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The Chronicles of Shadow and Light #2
Dragon Ties
Having barely escaped from the Plains of Fire with her life, Auri follows the pleas of her father and sets out for the safety and knowledge of the Dragon Masters. Once there, she hopes to immerse herself in their training and become the decisive edge that Terradin needs to stop Obsidian and his Rebels.
But before her journey has even truly begun, someone dear to her is ripped away from her. Reeling from the loss, and with Terradin growing ever darker around her, she is forced to make a terrible decision that will have lasting repercussions.
Does she cling to what once was? Or does she reforge herself anew like the fabled phoenix, and rise from the ashes to burn brighter than ever before.
But before her journey has even truly begun, someone dear to her is ripped away from her. Reeling from the loss, and with Terradin growing ever darker around her, she is forced to make a terrible decision that will have lasting repercussions.
Does she cling to what once was? Or does she reforge herself anew like the fabled phoenix, and rise from the ashes to burn brighter than ever before.
273 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2011
10 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 28, 2015
... I am not really sure. It was ok. Not great but not terrible. I don't really understand why the story has taken some turns that it did, but that is not my call.
September 10, 2014
This is the first time reading this author and I chose it because of the title and what it said it was about. Right off I am transported into the story with Auri and her wolf. I notice also each chapter has a heading which is something I do like when a author adds. It does not take me long to know what is going on and realize this is a on going battle and she is part of a larger picture one she will have to come to terms with as will those around her. They do it at a much faster pace then she does though. There are also two men who love her,but as I am plunged deeper into this novel there are also some very interesting elements about these three but also as a whole those all around her. Love the intriguing in a fantasy when especially when there is more than one group involved. There is also a prophecy that is very nicely done in this novel that is on its way to being fulfilled. Not speedily mind you but all in its due course. That is the exciting part of this novel the road you travel with the ones involved that goes you witness many things. This is also a novel that will keep you spellbound caught up in it all. I so found it exciting to when she does make her choice of love and the ecstasy that happens between them. I also found it very novel how these two special people grown also from each other with the way the author weaves the tale. Not to say though there isn't danger and drama in this novel because there certainly ease so much so that will be gripping as you read. Time will also be the essence in some cases especially in lives. There will also be death to some that will have to be all part of this exciting novel but one to me was a little sad. Their will be things shown or revealed about some of the characters that will also leave you going oh my. All in all I must say very worth reading with this being my cup of joe. I also look forward to seeing the conclusion of this story when it does unfold. Received a arc for a honest review LOP(Lovers Of Paranormal)
December 1, 2014
Dragon Ties (The Chronicles of Shadow and Light #2)
I received a free copy, through Lovers of Paranormal, in exchange for a review.
Now it is Auri's turn to be the leader, to be the warrior that the people need her to be. After barely escaping the catastrophe of the Plains of Fire, she begins yet another journey, a sidetrack, to help her become the dragon that she really is. Finding the Dragon Masters, she begins to train and practice what it means to be a dragon and hopefully, with this new knowledge of who she is will lead her to triumph against the Dark Obsidian and his group of followers. War is breaking out everywhere, there is nothing that is being left untouched. She can feel it encroaching on her and this is the time to prove who she is, before it is too late.
'The people surrounding her seemed to feel that she was the only person that could restore peace. It was only Liran, however, that looked at her as though the cost for that peace might be too high. She knew that he had plan upon plan, stratagem upon stratagem. But she also knew that he felt that they would all be useless, Dwelling inside the actual being of another person gave you so many insights that you would normally have rather been ignorant to. She wouldn't trade it for anything, though. Not her relationship – however fractured – with Nachal. Not her friendships with Dhurmic and Hien and Wolf. Not her father. And certainly not the elf sitting lightly upon her spine. She would not trade a single moment, A single pain or heartache. A single moment of joy, She would give it all again, and gladly.
Kind of had the feeling that this was the route the story would take, but I'm not disappointed. The author loses it a little, with the emotional levels between Auri and Liran, a little too repetitive, but overall it's a great second story. Now I just have to wait for the third one to see the final outcome!
I received a free copy, through Lovers of Paranormal, in exchange for a review.
Now it is Auri's turn to be the leader, to be the warrior that the people need her to be. After barely escaping the catastrophe of the Plains of Fire, she begins yet another journey, a sidetrack, to help her become the dragon that she really is. Finding the Dragon Masters, she begins to train and practice what it means to be a dragon and hopefully, with this new knowledge of who she is will lead her to triumph against the Dark Obsidian and his group of followers. War is breaking out everywhere, there is nothing that is being left untouched. She can feel it encroaching on her and this is the time to prove who she is, before it is too late.
'The people surrounding her seemed to feel that she was the only person that could restore peace. It was only Liran, however, that looked at her as though the cost for that peace might be too high. She knew that he had plan upon plan, stratagem upon stratagem. But she also knew that he felt that they would all be useless, Dwelling inside the actual being of another person gave you so many insights that you would normally have rather been ignorant to. She wouldn't trade it for anything, though. Not her relationship – however fractured – with Nachal. Not her friendships with Dhurmic and Hien and Wolf. Not her father. And certainly not the elf sitting lightly upon her spine. She would not trade a single moment, A single pain or heartache. A single moment of joy, She would give it all again, and gladly.
Kind of had the feeling that this was the route the story would take, but I'm not disappointed. The author loses it a little, with the emotional levels between Auri and Liran, a little too repetitive, but overall it's a great second story. Now I just have to wait for the third one to see the final outcome!
June 2, 2014
Epic Fantasy and a heartbreaking love triangle
How would you feel if the fate of your world rested on your shoulders, but you can't seem to learn the skills you need? Could you ignore your feelings of inadequacy and charge ahead? Auri is plagued with guilt about deaths she believes are her fault, and she's torn apart by deep feelings of love for Lirian and Nachal. She loves them both deeply but her passion is reserved for just one of them. Will choosing the wrong one doom her world and the men she loves?
This is an epic tale that explores the deep emotions of the characters as well as describing the growth they must achieve to save their world. A love triangle makes all three parties suffer, but Auri blames herself for their pain. She's the White Queen of the prophecy and must learn to ignore death, suffering, and pain to heal her world. As the White Queen, will she need to harden her heart to accomplish the task?
The characters introduced in the first novel grow and work together to resolve their problems, but it's not easy for any of them. The lessons they learn in book two of the series must prepare themselves to meet the enemy in book three. There is hope as Auri finally learns how to use her powers. As with any epic tale, waiting for the next book so we can learn the outcome is the hardest part for an eager, impatient reader. Keep working Ms. Holloway, we're waiting.
How would you feel if the fate of your world rested on your shoulders, but you can't seem to learn the skills you need? Could you ignore your feelings of inadequacy and charge ahead? Auri is plagued with guilt about deaths she believes are her fault, and she's torn apart by deep feelings of love for Lirian and Nachal. She loves them both deeply but her passion is reserved for just one of them. Will choosing the wrong one doom her world and the men she loves?
This is an epic tale that explores the deep emotions of the characters as well as describing the growth they must achieve to save their world. A love triangle makes all three parties suffer, but Auri blames herself for their pain. She's the White Queen of the prophecy and must learn to ignore death, suffering, and pain to heal her world. As the White Queen, will she need to harden her heart to accomplish the task?
The characters introduced in the first novel grow and work together to resolve their problems, but it's not easy for any of them. The lessons they learn in book two of the series must prepare themselves to meet the enemy in book three. There is hope as Auri finally learns how to use her powers. As with any epic tale, waiting for the next book so we can learn the outcome is the hardest part for an eager, impatient reader. Keep working Ms. Holloway, we're waiting.
October 18, 2014
I have some mixed feelings about this book.
Let's just say I never expected who the couple might be in this second book. I was kind of rooting for the other one.
Although it was great the way the author told the background of Liran and the other characters. I still am not much a fan of Auri and I know that Nachal wasn't that great here but I really hope Auri ends up with him and despite the feelings between Liran and Auri, I just can't root for them. I understood them better. Dragon Ties was quite an emotional book because there are actual deaths here. I know there were some in Dragon Dreams but I felt like crying throughout the whole book.
Auri's life right now is turmoil. There's the prophecy and if she chose the wrong person, it won't be a good ending. Her feelings about being a failure and her love for not one but two men. And she has to choose one of them. And Nachal please be redeemed in my eyes because you are an idiot right now. This is why I hate love triangles.
Overall, I enjoyed this better than the first book but there were some I didn't like that much. I wonder how this would end? And who would Auri really choose?
I received this book in exchange for an honest review (LoP or Lovers of Paranormal)
Let's just say I never expected who the couple might be in this second book. I was kind of rooting for the other one.
Although it was great the way the author told the background of Liran and the other characters. I still am not much a fan of Auri and I know that Nachal wasn't that great here but I really hope Auri ends up with him and despite the feelings between Liran and Auri, I just can't root for them. I understood them better. Dragon Ties was quite an emotional book because there are actual deaths here. I know there were some in Dragon Dreams but I felt like crying throughout the whole book.
Auri's life right now is turmoil. There's the prophecy and if she chose the wrong person, it won't be a good ending. Her feelings about being a failure and her love for not one but two men. And she has to choose one of them. And Nachal please be redeemed in my eyes because you are an idiot right now. This is why I hate love triangles.
Overall, I enjoyed this better than the first book but there were some I didn't like that much. I wonder how this would end? And who would Auri really choose?
I received this book in exchange for an honest review (LoP or Lovers of Paranormal)
August 14, 2014
Ok, in some ways this was a better tale and in others not as good. The depth of the love between the White Queen and her suitor seemed to go to the bottom of the sea and beyond. I began to get blurry eyed after a time of getting closer then even inside them as one person. Non the less it was a very good tale.
January 7, 2018
I received a free e-book copy in return for an honest review.
Unfortunately this has taken me a very long time to get around to, but I had an interest in picking up the second book by Holloway when I was back home on my old computer and found my pdf. It's only taken me a couple of days to read, at just over 260 pages.
Most of my thoughts about this book stem from wanting more. There's promise in this author to be sure, but her writing needs refinement. She has the big-scale plots, but the execution of them is a little lacking, mostly due to the detail.
To begin with, I read the first of these books back in... 2014? A good long time ago, and I wouldn't have expected to remember any book in particular detail 4 years later. Bits and pieces, but not a lot. There was no recap to the start of Dragon Ties to remind the reader what happened in the previous book, so I went into a lot of this blind. I remembered a few characters, but that was all.
Continuing on through the book, the thing that frustrated me time and again was the lack of detail. What the characters look like, their relationships with other characters; settings and how the characters move around them. Where in my previous review I wrote about how delightful a couple of Holloway's descriptions of place were, here there were barely any paragraphs to even begin describing what the settings were like. Everything was left completely to the reader, and the world seemed rather flat. Sometimes characters weren't even named in a new chapter, referred to only as s/he, which was pretty frustrating.
There were some interesting concepts and uses of magic, but the lack of detail running throughout the book just didn't do it for me. A bit more practice writing descriptions required, I think.
Unfortunately this has taken me a very long time to get around to, but I had an interest in picking up the second book by Holloway when I was back home on my old computer and found my pdf. It's only taken me a couple of days to read, at just over 260 pages.
Most of my thoughts about this book stem from wanting more. There's promise in this author to be sure, but her writing needs refinement. She has the big-scale plots, but the execution of them is a little lacking, mostly due to the detail.
To begin with, I read the first of these books back in... 2014? A good long time ago, and I wouldn't have expected to remember any book in particular detail 4 years later. Bits and pieces, but not a lot. There was no recap to the start of Dragon Ties to remind the reader what happened in the previous book, so I went into a lot of this blind. I remembered a few characters, but that was all.
Continuing on through the book, the thing that frustrated me time and again was the lack of detail. What the characters look like, their relationships with other characters; settings and how the characters move around them. Where in my previous review I wrote about how delightful a couple of Holloway's descriptions of place were, here there were barely any paragraphs to even begin describing what the settings were like. Everything was left completely to the reader, and the world seemed rather flat. Sometimes characters weren't even named in a new chapter, referred to only as s/he, which was pretty frustrating.
There were some interesting concepts and uses of magic, but the lack of detail running throughout the book just didn't do it for me. A bit more practice writing descriptions required, I think.
April 24, 2014
Dragon Ties is an amazing addition to the Chronicle of Shadow and Light series. Throughout the book we find out more about the characters that were the focus of Dragon Dreams but it also allows readers new perspectives and new insights to characters that readers may have overlooked in the first book of the series. Auri fears failure, and that just makes her seem so much more realistic and helps the reader to form a deeper connection with her. We also gain Liran's perspective and learn more about the elf and the depth of feeling he has for Auri. I found myself empathizing with Liran much more than in the first book and I found myself more strongly connected with Auri than Nachel in Dragon Ties.
We also learn more about Wolf, Stephen and several new characters we meet. I also found myself feeling more deeply about characters that had previously been in the background. There are so many new things and actions that distinguish what had been background characters from the background. It was amazing, and painful at the same time.
This book has more emotional turmoil than Dragon Dreams but it seems as if it's a natural progression. There's a lot more pain, a lot more difficulties that the characters experience and transmit to the reader. It seemed that every other chapter I was having to wipe my eyes because something that was extremely sad or touching was taking place. It was...marvellous even as I cursed Dusty for making me feel so many emotions.
Then there's the fact that there's so many things that stand out as something that everyone experiences at some time in their life.There's the difficulties of war and being a leader during that war, the sacrifices people make, the loyalty and bravery that certain people can inspire. These are just scraping the surface of the book really, and there is so much more within the pages of Dragon Ties.
Dusty Lynn Holloway has created a series that draws readers in, makes them feel, and is engaging. The book is written seamlessly even when changing character's perspectives.
This is definitely a series that I recommend to everyone. It's an incredible combination of fantasy, romance, emotions, and action.
Find this review and many others on Reading Shy With Aly
We also learn more about Wolf, Stephen and several new characters we meet. I also found myself feeling more deeply about characters that had previously been in the background. There are so many new things and actions that distinguish what had been background characters from the background. It was amazing, and painful at the same time.
This book has more emotional turmoil than Dragon Dreams but it seems as if it's a natural progression. There's a lot more pain, a lot more difficulties that the characters experience and transmit to the reader. It seemed that every other chapter I was having to wipe my eyes because something that was extremely sad or touching was taking place. It was...marvellous even as I cursed Dusty for making me feel so many emotions.
Then there's the fact that there's so many things that stand out as something that everyone experiences at some time in their life.There's the difficulties of war and being a leader during that war, the sacrifices people make, the loyalty and bravery that certain people can inspire. These are just scraping the surface of the book really, and there is so much more within the pages of Dragon Ties.
Dusty Lynn Holloway has created a series that draws readers in, makes them feel, and is engaging. The book is written seamlessly even when changing character's perspectives.
This is definitely a series that I recommend to everyone. It's an incredible combination of fantasy, romance, emotions, and action.
Find this review and many others on Reading Shy With Aly
November 2, 2014
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, LPO
So I'm really stuck on this one, there were parts I loved and parts I could have done without. I liked that this book had more action in it, and that we got to meet more characters along the way. I enjoyed seeing the White Queen grow into herself more and more. That said, a good chunk of the book is dedicated to describing the love between the White Queen and her elf, their fear of losing each other and hurting each other. Through the entire novel this thought process dominates the pages to the point that I skimmed over them, which I rarely do with a book. What really bothered me though is that while these two characters are so self involved, the third person in the prophecy is being held captive and slowly dying. This doesn't seem to really be a concern to either the White Queen or the Elf and this was where I really couldn't stomach anymore of their whiny love story. Plus the fact that to be together the third of their threesome has to die (according to the prophecy) and at one point the elf Thanks him for it! Are you kidding me?! I don't think that I've ever read about two people being more self involved or selfish.
However, I'm hoping that the third book will not be so self involved with these two, as I think readers got that theirs is a great love in books 1 & 2. I really do love the premise to these books and had hoped we would see more action with the dragons, elves and dwarfs in this book.Here's hoping book 3 & 4 focus more on the plot than the emotions of only two people.
So I'm really stuck on this one, there were parts I loved and parts I could have done without. I liked that this book had more action in it, and that we got to meet more characters along the way. I enjoyed seeing the White Queen grow into herself more and more. That said, a good chunk of the book is dedicated to describing the love between the White Queen and her elf, their fear of losing each other and hurting each other. Through the entire novel this thought process dominates the pages to the point that I skimmed over them, which I rarely do with a book. What really bothered me though is that while these two characters are so self involved, the third person in the prophecy is being held captive and slowly dying. This doesn't seem to really be a concern to either the White Queen or the Elf and this was where I really couldn't stomach anymore of their whiny love story. Plus the fact that to be together the third of their threesome has to die (according to the prophecy) and at one point the elf Thanks him for it! Are you kidding me?! I don't think that I've ever read about two people being more self involved or selfish.
However, I'm hoping that the third book will not be so self involved with these two, as I think readers got that theirs is a great love in books 1 & 2. I really do love the premise to these books and had hoped we would see more action with the dragons, elves and dwarfs in this book.Here's hoping book 3 & 4 focus more on the plot than the emotions of only two people.
July 8, 2014
Aurelias "Auri" is half elf and half dragon. Auri's father is Cerralys who happens to be King of Dragons. Nachal is in love with Auri and connected to her through dragon dreams but when he discovers her love for Liran. Nachal severs their connection even though it means his death. Liran desperately tries not to love Auri siting that he's no good for her. Auri needs to learn how to become a dragon yet is unable to do so. Obsidian wants to devour the world in his bid for power. Can Auri become a dragon? Will Auri allow Liran to leave her behind? Will Liran accept Auri's love? Your answers await you in Dragon Ties.
I feel that Auri's strength is tested in ways that she neither expected or thought possible. Nachal is a complete and utter fool. Liran needs to trust Auri in her feelings. I found that both Nachal and Liran needed to let go of preconceived notions in regards to Auri. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
I feel that Auri's strength is tested in ways that she neither expected or thought possible. Nachal is a complete and utter fool. Liran needs to trust Auri in her feelings. I found that both Nachal and Liran needed to let go of preconceived notions in regards to Auri. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
January 28, 2015
Fantasy meets Complicated Romance is the continuation as Book 2 in this series. It is always interesting to provide a love triangle between your well-loved characters, however I hoped that the fascinating plot would renew more prominently as I read through the storyline. I love how the character development progresses in preparing for what may happen in the next book while unfolding the epic tale that resumes the enchantment.
Holloway has once again created an emotionally charged book that compels readers to keep turning the pages while hoping Auri makes the ‘right’ choice. Readers quickly feel connected, once again, to the charming characters who exude passion, that seemingly offsets some of the overall plot balance. My experience usually finds second books to slow down the pace some; however, Holloway has done well to set the stage for book three. Looking forward to it!
~The Book Stalker Reviewed
Holloway has once again created an emotionally charged book that compels readers to keep turning the pages while hoping Auri makes the ‘right’ choice. Readers quickly feel connected, once again, to the charming characters who exude passion, that seemingly offsets some of the overall plot balance. My experience usually finds second books to slow down the pace some; however, Holloway has done well to set the stage for book three. Looking forward to it!
~The Book Stalker Reviewed
October 4, 2014
***I received this book in exchange for an honest review, Lovers of Paranormal.***
Wow, this was EVEN better than the first book.
I'm not going to lie I hated both Nachal (well I pretty much hated Nachal through the whole book) and Auri in the beginning of this book because I thought both were so ANNOYING and petty and wishwashy, ugh!
Thankfully Auri redeemed herself and I became OBSESSED with her and Liran. Liran, sigh, what a guy. I loved how passionate he loves and how protective and freaking AWESOME he is, SUPER CRUSH!
The plot was exciting in this book. Great stuff from all of the characters you came to love in the first book, along with great stuff from new characters as well...Hien and Chelriss, just to name a few!
This book was tremendous and I can't wait to read more, I was really captivated by this segment of the story.
Wow, this was EVEN better than the first book.
I'm not going to lie I hated both Nachal (well I pretty much hated Nachal through the whole book) and Auri in the beginning of this book because I thought both were so ANNOYING and petty and wishwashy, ugh!
Thankfully Auri redeemed herself and I became OBSESSED with her and Liran. Liran, sigh, what a guy. I loved how passionate he loves and how protective and freaking AWESOME he is, SUPER CRUSH!
The plot was exciting in this book. Great stuff from all of the characters you came to love in the first book, along with great stuff from new characters as well...Hien and Chelriss, just to name a few!
This book was tremendous and I can't wait to read more, I was really captivated by this segment of the story.
October 16, 2014
wow this series gets better and better.
I was a little torn with this book. I want to know how it ends right now :)
You don't really see much of Nachel in this book but lots of Auri and Liran. Some people die in this book and I am not sure how I feel about the people who did die. Now I know there are a few people who if they die I am going to be really upset. I am really hoping it is not going to happen the way it is pointing it to.
But I cant wait to read the last book!
I was a little torn with this book. I want to know how it ends right now :)
You don't really see much of Nachel in this book but lots of Auri and Liran. Some people die in this book and I am not sure how I feel about the people who did die. Now I know there are a few people who if they die I am going to be really upset. I am really hoping it is not going to happen the way it is pointing it to.
But I cant wait to read the last book!
October 27, 2012
This, to me was an epic fantasy with romance, action and some very colorful characters! If you're a fan of tales of Dragons and elves, you are going to like this book!
August 27, 2017
My review is based on the Audiobook. Dragon Ties is book 2 in this series. In book one there was a perfect romance/fantasy mix but I feel in Book two the romance completely overshadows the fantasy. That being said it is still a great story that keeps you engaged from beginning to end. Rob Goll once again does a good job as narrator bringing the characters and story to life. I look forward to more in this series and from this Author & narrator. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review
June 17, 2018
I loved this one even more than the first one! Amazing! <3
December 19, 2014
A searing exploration of a love triangle, from the depths of despair to the heights of exultation, there word that springs to mind to describe this epic romance is "intense"! Dusty Holloway seems to have opened a vein and spilled emotions on the page, but it is done so incredibly well, you are draw deep into the world of Auri, Nachal and Liran and every now and again, have to gasp and come up for air before diving back in again.
Now, a caveat - the action slows at the expense of this love triangle and that I believe will divide opinions of this work, It is grip-you-by-the-throat passion, Humans and Dragons and Elves bundled together, even smashed together, in the crucible of fate, but not a great deal of action. As for me, I had a fabulous time reading this story but did end up wishing the author had balanced it better. Nevertheless, I'm off to Part #3 to see what happens!
Now, a caveat - the action slows at the expense of this love triangle and that I believe will divide opinions of this work, It is grip-you-by-the-throat passion, Humans and Dragons and Elves bundled together, even smashed together, in the crucible of fate, but not a great deal of action. As for me, I had a fabulous time reading this story but did end up wishing the author had balanced it better. Nevertheless, I'm off to Part #3 to see what happens!
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