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Death #2
Blood of Dragons
The Death King betrayed me—so I did the same to him.
My time in Talon’s captivity has complicated my feelings. He’s more than a monster that conquered innocent people for his own means. He carries a lethal wound no one can see, a justification for his cruelty. But I have wounds too—wounds that he caused. My entire miserable existence is because of him—a cruelty he will never understand even though he should understand it most.
Inferno, the powerful red dragon that’s fused his soul with mine, and I have agreed that the Death King must be exiled. We travel north to Riviana Star, the forest home of the elves and my father’s brother, Ezra. I assumed I would be welcomed with open arms—but I’m treated with only suspicion by Queen Eldinar. She grants me asylum in her forest because I’ve agreed to be their ally against the Death King— but begrudgingly.
Even when I’m in the presence of the elves, I drown in solitude. I’m the only one of my kind besides my uncle, but his reception of me isn’t warm like I hoped. Commander Luxe takes an interest in me, but my heart still yearns for a man it should hate. And that’s when he appears—The Death King—in Riviana Star.
But not in the flesh.
The Death King is far more powerful than I ever imagined—and I’ve made him my greatest enemy.
Trigger Contains dark themes including rape and pregnancy loss.
My time in Talon’s captivity has complicated my feelings. He’s more than a monster that conquered innocent people for his own means. He carries a lethal wound no one can see, a justification for his cruelty. But I have wounds too—wounds that he caused. My entire miserable existence is because of him—a cruelty he will never understand even though he should understand it most.
Inferno, the powerful red dragon that’s fused his soul with mine, and I have agreed that the Death King must be exiled. We travel north to Riviana Star, the forest home of the elves and my father’s brother, Ezra. I assumed I would be welcomed with open arms—but I’m treated with only suspicion by Queen Eldinar. She grants me asylum in her forest because I’ve agreed to be their ally against the Death King— but begrudgingly.
Even when I’m in the presence of the elves, I drown in solitude. I’m the only one of my kind besides my uncle, but his reception of me isn’t warm like I hoped. Commander Luxe takes an interest in me, but my heart still yearns for a man it should hate. And that’s when he appears—The Death King—in Riviana Star.
But not in the flesh.
The Death King is far more powerful than I ever imagined—and I’ve made him my greatest enemy.
Trigger Contains dark themes including rape and pregnancy loss.
420 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 22, 2024
1139 people are currently reading
1774 people want to read
About the author
Penelope Barsetti
32 books948 followersPenelope Barsetti is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. Her beloved novels have sold more than 5 Million copies, and her work has been translated into a dozen languages. Readers may know her by another name, Penelope Sky, where she writes contemporary dark romance.
An avid wine drinker, napper, and Netflix junkie, she lives in California with her family, but if she could live anywhere, it would be Florence, Italy. For those familiar with her work, you’ll know exactly why that’s the case.
Fantasy Romance is her favorite genre to read, and she’s excited to release her own novels into the world.
An avid wine drinker, napper, and Netflix junkie, she lives in California with her family, but if she could live anywhere, it would be Florence, Italy. For those familiar with her work, you’ll know exactly why that’s the case.
Fantasy Romance is her favorite genre to read, and she’s excited to release her own novels into the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 440 reviews
November 17, 2025
3.5+ Stars
Super solid second installment. Can't chant. Off to dive into book 3...
Super solid second installment. Can't chant. Off to dive into book 3...
September 25, 2024
Let me tell you, I’m so obsessed with this series. The work-building, and character development are phenomenal.
We continue on Talon and Calista’s story. With a few new side characters. Some I
What I thought was unique is the prologue throughout the book with Talon’s back story. Which I found much more emotional that I expected and wouldn’t have it any other way.
The author painted such a vivid world, filled with dragons, elves, pirates, orcs, and behemoths. I can’t get enough of this world!
That ending was a doozy of a cliffhanger and I can’t wait I see how the author spins it. Because honesty that was jaw-dropping ending.
December 11, 2024
Again, disjointed and too much prose
I don’t understand. I read some reviews that spoke of how amazing the writing was in the first book, elegant and all that, but I just didn’t see it, in this one or the first.
Things are so disjointed, as if the author forgot to connect some thoughts that lead to specific conclusions and just jumps to the conclusion out of no where. And then when connections should be made, we get nothing. Like Calista not understanding why Talon would be interested in the fact about the door to the Afterlife, when he commands the dead. I mean, it wasn’t completely clear until reading the final prologue at the end of the book (prologue 5), but a connection between death and his power should have been guessed at.
Then there’s the mention of dark elves by Queen El. Considering in our prologue flashbacks from Talon, dark elves were the cause of the dragon manipulating, not shamans as book 1 originally told us. Yet, when he Queen mentions them at the end of the book, Talon shows no recognition or hatred for the beings. Hell, he didn’t even show any hostility towards elves period, not knowing the differences between the species.
And finally, there’s General Titan. That whole arc was just a piece of trash. First, how did he know where Calista was? They say he followed her dragon, but how did he even know she had one? If he found out from her homeland, then he should have also discovered that she was a princess, but he didn’t acknowledge that at all.
Next, how did he gather a human army? Under what claim did he rally them? They weren’t going to fight Talon, so how did he convince them to march into the mountains? And since we’re here, how did he even know Behemoths lay past the mountain path? What incentive did he offer them to fight for him? How did he know about the elven forest and that it was where Calista was located? Was he also working with a god? Because he sure seemed to be omnipotent in all things Calista in a land with no cameras and cellphones.
Things were just unreasonably put together and published, much like the first book. See my notes highlights and commentary on Goodreads. Happy reading.
I don’t understand. I read some reviews that spoke of how amazing the writing was in the first book, elegant and all that, but I just didn’t see it, in this one or the first.
Things are so disjointed, as if the author forgot to connect some thoughts that lead to specific conclusions and just jumps to the conclusion out of no where. And then when connections should be made, we get nothing. Like Calista not understanding why Talon would be interested in the fact about the door to the Afterlife, when he commands the dead. I mean, it wasn’t completely clear until reading the final prologue at the end of the book (prologue 5), but a connection between death and his power should have been guessed at.
Then there’s the mention of dark elves by Queen El. Considering in our prologue flashbacks from Talon, dark elves were the cause of the dragon manipulating, not shamans as book 1 originally told us. Yet, when he Queen mentions them at the end of the book, Talon shows no recognition or hatred for the beings. Hell, he didn’t even show any hostility towards elves period, not knowing the differences between the species.
And finally, there’s General Titan. That whole arc was just a piece of trash. First, how did he know where Calista was? They say he followed her dragon, but how did he even know she had one? If he found out from her homeland, then he should have also discovered that she was a princess, but he didn’t acknowledge that at all.
Next, how did he gather a human army? Under what claim did he rally them? They weren’t going to fight Talon, so how did he convince them to march into the mountains? And since we’re here, how did he even know Behemoths lay past the mountain path? What incentive did he offer them to fight for him? How did he know about the elven forest and that it was where Calista was located? Was he also working with a god? Because he sure seemed to be omnipotent in all things Calista in a land with no cameras and cellphones.
Things were just unreasonably put together and published, much like the first book. See my notes highlights and commentary on Goodreads. Happy reading.
November 20, 2024
I’m pretty sure the author put crack in these books because I cannot put them down
September 27, 2024
I have been no so patiently waiting for book two and it did not disappoint👏👏
I am so obsessed with Talon- the more I learn about him the more I fall in love. He has been through so much and he desperately wants to avenge his family but he also wants Calista. These two were tugging my heart strings this book. Calista was holding on to her anger so strongly and I just felt so bad for Talon. I was captivated from the start. The plot is fantastic- I am hooked. I loved the world that has been built and being able to see other creatures incorporated into the world was amazing. I loved the action- sword fights and battles are always so hot😮💨🥵I can’t wait to see what the next book is gonna bring.
I am so obsessed with Talon- the more I learn about him the more I fall in love. He has been through so much and he desperately wants to avenge his family but he also wants Calista. These two were tugging my heart strings this book. Calista was holding on to her anger so strongly and I just felt so bad for Talon. I was captivated from the start. The plot is fantastic- I am hooked. I loved the world that has been built and being able to see other creatures incorporated into the world was amazing. I loved the action- sword fights and battles are always so hot😮💨🥵I can’t wait to see what the next book is gonna bring.
June 8, 2025
Not a lot happened to move Talon's agenda forward - except now he's on the hook to wage war against the dark elves. Pages were mostly taken up by the backstory of the 30 years since his uncle wiped out his family and stole his father's crown. There was also the requisite breakup and reconciliation stuff.
Next is The Dragon King.
Next is The Dragon King.
September 27, 2024
Wow!!
This book was just chefs fucking kiss.
Talon has redeemed himself. I wish I can do a lengthy review but it’s like 2 am.
But just know this book was good!!!!!!!!
This book was just chefs fucking kiss.
Talon has redeemed himself. I wish I can do a lengthy review but it’s like 2 am.
But just know this book was good!!!!!!!!
January 10, 2025
This series just continues to blow me away! This second book was definitely full of angst and anxiety for me over Talon and Calista’s unknown direction, but I was so engulfed in the story of Talon’s past that I relished every minute of this one as well. The ending was great but gut-wrenching in revelation. The author does an amazing job of reeling you in for that next book each time. On to book 3!
September 25, 2024
3.5
Oh my gosh…what a bridge book 🥲
You finally get Talon’s backstory, but it breaks my heart that he still won’t tell Calista the full truth. I am devastated with what happens with Calista and Inferno and hope it changes in the next book. I know something bad is going to happen with the dark elves in the next part of the story too and I am not okay. Also, you find out WHAT Talon traded for The Death King powers and it will rip your heart out.
Ps I loved the pirate captain 🖤
Only issues are the pacing is kind of off, the breaks also seemed clunky sometimes. Some chapters are in the past and I wish there were headers because it would have helped to know when it was. The three prologues are what I mean and I wish we knew what time period we were in when they were started.
Overall it was a quick fast paced read and can’t wait for the third book!
Oh my gosh…what a bridge book 🥲
You finally get Talon’s backstory, but it breaks my heart that he still won’t tell Calista the full truth. I am devastated with what happens with Calista and Inferno and hope it changes in the next book. I know something bad is going to happen with the dark elves in the next part of the story too and I am not okay. Also, you find out WHAT Talon traded for The Death King powers and it will rip your heart out.
Ps I loved the pirate captain 🖤
Only issues are the pacing is kind of off, the breaks also seemed clunky sometimes. Some chapters are in the past and I wish there were headers because it would have helped to know when it was. The three prologues are what I mean and I wish we knew what time period we were in when they were started.
Overall it was a quick fast paced read and can’t wait for the third book!
December 31, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶 (tbf they were not together for 90% of the book)
🔥🔥🔥 (only when communicating)
After leaving off at the last book, this book basically starts up right after. Both Talon and Calista are off to find the missing free dragons, and Calista knows exactly where to look. When she finds what she is looking for, she doesn't realize just how connected she truly is to the dragons.
I definitely liked this book better than the first. Mostly because I liked that Talon and Calista were separated for 90% of the book. I don't know why I am this type of reader, but I liked when characters are forced to be separated to deal with their shît on their own before getting back together. Helps to create less toxicity in a relationship.
Talon was much more tolerable, in the sense that he was growing to understand that Calista means more to him than a normal 'lover'. He takes the time to grovel, tries to tell her how he feels, and tries to find her. Though he still is determined to find the missing dragons, and knows she knows more than what she is willing to tell him, he does try to make amends.
Calista however, is not ready to forgive him, or trust him enough to take him at his word. I respect her for it. She is not one to fold easily. Talon still is not fully transparent with her, and she wont be ready to go back to him until he is. All the while, she is learning on how to heal her own wounds, be sufficient on her own, and take refuge when she is offered safety. She allows others, and Inferno, the freedom she was never offered, and will put others before her own desires. Calista grows while she is separated from Talon, and I think Talon started to realize he needed her more than she needed him.
One this this book offered is a flashback to Talon's past. Basically all the secrets he kept from Calista are told in this story. Let me tell you though, when a chapter said it would take 55 minutes....I was NOT thrilled. That was 60 pages of one flashback. Granted it was entertaining for the most part, and needed, but I felt winded by the end of that chapter. The books are quite fast and quick reads, but this book slowed the pace down significantly. Being apart allowed the book to go into both their pasts, but definitely more Talon's than Calista's.
I am sure the next book will be spicier again, but don't expect much in this book. They truly are separated for the most part.
Oh, and Talon is finally read to burn the world for her.
⟣Tropes⟢
✅ Touch her and 💀
✅ Badass Heroine (doesn't take shît from anyone)
✅ Betrayal
✅ He falls first
✅ Lots of groveling 😏
✅ Dual POV’s (first person)
✅ Enemies-to-Lovers
✅ Found Family
✅ Dragons
✅ No cheating (even with the separation)
✅ Major Cliff
🌶🌶 (tbf they were not together for 90% of the book)
🔥🔥🔥 (only when communicating)
After leaving off at the last book, this book basically starts up right after. Both Talon and Calista are off to find the missing free dragons, and Calista knows exactly where to look. When she finds what she is looking for, she doesn't realize just how connected she truly is to the dragons.
I definitely liked this book better than the first. Mostly because I liked that Talon and Calista were separated for 90% of the book. I don't know why I am this type of reader, but I liked when characters are forced to be separated to deal with their shît on their own before getting back together. Helps to create less toxicity in a relationship.
Talon was much more tolerable, in the sense that he was growing to understand that Calista means more to him than a normal 'lover'. He takes the time to grovel, tries to tell her how he feels, and tries to find her. Though he still is determined to find the missing dragons, and knows she knows more than what she is willing to tell him, he does try to make amends.
Calista however, is not ready to forgive him, or trust him enough to take him at his word. I respect her for it. She is not one to fold easily. Talon still is not fully transparent with her, and she wont be ready to go back to him until he is. All the while, she is learning on how to heal her own wounds, be sufficient on her own, and take refuge when she is offered safety. She allows others, and Inferno, the freedom she was never offered, and will put others before her own desires. Calista grows while she is separated from Talon, and I think Talon started to realize he needed her more than she needed him.
One this this book offered is a flashback to Talon's past. Basically all the secrets he kept from Calista are told in this story. Let me tell you though, when a chapter said it would take 55 minutes....I was NOT thrilled. That was 60 pages of one flashback. Granted it was entertaining for the most part, and needed, but I felt winded by the end of that chapter. The books are quite fast and quick reads, but this book slowed the pace down significantly. Being apart allowed the book to go into both their pasts, but definitely more Talon's than Calista's.
I am sure the next book will be spicier again, but don't expect much in this book. They truly are separated for the most part.
Oh, and Talon is finally read to burn the world for her.
⟣Tropes⟢
✅ Touch her and 💀
✅ Badass Heroine (doesn't take shît from anyone)
✅ Betrayal
✅ He falls first
✅ Lots of groveling 😏
✅ Dual POV’s (first person)
✅ Enemies-to-Lovers
✅ Found Family
✅ Dragons
✅ No cheating (even with the separation)
✅ Major Cliff
February 9, 2025
4.5 stars
I'm so glad I stuck with this serial, because Book 2 is everything I wished for after Book 1: extensive backstory (TW: the Prologues in this book are quite harrowing to read, esp. Prologue III); logical character development; smart, engaging and organically developped plot arc with so many complex shades of grey; intense and tantalising clash of wills between Talon and Calista (they give new definition to 'it's complicated'); beautiful, vivid and sensitive writing style. The chemistry between Talon and Calista was still sexy but rightfully low focused.
I am smelling epicness in the horizon!
P.S. Trivial details I know, .
-----
My review for Book 1: here
My review for Book 3: here
My review for Book 4: here
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2024
I’m giving 2 ⭐️
BecUse this is a unique story line and could be such a good story. But I feel like it started well then started to slow right down and I felt it was extremely difficult to stay engaged.
Maybe another round of editing and review and this could be great. The bones are there just need a bit of flesh to it
BecUse this is a unique story line and could be such a good story. But I feel like it started well then started to slow right down and I felt it was extremely difficult to stay engaged.
Maybe another round of editing and review and this could be great. The bones are there just need a bit of flesh to it
March 12, 2025
This book was incredible—so much better than the first! The plot had more depth, the stakes were higher, and Talon's backstory made everything more meaningful. The characters felt richer, and I’m so glad I kept reading. Lovers to enemies to lovers? Yes, please 😍
November 29, 2024
The MCs are separate for basically all of this, Talon’s backstory and everything just boring and confusing. DNF 80%
April 27, 2025
If your main character flies on a dragon and fights with swords then drinks OAT MILK it’s time to evaluate the story
October 7, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️
I am a woman obsessed. This book filled me with so much anxiety. I LOVE this pair - Calista and Talon. They hate each other. They love each other. They need each other. They’re stubborn and broody and arrogant and… know they can’t be apart. Thankfully, this did NOT have “book two syndrome.” I love love love this world, the characters, the drama, the angst, the secrets, the dragons, the enemies-to-lovers, the passion. The Death King (LOVE LOVE LOVE him!)
The many highs and lows were palpable -from the heartbreak of her return home to the loss experienced by Talon. The absolutely unbelievable heavy burden of grief that must have enveloped him whole along with the weight of the guilt of just being alive. Conversely, the dragon’s binding with him was so heartwarming as was the moment they came back together.
The lavish prose meticulously describing the sanctuary of the elves where she sought refuge.
The new characters introduced in this world… the elven queen, the goddess of the forest, behemoths, pirates, orcs…
⚠️⚠️SPOILERS⚠️⚠️
As a recap in the first book, as soon as she was bound to the dragon, she betrayed Talon because at that very moment, she became his equal with the ability to channel the dragon’s power. The dragon told her that partnering with Talon was foolish because he was literally asking her to partner with him to avenge HIM when he did the same thing to her that he’s trying to exact his revenge for. (that was quite the word salad, huh?) I’m typing in a stream of consciousness however and I’m not going to fix it. It sounded fine in my head and this isn’t a book so… there ya go.
So for the first time in ten years Calista’s actually free but has no idea what to do now. She’s the rightful heir to a kingdom she can’t command. In love with Talon, The Death King, but on the run from him because he needs her… and the dragon she’s now bonded to. Luckily, she found a place to seek shelter – with the elves and her uncle, Ezra. But her arrival is not received well and she spends her time in solitude reading. This is no way to live - she’s merely existing. She doesn’t fit in. I’m pretty sure she doesn’t want to. And while she has a potential suitor for her attention, she can’t rid her thoughts of Talon until one night, he shows up in her room… in a noncorporeal form… he not only haunts her thoughts, now he’s there! She never realized the depths of his powers or of her own stubbornness.
She’s haunted by him, hunted by the General who defected and now the battle is on her doorstep.
This ending… just thinking of what’s to come fills my eyes with TEARS!!!!
💞💞LOVED💞💞
💞 I love everything about this book.
📜FAVORITE QUOTES📜
📜 “Whether you want to admit it or not, you’re officially enemies.”
📜 “You can’t run from me.”
📜We are here, Pretty.
📜“Because I can’t hurt you.” Now his voice was stronger, louder. “I could never hurt you.
📜 “I’m sorry that my revenge came at your expense.”
📜“I think I’m home to you.”
📜Your heart must be pure like sunshine.”
📜“...I expect our paths will cross again…probably across a battlefield. And when that moment comes, just know that’s not what I wanted for us.”
📜“Forgive me.”
📜I was born in your shadow, a shadow so big that I’ve never seen the sun. But I’ve loved every moment of the shade.
📜 “Lena.”
📜“We have a deal.”
🌶️🌶️
I am a woman obsessed. This book filled me with so much anxiety. I LOVE this pair - Calista and Talon. They hate each other. They love each other. They need each other. They’re stubborn and broody and arrogant and… know they can’t be apart. Thankfully, this did NOT have “book two syndrome.” I love love love this world, the characters, the drama, the angst, the secrets, the dragons, the enemies-to-lovers, the passion. The Death King (LOVE LOVE LOVE him!)
The many highs and lows were palpable -from the heartbreak of her return home to the loss experienced by Talon. The absolutely unbelievable heavy burden of grief that must have enveloped him whole along with the weight of the guilt of just being alive. Conversely, the dragon’s binding with him was so heartwarming as was the moment they came back together.
The lavish prose meticulously describing the sanctuary of the elves where she sought refuge.
The new characters introduced in this world… the elven queen, the goddess of the forest, behemoths, pirates, orcs…
⚠️⚠️SPOILERS⚠️⚠️
As a recap in the first book, as soon as she was bound to the dragon, she betrayed Talon because at that very moment, she became his equal with the ability to channel the dragon’s power. The dragon told her that partnering with Talon was foolish because he was literally asking her to partner with him to avenge HIM when he did the same thing to her that he’s trying to exact his revenge for. (that was quite the word salad, huh?) I’m typing in a stream of consciousness however and I’m not going to fix it. It sounded fine in my head and this isn’t a book so… there ya go.
So for the first time in ten years Calista’s actually free but has no idea what to do now. She’s the rightful heir to a kingdom she can’t command. In love with Talon, The Death King, but on the run from him because he needs her… and the dragon she’s now bonded to. Luckily, she found a place to seek shelter – with the elves and her uncle, Ezra. But her arrival is not received well and she spends her time in solitude reading. This is no way to live - she’s merely existing. She doesn’t fit in. I’m pretty sure she doesn’t want to. And while she has a potential suitor for her attention, she can’t rid her thoughts of Talon until one night, he shows up in her room… in a noncorporeal form… he not only haunts her thoughts, now he’s there! She never realized the depths of his powers or of her own stubbornness.
She’s haunted by him, hunted by the General who defected and now the battle is on her doorstep.
This ending… just thinking of what’s to come fills my eyes with TEARS!!!!
💞💞LOVED💞💞
💞 I love everything about this book.
📜FAVORITE QUOTES📜
📜 “Whether you want to admit it or not, you’re officially enemies.”
📜 “You can’t run from me.”
📜We are here, Pretty.
📜“Because I can’t hurt you.” Now his voice was stronger, louder. “I could never hurt you.
📜 “I’m sorry that my revenge came at your expense.”
📜“I think I’m home to you.”
📜Your heart must be pure like sunshine.”
📜“...I expect our paths will cross again…probably across a battlefield. And when that moment comes, just know that’s not what I wanted for us.”
📜“Forgive me.”
📜I was born in your shadow, a shadow so big that I’ve never seen the sun. But I’ve loved every moment of the shade.
📜 “Lena.”
📜“We have a deal.”
October 11, 2024
4.5 Stars ⭐️
I was completely amazed and totally shocked with the way that I loved the first book in this series. This book, begins right at the moment that the first book ended, and we are thrown right back into the world of Calista and the Death King...Talon.
I think that the thing I loved the most in this book is that we FINALLY get to see behind the curtain and begin to understand a little bit about Talon's past. And his past is EXTREMELY important in letting us understand his actions of the present.
One of the things that I mentioned in the review of first book was that Talon was an antagonist that you don't necessarily want to root for, yet you somehow find yourself rooting for him anyway. In this book, we get his back story. It was such a delight to finally be able to understand some of the reasons that caused his behavior and some of the things that he went through that caused his heart to harden. Was he 100 percent right? No, absolutely not. But we do make strides in understanding the WHY behind his current actions.
This book takes off immediately and before I knew it, the narrator was saying the "Thank you for listening to Audible" or whatever it is that they say when the book is finished. The reason that I mention that is because I totally fell into the story, and it felt like it was over in no time. Those are the best books. The books that pull you into the story - that you are so invested in them that you have no concept of time as you are in that world. This was one of those books.
And ugh....wouldn't you know it....this book ends in a way that totally sets up the next book. Was it a cliffhanger? Yes, sort of. But honestly, it just sets up the next book and gives us the first stepping stone - the stone that we currently on and lets us know that there is a path in front of us - if we are ready to step on to the next stone.
Thank you to NetGalley and to Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to listen to and review this ARC. The opinions above are mine and mine alone. This book will be available to the public on October 22, 2024.
I was completely amazed and totally shocked with the way that I loved the first book in this series. This book, begins right at the moment that the first book ended, and we are thrown right back into the world of Calista and the Death King...Talon.
I think that the thing I loved the most in this book is that we FINALLY get to see behind the curtain and begin to understand a little bit about Talon's past. And his past is EXTREMELY important in letting us understand his actions of the present.
One of the things that I mentioned in the review of first book was that Talon was an antagonist that you don't necessarily want to root for, yet you somehow find yourself rooting for him anyway. In this book, we get his back story. It was such a delight to finally be able to understand some of the reasons that caused his behavior and some of the things that he went through that caused his heart to harden. Was he 100 percent right? No, absolutely not. But we do make strides in understanding the WHY behind his current actions.
This book takes off immediately and before I knew it, the narrator was saying the "Thank you for listening to Audible" or whatever it is that they say when the book is finished. The reason that I mention that is because I totally fell into the story, and it felt like it was over in no time. Those are the best books. The books that pull you into the story - that you are so invested in them that you have no concept of time as you are in that world. This was one of those books.
And ugh....wouldn't you know it....this book ends in a way that totally sets up the next book. Was it a cliffhanger? Yes, sort of. But honestly, it just sets up the next book and gives us the first stepping stone - the stone that we currently on and lets us know that there is a path in front of us - if we are ready to step on to the next stone.
Thank you to NetGalley and to Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to listen to and review this ARC. The opinions above are mine and mine alone. This book will be available to the public on October 22, 2024.
September 27, 2024
happy release day!
Blood of Dragons is the second installment to the Death Series by @penelopeskyauthor and this series has me in such a chokehold. I am absolutely obsessed and am loving the journey. Our FMC, Calista, is definitely one of my favorite fantasy characters to date hands down. Her personality and just her emotions, are just so real honestly. The same with Talon. I know he's got a heart in there somewhere and I'm holding out for it. Of course I can't forget about the dragons in this series either. Calistas relationship with Inferno was just so meaningful and there was so much respect between the two, just like with Talon and Khazmuda. I also love how we're continuing to be introduced to new magical beings as the series progresses. Overall, I'm completely enthralled with the series so far and so excited for the remaining two books and will be counting down the days until I have them in my hands too!
Blood of Dragons is the second installment to the Death Series by @penelopeskyauthor and this series has me in such a chokehold. I am absolutely obsessed and am loving the journey. Our FMC, Calista, is definitely one of my favorite fantasy characters to date hands down. Her personality and just her emotions, are just so real honestly. The same with Talon. I know he's got a heart in there somewhere and I'm holding out for it. Of course I can't forget about the dragons in this series either. Calistas relationship with Inferno was just so meaningful and there was so much respect between the two, just like with Talon and Khazmuda. I also love how we're continuing to be introduced to new magical beings as the series progresses. Overall, I'm completely enthralled with the series so far and so excited for the remaining two books and will be counting down the days until I have them in my hands too!
October 3, 2024
I received an arc for an honest review.
I'm going to call this series....Lord of the Rings meets Game of Thrones. I. AM. FREAKING. OBSESSED.
Blood of Dragons is the second book in the series, and you'll need to read The Death King before this one. I cried!!! Yes. I cried. There are really no words to describe it. You'll have to read it to experience the pain, the anguish, the tension, the betrayal. My heart hurts for Talon!!! Ugh. But at the same time, I feel so much for Calista too.
There are dragons, gods, elves, orcs, and dark magic. Sooo freaking good.
Blood of Dragons gave us the background of Talon's life before he became the Death King. Calista went to her uncle who is now with the elves. No matter where Calista was, Talon would use any power to try to find her. But the betrayal that Talon felt from Calista was too much to bear. Will their relationship ever be mended?
I'm going to call this series....Lord of the Rings meets Game of Thrones. I. AM. FREAKING. OBSESSED.
Blood of Dragons is the second book in the series, and you'll need to read The Death King before this one. I cried!!! Yes. I cried. There are really no words to describe it. You'll have to read it to experience the pain, the anguish, the tension, the betrayal. My heart hurts for Talon!!! Ugh. But at the same time, I feel so much for Calista too.
There are dragons, gods, elves, orcs, and dark magic. Sooo freaking good.
Blood of Dragons gave us the background of Talon's life before he became the Death King. Calista went to her uncle who is now with the elves. No matter where Calista was, Talon would use any power to try to find her. But the betrayal that Talon felt from Calista was too much to bear. Will their relationship ever be mended?
October 2, 2024
Another fantastic book!
I absolutely can not get enough of this series. Having the prologues to Talons past break up parts in this book was well done.
We finally understand why Talon is the way he is, and honestly, I couldn't stop crying. He went through something unimaginable, and you can definitely sympathise!
I loved the relationship with the Dragons and the growth Talon went through. This story has a great storyline and is really well written.
I'm not sure how I feel about the price Talon needs to pay, though, for the abilities he's been given. And for that to be the cliffhanger. I will be eagerly waiting for the next book!
I absolutely can not get enough of this series. Having the prologues to Talons past break up parts in this book was well done.
We finally understand why Talon is the way he is, and honestly, I couldn't stop crying. He went through something unimaginable, and you can definitely sympathise!
I loved the relationship with the Dragons and the growth Talon went through. This story has a great storyline and is really well written.
I'm not sure how I feel about the price Talon needs to pay, though, for the abilities he's been given. And for that to be the cliffhanger. I will be eagerly waiting for the next book!
April 27, 2025
4/5 ⭐️
Look it probably should be a 3 star book series but saving grace is that I’ve fallen in love with the characters and the dragons and even when some of the writing is basic and amateurish I just keep reading. Need to know the end. Underworld master wants to have Talons soul, at the time Talon ‘The Death King’ didn’t care he wanted to avenge his family. Now, he’s fallen in love again something he didn’t think he was capable of …. A dark secret he’s keeping to himself. But, Calista she wants to avenge her father too. Will she fuse with a dragon and turn on the one man who’s shown her what true love can be…..
.
.
.
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#true #love #dragons #avenge #soul #talon #calista #thedeathking #book2 #series #bookworm #readingchallenge2025
Look it probably should be a 3 star book series but saving grace is that I’ve fallen in love with the characters and the dragons and even when some of the writing is basic and amateurish I just keep reading. Need to know the end. Underworld master wants to have Talons soul, at the time Talon ‘The Death King’ didn’t care he wanted to avenge his family. Now, he’s fallen in love again something he didn’t think he was capable of …. A dark secret he’s keeping to himself. But, Calista she wants to avenge her father too. Will she fuse with a dragon and turn on the one man who’s shown her what true love can be…..
.
.
.
.
#true #love #dragons #avenge #soul #talon #calista #thedeathking #book2 #series #bookworm #readingchallenge2025
November 16, 2024
Such a great sequel! We get to know the characters away from each other and in flashbacks, and I love how much they grow in this book. Calista finds herself alone in a forest of Elves. Talon realizes how much he misses her, but he's too stubborn to go after her. Can't wait to see what they get up to in the next book!
February 25, 2025
3.5/5
All the back story for talon was really important I’m happy we know it now.
I don’t like that elf 🧝♀️ lady her selflessness seems selfish
I was a little bummed when Calista and Inferno had to unfuse but I understand why
It’s a little silly that I was complaining about how Talon didn’t explain why he wouldn’t sleep in a bed with anyone then BOOM prologue
All the back story for talon was really important I’m happy we know it now.
I don’t like that elf 🧝♀️ lady her selflessness seems selfish
I was a little bummed when Calista and Inferno had to unfuse but I understand why
It’s a little silly that I was complaining about how Talon didn’t explain why he wouldn’t sleep in a bed with anyone then BOOM prologue
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2024
A deeper insight to Talon and his past? Yes please. Getting to see into his past definitely made me connect with him more and I get what he's as broody as he is. Calista's story continues with delicious twists and turns and new plot. And of course more of our beloved dragon companion, Khazmuda. A great story to tie in pieces of history and set us forward in time until the next one. This one also ends on a cliffhanger with some pretty sweet confessions!
*prerelease review
*prerelease review
November 11, 2025
Another great installment! Seeing the characters grow is amazing and I feel it brings so much to the story. I mean the dragons are a nice touch as well to bring more of a history and the importance of them was perfect. Already started the next book!
September 29, 2024
I loved this. Getting more of the history of Talon's life and why he is doing what he's doing has made feel for him even more. I can't wait to read more!
January 6, 2025
3.5
It was fun getting backstory and seeing them grow as characters but outside of that nothing really happened lol
But it seems like this set us up for an interesting book 3!
It was fun getting backstory and seeing them grow as characters but outside of that nothing really happened lol
But it seems like this set us up for an interesting book 3!
February 21, 2025
Cannot wait to read the 3rd. Love this series.
February 22, 2025
Quick read, onto the third book.
November 18, 2025
Well f it I’m reading the entire series
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