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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
2.5 stars
Some fun stuff, some awkward stuff (Eva's dialog in particular) , and a whole lot of meh. Disappointing overall.
Some fun stuff, some awkward stuff (Eva's dialog in particular) , and a whole lot of meh. Disappointing overall.
Courtesy of Smash Attack Reads
SMASHTASTIC IMPRESSIONS:
If you don't know by now that I LOVE THIS SERIES HARDCORE, well, you just haven't been paying attention! I was wicked excited to see that Thea revisited the numero uno couple of the series, Dragos and Pia, and was freaking out about what they might endure! As always, I am seriously impressed with the writing, imagination and character development in this series. Thea Harrison is a powerhouse in the paranormal romance genre and I really cannot say enough good about her or these books. *flails*
WORLD-BUILDING: Thea Harrison brings us back full circle to issues that were created in the first book of the series. Dragos and the Elves have never been on good terms, and he screwed up whatever hope there was to civility between the two in Dragon Bound. Now, Pia is setting off to make peace with the Elves and try to salvage a sliver of hope. I will be honest in stating that the Elven story line was not as interesting to me as some of the other stories. That is OK because I was in no way giving up on the book, not even close. I enjoyed the last half better than the first half because we had action and characterization was more prominent. While I was a tiny bit confused on the lore and background on the villain in this book, I do love that it is connected to gods and that there seems to be a lot more story line to tell. It definitely got better as the book progressed.
Elsewhere in this world, Dragos is hosting the Sentinel Games to replace lost Sentinels Tiago and Rune, who in previous books, found their HEA and have moved on to be with their mates. Dragos and Rune are not on good terms, due to hot tempers and poor communication, yet Rune and his mate, Carling, really come through for their people in this book. Hot tempers may be prominent among these Alpha men, but they are nothing, if not loyal.
CHARACTERS: It was great being in Pia and Dragos' company again. These two are ridiculously head-over-heels in love with one another, and that is the sole thing that carries them on through the course of the book. Pia and Dragos are tested and push limits with themselves, each other, friends and foes. They may butt heads and fly off the handle, but they never lose focus over what's important, even if that means checking their overwhelming emotions at the door. Having a mate hasn't quite quelled Dragos' hot temper, though not for lack of trying. I love this quote that Pia uses to describe his reaction over an event. Hilarious!
These two really bring the epic into epic romance. They got through a lot in this book. Internal and external struggles that challenge their perspectives and ways of thinking. No matter how hot the fire gets, literally, this couple is there to extinguish the flames. This quote from Dragos just about ripped my heart to itty bitty bits. It's one of the most beautiful passages I've read in a romance novel.
I can't finish this review without mentioning Eva, Pia's new head guard. These two did not start out on the right foot, but circumstance and alpha bitch attitudes led them down a better path. I frakin LOVED Eva by the end of the book. She has such spunk.
FAVORITE QUOTE:
Mmmmmm. That is a such an awesome description. Nom.
SMASHTASTIC IMPRESSIONS:
If you don't know by now that I LOVE THIS SERIES HARDCORE, well, you just haven't been paying attention! I was wicked excited to see that Thea revisited the numero uno couple of the series, Dragos and Pia, and was freaking out about what they might endure! As always, I am seriously impressed with the writing, imagination and character development in this series. Thea Harrison is a powerhouse in the paranormal romance genre and I really cannot say enough good about her or these books. *flails*
WORLD-BUILDING: Thea Harrison brings us back full circle to issues that were created in the first book of the series. Dragos and the Elves have never been on good terms, and he screwed up whatever hope there was to civility between the two in Dragon Bound. Now, Pia is setting off to make peace with the Elves and try to salvage a sliver of hope. I will be honest in stating that the Elven story line was not as interesting to me as some of the other stories. That is OK because I was in no way giving up on the book, not even close. I enjoyed the last half better than the first half because we had action and characterization was more prominent. While I was a tiny bit confused on the lore and background on the villain in this book, I do love that it is connected to gods and that there seems to be a lot more story line to tell. It definitely got better as the book progressed.
Elsewhere in this world, Dragos is hosting the Sentinel Games to replace lost Sentinels Tiago and Rune, who in previous books, found their HEA and have moved on to be with their mates. Dragos and Rune are not on good terms, due to hot tempers and poor communication, yet Rune and his mate, Carling, really come through for their people in this book. Hot tempers may be prominent among these Alpha men, but they are nothing, if not loyal.
CHARACTERS: It was great being in Pia and Dragos' company again. These two are ridiculously head-over-heels in love with one another, and that is the sole thing that carries them on through the course of the book. Pia and Dragos are tested and push limits with themselves, each other, friends and foes. They may butt heads and fly off the handle, but they never lose focus over what's important, even if that means checking their overwhelming emotions at the door. Having a mate hasn't quite quelled Dragos' hot temper, though not for lack of trying. I love this quote that Pia uses to describe his reaction over an event. Hilarious!
She knew just exactly how Dragos would spell ballistic. It began with a capital I'm going to kill somebody so fucking dead for this, and well, after that point, it didn't matter if you spelled the rest of the word right.
These two really bring the epic into epic romance. They got through a lot in this book. Internal and external struggles that challenge their perspectives and ways of thinking. No matter how hot the fire gets, literally, this couple is there to extinguish the flames. This quote from Dragos just about ripped my heart to itty bitty bits. It's one of the most beautiful passages I've read in a romance novel.
I never stop thinking about you. You're with me everywhere I go, but I miss you when we're apart.
I've already shown you that I will kill for you. I would also die for you.
You make me laugh. You make me happy. You're my miracle and my home. If you as much as twitch, I get a hard-on.
I will always come for you, always want you and always need you.
I can't finish this review without mentioning Eva, Pia's new head guard. These two did not start out on the right foot, but circumstance and alpha bitch attitudes led them down a better path. I frakin LOVED Eva by the end of the book. She has such spunk.
"Beside the point. Being an alpha is much more than kicking someone's ass." Eva grinned. "I watched you order the Lord of the Wyr -The Old Man himself- out of the room, and he went. You don't get more top dog than that. Shit, girl, I damn near genuflected, and I'm not even sure what that word means."
FAVORITE QUOTE:
Dragos stretched out on the top of their bed, hands laced behind his head. He was dressed in one of his casual outfits, simple jeans, boots, and a T-shirt. One long leg draped over the side of the bed, his foot planted on the floor as if he had just lain down. His bronze skin looked dark against the white bedspread, and his gold eyes glowed, brilliant and witchy.
Mmmmmm. That is a such an awesome description. Nom.
What happens when a unicorn gets pregnant with a dragon's baby? Apparently an elf-induced apocalypse. This one has lots of action and some new members of Pia's protection detail. Lots of really really really sad moments! While attempting to answer some of the questions left behind from the first book, Thea Harrison manages to raise several more. Though that is great for the longevity of the series, that ending really leaves you screaming for the next book. If its your first time through the series, you won't have to wait like I did!!
Loved this book, dealing with plot lines from stories like the previous trio of short stories and all the way back to the first book! Loved that ending, it was funny and sweet!
Is it bad of me if I'm actually excited to read this book? I mean, I haven't really enjoyed [b:Dragon Bound|9637479|Dragon Bound (Elder Races, #1)|Thea Harrison|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1312822853s/9637479.jpg|14524855]. Weird. It must be because Pia's pregnant and I'm hoping Dragos won't be an asshole.
Yeah, that must be itnot counting the lovely excerpt I've read on TH's blog.
Yeah, that must be it
Yay! A book about Pia and Dragos!
Pia takes a trip to the elven demesne to repair the treaty broken by Dragos. She is invited to join the elves in traveling to their home in the Lirithiel wood, a mystical forest in the middle of the Elven demesne. Upon her arrival, she senses that all is not well. Elves from the Other land are visiting and Pia senses something evil. She learns, too late, that one of the other world elves has a God Machine and has used it to make the elves war among themselves and plans to use it to re-shape the world.
Dragos, unable to contact Pia, has flown into the elven demesne, uninvited yet again, in search of her. What he finds is a nightmare, The Liritheil woods are on fire and half of the elven population killed. He and the elven king make a pact to work together to enter the Other world and put on end to person responsible.
As per their usual selves, Dragos and Pia love and fight in spectral fashion and this book was no different. No..not quite true. Drago's has softened a bi and is more willing to work toward understanding the demands that Pia makes when it comes to her decision making. He doesn't like it, and it often takes him a while to get there, but the big guy gets there eventually. Progress is being made. :)
I also kinda liked Eva, Pia's new bodyguard and possible friend. I hated her at first but as the storyline went on, I liked her sass. Pia needed someone sassy in her life. I am also curious to see where the Quinten/ Aryal hostility is going to go and what is behind it! There is a lot of anger there. Stilton sure I trust Aryal but I do like her hardassed-ness. She is strong and vicious when needed to be. Drago's has already lost two of his original seven, I hope that he doesn't lose her too.
My favorite part of this book was the final chapter. I was hoping, but it wasn't until the first few paragraphs of that chapter that I knew for sure that it would actually happen. And it did! And I 'yaaayed' so loudly!! What a great ending. I also kinda liked Eva, Pia's new bodyguard and possible friend. I hated her at first but as the storyline went on, I liked her sass. Pia needed someone sassy in her life. I highly recommend this series to anyone liking paranormal shape-shifters and who enjoys a fun read,
Pia takes a trip to the elven demesne to repair the treaty broken by Dragos. She is invited to join the elves in traveling to their home in the Lirithiel wood, a mystical forest in the middle of the Elven demesne. Upon her arrival, she senses that all is not well. Elves from the Other land are visiting and Pia senses something evil. She learns, too late, that one of the other world elves has a God Machine and has used it to make the elves war among themselves and plans to use it to re-shape the world.
Dragos, unable to contact Pia, has flown into the elven demesne, uninvited yet again, in search of her. What he finds is a nightmare, The Liritheil woods are on fire and half of the elven population killed. He and the elven king make a pact to work together to enter the Other world and put on end to person responsible.
As per their usual selves, Dragos and Pia love and fight in spectral fashion and this book was no different. No..not quite true. Drago's has softened a bi and is more willing to work toward understanding the demands that Pia makes when it comes to her decision making. He doesn't like it, and it often takes him a while to get there, but the big guy gets there eventually. Progress is being made. :)
I also kinda liked Eva, Pia's new bodyguard and possible friend. I hated her at first but as the storyline went on, I liked her sass. Pia needed someone sassy in her life. I am also curious to see where the Quinten/ Aryal hostility is going to go and what is behind it! There is a lot of anger there. Stilton sure I trust Aryal but I do like her hardassed-ness. She is strong and vicious when needed to be. Drago's has already lost two of his original seven, I hope that he doesn't lose her too.
My favorite part of this book was the final chapter. I was hoping, but it wasn't until the first few paragraphs of that chapter that I knew for sure that it would actually happen. And it did! And I 'yaaayed' so loudly!! What a great ending. I also kinda liked Eva, Pia's new bodyguard and possible friend. I hated her at first but as the storyline went on, I liked her sass. Pia needed someone sassy in her life. I highly recommend this series to anyone liking paranormal shape-shifters and who enjoys a fun read,
A reunion with the first couple of the Elder Races books, Pia and Dragos, who are now mated and expecting their first child.
Pia is on a diplomatic mission to fix the relationship between the Wyr and the Elves that Dragos damaged while trying to save her in the first part of their story. Dragos has to stay behind and oversee the Sentinel Games that he's organised to fill the positions left open after two of his previous sentinels mated and left his service.
It was interesting being inside their heads again and seeing how their relationship has changed and how they have changed themselves because of it.
There is, again, some foreshadowing about stories to come and I'm looking forward to reading Aryal and Quentin's, but it follows after the short story [b:The Wicked|17975219|The Wicked (Elder Races, #5.5)|Thea Harrison|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1369443396l/17975219._SX50_.jpg|25200595], featuring a couple that meets while transporting Carling's extensive book collection.
Previous book reviews:
✦ Hunter's Season (Elder Races #4.7) ~ ★★★★ (08/12/2014)
✦ Devil's Gate (Elder Races #4.6) ~ ★★★ (08/12/2014)
✦ Natural Evil (Elder Races #4.5) ~ ★★★ (08/12/2014)
✦ Oracle's Moon (Elder Races #4) ~ ★★★★ (15/10/2014)
✦ True Colors (Elder Races #3.5) ~ ★★★ (07/08/2014)
✦ Serpent's Kiss (Elder Races #3) ~ ★★★★ (18/07/2014)
✦ Storm's Heart (Elder Races #2) ~ ★★★★ (27/02/2013)
✦ Dragon Bound (Elder Races #1) ~ ★★★★★ (25/02/2013)
Pia is on a diplomatic mission to fix the relationship between the Wyr and the Elves that Dragos damaged while trying to save her in the first part of their story. Dragos has to stay behind and oversee the Sentinel Games that he's organised to fill the positions left open after two of his previous sentinels mated and left his service.
It was interesting being inside their heads again and seeing how their relationship has changed and how they have changed themselves because of it.
There is, again, some foreshadowing about stories to come and I'm looking forward to reading Aryal and Quentin's, but it follows after the short story [b:The Wicked|17975219|The Wicked (Elder Races, #5.5)|Thea Harrison|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1369443396l/17975219._SX50_.jpg|25200595], featuring a couple that meets while transporting Carling's extensive book collection.
Previous book reviews:
✦ Hunter's Season (Elder Races #4.7) ~ ★★★★ (08/12/2014)
✦ Devil's Gate (Elder Races #4.6) ~ ★★★ (08/12/2014)
✦ Natural Evil (Elder Races #4.5) ~ ★★★ (08/12/2014)
✦ Oracle's Moon (Elder Races #4) ~ ★★★★ (15/10/2014)
✦ True Colors (Elder Races #3.5) ~ ★★★ (07/08/2014)
✦ Serpent's Kiss (Elder Races #3) ~ ★★★★ (18/07/2014)
✦ Storm's Heart (Elder Races #2) ~ ★★★★ (27/02/2013)
✦ Dragon Bound (Elder Races #1) ~ ★★★★★ (25/02/2013)
I love this series. And I love that it came back to the original couple.
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Extended epilogue, exploring the continuing relationship developed in the first book.