This was weird. MCs didn’t have much chemistry, and I couldn’t for the life of me understand the character’s motivations sometimes. Jenna comes off as pretty unprofessional, not very bright, way too emotional and lazy AF. Her decisions made no sense to me. In fact, most of the decisions of every character were made only with plot convenience in mind. The author seemed to have a series of scenes she wanted, but didn’t give much thought as to how those scenes should be connected, or that the decisions the characters made to get them to said scenes were consistent. Jenna didn’t have any friends, but that might be due to the fact that, with every female side character she meets, she’s rolling her eyes at their backs, and thinking very negatively about them, when not slut-shaming them to their faces. She was crying at least once every freaking chapter, and either falling asleep or passing out at the end of every other chapter. It felt repetitive and lazy. And of course, we have to be told what happened while she was unconscious, which happened way too often. Jenna’s relationship with the “brother” was creepy AF. They acted like lovers, not siblings. And the fact she’s adopted made it creepier. Even the parents act as if these two were a couple sometimes. Add to that she had more chemistry with the brother than with the love interest, and it’s just awkward. The Order seemed to know things exactly when the plot called for them to know them, but how they acquired that info is never explained, they just had it. Every agent Jenna ever interacted with seemed just as incompetent as she was, if not more (because she was so, so good, of course, we can’t have our fMC being weaker than other girls, right?), so the intel seemed to get to them through the magic of the plot. There’s very little worldbuilding, and elements would be introduced but never explained. Like shadow dragons and their magic. There was more information about the “close bond” Jenna had with her brother than about the main villains of the story. Dragon society seemed to make little sense, and the talk surrounding the Mountain Clan’s “crippled” regent (yes, they call her that multiple times) was ableist AF. And people kept giving everyone random nicknames, it was annoying.
I read this book back when it was originally released. Truth be told, this was not my normal genre, nor would it have appealed to be on a shelf normally. But because of any fault of the design or premise, just me being a normal dude who doesn't read romance or fantasy regularly. But I did know the author at the time and wanted to support a friend. I have to say, this book is really good! It has elements of old school espionage mixed in with the fantasy romance. Truly, I feel like this is a good 3, possibly 4 quadrant book that can appeal to anyone.
The characters definitely have flaws and don't always do what i want them to do, but that keeps me engaged throughout. The world building in display here is top-notch. This really makes me want to see more in the espionage, almost military story aspects from the knights' perspective. Won't say more here, but I definitely recommend giving this one a look. It's paced well, and I feel like the ending definitely sets the stage for a good series.
I have not read anything from this author outside of the Shadow Dragon series, as I am still not one to read primarily for romance or fantasy. But after revisiting this book, I am curious to maybe see a different world from Field's mind. I definitely think her strength is character interaction. I feel like dialogue is one of the hardest things to nail for most authors, but I feel it is this authors strength.
I wish I loved this book more! The premise was honestly very promising and the world building of fantasy mixed with modern day places and things kept me interested. However the main character, Jenna, I could not stand. She wasn’t likable in the least and a lot of actions she took were highly immature even for a young person her age. The severe whiplash from there being a major plot twist every chapter, or so, did not appeal to me. There is such a thing as too many twists. The other characters were a bit more enjoyable but not the best. I also found it odd how obsessed she was with her brother, Jesse, as it was borderline weird. I thought she was in love with her more than the main love interest. Overall, not a terrible book but I don’t think I would do rereading it if I had the chance. I can see a lot of potential for the author!
It's an Urban Fantasy, and you will NOT be disappointed. I struggled to put this book down; I was completely invested from start to finish! This urban fantasy book is filled with lots of action; it is a fast-paced read, maybe even a bit rushed. Likeable characters, dragons, fated mates, and a little romance, what’s not to love? My favorite character would have to be Simeon! It was a delightful read; I would recommend it if you’re into fantasy or looking for a light fantasy book
“You outshine everyone around you, like the sun. If I had met you any other time, I wouldn’t let you go.”
“Ever wonder why dragons suddenly disappeared from history?”
Triggers: Violence, death, torture, human trafficking
It was ok. It was a fast read. With Dragons. Very predictable. There was a lot of going on, and it keeps your interest.
However, there was a lot going on without a lot of explanation. Battles lasting less than a page long. Character development is happening in 2 lines or completely forgotten about. It needed more "meat."
A good read for the New/Young Adult's first entry into fantasy.
Ok, but why am I obsessed with Simeon??? Definitely need more of him. Great world building and good ways of adding information without being dragging. On to the next book!