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A review by loverofromance
Dream of Dragons by Aja James
adventurous
challenging
funny
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? No
4.5
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review. Also my tags may have spoilers in them so be forewarned before checking out full review.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ
World Building:ππππ.5
Cover:πππππ
Hero: π¦Έπ»π¦Έπ»π¦Έπ»π¦Έπ»π¦Έπ»
Heroine:π¦Έπ»ββοΈπ¦Έπ»ββοΈπ¦Έπ»ββοΈπ¦Έπ»ββοΈπ¦Έπ»ββοΈ
Intimacy Level: π₯π₯π₯π₯
Relationship Building: πππππ
Heart & Feels:ππππ
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: πππππ
Page Turner Level:ππππ
Ending:π§§π§§π§§π§§π§§
Overall View: β¨β¨β¨β¨.5
First Impressions
Dream of Dragons is the first book in the connecting series by Aja James. This is a series that I have been really eager for. There is something about dragons that just draws me in. As much as I adored the Pure/Dark Ones, one of my motivator's in reading it was to read this series. I will say that these two series are very different if this first book is any indication on what the rest of the series will be like. I really respected what was delivered in this installment. I am not sure exactly what I was expecting, but it went a different direction than I expected because even though I knew it would be different, it was a whole new shift from what she delivered on the Pure/Dark Ones.
First Line
Ere was having the most decadent dream.
Summary
Erubu, along with his mate Sorin, are to fulfill his obligation to the Jade Emperor in the promise he made him from the debt that he owes from the epic battle. They are summoned and called to a mission to go back through time to a time that is obscure in legends.....The Arthurian Court and their partner in crime is Rui, a treasure dragon. Their mission to find the Jewel of Dreams. On their road to finding the jewel, they run into a warrior, who is an infamous dragon hunter "Wolfe". There is an instant connection between Wolfe and Rui, and despite them being on opposing sides of the tournament to win the jewel, they build a powerful relationship, but their love is forbidden because there is no happy ever after on the horizon.
What I Loved
The dynamics within this story was complex and unique in what is delivered. We also get another perspective in how we are taken back into the past. This was a thrilling road trip adventure with a blend of time travel bonded into it. Also you add in some fabulous laughs and a forbidden theme to the romance, its going to be my catnip. The first element to the story that was beyond infectious was the humor. The dialogue from Ere especially, was *Chef's Kiss* he was simply lively and just lightens the mood of the more serious plot that is placed into this story. While this author has some great humor in previous books, there is something about Ere that just adds a unique element in an aspect that I haven't found before in her books.
The plot of the story kept me on edge all the way through. I was fascinated with the world building. I rarely see Arthurian themes in books (And I have read a TON of historical romance in my time of living) so to see the way the author implemented this element was so different. I always knew she could write some superb plots in her stories, but the way this plot is developed on the surface seems like its not super deep, but with chapter, the complexity in the plot on builds greater. This is what truly shows her talent in plot development, is writing such complex plots in manner of ways that you don't expect to be handled. And how the conflict in the end was resolved especially involving the romance had such a deep resonating feel to it and so satisfying.
So even though we have two couples in this story, there isn't much confusion. On the surface, it might seem to be baffling, but it really is a delightful mix in how James really delved these two couples together. Getting to see some fun interactions between Ere and Sorin became so endearing. I apparently didn't get enough of these two in Purity, because seeing these two after their proposed HEA was so poignant at times. We get to see how well they get on together after their story has happened and it only reaffirms why their story is so powerful. Then we have the romance between our MF pairing, Wolfe & Rui, who are simply delightful. They are both warriors and they don't clash in the way that you would expect such strong personalities would. Even though they have such alpha warrior like behaviors at times, they also are both lonely souls yearning for more in their lives. We see how they are able to fill the void they feel and the way in which they are able to connect but also build such a beautiful vibrant bond.
What I Struggled With
So as much as I loved this book, it was far from perfect. The pacing in the first half, felt a bit off. Not sure if it was just a "Me" aspect or what, or maybe it was the author's change in how she writes that added to the pacing element of the story. But I really struggled staying completely hooked into the story. But once we get to the second half, I didn't want to put it down!
Overall View
Dream of Dragons is a story that enthralls you with rich history, fascinating relationships, laughs and thrills, and with the right touch of mystery to have you searching for more!
Favorite Quote(s)
What she wasnβt ready for was being in love. Especially with a man like Wolfe. Her dragon-hunter nemesis. The one and only male she would ever love. The most precious treasure she would give everything for, that she had no choice but to leave behind.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Historical Mythological Fantasy, Time-England-Camelot & Arthurian
Character Types: Warrior, Alpha Hero/Heroine
Themes: Kick Ass, Laughs & Giggles, Danger
Tropes:Forbidden Love, Forced Proximity, Road Trip Adventure
Book Perspective
Multi POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A Blend
If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Deborah Cooke
Abigail Owens
Jeffe Kennedy
Song This Book Inspires
Power Over Me by Dermot Kennedy
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes! But at minimum you will want to read Dark Purity first before this one.
Steam/Spice Explanations
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ
World Building:ππππ.5
Cover:πππππ
Hero: π¦Έπ»π¦Έπ»π¦Έπ»π¦Έπ»π¦Έπ»
Heroine:π¦Έπ»ββοΈπ¦Έπ»ββοΈπ¦Έπ»ββοΈπ¦Έπ»ββοΈπ¦Έπ»ββοΈ
Intimacy Level: π₯π₯π₯π₯
Relationship Building: πππππ
Heart & Feels:ππππ
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: πππππ
Page Turner Level:ππππ
Ending:π§§π§§π§§π§§π§§
Overall View: β¨β¨β¨β¨.5
First Impressions
Dream of Dragons is the first book in the connecting series by Aja James. This is a series that I have been really eager for. There is something about dragons that just draws me in. As much as I adored the Pure/Dark Ones, one of my motivator's in reading it was to read this series. I will say that these two series are very different if this first book is any indication on what the rest of the series will be like. I really respected what was delivered in this installment. I am not sure exactly what I was expecting, but it went a different direction than I expected because even though I knew it would be different, it was a whole new shift from what she delivered on the Pure/Dark Ones.
First Line
Ere was having the most decadent dream.
Summary
Erubu, along with his mate Sorin, are to fulfill his obligation to the Jade Emperor in the promise he made him from the debt that he owes from the epic battle. They are summoned and called to a mission to go back through time to a time that is obscure in legends.....The Arthurian Court and their partner in crime is Rui, a treasure dragon. Their mission to find the Jewel of Dreams. On their road to finding the jewel, they run into a warrior, who is an infamous dragon hunter "Wolfe". There is an instant connection between Wolfe and Rui, and despite them being on opposing sides of the tournament to win the jewel, they build a powerful relationship, but their love is forbidden because there is no happy ever after on the horizon.
What I Loved
The dynamics within this story was complex and unique in what is delivered. We also get another perspective in how we are taken back into the past. This was a thrilling road trip adventure with a blend of time travel bonded into it. Also you add in some fabulous laughs and a forbidden theme to the romance, its going to be my catnip. The first element to the story that was beyond infectious was the humor. The dialogue from Ere especially, was *Chef's Kiss* he was simply lively and just lightens the mood of the more serious plot that is placed into this story. While this author has some great humor in previous books, there is something about Ere that just adds a unique element in an aspect that I haven't found before in her books.
The plot of the story kept me on edge all the way through. I was fascinated with the world building. I rarely see Arthurian themes in books (And I have read a TON of historical romance in my time of living) so to see the way the author implemented this element was so different. I always knew she could write some superb plots in her stories, but the way this plot is developed on the surface seems like its not super deep, but with chapter, the complexity in the plot on builds greater. This is what truly shows her talent in plot development, is writing such complex plots in manner of ways that you don't expect to be handled. And how the conflict in the end was resolved especially involving the romance had such a deep resonating feel to it and so satisfying.
So even though we have two couples in this story, there isn't much confusion. On the surface, it might seem to be baffling, but it really is a delightful mix in how James really delved these two couples together. Getting to see some fun interactions between Ere and Sorin became so endearing. I apparently didn't get enough of these two in Purity, because seeing these two after their proposed HEA was so poignant at times. We get to see how well they get on together after their story has happened and it only reaffirms why their story is so powerful. Then we have the romance between our MF pairing, Wolfe & Rui, who are simply delightful. They are both warriors and they don't clash in the way that you would expect such strong personalities would. Even though they have such alpha warrior like behaviors at times, they also are both lonely souls yearning for more in their lives. We see how they are able to fill the void they feel and the way in which they are able to connect but also build such a beautiful vibrant bond.
What I Struggled With
So as much as I loved this book, it was far from perfect. The pacing in the first half, felt a bit off. Not sure if it was just a "Me" aspect or what, or maybe it was the author's change in how she writes that added to the pacing element of the story. But I really struggled staying completely hooked into the story. But once we get to the second half, I didn't want to put it down!
Overall View
Dream of Dragons is a story that enthralls you with rich history, fascinating relationships, laughs and thrills, and with the right touch of mystery to have you searching for more!
Favorite Quote(s)
What she wasnβt ready for was being in love. Especially with a man like Wolfe. Her dragon-hunter nemesis. The one and only male she would ever love. The most precious treasure she would give everything for, that she had no choice but to leave behind.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Historical Mythological Fantasy, Time-England-Camelot & Arthurian
Character Types: Warrior, Alpha Hero/Heroine
Themes: Kick Ass, Laughs & Giggles, Danger
Tropes:Forbidden Love, Forced Proximity, Road Trip Adventure
Book Perspective
Multi POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A Blend
If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Deborah Cooke
Abigail Owens
Jeffe Kennedy
Song This Book Inspires
Power Over Me by Dermot Kennedy
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes! But at minimum you will want to read Dark Purity first before this one.
Steam/Spice Explanations
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.