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The Little Dragons

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Before the Kings came, the People of the Land had an agreement with the Dragons. It was negotiated by the Dragon Priestesses, who could communicate with those fearsome beasts through their familiars, the Little Dragons. The Kings, however, knew only the way of the sword. In their war against the Dragons, they killed their smaller cousins as well, along with the Priestesses who cared for them. The revenge of the Dragons was disastrous for both peoples, forcing everyone to live their lives at night, when the Dragons sleep in their caves in the mountains.

Feeling her age breathing on the back of her neck, Mother Peg, a Senior Healer of the Earth People, is determined to track down the persistent rumours that some of the doomed Dragon Priestesses shared their knowledge with the Healers who sheltered them. On the other side of the Realm, powerful King Anglewart of the Westlands, as determined as Mother Peg to find the Little Dragons, sends a search expedition to the mountains.

Others become caught up in the King Anglewart's spirited wife, Queen Melisande, and their daughter, Liandra, apparently pregnant, although she denies ever lying with a man; Mother Peg’s servant, Maida, who dreams of becoming a Healer despite her origins as the daughter of a cheesemaker; Gleve, newly confirmed as a Healer and worried about what will happen to his beloved elderly teacher, Father Mallory, when he leaves; Keiran of Hanford, who survives the dangers of the King's expedition to the Dragon caves, only to be beaten and left for dead by his own companions; Jessa and Ev, two lowly servants in the Women's Retreat House, where young noblewomen commit themselves to craft and prayer, and widows retire to live out their days.

Danger surrounds each of these people - Dragons, of course, but also their antagonism towards one another. They cannot know that each bears a unique clue to the secret knowledge of the Dragon Priestesses.

A
This book contains mature themes and is not intended for children. Also, two of the female characters share a loving lesbian relationship and one of the male characters is attracted to his male friend. Several Podiobooks listeners have found this offensive. Others have found it delightful, especially those who rarely see themselves reflected in the pages of fantasy fiction.

874 pages, Nook

First published September 19, 2011

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Rowan Starsmith

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5 stars
96 (29%)
4 stars
106 (32%)
3 stars
82 (24%)
2 stars
29 (8%)
1 star
18 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
Profile Image for  Mandy  ♥.
102 reviews51 followers
September 7, 2012
Book Overview:
Before the Kings came, the People of the Land had an agreement with the Dragons. It was negotiated by the Dragon Priestesses, who could communicate with those fearsome beasts through their familiars, the Little Dragons. The Kings, however, knew only the way of the sword. In their war against the Dragons, they killed their smaller cousins as well, along with the Priestesses who cared for them. The revenge of the Dragons was disastrous for both peoples, forcing everyone to live their lives at night, when the Dragons sleep in their caves in the mountains.

Mother Peg, a Senior Healer of the Earth People, is determined to track down the persistent rumours that some of the doomed Dragon Priestesses shared their knowledge with the Healers who sheltered them. King Anglewart of the Westlands, as determined as Mother Peg to find the Little Dragons, sends a search expedition to the mountains.

Others become caught up in the quest:
King Anglewart’s spirited wife, Queen Melisande, and their daughter, Liandra, apparently pregnant, although she denies ever lying with a man; Mother Peg’s servant, Maida, who dreams of becoming a Healer despite her origins as the daughter of a cheesemaker; Gleve, newly confirmed as a Healer and worried about what will happen to his beloved elderly teacher, Father Mallory, when he leaves; Keiran of Hanford, who survives the dangers of the King’s expedition to the Dragon caves, only to be beaten and left for dead by his own companions; Jessa and Ev, two lowly servants in the Women’s Retreat House, where young noblewomen commit themselves to craft and prayer, and widows retire to live out their days.

Danger surrounds each of these people—Dragons, of course, but also their antagonism towards one another. They cannot know that each bears a unique clue to the secret knowledge of the Dragon Priestesses.

Book Review:
Ok that me start with why I gave the little dragons 4 stars when I so wanted to give it 5, 
Well there's 3 reasons these are:
1. The Ending!!!!!!!! It's not even a ending, the story just stops suddenly with so many unanswered questions! Who? What? When? Where? Why? *pulls out hair*
2. No HEA, ok so this ones a bit silly but I do love a bit of HEA while still being realistic.
3. The Chapters,  each chapter focuses on one character & how they see things which Is great but can stop the flow, I'm all about the Flow!!!

Reasons why I loved this book! & why you have to read it! 
1. Well drawn,  interesting & realistic characters. (love them or hate them you still wanna know what happens to them)
2.The  Plot! (which makes so much sense it's crazy!)
3. No Hero Heroin or Villain, you get this great understanding towards all the character & their actions, so theres no good vs evil just people doing what they feel is right. 
4. Sometimes  the story gets a little disturbing!  like drop your jaw, shocked & disturbed in a good way.
5. Romance!!!! I love a book with romance, so it's not huge on this bit but what it lacks in quantity it makes up for in quality. (but not detailed sex acts quality)
6.Once I got over the chapter thing, i delved whole heartedly into this mesmerizing world of Dragons, Dragon Priestesses, Little Dragons, Magical Earth Healers, Kings, Queens, Princesses, Princes & so much more! 
7. Some people may find some of the lesbian/gay romance in the little dragons offensive (as the author pointed out in the start of the book) but I found it delightful. Love comes in all different shapes, sizes, race & religion & I love how the author protrayed that in such a beautifully simple way- after all love is love! 

The Little Dragons comes in both written & audio, I choose written because I couldn't stand the audio but some may like it. 
One more thing if you love lord of the rings YOU WILL LOVE THIS BOOK! 

Now I'm off on my own quest to find a damn ending to this book even if I have to write it myself!!!! Lol 

to see this reviews & many others visit my blog:
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Profile Image for Stevii.
6 reviews30 followers
June 21, 2013
I am not far in this book, but other than the old style writing, it is already a hard to put down book! I can't wait to see what happens! *********** So, after taking my time, I still managed to finish this 873 page book in three days. I am so impressed with this story. It's so different from the stories we read today, since it involves dragons, instead of Lycans and Vampires. This book is only intended for open minded people, who accept people who love the same sex, and for people who aren't disgusted with women and dragons mating together. There are some errors grammatically, but they're simple ones like a missing letter or quotation mark, so they're easily forgotten. I laughed, cried, smiled, felt angry and so many other emotions, I haven't experienced in a book for quite some time. The story is a fantasy that takes place in the time when Kings still ruled the land. The book is one of those where each chapter belongs to one of the main characters, so it does jump around a tad, but I felt it was a good change of pace for it, although there wasn't an over all timeline for the story. If you have the same taste in literature as I do, you will adore this book like I do. The only thing that saddens me is that the story ended and I have yet to find a sequel, which there should very much be! If you read this, you'll feel the same way about the need for another book! But, if you're a child, or faint of heart, or very close minded, this book is not for you. I truly enjoyed, and adore this book!
Profile Image for AnnaLund.
271 reviews54 followers
gave-up-reading-dnf
September 6, 2012
Wow, we're off to a rocky start, this book and I. And then, I step off. Completely.

First off, this ebook starts with several pages of introduction—without SHOWING the reader that this is an introduction to the story, i.e. a story that talks about the story. Instead of starting the story already, with chapter one. So the book actually starts on page 8, after 5 pages of text about the book. Gah.

Then, as I have Capitalization Anxiety, this book felt like Winnie-The-Pooh, and Not In A Good Way.
Example:

"The Leaders kept the Common Order, bringing the People together to discuss problems, resolve conflicts, make decisions and hold one another accountable for the Common Good."

or

"... taking care of Sisters and Widows under the rule of the Head Mother."

It's like everybody is a title. And everything is a sacred noun, demanding the Capital. Annoys the crap out of me.
I simply cannot read it. When I then find stuff thrown in about how the kings are all white, and the little people are all dark skinned, you've lost me. Sorry. Not finishing this. Giving up.
No stars.


****

Received this copy for free. Thank god.
Profile Image for Luna.
2 reviews6 followers
February 14, 2014
The story itself is an interesting departure from the norm, and the most surprising aspects are handled with subdued dignity.

Unfortunately, the masses of grammatical and spelling errors keep the story from gaining any real momentum. At a certain point the spelling of a pivotal character's name changes--and in the next chapter is again as it should be. Were the chapters themselves somewhat longer than just a page or two in average, that would help. As it is, the constant switching of locations and views is dizzying; often some characters are simply lost in the shuffle while others are never fully developed.
Profile Image for Morgan Laird.
29 reviews1 follower
August 31, 2020
Vague spoilers ahead. 3.5 stars
A good read. It feels like it needs a sequel. The last quarter or so felt like it flew by and it could easily have been longer.
Also there was no way to keep track of the passage of time within the narrative, it was mentioned at some point that it had been 1 year since a specific event that had happened only a few dozen or so pages beforehand.
I would have liked to see the destination of a relationship arc which, for some reason was forgotten somewhat and not finished (leading back to needing a sequel).
The world building was interesting. I liked the whole 'live only at night' thing. Its not something I've seen in a fantasy book before.
The characters too were all interesting and diverse. There was alot of POV switching involved which did aid in getting a wider view of the narrative across, however, as with any book that does POV switching, there's always one POV that you don't particularly care about, but the further along you go, the more it makes sense as to why you should care about their POV chapters.
Some characters weren't as fleshed out as they should have been so you didnt feel much when something happend to them. Similarly in the case of a characters death, there was minimal lead up to it to make it seem like something that made sense to occur.
I realize all I've done is bag this book out but i did genuinely enjoy it. There's just bits it could have done better.
Profile Image for Thomas Min.
1 review
May 17, 2017
This is an excellent book. The author takes an entirely fresh look at dragons in this book, a topic that has been garnering a great deal of attention in recent years. I particularly enjoyed Christopher Paolini's "Inheritance Cycle," and Nicole Conway's "Dragonrider" series. "The Little Dragons" introduces an entirely new aspect to this genre, namely the "Little Dragons" of its title. I don't want to spoil the reader's pleasure by revealing the nature of these dragons, so I'll limit my observations on them to the fact that Thur nature is different from regular, large dragons. It is precisely in this difference that the Magic of this story rests. I thoroughly enjoyed this book to the extent that I have listened to the audiobook multiple times. I dearly hope that Rowan Starsmith will be able to author several mare books in this (hopefully) series. I sulk love to learn what cones next in their story.
6 reviews
December 18, 2017
This book was good. But, I don't feel like the romances actually added anything to the story. I mean, it's a nice change seeing multiple same-sex couples featured in a book, but they honestly didn't really do anything to advance or impact the plot or initiate significant character development. If anything, it would have been a great help and made much more sense if more detail and feeling was put into their relationships. It would have also made their romantic behaviors a little less uncomfortable to read when they started since I feel Gleve and Maida came on a little too strong to their respective romantic interests.

Other than that, it was a good book. Needs some more explanation in places since I felt there were some minor plot holes. But a good start if the author wanted to write a sequel.
16 reviews
June 8, 2021
I enjoyed it, and I don't know if there is a sequel or not, but I was left wanting to know more about the characters and how things work out at the end.

It's a bit of slow start. The first 10 chapters (which are quite short) sort of set up the backgrounds of the characters and the time and place in which they live, and then all of sudden, boom, you're in the middle of a very interesting story.

It was a free book, so I downloaded it. Wasn't quite sure what I was getting into, but I was pleasantly surprised.
2 reviews1 follower
January 15, 2020
Highly recommended for lovers of dragons and medieval stories.

Well crafted and engaging. The characters are believable and memorable, and the story flows easily. I enjoyed my second and third reading as much as my first.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
15 reviews2 followers
December 22, 2017
Overall an easy and fun read. But the whole mating dragons and humans got a little weird and graphic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for S.B..
32 reviews
April 8, 2018
A thoroughly enjoyable read. I loved that this wasn’t written primarily for male or female readers but had strong characters of both genders. Recommended to all lovers of fantasy.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
422 reviews5 followers
November 26, 2013
I really loved the imagination of this novel. It brought out the conflict of two races after one has taken over and completely decimated their belief structure. The old beliefs creep back as the conquerors realize their mistake in assuming that things would work out better their way. I was not super attached to the characters. I didn't cry when any of them were hurt or died, but despite that, I felt that this novel kept me interested and I loved the story line. I just wish there was more to it so I could find out where Maida and her friends head next.
Profile Image for Jenny.
408 reviews3 followers
June 28, 2015
This book was definitely kind of weird, but I became pretty invested in the characters and that carried me through.

What bothered me most about the book though wasnt even part of the book; it was the "warning" at the beginning advising me there were homosexual relationships. I don't feel that warrants a warning. Also, if you are going to warn people of something, maybe it should be the dragon sex, because that is actually something kind of weird because... dragons. None of it was really graphic, but I'm annoyed that homosexuality required a warning but beastiality did not.
Profile Image for Beci Phipps.
1 review
August 24, 2015
I read a lot of sci if and fantasy books and im always on the lookout for new authors. I've just finished the little dragons and really loved it. Loads of excellently written characters to get in to, great stories of interwoven lives. Enjoyed getting to know everyone and really wish it could have gone on longer. Now all we need is the next book...is there any chance as this story can't possibly stop there.
Just looked up Rowan Starsmith and can't find anything else she's written...hope the next one is on its way.
Profile Image for Michelle.
32 reviews2 followers
November 16, 2013
Loved this book. Would love to see a second so we can find out what happens to both peoples as the changes happen. The merging of 2 peoples, the conquerors and the conquered over a few generations and part of a belief system re-emerging was handled beautifully. The changes and adaptions as both learn to not only survive but emerge as one would make this an astounding series if more books are written.
Profile Image for Kristina.
3 reviews
May 12, 2014
With so many complaints about this novel's 'thematic elements' I decided that I'd have to read it, and Im thrilled I did. With a refreshing spin on the fantasy world, Rowan brings in a nice mixture of race, sexuality, equality, and political issues. It's lovely to see those rarely represented in fantasy literature finally at the forefront of the story. What a lovely book - but watch out for the ending. Because you'll want the sequel that doesnt exist.
14 reviews
December 30, 2018
This book had such potential. I really like the story, the premise, the characters , and even most of the writing. I think it is original and I didn't want to put it down once I started reading. I think this could have been an epic tale. But the story is beyond the capabilities of the writer at this time. I enjoyed reading it but I believe it could have been developed into so much more. I hope that Rowan Starsmith continues to develop as a writer and comes back to make this all it could be.
Profile Image for Symone.
299 reviews
December 8, 2016
OK so I will start with a warning. This book has some very adult themes and content.

Is it epic - yes

Will you at the end be pulling your hair out - yes

Will you be desperate for more - yes

You will both love and hate this book. I read this a few years ago and have been waiting waiting waiting for a sequel to continue the story of the little dragons. we have been left waiting.

Still very much worth the read. it is a very different story on dragon fantasy.
Profile Image for Carol.
48 reviews1 follower
February 8, 2013
It started off promising and It was good up to almost the end when it became rushed and left unanswered questions for me. Didn't like the dragon and Jessa scene at all. I think I lost it from then on. One, it would be impossible, two why would you?, three it was just yuck. I'll have to leave it there.
163 reviews
September 5, 2013
This was a meh book for me. I didn't like the switching viewpoints chapters very much, especially when some of the chapters were very, very short.



Profile Image for Marina.
132 reviews1 follower
July 17, 2016
I think the book was nice. Bit about Melisande and King was hard to swallow and bit forced, but I liked Liandra and Keiran. I think spacing was OK. At beginning I didn't like Peg and hope she won't discover about Dragon Priestess secrets or die, but the end was pretty satisfying. I though that was nice karma for her.
Profile Image for Sarah.
2 reviews
February 15, 2015
I liked this book, a lot. The world had a unique culture, the characters were interesting enough, but it's the dragon lore that kept me reading. I loved that sexuality was fluid and people just went with it. There were a few *squick* factors in the book for sure, but it made the book that much more interesting.
Profile Image for Wayne.
7 reviews2 followers
April 12, 2016
This book was really good but had some inappropriate things in it that I didn't expect. I read it on my Ipad and didn't read any reviews on the book. So I just expected it to be a regular book about a good topic. This book had many dragons and little death. So if you like death I wouldn't recommend this book. If you are fine with a little bit of death read this book it's pretty good.
Profile Image for Jane Balke Andersen .
468 reviews16 followers
July 24, 2016
A lot of potential here. Style is very jumpy, moving from place to place and character to character. I didn't like the explanation of the story at the beginning. Don't tell me, show me through the story. It ends quite abruptly. I quite liked some of the characters and the world. Mixed feelings. It could have been epic, but settles for okay with some good bits and some not so great.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
9 reviews
August 9, 2012
The book is well-written and I enjoyed it. The ending was too abrupt for me, however, and left a lot of storylines open, which is why I gave only 4 stars instead of 5. I am hoping that another story will be written to tie up the loose ends.
Profile Image for Annette McLean.
Author 2 books5 followers
August 25, 2012
I quite enjoyed the characters in this little novel, it was quite a good read - a couple of things didn't make sense but I rolled with it and continued on to the end - the ending was a bit of a loose end, but I suppose it leaves an opening to a second novel, which I hope the author continues to do.
Profile Image for Andrew.
593 reviews
September 26, 2013
This book had a lot of novel ideas. I particularly liked the concept of people having to become nocturnal because they had upset the natural balance. Unfortunately the great ideas were let down by some 2 dimensional characters and a pretty bland writing style.
Profile Image for Savannah.
21 reviews5 followers
March 10, 2016
I actually loved this book, but I reached a point where I just couldn't go on reading. This was awhile ago, I must admit, so I will let you know this now--I am gong to read this until the last page, and I will make the review reflect my thoughts of every page written!
Profile Image for Anna.
87 reviews1 follower
January 26, 2012
Ah . . . It was kind of fascinating, in a not-quite-gross way? ME LIKEY :D
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews

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