Exiled from the royal court due to magical malpractice, the enchantress Thelise has wandered from town to town throughout the kingdom of Elekstan, continually haunted by a tragedy from her past. When two dragons show up at her seaside cottage, demanding that she accompany them and perform a spell for their prince, Thelise sees an opportunity for experimentation, amusement... and possibly even redemption. Ashvelon, a section leader of the dragon army and a trusted aide to the dragon prince, is immediately enthralled by the beautiful enchantress he was sent to capture. She opens a new world to him--a world of magic, secrets, and pleasure. But as magical terrors and sinister plots threaten to break the spell of their connection, the pair must find a way to trust each other and forgive themselves.
Rebecca F. Kenney writes spicy fantasy romance about sassy, strong women and hot guys with tragic backstories... pirates, warlords, demons, Fae, and royals. Her main series are the "Wicked Darlings" series (spicy Fae retellings of the Nutcracker, Wonderland, and Oz), the "Dark Rulers" series (standalones in a shared world), and the "For the Love of the Villain" series of genderbent fairytales. Other books include a post-apocalyptic vampire romance trilogy ("The Vampires Will Save You"), a demon romance "Interior Design for Demons," a dark mermaid fantasy duet, and other spicy retellings.
Rebecca is represented by Eva Scalzo of Speilburg Literary. She lives in upstate South Carolina with her handsome blue-eyed husband and two smart, energetic kids.
For updates and information about upcoming novels, follow on Instagram @rebeccafkenneybooks, on Twitter @RebeccaFKenney1, and on TikTok @rebeccafkenney
*This review may contain spoilers for previous books in the series, but I will do my best to keep any details from this particular book as generalizations. If you aren't familiar with the Merciless Dragons series, I highly recommend starting on Book 1, Serpents of Sky and Flame, in order to have the fullest experience when enjoying Wings of Frost and Fury.
Rebecca F. Kenney has done it again ♥
Another amazing installment in the Merciless Dragons series, and I think this one was aptly timed. We've been teased with glimpses of Thelise and Ashvelon's relationship dynamic throughout the series, and Thelise has generated additional interest by being such a key character. She literally made the dragons into dragon shifters—without her, where would we be?! 😂
Wings of Frost and Fury gives us two new POVs from characters we've seen and taken interest in throughout the previous three books. It's always a delight to "get to know" this author's well-crafted, multi-faceted characters. Hopes, dreams, history, trauma... there's definitely an insight as to why they behave the way they do, and some of the choices that they make.
This book builds beautifully upon what we've already been given of the bigger story, taking us on several stops through the MCs' history before aligning us with the current major events of the series. Like Book 3, we ultimately find ourselves at the same "starting point"—the death of the female dragons and the action plan that follows that event—through two completely new perspectives.
The story itself is well-balanced in that way that returning fans of this author will already be familiar with. If you like your spice rather spicy, but also want a tale of fantasy and magic with strong world-building and character development, and don't mind the occasional (sometimes generous) sprinkle of darker themes, then look no further. Unless you haven't read the previous three books... then maybe look back just a little bit, first ♥
The foundation for the world-building and magic systems laid out in the previous books is built upon further here, especially given that we get the sorceress's POV this go around. And much like Book 3, even though we are revisiting several events and concepts from previous books, the new perspectives and further expansion on the world-building and magic systems keep things exciting and unique.
I will never tire of the way this author can have me choking back tears on one page, and then snorting with laughter on another. This emotional rollercoaster has a masterfully crafted track, and the relief of humor is both well-timed and welcomed.
The spicy dynamic between the two characters is also unique and delightful. Rebecca F. Kenney has proven time and time again that you can tell a great story with generous spice and still keep things ✨interesting✨, and this book is no exception. Several unexpected and delectable elements on that front, even with already having some idea/expectation about their dynamic from what we've seen in the previous books.
I'll also never tire of the little "breadcrumb" teasers of other pairings. There are several good candidates hinted at in this book. I can't wait to see who we get next!
Romantasy fans and Monsterlovers rejoice! Merciless Dragons has got us covered ♥
“And yet I will still have everything,” he replies. “Because I will have you.”
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 5 Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5 / 5
“Darling, you have my heart, my mind, and my body, whatever form it may take. I am yours utterly. Yours until the day my flesh dissipates and only my skeleton is left, and even then, my bones will tremble for the touch of your hand.”
I am really loving the story told from all the different character perspectives with the starting point of the tragedy of the female dragons...I also was so glad to see them return and retrieve the bones!
I knew from the previous books that Thelise would be an interesting character and at the same time we finally get to really see who Ashvelon is (we've seen him in other books but don't really know much about him)...both their histories are tragic and complicated. Add in touching on addiction issues within a society that does not have any obvious systems in place to address or combat and you get two characters that have always felt on the outside of their worlds just barely holding on.
She pegs a freaking dragon! Yessssss! Also wow lots of dragon form messing around too.
I loved that both characters kinda mess up a lot in their dealings with each other but don't break up. They talk about it, acknowledge the others point of view or feelings, apologize and learn from it. I find that refreshing to not have a bunch of forced conflict.
So first couple in the series it was both characters pushing away from their inevitable relationship. Second couple she was pushing away and he was all in. Third couple both characters were in it from the jump. It makes for compelling stories.
I found this story equal parts laugh out loud funny and heartbreaking in many little moments.
“What if I don’t feel the same way you do?” “That does not change my heart. I will continue to adore you and serve you in all things.”
I really do love this series and think it is very under rated. Its a good mix of easy, sweet, dramatic, humorous and still has some depth to it...but not sooo much that it bogs the world down! I have other books for that.
Bear with me, this is going to be a strange review. Full of spoilers for the book.
I started with this book because I was looking for femdom and heard this had it. It does. The femdom was good. But…But I also hated how she pasted a face on her dragon lover, using a former human lover’s face, without the dragons consent. Yes they had a fight about it, but it quickly devolved into a forgive fuck. This rubbed me the wrong way. She forever forced a face onto the MMC that was someone else’s, without his knowledge or consent. This leads me to my major issue with the series as a whole.
Generally, I enjoy how the author deals with heavy topics seriously in this series. I felt the agony of the dragons when all the females died. The way the author dealt with how the humans were captives, I felt was also handled well. But here’s where I wobble. The dragons are now forever forced to be humans for a total of ~8hrs a day. Sure, they can control it later on. But they are still for forced to be humans. Against their will, they have been irreversibly changed in a major way. Their entire species has in fact. She made it so this change goes to the dragons future offspring children too. What’s worse, any dragons that seem to dislike this are seen as “closed minded” by others. Least that’s how it comes across to me in the book. I think I’d be less bothered if after she cursed them, for the first 8hrs they had to be human, then it is one and done. Afterward they’d forever have an option, if they wanted, to be humans. A choice. But the thing is, she took that choice from them, as individuals and as an entire race. There’s also the weird eugenics undertone that they are better off as being dragon human shifters now.
This admittedly touched a sore spot for me. Bodily autonomy is one of the things I hold dearest. The fact that it was taken away from the dragons, and is then swept away as “it was for good and they are better this way” sits badly with me. Books have become much better, mostly, about respecting FMC bodily autonomy. This book makes sure to make it clear that woman bodily autonomy matters. But it fails to do the same service for the MMC dragons. , I feel we still have a long ways to go to respecting MMC bodily autonomy. I’ve read many a book where it was seen as moral or okay to just fondle a man because “they like that”. Everyone deserves bodily autonomy.
Now I’m sure this is when we think, “but it’s all fantasy so who gives a fuck?” I know I can look too deeply into some things, so this may come across as overly crazy or sensitive. I suppose what bothers me the most is how carefully and respectfully other traumas and dark matters were handled, but this glaringly unethical action is seen as okay overall because it was a “good” action.
This was not my favorite installment of the Merciless Dragons series if I’m being honest. Yes, I still finished it in a day but I always go back to wanting it to live up to books 1&2. I ADORED Ky and Syrella’s story and am glad we’ve gotten more books from different couples. I will keep reading as more come out.
I was expecting some unrestrained, chaotic, unhinged stuff from this couple and we got it, yes, but I also didn’t feel like we fully developed their love fully. My man, Ashvelon, was this fresh perspective MMC who is totally submissive but honestly, Thelise kind of treated him like crap the whole book. The woman made his human form look like a previous lover! And when she tried to be like “but I think of this look as only you now” he was like, ok. Dude, no! Lol.
The spice is kinky 🌶️ in this book. A fem dom dynamic but honestly, there wasn’t even THAT much of it like I’ve come to expect from the author. Ky and Syrella’s spice was hot hot hot to me and Ash and Thelise were kinky but held back.
These books follow different couples along the same timeline so I still recommend reading them in published order because characters and events overlap.
There will be more books from other couples. I have guesses on who we will see but curious to know who the NEXT couple will be. I have my thoughts.
Far too many endearments for my liking. I especially found “pet” demeaning. I also question a dragon falling into instalove with a human, especially since the transformation hadn’t yet occurred. I guess fated mates between species isn’t all that uncommon? It really should be.
Thelise practically gave me whiplash patting herself on the back because she’s such a powerful sorceress and then falling into the depths of despair for killing her best friend with magic. She also seemed able to determine the answer to any problem and respond accordingly without hardly trying. Not too many situations seemed to stump her.
Lots to recommend. Ashvelon’s care of Thelise during the Mordvorren was pretty swoon-worthy. The collection of the deceased dragon’s bones hit me in the feels, although creating a crown out of broken bits and pieces not so much. Varex’s voluntary sacrifice was powerful.
What happened to Fortunix? I think one of the earlier books indicated he had a secret horde where he hid out but was that his ultimate fate? Also, didn’t he transform into a part-time human after the spell was cast?
I thought Thelise confessed her spell to turn the human females into dragons had gone awry in previous books but in this one what actually occurred was a deliberate outcome. Ashvelon’s immediate loyalty to her and not to his fellow dragons was suspicious. Love is blind can only go so far.
Wouldn’t the eggs that a human female was able to produce be so small that the hatchlings would be minuscule? That’s always puzzled me.
This series isn’t over. Although it wasn’t mentioned here I think Hinarax is the dragon that was fascinated by humans. He deserves a woman.
Why are these books getting more delightful and deep as they go? Thelise is absolutely hilarious and delightful. And Ashvelon is fantastic submissive but also strong dragon. Chefs kiss.
This book fills in some story holes from the previous book and has a wonderfully sweet ending and possibility for the future.
Out of Context quotes that just got me:
“I need a drink,” I mutter, dropping my hand. I’m about to step away, but he says urgently, “Wait.”
“Why?”
“Feel it before you drown it in wine. Just for a moment, be with me. Please.”
“It hurts, though,” I whisper.
“I know. Suffer it for a few minutes, and it will become easier to bear.” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Darling, you have my heart, my mind, and my body, whatever form it may take. I am yours utterly. Yours until the day my flesh dissipates and only my skeleton is left, and even then, my bones will tremble for the touch of your hand.”
“That’s precious,” I manage through the tightness in my throat. “But dragon lifespans are longer than those of humans, so if you live to the full extent of your years, I won’t be around to fondle your bones.”
Wings of Frost and Fury - Rebecca F. Kenney Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spice : 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🔮🐉🔮🐉🔮🐉🔮🐉🔮🐉🔮🐉🔮🐉🔮
Tropes : 🔮 sorceress x dragon shifter 🐉 captor x (willing) captive 🔮 forced proximity 🐉 light femdom 🔮 addiction & recovery representation
🔮🐉🔮🐉🔮🐉🔮🐉🔮🐉🔮🐉🔮🐉🔮
Review: I always know that I’m going to have a fun slutty little time when I read Rebecca’s books and this was no different. I really enjoyed getting to learn more about Thelise and see about some of the magic of this world. Her past was absolutely heartbreaking when it came to her use of her magic and why she stayed away from it for so long. Ashvelon is probably my favorite dragon in this series so far. Hes struggled with trauma and addiction, and when he meets Thelise he knows that she is the goddess to whom he will forever worship at her alter. Their dynamic is so fun and playful, but they also help heal each other from their past. I love that both of them are quite confident in their desire and sexuality, and are open and willing with each other to try different things. Of course I loved getting to see the other dragons and mates from the previous books, and the epilogue had me sobbing. I was not prepared for the baby dragons and just how perfect this little found family community was. If you want a fun time with some dragon smut definitely check this out.
I've been waiting for this book! I've loved Thelise and Ashvelon's dynamic since book 1, and this book only enhanced it!
On the spicy side, it was definitely the most adventurous of the books, delving into the BDSM kinks.
Like the previous book, this one was definitely heavy on the summaries for what was happening in other books. But I appreciate that we got to see how Thelise and Ashvelon's first meeting went, which was waaaaay more involved than what I was expecting, but also perfect for them. (Although I'm as angry as Ash was that Thelise gave him the face of a previous lover.) And we finally got to understand why Thelise looked so worn out from the Mordvorren. (I admit, Ashvelon's dismay during that heat made me cry, even if Thelise didn't.) But the ending was the one of hope I was hoping for!! I also like that with each book, we get a glimpse further and further beyond the final scope of what the first two books covered.
As always, looking forward to other couples' stories! Personally, I'm hoping for Rothkuri's next!
OH MY GOD. I liked this book so much, I'm so glad I kept reading after Serylla and Kyreagan's books, I love how Rebecca talks about deep subjects. She treats them so perfectly. About my baby Thelise and Ashvelon, they are so perfect, they cured each other. Thelise was such a boss woman. We love a strong girl. She helped everyone, and I loved being in her head. As always, Rebecca represents every type of women. I HOPE book five will come out soon, lowkey guessing who the next book will be about...👀👀
I have read all of the books in this series and they are all amazing! Every story is unique but also all tied together which is so cool. There are so many dragons and women mentioned on these stories and I look forward to reading about them in the future. I highly recommend these books.. they are fun and addictive.
A fun, spicy, heartfelt romp like all of Rebecca's books. I didn't feel as much in touch with these MCs as I did for the others in this series so it didn't resonate as well, but it was still enjoyable. I still love this series and recommend it! Check trigger warnings and know that these are high spice rating books.