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The Dragon's Call
In a war-torn world, a careless act of destruction wakes a creature of myth and legend - a dragon. Mankind unites to battle for survival, but when dragons enter the fray in human form... humans lose.
Three decades later, Cecily lives in an enclave with her father and brother. Ignorant of life before the war, she placidly obeys the restrictions imposed by dragonkind.
Stifled by court life, Derek, heir of the Dragon Queen, commits a petty crime. To avoid punishment and chronic boredom, he escapes to the enclave. His arrival sparks increased tension when he meets Cecily. She realizes the limitations on her freedom, and Derek discovers his life is built on a lie. Their forbidden friendship threatens to splinter the separation between their people, but something more dangerous occurs.
A mysterious killer has kidnapped Cecily's mother - and seems to be stalking Cecily. Derek and Cecily must defy the rules of their society to find and stop the murderer before Cecily is next.
Three decades later, Cecily lives in an enclave with her father and brother. Ignorant of life before the war, she placidly obeys the restrictions imposed by dragonkind.
Stifled by court life, Derek, heir of the Dragon Queen, commits a petty crime. To avoid punishment and chronic boredom, he escapes to the enclave. His arrival sparks increased tension when he meets Cecily. She realizes the limitations on her freedom, and Derek discovers his life is built on a lie. Their forbidden friendship threatens to splinter the separation between their people, but something more dangerous occurs.
A mysterious killer has kidnapped Cecily's mother - and seems to be stalking Cecily. Derek and Cecily must defy the rules of their society to find and stop the murderer before Cecily is next.
135 pages, ebook
First published September 28, 2012
8 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
K.W. McCabe
13 books80 followersBorn and raised in Oakland, California, K.W. McCabe has loved fairy tales, science fiction, and fantasy all her life, and has been writing stories and poems of that nature since she could first spell. As an author, poet, and music lover, K.W. McCabe’s work also includes contemporary spoken word, novelty speech, and prose. After first publishing 2012, she has since released several other poetry books, short stories, anthologies, and novels.
She maintains that art and writing can only be done when inspired, and inspiration comes from a sufficient amount of laziness. Currently, she is working on Dragon Kin.
To learn more about K.W. McCabe’s upcoming project, The Dragon Throne, contact her at:
http://kwmccabe.org
https://twitter.com/#!/kw_mccabe
http://www.facebook.com/#!/kywmccabe
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/...
She maintains that art and writing can only be done when inspired, and inspiration comes from a sufficient amount of laziness. Currently, she is working on Dragon Kin.
To learn more about K.W. McCabe’s upcoming project, The Dragon Throne, contact her at:
http://kwmccabe.org
https://twitter.com/#!/kw_mccabe
http://www.facebook.com/#!/kywmccabe
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 2, 2015
This was a quick and easy read. While I liked the idea behind the Dragon's Call, I wasn't overly impressed either.
All the characters, down to the asshole ex and his new bitch girlfriend--neither of whom have anything better to do than pick on Cecily--are all very cookie cutter, IMO. Cecily's closest friend, Tara, is pretty one dimensional. She's the dumb friend who uses Cecily for homework help and then ditches her the moment a piece of man candy walks into the picture (Cecily's twin no less). I had no respect for Cecily. She lets absolutely everyone walk all over her. But for as much as many of the characters didn't work for me, I did like Derek.
And while the plot wasn't difficult to follow or predict, I did feel engaged and eager to read on. I liked the idea of the Dracian. But the whole "lets keep the teens, who are eventually going to have to run this thing, in the dark" attitude is getting really old in YA fiction.
All the characters, down to the asshole ex and his new bitch girlfriend--neither of whom have anything better to do than pick on Cecily--are all very cookie cutter, IMO. Cecily's closest friend, Tara, is pretty one dimensional. She's the dumb friend who uses Cecily for homework help and then ditches her the moment a piece of man candy walks into the picture (Cecily's twin no less). I had no respect for Cecily. She lets absolutely everyone walk all over her. But for as much as many of the characters didn't work for me, I did like Derek.
And while the plot wasn't difficult to follow or predict, I did feel engaged and eager to read on. I liked the idea of the Dracian. But the whole "lets keep the teens, who are eventually going to have to run this thing, in the dark" attitude is getting really old in YA fiction.
May 17, 2013
This was my first dragon-based fantasy read, and it sold me on the subject! The author seamlessly integrated a fantastical overtaking by dragonkind into a very plausible outcome. She uses two POVs, and it's interesting because one is a man who survived through the war and the other is a girl who's never known anything else. So it's fun to see how differently they react to the same situation. And she does a great job of giving each POV a very clear voice. My favorite character is Derek, the love interest and heir to the dragon throne.
August 16, 2014
This is a beautifully crafted world of magic and miracles!
Read full review in February 2013 issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in February 2013 issue of InD’tale Magazine.
October 25, 2012
Cecily looks like a typical teenage girl. Her boyfriend just dumped her; her brother falls in love with her best friend, leaving Cecily without her two most trusted confidantes; her dad is over-protective of her AND expects her to keep her brother out of trouble; things just couldn't get worse! Then again, things can always get worse, and they always do. The hot, hot new boys in school? They're dragons in human form. Everyone is terrified--except for Cecily. It's not that she's too stupid to recognize danger. Her dragon-hating father seems to know better than anyone how bad dragons really are. She just...isn't afraid of these dragon-boys, even though--or maybe because?--everyone else cowers from them.
Dragons are a staple of legend and literature, but they seem to be neglected as vampires and werewolves dominate today's literary landscape. "Dragon's Call" is just the novel that could change all that. With a romance to rival TWILIGHT's Bella and Edward, K.W. McCabe does what the other novel should have done: she lets the father play a bigger role than Bella's did, for who could doubt that Bella's father is really the funniest and most intriguing character in the whole novel? McCabe dedicates most of the narrative to Cecily and Derek, two teenagers fighting the kind of racial taboo that Romeo and Juliet couldn't have imagined. But Cecily's father, along with a mysterious journal writer and dragon-war survivor, make this novel more than a teen romance or fantasy.
By far the best part of DRAGON'S CALL, for me, are the journal entries of Todd Burns, the one human who lived to tell the tale of battling the dragons who conquered earth after a long, bloody war. Todd's cynical account of the stupid general who awoke a sleeping dragon under Mt. Everest is chilling and hilarious. Todd's diary entries are so witty, caustic, poignant and memorable, I wished the whole novel could equal his point of view. Instead, Todd shares the story-telling with Cecily and Derek, the teenage dragon (draakon) who hatched after the war had ended. None of these teens, draakon or human, ever knew life before dragons came to rule the earth. The third-person point of view for Cecily and Derek lack the power and humor of Todd's first-person viewpoint, and the third-person prose gets wordy or slow, at times, but the conflicts and themes of DRAGON'S CALL elevate this novel to something better than a mere forbidden-fruit romance (yes, I'm thinking of the proverbial apple on the cover of TWILIGHT).
Cecily's world looks bleak, but it's the only world she's even known. Humans lost; dragons won; now people live in squalor and in servitude to the dragons, who live in luxury. Every evening, humans must empty the streets or suffer for violating the dragon-imposed curfew. Though dragons by law are prohibited from harming humans, someone or something has been killing occasional violators of the curfew. Cecily's mother has been one of the victims, leaving Cecily to console her depressed father while stoically coping with her own grief.
The dragon boys, Derek and Tariq, have been taught to hate the whole human race. The lessons are drilled into them daily: "Humans were unworthy of ruling what they tried to destroy. Humans were little more than stupid pets needing a leash. Humans had to be controlled or they would destroy everything." But, but, but..."the young humans seemed rational, sort of, most of the time," Derek thinks. One in particular stirs in him the most irrational conviction: his destiny is to love, for life, a human girl named Cecily. How will he ever explain that to his mother, the Dragon Queen?
Too bad Derek doesn't get to read Todd's diaries. He keeps wondering: "Why did all the humans he'd come across seem so afraid? What had created so much animosity between dragonkind and humans?"
Cecily's dad could tell him, but he's too busy teaching Cecily to have nothing--NOTHING--to do with dragons.
Her father's weary, mournful, over-protective demeanor is a stark contrast to the journal entries of Todd Burns, an impassioned young man who fights bloody battles against the dragons -- and watches as all his men die, but he remains standing. He's the rare human who can resist the call of a dragon, and he suffers guilt and torment over his growing desire to join the winged monsters when they sail in the sky. Todd's passion, his sarcasm, his conflicted feelings about humans losing their world to dragons, versus his own inexplicable yearning to be one with the dragons, make the novel intriguing.
Humans know they must never, ever look a dragon in the eye, yet Cecily alone seems immune to the power of a dragon's gaze. Derek, however, is not immune to the charms of Cecily. Ultimately, he will be forced to choose between the girl he loves and his position as heir to the dragon throne. Cecily must choose between loyalty to her father versus Derek the ultimate outsider.
The complications of a world ruled by dragons could be more clearly and deeply explored, but the focus of this novel is more on Cecily and Derek and the conflicts they face with her father, his mother, their friends and siblings, an unknown killer at large, and social taboos. The climax is full of surprises, so I can't say all the things I'd like to. I'll just say this: Dragon boys are smokin' hot, Todd Burns is marvelous, Cecily is a not-so-ordinary girl after all, and the ending is a cliff hanger that demands a sequel. Tough moral decisions test Derek's mettle, and his choices make us cheer for him yet hope for better to come. Well, come on, K.W. McCabe, don't keep us waiting!
Dragons are a staple of legend and literature, but they seem to be neglected as vampires and werewolves dominate today's literary landscape. "Dragon's Call" is just the novel that could change all that. With a romance to rival TWILIGHT's Bella and Edward, K.W. McCabe does what the other novel should have done: she lets the father play a bigger role than Bella's did, for who could doubt that Bella's father is really the funniest and most intriguing character in the whole novel? McCabe dedicates most of the narrative to Cecily and Derek, two teenagers fighting the kind of racial taboo that Romeo and Juliet couldn't have imagined. But Cecily's father, along with a mysterious journal writer and dragon-war survivor, make this novel more than a teen romance or fantasy.
By far the best part of DRAGON'S CALL, for me, are the journal entries of Todd Burns, the one human who lived to tell the tale of battling the dragons who conquered earth after a long, bloody war. Todd's cynical account of the stupid general who awoke a sleeping dragon under Mt. Everest is chilling and hilarious. Todd's diary entries are so witty, caustic, poignant and memorable, I wished the whole novel could equal his point of view. Instead, Todd shares the story-telling with Cecily and Derek, the teenage dragon (draakon) who hatched after the war had ended. None of these teens, draakon or human, ever knew life before dragons came to rule the earth. The third-person point of view for Cecily and Derek lack the power and humor of Todd's first-person viewpoint, and the third-person prose gets wordy or slow, at times, but the conflicts and themes of DRAGON'S CALL elevate this novel to something better than a mere forbidden-fruit romance (yes, I'm thinking of the proverbial apple on the cover of TWILIGHT).
Cecily's world looks bleak, but it's the only world she's even known. Humans lost; dragons won; now people live in squalor and in servitude to the dragons, who live in luxury. Every evening, humans must empty the streets or suffer for violating the dragon-imposed curfew. Though dragons by law are prohibited from harming humans, someone or something has been killing occasional violators of the curfew. Cecily's mother has been one of the victims, leaving Cecily to console her depressed father while stoically coping with her own grief.
The dragon boys, Derek and Tariq, have been taught to hate the whole human race. The lessons are drilled into them daily: "Humans were unworthy of ruling what they tried to destroy. Humans were little more than stupid pets needing a leash. Humans had to be controlled or they would destroy everything." But, but, but..."the young humans seemed rational, sort of, most of the time," Derek thinks. One in particular stirs in him the most irrational conviction: his destiny is to love, for life, a human girl named Cecily. How will he ever explain that to his mother, the Dragon Queen?
Too bad Derek doesn't get to read Todd's diaries. He keeps wondering: "Why did all the humans he'd come across seem so afraid? What had created so much animosity between dragonkind and humans?"
Cecily's dad could tell him, but he's too busy teaching Cecily to have nothing--NOTHING--to do with dragons.
Her father's weary, mournful, over-protective demeanor is a stark contrast to the journal entries of Todd Burns, an impassioned young man who fights bloody battles against the dragons -- and watches as all his men die, but he remains standing. He's the rare human who can resist the call of a dragon, and he suffers guilt and torment over his growing desire to join the winged monsters when they sail in the sky. Todd's passion, his sarcasm, his conflicted feelings about humans losing their world to dragons, versus his own inexplicable yearning to be one with the dragons, make the novel intriguing.
Humans know they must never, ever look a dragon in the eye, yet Cecily alone seems immune to the power of a dragon's gaze. Derek, however, is not immune to the charms of Cecily. Ultimately, he will be forced to choose between the girl he loves and his position as heir to the dragon throne. Cecily must choose between loyalty to her father versus Derek the ultimate outsider.
The complications of a world ruled by dragons could be more clearly and deeply explored, but the focus of this novel is more on Cecily and Derek and the conflicts they face with her father, his mother, their friends and siblings, an unknown killer at large, and social taboos. The climax is full of surprises, so I can't say all the things I'd like to. I'll just say this: Dragon boys are smokin' hot, Todd Burns is marvelous, Cecily is a not-so-ordinary girl after all, and the ending is a cliff hanger that demands a sequel. Tough moral decisions test Derek's mettle, and his choices make us cheer for him yet hope for better to come. Well, come on, K.W. McCabe, don't keep us waiting!
October 23, 2012
Review as seen on Amy's Book World:
Dragons. When I first read the title of this book I was nervous. Dragons are usually a fixture in medieval times. I wasn't interested in reading a book set in the dark ages. This one is different it is a more modern take on the tale of Dragons. The setting is modern but humans do not rule the land. Dragons are in charge and humans are more a second class citizen. Humans have basic necessities and jobs but things like tv, cars and such are Dragon made and can only be bought by the wealthy or Dragon. After the Dragon war ended there has been a truce in the land mainly because humans live in fear of the dragons wraith and magic.
The main plot of this book is who is kidnapping the humans and what is so special about Cecily. The one kidnapping the humans is revealed in this book. It is no big surprise as to who it was. I wish that there was a bigger plot twist in this storyline but there wasn't. I found it hard to understand why this person was kidnapping people. When they explained it it came off confusing. I chalked it up to the fact that they just went off the deep end. When The Dragon Queen sentenced this person and finally explained their actions it made sense. As for Cecily, she turns out to be special unlike any other human. She has a gift that I think will serve he well when dealing with the dragons. I won't say what it is because...you'll have to read the book.
Cecily and Derek's relationship is a forbidden one. They come from different sides of the track. Plus Derek is a dragon and Cecily is well....she is more than meets the eye. Derek sees Cecily as his True Mate. He will do anything to protect her , even if he has to turn his back on his family and birth right. The connection between these two builds up fast. It is not a slow pace love. If you believe in love at first sight, this would be an example of it. At first I felt that maybe it was one side, Derek's part. Cecily just came out of a relationship and now she is jumping into another. Plus being with Derek would be the ultimate defiance. As the story went on she proved that what she felt for him was real and that they should be together.
I wasn't happy with Tara and Danial, Cecily's best friend. Tara has a crush on Cecily's twin brother Danial and she acts on it and they begin dating. In doing this she and Danial have basically shut Cecily from their lives. Cecily is very close to each of them and to be shut out like that was harsh. I know that Tara and Danial's relationship is new but that should have made time for Cecily since she was with them everyday.
The author starts off each chapter with a recollection from Todd Burns. We find out that he fought in the war and like Cecily he is special. I like that thoughts of Todd's are included. It gives you a perpective on what happened during the war, since the dragons won't speak of it.
Overall I enjoyed this book. It is my first dragon book and I liked it. I see myself reading more in this series because I have got to know what happens with Cecily and Derek. This is a good start to what I hope will be an awesome series. This book is recommended for ages 15+.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Dragons. When I first read the title of this book I was nervous. Dragons are usually a fixture in medieval times. I wasn't interested in reading a book set in the dark ages. This one is different it is a more modern take on the tale of Dragons. The setting is modern but humans do not rule the land. Dragons are in charge and humans are more a second class citizen. Humans have basic necessities and jobs but things like tv, cars and such are Dragon made and can only be bought by the wealthy or Dragon. After the Dragon war ended there has been a truce in the land mainly because humans live in fear of the dragons wraith and magic.
The main plot of this book is who is kidnapping the humans and what is so special about Cecily. The one kidnapping the humans is revealed in this book. It is no big surprise as to who it was. I wish that there was a bigger plot twist in this storyline but there wasn't. I found it hard to understand why this person was kidnapping people. When they explained it it came off confusing. I chalked it up to the fact that they just went off the deep end. When The Dragon Queen sentenced this person and finally explained their actions it made sense. As for Cecily, she turns out to be special unlike any other human. She has a gift that I think will serve he well when dealing with the dragons. I won't say what it is because...you'll have to read the book.
Cecily and Derek's relationship is a forbidden one. They come from different sides of the track. Plus Derek is a dragon and Cecily is well....she is more than meets the eye. Derek sees Cecily as his True Mate. He will do anything to protect her , even if he has to turn his back on his family and birth right. The connection between these two builds up fast. It is not a slow pace love. If you believe in love at first sight, this would be an example of it. At first I felt that maybe it was one side, Derek's part. Cecily just came out of a relationship and now she is jumping into another. Plus being with Derek would be the ultimate defiance. As the story went on she proved that what she felt for him was real and that they should be together.
I wasn't happy with Tara and Danial, Cecily's best friend. Tara has a crush on Cecily's twin brother Danial and she acts on it and they begin dating. In doing this she and Danial have basically shut Cecily from their lives. Cecily is very close to each of them and to be shut out like that was harsh. I know that Tara and Danial's relationship is new but that should have made time for Cecily since she was with them everyday.
The author starts off each chapter with a recollection from Todd Burns. We find out that he fought in the war and like Cecily he is special. I like that thoughts of Todd's are included. It gives you a perpective on what happened during the war, since the dragons won't speak of it.
Overall I enjoyed this book. It is my first dragon book and I liked it. I see myself reading more in this series because I have got to know what happens with Cecily and Derek. This is a good start to what I hope will be an awesome series. This book is recommended for ages 15+.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 18, 2013
*I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this book! I found it to be refreshing and a unique spin on a story about dragons. The author tells the story in such a way that the dragons are much more relatable and not just fire breathing monsters that just want to kill humans.
In this story dragons have the ability to take human form and have integrated themselves in to human society as the ruling class. I have never before read a book where dragons were able to take human form and I immediately loved the idea. Even though the dragons appear human on the outside does not mean they act human. They are able to put people in to a trance using what is referred to as ‘The Call’ and that is why they are able to rule over the humans so easily. They are far more advanced than humans in every subject imaginable and look at humans kind of like we look at animal, uneducated and far below us in intelligence and pretty much everything else.
For some strange reason the Dragon Prince, Derek, has decided he wants to attend a human high school. He has never been like most dragons and does not look down on humans. He just sees them as different then dragons and he wants to really observe them and get to know them outside of the dragon run areas. In these areas humans act as complete lackeys, for self-preservation reasons of course, but still acting nothing like how they do away from dragons. I loved reading the story when it is told from his perspective. It is funny to see him trying to fit in when he is so alien to the human teenagers. In fact one of my favorite parts is when he tries to smile, because that is what humans do to set each other at ease. He opens his mouth widely in a grin and then he can't understand why the humans suddenly become more scared of him after he does it. Gee…can’t be those crazy sharp dragon teeth can it?!
Derek is such a great character. He really struggles to be a good person and he wants to be a good ruler. When he falls in love with Cecily, one of the human girl’s at the high school, life for both of them gets very complicated. They are both caught up in the problems between humans and dragons, not to mention the fact that despite looking alike they come from two very different species. Life gets even more complicated when Derek’s brother and competition for the throne, Sahak, finds out about Cecily. Sahak is evil and ruthless and will stop at nothing to inherit the throne.
Throughout the book there are also diary entries interspersed in the story that describe the war that was fought between dragons and humans and how the dragons were able to seize power. These diary entries lend a lot of depth to the story, especially after it is revealed who the author is.
The ending of this story is beautiful but of course leaves many questions unanswered so that we can’t wait to get hold of the second book. Overall this story is wonderfully written and will make you believe in destiny and true love all over again.
I loved this book! I found it to be refreshing and a unique spin on a story about dragons. The author tells the story in such a way that the dragons are much more relatable and not just fire breathing monsters that just want to kill humans.
In this story dragons have the ability to take human form and have integrated themselves in to human society as the ruling class. I have never before read a book where dragons were able to take human form and I immediately loved the idea. Even though the dragons appear human on the outside does not mean they act human. They are able to put people in to a trance using what is referred to as ‘The Call’ and that is why they are able to rule over the humans so easily. They are far more advanced than humans in every subject imaginable and look at humans kind of like we look at animal, uneducated and far below us in intelligence and pretty much everything else.
For some strange reason the Dragon Prince, Derek, has decided he wants to attend a human high school. He has never been like most dragons and does not look down on humans. He just sees them as different then dragons and he wants to really observe them and get to know them outside of the dragon run areas. In these areas humans act as complete lackeys, for self-preservation reasons of course, but still acting nothing like how they do away from dragons. I loved reading the story when it is told from his perspective. It is funny to see him trying to fit in when he is so alien to the human teenagers. In fact one of my favorite parts is when he tries to smile, because that is what humans do to set each other at ease. He opens his mouth widely in a grin and then he can't understand why the humans suddenly become more scared of him after he does it. Gee…can’t be those crazy sharp dragon teeth can it?!
Derek is such a great character. He really struggles to be a good person and he wants to be a good ruler. When he falls in love with Cecily, one of the human girl’s at the high school, life for both of them gets very complicated. They are both caught up in the problems between humans and dragons, not to mention the fact that despite looking alike they come from two very different species. Life gets even more complicated when Derek’s brother and competition for the throne, Sahak, finds out about Cecily. Sahak is evil and ruthless and will stop at nothing to inherit the throne.
Throughout the book there are also diary entries interspersed in the story that describe the war that was fought between dragons and humans and how the dragons were able to seize power. These diary entries lend a lot of depth to the story, especially after it is revealed who the author is.
The ending of this story is beautiful but of course leaves many questions unanswered so that we can’t wait to get hold of the second book. Overall this story is wonderfully written and will make you believe in destiny and true love all over again.
November 8, 2012
My review of The Dragon's Call by K. W. McCabe
Rating 5*****
This book was provided free directly from the author in exchange for honest literary review. The opinions voiced here are solely my own with no coercion or input from the author.
"I felt like I'd known her my whole life and had just been waiting for her to appear." Derek
Cecily never had anything exciting happen to her. In fact, keeping her twin brother Daniel out of trouble has been a full time job since they started puberty. Since the Dragonkind now rule the land, the earth is way different from the way humans lived in the past. Humans are permitted to work and achieve an education, but they must adhere to strict curfews and laws enforced to the utmost.
Cecily's whole world is turned upside down the minute Derek steps into her high school. Derek is drakkon....a dragon who has not yet reached maturity. Basically he is the same age as 17 year old Cecily. Warned her whole life to never associate with any dragons, Cecily can't help but be taken with Derek. As their story unfolds, it seems that there is a definite destiny that has brought Cecily and Derek together. In true to life form, their happiness will come at a cost and depend on what they are each willing to give up and suffer through.
I was throughly surprised and absolutely fell in live with this story. First of all it is so refreshing to puck up a paranormal romance based on different supernatural species. Derek isn't a perfect leading man. While he is swoon worthy, he is real at the same time. He makes mistakes and doesn't always follow his gut instincts, which makes him feel so real and loveable. Cecily is also strong, and has imperfections of her own. The author makes them act like real teens. I just fell in love with this series. It has it all ....there's romance and action and even mystery thrown in. I do believe that the author has just scratched the surface as to where this series could go. Dragons are quickly becoming one of my new loves. I cannot stress to you how good this novel really is. Even the editing is superb. Once you pick it up.....you won't stop until you finish it trust me here I know. I even had to order pizza for dinner. Awesome read by an uber-talented author!!!!!!!!!
Rating 5*****
This book was provided free directly from the author in exchange for honest literary review. The opinions voiced here are solely my own with no coercion or input from the author.
"I felt like I'd known her my whole life and had just been waiting for her to appear." Derek
Cecily never had anything exciting happen to her. In fact, keeping her twin brother Daniel out of trouble has been a full time job since they started puberty. Since the Dragonkind now rule the land, the earth is way different from the way humans lived in the past. Humans are permitted to work and achieve an education, but they must adhere to strict curfews and laws enforced to the utmost.
Cecily's whole world is turned upside down the minute Derek steps into her high school. Derek is drakkon....a dragon who has not yet reached maturity. Basically he is the same age as 17 year old Cecily. Warned her whole life to never associate with any dragons, Cecily can't help but be taken with Derek. As their story unfolds, it seems that there is a definite destiny that has brought Cecily and Derek together. In true to life form, their happiness will come at a cost and depend on what they are each willing to give up and suffer through.
I was throughly surprised and absolutely fell in live with this story. First of all it is so refreshing to puck up a paranormal romance based on different supernatural species. Derek isn't a perfect leading man. While he is swoon worthy, he is real at the same time. He makes mistakes and doesn't always follow his gut instincts, which makes him feel so real and loveable. Cecily is also strong, and has imperfections of her own. The author makes them act like real teens. I just fell in love with this series. It has it all ....there's romance and action and even mystery thrown in. I do believe that the author has just scratched the surface as to where this series could go. Dragons are quickly becoming one of my new loves. I cannot stress to you how good this novel really is. Even the editing is superb. Once you pick it up.....you won't stop until you finish it trust me here I know. I even had to order pizza for dinner. Awesome read by an uber-talented author!!!!!!!!!
November 18, 2012
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I absolutely adored this book!
I could not put this down! From the beginning you get the feeling that there are much larger things at work. The Queen and all of the dragons have so much secrecy, and the whole time you are wondering where Cecily fits into everything.
The chemistry between Cecily and Derek was perfect. Even though there is a stronger connection between them, there was none of that insta-love going on. Their emotions felt real and it was fun to see them progress in their relationship. I was heartbroken for Cecily when she thought the worst of Derek. I wish she wouldn't have doubted herself or her feelings about Derek. There was so much prejudice in the book; Dragons hating humans, humans hating the Dragons. I was glad Cecily and Derek were able to look beyond what species they were and follow their hearts. :)
The writing was superb! McCabe gave us a world that was original and harsh but one that I loved at the same time. My only thing I wanted to change was Tariq. His loyalty is without question, and I understand some of his hatred towards humans, but how he can think so low of them still after interacting with them, especially Cecily, was heartbreaking. I was hoping he would open up more. At least he stays by Derek's side through thick and thin.
I loved the chapters with the "Recollections of Todd Burns." THey added to the mystery and allowed the reader to think about other things besides the relationship of Derek and Cecily. It really helped to keep the story moving along so there were no dull times.
While I had never read anything by McCabe before, it is safe to say that I will be doing so in the future. I loved this book and I can't wait to read more by this author!
I absolutely adored this book!
I could not put this down! From the beginning you get the feeling that there are much larger things at work. The Queen and all of the dragons have so much secrecy, and the whole time you are wondering where Cecily fits into everything.
The chemistry between Cecily and Derek was perfect. Even though there is a stronger connection between them, there was none of that insta-love going on. Their emotions felt real and it was fun to see them progress in their relationship. I was heartbroken for Cecily when she thought the worst of Derek. I wish she wouldn't have doubted herself or her feelings about Derek. There was so much prejudice in the book; Dragons hating humans, humans hating the Dragons. I was glad Cecily and Derek were able to look beyond what species they were and follow their hearts. :)
The writing was superb! McCabe gave us a world that was original and harsh but one that I loved at the same time. My only thing I wanted to change was Tariq. His loyalty is without question, and I understand some of his hatred towards humans, but how he can think so low of them still after interacting with them, especially Cecily, was heartbreaking. I was hoping he would open up more. At least he stays by Derek's side through thick and thin.
I loved the chapters with the "Recollections of Todd Burns." THey added to the mystery and allowed the reader to think about other things besides the relationship of Derek and Cecily. It really helped to keep the story moving along so there were no dull times.
While I had never read anything by McCabe before, it is safe to say that I will be doing so in the future. I loved this book and I can't wait to read more by this author!
January 31, 2013
Story: In a war torn earth, humans no longer fight each other. A greater threat has woken and humans are fighting for their lives but when dragons turn into their human form, the war is lost. Three decades later, humans live in enclaves and everything is governed by the dragons. Cecily lives with her father and brother in one such enclave. Without really knowing anything about life before dragons, she is happy to live within their limitations.
Stifled by life in court, Derek, heir to the dragon’s throne decides to join the high school within one of the enclaves. Here he meets Cecily and they are quickly drawn together, filling both their minds with unanswered questions. What is the queen hiding from Derek and what is special about Cecily?
The book starts with Cecily; we see her friends and her everyday life. She is purposely isolated from most people by her overprotective father and we find out as the story develops why he protects his children so. What he cannot protect her from, are two dragons that out of boredom join her school. Derek is immediately drawn to Cecily, there is something about her that he cannot ignore, something that pulls them both into trouble. Throughout the story we have snippets or recollections of Todd Burns which nicely fills in the information that you need in order to fully appreciate the story. The tone is light and McCabe really hits the voice of the teenagers. She writes a nice story in which she describes the human way of life and how the world around them is beginning to crumble. The interwoven relationships between the dragons and humans keeps you interested and the growing relationship between Cecil and Derek is written really well.
Stifled by life in court, Derek, heir to the dragon’s throne decides to join the high school within one of the enclaves. Here he meets Cecily and they are quickly drawn together, filling both their minds with unanswered questions. What is the queen hiding from Derek and what is special about Cecily?
The book starts with Cecily; we see her friends and her everyday life. She is purposely isolated from most people by her overprotective father and we find out as the story develops why he protects his children so. What he cannot protect her from, are two dragons that out of boredom join her school. Derek is immediately drawn to Cecily, there is something about her that he cannot ignore, something that pulls them both into trouble. Throughout the story we have snippets or recollections of Todd Burns which nicely fills in the information that you need in order to fully appreciate the story. The tone is light and McCabe really hits the voice of the teenagers. She writes a nice story in which she describes the human way of life and how the world around them is beginning to crumble. The interwoven relationships between the dragons and humans keeps you interested and the growing relationship between Cecil and Derek is written really well.
December 17, 2012
Originally Reviewed At: Mother/Gamer/Writer
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Controllers
Review Source: Author
Reviewer: Jennifer
The Dragon’s Call by K.W. McCabe takes place in a future ruled by dragons. Several years before the story takes place, dragons woke from a long hibernation only to find that humans were killing the planet. Deciding that humans were unfit to lead, the dragons began a war that humankind could not win. Using their human forms, dragons began manipulating humans to do as they wished. In the end, the dragons seized power and began living separate, lavish lifestyles, while most humans went back to their own lives as best they could.
This story opens introducing Cecily. An average human teenager, Cecily spends her time with her twin brother Daniel and her best friend Tara. Cecily’s life turns upside down when two dragons enroll at her school.
Derek, a young dragon, becomes bored living his lavish lifestyle and decides to enroll in a human high school. Bringing along his friend Tariq, he attempts to integrate himself into human society. Shortly after arriving, he finds himself drawn to Cecily for reasons he can’t explain.
As the two grow closer, secrets are kept and past experiences are revealed. Cecily and Derek began to fight not only for their relationship but their lives. Overall, The Dragon’s Call is a marvelous tale with a unique spin on supernatural creatures who, in my opinion, don’t get enough page time in books. I enjoyed the story and look forward to hopefully catching up with these characters in the future.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Controllers
Review Source: Author
Reviewer: Jennifer
The Dragon’s Call by K.W. McCabe takes place in a future ruled by dragons. Several years before the story takes place, dragons woke from a long hibernation only to find that humans were killing the planet. Deciding that humans were unfit to lead, the dragons began a war that humankind could not win. Using their human forms, dragons began manipulating humans to do as they wished. In the end, the dragons seized power and began living separate, lavish lifestyles, while most humans went back to their own lives as best they could.
This story opens introducing Cecily. An average human teenager, Cecily spends her time with her twin brother Daniel and her best friend Tara. Cecily’s life turns upside down when two dragons enroll at her school.
Derek, a young dragon, becomes bored living his lavish lifestyle and decides to enroll in a human high school. Bringing along his friend Tariq, he attempts to integrate himself into human society. Shortly after arriving, he finds himself drawn to Cecily for reasons he can’t explain.
As the two grow closer, secrets are kept and past experiences are revealed. Cecily and Derek began to fight not only for their relationship but their lives. Overall, The Dragon’s Call is a marvelous tale with a unique spin on supernatural creatures who, in my opinion, don’t get enough page time in books. I enjoyed the story and look forward to hopefully catching up with these characters in the future.
January 8, 2013
This romantic fantasy focuses on the young lives of Derek, Cecily and her battle born father. Cecily discovers a forbidden love while uncovering the hidden truth about herself. Issues of inequality permeate a post war dragon run world while the fact that humans are disappearing after curfew remains in hushed whispers.
Todd was born in the year of the dragon, anno draconis. Human weaponry awoke dragons from their sleep thus began the war. Todd relives his memories fighting the dragons with their best weapons. He lives with PTSD and his isolation from society became severe after his wife is snatched seconds after curfew while he and his daughter are watching from inside the house. I felt truly drawn to empathize with his character. I wished that Todd had a friend to confide in his deepest thoughts.
Cecily is a teenager who is surprised to find a dragon attending her class because in the dragon run world dragons and humans are segragated. Dragons live in luxury of the dragon enclave while humans live in the delapidated neighborhood. Don't smile....don't look. Cecily tries to act on what her father told her about dragons.
Looking at a dragon in human form means falling under their spell.
Derek born in luxury for his mother is the queen dragon. He has an antagonistic relationship with his half brother and his rebellious nature leads him to seek the human enclave. Both Derek and Cecily develop an inexplicable fondness for one another. Aknowledging their forbidden love is dangerous. Discussions about humans disappearing after curfew make Cecily wonder if she can really trust this dragon?
Todd was born in the year of the dragon, anno draconis. Human weaponry awoke dragons from their sleep thus began the war. Todd relives his memories fighting the dragons with their best weapons. He lives with PTSD and his isolation from society became severe after his wife is snatched seconds after curfew while he and his daughter are watching from inside the house. I felt truly drawn to empathize with his character. I wished that Todd had a friend to confide in his deepest thoughts.
Cecily is a teenager who is surprised to find a dragon attending her class because in the dragon run world dragons and humans are segragated. Dragons live in luxury of the dragon enclave while humans live in the delapidated neighborhood. Don't smile....don't look. Cecily tries to act on what her father told her about dragons.
Looking at a dragon in human form means falling under their spell.
Derek born in luxury for his mother is the queen dragon. He has an antagonistic relationship with his half brother and his rebellious nature leads him to seek the human enclave. Both Derek and Cecily develop an inexplicable fondness for one another. Aknowledging their forbidden love is dangerous. Discussions about humans disappearing after curfew make Cecily wonder if she can really trust this dragon?
January 6, 2013
Book Title: The Dragon’s Call
Author: K.W. McCabe
Published By: Fantafire Press, LLC
Recommended Age: 15+
Reviewed By: Lee-An Graff-Vinson
Blog Reviewed For: Great Minds Think Aloud
Rating: 4
Cecily and her brother Daniel knew only of life under Dragon dictate. Their father fought and lost a great deal at the hands of draconian rulers, including their mother – his soul mate.
Cecily experienced no other life before that which placed extreme restrictions upon humankind. She only knew of the cruelty and heinous acts executed by the dragon beasts who ruled their world. So, when two, male draagons began attending her school, any semblance of normalcy was stripped away. Humans waited to see who would be next to perish under their demonic hands.
The day Cecily came face to face with the draagons, Derek and Tariq, she had no idea how much her life was about to change. Derek wasn’t beastly at all. In fact, he was quite handsome. Derek introduced himself and Cecily found she could not resist his charms. What would her dad say when he found out she was consorting with a draagon? Despite not being able to resist his gaze, was Derek truly a friend or was he sent to infiltrate and destroy?
Author, K.W. McCabe tells a fantastically, suspenseful tale of dragon lore and human belief. This story is scintillating as it weaves a deadly plot of questions and intrigue. Romance is heady and strong throughout as love and loss follow our cast of enduring characters. If you enjoy well-written fantasy and suspense, you will not be disappointed.
November 24, 2012
Here is how I look at Young Adult books. I look at them as having three categories. First, there is bad YA. Bad YA are the books that no matter what genre it says on the spine, the book is just plain bad. The writing is poor, the characterizations are weak, and the plot is boring. Then, there are the great YAs. These are the ones that transcend the genre. Adults - young and old - enjoy them equally. The stories may center on Young Adults as characters, but they act more mature and the writing is top notch. Those are the Twilight saga's, the Percy Jackson stories, Harry Potter series. You get the idea.
Then there are the books in the middle. These are the books that are well written - with strong characters and smooth transitions - but that may not be something that an adult can really sink their teeth into. Does that mean they are bad? Not at all. It means that they are very good YA books - but that they aren't going to catch on and become the next multimillion dollar sensation. And, to me, it also could indicate an author worth keeping an eye out for because with the technical details of writing working out so well, there is strong future potential for this author to BE the next Stephenie Meyer
For the full review please go to http://www.thewindowseat13.com/2012/1...
Then there are the books in the middle. These are the books that are well written - with strong characters and smooth transitions - but that may not be something that an adult can really sink their teeth into. Does that mean they are bad? Not at all. It means that they are very good YA books - but that they aren't going to catch on and become the next multimillion dollar sensation. And, to me, it also could indicate an author worth keeping an eye out for because with the technical details of writing working out so well, there is strong future potential for this author to BE the next Stephenie Meyer
For the full review please go to http://www.thewindowseat13.com/2012/1...
January 21, 2013
I received a copy of this book from the Author for an honest review.
When I first read the description on this book I envisioned that movie starring Matthew McConaughey fighting Dragons awakened from a long sleep. So picture this movie if you have seen it then picture the dragons winning and with the use of mesmerizing, bringing peace to the land. Now go ahead 20 years and this is where this story starts - in the aftermath of the bloody war. With flashbacks of some battles but mostly of the struggles and tribulations of the lives of the New generation. Where does everyone fit in when a world is being run by Dragons? Some of the Dragons themselves do not know once they find out that the Kin have survived.
Wow what a concept for a story! I was pulled in and envisioned life as these people had to live it. The main characters were well developed and came alive off the pages. Other minor characters were a bit vague but they may have a chance of more development in a future story which I hope will be written as this story is too good to end. I would love to see where the Author takes the story now once the relationship of the main characters has been acknowledged by everyone. A great YA story that has a bit of romance including forbidden love, great friends, mystery and a psychotic dragon to boot! The power of the "Call" will have you looking for more for sure!
When I first read the description on this book I envisioned that movie starring Matthew McConaughey fighting Dragons awakened from a long sleep. So picture this movie if you have seen it then picture the dragons winning and with the use of mesmerizing, bringing peace to the land. Now go ahead 20 years and this is where this story starts - in the aftermath of the bloody war. With flashbacks of some battles but mostly of the struggles and tribulations of the lives of the New generation. Where does everyone fit in when a world is being run by Dragons? Some of the Dragons themselves do not know once they find out that the Kin have survived.
Wow what a concept for a story! I was pulled in and envisioned life as these people had to live it. The main characters were well developed and came alive off the pages. Other minor characters were a bit vague but they may have a chance of more development in a future story which I hope will be written as this story is too good to end. I would love to see where the Author takes the story now once the relationship of the main characters has been acknowledged by everyone. A great YA story that has a bit of romance including forbidden love, great friends, mystery and a psychotic dragon to boot! The power of the "Call" will have you looking for more for sure!
February 16, 2013
The Dragon's Call by KW McCabe
This paranormal novel revolves around two dragons, Derek and Tariq and their time among humans, away from the Queen's enclave. It is also the story of a human family, the Burns', Todd, Daniel, and Cecily. But...are they just human? When Derek and Tariq arrive at the high school Daniel and Cecily attend, Cecily is strangely Drawn to Derek, and he to her. Why? She has always been warned to stay away from dragons.
There is so much going on in this book! Love, danger, intrigue, suspense! It was a surprise and a pleasure to read. Although, in the beginning, I had a difficult time getting into the book, it wasn't long before I was so wrapped up in the story that I couldn't put the book down.
Ms. McCabe has presented wonderfully thought out characters who draw the reader in, make them want more, and who are delightfully well presented. I can't wait for the next book in this series! I need more of these dragons!
4 of 5 stars
This paranormal novel revolves around two dragons, Derek and Tariq and their time among humans, away from the Queen's enclave. It is also the story of a human family, the Burns', Todd, Daniel, and Cecily. But...are they just human? When Derek and Tariq arrive at the high school Daniel and Cecily attend, Cecily is strangely Drawn to Derek, and he to her. Why? She has always been warned to stay away from dragons.
There is so much going on in this book! Love, danger, intrigue, suspense! It was a surprise and a pleasure to read. Although, in the beginning, I had a difficult time getting into the book, it wasn't long before I was so wrapped up in the story that I couldn't put the book down.
Ms. McCabe has presented wonderfully thought out characters who draw the reader in, make them want more, and who are delightfully well presented. I can't wait for the next book in this series! I need more of these dragons!
4 of 5 stars
April 9, 2013
This YA fantasy novel intrigued me because the dragons take human form. I enjoyed the history that K.W. McCabe created about the dragons, humans, and the war they encountered. After the dust settled and the dragons regained power over the humans, there were new rules set up for both sides to follow in order to coexist together. Unfortunately, not everyone follows those rules and humans begin to disappear.
Seventeen-year-old, Cecily, gets a surprise when two young dragons enroll at her school. She finds herself interacting with one specifically, Derek. It’s an enthralling and confusing exchange between the two and unbeknownst to them, there is a dark history of their past that will soon intrude on their lives.
I enjoyed the characters, the story, and the beautiful descriptions that brought this fiction world to life. I am looking forward to McCabe’s next novel, Dragon Kin. My 12-year-old who is an avid reader also devoured this book and is begging to read the next one!
Seventeen-year-old, Cecily, gets a surprise when two young dragons enroll at her school. She finds herself interacting with one specifically, Derek. It’s an enthralling and confusing exchange between the two and unbeknownst to them, there is a dark history of their past that will soon intrude on their lives.
I enjoyed the characters, the story, and the beautiful descriptions that brought this fiction world to life. I am looking forward to McCabe’s next novel, Dragon Kin. My 12-year-old who is an avid reader also devoured this book and is begging to read the next one!
April 29, 2013
This book was gifted to me by the author for an honest review. Thank You!
Terrorists' bombs unearthed a dragon. Cecily lives in a future world with dragons and the year is Anno Draconis 1-13-0051. Derek and Tariq join Cecily's school. They are dragons who look human except for the slitted pupils in their green eyes. Derek is a young dragon and doesn't know about the enmity between the two races. He doesn't know about the war where dragons killed humans. He is curious about humans and doesn't understand why they are afraid of him. Cecily's father fought in the human/dragon war and was maimed by the queen, which complicates things when Cecily becomes attracted to Derek. They have a whole Romeo and Juliet thing going on. This is an excellently written book. The premise is intriguing and the characters are likeable. The pacing is spot on, fast paced and it was an interesting enough story to keep me reading.
Terrorists' bombs unearthed a dragon. Cecily lives in a future world with dragons and the year is Anno Draconis 1-13-0051. Derek and Tariq join Cecily's school. They are dragons who look human except for the slitted pupils in their green eyes. Derek is a young dragon and doesn't know about the enmity between the two races. He doesn't know about the war where dragons killed humans. He is curious about humans and doesn't understand why they are afraid of him. Cecily's father fought in the human/dragon war and was maimed by the queen, which complicates things when Cecily becomes attracted to Derek. They have a whole Romeo and Juliet thing going on. This is an excellently written book. The premise is intriguing and the characters are likeable. The pacing is spot on, fast paced and it was an interesting enough story to keep me reading.
October 11, 2012
First I want to state, I have not been paid do review this novel nor am I family or friend. With that said, K. W. McCabe gave me a copy of The Dragon's Call in return for my honest review.
Although I'm not a huge fantasy fan, I have to admit Ms. McCade pulled me into her fantasy world with a story of love vs. hate. The tapestry was woven in a way that made the reader want to keep reading as the scenes unfolded. Few young adult novels have kept my attention long enough to finish the novel without the dreaded "I hate this". Not once during this unique tale did the author fail to hold my interest. Cecily and Derek have a love that binds the dragon world to the human world. The author flawlessly drags you in and has you routing for Derek in Cecily's time of need.
Hat's off to Ms. McCabe...I look forward to reading the sequel to find out what happens in this one of a kind fantasy.
Although I'm not a huge fantasy fan, I have to admit Ms. McCade pulled me into her fantasy world with a story of love vs. hate. The tapestry was woven in a way that made the reader want to keep reading as the scenes unfolded. Few young adult novels have kept my attention long enough to finish the novel without the dreaded "I hate this". Not once during this unique tale did the author fail to hold my interest. Cecily and Derek have a love that binds the dragon world to the human world. The author flawlessly drags you in and has you routing for Derek in Cecily's time of need.
Hat's off to Ms. McCabe...I look forward to reading the sequel to find out what happens in this one of a kind fantasy.
January 17, 2013
This book centers around forbidden love and the events of the past when there was a war between humans and dragons. One of the results of that conflict was that dragons took over and took on a human type form. It's a very interesting concept.
While not to everyone's taste I'm sure, I for one really liked the snippets about the war and the after effects. It's something I would have liked to have seen more of to tell you the truth.
One of the royal family decides he wants to find out more about humans. He does, and so much more. In fact he and Cecily fall in love. Now I don't want to give too much away but you'll have to read the book yourself to find out more.
I was given a copy of this book for an honest review.
While not to everyone's taste I'm sure, I for one really liked the snippets about the war and the after effects. It's something I would have liked to have seen more of to tell you the truth.
One of the royal family decides he wants to find out more about humans. He does, and so much more. In fact he and Cecily fall in love. Now I don't want to give too much away but you'll have to read the book yourself to find out more.
I was given a copy of this book for an honest review.
November 5, 2012
I really need to just say…WOW! From the beginning this pulled me in! The characters are brilliant and well defined. The plot has a steady incline. The twists and turns are well concealed. You don’t know the end until you read it. And it leaves you panting for more. This is not a book you want to put down. Please be warned. When you start reading, make sure you have the day set aside to read all of it, because you will not walk away easily. My rating is a definite 5 stars!
This book was provided free from the author in exchange for honest literary review. The opinions voiced here are solely my own and given freely.
This book was provided free from the author in exchange for honest literary review. The opinions voiced here are solely my own and given freely.
February 23, 2013
K.W. McCabe
The Dragon's Call
#1 The Dragon Throne
A great, unique concept, this book had me completely gripped and I can’t wait to see where it all leads. There is so much more to come from this story, and the reader has been left with just enough to keep the suspense up but still feel like this chapter of the story has finished.
Well written with great character development, it’s a great read that will keep you turning the pages well into the night.
I received an e-copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The Dragon's Call
#1 The Dragon Throne
A great, unique concept, this book had me completely gripped and I can’t wait to see where it all leads. There is so much more to come from this story, and the reader has been left with just enough to keep the suspense up but still feel like this chapter of the story has finished.
Well written with great character development, it’s a great read that will keep you turning the pages well into the night.
I received an e-copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
October 26, 2012
4.5*s
Review posted here ..
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbi...
Review posted here ..
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbi...
November 11, 2012
Good YA literature. Is it the next Twilight? No, but for YA literature it is very strong.
July 30, 2016
Also posted (with Bonus Narrator Interview) on my blog Got My Book.
This post-apocalyptic dystopian YA Fantasy is lifted by a non-typical relationship path.
Source: I received this book free in return for an honest review.
BOOK DETAILS:
The Dragon's Call by KW McCabe, read by Kristina Yuen, published independently (2013) / Length: 7 hrs 14 min
SERIES INFO:
This is Book #1 in "The Dragon Throne" series. Book #2 has been long delayed.
SUMMARY:
This is a typical YA Fantasy that doesn't completely break any molds, nor did anything about it absolutely wow me, but I like it and anticipate listening to it again occasionally.
We have the following tropes: a (dragon) prince who just wants to be normal, a girl with something special about her, an instant "something" between them (on his part), a very rapidly developing relationship, and a BFF who can't keep her mouth shut.
But we also have: a girl whose broken & imperfect family nevertheless cares and is present & trying, actual "dates" with getting to know you moments, a main character who seeks out opportunities to make good friendships, efforts to mend things that aren't working, and NO love triangle.
I really love the cover of this one. Despite the fact that this exact scene never happened, there was one that was close and this could have followed.
Note: I am not sure if this series has been abandoned or if the sequel is still in progress. The author experienced a personal tragedy and I would understand if she can't finish it.
CHARACTERS:
Cecily: She has always been the responsible twin, looking after her more reckless brother Daniel. Since her Mom was taken, she also feels responsible for looking after her father as well. She is not an outcast, she had a boyfriend (whom she broken up with before the book began) & a best friend as well as her twin, but her over protective father did limit her social interactions. She is determined to do the best she can under the circumstances, and willing to help others do the same. She isn't any fonder of dragons than any other human, but is willing to examine her prejudices in light of personal experience. I like her a lot for being a reasonable & caring individual who stands up for herself and others as well.
Derek: I like him for not being a bad boy nor inclined to either arrogance or pouting. He just wants to live a normal life and, having been very sheltered, doesn't understand why all the humans are so afraid of him. And he is totally willing to be "just friends" if that's what Cecily wants.
Cecily & Derek: As I said above, this relationship develops more rapidly than I like. But how many dragon princes do you know who invite the girl they like over for burritos & a movie night? (Though he does do at least one extravagantly expensive gesture as well.)
Another thing I liked alot was that most of the characters have nuances to them that make them more than one thing. An example is Alyssa. She is Derek's ex. She is selfish & self-centered and doesn't understand why Derek would be bothered by her being with both him & his brother until one of them inherits the throne. Yet, despite her disdain for humans, all her interactions with them are quite polite. She is someone I could easily see going either way - embracing evil and destruction, or reforming and making a good ally.
WORLDBUILDING:
This book takes place in our world after dragons have awoken from a long sleep and won a war against the humans. The final victory came when the dragons took human form and used their power to control humans. Because of this, dragons are now required to remain in human form.
In addition to traditional dragon powers & abilities, they also practice some sort of magic that we only learn a little bit about. The biggest use we see of it is their ability to heal.
PLOT:
The book begins with a historical account of the beginnings of the war with the dragons. After that the book goes back and forth between current events and short excerpts from the historical account. I like knowing the basics of how the world came to be the way it is before we start.
The ending is nice and I like it. Things in Cecily's family and with Derek are at a good place. However everything on the dragon side, especially with Derek's status, is still left open.
HIGHLIGHTS / CAUTIONS:
--Dragon prince & human aside, they have to talk about normal issues - like the fact that she is going away to college soon and what that would mean for their relationship.
--Daniel confronts Cecily and she gives him the smack down, and puts responsibility for his own actions firmly back on his own shoulders.
--Derek & Cecily's dad
I COULD HAVE DONE WITHOUT: Some swearing
OTHER CAUTIONS(?): Derek (very briefly) slides his hands inside her shirt. / One character suffers nightmares following a crippling encounter with a dragon / Many characters have family members who have disappeared / There is a mild torture scene
NARRATION:
Character voices differentiated = Somewhat / Opposite sex voices acceptable = Yes / Phrasing, Pacing & Pronunciation = Good, exposition is a little bit flat / Emoting = Acceptable / Speed = a bit slow, listened on 1.5 speed rather than my usual 1.25
There was one very small repeated section.
This post-apocalyptic dystopian YA Fantasy is lifted by a non-typical relationship path.
Source: I received this book free in return for an honest review.
BOOK DETAILS:
The Dragon's Call by KW McCabe, read by Kristina Yuen, published independently (2013) / Length: 7 hrs 14 min
SERIES INFO:
This is Book #1 in "The Dragon Throne" series. Book #2 has been long delayed.
SUMMARY:
This is a typical YA Fantasy that doesn't completely break any molds, nor did anything about it absolutely wow me, but I like it and anticipate listening to it again occasionally.
We have the following tropes: a (dragon) prince who just wants to be normal, a girl with something special about her, an instant "something" between them (on his part), a very rapidly developing relationship, and a BFF who can't keep her mouth shut.
But we also have: a girl whose broken & imperfect family nevertheless cares and is present & trying, actual "dates" with getting to know you moments, a main character who seeks out opportunities to make good friendships, efforts to mend things that aren't working, and NO love triangle.
I really love the cover of this one. Despite the fact that this exact scene never happened, there was one that was close and this could have followed.
Note: I am not sure if this series has been abandoned or if the sequel is still in progress. The author experienced a personal tragedy and I would understand if she can't finish it.
CHARACTERS:
Cecily: She has always been the responsible twin, looking after her more reckless brother Daniel. Since her Mom was taken, she also feels responsible for looking after her father as well. She is not an outcast, she had a boyfriend (whom she broken up with before the book began) & a best friend as well as her twin, but her over protective father did limit her social interactions. She is determined to do the best she can under the circumstances, and willing to help others do the same. She isn't any fonder of dragons than any other human, but is willing to examine her prejudices in light of personal experience. I like her a lot for being a reasonable & caring individual who stands up for herself and others as well.
Derek: I like him for not being a bad boy nor inclined to either arrogance or pouting. He just wants to live a normal life and, having been very sheltered, doesn't understand why all the humans are so afraid of him. And he is totally willing to be "just friends" if that's what Cecily wants.
Cecily & Derek: As I said above, this relationship develops more rapidly than I like. But how many dragon princes do you know who invite the girl they like over for burritos & a movie night? (Though he does do at least one extravagantly expensive gesture as well.)
Another thing I liked alot was that most of the characters have nuances to them that make them more than one thing. An example is Alyssa. She is Derek's ex. She is selfish & self-centered and doesn't understand why Derek would be bothered by her being with both him & his brother until one of them inherits the throne. Yet, despite her disdain for humans, all her interactions with them are quite polite. She is someone I could easily see going either way - embracing evil and destruction, or reforming and making a good ally.
WORLDBUILDING:
This book takes place in our world after dragons have awoken from a long sleep and won a war against the humans. The final victory came when the dragons took human form and used their power to control humans. Because of this, dragons are now required to remain in human form.
In addition to traditional dragon powers & abilities, they also practice some sort of magic that we only learn a little bit about. The biggest use we see of it is their ability to heal.
PLOT:
The book begins with a historical account of the beginnings of the war with the dragons. After that the book goes back and forth between current events and short excerpts from the historical account. I like knowing the basics of how the world came to be the way it is before we start.
The ending is nice and I like it. Things in Cecily's family and with Derek are at a good place. However everything on the dragon side, especially with Derek's status, is still left open.
HIGHLIGHTS / CAUTIONS:
--Dragon prince & human aside, they have to talk about normal issues - like the fact that she is going away to college soon and what that would mean for their relationship.
--Daniel confronts Cecily and she gives him the smack down, and puts responsibility for his own actions firmly back on his own shoulders.
--Derek & Cecily's dad
I COULD HAVE DONE WITHOUT: Some swearing
OTHER CAUTIONS(?): Derek (very briefly) slides his hands inside her shirt. / One character suffers nightmares following a crippling encounter with a dragon / Many characters have family members who have disappeared / There is a mild torture scene
NARRATION:
Character voices differentiated = Somewhat / Opposite sex voices acceptable = Yes / Phrasing, Pacing & Pronunciation = Good, exposition is a little bit flat / Emoting = Acceptable / Speed = a bit slow, listened on 1.5 speed rather than my usual 1.25
There was one very small repeated section.
July 29, 2017
I both read and listened to 'The Dragon's Call', good stuff. Some other book I have read sounded very similar. Give it a spin you will like it!
May 16, 2014
I am obsessed with dragons, practically in love with anything dragon related and so when I read the summary, I was a little worried that the story was going to stray from the plot and turn into something else entirely, but it stayed true and it turned out into a decent book.
The world created by McCabe was interesting and unique, the whole idea of a dragon war and humans being repressed, after reading other dragon books about them both coexisting together but still wary of each other, was interesting. It made me wonder why the dragons didn't just let the humans be, instead they installed sanctions and rules for the humans to follow. The switching of POVs between Cecily and Derek was a bonus, I liked reading about their thoughts on each other and their sides of the story as the reader wouldn't have known of certain things if we had read the whole book in just Cecily's voice. Another cool thing in the book was that we got a few entries of Todd Burns' journal entries of his time in the dragon wars, and his life afterwards, so it gives us even more insight into their world.
This book was well written, with smooth transitions into the different POVs, and had a strong cast of characters, even the bad guys were brought to life. The only faults I found was the fact that although it wasn't instalove, they sure did fall in love with each other awfully fast. .
Another thing I didn't like was that there were a lot of questions left unanswered. By way of the summary, one of major plot points of this book is who is kidnapping the humans, her mother went missing, and why Cecily is so special. I mean sure, it's sort of explained. All that we get is that she's kin and all dragons will find something familiar in her and the Burns' family, and there are lots of things that the Queen, Derek's mother, is hiding from him. By the end of the book, when I finished the epilogue, I swear I was left with more questions than when I went into this book! I still don't know what 'kin' is, the things the Dragon Queen is keeping secret, and what's the status on the future of Derek and Cecily. At the moment it seems like this is a stand alone novel, not part in a series, and there might not even be a sequel at all, which is rather disappointing with all the unanswered questions and the semi-cliffhanger ending.
The world created by McCabe was interesting and unique, the whole idea of a dragon war and humans being repressed, after reading other dragon books about them both coexisting together but still wary of each other, was interesting. It made me wonder why the dragons didn't just let the humans be, instead they installed sanctions and rules for the humans to follow. The switching of POVs between Cecily and Derek was a bonus, I liked reading about their thoughts on each other and their sides of the story as the reader wouldn't have known of certain things if we had read the whole book in just Cecily's voice. Another cool thing in the book was that we got a few entries of Todd Burns' journal entries of his time in the dragon wars, and his life afterwards, so it gives us even more insight into their world.
This book was well written, with smooth transitions into the different POVs, and had a strong cast of characters, even the bad guys were brought to life. The only faults I found was the fact that although it wasn't instalove, they sure did fall in love with each other awfully fast. .
Another thing I didn't like was that there were a lot of questions left unanswered. By way of the summary, one of major plot points of this book is who is kidnapping the humans, her mother went missing, and why Cecily is so special. I mean sure, it's sort of explained. All that we get is that she's kin and all dragons will find something familiar in her and the Burns' family, and there are lots of things that the Queen, Derek's mother, is hiding from him. By the end of the book, when I finished the epilogue, I swear I was left with more questions than when I went into this book! I still don't know what 'kin' is, the things the Dragon Queen is keeping secret, and what's the status on the future of Derek and Cecily. At the moment it seems like this is a stand alone novel, not part in a series, and there might not even be a sequel at all, which is rather disappointing with all the unanswered questions and the semi-cliffhanger ending.
June 20, 2013
Full disclosure: I am the narrator of the soon to be released audio version of this book. Having put that out in the open, I hope that info does not discourage people from taking this review seriously.
When I first read this book, I was pleasantly surprised by how completely engaging the story and characters are. One of the very best things about KW McCabe's characters is that they are complex, and very human in their emotions. Even the dragon characters. As I read, I was able to easily ascertain underlying motivations for each character's actions and feelings, without being hit in the face with that information. Each character has strengths and flaws, and even the terrifyingly beautiful and powerful dragon queen feels love and has a broken heart, just like the humans she enslaves.
The main character, the human 17 year old Cecily, is on a journey to discover her strengths and her own power, in addition to having some harrowing experiences and much teen angst because of her relationship with Derek, the rebellious young heir to the Dragon Throne.
This is a story of intrigue, love, growth in family relationships, and power struggles between races, social classes, and between family members. And yet it is an easy read. Great for tweens, mid-teens and anyone who enjoys a shorter fantasy novel set in a distopian future.
When I first read this book, I was pleasantly surprised by how completely engaging the story and characters are. One of the very best things about KW McCabe's characters is that they are complex, and very human in their emotions. Even the dragon characters. As I read, I was able to easily ascertain underlying motivations for each character's actions and feelings, without being hit in the face with that information. Each character has strengths and flaws, and even the terrifyingly beautiful and powerful dragon queen feels love and has a broken heart, just like the humans she enslaves.
The main character, the human 17 year old Cecily, is on a journey to discover her strengths and her own power, in addition to having some harrowing experiences and much teen angst because of her relationship with Derek, the rebellious young heir to the Dragon Throne.
This is a story of intrigue, love, growth in family relationships, and power struggles between races, social classes, and between family members. And yet it is an easy read. Great for tweens, mid-teens and anyone who enjoys a shorter fantasy novel set in a distopian future.
May 10, 2013
'I recieved this book from the author in return of an honest review.'
I just have to say WOW! Who would have thought a story about dragons could be so enthralling? As soon as I began reading this book I was raptured away to another place where the oppression of the dragons' ruling could be felt throughout the whole story. This story had everything a true romantic love story could ever want. There was action, adventure, humor, unforgiveness along with forgiveness, a bit of stalking and true love....which overules all. This quickly became one of my favorite books. It is a traditional concept of two people from two different worlds overcoming the difficulties of life when love peeks their curiosities, but it has a whole other twist that just makes it that much better. I would recommend this to all romance readers from 15 yrs on up. I think most people can relate to the feelings and situations that were portrayed in this book as I myself did. I can't help but to IMPATIENTLY await the next book in this series...'Dragon's Kin'. Job well done, K.W. McCabe!
~AC Wright (WaAr)~
I just have to say WOW! Who would have thought a story about dragons could be so enthralling? As soon as I began reading this book I was raptured away to another place where the oppression of the dragons' ruling could be felt throughout the whole story. This story had everything a true romantic love story could ever want. There was action, adventure, humor, unforgiveness along with forgiveness, a bit of stalking and true love....which overules all. This quickly became one of my favorite books. It is a traditional concept of two people from two different worlds overcoming the difficulties of life when love peeks their curiosities, but it has a whole other twist that just makes it that much better. I would recommend this to all romance readers from 15 yrs on up. I think most people can relate to the feelings and situations that were portrayed in this book as I myself did. I can't help but to IMPATIENTLY await the next book in this series...'Dragon's Kin'. Job well done, K.W. McCabe!
~AC Wright (WaAr)~
December 21, 2013
The Dragon's Call by K.W. McCabe is a great young adult fantasy about the fall of humanity and the rise of dragons. I really enjoyed the storyline and it was easy to keep up with. I read it in two days and it left me wanting more. I think that this would be a great read for anyone who is into fantasy books. I cant wait to read more from this author. I would say more but dont want to give away the whole story line!
June 18, 2015
Great Book, Do Not Miss Reading This Jewel....
Great Book,could NOT put it down. I just wished the novel went On and On. Can't wait for the
next book in this gem of a story. I rate this 5 Stars!!!
Great Book,could NOT put it down. I just wished the novel went On and On. Can't wait for the
next book in this gem of a story. I rate this 5 Stars!!!
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