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LightFall: The Dreadmarked Dragon
He is the Dragon Prince, cursed and bound by sacrificed auras to a savage demon dragon. Wielding the barely tamed monster like a weapon, the prince fights the hellish horde to preserve the light of all the Living Lands.Me… I’m nothing. Or not quite nothing. I’m a good thief, with clever fingers and a wayward tongue—which only gets me in trouble when the glowering Dragon Prince rescues me. He wasn’t rescuing just me, of course. There’s a fine lady and a brave soldier and a shy little shepherd boy, and also a holier-than-me cleric and a king.Now, because of a mistake that was not really mine, I’m trapped in a dangerous adventure. Demonic verges are splitting across the kingdom, releasing ghastly spawn from the Lost Lands. Even worse, the enchanted chains on the dragon are fraying, and the lifetime of scars that wound the Dragon Prince are bleeding where only I can see.We must find our way through ancient tomes and fabled talismans and terrible battles before the kingdom crumbles. But I might be falling too—falling for the dreadmarked prince. He did save me, after all, so I might just save him in return.+ + +Enter the exciting world of the Living Lands in LIGHTFALL, book one of The Dreadmarked Dragon duology, an epic romantic fantasy, where noble intrigue and demonic war are equally fatal, where one touch in the dark may lead to desire or damnation—and love might be most lethal of all. For fans of slow-burn romantasy who thought The Lord of the Rings needed a few more kisses.
481 pages, Paperback
Published April 8, 2024
1 person is currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Elsa Jade
98 books157 followersI grew up reading SFF, buying the biggest books I could with my chore money. While I loved the action, adventure, and exciting worlds, most of those stories were missing…kissing! Now I read and write paranormal romance and science fiction romance which I think mix the best of all worlds. I also write urban fantasy romance as Jessa Slade and sexy contemporary romance as Jenna Dales.
I spend most of my time at my computer thinking about stories, in my garden thinking about stories, or walking my dog thinking about stories. Hmm, I think there’s a theme… 🙂
I spend most of my time at my computer thinking about stories, in my garden thinking about stories, or walking my dog thinking about stories. Hmm, I think there’s a theme… 🙂
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 2, 2024
f*ck that was amazing.
Seriously. I loved this book so much, I feel bad for all of the other books that have to be judged after this one. Because dang this was an amazing book that felt like it hit every single one of my checkmarks. Every so often, you start reading a book that you know immediately is going to be something that you love. This is one such book.
This is an amazing start to The Dreadmarked Dragon duology, immersing readers into the grimdark and perilous world of the Living Lands in which humanity clings to survival by the skin of their teeth. This epic fantasy with romance weaves a tale of cursed princes, demonic battles, and unexpected heroism with a deft hand, creating an incredibly compelling story.
The story centers around Feinan, a former urchin abandoned by her people turned thief who stumbles upon this adventure through opportunity and dumb luck. Her sharp wit and moral ambiguity make her a captivating character. Feinan's first-person perspective injects the narrative with humor and relatability, drawing readers into her journey from street-smart thief to reluctant hero. She is a nobody and accidentally stumbles into world-shaking events. Fei is a snarky hoot filled with morally grey tendencies and mysteries. Especially next to the kind, brave character that is the Lady Dyania. I also love that - in most books - Fen would be a side character and instead, a Chosen One is the side character. I love tropes, but I also adore when books flip them on their heads.
Fei's encounter with the cursed Dragon Prince - a secretly noble yet broodingly tormented figure bound to a monstrous demon dragon - propels her into a dangerous world that is WAY above her pay grade.
Jade excels in world-building, creating a dark yet richly detailed setting that feels both expansive and immersive.The stakes feel real and immediate and these people feel like underdogs despite their (mostly) lofty positions. The slow-burn romance between Feinan and the Dragon Prince adds a layer of emotional complexity, two broken souls finding a little light in the darkness and their romance balances the epic battles and demonic confrontations with moments of tenderness.
Jade has crafted a book that defied all of my expectations and redefines genre conventions. The flawed, intensely human characters and the darkly enchanting world-building make it a standout addition to the genre. This book is an absolute delight and I can't WAIT to read the next book.
Seriously. I loved this book so much, I feel bad for all of the other books that have to be judged after this one. Because dang this was an amazing book that felt like it hit every single one of my checkmarks. Every so often, you start reading a book that you know immediately is going to be something that you love. This is one such book.
This is an amazing start to The Dreadmarked Dragon duology, immersing readers into the grimdark and perilous world of the Living Lands in which humanity clings to survival by the skin of their teeth. This epic fantasy with romance weaves a tale of cursed princes, demonic battles, and unexpected heroism with a deft hand, creating an incredibly compelling story.
The story centers around Feinan, a former urchin abandoned by her people turned thief who stumbles upon this adventure through opportunity and dumb luck. Her sharp wit and moral ambiguity make her a captivating character. Feinan's first-person perspective injects the narrative with humor and relatability, drawing readers into her journey from street-smart thief to reluctant hero. She is a nobody and accidentally stumbles into world-shaking events. Fei is a snarky hoot filled with morally grey tendencies and mysteries. Especially next to the kind, brave character that is the Lady Dyania. I also love that - in most books - Fen would be a side character and instead, a Chosen One is the side character. I love tropes, but I also adore when books flip them on their heads.
Fei's encounter with the cursed Dragon Prince - a secretly noble yet broodingly tormented figure bound to a monstrous demon dragon - propels her into a dangerous world that is WAY above her pay grade.
Jade excels in world-building, creating a dark yet richly detailed setting that feels both expansive and immersive.The stakes feel real and immediate and these people feel like underdogs despite their (mostly) lofty positions. The slow-burn romance between Feinan and the Dragon Prince adds a layer of emotional complexity, two broken souls finding a little light in the darkness and their romance balances the epic battles and demonic confrontations with moments of tenderness.
Jade has crafted a book that defied all of my expectations and redefines genre conventions. The flawed, intensely human characters and the darkly enchanting world-building make it a standout addition to the genre. This book is an absolute delight and I can't WAIT to read the next book.
May 13, 2024
LightFall by Elsa Jade is the first installment in The Dreadmarked Dragon series, a thrilling high fantasy series.
The story follows Feinan, a female thief set to carve a better life for herself than the one she's living. Her family left Feinan as a small child, and she has spent her life looking for answers. One day, she is given a chance to change her path; instead of letting her get caught by the authorities, she jumps into the carriage door that just opened before her and faces the unknown. This sets her on a new path with new people and choices.
The MMC, Aric, is the Demon Prince; he is the latest in the long line of humans bound to a demon dragon, set to protect the Kingdom against the constant attacks of the demon horde. But everything comes with a price, as the dragon must be offered human sacrifices to keep it tame. Of course, there is more to Aric than just the facade he puts forward, and we are shown more bit by bit.
The world-building in LightFall is quite intricate and rich; the lore, magic, and history are intriguing, too. There is an array of exciting and vital characters. The story is paced in a way that allows for deep dives into the characters' lives and motivations, with moments of intense action and suspense sprinkled throughout. There are many twists and turns, and I enjoyed the story. The slow burn is agonizingly slow, but I didn't mind it at all. It was worth it, as we got to know both Feinan and Aric a lot better.
As the book concludes, it leaves you yearning for more, eager to discover what lies ahead for Feinan and Aric as they navigate a world in turmoil. The anticipation for the next installment is palpable. I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to read and review LightFall, and I am eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this captivating series.
The story follows Feinan, a female thief set to carve a better life for herself than the one she's living. Her family left Feinan as a small child, and she has spent her life looking for answers. One day, she is given a chance to change her path; instead of letting her get caught by the authorities, she jumps into the carriage door that just opened before her and faces the unknown. This sets her on a new path with new people and choices.
The MMC, Aric, is the Demon Prince; he is the latest in the long line of humans bound to a demon dragon, set to protect the Kingdom against the constant attacks of the demon horde. But everything comes with a price, as the dragon must be offered human sacrifices to keep it tame. Of course, there is more to Aric than just the facade he puts forward, and we are shown more bit by bit.
The world-building in LightFall is quite intricate and rich; the lore, magic, and history are intriguing, too. There is an array of exciting and vital characters. The story is paced in a way that allows for deep dives into the characters' lives and motivations, with moments of intense action and suspense sprinkled throughout. There are many twists and turns, and I enjoyed the story. The slow burn is agonizingly slow, but I didn't mind it at all. It was worth it, as we got to know both Feinan and Aric a lot better.
As the book concludes, it leaves you yearning for more, eager to discover what lies ahead for Feinan and Aric as they navigate a world in turmoil. The anticipation for the next installment is palpable. I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to read and review LightFall, and I am eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this captivating series.
May 26, 2024
4/4.5
What an epic adventure full of demons, magic, and so much more!
I was easily swept up in this fantasy world with high stakes and end of the world battles.
I loved the concept. There was so much going on in this story and yet so much that has yet to be explored. I can’t wait for what comes next.
The characters were interesting as well not only the main ones but the side characters as well. I enjoyed learning more about them and uncovering who they were.
More reasons to pick up this book are; found family, fantasy adventure, epic battles, brooding dragon prince, snarky clever FMC, romantasy, political intrigue, royalty, and so much more!!
What an epic adventure full of demons, magic, and so much more!
I was easily swept up in this fantasy world with high stakes and end of the world battles.
I loved the concept. There was so much going on in this story and yet so much that has yet to be explored. I can’t wait for what comes next.
The characters were interesting as well not only the main ones but the side characters as well. I enjoyed learning more about them and uncovering who they were.
More reasons to pick up this book are; found family, fantasy adventure, epic battles, brooding dragon prince, snarky clever FMC, romantasy, political intrigue, royalty, and so much more!!
May 14, 2024
From the opening chapter to the end, I was caught up in this fantasy world that pits the forces of good and evil in the most ancient and stark terms. The world is just as messy and full of unclear magical belief as those presented in the middle-ages, but these misgivings in this world are real. A dreadmarked prince and his monster dragon are needed to stop the demon hoardes from destroying the light, devouring the land and the people. As in ancient times, a virtuous woman is needed to be sacrificed to satisfy the dragon to do his work. Neither the dragon, the dreadmarked prince, nor the virtuous woman (the chosen) desire to be a part of this eternal drama that happens every year and sometimes more often. Yet, each party feels trapped and must play their part in this ancient and seemingly eternal fight to save the kingdom.
In the midst of this is a protagonist who is not so easily categorized as good or evil, but is definitely not neutral. Feinan is an expert thief, and one who generally does not take on a fight unless it benefits her. She does not accept the world as it is but rather tries to bend it to her will through wit, creative cunning, and a solid desire not to die. Yet she may prove to be the most virtuous person on this journey, and the only one who can see a way to end this once and for all. I loved Feinan! We see the adventure, the clandestine machinations behinds the scenes through her clever eyes and mind. Yet she also shows a great deal of compassion and can't help but be in the middle of solving this eternal death drama.
I loved this unique world. I loved all of the creatures, the magic, and the political intrigue. The characters are unique and the relationships between them feel real. The action begins from the beginning when Feinan unwittingly jumps into the carriage of The Chosen and is put on the road to the Chosen's sacrifice, and perhaps Feinan's death as well.
Like paying a game of 3D chess, the interwoven moves of the characters build to a crescendo where any one move may end the world as they know it. I highly recommend this book to those who love epic adventure fantasy, with world-ending high stakes, amidst a chance for life-changing love.
For those who have read Elsa Jade’s shorter books about shifters, or alien grooms, or science fiction space opera romance, this book has all the adventure and characters and world building you love, but it is nearly double the length of those novels. This is EPIC fantasy adventure with a slow burn romance. If you approach it with that lens and take the time to get into the world and into the dynamics of the characters, I guarantee you will be rewarded. Jessa always pays off the promises she makes in the beginning. I hope the next book is coming soon, as I’m excited to see how she resolves all of this and molds good and evil for the long-term stability of life and a strong sustaining love.
In the midst of this is a protagonist who is not so easily categorized as good or evil, but is definitely not neutral. Feinan is an expert thief, and one who generally does not take on a fight unless it benefits her. She does not accept the world as it is but rather tries to bend it to her will through wit, creative cunning, and a solid desire not to die. Yet she may prove to be the most virtuous person on this journey, and the only one who can see a way to end this once and for all. I loved Feinan! We see the adventure, the clandestine machinations behinds the scenes through her clever eyes and mind. Yet she also shows a great deal of compassion and can't help but be in the middle of solving this eternal death drama.
I loved this unique world. I loved all of the creatures, the magic, and the political intrigue. The characters are unique and the relationships between them feel real. The action begins from the beginning when Feinan unwittingly jumps into the carriage of The Chosen and is put on the road to the Chosen's sacrifice, and perhaps Feinan's death as well.
Like paying a game of 3D chess, the interwoven moves of the characters build to a crescendo where any one move may end the world as they know it. I highly recommend this book to those who love epic adventure fantasy, with world-ending high stakes, amidst a chance for life-changing love.
For those who have read Elsa Jade’s shorter books about shifters, or alien grooms, or science fiction space opera romance, this book has all the adventure and characters and world building you love, but it is nearly double the length of those novels. This is EPIC fantasy adventure with a slow burn romance. If you approach it with that lens and take the time to get into the world and into the dynamics of the characters, I guarantee you will be rewarded. Jessa always pays off the promises she makes in the beginning. I hope the next book is coming soon, as I’m excited to see how she resolves all of this and molds good and evil for the long-term stability of life and a strong sustaining love.
May 6, 2024
Feinan is a thief, and she is just trying to escape being caught until she is swept up into a classic fight between good and evil as demons threaten the entire kingdom. The only way to save everyone, is to sacrifice a few. But is there another way? Feinan finds friends that become more like family and starts to develop an unlikely relationship with the demon prince himself as they search for an alternative solution to destroying the demons forever.
Lightfall sucked me in from the beginning. Fei was such an imperfect, but completely likable and relatable character. She completely stumbled into the right place at the right time to make a difference, and she was spirited and wouldn't give up. I loved the banter between her and Aric. Slow-burn romances are my favorite! The supporting cast of characters was fantastic too! I enjoyed seeing how they all fit together like pieces of a puzzle. This is my second Elsa Jade book and definitely my favorite. The ending set everything up for book 2, and this is definitely a 5 star book for me!
Lightfall sucked me in from the beginning. Fei was such an imperfect, but completely likable and relatable character. She completely stumbled into the right place at the right time to make a difference, and she was spirited and wouldn't give up. I loved the banter between her and Aric. Slow-burn romances are my favorite! The supporting cast of characters was fantastic too! I enjoyed seeing how they all fit together like pieces of a puzzle. This is my second Elsa Jade book and definitely my favorite. The ending set everything up for book 2, and this is definitely a 5 star book for me!
May 8, 2024
Lightfall
Rating: 🌟⭐️⭐️🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ (2.5)
ARC REVIEW
I both loved and hated this book. It is exceptionally clear from this work that the author is very skilled and the story itself was excellent. For me, though, the pacing was really slow. It genuinely took me to the halfway mark to even care about the story. However, once I got there I was hooked. The characters are well written and rounded. The relationships feel genuine. The world is so very alive. Jade has a tendency to go off on little descriptive bunny trails. For me it was distracting but I recognized it as something I remember enjoying with Tolkien’s works upon reading them the second and third times. I don’t doubt the high level of description in this book will be beloved if I, or another reader, were to re-read this book at a later date. All in all though, I most enjoyed getting to know the FMC, which was best facilitated with the agonizingly slow, slow-burn romance. It was great, but I just wanted it sooner. However, I believe Jade accomplished what she sought out to do and she did it well.
Rating: 🌟⭐️⭐️🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ (2.5)
ARC REVIEW
I both loved and hated this book. It is exceptionally clear from this work that the author is very skilled and the story itself was excellent. For me, though, the pacing was really slow. It genuinely took me to the halfway mark to even care about the story. However, once I got there I was hooked. The characters are well written and rounded. The relationships feel genuine. The world is so very alive. Jade has a tendency to go off on little descriptive bunny trails. For me it was distracting but I recognized it as something I remember enjoying with Tolkien’s works upon reading them the second and third times. I don’t doubt the high level of description in this book will be beloved if I, or another reader, were to re-read this book at a later date. All in all though, I most enjoyed getting to know the FMC, which was best facilitated with the agonizingly slow, slow-burn romance. It was great, but I just wanted it sooner. However, I believe Jade accomplished what she sought out to do and she did it well.
May 11, 2024
Wow! This book had me hooked from the very first page. Feinan is a sassy and cunning thief living on the streets in one of the provinces in the Living Lands. She was just presented with a choice, let herself be caught and risk death, or jump into the door of the carriage that just opened before her and face the unknown. Aric is the Dragon Prince, the latest in a long line of humans bound to the demon dragon, forced to consume the pure auras of sacrificial chosen ones in order to keep the dragon and other demons from tearing the Living Lands further asunder. And the choice Feinan has made as just set her on a collision course with the Demon Prince.
This book was utter perfection. The world building, the imperfectly perfect characters, the plot twists, the set up for the second book. Glorious. I felt every moment down to my core. There were some moments I saw coming, and then there were the surprises that hit me like a ton of bricks. This is a slow burn romance but it will melt your heart and have you ready to let the world burn for love.
This book was utter perfection. The world building, the imperfectly perfect characters, the plot twists, the set up for the second book. Glorious. I felt every moment down to my core. There were some moments I saw coming, and then there were the surprises that hit me like a ton of bricks. This is a slow burn romance but it will melt your heart and have you ready to let the world burn for love.
May 12, 2024
Feinan is a clever thief and has survived by her wits alone, but her runaway tongue has her on the run. Her clever escape by way of a Chosen One's carriage, however, will lead her into more danger than she could have imagined. When the caravan of the Chosen is attacked by demons, the Dreadmarked Prince, Aric, and the demon dragon he commands saves some of the caravan, Feinan will find herself in the High Keep of the Living Lands, home of the King who also happens to be Prince Aric's brother. While everyone else reviles the prince Feinan finds herself drawn to him and ignores his attempts to warn her away.
Exciting action with fantastical creatures, a little magic, political intrigue, and bitter betrayal. This is a must-read adventure with absolutely fascinating, unique and beautifully well written characters. I highly recommend this book to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Exciting action with fantastical creatures, a little magic, political intrigue, and bitter betrayal. This is a must-read adventure with absolutely fascinating, unique and beautifully well written characters. I highly recommend this book to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
May 10, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️
The beginning of this book was slow for me and a little bit difficult to get into.. but once I was in it I was HOOKED. The characters were so likeable and well rounded. Had you sort of cheering for the “underdog” aka the thief or chosen ones etc. I liked Feinan from the beginning but slowly liked her more and more as her character evolved. Plus I was hooked by Eric from their first meeting and his mysterious character.. who wouldn’t be intrigued by a dragon prince!? The world building was interesting too and the sacrifices of chosen ones etc. all around an interesting story and I’m excited to read the second book!
I mean who doesn’t love an interesting love story that includes dragons!? 😍
Tropes:
❤️slow-burn Romance
🧙fantasy
🧳Quests
🐉 magical creatures
Spice 🌶️🌶️
The beginning of this book was slow for me and a little bit difficult to get into.. but once I was in it I was HOOKED. The characters were so likeable and well rounded. Had you sort of cheering for the “underdog” aka the thief or chosen ones etc. I liked Feinan from the beginning but slowly liked her more and more as her character evolved. Plus I was hooked by Eric from their first meeting and his mysterious character.. who wouldn’t be intrigued by a dragon prince!? The world building was interesting too and the sacrifices of chosen ones etc. all around an interesting story and I’m excited to read the second book!
I mean who doesn’t love an interesting love story that includes dragons!? 😍
Tropes:
❤️slow-burn Romance
🧙fantasy
🧳Quests
🐉 magical creatures
May 12, 2024
It took me a while to get into this story, it seemed to move at a snail's pace but once it hooks you are all in. It has wonderful world-building and the imperfect characters are divine. Throw in the plot twists, demons, and a dragon what more could you ask for? How about a sassy, feisty MFC Feinan and a Dragon Prince Aric the MMC. Aric is dark, broody, and dreadmaked a demon. You fall in love with all the characters and keep reading, hanging on by a thread to wait for the next book. The cruelty of cliffhangers... This is a slow-burn romance with plenty of tension and some spice. It will leave you wanting and cheering for love.
May 29, 2024
3-3.5 stars
I had high hopes for this one, but I'm a little disappointed.
It's promoted to have the 'dragon-trope' but unfortunately the dragon played a very small role.
I'd hoped to read about the connection between the mc and the dragon, for them to really have a bond, but that was not the case.
There were a lot of animals, objects and powers that I didn't understand. They weren't really explained what they did or what it looked like.
It was a bit too long considering how much happened and I really had to power through.
For me personally, this book was too confusing and I don't think I'll read the next one.
I had high hopes for this one, but I'm a little disappointed.
It's promoted to have the 'dragon-trope' but unfortunately the dragon played a very small role.
I'd hoped to read about the connection between the mc and the dragon, for them to really have a bond, but that was not the case.
There were a lot of animals, objects and powers that I didn't understand. They weren't really explained what they did or what it looked like.
It was a bit too long considering how much happened and I really had to power through.
For me personally, this book was too confusing and I don't think I'll read the next one.
May 11, 2024
This book is an amazing start to a new Romantasy series!!! It started off slow but it picked up and I honestly couldn't put it down. It's not a short read so be prepared for reading into the morning hours or just spending the whole day reading (which doesn't sound to bad actually). The main character is just beautifully written and I love her sass and fire!!! The spice is very minimal and not very descriptive. I can't wait for the next book, like seriously!!!
May 15, 2024
Loved this book. The world building is intricate and the characters are exciting, the plot kept me hooked as well. It is a slow burn book and I thoroughly enjoyed that, it helps us know the characters better. The bonds between the characters feel genuine and real. Highly recommended to Epic Adventure Fantasy lovers.
May 14, 2024
Feinan’s life as a thief is filled with danger. Keeping from being caught is an important issue for her. Loved everything about the story.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews