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High Above
Dragons annihilated civilization some ten generations ago. A few Crossbreeds, humans born with dragon-like characteristics, now lead opposing tribes who still battle for dwindling resources.
Rhone’s wings have been stripped from his body, his family killed, and his hopes of leading the Mountain people away from the constant threat of marauders destroyed.
Ketta’s life has been full of pain and anguish. Her brother rules her and the Lax tribe with a bloody fist. Tired of the violence, Ketta takes a stand and rescues Rhone from the brink of execution.
Armed with knowledge from Ketta’s somewhat addled grandfather, the unlikely pair embarks on a quest to heal Rhone’s wings. Along the way, the couple struggles to find the truth beneath hatred and lies. Desire and a mutual enemy bring them together; mistrust and secrets tear them apart. These lifelong foes will have to fly high above their differences to defeat a deadly dragon and save what’s left of both their tribes.
Rhone’s wings have been stripped from his body, his family killed, and his hopes of leading the Mountain people away from the constant threat of marauders destroyed.
Ketta’s life has been full of pain and anguish. Her brother rules her and the Lax tribe with a bloody fist. Tired of the violence, Ketta takes a stand and rescues Rhone from the brink of execution.
Armed with knowledge from Ketta’s somewhat addled grandfather, the unlikely pair embarks on a quest to heal Rhone’s wings. Along the way, the couple struggles to find the truth beneath hatred and lies. Desire and a mutual enemy bring them together; mistrust and secrets tear them apart. These lifelong foes will have to fly high above their differences to defeat a deadly dragon and save what’s left of both their tribes.
- GenresDragons
73 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 16, 2011
6 people want to read
About the author
Mari Freeman
22 books22 followersMari Freeman lives, disguised as a normal suburbanite, in central North Carolina. When not penning romantic erotica, she enjoys horses, hiking, traveling, good food and friends. An outdoors girl at heart, you can often find her at the lake with laptop fired up, fishing line in the water and her imagination running wild.
In her previous lives, she’s held an interesting array of occupations. She’s been a project manager, a software-testing manager, sold used cars, pumped gas at a truck stop and worked in a morgue.
Mari’s favorite stories include Alpha females in love with even more Alpha males. She finds the clash of passionate, strong-willed personalities fascinating. She writes contemporary, paranormal and a little science fiction/fantasy.
Email: marifreeman@bellsouth.net
Website: www.marifreeman.com
In her previous lives, she’s held an interesting array of occupations. She’s been a project manager, a software-testing manager, sold used cars, pumped gas at a truck stop and worked in a morgue.
Mari’s favorite stories include Alpha females in love with even more Alpha males. She finds the clash of passionate, strong-willed personalities fascinating. She writes contemporary, paranormal and a little science fiction/fantasy.
Email: marifreeman@bellsouth.net
Website: www.marifreeman.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
January 13, 2012
My Rating: 3 stars: Liked it - recommend (B)
The prologue of this short story read like a fantastic action movie - the kind that are labeled “summer blockbuster.” I LOVED the concept of dragons coming forth and decimating civilization. This created a post-apocalyptic setting without the usual politcal causes.
Fast-forward several generations and civilization is bleak. Humans and Crossbreeds tribes live in primitive settings built from what is left in the greater-Los Angles area. We don’t have much time to learn about Rhone and his tribe, because right from the beginning he is captured and tortured by rival tribe leader Nyx.
Nyx is simply a cruel, power-hungry Crossbreed. He rules with an iron fist, fostering fear among his own tribe. Ketta, Nyx’s sister (a rare Crossbreed female), is tired of her brother’s evil and believes Rhone was sent to free them all and bring peace. She helps him escape and the pair get help from Ketta’s grandfather, Arwin.
In spite of its shortened length, High Above is packed with action and excitement. It was fairly entertaining throughout, and the romance was passionate. The story had all the moving parts you’d expect - interesting plot, exciting setting, evil bad guy you love to hate, romance, action, and a happy ending. There were no major moral conflicts or overly dramatic moments to incite a deep emotional reaction, although there was one shocking moment that took me by surprise.
Unfortunately, because of its length, I felt there were places in the book that needed more which would have created a more fulfilling story. I wanted to know why Rhone could awaken Daisy (no spoilers here). I would have liked more time to develop the trust between Rhone and Arwin and learn more about Rhone’s history and tribe. However, it is a novella and there just wasn’t space to answer all of my questions.
Overall, this is an enjoyable novella-length fantasy story. It’s perfect for an afternoon getaway from life. I hope that Ms. Freeman expands upon this exciting world in future works.
The prologue of this short story read like a fantastic action movie - the kind that are labeled “summer blockbuster.” I LOVED the concept of dragons coming forth and decimating civilization. This created a post-apocalyptic setting without the usual politcal causes.
Fast-forward several generations and civilization is bleak. Humans and Crossbreeds tribes live in primitive settings built from what is left in the greater-Los Angles area. We don’t have much time to learn about Rhone and his tribe, because right from the beginning he is captured and tortured by rival tribe leader Nyx.
Nyx is simply a cruel, power-hungry Crossbreed. He rules with an iron fist, fostering fear among his own tribe. Ketta, Nyx’s sister (a rare Crossbreed female), is tired of her brother’s evil and believes Rhone was sent to free them all and bring peace. She helps him escape and the pair get help from Ketta’s grandfather, Arwin.
In spite of its shortened length, High Above is packed with action and excitement. It was fairly entertaining throughout, and the romance was passionate. The story had all the moving parts you’d expect - interesting plot, exciting setting, evil bad guy you love to hate, romance, action, and a happy ending. There were no major moral conflicts or overly dramatic moments to incite a deep emotional reaction, although there was one shocking moment that took me by surprise.
Unfortunately, because of its length, I felt there were places in the book that needed more which would have created a more fulfilling story. I wanted to know why Rhone could awaken Daisy (no spoilers here). I would have liked more time to develop the trust between Rhone and Arwin and learn more about Rhone’s history and tribe. However, it is a novella and there just wasn’t space to answer all of my questions.
Overall, this is an enjoyable novella-length fantasy story. It’s perfect for an afternoon getaway from life. I hope that Ms. Freeman expands upon this exciting world in future works.
December 4, 2012
For how much I love dragons, I actually haven't read a lot of books about them. I did read a series about dragon shifters that was mostly enjoyable and that helped peak my interest in this story. I actually had been under the idea that the characters in this book were shifters, but I was wrong. High Above is about a race of mutated humans that have characteristics of dragons. Not everyone has all the same characteristics, except that they have wings from my understanding. Their wings might not actually be able to support their weight for flight. How did humans become mutated with dragon features? Well they aren't completely certain. It started happening generations after dragons destroyed the Earth as we know it. The different types of dragons completely obliterated our world with handfuls of humans surviving in hiding. Over time, these mutations showed up at the birth of new generations. It is suspected to come from the ash covering the planet from the dragon's fiery destruction.
This story focuses on two warring tribes of all-humans and crossbreeds in the California area. One tribe has been ruled to believe that the other tribe is a bunch of murdering savages in the mountains. That tribe simply kills to survive and also steals the limited fuel supply the Lax tribe. The leader from the mountain tribe, Rhone, is captured by Nyx, the leader of the Lax tribe where he he is tortured and loses his wings. Ketta, Nyx's sister, feels pity for Rhone and believes he is the one that will end everyone's suffering. The odd part is that Ketta is the only female crossbreed anyone knows exists. Rhone is instantly attracted to her. Will Ketta and Rhone become an item? Will Rhone unite the tribes and save them from destroying each other? Will Rhone succeed in waking the sleeping Dragon that supposedly will help Rhone grow back his wings? It's an amazing book that you will have to read to find these answers and more!
Read more reviews at Identity Discovery Blog.
This story focuses on two warring tribes of all-humans and crossbreeds in the California area. One tribe has been ruled to believe that the other tribe is a bunch of murdering savages in the mountains. That tribe simply kills to survive and also steals the limited fuel supply the Lax tribe. The leader from the mountain tribe, Rhone, is captured by Nyx, the leader of the Lax tribe where he he is tortured and loses his wings. Ketta, Nyx's sister, feels pity for Rhone and believes he is the one that will end everyone's suffering. The odd part is that Ketta is the only female crossbreed anyone knows exists. Rhone is instantly attracted to her. Will Ketta and Rhone become an item? Will Rhone unite the tribes and save them from destroying each other? Will Rhone succeed in waking the sleeping Dragon that supposedly will help Rhone grow back his wings? It's an amazing book that you will have to read to find these answers and more!
Read more reviews at Identity Discovery Blog.
December 18, 2012
I recently discovered that I LOVE dragon-shifters story, so I was glad to participate in this blog tour. But when I started to read High Above, I realize that the characters weren't dragon-shifters but real humanoid dragon, something what they're calling a ''crossbreed''. It was a something new for me and I really enjoyed this new take on dragon stories!
The story itself was awesome and the introduction really helped to get me into the ‘‘ambiance’’: everything around the ''apocalypse'' brought by that new species that came in our world from the volcanos (dragons that were asleep into those volcanos) and almost destroyed human kind and even the whole world.
At first I thought that Rhone was the main character of this story, but after a few pages I changed my mind and I think the author put the emphasis on Ketta. No a problem for me, but it was a little bit weird the read more about Ketta (her family, emotions, sensations, thoughts) when I was having the feeling that Rhonse should be the most important character!
I love both of their personal stories (past). Rhone is a stunning young male that will do anything to save and protect his tribe. Ketta have enough of her brother (Nyx) and his bad behaviour. She a pretty young thing kept hiding by Nyx from the real world and she will discover soon enough that her brother might have lied to her.
I liked the style of the author: Mari Freeman. Her style was fluid and the reading was nice and easy. I really enjoyed myself while reading this story and the imagination of the author is showing in this book! Great scenes description and great and intense moments between Rhone and Ketta. I liked the fact that Ms. Freeman added some ''magical'' aspect to this story, the mythical dragon and the myths and legends from the tribe.
The story itself was awesome and the introduction really helped to get me into the ‘‘ambiance’’: everything around the ''apocalypse'' brought by that new species that came in our world from the volcanos (dragons that were asleep into those volcanos) and almost destroyed human kind and even the whole world.
At first I thought that Rhone was the main character of this story, but after a few pages I changed my mind and I think the author put the emphasis on Ketta. No a problem for me, but it was a little bit weird the read more about Ketta (her family, emotions, sensations, thoughts) when I was having the feeling that Rhonse should be the most important character!
I love both of their personal stories (past). Rhone is a stunning young male that will do anything to save and protect his tribe. Ketta have enough of her brother (Nyx) and his bad behaviour. She a pretty young thing kept hiding by Nyx from the real world and she will discover soon enough that her brother might have lied to her.
I liked the style of the author: Mari Freeman. Her style was fluid and the reading was nice and easy. I really enjoyed myself while reading this story and the imagination of the author is showing in this book! Great scenes description and great and intense moments between Rhone and Ketta. I liked the fact that Ms. Freeman added some ''magical'' aspect to this story, the mythical dragon and the myths and legends from the tribe.
December 11, 2012
I absolutely love the whole idea of this story! That the end of days is brought about by dragons and from that, Crossbreeds are made when the humans come into contact with something left behind by the dragons. It's not something I've read before and I'm happy to say that I enjoyed it quite a bit. I've read a few other books by this author so I knew it would be good but I didn't know how good until I started reading it. :)
For a first book in a series and a short one at that, it's written very well. There isn't too much information thrown at you but you still get the needed facts about their history and the world building is done very well. I loved the characters, especially Arwin, the grandfather. He was definitely a fun character. Ketta and Rhone were good characters too though I did feel that their relationship was a little too rushed for my taste with everything that they went through and the whole rivals thing made it too fast too. But it didn't make the story any less enjoyable, just a bit unbelievable.
Overall, this is a fun, refreshing and very enjoyable read! It has enough action and adventure to keep you turning the pages and great characters and dialogue that pull you right into the book. I will definitely keep up with the series, can't wait to see where she takes it, and I recommend this book to all of my PNR fan friends. It's one of those you really don't want to miss!!!
*I received this book for free in exchange for my honest opinion. I did not receive any compensation from anyone to read this book.*
For a first book in a series and a short one at that, it's written very well. There isn't too much information thrown at you but you still get the needed facts about their history and the world building is done very well. I loved the characters, especially Arwin, the grandfather. He was definitely a fun character. Ketta and Rhone were good characters too though I did feel that their relationship was a little too rushed for my taste with everything that they went through and the whole rivals thing made it too fast too. But it didn't make the story any less enjoyable, just a bit unbelievable.
Overall, this is a fun, refreshing and very enjoyable read! It has enough action and adventure to keep you turning the pages and great characters and dialogue that pull you right into the book. I will definitely keep up with the series, can't wait to see where she takes it, and I recommend this book to all of my PNR fan friends. It's one of those you really don't want to miss!!!
*I received this book for free in exchange for my honest opinion. I did not receive any compensation from anyone to read this book.*
December 10, 2012
High Above was a new read for me because I have only read two other books that had dragons in it. I have to say that I was thoroughly impressed by the beginning of this series. I love dragon stories. There is something mythical about them that captures your attention and keeps you reading trying to figure out where the story is going and whether or not the dragons are good or bad. High Above is so capturing right from the very beginning that I could not out it down.
High Above is a story about two people that come together to save their tribes. Rhone is stripped of his wings and banished and left for dead. He has no chance of saving his tribe unless he gets his wings back and can defeat the most deadliest dragon there is. He meets Ketta when she comes to rescue him. Ketta has her reasons for saving him. Ketta's older brother was the one who kidnapped Rhone and stripped him of his wings. Ketta and Rhone set out to find out if Rhone can restore his wings. When they find her grandfather he tells them that there is a way. It sounds crazy and impossible but Ketta and Rhone have no other choice.
As the two set out to find what they need they get close. Fate and desire wants them together but lies and secrets will tear them apart. Can they come together and put the past away and become one to unite the two tribes or will they be pulled apart and destroyed by the strongest dragon? Can the mistrust be replaced by trust and love? Rhone and Ketta will have to fight hard for what they want and they will have to defeat the biggest, meanest dragon out there. Can they do it??????????
High Above is a story about two people that come together to save their tribes. Rhone is stripped of his wings and banished and left for dead. He has no chance of saving his tribe unless he gets his wings back and can defeat the most deadliest dragon there is. He meets Ketta when she comes to rescue him. Ketta has her reasons for saving him. Ketta's older brother was the one who kidnapped Rhone and stripped him of his wings. Ketta and Rhone set out to find out if Rhone can restore his wings. When they find her grandfather he tells them that there is a way. It sounds crazy and impossible but Ketta and Rhone have no other choice.
As the two set out to find what they need they get close. Fate and desire wants them together but lies and secrets will tear them apart. Can they come together and put the past away and become one to unite the two tribes or will they be pulled apart and destroyed by the strongest dragon? Can the mistrust be replaced by trust and love? Rhone and Ketta will have to fight hard for what they want and they will have to defeat the biggest, meanest dragon out there. Can they do it??????????
November 30, 2012
Leading into the action with a short prologue to set the ‘scene’ we then are thrust into a post-apocalyptic world that wasn’t, for once, caused by a human-made fit of pique. This is only a novella-length story, very good for the restrictions proscribed by shortened space, and the author has a very smooth style that is pleasant to read.
The characters, as they are introduced, are fairly complete: there is some missing background due to the length that would have better fixed motivations for relationships within the story. Strangely enough, those gaps were simply something of note – not distracting overmuch from the story or the action.
And there is action aplenty, with several twists, an obvious villain, a steamy and passionate romance and a happy for now (it’s too short a story to be HEA) that truly does make this book ripe for a sequel. I most certainly will read other titles by this author, and will hope to see more in the story of Rhone.
I received an eBook copy from the author for purpose of honest review for Full Moon Bites tour. I was not compensated for this review, and all conclusions are my own responsibility.
The characters, as they are introduced, are fairly complete: there is some missing background due to the length that would have better fixed motivations for relationships within the story. Strangely enough, those gaps were simply something of note – not distracting overmuch from the story or the action.
And there is action aplenty, with several twists, an obvious villain, a steamy and passionate romance and a happy for now (it’s too short a story to be HEA) that truly does make this book ripe for a sequel. I most certainly will read other titles by this author, and will hope to see more in the story of Rhone.
I received an eBook copy from the author for purpose of honest review for Full Moon Bites tour. I was not compensated for this review, and all conclusions are my own responsibility.
December 14, 2012
"High Above" is written as futuristic fantasy that is a fairly short read that is well written with plenty of action, twists and turns. The characters were good but I would have loved to see more background information. All in all, the action keeps you turning the pages. Recommended to all fantasy lovers.
This review is based on a complimentary copy which was provided for an honest review.
This review is based on a complimentary copy which was provided for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews