but I would definitely recommend this to dragon lovers and fans of a romance in a medieval-like world. Definitely one of the best dragon books I've read.
Happy reading, Goodreads fiends.
avid_reader_96's review against another edition
3.0
Another well-written book by Bec McMaster. She truly is a master of the written word. There has only been one or two books by her that I found lacking. This wasn’t one of them. I enjoyed the slow build between Rurik and Freyja. My only complaint is that the information doled out about dreki was in a manner as if the reader should already know it. Perhaps a prologue that gave more information about dreki culture wouldn’t make me feel as if I’m missing some part of a backstory. Other than that, I loved it. I will be reading the next book.
eg_m's review against another edition
I generally enjoy this author's books, but this one just didn't work for me. The set-up of self-less heroine and bored but powerful hero (in this case a dragon) is a common one that I often enjoy. In this case, the characters and narrative line didn't capture my attention.
literary_steph's review against another edition
2.0
I was looking for a quick fantasy romance read and this hit the spot.
It took a short while to get into (mostly names and I’m not sure which European culture the author drew inspiration from but it needed some work) but once I got the hang of it this story was fast paced.
Freyja and Ruric have great chemistry, it’s a tale of mates and forbidden love that never gets old so if you don’t like these tropes consider this your warning.
There wasn’t too much world building, or character development or background story. I've read lots of books where it leans more on the passion and romance side, but I felt the reading level is too simplistic to be categorized as adult? Idk I just wasn't vibing with it for some reason.
It took a short while to get into (mostly names and I’m not sure which European culture the author drew inspiration from but it needed some work) but once I got the hang of it this story was fast paced.
Freyja and Ruric have great chemistry, it’s a tale of mates and forbidden love that never gets old so if you don’t like these tropes consider this your warning.
There wasn’t too much world building, or character development or background story. I've read lots of books where it leans more on the passion and romance side, but I felt the reading level is too simplistic to be categorized as adult? Idk I just wasn't vibing with it for some reason.
nemerith's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
unsuccessfulbookclub's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I enjoyed the Icelandic folklore and a heroine who did not need saving, but I struggled a little with the instalust-to-spice balance. The tension was great in this but the payoff was a little lacking? I will definitely be reading the next book in the series though, because I need to know what happens and I am loving the world this is set in.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Animal death, Sexual harassment, Violence, Xenophobia, and Bullying