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The Dragonne Library #1
Tempest Awakening
Welcome to The Dragonne Library, a world where librarians can be dangerous, magic flows freely, and finding the man—or men—of one's dreams isn't just a fantasy.
It was the right thing to do; move back in with my mom and help take care of my terminally ill step-father.
But everything changed when he passed away. Now I’m jobless, homeless, and adrift—it’s just me, my cat, and a car full of books.
Until a chance meeting lands me a job at The Dragonne Library. Yep, it’s a library for supernaturals, built by dragons, and maintained by shifters, fae, vampires… you get the idea. Basically, it’s my dream job.
But things change again when I accidentally bond with a dragon.
Suddenly, I'm not just a librarian… I’m training to be a dragon rider.
Unfortunately, the number of dragons who bond is limited. And not everyone is happy about a human bonding one of their own. I'll need to fight for my new place amongst the dragon riders.
Thank goodness I've made some new friends.
The brilliant rebel. The gentle warrior. The misfit demon. The tormented professor. And the psychotic loner.
I can't ignore the way my skin tingles at their touch. I know I shouldn't fantasize about any of them, much less all five. Yet, I find myself unable to resist.
But there are those with their own agenda, who'll stop at nothing to see Supes rule the world, even if that means murdering their way to the top.
My men and I will have to put aside our differences, our fears, and our worries, and become a team, or risk losing everything—and everyone—we love.
Tempest Awakening is a reverse harem paranormal romance with a bookish heroine, five hot and powerful heroes, magic, action and adventure, and—eventually—a happily ever after.
It was the right thing to do; move back in with my mom and help take care of my terminally ill step-father.
But everything changed when he passed away. Now I’m jobless, homeless, and adrift—it’s just me, my cat, and a car full of books.
Until a chance meeting lands me a job at The Dragonne Library. Yep, it’s a library for supernaturals, built by dragons, and maintained by shifters, fae, vampires… you get the idea. Basically, it’s my dream job.
But things change again when I accidentally bond with a dragon.
Suddenly, I'm not just a librarian… I’m training to be a dragon rider.
Unfortunately, the number of dragons who bond is limited. And not everyone is happy about a human bonding one of their own. I'll need to fight for my new place amongst the dragon riders.
Thank goodness I've made some new friends.
The brilliant rebel. The gentle warrior. The misfit demon. The tormented professor. And the psychotic loner.
I can't ignore the way my skin tingles at their touch. I know I shouldn't fantasize about any of them, much less all five. Yet, I find myself unable to resist.
But there are those with their own agenda, who'll stop at nothing to see Supes rule the world, even if that means murdering their way to the top.
My men and I will have to put aside our differences, our fears, and our worries, and become a team, or risk losing everything—and everyone—we love.
Tempest Awakening is a reverse harem paranormal romance with a bookish heroine, five hot and powerful heroes, magic, action and adventure, and—eventually—a happily ever after.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 19, 2024
802 people are currently reading
663 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
February 14, 2025
2.5 if I'm being honest.Spoilers.
Here we go.
This book started off strong. We have a mid twenties character who had depth and wanted to move forward and be mature. She even branches out on her own, gets a job at the magical library and starts to live a life for herself. Then....all of a sudden all of that is gone and in her place we have a girl in an academy romance with bullies and no back bone. Seriously it went from okay this could be good to the same run of the mill conflict we've seen in countless books that are exactly like this.
I also find the guys to be a bit confusing in this book. Who is she considering, are they all mates, why do we get next to no povs from them when Tess's pov isn't exactly informative.?
Then. I think my biggest issue by far. We start this book with the promise of so many creatures and magic and how it interacts with the world then we are in fourth wing. That's the only way I can describe the transition. We get set up for secret underground fight rings and all this extra stuff and then we are in dragon rider school and doing obstacle courses etc. Now don't get me wrong if that's what you want to read more power to you, this book is probably for you, but I feel we lose so much in the transition. We stop really seeing any male pov, and we replace that relationship building with her dragon.
Good concept, but maybe too many concepts and ideas vying for the main spot for me.
Here we go.
This book started off strong. We have a mid twenties character who had depth and wanted to move forward and be mature. She even branches out on her own, gets a job at the magical library and starts to live a life for herself. Then....all of a sudden all of that is gone and in her place we have a girl in an academy romance with bullies and no back bone. Seriously it went from okay this could be good to the same run of the mill conflict we've seen in countless books that are exactly like this.
I also find the guys to be a bit confusing in this book. Who is she considering, are they all mates, why do we get next to no povs from them when Tess's pov isn't exactly informative.?
Then. I think my biggest issue by far. We start this book with the promise of so many creatures and magic and how it interacts with the world then we are in fourth wing. That's the only way I can describe the transition. We get set up for secret underground fight rings and all this extra stuff and then we are in dragon rider school and doing obstacle courses etc. Now don't get me wrong if that's what you want to read more power to you, this book is probably for you, but I feel we lose so much in the transition. We stop really seeing any male pov, and we replace that relationship building with her dragon.
Good concept, but maybe too many concepts and ideas vying for the main spot for me.
January 31, 2026
🖤 Bookish Thoughts
Dragons. Dragon riders. Dragon magical library.
And reverse harem?! I’m going to binge this series.
This was a very cozy read and definitely a slow burn. I really enjoyed the dragon rider portion of the story. The pacing was slow but steady. I’m very excited by the reverse harem relationships to begin!
✨ What to Expect
• Bookish FMC
• Dragon bonding
• Magical library
• Slow burn
• Reverse harem
• Gargoyle shifter
• Fae MMCs
_ _ _
📖 Final Score: 3.5 stars
🎧 Audio Score: 3 stars
🎙️ Narration Style: Dual
📅 Pub Date: January 6, 2026
Thank you to RBmedia and NetGalley for the advanced listening copy. All thoughts are my own.
Dragons. Dragon riders. Dragon magical library.
And reverse harem?! I’m going to binge this series.
This was a very cozy read and definitely a slow burn. I really enjoyed the dragon rider portion of the story. The pacing was slow but steady. I’m very excited by the reverse harem relationships to begin!
✨ What to Expect
• Bookish FMC
• Dragon bonding
• Magical library
• Slow burn
• Reverse harem
• Gargoyle shifter
• Fae MMCs
_ _ _
📖 Final Score: 3.5 stars
🎧 Audio Score: 3 stars
🎙️ Narration Style: Dual
📅 Pub Date: January 6, 2026
Thank you to RBmedia and NetGalley for the advanced listening copy. All thoughts are my own.
January 1, 2026
Although I really don't want to start the year with a negative review, I cannot honestry say that I enjoyed this book. The premise seemed compeling and the cover drew my eye but the actual writing lacked substance and effective expression.
The writing was very 'on the nose' - it lacked any sort of nuance or explanation and just threw 'building blocks' of the story at you adamant to advance the plot, but this did not mediate for the need to illustrate these things to the reader to build empathy and connection with the characters. As a result, the plot points felt inguine, notably for any of the romantic connections. The narrative felt overused, not particularly illustrative and unimaginative - if felt as though, if at any point, I heard about anyone having to 'repress a mysterious but overwhelimg urge/desire' I would throw my kindle at the wall.
I suppose if you go into this book with a different attitude, expecting a fun albeit slightly unimaginitive magical story with dragons (if that is a trope you are looking for) then it could still be for you - but in full honesty, I feel that this story has been executed to a much better standard in many romantasy novels out there.
The writing was very 'on the nose' - it lacked any sort of nuance or explanation and just threw 'building blocks' of the story at you adamant to advance the plot, but this did not mediate for the need to illustrate these things to the reader to build empathy and connection with the characters. As a result, the plot points felt inguine, notably for any of the romantic connections. The narrative felt overused, not particularly illustrative and unimaginative - if felt as though, if at any point, I heard about anyone having to 'repress a mysterious but overwhelimg urge/desire' I would throw my kindle at the wall.
I suppose if you go into this book with a different attitude, expecting a fun albeit slightly unimaginitive magical story with dragons (if that is a trope you are looking for) then it could still be for you - but in full honesty, I feel that this story has been executed to a much better standard in many romantasy novels out there.
November 23, 2024
This one was really neat. I can't wait to read the next book. This was fun and I just fucking love dragons.
March 19, 2025
like chat gpt wrote it
I did finish it but super painful. The characters were flat. It felt like chat gpt was told to use fourth wing for inspiration. The story made little logical sense and no character development.
I did finish it but super painful. The characters were flat. It felt like chat gpt was told to use fourth wing for inspiration. The story made little logical sense and no character development.
January 11, 2026
ALC Review
Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor Media | Tantor Audio for the opportunity to listen to an Advance Listening Copy (ALC) in exchange for my honest opinion/review.
Tess is a mid-20's human taking care of a family member who is just mean/evil toward her, which leads Tess to leave and take a job as a librarian at a supernatural college. This story seemed like it tried to take elements of Zodiac Academy with the different factions of bullies & elements from Fourth Wing with the dragon bonding. While this story started off strong, there were a lot of plot points that left me feeling confused. I didn't care for the characters and honestly, couldn't wait for the book to be over...
If there was supposed to be romance or chemistry, I did not feel it. I couldn't get those emotions through the audiobook narration. The audiobook was narrated by Avery Reid and Stephen Borne. I enjoyed the female narrator but her voice sounds a little older than a mid-20's female. The male narrator was very flat and I didn't care for the male character POVs.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor Media | Tantor Audio for the opportunity to listen to an Advance Listening Copy (ALC) in exchange for my honest opinion/review.
Tess is a mid-20's human taking care of a family member who is just mean/evil toward her, which leads Tess to leave and take a job as a librarian at a supernatural college. This story seemed like it tried to take elements of Zodiac Academy with the different factions of bullies & elements from Fourth Wing with the dragon bonding. While this story started off strong, there were a lot of plot points that left me feeling confused. I didn't care for the characters and honestly, couldn't wait for the book to be over...
If there was supposed to be romance or chemistry, I did not feel it. I couldn't get those emotions through the audiobook narration. The audiobook was narrated by Avery Reid and Stephen Borne. I enjoyed the female narrator but her voice sounds a little older than a mid-20's female. The male narrator was very flat and I didn't care for the male character POVs.
July 16, 2024
Tempest Awakening is the 1st book that I've read by this writer and I can honestly say that I really enjoyed reading it. Tess' (Tempest FMC) story certainly draws you in and keeps you gripped from start to finish. I loved the gradual progression of Tess from quiet & shy girl to the fierce, strong librarian that embraced this new world that she was dropped into and was completely out of her depth in. With all sorts of Supernaturals around and many of which seemed to have their own agendas. Loved the plot twists and all of the hot guys. A cracking start and I'm looking forward to book 2 now.
January 31, 2025
it's def not what I thought it was going to be. The FMC puts herself down so much in the beginning. But I'm just a human, I'm just me, I'm nothing special, blah blah blah. I'm pretty bored and think I'm dnf'ing here. Didn't really give it a chance but whatever.
Ok so I finished it and yea I found it kindof boring? FMC was so up and down. The guys were good wish there were more POVs from them. I honestly would have preferred the FMC to disappear. I won’t be going to be 2.
Ok so I finished it and yea I found it kindof boring? FMC was so up and down. The guys were good wish there were more POVs from them. I honestly would have preferred the FMC to disappear. I won’t be going to be 2.
March 9, 2025
I was so excited to read this since the synopsis sounded like a dream
Unfortunately, the storyline was so rushed, the writing was more 'telling' rather than showing the story and the love interests did not feel genuine and was very 'insta-love' like.
Unfortunately, the storyline was so rushed, the writing was more 'telling' rather than showing the story and the love interests did not feel genuine and was very 'insta-love' like.
January 3, 2025
Fantastic
This was absolutely fantastic, very Fourth Wing-esque but also it's own very unique story with it's own mythologies and unique and interesting characters. As a 30 something chubby adhder gotta say I felt both seen and called out haha but I loved it so much.
This was absolutely fantastic, very Fourth Wing-esque but also it's own very unique story with it's own mythologies and unique and interesting characters. As a 30 something chubby adhder gotta say I felt both seen and called out haha but I loved it so much.
December 30, 2024
This one wasn't for me. The writing was fine but Tess was such a "woe's me" character I ended up only reading the dialogue.
January 12, 2026
A library guarded by ancient dragons, run by supernatural creatures, and a human protagonist who has just landed a job there. Amid the initial awe of everything around her, rediscovering old friendships and forming new bonds, navigating challenges becomes even more arduous when she accidentally bonds with a dragon.
The story is narrated in the first person, and the plot is everything a fantasy lover could hope for. The dragons, their essence, and the mind connections are immersive enough to make you forget where you are in the human world. That said, I do want to add a small disclaimer. The book ends on a rather open note, leaving me pondering what comes next. The constant feeling of something about to happen keeps you turning the pages. I did wish the other characters had been developed in more depth. While it was an enjoyable read, I do not recall any of them leaving a lasting impression.
I was craving a good fantasy, and this audiobook felt like a green flag all the way. Both narrators captured the characters distinctly, and the story flowed smoothly from start to finish. I would recommend this to readers who enjoy a mix of supernatural creatures, magical library settings, and strained family bonds.
The story is narrated in the first person, and the plot is everything a fantasy lover could hope for. The dragons, their essence, and the mind connections are immersive enough to make you forget where you are in the human world. That said, I do want to add a small disclaimer. The book ends on a rather open note, leaving me pondering what comes next. The constant feeling of something about to happen keeps you turning the pages. I did wish the other characters had been developed in more depth. While it was an enjoyable read, I do not recall any of them leaving a lasting impression.
I was craving a good fantasy, and this audiobook felt like a green flag all the way. Both narrators captured the characters distinctly, and the story flowed smoothly from start to finish. I would recommend this to readers who enjoy a mix of supernatural creatures, magical library settings, and strained family bonds.
January 16, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Tantor Media for the ARC of this audiobook.
This book was.... something. Not only was is super cringey, it was very, VERY repetitive.
I liked the beginning, but the further into the book I got, it was also like all superficial fantasy books combined into one. Human in the world of supernaturals and doesn't fit in, fated mates, dragon riding, supernatural school, instaloves, underground fighting rings that the MMCs go to and "needed to survive". None of it was intricate and there was no world building at all. It just didn't seem like any sort of original thought here, except for maybe there being a gargoyle shifter (I know they are out there, but I haven't read anyone on it yet). It also seemed like there were so many of those concepts that were all at once. Were we supposed to be at a supernatural school and meet our mates? Are we supposed to be a dragon rider? It kind of just felt like we put all fantasy tropes into a bowl and pulled out too many and just decided to run with it.
65% in definitely felt like a poorly written Fourth Wing.
Also I HATED when they would call people supes. And little one? Why are we calling an adult woman that? Yuck
This book was.... something. Not only was is super cringey, it was very, VERY repetitive.
I liked the beginning, but the further into the book I got, it was also like all superficial fantasy books combined into one. Human in the world of supernaturals and doesn't fit in, fated mates, dragon riding, supernatural school, instaloves, underground fighting rings that the MMCs go to and "needed to survive". None of it was intricate and there was no world building at all. It just didn't seem like any sort of original thought here, except for maybe there being a gargoyle shifter (I know they are out there, but I haven't read anyone on it yet). It also seemed like there were so many of those concepts that were all at once. Were we supposed to be at a supernatural school and meet our mates? Are we supposed to be a dragon rider? It kind of just felt like we put all fantasy tropes into a bowl and pulled out too many and just decided to run with it.
65% in definitely felt like a poorly written Fourth Wing.
Also I HATED when they would call people supes. And little one? Why are we calling an adult woman that? Yuck
January 7, 2026
First off, thank you Emma Moon, Tantor Media and NetGalley for this opportunity to receive this free audiobook to give my honest opinion.
I really enjoyed story overall, I did need better transitions and blending of the story itself. It’s just a bit abrupt and confusing when it was hopping to the next thing. I would like to know more about the fighting rings and all these interviews she is supposed to be doing.
I REALLY need more on all these love interests so badly, I want more of the steam and connection not just these glimpses.
I’m going to continue on with the story but it won’t be through the audio way. I couldn’t get past the way the narrators narrated the opposite sex. It was just so bad, they’re not bad narrators though. This needs to be a duet!
So I did enjoy where the story is trying to go, could it be better yes, but it has me intrigued so I’m happy the other books are out already. I won’t be waiting for the other audiobooks of the next ones though.
I really enjoyed story overall, I did need better transitions and blending of the story itself. It’s just a bit abrupt and confusing when it was hopping to the next thing. I would like to know more about the fighting rings and all these interviews she is supposed to be doing.
I REALLY need more on all these love interests so badly, I want more of the steam and connection not just these glimpses.
I’m going to continue on with the story but it won’t be through the audio way. I couldn’t get past the way the narrators narrated the opposite sex. It was just so bad, they’re not bad narrators though. This needs to be a duet!
So I did enjoy where the story is trying to go, could it be better yes, but it has me intrigued so I’m happy the other books are out already. I won’t be waiting for the other audiobooks of the next ones though.
April 19, 2025
Good first draft
If I were the author’s editor, I’d make some big changes to the overall structure of things since the story seems fairly confused and meandering, but there are enough good bits that keep me reading and wanting to know more that it’s a solid 3/5 for me.
Side note: the author DOES know that most librarians have masters, if not PhD’s, and it’s actually a pretty hard position to get, right? Like, she knows that having a love of fantasy romance books and being able to namedrop other authors does not qualify someone as an actual librarian, right? I have to assume the MC has actual qualifications as well that are just never mentioned, because otherwise it’s a bit insulting to anyone actually familiar with library science.
Overall intriguing, but rough. I’d cut the beginning and just start from the MC driving into town, personally, since the scene with the mom is actually one of the weakest here. Or even skip all of it and start at her first day in the library and let the audience learn the backstory naturally through the events that follow.
There’s also the issue of the author clearly not being as intelligent as the characters she wrote—the super genius prodigy is impressed that the MC can ask basic questions about what is the equivalent of a dissertation? That would be the second weakest scene in the whole book, one that needs an edit by someone without rose tinted glasses. Maybe rewrite the scene from the MC’s perspective, instead, to show how her warmth spikes his intrigue. Highly intelligent characters are incredibly difficult to write well, and the scene from his perspective in her office only highlights that.
There’s a lot of good to outweigh the bad, but by the end I was really confused as to what kind of story the author was trying to weave. This genuinely might have been better as two different but related (same world) stories with different protagonists—one who is the librarian with a frankly kickass and incredibly intriguing magically sentient library, and one that is the human dragon rider amongst a bunch of supernaturals. Instead, I feel like I got half of the first book for each of those two stories.
Still, it is a fun read even if some parts had me rolling my eyes. I think this could be a strong story if the author partnered with a good editor and re-did some of it. World building is great, characters are decent even if the villains are one dimensional. A little too meta for my tastes (name dropping other, better authors in your story just tells your readers they should read those books instead, highly recommend making up names, instead). I’ll be picking up book 2 in a bit, though my expectations are low.
Hope the author sees this review, because while it’s probably a bit harsh, I promise I’m rooting for them, I just also want to push them to grow because I see some amazing things in their future.
If I were the author’s editor, I’d make some big changes to the overall structure of things since the story seems fairly confused and meandering, but there are enough good bits that keep me reading and wanting to know more that it’s a solid 3/5 for me.
Side note: the author DOES know that most librarians have masters, if not PhD’s, and it’s actually a pretty hard position to get, right? Like, she knows that having a love of fantasy romance books and being able to namedrop other authors does not qualify someone as an actual librarian, right? I have to assume the MC has actual qualifications as well that are just never mentioned, because otherwise it’s a bit insulting to anyone actually familiar with library science.
Overall intriguing, but rough. I’d cut the beginning and just start from the MC driving into town, personally, since the scene with the mom is actually one of the weakest here. Or even skip all of it and start at her first day in the library and let the audience learn the backstory naturally through the events that follow.
There’s also the issue of the author clearly not being as intelligent as the characters she wrote—the super genius prodigy is impressed that the MC can ask basic questions about what is the equivalent of a dissertation? That would be the second weakest scene in the whole book, one that needs an edit by someone without rose tinted glasses. Maybe rewrite the scene from the MC’s perspective, instead, to show how her warmth spikes his intrigue. Highly intelligent characters are incredibly difficult to write well, and the scene from his perspective in her office only highlights that.
There’s a lot of good to outweigh the bad, but by the end I was really confused as to what kind of story the author was trying to weave. This genuinely might have been better as two different but related (same world) stories with different protagonists—one who is the librarian with a frankly kickass and incredibly intriguing magically sentient library, and one that is the human dragon rider amongst a bunch of supernaturals. Instead, I feel like I got half of the first book for each of those two stories.
Still, it is a fun read even if some parts had me rolling my eyes. I think this could be a strong story if the author partnered with a good editor and re-did some of it. World building is great, characters are decent even if the villains are one dimensional. A little too meta for my tastes (name dropping other, better authors in your story just tells your readers they should read those books instead, highly recommend making up names, instead). I’ll be picking up book 2 in a bit, though my expectations are low.
Hope the author sees this review, because while it’s probably a bit harsh, I promise I’m rooting for them, I just also want to push them to grow because I see some amazing things in their future.
December 30, 2025
Tempest Awakening
By Emma Moon
Book 1
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🚫🌶 (No spice)
🐲Dragons, Fae, Magic, Politics
I was drawn to this book, noticing similarities with Fourth Wing. The narrative took me on a journey, keeping me uncertain about the female main character's future. Initially, I assumed she would remain a librarian. Additionally, the romantic aspect was left open. Seems like she could be with more than one man or there will be a huge love triangle in the next books. However, I was somewhat disappointed by the male narrator's voice, which seemed too mature for the role.
Thank you for this ALC in exchange for my honest review.
By Emma Moon
Book 1
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🚫🌶 (No spice)
🐲Dragons, Fae, Magic, Politics
I was drawn to this book, noticing similarities with Fourth Wing. The narrative took me on a journey, keeping me uncertain about the female main character's future. Initially, I assumed she would remain a librarian. Additionally, the romantic aspect was left open. Seems like she could be with more than one man or there will be a huge love triangle in the next books. However, I was somewhat disappointed by the male narrator's voice, which seemed too mature for the role.
Thank you for this ALC in exchange for my honest review.
October 12, 2025
The writing is terrible but I will preserve bc I am bought into the plot 😂
Read
December 28, 2025🟢 This is a reverse harem 🟢
February 5, 2025
Well written (aka plot/word flows well to some extent), but minor plot holes and too much “woe is me”, immediately after an empowering moment… like girl please believe in urself more especially since you are more than you think!!
May 13, 2025
This is the book version of mobile game ads where the play example is so bad you scramble to download it and do it yourself. I have never wanted to edit a book so badly in my entire life. I think that’s a good thing since I didn’t just stop and move on, I wanted to see where the story could go, but there were large issues that were hard to get around.
It starts off with a smart librarian girl found family vibe, and then takes a hard left turn into supernatural academy bully stuff. The mmcs all think broody with poor communication skills qualifies as a personality, and the fmc vacillates between no self esteem and big strong girl times without any real reason behind the shifts. Except for Ciaran. Ciaran is a Siamese cat that that we are pretending is a person. I will stalk you from the shadows. I will bring you shiny things. I will obsess over you endlessly. I will fuck off for 3/4 of the book to nap, probably.
There’s a lot of information that either should be explained better to begin with, or is mentioned as a thing once or twice and then literally never brought up again that could have been cut entirely. Like fmc has adhd, it’s mentioned twice at the beginning, but doesn’t affect her behavior or the story in any capacity. It’s like saying her hair was long when she was in high school. Cool details I guess but not remotely relevant to anything happening. It could have been used as a way to describe how her brain works differently, how she problem solves, how she can hyperfixate on a work assignment etc, but nope. I use a notebook! But just this once!!
Super fancy jewelry! Oh dang now you got vamp blocker! Are we going to mention it literally ever again? Nope. Gonna create somethjng else that makes it completely redundant immediately after? Yep.
New friend is met and described, then at some point later she has wings now? And then eventually we are told she’s a pixie, like that’s a thing we should have known all along. The author needs to decide if Tess is new to the supernatural world or not, and if she isn’t, then details like species should be obvious to the fmc and included in the exposition, or the character can discover it and it’s mentioned and explained then. Throwing out random facts like sprinkles is not helping with story cohesion.
I hope the author keeps writing, but hires an excellent editor to help pull future books together. Lots and lots of potential, just didn’t come together well for me.
It starts off with a smart librarian girl found family vibe, and then takes a hard left turn into supernatural academy bully stuff. The mmcs all think broody with poor communication skills qualifies as a personality, and the fmc vacillates between no self esteem and big strong girl times without any real reason behind the shifts. Except for Ciaran. Ciaran is a Siamese cat that that we are pretending is a person. I will stalk you from the shadows. I will bring you shiny things. I will obsess over you endlessly. I will fuck off for 3/4 of the book to nap, probably.
There’s a lot of information that either should be explained better to begin with, or is mentioned as a thing once or twice and then literally never brought up again that could have been cut entirely. Like fmc has adhd, it’s mentioned twice at the beginning, but doesn’t affect her behavior or the story in any capacity. It’s like saying her hair was long when she was in high school. Cool details I guess but not remotely relevant to anything happening. It could have been used as a way to describe how her brain works differently, how she problem solves, how she can hyperfixate on a work assignment etc, but nope. I use a notebook! But just this once!!
Super fancy jewelry! Oh dang now you got vamp blocker! Are we going to mention it literally ever again? Nope. Gonna create somethjng else that makes it completely redundant immediately after? Yep.
New friend is met and described, then at some point later she has wings now? And then eventually we are told she’s a pixie, like that’s a thing we should have known all along. The author needs to decide if Tess is new to the supernatural world or not, and if she isn’t, then details like species should be obvious to the fmc and included in the exposition, or the character can discover it and it’s mentioned and explained then. Throwing out random facts like sprinkles is not helping with story cohesion.
I hope the author keeps writing, but hires an excellent editor to help pull future books together. Lots and lots of potential, just didn’t come together well for me.
March 11, 2025
DNF
When the FMC cried within the first few pages for no discernible reason, I knew this book wasn’t for me. I cannot stand a weak, wimpy, crybaby FMC.
When the FMC cried within the first few pages for no discernible reason, I knew this book wasn’t for me. I cannot stand a weak, wimpy, crybaby FMC.
September 26, 2024
Not for me DNF 50%
One of my pet hates, I feel strongly about this one, is authors pushing other writers books in their stories. I like to be immersed in an individual story, not have to read someone else fangirling/boying over other authors. That's what forums are for. It really doesn't help if the story I'm reading isn't that strong.
I tried to ignore my annoyance and still give this a go but I really couldn't "feel" the main character (Tempest). Reading about her sob story about her mum failed to move me any which way. Chuck in the MMCs POVs, the continued descriptions about the library every time Tempest was in the scene... This delivery fell flat for me.
Surely Tempest should be front and centre..! Her whole character can't just be crying and hugging her cat... Why is the heroine drowned out?
Furthermore it's soured any interest in all the author's this author gushed about.
One of my pet hates, I feel strongly about this one, is authors pushing other writers books in their stories. I like to be immersed in an individual story, not have to read someone else fangirling/boying over other authors. That's what forums are for. It really doesn't help if the story I'm reading isn't that strong.
I tried to ignore my annoyance and still give this a go but I really couldn't "feel" the main character (Tempest). Reading about her sob story about her mum failed to move me any which way. Chuck in the MMCs POVs, the continued descriptions about the library every time Tempest was in the scene... This delivery fell flat for me.
Surely Tempest should be front and centre..! Her whole character can't just be crying and hugging her cat... Why is the heroine drowned out?
Furthermore it's soured any interest in all the author's this author gushed about.
July 22, 2025
It's a story about a human woman attaining employment at a magical library where supernaturals resent and bully h... no wait, it's a story about a human woman magically bonding with a dragon and... no wait, it's a story about a human woman being forced to attend a dragon riding academy where everyone wants to ki... no wait, it's a story about a human woman being a pawn in... never mind, the story's over.
Good
1) Shadow fae male lead was intriguing.
2) High fae male lead was interesting.
3) Gargoyle male lead was as sweet as honey.
Bad
1) Writing ranged from average to poor.
2) Storytelling was shallow, choppy and all over the map.
3) World-building was pretty much non-existent. For example: Where do supernaturals come from? What is the supe/human political situation? Why are supernaturals so resentful of humans? Why do dragons need riders when they are already intelligent physical and magical powerhouses all on their own? What are dragons and their riders are training for? (Are they planning on taking over the world? Who knows.)
4) Series arc? What series arc? At least three topics were vaguely introduced and then ignored.
5) Plot? What plot?
6) Story used toxic family relations to justify the 30 year old female lead's internal wangsting and lack of dynamism but failed to flesh any of it out with needed details or substance. For example: What does her sister do that makes her the 'successful one' in the family? Lawyer? Doctor? Trophy wife?
7) Female lead was a victim looking for a railroad track. Her sister was continually mean-spirited towards her and she just took it. She was manhandled and kissed by some stranger who appears out of the shadows and she just let the whole incident slide. She knew the supernaturals were a danger to her but failed to report the outrageous bullying and harassment to her employer. She escaped a toxic family/living situation just to allow herself to be caught in a toxic workplace situation and THEN allowed herself to be placed in a situation so poisonous, it could get her killed.
8) How the female lead was set-up to become an officially trained dragon rider made zero sense because (a) she IS a special case because the bond was formed naturally instead of artificially (b) she already cleared the final hurdle because she already has a dragon and (c) there is no time limit; the dragons are not going to just disappear if she takes a year to complete the training around her job. It would have made much more sense to have her tutored privately and then integrated later, maybe even in a later class.
9) The Grand Luminary was an idiot. She just heard that two students tried to kill the female lead but instead of taking control of the situation, she allows a guy two steps below her in position and authority to dictate to her.
10) Vampires are out in daylight so they are clearly not actually vampires but author failed to define what vampires are in her world.
11) It made no sense that the two bullies who tried to get her killed weren't kicked out, given it demonstrated their poor character.
12) THAT IS NOT HOW YOU TRAIN PEOPLE. Why can no one get this right?
The whole thing felt like a bunch of tropes and cliches randomly slapped together. There's no unifying concept, no internal consistency and no cohesive flow.
Good
1) Shadow fae male lead was intriguing.
2) High fae male lead was interesting.
3) Gargoyle male lead was as sweet as honey.
Bad
1) Writing ranged from average to poor.
2) Storytelling was shallow, choppy and all over the map.
3) World-building was pretty much non-existent. For example: Where do supernaturals come from? What is the supe/human political situation? Why are supernaturals so resentful of humans? Why do dragons need riders when they are already intelligent physical and magical powerhouses all on their own? What are dragons and their riders are training for? (Are they planning on taking over the world? Who knows.)
4) Series arc? What series arc? At least three topics were vaguely introduced and then ignored.
5) Plot? What plot?
6) Story used toxic family relations to justify the 30 year old female lead's internal wangsting and lack of dynamism but failed to flesh any of it out with needed details or substance. For example: What does her sister do that makes her the 'successful one' in the family? Lawyer? Doctor? Trophy wife?
7) Female lead was a victim looking for a railroad track. Her sister was continually mean-spirited towards her and she just took it. She was manhandled and kissed by some stranger who appears out of the shadows and she just let the whole incident slide. She knew the supernaturals were a danger to her but failed to report the outrageous bullying and harassment to her employer. She escaped a toxic family/living situation just to allow herself to be caught in a toxic workplace situation and THEN allowed herself to be placed in a situation so poisonous, it could get her killed.
8) How the female lead was set-up to become an officially trained dragon rider made zero sense because (a) she IS a special case because the bond was formed naturally instead of artificially (b) she already cleared the final hurdle because she already has a dragon and (c) there is no time limit; the dragons are not going to just disappear if she takes a year to complete the training around her job. It would have made much more sense to have her tutored privately and then integrated later, maybe even in a later class.
9) The Grand Luminary was an idiot. She just heard that two students tried to kill the female lead but instead of taking control of the situation, she allows a guy two steps below her in position and authority to dictate to her.
10) Vampires are out in daylight so they are clearly not actually vampires but author failed to define what vampires are in her world.
11) It made no sense that the two bullies who tried to get her killed weren't kicked out, given it demonstrated their poor character.
12) THAT IS NOT HOW YOU TRAIN PEOPLE. Why can no one get this right?
The whole thing felt like a bunch of tropes and cliches randomly slapped together. There's no unifying concept, no internal consistency and no cohesive flow.
January 4, 2026
Tempest Awakening is an engaging opening to a fantasy series that blends supernatural intrigue with a refreshingly grounded protagonist. Emma Moon introduces readers to a young, human, self-professed nerd whose life takes a sharp turn when she is unexpectedly welcomed into a hidden refuge for supernatural beings. What begins as a stroke of unlikely fortune quickly becomes a test of identity, loyalty, and resilience.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its main character. She’s intelligent, awkward, curious, and very aware of her own ordinariness in a world that is anything but. Rather than relying on destiny or instant mastery, Moon allows her heroine to struggle, learn, and adapt. This makes her journey feel earned and relatable, especially as she navigates a sanctuary that is equal parts safe haven and political minefield.
The worldbuilding is layered and inviting. The supernatural refuge feels lived-in, governed by rules, histories, and power structures that aren’t always explained outright but revealed naturally through conflict and conversation. Political machinations simmer beneath the surface, reminding the reader that sanctuary does not mean peace—and that survival often depends as much on social awareness as on strength or magic.
Secrets play a central role in the story, both personal and institutional. Moon does an effective job of balancing mystery with momentum, giving readers just enough information to stay oriented while holding back enough to maintain tension. The dangers feel real, and the consequences of failure are clear, raising the stakes as the protagonist works to prove she deserves her place among beings far more powerful than herself.
Romantic elements and potential love interests are woven subtly into the narrative, adding emotional complexity without overwhelming the main plot. These relationships feel like part of the character’s growth rather than a distraction from it.
Overall, Tempest Awakening is a strong start to a fantasy series that values character development, slow-burn intrigue, and a thoughtful exploration of belonging. Fans of supernatural politics, underdog protagonists, and secrets hidden behind protective walls will find plenty to enjoy—and more than enough to look forward to in the books to come.
The audiobook was really good with the female and males POVs
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its main character. She’s intelligent, awkward, curious, and very aware of her own ordinariness in a world that is anything but. Rather than relying on destiny or instant mastery, Moon allows her heroine to struggle, learn, and adapt. This makes her journey feel earned and relatable, especially as she navigates a sanctuary that is equal parts safe haven and political minefield.
The worldbuilding is layered and inviting. The supernatural refuge feels lived-in, governed by rules, histories, and power structures that aren’t always explained outright but revealed naturally through conflict and conversation. Political machinations simmer beneath the surface, reminding the reader that sanctuary does not mean peace—and that survival often depends as much on social awareness as on strength or magic.
Secrets play a central role in the story, both personal and institutional. Moon does an effective job of balancing mystery with momentum, giving readers just enough information to stay oriented while holding back enough to maintain tension. The dangers feel real, and the consequences of failure are clear, raising the stakes as the protagonist works to prove she deserves her place among beings far more powerful than herself.
Romantic elements and potential love interests are woven subtly into the narrative, adding emotional complexity without overwhelming the main plot. These relationships feel like part of the character’s growth rather than a distraction from it.
Overall, Tempest Awakening is a strong start to a fantasy series that values character development, slow-burn intrigue, and a thoughtful exploration of belonging. Fans of supernatural politics, underdog protagonists, and secrets hidden behind protective walls will find plenty to enjoy—and more than enough to look forward to in the books to come.
The audiobook was really good with the female and males POVs
February 28, 2025
Tempest “Tess” Whittaker is the good sister that gave up her independent life to move home in Sacramento and care for her mother, while her sister Madison is off living her best life. Tess’s childhood home is a toxic environment and her family is dysfunctional. Their mother constantly berates Tess, battering at her self-esteem. Tess was a librarian with a penchant for fantasy novels, secondhand clothes, and dragons. Now she is a 30 years old, overweight waitress with ADHD struggling to break free of her mother. Tess would like nothing more than to live in a world of magic and wonder. She has that opportunity when her mother kicks her out. She sets out with all of her belongings and her cat Whiskers. Tess’s first stop is at Drakehaven, in Northern California, where she meets Pippa, a librarian at the magical Dragonne Library. Dragons created the library to collect and protect knowledge.
The world changed five years ago during the “Unveiling,” when supernatural beings (Supes) revealed themselves to the world. Tess finds herself immersed in magic and supes in the post-unveiling world when she visits Drakehaven, the Dragonne Library, and the Dragon Academy. The book title, Tempest Awakening, refers to Tess’s introduction/awakening to supernaturals. The book is literally that, Tess being introduced/awakened to the supernatural world of Drakehaven, the Dragonne Library, and the Dragon Academy. The author introduces readers to a long list of characters, including nine characters from the Dragonne Library, nineteen characters from the Dragon Academy, five dragons, four characters from the Dragon Rider Guild, seven other supes, and three humans. I had to make a list to keep the characters straight in my head. The story is told from multiple POV. The author did a great job with character development and world-building. There is drama, humor, suspense, and intense chemistry between Tess and her men Ciaran, Kane, Mason, and Theron; and Tess and her dragon Thalon. The book ends with a happy for now and the set up for the next book. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
January 5, 2026
This story starts off pretty strong. We are in a magical world where all of the supernaturals just went public (a la Mercy Thompson series), and now we have humans knowing about elves, dragons, vampires, etc. Tempest is a human who gave up her job in a library to come back home to take care of her mom. Who flat-out tells her daughter that she doesn't love her? Let us just say I'm glad these are fictional characters because I'd have something to say to that woman. We don't get much interaction between Tempest and her family in this story. She quickly leaves that life, takes her belongings and her cat, Whiskey, and is off to find a new life. She pulls over into a small town and instantly is befriended and taken to the Dragonne Library, where she is picked by the sentient library to work in the human section of the library, and the dragon in charge gives her an assignment to research how the supes coming out affected the human world. Then she is bullied, and she runs into her childhood BFF, who was a gargoyle. You can tell that this story is being set up as a why choose or "reverse" harem romance, though there is no romance in this story. I think there was one kissing scene, but that is it, and it was random. We have mostly POVs from Tempest, with some of the guys' POVs randomly thrown in. In which we get some of the same scenes from their perspectives. The ending of the story is kind of weak. We go from having this cool librarian-type character trying to unite the factions to a Fourth Wing situation where she is now a scribe AND a Dragon Rider. There are definitely mashups of some popular books in here. Though I think there are some great parts to the story, there were also a lot of inconsistencies. Overall, though, I would read the second book. It was entertaining enough, and different enough, that I want to know what happens to Tempest, or rather, instead of having a whole book to set up the next one, hopefully have one that will make some sense of what happened in this story.
December 28, 2025
Tempest, aka Tess, has finally had it with her mother's verbal abuse and moves out, though she doesn't really have a plan of where to go or what to do. She's terribly interested in the supernatural world, now that it has been revealed to humans, but being a human she is definitely on the outside looking in. She meets a "supe" who takes her to the Dragonne Library, a hub of supernatural knowledge and training, and while there helps a patron find the human literature he's looking for, and lands a job as the curator of the human section of the library with a special project to collect an oral history of the supernatural unveiling and how it has impacted the supes and the humans. Some of the supes are very welcoming and happy to have Tess living and working there. Others, not so much. The question is, will Tess find her place in this new-to-her world, or will the bullies succeed in pushing her out?
Billed as a romance, there are definitely romance-ish vibes, with every guy of Tess's age that crosses her path (save 1) falling instantly in love with her. This installment of the series is not spicy, but you can tell there are definitely spicy times ahead for Tess and her love pentagon (love pentangle?). I enjoyed the world-building and liked Tess's character. She's gutsy enough not to be a doormat but has a healthy dose of respect (fear?) for the power (physical and magical) that the people around her have that put her at a disadvantage.
Having 2 narrators was good for illuminating the changes in POV, however the male narrator does not do a great job differentiating Mason from Kane, from Killian when narrating from their POVs, so be sure to pay attention to the chapter titles to know whose head you are in currently.
I received an ARC of this audiobook from #NetGalley.
Billed as a romance, there are definitely romance-ish vibes, with every guy of Tess's age that crosses her path (save 1) falling instantly in love with her. This installment of the series is not spicy, but you can tell there are definitely spicy times ahead for Tess and her love pentagon (love pentangle?). I enjoyed the world-building and liked Tess's character. She's gutsy enough not to be a doormat but has a healthy dose of respect (fear?) for the power (physical and magical) that the people around her have that put her at a disadvantage.
Having 2 narrators was good for illuminating the changes in POV, however the male narrator does not do a great job differentiating Mason from Kane, from Killian when narrating from their POVs, so be sure to pay attention to the chapter titles to know whose head you are in currently.
I received an ARC of this audiobook from #NetGalley.
January 2, 2026
This is book 1 in the Dragonne Library series.
📖 My Thoughts: 👉 There wasn’t anything wrong with this story really, it just failed to keep my attention after the first couple chapters. The first few chapters had exciting potential with a dragon and dragon rider encounter, the FMC finally standing up to her verbally/emotionally abusive mother and then winding up working at the Dragonne Library around the supernatural creatures and magic that she’d been obsessed with for so long. But from there it seemed to get a bit lackluster for me. The FMC’s character kept going from weak and pitying herself to suddenly being fierce and stubborn, and the back and forth of it wasn’t my cup of tea. I did enjoy the bonding with dragon aspect (fourth wing vibes), but there also seemed to be multiple men falling for her (without her realizing it), and it was getting a bit confusing and I wasn’t vibing with anyone. So yeah… it just kinda fell flat for me and although it ended on a cliffhanger of sorts, I wasn’t invested enough to want to continue the series.
🎧: As for the audiobook aspect, I enjoyed the female narration, but I wasn’t keen on the male narration. Just personal taste, again nothing wrong with it.
Original Book Release Date: July 19, 2024
Audio Release Date: January 6, 2026
Audio Run Time: 8 hrs, 4 mins
Narrated By: Avery Reid & Stephen Borne
Genre: Fantasy
Format: Audiobook
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5
Spice Level: 🌶️ 1/5
Tropes 👇
- Why Choose?
- Mate(s)
- Dragon Riders
- Librarian FMC
- School for dragon riders
- Possible shadow daddy?
- Conspiracy/nefarious plans (not everyone accepts a human)
- Multi-POV
Content Warnings 👇
- Narcissistic/verbally abusive parent
- Physically abusive parent (brief on page w grown child)
- Discrimination
Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor Media for this ALC in return for my honest review.
📖 My Thoughts: 👉 There wasn’t anything wrong with this story really, it just failed to keep my attention after the first couple chapters. The first few chapters had exciting potential with a dragon and dragon rider encounter, the FMC finally standing up to her verbally/emotionally abusive mother and then winding up working at the Dragonne Library around the supernatural creatures and magic that she’d been obsessed with for so long. But from there it seemed to get a bit lackluster for me. The FMC’s character kept going from weak and pitying herself to suddenly being fierce and stubborn, and the back and forth of it wasn’t my cup of tea. I did enjoy the bonding with dragon aspect (fourth wing vibes), but there also seemed to be multiple men falling for her (without her realizing it), and it was getting a bit confusing and I wasn’t vibing with anyone. So yeah… it just kinda fell flat for me and although it ended on a cliffhanger of sorts, I wasn’t invested enough to want to continue the series.
🎧: As for the audiobook aspect, I enjoyed the female narration, but I wasn’t keen on the male narration. Just personal taste, again nothing wrong with it.
Original Book Release Date: July 19, 2024
Audio Release Date: January 6, 2026
Audio Run Time: 8 hrs, 4 mins
Narrated By: Avery Reid & Stephen Borne
Genre: Fantasy
Format: Audiobook
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5
Spice Level: 🌶️ 1/5
Tropes 👇
- Why Choose?
- Mate(s)
- Dragon Riders
- Librarian FMC
- School for dragon riders
- Possible shadow daddy?
- Conspiracy/nefarious plans (not everyone accepts a human)
- Multi-POV
Content Warnings 👇
- Narcissistic/verbally abusive parent
- Physically abusive parent (brief on page w grown child)
- Discrimination
Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor Media for this ALC in return for my honest review.
January 28, 2026
he story opens and we find that in the world of the story they have had the unvailing and so Humans are aware of the supernatural and magical. Tempest has grown up as a book nerd dreaming of Fantasy worlds and dragons and handsome elves. She never expected to find herself living among them and working in a magical library that houses the history of all magical beings as well as humans. And just when she thought that would the best thing ever she finds herself bonded with a Dragon and becoming a trainee dragon rider. The first human to ever bond with a dragon and its caused no small commotion in the community she has found herself in.
The setting of the book is interesting and fun the idea that supernaturals live among us isn't new but the idea that they have chosen to step out into the metaphorical light and make the general population aware of their existence is pretty awesome. However we as the reader don't get to explore how it came to pass or why its just something that happened. That feels like something that could have been explored but the author rushed to get Tempest into a magical community and just as shes adjusting to the idea of life in a magical community she's like Be a dragon rider! I would have liked Tempest to get settled into her life and role as a librarian and maybe awaken her magic before she is just dumped into the next part of the story it felt really really rushed and i am not sure why.
I wanted to love this , I liked the concept but it needs more it feels very rushed and incomplete.
The setting of the book is interesting and fun the idea that supernaturals live among us isn't new but the idea that they have chosen to step out into the metaphorical light and make the general population aware of their existence is pretty awesome. However we as the reader don't get to explore how it came to pass or why its just something that happened. That feels like something that could have been explored but the author rushed to get Tempest into a magical community and just as shes adjusting to the idea of life in a magical community she's like Be a dragon rider! I would have liked Tempest to get settled into her life and role as a librarian and maybe awaken her magic before she is just dumped into the next part of the story it felt really really rushed and i am not sure why.
I wanted to love this , I liked the concept but it needs more it feels very rushed and incomplete.
July 30, 2024
Thank you Emma Moon for giving me the opportunity to read Tempest Awakening.
(ARC Read)
Tempest Awakening is the first book in the series.
I didn't know what to expect from this book when I started... One thing that I can say it's was amazing!!
Tempest Awakening definitely set the mood and vibes and aesthetic for Paranormal Fantasy with it's magical library, dragon's and dragons riders etc. Yes you read it right..!
A human girl that found herself in a world full of magic. And now she has to adjust to her new life and the dynamic that comes with it.
I loved Tess Character - yes she might have low self esteem and lack confidence at times due to backlash and trauma of the abuse from her family. But throughout this book she shows a tremendous amount of coverage!!
The men in the book well how do I put it we have a Tall and lean white hair piercing blue-violet eyes bad boy, a childhood best friend, a shadow daddy, a moody Instructor, and a Ancient Beast...!
I'm eager to see where the series is going to go ! Tempest Awakening definitely set the story line of each character in motion.. I can't wait to see what happened next!
-------------------------------------
Tropes:
🪄 Paranormal Romance
🪄 Dragon's
🪄 Why choose
🪄 Fated Mates
🪄 Magical Library etc
-------------------------------------
Title: Tempest Awakening
Author: Emma Moon
Genre: Fantasy
My Star rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
(ARC Read)
Tempest Awakening is the first book in the series.
I didn't know what to expect from this book when I started... One thing that I can say it's was amazing!!
Tempest Awakening definitely set the mood and vibes and aesthetic for Paranormal Fantasy with it's magical library, dragon's and dragons riders etc. Yes you read it right..!
A human girl that found herself in a world full of magic. And now she has to adjust to her new life and the dynamic that comes with it.
I loved Tess Character - yes she might have low self esteem and lack confidence at times due to backlash and trauma of the abuse from her family. But throughout this book she shows a tremendous amount of coverage!!
The men in the book well how do I put it we have a Tall and lean white hair piercing blue-violet eyes bad boy, a childhood best friend, a shadow daddy, a moody Instructor, and a Ancient Beast...!
I'm eager to see where the series is going to go ! Tempest Awakening definitely set the story line of each character in motion.. I can't wait to see what happened next!
-------------------------------------
Tropes:
🪄 Paranormal Romance
🪄 Dragon's
🪄 Why choose
🪄 Fated Mates
🪄 Magical Library etc
-------------------------------------
Title: Tempest Awakening
Author: Emma Moon
Genre: Fantasy
My Star rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
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