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Dragons of San DeLain #1

Edge of Darkness

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Sometimes the dragon gods make mistakes.

That’s the best rationale Hudson can come up with. How else can he account for the fact that the one he’s falling in love with is not his fated mate? Getting involved with someone he doesn’t share a soul bond with could be devastating, but Hudson is willing to take the risk. Connie is his and nothing will stand in his way of having him.

Sometimes the dragon gods might be more clever than anyone gives them credit for.

A sassy human stumbles into Hudson and Connie’s life, upsetting their very existence. How can Hudson and Connie have a soul bond to Kit… but not each other? Are the Fates drunk? Or testing them? Dragons are possessive creatures, and that’s before adding in one of them is a thousand-year-old royal in charge of the dragons of San DeLain.

Sometimes it’s better not to question the dragon gods.

But things aren’t always as they appear. Danger stalks the streets of San DeLain in the form of an old enemy once thought dead. What’s real? What isn’t? As Kit struggles with a nightmare from his past, Hudson and Connie try to figure out how to keep their very breakable human in one-piece and happy. Fate is a tricky, tricky thing, and sometimes?
Well, sometimes Hudson has just gotta trust the dragon gods as the darkness edges closer.

This series is the second set of books in the world of San DeLain. There will be three books with the dragons, and this is definitely going to be a slow burn series that stretches out over the three books. Kit, Hudson, and Connie will get their HEA, but I don’t want to rush this relationship.

Since there will be several series based in this world, and each series will build off the last, I highly recommend reading the series in order.

Daemons of San DeLain is
Chasing Shadows #1
Shadows Embrace #2
Of Love and Shadows #3

Then the 2nd series Dragons of San DeLain
Edge of Darkness #1
Book #2> Coming Soon
Book #3> Coming Soon

Then the 3rd series will Gargoyles of San DeLain
Book #1 Anticipated out late 2024
Book #2
Book #3

We’ll see if the two werewolf packs, the vampires, and the merfolk get books.

323 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 22, 2023

124 people are currently reading
104 people want to read

About the author

M.A. Church

61 books678 followers
M.A. Church is a true Southern belle who spent many years in the elementary education sector. Now she spends her days lost in fantasy worlds, arguing with hardheaded aliens on far-off planets, herding her numerous shifters, or trying to tempt her country boys away from their fishing poles. It’s a full time job, but hey, someone’s gotta do it!

When not writing, she’s on the back porch tending to the demanding wildlife around the pond in the backyard. The ducks are very outspoken. She’s married to her high school sweetheart, and they have two grown children.

Member of Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America

My Facebook: MA churh http://www.facebook.com/pages/MA-Chur...

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5 stars
142 (52%)
4 stars
71 (26%)
3 stars
53 (19%)
2 stars
5 (1%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Rachel Emily.
4,467 reviews379 followers
September 18, 2023
Edge of Darkness is the first book in the spin off from the Daemons of San DeLain series. I have been so excited for this book and it didn’t disappoint at all! Now I’m dying for book two and more of Hudson, Connie, and Kit.

Hudson is the king of dragons and Connie is his right hand man and lover. The two were introduced back in the first series, as was Kit, their human mate. Kit had an awful introduction into the paranormal world, and is still learning how to heal and move on, so Hudson and Connie have to be careful and patient with introducing their mate to the dragon world. Now they not only have to figure out how to court a human, but there is new danger in their world that is threatening Kit.

I LOVED Hudson and Connie together, and I just love the chemistry all 3 of them had together. We’re still in the early days for them but I can tell they’re just gonna be fire together. And there definitely won’t be a third wheel in this throuple! This new trilogy will follow the three of them – so this one does end on a HFN – but a super solid one for the three men, and will continue in the next book.

I already can’t wait.

I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Nina Diab.
5,297 reviews51 followers
October 13, 2023
"You’re everything. My everything. I need you, Hudson. I need you. Without you, there is no me.”

I've been a fan of M.A. Church since I read the first Harvest book years ago and never looked back. I absolutely loved the Daemons of San DeLain series and was beyond excited for the Dragons series to begin and center around Hudson and Connie. Fantastic world building. The world of these [two] series, the beings within it, how they behave and their politics could keep me immersed forever. It doesn't even surprise me anymore when I'm reading and something about a character or an ability or characteristic- even if seemingly trivial- just pops out at me and makes me marvel.

I love both Hudson and Connie together. Their bond is so strong and as much as it made me sad that they weren't fated- was I waiting for that third to show up and suddenly that puzzle would make sense- to see how they react. Because of course? How could it be anything else??

The story was fast-paced and mysterious with intrigue and danger. I loved Kit. I loved all the supporting characters. I was so happy to see Austin and Kage again. The next book can't come soon enough!

I also love that Church took the time to list and describe the characters and places in the beginning of the book. Even if you've read the previous series and are familiar with things, I always love reacquainting myself with all of it.

Fantastic! 5 stars.
490 reviews7 followers
May 13, 2024
it’s ok

The book was ok it’s hard for me to rate it higher than 3.5 stars after reading so many talented authors who gives you a real wide depth of character development.
I rarely read polyromance stories cause it’s hard to do right. Each character’s have to bring something to the table to really make the relationship work and in this book it’s very hard to believe Hudson, Connie, and kit makes it work.
If Hudson and Connie didn’t have a soul bond with kit there would be nothing that would tether them together. As Hudson stated in the book kit isn’t the type of guy who he would normally find attractive. Hudson and Connie alone works because they both can have an attraction to one another but due to not being mates they can never bond together.
The question that really irks me is if kit didn’t have a soul bond with either of them would either of them have ever walked by him and found him attractive or irresistible? I don’t think so, so it makes it hard to believe it. But this is only book 1 so maybe next book there might be something that only kit can bring to their relationship that they’ve always lacked and overlooked that really completes the relationship making it feel as though without kit they really can’t work together because from what I’ve read from book 1, kit wasn’t necessarily needed but an inconvenience.
Profile Image for Belinda Zamora.
2,713 reviews8 followers
September 22, 2023
PNR, dragons, fated mates

Kit is a sweet, spunky bookstore owner who suddenly finds himself not only smack dab in the middle of a paranormal world he never knew existed but also a fated mates to two dragons, Hudson and Connie.
Hudson and Connie love each other very much but aren't fated mates and that has caused them some suffering in the past.
With the appearance of Kit suddenly they're aware of what's been missing.
Kit has suffered through a traumatic experience and Hudson and Connie are taking their time getting to know him and not pushing him as a result.
There's plenty of fast paced action as there's still danger surrounding them and an enemy is pursuing them.
This ends in a HFN as the book is part of a series and I can't wait for more.
Profile Image for Kendra Patterson.
996 reviews11 followers
September 22, 2023
ARC received from the author for an honest review.

Conrad and Hudson are a couple but not mates. Then they meet Kit, which they are both mates to, and things get interesting. They decide to take things slow since Kit has been traumatized already. The chemistry between this throuple is good. The story is good with world and character building. I haven't read any of the preceding books so I was floundering on some things. I definitely think the previous series should be read. All in all a good read.
Profile Image for K-Me.
2,840 reviews
September 22, 2023
I shall admit this book grabbed my attention because the cover is stunning! I was very pleasantly surprised that this was actually a threesome! And one with a Spunky human fated to two hunky dragons! I adored that Hudson and Connie would not be separated. They loved each other and that was that! Loved their surprise in human fated mate Kit! This book was tons of dragon fun. I am so excited this is going to be a three-book series with these three. The world building is phenomenal, and the romance is adorable!
Profile Image for Marta.
365 reviews1 follower
September 23, 2023
This book continues the paranormal universe de M.A. Church in San DeLain.
Hudson y Connie are dragons and in a relationship, but their world suddenly changes when they meet Kit who is destined for both of them.
The hunters continue to attack the city wanting to destroy all paranormal creatures, and Kit is caught in the middle.
A good story, well written, begins the path for this throuple, ends in a HFN without a cliffhanger and leaving you wanting for more.
A very enjoyable book with pretty interesting characters and a great universe to spend some time in.
Waiting to read the next book.
Profile Image for Liz Prosser.
308 reviews1 follower
September 29, 2023
One of my favorite books of the year! I love dragons and this author so what a great match up. These characters and world just draw you in and don’t want to let go, I love them all so much. This is actually continuing the previous series of the daemons and it was great to see a few previous characters pop up in this book I am totally rooting for this amazing poly romance between a human and two dragons. It’s gonna be absolute fire, hope they can outsmart the possible bad guy.
1,847 reviews3 followers
December 9, 2023
First book in new trilogy

I really loved the first trilogy in this extended world of San DeLain, and I was happy to see that there will be a trilogy for the dragons and for the gargoyles. This book introduces Hudson and Conrad (Connie) to their human mate Kit, who we met in the previous series. It also introduces a new (old) threat to the supernatural community for everyone to figure out. Looking forward to more soon!
Profile Image for Joscelyn Smith.
2,302 reviews17 followers
September 12, 2023
This return to San DeLain was everything I expected, wonderful characters find unexpected connection. Poor Kit really got a rude introduction to the paranormal but Hudson and Connie's sexy selves are a sure-fire way to make up for it. This first step in their journey ends on a soft HFN and I can't wait to see what happens next.

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*
1,170 reviews4 followers
September 19, 2023
JUST LOVE THESE MEN! Hudson, Connie, and Kit are absolutely phenomenal! We are back in the world of San DeLain, and I am so excited! I really enjoyed the moments with these three, so brilliant. The story is fantastic, and I honestly couldn't put this book down. I am so excited to see their relationship progress and sp ready for book 2!
Profile Image for Spooky M Rose.
134 reviews
September 26, 2023
I freaking loved this book but I knew I would! The author is just amazing. Hudson was one of my favorite characters in the last set of books. And I was so excited for him to get his own. It did not disappoint. I can not recommend this series enough. Start with the first set of 3 books because they are amazing. And don't miss out.
Profile Image for Demetra Roussakis.
1,515 reviews14 followers
September 26, 2023
I haven’t read the other books in the series but it did not detract from the enjoyment. Kit is a human who is still recovering from an attack. Both Hudson and Conrad both realize he is their mate and is taking it slow with him. I was so happy to see there will be two more books with this throuple and cannot wait to read more. Great world building, fast paced action and chemistry.
4 reviews
September 27, 2023
We’ve returned to the world of San DeLain for Hudson, Connie and Kitts love story. This author never disappoints. This book was a Five stars all the way!!! I really enjoyed how this book was written. The story was a slow burn and didn’t have insta love like most paranormal love stories. We get a continuation of the previous book with new twists. I look forward the next two installments!!!!
20 reviews1 follower
September 23, 2023
WOW!!!!!! This book was amazing. I can’t wait for the second book. It was just as amazing as the demons of san Delian. M.A church is a brilliant author and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for kit, Hudson and Conrad.
Profile Image for T.A.
650 reviews
September 26, 2023
Awesome!

Ack I loved it so much! Hudson and Connie are dragons and lovers, they find their fated mate to be the same person a human called Kit. I just love the way Hudson and Connie are learning to control their dragon instincts of wanting to drag Kit off to their hoards. And I love how the three of them are learning about each other, it’s so cute how the dragons act sometimes. I can not wait for their next book.
38 reviews1 follower
September 22, 2023
Absolutely brilliant follow on from the Daemons books.
These dragons are amazing!!! Cannot wait to read the next instalment
Profile Image for Jenny.
347 reviews
September 28, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyable romance mixed with danger and mystery.
My only complaint is the HFN end that leaves you hanging.
370 reviews4 followers
February 6, 2024
I found the book a bit on the descriptive side but otherwise the story was good.
Profile Image for Cynthia M Brow.
1,305 reviews17 followers
October 6, 2023
Edge of Darkness is part of the interconnected series. The first part was the Daemons of San DeLain series. The Daemons of San DeLain series should be read first. I could not wait for this book and the wait was well worth it. This is the story of Hudson a dragon shifter and king of the fire court, Connie a dragon shifter and Hudson's second in command, and Kit a human book store owner. I loved these three guys and loved watching them work through the beginning of their relationship. I love that the story still has an amazing plot. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book. I would definitely recommend this book.
Profile Image for B.
108 reviews
November 3, 2025
3.5 Boring.
I think I'm getting tired of reading new-age fantasy. I don't know… everything is so generic. I know it's FANTASY, but shit happens and the characters are just too understanding.

I get it, I get it. This is just the first book, but this IS the first book. Make me want to read more. Don’t introduce side couples and say "That’s a story for another time." They’re either there or they aren’t. I don’t need to know that. Just make them important and supportive to what’s happening.

Ok, good job with the dragon that hoards books… forgot his name. Yeah, I liked him more than the rest, and he’s barely there.

I just think most of the new stuff lacks depth. Man… a 1000-year-old creature? That’s a lot of depth in THAT! But nooooo, no no. You can do sooo much with a character who’s 500 or 1000 years old. They can be very serious, or not serious at all.

Just meh.
Profile Image for Marion.
1,803 reviews
May 8, 2024
Edge of Darkness is the first book in the Dragons of San DeLain series. It is a spin off from the Daemons of San DeLain series. I highly recommend that you read the other series first. That way you will understand why the main characters act the way they do. This is the story of Hudson, Connie and Kit. Hudson is the King of the Fire Court of San DeLain and a dragon. Connie is his right hand man and dragon. He is also the love of Hudson's life even though they are not soulmates. Kit Meadows is a human book store owner and friend of Austin. Kit was unhappily exposed to the supernatural and is trying to get over all that has happened to him in the Daemons of San DeLain series. Hudson is asked by his dear friend Kage to watch over Kit. When things once again escalate against Kit and the dragons, Hudson and Kit finally meet face to face. It is then that Hudson almost loses control of his dragon. He has found his soulmate. Fortunately for him, Connie has found his a well. Apparently the dragon gods do know that they are doing. The three of them are going to have to figure things out together. This is their story. I loved the chemistry between Hudson and Connie. And who can help but love Kit. Together they make a wonderful team. As stated this is a slow burn and a HFN ending. I can't wait to see how the story line continues. The only disappointment I had was that I the book was finished and that I will have to wait for the next one! This is a well written and easy to read book. I really loved it. I enjoyed learning more about the dragons of DeLain.

I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jeanette Waters.
2,022 reviews5 followers
December 3, 2023
M.A. Church returns to the paranormal world of San DeLain for some fun with Dragons. Hudson, King of the Fire Court of San DeLion, is satisfied with his dragon lover, Conrad. He does wish they were mates, because a fated mate will take one of them away from their other. Fate gives them both the same mate in book store owner, Kit Meadows.
Kit is suffering trauma from an attack by the mimic, Nox. So the two dragons decide to take it slow. And while it's amusing to have Conrad tossed into a pull to literally cool his dragon down, I'm thinking that not telling Kit they're mates is mistake # 1. But they're both old dragons, fighting instincts to grab their mate and sequester him in their hoards.
There's danger, as another paranormal and his hunters step into Nox's shoe. There's lots of pining, mostly Conrad, but sometimes Hudson. The Court is a found family and the dragons accept Kit, a human, without prejudice.
Good moving storyline. The dragons add another layer to the world building. Great chemistry between Kit and the dragons.
A fun read. Quick. Can't wait for book number two which comes out in January.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews

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