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A review by raven168
Grigori by Lauren Smith
3.0
This was a pretty good book. I really liked how it took place in Russia because that seems to be unusual for a dragon book. The back story of the dragons was interesting as well. The characters were believable, though some were more fun than others (namely Rurik). There was one character that I think was intended to play a part that never really went anywhere even though it seemed like it might have turned into something important . The relationship between Grigori and Madelyn was also believable and sweet.
Madelyn was an okay character. I wasn't impressed with her, but neither did she annoy me. She is a professor in danger of losing her tenure if she can't produce a paper validating her studies. And what are those? She's convinced that dragons were real. Not in the shifter sense, but in the reptilian sense as some sort of dinosaur offshoot. Why else would so many cultures have variations of them in their myths? Her search and a need for a change of scenery have her traveling to Russia alone. They have a lovely library and even a journal that she hopes will give her the information she needs. Her hopes are immediately squashed when she starts to read it, but there's a sketch of a man inside that she quickly becomes obsessed with.
I really liked Grigori. He had his dragon side that wants to dominate, but he was also incredibly sweet. My favorite line from him would probably have to be "The universe designed you among the stars and let you fall into my arms." How is that not a swoon worthy line? Grigori is one of the last three dragons of his family line. He has worked hard to build his family's business and has a lot of weight on his shoulders. He knows that he should seek out a dragoness to have offspring with, but his family has always sought out their true mates. He just never expected to find his in a mortal who could expose his family to the world.
Madelyn's life changes the moment that she goes to read this journal. The book belongs to Grigori and his family but he had it kept safe at the library for sentimental reasons. It was supposed to stay hidden, but when Madelyn checks it out and is caught taking pictures, he leaves immediately to find out who she really is. When Madelyn comes face to face with the man from the journal in her hotel room, she tries to find a logically explanation. Then she's cornered and put to sleep. When she wakes up, she finds herself pretty much Grigori's prisoner. But despite what her brain is shouting at her, she doesn't really mind. If fact she wants to spend more time with him and help him any way she can. She loses her heart to him very quickly. When Grigori explains why, she actually takes it rather well. Grigori and his brother take Madelyn to his real house, and it is gorgeous. While there, it is quickly learned that there is more to Madelyn than she even knew. Something very dangerous. Despite that, they become closer until Grigori can't stop himself from taking Madelyn. Fate wouldn't have chosen her as his mate if it couldn't work after all.
It turns out that their families were linked a long time ago by something terrible. Something that, honestly, should have been figured out before then. But Madelyn can finally find peace with with the knowledge and move on with Grigori. Just when things look up for the two of them, Grigori's enemy strikes early kidnapping Madelyn. The coming fight was really good and not a disappointment. I couldn't wait for Madelyn to embrace who she really is and I loved the shock of the enemy when he finds out. Considering that this book wrapped itself and the dragon conflict up nicely, I was wondering how this series would progress. Then we got to the last page and the long lost brother Mikhail is there...and we can guess where we go from here. While I didn't fall in love with this book, given the chance, I'd check out the next one.
ARC provided by publisher via Netgalley.
Spoiler
It seemed like Grigori's assistant was going to be a bigger influence in events because she was in league with his enemy. But aside from her one call to the guy (that didn't have any point to it) all that's left is her blatant interest in Grigori and her anger at being refused. So really, what was the point?Madelyn was an okay character. I wasn't impressed with her, but neither did she annoy me. She is a professor in danger of losing her tenure if she can't produce a paper validating her studies. And what are those? She's convinced that dragons were real. Not in the shifter sense, but in the reptilian sense as some sort of dinosaur offshoot. Why else would so many cultures have variations of them in their myths? Her search and a need for a change of scenery have her traveling to Russia alone. They have a lovely library and even a journal that she hopes will give her the information she needs. Her hopes are immediately squashed when she starts to read it, but there's a sketch of a man inside that she quickly becomes obsessed with.
I really liked Grigori. He had his dragon side that wants to dominate, but he was also incredibly sweet. My favorite line from him would probably have to be "The universe designed you among the stars and let you fall into my arms." How is that not a swoon worthy line? Grigori is one of the last three dragons of his family line. He has worked hard to build his family's business and has a lot of weight on his shoulders. He knows that he should seek out a dragoness to have offspring with, but his family has always sought out their true mates. He just never expected to find his in a mortal who could expose his family to the world.
Madelyn's life changes the moment that she goes to read this journal. The book belongs to Grigori and his family but he had it kept safe at the library for sentimental reasons. It was supposed to stay hidden, but when Madelyn checks it out and is caught taking pictures, he leaves immediately to find out who she really is. When Madelyn comes face to face with the man from the journal in her hotel room, she tries to find a logically explanation. Then she's cornered and put to sleep. When she wakes up, she finds herself pretty much Grigori's prisoner. But despite what her brain is shouting at her, she doesn't really mind. If fact she wants to spend more time with him and help him any way she can. She loses her heart to him very quickly. When Grigori explains why, she actually takes it rather well. Grigori and his brother take Madelyn to his real house, and it is gorgeous. While there, it is quickly learned that there is more to Madelyn than she even knew. Something very dangerous. Despite that, they become closer until Grigori can't stop himself from taking Madelyn. Fate wouldn't have chosen her as his mate if it couldn't work after all.
It turns out that their families were linked a long time ago by something terrible. Something that, honestly, should have been figured out before then. But Madelyn can finally find peace with with the knowledge and move on with Grigori. Just when things look up for the two of them, Grigori's enemy strikes early kidnapping Madelyn. The coming fight was really good and not a disappointment. I couldn't wait for Madelyn to embrace who she really is and I loved the shock of the enemy when he finds out. Considering that this book wrapped itself and the dragon conflict up nicely, I was wondering how this series would progress. Then we got to the last page and the long lost brother Mikhail is there...and we can guess where we go from here. While I didn't fall in love with this book, given the chance, I'd check out the next one.
ARC provided by publisher via Netgalley.