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For the record, putting the Sousa clan to sleep for five hundred years is not Amaru’s fault.
At least he’s found his two, count ‘em two sexy, hunky, adorable, overprotective dragon mates because of it, and they’ll help him wake up his clan.
So why. Are his mates. AVOIDING HIM? Especially Luka. This should not be as hard as they’re making it.
What’re the proper tools to fix relationship problems? Is it screwdrivers?
Tags:
Chaos thine name is Amaru, one keeper is not sufficient, hence triad, lost clans, malfunctioning magic, confused dragons, the whole enchilada, 500 years is one hell of a power nap, zipper are awesome, Ravi has twins, pray, relationships are work, hope is too, who needs sleep when there is nookie, don’t touch the screwdrivers, all unattended electronics will be taken apart, breaking traditions, dragon cuddles are the best cuddles
At least he’s found his two, count ‘em two sexy, hunky, adorable, overprotective dragon mates because of it, and they’ll help him wake up his clan.
So why. Are his mates. AVOIDING HIM? Especially Luka. This should not be as hard as they’re making it.
What’re the proper tools to fix relationship problems? Is it screwdrivers?
Tags:
Chaos thine name is Amaru, one keeper is not sufficient, hence triad, lost clans, malfunctioning magic, confused dragons, the whole enchilada, 500 years is one hell of a power nap, zipper are awesome, Ravi has twins, pray, relationships are work, hope is too, who needs sleep when there is nookie, don’t touch the screwdrivers, all unattended electronics will be taken apart, breaking traditions, dragon cuddles are the best cuddles
Audible Audio
First published November 24, 2023
269 people are currently reading
314 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Sherwood
80 books1,990 followersAJ Sherwood believes in happily ever afters, magic, dragons, good men, and dark chocolate. She often dreams at night of delectable men doing sexy things with each other. In between writing multiple books (often at the same time) she pets her cats, plays with her dogs, and attempts insane things like aerial yoga.
She currently resides in Tennessee with aforementioned cats, dogs, and her editor/best friend/sister/partner in crime.
She currently resides in Tennessee with aforementioned cats, dogs, and her editor/best friend/sister/partner in crime.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
December 23, 2025
Gripping!!!
It was truly entertaining, I knew when I finished the previous book what the main plot was going to be, the secondary plot was intriguing as well, I adored the characters, all of them, the old and the new, the book had some lighter bits, comical even, but the majority part was quite heavy. The main characters were captivating, I absolutely loved one of the main characters, the second one left a bitter taste in my mouth, and the other one was fun and charming! The whole interaction between them was a little disjointed, with a lot of miscommunication, which is surprising for a 250 years of magical relationship, it gave me a sensation of betrayal, the first half of the book was a drag, there were several romantic moments, absolutely adorable, and superb steamy scenes, both the romantic and the steamy written just exquisitely! Kudos to A.J. Sherwood and Jocelynn Drake!!!
I also have this book on audible, massive complements to Joel Leslie, he just get better and better, so accurate, marvellous acting, fully committed, outstanding performance! High praises to him!
4⭐️
It was truly entertaining, I knew when I finished the previous book what the main plot was going to be, the secondary plot was intriguing as well, I adored the characters, all of them, the old and the new, the book had some lighter bits, comical even, but the majority part was quite heavy. The main characters were captivating, I absolutely loved one of the main characters, the second one left a bitter taste in my mouth, and the other one was fun and charming! The whole interaction between them was a little disjointed, with a lot of miscommunication, which is surprising for a 250 years of magical relationship, it gave me a sensation of betrayal, the first half of the book was a drag, there were several romantic moments, absolutely adorable, and superb steamy scenes, both the romantic and the steamy written just exquisitely! Kudos to A.J. Sherwood and Jocelynn Drake!!!
I also have this book on audible, massive complements to Joel Leslie, he just get better and better, so accurate, marvellous acting, fully committed, outstanding performance! High praises to him!
4⭐️
December 13, 2023
The storyline was really, really good. I was hooked. BUT (ah yes, there’s a but) the potential of the idea behind the plot wasn’t fully exploited. That’s because the romance and the communication problem (I‘m going to rant about this in the next paragraph) got in the way big time. I was kinda mad about that. If the romance and the plot can’t coexist without cancelling each other out the book just won’t work for me. I need balance.
The biggest problem of this book and the one thing that drove me absolutely crazy was the communication, or the lack of it. Halfway through the book, the characters never one spoke to each other about their feelings and thoughts. It wasn’t a case of miscommunication but a case of no communication at all. I‘m not sure which one is worse…
I really adored the characters though even if they certainly didn’t know how to speak to each other/how to communicate altogether.
So, how did I like this book? Hard to say, really. Since the plot was actually good (the end was rushed and not necessarily satisfying but I did like it quite a bit) and the characters weren’t half bad I am being quite generous with my three stars rating.
In other words, the book was not my favourite by far but for the most part, I thought the book was good.
The biggest problem of this book and the one thing that drove me absolutely crazy was the communication, or the lack of it. Halfway through the book, the characters never one spoke to each other about their feelings and thoughts. It wasn’t a case of miscommunication but a case of no communication at all. I‘m not sure which one is worse…
I really adored the characters though even if they certainly didn’t know how to speak to each other/how to communicate altogether.
So, how did I like this book? Hard to say, really. Since the plot was actually good (the end was rushed and not necessarily satisfying but I did like it quite a bit) and the characters weren’t half bad I am being quite generous with my three stars rating.
In other words, the book was not my favourite by far but for the most part, I thought the book was good.
November 28, 2023
Things came good in the middle
Oh I loved the start of this book, it has a very clever "meet/cute" idea, but then I hit a point where I was getting increasingly irritated.
I seriously cannot stand miscommunication - or lack of conversation as it is here - and this was straying very close to that line when it came to Luka and what felt to me like an incomprehensible fear about not being part of the new relationship with Vassily and Amaru.
There wasn't, imho, enough depth given to setting him up to have this fear that his lover of 250 years would just dump him, mage mate or not.
Fortunately, Amaru wasn't stupid and a few hard words from King Roderigo as well as Grigori's pointing out they'd never had a discussion about the situation as Amaru didn't realise his dragons could be that daft!
And once that was sorted, everything was back on track for me to love the narrative again. It's very funny, it has some seriously sweet moments and it's also scorching hot.
I very much liked that when they'd got their acts together, there weren't any more problems with being a throuple.
The secondary plotline of freeing Amaru's clan was also well done, and the authors hit the right notes between the pathos needed for realising they'd been asleep for 500 years, and the humour at them being fascinated by everything new technology could offer.
I'm very much looking forward to book three now.
Oh I loved the start of this book, it has a very clever "meet/cute" idea, but then I hit a point where I was getting increasingly irritated.
I seriously cannot stand miscommunication - or lack of conversation as it is here - and this was straying very close to that line when it came to Luka and what felt to me like an incomprehensible fear about not being part of the new relationship with Vassily and Amaru.
There wasn't, imho, enough depth given to setting him up to have this fear that his lover of 250 years would just dump him, mage mate or not.
Fortunately, Amaru wasn't stupid and a few hard words from King Roderigo as well as Grigori's pointing out they'd never had a discussion about the situation as Amaru didn't realise his dragons could be that daft!
And once that was sorted, everything was back on track for me to love the narrative again. It's very funny, it has some seriously sweet moments and it's also scorching hot.
I very much liked that when they'd got their acts together, there weren't any more problems with being a throuple.
The secondary plotline of freeing Amaru's clan was also well done, and the authors hit the right notes between the pathos needed for realising they'd been asleep for 500 years, and the humour at them being fascinated by everything new technology could offer.
I'm very much looking forward to book three now.
December 1, 2023
Anime RP Discord channel turned book, brought to you by the worst miscommunication trope you've ever seen.
Amaru is woken from a 500-year slumber that his ancient South American mage civilization put themselves under for their protection, and Amaru's dialogue looks like this:
"Uppies?"
"Booze me, daddy."
"The who's-whatzit?"
And countless more. It never ends.
Christ. You have a character who could speak in such creative, interesting ways to show the fun side of ancient culture and reveal cool magical history for the book, but instead you get a cartoon character who talks like an American tumblr user. It's god damn miserable.
You can't convince me a translation spell would eradicate his culture from how he speaks and replace it with American cultural references, anachronisms, and 2015 internet jokes. Hell, there's even a scene in which Amaru clarifies how to use English words:
"And it makes no f*cking sense. That is how to use f*cking right, right?"
Why does he need clarification on that specific word but nothing else? This is the scene in which he says "Booze me, daddy"! Come on! The translation spell is nonsense, and all it does to have him talk like this is flatten the character. There's no creativity or curiosity in the way he's written. He speaks the same way as all the other characters, too, which is an additional problem: none of the characters have a unique voice. They ALL talk like they're in an anime RP Discord. That kind of speech is fun, but deeply uninteresting and uncreative when it's literally absolutely all characters. DREADFUL character design and dialogue.
The other two MCs, Vasily and Luka, are dragons who've been together for hundreds of years despite the fact that dragons only mate with mages, never each other. You'd think that situation would be ripe for tension, maybe even light angst due to a cultural taboo or feelings of being an outsider. Nope. None of that. They have some anxiety around what will happen when a mage shows up. Will they have to split up if only one gets a mage mate? What will happen to the one left behind? That's an interesting dilemma to read, but it isn't explored properly. That's the main emotional conflict, and it's barely there! Luka doesn't recognize Amaru as his mate right away, so his character has the most interesting internal conflict, but Vasily and Amaru have nothing going on (despite ample material that could be used). It's so damn shallow.
As for the plot? Just as shallow. 60% of the book is the worst kind of miscommunication trope that exists. The kind that doesn't make sense to drag out that long, the kind that doesn't have a legitimate cause, the kind that falls apart if the characters talk for more than two minutes. To keep up this kind of unnatural miscommunication, the book is forced to keep Amaru and his two dragon mates, Vasily and Luka, from having time together, so you're left with surface-level, irrelevant scenes filling in the bulk of the book. So many emotionally important and exciting moments can't involve the three MCs without the miscommunication being cleared up, so all the big scenes the MCs should share end up split amongst random side characters, cutting out the most valuable and emotional character dynamics of a romance book.
So much time is wasted, and finally, finally, they clear up the miscommunication. And what do we get after all that time? Hackneyed declarations of love, corny jokes, and sex. No interesting moments together building intimacy, no deepening of the characters, no sharing of hard feelings (jealousy, inadequacy, etc.) natural to polyamory or really any relationship, no challenges, no conflict, nothing.
I haven't seen someone fumble a premise this fascinating in a long, long time. It's among the worst I've ever seen.
Amaru is woken from a 500-year slumber that his ancient South American mage civilization put themselves under for their protection, and Amaru's dialogue looks like this:
"Uppies?"
"Booze me, daddy."
"The who's-whatzit?"
And countless more. It never ends.
Christ. You have a character who could speak in such creative, interesting ways to show the fun side of ancient culture and reveal cool magical history for the book, but instead you get a cartoon character who talks like an American tumblr user. It's god damn miserable.
You can't convince me a translation spell would eradicate his culture from how he speaks and replace it with American cultural references, anachronisms, and 2015 internet jokes. Hell, there's even a scene in which Amaru clarifies how to use English words:
"And it makes no f*cking sense. That is how to use f*cking right, right?"
Why does he need clarification on that specific word but nothing else? This is the scene in which he says "Booze me, daddy"! Come on! The translation spell is nonsense, and all it does to have him talk like this is flatten the character. There's no creativity or curiosity in the way he's written. He speaks the same way as all the other characters, too, which is an additional problem: none of the characters have a unique voice. They ALL talk like they're in an anime RP Discord. That kind of speech is fun, but deeply uninteresting and uncreative when it's literally absolutely all characters. DREADFUL character design and dialogue.
The other two MCs, Vasily and Luka, are dragons who've been together for hundreds of years despite the fact that dragons only mate with mages, never each other. You'd think that situation would be ripe for tension, maybe even light angst due to a cultural taboo or feelings of being an outsider. Nope. None of that. They have some anxiety around what will happen when a mage shows up. Will they have to split up if only one gets a mage mate? What will happen to the one left behind? That's an interesting dilemma to read, but it isn't explored properly. That's the main emotional conflict, and it's barely there! Luka doesn't recognize Amaru as his mate right away, so his character has the most interesting internal conflict, but Vasily and Amaru have nothing going on (despite ample material that could be used). It's so damn shallow.
As for the plot? Just as shallow. 60% of the book is the worst kind of miscommunication trope that exists. The kind that doesn't make sense to drag out that long, the kind that doesn't have a legitimate cause, the kind that falls apart if the characters talk for more than two minutes. To keep up this kind of unnatural miscommunication, the book is forced to keep Amaru and his two dragon mates, Vasily and Luka, from having time together, so you're left with surface-level, irrelevant scenes filling in the bulk of the book. So many emotionally important and exciting moments can't involve the three MCs without the miscommunication being cleared up, so all the big scenes the MCs should share end up split amongst random side characters, cutting out the most valuable and emotional character dynamics of a romance book.
So much time is wasted, and finally, finally, they clear up the miscommunication. And what do we get after all that time? Hackneyed declarations of love, corny jokes, and sex. No interesting moments together building intimacy, no deepening of the characters, no sharing of hard feelings (jealousy, inadequacy, etc.) natural to polyamory or really any relationship, no challenges, no conflict, nothing.
I haven't seen someone fumble a premise this fascinating in a long, long time. It's among the worst I've ever seen.
December 4, 2023
Oh, I loved it. We finally get somewhat of an answer as to what happened with the Sousa clan and the Tupa thunder dragons. And we get to breathe in peace that Vasily and Luka will be happy and together with their mage. It was feelings overload yet somehow also well balanced with pushing the plot forward. I really liked it.
And the little snippet at the epilogue now has me itching for the next book. The wait will be eternal
And the little snippet at the epilogue now has me itching for the next book. The wait will be eternal
December 12, 2023
Okay, you can tell which author wrote which character. All of one particular author's characters are starting to sound pretty similar no matter what book, that modern slangy "I'm cool" way of talking. Amaru even with a translation spell sounded suspiciously like an 18 year old tiktoker.
I did appreciate the stress between Luka and Vassily and they mention that people though their bonding was weird but you don't see much evidence of it. I did find it moved pretty slow with no one talking about what was happening, and I wanted to see things moving a bit faster especially getting the clan out of the cave and figuring out who cursed the Jaeggi (which you don't find out - maybe next book) so I was a bit torn. It was okay, but didn't capture my attention like the first series. And I found Sam annoying in his book and he's still annoying.
I did appreciate the stress between Luka and Vassily and they mention that people though their bonding was weird but you don't see much evidence of it. I did find it moved pretty slow with no one talking about what was happening, and I wanted to see things moving a bit faster especially getting the clan out of the cave and figuring out who cursed the Jaeggi (which you don't find out - maybe next book) so I was a bit torn. It was okay, but didn't capture my attention like the first series. And I found Sam annoying in his book and he's still annoying.
November 27, 2023
3.5
This book gave me a lot of anxiety! The story was great, and I loved our main characters, but I literally skipped ahead to where THEY FINALLY TALKED because I couldn't take it anymore.
This book gave me a lot of anxiety! The story was great, and I loved our main characters, but I literally skipped ahead to where THEY FINALLY TALKED because I couldn't take it anymore.
February 2, 2024
Yes, yes, yes! Give me more! I love this series so much. And oh my god, but Amaru is adorkable. His brain is just such fun. Of course he was going to send his mates into a tailspin. I felt for Luka especially. He and Vasily have been together for so long and it's hard to believe that there could be one mage mate for the both of them. He's so sure he's going to lose the man he loves, but as much as it will kill him he's going to do what is best for Vasily.
I will admit that the absolute lack of communication between these three, especially between Vasily and Luka, was incredibly frustrating. I wish that they'd all just talked eons earlier and settled in with each other so that more of the plot could have been explored as they figured out how to wake up the remainder of Amaru's clan. That storyline was fascinating.
Still I just can't ever not enjoy these stories. I love the characters and the world so much.
I will admit that the absolute lack of communication between these three, especially between Vasily and Luka, was incredibly frustrating. I wish that they'd all just talked eons earlier and settled in with each other so that more of the plot could have been explored as they figured out how to wake up the remainder of Amaru's clan. That storyline was fascinating.
Still I just can't ever not enjoy these stories. I love the characters and the world so much.
October 30, 2024
Well - interesting idea and all sorts of potential, but a bit of a misfire with the execution. Many have labeled it a miscommunication trope, but it is more of a "assumptions make an ass out or u and me". The endless dialogue that goes no where is a bit annoying and the slow movement forward is a bit painful.
December 8, 2024
Legit sobbed multiple times at this book. Didn’t know I was so invested.
March 26, 2024
I love how I get lost in this world, only issue is my mind does wander and I end up creating a b line plot in my own head along side the main action of the book.
May 24, 2024
LOVE MY DRAGONS 🐉 ❤️
October 24, 2024
Amazing
I absolutely love these dragons and their mages!!! Vasily and Luka have worried for centuries that a mate would be the end of them but it is actually just the beginning! Besides, Amaru needs tow dragons mates to keep up with him!
I absolutely love these dragons and their mages!!! Vasily and Luka have worried for centuries that a mate would be the end of them but it is actually just the beginning! Besides, Amaru needs tow dragons mates to keep up with him!
June 22, 2025
This was absolutely amazing and I loved it! But how can we wait another year for the next one, especially with that teaser of an epilogue?
November 30, 2023
Entertaining tale, overflowing with great plots and characters
Rating: 4🌈
I loved Ruins, the preceding book, where Sam and Dimitri found out they were not only soulmates but located the ruins of the mysterious and previously thought lost Sousa clan. Now comes the exciting adventures to explore the ramifications of those ruins and the clan they belong to.
Sherwood and Drake have packed a lot into this book. It easily could taken two stories to tell just because of the narrative ground it has to cover along with the complexity of the romance of the novel. That’s where I’m not sure all the elements came out equally well conceived for me given the potential of the concepts and emotions involved.
First the romance. That has been something that has been around for a while. The relationship between the two dragons, Luka and Vassily, which is unique when the mate combination is dragon/mage, not dragon/dragon. So their relationship has been fraught with fears for one of them finding a mate and tearing the couple apart, a thread from other stories. So potentially heartbreaking.
It continues here when a voice calls to both in dreams, asking them to save him. Amaura Sousa, a mage who needs their help to wake him and the rest of his clan from a 500 year old sleep. The Sousa clan’s spirit and strength lies in their love of creating new science and technology merged with magic, which in this case also has been the basis of their long slumber.
The romance/mate bond between Luka/Vassily/Amaura of this book is one the aspects that frustrated me the most of the storylines. One of the best but most frustrating. It always comes down to communication for me and the fact that the characters don’t seem to talk to each other. That’s become an almost a flag for as a reader in books so it takes a lot in a story for me to stay connected and continue reading.
Luckily, the authors do have other characters step in and help clarify the issues but , good grief, that’s a lot of work for some charming characters.
Both Sherwood and Drake built some imaginative magical clan history and new knowledge with the retrieved Sousa clan. I could have spent chapters more on the breaking of that spell, waking everyone up to a new era and reordering of dragon/mage dynamics.
Then only to give the reader brief moments and glimpses into what the Sousa city, ruin’s magical rebirth included, well, there’s even more possibilities and potential I feel was left out of the story, scenes I wanted to read and feel a part of. Mostly because what we were given were so special and fascinating that I was absolutely invested into them.
And then there’s Sam who with his broken core, started the search for the Sousa to begin with. Sam’s story and his role is so emotionally important. He’s the heart and hero, and I wanted his happiness and heroics to get the best scenario possible. The authors came so so close. I guess they couldn’t have explosions. But again, Sam and Dimitri could have had chapters to finish off their well deserved section of this tale.
Rise (Wings 'N' Wands, #2) by A. J. Sherwood and Jocelynn Drake was a case of a bunch of wonderful ideas, imaginative elements, mixed with great characters but just not having enough page time or narrative space to give them all the attention they deserve.
I had a fabulously entertaining time reading it and look forward to the next.
Rating: 4🌈
I loved Ruins, the preceding book, where Sam and Dimitri found out they were not only soulmates but located the ruins of the mysterious and previously thought lost Sousa clan. Now comes the exciting adventures to explore the ramifications of those ruins and the clan they belong to.
Sherwood and Drake have packed a lot into this book. It easily could taken two stories to tell just because of the narrative ground it has to cover along with the complexity of the romance of the novel. That’s where I’m not sure all the elements came out equally well conceived for me given the potential of the concepts and emotions involved.
First the romance. That has been something that has been around for a while. The relationship between the two dragons, Luka and Vassily, which is unique when the mate combination is dragon/mage, not dragon/dragon. So their relationship has been fraught with fears for one of them finding a mate and tearing the couple apart, a thread from other stories. So potentially heartbreaking.
It continues here when a voice calls to both in dreams, asking them to save him. Amaura Sousa, a mage who needs their help to wake him and the rest of his clan from a 500 year old sleep. The Sousa clan’s spirit and strength lies in their love of creating new science and technology merged with magic, which in this case also has been the basis of their long slumber.
The romance/mate bond between Luka/Vassily/Amaura of this book is one the aspects that frustrated me the most of the storylines. One of the best but most frustrating. It always comes down to communication for me and the fact that the characters don’t seem to talk to each other. That’s become an almost a flag for as a reader in books so it takes a lot in a story for me to stay connected and continue reading.
Luckily, the authors do have other characters step in and help clarify the issues but , good grief, that’s a lot of work for some charming characters.
Both Sherwood and Drake built some imaginative magical clan history and new knowledge with the retrieved Sousa clan. I could have spent chapters more on the breaking of that spell, waking everyone up to a new era and reordering of dragon/mage dynamics.
Then only to give the reader brief moments and glimpses into what the Sousa city, ruin’s magical rebirth included, well, there’s even more possibilities and potential I feel was left out of the story, scenes I wanted to read and feel a part of. Mostly because what we were given were so special and fascinating that I was absolutely invested into them.
And then there’s Sam who with his broken core, started the search for the Sousa to begin with. Sam’s story and his role is so emotionally important. He’s the heart and hero, and I wanted his happiness and heroics to get the best scenario possible. The authors came so so close. I guess they couldn’t have explosions. But again, Sam and Dimitri could have had chapters to finish off their well deserved section of this tale.
Rise (Wings 'N' Wands, #2) by A. J. Sherwood and Jocelynn Drake was a case of a bunch of wonderful ideas, imaginative elements, mixed with great characters but just not having enough page time or narrative space to give them all the attention they deserve.
I had a fabulously entertaining time reading it and look forward to the next.
February 2, 2025
The second book in the series, is a fun, spicy, and unexpectedly sweet read!
Amaru is such a lovable character—his energy is contagious, and his determination to win over his two (very stubborn) dragon mates makes for an entertaining ride. The humour is spot-on, especially with his attempts to "fix" his relationship problems like they're DIY projects.
Dragons Luka and Vasily have been lovers, friends, partners, husbands for two hundred and fifty years. And now Luka’s avoidance adds just the right amount of tension, and the slow-burn romance (mixed with some serious heat) keeps the pages turning.
The tension between Amaru and his mates, especially Luka, kept me hooked, and when things finally clicked—wow, the payoff was worth it. The chemistry crackles, the emotions run deep, and the mix of humour and heat is spot on.
Amaru accidentally putting his entire clan to sleep for 500 years is a fantastic setup, and watching him navigate the consequences (while dealing with stubborn dragons) was both hilarious and heartwarming.
If you love fated mates, dragons, a main character with endless charm, and a romance that makes you laugh and melt in equal measure, you need this book in your life
Although each book focuses on a different couple, reading the Wings 'N' Wands Series is best enjoyed when read in order:
June 27, 2024
Audio: 5 Stars
Story: Same issues as the first one, these characters are supposed to be hundreds of years old but they act like immature teens. Worst miscommunication trope EVER! Communicate people, you have a mouth for a reason other than eating! Sixty percent of the book is wasted on the back and forth instead of actually using the time to develop the relationship.
Amaru has been in a cryogenic stasis for 500 years in SOUTH AMERICA civilization but his dialogue sounds like a Disney character from one of their lame series: "Booze me Daddy", "Uppies?". The ridiculousness never ends, it goes on and on! I mean I do not expect them to speak an indigenous language that never existed, but come on! You have the liberty of creating a character who is to be magical, creative, from an ancient culture....but his speech reads like a social media cartoon. And don't get me started with the phrases or idiom constructs that are from the 90s or current, but Amaru understands....anyway, translation or not, does not make sense, ridiculous, like I said.
The book also needed better editing, things contradict each other because they are not properly organized.
Anyway, no point, the plot would have been more focused on them hunting for magical elements and adventuring and the development of a throuple relationship instead of a telenovela of lame sappy dialogue and poor plot development. The author's just took an Anime story and turned it into a book. Onto my next adventure, Happy Readings!!!
Story: Same issues as the first one, these characters are supposed to be hundreds of years old but they act like immature teens. Worst miscommunication trope EVER! Communicate people, you have a mouth for a reason other than eating! Sixty percent of the book is wasted on the back and forth instead of actually using the time to develop the relationship.
Amaru has been in a cryogenic stasis for 500 years in SOUTH AMERICA civilization but his dialogue sounds like a Disney character from one of their lame series: "Booze me Daddy", "Uppies?". The ridiculousness never ends, it goes on and on! I mean I do not expect them to speak an indigenous language that never existed, but come on! You have the liberty of creating a character who is to be magical, creative, from an ancient culture....but his speech reads like a social media cartoon. And don't get me started with the phrases or idiom constructs that are from the 90s or current, but Amaru understands....anyway, translation or not, does not make sense, ridiculous, like I said.
The book also needed better editing, things contradict each other because they are not properly organized.
Anyway, no point, the plot would have been more focused on them hunting for magical elements and adventuring and the development of a throuple relationship instead of a telenovela of lame sappy dialogue and poor plot development. The author's just took an Anime story and turned it into a book. Onto my next adventure, Happy Readings!!!
November 25, 2023
A super cute read. There's relatively high angst in this book compared to the other novels in the series(). It's the first poly in the universe and it was pretty well executed with the mishap about the mate stuff. A fun plot too, balanced between the romance and the fantasy aspect. We get to look more into the Sousa clan and the lightning dragons. And Luka, Amaru and Vasily are in a sweet and wholesome relationship. Not too much spice, but enough.
It's just that the way the characters behave is kind of ooc? like I understand the authors may want to make the book lighthearted and humorous by creating a playful, funny personalities but characters now act like they're in their twenties instead of being a couple of centuries old. Also Amaru's personality and actions ended up being really quite similar to previous characters like Nikki and Ravi - chaotic, loves explosions and coffee, mischievous - to the point that if they don't have names I wouldn't be able to tell them apart.
I'd still say it's a good book though. The epilogue did get me hanging and I cannot wait for Soar!! It'd be fun to see Gregori and Salem figure their relationship out in the sequel().
It's just that the way the characters behave is kind of ooc? like I understand the authors may want to make the book lighthearted and humorous by creating a playful, funny personalities but characters now act like they're in their twenties instead of being a couple of centuries old. Also Amaru's personality and actions ended up being really quite similar to previous characters like Nikki and Ravi - chaotic, loves explosions and coffee, mischievous - to the point that if they don't have names I wouldn't be able to tell them apart.
I'd still say it's a good book though. The epilogue did get me hanging and I cannot wait for Soar!! It'd be fun to see Gregori and Salem figure their relationship out in the sequel().
August 4, 2025
I really enjoyed this story and, in fact, this series. This time, Vassili and Luca have found their mate and it's one of the Soca mages they've located in a cave under a lake. The story is long and complex but a lot of fun with the usual ensemble case A.J. assembles.
The love story is sweet as Luca can't at first imagine that Amara could possibly want him as well as Vassili so there's a period of angst and heartbreak in the romance department. All works out well eventually and as they find the needed people and ingredients to disarm the spells holding his comrades and the lost lightning dragons, all works out well for more than just our threesome.
All I can say is that if you enjoy fantasy and have read the other series that features the dragons and mages (sorry, can't recall the name) then by all means start this one with Ruins and don't look back. I can't wait for the newest book to be out in audio as Joel Leslie does his usual fantastic job performing a thousand voices. Win-win for this story in audio.
PS - since I listened to the audio version, I'm sure I've misspelled half the names. Sorry about that.
The love story is sweet as Luca can't at first imagine that Amara could possibly want him as well as Vassili so there's a period of angst and heartbreak in the romance department. All works out well eventually and as they find the needed people and ingredients to disarm the spells holding his comrades and the lost lightning dragons, all works out well for more than just our threesome.
All I can say is that if you enjoy fantasy and have read the other series that features the dragons and mages (sorry, can't recall the name) then by all means start this one with Ruins and don't look back. I can't wait for the newest book to be out in audio as Joel Leslie does his usual fantastic job performing a thousand voices. Win-win for this story in audio.
PS - since I listened to the audio version, I'm sure I've misspelled half the names. Sorry about that.
January 21, 2025
For the record, putting the Sousa clan to sleep for five hundred years is not Amaru’s fault.
At least he’s found his two, count ‘em two sexy, hunky, adorable, overprotective dragon mates because of it, and they’ll help him wake up his clan.
So why. Are his mates. AVOIDING HIM? Especially Luka. This should not be as hard as they’re making it.
What’re the proper tools to fix relationship problems? Is it screwdrivers?
Tags:
Chaos thine name is Amaru, one keeper is not sufficient, hence triad, lost clans, malfunctioning magic, confused dragons, the whole enchilada, 500 years is one hell of a power nap, zipper are awesome, Ravi has twins, pray, relationships are work, hope is too, who needs sleep when there is nookie, don’t touch the screwdrivers, all unattended electronics will be taken apart, breaking traditions, dragon cuddles are the best cuddles
Heather's Notes
While I do like these stories, Luka made me really mad in this one. Also there should have been some kind of groveling involved. I did like Amaru, and would love to see more of him and the Sousa. Sadly, the next book is the end of this series, which I will read.
At least he’s found his two, count ‘em two sexy, hunky, adorable, overprotective dragon mates because of it, and they’ll help him wake up his clan.
So why. Are his mates. AVOIDING HIM? Especially Luka. This should not be as hard as they’re making it.
What’re the proper tools to fix relationship problems? Is it screwdrivers?
Tags:
Chaos thine name is Amaru, one keeper is not sufficient, hence triad, lost clans, malfunctioning magic, confused dragons, the whole enchilada, 500 years is one hell of a power nap, zipper are awesome, Ravi has twins, pray, relationships are work, hope is too, who needs sleep when there is nookie, don’t touch the screwdrivers, all unattended electronics will be taken apart, breaking traditions, dragon cuddles are the best cuddles
Heather's Notes
While I do like these stories, Luka made me really mad in this one. Also there should have been some kind of groveling involved. I did like Amaru, and would love to see more of him and the Sousa. Sadly, the next book is the end of this series, which I will read.
November 29, 2023
Vasily and Luca have been together for 250 years. They’re both dragons who survived the Great Dragon War. Dragons aren’t supposed to fall in love with each other. Everyone knows that Dragons are destined to find the soul mate in a mage. But with mages in scarce supply since they were all wiped out, Luca sort of secretly hopes that neither of them will find one, because there’s never been a triad of two dragons and a mage ever before.
When Amaru starts to visit them in dreams there’s almost too scared to hope that this mage might be a mate for both of them. When they realize that time is running out for Amaru the dragons mobilize to rescue the mage who is trapped under a lake. But when they get there, they get a lot more than the bargained for.
Favorite Parts - Amaru’s destructive technological curiosity and his fascination with screw drivers, Amaru stealing all of Luca’s clothes, Ravi and Sora being DADS!, Nikki and Ravi and Amaru should never be left alone with explosives
Read This If You - Don’t mind a little angst because some dragons are too scared to believe they deserve an HEA, want to see Cameron geeking out over ancient tech, wee dragon shifter babies!
When Amaru starts to visit them in dreams there’s almost too scared to hope that this mage might be a mate for both of them. When they realize that time is running out for Amaru the dragons mobilize to rescue the mage who is trapped under a lake. But when they get there, they get a lot more than the bargained for.
Favorite Parts - Amaru’s destructive technological curiosity and his fascination with screw drivers, Amaru stealing all of Luca’s clothes, Ravi and Sora being DADS!, Nikki and Ravi and Amaru should never be left alone with explosives
Read This If You - Don’t mind a little angst because some dragons are too scared to believe they deserve an HEA, want to see Cameron geeking out over ancient tech, wee dragon shifter babies!
October 30, 2025
Look, I liked this book and the triad. What I didn't like is that a 2-second conversation would have alleviated most of the angst and reduced the book by 50-75 pages. Maybe the book wouldn't have been shorter, but everyone would have been happier, and they would have had sex way sooner.
I honestly did like the book and the MMCs, but that really bothered me. I suppose I just want my happy ever after faster.
angst 4/5
steam 3/5
story 3.5/5
POV triple (all 3 MMCs)
break up no?
I honestly did like the book and the MMCs, but that really bothered me. I suppose I just want my happy ever after faster.
angst 4/5
steam 3/5
story 3.5/5
POV triple (all 3 MMCs)
break up no?
December 1, 2023
Vasily and Luca have been together for centuries when they both start dreaming about a young man who tells them they must come to find him before he is lost. They both start to worry that this mage might only be one of their mates, not both. Amaru was put to sleep over 500 years ago; it wasn't his plan, and he isn't happy that it lasted so long.
This was a book of miscommunication of epic proportions, but it was entertaining to see how Amaru dealt with that and finally got the boys on track. Amaru was an exciting character enthralled with all the new technology and finding out how it worked. This one had a bit of angst between the three characters but no real drama outside their miscommunications.
I'm looking forward to the next book and discovering why Saleem doesn't want a dragon mate.
This was a book of miscommunication of epic proportions, but it was entertaining to see how Amaru dealt with that and finally got the boys on track. Amaru was an exciting character enthralled with all the new technology and finding out how it worked. This one had a bit of angst between the three characters but no real drama outside their miscommunications.
I'm looking forward to the next book and discovering why Saleem doesn't want a dragon mate.
December 3, 2023
2.5. Interesting premise, but I don't think it delivered. It dragged a bit.
I did not enjoy a lot of the dialogue, as I feel a lot of the characters in these books talk too much alike. Amora's character had potential for a really individual voice and he didn't have it. Even with a translation spell, and an interest in modern slang, he should have spoken, and especially thought, differently.
The continued world building is good. Some good moments, discussing grief and loss and fear, were well done. Cameos from previous characters were good. The Burkhard King and Consort still manage to be the most distinct characters, with Ravi a close runner up. A lot of the others feel like mimicry of each other.
I will probably read the next one but I hope the characters are a bit more individual and unique.
I did not enjoy a lot of the dialogue, as I feel a lot of the characters in these books talk too much alike. Amora's character had potential for a really individual voice and he didn't have it. Even with a translation spell, and an interest in modern slang, he should have spoken, and especially thought, differently.
The continued world building is good. Some good moments, discussing grief and loss and fear, were well done. Cameos from previous characters were good. The Burkhard King and Consort still manage to be the most distinct characters, with Ravi a close runner up. A lot of the others feel like mimicry of each other.
I will probably read the next one but I hope the characters are a bit more individual and unique.
February 10, 2024
Finish a story
Honestly the first book Ruins had me invested and in and loving the characters and to rip something the reader had become emotionally invested in and make it a side story in another story is just insulting. Finish one story with said characters before moving on to others. Because of this I couldn't get into THIS story when it felt like too much was untold woth the other story and it just takes away from BOTH stories. I want to finish dimitrii and sam's story... in their point of view. From what I can see. All of your books are like this and it's annoying and makes me not wanna read them at all. Ruins was amazi g and the first book I'd read by you guys hence why two stars... but this is probably the last. You guys have a habit of taking away from the story by switching to other characters.
Honestly the first book Ruins had me invested and in and loving the characters and to rip something the reader had become emotionally invested in and make it a side story in another story is just insulting. Finish one story with said characters before moving on to others. Because of this I couldn't get into THIS story when it felt like too much was untold woth the other story and it just takes away from BOTH stories. I want to finish dimitrii and sam's story... in their point of view. From what I can see. All of your books are like this and it's annoying and makes me not wanna read them at all. Ruins was amazi g and the first book I'd read by you guys hence why two stars... but this is probably the last. You guys have a habit of taking away from the story by switching to other characters.
June 4, 2024
Still a very fun series, it's great to return to the dragons and mages with a slightly different dynamic. It's nice to meet a mage who is very sure of himself, and sure of his relationship with his dragons, rather than previous books where the mage is usually the greater cause of the angst. I didn't like that the dramatic tension in the first half of the book largely comes from miscommunication, the idea that a conversation could have cleared it up a lot sooner, however it largely comes from Luka, and given what we learn about his character and background it is in keeping with his personality, so at least it is appropriate in context, just a bit tiresome to read about. The rest of the story, about rediscovering a lost clan and their forgotten knowledge, was interesting and rounds off some elements from the previous book too. Looking forward to the next book.
June 24, 2025
So typically, the Dragon books from Drake / Sherwood are Gourmet Brain Candy; fun easy fluff. The books are great breathers but are formulaic, and some times that is exactly what I want. My goodness did this one lay in the middle for me. I struggled to finish reading. It felt like the mid 30% was nothing but prep and worry with no moving forward of the relationship or story.
Even though I typically prefer to read back 2 back, I find these more enjoyable when separated, and unfortunately I did read these b2b. I'm guessing that did not help either. If I have no problem picking these Dragon stories back up after awhile (even with my awful memory), then the repetition can be tedious if not separated by time. This includes any previous series from this world.
Thankfully the end picked back up, but not enough to make it more than just an average read.
Even though I typically prefer to read back 2 back, I find these more enjoyable when separated, and unfortunately I did read these b2b. I'm guessing that did not help either. If I have no problem picking these Dragon stories back up after awhile (even with my awful memory), then the repetition can be tedious if not separated by time. This includes any previous series from this world.
Thankfully the end picked back up, but not enough to make it more than just an average read.
December 21, 2023
I struggled to connect with this book. I found myself contemplating stopping it several times, frequently checking the page number to gauge how close I was to the end. Perhaps it's due to it being an "over" book—overly saccharine, overly simplistic, overly erotic, and overly naive. The excessive South American references, while present, feel disconnected and ultimately make little sense. The characters are shallow and plain, their inner thoughts simplistic and uninspiring. Any hint of conflict, struggle, or drama is swiftly resolved with a rosy, idealized solution.
In short, I do not recommend this book. If you're seeking an exceedingly simple story and an excessively sweet MMM fantasy romance, it might suffice. Otherwise, I suggest considering other book options.
January 4, 2024
I started this series as I loved the original books surrounding the fire dragon clan and their struggle to find and save mages from villainous hands.
It has been great to see a different clan in Brazil with the ice dragons. I knew this book would be emotional because Luka and Vasily are two dragons in love that you meet in earlier books. Knowing going in that every dragon has a mage mate was rough cause you never want to see a heart get broken. Thank fully they were two dragons in love with the same mage mate and thats for the best as Amaru is a handful.
If you are looking for a book that is trying to save the last living beings of a once thought extinct people while trying to get two handsome dragons into the sack this book is for you. I do recommend starting at the beginning of the works though so you can understand and enjoy it all.
It has been great to see a different clan in Brazil with the ice dragons. I knew this book would be emotional because Luka and Vasily are two dragons in love that you meet in earlier books. Knowing going in that every dragon has a mage mate was rough cause you never want to see a heart get broken. Thank fully they were two dragons in love with the same mage mate and thats for the best as Amaru is a handful.
If you are looking for a book that is trying to save the last living beings of a once thought extinct people while trying to get two handsome dragons into the sack this book is for you. I do recommend starting at the beginning of the works though so you can understand and enjoy it all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2024
Vasily & Luka & Amura
How do these books keep getting better? Vasily and Luka have been together for 250 years, happy and treat each other as mates. But the overhanging fear that their mage mate is out there has them nervous they’ll lose each other when the mage comes to claim one of them. However, Amura has never met a challenge he couldn’t topple. When he awakens, he’s so happy to have his mates, learn new technologies and work on waking his clan. Vasily realizes instantly he’s found his mate but Luka’s dragon is quiet and now he’s distraught. There’s just so much to this book, impossible to review all of it. So good, loved every minute of it. Definitely worth the read! Can’t wait for Soar.
How do these books keep getting better? Vasily and Luka have been together for 250 years, happy and treat each other as mates. But the overhanging fear that their mage mate is out there has them nervous they’ll lose each other when the mage comes to claim one of them. However, Amura has never met a challenge he couldn’t topple. When he awakens, he’s so happy to have his mates, learn new technologies and work on waking his clan. Vasily realizes instantly he’s found his mate but Luka’s dragon is quiet and now he’s distraught. There’s just so much to this book, impossible to review all of it. So good, loved every minute of it. Definitely worth the read! Can’t wait for Soar.
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