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The Hatching
What if a dragon looked into your eyes…and saw into your soul?
Wenlyn dreams of seeing one of the legendary Harpy’s Servants up close. As a poor village boy, he can’t help but dream of the adventures the dragon-riding protectors of the Six Realms must have. Now one of them has come to Tranquil village.
With the Servant's arrival, Wenlyn’s entire world falls away. He's about to embark on an adventure of his own that even his wildest dreams couldn’t have conjured up.
Soar the skies with Wenlyn in this short prequel to Dragon Magic, an epic fantasy series. First volume to be released late in 2020.
"Loved loved loved this short story."--Amazon Reviewer
Wenlyn dreams of seeing one of the legendary Harpy’s Servants up close. As a poor village boy, he can’t help but dream of the adventures the dragon-riding protectors of the Six Realms must have. Now one of them has come to Tranquil village.
With the Servant's arrival, Wenlyn’s entire world falls away. He's about to embark on an adventure of his own that even his wildest dreams couldn’t have conjured up.
Soar the skies with Wenlyn in this short prequel to Dragon Magic, an epic fantasy series. First volume to be released late in 2020.
"Loved loved loved this short story."--Amazon Reviewer
35 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 12, 2013
15 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Liesel K. Hill
8 books134 followersAlso publishes under L.K. Hill and K.L. Conger.
Author of scifi, fantasy and dystopian. She lives in northern Utah and comes from a large, tight-knit family. Loves to bake, read, and watch plenty of T.V. And plans to keep writing until they nail her coffin shut. Or the Second Coming happens. You know, whichever happens first. ;D
Author of scifi, fantasy and dystopian. She lives in northern Utah and comes from a large, tight-knit family. Loves to bake, read, and watch plenty of T.V. And plans to keep writing until they nail her coffin shut. Or the Second Coming happens. You know, whichever happens first. ;D
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
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February 7, 2022Captivating short story. Very suprising twist at the end. Sort of made me uncomfortable with how it was thrust on the main character, but very unexpected and made for an interesting ending.
February 12, 2020
I was totally surprised with how good this this short story was. It really makes you want the series to begin.. I can hardly wait til it comes out latter this year.
March 5, 2019
Great story and really piqued my interest in the series! What a way to start. It has always been a dream to fly free like a bird (in this case a dragon). Awesome!
April 28, 2020
The Hatching is a short story prequel to Liesel K. Hill's Dragon Magic series. I'm not usually a big fan of short stories. But, this one was exceptional. I look forward to the rest of the series.
January 12, 2025
A little bit confusing, but very well written. It actually made me curious about the main books.
January 2, 2014
The Hatching by Liesel K. Hill is a short story prequel to her dragon magic series, coming in 2014. After reading this short story, I’m having a hard time waiting for book one! I’ve read a lot of dragon books, but The Hatching still managed to surprise me and I simply have to know what happens next D: .
The Hatching is available for purchase at Amazon. Purchases made support this blog.
Note: I received The Hatching from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The Hatching by Liesel K. Hill (Dragon Magic #0.5)
Published by Amazon KDP on March 12th, 2013
Genres: Fantasy, Short Story
Length: 14 pages
How I got my copy: Author
Goodreads
Purchases made support this blog
The story of a boy, identified by a dragon, whose life will never be the same again. This short story is a prequel to the Dragon Magic series, the first volume of which I intend to release sometime in 2014.
Strengths:
I’m always impressed when a short story pulls off a plot twist since it’s hard to build up anything in only 14 pages. The Hatching completely surprised me with its ending!
The goal of #0.5 stories is generally to get people interested in reading the first book right? Well then success The Hatching! If you’re wanting to get an idea of this series, then this short story definitely will do the trick.
While a short story doesn’t leave a lot of room for character development, I am already a fan of the characters. They are relatable and fun. The ending suggests otherwise, but I’m hoping that a certain young lady will still show up in the first book ;-).
Weaknesses:
I have a hard time getting used to present tense writing, and this threw me. I think I’ll be okay with a full length book with that tone, but the short story wasn’t enough reading for me to get past it.
There were a couple typos as can be expected, but they meant I had to take a moment to figure out what they were supposed to say.
Summary:
The Hatching is a great introduction to the Dragon Magic series and I highly suggest dragon fans to give it a try! I will warn you that it’ll just make it that much harder to wait for 2014 though ;-).
The Hatching is available for purchase at Amazon. Purchases made support this blog.
Note: I received The Hatching from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The Hatching by Liesel K. Hill (Dragon Magic #0.5)
Published by Amazon KDP on March 12th, 2013
Genres: Fantasy, Short Story
Length: 14 pages
How I got my copy: Author
Goodreads
Purchases made support this blog
The story of a boy, identified by a dragon, whose life will never be the same again. This short story is a prequel to the Dragon Magic series, the first volume of which I intend to release sometime in 2014.
Strengths:
I’m always impressed when a short story pulls off a plot twist since it’s hard to build up anything in only 14 pages. The Hatching completely surprised me with its ending!
The goal of #0.5 stories is generally to get people interested in reading the first book right? Well then success The Hatching! If you’re wanting to get an idea of this series, then this short story definitely will do the trick.
While a short story doesn’t leave a lot of room for character development, I am already a fan of the characters. They are relatable and fun. The ending suggests otherwise, but I’m hoping that a certain young lady will still show up in the first book ;-).
Weaknesses:
I have a hard time getting used to present tense writing, and this threw me. I think I’ll be okay with a full length book with that tone, but the short story wasn’t enough reading for me to get past it.
There were a couple typos as can be expected, but they meant I had to take a moment to figure out what they were supposed to say.
Summary:
The Hatching is a great introduction to the Dragon Magic series and I highly suggest dragon fans to give it a try! I will warn you that it’ll just make it that much harder to wait for 2014 though ;-).
June 21, 2013
Wenlyn (AKA Ratboy) and Canya are precocious children. And this day promises excitement, if only they can sneak away from the scullery for several minutes to witness the Servant and his dragon. The Servants often check in at the estates to see if there are messages or needs or complaints. Today, the Servant has several stops and Elder Nymon’s Estate is only one of them. He can only spare a few minutes on the ground. Of course, that is when Wenlyn accidentally falls out of a tree, startling the dragon, and earning himself several curses and perhaps some kicks. But he wasn’t expecting the Servant’s reaction.
Now this is a short story, so I won’t say anything more about the plot. There’s still plenty for you to discover on your own. So allow my to gush about this story for a few paragraphs. I have read Liesel Hill‘s full-length novel Persistence of Vision, which is time travel, dystopian science fiction. It is very different in length and genre to this book. It was good. This, The Hatching, is great. The pacing was so smooth, I gobbled up this story way too quickly. By turns, it was clever, down to earth, insightful. Basically, I want more.
While I had such a short time with the characters, I connected pretty quickly with Wenlyn, Canya, and eventually the Servant. I think it must be tricky to show character development in such a few short pages, but Hill makes it happen. There’s enough of a setting to give the reader a feel of a time and place where humans were largely scattered pockets on Estates with the Servants and the dragons keeping humanity connected. The ending was cleverly done, being something I did not expect.
Now this is a short story, so I won’t say anything more about the plot. There’s still plenty for you to discover on your own. So allow my to gush about this story for a few paragraphs. I have read Liesel Hill‘s full-length novel Persistence of Vision, which is time travel, dystopian science fiction. It is very different in length and genre to this book. It was good. This, The Hatching, is great. The pacing was so smooth, I gobbled up this story way too quickly. By turns, it was clever, down to earth, insightful. Basically, I want more.
While I had such a short time with the characters, I connected pretty quickly with Wenlyn, Canya, and eventually the Servant. I think it must be tricky to show character development in such a few short pages, but Hill makes it happen. There’s enough of a setting to give the reader a feel of a time and place where humans were largely scattered pockets on Estates with the Servants and the dragons keeping humanity connected. The ending was cleverly done, being something I did not expect.
April 27, 2014
Wow! A great preambule.
Liesel managed to get us hooked in a fantasy story with dragons and a sweet boy.
I can't wait to read the whole story.
Liesel managed to get us hooked in a fantasy story with dragons and a sweet boy.
I can't wait to read the whole story.
March 30, 2019
This is the story of an orphan boy and a dragon, a prequel to the epic fantasy series, Dragon Magic. Because he was small and lightweight, Wenlyn could climb higher than other children without breaking the branches, so he climbed high to get a good view of the actual Harpy's Servant riding his dragon! But someone saw their master coming, The Fox, and everyone climbed quickly out of the tree and ran – except for Wenlyn who was still high up in the branches. By the time he got down, someone deliberately knocked him down. The Fox caught up and grabbed him by the ear, dragging him down the main street for all to see and back to the scullery where he would miss everything!
The scullery maids, with the exception of Canya, didn’t like Wenlyn and whispered behind his back. Even Canya was only friendly when they were alone; otherwise she moved away from him and stayed quiet. But she was his only friend. Warning him that The Fox would sell him if he kept being defiant, she stood and led him down the dark corridor to go see the Harpy’s Servant, protector of the Six Realms, arrive! The two climbed into a tree with a perfect view of the Square. A mighty rush of wind blew and the sun’s light was blocked out by an enormous shadow. Awe and terror warred within him! The Dragon Companion was beautiful! The Servant rider asked if the Elder had any requests for the Dragon Council, then said a blessing over the village. Canya climbed higher in the tree to watch the dragon fly away. But as Wenlyn moved, he fell from the tree and startled the dragon.
Strangely, as the Servant was about to leave, he froze, staring at his dragon. He then stared at Wenlyn, eyes wide, then at his dragon, back to Wenlyn, then the Council! Something was happening! The Dragon Companion had identified Wenlyn as having royal Darmingian Blood and the Servant immediately took custody of him, despite The Fox arguing that he was nothing but a slave. He was helped onto the dragon’s back, and they flew into the sky. His life would never be the same.
This prequel was really attention-grabbing! The reader is well prepared to continue into the main story as the stage is set here. Don’t miss out on this one. There is plenty more happening in this prequel that you’ll need to know! And the exciting part has just begun!
The scullery maids, with the exception of Canya, didn’t like Wenlyn and whispered behind his back. Even Canya was only friendly when they were alone; otherwise she moved away from him and stayed quiet. But she was his only friend. Warning him that The Fox would sell him if he kept being defiant, she stood and led him down the dark corridor to go see the Harpy’s Servant, protector of the Six Realms, arrive! The two climbed into a tree with a perfect view of the Square. A mighty rush of wind blew and the sun’s light was blocked out by an enormous shadow. Awe and terror warred within him! The Dragon Companion was beautiful! The Servant rider asked if the Elder had any requests for the Dragon Council, then said a blessing over the village. Canya climbed higher in the tree to watch the dragon fly away. But as Wenlyn moved, he fell from the tree and startled the dragon.
Strangely, as the Servant was about to leave, he froze, staring at his dragon. He then stared at Wenlyn, eyes wide, then at his dragon, back to Wenlyn, then the Council! Something was happening! The Dragon Companion had identified Wenlyn as having royal Darmingian Blood and the Servant immediately took custody of him, despite The Fox arguing that he was nothing but a slave. He was helped onto the dragon’s back, and they flew into the sky. His life would never be the same.
This prequel was really attention-grabbing! The reader is well prepared to continue into the main story as the stage is set here. Don’t miss out on this one. There is plenty more happening in this prequel that you’ll need to know! And the exciting part has just begun!
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February 20, 2020 ** Full Disclosure: I was an ARC reader for, and received an ARC of, “The Hatching” for review purposes. The author requested a review but made no conditions for it. I am writing this review based solely on my enjoyment of this story in particular, and the author's writing overall. **
This is a wonderful short story from the author in which the characters, creature, interactions and situations are entirely believable and compelling.
Wenlyn and Canya are indentured servants suffering abuse from “The Fox”.
They become friends and Canya shows Wenlyn a way out so they can climb a high tree to observe the Servant atop his Companion.
His companion is a Dragon!
Unfortunately that is when Wenlyn fell from the tree close to the Dragon, knowing he will get another beating.
When the Dragon roars right at Wenlyn, he’s terrified that The Fox will blame him and punish him again. Fortunately for Wenlyn, the Servant protects him and makes an amazing announcement.
The entire town can not believe what they’re being told, especially Canya looking down from the tree.
It seems Wenlyn will accompany the Servant and his Companion.
The rest of this amazing adventure is unexpected …
I am very much looking forward to reading the first book in the “Dragon Magic” series.
This is a wonderful short story from the author in which the characters, creature, interactions and situations are entirely believable and compelling.
Wenlyn and Canya are indentured servants suffering abuse from “The Fox”.
They become friends and Canya shows Wenlyn a way out so they can climb a high tree to observe the Servant atop his Companion.
His companion is a Dragon!
Unfortunately that is when Wenlyn fell from the tree close to the Dragon, knowing he will get another beating.
When the Dragon roars right at Wenlyn, he’s terrified that The Fox will blame him and punish him again. Fortunately for Wenlyn, the Servant protects him and makes an amazing announcement.
The entire town can not believe what they’re being told, especially Canya looking down from the tree.
It seems Wenlyn will accompany the Servant and his Companion.
The rest of this amazing adventure is unexpected …
I am very much looking forward to reading the first book in the “Dragon Magic” series.
November 21, 2022
Wenlyn feels like the type of character who would have fit in well with a young Arthur Pendragon. Quite the irascible and incorrigible child. He is bound and determined to sneak out and have his excitement cost be ignored - but never did he imaging quite the excitement he would be getting himself into. Well paced, entrancing little story with a surprising twist ending. Andrew Thatcher's narration suited the story beautifully. Worth a listen for sure.
This is a prequel, but it works as a standalone - it feels like an origin story and has a satisfying conclusion that leaves you very curious as to just what direction Wenlyn's life is going to head next. Wherever he goes, he is bound to end up in the middle of mischief and excitement!
This is a prequel, but it works as a standalone - it feels like an origin story and has a satisfying conclusion that leaves you very curious as to just what direction Wenlyn's life is going to head next. Wherever he goes, he is bound to end up in the middle of mischief and excitement!
March 30, 2019
A wonderful origin tale! In the space of a short time we’re introduced to a major character, what and who he was before we met him, and how his life changed to make him who he is.
In a few pages the author shows us his struggles, core principles and personality and the major events that shape him into a character that we want to see more of, we want to see what happens next and how he matures.
There are some great twists and turns and a lot of character development going on. I can’t wait to see what’s next!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
In a few pages the author shows us his struggles, core principles and personality and the major events that shape him into a character that we want to see more of, we want to see what happens next and how he matures.
There are some great twists and turns and a lot of character development going on. I can’t wait to see what’s next!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 24, 2019
A very interesting little story, but much too short.
Wenlyn, an orphaned scullery slave, has snuck out to see the human Servant of the Harpy, and the Servant's dragon Companion. A fall from the tree that was his hiding place has brought him to the attention of the village Elders, including his mean spirited master. It also brings him to the attention of the Servant and his Companion who claim he is of Deringian lineage...and as such, belongs to the Harpy. Taken away from everything he has ever known, will Wenlyn's future be better than his life so far? Or will he regret sneaking out for a look at the Servant and his Companion?
Wenlyn, an orphaned scullery slave, has snuck out to see the human Servant of the Harpy, and the Servant's dragon Companion. A fall from the tree that was his hiding place has brought him to the attention of the village Elders, including his mean spirited master. It also brings him to the attention of the Servant and his Companion who claim he is of Deringian lineage...and as such, belongs to the Harpy. Taken away from everything he has ever known, will Wenlyn's future be better than his life so far? Or will he regret sneaking out for a look at the Servant and his Companion?
May 12, 2022
Wenlyn is a poor village boy who dreams of riding a dragon and being a protector of the relm. Now he may just have that opportunity, In this novel you will find yourself following along with his wildest dreams. This is a short prequel to Dragon Magic, an epic fantasy series. This is a brilliant read ... well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start. Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable. Great suspense and action with and wonderful world building. I received this novel from Liesel K Hill. I found her to be a talented and gifted author. This is my true and honest review.
September 26, 2019
Surprising!
What a fun prequel. Although there is nothing funny or literally "fun" that takes place within these few pages, the surprising twist at the end is delightful and makes the book ultimately fun. You truly feel very sorry for Wenlyn, and can empathize with him as he experiences all the upheaval that occurs after the Servant and his Companion arrive in his village. Those two characters end up as a somewhat welcome relief for Wenlyn even if they are fearsome, and behave oddly toward him.
I really enjoyed this story, grumbling only when I reached the end much too soon. I can hardly wait for Dragon Magic tho come out - next year!
What a fun prequel. Although there is nothing funny or literally "fun" that takes place within these few pages, the surprising twist at the end is delightful and makes the book ultimately fun. You truly feel very sorry for Wenlyn, and can empathize with him as he experiences all the upheaval that occurs after the Servant and his Companion arrive in his village. Those two characters end up as a somewhat welcome relief for Wenlyn even if they are fearsome, and behave oddly toward him.
I really enjoyed this story, grumbling only when I reached the end much too soon. I can hardly wait for Dragon Magic tho come out - next year!
March 21, 2019
It is often difficult to get a sense of character in a short story - this story had no such problem. The characters were engaging and well defined from the beginning and the story pulls you in. It's a complete little vignette that leaves you hungry for the larger story it precedes. And it's always nice to have a book like this - where the dragons are full characters rather than simple ravening beasts.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 8, 2019
If this book is any indication, this series is going to be wonderful! I loved this book and I love the direction I am thinking this series is going to go. Great characters and at least this story was mysterious. I suspected what would happen and yet I was absolutely surprised. Grab this before the next book. It's awesome.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 31, 2019
**** SPOILER ALERT ****
This is my first chance to read Hill's work.
The author packs a LOT of world building into just a few pages. I detect a bit of hint, just a hint mind you, of a nod to Anne McCaffrey, the Grand Dame of writers of Dragon fiction. That is a good thing, in my opinion.
I look forward to reading more of Wenlyn's further adventures.
For the sake of transparency: I was given a copy of this story. This is my own honest opinion.
This is my first chance to read Hill's work.
The author packs a LOT of world building into just a few pages. I detect a bit of hint, just a hint mind you, of a nod to Anne McCaffrey, the Grand Dame of writers of Dragon fiction. That is a good thing, in my opinion.
I look forward to reading more of Wenlyn's further adventures.
For the sake of transparency: I was given a copy of this story. This is my own honest opinion.
September 27, 2020
AudioBook Review: THE HATCHING by Liesel K. Hill
(T) iny
(H) elpless
(E) rroneous
(H) iding
(A) ncient
(T) alons
(C) ircling
(H) eavens
( I ) ncoming
(N) ew
(G) oals
THE HATCHING, behind the scene.
He was, taken by surprise.
A life, controlled by others.
Was just, about to change.
The skies, would open up.
Before him, a new beginning.
Let us, travel with him.
He's only, just got started
(T) iny
(H) elpless
(E) rroneous
(H) iding
(A) ncient
(T) alons
(C) ircling
(H) eavens
( I ) ncoming
(N) ew
(G) oals
THE HATCHING, behind the scene.
He was, taken by surprise.
A life, controlled by others.
Was just, about to change.
The skies, would open up.
Before him, a new beginning.
Let us, travel with him.
He's only, just got started
October 4, 2020
More please.
This is the first time that I have read/listened to Liesel K. Hill it won't be the last. I really hope that this is a prologue and there's more in store for the adventurous young Wenlyn. This is very short coming in at under 3/4 of a hour. I'll probably listen to it again.
The narrative brings the story too life.
This book was given to me for free at my request from the publisher or author or narrator and I provided this unbiased voluntary review.
This is the first time that I have read/listened to Liesel K. Hill it won't be the last. I really hope that this is a prologue and there's more in store for the adventurous young Wenlyn. This is very short coming in at under 3/4 of a hour. I'll probably listen to it again.
The narrative brings the story too life.
This book was given to me for free at my request from the publisher or author or narrator and I provided this unbiased voluntary review.
October 26, 2020
I have not waited in vain
Spending time looking at dragons n the authors post trying to find her dragon books I soon learned they where not a reality yet so I waited saw the prequel was here and bought it today ! It was like a sip of water to a thirsty soul not enough to satisfy but enough to excite it has directions that I had not even dreamed about can't wait to see where she takes us on this awesome journey we have began
Spending time looking at dragons n the authors post trying to find her dragon books I soon learned they where not a reality yet so I waited saw the prequel was here and bought it today ! It was like a sip of water to a thirsty soul not enough to satisfy but enough to excite it has directions that I had not even dreamed about can't wait to see where she takes us on this awesome journey we have began
February 16, 2021
Wenlyn thinks he will spend his years as a slave working in the scullery. He is an orphan and no one likes him. Then a Companion comes flying in on a Dragon to the village he lives in and Wenlyn finds out he is actually a Dragon of Royal lineage! This is a sweet coming-of-age short story that I highly recommend.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 7, 2022
This was a fun story to listen to. I've not read many dragon books and I find that this one really grabbed me. I'm ready to try some more, especially by this author. I love all of her books in other genres already.
The narrator was good, which always makes the listen much better and brings the characters and story to life.
I requested this audio book from the author and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
The narrator was good, which always makes the listen much better and brings the characters and story to life.
I requested this audio book from the author and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
October 12, 2022
The hatchling is a wonderfully written short. The author has managed to skillfully add in her story's worldbuilding without chunks of preachy text. Short, punchy it's got my attention and interest in following the MC to see what is next for him. There are enough answers to leave you satisfied but intrigued to learn more about the people and places.
If you love dragons - this should be an author your check out.
If you love dragons - this should be an author your check out.
March 22, 2020
The Hatching by Liesel K. Hill is such a great story to read. This is such a great story I really enjoyed reading this story very much and can not wait to see what this author will write next. I recommend this story to all who like reading about dragons and fantasy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 28, 2020
I've read several books written by Liesel K. Hill; she has done a great job at writing a good short story; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of books her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
October 18, 2020
This book was awesome! The narration was excellent and I could keep on going! It was short but interesting! The characters were well developed and complex. The story drew me in and keep me engrossed throughout. I can't recommend this enough for fantasy fans. I can't wait for more!
I received a copy of this book from StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
I received a copy of this book from StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
May 24, 2021
OMG I absolutely LOVED this story. Wenlyn is such a character and the fact that he loves to irritate his master made me laugh. This short story was such a good prequel to give me just a glimpse into Wenlyn's upcoming adventures. I can't wait to see what Wenlyn gets into. This book was given to me free but this review is all mine!
August 27, 2017
'I loved the short story of Wehnlyn, always wondered, where it will lead me. But that he became a dragon, i never thought about that. But love it. Liesel had a way to hook me with that wonderful story. Now i am waiting for the real novel to come.
December 8, 2017
Teaser!
Ok, now I can't wait for this series to begin. Vivid descriptions and draw you in storytelling techniques have won me! Read this short story about Wenlyn hatching and you'll be waiting impatiently for the rest of the story!
Ok, now I can't wait for this series to begin. Vivid descriptions and draw you in storytelling techniques have won me! Read this short story about Wenlyn hatching and you'll be waiting impatiently for the rest of the story!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews