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The Dragonian #1.5
Venom
Sixteen-year-old Elena Watkins is on her summer break in the magical realm of Paegeia where Dragons and Magic exist. A novelette that should be read with Thunderlight, The Dragonian series part two.
65 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2014
114 people are currently reading
1264 people want to read
About the author
Adrienne Woods
59 books1,639 followersAdrienne Woods is a USA Today Bestselling author, living in South Africa.
She’s been in love with books all her life and knew at the age of 13 that she is going to be a writer one day.
That dream happened in 2009 and she started to pen her stories down on paper. Firebolt, her debut novel, were released 4 years after that, and she hasn’t stop since.
She has written more than 20 novels and she is still busy writing more.
To get your hands on exclusive content and stay in the loop of what's to come, subscribe to her newsletter at https://adriennewoodsbooks.com/sign-up/
She’s been in love with books all her life and knew at the age of 13 that she is going to be a writer one day.
That dream happened in 2009 and she started to pen her stories down on paper. Firebolt, her debut novel, were released 4 years after that, and she hasn’t stop since.
She has written more than 20 novels and she is still busy writing more.
To get your hands on exclusive content and stay in the loop of what's to come, subscribe to her newsletter at https://adriennewoodsbooks.com/sign-up/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
January 12, 2017
Lucian is boring. Blah.
Give me the bad boy! #TeamBlake
Give me the bad boy! #TeamBlake
October 21, 2017
Since this is a novella, I'll keep my review short.
If you've read Firebolt and are going to start the next book soon, then I definitely recommend reading this novella first. While technically you don't need to read it, it will definitely fill in the blanks about Blake and his behaviour, as the second book in the series references a lot to this novella.
On one hand, I really liked this novella since it gives you a really good perspective and Becky and Sammy's home life, as well as an introduction to their parents and family. It also gives you a bit of history that Elena find out by watching TV. But on the other hand, I found this novella to be a tad boring. There was nothing too exciting or special about it. It was just a way to load off more information, the only exciting thing that did happen was Blake at the camping trip.
So in conclusion, this may be a tad boring, but definitely read it if you plan on continuing with the series.
If you've read Firebolt and are going to start the next book soon, then I definitely recommend reading this novella first. While technically you don't need to read it, it will definitely fill in the blanks about Blake and his behaviour, as the second book in the series references a lot to this novella.
On one hand, I really liked this novella since it gives you a really good perspective and Becky and Sammy's home life, as well as an introduction to their parents and family. It also gives you a bit of history that Elena find out by watching TV. But on the other hand, I found this novella to be a tad boring. There was nothing too exciting or special about it. It was just a way to load off more information, the only exciting thing that did happen was Blake at the camping trip.
So in conclusion, this may be a tad boring, but definitely read it if you plan on continuing with the series.
August 10, 2014
Venom is a novella that focuses on what happens after the ending of Firebolt (#1 Dragonian Chronicles). Elena has holidays and plans to spend half of it in Becky's house and the other half in Sammy's. We get to know Becky and Sammy/Blake's family. We get to know more about what happened when creepers swallowed the city of Etan... If you are in Blake's team (like me), then you are in for a treat. There is a lot more of Blake and Elena in this novella :-)
As usual, Ms. Woods has done a beautiful job of portraying the characters and the world building was just as good. Venom lays the foundation for the next Dragonian novel Thunderlight and hence has to be read before that.
So, dear fellow dragon lovers, sit back, relax and ENJOY this new installment in the world of dragons and dragonians...
March 30, 2017
After reading this book, I am 99.99% sure that I am on team Blake. Even though he is super rude and everything, I think that deep down he is only trying to protect the ones he loves, as he considers himself as dangerous. Though his method might not be the best: keeping himself from the ones he loves. Plus, in this book, I can definitely see the chemistry between Elena and Blake.
Even though I am on team Blake, my heart still breaks for Lucien. After all, he is such a kind and sweet guy. So caring and lovable. If I don't think that Elena and Bake are perfectly designed for each other, I will totally cheer Lucien on. I hope that he'll be able to find happiness too. But then again, Elena might end up with Lucien after all.
Even though I am on team Blake, my heart still breaks for Lucien. After all, he is such a kind and sweet guy. So caring and lovable. If I don't think that Elena and Bake are perfectly designed for each other, I will totally cheer Lucien on. I hope that he'll be able to find happiness too. But then again, Elena might end up with Lucien after all.
May 27, 2020
Some cute moments in here. I loved seeing Sammy's initial interest in Dean. A bit better feel of Sammy and Besky's home add some nice details to the story. Nothing overly important but it helps to get a better idea. It broke my heart of how self-conscious Sammy is over her family's financial situation.
And then there is Drunk Blake. In books 2 & 3 are some references made that I couldn't place. And here they were! This was so important! I really encourage people to read this before book 2! I wish I did originally.
This adds some decent character depth. Plus is was nice to see everyone away from the school setting.
And then there is Drunk Blake. In books 2 & 3 are some references made that I couldn't place. And here they were! This was so important! I really encourage people to read this before book 2! I wish I did originally.
This adds some decent character depth. Plus is was nice to see everyone away from the school setting.
October 6, 2014
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was so glad to be back in this magical world. This is a fun, quick read. In this novella, we get to know more about the characters we fell in love with in Firebolt. It is summer break, and Elena is spending it with her friends Sammy and Becky. During this summer fun, we learn more about Sammy and Becky's families. I am torn between Lucian and Blake. Will things work out for Elena and Lucian? What is Blake planning? Hopefully these questions will be answered in the next book. I can't wait!
I was so glad to be back in this magical world. This is a fun, quick read. In this novella, we get to know more about the characters we fell in love with in Firebolt. It is summer break, and Elena is spending it with her friends Sammy and Becky. During this summer fun, we learn more about Sammy and Becky's families. I am torn between Lucian and Blake. Will things work out for Elena and Lucian? What is Blake planning? Hopefully these questions will be answered in the next book. I can't wait!
December 8, 2015
Just what I needed some Blake........
February 8, 2026
It was a cute little short, a nice setting between the next book
February 12, 2020
Pointless!
Especially since you get a summory of the "plot" at the beginning of book number 2.
Especially since you get a summory of the "plot" at the beginning of book number 2.
March 1, 2016
Venom was a good novella in the Dragonian Series.
OK, so it isn't the greatest dragon story out there but it has loads of magic, hunky dragons and dashing princes. The school is a cross between a normal high school and a fighting club with a bit of mystery thrown in. The characters are believable, but not incredible and I have to admit, Elena is a bit of a cry baby at times. I did struggle through the first in the series, but it got heaps better with quests, adventure, evil magical bad guys and loads of tension between characters. Having read four books in the series, I wouldn't say that the main character grows up so much as becomes more entitled and stroppy. Her manners slip further and further into bitch mode and I didn't really see how that added to the over all story arch.
3.5 out of 5 stars for Venom, 4 for the series. The adventure in the second book makes it loads of fun to read.
OK, so it isn't the greatest dragon story out there but it has loads of magic, hunky dragons and dashing princes. The school is a cross between a normal high school and a fighting club with a bit of mystery thrown in. The characters are believable, but not incredible and I have to admit, Elena is a bit of a cry baby at times. I did struggle through the first in the series, but it got heaps better with quests, adventure, evil magical bad guys and loads of tension between characters. Having read four books in the series, I wouldn't say that the main character grows up so much as becomes more entitled and stroppy. Her manners slip further and further into bitch mode and I didn't really see how that added to the over all story arch.
3.5 out of 5 stars for Venom, 4 for the series. The adventure in the second book makes it loads of fun to read.
December 30, 2024
This was a fun novella, that gives readers knowledge of Elena first summer break in Paegeia and hints to what will be revealed in book 2. It also really helps explain some of Blake's behavior. I'm excited to start the next book.
November 27, 2015
Bueno, para ser las vacaciones, Elena se la paso de lujo en las casas de sus amigas. Ya Blake intentando avanzar sobre Elena me sorprendió, ya que estuvo con Thabitha. De todos modos, fue entretenido aunque nada importante paso.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2017
A good bridge gap
This is a great way to bring the first book right up to the second. It also gives a look into the relationship of Blake and Elena.
This is a great way to bring the first book right up to the second. It also gives a look into the relationship of Blake and Elena.
August 7, 2019
Caution, mild spoilers ahead.
A 1*
“I guess even in a world of magic we are all slaves to cell phone towers.”
I guess you could guess the quality of the book only by the quote I chose for it. But here it goes.
This is a very short book, a novelette so the review is gonna be shorter than usual.
I searched for the definition of a novelette and, for my information and of all of you: Novelette is a short novel, typically one that is light and romantic or sentimental in character.
It was light but it was not romantic or sentimental.
I was at around 50 % when I asked myself the following question, “What does this book add to the story?”. And the answer was that it didn’t add anything new at all.
The only thing that was of any interest is the part where Blake and Elena have their first almost kiss. But even though to write 100 pages for it, it seemed a little bit too much.
There is no story, it is boring and too long for nothing. So if you wonder if you can skip it and go on with the rest of the series, then the answer is a clear “Yes, you can”. It is better to skip it than to force yourself to read it.
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A 1*
“I guess even in a world of magic we are all slaves to cell phone towers.”
I guess you could guess the quality of the book only by the quote I chose for it. But here it goes.
This is a very short book, a novelette so the review is gonna be shorter than usual.
I searched for the definition of a novelette and, for my information and of all of you: Novelette is a short novel, typically one that is light and romantic or sentimental in character.
It was light but it was not romantic or sentimental.
I was at around 50 % when I asked myself the following question, “What does this book add to the story?”. And the answer was that it didn’t add anything new at all.
The only thing that was of any interest is the part where Blake and Elena have their first almost kiss. But even though to write 100 pages for it, it seemed a little bit too much.
There is no story, it is boring and too long for nothing. So if you wonder if you can skip it and go on with the rest of the series, then the answer is a clear “Yes, you can”. It is better to skip it than to force yourself to read it.
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June 1, 2020
This was sort of like an extended beginning to Thunderlight, the second novel in the series. I had planned to read it first since it’s listed as 1.5, but changed my mind at the last minute because I read something about reading this together with Thunderlight and I got worried I might get spoiled on something if I read this first. But I should have read this first. And probably the author should have just left it in the novel because the rest of Thunderlight references things from this short novella over and over again, mostly without the kind of explanation necessary for anyone who has not read Venomt. I was able to figure out what must have happened, but usually felt concerned I’d skimmed and missed some important things. But no, I’d merely missed out on the beginning (Venom).
Also, Venom doesn’t stand alone very well. You need to know what happened in Firebolt to get who the people are, their relationships, and understand the world they live in. And there’s not really much plot to this on its own-no real beginning, middle and end. I had read the first book (and the second one) so I did like and appreciate this...just should have read it before I read book two. Won’t make the same mistake with the other novella associated with this series!
Also, Venom doesn’t stand alone very well. You need to know what happened in Firebolt to get who the people are, their relationships, and understand the world they live in. And there’s not really much plot to this on its own-no real beginning, middle and end. I had read the first book (and the second one) so I did like and appreciate this...just should have read it before I read book two. Won’t make the same mistake with the other novella associated with this series!
December 22, 2020
This was a fantastic series of dragon books. It's a lot like Harry Potter - if you love HP, you'll love this. The plot is somewhat complicated but was easy enough to follow and it was very well thought out. I loved the characters and the great blend of old world and new. I also loved that there are prequels and reverse POV books to the series as well. I have read every one of them!
I'm going to put this review on each book as I hope Ms. Woods will take notice - while I loved these books, the grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors were RIDICULOUS. I don't know who the editor is but it is unforgivable for them to not catch these errors. Maybe English is not Ms. Woods's native tongue but, regardless, a good editor should catch these errors. There is one at least every 5-6 pages and those are just the ones I saw. I thought maybe it had to do with the conversion to ebooks but I've noted other reviews on sites similar to Goodreads that say the same.
Ms. Woods - your books are fantastic. It's a shame for them to look amateurish because of the many many errors in every single book.
I gave these books a 4 star because of the many errors in every book.
I'm going to put this review on each book as I hope Ms. Woods will take notice - while I loved these books, the grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors were RIDICULOUS. I don't know who the editor is but it is unforgivable for them to not catch these errors. Maybe English is not Ms. Woods's native tongue but, regardless, a good editor should catch these errors. There is one at least every 5-6 pages and those are just the ones I saw. I thought maybe it had to do with the conversion to ebooks but I've noted other reviews on sites similar to Goodreads that say the same.
Ms. Woods - your books are fantastic. It's a shame for them to look amateurish because of the many many errors in every single book.
I gave these books a 4 star because of the many errors in every book.
March 5, 2020
Here’s the much needed information I was missing. I’m reading this between books 4 and 5. Amazon does not list these books as part of the series and so they’re easy to skip. However, they’re very needed for plot/background information referenced frequently in later books. The author explains that this is basically a compilation of deleted scenes that she left out from the book because it slows down the plot. While I can see it from that perspective, it’s still annoying that you have to pay for such a short novellette as it’s called.
But, if you intend on reading the full series, this mini story is necessary or you will be consistently slightly lost throughout book 2.
But, if you intend on reading the full series, this mini story is necessary or you will be consistently slightly lost throughout book 2.
October 22, 2017
I'm not the biggest fan of Becky, she can seem a bit callous at times, I don't think she's mean but I also don't think she's always a good friend.
I especially didn't like her response to the Blake situation. I'm fairly certain it wasn't the authors intent to portray it that way, but when a guy takes away a girls ability to decide what she wants we have a name for that where I'm from...
Overall you get some background info on the girls family lives but I don't think you find out anything pivotal to the overarching storyline. 2.75
I especially didn't like her response to the Blake situation. I'm fairly certain it wasn't the authors intent to portray it that way, but when a guy takes away a girls ability to decide what she wants we have a name for that where I'm from...
Overall you get some background info on the girls family lives but I don't think you find out anything pivotal to the overarching storyline. 2.75
April 28, 2018
Wow, I hoped, but didn't really see that coming 😉😃
King Helmut & Queen Marguerite have banned Lucian from dating Elena. He's refused & has also, again refused to stand by their choice when he was a child to betroth him to Princess Adrianna!!! Finding that news out REALLY hurt Elena 😢
She spends 3 weeks with Becky & the last 3weeks of the holidays with Sammy. She learns Blake is closer to the edge than she ever realised 😢
This short story/novelette packs a punch. We see some sides to Becky that weren't obvious before & Blake has some big reveals!!! Well worth reading 😉
Debbie, 1970, UK
King Helmut & Queen Marguerite have banned Lucian from dating Elena. He's refused & has also, again refused to stand by their choice when he was a child to betroth him to Princess Adrianna!!! Finding that news out REALLY hurt Elena 😢
She spends 3 weeks with Becky & the last 3weeks of the holidays with Sammy. She learns Blake is closer to the edge than she ever realised 😢
This short story/novelette packs a punch. We see some sides to Becky that weren't obvious before & Blake has some big reveals!!! Well worth reading 😉
Debbie, 1970, UK
September 26, 2022
Sixteen-year-old Elena Watkins is on her summer break in the magical realm of Paegeia where Dragons and Magic exist. A novelette that should be read with Thunderlight, The Dragonian series part two
Heather's Notes
Ok, I may start skipping the point books. This book added nothing to the story, and while I usually enjoy seeing day to day life of the characters. This book did nothing but make Blake look like an *ss and Emma a whimp. I didn't feel either was fully true to character.
Heather's Notes
Ok, I may start skipping the point books. This book added nothing to the story, and while I usually enjoy seeing day to day life of the characters. This book did nothing but make Blake look like an *ss and Emma a whimp. I didn't feel either was fully true to character.
February 17, 2021
What Happened Over the Summer?
This happened. More questions to be answered: How can Lucian get out of his arranged marriage? Why do Blake and Elena seem to have a cozy connection? Why is the King's dragon treated with disrespect? How many more family relationships will be revealed? Answer: Buy book 2.
This happened. More questions to be answered: How can Lucian get out of his arranged marriage? Why do Blake and Elena seem to have a cozy connection? Why is the King's dragon treated with disrespect? How many more family relationships will be revealed? Answer: Buy book 2.
July 2, 2017
Waste
Why this couldn't be apart of book two makes no sense. Seriously irritated and feel ripped off. It was too short to even be called an a novella and should be free because it was a novellette.
Why this couldn't be apart of book two makes no sense. Seriously irritated and feel ripped off. It was too short to even be called an a novella and should be free because it was a novellette.
July 13, 2017
Was this a joke? Because there was absolutely no story here. This should have been a free short story or something along those lines, I definitely wouldn't consider it a novella of it's own. Disappointing.
December 3, 2017
A short volume that covers the summer break and explains more of what happened behind the wall of briars. It shows the different lives people live in this land as Elena splits her summer between Becky and Sammy. Not essential reading but a fun bridge between the intensity of terms at the academy.
September 1, 2019
Here we see Elena, who has just been thrown into this magical world, parting with her friends during the whole summer, but at no point she tries to search for her family or maybe learn some Latin that is necessary for everything at her school.
August 16, 2021
Fun, light novelette
Loved getting to see the characters just be teenagers on summer break. Quick read that gives the reader a little more into characters without slowing down the main plot of the novels.
Loved getting to see the characters just be teenagers on summer break. Quick read that gives the reader a little more into characters without slowing down the main plot of the novels.
July 9, 2022
It was okay okay. Finally could make sense of her reference about the almost kiss in the next book cuz my stupid ass read that first 😂
Also finally made sense of Sammy's family situation and Becky's mini cooper was hilarious. Her driving literally reminded me of someone i know😂
Also finally made sense of Sammy's family situation and Becky's mini cooper was hilarious. Her driving literally reminded me of someone i know😂
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2023
Terrible editing ruined this series. It could have been something amazing and I struggled my way through each book as I enjoyed the concept and wanted to see where the characters went and how they were developed. A lot of unnecessary drama and not enough action.
May 16, 2017
Fascinating
Great story to tie books 1&3 together. I love seeing the different character lives over summer break. Definitely addictive reading.
Great story to tie books 1&3 together. I love seeing the different character lives over summer break. Definitely addictive reading.
June 25, 2017
I was kind of bored with this.. I felt like not much happened. Elena sleeps over at Beckys house, the group goes out to a club a few times, then they spend a weekend camping. That's about it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews