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rimestock's review against another edition
3.5
From my calibre library:
I really like Mallory. Also Orion, because my brocon senses were tingling haha. But I need a sequel ):
_samshine's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
fourstarsaiyan's review against another edition
3.0
Not a bad start, but very cliché. Some interesting plot points are introduced.
teresab78's review against another edition
5.0
****Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance****
4.5 Stars -
I truly enjoyed this fantasy tale. It had all the proper elements: magic, dragons, princes, forced marriages and betrayal along with some action. I liked Ingram and that he was flawed; Perceived as weak but oh so strong in truth. Mallory was a bit of a mystery but I liked him as well and when the truth was revealed it fit him so well.
There was a great supporting cast and a vivid world rich with detail. I want to see more of them supporting our heroes and find out what surprises they may bring to the table.
While the romance was subtle, and there are no sex scenes whatsoever, I felt the love and affection grow between our MC’s. It was natural and right. I usually like more sexy times in my m/m but the story was so good I didn’t mind not having it.
I feared it would end on a cliff hanger, and though the story appears to continue in a sequel, this episode was wrapped up sufficiently to not be left dangling horribly. This is good, because although this is listed as a series, there isn’t a second book out yet.
For fans of fantasy, I suggest you check it out!!
4.5 Stars -
I truly enjoyed this fantasy tale. It had all the proper elements: magic, dragons, princes, forced marriages and betrayal along with some action. I liked Ingram and that he was flawed; Perceived as weak but oh so strong in truth. Mallory was a bit of a mystery but I liked him as well and when the truth was revealed it fit him so well.
There was a great supporting cast and a vivid world rich with detail. I want to see more of them supporting our heroes and find out what surprises they may bring to the table.
While the romance was subtle, and there are no sex scenes whatsoever, I felt the love and affection grow between our MC’s. It was natural and right. I usually like more sexy times in my m/m but the story was so good I didn’t mind not having it.
I feared it would end on a cliff hanger, and though the story appears to continue in a sequel, this episode was wrapped up sufficiently to not be left dangling horribly. This is good, because although this is listed as a series, there isn’t a second book out yet.
For fans of fantasy, I suggest you check it out!!
books_and_cha's review against another edition
3.0
Dragon Slayer was a fun, warm, indulgent read, like a cup of hot chocolate. Isabella Carter's story follows Prince Ingram, a soft-hearted, sharp-minded strategist, whose little to no skill on the battlefield blots him as a disappointment in his father's eyes. Soon after he returns from his time with the military, King Roderick is confronted by Lord Mallory, who slays a dragon for the kingdom and comes to collect Roderick's promise of a marriage with one of his children. No one is more surprised than Ingram when Roderick chooses him as Mallory's prize. The catch? Ingram is secretly ordered by the king to find evidence of a growing rebellion at Lord Mallory's domain, Winterveil. Surprises await Ingram on the journey and at Winterveil, and his heart's newfound feelings barely scratch the surface of all that he has to face.
I liked the attention that Carter spends on Ingram's internal struggle between loyalty to his father and following his own path. Ingram has a strong character development arc that I appreciated. Mallory's character was also a pleasant surprise. Instead of falling into the trope of a fierce, forbidding love interest - as suggested by initial appearances - Mallory is refreshingly open and vulnerable. Lys and Aiden were entertaining and added to the story as well.
The plot was intriguing - not very twisty, but exciting nonetheless. I was confused about the amount of magic in this world. It sounded as though it was a historical setting with dragons as the only fantastical element, but soon new species and elements were introduced. These were inconsistently scattered throughout the novel. There wasn't a cohesive structure to the world-building.
The romance was well done. I liked how Ingram and Mallory move from tentative conversations, an affectionate friendship, and finally, to love. There were a lot of soft moments and small signs of attraction before they become an established couple. It was a sweet, fluffy romance with little to no steam. It didn't bother me - I thought it fit in well with the overall atmosphere of the novel.
The writing was decent but could have benefitted from a sharper editor. There were words missing in places, while some sentences could have been trimmed for clarity.
Despite all of its flaws, it was a good, absorbing story. I was sad to learn that the series has been discontinued (the book came out in 2013, 8 years ago, and there haven't been any updates since). That being said, the book has a proper ending, at least as far as the romance is concerned, so I wouldn't be worried about giving this one a go.
I liked the attention that Carter spends on Ingram's internal struggle between loyalty to his father and following his own path. Ingram has a strong character development arc that I appreciated. Mallory's character was also a pleasant surprise. Instead of falling into the trope of a fierce, forbidding love interest - as suggested by initial appearances - Mallory is refreshingly open and vulnerable. Lys and Aiden were entertaining and added to the story as well.
The plot was intriguing - not very twisty, but exciting nonetheless. I was confused about the amount of magic in this world. It sounded as though it was a historical setting with dragons as the only fantastical element, but soon new species and elements were introduced. These were inconsistently scattered throughout the novel. There wasn't a cohesive structure to the world-building.
The romance was well done. I liked how Ingram and Mallory move from tentative conversations, an affectionate friendship, and finally, to love. There were a lot of soft moments and small signs of attraction before they become an established couple. It was a sweet, fluffy romance with little to no steam. It didn't bother me - I thought it fit in well with the overall atmosphere of the novel.
The writing was decent but could have benefitted from a sharper editor. There were words missing in places, while some sentences could have been trimmed for clarity.
Despite all of its flaws, it was a good, absorbing story. I was sad to learn that the series has been discontinued (the book came out in 2013, 8 years ago, and there haven't been any updates since). That being said, the book has a proper ending, at least as far as the romance is concerned, so I wouldn't be worried about giving this one a go.
eb00kie's review against another edition
Beat-by-beat cookie cutter 'Arranged Marriage to Found Family' trope. With dragons. Meh?
itabar's review against another edition
2.0
Pleasant but unremarkable read. I only gave it 2 stars because it's another "to be continued" book. In other words, important stuff happens at the end, but there is no resolution. Deep sigh. I really really really need to pay attention when the titles says "Blah Blah #1". Because it means there will be a BlahBlah#2 and 3 and 4 and I will not be happy.
It's obvious a female wrote this book (not a bad thing, necessarily). When it came to the attraction between the two MCs the focus was on meaningful gazes, muscles, and eyelashes. A guy writing about sexual attraction would have focused elsewhere.
It's obvious a female wrote this book (not a bad thing, necessarily). When it came to the attraction between the two MCs the focus was on meaningful gazes, muscles, and eyelashes. A guy writing about sexual attraction would have focused elsewhere.
solalari's review against another edition
4.0
Fun and short read. I enjoyed the growth of the character and the internal fight that he had about his loyalties.
jinja's review against another edition
4.25
This story was surprisingly sweet and well written. I wish there was a part 2