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The Dragon of Umbra #5
Taloned Heart
The Bookish Box Exclusive Luxe Edition details:
- Signed by the Author
- Front Dust Jacket Artwork with Foiled Details by @trifbookdesign
- Reversible Dust Jacket Artwork with Foiled Details by @lovelittlenikki
- Hard Case Artwork with Foiled Details by @lovelittlenikki
- Sprayed Edges Artwork by @lovelittlenikki
- Endpaper Artwork by @lovelittlenikki
Can a dragon and an elf really save an entire kingdom?
Lore has spent years dedicated to one purpose. Save the kingdom. Give her people the freedom they deserve, and show the humans that they were in the wrong. But when she finally returns with her dragon at her side, she realizes that some things are not so black and white.
The kingdom they return to is not the one they have seen before. The elves have taken over, the throne is now theirs, and the humans they left behind are nowhere to be found. Umbra is a husk of what it once as, with the same mistakes repeating by the hands of a different species.
Abraxas keeps his eyes on his elf and nothing else. She's turned into something new, and Umbra changes her even more. A goddess reborn, with many names and many titles, and he fears she could fall to the power that is so tempting. But he will be there. By her side. No matter what happens.
Because this dragon and elf were the stuff of legends. And legends never die.
- Signed by the Author
- Front Dust Jacket Artwork with Foiled Details by @trifbookdesign
- Reversible Dust Jacket Artwork with Foiled Details by @lovelittlenikki
- Hard Case Artwork with Foiled Details by @lovelittlenikki
- Sprayed Edges Artwork by @lovelittlenikki
- Endpaper Artwork by @lovelittlenikki
Can a dragon and an elf really save an entire kingdom?
Lore has spent years dedicated to one purpose. Save the kingdom. Give her people the freedom they deserve, and show the humans that they were in the wrong. But when she finally returns with her dragon at her side, she realizes that some things are not so black and white.
The kingdom they return to is not the one they have seen before. The elves have taken over, the throne is now theirs, and the humans they left behind are nowhere to be found. Umbra is a husk of what it once as, with the same mistakes repeating by the hands of a different species.
Abraxas keeps his eyes on his elf and nothing else. She's turned into something new, and Umbra changes her even more. A goddess reborn, with many names and many titles, and he fears she could fall to the power that is so tempting. But he will be there. By her side. No matter what happens.
Because this dragon and elf were the stuff of legends. And legends never die.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 2023
110 people are currently reading
1311 people want to read
About the author
Emma Hamm
78 books4,683 followers
We all know you don't really care about reading my background. Enjoy Cap instead.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
July 2, 2023
[Contains spoilers for previous books in the series - beware!]
As this is one of my favourite series, having it end was extremely bittersweet.
Lore and Abraxas are one of my favourite book couples, not because of any tropes or steamy sex scenes, but because I feel as individual characters they are quite unique to the standard Fantasy stereotypes. Lore is old (like, really old.), confident, smokes (elf)weed for her anxiety and most importantly, her character doesn't rely on a partner or defer to him despite his age and power. I absolutely love this quiet badass feminism, which is peppered through the book as a constant reminder that she loves and adores Abraxas, but she's also supremely powerful. In addition to not needing no man, she also doesn't throw about or shout about her powers. I feel like I cannot do justice to describing how well this character is written and how unique she is.
Abraxas is written just as well, and in this book I really loved the extension of his dragon instincts and how they drive him and his behaviour. Beauty is....look I can't do her any justice just read the book.
Whilst I'm praising characters a quick note - I really generally don't love pregnancy/children tropes but I would literally give my life for those dragon babies. A big clap to their presence and the work Emma put into making me care about them from FireHeart all the way through to this book.
But I have digressed. Taloned Heart was a beautiful and fitting end to an amazing series that kept me locked to my kindle. I was absolutely held at ransom by every twist and turn in the story, desperate to know how this would end and how I would feel about it. I felt like every side character that we know and love got some great page time, the plot had the right amount of action and story, and I felt that despite having read these characters for a whole series, there was still some development that I hadn't expected but loved. A lovely conclusion for our beautiful band of misfits. 5/5 would recommend both the book and series to anyone who I haven't already personally pushed into reading this.
As this is one of my favourite series, having it end was extremely bittersweet.
Lore and Abraxas are one of my favourite book couples, not because of any tropes or steamy sex scenes, but because I feel as individual characters they are quite unique to the standard Fantasy stereotypes. Lore is old (like, really old.), confident, smokes (elf)weed for her anxiety and most importantly, her character doesn't rely on a partner or defer to him despite his age and power. I absolutely love this quiet badass feminism, which is peppered through the book as a constant reminder that she loves and adores Abraxas, but she's also supremely powerful. In addition to not needing no man, she also doesn't throw about or shout about her powers. I feel like I cannot do justice to describing how well this character is written and how unique she is.
Abraxas is written just as well, and in this book I really loved the extension of his dragon instincts and how they drive him and his behaviour. Beauty is....look I can't do her any justice just read the book.
Whilst I'm praising characters a quick note - I really generally don't love pregnancy/children tropes but I would literally give my life for those dragon babies. A big clap to their presence and the work Emma put into making me care about them from FireHeart all the way through to this book.
But I have digressed. Taloned Heart was a beautiful and fitting end to an amazing series that kept me locked to my kindle. I was absolutely held at ransom by every twist and turn in the story, desperate to know how this would end and how I would feel about it. I felt like every side character that we know and love got some great page time, the plot had the right amount of action and story, and I felt that despite having read these characters for a whole series, there was still some development that I hadn't expected but loved. A lovely conclusion for our beautiful band of misfits. 5/5 would recommend both the book and series to anyone who I haven't already personally pushed into reading this.
February 17, 2024
I WANT MY LITTLE FAMILY SAFE AND HAPPY FOREVER
I NEED A WHOLE BOOK THAT IS JUST THEM ALL SAFE AND HAPPY TOGETHER
I NEED A WHOLE BOOK THAT IS JUST THEM ALL SAFE AND HAPPY TOGETHER
April 27, 2025
I LOVED this series. Baby dragons, found family, enemies to lovers. It had everything! It’s a complete series and not gonna lie, some of the books I was upset about because the FMC pissed me off but honestly was such a good series. Beauty and Zephyr are 10/10 and I’m just in love with all of the characters. As an adoptee, I also love the relationship between Lore, Abraxas, Nyx and Hyperion. They embody the happiness that comes with adoptive families from different backgrounds. Would recommend!!!
July 20, 2023
Jesus, this is a series with a story that makes you feel so empty and sad when it ends even as you feel so amazed to have walked through it.
May 2, 2024
As much as I enjoyed this book and being around all the characters again — It felt rushed at the end. The battle just felt very underwhelming. Not to mention the whole book felt like it just kept dragging on and on — we got to the 80% mark and yet there wasn’t much to show for it.
Idk with that being said,, it may not have been perfect but I still enjoyed this last installment very much.
Idk with that being said,, it may not have been perfect but I still enjoyed this last installment very much.
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January 2, 2024Conclusion to the series
A wonderful ending to an epic story of good vs evil and love conquers all. Plus dragons! A wonderful fantasy. If you like dragons and elves, this series is for you.
A wonderful ending to an epic story of good vs evil and love conquers all. Plus dragons! A wonderful fantasy. If you like dragons and elves, this series is for you.
January 25, 2026
Character went full special snowflake who could have just ended it with snap of her fingers. Instead the plot is dragged out with a lacking ending and some things still needing to be finished.
Overall an ok series but doubt i would read from this author again.
Overall an ok series but doubt i would read from this author again.
January 29, 2024
To start off - I am a huge lover of this series and its characters.
The first book had me hooked and the second and third were just as good! I do feel as though the fourth book and this one could have been combined if some of the middle was cut. I felt as though the pacing was off for these last two books which was strange as the ending felt so rushed. The final battle takes place 85% through this book which made me feel as though 85% of this and book 4 was travelling and moping.
However, I am glad the reunion wasn't rushed in book 4, I just wish the conclusion had been more drawn out in the final book.
The first book had me hooked and the second and third were just as good! I do feel as though the fourth book and this one could have been combined if some of the middle was cut. I felt as though the pacing was off for these last two books which was strange as the ending felt so rushed. The final battle takes place 85% through this book which made me feel as though 85% of this and book 4 was travelling and moping.
However, I am glad the reunion wasn't rushed in book 4, I just wish the conclusion had been more drawn out in the final book.
January 12, 2024
This is the final installment in The Dragon of Umbra series and I'm mostly feeling 'meh' about it. As the big and final battle, I expected more excitement or tension, but it was a bit underwhelming.
"So they would walk. Again. All the way from the docks, past the castle, through the swamp, and into Tenebrous. It would be yet another long journey and it would take them longer than she feared they had."
And walk they did... for 90% of the book.
Lore and Abraxas are back on the mainland and find all the humans in the kingdom gone, and the elves have taken over the throne. I wish we got to see more of how deserted the towns were and get a bigger grasp on how the rest of the magical creatures were suffering. Instead, all we got was one scene where Lore and Abraxas basically just pointed at a town and said "wow look how skinny and hungry the magical people look. How sad. Oh, where did the humans go? How weird. Okay, time to go hide in the woods."
The plot dragged on for the longest time. The first 300 pages of the book were about Lore and Abraxas traveling across the kingdom to find their friends and gather soldiers to fight in the war with them. I was almost surprised when we finally did get to the big fight, I expected Margaret to simply surrender and that be the end of the war.
I think my favorite part of this series was the dragons lol. Abraxas and his family had the best scenes. There was scenery, story, conversation, and little inner monologues. I wish we got to see more of the dragons in the end, but overall, it was still a nice and sweet ending to the series.
"So they would walk. Again. All the way from the docks, past the castle, through the swamp, and into Tenebrous. It would be yet another long journey and it would take them longer than she feared they had."
And walk they did... for 90% of the book.
Lore and Abraxas are back on the mainland and find all the humans in the kingdom gone, and the elves have taken over the throne. I wish we got to see more of how deserted the towns were and get a bigger grasp on how the rest of the magical creatures were suffering. Instead, all we got was one scene where Lore and Abraxas basically just pointed at a town and said "wow look how skinny and hungry the magical people look. How sad. Oh, where did the humans go? How weird. Okay, time to go hide in the woods."
The plot dragged on for the longest time. The first 300 pages of the book were about Lore and Abraxas traveling across the kingdom to find their friends and gather soldiers to fight in the war with them. I was almost surprised when we finally did get to the big fight, I expected Margaret to simply surrender and that be the end of the war.
I think my favorite part of this series was the dragons lol. Abraxas and his family had the best scenes. There was scenery, story, conversation, and little inner monologues. I wish we got to see more of the dragons in the end, but overall, it was still a nice and sweet ending to the series.
July 1, 2023
4.75 stars but rounding to 5
It's bittersweet to have finished with this series! I'm still processing everything that has happened and I'm very attached with these characters.
This book, as the rest of the series, was a very emotional and character driven story. If you're expecting for it to be very political and be surrounded by war themes, think again. Of course that the characters are preparing for the war, however a lot of the story is to do with the emotional pains Lore and Abraxas are struggling with the decisions they need to make.
I loved this part, as it really gave a new perspective towards both of the characters that were before almost too blood-thirst. Although I will confess I did miss a more enhanced political plot and with more focus towards the war, a lot of the scenes were only brushed off.
With that, a few parts of the book dragged a bit and lost their grip on my attention. But very minimum! I just wanted a bit more political drama to close this series even better. (This was the reason I didn't give the book full 5 stars).
The ending though? I couldn't stop reading it in desperation. What Emma Hamm did with Lore's powers was super interesting and I thought her being "Lady of Starlight" really paid off in the end
I honestly don't think I'm done saying goodbyes to these characters and I will probably reread this series soon enough!
It's bittersweet to have finished with this series! I'm still processing everything that has happened and I'm very attached with these characters.
This book, as the rest of the series, was a very emotional and character driven story. If you're expecting for it to be very political and be surrounded by war themes, think again. Of course that the characters are preparing for the war, however a lot of the story is to do with the emotional pains Lore and Abraxas are struggling with the decisions they need to make.
I loved this part, as it really gave a new perspective towards both of the characters that were before almost too blood-thirst. Although I will confess I did miss a more enhanced political plot and with more focus towards the war, a lot of the scenes were only brushed off.
With that, a few parts of the book dragged a bit and lost their grip on my attention. But very minimum! I just wanted a bit more political drama to close this series even better. (This was the reason I didn't give the book full 5 stars).
The ending though? I couldn't stop reading it in desperation. What Emma Hamm did with Lore's powers was super interesting and I thought her being "Lady of Starlight" really paid off in the end
I honestly don't think I'm done saying goodbyes to these characters and I will probably reread this series soon enough!
July 3, 2023
I cried so hard at the end. It’s been such a long and wonderful journey over the course of five books. I think the last 3 books were my absolute favorite. We get to witness Lore and Abraxas progress and develop, eventually overcoming all the pain and suffering they had to go through for the kingdom. I loved everything that happened in the end. I love the friendship and romance and the happiness they finally achieved after suffering for so long. I loved how harmonious the kingdom finally became with both humans and magical creatures living together. I love how Lore and Abraxas finally got peace and are now able to live happily as a family with their children Nyx and Hyperion. It ended so beautifully here and I hope everyone gets a chance to read this series too if you like dragons, magic, and the sweetest romance in a fantasy that I’ve ever read. Thank you for the journey Emma, it made me so happy to read them.
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August 7, 2023Taloned Heart by @emmahammauthor is the 5th and final addition to The Dragon of Umbra series and MAN let me tell you, Emma could not have ended this series any more perfect and wrapped in a tiny bow then she already did. Throughout the series we follow the elf Lore and the dragon Abraxas through a powerful and magical journey to right their kingdoms. These two characters progress emotionally and physically together and embark on a journey full of magic, humans, dwarves, elves, dragons, dragon babies( my favorite), goddesses and so much more. This series will ALWAYS have a piece of my heart. The complexity of the story, the world building, the friendship and happiness, the mate aspect of the characters and the banter between elf and dragon was everything. Will the humans and magical beings finally be able to go-exist together? This was a beautifully written book and ending and I cannot wait to read more from Emma!
July 14, 2023
The finale is here. When I was looking for a dragon book I came across this series and the cover of the first book was so pretty I bought it right away, also knowing there was romance ;). I loved following Lore (half elf/half human) and Abraxas (dragon shapeshifter) and how much they have grown to understand who they are in a world that is not nice to their kind. The love they have for each other is so beautiful and watching them bicker and annoy each other because they don’t understand their feelings for each other is funny. Definitely a slow burn but so worth it! I will miss going on new adventures with Lore, Abraxas and their found family. Rating is ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for the adventure Emma Hamm took me on. Thank you!
October 7, 2023
I was excited for this one but found myself a bit sadly disappointed. The writing felt rushed (which isn’t exactly a dealbreaker for me when I’m reading for entertainment) and it bugs me when the main character is still insecure and conflicted by book 5… like I expected more character growth in that area for her and I was sad to see she didn’t get that.
Over all I give this series a 4* for the entertainment value. It’s a unique idea and a fun read. The writing style and description left something to be desired for me. It’s not amazing quality writing but if you can get past that the story is fun and intriguing.
Over all I give this series a 4* for the entertainment value. It’s a unique idea and a fun read. The writing style and description left something to be desired for me. It’s not amazing quality writing but if you can get past that the story is fun and intriguing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2024
I can’t believe it’s over! Such a touching ending for a wild ride of a series. All I wanted was for Lore and Abraxes to have their HEA with their whole extended family, and for the most part it was delivered. After everything they went through, they deserved it!
After the somewhat slower pace of Brave Heart, I was slightly disappointed with the plot, but I’m thrilled to say how different this last book was! I flew through the it. Every sentence was engaging. I’m so glad I read the series, this last book just blew me out of the water, it was written so well.
If you’re on the fence about reading it, it’s so worth it!!
After the somewhat slower pace of Brave Heart, I was slightly disappointed with the plot, but I’m thrilled to say how different this last book was! I flew through the it. Every sentence was engaging. I’m so glad I read the series, this last book just blew me out of the water, it was written so well.
If you’re on the fence about reading it, it’s so worth it!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2024
Series Finale
I am sad to see this series at an end. Overall I really enjoyed everything. I liked the books and stories. I liked seeing Lore and Abraxas grow as characters.
I have slightly mixed feelings about this ending. Spoilers ahead I’m sure. I liked Lore struggling with the morality of her power. I liked how it really skewed whether or not she was good. However, I think this book just needed more time.
I know it is almost 400 pages, and maybe I am simply greedy, but I wanted more. More of Lore’s struggle and development. More of the kingdom coming back together. More conclusion to the dragon eggs and their home. I probably would have enjoyed this book split into two and fleshed out more. I know most of this is simply my preference, but everything seemed to happen too quickly. Other than that, I had a great time and this series was so good.
4/5 stars
I am sad to see this series at an end. Overall I really enjoyed everything. I liked the books and stories. I liked seeing Lore and Abraxas grow as characters.
I have slightly mixed feelings about this ending. Spoilers ahead I’m sure. I liked Lore struggling with the morality of her power. I liked how it really skewed whether or not she was good. However, I think this book just needed more time.
I know it is almost 400 pages, and maybe I am simply greedy, but I wanted more. More of Lore’s struggle and development. More of the kingdom coming back together. More conclusion to the dragon eggs and their home. I probably would have enjoyed this book split into two and fleshed out more. I know most of this is simply my preference, but everything seemed to happen too quickly. Other than that, I had a great time and this series was so good.
4/5 stars
July 11, 2023
This was a nice ending to the story but there were things I was missing. The epilogue felt very unfinished to me. I missed a lot of details there. Also the romance between Abraxas and Lore wasn't really there at all....I get they were in a war situation but there were several opportunities to incorporate it and I just missed them being together as just them. The elfweed scene was about the only taste of them as a couple I felt delivered in this one. Overall not my favorite of the series but a nice enough ending to satisfy the story and characters.
October 10, 2023
Goddess Divine
I enjoyed this series. I loved the characters and all the adventures. I only gave it four out of five stars because it has typos and missing words here and there. The actual story, if you can overlook that, was fabulous. Lore once again back in Umbra to save it again. Her dragon flying in alongside her. Margaret plotting and scheming to be the evil ruler of all Umbra. So much is going on! Especially all discovering what all Lore's new power can do. I refuse to ruin this story for others, but I do strongly recommend this series as a whole. Good book.
I enjoyed this series. I loved the characters and all the adventures. I only gave it four out of five stars because it has typos and missing words here and there. The actual story, if you can overlook that, was fabulous. Lore once again back in Umbra to save it again. Her dragon flying in alongside her. Margaret plotting and scheming to be the evil ruler of all Umbra. So much is going on! Especially all discovering what all Lore's new power can do. I refuse to ruin this story for others, but I do strongly recommend this series as a whole. Good book.
September 15, 2024
Book 5 in The Dragon of Umbra series
A rebellion to save the kingdom. A war to end the suffering. A new path to forge.
An emotionally-charged, action-packed romance that's a culmination of all they've been fighting for over the past four books, and oh my goodness! It wrecked me many times over. So many emotions! It was filled with impossible choices and life-altering decisions. Once again strong character development/growth and intricately detailed world building.
"Prophecies are what we allow them to be."
"Ah, but my home is right here. My home is in you, in our children, in our family."
A rebellion to save the kingdom. A war to end the suffering. A new path to forge.
An emotionally-charged, action-packed romance that's a culmination of all they've been fighting for over the past four books, and oh my goodness! It wrecked me many times over. So many emotions! It was filled with impossible choices and life-altering decisions. Once again strong character development/growth and intricately detailed world building.
"Prophecies are what we allow them to be."
"Ah, but my home is right here. My home is in you, in our children, in our family."
July 5, 2023
So not gonna lie I skipped through a lot because as with every book in this series, the pace seems to drag on when it felt unnecessary and be too fast at other places.
It is a great story overall but the biggest pitfall of this series is that the female characters are so annoying and unlikable. They tend to be immature, and treat male characters like absolute garbage. It was something I always found deeply disappointing.
The male characters are amazing especially Abraxas who is always so patient with Lore even when she’s absolutely awful to him.
I loved the epilogue. It was a sweet and perfect ending.
I enjoyed this series but not gonna lie I’m glad it’s over.
It is a great story overall but the biggest pitfall of this series is that the female characters are so annoying and unlikable. They tend to be immature, and treat male characters like absolute garbage. It was something I always found deeply disappointing.
The male characters are amazing especially Abraxas who is always so patient with Lore even when she’s absolutely awful to him.
I loved the epilogue. It was a sweet and perfect ending.
I enjoyed this series but not gonna lie I’m glad it’s over.
October 23, 2023
1it was an ok conclusion.
U am glad she was able to ensure a lot of persons survived.
I would have loved to know how did Margaret get her hand on 2 grimrag.
I would have love that because she was a goddess she was able to have children with Abraxas and to see that they were able to hatch the eggs on see the thriving of the dragons.
Also that Abraxas went back to the cave to get the rest of the memories and lay the bones of the dragons to rest.
U am glad she was able to ensure a lot of persons survived.
I would have loved to know how did Margaret get her hand on 2 grimrag.
I would have love that because she was a goddess she was able to have children with Abraxas and to see that they were able to hatch the eggs on see the thriving of the dragons.
Also that Abraxas went back to the cave to get the rest of the memories and lay the bones of the dragons to rest.
July 23, 2023
I love it when series get wrapped up with a bow
I wasn't sure she'd be able to find a satisfying ending for a reluctant goddess but she did. Have to say again how much this series transformed how I see Emma Hamm. Really leveled up. There were small things here and there (why was the castle dirty?) But I can whole heartedly recommend it.
I wasn't sure she'd be able to find a satisfying ending for a reluctant goddess but she did. Have to say again how much this series transformed how I see Emma Hamm. Really leveled up. There were small things here and there (why was the castle dirty?) But I can whole heartedly recommend it.
August 16, 2023
I loved this series it was so heartwarming had a beautiful ending. Abraxus and lores romance was so sweet and the way they care about everyone around them just makes my heart ache. Needless to say I am satisfied with the hard work and writing the author has done here. These books finally got me out of a reading slump and there’s no better way to end my summer with this adventure.
October 16, 2023
This book has my whole heart. It was wonderful to walk through the memories of Lore and Abraxas while moving forward to this final moment. My heart is full as this story wrapped up so wonderfully. I do love a happy ending.
April 29, 2024
This series is addictive!
I just finished book 5, and feel like I am leaving my family behind. This series is captivating and all of the characters capture your heart. I hope to read more by this author soon.
I just finished book 5, and feel like I am leaving my family behind. This series is captivating and all of the characters capture your heart. I hope to read more by this author soon.
July 18, 2025
Fitting ending
I enjoyed this book and the series overall. The characters were great and Lore was a powerful female main character that I loved. I would love to explore more about the isle of dragons but that may be material for another series!
I enjoyed this book and the series overall. The characters were great and Lore was a powerful female main character that I loved. I would love to explore more about the isle of dragons but that may be material for another series!
January 2, 2026
Epic tale!
I seriously enjoyed this series and will be buying the hard copies!
Only thing id change is a little a couple more detailed romance scenes. Seriously Epic!
Highly recommend!
I seriously enjoyed this series and will be buying the hard copies!
Only thing id change is a little a couple more detailed romance scenes. Seriously Epic!
Highly recommend!
July 5, 2023
WOnderful!
I highly recommend reading this series. It's full of exciting action and you will fall in love with the characters.
I highly recommend reading this series. It's full of exciting action and you will fall in love with the characters.
July 24, 2023
Oh my heart this series was amazing ❤️🔥🔥
September 20, 2023
Good way to end but I felt it was rushed in the last 100ish pages
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews