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The Dragon Diaries Trilogy #2
Winging It
The new Dragon Diary novel from the author of Flying Blind. Zoë Sorensson yearns to come into her powers as the only female dragon shifter. But being part of two worlds is more complicated than she expected. It's bad enough that she's the target of the Mages's plan to eliminate all shifters-but she also has to hide her true nature from her human best friend, Megan. But when Megan gets a last-minute invite to the popular kids' Halloween party-hosted by an apprentice Mage-Zoë must save the day and her best friend without revealing her fire- breathing secrets...
328 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2011
11 people are currently reading
1363 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Cooke
89 books853 followersDeborah Cooke also writes under the names Claire Delacroix and Claire Cross.
Bestselling and award-winning author Deborah Cooke has published over fifty novels and novellas, including historical romances, fantasy romances, fantasy novels with romantic elements, paranormal romances, contemporary romances, urban fantasy romances, time travel romances and paranormal young adult novels. She writes as herself, Deborah Cooke, as Claire Delacroix, and has written as Claire Cross. She is nationally bestselling, #1 Kindle Bestselling, KOBO Bestselling, as well as a USA Today and New York Times’ Bestselling Author. Her Claire Delacroix medieval romance, The Beauty, was her first book to land on the New York Times List of Bestselling Books.
Deborah was the writer-in-residence at the Toronto Public Library in 2009, the first time TPL hosted a residency focused on the romance genre, and she was honored to receive the Romance Writers of America PRO Mentor of the Year Award in 2012. She’s a member of Romance Writers of America and of Novelists Inc.
Currently, she’s writing paranormal romances as Deborah Cooke, and medieval romances as Claire Delacroix.
Deborah thinks a lot about publishing and writing, and also knits too much.
Bestselling and award-winning author Deborah Cooke has published over fifty novels and novellas, including historical romances, fantasy romances, fantasy novels with romantic elements, paranormal romances, contemporary romances, urban fantasy romances, time travel romances and paranormal young adult novels. She writes as herself, Deborah Cooke, as Claire Delacroix, and has written as Claire Cross. She is nationally bestselling, #1 Kindle Bestselling, KOBO Bestselling, as well as a USA Today and New York Times’ Bestselling Author. Her Claire Delacroix medieval romance, The Beauty, was her first book to land on the New York Times List of Bestselling Books.
Deborah was the writer-in-residence at the Toronto Public Library in 2009, the first time TPL hosted a residency focused on the romance genre, and she was honored to receive the Romance Writers of America PRO Mentor of the Year Award in 2012. She’s a member of Romance Writers of America and of Novelists Inc.
Currently, she’s writing paranormal romances as Deborah Cooke, and medieval romances as Claire Delacroix.
Deborah thinks a lot about publishing and writing, and also knits too much.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
February 2, 2013
2.5 stars - Spoilers
This was good but also bad, very very bad. The plot was fast paced and entertaining — evil mages, dragons, shifters, high school and teenagers saving the world… What's not to like?
The heroine, Zoe, was likeable enough — she was fun, loyal and constantly getting into trouble but I also kind of hated her. Really, really hated her. Why? Because of that fucking pedo Jared. She was great when she was investigating, and fighting the mages, and hanging around with everyone else but whenever she thought about Jared or was around him, she became a lame, weak loser - I lost all respect for her. He treated her like utter shit and she kept asking for more. Whenever she got mad at him or was upset with him, it would last all of ten seconds because Jared would just look at her and everything would be forgiven and forgotten. She had no respect for herself.
I don't know what Jared was playing at — sending her signals when she was 15/16 and he was in his early 20's. Sure, he tried to keep his distance but he should have done it without acting like a dick and he should have been consistent about it — not playing hot and cold with her. He was a sicko and I hate him. Oh and if really cared about Zoe he wouldn't have left her alone to deal with a bunch of evil mages. He was such a dick messing with her feelings, and then acting like she meant something and then leaving when she asked for his help — he was a rubbish hero.
I did enjoy Zoe's friendship with Isabelle and Meagan… I love when YA heroines have female friends that they genuinely like and get along with. Although, Meagan was a bit harsh with Zoe - I disliked how she thought she had a right to know all of Zoe's secrets. Just because their friends doesn't mean she has to share everything with her.
I loved the addition of Derek, he was sweet, charming and age appropriate. I was disappointed that Zoe wasn't crazy about him, all she could think about was pedo Jared… I hate when a third love interest is introduced when it's clear who the heroine wants to be with. What's the point?!
I didn't like:
-The Disappearing Parent Syndrome, her supposedly overprotective parents left her with humans after she'd recently been attacked by mages. Really? Zoe's dad was meant to be an ultra alpha and super protective guy yet he just abandoned her so shortly after her life had been in danger?!
-Zoe's brother informing her that she would lose her powers if she had sex. WTF?! So the male dragons keep their powers after having sex yet Zoe would lose hers. WTF?! Why does female virginity always seem to be tied in with a loss of power/status?! What is with the sexist bullshit?!
-Nick dumping Isabelle and then immediately dating someone else and having sex with them. Really? I loved Nick in the first book but now hate him. Why was such a big deal made out of the forbidden love Nick/Isabelle shared in a past life when Nick just ended up throwing it away without a second thought? They were meant to be epic and crazy about each other… yet Nick forgot about Isabelle pretty quickly and started sleeping around - How was that meant to make their wuv epic or special? It just ruined their relationship.
-It was all very predictable.
Overall, I did enjoy the plot, the side characters (not Jared) and Zoe was likeable for half of the book. However, the romance was fucked up and Zoe's obsession with Jared made me sick. So yea, they were good aspects but they were surrounded by lots and lots of rubbish.
This was good but also bad, very very bad. The plot was fast paced and entertaining — evil mages, dragons, shifters, high school and teenagers saving the world… What's not to like?
The heroine, Zoe, was likeable enough — she was fun, loyal and constantly getting into trouble but I also kind of hated her. Really, really hated her. Why? Because of that fucking pedo Jared. She was great when she was investigating, and fighting the mages, and hanging around with everyone else but whenever she thought about Jared or was around him, she became a lame, weak loser - I lost all respect for her. He treated her like utter shit and she kept asking for more. Whenever she got mad at him or was upset with him, it would last all of ten seconds because Jared would just look at her and everything would be forgiven and forgotten. She had no respect for herself.
I don't know what Jared was playing at — sending her signals when she was 15/16 and he was in his early 20's. Sure, he tried to keep his distance but he should have done it without acting like a dick and he should have been consistent about it — not playing hot and cold with her. He was a sicko and I hate him. Oh and if really cared about Zoe he wouldn't have left her alone to deal with a bunch of evil mages. He was such a dick messing with her feelings, and then acting like she meant something and then leaving when she asked for his help — he was a rubbish hero.
I did enjoy Zoe's friendship with Isabelle and Meagan… I love when YA heroines have female friends that they genuinely like and get along with. Although, Meagan was a bit harsh with Zoe - I disliked how she thought she had a right to know all of Zoe's secrets. Just because their friends doesn't mean she has to share everything with her.
I loved the addition of Derek, he was sweet, charming and age appropriate. I was disappointed that Zoe wasn't crazy about him, all she could think about was pedo Jared… I hate when a third love interest is introduced when it's clear who the heroine wants to be with. What's the point?!
I didn't like:
-The Disappearing Parent Syndrome, her supposedly overprotective parents left her with humans after she'd recently been attacked by mages. Really? Zoe's dad was meant to be an ultra alpha and super protective guy yet he just abandoned her so shortly after her life had been in danger?!
-Zoe's brother informing her that she would lose her powers if she had sex. WTF?! So the male dragons keep their powers after having sex yet Zoe would lose hers. WTF?! Why does female virginity always seem to be tied in with a loss of power/status?! What is with the sexist bullshit?!
-Nick dumping Isabelle and then immediately dating someone else and having sex with them. Really? I loved Nick in the first book but now hate him. Why was such a big deal made out of the forbidden love Nick/Isabelle shared in a past life when Nick just ended up throwing it away without a second thought? They were meant to be epic and crazy about each other… yet Nick forgot about Isabelle pretty quickly and started sleeping around - How was that meant to make their wuv epic or special? It just ruined their relationship.
-It was all very predictable.
Overall, I did enjoy the plot, the side characters (not Jared) and Zoe was likeable for half of the book. However, the romance was fucked up and Zoe's obsession with Jared made me sick. So yea, they were good aspects but they were surrounded by lots and lots of rubbish.
December 7, 2011
Review originally posted on my blog: A Book Obsession..
For the longest time, all Zoe wanted was her powers as the Wyvern, the only female Pyr, or dragonshifter. But now that she has some of those powers, she realizes that they also came with complications. It is harder than ever to balance her Pyr life with her human one and still keep her secret, especially since her best friend knows Zoe is hiding something. Add in the Mages targeting her in their plot to eradicate all shifters and her life is a mess. Turning sixteen should have been fun, but she's too busy scrambling to protect the ones she cares about.
Zoe's love life is more complicated than ever. She's over her attraction to Nick, another Pyr, an impossible match. However, she is still mooning over the would be mage, Jared, even though he hasn't seemed to return her interest. Well, that isn't technically true, as a more apt description of his behavior would be hot one minute and cold the next. If you read my review of the last book, you'll know that I have mixed feelings about a relationship between them, and after reading Winging it, I cannot say that has changed. Putting that aside, the romance department is rather tricky in general for the younger Pyr. Their fathers are extremely discouraging them from dating on account of their firestorm. From what I understand is that a Pyr will firestorm with a human that is destined to be their true mate and bear a Pyr child. So, the adults don't want the teens getting involved otherwise, which I think is a little ridiculous. Why deny them love now when their firestorm may not come for hundreds of years?
Something that really bothered me in Winging It was the behavior of the adults, especially Zoe's father. I realize that the girl needs rules and structure as she has a whole lot of maturing to do. However, she also is supposed to be the Wyvern, who is supposed to go her own path and direct the other Pyr as she sees fit. But as Zoe stumbles along trying to find her way, any slight misstep, and her father is there coming down extremely hard on her without even giving her a chance to explain. To make matters worse, something major had just happened that shook both their lives up and it almost seemed like he took it out on Zoe. I understand that it has to be hard for any father to raise a teenage daughter, let alone one in their situation, but I really think he could have done a much better job there. I'm hoping in time he will see her inner strength and realize that she will make mistakes, but that she must learn on her own if she is to have any real confidence.
I enjoyed Winging It much more than I did the previous book. Zoe had made great strides in maturity that I was thoroughly impressed. However, now more than ever do I want to read the adult books in this world as I would like to see better into Zoe's father's head. Maybe that would shed some light on why he behaved the way he did. Putting that aside Winging It was a fun read that made me quite eager for the next installment. Things are definitely looking up.
For the longest time, all Zoe wanted was her powers as the Wyvern, the only female Pyr, or dragonshifter. But now that she has some of those powers, she realizes that they also came with complications. It is harder than ever to balance her Pyr life with her human one and still keep her secret, especially since her best friend knows Zoe is hiding something. Add in the Mages targeting her in their plot to eradicate all shifters and her life is a mess. Turning sixteen should have been fun, but she's too busy scrambling to protect the ones she cares about.
Zoe's love life is more complicated than ever. She's over her attraction to Nick, another Pyr, an impossible match. However, she is still mooning over the would be mage, Jared, even though he hasn't seemed to return her interest. Well, that isn't technically true, as a more apt description of his behavior would be hot one minute and cold the next. If you read my review of the last book, you'll know that I have mixed feelings about a relationship between them, and after reading Winging it, I cannot say that has changed. Putting that aside, the romance department is rather tricky in general for the younger Pyr. Their fathers are extremely discouraging them from dating on account of their firestorm. From what I understand is that a Pyr will firestorm with a human that is destined to be their true mate and bear a Pyr child. So, the adults don't want the teens getting involved otherwise, which I think is a little ridiculous. Why deny them love now when their firestorm may not come for hundreds of years?
Something that really bothered me in Winging It was the behavior of the adults, especially Zoe's father. I realize that the girl needs rules and structure as she has a whole lot of maturing to do. However, she also is supposed to be the Wyvern, who is supposed to go her own path and direct the other Pyr as she sees fit. But as Zoe stumbles along trying to find her way, any slight misstep, and her father is there coming down extremely hard on her without even giving her a chance to explain. To make matters worse, something major had just happened that shook both their lives up and it almost seemed like he took it out on Zoe. I understand that it has to be hard for any father to raise a teenage daughter, let alone one in their situation, but I really think he could have done a much better job there. I'm hoping in time he will see her inner strength and realize that she will make mistakes, but that she must learn on her own if she is to have any real confidence.
I enjoyed Winging It much more than I did the previous book. Zoe had made great strides in maturity that I was thoroughly impressed. However, now more than ever do I want to read the adult books in this world as I would like to see better into Zoe's father's head. Maybe that would shed some light on why he behaved the way he did. Putting that aside Winging It was a fun read that made me quite eager for the next installment. Things are definitely looking up.
December 13, 2011
I gave 3.5 Stars
If you are new to the series you should definitely pick up book 1 as there is some great character development to help you get to know all the characters but Deborah does a really good job of recapping in the first chapter of WINGING IT so you wont be to lost if you decide to jump right it. The recap was helpful to catch me back up on the series.
The book moves along at a nice speed and never leaves you feeling like something needs to happen. I enjoyed the action and conflict in FLYING BLIND but WINGING IT brought a more grown up Zoe with to go along with the action, conflict and fun supporting cast characters to liven up every situation.
Megan, Zoe's Best friend plays a much bigger role in book 2. We get to know her better and watch as Zoe tries to hide the truth that she so desperately wants to let out. We meet a new guy and I really liked him. We got to know Jared in FLYING BLIND I have so many questions about him and still so little answers. He is never there for Zoe when she needs him in WINGING IT and Derek was able to squeeze right into the spot that he should have been in. I still feel like Jared has a huge chance but unless he jumps in to the mix in a big way I think he will be done for in Zoe's world. I enjoyed watching the young dragons continue as a team to get past the major conflict in book 2. I'm hoping book 3 brings them all back together again.
The Dragon Diaries was planned as a trilogy with the final book BLAZING THE TRAIL set to release in June of 2012 and I hope I am able to snag it as soon as its off the press so I don't have to wait that long. Great series for any Paranormal YA lover.
If you are new to the series you should definitely pick up book 1 as there is some great character development to help you get to know all the characters but Deborah does a really good job of recapping in the first chapter of WINGING IT so you wont be to lost if you decide to jump right it. The recap was helpful to catch me back up on the series.
The book moves along at a nice speed and never leaves you feeling like something needs to happen. I enjoyed the action and conflict in FLYING BLIND but WINGING IT brought a more grown up Zoe with to go along with the action, conflict and fun supporting cast characters to liven up every situation.
Megan, Zoe's Best friend plays a much bigger role in book 2. We get to know her better and watch as Zoe tries to hide the truth that she so desperately wants to let out. We meet a new guy and I really liked him. We got to know Jared in FLYING BLIND I have so many questions about him and still so little answers. He is never there for Zoe when she needs him in WINGING IT and Derek was able to squeeze right into the spot that he should have been in. I still feel like Jared has a huge chance but unless he jumps in to the mix in a big way I think he will be done for in Zoe's world. I enjoyed watching the young dragons continue as a team to get past the major conflict in book 2. I'm hoping book 3 brings them all back together again.
The Dragon Diaries was planned as a trilogy with the final book BLAZING THE TRAIL set to release in June of 2012 and I hope I am able to snag it as soon as its off the press so I don't have to wait that long. Great series for any Paranormal YA lover.
December 4, 2011
WINGING IT is an exciting and fast-paced follow-up to its predecessor FLYING BLIND. Zoe is back with a vengeance and determined to fulfill her role as Wyvern. Of course, it isn't that easy when all of her powers haven't manifested and she has drama at home with her parents. If you loved FLYING BLIND, you are sure in for a good time with WINGING IT.
Zoe is so honest and real. She may be one of the Pyr and a Wyvern to boot, but she still has the same problems every teenage girl does. Jared is very hot and cold and she has no idea what to do about him! Oh, and there's this new guy Derek who may have a thing for her and a secret of his own. Her friendship with Meagan is way rocky and she doesn't know what to do! On top of all of this, she has to deal with the Mages who may have signed a peace contract with the Pyr, but definitely don't plan to honor it no matter what the adult Pyr may think.
I cannot get over how much I love this series. It is so exciting and action packed, and yet somehow I can still relate to everything with all the teenage drama involved. Zoe is a wonderful protagonist whose honesty shines through. The Pyr and their abilities are awesome! Every time I dive into this series, I become mesmerized and I cannot escape until the very last page.
The only problem I had with WINGING IT is Zoe's "best friend" Meagan. She is so annoying and I cannot help but wish that she would just go away, or that Zoe would drop her on her behind. She constantly bugs Zoe and says she isn't her real friend just because she keeps a few things from her. I'm sorry, but that is not cool. I don't care how close you are to someone, it should still be okay for you to keep quiet about some things, especially in Zoe's case.
Besides Meagan, I highly enjoyed myself with this one! Full of drama, romance, and startling revelations, WINGING IT is sure to entrance you!
Zoe is so honest and real. She may be one of the Pyr and a Wyvern to boot, but she still has the same problems every teenage girl does. Jared is very hot and cold and she has no idea what to do about him! Oh, and there's this new guy Derek who may have a thing for her and a secret of his own. Her friendship with Meagan is way rocky and she doesn't know what to do! On top of all of this, she has to deal with the Mages who may have signed a peace contract with the Pyr, but definitely don't plan to honor it no matter what the adult Pyr may think.
I cannot get over how much I love this series. It is so exciting and action packed, and yet somehow I can still relate to everything with all the teenage drama involved. Zoe is a wonderful protagonist whose honesty shines through. The Pyr and their abilities are awesome! Every time I dive into this series, I become mesmerized and I cannot escape until the very last page.
The only problem I had with WINGING IT is Zoe's "best friend" Meagan. She is so annoying and I cannot help but wish that she would just go away, or that Zoe would drop her on her behind. She constantly bugs Zoe and says she isn't her real friend just because she keeps a few things from her. I'm sorry, but that is not cool. I don't care how close you are to someone, it should still be okay for you to keep quiet about some things, especially in Zoe's case.
Besides Meagan, I highly enjoyed myself with this one! Full of drama, romance, and startling revelations, WINGING IT is sure to entrance you!
June 4, 2012
Just as good as the first-if not better! It did not disappoint. Instead it
Took things to a whole new level!
Werewolves, jaguars- just wow!
And Derek? A new yummy addition to the story!
Everything coming together. And this story is much more action packed! I love the close group- nick, garret, Liam, Zoe and even Isabelle and meagen and Derek now too!
Even kohana is growing on me' I think he keeps things in edge exude he's just so damn unpredictable.
I missed Jared at first but enters Derek and then he's completely forgotten.
I mean we have another spell singer now and a werewolf is just so much hotter!
Took things to a whole new level!
Werewolves, jaguars- just wow!
And Derek? A new yummy addition to the story!
Everything coming together. And this story is much more action packed! I love the close group- nick, garret, Liam, Zoe and even Isabelle and meagen and Derek now too!
Even kohana is growing on me' I think he keeps things in edge exude he's just so damn unpredictable.
I missed Jared at first but enters Derek and then he's completely forgotten.
I mean we have another spell singer now and a werewolf is just so much hotter!
October 22, 2018
WINGING IT by Deborah Cooke
WINGING IT is the second instalment in Deborah Cooke’s YA series--The Dragon Diaries. This series is the Young Adult companion to her adult Dragonfire series. Winging It, like the first novel in the series, tells of the trials and tribulations of growing up Dragon in a world of humans and shapeshifters. This second storyline takes place 5 months after Flying Blind.
Zoe Sorensson, is the only female dragon and Wyvern, and is about to celebrate her 16th birthday, without her best friend Meagan. To make matters worse, she has been invited to a Halloween party, by one of the most popular boys in school-who just happens to be an apprentice Mage, and is gunning for the eradication of all dragons. But when Meagan is once again, attacked at school, by a group of ‘mean girls’, Zoe shifts forms to defend her friend against injury.
Zoe’s father, Eric, as leader of the Pyr, is not impressed, because now, his only child and daughter has broken the Dragon Covenant and revealed herself to the humans. To complicate matters, Zoe’s parents are splitting up, much to her surprise, and it seems, that she may be the catalyst in the demise of her parent’s marriage. Zoe’s mother, Eileen, cannot come to terms living with her family of dragons, knowing her daughter, is the target of a group of Mage, who will risk their own lives to destroy the Pyr. When Eileen heads to England, Eric makes the decision to ‘ground’ Zoe from all dragon activity, and sends her to her Meaghan’s, while he flies to Europe to convince his wife, that they should remain a family.
The Halloween party becomes a nightmare. Jessica is now dating Trevor, the young apprentice Mage, and appears to be caught in a web of deceit. When the young Pyr, including Nick, Garrett and Liam attend the October celebration, with Zoe and Meaghan, they are enthralled into a world of music and chaos. Without knowing, Jessica is revealed as a jaguar shifter when the ‘songs’ of the Mage, pull forth her shifting powers, hoping to ‘devour’ the essence of the jaguar. The young Dragons shift forms to help in the rescue of the shifters, but not before, Meaghan is witness to many things, not meant for human eyes, including a large blue-eyed wolf—Derek.
The Pyr soon recognize that a powerful force calls to the Mage. When Zoe discovers that her Dragon friends are suddenly missing, she is forced to use her powers as the Wyvern, to search and locate her friends—who may be sacrificed by the Mage in a Halloween ritual. With the help of some unlikely ‘stone’ statues, Zoe must enter the cemetery where the Mage ritual will be performed. Rescuing, not only the Pyr, but a wolf, a jaguar and her best friend Meaghan, it is then that they realize, there are more than just a few shifters. The ceremony is witnessed by many beings including felines, lupin and an assortment of shifters, long thought destroyed by the Mage. They are present to aid in the rescue of their friends and family.
Winging It is an easy read, as was Flying Blind. The continuing story of Zoe and the young Pyr, has me wanting to go back to the Dragonfire series, if only because I miss the excitement of the Firestorms with the adult dragons. The Dragon Diaries is a good series, with plenty of excitement and a story that will continue for along time. Zoe has the frustrations of most 16 year old girls, but being a dragon complicates matters to another degree. Sometimes, I wonder, if all teens thought the way these young dragons think, our teens would not be in as much trouble as they are today. They are responsible for their own lives as well as others, and it is nice to see, someone taking responsibility for their own actions. I am looking forward to Blazing the Trail—to be released in June 2012
http://thereadingcafe.com/
WINGING IT is the second instalment in Deborah Cooke’s YA series--The Dragon Diaries. This series is the Young Adult companion to her adult Dragonfire series. Winging It, like the first novel in the series, tells of the trials and tribulations of growing up Dragon in a world of humans and shapeshifters. This second storyline takes place 5 months after Flying Blind.
Zoe Sorensson, is the only female dragon and Wyvern, and is about to celebrate her 16th birthday, without her best friend Meagan. To make matters worse, she has been invited to a Halloween party, by one of the most popular boys in school-who just happens to be an apprentice Mage, and is gunning for the eradication of all dragons. But when Meagan is once again, attacked at school, by a group of ‘mean girls’, Zoe shifts forms to defend her friend against injury.
Zoe’s father, Eric, as leader of the Pyr, is not impressed, because now, his only child and daughter has broken the Dragon Covenant and revealed herself to the humans. To complicate matters, Zoe’s parents are splitting up, much to her surprise, and it seems, that she may be the catalyst in the demise of her parent’s marriage. Zoe’s mother, Eileen, cannot come to terms living with her family of dragons, knowing her daughter, is the target of a group of Mage, who will risk their own lives to destroy the Pyr. When Eileen heads to England, Eric makes the decision to ‘ground’ Zoe from all dragon activity, and sends her to her Meaghan’s, while he flies to Europe to convince his wife, that they should remain a family.
The Halloween party becomes a nightmare. Jessica is now dating Trevor, the young apprentice Mage, and appears to be caught in a web of deceit. When the young Pyr, including Nick, Garrett and Liam attend the October celebration, with Zoe and Meaghan, they are enthralled into a world of music and chaos. Without knowing, Jessica is revealed as a jaguar shifter when the ‘songs’ of the Mage, pull forth her shifting powers, hoping to ‘devour’ the essence of the jaguar. The young Dragons shift forms to help in the rescue of the shifters, but not before, Meaghan is witness to many things, not meant for human eyes, including a large blue-eyed wolf—Derek.
The Pyr soon recognize that a powerful force calls to the Mage. When Zoe discovers that her Dragon friends are suddenly missing, she is forced to use her powers as the Wyvern, to search and locate her friends—who may be sacrificed by the Mage in a Halloween ritual. With the help of some unlikely ‘stone’ statues, Zoe must enter the cemetery where the Mage ritual will be performed. Rescuing, not only the Pyr, but a wolf, a jaguar and her best friend Meaghan, it is then that they realize, there are more than just a few shifters. The ceremony is witnessed by many beings including felines, lupin and an assortment of shifters, long thought destroyed by the Mage. They are present to aid in the rescue of their friends and family.
Winging It is an easy read, as was Flying Blind. The continuing story of Zoe and the young Pyr, has me wanting to go back to the Dragonfire series, if only because I miss the excitement of the Firestorms with the adult dragons. The Dragon Diaries is a good series, with plenty of excitement and a story that will continue for along time. Zoe has the frustrations of most 16 year old girls, but being a dragon complicates matters to another degree. Sometimes, I wonder, if all teens thought the way these young dragons think, our teens would not be in as much trouble as they are today. They are responsible for their own lives as well as others, and it is nice to see, someone taking responsibility for their own actions. I am looking forward to Blazing the Trail—to be released in June 2012
http://thereadingcafe.com/
November 7, 2011
Zoe Sorenson has the problems of any other almost 16yr old girl, her friends, her parents, boys, but there’s much more to her than just that. Zoe is one of the elusive dragon shape-shifters known as the PYR, she’s also the rare Wyvern to her race, the prophetess the one who has all the answers for her kind. But she doesn’t, and that causes more problems almost then she can handle, caught in the middle of both PYR and human situations. Especially now that the Mages have surfaced again and knowing that what they want is the eradication of all shape-shifting species her concern is valid, it’s not knowing how to fix it that is the problem, that and the fact that the adult PYR one being her father don’t think the Mages will break their treaty with the PYR, but Zoe knows different. And therein lies the problem, how to go about proving this without breaking the “Covenant” that says that PYR should never reveal themselves in their dragon forms to humans and also because Zoe’s best friend Meagan, just happens to be human and the lies are getting to be a bitter barrier between them especially when the Mages seem to be targeting Meagan, it gives a whole new meaning to conflict.
Deborah Cooke is the brilliant author of the Adult paranormal romance Dragonfire series, which happen to star the parents of the stars of this series. The most amazing thing I find between the two, both of which I’m fans of, is the seamless way she narrates them. In this series she has me totally convinced she’s a 16 year old by her actions, her dialogue and her antics and most importantly the innocence I feel from these characters who are far less worldly then their older counterparts from the adult series. Her plots are unbelievably believable as she convinces her readers of all kinds of fantasy come to life. Her characters are enigmatic (as dragons should be) with a healthy dose of enchanting vs enraging (which normal red blooded teens will do). Her main protagonist Zoe is a mix herself as we watch her try to fit into both her worlds, interact with all the species that we’ll meet and do the right things by her parents and her friends. Along with this she shows us her romantic teen side as well, bewitched, bothered and bewildered by a male. But this is not just for female readers as there is a good dose of dragon fights and bloodshed that will appeal to teen and adult male readers as well.
So if you’re looking for something a bit out of the ordinary, action, adventure and danger you can definitely find it between the pages of these novels. If you like the family drama or teenaged angst, this too can be found here. If you like me are always on the lookout for a read that will enrapture and keep your interest throughout the whole read, this is also true here.
Thank you Ms. Cooke for another enjoyable dose of the fantasy fiction I’ve come to expect from you, you never disappoint me.
If this is your first read by this author, please try her other novels and her other pseudonyms of Claire Delacroix or Claire Cross and be sure to visit her Dragon Diaries webpage.
The novel is part of a series but makes a good stand-a-lone.
Deborah Cooke is the brilliant author of the Adult paranormal romance Dragonfire series, which happen to star the parents of the stars of this series. The most amazing thing I find between the two, both of which I’m fans of, is the seamless way she narrates them. In this series she has me totally convinced she’s a 16 year old by her actions, her dialogue and her antics and most importantly the innocence I feel from these characters who are far less worldly then their older counterparts from the adult series. Her plots are unbelievably believable as she convinces her readers of all kinds of fantasy come to life. Her characters are enigmatic (as dragons should be) with a healthy dose of enchanting vs enraging (which normal red blooded teens will do). Her main protagonist Zoe is a mix herself as we watch her try to fit into both her worlds, interact with all the species that we’ll meet and do the right things by her parents and her friends. Along with this she shows us her romantic teen side as well, bewitched, bothered and bewildered by a male. But this is not just for female readers as there is a good dose of dragon fights and bloodshed that will appeal to teen and adult male readers as well.
So if you’re looking for something a bit out of the ordinary, action, adventure and danger you can definitely find it between the pages of these novels. If you like the family drama or teenaged angst, this too can be found here. If you like me are always on the lookout for a read that will enrapture and keep your interest throughout the whole read, this is also true here.
Thank you Ms. Cooke for another enjoyable dose of the fantasy fiction I’ve come to expect from you, you never disappoint me.
If this is your first read by this author, please try her other novels and her other pseudonyms of Claire Delacroix or Claire Cross and be sure to visit her Dragon Diaries webpage.
The novel is part of a series but makes a good stand-a-lone.
December 20, 2011
Review posted at
Amaterasu Reads
The story picks up after the thrilling events from Flying Blind. The bootcamp has ended and Zoe is getting the hang of her powers, slowly but surely discovering what she can do. But real life gets in the way, and her 16th birthday is just a few weeks away. Add to that the unexpected fall out of her parents Erik and Eileen's marriage. Why can't she be normal? She couldn't even invite her best friend Meagan!
Zoe is as funny and entertaining as ever! Without any other person to ask advice from to become a Wyvern the Dragons needed, Zoe improvises along the way. She's always been a nice character to read of, energetic, full of life and she takes in her problems like a typical teenager does. She makes mistakes, she's stubborn and she fights for what she thinks is right.
Winging It brings an interesting shift from one love interest to another. On top of all of the action packed happenings in her life, Zoe also learns a lesson or two about love. I must say I got irritated with Jared's attitude towards Zoe. He couldn't even fight for her. Or maybe it was easier to stay away than prove everyone wrong? I don't think the age difference was much of a factor, but it's the willingness of the person to make it work. It might just be a little less subtle way of shifting the attention of the readers to Derek, the blue eyed werewolf shifter, the wildcard of the werewolf pack.Unlike Jared, Derek is a steady force helping Zoe move forward, one step at a time to fulfilling her destiny.
Winging It dives into the story a little bit more by giving the readers a more in depth look at Zoe's family life, her school life, friendships and the future of the entire Dragon race. It's a great way of enticing the readers to read the original story arc where this book came from and consider me intrigued enough to find out the story behind Zoe's parents. I felt a jumble of emotions as I read through everything. Also, more character and story development happens as not only Zoe's story moves forward, but even those of supporting characters like Meagan and Garrett, Isabelle and Nick. There might be more in store for the readers in terms of love in the next book on the series! A lot of new possibilities that might widen the scope of the story but since all of them are lovable characters, readers can't help but ask for more of them!
Winging It is a great follow up novel to Flying Blind! A lot more serious, more developed and more action packed than the first one. You'll laugh at the jokes, groan at the frustrations brought on by the complications in Zoe's life, and feel sad for those moments where you'll feel that dragonshifter or not, they're still humans. If you wanted more of everything from Flying Blind, Winging It gives exactly just that. More drama, more action, and a whole lot of romance. They say sequels are either a hit or miss, but I say Winging It is definitely a hit!
The story picks up after the thrilling events from Flying Blind. The bootcamp has ended and Zoe is getting the hang of her powers, slowly but surely discovering what she can do. But real life gets in the way, and her 16th birthday is just a few weeks away. Add to that the unexpected fall out of her parents Erik and Eileen's marriage. Why can't she be normal? She couldn't even invite her best friend Meagan!
Zoe is as funny and entertaining as ever! Without any other person to ask advice from to become a Wyvern the Dragons needed, Zoe improvises along the way. She's always been a nice character to read of, energetic, full of life and she takes in her problems like a typical teenager does. She makes mistakes, she's stubborn and she fights for what she thinks is right.
Winging It brings an interesting shift from one love interest to another. On top of all of the action packed happenings in her life, Zoe also learns a lesson or two about love. I must say I got irritated with Jared's attitude towards Zoe. He couldn't even fight for her. Or maybe it was easier to stay away than prove everyone wrong? I don't think the age difference was much of a factor, but it's the willingness of the person to make it work. It might just be a little less subtle way of shifting the attention of the readers to Derek, the blue eyed werewolf shifter, the wildcard of the werewolf pack.Unlike Jared, Derek is a steady force helping Zoe move forward, one step at a time to fulfilling her destiny.
Winging It dives into the story a little bit more by giving the readers a more in depth look at Zoe's family life, her school life, friendships and the future of the entire Dragon race. It's a great way of enticing the readers to read the original story arc where this book came from and consider me intrigued enough to find out the story behind Zoe's parents. I felt a jumble of emotions as I read through everything. Also, more character and story development happens as not only Zoe's story moves forward, but even those of supporting characters like Meagan and Garrett, Isabelle and Nick. There might be more in store for the readers in terms of love in the next book on the series! A lot of new possibilities that might widen the scope of the story but since all of them are lovable characters, readers can't help but ask for more of them!
Winging It is a great follow up novel to Flying Blind! A lot more serious, more developed and more action packed than the first one. You'll laugh at the jokes, groan at the frustrations brought on by the complications in Zoe's life, and feel sad for those moments where you'll feel that dragonshifter or not, they're still humans. If you wanted more of everything from Flying Blind, Winging It gives exactly just that. More drama, more action, and a whole lot of romance. They say sequels are either a hit or miss, but I say Winging It is definitely a hit!
November 28, 2011
Winging It is the second book in The Dragon Diaries series by Deborah Cooke and a YA novel from NAL.
Book Blurb:
Zoe Sorensson yearns to come into her powers as the only female dragon shifter. But being part of two worlds is more complicated than she expects. It’s bad enough that she’s the target of the Mages’ plan to eliminate all shifters - she also has to hide her true nature from her best friend, Meagan, a human. For her sixteenth birthday, all Zoe wants is one normal day, including getting a tattoo and having a chance to see hot rocker Jared.
Instead, the Pyr throw her a birthday party but ban Meagan from attendance, putting Zoe in a tight spot. Things get even worse when Zoe is invited to the popular kids’ Halloween party and Meagan is left out. Zoe knows the party is a trap laid by the host, an apprentice Mage. When Meagan gets a last-minute invite, Zoe must save the day - and her best friend - without revealing her fire-breathing secrets...
My thoughts:
Zoe Sorensson is the daughter of one of the oldest Pyr and his human wife. Merging those two worlds is a constant balance. To top that, she is the only female dragon shifter - the Wyvern, and that comes with its’ on complications. There can only be one Wyvern at a time, and there is no how-to guide - so Zoe is constantly learning on the fly.
Adding to the already hectic situation is the Mages - who are hoping to gain power with the return of the ShadowEaters.
To reach this goal, the Mages are sacrificing the shifters to the ShadowEaters. And they are determined to reach their goal.
Zoe and her friends, both old and new, are willing to do whatever it takes to stop the Mages - even if it means breaking all of the rules.
Winging It is a very good read. I enjoyed Zoe and her determination to do what she thought was right - especially in the face of everything standing in her way.
I give Winging It 4 out of 5 stars.
Product Details
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: NAL Trade (12-6-11)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0451234898
ISBN-13: 978-0451234896
Book Blurb:
Zoe Sorensson yearns to come into her powers as the only female dragon shifter. But being part of two worlds is more complicated than she expects. It’s bad enough that she’s the target of the Mages’ plan to eliminate all shifters - she also has to hide her true nature from her best friend, Meagan, a human. For her sixteenth birthday, all Zoe wants is one normal day, including getting a tattoo and having a chance to see hot rocker Jared.
Instead, the Pyr throw her a birthday party but ban Meagan from attendance, putting Zoe in a tight spot. Things get even worse when Zoe is invited to the popular kids’ Halloween party and Meagan is left out. Zoe knows the party is a trap laid by the host, an apprentice Mage. When Meagan gets a last-minute invite, Zoe must save the day - and her best friend - without revealing her fire-breathing secrets...
My thoughts:
Zoe Sorensson is the daughter of one of the oldest Pyr and his human wife. Merging those two worlds is a constant balance. To top that, she is the only female dragon shifter - the Wyvern, and that comes with its’ on complications. There can only be one Wyvern at a time, and there is no how-to guide - so Zoe is constantly learning on the fly.
Adding to the already hectic situation is the Mages - who are hoping to gain power with the return of the ShadowEaters.
To reach this goal, the Mages are sacrificing the shifters to the ShadowEaters. And they are determined to reach their goal.
Zoe and her friends, both old and new, are willing to do whatever it takes to stop the Mages - even if it means breaking all of the rules.
Winging It is a very good read. I enjoyed Zoe and her determination to do what she thought was right - especially in the face of everything standing in her way.
I give Winging It 4 out of 5 stars.
Product Details
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: NAL Trade (12-6-11)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0451234898
ISBN-13: 978-0451234896
February 1, 2013
I really liked Flying Blind so I was a bit sad when Winging It fell somewhat short of my expectations for it. I am still trying to understand what went wrong and have come to the conclusion that maybe it was my reading experience at fault and not the book itself. Winging It had a much slower beginning than Flying Blind and this slowness affected the pacing of the entire novel and also prevented me from getting into the novel as I wanted to.
The new elements to the narrative are interesting – especially the singing spell casters and whatnot. What I did not like was the romantic complications and the gradual growth of a love triangle. I also found it difficult to believe that the boy of one’s dreams would not look behind and miss all the self-sacrificing one is doing to ensure dream boy’s survival. That doesn’t happen anywhere except in cartoons – no matter how loud your mp3 player may be.
I also thought that the so called leaders of the Pyr, Zoe’s dad the chief among them, would be so blithely unaware of the tensions underneath the surface of the truce. It doesn’t ring true of dragons who have lived for centuries and are versed in the corruptibility of the mages. And to think that he’d leave the lone female dragon alone while he went looking for his missing mate is even more improbable. It doesn’t ring true to character is what I’m saying and if I were reading Cooke’s adult series which I think figure the same characters, I would not be too happy. Also, why would Zoe, unless she is completely dense, not be suspicious of two new students who just happened to transfer to her school following the traumatic events earlier in the year?
That said, the novel is somewhat entertaining and does show Zoe’s progression and growth. While this sequel wasn’t a favourite, it did whet my appetite and made me look forward to see how this all ends.
The new elements to the narrative are interesting – especially the singing spell casters and whatnot. What I did not like was the romantic complications and the gradual growth of a love triangle. I also found it difficult to believe that the boy of one’s dreams would not look behind and miss all the self-sacrificing one is doing to ensure dream boy’s survival. That doesn’t happen anywhere except in cartoons – no matter how loud your mp3 player may be.
I also thought that the so called leaders of the Pyr, Zoe’s dad the chief among them, would be so blithely unaware of the tensions underneath the surface of the truce. It doesn’t ring true of dragons who have lived for centuries and are versed in the corruptibility of the mages. And to think that he’d leave the lone female dragon alone while he went looking for his missing mate is even more improbable. It doesn’t ring true to character is what I’m saying and if I were reading Cooke’s adult series which I think figure the same characters, I would not be too happy. Also, why would Zoe, unless she is completely dense, not be suspicious of two new students who just happened to transfer to her school following the traumatic events earlier in the year?
That said, the novel is somewhat entertaining and does show Zoe’s progression and growth. While this sequel wasn’t a favourite, it did whet my appetite and made me look forward to see how this all ends.
December 3, 2011
Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy
Deborah Cooke knows how to write a lighting fast story that flies along from beginning to end without ever once stopping to land. Even when the plot overshadowed the characters towards the end, the pacing in WINGING IT kept everything moving quickly enough to keep me turning pages to see what happened next.
One thing I absolutely loved about the beginning of WINGING IT was the seamless recap and character refresher that was woven into the first chapter. New readers to the series will be able to jump right in to book two and fans from the first book will be immediately caught right back up into the excitement from FLYING BLIND. When there are this many characters, a mythology that is constantly expanding as Zoe learns more about her Wyvern abilities, and relationships that evolve from one book to the next, the reminder was invaluable.
I had a few issues with Zoe’s immaturity in FLYING BLIND, but the Zoe in WINGING IT is stronger, smarter, and more courageous. She’s still a very realistic sixteen year old so her maturity is appropriately balanced with impetuousness, recklessness, and some questionable romantic decisions. But Zoe is an extremely likeable protagonist and even when I wanted shake her, I was constantly rooting for her.
Whether you found this spin-off series from Cooke’s adult paranormal romance Dragonfire series or this is your first introduction to this dragon shifter world, WINGING IT is a fast, fun read that will be sure to leave you waiting for the final book in the Dragon Diaries trilogy entitled BLAZING THE TRAIL, when it hits shelves on June 5th 2012
Sexual Content:
Kissing
Deborah Cooke knows how to write a lighting fast story that flies along from beginning to end without ever once stopping to land. Even when the plot overshadowed the characters towards the end, the pacing in WINGING IT kept everything moving quickly enough to keep me turning pages to see what happened next.
One thing I absolutely loved about the beginning of WINGING IT was the seamless recap and character refresher that was woven into the first chapter. New readers to the series will be able to jump right in to book two and fans from the first book will be immediately caught right back up into the excitement from FLYING BLIND. When there are this many characters, a mythology that is constantly expanding as Zoe learns more about her Wyvern abilities, and relationships that evolve from one book to the next, the reminder was invaluable.
I had a few issues with Zoe’s immaturity in FLYING BLIND, but the Zoe in WINGING IT is stronger, smarter, and more courageous. She’s still a very realistic sixteen year old so her maturity is appropriately balanced with impetuousness, recklessness, and some questionable romantic decisions. But Zoe is an extremely likeable protagonist and even when I wanted shake her, I was constantly rooting for her.
Whether you found this spin-off series from Cooke’s adult paranormal romance Dragonfire series or this is your first introduction to this dragon shifter world, WINGING IT is a fast, fun read that will be sure to leave you waiting for the final book in the Dragon Diaries trilogy entitled BLAZING THE TRAIL, when it hits shelves on June 5th 2012
Sexual Content:
Kissing
October 30, 2011
Winging It was just as good as the first book. In Winging It Zoë's 16th birthday is coming up. But nothing is going well for her. The hot rocker Jared hasn't kept in touch with her, her parents aren't getting along, and not being able to tell her best friend Meagan the truth about the Pyr is tearing their relationship apart. Then she's invited to Trevor's Halloween party, but she doesn't trust him or the Mages one bit. They are definitely up to something and Zoë intends to find out what. There's also the whole idea of the Mages wanting to wipe out all the shape-shifters that Zoë can't let happen. With her friends, new allies, and help from unexpected sources, Zoë finally begins to understand her destiny as the new Wyvern.
In every book Zoë grows more and more. She learns new things about the Wyvern, herself, and those around her. Whenever there's trouble Zoë always takes a stand and becomes the true and intelligent Wyvern that she is. She's strong, courageous, and compassionate. I can't wait to read more about Zoë and her friends, and learn more about the Wyverns in the next book. Winging It definitely sets us up for an epic showdown with the Mages that I can't wait to read about.
By the way, I just love Jared. He' so sweet. =D
And thanks to Deborah Cooke for sending me an ARC of Winging It!
In every book Zoë grows more and more. She learns new things about the Wyvern, herself, and those around her. Whenever there's trouble Zoë always takes a stand and becomes the true and intelligent Wyvern that she is. She's strong, courageous, and compassionate. I can't wait to read more about Zoë and her friends, and learn more about the Wyverns in the next book. Winging It definitely sets us up for an epic showdown with the Mages that I can't wait to read about.
By the way, I just love Jared. He' so sweet. =D
And thanks to Deborah Cooke for sending me an ARC of Winging It!
June 16, 2012
Ok, me likening FLYING BLIND one to Jacinda’s and Sophie’s stories was jumping the gun because WINGING IT alters course slightly by introducing a host of characters who are similarly situated to her and her ilk, as well as by introducing a teensy tiny *not*prophecy with Zoe at its focus. Sure, it’s still funny and young… but it got all kinds of kick ass out of the blue.
Thunderbirds, dude. Thunderbirds! When they’re first introduced in book one, they were just that extra little bit that complicated matters more. Here, the mess that’s created has them sort of in the center. Only it wasn’t just them, given the addition of wolf shifters and cat shifters! So her world’s growing and just to amp up things even more, there’s more specifics in the magic and spell-singing thrown into the mix!
Still, while it is fun and quick, I confess I thought a lot of the goings on could be so frustratingly obvious(?) There’s a lot of going into things despite knowing their chances were slim. A lot of waving the red flag in front of the bull, if that makes sense. Also, the boy drama! Lots and lots of boy drama. I was totally on board with her and Isabelle on their boys-are-clueless spiel. I still liked this though; it’s an entertaining way to pass a couple of hours without me having to roll my eyes (all the time) after each passage.
3/5
Thunderbirds, dude. Thunderbirds! When they’re first introduced in book one, they were just that extra little bit that complicated matters more. Here, the mess that’s created has them sort of in the center. Only it wasn’t just them, given the addition of wolf shifters and cat shifters! So her world’s growing and just to amp up things even more, there’s more specifics in the magic and spell-singing thrown into the mix!
Still, while it is fun and quick, I confess I thought a lot of the goings on could be so frustratingly obvious(?) There’s a lot of going into things despite knowing their chances were slim. A lot of waving the red flag in front of the bull, if that makes sense. Also, the boy drama! Lots and lots of boy drama. I was totally on board with her and Isabelle on their boys-are-clueless spiel. I still liked this though; it’s an entertaining way to pass a couple of hours without me having to roll my eyes (all the time) after each passage.
3/5
July 12, 2013
Gone are the days of Vampires and Werewolves , now we have Dragon Shifters and much more with Deborah Cooke's new series "The Dragon Diaries". For those who are reading this review, this is Book #2 - yes I know, I am dreadful at reading series in proper order -though do not fear as if you have found yourself picking this one up first and in the same predicament as you can read this one first if you wish as you will catch the gist of the series pretty easily , more so if you have previously read Sophie Jordan's Firelight series.
Winging it takes us into the life of sixteen year old Zoe Sorensson who is the first female dragon in her shifting period as this only happens to women once in a lifetime as at any one time there can only be one female dragon known as the Wryven. If being a dragon and having to keep it a secret wasn't difficult enough, Zoe has enough on her plate from keeping secrets from her best friend Megan , hot guys Jared and Derek and her mum has left her Dad, Zoe has found out she has a half-brother who turned evil and of course there are people out to kill her.
Can Zoe make it through her Sixteenth Year or will she find herself "Winging It" .
Find out in Book #2 of The Dragon Diaries Series.
Winging it takes us into the life of sixteen year old Zoe Sorensson who is the first female dragon in her shifting period as this only happens to women once in a lifetime as at any one time there can only be one female dragon known as the Wryven. If being a dragon and having to keep it a secret wasn't difficult enough, Zoe has enough on her plate from keeping secrets from her best friend Megan , hot guys Jared and Derek and her mum has left her Dad, Zoe has found out she has a half-brother who turned evil and of course there are people out to kill her.
Can Zoe make it through her Sixteenth Year or will she find herself "Winging It" .
Find out in Book #2 of The Dragon Diaries Series.
May 17, 2013
The fun and excitement continues. I only wish I hadn't put so much time between reading this one and the first installment. I did a little refresher and then flew through this sequel, eager for more. Cooke put together such a great group of characters in the series opener and added even more this time around.
New shifters come to light and enter the mix and of course drama follows. Zoe must still keep Megan in the dark and that continues to take a toll on their relationship. Adding to that problem, Jared and Zoe's non-relationship continues to spin and confuse bother her and I'm sure readers in general. I was one of those confused individuals. I love Jared, but he was such a "guy" this time around. I can only hope he can clean up his act and his attitude in the next installment, Blazing the Trail.
And of course Cooke had to keep things interesting by throwing Derek into the mix to complete a perfectly frustrating love triangle...major anxiety inducer. So my fan gear has kicked back in and I can't wait to see how things go forward. I'm of course crossing my fingers for a happy ending and one that involves a Zoe and Jared reconciliation.
New shifters come to light and enter the mix and of course drama follows. Zoe must still keep Megan in the dark and that continues to take a toll on their relationship. Adding to that problem, Jared and Zoe's non-relationship continues to spin and confuse bother her and I'm sure readers in general. I was one of those confused individuals. I love Jared, but he was such a "guy" this time around. I can only hope he can clean up his act and his attitude in the next installment, Blazing the Trail.
And of course Cooke had to keep things interesting by throwing Derek into the mix to complete a perfectly frustrating love triangle...major anxiety inducer. So my fan gear has kicked back in and I can't wait to see how things go forward. I'm of course crossing my fingers for a happy ending and one that involves a Zoe and Jared reconciliation.
December 5, 2011
Winging It by Deborah Cooke is the fun, quickly paced second installment of the Dragon Diaries series. I love how fast paced this series is- it is impossible to stop flipping the pages. If you haven't read the first book in this series, you should. But if you haven't, don't worry because Cooke smoothly introduces the story to new readers and those that need a recap (like myself) without it ever feeling redundant.
Though I really enjoyed Zoe's character in Flying Blind, she is much easier to relate to in Winging It. Her character has evolved and is extremely likeable. I love that she has typical teenage problems to cope with as well as her Wyvern problems. She has a boy that is sending mixed messages and parents with relationship issues as well. Who couldn't relate to that? It is entertaining to watch her try to figure it all out.
Highly recommend this series to anyone that loves action packed paranormal young adult. It is full of exciting revelations, drama and romance. Can't wait until the third installment, Blazing the Trail, releases next year!
Though I really enjoyed Zoe's character in Flying Blind, she is much easier to relate to in Winging It. Her character has evolved and is extremely likeable. I love that she has typical teenage problems to cope with as well as her Wyvern problems. She has a boy that is sending mixed messages and parents with relationship issues as well. Who couldn't relate to that? It is entertaining to watch her try to figure it all out.
Highly recommend this series to anyone that loves action packed paranormal young adult. It is full of exciting revelations, drama and romance. Can't wait until the third installment, Blazing the Trail, releases next year!
April 17, 2014
I loved this book! found it really easy to get into as the story starts in the same intriguing way as the last. I had just finished reading the 1st so maybe that helped? but anyway I found myself empathising with the protagonist throughout the book and laughed a lot as some of the situations she finds herself in are so common in real life but have a completely different emphasis due to her unique abilities :) the book follows Zoe and her friends as they continue they battle against the evil mages trying to eliminate all shifter species in a bid to become more powerful. I also found that Zoe's character was well developed and am currently wishing that I owned the 3rd book so I could read it straight away :)
April 18, 2015
Since reading book one (Flying Blind) in this series, I have been obsessed with dragons. I just love them. And I also enjoy Zoe, the narrator in the series. She's such a fun character and it's a delight being in her head.
Although there are a host of characters, Zoe is the hero. She is a wyvern, the only female dragon-shifter in the world, and she is on a mission to prove that she qualifies to the one prophesied about who will free the world's remaining shape-shifters from the evil Mages.
The book is packed with magic, some suspense, and a few really cool, creepy scenes with the Mages. Altogether, a fun read.
Although there are a host of characters, Zoe is the hero. She is a wyvern, the only female dragon-shifter in the world, and she is on a mission to prove that she qualifies to the one prophesied about who will free the world's remaining shape-shifters from the evil Mages.
The book is packed with magic, some suspense, and a few really cool, creepy scenes with the Mages. Altogether, a fun read.
March 6, 2019
Dragons and Jaguars and Wolves.... oh my!
I really enjoy this series. I decided to reread because it had been a long time, and they were coming to Kindle. I am glad that I did. It is a fun, adventurous story. It is YA, so of course there is the usual teen angst over boys but it is such a small part of the story. The rest of it is about destiny, and finding your own. If you like shifter books I would absolutely recommend The Dragon Diaries to you, young adult or adult. It is a good time, no matter your age!
I really enjoy this series. I decided to reread because it had been a long time, and they were coming to Kindle. I am glad that I did. It is a fun, adventurous story. It is YA, so of course there is the usual teen angst over boys but it is such a small part of the story. The rest of it is about destiny, and finding your own. If you like shifter books I would absolutely recommend The Dragon Diaries to you, young adult or adult. It is a good time, no matter your age!
March 28, 2015
After the treaty with the Mages I knew they wouldn't keep their word. I kept hoping that Zoe's father wouldn't exile her but things weren't looking great. I was happy to see Megan back in the book and to see more of Isabelle as well, especially getting to break into her world a little (tarots)and the friendship between Megan and Jessica infuriated me, Megan was totally being unfair to Zoe. I like the new characters that were introduced as well, Derek. Thank you for this work! Can't wait to get my fingers on the next book
May 12, 2012
Well I don't believe this one was as good as the first. It was written pretty good but I did stumble sometimes over certain paragraphs. The whole thing with Jared really ticks me off though, he needs to be in or out and not in between. Now lets talk about Derek, the wolf shifter, holy heck! I wish I knew which guy she'd firestorm for. I really enjoy this series and can't wait for the third book. It's been an intense series!
January 26, 2015
2.5 stars. Lagged a little in the middle, but otherwise what it says on the tin.
maybe
May 13, 2013Now after reading the reviews I probably won't read this series
February 8, 2019
3,5 stars
I might have found Zoe, the main character of The Dragon Diaries series, difficult to like in Flying Blind , but in Winging It she's likable and easy to relate to. Her maturity and growth is amazing and her levelheadedness that I admired in Flying Blind is more evident in Winging It. However, she's still a believable teenager and is angry, defiant and impulsive at times. There's a good mix of teenager issues and Wyvern issues that Zoe has to deal with in Winging it.
The Dragon Diaries world has expanded. Zoe's got a grip on her Wyvern powers, but there are still limitations and things that she needs to figure out. She also has to stop the Mages from hurting her friends, prevent one of the four shifters from going extinct and ensure that the Mages don't become more power. The Spellsingers who create magic out of music is unique. I'm also excited to see the wildcards and the shifters come together to stop the Mages in Blazing the Trial .
Zoe has to hide her Pyr abilities from her best friend, Meagan and it puts a strain on their friendship. In the beginning, Meagan annoyed me because she couldn't accept that Zoe can't tell her secret. However, Meagan redeems herself and I like that she's a combination of nerdy and tough. I appreciate the strong female friendships between Zoe and Meagan and Isabelle (who's charming personality I could not escape). I also appreciate the brotherly relationship that Zoe shares with Garret, Nick and Liam.
Thank goodness the romance is a side plot because otherwise, I would be very annoyed. Jared, Zoe's love interest from Flying Blind , is hot-and-cold and gives Zoe mixed signals. In Winging It, there's Derek who's the silent and reliable type. I prefer Derek over Jared although Derek and Zoe's chemistry is non-existent. However, it seems so obvious who Zoe is going to end up with.
I like the direction that The Dragon Dairies series is taking and I'm excited to see how it all ends in Blazing the Trial .
"If the future was going to be different, I was going to have to be the one to change it." (Zoe Sorensson)
I might have found Zoe, the main character of The Dragon Diaries series, difficult to like in Flying Blind , but in Winging It she's likable and easy to relate to. Her maturity and growth is amazing and her levelheadedness that I admired in Flying Blind is more evident in Winging It. However, she's still a believable teenager and is angry, defiant and impulsive at times. There's a good mix of teenager issues and Wyvern issues that Zoe has to deal with in Winging it.
The Dragon Diaries world has expanded. Zoe's got a grip on her Wyvern powers, but there are still limitations and things that she needs to figure out. She also has to stop the Mages from hurting her friends, prevent one of the four shifters from going extinct and ensure that the Mages don't become more power. The Spellsingers who create magic out of music is unique. I'm also excited to see the wildcards and the shifters come together to stop the Mages in Blazing the Trial .
Zoe has to hide her Pyr abilities from her best friend, Meagan and it puts a strain on their friendship. In the beginning, Meagan annoyed me because she couldn't accept that Zoe can't tell her secret. However, Meagan redeems herself and I like that she's a combination of nerdy and tough. I appreciate the strong female friendships between Zoe and Meagan and Isabelle (who's charming personality I could not escape). I also appreciate the brotherly relationship that Zoe shares with Garret, Nick and Liam.
Thank goodness the romance is a side plot because otherwise, I would be very annoyed. Jared, Zoe's love interest from Flying Blind , is hot-and-cold and gives Zoe mixed signals. In Winging It, there's Derek who's the silent and reliable type. I prefer Derek over Jared although Derek and Zoe's chemistry is non-existent. However, it seems so obvious who Zoe is going to end up with.
I like the direction that The Dragon Dairies series is taking and I'm excited to see how it all ends in Blazing the Trial .
April 22, 2018
it was a really good book. i could easily relate to
April 17, 2020
Awesome book
November 4, 2024
Reread this go round still great story
She sounds a bit whiny this time though
She sounds a bit whiny this time though
December 19, 2011
3.5 stars
Just weeks away from her sixteenth birthday, dragon shifter Zoe Sorensson can't catch a break. Zoe's best friend knows she's keeping something from her and it's causing a rift in a once strong friendship, her parents are having marital problems and the cute rocker who makes Zoe's heart race won't return her messages. But she has little time to dwell on this. The Mages' have devised a new plan and set their sights on Zoe. Zoe and her fellow Pyr will need to quickly come up with a way to stop them from not only destroying dragons, but all shifters.
It's been months since Zoe first shifted into her dragon form and uncovered a plot by the Mages to eliminate all species of shifters. Her birthday is coming up and things have only gotten more complicated. She isn't allowed to tell her best friend Meagan what she is because of rules set by her father that all Pyr must follow or face the possibility of exile. This is putting some major tension on their friendship that has only gotten more rocky since the arrival of the new girl Jessica. Relationship wise, Zoe wants desperately for there to be something between her and the older boy Jared she met while at Pyr boot camp but he seems set on keeping his distance. All the while Derek, one of her classmates, has started to show more and more interest in Zoe. I honestly didn't really care about any of this. All of the scenes were well written, it's just I'm not a fan of teen drama and high school politics. What kept me interested were the events involving the Mages and shifters.
I love Deborah Cooke's dragons. They're beautiful, strong and love and protect with a passion that always makes for a great read. In this series, she has opened up her world to include a few other species, all of which are in danger from the Mages. With the complete annihilation of a species, the Mages become more powerful and come closer to bringing back the stronger of their kind. Having signed an agreement with them, the older Pyr don't believe that they're up to anything so it falls onto the younger generation to discover what the Mages are up to and find a way to stop them before they do irreversible damage. The Pyr boys are just as likable as their fathers but Zoe stands out among the pack. Well, whenever she's not dealing with boy or best friend drama. Zoe is the Wyvern, only female who has powers beyond the others of her kind. Problem is she hasn't come into most of her powers and has no how to guide but I thought she really manged to hold her own against the stronger Mages. Zoe's intelligent, brave and loves nothing more than being a dragon and she uses this to outsmart her enemies and become a better Wyvern. She's quite impressive and you know she's only going to get better.
Though I wasn't a fan of the high school drama, I still found a lot to like in Winging It. The Mages have wicked things in store and it's up the Zoe, her Pyr friends and new allies to stop them before it's too late. Zoe really steps up to the plate and takes on a responsibility that would make an older person hide in fear. No matter the reader's age, Zoe's worthy of admiration and I can't wait to see what adventure she takes us on next.
-Stephanie
Just weeks away from her sixteenth birthday, dragon shifter Zoe Sorensson can't catch a break. Zoe's best friend knows she's keeping something from her and it's causing a rift in a once strong friendship, her parents are having marital problems and the cute rocker who makes Zoe's heart race won't return her messages. But she has little time to dwell on this. The Mages' have devised a new plan and set their sights on Zoe. Zoe and her fellow Pyr will need to quickly come up with a way to stop them from not only destroying dragons, but all shifters.
It's been months since Zoe first shifted into her dragon form and uncovered a plot by the Mages to eliminate all species of shifters. Her birthday is coming up and things have only gotten more complicated. She isn't allowed to tell her best friend Meagan what she is because of rules set by her father that all Pyr must follow or face the possibility of exile. This is putting some major tension on their friendship that has only gotten more rocky since the arrival of the new girl Jessica. Relationship wise, Zoe wants desperately for there to be something between her and the older boy Jared she met while at Pyr boot camp but he seems set on keeping his distance. All the while Derek, one of her classmates, has started to show more and more interest in Zoe. I honestly didn't really care about any of this. All of the scenes were well written, it's just I'm not a fan of teen drama and high school politics. What kept me interested were the events involving the Mages and shifters.
I love Deborah Cooke's dragons. They're beautiful, strong and love and protect with a passion that always makes for a great read. In this series, she has opened up her world to include a few other species, all of which are in danger from the Mages. With the complete annihilation of a species, the Mages become more powerful and come closer to bringing back the stronger of their kind. Having signed an agreement with them, the older Pyr don't believe that they're up to anything so it falls onto the younger generation to discover what the Mages are up to and find a way to stop them before they do irreversible damage. The Pyr boys are just as likable as their fathers but Zoe stands out among the pack. Well, whenever she's not dealing with boy or best friend drama. Zoe is the Wyvern, only female who has powers beyond the others of her kind. Problem is she hasn't come into most of her powers and has no how to guide but I thought she really manged to hold her own against the stronger Mages. Zoe's intelligent, brave and loves nothing more than being a dragon and she uses this to outsmart her enemies and become a better Wyvern. She's quite impressive and you know she's only going to get better.
Though I wasn't a fan of the high school drama, I still found a lot to like in Winging It. The Mages have wicked things in store and it's up the Zoe, her Pyr friends and new allies to stop them before it's too late. Zoe really steps up to the plate and takes on a responsibility that would make an older person hide in fear. No matter the reader's age, Zoe's worthy of admiration and I can't wait to see what adventure she takes us on next.
-Stephanie
September 11, 2012
So much fun!
The second book in the YA trilogy The Dragon Diaries. Zoe is still trying to figure out her wyvern powers and abilities. There is only one wyvern at a time and each one has to struggle to learn how best to do their job, there is no manual. Zoe is 16 and her father is the leader of the Pyr or dragon shifters. This is a spin-off from Cooke’s paranormal romance series about the adults whose teenage children are in this series.
Zoe’s parents are dealing with their own issues in most of this book, so Zoe is on her own with her friends. Basically, the new generation is figuring out the future for all shifters. At the end of the last book the Pyr signed a type of peace treaty with the Mages. The Mages have been out to destroy all shifters, because once they kill the last of a type of shifter, they own the ability to shift into that particular shape. They are power hungry and Zoe knows in her gut that the Mages are still gunning for the Pyr, so she and her friends have to stop them.
This was a great middle book. Usually that middle book in a trilogy is a bridge or meanders somewhat. This one has a clear purpose, a big showdown, some teen angst and love issues, but a clear resolution and is a bit funny here and there.
Zoe is dealing with a lot. Her powers are starting to come in. Her best friend Meagan isn’t allowed to know anything about what happened the summer before and it has caused a huge rift in their friendship, so big that Meagan has been hanging around a new girl and leaving Zoe behind. Both girls are hurting and Zoe gets a bit zealous in defending her friend from bullies.
Zoe is a strong heroine. She doesn’t sit idly by while her friends and family are in danger or hurting. She also doesn’t shy from dangerous situations. She involves herself, even when told not too by those who only want to see her safe and protected. She is a dragon after all, with some pretty cool powers too. She is fairly smart, even when it comes to her love life. But there is a difference between knowing and hoping. I am enjoying this series a lot, it is great YA with cross-over appeal and am excited to get a hold of the final book in the trilogy, Blazing the Trail. There is a bit of teen angst, but it doesn't drip with it. I do recommend reading them in order.
The second book in the YA trilogy The Dragon Diaries. Zoe is still trying to figure out her wyvern powers and abilities. There is only one wyvern at a time and each one has to struggle to learn how best to do their job, there is no manual. Zoe is 16 and her father is the leader of the Pyr or dragon shifters. This is a spin-off from Cooke’s paranormal romance series about the adults whose teenage children are in this series.
Zoe’s parents are dealing with their own issues in most of this book, so Zoe is on her own with her friends. Basically, the new generation is figuring out the future for all shifters. At the end of the last book the Pyr signed a type of peace treaty with the Mages. The Mages have been out to destroy all shifters, because once they kill the last of a type of shifter, they own the ability to shift into that particular shape. They are power hungry and Zoe knows in her gut that the Mages are still gunning for the Pyr, so she and her friends have to stop them.
This was a great middle book. Usually that middle book in a trilogy is a bridge or meanders somewhat. This one has a clear purpose, a big showdown, some teen angst and love issues, but a clear resolution and is a bit funny here and there.
Zoe is dealing with a lot. Her powers are starting to come in. Her best friend Meagan isn’t allowed to know anything about what happened the summer before and it has caused a huge rift in their friendship, so big that Meagan has been hanging around a new girl and leaving Zoe behind. Both girls are hurting and Zoe gets a bit zealous in defending her friend from bullies.
Zoe is a strong heroine. She doesn’t sit idly by while her friends and family are in danger or hurting. She also doesn’t shy from dangerous situations. She involves herself, even when told not too by those who only want to see her safe and protected. She is a dragon after all, with some pretty cool powers too. She is fairly smart, even when it comes to her love life. But there is a difference between knowing and hoping. I am enjoying this series a lot, it is great YA with cross-over appeal and am excited to get a hold of the final book in the trilogy, Blazing the Trail. There is a bit of teen angst, but it doesn't drip with it. I do recommend reading them in order.
June 14, 2012
This was another exciting episode for Zoë. She is near to her sixteenth birthday but things are not going her way. She is arguing with her best friend Meagan because she is required not to share anything with her about being a dragon. Meagan has found a new friend named Jessica who is also a math whiz and Zoë feels left out. She is confused about Jared, the boy she has a crush on, because he seems to be avoiding her. Her parents are having troubles and separate. And the Mages are planning something. Her father doesn't think the Mages will do anything because the dragons signed a treaty with them. Zoë doesn't think a treaty will be enough.
After Zoë's mother takes off for England and her father follows to try to win her back, Zoë is left with pretty loose supervision and some pretty big problems to solve. She learns that Meagan is a potential spellsinger like Jared and thus of great interest to the Mages. Trevor, an apprentice mage who goes to their high school, is the boy that Meagan has had a crush on forever. When he starts inviting her to things and spending time with her, Zoë gets worried but can't change Meagan's mind without sharing secrets she has been forbidden to share. Zoë has another run-in with the thunderbird Kohana but she doesn't know if she can trust what he tells her about the mages. He says that there are only four kinds of shifters left - dragon, thunderbird, wolves and leopards. But is he lying about this and working with the mages?
Things come to a head at Trevor's halloween party when the mages do some spells and capture Jessica, who is a leopard shifter, and almost capture Zoë, Meagan, and the other boy dragons who are Zoë's friends. In escaping, Zoë's secret is exposed. This makes things easier with Meagan but Meagan thinks she is strong enough to spy on the mages without being caught.
There is a lot of excitement in this one. Zoë also learns more about her future as a wyvern and forges the beginnings of alliances with the wolves and the cat shifters. The supernatural groups will have to work together to defeat the mages. I can't wait to read Blazing the Trail to find out if the supernaturals can defeat the mages and to see Zoë grow into her wyvern powers.
I recommend this series to readers who love dragons and who are fans of strong heroines.
After Zoë's mother takes off for England and her father follows to try to win her back, Zoë is left with pretty loose supervision and some pretty big problems to solve. She learns that Meagan is a potential spellsinger like Jared and thus of great interest to the Mages. Trevor, an apprentice mage who goes to their high school, is the boy that Meagan has had a crush on forever. When he starts inviting her to things and spending time with her, Zoë gets worried but can't change Meagan's mind without sharing secrets she has been forbidden to share. Zoë has another run-in with the thunderbird Kohana but she doesn't know if she can trust what he tells her about the mages. He says that there are only four kinds of shifters left - dragon, thunderbird, wolves and leopards. But is he lying about this and working with the mages?
Things come to a head at Trevor's halloween party when the mages do some spells and capture Jessica, who is a leopard shifter, and almost capture Zoë, Meagan, and the other boy dragons who are Zoë's friends. In escaping, Zoë's secret is exposed. This makes things easier with Meagan but Meagan thinks she is strong enough to spy on the mages without being caught.
There is a lot of excitement in this one. Zoë also learns more about her future as a wyvern and forges the beginnings of alliances with the wolves and the cat shifters. The supernatural groups will have to work together to defeat the mages. I can't wait to read Blazing the Trail to find out if the supernaturals can defeat the mages and to see Zoë grow into her wyvern powers.
I recommend this series to readers who love dragons and who are fans of strong heroines.
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