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Unleashed
A one-night stand with the sexy new dragon in town could force her into a fight to the death. Still, worth it?
Tia's been hiding among the humans for hundreds of years, evading her so-called birthright. But when a hot new dragon arrives in her city, she doesn't run fast enough. The pull to be with her own kind is just too strong. Too bad the newcomer is determined to drag her back for the ritual she escaped.
Did she say "ritual"? Make that "fight to the death."
Azar never dreamed he'd be the one to find her: the spoiled, selfish royal who doomed all the dragons. Only it turns out the Zubir's sister is nothing like he was told. She's fierce, shrewd, and stunning, and she throws everything he believes into question.
The one thing Azar knows without a doubt? Bringing her home is dragonkind's only hope.
--
Unleashed is a sizzling dragon shifter romance featuring a strong heroine fighting magic and politics to save a species that wants her dead. Then there's her one-night-stand-turned-hostage, igniting all sorts of sparks she can't ignore. Too bad even a dragon can end up burned.
Tia's been hiding among the humans for hundreds of years, evading her so-called birthright. But when a hot new dragon arrives in her city, she doesn't run fast enough. The pull to be with her own kind is just too strong. Too bad the newcomer is determined to drag her back for the ritual she escaped.
Did she say "ritual"? Make that "fight to the death."
Azar never dreamed he'd be the one to find her: the spoiled, selfish royal who doomed all the dragons. Only it turns out the Zubir's sister is nothing like he was told. She's fierce, shrewd, and stunning, and she throws everything he believes into question.
The one thing Azar knows without a doubt? Bringing her home is dragonkind's only hope.
--
Unleashed is a sizzling dragon shifter romance featuring a strong heroine fighting magic and politics to save a species that wants her dead. Then there's her one-night-stand-turned-hostage, igniting all sorts of sparks she can't ignore. Too bad even a dragon can end up burned.
337 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 27, 2023
43 people are currently reading
334 people want to read
About the author
Aria Glazki
17 books136 followersAria Glazki's first kiss technically came from a bear cub. Though no fairytale transformation followed, she still believes magic can happen when the right people come together—if they don’t get in their own way, that is. So now Aria writes heartfelt romances about hurt people healing as they build a love that lasts. Sometimes she adds a magical twist. 💕
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 28, 2023
Isn’t that a beautiful cover for Unleashed by Aria Glaski. It depicts the story inside to a T, and I love it when that happens. I feel the author does the book justice by representing it as it is. Unleashed is a bit on the dark side, so adult warnings apply.
We start with a map. I love maps, referring back to them as I travel through the pages.
I have been reading Aria Glaski for a while now (See my review links below) and she writes some great books BUT I will say, Unleashed seems outside her norm, and I was surprised at how quickly I became engrossed in the story. Unleashed is by far my favorite Aria Glazki book. AND, it’s a series. It could end here, but I am so very happy it doesn’t. Oh, yeah!
It starts with a one night stand…is there such a thing with a dragon? I doooon’t think so. Who can say no to that animal attraction?
I realize it is very difficult to come up with an original idea for an oft told tale, but Aria Glazki did it. I love that the main character, Tia, has been living as a human for hundreds of years to avoid the ritual. The ritual where her and her brother would fight to the death. She won’t do it. But, what if…
Azur was determined to find her and bring her back. It is a duty she must fulfill…
Seraphina is so much more than he bargained for and he is rethinking his position, but a cow does follow the herd and he makes a mistake. She is kidnapped out from under him.
Things are not as she imagined in Azhidar Zher…and neither is her brother.
I thought it was interesting that Aria Glazki pointed out a similarity to us humans. There is a double standard, one set of rules for males and another for females. Guess who makes out the best?
Sexual tension permeates the pages and I devour the words as Azur devours Seraphina.
Sure, many things are familiar, but Aria Glazki did an amazing job bringing a fresh look into the life of dragons. It’s not all lollipops and rainbows, but it’s not all war and killing either. We always have time for some romance, right?
Aria Glazki shares her thoughts at the end of the book :
…never intended for it to become Fantasy…..I wanted to play around with dragons…Alas, such is the life of a “pantser” – the story goes where it wants…
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Unleashed, Defiant Dragons, Book I, by Aria Glazki.
We start with a map. I love maps, referring back to them as I travel through the pages.
I have been reading Aria Glaski for a while now (See my review links below) and she writes some great books BUT I will say, Unleashed seems outside her norm, and I was surprised at how quickly I became engrossed in the story. Unleashed is by far my favorite Aria Glazki book. AND, it’s a series. It could end here, but I am so very happy it doesn’t. Oh, yeah!
It starts with a one night stand…is there such a thing with a dragon? I doooon’t think so. Who can say no to that animal attraction?
I realize it is very difficult to come up with an original idea for an oft told tale, but Aria Glazki did it. I love that the main character, Tia, has been living as a human for hundreds of years to avoid the ritual. The ritual where her and her brother would fight to the death. She won’t do it. But, what if…
Azur was determined to find her and bring her back. It is a duty she must fulfill…
Seraphina is so much more than he bargained for and he is rethinking his position, but a cow does follow the herd and he makes a mistake. She is kidnapped out from under him.
Things are not as she imagined in Azhidar Zher…and neither is her brother.
I thought it was interesting that Aria Glazki pointed out a similarity to us humans. There is a double standard, one set of rules for males and another for females. Guess who makes out the best?
Sexual tension permeates the pages and I devour the words as Azur devours Seraphina.
Sure, many things are familiar, but Aria Glazki did an amazing job bringing a fresh look into the life of dragons. It’s not all lollipops and rainbows, but it’s not all war and killing either. We always have time for some romance, right?
Aria Glazki shares her thoughts at the end of the book :
…never intended for it to become Fantasy…..I wanted to play around with dragons…Alas, such is the life of a “pantser” – the story goes where it wants…
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Unleashed, Defiant Dragons, Book I, by Aria Glazki.
September 5, 2023
Unleashed is the first of Aria Glazki's novels that I have read, but it won't be my last. I'm really hoping there is a sequel to Unleashed, as I loved the main characters and there is so much more to learn about their world. There are also enough supporting cast introduced that there could be MANY spin-offs (hint hint). Azhidar Zher is the realm of dragons, but all is not right in their world. The dragons are dying, and the one who can save them wants nothing to do with that world. Finding the 'rightful' Zubir is the easy part - convincing her to return to fight for Azhidar Zher… now there is the challenge! If you love a strong female lead, obligations that come at a heavy cost, a slow burn, and a strong male who is willing to accept his mistakes and stay by her side, then this book is for you!
I signed up to be an ARC reviewer after being captivated by the book's summary. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I signed up to be an ARC reviewer after being captivated by the book's summary. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 22, 2023
Unfortunately this book was hard to grasp for me. And you can't even say it was slowburn but more like explosion and then let the fire die. After promising start I could harly get through first half of the book, assaulted by storm of made up terms (and I understand there might be need for some madeup terms), main man who from interesting went to "meh" and heroin that I didn't care for whatsoever.
The book had potential and idea was good but it felt to be stitched with hot needle.
The book had potential and idea was good but it felt to be stitched with hot needle.
September 19, 2023
I had a fun time reading this book! Tia, the FMC, is such a fierce, brave, and admirable character. I loved how she consistently tries her best to do the right thing and how she truly cares about everyone around her, humans and dragons alike.
Azar, the MMC, is introduced into Tia's life while he is on a mission to find the missing heir to the dragon throne. Once he discovers who Tia is, he is determined to bring her home and do right by the dragons, but he is woefully naive and ignorant when it comes to dragon politics. Tia is a very thoughtful and resourceful character, who has carefully thought through every decision she has made, including the decision to leave her "birthright" behind.
Azar informs Tia of a number of issues that the dragons have been facing over the hundreds of years that Tia has been hiding in the mortal world. It quickly becomes obvious that Tia wasn't aware of the issues and that she genuinely wants to rectify the problems, but Azar is still willing to do whatever it takes to complete his mission.
This is where I have a few issues with the plot. I fully understand Tia's and Azar's individual motivations throughout the story and how and why they conflict with one another. But I was just not able to buy into the romance aspect of the story. Azar seems like a hindrance in Tia's life, and his naivety coupled with arrogance was difficult to stomach.
I wish that there had been some battle scene or altercation of some sort in the first half of the book that proved Azar's capabilities as a dragon/partner prior to some of the major conflicts that occurred later on. I didn't hate him as a character. But I could not understand why Tia would choose him as a romantic partner when it seemed, at least from my perspective, that he brought nothing to the table other than being the only dragon in close proximity that didn't actively want to harm her.
That being said, I adored Tia as a protagonist. Her journey, which is filled with so many twists and turns, was super exciting to read. I felt for her during the devastating events she had to endure, and I was constantly rooting for her victory. The author did an excellent job building out a really unique and interesting world with multiple dimensions, as well as fleshing out some multi-faceted main characters.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Azar, the MMC, is introduced into Tia's life while he is on a mission to find the missing heir to the dragon throne. Once he discovers who Tia is, he is determined to bring her home and do right by the dragons, but he is woefully naive and ignorant when it comes to dragon politics. Tia is a very thoughtful and resourceful character, who has carefully thought through every decision she has made, including the decision to leave her "birthright" behind.
Azar informs Tia of a number of issues that the dragons have been facing over the hundreds of years that Tia has been hiding in the mortal world. It quickly becomes obvious that Tia wasn't aware of the issues and that she genuinely wants to rectify the problems, but Azar is still willing to do whatever it takes to complete his mission.
This is where I have a few issues with the plot. I fully understand Tia's and Azar's individual motivations throughout the story and how and why they conflict with one another. But I was just not able to buy into the romance aspect of the story. Azar seems like a hindrance in Tia's life, and his naivety coupled with arrogance was difficult to stomach.
I wish that there had been some battle scene or altercation of some sort in the first half of the book that proved Azar's capabilities as a dragon/partner prior to some of the major conflicts that occurred later on. I didn't hate him as a character. But I could not understand why Tia would choose him as a romantic partner when it seemed, at least from my perspective, that he brought nothing to the table other than being the only dragon in close proximity that didn't actively want to harm her.
That being said, I adored Tia as a protagonist. Her journey, which is filled with so many twists and turns, was super exciting to read. I felt for her during the devastating events she had to endure, and I was constantly rooting for her victory. The author did an excellent job building out a really unique and interesting world with multiple dimensions, as well as fleshing out some multi-faceted main characters.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 29, 2023
This book had me enthralled! What felt like the beginning of a light-hearted urban fantasy romp quickly devolved into layers of lore and magic and fantasy and multidimensional travel and beautiful, angsty romance. These characters had me in their claws and didn't let me go.
Seraphina is running from her past, and despite her fantastical upbringing, she is relatable too. Her big world-ending problems have real-world parallels and she has a humanity to her that made me root for her all the way. She suffers under the crushing weight of responsibility and has to rise to the challenge and make horrible, uncomfortable decisions. Sometimes she wavers, because she is flawed, but this just gives her depth and makes it so interesting to be on this journey with her.
Azar is a younger dragon and not as world-wise, and this makes for some fun hijinks. It also gives him a raw innocence when it comes to human things, and a direct and to-the-point demeanour that sometimes Seraphina needs. These two characters complement each other so well, and it never feels forced for them to be together or apart, where their stories take them.
I am struggling because I want to gush all over the place but I don't want to spoil anything. The worldbuilding is so creative, with the dragon world and all of the hierarchy and politics and language and fantasy creatures. The pacing is just the right amount of slow burn for the romance, and when it does explode it EXPLODES in the most delicious of ways. The plot managed to surprise me at multiple parts, in highly emotional ways.
I'm in love. I'm in love with the whole world and the characters and I could read countless more books in this universe. 10/10 Recommend!
Seraphina is running from her past, and despite her fantastical upbringing, she is relatable too. Her big world-ending problems have real-world parallels and she has a humanity to her that made me root for her all the way. She suffers under the crushing weight of responsibility and has to rise to the challenge and make horrible, uncomfortable decisions. Sometimes she wavers, because she is flawed, but this just gives her depth and makes it so interesting to be on this journey with her.
Azar is a younger dragon and not as world-wise, and this makes for some fun hijinks. It also gives him a raw innocence when it comes to human things, and a direct and to-the-point demeanour that sometimes Seraphina needs. These two characters complement each other so well, and it never feels forced for them to be together or apart, where their stories take them.
I am struggling because I want to gush all over the place but I don't want to spoil anything. The worldbuilding is so creative, with the dragon world and all of the hierarchy and politics and language and fantasy creatures. The pacing is just the right amount of slow burn for the romance, and when it does explode it EXPLODES in the most delicious of ways. The plot managed to surprise me at multiple parts, in highly emotional ways.
I'm in love. I'm in love with the whole world and the characters and I could read countless more books in this universe. 10/10 Recommend!
August 22, 2024
Super boring. Absolutely nothing happens, and we get chapters upon chapters of inner monologue and them eating, bathing, sleeping, eating again, and so on—70% in and no sign of the "main" villain. We know nothing but the name, and that they may or may not be manipulating the (insert made-up word for king I don't remember)— There were so many made-up terms I lost track, and they’re not really that important to the plot. We get a whole chapter of exposition at the beginning, which is extremely dense, mostly because of the liberal use of made-up terms that have to be explained but cannot be in a natural way because the characters already know them, so they aren’t explained, and the reader is left to wonder the meanings from context clues. And most of the information that is dumped on the reader is not even relevant to the plot. Everything gets dragged out endlessly, even the sex scene, which takes multiple chapters (there’s another one at the beginning, but that is essentially fade-to-black), and was where I decided to DNF. The MMC was interesting at the beginning, but quickly became bland and uninteresting. FMC I didn’t care about. They tell a lot of things I never saw, and considering we are privy to literally all their interactions, I have no idea when did they see the personality traits we are told they see in the other. I was kinda curious about the outcome, but things dragged so much that everything lost its meaning for me so I stopped.
September 14, 2023
In Unleashed Defiant Dragons: Book 1 by Aria Glazki, we meet Seraphina who is a dragon princess on the run from the other dragon shifters from her homeland. They want her to participate in the next maros which is a battle to the death with her brother to see who will win and become the next zubir. Seraphina left everything that she knew and loved to keep from having to fight her brother. She had been hiding on earth for centuries without anyone finding her and dragging her back so that she could participate in the maros until she ran across Azar. He as sent to find Seraphina and bring her back so she could save dragonkind from her brother who over the years had started making choices that was killing them off. Will Azar convince Seraphina who is going by Tia now to return and defeat her brother who is her last blood relative alive in order to save the dragons or will she run and escape yet again. I guess that you will have to read and find out for yourself. I received this book via BookSirens as an ARC for my honest opinion and I honestly loved it. I would definitely recommend that you read book.
October 4, 2023
This book started off strong. I love the immediate tension and chemistry between the FMC Tia and MMC Azar. Tia aka Seraphina is fierce and intelligent and everything you could want in a FMC. She is a dragon shifter and has been hiding in the human lands on the run from her so-called birthright. Azar, our MMC, is sent to get Tia and bring her back to the dragons through any means possible. Even though Azar chooses seduction, you could feel the connection between these two characters was something more.
Unfortunately for me, after the beginning, the story became a little confusing and hard to grasp. The reader is bombarded with a lot of dragon terminology and world building that fell a little flat. I wanted more details and explanation instead of just being told what was happening and felt like I couldn't really picture the world. I really enjoyed the base of the story and the characters, I just wanted a little more!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Unfortunately for me, after the beginning, the story became a little confusing and hard to grasp. The reader is bombarded with a lot of dragon terminology and world building that fell a little flat. I wanted more details and explanation instead of just being told what was happening and felt like I couldn't really picture the world. I really enjoyed the base of the story and the characters, I just wanted a little more!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 21, 2023
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from my first “romantasy”, let alone one with fiery dragon scenes, but this book blew me away! The characters are complex and strong, and the story has richness and depth. The realm Glazki has created, and how it intersects with the human world, has a long (very long, because dragons live for centuries) and fraught history. I have been a fan of her contemporary romances for years but this is a totally new direction and I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 16, 2024
A well written story of unwanted sibling dispute by the main character and the adventure that happens to right the problem faced.
The characters are well crafted, the storyline is fully fleshed out, and the plot is filled with interesting happenings. Some mild spice, but this story is ALL about the fantasy and a little about the romance.
Aria Glazki has created a fantastic. Beautiful, and enjoyable story. This is the very first book I have read belonging to this author... I will say I am deeply intrigued and ready to read more.
The characters are well crafted, the storyline is fully fleshed out, and the plot is filled with interesting happenings. Some mild spice, but this story is ALL about the fantasy and a little about the romance.
Aria Glazki has created a fantastic. Beautiful, and enjoyable story. This is the very first book I have read belonging to this author... I will say I am deeply intrigued and ready to read more.
September 16, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was such a great slow burn novel. The book is very lighthearted and can be a great novel to read if you’ve been reading darker books and need a break! The main character, Seraphina, has such a big heart and quiet strength. She’s an aspirational protagonist. Loved this book in all of its glory. Excited for the sequel!
This was such a great slow burn novel. The book is very lighthearted and can be a great novel to read if you’ve been reading darker books and need a break! The main character, Seraphina, has such a big heart and quiet strength. She’s an aspirational protagonist. Loved this book in all of its glory. Excited for the sequel!
September 26, 2023
This book keeps you guessing. Edge of your seat entertainment. I couldn't put it down. Characters well written. The mystery is well thought out and planned. I loved it. It kept me guessing and wanting to find out more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 5, 2023
This was a great start to a new series. The character work and story line was well written and kept me entertained from beginning to end. I can't wait to see what Aria Glazki has in store for us next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 29, 2023
What I thought was going to be mostly interpersonal drama in dragon form turned out to be a great surprise with a whole lot of teeth bared and claw slashing action. Much more fantastic conflict than I expected. These dragons did not disappoint!
July 2, 2024
A really good stand alone. I enjoyed it. The world building and magic wasn’t very complex but was still entertaining and neat. With multiple ? Dimensions, basically it was cool she had her own hidden space.
October 16, 2025
⭐ Overall Impression
Unleashed is a spicy, fast-paced dragon-shifter romance that blends high fantasy with romantic tension and political stakes. It succeeds more often than it falters and for fans of paranormal romance or “dragons + destiny” tropes, there is a lot to enjoy.
Unleashed is a spicy, fast-paced dragon-shifter romance that blends high fantasy with romantic tension and political stakes. It succeeds more often than it falters and for fans of paranormal romance or “dragons + destiny” tropes, there is a lot to enjoy.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews