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The Dragon Tributes #1
Riding Through Fire
The dragons on Draig Island are not your run-of-the-mill kind. They’re something else entirely…
I cannot believe my bad luck when an embossed envelope arrives at my door just one week before my twenty-fifth birthday. Which just happens to be the cut-off date for being called up for the testing of the blood. I thought I was in the clear, turns out that I was wrong.
I don’t know all the ins and outs of the whole dragon tribute selection process, only that it has something to do with a person’s DNA. If the scientists find what they are looking for in my sample, I might be sent as a tribute to the dragons.
Yes, actual dragons.
Not that I’ve ever seen one of the creatures, mind you. Apparently, they do exist; they just don’t mingle with us on account of being extremely dangerous. I mean, they’re huge, breathe fire, and have sharp teeth and claws. Bottom line, dragons and humans do not mix very well.
With that in mind, I’m not sure why they need human tributes. Every year for the last fifty-nine years, our government has sent them thirty people. Of those handed over, some return months later with no memory of their stay on the island. As for the rest, who knows? It’s baffling and terrifying in equal measure.
Quite frankly, I hope I never find out what goes on at Draig Island. I keep telling myself that only thirty end up going. Not that many, considering that tens of thousands of blood samples are taken. My odds are good. I’m not going to get called up.
I’m not!
Then I receive another embossed letter telling me that I have been selected. I need to pack and get my affairs in order. I leave for Draig Island in one month with no guarantee I’ll ever return and no idea what is to become of me. I’m not panicking at all.
This story contains mature themes/language.
Also, be prepared for a ton of growls, dirty talk, and a hard-won HEA. Hulking, skulking, foul-mouthed, brooding dragons ahead. You were warned!
I cannot believe my bad luck when an embossed envelope arrives at my door just one week before my twenty-fifth birthday. Which just happens to be the cut-off date for being called up for the testing of the blood. I thought I was in the clear, turns out that I was wrong.
I don’t know all the ins and outs of the whole dragon tribute selection process, only that it has something to do with a person’s DNA. If the scientists find what they are looking for in my sample, I might be sent as a tribute to the dragons.
Yes, actual dragons.
Not that I’ve ever seen one of the creatures, mind you. Apparently, they do exist; they just don’t mingle with us on account of being extremely dangerous. I mean, they’re huge, breathe fire, and have sharp teeth and claws. Bottom line, dragons and humans do not mix very well.
With that in mind, I’m not sure why they need human tributes. Every year for the last fifty-nine years, our government has sent them thirty people. Of those handed over, some return months later with no memory of their stay on the island. As for the rest, who knows? It’s baffling and terrifying in equal measure.
Quite frankly, I hope I never find out what goes on at Draig Island. I keep telling myself that only thirty end up going. Not that many, considering that tens of thousands of blood samples are taken. My odds are good. I’m not going to get called up.
I’m not!
Then I receive another embossed letter telling me that I have been selected. I need to pack and get my affairs in order. I leave for Draig Island in one month with no guarantee I’ll ever return and no idea what is to become of me. I’m not panicking at all.
This story contains mature themes/language.
Also, be prepared for a ton of growls, dirty talk, and a hard-won HEA. Hulking, skulking, foul-mouthed, brooding dragons ahead. You were warned!
384 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 17, 2023
3087 people are currently reading
706 people want to read
About the author
Charlene Hartnady
113 books1,708 followersCharlene lives on an acre in the country with her husband, three children and an array of pets including a snake.
In her spare time you can usually find her typing away franticly on the computer completely lost in worlds of her making. She is an avid believer that it is the small things that truly matter like the feeling you get when you start reading a new book or a particularly beautiful sunset.
Charlene likes to write bite stories her readers can sink their teeth into. Sign up for her latest release newsletter for more information http://mad.ly/signups/96708/join
In her spare time you can usually find her typing away franticly on the computer completely lost in worlds of her making. She is an avid believer that it is the small things that truly matter like the feeling you get when you start reading a new book or a particularly beautiful sunset.
Charlene likes to write bite stories her readers can sink their teeth into. Sign up for her latest release newsletter for more information http://mad.ly/signups/96708/join
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 263 reviews
October 12, 2023
DNF 23%
This book.... Is just not for me.
After reading a bunch of other reviews I am absolutely baffled on how so many people can 5 star it.
First of all, Hunter is an awful character. She is annoying and whiny as hell. She complains about everything and is completely self deprecating about everything. If there's a way to describe something about herself more negatively, that's what we get.
Granted I didn't read it too long but the image I have of her is of a short plain fat lazy woman with no drive for anything who's accomplished nothing in her life but a shitty job and failed relationship.
Yeah, who wouldn't want to read her story?
She gives up so easily. She approached the first challenge already knowing she wouldn't make it and gave up with only a mile left to swim.
Then spent the following week to finally work through it.
She's also super snarky, always making shitty attitude filled comments but doesn't have any actual umph to back it up.
She's just.... Not the kind of character I want to read about.
The rest of the story is basically one big mystery for unknown reasons. They have no idea why they're there, they're just doing what they're told, or else.
Blah.
It's like this author read the hunger games and decided to slap together her own book, except with a less thought out plan to explain why the fuck they're there doing trials so she just kept in shrouded in mystery until she figured it out.
This book.... Is just not for me.
After reading a bunch of other reviews I am absolutely baffled on how so many people can 5 star it.
First of all, Hunter is an awful character. She is annoying and whiny as hell. She complains about everything and is completely self deprecating about everything. If there's a way to describe something about herself more negatively, that's what we get.
Granted I didn't read it too long but the image I have of her is of a short plain fat lazy woman with no drive for anything who's accomplished nothing in her life but a shitty job and failed relationship.
Yeah, who wouldn't want to read her story?
She gives up so easily. She approached the first challenge already knowing she wouldn't make it and gave up with only a mile left to swim.
Then spent the following week to finally work through it.
She's also super snarky, always making shitty attitude filled comments but doesn't have any actual umph to back it up.
She's just.... Not the kind of character I want to read about.
The rest of the story is basically one big mystery for unknown reasons. They have no idea why they're there, they're just doing what they're told, or else.
Blah.
It's like this author read the hunger games and decided to slap together her own book, except with a less thought out plan to explain why the fuck they're there doing trials so she just kept in shrouded in mystery until she figured it out.
May 3, 2024
did we all read the same book?
So…. A book about dragons and I’m 60% into the book angry with the misleading blurb that made me read this at all.
And…. The First 🌶️ scene has me cringing 😬.
Hunter is the MFC and forced to participate and go to Draig island as a tribute. Apparently offered every year to the dragons. (The dragons we don’t see for most of the book) And the whole reason for being there at all seems pretty vague even when it is explained.
She’s self deprecating, fat-shames herself (along with every other side character) and has a whiny childish narrative. I can’t stand her.
Dagger… ok man you like who you like… it’s not even about how she looks with all the fat jokes and midnight snacks..but the way she acts its annoying and unbelievable.
Great idea for a novel a hunger games type troupe but with an overweight and out of shape complainer.
So…. A book about dragons and I’m 60% into the book angry with the misleading blurb that made me read this at all.
And…. The First 🌶️ scene has me cringing 😬.
Hunter is the MFC and forced to participate and go to Draig island as a tribute. Apparently offered every year to the dragons. (The dragons we don’t see for most of the book) And the whole reason for being there at all seems pretty vague even when it is explained.
She’s self deprecating, fat-shames herself (along with every other side character) and has a whiny childish narrative. I can’t stand her.
Dagger… ok man you like who you like… it’s not even about how she looks with all the fat jokes and midnight snacks..but the way she acts its annoying and unbelievable.
Great idea for a novel a hunger games type troupe but with an overweight and out of shape complainer.
January 4, 2024
DNF 12%
I wanted a story with dragons, not a boot camp story. Pass.
I wanted a story with dragons, not a boot camp story. Pass.
January 30, 2024
I have been catfished , or book fished
Because some one is lying here . The description of this book matches literally just the first part of the book , everyone who is writing five star reviews talking about the FMC is a force to be reckoned with THE GIRL CALLS HER SELF FAT LAZY ashe gives up on the first trial and she only had a mile left , and dagger who is supposed to be her love interest makes fat jokes to her , they basically go to the island and go through an academy do random trials all the while not telling them why they are there and also not telling them anything about the dragons … so like 70% of this book had no dragons …. And that’s the only reason why I even picked this book up was for dragons
This booked wasted my time , time I can never get back and I fully regret it
DNF
Because some one is lying here . The description of this book matches literally just the first part of the book , everyone who is writing five star reviews talking about the FMC is a force to be reckoned with THE GIRL CALLS HER SELF FAT LAZY ashe gives up on the first trial and she only had a mile left , and dagger who is supposed to be her love interest makes fat jokes to her , they basically go to the island and go through an academy do random trials all the while not telling them why they are there and also not telling them anything about the dragons … so like 70% of this book had no dragons …. And that’s the only reason why I even picked this book up was for dragons
This booked wasted my time , time I can never get back and I fully regret it
DNF
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2024
I tried...I really wanted to love you, but no matter how many chances I gave you, you always fell short.
That is what this book is. Wonderful ideas and concepts, poor execution.
Dialogue- Juvenile and cringe.
Plot- Not well planned out. Some parts are vague, others give everything away.
Romance- Where? I couldn't find her.
The chemistry between the main characters- I think she is out with romance somewhere.
The antagonist - 2nd grade bully at best. (he seriously had the worst lines in the whole book.)
Secondary characters- UGH.
Best friend-
Ending- WTF did I just read? It made no sense at all.
Character development- Out to lunch.
So, um, yeah. Read if you want but I wouldn't recommend it at this stage. If the writer rewrote the story then maybe I would read it again because the concept was great.
That is what this book is. Wonderful ideas and concepts, poor execution.
Dialogue- Juvenile and cringe.
Plot- Not well planned out. Some parts are vague, others give everything away.
Romance- Where? I couldn't find her.
The chemistry between the main characters- I think she is out with romance somewhere.
The antagonist - 2nd grade bully at best. (he seriously had the worst lines in the whole book.)
Secondary characters- UGH.
Best friend-
Ending- WTF did I just read? It made no sense at all.
Character development- Out to lunch.
So, um, yeah. Read if you want but I wouldn't recommend it at this stage. If the writer rewrote the story then maybe I would read it again because the concept was great.
September 18, 2023
uhm? not the story I expected to read
I got bored in the beginning, I skipped through a lot of the fodder. Missed what happened to Octavia in the process. Even the smex could not hold my attention. But I guess it was a good plot. Just very very different. Did not like all the secrets it was unnecessary angst. I get the secret was necessary before coming to the island and leaving the island. But. Once there it’s stupid to not just lay it all out right from the start. Did not like the lies. I guess the ending was satisfying I’m not really sure I wanna read the next book. Unless it’s on kindle unlimited and then I still gotta think about it.
I got bored in the beginning, I skipped through a lot of the fodder. Missed what happened to Octavia in the process. Even the smex could not hold my attention. But I guess it was a good plot. Just very very different. Did not like all the secrets it was unnecessary angst. I get the secret was necessary before coming to the island and leaving the island. But. Once there it’s stupid to not just lay it all out right from the start. Did not like the lies. I guess the ending was satisfying I’m not really sure I wanna read the next book. Unless it’s on kindle unlimited and then I still gotta think about it.
December 19, 2023
How does this book have almost 5 stars? I'm almost convinced we all didn't read the same book. Hunter has to be one of the most annoying main female character I've ever read. Honestly I was kind hoping she would have just drown in the river that's how insufferable she is.
October 16, 2023
Cliffhanger with no resolution
Let me start off by saying that this book would have gotten at least 3.5-4 stars. The story was unique and interesting. However, it’s incredibly frustrating that it left off on a huge cliffhanger with a lot of loose ends and the story is going to focus on someone else in the next book. We still don’t know what the bite means, and the saren thing is a huge deal that we won’t really get to see develop from Hunters POV. There’s a lot that deserved to have been explored between Hunter and Dagger and the dragons in the next book, but at this point I don’t even want to read it knowing they are not the focus. I really don’t understand why Authors write a series only to switch out the main characters from book to book. It’s incredibly frustrating.
Let me start off by saying that this book would have gotten at least 3.5-4 stars. The story was unique and interesting. However, it’s incredibly frustrating that it left off on a huge cliffhanger with a lot of loose ends and the story is going to focus on someone else in the next book. We still don’t know what the bite means, and the saren thing is a huge deal that we won’t really get to see develop from Hunters POV. There’s a lot that deserved to have been explored between Hunter and Dagger and the dragons in the next book, but at this point I don’t even want to read it knowing they are not the focus. I really don’t understand why Authors write a series only to switch out the main characters from book to book. It’s incredibly frustrating.
June 6, 2024
DNF 60%
I can't wrap my head around the fact so many people gave this book 4 or 5 stars.
I've read less cringy staff on Wattpad when I was 14, ffs.
The main characters are full adults that act like teenagers and only think with their genitalia. More than half of the book is them saying or thinking how horny they are. What about feelings?
I didn't feel the connection between the MCs and I had to DNF at the beginning of their first spice scene.
I felt so uneasy because it just didn't feel right.
The idea was overall good but a lot of things didn't make sense. You literally kicked her out of her team to not fu*k her, but as soon as she's in another team you do it? Are you a little confused boy? Jesus.
"I don't make love, I fu*k" he said. "I fu*k!" Brother ew, what's that.
I can't wrap my head around the fact so many people gave this book 4 or 5 stars.
I've read less cringy staff on Wattpad when I was 14, ffs.
The main characters are full adults that act like teenagers and only think with their genitalia. More than half of the book is them saying or thinking how horny they are. What about feelings?
I didn't feel the connection between the MCs and I had to DNF at the beginning of their first spice scene.
I felt so uneasy because it just didn't feel right.
The idea was overall good but a lot of things didn't make sense. You literally kicked her out of her team to not fu*k her, but as soon as she's in another team you do it? Are you a little confused boy? Jesus.
"I don't make love, I fu*k" he said. "I fu*k!" Brother ew, what's that.
September 28, 2023
What the h was that. I love this author, but her books can be hit or miss. This was a big fat miss. The story was weird, no real direction. They had to go through tests and trials, for what? A little bit of dragon action in the end. And after the action, there was nothing much that happened after that. And the h was the most annoying woman this author has written. She was so argumentative and bitchy to the H, I just couldn't understand why they even got together. It didn't make sense.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2024
3.5 stars.
This book honestly wasn't what I was expecting it to be at all. I don't think it's because the synopsis / blurb was misleading as such, but looking back, it certainly didn't give away even a whisper of what to expect on Draig Island.
Nevertheless, it was interesting and no matter the plot, could you go wrong anywhere when writing about dragons?
I am slightly disappointed that the following books are not a continuation of Hunter and Dagger's story, but I will read them regardless.
This book honestly wasn't what I was expecting it to be at all. I don't think it's because the synopsis / blurb was misleading as such, but looking back, it certainly didn't give away even a whisper of what to expect on Draig Island.
Nevertheless, it was interesting and no matter the plot, could you go wrong anywhere when writing about dragons?
I am slightly disappointed that the following books are not a continuation of Hunter and Dagger's story, but I will read them regardless.
October 5, 2024
2.5 stars
I didn’t enjoy this a lot….
I also skipped a good portion of the middle of the book because I was bored.
I don’t really care if it was trying to be realistic, but Hunter’s nerves and difficultly getting through the training was not interesting whatsoever to me.
For that reason I didn’t really like the heroine.
Also it was weird how passionate she was about that bagel with cheese. Like damn.
I can also say I was not a fan whatsoever of the hero. He was an asshole and rude to the heroine (mildly), but still, that’s so not my type of hero. I’m tired of that trope. At least hunter held her own though, that was good.
But yeah, this H was boring af. I don’t even remember his name. And I feel like he was emotionally underdeveloped.
The pacing of this book was weird too. They spend 90% of the book training miserably, some hookups and then BAM last chapter the “big reveal”. Like we didn’t know the mfs were dragons from the start? Bffr. Don’t treat readers like we’re stupid.
AND THEN the bonding happens in a short paragraph, we get an ily from the H, and the book is done??? No explaining, barely any conclusion. Man am I glad I skimmed. It felt like a waste of time.
And then I check the other books and find out that book 2 is not even about Hunter?? Like she didn’t even get a real conclusion! How is book 2 just moving on??
Anyways for that reason, and because I don’t like what I’ve read in the reviews, I won’t be continuing with this series.
Disappointed and it wasn’t what I was expecting, I can also admit it just wasn’t for me, which is why the rating I gave is not so low, to be fair.
Also please someone explain to me why he was calling out “fuckcake” as they were doing it??? Tfff is that 😭
I didn’t enjoy this a lot….
I also skipped a good portion of the middle of the book because I was bored.
I don’t really care if it was trying to be realistic, but Hunter’s nerves and difficultly getting through the training was not interesting whatsoever to me.
For that reason I didn’t really like the heroine.
Also it was weird how passionate she was about that bagel with cheese. Like damn.
I can also say I was not a fan whatsoever of the hero. He was an asshole and rude to the heroine (mildly), but still, that’s so not my type of hero. I’m tired of that trope. At least hunter held her own though, that was good.
But yeah, this H was boring af. I don’t even remember his name. And I feel like he was emotionally underdeveloped.
The pacing of this book was weird too. They spend 90% of the book training miserably, some hookups and then BAM last chapter the “big reveal”. Like we didn’t know the mfs were dragons from the start? Bffr. Don’t treat readers like we’re stupid.
AND THEN the bonding happens in a short paragraph, we get an ily from the H, and the book is done??? No explaining, barely any conclusion. Man am I glad I skimmed. It felt like a waste of time.
And then I check the other books and find out that book 2 is not even about Hunter?? Like she didn’t even get a real conclusion! How is book 2 just moving on??
Anyways for that reason, and because I don’t like what I’ve read in the reviews, I won’t be continuing with this series.
Disappointed and it wasn’t what I was expecting, I can also admit it just wasn’t for me, which is why the rating I gave is not so low, to be fair.
Also please someone explain to me why he was calling out “fuckcake” as they were doing it??? Tfff is that 😭
March 27, 2025
I was really enjoying the premise of this! It gave me serious 4th wing vibes, training college for dragon riders etc. I laughed, I enjoyed the writing. The main character was sassy, fun and had an awesome arc.
Although my gripe is that it felt like half a story. It was a slow burn romance in the best way. But the issue was the book stopped just as the plot got exciting and the characters really started to develop. And the next book in the series is from a completely different characters POV! So we don't get to see Hunter's growth now she's discovered the truth. It was just so disappointing!
Although my gripe is that it felt like half a story. It was a slow burn romance in the best way. But the issue was the book stopped just as the plot got exciting and the characters really started to develop. And the next book in the series is from a completely different characters POV! So we don't get to see Hunter's growth now she's discovered the truth. It was just so disappointing!
November 13, 2024
3,5 Sterne.
Bei dem Buch bin ich echt zwiegespalten.
Die Beschreibung ist ziemlich wage und man wird praktisch 80% des Buches im Dunkeln gelassen was nun eigentlich genau abgeht. Dazu ist die Prota Hunter teilweise doch sehr anstrengend und Dagger in vielen Situationen nicht der netteste. Ich muss zugeben das ich viele Stellen nur überflogen und flüchtig gelesen habe, zumindest in der Mitte des Buches. Ab 70% wurde es dann endlich interessanter und besser und obwohl ich das Buch nach 100 Seiten beinah abgebrochen hätte, werde ich mir jetzt doch den zweiten Band noch anschauen da dort ja all die Geheimnisse schon gelüftet sind. Das Ende fand ich viel zu abrupt. Wäre kein Problem gewesen wenn es im zweiten Band mit Hunter und Dagger weitergehen würde, tut es aber leider nicht, deswegen fühlt sich das Ende ziemlich abgeschnitten an und als würde da zumindest noch ein Epilog fehlen.
Bei dem Buch bin ich echt zwiegespalten.
Die Beschreibung ist ziemlich wage und man wird praktisch 80% des Buches im Dunkeln gelassen was nun eigentlich genau abgeht. Dazu ist die Prota Hunter teilweise doch sehr anstrengend und Dagger in vielen Situationen nicht der netteste. Ich muss zugeben das ich viele Stellen nur überflogen und flüchtig gelesen habe, zumindest in der Mitte des Buches. Ab 70% wurde es dann endlich interessanter und besser und obwohl ich das Buch nach 100 Seiten beinah abgebrochen hätte, werde ich mir jetzt doch den zweiten Band noch anschauen da dort ja all die Geheimnisse schon gelüftet sind. Das Ende fand ich viel zu abrupt. Wäre kein Problem gewesen wenn es im zweiten Band mit Hunter und Dagger weitergehen würde, tut es aber leider nicht, deswegen fühlt sich das Ende ziemlich abgeschnitten an und als würde da zumindest noch ein Epilog fehlen.
April 18, 2025
This book was ok. I liked the general idea, but some parts were slow. As well as, even though each book is very much about a different couple, it felt as though the main couple from this book didn't get to finish their story. There is an overall story that makes sense to be continued in the next book, but I felt as though I still had several questions about the main couple and it felt like I got left on a cliffhanger.
did-not-finish
August 13, 2024DNF at 29%.
My eyes could not stop rolling as I listen to the info dump that is the ridiculous premise!
My eyes could not stop rolling as I listen to the info dump that is the ridiculous premise!
June 30, 2024
New series new author good story
September 16, 2023
I read a lot of this authors books but this one is an exceptional take on Dragons.
I was gripped from the start as Hunter was such a compelling woman who was not thrilled at being chosen to go to Draig Island as a Tribute. She had so much she wanted to do with her life that did not include being forcibly sent away as a “lucky” candidate but even better she was not afraid to speak her mind even to the trainers.
Dagger was taken aback at her sass but could see she was a force to be reckoned with.
This was so good & I read it really fast but that ending was far too soon leaving me wanting the next book right now!
I was gripped from the start as Hunter was such a compelling woman who was not thrilled at being chosen to go to Draig Island as a Tribute. She had so much she wanted to do with her life that did not include being forcibly sent away as a “lucky” candidate but even better she was not afraid to speak her mind even to the trainers.
Dagger was taken aback at her sass but could see she was a force to be reckoned with.
This was so good & I read it really fast but that ending was far too soon leaving me wanting the next book right now!
December 18, 2023
If there was a continuation of this couple it might have been bumped up to 3 stars, but as it finishes at what I would consider to be the halfway point in a romance book this is sitting at a comfortable 2 stars.
My main gripe with this book was the poor world building. We are kept in ‘suspense’ for the secrecy surrounding the Draig and why people are forcefully conscripted each year, but if you’ve read much urban/fantasy romance books before you know exactly what is happening. The secrecy feels very much like a way to keep the reader’s engaged and wanting more, but if anything is severely damages the plot and Hunter’s character. Because of the secrecy we are given vague info-dumps as to what is going on and never SEE the threat these recruits are supposedly fighting. There are no larger stakes outside of the threats from the supposed ‘good guys’ if they don’t submit.
If the world building issue had been solved then Hunter would have made an ‘ok’ protagonist, as opposed to the weak one we got. She is very wishy-washy, flopping between defiance and glee in her situation. A few good orgasms and she’s all up for mandatory conscription!
Hunter and Dagger’s chemistry was the best part of the book and yet is still subpar compared to other books in this genre. Their character interactions and relationship is what I would expect for the first half of a book, not an entire one. I’m just not convinced.
SPOILERS FROM HERE
Just for my last point, because this is really where this drops down to 2 stars for me, is the fact that the Draig council are in fact still portrayed as ‘the good guys’ at the end of the novel
The Draig Council, who strip people of their rights, force them to undergo training that they are in no way prepared for, with the threat of death if they don’t blindly obey. Not to mention that it is common for these people to be permanently maimed or killed in said training. The group that mandates this are the ‘good guys’. I was fully expecting an ‘uno reverse’ situation where we find out that they are being lied to but nope, at the end Hunter is very happy with her successfully passing the training and being forcefully conscripted into this war.
Stay delulu, girlie
My main gripe with this book was the poor world building. We are kept in ‘suspense’ for the secrecy surrounding the Draig and why people are forcefully conscripted each year, but if you’ve read much urban/fantasy romance books before you know exactly what is happening. The secrecy feels very much like a way to keep the reader’s engaged and wanting more, but if anything is severely damages the plot and Hunter’s character. Because of the secrecy we are given vague info-dumps as to what is going on and never SEE the threat these recruits are supposedly fighting. There are no larger stakes outside of the threats from the supposed ‘good guys’ if they don’t submit.
If the world building issue had been solved then Hunter would have made an ‘ok’ protagonist, as opposed to the weak one we got. She is very wishy-washy, flopping between defiance and glee in her situation. A few good orgasms and she’s all up for mandatory conscription!
Hunter and Dagger’s chemistry was the best part of the book and yet is still subpar compared to other books in this genre. Their character interactions and relationship is what I would expect for the first half of a book, not an entire one. I’m just not convinced.
SPOILERS FROM HERE
Just for my last point, because this is really where this drops down to 2 stars for me, is the fact that the Draig council are in fact still portrayed as ‘the good guys’ at the end of the novel
The Draig Council, who strip people of their rights, force them to undergo training that they are in no way prepared for, with the threat of death if they don’t blindly obey. Not to mention that it is common for these people to be permanently maimed or killed in said training. The group that mandates this are the ‘good guys’. I was fully expecting an ‘uno reverse’ situation where we find out that they are being lied to but nope, at the end Hunter is very happy with her successfully passing the training and being forcefully conscripted into this war.
Stay delulu, girlie
March 11, 2024
don’t recommend
I waited a bit before writing a review to decide if I was being too harsh, but I do not recommend this book. Part of it is the author’s way of trying to create a tense situation for her characters, but the FMC is basically kidnapped and essentially tortured by the governing political body to “save” the rest of her society, and instead of fighting against it she just keeps saying over and over “sometimes you have to make the best of a bad situation,” which means in this context “well there’s nothing I can do to stop them from killing my friends so might as well do what they tell me and sleep with one of the guards.” The guards keep telling the prisoners “life’s not fair” whenever anyone complains, which makes sense to say if a tree falls on your house in a tornado, not if you are the ones designing a political and governing system that kills people if they resist you. The FMC is supposed to come off as reasonable but she just seems like a self involved idiot. Don’t read.
I waited a bit before writing a review to decide if I was being too harsh, but I do not recommend this book. Part of it is the author’s way of trying to create a tense situation for her characters, but the FMC is basically kidnapped and essentially tortured by the governing political body to “save” the rest of her society, and instead of fighting against it she just keeps saying over and over “sometimes you have to make the best of a bad situation,” which means in this context “well there’s nothing I can do to stop them from killing my friends so might as well do what they tell me and sleep with one of the guards.” The guards keep telling the prisoners “life’s not fair” whenever anyone complains, which makes sense to say if a tree falls on your house in a tornado, not if you are the ones designing a political and governing system that kills people if they resist you. The FMC is supposed to come off as reasonable but she just seems like a self involved idiot. Don’t read.
November 26, 2023
Not bad
A bit abrupt but definitely interesting. Although Hunter was excessively chatty and downright annoying she did have endearing qualities. Interesting plot twist.
A bit abrupt but definitely interesting. Although Hunter was excessively chatty and downright annoying she did have endearing qualities. Interesting plot twist.
January 1, 2024
So I liked it for the most part, but overall the ending just felt really rushed to me.
I liked the tension between the FMC and the MMC, I really loved how it was forbidden without really being forbidden. Like they could sleep together and the world wasn't going to end, no matter how dramatic Dagger was. But the last 50 pages was like BAM this thing and then BAM this thing and then BAM one final thing that completely changed the entire premise of the situation the characters found themselves in.
I liked the FMC a lot. I liked how she wasn't the standard 'pretty' without being a completely "I'm not like other girls." I like how she had subtle changes while going through things, that was awesome. But overall she got thinner, stronger physically, and then has some magical power that had never been mentioned, is explained in half a paragraph, and then the book ends to go to another characters book? I might read the next one to see how it goes as I did really like the dragons but it just left me sitting there puzzled after the last page.
I liked the tension between the FMC and the MMC, I really loved how it was forbidden without really being forbidden. Like they could sleep together and the world wasn't going to end, no matter how dramatic Dagger was. But the last 50 pages was like BAM this thing and then BAM this thing and then BAM one final thing that completely changed the entire premise of the situation the characters found themselves in.
I liked the FMC a lot. I liked how she wasn't the standard 'pretty' without being a completely "I'm not like other girls." I like how she had subtle changes while going through things, that was awesome. But overall she got thinner, stronger physically, and then has some magical power that had never been mentioned, is explained in half a paragraph, and then the book ends to go to another characters book? I might read the next one to see how it goes as I did really like the dragons but it just left me sitting there puzzled after the last page.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2023
Riding Through Fire🔥🐉
OMG, I loved this first book in the Dragon Tributes series❣️It’s unique and so different from what is out there.
Hunter receives an email stating that she has a month to get her affairs in order as she is going to live on Draig Island. When she finally arrives, nothing is as she expected and she’s suddenly thrust into a world where she has to prove she can survive. Dagger is her mentor but unfortunately, they are attracted to each other which certainly makes life a little more interesting but also complicated😳
I can’t wait for the next book…absolutely loved the ending and want more ASAP😍 I received an advanced copy and voluntarily leave my honest review❤️
OMG, I loved this first book in the Dragon Tributes series❣️It’s unique and so different from what is out there.
Hunter receives an email stating that she has a month to get her affairs in order as she is going to live on Draig Island. When she finally arrives, nothing is as she expected and she’s suddenly thrust into a world where she has to prove she can survive. Dagger is her mentor but unfortunately, they are attracted to each other which certainly makes life a little more interesting but also complicated😳
I can’t wait for the next book…absolutely loved the ending and want more ASAP😍 I received an advanced copy and voluntarily leave my honest review❤️
September 28, 2023
Sigh.
I really like this author, but this book was extremely frustrating, and was very difficult to get through because of the annoying aspects of certain characters and also the way it ended was super strange. I’m not gonna continue the series, but I am going to try and read some of the other books by the author.
I really like this author, but this book was extremely frustrating, and was very difficult to get through because of the annoying aspects of certain characters and also the way it ended was super strange. I’m not gonna continue the series, but I am going to try and read some of the other books by the author.
September 16, 2023
A riveting start to a new Dragon Tribute Series, action filled, dangerous and gripping with a twist
Hunter could not believe that at nearly twenty-five her blood test had proven her to be a candidate as a Tribute and that within one month she had to leave her parents and siblings and job behind and venture to Draig Island where they would undertake tests and tasks and possibly at the end return home or not as often happened in some cases.
The Trainers that are teaching them all the skills they will need to survive on the island if the become Sky Wardens, a few humans that still carry the gene markers showing that they are descended for previous Dragon Flyers but there is a great deal of life threatening tasks that have to be undertaken prior getting to this point.
Hunter knows that she is not one of the strongest candidates and yet she is determined to give it her best, she avoids the groups of bullies and pretentious snobs that believe themselves special and fortunately the group she has been placed with all help each other as best as they can.
Dagger who is one of the trainers has felt attracted to Hunter since the day he first saw her, this has never happened before and he decides it will be best to place her with Fang as her trainer and she lets both of the know exactly how she feels about this.
There are somethings that just cannot be avoided and when love is deep and pure and true there is nothing that will stand in its way no matter how hard you try and eventually the inevitable happens but Dagger makes her promise that she will leave the island, leave him and return to her family.
Unfortunately, as the dragons that are planning to mount an attack on the human cities as soon as they slip through and they are getting closer to their goal so the heat of the Council for Dragons decide that every Tribute that completes Sky’s Edge will have to try and mind meld with a dragon to see if they are a Dragon Rider, that is if the actually survive the face-to-face meeting with these huge winged beasts.
You will be left looking forward to the next book in the series it is very exciting ending and I cannot wait to see what happens with Hunter and Dagger and any of the other Tributes that get through the final test.
I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
Hunter could not believe that at nearly twenty-five her blood test had proven her to be a candidate as a Tribute and that within one month she had to leave her parents and siblings and job behind and venture to Draig Island where they would undertake tests and tasks and possibly at the end return home or not as often happened in some cases.
The Trainers that are teaching them all the skills they will need to survive on the island if the become Sky Wardens, a few humans that still carry the gene markers showing that they are descended for previous Dragon Flyers but there is a great deal of life threatening tasks that have to be undertaken prior getting to this point.
Hunter knows that she is not one of the strongest candidates and yet she is determined to give it her best, she avoids the groups of bullies and pretentious snobs that believe themselves special and fortunately the group she has been placed with all help each other as best as they can.
Dagger who is one of the trainers has felt attracted to Hunter since the day he first saw her, this has never happened before and he decides it will be best to place her with Fang as her trainer and she lets both of the know exactly how she feels about this.
There are somethings that just cannot be avoided and when love is deep and pure and true there is nothing that will stand in its way no matter how hard you try and eventually the inevitable happens but Dagger makes her promise that she will leave the island, leave him and return to her family.
Unfortunately, as the dragons that are planning to mount an attack on the human cities as soon as they slip through and they are getting closer to their goal so the heat of the Council for Dragons decide that every Tribute that completes Sky’s Edge will have to try and mind meld with a dragon to see if they are a Dragon Rider, that is if the actually survive the face-to-face meeting with these huge winged beasts.
You will be left looking forward to the next book in the series it is very exciting ending and I cannot wait to see what happens with Hunter and Dagger and any of the other Tributes that get through the final test.
I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
April 5, 2024
3.5-4*
I devoured this book in just a couple of hours. However, I’m so freaking confused about it. The world building was incredible and I was dying of curiosity the entire time. I couldn’t stop reading, I wanted to know more and more. But I felt like there was something missing at the end. We got a giant build up and only a very small reprieve as an answer. It felt like there was no actual closure and the next installment is about another couple. There was so much more to be explored with these characters, I’m frankly disappointed.
The main couple had chemistry and a lot of amazing banter. The heroine was so funny and extremely relatable in the situation, I couldn’t help but love her. The hero was gruff and kind of idiotic at some points, but I still could understand why and ended up liking him. I really wished we had gotten more after they are finally together. This books feels like is missing another 50 pages or more at the end. There is so much left unsaid and so much more I want to know about everything in this entirely new world.
It was not my first read from Charlene Hartnady and it’s far away from being my last. I devoured one of her series a few years back and I’m completely obsessed with the idea of dragons shifters. Which means, I will absolutely be reading more work from her in the future. However, I’m still on the fence about this series. I’m super curious about the storyline and the entire world building, but I’m not sure how much will be explored in the next installments. I will try and figure out what to do about, but for now I’ll probably leave on my tbr for a while.
I devoured this book in just a couple of hours. However, I’m so freaking confused about it. The world building was incredible and I was dying of curiosity the entire time. I couldn’t stop reading, I wanted to know more and more. But I felt like there was something missing at the end. We got a giant build up and only a very small reprieve as an answer. It felt like there was no actual closure and the next installment is about another couple. There was so much more to be explored with these characters, I’m frankly disappointed.
The main couple had chemistry and a lot of amazing banter. The heroine was so funny and extremely relatable in the situation, I couldn’t help but love her. The hero was gruff and kind of idiotic at some points, but I still could understand why and ended up liking him. I really wished we had gotten more after they are finally together. This books feels like is missing another 50 pages or more at the end. There is so much left unsaid and so much more I want to know about everything in this entirely new world.
It was not my first read from Charlene Hartnady and it’s far away from being my last. I devoured one of her series a few years back and I’m completely obsessed with the idea of dragons shifters. Which means, I will absolutely be reading more work from her in the future. However, I’m still on the fence about this series. I’m super curious about the storyline and the entire world building, but I’m not sure how much will be explored in the next installments. I will try and figure out what to do about, but for now I’ll probably leave on my tbr for a while.
June 11, 2025
I just don't get the 5-star reviews... Don't we deserve better?
The MMC is lusting after the FMC while she's bleeding, hurt and nearly drowned from a swimming trial. He flings a towel at her because she's in white and everything is in display. And it's stressed a hundred times that she's chubby, hence out of shape, and she has the self-confidence of a frog. Every other female is tall and pretty, rich, or getting married but her? Oh no, she can't find herself one redeeming quality to save her life, but she's oh so sassy to the MMC. She's one-dimensionally envious and chubby. That's it, like there can't be more.
Dear authors, also note a character can be called a hundred times nice by his relatives and it still wouldn't be true if he doesn't act like it in any circumstances for my eyes to see, or the protagonist for that matter.
At a quarter of the book, we are still in a poor imitation of 'trial, tributes, academy' and the likes. We have seen nor heard dragons but we understand they're 6 foot tattooed long haired bikers imitations, in leather, speak perfect english and throwing humans out of shape in rapids apparently make them worthy. They like to bully humans into what they deem worthy before they crush on them and the lust is do strong it's our of their control.
It's a bully to lovers and I will die on that hill, just like so many romances are published out there that make romance dead, and even dark romance understands the concept of love and romance better than that.
The MMC is lusting after the FMC while she's bleeding, hurt and nearly drowned from a swimming trial. He flings a towel at her because she's in white and everything is in display. And it's stressed a hundred times that she's chubby, hence out of shape, and she has the self-confidence of a frog. Every other female is tall and pretty, rich, or getting married but her? Oh no, she can't find herself one redeeming quality to save her life, but she's oh so sassy to the MMC. She's one-dimensionally envious and chubby. That's it, like there can't be more.
Dear authors, also note a character can be called a hundred times nice by his relatives and it still wouldn't be true if he doesn't act like it in any circumstances for my eyes to see, or the protagonist for that matter.
At a quarter of the book, we are still in a poor imitation of 'trial, tributes, academy' and the likes. We have seen nor heard dragons but we understand they're 6 foot tattooed long haired bikers imitations, in leather, speak perfect english and throwing humans out of shape in rapids apparently make them worthy. They like to bully humans into what they deem worthy before they crush on them and the lust is do strong it's our of their control.
It's a bully to lovers and I will die on that hill, just like so many romances are published out there that make romance dead, and even dark romance understands the concept of love and romance better than that.
February 11, 2024
Wow!
Did that just happen? Seriously? Seriously!
Ms. Charlene Hartnady you are a genius. You had me on the edge of my seat from page one. Not sure how this book popped up in my recommendations, but I'm really glad it did.
This is a well thought out novel that is written, and edited, superbly. I didn't come across any misspelled words, wrong words or bad grammar.
When I first came across this novel and read the blurb it was an instantaneous "read now." It gave just enough that I went, "hmmm, I wonder what happens?" Normally I would go to the reviews to see what everyone is saying about it. I didn't this time because sometimes you come across a few reviews that give away the storyline so the novel becomes predictable as you read it. I wanted to be surprised and, I can tell you this, boy was I. I read it in one sitting. I had three coffees and didn't even want to get up and go to the bathroom.
Charlene (I can call you that, right? I feel like we're friends😉), thank you for this exciting novel. I'm off to read the next one in the series. I'm not normally a series type of gal, it would have to be interesting enough to keep me hooked, and invested, for me to want to know where the story goes. So, that tells you how I feel. I loved it.
If you're into paranormal romance novels, I highly recommend this book to you. You won't be disappointed.
PS: I'm also not a written review type of reader either...
Did that just happen? Seriously? Seriously!
Ms. Charlene Hartnady you are a genius. You had me on the edge of my seat from page one. Not sure how this book popped up in my recommendations, but I'm really glad it did.
This is a well thought out novel that is written, and edited, superbly. I didn't come across any misspelled words, wrong words or bad grammar.
When I first came across this novel and read the blurb it was an instantaneous "read now." It gave just enough that I went, "hmmm, I wonder what happens?" Normally I would go to the reviews to see what everyone is saying about it. I didn't this time because sometimes you come across a few reviews that give away the storyline so the novel becomes predictable as you read it. I wanted to be surprised and, I can tell you this, boy was I. I read it in one sitting. I had three coffees and didn't even want to get up and go to the bathroom.
Charlene (I can call you that, right? I feel like we're friends😉), thank you for this exciting novel. I'm off to read the next one in the series. I'm not normally a series type of gal, it would have to be interesting enough to keep me hooked, and invested, for me to want to know where the story goes. So, that tells you how I feel. I loved it.
If you're into paranormal romance novels, I highly recommend this book to you. You won't be disappointed.
PS: I'm also not a written review type of reader either...
November 27, 2024
This was a sort of funny take on a dragon riding academy. Hunter was an amusing fish out of water character. But it could have been better…
If the theme of this book was campy/funny, then the author needed to lean into the humor and ridiculousness of it all a bit more. It needed side characters that were more fun and off the wall. It needed more laughable situations with the fail candidates.
If the theme is straight up dragon academy, then it probably needed to make more sense. Why are they testing the physical prowess of the candidates before testing if they can bond? Psychic ability seems far more important than physical ability. After all, the candidates can be physically trained after bonding, but if they don’t have psychic ability then it’s pointless for them to be at the academy.
It didn’t make a lot of sense that dragon riders were a secret. Since humans know dragons exist and they know if they are part of a tribute bloodline, there’s no reason to hide dragon riding from them. In fact, it would make candidates more willing and then they could get volunteers. They keep complaining they don’t have enough riders, so why aren’t they directly recruiting them?
If the theme of this book was campy/funny, then the author needed to lean into the humor and ridiculousness of it all a bit more. It needed side characters that were more fun and off the wall. It needed more laughable situations with the fail candidates.
If the theme is straight up dragon academy, then it probably needed to make more sense. Why are they testing the physical prowess of the candidates before testing if they can bond? Psychic ability seems far more important than physical ability. After all, the candidates can be physically trained after bonding, but if they don’t have psychic ability then it’s pointless for them to be at the academy.
It didn’t make a lot of sense that dragon riders were a secret. Since humans know dragons exist and they know if they are part of a tribute bloodline, there’s no reason to hide dragon riding from them. In fact, it would make candidates more willing and then they could get volunteers. They keep complaining they don’t have enough riders, so why aren’t they directly recruiting them?
December 8, 2024
Review of Riding Through Fire by Charlene Hartnady
Riding Through Fire delivers an intriguing blend of dragon-shifter romance and suspense. The story follows a woman chosen as a tribute for the dragons of Draig Island, a fate both mysterious and terrifying. The premise is fresh, with hints of dystopian elements and a unique selection process based on DNA.
The protagonist’s anxiety and skepticism make her relatable, and the slow build-up to her arrival on Draig Island creates solid tension. Once there, the romance kicks in with intensity, offering passionate scenes and a classic alpha-dragon dynamic. Fans of steamy paranormal romance will appreciate the chemistry and brooding male leads.
However, the story misses opportunities to explore the dragons' society in depth, and some secondary characters feel underdeveloped. The narrative relies on familiar tropes and repetitive dialogue, though the satisfying HEA compensates for these flaws.
While not groundbreaking, Riding Through Fire is an enjoyable escape for readers who love possessive dragons, high stakes, and fiery romance. It’s a quick, entertaining read with enough heat and fantasy to keep fans turning the pages.
Riding Through Fire delivers an intriguing blend of dragon-shifter romance and suspense. The story follows a woman chosen as a tribute for the dragons of Draig Island, a fate both mysterious and terrifying. The premise is fresh, with hints of dystopian elements and a unique selection process based on DNA.
The protagonist’s anxiety and skepticism make her relatable, and the slow build-up to her arrival on Draig Island creates solid tension. Once there, the romance kicks in with intensity, offering passionate scenes and a classic alpha-dragon dynamic. Fans of steamy paranormal romance will appreciate the chemistry and brooding male leads.
However, the story misses opportunities to explore the dragons' society in depth, and some secondary characters feel underdeveloped. The narrative relies on familiar tropes and repetitive dialogue, though the satisfying HEA compensates for these flaws.
While not groundbreaking, Riding Through Fire is an enjoyable escape for readers who love possessive dragons, high stakes, and fiery romance. It’s a quick, entertaining read with enough heat and fantasy to keep fans turning the pages.
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