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The Paranormals of Ahl #1
The Dragon Problem
The one thing I want most in life is freedom. As the crown princess to the entire supernatural world, I’m shackled to a title.
When offered the chance to be free for a couple of years, I take it. Unfortunately, fate has other plans, and I’m thrown into a mystery that threatens to steal my freedom and destroy everything. Dragons are being mind-controlled, and their queen is missing. On top of that, I might have accidentally awakened an extremely powerful supernatural and stole a case from my mentor, the king of vampires.
With the help of friends and family, I need to balance two personas while I solve the dragon problem and find their queen before the entire supernatural world comes crashing down on our heads.
Welcome the debut novel of author ML Conklin and the first book in The Paranormals of Ahl urban fantasy series.
When offered the chance to be free for a couple of years, I take it. Unfortunately, fate has other plans, and I’m thrown into a mystery that threatens to steal my freedom and destroy everything. Dragons are being mind-controlled, and their queen is missing. On top of that, I might have accidentally awakened an extremely powerful supernatural and stole a case from my mentor, the king of vampires.
With the help of friends and family, I need to balance two personas while I solve the dragon problem and find their queen before the entire supernatural world comes crashing down on our heads.
Welcome the debut novel of author ML Conklin and the first book in The Paranormals of Ahl urban fantasy series.
357 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2024
233 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
October 8, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 stars!!!
☑️ Urban Fantasy
☑️ Dragons and shifters
☑️ Secret Identity (Princess -> Detective)
☑️ Missing Dragon Queen 👑
☑️ No Spice/Clean!!
First and foremost, I want to say that this book was amazing, and beautifully written by ML Conklin. However, in the beginning it was a little difficult getting used to the writing style. I think this is just because the various elements of this novel were so new to me, but it didn't bother me after I got used to it (which happened very quickly). Aside from that, I don't have any negatives about this book!
Now the positives (which are plentiful)!!! The world-building was written strategically so the reader doesn't feel overwhelmed, and because it is an urban fantasy, the world is similar to our own (although there are different magical species). I loved seeing the character development for Jenella (FMC) who learns how to live with the rest of the society after being coddled by her protective older brother for most of her life. I don't want to go into too much detail because I think it would be better to go into reading this book without knowing too much about the plot, but just know that it is amazing!
The romance isn't quite developed in this book but based on the ending it seems very likely that there will be a bigger focus on the romance in the second book in the series!
This book kept my attention for the entire span of the book, especially the ending which had me GASPING 😳 I think ML Conklin just wrote the biggest plot twist/betrayal I have ever read. But I haven't read the second book yet, so... 🤷 Overall I absolutely loved this book and cannot wait for the second book to come out in September!!!
(Also I'm sorry if this review wasn't helpful. This is my first time writing a review, but I want people to know just how good this book is because I cannot recommend it enough!)
Edit: I just wanted to say that it's been almost three(3) months since I read this book and I still think about it to this day, it was so good!!!!
☑️ Urban Fantasy
☑️ Dragons and shifters
☑️ Secret Identity (Princess -> Detective)
☑️ Missing Dragon Queen 👑
☑️ No Spice/Clean!!
First and foremost, I want to say that this book was amazing, and beautifully written by ML Conklin. However, in the beginning it was a little difficult getting used to the writing style. I think this is just because the various elements of this novel were so new to me, but it didn't bother me after I got used to it (which happened very quickly). Aside from that, I don't have any negatives about this book!
Now the positives (which are plentiful)!!! The world-building was written strategically so the reader doesn't feel overwhelmed, and because it is an urban fantasy, the world is similar to our own (although there are different magical species). I loved seeing the character development for Jenella (FMC) who learns how to live with the rest of the society after being coddled by her protective older brother for most of her life. I don't want to go into too much detail because I think it would be better to go into reading this book without knowing too much about the plot, but just know that it is amazing!
The romance isn't quite developed in this book but based on the ending it seems very likely that there will be a bigger focus on the romance in the second book in the series!
This book kept my attention for the entire span of the book, especially the ending which had me GASPING 😳 I think ML Conklin just wrote the biggest plot twist/betrayal I have ever read. But I haven't read the second book yet, so... 🤷 Overall I absolutely loved this book and cannot wait for the second book to come out in September!!!
(Also I'm sorry if this review wasn't helpful. This is my first time writing a review, but I want people to know just how good this book is because I cannot recommend it enough!)
Edit: I just wanted to say that it's been almost three(3) months since I read this book and I still think about it to this day, it was so good!!!!
April 29, 2025
It could have been amazing
This book had and lost my attention many times. The author has the main character treat us like we are bubbling idiots who forgot what we read mere pages prior. Not everything needs to be explained again and again So sad because this really really could have been My next favorite series.
This book had and lost my attention many times. The author has the main character treat us like we are bubbling idiots who forgot what we read mere pages prior. Not everything needs to be explained again and again So sad because this really really could have been My next favorite series.
June 21, 2024
Jenella has been sheltered most of her life, but when the opportunity to enjoy a few years of freedom present itself, she decides to take it. However, she's thrown into a dangerous mystery that threatens to tear the paranormal world apart... 👹
I absolutely LOVE fantasy and paranormal stories but this just didn't do it for me to be completely honest. 😖
I felt like the world building was a bit overwhelming at certain points. I get that there are myriads of supernatural beings, but to introduce so many at once left my head spinning.
The pacing was also a bit off. For example: there would be an action scene and then a character would be in a house relaxing. It threw me for a loop and I would have to go back and re-read paragraphs to make sure I didn't miss anything.
So much telling; show me. I would have loved more descriptions as I had a hard time picturing places and characters as to what they looked like.
I do love the idea of paranormals coexisting in their own coalitions with rules/laws. It made this more interesting, but again, so many characters at once left me confused.
Tarquin and Drake are my favorite characters though! Quin's snarkiness had me chuckling throughout the story! 😂
I can see what the author is trying to do, but just no executed properly. I believe if the pacing was not as quick, I would have enjoyed it a bit more. It was still good nonetheless!
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily*
I absolutely LOVE fantasy and paranormal stories but this just didn't do it for me to be completely honest. 😖
I felt like the world building was a bit overwhelming at certain points. I get that there are myriads of supernatural beings, but to introduce so many at once left my head spinning.
The pacing was also a bit off. For example: there would be an action scene and then a character would be in a house relaxing. It threw me for a loop and I would have to go back and re-read paragraphs to make sure I didn't miss anything.
So much telling; show me. I would have loved more descriptions as I had a hard time picturing places and characters as to what they looked like.
I do love the idea of paranormals coexisting in their own coalitions with rules/laws. It made this more interesting, but again, so many characters at once left me confused.
Tarquin and Drake are my favorite characters though! Quin's snarkiness had me chuckling throughout the story! 😂
I can see what the author is trying to do, but just no executed properly. I believe if the pacing was not as quick, I would have enjoyed it a bit more. It was still good nonetheless!
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily*
June 27, 2024
I had a hard time finishing this book, not because it wasn’t written well, or had a bad storyline but due to the pacing and the angst of the lead character:Jen. She’s about to be 35 and crowned , to take over the rule from her brother , who has been Regent since the death of their parents ( in this world the females rule). She did not act 34 in my mind, she was to afraid to upset people and live her life, so when she finally does, she finds everyone had been hiding things from her. She’s chosen to become a PI as her “work to understand the people she will rule in 5 years”, and the main case causes no end of problems. The pacing between scenes goes from slow to action filled then dead stop. The overall storyline was promising and the ending leaves it set up for book 2, which I’m hoping will be better written and fix the problems with her character, the interactions between her brother, his fated, Drake, Bas etc. I’ll probably read book2 to see if this happens, but if not I’ll not be reading the third book. 3✨’s I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 18, 2024
I really struggled with this book and the lack of world building and descriptions. When reading, I love to dead about the details and see what’s happening. There was a lot of “telling” us something had happened instead of letting it fully play out on the page. The main female character, Jen, was so naive and it got old quick. Drake, main male character or should I say Dragon, was the saving grace for keeping me going and reading!
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.
November 21, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Brilliant, Captivating Read I Absolutely Fell in Love With
This book was an absolute delight from start to finish. I fell head over heels for Drake and Janelle—their dynamic is compelling, electric, and so beautifully crafted. The fact that they’re mates (even though Janelle doesn’t know it yet!) adds such a delicious layer of tension and anticipation. I couldn’t get enough of their interactions, their chemistry, and every little moment that hinted at what’s inevitably coming.
The worldbuilding in this story is phenomenal. The blend of magic with subtle nods to the human world was clever and seamless, and the UFO comment had me laughing out loud. Those little touches gave the story such personality and charm, making it feel both fresh and familiar in all the right ways.
As someone who reads—and narrates—a lot of books, I can confidently say this one stands out. Even if I wasn’t narrating it, this is exactly the kind of story I would pick up on my own. The writing is exceptionally strong: descriptive without dragging, fast-paced yet perfectly balanced, giving me every detail I needed without ever slowing the momentum. The flow, the structure, the character depth... everything was spot-on.
I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this book. It’s immersive, fun, emotional, and brilliantly executed. Truly, well done! I’m genuinely excited to see where Drake and Janelle’s journey goes from here.
This book was an absolute delight from start to finish. I fell head over heels for Drake and Janelle—their dynamic is compelling, electric, and so beautifully crafted. The fact that they’re mates (even though Janelle doesn’t know it yet!) adds such a delicious layer of tension and anticipation. I couldn’t get enough of their interactions, their chemistry, and every little moment that hinted at what’s inevitably coming.
The worldbuilding in this story is phenomenal. The blend of magic with subtle nods to the human world was clever and seamless, and the UFO comment had me laughing out loud. Those little touches gave the story such personality and charm, making it feel both fresh and familiar in all the right ways.
As someone who reads—and narrates—a lot of books, I can confidently say this one stands out. Even if I wasn’t narrating it, this is exactly the kind of story I would pick up on my own. The writing is exceptionally strong: descriptive without dragging, fast-paced yet perfectly balanced, giving me every detail I needed without ever slowing the momentum. The flow, the structure, the character depth... everything was spot-on.
I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this book. It’s immersive, fun, emotional, and brilliantly executed. Truly, well done! I’m genuinely excited to see where Drake and Janelle’s journey goes from here.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2024
This is a quick paced action, mystery, fantasy novel. The world building is interesting-the main character is “new” to the scene after having lived a mostly sheltered life. So the reader can get a decent feel for the setting. I wouldn’t be opposed to more information however, since there is plenty to explore in the world.
I will say I’m surprised at the protagonist’s age. A key element of the novel is the relationship between the protagonist and her brother. So much of the plot centers on her “immaturity” and yet she is said to be 35 years old. Now I’m in my 30s and while I can certainly relate to a level of naivety and immaturity, the sheer amount of angst coming from her is not that relatable.
I appreciate an action packed book, and this novel certainly has plenty of action. Yet, while action is wonderful there also needs to be connections. Much of the novel jumps from one moment of action to another with little transition or connection.
Overall, I enjoyed the quick pace and the fantasy world building. I would like for future books in the series to include more connections and relatability.
I read this ARC through BookSirens and here is my honest review.
I will say I’m surprised at the protagonist’s age. A key element of the novel is the relationship between the protagonist and her brother. So much of the plot centers on her “immaturity” and yet she is said to be 35 years old. Now I’m in my 30s and while I can certainly relate to a level of naivety and immaturity, the sheer amount of angst coming from her is not that relatable.
I appreciate an action packed book, and this novel certainly has plenty of action. Yet, while action is wonderful there also needs to be connections. Much of the novel jumps from one moment of action to another with little transition or connection.
Overall, I enjoyed the quick pace and the fantasy world building. I would like for future books in the series to include more connections and relatability.
I read this ARC through BookSirens and here is my honest review.
June 22, 2024
Title: Fantastic action with great characters, character-development, and plot
The action is non-stop. It's seamlessly interwoven with the many interesting characters, their interactions and relationships, and the ongoing challenges they encounter. I was so caught up in the story that I read it in 24 hours.
The unusual origin of the paranormals explains their hidden presence on Earth. The many main characters have depth, individuality and agendas that are slowly revealed through the fast paced action and their interactions.
The Coalition regent, Mathias, is overly protective of the Coalition heir, his younger sister, Jenella. She is the pivotal character through whose experiences, actions, and collaborations we learn about the complex society she must eventually manage.
The end brings a surprise and a shocking revelation. Both increased my desire to immediately read the next book in this series.
I received an advance review copy for free. This review is voluntary. It describes my reaction to this book.
The action is non-stop. It's seamlessly interwoven with the many interesting characters, their interactions and relationships, and the ongoing challenges they encounter. I was so caught up in the story that I read it in 24 hours.
The unusual origin of the paranormals explains their hidden presence on Earth. The many main characters have depth, individuality and agendas that are slowly revealed through the fast paced action and their interactions.
The Coalition regent, Mathias, is overly protective of the Coalition heir, his younger sister, Jenella. She is the pivotal character through whose experiences, actions, and collaborations we learn about the complex society she must eventually manage.
The end brings a surprise and a shocking revelation. Both increased my desire to immediately read the next book in this series.
I received an advance review copy for free. This review is voluntary. It describes my reaction to this book.
June 9, 2024
All in all this is a pretty good read! The plot is intriguing, there’s an element of mystery to it, the interpersonal relationships of the characters are good, and the characters themselves are mostly likeable. Good enough that I’d recommend it to others and I’m looking forward to the next book!
Just a couple of critics preventing me from giving it 5-stars. First, the author can be a bit repetitive with her descriptions. It’s more noticeable in the first couple of chapters than anywhere else in the book. Second, the characters are all supposed to be much older than they come across on the page. The main character is supposed to be in her mid-30’s but mostly comes across as either a petulant teenager or a very naive young 20’s. It’s not wholly unappealing, just not believable as someone of the given age.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Just a couple of critics preventing me from giving it 5-stars. First, the author can be a bit repetitive with her descriptions. It’s more noticeable in the first couple of chapters than anywhere else in the book. Second, the characters are all supposed to be much older than they come across on the page. The main character is supposed to be in her mid-30’s but mostly comes across as either a petulant teenager or a very naive young 20’s. It’s not wholly unappealing, just not believable as someone of the given age.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 23, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Where do I start. I have fallen in love with this series. It was full of action, the MFC was very likeable yet there is so much growth yet to see. The author did a great job of showing her growth as she works to overcome the trauma from her childhood. The world building was wonderful to visit. I enjoyed all the characters. The MMC (here's to hoping he is the love interest) had me at times laughing out loud. They were fleshed out so well it felt like this book was number 2 or 3 in a series. There was none of the 1st book mistakes. I am enjoying the dynamics of her and her brother working through their relationship from savior brother/father to allowing her to grow up and make mistakes. I cannot wait for the next in this series. Here is hoping for it to be coming out super quick.
June 30, 2024
Welcome to a new series where supernaturals exist and visit our world from pockets where they live. In this book introduced to the sheltered future Queen of them all Jenella and her struggles. But as her time to take the throne approaches she has plans. But of course things do not go quite as planned and I got a fun and entertaining story. Introduced to this world and the major characters. A few twists, light surprises and an ending that made me laugh and wonder what might happen next. Plus some trouble to come is here to to add fun. I enjoyed the story and it made me laugh and gran. Though at times I did want to slap Jenella but some of that was due to her characters written well and what expect from a sheltered royal.
April 29, 2024
I actually enjoyed this book. Sure, anything with dragons is a win in my world, but this was a great read. Add in vampires, shifters, witches, demons and political machinations and I'm here for it.
The characters are diverse and interesting, and the world building and lore is well thought out.
The only thing that got old, was the constant battle between Mat and Jen. Her whining and him being an overprotective big brother.
The characters are diverse and interesting, and the world building and lore is well thought out.
The only thing that got old, was the constant battle between Mat and Jen. Her whining and him being an overprotective big brother.
May 7, 2024
Loved the book! Very good story, lots of interesting character and a great storyline. I was a little concerned about all of the diff characters and keeping track of who was who but the Author did a great job of avoiding getting you lost in that. I cannot wait for the next book to see what chaos Jen gets herself and her people into next!!! Read this book!! You won’t be disappointed.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily and with my own opinions.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily and with my own opinions.
February 23, 2025
Amazing! This Magical book has everything you want in a fantasy novel! Jenella is an unwilling Queen, and her brother Mathias is the Regent. Dragons, Vampires, Shifters, Leprechauns and more! They all live in pocket realms that humans know nothing about. The world-building is enchanting! The Demons are evil yet others are too! Jenella has to puzzle out the Bellicose trying to steal her throne & save her people! 5 Stars!
July 1, 2024
Great start to a new series. Jen has her destiny pretty much laid out in front of her but is determined to have more. I like how we get to discover the world outside of her sheltered existence right alongside her. She does seem awful naive for her age, but a large part of that could be because she was so sheltered.
March 3, 2025
A great read!
I was immediately drawn into the story of an imperfect woman trying to learn to be the best queen she might be. Her overprotective big brother tends to be in her way, a friend encourages and fights evil with her, and various others work with her. It's an interesting world with robust characters.
I was immediately drawn into the story of an imperfect woman trying to learn to be the best queen she might be. Her overprotective big brother tends to be in her way, a friend encourages and fights evil with her, and various others work with her. It's an interesting world with robust characters.
June 23, 2025
Excellent first book!
This is the first book that I’ve read by this author as well as the first book in the series. I appreciate the thought given to creating both complex characters and a complex world.
I also am happy that even though the main plot was not resolved, this didn’t end in a cliffhanger.
I’m looking forward to the rest of the series.
This is the first book that I’ve read by this author as well as the first book in the series. I appreciate the thought given to creating both complex characters and a complex world.
I also am happy that even though the main plot was not resolved, this didn’t end in a cliffhanger.
I’m looking forward to the rest of the series.
July 4, 2025
Queen in waiting
She has been a queen in waiting since her parents died, protected by her older brother but in this reality third born children became heir. Now that her thirty fifth birthday is on the horizon the Coronation is being scheduled.
With the Coronation a return of hostilities, will she live long enough to actually become queen? Good Read.
She has been a queen in waiting since her parents died, protected by her older brother but in this reality third born children became heir. Now that her thirty fifth birthday is on the horizon the Coronation is being scheduled.
With the Coronation a return of hostilities, will she live long enough to actually become queen? Good Read.
October 8, 2025
Great First Book
I have been reading fantasy many decades now and it rare that a first book by a new author impresses me as much as this one. The world building is excellent. While the idea of a separation of paranormals from normals is normal her take on it is different and enjoyable. I am looking forward to reading the one in the series!
I have been reading fantasy many decades now and it rare that a first book by a new author impresses me as much as this one. The world building is excellent. While the idea of a separation of paranormals from normals is normal her take on it is different and enjoyable. I am looking forward to reading the one in the series!
October 10, 2025
dragons and vampires and witches oh my
But the core of the story is really about a future queen who is not sure she wants to be a future queen due to childhood trauma, and how she breaks out to become a more powerful version of herself the characters were engaging the storyline and plot compelling if you don’t read this, you’re crazy
But the core of the story is really about a future queen who is not sure she wants to be a future queen due to childhood trauma, and how she breaks out to become a more powerful version of herself the characters were engaging the storyline and plot compelling if you don’t read this, you’re crazy
October 20, 2025
Interesting from the first paragraph!
This book is my first by this author and the story was good and fun to read! I can't wait to find out what's happening next... I highly recommend this book as it has great characters, an interesting story and enough background characters to keep you wanting more of everything!
This book is my first by this author and the story was good and fun to read! I can't wait to find out what's happening next... I highly recommend this book as it has great characters, an interesting story and enough background characters to keep you wanting more of everything!
December 7, 2025
The writing was too disjointed for me. The story bounced around too much and seemed choppy. If this were polished a bit more it would be a good read. The characters and world are interesting. The plot messy and easily seen through but with some finesse and a few tweaks it would be interesting and entertaining.
April 26, 2024
A good mystery with a lot of mystical creatures and a detailed magical world. I really like Jen, she is funny and real and has magic with a mind of its own. All the side characters were great too. I can’t wait for Jen’s next adventure.
June 24, 2024
Whaaaat? What an ending! What a stunning; world shaking ending!
Cliffhanger —- everything was wrapping up beautifully and in one sentence you left me hanging there!
Great world building; great characters.
I easily found myself invested in their lives and traumas.
Cliffhanger —- everything was wrapping up beautifully and in one sentence you left me hanging there!
Great world building; great characters.
I easily found myself invested in their lives and traumas.
July 20, 2024
Excellent new author!
Loved the story, the heroine, and the situation. The author did a good job with her growth and added marvelous side characters! Have already marked the date for book 2 ...
Loved the story, the heroine, and the situation. The author did a good job with her growth and added marvelous side characters! Have already marked the date for book 2 ...
August 15, 2024
Great Book
Not a fan of leaving reviews, but this book/series deserves one.
Excellent world building, nice mixing of characters, and great amounts of suspension. I highly recommend this for any age!
Not a fan of leaving reviews, but this book/series deserves one.
Excellent world building, nice mixing of characters, and great amounts of suspension. I highly recommend this for any age!
September 20, 2024
Relationships are a quagmire; family, friends, more than friends or supernatural.
Combine them and it's a heck of a mess. Mix in royalty, politics and revolutions; and you are certain to have all kinds of discension on your hands
Combine them and it's a heck of a mess. Mix in royalty, politics and revolutions; and you are certain to have all kinds of discension on your hands
October 7, 2024
KINDLE UNLIMITED
DNF -
I stopped reading at page 97. I'm not sure if it was a sudden mood shift or if I just got tired of the MC being so overpowered yet having no power or control due to how the power system was set up.
DNF -
I stopped reading at page 97. I'm not sure if it was a sudden mood shift or if I just got tired of the MC being so overpowered yet having no power or control due to how the power system was set up.
December 29, 2024
Such a Great Adventure Read
This book has been such an awesome all encompassing fun adventure! It has been a minute since I was so sucked into a book! The storyline and characters and world building is exquisitely crafted! Highly recommend reading this!
This book has been such an awesome all encompassing fun adventure! It has been a minute since I was so sucked into a book! The storyline and characters and world building is exquisitely crafted! Highly recommend reading this!
January 28, 2025
Dragons, Vampires, Witches, Leprechauns and all sorts of others
If you like any of the latter (see)titles, you will enjoy this book. Add in an over protective sibling and you have and amusing and enjoyable story.
If you like any of the latter (see)titles, you will enjoy this book. Add in an over protective sibling and you have and amusing and enjoyable story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews