Enchanter of Dragons

Bonded Hearts #0.5

by Zarina Aston, Ariella Zoelle

A unicorn shifter is the last of his kind. Can a royal dragon shifter save him from being hunted?

Captured by a cruel king, Fersen is close to succumbing to the shadows of despair. But hope flickers to life when General Jaega is his unexpected savior.

After Jaega’s mate was murdered during the Necromancer War, the dragon prince had given up on love. The last thing he expects to discover is his new fated mate is the last living unicorn shifter.

Fersen is finally free, but the danger isn’t over yet. The sudden arrival of his heat makes a bad situation even worse.

Jaega knows he should keep his distance like a gentleman, but how can he resist his instincts demanding they consummate their mating bond?

Enchanter of Dragons is the prequel to the Bonded Hearts series and part of the Talwyn Saga universe. It is a complete story that can be read as a standalone.

Genres: Fantasy, LGBT, Dragons, Queer, Shapeshifters, Romance, Paranormal

178 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 21, 2024

Reviews

[Shana W · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a little torn about how I feel about this book. I give it 3.5 stars. I found it entertaining, spicy and romantic. Despite the difficult pasts that Fersen and Jaega experienced, as well as some of the ominous predictions that come from Kizoshi (Jaega's niece), I felt the plot was light and fluffy and low angst; it primarily dealt with the instalust/love of the MCs.  As much as I liked Jaega, at some point I started to get irritated with his self-proclamations of how good and kind he was. Also, while Fersen had suffered considerably horrible assault before his fated mate rescued him, I felt that he did not carry some expected trauma into his new relationship (though perhaps I can forgive that plot point, as they are fated mates after all.) It was lovely how most of Jaega's family happily accepted Fersen as his new mate.  I have to admit it took me awhile to unravel the who's who in Jaega's family, which I did not feel was clearly expressed initially. It felt like the book ended rather abruptly, without tying up the MCs HEA properly or dealing with several unanswered questions. I'm hoping that some of these questions will be answered in the follow-up stories in the series, which I will eagerly read despite some of my criticisms.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Book Binge: Reviews by Melissa DaSilva · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am a fan of Ariella Zoelle so when I saw they had a new pen name for a fantasy romance I was really excited to give it a try. It was a great concept and I think it could have been done really well in a longer story.
My main issue was I felt like it went way too fast, even though it was fated mates, it was very hard to believe and I didn’t feel their chemistry. I also felt like the ending was way too abrupt with no epilogue and the final chapter was from another characters POV to set up for the next book.

I really enjoyed the lore behind the story and I was super into the story in the beginning but unfortunately it didn’t continue that way for me. I hope you do love it if you give it a try but I think I will stick to this author’s contemporary romances, which I have really enjoyed in the past!

[CandaceElaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a utopian esk monarchy barring one member of the family; Generous, kind, thoughtful, loyal ect ect. They really are an awesome family.
Jaega the dragon shifter is such an incredible brother, father, mate, commander. He is really is such a love bug.
Fersen the LAST unicorn shifter that has been held captive for months being tortured and ra***. He Is then rescued by Jaega and mated.
That isn't the issue for me he literally has no (mental) healing time and then he's in full heat, mated and thrown directly into political intrigue
The ending is rushed without fully wrapping up the story. The final chapter is the set up for the next book which is great marketing but kinda ick for the reader.
If you use the epilogue hook for your readers to subscribe to your website it should be a real actual wrap up to their HEA.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lisa Klein · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG WOW! I'm going to start this review by stating I'm not a fantasy reader, but this was absolutely amazing. My biggest fear about fantasy books is not being able to keep everything straight, but that was not an issue here. I was actually sad the book wasn't longer, but I know the next one will be! I'm so excited for this new series!

[Svenja · Rating 1 out of 5]

Centuries old shifters decide after two days together that they found the One.

[Sharon L · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You look quite pleased with yourself. Come, tell me all about it.”

What a great introduction to a new series by Zarina Aston (aka Ariella Zoelle). This story is the prequel to the Bonded Hearts series. I'm so excited and can't wait for the first book in the series!!!

This book contains the backstory information for the series and the world that Zarina has created. Say yes to unicorns, dragons, and whatever else comes along. This is a fantastical world she's created full of all sorts of shifters, deities, and magical beings.

Buckle up, buttercup, we are in for a wild ride and Zarina is our chauffeur.

[mich ⚘ · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Enchanter Of Dragons you get a look at a world filled with shifters and fated mates. Two of whom we meet right off the bat – a dragon prince named Jaega and Fersen the unicorn shifter he saves from captivity. I think I could’ve grown to love these two quite a bit given more time but due to a novella length their chemistry just never clicked for me. But, this is a pretty interesting start to a new series – and by an author new to me.

If you enjoy fast paced romance, second chances in love, hurt and comfort and just the idea of getting lost in a whole new world filled with many shifters – you should give this a try!

[Bre Wiggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great intro to a new fantasy series. The story starts with Fersen being rescued by Jaega, a General. While Fersen and Jaega’s stories are sad the book didn’t feel heavy while reading. Definitely heed t/w’s regardless of how I felt about it.

I did get confused with all the new names thrown in to introduce the kings family but I’m sure as I continue to read the book I’ll get the hang of who is who.

[Demetra Roussakis · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an awesome start to a new series. I am so happy that the author published this book. Jaega is a general in his brother’s, the King’s army and has gone to a castle to take out the cruel king. When there, he meets Fersen, who was kidnapped and kept chained. When freed, Fersen explained what j happen and Jaega said he would take him home. What follows is the start of their relationship with Jaega trying to take it slow and realizing they were mates. Great world building, high heat and chemistry between them. Cannot wait to read what happens next. This is going to be an epic series.

[James Hill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enchanter

Thus book is a break for me and I will give it a 3/5. It is good but did not hold my attention.

[BookGeek1987 · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a new author for me. The blurb sounded interesting. The last unicorn shifter is rescued by a dragon prince after being kidnapped. They’re naturally fated mates. Now I’m ok with instalust but seriously, this poor unicorn shifter had been captured from his home, stuffed in a dungeon and repeatedly raped (losing his virginity that way) and within a couple of days was fine to be getting it on with his mate? There was no reference to any lingering trauma, the writing was dry and just surface level. Also, the side characters were just unlikeable and clearly will have their own stories, so this seemed (for the last third of the book) to just be setting the rest of the books up. I just don’t care enough to even think about reading them.

[Catarina Águas · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good book, soft and sweet to start the year right.
Jaega was the sweestest thing, he was big and serious but a lovely man inside.
Fersen had been through something awful and he didn't want that thing to define him. He wanted Jaega and he was scared of being alone in that want because he didn't think he was worth it.
Jaega showed him how wrong he was and loved despite of his past.
They were fantastic and I loved them

[Pauline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmm

I didn’t enjoy it as I thought I would. The premise sounded fantastic, but the story was a bit of a letdown. Which is understandable because it’s a prequel. Most of all I was just really annoyed by how repetitive it was. Mentioning something once or twice is totally fine but doing it more than four times in one chapter just irks me. The story also didn’t flow well. You could tell it was written by two different people. Overall, it was a mid read.

[Alex (HEABookNerd)]

DNF

This is my first time trying this author (under either name) and I just didn't like the writing style. Also, the set up for Jaega as a nice guy was a little overdone. His actions were already showing that he was an honorable guy so we didn't need the monologue of him talking about how nice he was; it made it feel insincere.

[The clumsy Valkyrie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was just not for me tbh. I read the last 20% or so diagonally. It was too sweet, too constantly perfectly PC and every single feeling, action explained.. It just got boring real fast for me. 🙈🙈

And in the end all the names were so similar, it completely confused me 🫠

[Jenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

**I received an electronic ARC through GayRomanceReviews. Thank you!**

Zarina Aston presents Enchanter of Dragons, a prequel novella to her queer fantasy series, Bonded Hearts. Readers follow dragon shifter General Jaega, brother to the king, as he wraps up a military campaign. In the palace of his conquered enemy, he finds a strange sort of shifter imprisoned. After rescuing the shifter, Fersen, Jaega does his best to tread lightly with the man he knows is his fated mate.

This is my first encounter with books by Zarina Aston or Ariella Zoelle. My understanding is that the Zarina Aston pen name is for books with higher angst or drama versus Ariella Zoelle for books with more fluffy and lighthearted content. Despite the nature of how Jaega encountered Fersen at first, I would argue that the vast majority of the content (bar a couple plot points) in Enchanter of Dragons is also very light and fluffy. I was kind of expecting a darker read but was able to adjust expectations quickly.

Aston's writing is very unassuming and straightforward. Jaega tells Fersen up front about his personality traits, which is not particularly my preference. I would have hoped that the reader (and Fersen) would learn about Jaega as a person through seeing how he treats people or through various scenes which show us those traits in action rather than being literally told up front. Likewise, Fersen, despite Jaega's concerns about potential trauma response, seems to have no real issues adapting to his new circumstances thanks to the fated mate bond.

Overall, I found this novella to be a quick, easy read and enjoyable enough, but I am concerned that it won't stick with me long-term. I am grateful for the opportunity to receive an ARC and would not be opposed to looking through Aston's backlist in the future.

[Jocelyn F · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC and leave this review voluntarily.

I'm sure that I have read at least one of Ariella Zoelle's books, but this was my first foray into her alternate pen name. This series has potential, so I'm going to check out the next book... there's a lot of names to keep up with too. So far, I'm liking the snark and Kizoshi is the best.. she put a sibling through a wall.. makes her epic in my book already.

Is it odd that my favorite character is a side character? We could make a drinking game out of how many times we were told how nice of a person Jaega is... but that might result in alcohol poisoning. I think it's just my PTSD, but when someone spends that much time telling you how nice he is, there's something shady hiding somewhere.

I also felt like Fersen should have had more hang-ups or angst going on, but everything was pretty insta with glossing over past horrors. I guess I can chalk it up to fated mates and heat hormones.

I'm hoping it will be explained in subsequent books, but Fersen is male, but went into heat... are we talking alphas and omegas with m-preg... or what's going on? It wasn't explained at all in this one.

Also, the writing is somewhat tediously formal in places to the point of being stilted. It was kind of explained that royalty doesn't use contractions, but I guess I got into the swing of things toward the end... the end that I wasn't a fan of. It was super jarring to jump that quickly from the main two POVs to a 3rd who is from the next book. Not even a HFN, just an end scene that switches to something else entirely, then back to the main two for a brief end scene. It was strange.

Like I said, I'm going to check out the next book to see what Kitaro gets up to.

[Marion · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read by this author and I was happily surprised. I am not traditionally a fantasy reader but I really enjoyed this book. This is the story of Jaega Ariake and Fersen Rohesia. The two meet when the battle at the Shadron castle is over. Ferson was a prisoner of evil King Decius. He was kidnapped and imprisoned to increase the kings power. Jaega is a ferocious-looking dragon shifter. He is the head general of Valzerna's army under the command of his oldest brother King Tatsuki Ariake. Jaega has a strong moral compass and believes in helping if he is able to do so. So he offers to ensure that Ferson makes it to his home safe and sound. Jaega realizes that Ferson is his mate but doesn't make any moves to act upon that information. He realizes that Ferson needs time to heal. Jaega is good at waiting for what he wants. As the friendship and trust grows between them, Fersen feels confident enough to explain why the king kidnapped him. While Jaega knows that he is a shifter, he is unable to identify which type of shifter. Ferson tells him that he is a rare and perhaps only unicorn shifter. Most were thought to have been killed during the Necromancer War. They were killed for their horns which amplifies any spell. Once Ferson arrives home he finds that the king had his home burnt to the ground. His sanctuary is gone. This is their story. The book is well written and easy to read. I liked how their relationship keeps growing. I really enjoyed this book,

I received a complementary advanced review copy of this book from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jaega and Fersen's story was a really sweet shifter romantasy. From the moment they first met, Jaega set himself up as Fersen's protector, and I really enjoyed seeing how caring and kind he was after the trauma Fersen had suffered. It was clear right away that Jaega held himself and his men to high moral standards, and his impeccable character made it easy for me to get invested in his and Fersen's growing relationship. Despite them only knowing each other for a few days, when their chemistry sparked to life on their trek back to Fersen's home I bought into it. It was hard not to be happy for Jaega and Fersen when I saw how safe and happy they were in each other's arms, and the added bonus of being mates only smoothed the way further. In addition to their delicious chemistry, Jaega and Fersen bared their hearts to each other on an incredibly deep level, and it was really touching to see them open up about the most painful parts of their pasts and comfort each other. By the time they made it back to the castle there was no doubt in my mind that the two of them were meant for each other, and meeting Jaega's extended family only served to set the stage for the next books in this series. I do wish I'd gotten to see more of how Fersen adapted to castle life with Jaega, but I'm sure the two of them will be making cameos throughout the rest of the series.

**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not quite standalone

This story felt that it didn't quite work, in part because it claims to be a standalone. This is supposed to be a prequel to a series but one that can stand up on its own, however it feels like there is information missing both at the beginning and end that seems dependent to the rest of the series.

It does start rather interesting, what with an army having just finished freeing a country from a vicious king and the general finding within a man who had been kept in chains by that king. This man is nearly abused by his own men and the general seeks to right that wrong. This man seems to have secrets and soon the two become close and it seems that they may have a connection that is entirely unexpected. This is all interesting, but there are multiple references to history that we don't know about and don't get to learn too much about despite being very important. This wouldn't be too bad if it weren't for the fact that it then leaves it open ended again once the two first get together and then there are hints to how they will figure out a life together, but it is left open because that would apparently lead too much into the series. It went from a contained story only following the one pair to suddenly opening it up to the whole royal family and then just ending on a cliffhanger.

[Diane Dannenfeldt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new to me author & I can't wait to read more. I will also need to check out her books under Ariella Zoelle. So, we start off with Jaega rescuing Fersen after he was captured by an evil king while he was conquering the bad guys. Turns out that Fersen is the last unicorn shifter. So right there, dragon + unicorn shifters & I am always all in. What I was a little bit confused about is why does Fersen go into heat. Normally paranormal books that I read, if the omega goes into heat, then it leads to a pregnancy, but these books do not appear to be that way. So, I don't know why that would even be a part of the book. I would really like more of their story, how Fersen settles into his new life and maybe getting some training with the Enchanters. I would also have liked to see what was in the book. He briefly talks about it, but then that is it. I would also like to see why Mitsuki is the way he is. Why is he so cruel and being the way he is, why would King Tatsuki allow this to go on, especially since Mitsuki is the oldest and heir to the throne.

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest opinion

[Rachel Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought that this was a great opener to a whole new world from this author (an established author but a new separate pen name) and I am excited to read more!

This is a fantasy world with shifters, fated mates, royalty, danger, and lots of potential for characters, romances, and stories.

I really loved the sweet romance between Jaega, the dragon prince who rescues Fersen, who is the very last unicorn shifter. Jaega rescues Fersen from unimaginable horrors and captivity, and vows to continue protecting him until Fersen can be safely taken back home.

Of course - being a novella and both the prequel to this whole world, there were things I would have loved MORE for. More world building, more understanding the way of shifters and fated mates and heats (like...is there a purpose? What caused it? LOL). There is also a bit of info dump in the introduction of Jaega's whole family through a quick spout of dialogue. I'm sure we will get to have stories for all of them in this series.

I'd definitely give the next book in the series a try!

I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Alias11 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this prequel to a new series by Ariella Zoelle writing as Zarina Aston, a pen name for books with more angst and drama, and less 'fluff.' I found this book to be sweeter and less dark than I expected. A lot of bad things happened to Fersen, but they are mostly in the past and not detailed. They could certainly be triggering for someone who has suffered such things (systematic rape, attempted rape, destruction of home, murder of parents), but there is nothing on page, except a brief attempted rape at the beginning of the book. It did lessen my rating to four stars, though, because it seemed to me that Fersen SHOULD experience more trauma from what has happened to him. Although Jaega is sweet and kind, it seems to me that Fergus would not get over his past and start having sex with him so quickly or easily. I loved the characters and the ability to use magic to do practically anything, and I am looking forward to the rest of the series, but if you are looking for dark and angsty, you may be disappointed.

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been awhile since I’ve read a fantasy/paranormal romance. Many years ago, I read quite a few that centered on MF main characters. When I heard about Enchanter of Dragons, I was very much looking forward to a fantasy story having MM leading roles. Being a HUGE Ariella Zoelle fan, I had confidence that branching out in a new genre would be well done. I was correct. Enchanter of Dragons has a Zoelle vibe but with all the added adventure and fun of a land with fantasy. Books with shifter characters are different in a way that provides for twice the possibilities for the reader to delve into. Jaega had all the kind of growly possessiveness that I live for, and don’t even get me started on fated mates! Ferson provided a perfect complementing character for Jaega’s dragon with his sweet, shy personality.
If you’re not sure that fantasy is your cup of tea, but have loved Zoelle’s writing, this is a perfect size story to try it out. Personally, I can’t wait for more in this series. And luckily for me this is just the beginning.

[Suzanne Irving · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book but I did have a few issues with it. It was a good story but I did feel that Fersen gets over being the king’s captive way too easily. There are only a few times when he talks about what happened to him and his feelings about it and that is mostly in regards to feeling like Jaega won’t want him after what happened. I also feel like this book gives us nothing much different than so many other books that deal with fated mates and the paranormal. A lot more could have been written about Fersen being a unicorn shifter especially in regards to what his abilities are. I did like how slowly these two fated mates took to get to know each other but that did make the s€xy times few and only at the end. I would have liked some slower exploration in that sphere of the book even after a heat. From the description I was expecting a book with a bit more angst. The book ends rather abruptly so maybe some of these problems, especially Fersen’s magic will be dealt with in more detail in subsequent books.



I got a copy of this book from GRR and this is my honest review

[Kkhmonrai · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this prequel to a new series by Ariella Zoelle writing as Zarina Aston, a pen name for books with more angst and drama, and less 'fluff.' I found this book to be sweeter and less dark than I expected. A lot of bad things happened to Fersen, but they are mostly in the past and not detailed. They could certainly be triggering for someone who has suffered such things (systematic rape, attempted rape, destruction of home, murder of parents), but there is nothing on page, except a brief attempted rape at the beginning of the book. It did lessen my rating to four stars, though, because it seemed to me that Fersen SHOULD experience more trauma from what has happened to him. Although Jaega is sweet and kind, it seems to me that Fergus would not get over his past and start having sex with him so quickly or easily. I loved the characters and the ability to use magic to do practically anything, and I am looking forward to the rest of the series, but if you are looking for dark and angsty, you may be disappointed.

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

[Amy Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

A phenomenal beginning!

This book is awesome! The start of a new series by Zarina begins with this tale of Jaega and Fersen. The two meet in the aftermath of a battle that will see Fersen being set free from a terrible fate. Jaega and his dragon will know just what Fersen is to them but he will wait patiently as Fersen heals from his ordeal. The truth of Fersen’s heritage shows his great strength and what a true treasure he is. When Jaega and Fersen commit to being mates, it will change Fersen’s life for the better. Jaega’s family will embrace Fersen without hesitation save the oldest of his nephews. Fersen gets a new purpose in life in the castle with his mate and it is wonderful to read. Kitaro, one of Jaega’s nephews, gets a hint of what is to come for him and I can’t wait to read what happens in his story!

I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enchanter of Dragons, the prequel to Aston's Bonded Hearts series, is a lovely fantasy. About an Alpha Dragon and his Omega Unicorn. Fersen Rohesia is the last of the Unicorns, his people slaughtered by power hungry Necromancers. Jaega Ariake is a general in his king brother's army. Jaega rescues Fersen rescues him from a tyrant Scorpion king, and once he scents him, Jaega realizes that Fersen is his fated mate.
Jaega is both honorable and protective. Fersen starts out timid and all 'wounded baby bird', but under Jaega's care he blossoms. Jaega makes Fersen feel safe, and it's the Unicorn shifter pushes the Dragon for a mating. Their relationship is sweet and gentle but sizzling in the bedroom.
Excellent worldbuilding and lots of secondary characters to make this a nice sized series. The story is exciting and very absorbing. Lots of fun. Can't wait for more.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my review.

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the last of his kind, Fersen has been hunted and finally captured by the scorpion shifter king. When he is finally rescued by General Jaega, Fersen hopes his life will change for the better. Jaega lost his fated mate some time ago and is surprised to find that Fersen is his new fated mate. He wants to take it easy with Fersen as he had been abused, but the danger is not yet over and he may not have the time needed to consummate their bond.

Fersen will definitely pull at your heartstrings. He has been hounded all his life and now he has been abused by his latest captor. He feels safe with Jaega but does not always trust that feeling. Jaega is kind and caring and just what Fersen needs. First, they must survive. This story is a prequel to a new series called Bonded Hearts. If this is any indication, it promises to be incredible. That means more books to be added to my list.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and this is my unbiased opinion.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

I understand in a novella time is of the essence. So I tried to go along with why, after months of rape, Fersen wants to have sex with Jaega three hrs after rescue. Also fated mates, so that explains the insta love and eases agreeing to both sex for the first time and mating during a heat. Okay, that last one bothered me.
(IMO) This book should have been full length. (I'm sure there were good reasons it wasn't.) The MCs were adorable! Well Jaega was a bit preachy, but a very good mate and leader. I actually enjoyed almost all the characters introduced here and really wanted to see them fleshed out. It's also rare for me to run across unicorn shifters so on a selfish note I really wanted more time with Fersen.
I admit I was disappointed in this book, but I have absolute faith in this author and will move on the first book in the series.