Dark is the Wood

by Kristin Ward

Red Riding Hood & Beauty and the Beast meet Dragons in this fast-paced fantasy about a girl caught up in a world steeped in danger and the seductive power of dragons. 



Gillian was willing to enter the Shadowlands and trade her life for her brother. Being caught by the son of the Great Dragon was not the trade she'd bargained for. Now she's a captive, far from home, learning a tangled web of history she's somehow part of.


But there is more to the lords who rule the Shadowlands than stories of her youth could've prepared her for, and she finds her heart thawing in the face of their fiery heat. Torn between duty to family and longing for the forbidden, Gillian must choose a path and, thereby, a future. 


And time is running out.


 
Journey into an action-packed book that blends romance, fantasy, and dragon lore into an unforgettable read.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romantasy, Dragons, Fantasy Romance, Romance

Unknown Binding

Published September 19, 2023

About the author

Kristin Ward is an award-winning author from Connecticut. She embraces her inner nerd regularly, geeking out with SciFi flicks or quoting 80s movies while expecting those around her to chime in with appropriate rejoinders. As a nature freak, she can be found wandering the woods or chilling in her yard with all manner of furry and feathered friends.

She is often referred to as a unicorn by colleagues who remain in awe of her ability to create or find various and sundry things in mere moments. In reality, the horn was removed years ago, leaving only a mild imprint that can be seen if she tilts her head just right. A lifelong lover of books and writing, she dreamed of becoming an author for thirty years before publishing her award-winning debut in 2018. Her first novel, After the Green Withered, is one of many things you should probably read.


https://www.kristinwardauthor.com/

Reviews

[Azthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A magical barrier has separated the realm of the great dragon and the other realms for some time. Human children are slowly becoming ill and wasting away and the cause is unknown. When Gillian’s brother takes ill, she decides to cross the barrier to seek out a cure for his illness. But she finds more that she bargained for when she is quickly captured by Dragonborn, who is handsome and more than he seems. Now she must face the Great Dragon and his children.
Kristan Ward brought this world to life in a fantastic way. I loved the sisterhood that is brought into the story. The slow-burn, enemies to lovers romance is also top notch.

[Krissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was fortunate to receive an ARC of this lovely tale! Thank you for this opportunity, Kristin.

*I would recommend reading this review after reading the book, as there will be a sprinkle of spoilers throughout, but none too serious as to ruin the story.

We follow Gillian who's took up the task of going into the Shadowlands in hopes of finding a cure for an ancient sickness that continues to plague the world, and unfortunately, her little brother. Nothing could've prepared her for the journey ahead...

If you're someone like me who's neck deep in the countless series you've started and want a fun (and not overly complicated) story to delve into, I think this is a great one to pick up. It has very subtle ACOTAR vibes, but with dragons/dragonborn rather than fae. The world-building and magic system is easy to follow, the lore was actually super intriguing to me, but the romance was kinda meh.

Kristin did a really good job at showing the more "human" traits of Gillian, especially when she's frightened. With the books I've read thus far, somehow the FMC never shows physical reactions to fear that would be actually understandable in reality. I'm absolutely all for a strong FMC keeping it together when in a dire situation, but sometimes you want that humanity to show! As small of a detail that this is, Gillian pissing herself in fear was a good show of how I think any normal human being would react if they came face to face with a huge, terrifying creature trying to kill them.
Aside from that, Gillian is a well-rounded character who has a lot of love in her heart for those she cares for, and even those who she may not care /as much/ for too. She's willing to sacrifice herself to protect what she loves.

It's not often that I am super invested in backstory and lore, but I was with this book! I mean, I honestly think that another book could be made about the entire story of Marius and Ashael; how they came to be in the world, the gods/goddesses involved, the Coven, and the battle that took place, just in more detail. Those backstories really are a good set up for a good book that could lean more towards higher fantasy.

The Coven was exquisite, beautiful, chefs kiss. The way the trees would bend towards them as they passed through, their leaves acting as if they were a gentle caress. It was super magical and wonderful. I enjoyed the time Gillian spent with them.

The only thing that's keeping me from giving this a full 5 stars is the romance. When the relationship itself blossoms, it's great. The lead up to it, however... it just felt too instant and lackluster. I was really hoping for a longer period in time where Gillian and Roman could feel each other out and become closer, but that's only vaguely talked about.

I had such mixed feelings about Roman throughout the book, I could not decide if I liked him or not. Why was he so predatory in the beginning? Not even because of his mission for his father, but just the subtle things he would do to/around Gillian gave me the ick. I understand that Dragonborns' are supposed to have sensual qualities and essentially the power to attract whomever they choose, but there were times that it was just borderline creepy. The only male that I didn't have to think twice about was Draven; lowkey I was rooting for him instead of Roman.
What made me actually open up to Roman was when he gave the choice to Gillian. He didn't force the bond onto her, he kept himself in control. He earned my respect from there onward, cause you then saw a different side of him. He was for sure still lust-filled, but it was like he finally had a sense of purpose.

Overall, this story was a delight to read and gave me a well needed break from the super plot heavy books I've been lost in. There's promise in this world Kristin has created for stories of other characters we meet throughout that I would love to read. 4 stars for sure!! Definitely will be looking into more works from Kristin. Bravo!

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC and am so grateful for the opportunity! I really liked this book! Once I got into it, it was super hard to put down, and I loved that we got to have a look into each of the characters’ minds. The writing was easy to read and the story was interesting. It will keep you on your toes! My mind was always wondering what would happen next.

[Ania · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was the worst thing I’ve read in a long time. The writing wasn’t the bad part, but the changing perspectives even within paragraphs were poorly done. I was annoyed that I was seeing into two characters’ heads at the same time, all the time. That was sloppy. I also hated that this is labeled as young adult—in what universe?? So much uncomfortable innuendo and really awkward father/son competition over breeding with one girl. It was creepy and weird. I also hated the insta-love/lust. I kept going because I’ve DNFed so many books lately, and I just couldn’t believe this story kept unraveling this way. The cover was beautiful though!

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Dark is the Wood" is an enthralling young adult fantasy romance novel that weaves together the enemies-to-lovers trope with enchanting elements inspired by Little Red Riding Hood and Beauty and the Beast, alongside the presence of majestic dragons. The protagonist, Gillian, embarks on a daring odyssey into the Shadowlands in a valiant effort to rescue her younger brother. The narrative unfolds in a hauntingly beautiful and perilous realm inhabited by captivating yet dangerous creatures, among them the enigmatic Coven. The novel is enriched by a diverse ensemble of characters, each with their own endearing or enigmatic qualities. As readers immerse themselves in this captivating universe, they will eagerly anticipate the unfolding tales of the other characters within this intricately woven world.

[Mandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starting a new series by a favorite author can be a little daunting. Will I like it? Will it be as good as the last series? Will I be disappointed?

After reading this, I know now that if it's a Kristin Ward book, I shouldn't wonder. I should know that it's going to be amazing! She is a gifted writer, able to weave words into exquisite tapestries, journeys through the imagination. Her worlds are filled with magnificent and horrible creatures, beautiful yet deadly landscapes, and heroes and villains that you can't help but love.

The opening scene was phenomenal! My pulse pounded right alongside Gillian's.

Even though this was a fantasy novel, everything felt real, believable. I could imagine this world hiding in the depths of any forest in the world.

Dark is the Wood is a Red Riding Hood retelling with dragons (YES!), enemies to lovers, found family, and a bit of Beauty and the Beast thrown in for good measure. It's your next un-put-downable read.

[Cindy Crivellone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this down! Dark is the Woods is a fast paced YA fantasy with a touch of spice, Dragons, Witches, Dragonborn, and other dark fantastical beasts. The character development throughout this book is amazing, the storyline is fast paced and keeps you guessing what’s going to happen next. I am so happy I was asked to ARC read this beautiful book. I don’t want to give away any spoilers and ruin the exploding reading this amazing book!

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

dark is the wood

One of the best YA fantasy I have read in a long time. Definitely would recommend
Red riding hood plus witches and dragons yes please

[Sheryl Maupin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this ARC from the author. I am so grateful and happy. This was a FABULOUS read.

Here are notes as I read it.

This is written with confidence. The language is easy to pick up on but rich. Sometimes fantasy can be difficult but it was beautiful to read things like “his breath hit like the sands of the Red Waste”. Idk what the red wastes are but I don’t need to know. I get the phrase

The dragon symbols. So cute.

The banter with her and Damon 🔥🔥🥵🥵

I like that this author uses vocab. I learned new words. Lol. One was “implacable”.

Everything hurt even the roots of her hair, fucking relatable.

Witches. Dragons. What more do I need!!

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very lucky to receive the ARC of this book. Like all of Kristin's writing it pulled me in from the first page and I couldnt put it down. The love you see grow is perfectly laid out and unlike most books, you cant predict what will happen next. I loved this and can't wait to own the physical edition when it's released. Pick it up! You wont regret it!

[Jenny Mcvey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finally finished. Was an ARC read! Might have some spoilers***fair warning***
Absolutely was not in it at first. Life literally happened. But then I decided I have to get this book finished and well let’s just say it went uphill from there. There’s action and romance and forbidden love. It’s literally a really cool story if you think about it. Like little red riding hood with dragons and witches. And in the ending everyone lives happily ever after minus the Great Dragon trying to find himself after long vengeful era from his forever mate dying. Really cool book would totally read it! Took my imagination into a different world that’s for sure.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be an ARC reader for this book. It is a beauty and the beast, little red riding hood retelling with witches, dragons, and Dragonborn people.

I found that I didn’t like the immaturity of the characters. I felt as though they were acting more like 13 year olds than 18 year olds.

The story itself felt cozy and was a breeze to get through. There was growth, playfulness, and a clear message of the importance of honor, love, and forgiveness.

Kristin has clearly spent time studying magick systems and had Celtic knowledge, which is always awesome to see!

[Amiascah · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really dont like leaving negative reviews and I got this book nearly for free off amazon but I just didn't enjoy the characters or the plot line. it was a really quick read.

[Helen Dawkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful book. I was hooked from the very beginning and loved every minute of it. This is the first book in the series, and focuses mainly on Gillian and Roman, but it also shows a lot of creating this world, that the other books will use to expand on.

Gillian grew up much like other kids in her world did. Human and terrified of the Shadowland & its beastly creatures. When a sickness unlike any other takes a hold of their world, her younger brother falls ill with the fatal disease. One night she over hears her mother speaking about traveling into the Shadowlands to find the witches of a coven. Gillian thinks that her brother needs his mother more than his sister and decides to take it upon herself to go search for the witches and hope they can help her brother. Gillian is very headstrong and is unwilling to bend, break or give up attemping to save her brother.

Early on, Roman, a strong dragonborn, finds Gillian. He just wants to keep his dad happy and he will do anything for him, so when the Great Dragon says he wants to mate Gillian - Roman puts aside his growing feelings and does whatever it takes to deliver Gillian to his dad.

There is such a deeper situation happening that what is originally shown/stated. There are a lot of working parts to the entire plot. While it says this is a book for 18+ I personally do not agree, as there is nothing really explict in the book. There is one super brief intercourse scene at the very end but personally I think it would be okay for older teens. The entire book was super fun and I can totally see this being a large interconnected fantasy series as there are so many directions it can go. I highly recommend this book and cannot wait to read the second book!

[VanessaCliterateur · Rating 5 out of 5]

I normally don’t read a lot of YA, unless it really grabs my attention. That being said, when I saw that this book was a Red Riding Hood and Beauty and the Beast meets dragons, I was immediately in. There’s so much I can say about this book, it is truly spectacular writing.

At first, we meet Gillian of Rudgarde, and her family who live in a world where there are monsters lurking in the woods, and magic is woven through their daily life. There is an illness going around, the Wasting, and Gillian’s little brother has fallen deathly ill. As the family decides what to do, Gillian takes a protective talisman and sacrifices herself to the woods in order to reach a mysterious coven of witches that might be able to help her brother. She wasn’t counting on the monsters finding her so quickly. Or that she would be saved by one of them. A very handsome, very annoying dragon shifter.

The writing in this book is very atmospheric, not just in terms of the setting but there is a powerful feeling of sinking into another world, you almost hear the crunching of leaves and the branches moving through the woods. The character arcs are all full of depth and personality! The plot is intricate but easy to follow and very interesting. The powers each of these dragons possess are not just an element of their personalities but a big part of the story as well. We see Gillian go from village girl to a hero to fighting the fate the dragons are pushing on her and making the ultimate choices towards the end.

If you love dragons, retellings, fantasy romance, and enemies to lovers, you will love this book.

[Jessica Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark is the Wood (Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series) by Kristin Ward - Review by Jessica Stone

This is the first book in a new series I believe, or at least here's to hoping we get more books because one is just not enough.

This book is about Gillian, who lives in a world that is trouble by a strange wasting illness that has taken hold of her younger brother. This story is about her journey to try and save him, but it's a bit more complicated than that, to save him she must enter the shadowlands ruled by Dragon kind and trade her life for his.
Gillian was not my favorite heroine right off the bat, but to say she grew on my is and understatement, her unwillingness to bend or break to give up in her pursuit to save her brother is what kept me rooting for her the entire book.


Roman, is Dragonborn and all he wants is to keep the peace and help his father accomplish his goals, that is until he meets Gillian and swiftly realizes that what his father wants and what he wants could be one in the same, but does Roman have it in him to take what he wants, even if it means evoking the wrath of his father? Roman is the epitome of daddy's boy when this story start, just kidding, not really but he was very loyal to his fathers cause, which earns him brownie points in the sense of loyalty is hard to come by. But his growth throughout the book and watching him discover his own wants and needs is what really sold me on this Dragonborn hottie.


This was a fun book, that I can easily see being a pretty large fantasy series, with all the Dragonborn siblings in this book there is so much potential to have story's for them and their found loves. I really enjoyed the spin this author put on this book making the Dragonborn world creators, I've never read a fantasy quite like this one, I see a lot of potential in future story's for that little tidbit of information to come into play. Either way this author decides how to play it you can bet I'll be right there eating her story's up.


Dark is the Wood, Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series, Kristin Ward, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, YA, Fantasy, Jessica Stone, August 2024

[Santana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gillian’s brother is dying of a disease called the wasting. There is no cure and no one survives the illness. One night she heard her parents talking about witches in the Shadowlands that could potentially cure the wasting. Gillian knows what she has to do to save her brother. Venture into the forbidden Shadowlands, find the witches and beg for them to help her brother. Unfortunately, life has different plans.

Upon entering the Shadowlands, Gillian is met with dangerous creatures she has never seen before. She is saved by a man named Roman. A dragonborn. Now that he has her, he is not going to let her go. His father takes claim on all those who enter the lands and it is Roman’s job to deliver.

There's more to Gillian then they all realize and she's not going to make it easy for her captures. She will stop at nothing to save her brother. She just has to escape the clutches of the wretched dragons. The more time she spends with them, the less she thinks she knows about them.

I really enjoyed this book. It was fast paced, filled with action, intrigue, mystery with a splash of romance. Plus who can go wrong with dragons? Gillian was a wonderful female main character. She was stubborn, brave, strong and determined. The way the author wrote the character was perfect. She wrote in great detail, flaws and all. The author also put their own twist on a couple of classics. There are both Red Riding Hood and Beauty and the Beast vibes like mentioned in the synopsis. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series!

[Jaimie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good!! The detail describing the dragon and stuff was so amazing! I could picture the beast changing forms so easily. Very well written. I can't wait to read more!! This book is about a girl named Gillian. She lives in a land that has lost much of it's history over time. The Shadowlands are a forbidden area that everyone fears and for good reason. When her brother's life is in danger Gillian enters the Shadowlands to try and find a cure to a disease that has been plaguing the world for a very long time. She's hunted as soon as she crosses the barrier. She's saved but caught by one of the Great Dragon's son. Held captive she learns as much as she can. She must get the cure and get back to her brother before he dies. Trying to break free doesn't go as planned and she doesn't want the future the Great Dragon is offering. Can she get away from the beast and his sons to get back to her brother in time? The cure could help so many if she can just find it! The more she learns the more she can't help but wonder where in history everything went so wrong. Thawing towards the Dragon isn't something she wants to do. Gillian must choose a path and either way a death is possible. What future will she pick and will she regret it, just like she did when she first stepped into the Shadowlands and was attacked.

[Mikhaela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book, and let me tell you, it did NOT disappoint. I am an avid fantasy reader, still in my YA era, and my only real issue was this book did take me a little while to get hooked on. Don’t get me wrong, it’s an interesting story, 100%, but it took more chapters than normal for me to reach my “reading frenzy” mode. If you’re an avid fantasy reader like me, it’s possible you’ll predict some of the plot twists, but even so, the story is still amazing, and there were more plot twists I hadn’t seen coming. I’ve already started recommending this to my friends, telling them as little as I to not spoil the lovely works, and telling them this book comes out in 5 days, on September 19th.

A Red Riding Hood retelling, filled with dragons, dragonborns, and witches, with enemies to lovers and found family, among some other tropes. If that sounds interesting to you, I suggest preordering this book! I hope you’ll love it just as much as I did. I read through this book in 8-8.5 hours nonstop because once I got hooked, there was no turning back, and I NEEDED to know what happened. I can’t wait to reread this book, and even more so, I cannot wait to see what else Kristin Ward has in store.

[Ayla Phipps · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ooooo this one was a treat. This is the first book I have read by Kristin Ward and the moment I saw “The End” I instantly went and preordered book two so that I could see what would happen next in this world.
Gillian has watched her town wither and suffer long enough. When her brother is taken, she does what is necessary to get him back safely and to take his place. Only she becomes caught and sucked into the history she never knew existed but involves her. The Lords who rule the Shadowlands are no more responsible for where they are born than any other and when Gillian finally begins to see past where they are from, she enters a new struggle. To honor her family duty or to honor her heart.
What has caused Rudgarde and the Kingdom of Mirynn to be taken over by the wasting? Is the truth behind history the key to saving the children and the crops? I have always been a fantasy girl, and this book had it all. Depth, growth, complex history, forbidden love, and so much more that once I started, I fell into the world until the last page. And that ending is perfect. *Chefs kiss* I cannot wait for book two, Treacherous is the Tower, December 1st, 2024. I’ll see you there to see what happens when Rapunzel meets Dragons, with Sorcha and Draven’s story.

[Foxx Writer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark is the Wood is an intoxicating retelling of Little red riding hood. We follow Gillian, a young woman as she travels through the forbidden woods in search of a cure for her dying little brother. Captured by a Dragon too powerful to fight, Gillian now has to do everything in her power to stay alive, and worse... she must fight for her freedom, and her own free will even as she fights against the attraction to her worst enemies.

This was an amazingly well written tale that made me actually feel. it's been a long time since I actually wanted to rip a character out of the pages of a book and stab them, but here we are! beautifully well fleshed out characters, with a big bad FMC, a wonderfully told Enemies to Lovers, and an Antagonist your going to love to hate, this is easily a book you can really sink your teeth into.

Trigger Warnings: (potential spoilers ahead)

Non-Con elements including Mind Control, Mental and emotional manipulation (both magical and non) Narcassistic behaviors, Kidnapping and holding someone against their will. Attempts at forced marriage/bonding.

Torture scene (mild)

Blood swallowing

[Mikhaela Dustin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me tell you, this book did NOT disappoint. I am an avid fantasy reader, still in my YA era, and my only real issue was this book did take me a little while to get hooked on. Don’t get me wrong, it’s an interesting story, 100%, but it took more chapters than normal for me to reach my “reading frenzy” mode. If you’re an avid fantasy reader like me, it’s possible you’ll predict some of the plot twists, but even so, the story is still amazing, and there were more plot twists I hadn’t seen coming. I’ve already started recommending this to my friends, telling them as little as I to not spoil the lovely works.

A Red Riding Hood retelling, filled with dragons, dragonborns, and witches, with enemies to lovers and found family, among some other tropes. If that sounds interesting to you, I suggest preordering this book! I hope you’ll love it just as much as I did. I read through this book in 8-8.5 hours nonstop because once I got hooked, there was no turning back, and I NEEDED to know what happened. I can’t wait to reread this book, and even more so, I cannot wait to see what else Kristin Ward has in store.

[Darla Yocom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little mystery will make a big impact if you’re a fan of mysterious fantasy books.

We meet Gillian who is the eldest child who often takes care of her younger brother. They suspect he has wasting disease for which there is no cure. Albeit Gillian taught herself all that she knows of healing ailments with herbs. Her family is struggling, as is her community since the children and the crops are dying.

When Gillian’s parents discuss the possibility of crossing to the Shadowlands to desperately look for a coven of witches who may know how to rescue those dying of the disease m, they do not realize that Gillian heard the entire conversation.

The book follows Gillian on her secret journey hoping to find the necessary solution and return to her life on the other side. Little does she know that her life will never be the same after meeting an interesting character named Roman.

I enjoyed this book from the get go. It has all of the makings of an incredible adventure. I could see this adapted for tv or movies since the characters are so enchanting and engaging.

I give this 5 out of 5 stars.

[Kerry carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really interesting young adult fantasy romance. I loved the feel of the fairytale stories intwined with witches, dragons, spells and adventure.
This is a story about one girl's need to save her brother and the adventure that follows.

Gillian’s younger brother has becoming ill and is dying from an illness know as the Wasting. After over hearing her mother she knows the only hope for a cure is to find the witches. However they live in the Shadowlands, an area where they are forbidden to go.
However Gillian is determined to try and find a cure so she enters the woods where she has heard terrify things reside.
When she arrives she meets the son of the Great Dragon who proceeds to kidnap her and refuses to let her leave.
What unfolds is a story of adventure, drama, chemistry and people with different agendas.
At the end of the day she has a decision to make. Does she return to her family and her duty or does she remain in the Shadowland with the forbidden romance she has found.
This was a really unique and interesting read and I can't wait to see what the author has instore for us next.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark is the Wood by Kristin Wood is a book that I would consider falling into the young adult fantasy category. Nonetheless, this book was very entertaining, I found myself getting some Little Red Riding Hood, Beauty and the Beast and Lord of the Rings vibes. Gillian finds herself meeting dragons along with many other fantasy characters and it takes us on a well-written adventure. Gillian goes into the Shadowlands to save her brother when she finds herself being one of the ones that needs sabing when she ends up caught by the son of The Great Dragon. This book has all of the fantasy vibes I like to see in books that are in the same genre! Kristin did a great job at building a world that is detailed and intriguing! She also created characters that are all very interesting. I wouldn't mind seeing her write books on the backstories of the characters that are listed throughout the book. The main character Gillian is relatable and a great main character. I found myself being pulled in from the very first page to the last, and Kristin kept the romance very pg, and that is what makes this a great ya read! I look forward to seeing what else Kristin will bring us in this series!

[Tara Kat (MagnoliaPigeonBookBlurbs) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh…what a wild ride!!! I was on the edge of my seat with my heart in my throat the entire time and was absolutely sucked into the story from page 1!

We follow Gillian whose world has been met with a plague and the sickness has come for her little brother. Desperate to find a cure she takes off into the night to cross into the Shadowlands, a place where nightmares are real, beasts roam and magic lives. Instantly captured and ensnared into an unwilling betrothal she has to fight mentally and physically harder than she ever has before - not only for the survival of her loved ones but for her freedom. Bonds are formed, battles are fought, secrets are uncovered and magic is ignited…changing the world as they knew it forever.

Dark is the Wood is full of magic, dragons, family, sacrifice, heart pounding action, love, loss, lore, romance, ancient covens and breathtaking world building making for a truly fantastical read!

Thank you so much to Kristin Ward & Crab and Bell for the advanced copy!

[Shannen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I had read by this author, so I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was absolutely blown away! It is the first book in the Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales series and what a way to begin. It took me a chapter or two to really get into the story, but once I did, I couldn’t put it down. I ended up ignoring quite a few chores to finish this because it was so captivating. It’s a great YA fantasy that will surprise you at every corner. Just when I think I had it figured out, the author threw another curveball at me. There are a great number of details to help build the Dragonborn world, but it never felt like the plot was weighed down with unnecessary details. Gillian is an intriguing character with determination and will of steel. To say that I am waiting on the edge of my seat for the next book in the series is an understatement. I will be waiting as patiently as humanly possible, but three months seems like a lifetime when it’s all I want! To all YA fantasy lovers, don’t pass this one up or you will regret it!

[Katelan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. So thank you to Kristin Ward for the opportunity it read this early.

Things I loved about this book:
- Gillian is such a strong MC! I loved that she was super strong-willed from the start and held onto that throughout the book, no matter what was thrown at her
- The magic system was super fun to learn about. I loved the mixture of dragons and witches. Both were really interesting to me.
- Roman was the perfect broody love interest. I loved seeing his redemption arc throughout the story.
- It was very refreshing to read such a well crafted fantasy that is also a standalone! All of the plot points were wrapped up nicely and no questions were left unanswered.

I would suggest this book for lovers of fantasy and romance - it was a nice combination of the two.
Once I had started the story, I was hooked and managed to finish it in one sitting!

[Kelsey Devereaux · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

This book seemed a little watered down for a fantasy romance novel. The idea and plot were interesting just not as thorough as I wanted. The romance was a big hit. I don’t really know why Roman and Gillian feel in love, or when. He brought her to the castle where he knew that his dad was a POS; then he just let it all play out until Gillian ran. Then he became her keeper, and even then their interactions were not anything to awe over. The spice level was basically no existence, I’m not into dry romance novels ya feel.
Marius is a jaded a-hole that learned his lesson in the end I guess even though he almost killed his son and was trying to force Gillian into a relationship. Also Gillian learned some magic in 4 days, sick. Cool concept but just not well executed. I enjoyed gods and goddess being a piece of the puzzle, very old world feeling, it was also an interesting twist that all the sons were half breeds, I was expecting full on dragons everywhere.

[Jennifer Reimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was incredibly hard to put down. I felt like I couldn’t read it fast enough to know what was going to happen. The characters in this book were super relatable and well developed I almost felt like I know who they were and that they were real people. The story line flowed very well and went well together that it was easy to follow. There was just enough twists and turns into the book that it really kept me guessing into what was going to happen. Gillian would do anything for her brother, so when he falls ill to the sweeping illness that sweeps over the land, Gillian gets prepared to do anything to help him and bring him back to good health, even if that means to enter the forbidden shadowlands. This story really put a twist to the little red riding fairy tale, but it’s filled with so much adventure, twists and turns, witches, magic, action, dragons, fairy tales was an incredible read, highly recommended.