Dragon Ascending

Zodiac Dragon Brotherhood #2

by Genevieve Jack

What Aries wants, Aries takes!
A secret society of dragon killers...
From the beginning, dragons have lived among humans, inspiring creativity, innovation, and sometimes revolution. Sent from the stars by the creator, the dragon race thrived until a wealthy medieval nobleman learned their secret. In an effort to protect his riches and position, he formed the Saints Order, a secret society fueled by dark magic and founded on the tenet of eradicating all dragons.

A Zodiac dragon warrior sworn to defend his kind...
Connor is an Aries dragon and member of the Zodiac Brotherhood, a band of twelve warriors charged with defending their race. Thanks to the sacrifice of one brother over fifty years ago, dragons have enjoyed a period of peace under an accord with the Saint’s Order. But when a civilian is brutally murdered in front of the Fontaine Saint-Michel, it’s clear that the Order is rising once more.

A mating bond that is one hell of an inconvenience...
Desperate to protect his people, avoid war, and force the Saint’s Order back to the negotiations table, Connor kidnaps the Order grandmaster’s fiancée, washed-up novelist Fiona. But the order isn’t interested in peace talks. Worse, Connor’s inner dragon has chosen Fiona as his mate.

Genres: Romantasy, Fantasy, Romance, Dragons

370 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 8, 2024

About the author

USA Today bestselling and multi-award winning author Genevieve Jack writes wild, witty, and wicked-hot paranormal romance and fantasy. She believes there’s magic in every breath we take and probably something supernatural living in most dark basements. You can summon her with coffee, wine, and books, but she sticks around for dogs and chocolate. Her novels feature badass heroines, fiercely loyal heroes, and fantasy elements that will fill you with wonder. Learn more at www.genevievejack.com

Join Genevieve's VIP reader group and download a FREE novel: https://www.genevievejack.com/newslet...

Reviews

[Marion Over · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful dragons.

I really enjoyed this paranormal romance. Genevieve Jack is a phenomenal author. Her characters are so wonderful you want to love them and so evil you can't help but hate them. I can't wait for the next book in the series. Highly recommend this series.

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Just wow! I was literally blown away! I mean who doesn’t want a dragon to steal them from their wedding and claim them has his mate! Loved everything about this

[Tyler | bookishwithty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dragon Ascending turned out to be quite unexpected and truly one-of-a-kind! While the story didn't entirely resonate with me personally, I couldn't help but appreciate the author's skillful writing and engaging plot twists that kept me curious about what would happen next. One aspect that truly stood out was the thoughtful representation of a character living with fibromyalgia - the author handled this with sensitivity and authenticity. If you're a fan of fantasy, magic, mystery, and elements of zodiac and dragons, you'll likely find 'Dragon Ascending' to be a compelling read.

[JESSICA HENEISEN MEANS · Rating 5 out of 5]

So amazing! I need to get book 2 ASAP! I have so many questions and need answers! I need to kniw what's going on! The story is definitely amazing and the sprinkles if spice are pretty good. I cant wait to get book 2!

[Katie Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not normally a romantasy reader, but holy crap, I really enjoyed this book! I think it was a great start to this world.
It kept ne on the edge of my seat the whole time, and I really enjoyed it.
I love that even tho Connor is a big bad dragon, he is a complete puppy for Fiona, and will do everything he needs to keep her and protect her.
Definitely recommend to read.

[Tammy Moldovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, danger, and destiny

Whew. This story. It kept me completely enthralled from the first word until the last with exhilarating storylines, layered world building, palpable tension, unexpected twists, and sizzling romance. I loved, loved Connor and Fiona’s shifter, fated mates love story with a side of crazy secret cults. It had the perfect balance of humor, heartwarming love, real life issues, painful pasts, spice, mystery, intrigue and danger. Connor is the owner and head chef of Diabolique gastropub. He’s also an Aries dragon shifter and a dragon warrior with the Zodiac Brotherhood. Just when he’s in his alignment month a brutal murder of a dormant dragon civilian is committed by the Saint’s Order, the organization of wealthy humans who are sworn to kill dragons. The purpose of all dragons is to inspire humanity but the Order is about maintaining the power of the status quo. Fiona is a romance thriller writer and after a whirlwind courtship she became engaged to Roman and agrees to a quick wedding. Unbeknownst to Fiona, Roman is the son of the head of the Saint’s Order. On her wedding day, Connor goes to the venue to eavesdrop on the head of the Order to determine his knowledge of the murder. When Connor first sees Fiona, he knows instantly that she is his mate and so he kidnaps her away from the alter. Despite this being a kidnapping and Connor being gripped by mating sickness, this is not a noncon or dubcon situation. Connor and Fiona’s relationship develops organically and naturally as they spend time together and get to know each other. What follows the kidnapping, is a swoony and nail biting journey of evil, goodness, mystery, danger, baggage unpacking, healing, and life path rearranging. And the ending/foreshadowing - I am so here for the next book and I am loving this good vs evil, secret society series.

[Enelyae Is Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read from Genevieve Jack! Dragon Ascending is book one of a new Dragon Shifter series focused on signs of the Zodiac and we start with Connor and the Aries sign. Love this concept and of course, I’m an Aries so it's already awesome in my opinion!

Connor is such a hot head but when he meets Fiona, his dragon wants her as his mate and he takes what he wants. Fiona is such an awesome character. She’s got such strength that Connor helps her realize. He also brings out her fire and sass and it's wonderful to watch her growth. It is a slow burn considering she is Connor’s captive but it helps that he looks like a Viking god 😉🥵.

I can't wait to see what comes next for the Zodiac Brotherhood!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Kamila Mykhailiuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I absolutely loved this book. Amazing characters and wonderful plot. Very beautifully written and easy to read.

It is a month of Aries and Connor Drexler is having his dragon’s alignment. There are trouble. Something happened in Paris and they need to figure out if Saint’s Order was involved. He meets with the four and they make a decision for him to get inside the head of Stefan Cifarelli, the grandmaster at his son’s wedding. His son, Roman, is gonna marry Fiona Morrow. The best selling author of thrillers.

Stefan was a now show and Connor was prepared to leave when he saw Fiona and heard her pleading to give her a sign that she makes a mistake. He took her to his cabin in Wyoming. It a bit before Fiona started trusting Connor. I loved their chemistry and passion. They were made for each other. Bones is an adorable dog.

Overall I loved this book very much. If you’re looking for a dragon romance then you’re going to love it.

[Chrissy HappilyEverAfterBookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always loved a wolf shifter romance, but this is my first dragon shifter romance and I am here to say that I am absolutely obsessed!

This is an urban fantasy, which I absolutely love!! Give me a fantasy set in our world and I am sold!! This one has fabulous and intriguing characters, secret societies, tension, suspense, twists and turns and then you add in a delicious fated mates story, it had me reading it in one sitting. Connor and Fiona were such a great couple…dragon shifter chef and a romance author? I mean come on!!! I loved every second of it and can not wait to get to book 2 and read about the next Zodiac dragon!

[Shelby Clise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I’m going to be honest I wasn’t sure what to expect with this book, I went into it sort of blind just knowing it obviously had something to do with dragons but oh my gosh did I not expect this book to turn out the way it did. I absolutely loved it! I found myself not being able to put it down and I am super excited to see what happens in the rest of the series especially with that ending. Thank you so much to the author and The Author Agency for the eARC of this book!

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️: 5/5

Fiona is taken by a man…maybe a beast…straight from the alter on her wedding day. She finds out about a whole world hidden away. Dragons are real and there is a secret society determined to rid the world of them. This secret society very similar to those she writes about in her novels, but in real life…unbelievable. Now coping with being thrown into this world, her captor, Connor also believes that she is his mate.

🔥Fated Mates
🔥Dragon Shifters
🔥Warrior Brotherhood
🔥Zodiac/Aries Hero
🔥Touch Her and Die
🔥Heroine Trauma Healing
🔥Invisible Disability/ Heroine with fibro
🔥Secret Society

This was my first book I read by this author, and I loved it. I loved the world that was created in this book. The dragon shifter brotherhood was very unique, I have never read anything similar. It was so hard to put this book down during my adult responsibilities. I can’t wait to see what’s in store with for all the characters. I think I already have a soft spot for Remus.

[Sponkles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is soo good!! I absolutely loved seeing fibromyalgia spoken about in a book! 💚 Fiona is awesome, love that shes a writer and that her main character talks to her in her head! Connor is a dragon shifter and surprisingly patient. 😏😂 I love that he can sense what she needs and help her through stuff without her even realizing. There is plenty of twists and turns to keep things interesting! I cannot wait for the next book, all the hints to what else is going to happen are driving me crazy!

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

With two fire signs being fated mates you just know this story is going to be an explosive journey all around!!!
So let’s take an amazing author, toss in the first book in a new series, add dragons, fated mates, a secret society of really sucky bad dude’s and you have the beginning of an awesome new series, a truly magical journey with plenty of twists and turns to keep a reader truly enthralled.

[Vanessa Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ Review ✨
***
DRAGON ASCENDING was so good!! I loved Fiona and Connor. The writing was so good and the storyline was amazing. There were lots of twists and turns and amazing world building. I loved all the dragons and characters. The spice was so good and Connor was amazing. I loved the ending and cannot wait for Sebs story!
***
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🔥🔥
Romance: 🩷🩷🩷🩷
***

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent series in the making. Steamy with plenty of twists. The main female character has fibromyalgia and as a sufferer myself it is very well described. I love dragon shifters and this new series has plenty to go round. The prequel is a good introduction but you don't need to read it first.

[Mia Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a dragon girlie. So as soon as I saw dragon anything in the title I went running. This book was so good. I loved the fact that it wasn’t the traditional out look on dragons in some mythical land. It was modern day. There were gangs and everything. The whole book was written by someone who has done extensive research on the subject and who has a really great imagination. I loved it so much.

[Marsha Graniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dragon Ascending is an amazing read! This is my first time reading a book by Genevieve Jack and I couldn’t put it down. Connor and Fiona’s story is filled with mystery, secrets societies, romance and zodiac dragons!! Their story is a fated mates story with humorous moments that will make you love the characters more. I love how engrossed a story can take you, then surprises you with a twist you didn’t see coming. I really enjoyed their story and can’t wait to read the next one.

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a deep love of dragons, and Dragon Shifters are even better. Connor and Fiona are an amazing pair and I had a great time reading their story. This book has romance, danger, suspense, great writing, and a plot that is never dull. I loved every second of it and I can not wait to see what happens in the next book.

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I give this book 4 1/2⭐️ I really enjoyed it. I enjoyed this couple. I enjoyed the dragon aspects the force proximity, faded mates, spice can’t wait for the next book

[Anna gardone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

This is a start to a new series, it will capture your attention from the start and doesn't let go till you are finished. Characters are great, lots of action and romance. Can't wait for the next book.

[the_bibliophagist · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first time reading this author and I really enjoyed it. I like how immersing the story is. I also think the author did a good job with Fiona and how she portrays her fibromyalgia. I can personally relate. I can't wait for more from this series.

[Bookish Venturess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this world building is so amazing. I loved this book. I couldn't get over the characters and the issues that arise between the two groups. The dragons are so cool, and I can't wait to see what happens next. This book ended with you wanting to know more.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book about dragons where the heroine suffers from fibromyalgia (like me), that releases on my birthday? I'm SO IN!

I loved this speedy romp through secret societies, dragon shifters aligned with the zodiac, very evil baddies, and an adorable German Shepherd called Bones. From the opening murder of photographer Lucy, to the very end, everything zipped along at pace with the story mostly focused on Connor and Fiona's developing relationship while also delving into some centuries-old human/dragon conflict which had reared its head again following the breaking of The Accord with Lucy's murder.

There are some surprisingly dark moments for what is otherwise quite a light book. Fiona, as a writer, being able to hear her character's voice in her head was a great device and I loved how Connor helped her resolve her writer's block. I was so happy to see the fibromyalgia rep, though I wish it had been more consistently present (and therefore more realistic) throughout the book. Still, it's a rarely covered illness and great to see it acknowledged.

Overall this was super-enjoyable, 4.5 stars - I devoured it in 24 hours!

[Ravyen♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was immediately hooked! I loved each of the brothers personalities and that they were literally their star sign. This was such a tense, romantic, and cheesy in the best possible way books.

The world building was amazing and did a fantastic job of setting up the rest of the series! I'm normally reeling after cliffhangers, but with this one I am super excited! The secret society really upped the tension and drama. I'm completely here for it! I really can't wait for the next book to see what all happens between the Brotherhood and how the secret society rebuilds. I do hope we get to see plenty of Fiona and Conner in the coming books though!

[Amanda Price (LifeWithAmandaP) · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
🌶️🌶️/5

The series opens with an engaging and imaginative premise that blends the mysticism of Zodiac signs with the allure of dragons. The story centers around Connor, a member of the Zodiac Brotherhood, and his journey of leading his brothers through a time of uncertainty. Intrigued by suspicions surrounding an organization known as The Order, Connor infiltrates a wedding to gather information. His intention is to read the mind of a key guest to confirm whether The Order committed the act in question. However, things take an unexpected turn when he hears the desperate mental plea of the bride, Fiona, who is begging to be saved from a WAY TOO QUICKLY MOVING relationship/marriage. Connor, embodying the impulsive and bold traits of an Aries, rescues her without hesitation, only to realize that he has changed his destiny and the destiny of his brotherhood. This revelation sets off a chain of events that could complicate matters for the Zodiac Brotherhood even further.

Fiona is a character caught in the throes of grief and manipulation. Since the tragic death of her twin sister, she has been living in a fog, vulnerable to the advances of a controlling fiancé who has completely taken advantage of her fragile state and need for guidance through this tough time. On her wedding day, Fiona experiences a moment of clarity and panic, realizing she’s made a massive mistake, but cannot bring herself to stop walking down the aisle. Her salvation comes unexpectedly in the form of Connor, whose impulsive rescue whisks her away to a world she didn't know existed. When she first arrives to Connor’s home, she has a flare up with her fibromyalgia, forcing her to bed for DAYS! Once her body has finally begun to calm and heal, she begins to learn more about her captor. Her identity as a thriller author adds a unique layer to the narrative, providing depth to her character and influencing her interactions with Connor. While her fiery demeanor sometimes frustrates those around her, it also signifies her newfound freedom to express herself safely. The dynamics between Fiona and Connor evolve, showcasing her as a strong presence in their relationship, where she surprisingly takes the lead.

The interplay between Connor and Fiona is a fascinating study of character dynamics. Despite the whirlwind circumstances of their meeting, Fiona asserts herself within the relationship, often taking charge in a way that subverts traditional gender roles, and throws a wrench into Connors Alpha tendencies. This inversion is particularly enjoyable to witness, as Fiona’s assertiveness keeps Connor on his toes, showing a side of the Aries character that is rarely seen: vulnerability and adaptability in the face of true love. Her growth throughout the story is compelling, as she gradually embraces her inner strength and confidence, reminiscent of her lost sister. This transformation not only empowers Fiona but also enriches her bond with Connor, highlighting their compatibility and shared journey toward healing and love. Connor, initially impulsive and reckless, finds himself captivated and, in many ways, transformed by Fiona’s influence.

The world-building in the series extends beyond Connor and Fiona’s immediate narrative, hinting at a broader tapestry of Zodiac signs and their mythical connections. The introduction of other members of the Zodiac Brotherhood gives hope and guidance to future stories. Each character embodies distinct traits associated with their Zodiac sign, creating a rich and diverse cast of personalities. The Oracle's presence further enhances the mystical elements of the series, promising deeper revelations and connections. This rich tapestry of characters and their intertwining destinies ensures that the series promises to continue with excitement and exploration of its magical world.

I awarded this book a four-star review, primarily because there were moments when the narrative felt somewhat rushed. While the plot, characters, and foreshadowing for future installments are all commendable, I believe the journey could have been even more satisfying with a bit more elaboration. Despite this, I am eagerly anticipating the next book in the series. I am confident it will continue on the path of entertainment, captivation, and immersion that Dragon Ascending has established. Genevieve Jack has done a phenomenal job of drawing her audience into the world of her book, keeping them engaged, and leaving them wanting and expecting more from this world.

-

**I had the privilege of reading an advance copy of this book, and I'm eagerly looking forward to what comes next.**

[Lindsey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 🌶️🌶️

What a great opening book to a new series! Combining dragons and zodiac sigs intrigued me. However, the story, character development, world building, and voice that Genevieve writes in is what will keep me hooked on this series. I can’t wait for book 2!

Connor, in true Aries form, acts first asks questions later. When we meet Connor, he is crashing a wedding in order to obtain information, but instead steals away the bride. Ok, she was begging for someone to take her away, but impulsive nonetheless. Even more surprising, he has just saved his own mate from her wedding.

Fiona has been going through the motions of life. Losing her twin sister broke her beyond repair. She finally realized she couldn’t go through with her wedding. Being with Connor allows her to be herself again, fiery, impulsive, a bit unmanageable at times, but at least she is living again.

As the two grow into their mate bond we see more of what the Dragon Brotherhood is all about and what Connor’s role means, as the leader of the Aries. Dragons have always lived amount humans and in peace. However, this time of peace for the Brotherhood is coming to an end as the Saint’s Order shows signs of rising again. The Saints one goal is to eliminate all dragons. Connor is loyal, to both Fiona and the Brotherhood, and Fiona, once she starts living again, is a strong woman who is ready to help her mate fight.

This is the first book I have read by Genevieve and came to find out this is actually a prequel to another one of her books, Legacy of Fire. I didn’t feel lost or unable to keep up with the story line, but I will definitely be reading Legacy. This book has twists, mystery, romance, and an overall great plot line. I was entertained from page one to the last page and can’t wait for more of this series!

As always review trigger warnings before reading.

Tropes:
🔥Fated Mates
🐉Dragon Shifters
🔥Warrior Brotherhood
🐉Zodiac/Aries Hero
🔥Interrupted Wedding
🐉Touch Her and 💀
🔥Heroine Trauma Healing
🐉Invisible Disability/ Heroine with fibro
🔥Secret Society
🐉Spicy

[Daniela Tavares · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25/6.
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5.

Great start to a series! It's a series about Zodiac signs + dragons and I'm very intrigued by all of it.

Connor needs confirmation of whether The Order did what he thinks they did or not so he infiltrates a wedding with the intention of reading someone's mind until he hears the voice of the bride begging someone to save her from marrying her groom so that's exactly what he does.
Connor being an Aries, he acts first and asks questions later but then he realizes he might just have complicated things even more for the Zodiac Brotherhood than he thought because he just stole his mate. 👀

Fiona has been going through the motions in life since her twin sister died and her soon to be husband preyed on her to the point where she didn't mind marrying him so fast but when it came the time to tie the knot, she just couldn't do it.
She finally came alive once she landed in Connor's home. I liked that she was a Thriller author and how that played a role in this story.
She was fiery that's for sure which was a but frustrating at some point because it felt like she was like that because she knew she was safe with Connor which i understand, it meant that she could be herself but it just wasn't that enjoyable to me however I loved that once they got together she was the one to wear the pants in this relationship and I loved seeing that.
By the end she found her inner Alex and I loved that.
Aries being whipped by her also helped.
I loved them together!

I loved seeing the other world as well as the Oracle but I especially loved seeing the other Zodiac Brothers including Virgo (can't remember his name at the moment). He is so nonchalant so I'm excited to read his story but Seb is next and I'm intrigued.

* I read an arc of this book. *

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

CRAZY GOOD!!!

I absolutely LOVE Genevieve Jack’s books, and this one definitely was amazing. This is the first book in her new Dragon series – Zodiac Dragon Brotherhood. Connor is part of the Zodiac Dragon Brotherhood – and the Aries leader. The Zodiac brotherhood is 12 warriors (one of each Zodiac sign) that helps with defending their race – mostly against the Saints Order which is an evil group of super rich people who don’t like that the dragons help inspire creativity, innovation and more, and they want to keep the status quo to only the super-rich. Its Connors time to be the leader since Aries is in alignment, but when they discover that their tentative truce with the Saints Order might have been broken when a human is found mutilated with their signature, he decides to go against the decree to find out what’s happening and if they are truly behind it. When he gets to the compound, he discovers that the Grand Masters son is about to get married, and Connor’s dragon is claiming his soon to be bride as HIS MATE. He hears Fiona’s thoughts about wanting a sign if she shouldn’t marry Roman, and Connor and his dragon decide to take her. He takes Fiona to his remote cabin, and he tries to explain what he is and why he was there… and why he had taken her.

Sooooo much happened in this book, and it was ABSOLUTELY crazy in the best way. I don’t want to ruin any surprises, so I will only say that I absolutely, wholeheartedly recommend reading this book! You won’t regret it!

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in the Zodiac Dragon Brotherhood series kicks off with our Aries Dragon leading for his designated timeframe. He’s a strong and fiery character that holds an interesting dynamic. The story read more like a mystery than a romance and I really enjoyed the twists and turns it provided. Don’t worry the spicy is in there, and it’s worth the wait! It kept me interested the whole time and was short enough to be finished in a few days. If you enjoy strong female characters and dynamic mystery with a romance twist you are going to love Dragon Ascending.
If you have not read Legacy of Fire, it’s the prequel to this story, I highly recommend it. This story can be read on its own and it does stand alone well. I never felt like I was missing something if I hadn’t read the prequel. The Legacy of Fire story is really good and will add to this one so it’s worth the read!
More about what to expect in Dragon Ascending:
A Zodiac dragon warrior sworn to defend his kind...
Connor is an Aries dragon and member of the Zodiac Brotherhood, a band of twelve warriors charged with defending their race. Thanks to the sacrifice of one brother over fifty years ago, dragons have enjoyed a period of peace under an accord with the Saint’s Order. But when a civilian is brutally murdered in front of the Fontaine Saint-Michel, it’s clear that the Order is rising once more.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dragon shifters ✅ fated mates ✅ true love ✅ a fairy tale kind of love ✅ beauty and the beast vibes ✅ the only thing that would have made this book more perfect would be is her mates were all of the zodiacs lol 😏Blurb:
Duty clashes with desire. What Aries wants, Aries takes!
From the beginning, dragons have lived among humans, inspiring creativity, innovation, and sometimes revolution. Sent from the stars by the creator, the dragon race thrived until a wealthy medieval nobleman learned their secret. In an effort to protect his riches and position, he formed the Saints Order, a secret society fueled by dark magic and founded on the tenet of eradicating all dragons.
Connor is an Aries dragon and member of the Zodiac Brotherhood, a band of twelve warriors charged with defending their race. Thanks to the sacrifice of one brother over fifty years ago, dragons have enjoyed a period of peace under an accord with the Saint’s Order. But when a civilian is brutally murdered in front of the Fontaine Saint-Michel, it’s clear that the Order is rising once more.
Desperate to protect his people, avoid war, and force the Saint’s Order back to the negotiations table, Connor kidnaps the order grandmaster’s bride-to-be, washed-up novelist Fiona, from the altar. But the order isn’t interested in peace talks. Worse, Connor’s inner dragon names Fiona as his mate.