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Myths & Outlaws #1
House of Fire and Magic
From #1 New York Times and international bestselling author Sherrilyn Kenyon comes an all-new world unlike anything ever seen before...
TAKE BACK YOUR KINGDOM
Unicorns and Dragons never mix. For centuries, they’ve been bitter enemies and their kingdoms at war. But desperate times call for desperate measures. Tanis’s beloved older brother and heir to their throne has been slain by a human who continues to flaunt her brother’s death.
To restore her family’s honor, she’s willing to make a deal with a Unicorn shapeshifter so that she can infiltrate the human kingdom and recapture what was so cruelly taken.
But Dash Coeur de Noir isn’t just any Unicorn, as the High King he’s the most hated and feared of his breed and he’s on his own mission when the Dragon, Tanis, crosses his path– to reclaim his sister’s horn that was brutally taken. In the wrong hands, that horn could destroy the fragile peace that has kept the Thirteen Kingdoms from destroying each other.
In a world built on magic, blood, and betrayal no one can trust anyone. With a bounty on their heads and assassins and enemies out to claim them both, they must somehow learn to trust each other or watch their kingdoms burn.
TAKE BACK YOUR KINGDOM
Unicorns and Dragons never mix. For centuries, they’ve been bitter enemies and their kingdoms at war. But desperate times call for desperate measures. Tanis’s beloved older brother and heir to their throne has been slain by a human who continues to flaunt her brother’s death.
To restore her family’s honor, she’s willing to make a deal with a Unicorn shapeshifter so that she can infiltrate the human kingdom and recapture what was so cruelly taken.
But Dash Coeur de Noir isn’t just any Unicorn, as the High King he’s the most hated and feared of his breed and he’s on his own mission when the Dragon, Tanis, crosses his path– to reclaim his sister’s horn that was brutally taken. In the wrong hands, that horn could destroy the fragile peace that has kept the Thirteen Kingdoms from destroying each other.
In a world built on magic, blood, and betrayal no one can trust anyone. With a bounty on their heads and assassins and enemies out to claim them both, they must somehow learn to trust each other or watch their kingdoms burn.
380 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 24, 2024
1362 people are currently reading
8397 people want to read
About the author
Sherrilyn Kenyon
243 books30.2k followersOfficial Author site
Official Nevermore site
Official Deadman's Cross site
Official Chronicles of Nick site
Official Silent Swans site
Official Hunter Legends site
Official Witch of Endor site
Official Lords of Avalon site
Official Facebook site
New York Times and international bestselling author Sherrilyn Kenyon is a regular at the #1 spot. With legions of fans known as Paladins (thousands of whom proudly sport tattoos from her series and who travel from all over the world to attend her appearances), her books are always snatched up as soon as they appear on store shelves. Since 2004, she had placed more than 80 novels on the New York Times list in all formats including manga and graphic novels. Her current series are: Dark-Hunters, Chronicles of Nick and The League, and her books are available in over 100 countries where eager fans impatiently wait for the next release. Her Chronicles of Nick and Dark-Hunter series are soon to be major motion pictures while Dark-Hunter is also being developed as a television series. Join her and her Paladins online at MySherrilyn.com and www.facebook.com/mysherrilyn
Official Nevermore site
Official Deadman's Cross site
Official Chronicles of Nick site
Official Silent Swans site
Official Hunter Legends site
Official Witch of Endor site
Official Lords of Avalon site
Official Facebook site
New York Times and international bestselling author Sherrilyn Kenyon is a regular at the #1 spot. With legions of fans known as Paladins (thousands of whom proudly sport tattoos from her series and who travel from all over the world to attend her appearances), her books are always snatched up as soon as they appear on store shelves. Since 2004, she had placed more than 80 novels on the New York Times list in all formats including manga and graphic novels. Her current series are: Dark-Hunters, Chronicles of Nick and The League, and her books are available in over 100 countries where eager fans impatiently wait for the next release. Her Chronicles of Nick and Dark-Hunter series are soon to be major motion pictures while Dark-Hunter is also being developed as a television series. Join her and her Paladins online at MySherrilyn.com and www.facebook.com/mysherrilyn
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews
January 12, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Unique twist on familiar fantasy characters and world building...
At the heart of the story are two fiercely determined protagonists: Tanis, a Dragon princess seeking revenge and redemption for her brother, and Dash Coeur de Noir, a High King Unicorn shapeshifter with his own vendetta. Both characters are deeply flawed, haunted by their pasts, and struggling to protect what remains of their fractured kingdoms. The dynamic between them is electric, shifting from mutual distrust to reluctant partnership as they face assassins, traitors, and a world on the brink of chaos.
The chemistry between Tanis and Dash is a highlight of the novel. Their banter is sharp, their disagreements fierce, but beneath the tension lies a connection that neither of them can deny. Watching their relationship evolve from adversaries to something more is both satisfying and heart-wrenching, especially as secrets and betrayals threaten to tear them apart.
🎶 Taylor Swift - "Look What You Made Me
🎶 Imagine Dragons - "Warriors"
🎶 Florence + The Machine - "Queen of Peace"
Unique twist on familiar fantasy characters and world building...
At the heart of the story are two fiercely determined protagonists: Tanis, a Dragon princess seeking revenge and redemption for her brother, and Dash Coeur de Noir, a High King Unicorn shapeshifter with his own vendetta. Both characters are deeply flawed, haunted by their pasts, and struggling to protect what remains of their fractured kingdoms. The dynamic between them is electric, shifting from mutual distrust to reluctant partnership as they face assassins, traitors, and a world on the brink of chaos.
The chemistry between Tanis and Dash is a highlight of the novel. Their banter is sharp, their disagreements fierce, but beneath the tension lies a connection that neither of them can deny. Watching their relationship evolve from adversaries to something more is both satisfying and heart-wrenching, especially as secrets and betrayals threaten to tear them apart.
🎶 Taylor Swift - "Look What You Made Me
🎶 Imagine Dragons - "Warriors"
🎶 Florence + The Machine - "Queen of Peace"
March 16, 2025
I've been reading Sherrilyn Kenyon's books for years, so I was really excited to have access to an ARC of her new series. As always, I enjoyed her story. The world building is fantastic, and I really like the characters. The pacing of the story made it really hard to stop and put it down, so i didn't lol. I can't wait to see where this goes in the next book.
September 29, 2024
Perfect
This is the best book I've read in ages. I haven't read any thing from Sherrilyn since I started The Dark Hunters that I started so long ago. I forgot how good she is a this. I can't even explain how good it feels to hear her stories again. I hope its not forever for the next. I don't know if I can handle not knowing what happens soon.
This is the best book I've read in ages. I haven't read any thing from Sherrilyn since I started The Dark Hunters that I started so long ago. I forgot how good she is a this. I can't even explain how good it feels to hear her stories again. I hope its not forever for the next. I don't know if I can handle not knowing what happens soon.
October 1, 2024
Definitely not up to par with Kenyon’s other works...
Admittedly, this story is unlike other Kenyon novels. It was not as well developed as The League or Dark Hunter series.
The sparring between Tanis and Dash was well written with plenty of humour, so it wasn’t a dull read by any means.
I lost the plot somewhere between the Zombie King 🧟♂️ and the Centaur Queen. The book seemed more farcical than a believable fantastical realm. The ‘Outlaws’ seemed to be token characters that were added as an afterthought and not well developed. There was supposedly a great battle between the good guys and the evil centaurs but you’d never know that, as it’s mentioned but never expounded upon.
A dragon and a unicorn? Really? Whilst the concept is original, there was a definite lack of character development as well as the setting. It’s almost confusing as there were terms like ‘stegosaurus’ used as descriptive terminology. Truly this new ‘world’ would have its own unique flora and fauna.
The editors failed to correct typos and poor grammar throughout, which also adds to the opinion that this book wasn’t as well written as her other novels.
Admittedly, this story is unlike other Kenyon novels. It was not as well developed as The League or Dark Hunter series.
The sparring between Tanis and Dash was well written with plenty of humour, so it wasn’t a dull read by any means.
I lost the plot somewhere between the Zombie King 🧟♂️ and the Centaur Queen. The book seemed more farcical than a believable fantastical realm. The ‘Outlaws’ seemed to be token characters that were added as an afterthought and not well developed. There was supposedly a great battle between the good guys and the evil centaurs but you’d never know that, as it’s mentioned but never expounded upon.
A dragon and a unicorn? Really? Whilst the concept is original, there was a definite lack of character development as well as the setting. It’s almost confusing as there were terms like ‘stegosaurus’ used as descriptive terminology. Truly this new ‘world’ would have its own unique flora and fauna.
The editors failed to correct typos and poor grammar throughout, which also adds to the opinion that this book wasn’t as well written as her other novels.
September 14, 2024
Deciel Coeur de Noir (Dash) is a unicorn. He is not an ordinary unicorn but the High King of the Thirteen Kingdoms. When someone murders his sister, and takes her horn, Dash rushes to find the one responsible. He encounters Tanis along the way. Dash realizes that they share a common goal: to find the ones responsible for their siblings’ death. Will Dash find the culprit behind his sister’s death? And is Tanis someone he can trust?
Tanis Dragomir is an outcast dragon princess. When her brother is beheaded, and his skull stolen, she vows to return it. Tanis’ path crosses Dash’s. She begs him to turn her human, so she can kill the human who murdered her brother. Tanis never expected to become Dash’s ally. Or fall in love with him. Will Tanis find her brother’s killer? But at what cost? And can she be an asset to Dash? Or hindrance?
Sherrilyn Kenyon and Kerrigan Byrne are two authors who I feel excel at writing tortured/wounded characters. They never fail at creating heroes and heroines that I cannot help but love. Tanis and Dash are both tortured. They both have endured such agonizing and horrendous situations. I like how they recognized a kindred soul in the other. This helped them build a tentative bond of trust.
HOUSE OF FIRE AND MAGIC is the first book in Sherrilyn Kenyon’s new fantasy-romance series, MYTHS & OUTLAWS. The story has all the elements that the author is known, and loved, for: tortured characters and snarky humor. It reminded me of the early days of her DARK HUNTER books.
Kenyon does a great job introducing this new world of hers without bogging down the story’s momentum. I like the direction she took with the unicorns. They are not the stereotypical pure, white, and golden horned creatures. They come in all colors, and their horns’ colors have special meaning.
I cannot wait to see what other creatures Sherrilyn took creative license with. I always like it when an author thinks outside the normal with mystical creatures.
Tanis Dragomir is an outcast dragon princess. When her brother is beheaded, and his skull stolen, she vows to return it. Tanis’ path crosses Dash’s. She begs him to turn her human, so she can kill the human who murdered her brother. Tanis never expected to become Dash’s ally. Or fall in love with him. Will Tanis find her brother’s killer? But at what cost? And can she be an asset to Dash? Or hindrance?
Sherrilyn Kenyon and Kerrigan Byrne are two authors who I feel excel at writing tortured/wounded characters. They never fail at creating heroes and heroines that I cannot help but love. Tanis and Dash are both tortured. They both have endured such agonizing and horrendous situations. I like how they recognized a kindred soul in the other. This helped them build a tentative bond of trust.
HOUSE OF FIRE AND MAGIC is the first book in Sherrilyn Kenyon’s new fantasy-romance series, MYTHS & OUTLAWS. The story has all the elements that the author is known, and loved, for: tortured characters and snarky humor. It reminded me of the early days of her DARK HUNTER books.
Kenyon does a great job introducing this new world of hers without bogging down the story’s momentum. I like the direction she took with the unicorns. They are not the stereotypical pure, white, and golden horned creatures. They come in all colors, and their horns’ colors have special meaning.
I cannot wait to see what other creatures Sherrilyn took creative license with. I always like it when an author thinks outside the normal with mystical creatures.
September 29, 2024
I sat on the fence trying to decide to request a review copy or not. The time was drawing near to get a copy and have the book read in time for my review. I bit the bullet and got my ARC.
I looked forward to the mass of non-human characters being the star of the show. Dragons, unicorns, hobgoblins, griffons, wyverns--the mythical creatures list just went on and on. The cherry on the top was a representation of unicorns I haven't seen in a long while: they are vicious, not pure. Each species had unique characteristics that matched their mythologies. I was interested in the characters....until they started speaking.
The writing was below my expectations. For such a prolific author I was surprised by the wording choices. The dialogue was like eavesdropping on a middle school locker room. The choice of foul language at certain spots was also jarring and not to my taste. I made it to chapter five before finally giving up.
I looked forward to the mass of non-human characters being the star of the show. Dragons, unicorns, hobgoblins, griffons, wyverns--the mythical creatures list just went on and on. The cherry on the top was a representation of unicorns I haven't seen in a long while: they are vicious, not pure. Each species had unique characteristics that matched their mythologies. I was interested in the characters....until they started speaking.
The writing was below my expectations. For such a prolific author I was surprised by the wording choices. The dialogue was like eavesdropping on a middle school locker room. The choice of foul language at certain spots was also jarring and not to my taste. I made it to chapter five before finally giving up.
October 20, 2024
I wanted to love this book so badly! A unicorn and a dragon shifter? And the dragon's the FL?! Sign me up. I went into this expecting the level of quality and depth as in her Dark Hunter series, and was left seriously disappointed.
The characters are ok, Dash is your typical broody bad boy, with a chip on his shoulder, who everyone has misconceptions about. Of course Tanis, sees past those almost instantly, and she was cast out from her kind after the humans "ruined" her, so she has her own bag of sadness. They come together, fall in love and save the day.
No, seriously, thats it. There is stuff inbetween but it feels almost like its being glossed over and purposefully not expounded on.
I would skip this one if you have read any of her prior work, because it falls very short. If you are new to her work dive in, its a fluff read with not a lot of depth.
The characters are ok, Dash is your typical broody bad boy, with a chip on his shoulder, who everyone has misconceptions about. Of course Tanis, sees past those almost instantly, and she was cast out from her kind after the humans "ruined" her, so she has her own bag of sadness. They come together, fall in love and save the day.
No, seriously, thats it. There is stuff inbetween but it feels almost like its being glossed over and purposefully not expounded on.
I would skip this one if you have read any of her prior work, because it falls very short. If you are new to her work dive in, its a fluff read with not a lot of depth.
September 3, 2024
Picked up a copy at the DragonCon Gather! Great story and hot romance. :) Can’t wait to get addicted to the rest of the series!
September 16, 2024
House of Fire and Magic by Sherrilyn Kenyon
I enjoyed this new series with Dash the Unicorn King and Tanis the Dragon. There are so many new friends, family, enemies, there is great world building - but it will take a little time to learn who is who. There is deception, discovery, danger, love, some laughs and tears, some steam all to get us to a HEA.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Great world building Tragic Page-turner Scary Wonderful characters Tear-jerker Action-packed Informative Romantic Happily Ever After Witty Entertaining Steamy Unpredictable.
I enjoyed this new series with Dash the Unicorn King and Tanis the Dragon. There are so many new friends, family, enemies, there is great world building - but it will take a little time to learn who is who. There is deception, discovery, danger, love, some laughs and tears, some steam all to get us to a HEA.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Great world building Tragic Page-turner Scary Wonderful characters Tear-jerker Action-packed Informative Romantic Happily Ever After Witty Entertaining Steamy Unpredictable.
March 17, 2025
A great start
I'm excited to see where this goes. There's a great blend of characters and creatures. Definitely recommend picking this one up and giving it a try.
It’s on Kindle unlimited at the moment (March 2025).
I'm excited to see where this goes. There's a great blend of characters and creatures. Definitely recommend picking this one up and giving it a try.
It’s on Kindle unlimited at the moment (March 2025).
September 27, 2024
Dragons, Unicorns and Ogres: Oh my 😁
“Hatred grows one of two ways. It’s something you do that is either deserved or not, or a well-planted lie that’s cultivated by an enemy known or unknown.”
This is the first book in a new series
I originally read an ARC copy, then I ordered the hardbound and since that was not enough I reread it via KU
What can I say I love me a snarky band of morally grey heroes battling to do the right thing with just a pinch of "oops my bad" tossed in
"Those who seek me for their own pleasure are far more likely to inflict pain in my name. Who am I?"
Our heroine Tanis is set on revenge for her brother's beheading and to do that she needs a little magical help. It's not like a giant dragon can just walk into a human village without issue. So she finagles, sort of, a deal with a unicorn, no price was too high in her quest for revenge
She probably should have thought this through a little better
Dash, the semi-unwilling magical creature who was caught in Tanis' net, soon finds something about this dragon calls to him. He is on a quest for revenge himself and they seem to be headed in the same direction. He's pretty sure he can keep his secret from her, and seeing as she may need assistance he decides they should travel together.
Why not, what could go wrong?
"Who cares about the truth? Words are far more powerful than spears and travel twice as far, twice as fast."
This has it all.
Fast-paced action fantasy all wrapped up in a slow build, high-tension romance.
The world-building and character introductions were done almost seamlessly
Setting the backdrop for the series
Loved the universe the author crafted here
13 realms each with its own brand of residents - elfs, demons, dragons, ogres, and such
“Ew. This is so revolting. Unicorn cooties.”
Great cast of characters!!!
I have always loved how vivid and unique Kenyon's characters are
And House of Fire was no disappointment
A band of misfits with damaged pasts that have no qualms with doing what needs be to get things done
Evil queens and underhanded Kings
Betrayers and Fools
And the absolute best group of ride-or-dies
“Anyone happen to notice an army going by? War coming? Any of this sound familiar?”
Lots of action
Smexual tension
Banter
Backstabbing and misdirection
Brotherhood/Sisterhood
Battles
“All good. I’m just glad no one stepped on me.”
A great read and a solid start to what will be a must read series
“Hatred grows one of two ways. It’s something you do that is either deserved or not, or a well-planted lie that’s cultivated by an enemy known or unknown.”
This is the first book in a new series
I originally read an ARC copy, then I ordered the hardbound and since that was not enough I reread it via KU
What can I say I love me a snarky band of morally grey heroes battling to do the right thing with just a pinch of "oops my bad" tossed in
"Those who seek me for their own pleasure are far more likely to inflict pain in my name. Who am I?"
Our heroine Tanis is set on revenge for her brother's beheading and to do that she needs a little magical help. It's not like a giant dragon can just walk into a human village without issue. So she finagles, sort of, a deal with a unicorn, no price was too high in her quest for revenge
She probably should have thought this through a little better
Dash, the semi-unwilling magical creature who was caught in Tanis' net, soon finds something about this dragon calls to him. He is on a quest for revenge himself and they seem to be headed in the same direction. He's pretty sure he can keep his secret from her, and seeing as she may need assistance he decides they should travel together.
Why not, what could go wrong?
"Who cares about the truth? Words are far more powerful than spears and travel twice as far, twice as fast."
This has it all.
Fast-paced action fantasy all wrapped up in a slow build, high-tension romance.
The world-building and character introductions were done almost seamlessly
Setting the backdrop for the series
Loved the universe the author crafted here
13 realms each with its own brand of residents - elfs, demons, dragons, ogres, and such
“Ew. This is so revolting. Unicorn cooties.”
Great cast of characters!!!
I have always loved how vivid and unique Kenyon's characters are
And House of Fire was no disappointment
A band of misfits with damaged pasts that have no qualms with doing what needs be to get things done
Evil queens and underhanded Kings
Betrayers and Fools
And the absolute best group of ride-or-dies
“Anyone happen to notice an army going by? War coming? Any of this sound familiar?”
Lots of action
Smexual tension
Banter
Backstabbing and misdirection
Brotherhood/Sisterhood
Battles
“All good. I’m just glad no one stepped on me.”
A great read and a solid start to what will be a must read series
February 2, 2025
4 - 4.5☆
Romantasy ✔️
A Unicorn King & a Dragon (enemies to lovers and a lit in between)✔️
Great story✔️
Potential to be epic ✔️✔️✔️
Romantasy ✔️
A Unicorn King & a Dragon (enemies to lovers and a lit in between)✔️
Great story✔️
Potential to be epic ✔️✔️✔️
July 26, 2025
Wow !! This is the first book I have read by this author and definitely won’t be the last ! The cover and story line had me with Dragon and Unicorns. I loved the world building and character development. Loved all the mythical creatures within the 13 kingdoms.
Cannot wait for book 2 to be released. Even after finishing I still feel apart of this world.
Cannot wait for book 2 to be released. Even after finishing I still feel apart of this world.
October 22, 2024
*All the spoilers*
This book was a fun, easy read, though I think it needed one more go by an editor. It contradicted itself a few times, or at least it really confused me a few times.
Example 1: When she shifts to human for the first time in the story, the book implies she’s never been human before or touched a sword before:
“He smiled at the consternation on her face. ‘It takes a moment to adjust to being on two legs when you’re used to four.’ Lying flat on her back, she let out an exasperated breath. ‘Two legs are just not steady. What a stupid evolutionary thing. No wonder humans are only good for food or torching. I hate this!’” … “'I know what the sword is for.' She’d seen enough of them used on her brethren, and had been stabbed too many times herself by overzealous morons. Damn them all. The last thing she wanted was to ever touch one.”
Then later during a fight in which she uses the sword, we learn she has extensive experience fighting on two legs:
“But someone else had trained her for war. This wasn’t just a result of the powers he’d given her when he made her human. She knew how to fight in a human body as if she’d spent time doing so. Aye, she had been trained in this form and had a lot of experience. She instinctively knew how to protect her battle partner.” We also learn that at one point she was a kid playing in the street after being kidnapped and sold. It doesn’t say what manner of kid, but the “kids playing in the street” that she references were in a human town. Then even later, that her kidnapper had changed her between dragon and human on the reg and that she'd "spent months with ogres who'd helped her learn sword-craft." Whut.
Example 2: Back to the fighting experience, Dash gives her “the ability to defend herself with the strength of a male” which sounds stupid, but is that why she’s good at protecting her battle partner? So she doesn’t have extensive experience, just was downloaded with Defense™?
Example 3: Dash can give people abilities? What???
Example 4: The dragon court and her family are described as “out to build their reputations by tearing hers down,” “backbiting,” “jealous and out to rip her to shreds,” “opponents,” petty and greedy, plotting, wrathful, vicious. Her family wanted to banish her for being kidnapped. Her sisters kill their brother and father.
Later we learn this: “While [unicorns] and humans often thought of dragons as mindless animals, dragons were no such thing. They were a peaceful race who preferred to live in herds, in their own mountainous kingdom, far away from everyone else.” Okay so only the courtiers and royals are abominable?
Other things that bothered me:
1. Tania has elfish beauty and pointed ears but she’s human.
2. Dash and Tania are attracted to each other’s human forms right away. For Dash it makes sense because the unicorns naturally shift between creature and human, but it seems like Tania was only around humans when she was kidnapped, and she said that humans are only good for food or killing in the beginning of the book.
3. Tania’s beautiful because she’s…naive? (“The magick that allowed them to shape-shift didn’t naturally make someone beautiful. Like a unicorn horn, it echoed what was on the inside. An ugly soul manifested as a hideous beast. No one could hide their true nature from his spell. So, for the dragon to be so fair... She was as naive inside as his sister had been.”)
4. Do shifted forms of people spelled by Dash get uglier or more beautiful as the quality of the soul changes?
This book was a fun, easy read, though I think it needed one more go by an editor. It contradicted itself a few times, or at least it really confused me a few times.
Example 1: When she shifts to human for the first time in the story, the book implies she’s never been human before or touched a sword before:
“He smiled at the consternation on her face. ‘It takes a moment to adjust to being on two legs when you’re used to four.’ Lying flat on her back, she let out an exasperated breath. ‘Two legs are just not steady. What a stupid evolutionary thing. No wonder humans are only good for food or torching. I hate this!’” … “'I know what the sword is for.' She’d seen enough of them used on her brethren, and had been stabbed too many times herself by overzealous morons. Damn them all. The last thing she wanted was to ever touch one.”
Then later during a fight in which she uses the sword, we learn she has extensive experience fighting on two legs:
“But someone else had trained her for war. This wasn’t just a result of the powers he’d given her when he made her human. She knew how to fight in a human body as if she’d spent time doing so. Aye, she had been trained in this form and had a lot of experience. She instinctively knew how to protect her battle partner.” We also learn that at one point she was a kid playing in the street after being kidnapped and sold. It doesn’t say what manner of kid, but the “kids playing in the street” that she references were in a human town. Then even later, that her kidnapper had changed her between dragon and human on the reg and that she'd "spent months with ogres who'd helped her learn sword-craft." Whut.
Example 2: Back to the fighting experience, Dash gives her “the ability to defend herself with the strength of a male” which sounds stupid, but is that why she’s good at protecting her battle partner? So she doesn’t have extensive experience, just was downloaded with Defense™?
Example 3: Dash can give people abilities? What???
Example 4: The dragon court and her family are described as “out to build their reputations by tearing hers down,” “backbiting,” “jealous and out to rip her to shreds,” “opponents,” petty and greedy, plotting, wrathful, vicious. Her family wanted to banish her for being kidnapped. Her sisters kill their brother and father.
Later we learn this: “While [unicorns] and humans often thought of dragons as mindless animals, dragons were no such thing. They were a peaceful race who preferred to live in herds, in their own mountainous kingdom, far away from everyone else.” Okay so only the courtiers and royals are abominable?
Other things that bothered me:
1. Tania has elfish beauty and pointed ears but she’s human.
2. Dash and Tania are attracted to each other’s human forms right away. For Dash it makes sense because the unicorns naturally shift between creature and human, but it seems like Tania was only around humans when she was kidnapped, and she said that humans are only good for food or killing in the beginning of the book.
3. Tania’s beautiful because she’s…naive? (“The magick that allowed them to shape-shift didn’t naturally make someone beautiful. Like a unicorn horn, it echoed what was on the inside. An ugly soul manifested as a hideous beast. No one could hide their true nature from his spell. So, for the dragon to be so fair... She was as naive inside as his sister had been.”)
4. Do shifted forms of people spelled by Dash get uglier or more beautiful as the quality of the soul changes?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2025
DNF’ed at 55ish %
Waste of my time.
This might be one of the worst books I’ve read in a long time. Complete and utter waste of time. Genuinely don’t know what everyone else is smoking to have this book have such a high rating. I want the hours I wasted reading this back.
Everything is almost written in stream of consciousness and the author repeats things over and over again while the characters are thinking. The whole plot is almost told through the two main characters pondering about things that happened to them in the past. The prose is terrible.
The author time-skips past the mc’s bonding so there’s like 0 chemistry developed. The mmc is supposed to be this badass who has one friend he trusts but the author keeps introducing friends of his (like for the fact that he mentioned he trust nobody like 200 times you’d think that he wouldn’t have like 20 friends that are mentioned)? And he falls for the fmc like within three days and but he keeps thinking about how he never wanted a partner his whole life. It’s like huh? You’re absolutely against marriage but because you are worried about being betrayed and then trust this random dragon you’ve know for three days because,,,, good vibes??? There are like absolutely no stakes.
Also like the mmc just like realizes the person who killed his sister. Like he just thinks about it harder and this is like OMG ITS THIS GIRL WHO I HATE AND THINK IS A BITCH WHO WEARS MY SISTERS CLOTHES AND LIKE PITTS HER AGAINST ME HOW COULD I HAVE MISSED THIS?!!!? Like girl I don’t know how could you miss that? Are you oblivious? And then the next chapter is from the I assume villain girls perspective and she is just thinking to herself how happy she is that his sister is dead and she can take over the kingdom. Like you cannot make this garbage up. I wanna tear my hair out like please why is the whole plot told through the MC’s just retelling events or thinking harder to figure things out I can’t… why are we word vomiting their whole backstory within the first three chapters and then repeating it 5700 times.
ALSO PICK A FUCKING STRUGGLE I’m sorry like both of the MC’s have been through horrible shit that just is off handily mentioned, more like just dropped on you randomly… but like it’s so gratuitous, there’s no point to it other than for them to relate to each other. Like both were kidnapped and tortured, both have abusive parents, both of their favorite siblings died, both of them are outcasts. Like it’s just so much tragedy for why???? and it’s not handled well at all, it’s put there for the sake of the characters bonding over it and nothing else( at least up in till I DNF’ed) there was no real talk about unpacking trauma. It was trauma for the sake of making your character unique and different which feels weird to me.
Idk man I don’t even have the energy to like give this book a more scathing review, I could but I honestly want to move on with my time. I just I didn’t want people to see the good score and trust it like I did. Hopefully this review warns a couple people off from reading this.
Waste of my time.
This might be one of the worst books I’ve read in a long time. Complete and utter waste of time. Genuinely don’t know what everyone else is smoking to have this book have such a high rating. I want the hours I wasted reading this back.
Everything is almost written in stream of consciousness and the author repeats things over and over again while the characters are thinking. The whole plot is almost told through the two main characters pondering about things that happened to them in the past. The prose is terrible.
The author time-skips past the mc’s bonding so there’s like 0 chemistry developed. The mmc is supposed to be this badass who has one friend he trusts but the author keeps introducing friends of his (like for the fact that he mentioned he trust nobody like 200 times you’d think that he wouldn’t have like 20 friends that are mentioned)? And he falls for the fmc like within three days and but he keeps thinking about how he never wanted a partner his whole life. It’s like huh? You’re absolutely against marriage but because you are worried about being betrayed and then trust this random dragon you’ve know for three days because,,,, good vibes??? There are like absolutely no stakes.
Also like the mmc just like realizes the person who killed his sister. Like he just thinks about it harder and this is like OMG ITS THIS GIRL WHO I HATE AND THINK IS A BITCH WHO WEARS MY SISTERS CLOTHES AND LIKE PITTS HER AGAINST ME HOW COULD I HAVE MISSED THIS?!!!? Like girl I don’t know how could you miss that? Are you oblivious? And then the next chapter is from the I assume villain girls perspective and she is just thinking to herself how happy she is that his sister is dead and she can take over the kingdom. Like you cannot make this garbage up. I wanna tear my hair out like please why is the whole plot told through the MC’s just retelling events or thinking harder to figure things out I can’t… why are we word vomiting their whole backstory within the first three chapters and then repeating it 5700 times.
ALSO PICK A FUCKING STRUGGLE I’m sorry like both of the MC’s have been through horrible shit that just is off handily mentioned, more like just dropped on you randomly… but like it’s so gratuitous, there’s no point to it other than for them to relate to each other. Like both were kidnapped and tortured, both have abusive parents, both of their favorite siblings died, both of them are outcasts. Like it’s just so much tragedy for why???? and it’s not handled well at all, it’s put there for the sake of the characters bonding over it and nothing else( at least up in till I DNF’ed) there was no real talk about unpacking trauma. It was trauma for the sake of making your character unique and different which feels weird to me.
Idk man I don’t even have the energy to like give this book a more scathing review, I could but I honestly want to move on with my time. I just I didn’t want people to see the good score and trust it like I did. Hopefully this review warns a couple people off from reading this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2024
After years of appreciating Sherrilyn Kenyon's writing, I've come across her latest book, House of Fire & Magic, which introduces a fresh writing style. Known for her skill in creating shapeshifter paranormal romances, she has developed an intriguing world where dragons and unicorns band together against a common enemy. True to her form, her signature quick wit and humor permeate the narrative, even as she navigates themes of grief, betrayal, and sexual abuse. This book sets the stage for future installments, which I am eagerly looking forward to.
September 18, 2024
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I have always been a fan of Sherrilyn Kenyon. I've always enjoyed her writing, and the same goes for House of Fire and Magic. When I saw her name pop up on in my email for an ARC, I immediately snagged a copy.
House of Fire and Magic was a refreshing new take on shifters and magic. I loved how seamlessly I was able to slip into the world and fall for both of the main characters. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a romantasy with a dose of spice. Can't wait to see what else comes from this series!
I have always been a fan of Sherrilyn Kenyon. I've always enjoyed her writing, and the same goes for House of Fire and Magic. When I saw her name pop up on in my email for an ARC, I immediately snagged a copy.
House of Fire and Magic was a refreshing new take on shifters and magic. I loved how seamlessly I was able to slip into the world and fall for both of the main characters. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a romantasy with a dose of spice. Can't wait to see what else comes from this series!
November 15, 2024
2024 Reads #617/250
4.25🌟
Read for the Sights of Sweden Challenge 2024-2025
September 20, 2024 - January 10, 2025
Online Availability:
📖 Kindle Unlimited Subscription/$
🎧 Audible $/Credit
4.25🌟
Read for the Sights of Sweden Challenge 2024-2025
September 20, 2024 - January 10, 2025
Online Availability:
📖 Kindle Unlimited Subscription/$
🎧 Audible $/Credit
February 14, 2025
Made it over 50% and couldn’t do it 😂 why does this have such a high rating? What am I missing??
March 30, 2025
3.75 ✨
Finally a book where Unicorns are lethal! The Mc's are adorable and cute, more cozy. There is so much action, drama and war violence going alongside with political/royal intrigue. Lightly spicy and sweet, I tend to like things a bit darker. Although I felt that betrayal and the rage for Tanis in my core.
Finally a book where Unicorns are lethal! The Mc's are adorable and cute, more cozy. There is so much action, drama and war violence going alongside with political/royal intrigue. Lightly spicy and sweet, I tend to like things a bit darker. Although I felt that betrayal and the rage for Tanis in my core.
September 26, 2024
I enjoyed this first book that could easily be a series. Another version of this world with humans, dragons, unicorns and many other beings living in colonies. The reason for 4 stars and not 5 is it was difficult to keep all the characters in my head. Too many to follow but I also understand the reason. When world building many are introduced to paint a picture for the mind's eye.
Dash and Tanis are true soul mates. Knowing each other's needs before it's spoken. Both lost so much and the need to protect each other is strong. Can't wait to see if there will be more books. I know I'd read them.
Dash and Tanis are true soul mates. Knowing each other's needs before it's spoken. Both lost so much and the need to protect each other is strong. Can't wait to see if there will be more books. I know I'd read them.
November 3, 2024
Awesome!
Great writing and storytelling. A blast to read. All different characters that make up this series is amazing. I can't wait for the next book, looking forward.
Great writing and storytelling. A blast to read. All different characters that make up this series is amazing. I can't wait for the next book, looking forward.
September 30, 2024
Deciel Coeur de Noir (Dash) is a unicorn and High King to the 13 kingdoms in their realm. Tanis Dragomir is princess of the dragons. Both of their siblings were murdered in cold blood, by someone who is trying to pit the already bitter species against each other and claim the high throne. The unlikely duo team up to find the killer and save Dash's rule.
🛑 🛑 Mild Spoilers ahead, you have been warned 🛑 🛑
I liked the fact that the main characters were other magical, sentient beings, and humans weren't at the top of the hierarchy. I liked that we got to see them as multifaceted characters, and not just stereotypes of their species. With that being said, I thought it was funny / ironic that
This was a decent read, if you're a sucker for fantasy romance then this will be right up your alley. I thought it was pretty predictable and formulaic - The spicy scenes were there but weren't really anything special - all run of the mill phrases you'd find in any romantasy. Think phrases like "hilt", "her center", "ribbons" of pleasure, pleasure also described as "ecstasy", you get my point. Although there was one phrase, "she milked his body with hers," that made me cringe 😬 I'm more of an epic fantasy with splashes of romance fan - there's nothing particularly wrong with this book but since I found that it was predictable, I felt it was kinda boring.
Would I re-read? No, this wasn't my cup of tea.
Will I continue the series? No, again, just wasn't my jam
Thank you to Sherrilyn Kenyon, Oliver Heber Books, & BookSprout for the e-ARC!
🛑 🛑 Mild Spoilers ahead, you have been warned 🛑 🛑
I liked the fact that the main characters were other magical, sentient beings, and humans weren't at the top of the hierarchy. I liked that we got to see them as multifaceted characters, and not just stereotypes of their species. With that being said, I thought it was funny / ironic that
This was a decent read, if you're a sucker for fantasy romance then this will be right up your alley. I thought it was pretty predictable and formulaic - The spicy scenes were there but weren't really anything special - all run of the mill phrases you'd find in any romantasy. Think phrases like "hilt", "her center", "ribbons" of pleasure, pleasure also described as "ecstasy", you get my point. Although there was one phrase, "she milked his body with hers," that made me cringe 😬 I'm more of an epic fantasy with splashes of romance fan - there's nothing particularly wrong with this book but since I found that it was predictable, I felt it was kinda boring.
Would I re-read? No, this wasn't my cup of tea.
Will I continue the series? No, again, just wasn't my jam
Thank you to Sherrilyn Kenyon, Oliver Heber Books, & BookSprout for the e-ARC!
February 7, 2025
4.5 ⭐️I’ve read and enjoyed this author in the past but this book exceeded expectations I didn’t have. She had a unique style and her world building is surprised yet familiar. Definitely recommend and will be revisiting her other series as well
December 23, 2024
I know this author is one of the old school paranormal romance authors, but her writing style is still stuck in that decade. The head hopping is relentless. And it turned me off for a while because the male MC kept thinking how much the female MC reminded him of his sister, and then he’d be fighting an erection because of how into her he was. It was freaking weird. Heads up, this one will get ranty, because there were too many things that annoyed me.
I also found that at the start it really didn’t actualise these characters in their space. Like Tanis is a giant freaking dragon and he’s a unicorn, but the way they moved about and interacted was two humans. It never gave the characterisation of their physical bodies, it just said “I’m a dragon” and left it at that. Zero engagement of senses. Near the end there were a few things, but not at the start where it really counts. It tells you she’s a dragon, but it doesn’t show you in the scene.
It was also really inconsistent with so many things. For starters: Tanis and her human form. When it starts she can’t walk etc or hold a sword, but then later it says she’s been battle trained while in human form and then she goes on to fight bad guys. It also said she hadn’t been in human form, then later said she was daily. And turning someone to human is supposed to be this giant toll on unicorn magic (more on that in a second) but she was turned multiple times a day by the one unicorn, who by all accounts wasn’t that powerful?
Then the whole deal between these two. Mr Unicorn demands her freedom in exchange for changing her human for her quest. There’s obviously some sort of magic lock on this deal, because for *reasons* things happen and the exact wording needs to be met for her binding to end.
How is freedom a form of payment for a spell? What the hell is Dash going to do with it/her? It’s not like his magic feeds on possibilities or anything. It’s a literal arbitrary thing he makes up on the spot, which once we get to know the character we find out is something he would never ever do to anyone. This is not a go to move here, it’s a thing that literally disgusts him. So to demand it as payment makes zero sense. He has no thoughts of not exacting payment when we’re in his head, there’s nothing about not accepting the bargain.
Then later when they’re all buddy buddy, she’s heartbroken because her dragon form literally won’t fit in his world. Like dude, you were fine with it as a slave, but you can’t live with him now you’re falling for him? Seriously, which of these do you think will be granted better living quarters?
This whole storyline revolves round death of a sibling, but it turns out there’s an entire kingdom of reanimated dead beings. Why is this never even considered by anyone?
In general the world building is just all over the place and contradicts itself so many times.
Honestly, it’s just badly written. The characters have connection and banter, but the rest of it falls so far. There’d be these moments of intrigue brought up or speculation on maybe this was happening, then it would immediately jump to the character in question’s POV and we’d be told everything straight away. Nothing builds. It all just gets dumped on you immediately and we get a million new viewpoints. Craft some structure into this thing.
I also found that at the start it really didn’t actualise these characters in their space. Like Tanis is a giant freaking dragon and he’s a unicorn, but the way they moved about and interacted was two humans. It never gave the characterisation of their physical bodies, it just said “I’m a dragon” and left it at that. Zero engagement of senses. Near the end there were a few things, but not at the start where it really counts. It tells you she’s a dragon, but it doesn’t show you in the scene.
It was also really inconsistent with so many things. For starters: Tanis and her human form. When it starts she can’t walk etc or hold a sword, but then later it says she’s been battle trained while in human form and then she goes on to fight bad guys. It also said she hadn’t been in human form, then later said she was daily. And turning someone to human is supposed to be this giant toll on unicorn magic (more on that in a second) but she was turned multiple times a day by the one unicorn, who by all accounts wasn’t that powerful?
Then the whole deal between these two. Mr Unicorn demands her freedom in exchange for changing her human for her quest. There’s obviously some sort of magic lock on this deal, because for *reasons* things happen and the exact wording needs to be met for her binding to end.
How is freedom a form of payment for a spell? What the hell is Dash going to do with it/her? It’s not like his magic feeds on possibilities or anything. It’s a literal arbitrary thing he makes up on the spot, which once we get to know the character we find out is something he would never ever do to anyone. This is not a go to move here, it’s a thing that literally disgusts him. So to demand it as payment makes zero sense. He has no thoughts of not exacting payment when we’re in his head, there’s nothing about not accepting the bargain.
Then later when they’re all buddy buddy, she’s heartbroken because her dragon form literally won’t fit in his world. Like dude, you were fine with it as a slave, but you can’t live with him now you’re falling for him? Seriously, which of these do you think will be granted better living quarters?
This whole storyline revolves round death of a sibling, but it turns out there’s an entire kingdom of reanimated dead beings. Why is this never even considered by anyone?
In general the world building is just all over the place and contradicts itself so many times.
Honestly, it’s just badly written. The characters have connection and banter, but the rest of it falls so far. There’d be these moments of intrigue brought up or speculation on maybe this was happening, then it would immediately jump to the character in question’s POV and we’d be told everything straight away. Nothing builds. It all just gets dumped on you immediately and we get a million new viewpoints. Craft some structure into this thing.
September 25, 2024
Book: House of Fire & Magic
Author: Sherrilyn Kenyon
Series: Myths and Outlaws, #1
Publisher: Oliver Heber Books
Print Length: 380 Pages
Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Blog Rating: 5/5 Saltire Flag
Unicorns and Dragons are natural enemies and they never mate and have been enemies forever. Tanis Dragonmir wants revenge against the mortal who slaughtered and beheaded her elder brother who was heir to the throne. This mortal dragon hunter has her brother's head hanging showing it off to everyone, Tanis wants her revenge but also to bring her brothers remains back to give him a proper burial. Now Tanis needs Decil Coeur de Noir (Dash) the Unicorn King’s help to change her into a human form. Except for him to do this favor she must grant him a payment. As magic always comes with a heavy price. For Tanis she will lose her freedom and be in service for the Unicorns forever.
What they do not realize about each other is that they both come from royal lines. Tanis is a princess of dragons as Dash is the King of Unicorn’s. He also has a lot of guilt of owning Tanis forever due to his tragic past. Tanis had a prejudice of her own as she had been previously abducted and abused by an evil unicorn as a teenager. What Tanis is not aware of is Dash’s innocent sister had been slaughtered and her horn was cut off which gives their enemies instant power if they know how to use it. They ate both looking for their sibling’s murderers!
Soon Tanis and Dash, who should be enemies, turn into love. As they are both shape shifters and are both breathtakingly beautiful in their human form. Tanis is the first female that can make Dash smile and laugh. He also loved that she wanted to protect him even before he knew he was the King of Unicorns. As their hearts open, will this be accepted to mate outside their species? Furthermore will they each find the true killer of their siblings? Read and find out about this magnificent book in this romantasy by Sherrilyn Kenyon.
It is funny I only recently started reading dragon books recently, with The Empyrean series by Rebecca Yarros which I loved. Plus I am addicted to the romantasy genre so I was thrilled to read this exhilarating novel that I absolutely loved! When I read the book description I knew I had to read it. Plus the fact I have been collecting unicorn’s since I was ten years old. I have a wall unit filled with Unicorn figurines plus my Scottish heritage as the Unicorn is their national animal. I even saw all the amazing Unicorn tapestries and paintings at Stirling Castle in Scotland. This is ironic as the first book series I ever read by Sherrilyn Kenyon over twenty years ago was her Scottish historical series Brotherhood/ MacAllister series. I even told this author when I met her at a book author/reader conference in NJ in 2013.
I am absolutely obsessed with this novel. It is an absolute masterpiece. A gripping tale that grabs the reader right from the start! A book readers don’t want to miss!
Disclaimer: I received a free advance review copy from Booksprout through Oliver Heber Books for a fair and honest review. I voluntarily agreed to read, review and blog. All words, ideas and thoughts are my own.
Author: Sherrilyn Kenyon
Series: Myths and Outlaws, #1
Publisher: Oliver Heber Books
Print Length: 380 Pages
Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Blog Rating: 5/5 Saltire Flag
Unicorns and Dragons are natural enemies and they never mate and have been enemies forever. Tanis Dragonmir wants revenge against the mortal who slaughtered and beheaded her elder brother who was heir to the throne. This mortal dragon hunter has her brother's head hanging showing it off to everyone, Tanis wants her revenge but also to bring her brothers remains back to give him a proper burial. Now Tanis needs Decil Coeur de Noir (Dash) the Unicorn King’s help to change her into a human form. Except for him to do this favor she must grant him a payment. As magic always comes with a heavy price. For Tanis she will lose her freedom and be in service for the Unicorns forever.
What they do not realize about each other is that they both come from royal lines. Tanis is a princess of dragons as Dash is the King of Unicorn’s. He also has a lot of guilt of owning Tanis forever due to his tragic past. Tanis had a prejudice of her own as she had been previously abducted and abused by an evil unicorn as a teenager. What Tanis is not aware of is Dash’s innocent sister had been slaughtered and her horn was cut off which gives their enemies instant power if they know how to use it. They ate both looking for their sibling’s murderers!
Soon Tanis and Dash, who should be enemies, turn into love. As they are both shape shifters and are both breathtakingly beautiful in their human form. Tanis is the first female that can make Dash smile and laugh. He also loved that she wanted to protect him even before he knew he was the King of Unicorns. As their hearts open, will this be accepted to mate outside their species? Furthermore will they each find the true killer of their siblings? Read and find out about this magnificent book in this romantasy by Sherrilyn Kenyon.
It is funny I only recently started reading dragon books recently, with The Empyrean series by Rebecca Yarros which I loved. Plus I am addicted to the romantasy genre so I was thrilled to read this exhilarating novel that I absolutely loved! When I read the book description I knew I had to read it. Plus the fact I have been collecting unicorn’s since I was ten years old. I have a wall unit filled with Unicorn figurines plus my Scottish heritage as the Unicorn is their national animal. I even saw all the amazing Unicorn tapestries and paintings at Stirling Castle in Scotland. This is ironic as the first book series I ever read by Sherrilyn Kenyon over twenty years ago was her Scottish historical series Brotherhood/ MacAllister series. I even told this author when I met her at a book author/reader conference in NJ in 2013.
I am absolutely obsessed with this novel. It is an absolute masterpiece. A gripping tale that grabs the reader right from the start! A book readers don’t want to miss!
Disclaimer: I received a free advance review copy from Booksprout through Oliver Heber Books for a fair and honest review. I voluntarily agreed to read, review and blog. All words, ideas and thoughts are my own.
November 2, 2024
🇫🇷French & English reviews🇬🇧
Genre & Tropes : fantasy x romance x coup plot x vengeance plot x royal x dragon x unicorn x mythology
Un premier tome d'une série de fantasy que je ne pensais pas aimer autant
OK je dois que ce livre était une très agréable surprise ! Même si j'ai adoré beaucoup de livres de S. Kenyon (Acheron <3), l'histoire d'une romance licorne / dragon m'avait un peu laissée dubitative (ça m'a un peu fait penser au premier tome d'Elder Races de Thea Harrison que j'avais pas du tout aimé)
ET POURTANT
Dès les premières pages, j'ai eu un coup de coeur et j'ai dévoré le livre !
Ce que j'ai particulièrement aimé :
- l'univers particulièrement riche ! Oui on a des dragons et des licornes mais aussi des faes, des trolls ... Mais l'auteure va plus loin en créant toute une culture et une histoire autour de ses races qui m'ont fasciné ! J'ai particulièrement aimé les licornes (la couleur de leurs cornes, leurs organisations ...)
- l'intrigue qui était très tordue et que j'ai dévoré ! D'une simple histoire de vengeance, on se retrouve avec des complots pour prendre le pouvoir, des trahisons, des mensonges ...
- les personnages que j'ai beaucoup apprécié ! J'ai été fasciné par Tanis qui malgré son passé horrible et sa nature de dragon a une certaine innocence qui l'a rendu très humaine et attachante (sa première transformation en humaine xD) mais j'ai aussi adoré Dash qui est loin du mythe de la licorne et du monstre avec son amour pour sa famille et ses doutes ...
Mention spéciale pour les Outlaws que j'adorais voir plus en détails mais surtout mention spéciale pour Naomie que j'ai adoré =D
- la romance qui n'était pas prédominante mais quand même importante et qui se passe tout en douceur et en instant mignon ! Oui il y a des scènes de sexe mais il y a aussi beaucoup de sentiments ce que j'ai particulièrement apprécié =)
Bref, un livre de fantasy avec une romance sexy mais aussi une intrigue forte en tensions que j'ai dévoré ! J'ai hyper hâte d'avoir le prochain tome (même je ne sais pas si j'aimerais un personnage différent pour chaque tome ou continuer avec Tanis et Dash !)
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
A first book of a fantasy series that I didn't think I would like as much
OK I have to say that this book was a very pleasant surprise ! Even though I loved a lot of S. Kenyon's books (Acheron <3), the story of a unicorn/dragon romance left me a little doubtful (it reminded me a little of the first book of Elder Races by Thea Harrison that I didn't like at all)
AND YET
From the first pages, I had a crush and I devoured the book !
What I particularly liked :
- the particularly rich universe ! Yes, we have dragons and unicorns but also faes, trolls ... But the author goes further by creating a whole culture and a history around all the races that fascinated me ! I particularly liked the unicorns (the color of their horns, their organizations ...)
- the plot which was very twisted and that I devoured ! From a simple story of revenge, we end up with plots to seize power, betrayals, lies ...
- the characters that I really liked ! I was fascinated by Tanis who despite her horrible past and her dragon nature has a certain innocence that made her very human and endearing (her first transformation into a human xD) but I also loved Dash who is far from the myth of the unicorn and the monster with his love for his family and his doubts ...
Special mention for the Outlaws that I'd love to see in more detail but especially special mention for Naomie that I loved =D
- the romance which was not predominant but still important and which happens very gently and in cute moments ! Yes there are sex scenes but there are also a lot of feelings which I particularly appreciated =)
In short, a fantasy book with a sexy romance but also a plot full of tension that I devoured ! I can't wait to have the next book (even I don't know if I would like a different character for each book or continue with Tanis and Dash !)
Genre & Tropes : fantasy x romance x coup plot x vengeance plot x royal x dragon x unicorn x mythology
Un premier tome d'une série de fantasy que je ne pensais pas aimer autant
OK je dois que ce livre était une très agréable surprise ! Même si j'ai adoré beaucoup de livres de S. Kenyon (Acheron <3), l'histoire d'une romance licorne / dragon m'avait un peu laissée dubitative (ça m'a un peu fait penser au premier tome d'Elder Races de Thea Harrison que j'avais pas du tout aimé)
ET POURTANT
Dès les premières pages, j'ai eu un coup de coeur et j'ai dévoré le livre !
Ce que j'ai particulièrement aimé :
- l'univers particulièrement riche ! Oui on a des dragons et des licornes mais aussi des faes, des trolls ... Mais l'auteure va plus loin en créant toute une culture et une histoire autour de ses races qui m'ont fasciné ! J'ai particulièrement aimé les licornes (la couleur de leurs cornes, leurs organisations ...)
- l'intrigue qui était très tordue et que j'ai dévoré ! D'une simple histoire de vengeance, on se retrouve avec des complots pour prendre le pouvoir, des trahisons, des mensonges ...
- les personnages que j'ai beaucoup apprécié ! J'ai été fasciné par Tanis qui malgré son passé horrible et sa nature de dragon a une certaine innocence qui l'a rendu très humaine et attachante (sa première transformation en humaine xD) mais j'ai aussi adoré Dash qui est loin du mythe de la licorne et du monstre avec son amour pour sa famille et ses doutes ...
Mention spéciale pour les Outlaws que j'adorais voir plus en détails mais surtout mention spéciale pour Naomie que j'ai adoré =D
- la romance qui n'était pas prédominante mais quand même importante et qui se passe tout en douceur et en instant mignon ! Oui il y a des scènes de sexe mais il y a aussi beaucoup de sentiments ce que j'ai particulièrement apprécié =)
Bref, un livre de fantasy avec une romance sexy mais aussi une intrigue forte en tensions que j'ai dévoré ! J'ai hyper hâte d'avoir le prochain tome (même je ne sais pas si j'aimerais un personnage différent pour chaque tome ou continuer avec Tanis et Dash !)
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
A first book of a fantasy series that I didn't think I would like as much
OK I have to say that this book was a very pleasant surprise ! Even though I loved a lot of S. Kenyon's books (Acheron <3), the story of a unicorn/dragon romance left me a little doubtful (it reminded me a little of the first book of Elder Races by Thea Harrison that I didn't like at all)
AND YET
From the first pages, I had a crush and I devoured the book !
What I particularly liked :
- the particularly rich universe ! Yes, we have dragons and unicorns but also faes, trolls ... But the author goes further by creating a whole culture and a history around all the races that fascinated me ! I particularly liked the unicorns (the color of their horns, their organizations ...)
- the plot which was very twisted and that I devoured ! From a simple story of revenge, we end up with plots to seize power, betrayals, lies ...
- the characters that I really liked ! I was fascinated by Tanis who despite her horrible past and her dragon nature has a certain innocence that made her very human and endearing (her first transformation into a human xD) but I also loved Dash who is far from the myth of the unicorn and the monster with his love for his family and his doubts ...
Special mention for the Outlaws that I'd love to see in more detail but especially special mention for Naomie that I loved =D
- the romance which was not predominant but still important and which happens very gently and in cute moments ! Yes there are sex scenes but there are also a lot of feelings which I particularly appreciated =)
In short, a fantasy book with a sexy romance but also a plot full of tension that I devoured ! I can't wait to have the next book (even I don't know if I would like a different character for each book or continue with Tanis and Dash !)
September 22, 2024
HOUSE OF FIRE AND MAGIC is the first instalment in Sherrilyn Kenyon’s adult MYTHS AND OUTLAWS paranormal, fantasy romance series. This is unicorn shifter High King Dash aka Deciel Coeur de Noir, and dragon Princess Tanis Dragomir’s story line.
Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Tanis and Dash) HOUSE OF FIRE AND MAGIC follows in the wake of the murder of Tanis’ brother, and Dash’s sister. Dash is the High King of the thirteen kingdoms, and is determined to exact revenge for those who took his sister’s life. Someone is collecting supernatural treasures, a trophy hunter determined to sell his wares to the highest bidder: Tanis’s brother’s head, and Dash’s sister’s horn are his most prized possessions, and in this, Tanis and Dash are determined to work together to bring the perpetrator down but the unicorns and dragons are mortal enemies, and Tanis must sacrifice her beast in an effort to get her revenge. Meanwhile, as Dash goes on the hunt for a killer, betrayal will come at a cost. Several of the thirteen kingdoms are rebelling, taking aim at our story line hero and his throne, war is inevitable, only a matter of when.
The world building is complex with numerous magical and supernatural creatures from virtually every paranormal field. Enemies will align with one another in an effort to gain control; Princess Tanis will discover that betrayal comes in every form.
The relationship between Tanis and Dash begins when our heroine captures the unicorn/man with whom she will fall in love. Tanis is desperate to locate the person responsible for killing her brother, and Dash is determined to make Tanis pay with her magic. As our couple journey towards vengeance, they can only depend upon themselves for safety and security. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate.
The secondary and supporting characters are magical, enchanted, innumerable, and powerful. We are introduced to Tanis’ extended family, as well as Dash’s brother and mother. The requisite evil has many faces. Betrayal will come from within.
HOUSE OF FIRE AND MAGIC is a detailed and multi-layered story of betrayal and vengeance, magic and mayhem, power and control, family and relationships, discrimination and speciesism, acceptance and love. The premise is dramatic, enchanting and entertaining with a little bit of humor and fun; the romance is fated and seductive; the characters are magical, desperate and animated.
copy supplied for review
Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Tanis and Dash) HOUSE OF FIRE AND MAGIC follows in the wake of the murder of Tanis’ brother, and Dash’s sister. Dash is the High King of the thirteen kingdoms, and is determined to exact revenge for those who took his sister’s life. Someone is collecting supernatural treasures, a trophy hunter determined to sell his wares to the highest bidder: Tanis’s brother’s head, and Dash’s sister’s horn are his most prized possessions, and in this, Tanis and Dash are determined to work together to bring the perpetrator down but the unicorns and dragons are mortal enemies, and Tanis must sacrifice her beast in an effort to get her revenge. Meanwhile, as Dash goes on the hunt for a killer, betrayal will come at a cost. Several of the thirteen kingdoms are rebelling, taking aim at our story line hero and his throne, war is inevitable, only a matter of when.
The world building is complex with numerous magical and supernatural creatures from virtually every paranormal field. Enemies will align with one another in an effort to gain control; Princess Tanis will discover that betrayal comes in every form.
The relationship between Tanis and Dash begins when our heroine captures the unicorn/man with whom she will fall in love. Tanis is desperate to locate the person responsible for killing her brother, and Dash is determined to make Tanis pay with her magic. As our couple journey towards vengeance, they can only depend upon themselves for safety and security. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate.
The secondary and supporting characters are magical, enchanted, innumerable, and powerful. We are introduced to Tanis’ extended family, as well as Dash’s brother and mother. The requisite evil has many faces. Betrayal will come from within.
HOUSE OF FIRE AND MAGIC is a detailed and multi-layered story of betrayal and vengeance, magic and mayhem, power and control, family and relationships, discrimination and speciesism, acceptance and love. The premise is dramatic, enchanting and entertaining with a little bit of humor and fun; the romance is fated and seductive; the characters are magical, desperate and animated.
copy supplied for review
September 24, 2024
A unicorn and a dragon, a highly unlikely pair, manage the impossible and find love in the midst of a quest for vengeance.
Right from the start we are thrown into a whole new fantasy world where a unicorn shifter is the king of all, precarious as his position may be. I was very intrigued by the unicorns, dragons, and many other magical creatures that popped up as the story went on. The world building was fairly solid and did a good job of introducing the history and current state of affairs. It did get a teeny bit confusing sometimes to keep all these different characters straight. There wasn’t one specific villain, but rather an unrelated group all with the same nefarious plans to unseat Dash as High King.
Tanis and Dash set off together, each with their own agenda, that turned out to be chasing the same perpetrators. I liked the two of them together. They put aside centuries of mutual animosity and found that they really enjoyed each other’s company. The relationship development between these two and their interactions was done really well and I was very invested in them and their quest.
In most shifter stories, we get used to the shifters spending more time in their human forms and using their animal forms for specific purposes. Here, for example, Tanis’s dragon form is her natural form and she needed Dash’s magic to turn her human. It was a bit difficult to imagine these humungous dragons going about their day-to-day business, which was set up very similar to what a human’s environment would look like, just bigger to accommodate their size. The same went for Dash (and by extension all unicorns), though he was able to change forms at will.
Despite some gaps, this was an exciting read and I couldn’t put it down. I can highly recommend this if you like fantasy romance with thrilling action and betrayal around every corner, and I hope there will be more.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This review is also on Hooked By That Book.
Right from the start we are thrown into a whole new fantasy world where a unicorn shifter is the king of all, precarious as his position may be. I was very intrigued by the unicorns, dragons, and many other magical creatures that popped up as the story went on. The world building was fairly solid and did a good job of introducing the history and current state of affairs. It did get a teeny bit confusing sometimes to keep all these different characters straight. There wasn’t one specific villain, but rather an unrelated group all with the same nefarious plans to unseat Dash as High King.
Tanis and Dash set off together, each with their own agenda, that turned out to be chasing the same perpetrators. I liked the two of them together. They put aside centuries of mutual animosity and found that they really enjoyed each other’s company. The relationship development between these two and their interactions was done really well and I was very invested in them and their quest.
In most shifter stories, we get used to the shifters spending more time in their human forms and using their animal forms for specific purposes. Here, for example, Tanis’s dragon form is her natural form and she needed Dash’s magic to turn her human. It was a bit difficult to imagine these humungous dragons going about their day-to-day business, which was set up very similar to what a human’s environment would look like, just bigger to accommodate their size. The same went for Dash (and by extension all unicorns), though he was able to change forms at will.
Despite some gaps, this was an exciting read and I couldn’t put it down. I can highly recommend this if you like fantasy romance with thrilling action and betrayal around every corner, and I hope there will be more.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This review is also on Hooked By That Book.
May 17, 2025
I found it very reminiscent of Sarah J. Maas' series which I enjoyed immensely. This has a neat twist as it seems to be playing on the legend of Arthur when Dash rescues a young boy named Author and sends him to Ector with the request that Ector squire him. Dash's uncle is named Marthen and he holds great powers as does Dash's Mother Naomi (the fact Naomi is his Mother is a secret).
Tanis (dragon) captures the High King Dash (unicorn) and asked to be turned human so she can hunt down the human that killed her brother without killing the entire village. Dash is on a quest to find the human that killed his sister and took her golden horn (wand). They join forces and soon fall in love but they have to battle Meara to get Dash's crown and the golden wand back.
While I enjoyed the book there were a few plot holes. When Dash is dying they stated that only someone with a golden or black horn can use Renata's wand. But Ryper (Dash's brother) has a black horn but everyone seems to have forgotten that, when earlier in the book they made a big deal about him turning into an unicorn and leading people away from Dash (who was in human form), because everyone thought the unicorn was Dash. But not to fear Tanis crying all over Dash saves his life because "Dragon Tears".
Poor Tanis has lost her entire family because it wasn't a human that murdered her brother but her two older sisters who not only murdered her brother but murdered their Father after Tanis left.
Dash's family is complicated Renata was his half sister her (golden) horn is the only thing that can kill Dash. Ryper is his twin (not identical) brother but no one is supposed to know. Dash trust Tanis with the secret and later Ryper blurts it out when he is confronting Renata's killer, and Dash is dying. Naomi the Oni (demon) queen is their Mother. Marthen is Naomi's brother. Dash killed his Father and took the throne after he escaped from Meara (his father gave him to her as a hostage).
At the end of the book Dash's black horn is now gold and black.
I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
Tanis (dragon) captures the High King Dash (unicorn) and asked to be turned human so she can hunt down the human that killed her brother without killing the entire village. Dash is on a quest to find the human that killed his sister and took her golden horn (wand). They join forces and soon fall in love but they have to battle Meara to get Dash's crown and the golden wand back.
While I enjoyed the book there were a few plot holes. When Dash is dying they stated that only someone with a golden or black horn can use Renata's wand. But Ryper (Dash's brother) has a black horn but everyone seems to have forgotten that, when earlier in the book they made a big deal about him turning into an unicorn and leading people away from Dash (who was in human form), because everyone thought the unicorn was Dash. But not to fear Tanis crying all over Dash saves his life because "Dragon Tears".
Poor Tanis has lost her entire family because it wasn't a human that murdered her brother but her two older sisters who not only murdered her brother but murdered their Father after Tanis left.
Dash's family is complicated Renata was his half sister her (golden) horn is the only thing that can kill Dash. Ryper is his twin (not identical) brother but no one is supposed to know. Dash trust Tanis with the secret and later Ryper blurts it out when he is confronting Renata's killer, and Dash is dying. Naomi the Oni (demon) queen is their Mother. Marthen is Naomi's brother. Dash killed his Father and took the throne after he escaped from Meara (his father gave him to her as a hostage).
At the end of the book Dash's black horn is now gold and black.
I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
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