What do you think?
Rate this book
Dragons of Grayhurst #1
The Dragon's Gem
Welcome to Grayhurst Academy, a private school filled with secrets, intrigue, and more fiery personalities than one school can handle!
Being the new student, at a new school, is always difficult. For Aurora, who has been blind since birth, it is even more of a challenge. Unwanted there by Draco, the most popular boy at school and hated by the female who wants him for her own, she finds herself questioning the wisdom of attending Grayhurst Academy. That is until she finds herself falling for Draco.
Draco didn’t want Aurora attending his school, residing in his father’s guesthouse, or even living in the same state as he did. It wasn’t personal, he just wasn’t ready to settle down with the one female fate had designed for him. From the moment they first touch, though, he finds himself falling for the green-eyed temptress that was always meant to be his. Problem is he has a big secret, one that could drive her away now that he finally realizes just how much she means to him.
Can two young lovers make it in a world where fantasy clashes with reality? Will Aurora take her place by Draco’s side as his love, his life, his Gem?
Being the new student, at a new school, is always difficult. For Aurora, who has been blind since birth, it is even more of a challenge. Unwanted there by Draco, the most popular boy at school and hated by the female who wants him for her own, she finds herself questioning the wisdom of attending Grayhurst Academy. That is until she finds herself falling for Draco.
Draco didn’t want Aurora attending his school, residing in his father’s guesthouse, or even living in the same state as he did. It wasn’t personal, he just wasn’t ready to settle down with the one female fate had designed for him. From the moment they first touch, though, he finds himself falling for the green-eyed temptress that was always meant to be his. Problem is he has a big secret, one that could drive her away now that he finally realizes just how much she means to him.
Can two young lovers make it in a world where fantasy clashes with reality? Will Aurora take her place by Draco’s side as his love, his life, his Gem?
194 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 14, 2013
42 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
dnf-try-try-again
August 27, 2014....And there it is, 67.3 % is my dnf point. I have no idea how or even why I got this far. ... Just starting off I knew this wouldn't be for me because the writing style is def hard to get into... Mostly it's the dialogue...it's very very precise, and dude, these ya's have the least ya like conversations.... Seriously I don't remember how old the Mc's are, but I'm (i think) a couple years away from being twice their age...and yet, I sound more like a ya ( not a fact in overly proud of) than they do. Seriously, that's just sad
So yeah, that was my number one issue, but one or two a few more (I keep thinking of more!), other things bothered me:
These ya's are also some of the goodiest of goody goodies.... I mean even their plans are all goody good.... and all the drama is completely contrived (i rolled my eyes so many times!) , and imo serves little purpose.
Oh and the heroines a total marysue...I can occasionally handle this, but in this case, it just felt like DF went overboard with her heroine....And she's (the h) is always crying! The hero shed a couple tears too, and while I'm not opposed to crying in either mc, the amount was seriously irritating.
And some stuff doesn't make sense...like having a truck bed in an SUV ? Truck bed makes me think of pick ups, not SUV's. Also if you're asking a blind person out, why would you suggest the movies as your date of choice ( I'm not saying blind people can't enjoy going to the movies, only that asking out someone who's blind to go to the movies, seems absurd) then there's a bit about how the H and h are destined mates...and it supposed to a bfd, then there's a bit about the H's mom and some other dude who isn't her destined mate...and I got confused in the mixed messages.....
Oh and the hero talks a lot about how the h is his destined mate....but that's all he seems to talk about...like he only likes her because she was predetermined to be his...not because of who she is, regardless of any other factors (can you say a romancelandia no-no?)
The hero's use of the endearment 'Baby'....this is something I usually like from my heroes, but it sounds so so so weird coming from this hero...every time he says it, I can't help but laugh!
So yeah, I'm done. There may be more issues, or hell maybe a few of these get better, idk, nor do I care. I got to the point where the h has to save the H and she comes with some ridiculous plan....and I just can't go on.
So yeah, that was my number one issue, but one or two a few more (I keep thinking of more!), other things bothered me:
These ya's are also some of the goodiest of goody goodies.... I mean even their plans are all goody good.... and all the drama is completely contrived (i rolled my eyes so many times!) , and imo serves little purpose.
Oh and the heroines a total marysue...I can occasionally handle this, but in this case, it just felt like DF went overboard with her heroine....And she's (the h) is always crying! The hero shed a couple tears too, and while I'm not opposed to crying in either mc, the amount was seriously irritating.
And some stuff doesn't make sense...like having a truck bed in an SUV ? Truck bed makes me think of pick ups, not SUV's. Also if you're asking a blind person out, why would you suggest the movies as your date of choice ( I'm not saying blind people can't enjoy going to the movies, only that asking out someone who's blind to go to the movies, seems absurd) then there's a bit about how the H and h are destined mates...and it supposed to a bfd, then there's a bit about the H's mom and some other dude who isn't her destined mate...and I got confused in the mixed messages.....
Oh and the hero talks a lot about how the h is his destined mate....but that's all he seems to talk about...like he only likes her because she was predetermined to be his...not because of who she is, regardless of any other factors (can you say a romancelandia no-no?)
The hero's use of the endearment 'Baby'....this is something I usually like from my heroes, but it sounds so so so weird coming from this hero...every time he says it, I can't help but laugh!
So yeah, I'm done. There may be more issues, or hell maybe a few of these get better, idk, nor do I care. I got to the point where the h has to save the H and she comes with some ridiculous plan....and I just can't go on.
November 8, 2016
I actually have had this book for a while now, but I never got passed the first chapter until yesterday. If I weren't behind in my reading challenge I probably wouldn't have finished this headache of a book. Ughhh this book had so much potential which is a shame.
The relationship between the characters is something like this;
Draco, "Aurora I don't want to love you but I do so I'm gonna treat you like poo, apologize, and then miraculously become a "better person" even though I haven't had enough character development to show that aside from the constant repetition of how much of a dick I was before you. Instant love."
Aurora, "I'm blind and can smell better than a bloodhound which is really the only interesting thing about me because again little character development. Everyone says I'm super strong but I spend 3/4 of the book crying even when people are following MY PLAN. Draco I love you so much but you're a jerk but that's okay I instantly forgive you. Also, of course miracle cure for my blindness even though part of my appeal is my blindness."
Sprinkle in the creepily possessive "my woman, my mate, my female" a couple times, a few million reminders that Aurora is "not like other girls", contrived "conflict" and super unimaginative names (the most talked about characters besides Aurora are named Melinda, Belynda, Rosalinda, and India) and you've read this book.
The relationship between the characters is something like this;
Draco, "Aurora I don't want to love you but I do so I'm gonna treat you like poo, apologize, and then miraculously become a "better person" even though I haven't had enough character development to show that aside from the constant repetition of how much of a dick I was before you. Instant love."
Aurora, "I'm blind and can smell better than a bloodhound which is really the only interesting thing about me because again little character development. Everyone says I'm super strong but I spend 3/4 of the book crying even when people are following MY PLAN. Draco I love you so much but you're a jerk but that's okay I instantly forgive you. Also, of course miracle cure for my blindness even though part of my appeal is my blindness."
Sprinkle in the creepily possessive "my woman, my mate, my female" a couple times, a few million reminders that Aurora is "not like other girls", contrived "conflict" and super unimaginative names (the most talked about characters besides Aurora are named Melinda, Belynda, Rosalinda, and India) and you've read this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2014
As always, I’m a huge sucker for a killer cover. And this one pulled me in like a suicidal moth to a very tempting flame. Not only was the cover pretty, but I found the synopsis intriguing and ultimately the deciding factor. To be honest, I just realized that the yellow thing in the back is a dragon and not a maple leaf like I originally thought. Guess that’s what enlarging a picture does lol. That and having really bad eyesight ;—-)
I had originally read this back in October, so I’m a little rusty on some of the plot, forgive me.
Aurora is blind. As in, dude the world is black. That is something I have never read about before. I have never had a main character be blind or have a major handicap. But never once did it feel like she actually was handicap. She handled things with grace and confidence and tried not to let things bother her. But lets face it. Sometimes the bitch at school is too hard to ignore. I also loved the different view (God forgive me for the pun) I got with her being blind. It really made me appreciate and connect with her even though I myself am not blind. Plus, I feel it gave the story even more depth that may have saved it from being a three star book.
Back to the story…
Get the rest of my review at http://indaherwoodbooks.wordpress.com/
I had originally read this back in October, so I’m a little rusty on some of the plot, forgive me.
Aurora is blind. As in, dude the world is black. That is something I have never read about before. I have never had a main character be blind or have a major handicap. But never once did it feel like she actually was handicap. She handled things with grace and confidence and tried not to let things bother her. But lets face it. Sometimes the bitch at school is too hard to ignore. I also loved the different view (God forgive me for the pun) I got with her being blind. It really made me appreciate and connect with her even though I myself am not blind. Plus, I feel it gave the story even more depth that may have saved it from being a three star book.
Back to the story…
Get the rest of my review at http://indaherwoodbooks.wordpress.com/
February 25, 2019
One and a half stars.
Tacky dialogues and cheap editing is what comes to mind when describing this piece of lazy-ass ya romance.
Book is entirely made up of a terrible plot, bunch of stupid characters with zero charm and tiresome repetitive phrases like “tears filled her/his eyes”.
Also the Author did not lose any sleep over naming a majority of her female cast as rhymes - Belynda, Melinda and Rosalinda..! *slow claps*
The story had great potential but ruined by general cheesiness.
The female MC despite being blind is a superstar at everything she does but cries for attention from hate-boy. And any particular thing she likes or excels at, there is a paragraph full of explanations as to why she does so - She is great at martial arts ->proof? -She has won many belts at competitions.
She likes the idea of fantasy dragons -> proof? - She has read up all books related to dragons! Wow I wouldn’t believe otherwise....
Tacky dialogues and cheap editing is what comes to mind when describing this piece of lazy-ass ya romance.
Book is entirely made up of a terrible plot, bunch of stupid characters with zero charm and tiresome repetitive phrases like “tears filled her/his eyes”.
Also the Author did not lose any sleep over naming a majority of her female cast as rhymes - Belynda, Melinda and Rosalinda..! *slow claps*
The story had great potential but ruined by general cheesiness.
The female MC despite being blind is a superstar at everything she does but cries for attention from hate-boy. And any particular thing she likes or excels at, there is a paragraph full of explanations as to why she does so - She is great at martial arts ->proof? -She has won many belts at competitions.
She likes the idea of fantasy dragons -> proof? - She has read up all books related to dragons! Wow I wouldn’t believe otherwise....
February 24, 2017
I Really did like this book for One it had Dragons in it and I Love Dragon stories. I chose to give it a Four star because I hated it stopped slightly on a cliff hanger, I wanted to know what was gonna happen with her Mother in this book. Just have to read the next straight away. I believe I'm gonna enjoy the next book though and can't wait
February 6, 2021
Couldn't like it no matter how hard i tried.
The dialogue between the characters was so weird and formal. Teenagers don't talk like that. It made them impossible to relate to. Lots of editing issues for a book that was $5. KU books have better editing. Very disappointed I spent money on this.
The dialogue between the characters was so weird and formal. Teenagers don't talk like that. It made them impossible to relate to. Lots of editing issues for a book that was $5. KU books have better editing. Very disappointed I spent money on this.
May 31, 2017
Not worth the $
It was a good book, but don't pay for it. I read so many kindle unlimited books that are free with the same lack of editing.
It was a good book, but don't pay for it. I read so many kindle unlimited books that are free with the same lack of editing.
June 9, 2017
DNF, 71%
May 8, 2015
This book describes a love story between a young girl learning her way through a strange community and the new experiences of being in a public school and a young man that thought he was God's gift to the world.
What I enjoyed about this book is the changes that the couple go through. Before, Aurora's disability had made her want to be strong, but also kept her from making the friends that she had always wished for. Before Draco met his mate, he sounded like an intolerable jerk that had tons of money and a high status within the community. When they do meet each other, Aurora learns to trust in others and meets great people that become her friends, while Draco learns that he has been completely selfish and must change his actions if he wished to be with his mate.
The dragon part of the book makes for an interesting community, though the history and dragons did not catch my attention like the love story did. I find it ironic that the lead male hero in the story is named "Draco" while the heroin is named "Aurora." Sleeping beauty and a prince of the community named after his species. ;)
Other notable characters include Ryan, Belynda, Soran, and Max. Their character's were enjoyable and made me wish there was more build on what goes on in their lives. Especially Soran, who seemed like a decent sort and even helped save Aurora. Characters that did not make much sense to me included Rosalinda. I understand that she was there to ensure Aurora's safety and care, but it didn't explain much. Even Kristin's appearance was abrupt.
The book itself was well written, with only a few noted errors in editing. I really enjoyed the story and I can tell that if Flynn continues writing the way she is, she will only get better. Three stars for me means I enjoyed this book. I never in my life have hated a book. I understand that there are books out there some people enjoy and books that people will not understand. This book was not quite my favorite of taste but it does not mean I did not enjoy it any less. I suggest this book to those who enjoy late high school romances with a bit of mystery and mysticism. I also really enjoyed that one of the main characters had to got through most of the story blind. It made for a new reading experience for me!
What I enjoyed about this book is the changes that the couple go through. Before, Aurora's disability had made her want to be strong, but also kept her from making the friends that she had always wished for. Before Draco met his mate, he sounded like an intolerable jerk that had tons of money and a high status within the community. When they do meet each other, Aurora learns to trust in others and meets great people that become her friends, while Draco learns that he has been completely selfish and must change his actions if he wished to be with his mate.
The dragon part of the book makes for an interesting community, though the history and dragons did not catch my attention like the love story did. I find it ironic that the lead male hero in the story is named "Draco" while the heroin is named "Aurora." Sleeping beauty and a prince of the community named after his species. ;)
Other notable characters include Ryan, Belynda, Soran, and Max. Their character's were enjoyable and made me wish there was more build on what goes on in their lives. Especially Soran, who seemed like a decent sort and even helped save Aurora. Characters that did not make much sense to me included Rosalinda. I understand that she was there to ensure Aurora's safety and care, but it didn't explain much. Even Kristin's appearance was abrupt.
The book itself was well written, with only a few noted errors in editing. I really enjoyed the story and I can tell that if Flynn continues writing the way she is, she will only get better. Three stars for me means I enjoyed this book. I never in my life have hated a book. I understand that there are books out there some people enjoy and books that people will not understand. This book was not quite my favorite of taste but it does not mean I did not enjoy it any less. I suggest this book to those who enjoy late high school romances with a bit of mystery and mysticism. I also really enjoyed that one of the main characters had to got through most of the story blind. It made for a new reading experience for me!
June 29, 2014
Simply breathtaking. And oh so original too!!! Truly well done!!! <3
*Spoilers alert*
I did have a couple serious problems with Draco in the beginning. Problems which he so eloquently pointed out himself, so there was hope at least: He was so self-centered!! (At first) I mean, for the love of all that is good and just, you are NOT the only one who was affected by decisions made to bring Aurora to your territory, Draco! And to throw a frigging tantrum about it (many frigging tantrums) you just about permanently removed yourself from my good graces. And then in that one scene where you were ranting about the unfairness of her presence to Hershel, RIGHT IN FREAKING FRONT OF AURORA, I nearly went ballistic!! For craps sake man, that is just basic decency!! Ugh!! And then you tried to act as if you had the right to claim being the wronged party. (Rolls eyes) Whatever dude! Not. Even. Cool!
Thank the Heavens though! For there was hope. He eventually was able to man-the-heck-up and be the person Aurora needed, and he was better off for being that person. He gained so much more respect from EVERYONE (except Melinda, but who the heck cares what SHE thinks) when he decided to grow up and be a better and more mature person. From that point on, the story was smooth sailing; well except for a couple bumps in the road, having nothing to do with Draco's attitude. It was a much more bearable read after that. Though, then again, if he wasn't a butt-head and able to overcome his problems and move on, he would be a lovesick puppy, and I think we can do without one of those every now and then. ;)
So all-in-all, I absolutely adored this book and can not wait to see how Aurora and Draco progress together and where they move on from here.
*Spoilers alert*
I did have a couple serious problems with Draco in the beginning. Problems which he so eloquently pointed out himself, so there was hope at least: He was so self-centered!! (At first) I mean, for the love of all that is good and just, you are NOT the only one who was affected by decisions made to bring Aurora to your territory, Draco! And to throw a frigging tantrum about it (many frigging tantrums) you just about permanently removed yourself from my good graces. And then in that one scene where you were ranting about the unfairness of her presence to Hershel, RIGHT IN FREAKING FRONT OF AURORA, I nearly went ballistic!! For craps sake man, that is just basic decency!! Ugh!! And then you tried to act as if you had the right to claim being the wronged party. (Rolls eyes) Whatever dude! Not. Even. Cool!
Thank the Heavens though! For there was hope. He eventually was able to man-the-heck-up and be the person Aurora needed, and he was better off for being that person. He gained so much more respect from EVERYONE (except Melinda, but who the heck cares what SHE thinks) when he decided to grow up and be a better and more mature person. From that point on, the story was smooth sailing; well except for a couple bumps in the road, having nothing to do with Draco's attitude. It was a much more bearable read after that. Though, then again, if he wasn't a butt-head and able to overcome his problems and move on, he would be a lovesick puppy, and I think we can do without one of those every now and then. ;)
So all-in-all, I absolutely adored this book and can not wait to see how Aurora and Draco progress together and where they move on from here.
December 25, 2015
Never in my life have a read a book that had such gaping holes in its plot that I felt lucky to have an overactive imagination to feel in some blanks. This book starts of interesting enough, it's very fast paced so were pulled right into the action immediately, with snippets of information in form of memories or thoughts that explained current situations. The world building was lacking, the wasn't much character development and even when the author to give a certain depth to a secondary character, I didn't buy it atall and honestly I was so annoyed with the fact that important information was randomly given out without any explanation and then causally brushed off. On the bright side I really liked Aurora, she wasn't weak or whiny or overly dependent on anyone, and I loved her courage a lot, well that and the fact that it was soo refreshing to see a female who didn't wallow in self pity and didn't runaway or get overly hysterical about "mystical creatures" or her sudden interaction with magic, and I could even understand Dracos resistance to be with her at first even if it childish. The book isn't an obvious cliffhanger but with the way the whole book was structured, almost deliberately leaving out valuable pieces of information, not to talk of the fact that the book felt very rushed while trying to create the best possible outcome with each chapter, you know that there has to more to this book then that and that Hopefully the second book would have more answers.
December 30, 2013
It's ok, but I feel like the girl was good in the beginning, but then kinda became lame. Plus, she is all independence out and about and let's the maid tuck her in at night? Dude, blind people live independently all over the world. She is 17. I think she can tuck herself into bed. It isn't like she has been with her since a child. She just met the lady when they moved there. That bugged me. More than it should have. I'm sure I am over reacting. Still. And the leading man was a duche. I'm sorry ladies, but that soul mate stuff is crap if the dude treats you bad. And then she just let's him go all super protector psycho mode in the end? And for real? He gets the treasure-?? Dude. her and the blue dragon dude earned it way more than him. I don't know. It just played out a little too much high school melodrama. I love dragon stuff, and I don't mind funny introspection of high school stuff. But this just didn't do it for me.
January 9, 2014
The overall plotline I found to be interesting. I liked the ideas put behind the book, but the pacing and the characters just did not do it for me. The relationship feels fake and completely illogical. If there was a little more put into it outside of "THATS MY MATE SO I WILL LOVE HIM/HER" I think I could have gotten behind the book quite a bit more.
Mind you, while I found the characters boring I did at least somewhat enjoy the book. I feel like it could have been a great novel if just a little more work was put into the story and if the characters had been developed better/in a more believable relationship.
The main female character is also blind. It seemed like a good portion of the book was her being led around by everyone. And well, there are a few other parts that bugged me about this, but it would include spoilers so I will leave it at: I wish this was done better because it was a great idea.
Mind you, while I found the characters boring I did at least somewhat enjoy the book. I feel like it could have been a great novel if just a little more work was put into the story and if the characters had been developed better/in a more believable relationship.
The main female character is also blind. It seemed like a good portion of the book was her being led around by everyone. And well, there are a few other parts that bugged me about this, but it would include spoilers so I will leave it at: I wish this was done better because it was a great idea.
June 8, 2015
Horrible editing job!
I actually liked this book. It was a short, fun read that read interesting enough to keep me flipping pages right to the end. I though the love story was cute and the characters were likable. I was hesitant about this one because the main girl is blind, and many times the author will use the mc's "disability" as an excuse. I was pleasantly surprised with the way that the author make her self sufficient, strong and very relatable. Great job there!
However, I did have a problem with the editing, it was awful! I'm not usually someone who complains about the grammar and editing, but it was so bad it needs to be mentioned.
I actually liked this book. It was a short, fun read that read interesting enough to keep me flipping pages right to the end. I though the love story was cute and the characters were likable. I was hesitant about this one because the main girl is blind, and many times the author will use the mc's "disability" as an excuse. I was pleasantly surprised with the way that the author make her self sufficient, strong and very relatable. Great job there!
However, I did have a problem with the editing, it was awful! I'm not usually someone who complains about the grammar and editing, but it was so bad it needs to be mentioned.
June 28, 2014
I FOUND THIS BOOK COMPLETELY ADORABLE!!! THE CHARACTERS WERE FUNNY, CHARMING, AND HOT!! GET IT? DRAGONS... HOT? NOPE? OKAY! THE PLOT LINE HAD JUST THE AMOUNT OF SUSPENSE WITH A SPLASH OF ROMANCE AND A PINCH OF SUPERNATURAL TO MAKE IT COMPLETE!!
July 23, 2013
A good paranormal romance for YA, full of action and High school drama.
May 20, 2015
Get ready for some choppy writing with horrible grammar. But if you can look past that, you have yourself a good helping of teen angst with predictably lame drama.
January 18, 2016
I liked this book and will read the rest of the series. It was entertaining. Young love. Very sweet and it kept me reading until finished.
September 17, 2016
Loved It!!
July 21, 2013
1.5 Stars
Romance was too quick and just not believable and got bored halfway through >.<
Romance was too quick and just not believable and got bored halfway through >.<
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews