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Drakkon Kin #1

Of Steel and Scale

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Once, they hunted the drakkons to near extinction. Now their survival might well depend on them…

Princess Bryn Silva, the sole child of Esan’s king, is not only soldier-trained but also a Strega witch, gifted with the ability to raise fire and mind speak to animals. After years of tracking the movements of the drakkons, she has formed a tenuous relationship with the biggest of them all—a queen in the prime of her life.

On the eve of Bryn’s unwanted wedding to Damon Valez, heir to the throne of Zephrine and a powerful blood witch, she ventures out to see the drakkons one last time, only to discover the utter destruction of a remote fishing village on the very edges of East Arleeon, with no evidence left behind on who attacked it or why.

Then, on her sea journey home, she senses the mind of an animal unlike any she has ever felt before. It attacks—and sinks—their boat, using weapons made of golden metal feathers that pierce wood and flesh as easily as any sword.

When that same enemy attacks Kaia—the queen she has been following—and her drakklings, a desperate alliance based on the need for survival and revenge is formed.

But can a Strega witch, who relies on the strength of her flesh to control and destroy with flame, and a drakkon, whose only weapons are tooth and claws, defeat an enemy that is mounted on armored birds and who possess weapons capable of eating through stone and skin with equal ease?

Will the husband she hadn’t wanted help defend the city, or will the secrets he keeps only add to the danger they face?

Can Esan, the mighty fortress that has protected the Eastern regions of Arleeon for eons, survive, or will it finally fall…. and take the drakkons with them?

292 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 19, 2024

129 people are currently reading
570 people want to read

About the author

Keri Arthur

102 books6,002 followers
Keri Arthur, author of the New York Times bestselling Riley Jenson, Guardian series, has now written more than 25 books. She's received several nominations in the Best Contemporary Paranormal category of the Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Awards, and recently won RT's Career Achievement Award for urban fantasy. She lives in Melbourne with her daughter and two crazy dogs

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5 stars
254 (46%)
4 stars
167 (30%)
3 stars
99 (18%)
2 stars
24 (4%)
1 star
6 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
Profile Image for TJ.
3,296 reviews288 followers
May 28, 2025
The bones of this new series starter are fabulous - as usual with a Keri Arthur book. But writing a fantasy, as opposed to an urban fantasy or any other contemporary book, holds completely different requirements. And, that is where this book falls a bit.

Right from page one, the reader lands in a story and is introduced to characters mid-stream. There is very little explanation about the world or the life that Bryn (the heroine) is living. We know nothing of her background, nothing about the overall world or its mores, placement etc. etc. Unfortunately, that never changes because all the available page space needs to be taken up with ogling, talking about and foreplay for sex (‘cause that’s the most important thing apparently). But without anything underneath that will cement us to the places and people we are reading about it just doesn’t work well, there’s no point of reference.

Still, said story is quite promising, and Ms. Arthur is one to develop things slowly as she goes… it’s just always been in a sphere we already understand.
Profile Image for Mara.
2,541 reviews271 followers
September 13, 2025
Not my cuppa.
I do wish Ms Arthur would decide what genre she’s writing: erotica or urban/fantasy. They are mutually exclusive.
I don’t mind sex in my books when it’s a natural part of the story, whether the book is a romance or something else. Sex is part of life, but when your characters only think about sex or think about it in the most absurd moments, when you tell me 2 people are total strangers (and in the middle of possible armageddon) but they keep sexing, I get annoyed and, worse, bored.

I got to 80% only because I was at the beach with nothing else to read…
Profile Image for Ami.
6,253 reviews489 followers
May 27, 2025
It's nice to have something new from Keri Arthur after her long-time Lizzie Grace series ended this year with Shadow's End. This one is more on the fantasy side rather than urban fantasy/paranormal - with drakkons and magic.

It's a start of a trilogy, so in this one it introduced the "players" so to speak - Bryn, Damon, the drakkons... something magical is killing Esan's citizens - and also attacking drakkons. It's not yet clear in this book who they are and who are behind the attack.

Bryn's new husband is also hiding something, I am sure, like maybe the real capability of his magic. It's an intriguing start and I look forward to the next book coming next year.
Profile Image for Barbara.
1,337 reviews55 followers
December 3, 2024
Oh wow, I can always expect a great story with this author, and she did not disappoint in this new Drakkon Kin series. With a warrior princess who can summon fire and speak to animals, a drakkon queen who has bonded with her, a brand new husband who is a powerful blood witch, and a newly discovered and powerful enemy they need to learn to fight very quickly, this is an action-packed, very exciting story set in a new and intriguing world. I loved this story so much, and even though at times the enemy seemed overwhelmingly inescapable, Bryn manages to keep going against all odds. Her new husband Damon is somewhat of a mystery, since this is an arranged marriage between two kingdoms, but he seems like a good man despite his somewhat nasty and untrustworthy father. The drakkons are awesome, but with only teeth and claws, are somewhat at a disadvantage to an enemy that rides armored birds and are equipped with powerful weapons that can eat through stone and skin. I was sorry to have completed the story because I didn’t want it to end, and now I have to wait for the continuation of the adventure in the upcoming book, which can't get here fast enough for me.
Profile Image for Lydia Fussell.
383 reviews2 followers
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February 15, 2025
I DNFed this at 80%. I honestly couldn’t really say why. I think maybe I just wasn’t in the mood for it at the time. It was really great.
I think maybe the relationship between the MMC and the MFC was just a bit dull for me or something 🤷‍♀️. Or maybe I just couldn’t understand why BAM!, all of a sudden they love each other after she constantly complained about having an arranged marriage with him. Idk
But the world building was interesting and the plot was well paced.
I just decided not to rate it because I’m undecided.
Profile Image for Lorie Ham.
Author 2 books90 followers
January 26, 2025
I have been a fan of Keri Arthur’s writing for many years. Most of the books I have read of hers are urban fantasy with a touch of mystery, which is my favorite kind of book. I don’t often read high fantasy, but when I saw that Keri had the first book in a new series out that fell into that category, I knew I would enjoy it because I always enjoy her writing. And I was right!

Of Steel and Scale features Princess Bryn Silva, the sole child of Esan’s king. But she isn’t your typical princess. Bryn is also a soldier and a Strega witch, gifted with the ability to raise fire and mind speak to animals. In this world drakkons (which are basically dragons) have been hunted to near extinction. Bryn has always been fascinated by them and has spent years tracking their movements and has formed a tenuous relationship with a queen drakkon named Kaia. She has also been promised in marriage to Damon Valez, heir to the throne of Zephrine and a powerful blood witch. While she definitely finds him attractive, she isn’t thrilled about marrying someone she isn’t in love with, but feels she has no choice. The hardest thing for her though is leaving behind her home and the drakkons.

The night before her wedding, Bryn goes out to see her drakkons one last time, only to discover that a remote village on the edges of East Arleeon has been destroyed, leaving no evidence of how or why. On her journey home by sea, an animal unlike any she has ever known attacks and sinks their boat using weapons made of golden metal feathers that pierce wood and flesh as easily as any sword. These same weapons are used to attack Kaia and her children. Bryn is determined to help the injured drakkons and they form an alliance to find out who this new enemy is and stop them. She also finds in Damon an unexpected ally.

As always, Keri has crafted interesting and complex characters and I can’t wait to see what happens next. There was plenty of excitement and action in this book, and I love the drakkons, Bryn and her family. There is definite chemistry between Bryn and Damon and I find myself routing for that to turn into love. Romantasy has become a very popular genre and I think this may fall into that category as well—plus it has the mystery of finding out who is behind all of this. I can’t wait for book 2!
Profile Image for Denise.
162 reviews
December 16, 2024
I LOVE a great dragon story, and this one does NOT disappoint. I am a HUGE Anne McCaffrey fan, and she is the bar I use to judge stories like this. I enjoyed this story so much that I was furious when it was over because I have to wait months for the next installment! I love the characters, and the mystery is extremely tantalizing. Highly recommend! A+++++++++++++++++++++++
111 reviews2 followers
November 24, 2024
amazing!!

Great balance of fantasy, spice, and world building. Such a fresh take on the dragon romantasy sweeping thru the book world. Finally not a shifter dragon romance or a dragon bonded in a traditional way. I love all the different powers the humans hold and there is always enough drama and mystery to keep you on the edge of your seat
Profile Image for Crystal Walter.
5 reviews
November 23, 2024
it’s Keri

Everything she writes is gold. This is no different. I won’t tell you about all the ins and outs. Read the book
Profile Image for Rhiannon.
54 reviews
September 15, 2025
For a short novel, Steele and Scale was just okay. Some parts dragged, and I lost interest, though the story did pick up towards the end. The characters felt a bit flat and didn’t really draw me in.
Profile Image for Melissa Hayden.
996 reviews120 followers
April 24, 2025
*phew* Let me take a breather here.

This book is none stop. I didn't want to put it down as every page turn was full of story progression. I should probably go back and read it again as I was just drawn into the events and getting through all the struggles with Bryn.

We start with Bryn out to see the drakkons as she always does, but she knows this could be her last time to see this drakkon Queen. She's to be married tomorrow and will leave for the land of her betrothed. However, she sees smoke from one of the port towns. That's now destroyed and not one survivor. Who would do this? Their long time foe don't do these things, but could they have a new weapon?

As Captain to her father's army, she sends word and the king comes with help. Which her betrothed also arrives. She does find he's attractive, but there's a long way to go in getting to know each other. Then there's an attack on the ship Bryn is on when returning to home to prepare for tomorrow. And the events keep happening!

Bryn is absolutely my kind of princess. She's a captain and knows what to do and how to do it. She doesn't sit still and knit, nope she's out in the action. And watching drakkons, which come to her for help. A similar foe has attacked them. The Queen drakkon is in need of healing for her hatchlings along with wanting to fight.

Another thing I was drawn to was the magic here. Bryn is one with two magics, she can mentally speak with animals along with having fire she can wield. The speaking with animals feels like there could be more to it too. I'm curious about this little hint dropped and want to see what comes of it. Also, Damon, Bryn's husband, has a magic power. Blood magic. It's interesting because blood magic is a protective magic, not a death magic as other books make it be. I love this twist.

Bryn and Damon... this is an interesting couple. I do enjoy their interactions, their flirting and fun quips. But I also like that Bryn lays down the law quickly and Damon accepts it. They have just met and they need to get to know each other. There's a relationship starting and there's more bonding to happen with them, but it feels like a great start.

I got to the end of this roller coaster ride with Bryn and the drakkons and realized I need to know what we're going to do now! Bryn can rest and get a good night's sleep along with eating, and ready to fight the next day.

The next book is releasing soon, and you bet I'll be picking it up ASAP.
Profile Image for WonderWomanNZ.
1,400 reviews1 follower
March 4, 2025
As a fan of Keri Arthur’s *Lizzie Grace* series, I approached Of Steel and Scale with high expectations. Arthur has proven herself as a skilled storyteller, adept at crafting rich, immersive worlds that draw readers in. While I genuinely appreciated her talent for world-building in this fantasy setting, I found myself grappling with certain aspects of the narrative that hindered my overall enjoyment.

One of the standout strengths of *Steel and Scale* is undoubtedly the vivid landscapes and intricate details that Arthur weaves into her storytelling. The depth of her world invites readers to explore and feel the surroundings alongside the characters. However, I felt that at times, the detailed descriptions became overly abundant. For me, this detracted from the pacing of the story, making it feel sluggish at points when I was eager for a more dynamic progression.

The plot itself, while grounded in the promise of an exciting series, didn't quite deliver the suspense or mystery I craved. I understand that this is part of a larger narrative arc, but personally, I found myself yearning for more immediate intrigue to keep me engaged and invested. The slower pace made it challenging to maintain my focus, leading to my inability to finish the book despite my initial enthusiasm. I made it over 5 and 1/2 hours in, with only 3 and 1/2 left.
It heavily forced on only two characters, maybe if there were a few more the plot might have felt like it flowed.

While Of Steel and Scale showcases Keri Arthur's undeniable skill in crafting a fantastical world, I found the execution lacking in terms of pace and plot tension for me. For those who enjoy detailed world-building and a leisurely storyline, it may resonate more deeply. However, for readers like myself who thrive on suspense and intrigue, this installment felt a bit too meandering. I look forward to seeing how Arthur develops her series further, perhaps in ways that inject more excitement into the narrative.
Profile Image for Schay.
607 reviews
January 3, 2025
I couldn't tell you how this ended because I started skim reading about halfway through.
An appalling attempt at romantasy; I am baffled as to how anyone proofread and green-lighted this with a straight face.
The "chemistry " between Bryn and Damon gave me a semipermanent hunchback from the sheer degree of cringe. It all went downhill the moment Bryn, an accomplished captain of her father's army-who strongly opposed her arranged marriage-turned into a horny little twit just because her unwilling betrothed happened to be sexy af. Naturally.
To summarise, this book was going nowhere fast. There was the vapid dialogue that did very little to advance the plot/character development/anything of importance; followed by the persistent, awkward sexual banter that occurred amidst the most inappropriate situations and would not end, at times transforming into a three-way wreck when Kele kept joining in (why is the bestie making innuendos about the husband's dick???)
It just got progressively worse and I have serious doubts that this was written by someone who has ever interacted with the opposite sex.
Profile Image for Danielle.
540 reviews10 followers
November 24, 2024
3.5 stars
I always enjoy Keri Arthur's books, and Of Steel and Scale is no exception. I love that we get to explore a new world with her and meet some amazing characters. In my opinion, one of Arthur's strength's is her character building. No on is ever completely what you expect, but they are all complex and realistic.
The plot seems a little slow, but a lot happens, so maybe it's due to building a new world. The romance is pretty good, I prefer a longer development time, but it doesn't feel too insta-lovey.

The Drakkon are the best part.

I can't wait to see what happens next!
Profile Image for Deeanna West.
223 reviews
August 13, 2025
I really enjoyed this. Bryn was a good character to follow, tough but not all powerful. I loved the magic, the dragons and the fighting. I also love a good enemy we have to investigate and that we still don’t know everything about them. We’ll have to learn about them more in the next books which is fun. There was a lot of sex talk between Bryn and her new husband. It makes sense since they’ve been forced into an arranged marriage, sex is something to work out. But it was a touch too much for me, I’d have liked to see some other banter that wasn’t sex related. I did like that despite the talk there wasn’t a bunch of sex at silly moments. They are at war and people are dying so there are more important things to focus on. Which I appreciated. Keen for book 2
1,095 reviews3 followers
January 16, 2025
This is apparently the first fantasy novel from a well known paranormal writer. I've not read any of Keri Arthur's work before so wasn't really sure what to expect. Overall I really enjoyed the story and I'm looking forward to the rest of the trilogy. The story has Drakkon, magic, witches and mystery. The biggest challenge was the lack of world building. There are many things left unexplained, which may become clear as the story progresses, but does leave the reader without clarity. Great solid effort and engaging story. 3.5 stars
Profile Image for Jumms.
178 reviews5 followers
May 9, 2025
Amazing

Arguably one of Keri Arthur's best freaking books. I have missed this writing from her. This book had me till the very end. You have dragons, family bonds, a bad a$$ heroine who actually makes smart choices, a budding romance, intrigue and a whole new world. What more could you ask for?! I can barely wait for the new book. A great read. And at the top of list of books I've read from the author.
Profile Image for Kara P. .
152 reviews
September 15, 2025
I genuinely, GENUINELY, cannot say enough good things about the fun i had with this book.
DRAKKONS.
BUILDING TENSIONS AND WAR.
MYSTERIOUS ENEMIES.
INTERESTING MAGIC.
OUR 30 year old FMC is smart, funny, trained, and still feels so so real with very valid inner doubts and worries. The romance is built up incredibly well and yet the plot and world still shone and had a lot of depth. I cannot wait to get into the next one.
Highly recommend! And the audiobook was PHENOMENALLY performed.
Profile Image for Monty.
64 reviews1 follower
December 22, 2025
I wish I could rate this higher as the plot of the book was pretty solid, I really enjoyed the story but it’s downfall was the “romance” aspect to it. The romance and sexual tension between Bryn and Damon really felt like an afterthought and wasn’t well incorporated into the story. I didn’t particularly enjoy the way the romance/tension was written but if it wasn’t for that I would have enjoyed it more. The book just wasn’t for me.
14 reviews
May 4, 2025
Excellent book

It's been a while since I have read Keri Arthur, but she has only gotten better with time.

Excellent plot, character and world building. The dialog between species is well worth the read, alone.

The only complaint is that the series is not done, and I can't immerse myself in this author's latest gift!
Profile Image for Jess.
152 reviews
January 5, 2026
Good plot, love the FMC and the magic system. The relationship between the FMC and MMC hasn't been fleshed out much, but im excited by where its going! The rest of the characters have been introduced but again, hasnt gone into a lot of depth of the relationships yet. Overall, it was a good set up for the rest of the series.
22 reviews5 followers
November 26, 2024
Too short!!!

Great job introducing the characters, but the book seemed to end in the middle of the story. So much was left to the next book. I would also like a map of this world. It was difficult to picture. Love the relationship between woman and drakkon.
Profile Image for Karinloos.
427 reviews7 followers
December 14, 2024
Awesome

I read this book in one stretch totally fascinated by the storyline. Our FMC is a total badass, the MMC is divine and dragons. Let me repeat that dragons. Kaia the dragon queen is a total badass character. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can’t wait for book 2.
54 reviews
October 9, 2025
exciting

Very well written and full of action. I’ve always enjoyed reading Keri’s books because of her imagination and writing style. I look forward to reading her next book in this series!
4 reviews
December 2, 2025
LOVED THIS!

I loved this book! Kaia is my favorite. Her humor is wicked in such a good way. I would've read it in one sitting except responsibilities got in the way. I love reading books from Keri Arthur. I can't get enough of reading her works of ART!
Profile Image for Jen.
408 reviews1 follower
November 22, 2024
Amazing

I love anything Keri writes, but this one is amazing. I really wanted to do nothing but read it. This will be an awesome trilogy that I can't wait to read.
Profile Image for Angie.
20 reviews
November 25, 2024
Never enough

Dragged into another story that I can’t get enough of. Left me wanting more. Can’t wait for the next in this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews

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