3.9 AVERAGE

adventurous dark emotional medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated
adventurous dark emotional mysterious fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
adventurous dark emotional tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated
adventurous dark emotional medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous emotional medium-paced

Inferno is the bestie we all love when we’re hurt by our partners. No, because THIS ⬇️ was everything! 🥰

DO YOU WANT ME TO EAT HIM? 

“No.” 

BURN HIM? 

“I appreciate the offer, but no.” 

I CAN TAKE JUST AN ARM OR A LEG. 

I smiled because I realized he was trying to make me laugh. “No, Inferno. I don’t think Khazmuda would like that.” 

I DON’T KNOW. KHAZMUDA HAS TOLD ME HOW IRRITATING HE CAN BE. 

“It’s okay, but thank you.” He continued to stare at me over the fire. 

I’M SORRY YOU’RE HURTING. IT MAKES ME HURT.

I finally have an appreciation for Queen Eldinar, and I felt healed by all of the relationship development that happened in this book. I am anxious to see how things will play out in this pinnacle upcoming battle and after with Talon’s fate. 👀 😰
adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

The Dragon King by Penelope Ward: A Captivating Fantasy Romance

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Penelope Ward's "The Dragon King" is a mesmerizing fantasy romance that whisks readers away to a mystical realm of magic, dragons, and forbidden love. With its lush world-building, complex characters, and slow-burn romance, this novel will captivate fans of fantasy and romance alike.

Plot:

In the land of Alderan, where dragons and humans coexist, King Ryker, a powerful dragon shifter, rules with an iron fist. Ember, a young, gifted healer, is forced to serve the king after her village is destroyed. As they navigate their complicated past and forbidden attraction, Ember and Ryker must confront ancient secrets, treacherous foes, and the fate of their world.

Positives:

1. Immersive world-building: Ward masterfully crafts a rich, detailed world, steeped in mythology and magic.
2. Complex characters: Ember and Ryker's multifaceted personalities, motivations, and backstories drive the narrative.
3. Slow-burn romance: The tantalizing, expertly paced romance will leave you breathless.
4. Moral ambiguity: Ward skillfully explores the gray areas between good and evil.
5. Strong female protagonist: Ember's growth, determination, and resilience inspire.

Negatives:

1. Pacing issues: Some sections feel rushed, while others drag.
2. Supporting character development: Secondary characters, although intriguing, deserve more depth.
3. Predictable twists: Some plot reveals feel anticipated.

Notable moments:

- Ember's initial encounter with Ryker, showcasing their palpable tension and conflicting emotions.
- The mystical bond between dragons and their riders, highlighting Ward's creative world-building.
- The heart-wrenching backstory of Ryker's past, adding depth to his character.

Quote:
"The dragon's eyes gleamed like stars in the darkness, and for a moment, I felt the world spin around us, leaving only him and me, suspended in time."

This passage exemplifies Ward's captivating writing style, weaving magic, emotion, and suspense.

Recommendation:
"The Dragon King" is perfect for fans of:

- Fantasy romance (e.g., Sarah J. Maas, Leigh Bardugo)
- Dragon-centric stories (e.g., Game of Thrones, Reign of Fire)
- Strong female protagonists (e.g., The Hunger Games, The Girl with All the Gifts)

Suggestions for improvement:

- Balance pacing to maintain consistent tension and momentum.
- Develop supporting characters further to enhance the narrative.
- Introduce more unexpected twists to surprise readers.

Overall, "The Dragon King" is a captivating, emotionally resonant fantasy romance that will leave you enchanted. With its rich world-building, complex characters, and slow-burn romance, this novel is a must-read for fans of the genre.

This series gets better with each book... and the cliffhangers get more brutal as well. That last line... 🫣 Ahhhhhh!!! So many secrets are coming to light, but the most important one remains. I can't wait to see what happens in the finale!