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Fire Chronicles #1
Dragons Don't Cry
One pint sized human female who’s had too much to drink, not enough sleep, and absolutely no patience meets one stubborn dragon shifter with an attitude.
Bastian claims Acasia, his unwilling bride, after she spends the night carousing with friends. She’s not happy, he’s pissed off, and with a curse from a goddess thrown in, you’ll see Bastian breathe fire.
Add secrets, treasure, and unimaginable heartbreak for an emotionally humorous read and discover why Dragons Don’t Cry.
Bastian claims Acasia, his unwilling bride, after she spends the night carousing with friends. She’s not happy, he’s pissed off, and with a curse from a goddess thrown in, you’ll see Bastian breathe fire.
Add secrets, treasure, and unimaginable heartbreak for an emotionally humorous read and discover why Dragons Don’t Cry.
205 pages, ebook
First published March 19, 2014
279 people are currently reading
974 people want to read
About the author
D'Elen McClain
28 books188 followersI’m a writer, author, word warrior! I owned an independent bookstore for many years in my 20’s and 30’s. So it should be obvious, I LOVE BOOKS. Fiction or non-fiction it doesn’t matter. I hated self-help but then found Og Mandino. I hated French history and the game of chess and then discovered The Eight by Katherine Neville. I’ve stopped limiting myself to what I think I like.
That brings me to paranormal fiction. It’s a passion of mine. Vampires, werewolves, ghosts, zombies, angels and demons, I read them all. I’ve wanted to write a vampire/werewolf novel for a long time. Taking a break from another series (aka Suzie Ivy The Bad Luck Detective), I decided to write the story screaming inside my head. The Fang Chronicles Book I almost wrote itself. No research or trying to remember a specific conversation, all I needed to do was keep the names straight.
That brings me to paranormal fiction. It’s a passion of mine. Vampires, werewolves, ghosts, zombies, angels and demons, I read them all. I’ve wanted to write a vampire/werewolf novel for a long time. Taking a break from another series (aka Suzie Ivy The Bad Luck Detective), I decided to write the story screaming inside my head. The Fang Chronicles Book I almost wrote itself. No research or trying to remember a specific conversation, all I needed to do was keep the names straight.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
March 22, 2014
I just have to say WOW, what a fun start to a new series. Ms. McClain didn't bombard us with world building; the information about Bastian's realm, and the others, flowed naturally.
Acasia was a hoot. She shows up drunk for the claiming and once chosen and in Bastian's tower, she throws up on his talons. Then threatens to do it again. I would have liked hearing that dragon laugh. He's a dragon shifter.
I'd also like to fly with him.
The four remaining male dragons have been cursed by Hera because of one dragon's act. They are called to the claiming once every one hundred years. They choose a bride, fall in love with her, and then she dies at the end of her life-span. They are always heart-broken. They are cursed to go through this cycle until they find their one true mate. Makes for some sad moments as they remember their loves.
There is a loophole, and Acasia just might be it.
I was confused at one point. Bastian takes Acasia to the Earth Realm. They are met by Dmitri, a vampire. There are shifters, too. Once I realized that these characters are all from The Fang Chronicles, it made more sense.
One hopes that Ms. McClain is well into writing the next book in the series, as this was loads of reading fun.
Thank you, NetGalley and D'Elen McClain, for the opportunity to read Dragons Don't Cry
Acasia was a hoot. She shows up drunk for the claiming and once chosen and in Bastian's tower, she throws up on his talons. Then threatens to do it again. I would have liked hearing that dragon laugh. He's a dragon shifter.
I'd also like to fly with him.
The four remaining male dragons have been cursed by Hera because of one dragon's act. They are called to the claiming once every one hundred years. They choose a bride, fall in love with her, and then she dies at the end of her life-span. They are always heart-broken. They are cursed to go through this cycle until they find their one true mate. Makes for some sad moments as they remember their loves.
There is a loophole, and Acasia just might be it.
I was confused at one point. Bastian takes Acasia to the Earth Realm. They are met by Dmitri, a vampire. There are shifters, too. Once I realized that these characters are all from The Fang Chronicles, it made more sense.
One hopes that Ms. McClain is well into writing the next book in the series, as this was loads of reading fun.
Thank you, NetGalley and D'Elen McClain, for the opportunity to read Dragons Don't Cry
March 22, 2014
I got this ARC from Netgalley and this is my honest review of it.
This was not what I was expecting it to be from the blurb,but blurbs can be very misleading but I guess I oughta have gotten the clue from the authors other books.I can only blame myself for this.
Oh hilarious I thought to myself.
So this girl and her friends go out drinking one evening and by accident she ends up a bride of a dragon.
Well..what the blurb fails to mention is that yes they do go out drinking but only as a last celebration before one of them is chosen as the bride of a dragon in the claiming ceremony taking place the day after.
Acasia is chosen and taken back to the dragons lair. This is pretty much the plot if you dont count the sideplot the author develops late in the plot when the author probably realized she had to have something to propel it forward.
The beginning of the book in lack of a better word felt messy. Greek gods? But it seems this takes place in some fantasy land so it had me really confused.
I would rather have some made up pantheon than borrowing from one that really existed and apart from some mention of them in swear words and in regards to a curse they dont really play a large part in this book.
And another thing. In this (I assume) fantasy world . Jeans exists. as in the garment you wear but its all explained when it turns out you can travel to the human world. And this is the most developed setting in the book but thats not saying much.
Then there are our maincharacters.
The girl Acasia is soo perfect. Her hair is so blonde its almost silver and she has huge almost freakishly large blue eyes and curvy body. And despite her being a virgin she is an intensely sexual person. She barely bats an eye when a guy she nicknames "man of shadows" comes into her bed at night and touches her. But she knows her role in this book so she is cool with it.
If you didnt know or guess its the dragon who can shift into a man.
Bastian,the dragon certainly mopes around about his last bride (who died) but that doesnt keep him from instantly lusting after Acasia and call her "stupid woman Acasia" I guess I was supposed to find this funny but I didnt.
I expected a story instead I got badly written erotica wich in this case amounts to completely avoiding the idea building up a relationship or even a plot throughout the book and just go straight for the sex. Ugh.
But this was labeled as a romance on the Netgalley website so I wonder a bit a that.
This was not what I was expecting it to be from the blurb,but blurbs can be very misleading but I guess I oughta have gotten the clue from the authors other books.I can only blame myself for this.
Oh hilarious I thought to myself.
So this girl and her friends go out drinking one evening and by accident she ends up a bride of a dragon.
Well..what the blurb fails to mention is that yes they do go out drinking but only as a last celebration before one of them is chosen as the bride of a dragon in the claiming ceremony taking place the day after.
Acasia is chosen and taken back to the dragons lair. This is pretty much the plot if you dont count the sideplot the author develops late in the plot when the author probably realized she had to have something to propel it forward.
The beginning of the book in lack of a better word felt messy. Greek gods? But it seems this takes place in some fantasy land so it had me really confused.
I would rather have some made up pantheon than borrowing from one that really existed and apart from some mention of them in swear words and in regards to a curse they dont really play a large part in this book.
And another thing. In this (I assume) fantasy world . Jeans exists. as in the garment you wear but its all explained when it turns out you can travel to the human world. And this is the most developed setting in the book but thats not saying much.
Then there are our maincharacters.
The girl Acasia is soo perfect. Her hair is so blonde its almost silver and she has huge almost freakishly large blue eyes and curvy body. And despite her being a virgin she is an intensely sexual person. She barely bats an eye when a guy she nicknames "man of shadows" comes into her bed at night and touches her. But she knows her role in this book so she is cool with it.
If you didnt know or guess its the dragon who can shift into a man.
Bastian,the dragon certainly mopes around about his last bride (who died) but that doesnt keep him from instantly lusting after Acasia and call her "stupid woman Acasia" I guess I was supposed to find this funny but I didnt.
I expected a story instead I got badly written erotica wich in this case amounts to completely avoiding the idea building up a relationship or even a plot throughout the book and just go straight for the sex. Ugh.
But this was labeled as a romance on the Netgalley website so I wonder a bit a that.
March 27, 2014
Get ready for a roller costar ride you won’t never forget. Dragons Don’t Cry is suspenseful, sexy and downright funny and I loved reading every minute of it.
The bickering between Acasia and Bastian will make you laugh your butt off. Acasia thinks she is the dragon’s dinner and Bastian just wants a bride and his dirty din.
Bastian is nothing but an old pompous fire breathing dragon that needs to be bought down a few notches and Acasia is going to do just that. The thing is Bastian’s has a good reason for being so pompous, he is sick to death of the curse place on him and the other dragons.
Both Bastian and Acasia are strong characters and once love really starts sparking things really gets heated between them.
You get a great start to a world that is only going to build as each book is released and great main and side characters that you’ll want to keep reading. If you love humor, action and a hot read then Dragon’s Don’t Cry is a must read.
The bickering between Acasia and Bastian will make you laugh your butt off. Acasia thinks she is the dragon’s dinner and Bastian just wants a bride and his dirty din.
Bastian is nothing but an old pompous fire breathing dragon that needs to be bought down a few notches and Acasia is going to do just that. The thing is Bastian’s has a good reason for being so pompous, he is sick to death of the curse place on him and the other dragons.
Both Bastian and Acasia are strong characters and once love really starts sparking things really gets heated between them.
You get a great start to a world that is only going to build as each book is released and great main and side characters that you’ll want to keep reading. If you love humor, action and a hot read then Dragon’s Don’t Cry is a must read.
October 4, 2014
DNF at 50%
I apologize to the author, but the novel fell utterly flat for me. I'm not sure whether I can say that a story is author-driven, but I do and try to explain what I mean by it.
We have the narrative voice that explains to us what's happening, but there's no voice from characters or places/worlds. The story moves forward (err... kind of) only because the author says so. There's no (emotional?) link to what's happening or to what you are expecting to.
We have a confused prologue in which there's a mix of mythologies and a some added-up things. And this is the only world-building we get. As a reader I was really "confused" by earth references in a fantasy context and the late "explanations" to it.
Then the story meanders between erotica and romance without being either. There's no romance in the plot and no real eroticism to the sex. (Again the fact that an author makes a character say I love you, doesn't imply that as a reader you get the love.)
In the first few pages, she is forced to "marry" him (there's no ceremony apart from taking her from a group of girls), he moves her to suicide (no, you don't feel that either) scaring her into thinking he will eat her.
Next, she has a couple of wet dreams, he deflowers her, she's in love. Putting together these phrases doesn't make the story. Unfortunately the same happens in the novel.
As someone else has already said:
I left the book midway, so I'm not sure if there's some plot going forward. But from this other review, it seems not.
Arc courtesy of author via Netgalley
I apologize to the author, but the novel fell utterly flat for me. I'm not sure whether I can say that a story is author-driven, but I do and try to explain what I mean by it.
We have the narrative voice that explains to us what's happening, but there's no voice from characters or places/worlds. The story moves forward (err... kind of) only because the author says so. There's no (emotional?) link to what's happening or to what you are expecting to.
We have a confused prologue in which there's a mix of mythologies and a some added-up things. And this is the only world-building we get. As a reader I was really "confused" by earth references in a fantasy context and the late "explanations" to it.
Then the story meanders between erotica and romance without being either. There's no romance in the plot and no real eroticism to the sex. (Again the fact that an author makes a character say I love you, doesn't imply that as a reader you get the love.)
In the first few pages, she is forced to "marry" him (there's no ceremony apart from taking her from a group of girls), he moves her to suicide (no, you don't feel that either) scaring her into thinking he will eat her.
Next, she has a couple of wet dreams, he deflowers her, she's in love. Putting together these phrases doesn't make the story. Unfortunately the same happens in the novel.
As someone else has already said:
Acasia is chosen and taken back to the dragons lair. This is pretty much the plot [...].
I left the book midway, so I'm not sure if there's some plot going forward. But from this other review, it seems not.
I expected a story instead I got badly written erotica wich in this case amounts to completely avoiding the idea building up a relationship or even a plot throughout the book and just go straight for the sex.
Arc courtesy of author via Netgalley
February 22, 2017
(RabidReads.com)Fang Chronicles by D’Elen McClain was the first shifter series that became a must read for me. They were good romances with interesting, well drawn characters and were exciting, suspenseful reads. So, although the series ended awhile back, I finally made it back into this authors world with her next series featuring, DRAGONS!
For those mythology fans out there, this book features a curse on the four remaining male dragons. Hera, Greek goddess of marriage is quite spiteful(she has her reasons) and puts her curse on the dragons because she is mad at a fifth dragon. Not fair, but that’s just the way it is. The dragons are cursed to have one chance every hundred years to find a bride. If the bride is their true mate then the curse is lifted for that dragon. If not, they have to wait one hundred years for another chance. To make it more interesting, they literally only have minutes to pick a bride from chosen women in a small village. Really small odds for these dragons.
Bastian is a red dragon. He is still mourning the loss of his last bride thirty two years previously, when he claims Acasia and takes her from her realm to the dragon realm. The people of her town have always wondered what happens to the women that are taken, so Acasia is ready for anything-including being eaten. Bastian isn’t anyone’s idea of a fun creature, especially while in mourning. Acasia is feisty as they come and not willing to take anything from anyone if she doesn’t want to. What she doesn’t realize is that Bastian is a shifter, so there really is a man underneath all that huge mass of scales and fire breathing.
This read really didn’t take itself too seriously, so it was a fun, easy read for me. Bastian reminded me of a grizzly bear with a teddy bear inside. He’s actually a pretty good guy, but he’s got a major temper. Acasia doesn’t realize that Bastian is actually the dragon for awhile so it was interesting to see the two fall in love. Acasia isn’t like any of his other brides, she is so outspoken, and at times she seems to go out of her way to make Bastian mad. I also liked that there is so much magic inside these dragons, and we do meet all the dragons and their brides. The world the author has built created more realms than just Earth. And Acasia comes from a completely different realm than Earth. I think my favorite part of the read is when Bastian and Acasia actually visit Earth. For fans of the Fang Chronicles you will understand why fairly quickly.
So, good characters, unique premise, romance, and dragon adventures ended up making this a good read for me. It’s definitely an adult read due to very sensual scenes. I recommend this to readers that love shifter romance with a unique premise-and dragons!
For those mythology fans out there, this book features a curse on the four remaining male dragons. Hera, Greek goddess of marriage is quite spiteful(she has her reasons) and puts her curse on the dragons because she is mad at a fifth dragon. Not fair, but that’s just the way it is. The dragons are cursed to have one chance every hundred years to find a bride. If the bride is their true mate then the curse is lifted for that dragon. If not, they have to wait one hundred years for another chance. To make it more interesting, they literally only have minutes to pick a bride from chosen women in a small village. Really small odds for these dragons.
Bastian is a red dragon. He is still mourning the loss of his last bride thirty two years previously, when he claims Acasia and takes her from her realm to the dragon realm. The people of her town have always wondered what happens to the women that are taken, so Acasia is ready for anything-including being eaten. Bastian isn’t anyone’s idea of a fun creature, especially while in mourning. Acasia is feisty as they come and not willing to take anything from anyone if she doesn’t want to. What she doesn’t realize is that Bastian is a shifter, so there really is a man underneath all that huge mass of scales and fire breathing.
This read really didn’t take itself too seriously, so it was a fun, easy read for me. Bastian reminded me of a grizzly bear with a teddy bear inside. He’s actually a pretty good guy, but he’s got a major temper. Acasia doesn’t realize that Bastian is actually the dragon for awhile so it was interesting to see the two fall in love. Acasia isn’t like any of his other brides, she is so outspoken, and at times she seems to go out of her way to make Bastian mad. I also liked that there is so much magic inside these dragons, and we do meet all the dragons and their brides. The world the author has built created more realms than just Earth. And Acasia comes from a completely different realm than Earth. I think my favorite part of the read is when Bastian and Acasia actually visit Earth. For fans of the Fang Chronicles you will understand why fairly quickly.
So, good characters, unique premise, romance, and dragon adventures ended up making this a good read for me. It’s definitely an adult read due to very sensual scenes. I recommend this to readers that love shifter romance with a unique premise-and dragons!
Read
February 18, 2014This book releases on March 31, 2014
Excerpt:
Click. Click…
“Oh hell no.” I somehow managed to launch myself at the offending nail. It was bigger than the upper portion of my body but I landed on it with one goal… make that infernal noise stop.
His leg shifted beneath me but the claw I held didn’t move. A talon from his opposite appendage pushed, rolling me sideways but I held tight. He lowered his head and one red eye gazed directly into mine.
“Stupid human female named Acasia. Beg for your life.” The gruff voice sounded loudly in my head.
My stomach rolled again but I managed to speak, “Why should I beg when I can no longer take the smell. Dying would be a blessing.” A low groan left my throat.
“Humph.” The sound thundered through the room.
A dragon humphed me, the ass.
“What about the smell do you find displeasing?” he demanded, his voice rupturing every brain cell I possessed.
Was he serious? I couldn’t release his claw because he might continue the racket that drove me crazy but more than anything, I wanted to plug my nose. I looked away from his gaze, twisting so I could see what caused the repulsive odor. I also didn’t release his claw because for some strange reason, touching him calmed me.
What I saw turned my stomach upside down again and I swallowed back the bile in my throat. Partially devoured carcasses littered the floor—a leg here, thigh there—all in various stages of decay. Oh my gods, I was losing it again. I tried pushing away but didn’t make it. More chunky vomit spewed from my stomach landing on his talon and foot, or arm, whatever the hell it was.
When the heaving stopped, I finally answered, “Death, I smell death.”
“Humph. You smell of vomit and fermented drink. I don’t believe you are one to speak.”
“Gods do it, just do it you hulking jerk.”
“Do what, human female named Acasia?”
“Kill me, please,” it came out on a shriek.
“You humans are strange.” This time, his other talon shoved me farther away, moving me from his barf covered claw.
A deer hoof attached to a partial leg rested two inches in front of my face. I managed to scramble to my feet. I saw the dragon lift his middle claw.
Oh no he wouldn’t. “If you do that, I’ll puke on your other foot.”
“You have one last chance to beg for your life.” His jaws didn’t move but his grumbling voice threaded through my mind. Now, it was deep and husky like him calling my name when I waited with my claiming sisters.
Where my bravado came from, I don’t know. “I will not beg. Eat me.”
He reared up on his hind legs, his wings spreading out. I didn’t move, waiting for death—embracing it. The air moved when his wings flapped. For two seconds he hovered and then he rose until he rested on a ledge hundreds of feet above me.
He peered over his shoulder, “I will eat you tomorrow.” With a last look at where I stood, he went over the side, out of my view.
Excerpt:
Click. Click…
“Oh hell no.” I somehow managed to launch myself at the offending nail. It was bigger than the upper portion of my body but I landed on it with one goal… make that infernal noise stop.
His leg shifted beneath me but the claw I held didn’t move. A talon from his opposite appendage pushed, rolling me sideways but I held tight. He lowered his head and one red eye gazed directly into mine.
“Stupid human female named Acasia. Beg for your life.” The gruff voice sounded loudly in my head.
My stomach rolled again but I managed to speak, “Why should I beg when I can no longer take the smell. Dying would be a blessing.” A low groan left my throat.
“Humph.” The sound thundered through the room.
A dragon humphed me, the ass.
“What about the smell do you find displeasing?” he demanded, his voice rupturing every brain cell I possessed.
Was he serious? I couldn’t release his claw because he might continue the racket that drove me crazy but more than anything, I wanted to plug my nose. I looked away from his gaze, twisting so I could see what caused the repulsive odor. I also didn’t release his claw because for some strange reason, touching him calmed me.
What I saw turned my stomach upside down again and I swallowed back the bile in my throat. Partially devoured carcasses littered the floor—a leg here, thigh there—all in various stages of decay. Oh my gods, I was losing it again. I tried pushing away but didn’t make it. More chunky vomit spewed from my stomach landing on his talon and foot, or arm, whatever the hell it was.
When the heaving stopped, I finally answered, “Death, I smell death.”
“Humph. You smell of vomit and fermented drink. I don’t believe you are one to speak.”
“Gods do it, just do it you hulking jerk.”
“Do what, human female named Acasia?”
“Kill me, please,” it came out on a shriek.
“You humans are strange.” This time, his other talon shoved me farther away, moving me from his barf covered claw.
A deer hoof attached to a partial leg rested two inches in front of my face. I managed to scramble to my feet. I saw the dragon lift his middle claw.
Oh no he wouldn’t. “If you do that, I’ll puke on your other foot.”
“You have one last chance to beg for your life.” His jaws didn’t move but his grumbling voice threaded through my mind. Now, it was deep and husky like him calling my name when I waited with my claiming sisters.
Where my bravado came from, I don’t know. “I will not beg. Eat me.”
He reared up on his hind legs, his wings spreading out. I didn’t move, waiting for death—embracing it. The air moved when his wings flapped. For two seconds he hovered and then he rose until he rested on a ledge hundreds of feet above me.
He peered over his shoulder, “I will eat you tomorrow.” With a last look at where I stood, he went over the side, out of my view.
March 29, 2015
I love dragon books so whenever I find one I HAVE to read it. This is why I grabbed the chance to review Dragons don't cry with both hands.
Dragonkind has been cursed by Hera many, many years ago after one of them killed her daughter. After slaying the ones she could find, only four dragons were left. They are to find a bride once every one hundred years, fall in love, watch her grow old and die. They are to suffer and repeat the cycle until they find a true mate. Only then the curse will be broken.
Bastian is heartbroken and can't take much more of this life. He still mourns the loss of his last bride and doesn't want another claiming but when his time comes he can't stay away. The curse won't allow it. So, he's heading for the town where a group of young women are waiting. Will this bride be the one?
Acasia doesn't agree with the ritual going on for centuries. Every twenty five years a group of young women, virgins, are gathered so one of the dragons may choose a bride. The chosen one will never be seen again and no one knows what happens with them. She and her friends are not happy to be among the ones that will be presented to the dragon this time around.
Needless to say, she'll be the dragon's choice.
And here's where the fun begins:
Before the claiming Acasia has been drinking, so when she wakes up she has the mother of all headaches and her nose is assaulted by the most horrible smell. She understands she's in the dragon's lair and finds him standing above her.
As soon as she opens her mouth, sparks fly. She won't bow or beg for her life and if that's what he's waiting for he can go to hell!
Bastian is intrigued. This “stupid human female” is challenging him, amuses him and gives him hope. Still, he's not ready to give all of himself and have his heart break all over again. But it doesn't matter how hard he fights, Acasia won't accept bits and pieces. She's determined to have all, especially when she begins to understand him better.
D'Elen did and good job. The writing style was good but I think she should have told us more about the dragons, especially Bastian. I didn't quite understand how the realms work. She's been too vague. I hope she'll decide to write about the other three dragons too. I'd love to hear their stories.
All in all it was a great read and I recommend it. It was lots of fun.
Happy Reading!
Dragonkind has been cursed by Hera many, many years ago after one of them killed her daughter. After slaying the ones she could find, only four dragons were left. They are to find a bride once every one hundred years, fall in love, watch her grow old and die. They are to suffer and repeat the cycle until they find a true mate. Only then the curse will be broken.
Bastian is heartbroken and can't take much more of this life. He still mourns the loss of his last bride and doesn't want another claiming but when his time comes he can't stay away. The curse won't allow it. So, he's heading for the town where a group of young women are waiting. Will this bride be the one?
Acasia doesn't agree with the ritual going on for centuries. Every twenty five years a group of young women, virgins, are gathered so one of the dragons may choose a bride. The chosen one will never be seen again and no one knows what happens with them. She and her friends are not happy to be among the ones that will be presented to the dragon this time around.
Needless to say, she'll be the dragon's choice.
And here's where the fun begins:
Before the claiming Acasia has been drinking, so when she wakes up she has the mother of all headaches and her nose is assaulted by the most horrible smell. She understands she's in the dragon's lair and finds him standing above her.
As soon as she opens her mouth, sparks fly. She won't bow or beg for her life and if that's what he's waiting for he can go to hell!
Bastian is intrigued. This “stupid human female” is challenging him, amuses him and gives him hope. Still, he's not ready to give all of himself and have his heart break all over again. But it doesn't matter how hard he fights, Acasia won't accept bits and pieces. She's determined to have all, especially when she begins to understand him better.
D'Elen did and good job. The writing style was good but I think she should have told us more about the dragons, especially Bastian. I didn't quite understand how the realms work. She's been too vague. I hope she'll decide to write about the other three dragons too. I'd love to hear their stories.
All in all it was a great read and I recommend it. It was lots of fun.
Happy Reading!
July 25, 2016
Warning: If rapey bothers you, don't start this series. I've read the first two books and while the rapes are in the past, the heroes were the rapists.
Due to a dragon killing the goddess Hera's daughter because she wasn't a virgin (although he loved her), all dragons are cursed to not find their mates. At this point, there are only four male dragons left. They take a virgin sacrifice every one hundred years. She becomes their "bride" and is almost entirely isolated in the dragon's four room tower for her entire life. The conceit is that the dragons come to love their brides and suffer terrible grief and madness after they die. The dragons are narcissistic to the extreme and call their feelings love when the feeling is simply the fear of being alone.
The hero in this book, unlike the other three dragons, has noticed over the course of 70-odd brides that not raping his bride helps her to "settle" (although all eventually come to love him dearly). He grabs this bride from her village and she thinks she's going to be eaten. Thank goodness, she's plucky so all is ok. Uncontrollable lust immediately ensues.
This book was terrible, but I couldn't take my eyes away. It was late at night so I got suckered into reading the second one. I thought the rape aspect would be somehow explained away. It's not. In the next book the dragon loved his prior brides, but it was years before they got over the continuous raping and stopped hating him (once again, all came to love him). He doesn't rape the heroine of his book for a change, so all good, right? Not going to read the third.
Due to a dragon killing the goddess Hera's daughter because she wasn't a virgin (although he loved her), all dragons are cursed to not find their mates. At this point, there are only four male dragons left. They take a virgin sacrifice every one hundred years. She becomes their "bride" and is almost entirely isolated in the dragon's four room tower for her entire life. The conceit is that the dragons come to love their brides and suffer terrible grief and madness after they die. The dragons are narcissistic to the extreme and call their feelings love when the feeling is simply the fear of being alone.
The hero in this book, unlike the other three dragons, has noticed over the course of 70-odd brides that not raping his bride helps her to "settle" (although all eventually come to love him dearly). He grabs this bride from her village and she thinks she's going to be eaten. Thank goodness, she's plucky so all is ok. Uncontrollable lust immediately ensues.
This book was terrible, but I couldn't take my eyes away. It was late at night so I got suckered into reading the second one. I thought the rape aspect would be somehow explained away. It's not. In the next book the dragon loved his prior brides, but it was years before they got over the continuous raping and stopped hating him (once again, all came to love him). He doesn't rape the heroine of his book for a change, so all good, right? Not going to read the third.
July 21, 2014
I was given an ARC copy of this book, for an honest review.
I highly recommend this book. I don't want to give away any spoilers so I will just say it's a mythical realm with a curse, a Dragon and a feisty heroine. I really liked the characters, the Hero was strong but gentle and the heroine was sweet and kind but more than capable of holding her own with her Alpha male.
I laughed a lot and even cried a little.
Can't wait for the next book in the series, (I'm guessing which Dragon that will be), but he really touched my heart and I hope he gets his HEA also.
I highly recommend this book. I don't want to give away any spoilers so I will just say it's a mythical realm with a curse, a Dragon and a feisty heroine. I really liked the characters, the Hero was strong but gentle and the heroine was sweet and kind but more than capable of holding her own with her Alpha male.
I laughed a lot and even cried a little.
Can't wait for the next book in the series, (I'm guessing which Dragon that will be), but he really touched my heart and I hope he gets his HEA also.
March 25, 2014
Wonderful, fun book! I loved Bastian, loved how the author characterized the plight of the dragons. I loved how they cherished their Brides throughout the bride's lifespan, despite the physical changes of their lifespan. The story moved along at a nice pace, yet took the time for the characters to form a relationship with each other, and with the reader. The book was both lighthearted, and deep in its emotion. I did tear up once, myself. I am so looking forward to the next book in the series.
Only complaint: what is up with the book cover? It looks like it's intended for a children's novel. The steam in this novel is most definitely on adult level.
Only complaint: what is up with the book cover? It looks like it's intended for a children's novel. The steam in this novel is most definitely on adult level.
March 22, 2014
I received this as an ARC for an honest review and I just loved this!! I had a smile on my face for most of this book. It was just so much fun. Looking forward to more in this series. The only thing I could say that I wish was a little better is the beginning. It was a little bit hard to follow. Other than that I loved it!!
March 24, 2014
Amazing is the word for this WHOLE series. D'Elen McClain is a wonderful writer and her imagination is awesome!!!!
June 3, 2016
Strong feel of a fairy tale for this book the evolves into a fantasy romance with dragons. More emotion than I expected.
May 28, 2015
I recommend Dragons Don’t Love by D’Elen McClain to anyone who loves fantasy and enjoys some adult situations. The sex scenes are often humorous and I would not label this as erotica.
I love dragons, so when I saw this cover and an opportunity to read Dragons Don’t Love, the story of Bastian and Acasia, I jumped at it.
Hera cursed the dragons after wiping out all but four males. Each will have their chance to find their soul mate, once very hundred years. Her daughter, my sister, was dead because of Drakon, a dragon, but Angelos thought it was wrong punish them all and would do what she could to watch over them.
The claiming brides, women between he ages of seventeen and twenty one, appeared for the dragon to make his choice.
Acasia is now on of them.
When the dragon came, Acasia marveled at its strength and beauty, was drawn to it, thinking, it’s mine.
Acasia is a nerd. Instead of dreaming of a man, like the other girls her age, she is fascinated with mathematical facts and figures. I loved the scene where Bastian is playing cards and learns of just one of Acasia’s many talents. She is not a lovey dovey person and I can relate to that. Acasia’s fiery personality and verbal assaults had me in stitches. I loved her playful manner with man and beast. Me thinks she will rule the dragon before all is said and done.
My heart went out to Bastion. As a dragon, he is immortal. He claims his bride and each dies, leaving him alone again. Bastion vowed not to let another break his heart. Dragons Don’t Cry and he wouldn’t, but Acasia is different from the others. Would she win his heart?
The vivid description of the dragon had me marvel at his beauty and her puking episode almost made me upchuck. I laughed at his sexual discomfort as a dragon and a man.
I laughed out loud, when she wouldn’t beg for her life, but told him, “Eat me.”
I loved when she punched him in his bossy dragon nose.
Predictable, but that’s okay. I am very curious to see where it goes and am loving reading the story to find out. Dragons Don’t Cry is written with humor and makes me smile.
From sad to happy, savage to sweet, a fun and lovely fantasy romance. I loved learning about Bastian and love through the innocent child-like eyes of Acasia and watching them both grow and change, as the characters developed more fully.
All of a sudden a vampire appears…and other shapeshifters. Very interesting.
Awesome. A fantastically original story of dragons that leaves me breathless waiting for Dragons Don’t love, Laryn’s Story.
I received this ARC for review in return for an honest review.
I love dragons, so when I saw this cover and an opportunity to read Dragons Don’t Love, the story of Bastian and Acasia, I jumped at it.
Hera cursed the dragons after wiping out all but four males. Each will have their chance to find their soul mate, once very hundred years. Her daughter, my sister, was dead because of Drakon, a dragon, but Angelos thought it was wrong punish them all and would do what she could to watch over them.
The claiming brides, women between he ages of seventeen and twenty one, appeared for the dragon to make his choice.
Acasia is now on of them.
When the dragon came, Acasia marveled at its strength and beauty, was drawn to it, thinking, it’s mine.
Acasia is a nerd. Instead of dreaming of a man, like the other girls her age, she is fascinated with mathematical facts and figures. I loved the scene where Bastian is playing cards and learns of just one of Acasia’s many talents. She is not a lovey dovey person and I can relate to that. Acasia’s fiery personality and verbal assaults had me in stitches. I loved her playful manner with man and beast. Me thinks she will rule the dragon before all is said and done.
My heart went out to Bastion. As a dragon, he is immortal. He claims his bride and each dies, leaving him alone again. Bastion vowed not to let another break his heart. Dragons Don’t Cry and he wouldn’t, but Acasia is different from the others. Would she win his heart?
The vivid description of the dragon had me marvel at his beauty and her puking episode almost made me upchuck. I laughed at his sexual discomfort as a dragon and a man.
I laughed out loud, when she wouldn’t beg for her life, but told him, “Eat me.”
I loved when she punched him in his bossy dragon nose.
Predictable, but that’s okay. I am very curious to see where it goes and am loving reading the story to find out. Dragons Don’t Cry is written with humor and makes me smile.
From sad to happy, savage to sweet, a fun and lovely fantasy romance. I loved learning about Bastian and love through the innocent child-like eyes of Acasia and watching them both grow and change, as the characters developed more fully.
All of a sudden a vampire appears…and other shapeshifters. Very interesting.
Awesome. A fantastically original story of dragons that leaves me breathless waiting for Dragons Don’t love, Laryn’s Story.
I received this ARC for review in return for an honest review.
April 22, 2014
The first book in the new Fire Chronicles is a mesmerizing dragon romance. One cursed stubborn dragon shifter and one pint sized human with little patience and a curse from a goddess and Bastian is ready to breathe fire and Acasia is not happy and together they set sparks flying.
This steady to fast paced and smooth flowing plot keeps readers shivering in anticipation with drama, suspense, magic, romance and sexy cursed dragons. The author brings the story to life with well written words which inspire vivid images that make this magical tale capture the imagination and the characters are strong, charismatic, easily related to and grab the reader’s attention from the very beginning.
The attraction between Acasia and Bastian explodes from the pages with frequent sex scenes that scorch the reader with red hot passion, but the relationship and romance have fireworks going off. The reader can’t help but get caught up in this tale full of humor, sadness, hope and happiness as the characters capture the heart. The plight of the dragons’ curse brings tears to the eyes and the tempestuous relationship between Acasia and Bastian brings quite a few chuckles as they learn each about each other and finally the smiles that bring happiness to the reader’s heart as hopes become fulfilled.
The author has created a magical and exciting world of dragons that has a few twists that the reader doesn’t see coming and a curse that emotional depth to the story. For added spice, the dragons visit other realms, steal treasure for their hoard and gamble at cards. I was totally caught up in the story until the very end and I can’t wait to find out which dragon’s story is next.
This steady to fast paced and smooth flowing plot keeps readers shivering in anticipation with drama, suspense, magic, romance and sexy cursed dragons. The author brings the story to life with well written words which inspire vivid images that make this magical tale capture the imagination and the characters are strong, charismatic, easily related to and grab the reader’s attention from the very beginning.
The attraction between Acasia and Bastian explodes from the pages with frequent sex scenes that scorch the reader with red hot passion, but the relationship and romance have fireworks going off. The reader can’t help but get caught up in this tale full of humor, sadness, hope and happiness as the characters capture the heart. The plight of the dragons’ curse brings tears to the eyes and the tempestuous relationship between Acasia and Bastian brings quite a few chuckles as they learn each about each other and finally the smiles that bring happiness to the reader’s heart as hopes become fulfilled.
The author has created a magical and exciting world of dragons that has a few twists that the reader doesn’t see coming and a curse that emotional depth to the story. For added spice, the dragons visit other realms, steal treasure for their hoard and gamble at cards. I was totally caught up in the story until the very end and I can’t wait to find out which dragon’s story is next.
September 9, 2016
This was an exceptionally good read. It was a free Kindle book from Amazon that I discovered through bookbub.com It's usually hit or miss as to the content of freebies but in this case I was pleasantly surprised.
The paranormal and romantic parts of this book were equally enchanting. I like that Bastian was not the perfect hero. He had faults that did not magically disappear at the end of the story. He secluded his woman, had way too much arrogance, and threw temper tantrums often. Yet he was tender when it counted, loyal, concerned, and committed.
Acasia was strong-willed and even though she was forced into a new world all alone, she had spunk and didn't give into desolation. She made Bastian work to keep up with her but she did everything with love. I loved her trip to the cave. She is truly one of the best heroines I have ever read about.
I also love the fact that the sex scenes were not overly graphic or cumbersome. I enjoy sex scenes in a story but some authors make sex the crux of the story instead of the romance. I much prefer no sex or one good sex scene as opposed to several sex scenes thrown all over the place that diminish the relationship between the couple.
Two things held me back from that 5th star:
- I wish the book had been longer. It was only about 150 pages. I felt some of the parts were rushed or not explored fully.
-There were a few grammar issues here and there. Not enough to really detract from the story but enough that they were noticeable.
Yet I would definitely recommend this book to others. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Laryn is quite a character and I will pay money to read his book.
The paranormal and romantic parts of this book were equally enchanting. I like that Bastian was not the perfect hero. He had faults that did not magically disappear at the end of the story. He secluded his woman, had way too much arrogance, and threw temper tantrums often. Yet he was tender when it counted, loyal, concerned, and committed.
Acasia was strong-willed and even though she was forced into a new world all alone, she had spunk and didn't give into desolation. She made Bastian work to keep up with her but she did everything with love. I loved her trip to the cave. She is truly one of the best heroines I have ever read about.
I also love the fact that the sex scenes were not overly graphic or cumbersome. I enjoy sex scenes in a story but some authors make sex the crux of the story instead of the romance. I much prefer no sex or one good sex scene as opposed to several sex scenes thrown all over the place that diminish the relationship between the couple.
Two things held me back from that 5th star:
- I wish the book had been longer. It was only about 150 pages. I felt some of the parts were rushed or not explored fully.
-There were a few grammar issues here and there. Not enough to really detract from the story but enough that they were noticeable.
Yet I would definitely recommend this book to others. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Laryn is quite a character and I will pay money to read his book.
April 3, 2014
Dragons Don’t Cry by D’Elen McClain
5 out of 5 Stars
What could be better than a super snarky, smart, attractive, young woman from a realm where claiming brides are chosen every 25 years by great hulking dragons to be selected after she purposely wore a used dress hoping the bad luck it was supposed to represent would cast off the ugly beast?! It’s when she becomes the bride of said beast and he bellows and roars and refuses to call her anything but “stupid human female” and she throws up all over his foot and asks to be eaten on several occasions.
Acasia and Bastian are such similar personalities, each boils over quickly in love, anger, passion, and possessiveness. When she becomes his bride not knowing anything about dragons or their ability to shift into men, she accepts her fate but is determined to maintain her pride. While Bastian is heartbroken from his previous wives under Hera’s Curse, he can’t allow himself to bend to his new bride’s will or fall for her beauty.
Full of laughs, intensely hot romance, fantastic character development, heartbreak, amazing twists and turns that you can’t even fathom and such a broad range of time periods and references this is one book you won’t put down! I cannot wait to see what Ms. McClain has in store for her readers next and I would highly recommend this book!
**A complimentary copy was given by the Author/publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Pepper, My Secret Book Spot
5 out of 5 Stars
What could be better than a super snarky, smart, attractive, young woman from a realm where claiming brides are chosen every 25 years by great hulking dragons to be selected after she purposely wore a used dress hoping the bad luck it was supposed to represent would cast off the ugly beast?! It’s when she becomes the bride of said beast and he bellows and roars and refuses to call her anything but “stupid human female” and she throws up all over his foot and asks to be eaten on several occasions.
Acasia and Bastian are such similar personalities, each boils over quickly in love, anger, passion, and possessiveness. When she becomes his bride not knowing anything about dragons or their ability to shift into men, she accepts her fate but is determined to maintain her pride. While Bastian is heartbroken from his previous wives under Hera’s Curse, he can’t allow himself to bend to his new bride’s will or fall for her beauty.
Full of laughs, intensely hot romance, fantastic character development, heartbreak, amazing twists and turns that you can’t even fathom and such a broad range of time periods and references this is one book you won’t put down! I cannot wait to see what Ms. McClain has in store for her readers next and I would highly recommend this book!
**A complimentary copy was given by the Author/publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Pepper, My Secret Book Spot
May 3, 2014
Dragons Don’t Cry
D’Elen McClain
Hera has cursed the Dragon race to find a human woman every thousand years to love and then lose. Their one true mate, however are the only ones that can break the curse. Now in the land Acasia comes from every girl between seventeen and twenty- one must register for the claiming which is done every thirty-two years. Acasia has been forced to participate and never dreams she will be a chosen for a dragon. This is not her choice yet she has to live with it. Bastian the red dragon sees her and knows she is the chosen for this lifetime of hers but believes that once her life expires again he will be forced to be alone. How many has there been, how much grief can he endure? In Dragons Don’t Cry you will find lots of dragon action, romance, and possible something that can turn things around for Acasia and Bastian. I love the way the world is described, how the two characters interact and become real on the pages. Share in the story and find out why Dragons Don’t Cry.
Bella Doerres Ma Ed
D’Elen McClain
Hera has cursed the Dragon race to find a human woman every thousand years to love and then lose. Their one true mate, however are the only ones that can break the curse. Now in the land Acasia comes from every girl between seventeen and twenty- one must register for the claiming which is done every thirty-two years. Acasia has been forced to participate and never dreams she will be a chosen for a dragon. This is not her choice yet she has to live with it. Bastian the red dragon sees her and knows she is the chosen for this lifetime of hers but believes that once her life expires again he will be forced to be alone. How many has there been, how much grief can he endure? In Dragons Don’t Cry you will find lots of dragon action, romance, and possible something that can turn things around for Acasia and Bastian. I love the way the world is described, how the two characters interact and become real on the pages. Share in the story and find out why Dragons Don’t Cry.
Bella Doerres Ma Ed
February 23, 2016
Everyone that knows me, REALLY knows me is aware of my love...no. My obsession with anything to do with dragons. Dragon's Don't Cry feed me a perfect amount of the fantastical creatures I favor with leaving me wanting much more. This story is a very entertaining, fun and sexy read that many fans of the genre (and dragon lovers) will enjoy :)
Acasia is one of many chosen females to be a dragon bride. Little does she know all that's in store for her on top of what she's heard throughout her years. Being the strong, determined female she is, she does what her instinct tells her. But will her actions enrage or calm the savage beast that's now to be a part of her life?...
I've read all of this author's works to date and have never been disappointed. I love it inside her head and I look forward to much more!
Acasia is one of many chosen females to be a dragon bride. Little does she know all that's in store for her on top of what she's heard throughout her years. Being the strong, determined female she is, she does what her instinct tells her. But will her actions enrage or calm the savage beast that's now to be a part of her life?...
I've read all of this author's works to date and have never been disappointed. I love it inside her head and I look forward to much more!
April 3, 2014
Going into this book I expected a lot from it and was given exactly what I wanted. This story is about the love between a young woman named Acasia and a Dragon shifter named Bastian. Long ago the dragon race was cursed by the goddess Hera to be mateless. They would be compelled to take a new human bride every 100 years and be doomed to lose them over and over until they find their one true mate. What I really loved about this story was how Acasia was such a strong character and she held her own against Bastian. Bastian and the plight of the dragon race really touched my heart. There are many obstacles that Acasia and Bastian overcome, but in the end there is happiness and a bright light of hope at the end of the tunnel for the rest of the dragon race.
June 26, 2014
3.5/5.0
An entertaining tale of magic, mayhem and love!
Read full review in the 2014 May issue of InD’tale Magazine.
An entertaining tale of magic, mayhem and love!
Read full review in the 2014 May issue of InD’tale Magazine.
April 2, 2014
I am a fan for life...... This was great, funny and just damn good. I can't wait for more books to come. Please keep them coming again a fan for life
February 5, 2018
I decided that my reading trend needed a bit of a shake up and the name of this book caught my attention as I skimmed my 'To Be Read'.
It was certainly different from the current trend of dragon-shifter romances currently being marketed.
Truly, visualize the relationship between the main characters of Disney's 'Beauty and the Beast' you're spot on with dragons and a curse included.
You've got your spunky heroine with an attitude with an unusual name 'Acasia'(derived from the Greek word akis meaning a point or barb), and a somewhat gruff, feeling sorry for yourself dragon called Bastian.
There is a playfulness inherent in their courtship that made this book a joy to read.
It was certainly different from the current trend of dragon-shifter romances currently being marketed.
Truly, visualize the relationship between the main characters of Disney's 'Beauty and the Beast' you're spot on with dragons and a curse included.
You've got your spunky heroine with an attitude with an unusual name 'Acasia'(derived from the Greek word akis meaning a point or barb), and a somewhat gruff, feeling sorry for yourself dragon called Bastian.
There is a playfulness inherent in their courtship that made this book a joy to read.
March 17, 2016
Попала на эту книжку после чтения аннотации, показавшейся довольно нетривиальной – после ночи алкогольных возлияний дамочка попадает в логово дракона и первым делом ее выворачивает прямо на похитителя. Знаю, звучит не особенно изящно, но мне ужасно хотелось почитать о том, как эта мелочь задает жару высокомерной драконьей заднице. В конце он должен был рыдать от ее общества и пообещать горы золота только чтоб она ушла и больше не возвращалась :) Так как книгу я заполучила еще в тот момент, когда на гудридс у нее было мало читателей, то составить впечатление о жанре книги не представлялось возможным. Ну, подумала я, даже если впереди любовный роман, то юмор уж точно не подведет.
Конечно, я ошиблась. Аннотация оказалась единственным сносным моментом, остальное представляет собой непреходящий фейспалм. Я не против горячих сценок из будней принцессы и дракона, но хотелось бы делать перерывы между постельными эскападами – ну там хотя бы проникнуться персонажами и понять их характер. Тьфу, какой характер. Мне даже лень тратить время и место для описания их идиотизма. Дракон, по счастливому(?) стечению проклятия, умеет превращаться в человека и страдает хроническим заболеванием, также известным как «хардкок», для снятия симптомов коего ему и необходима дама. Серьезно, это у него настоящая болезнь, развившаяся от тотального безделья (конечно, веками торчать в своем замке и не работать). Мне даже не хотелось удавить обоих персонажей за их одномерность, потому как свою роль озабоченных картонок они выполняют на ура. Сеттинг, интриги, политика, религия, второстепенные персонажи, базовая информация о мире – зачем? И так ведь хорошо.
В общем, весь мой благодушный настрой издох во второй же главе и превратился в отвращение примерно к тому моменту, как дракон и его избранница отправились в «другое измерение» под названием «Земля», где встретились с драконьими друзьями-вервольфами и их подружками. Натуральная чушатина 99 уровня. Автору за свой опус должно быть стыдно перед порноиндустрией за незамысловатость и перед фэнтезийным жанром за использование благородных тварей вроде драконов в своих графоманских изысканиях. Редкая книга, которую рекомендую никогда не брать в руки ;)
annikeh.net
Конечно, я ошиблась. Аннотация оказалась единственным сносным моментом, остальное представляет собой непреходящий фейспалм. Я не против горячих сценок из будней принцессы и дракона, но хотелось бы делать перерывы между постельными эскападами – ну там хотя бы проникнуться персонажами и понять их характер. Тьфу, какой характер. Мне даже лень тратить время и место для описания их идиотизма. Дракон, по счастливому(?) стечению проклятия, умеет превращаться в человека и страдает хроническим заболеванием, также известным как «хардкок», для снятия симптомов коего ему и необходима дама. Серьезно, это у него настоящая болезнь, развившаяся от тотального безделья (конечно, веками торчать в своем замке и не работать). Мне даже не хотелось удавить обоих персонажей за их одномерность, потому как свою роль озабоченных картонок они выполняют на ура. Сеттинг, интриги, политика, религия, второстепенные персонажи, базовая информация о мире – зачем? И так ведь хорошо.
В общем, весь мой благодушный настрой издох во второй же главе и превратился в отвращение примерно к тому моменту, как дракон и его избранница отправились в «другое измерение» под названием «Земля», где встретились с драконьими друзьями-вервольфами и их подружками. Натуральная чушатина 99 уровня. Автору за свой опус должно быть стыдно перед порноиндустрией за незамысловатость и перед фэнтезийным жанром за использование благородных тварей вроде драконов в своих графоманских изысканиях. Редкая книга, которую рекомендую никогда не брать в руки ;)
annikeh.net
March 21, 2014
*** I have received an ARC via NetGalley ***
This was a fairytale for grownups!
The legend of a virgin sacrifice and her fiery dragon always intrigued me and the book "Dragons Don't Cry" retold it in a romantic way, spiced up with steamy scenes... and heartbreak.
Would you be able to stay sane if time stopped for you but not your lover/soulmate?
The story is supposed to be linked to the Greek mythology, it starts with a curse the goddess Hera places upon the dragons and we are introduced to another (fictional) goddess, Angelos, the daughter of Hera and granddaughter to Zeus, who vowed to watch over the remaining dragosn.
However, if Angelos was the granddaughter of Zeus, she should've been the child of Hera and a son of Zeus but there is no hint in the Greek mythology for this; Hera was the wife of Zeus (who was her brother, ikes!) and even though Zeus was a womanizing god, she did stay faithful to him... theoretically Angelos should've been the child of Hera and Zeus, right?
I know that Angelos is fictional, but since I love the Greek legends this left me scratching my head ;)
Now about the story of "Dragons Don't Cry" and the main characters Bastian and Acasia.
The idea of many different realms was intriguing and I hope to read more about it in the following books, especially more about the realm where Bastian and Acasia are staying.
A wonderful bonus was the crossover between the stories of "The Fang Chronicles" and "Dragons Don't Cry".
When Bastian and Acasia visited the earth (seems to be a different "earth"/world than Acasia came from) they met with Dmitri, Mandy and Honey (!!!) from the Fang Chronicles.
I absolutely loved "Mandy's Story" (Fang Chronicles, #4) and was happy to get a glimpse of them again!
But don't worry, "Dragons Don't Cry" is a standalone book, but I'd suggest to read -at least- "Mandy's Story", which still is my favorite book of D'Elen McClain, to get some background info.
I will spoiler you, that this book has a HEA and the very last phrase made me tear up... with tears of laughter!
Seriously, I did not anticipate THAT!
A hint: considering how this book ended, I think you can gift "Dragons Don't Cry" for Easter ;)
This was a fairytale for grownups!
The legend of a virgin sacrifice and her fiery dragon always intrigued me and the book "Dragons Don't Cry" retold it in a romantic way, spiced up with steamy scenes... and heartbreak.
Would you be able to stay sane if time stopped for you but not your lover/soulmate?
The story is supposed to be linked to the Greek mythology, it starts with a curse the goddess Hera places upon the dragons and we are introduced to another (fictional) goddess, Angelos, the daughter of Hera and granddaughter to Zeus, who vowed to watch over the remaining dragosn.
However, if Angelos was the granddaughter of Zeus, she should've been the child of Hera and a son of Zeus but there is no hint in the Greek mythology for this; Hera was the wife of Zeus (who was her brother, ikes!) and even though Zeus was a womanizing god, she did stay faithful to him... theoretically Angelos should've been the child of Hera and Zeus, right?
I know that Angelos is fictional, but since I love the Greek legends this left me scratching my head ;)
Now about the story of "Dragons Don't Cry" and the main characters Bastian and Acasia.
The idea of many different realms was intriguing and I hope to read more about it in the following books, especially more about the realm where Bastian and Acasia are staying.
A wonderful bonus was the crossover between the stories of "The Fang Chronicles" and "Dragons Don't Cry".
When Bastian and Acasia visited the earth (seems to be a different "earth"/world than Acasia came from) they met with Dmitri, Mandy and Honey (!!!) from the Fang Chronicles.
I absolutely loved "Mandy's Story" (Fang Chronicles, #4) and was happy to get a glimpse of them again!
But don't worry, "Dragons Don't Cry" is a standalone book, but I'd suggest to read -at least- "Mandy's Story", which still is my favorite book of D'Elen McClain, to get some background info.
I will spoiler you, that this book has a HEA and the very last phrase made me tear up... with tears of laughter!
Seriously, I did not anticipate THAT!
A hint: considering how this book ended, I think you can gift "Dragons Don't Cry" for Easter ;)
March 30, 2014
This book was so fun! Meet Acasia the young, feisty, non-taking orders, most stubborn, playful and loving new bride of the Red Dragon Bastian. Meet Bastian the hot and hot-tempered , over-bearing, protective, caring Dragon of legend that finally meets his match.
Acasia becomes Bastian’s bride during the ritual of the claiming, where every one hundred years one of the four dragon brethren get to claim a virgin “human” wife and boy does Bastian bite of more than he can chew with his choice. Acasia shows no fear in spite of her new position and basically puts Bastian in his place whenever she can. Their banter in the story is hilarious and lovable. The book weaves a tale of great love and lost with the Dragons having to go through life constantly finding a companion and knowing that they will outlive them unless they are a true mate which none of the four have yet to find. Suffering through loss and despite their efforts to limit their feelings for those chosen in the claiming it is nearly impossible for them not to fall in love with each bride in their life and Bastian falls hard and fast for Acasia.
The emotions in this book are heartbreaking; despite the tough exterior McClain gives us an extreme Alpha, I mean heck it’s a DRAGON for crying out loud, I don’t think you can get anymore Alpha than that, but this Alpha is all heart and love and “oh my lawd” sexy. He treats Acasia with such care and affection that it makes him all the more appealing. Acasia is also full of surprises in this book, bold, rash and a little firecracker she shines as his equal throughout the story. I love the world that McClain creates in this book; it’s different and intriguing especially with the different realms and how they are parallel to each other. I also enjoyed the balance between comedy, sadness, love and HAWT smexiness, the book had a healthy mix which will keep you reading straight through to the end in one sitting.
Acasia becomes Bastian’s bride during the ritual of the claiming, where every one hundred years one of the four dragon brethren get to claim a virgin “human” wife and boy does Bastian bite of more than he can chew with his choice. Acasia shows no fear in spite of her new position and basically puts Bastian in his place whenever she can. Their banter in the story is hilarious and lovable. The book weaves a tale of great love and lost with the Dragons having to go through life constantly finding a companion and knowing that they will outlive them unless they are a true mate which none of the four have yet to find. Suffering through loss and despite their efforts to limit their feelings for those chosen in the claiming it is nearly impossible for them not to fall in love with each bride in their life and Bastian falls hard and fast for Acasia.
The emotions in this book are heartbreaking; despite the tough exterior McClain gives us an extreme Alpha, I mean heck it’s a DRAGON for crying out loud, I don’t think you can get anymore Alpha than that, but this Alpha is all heart and love and “oh my lawd” sexy. He treats Acasia with such care and affection that it makes him all the more appealing. Acasia is also full of surprises in this book, bold, rash and a little firecracker she shines as his equal throughout the story. I love the world that McClain creates in this book; it’s different and intriguing especially with the different realms and how they are parallel to each other. I also enjoyed the balance between comedy, sadness, love and HAWT smexiness, the book had a healthy mix which will keep you reading straight through to the end in one sitting.
March 26, 2014
I love dragons and Ms McClain made me so very glad I do!! This is my first read and won't be my last book penned by this author. (I received my copy from NetGalley)
What I liked: Dragons Don't Cry was a quick, funny and sad read. The world building was excellent although I'm sure we'll get more in the next book. I'm still not sure about all the realms but it didn't detract from the story at all. In fact, it made me want to read more.
Acasia (I love that name) is not the usual bride chosen by the dragon. She's feisty and fearless but a bit naive. The best part, even though she's unsure of her fate as a dragon bride, she isn't resigned to it. She gives as good as she gets.
Bastian (another cool name) is just about what you'd expect a dragon to be. Arrogant, bad-tempered, unbearably ill mannered and stubborn. I do think he's met his match in Acasia though.
They make a terrific couple but Ms McClain doesn't make it smooth sailing for them. There's lots of interaction between the other dragons and their brides. I can see a great series from this first entry.
As I said, it's a quick read and that's very good because I did not want to stop at any point. I think my guy even had PB and J for supper or maybe it was hot dogs. I was getting a little antsy towards the end because yeah, well because....you'll have to read it to find out.
I can't wait to see what Ms McClain has in store for the next in the series.
What I didn't like: As with most books I enjoy and immerse my self in, I didn't want Dragons Don't Cry to end. For an author that's not a bad thing...
This is a self published novel. At Amazon the paperback is $8.61 and the e-book is $2.99. It's also available at Kobo for $2.99
Highly recommend
What I liked: Dragons Don't Cry was a quick, funny and sad read. The world building was excellent although I'm sure we'll get more in the next book. I'm still not sure about all the realms but it didn't detract from the story at all. In fact, it made me want to read more.
Acasia (I love that name) is not the usual bride chosen by the dragon. She's feisty and fearless but a bit naive. The best part, even though she's unsure of her fate as a dragon bride, she isn't resigned to it. She gives as good as she gets.
Bastian (another cool name) is just about what you'd expect a dragon to be. Arrogant, bad-tempered, unbearably ill mannered and stubborn. I do think he's met his match in Acasia though.
They make a terrific couple but Ms McClain doesn't make it smooth sailing for them. There's lots of interaction between the other dragons and their brides. I can see a great series from this first entry.
As I said, it's a quick read and that's very good because I did not want to stop at any point. I think my guy even had PB and J for supper or maybe it was hot dogs. I was getting a little antsy towards the end because yeah, well because....you'll have to read it to find out.
I can't wait to see what Ms McClain has in store for the next in the series.
What I didn't like: As with most books I enjoy and immerse my self in, I didn't want Dragons Don't Cry to end. For an author that's not a bad thing...
This is a self published novel. At Amazon the paperback is $8.61 and the e-book is $2.99. It's also available at Kobo for $2.99
Highly recommend
November 22, 2018
I was lucky enough to get a copy of this book for free on Amazon. I'm so glad that I decided to read the book because I loved it so much. Dragon's are dragons usually but this story gives you a look into who they are, how they think, why they think what they think, and how they live and love.
Bastion and his kind are cursed by a goddess to live one hundred thousand years during which they will endlessly wait and hope for the one woman that might be their true mate. If they find her the curse for him will be lifted. So every 100 years the dragons come and select a new claiming bride that will remain with them till their dying day. Unknown by anyone the dragons feel deeply for their life companions and suffer and mourn deeply when they die. Acasia doesn't cower or simper to Bastion even at the first she rears up and gets in the dreaded dragons face with her sass. Bastion and Acasia have a ways to go during which time they will learn to trust, to understand their dragon as he does the same with her. For each dragon and his claiming bride hopefully love will find the pair for however long it lasts.
This book was wonderfully written with great detail and vibrant rich characters that you find yourself feeling for. Bastion and Acasia's interactions are funny, fast, and snappy. The other dragons are present and you find yourself looking forward to reading their stories too. The book took me to lofty heights, plunged me into anger and sadness. It made me laugh and hope and I even cried my eyes out in a couple of spots but I'm a real sucker for a great sweet love story. I'll definitely be putting the rest of the books on the top of my wish list and I'll be on the lookout for any other works by this author. Read, experience, and enjoy the book!
Bastion and his kind are cursed by a goddess to live one hundred thousand years during which they will endlessly wait and hope for the one woman that might be their true mate. If they find her the curse for him will be lifted. So every 100 years the dragons come and select a new claiming bride that will remain with them till their dying day. Unknown by anyone the dragons feel deeply for their life companions and suffer and mourn deeply when they die. Acasia doesn't cower or simper to Bastion even at the first she rears up and gets in the dreaded dragons face with her sass. Bastion and Acasia have a ways to go during which time they will learn to trust, to understand their dragon as he does the same with her. For each dragon and his claiming bride hopefully love will find the pair for however long it lasts.
This book was wonderfully written with great detail and vibrant rich characters that you find yourself feeling for. Bastion and Acasia's interactions are funny, fast, and snappy. The other dragons are present and you find yourself looking forward to reading their stories too. The book took me to lofty heights, plunged me into anger and sadness. It made me laugh and hope and I even cried my eyes out in a couple of spots but I'm a real sucker for a great sweet love story. I'll definitely be putting the rest of the books on the top of my wish list and I'll be on the lookout for any other works by this author. Read, experience, and enjoy the book!
April 27, 2014
** I was given an ARC copy of this book, for an honest review . a Thank you to the author **
My actual rating is 3.5 stars
This was a nice short read , very lightweight and also very funny , I loved Bastian and Acasia's hilarious relationship aspect and their bickering . the plot was fast paced and definitely not draggy .
What I also loved is that the world building infos came naturally and gradually unlike some books that bombard you with the whole set up in the first chapter or so .
The side characters were awesome too , and it would be real nice to have a book about Laryn and his future mate (whenever he's gonna find her) because I truly felt sad for him , actually for them all except you know who because he ........ *wink*
Naturally I had some issues with it . First thing being the romance developpement , I thought it was a tad bit rushed or maybe it's just me usued to carve my heart out before the characters reveal their love for each other , does that make me a sadist ? Hell if I know .
I was also confused a little about the whole realm thing , Acasia is human but she doesn't live in the human realm , I mean was she moved to her previous realm after knowing she was a claiming bride ??
and finally , the ending was sort of abrupt , when I reached the last page , I was seriously like "whaat ! no more ?" .
Oh Oh I forgot something , my God I really wanted the dragon form sex scene , and it saddened me a little bit that It was left to the imagination =( .
Overall , this was a short entertaining read , and my actual first dragon book , definitely will look for some more .
My actual rating is 3.5 stars
This was a nice short read , very lightweight and also very funny , I loved Bastian and Acasia's hilarious relationship aspect and their bickering . the plot was fast paced and definitely not draggy .
What I also loved is that the world building infos came naturally and gradually unlike some books that bombard you with the whole set up in the first chapter or so .
The side characters were awesome too , and it would be real nice to have a book about Laryn and his future mate (whenever he's gonna find her) because I truly felt sad for him , actually for them all except you know who because he ........ *wink*
Naturally I had some issues with it . First thing being the romance developpement , I thought it was a tad bit rushed or maybe it's just me usued to carve my heart out before the characters reveal their love for each other , does that make me a sadist ? Hell if I know .
I was also confused a little about the whole realm thing , Acasia is human but she doesn't live in the human realm , I mean was she moved to her previous realm after knowing she was a claiming bride ??
and finally , the ending was sort of abrupt , when I reached the last page , I was seriously like "whaat ! no more ?" .
Oh Oh I forgot something , my God I really wanted the dragon form sex scene , and it saddened me a little bit that It was left to the imagination =( .
Overall , this was a short entertaining read , and my actual first dragon book , definitely will look for some more .
Read
January 12, 2016Let me start this with a disclaimer, I love dragons and all novels supernatural. So I saw this and thought, 'hell, why not give it a shot.' The blurb was mediocre but I've read some with worse that turned out to be fantastic. I wish I got my time back.
One of the things that make a great story so great is that it is written to be believable. While dragons and the ancient gods may not exist, a great story needs to make you believe that they do or can. This was definitely not the case for this story.
If you are going to reference the most well known of ancient western gods, get the relations right! Had there been a preface or warning these were not the same gods of the Greek Pantheon most of the literary world were familiar with, then maybe I would have excused it a bit. Maybe.
However moving forward, I truly can't. I found nothing likable about the lead character. She's the type that doesn't exist, because she has no flaws and nothing to grow or develop. How can you relate to a character that doesn't draw you in?
All in all, started reading and just couldn't continue.
One of the things that make a great story so great is that it is written to be believable. While dragons and the ancient gods may not exist, a great story needs to make you believe that they do or can. This was definitely not the case for this story.
If you are going to reference the most well known of ancient western gods, get the relations right! Had there been a preface or warning these were not the same gods of the Greek Pantheon most of the literary world were familiar with, then maybe I would have excused it a bit. Maybe.
However moving forward, I truly can't. I found nothing likable about the lead character. She's the type that doesn't exist, because she has no flaws and nothing to grow or develop. How can you relate to a character that doesn't draw you in?
All in all, started reading and just couldn't continue.
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