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Dragon Eye #1
Dragon
Ilsa has been afraid of dragons ever since she saw them in the sky the night she was chased from her village as a child. Now, a decade later, she’d love to return to the place she once called home—if only she knew where to find home.
Truth is, Ilsa doesn’t know who she is. She only knows her father left her in the care of a guy named Ram, who teaches her swordsmanship in a butcher shop until the day when it’s safe for her to continue home.
But it may never be safe, and their enemies are closing in. Ilsa and Ram are being hunted, and they must flee through the dangers that bar them from their homeland. The journey will require all their skill and strength, but it will also uncover the secrets of who Ilsa is and where she belongs.
She’s always longed for the truth, but once she learns it, can she accept it?
Is she…a dragon?
And do those ancient monsters even deserve to live?
The Dragon Eye series books:
One: Dragon
Two: Hydra
Three: Phoenix
Four: Vixen
Five: Dracul
Six: Basilisk
Truth is, Ilsa doesn’t know who she is. She only knows her father left her in the care of a guy named Ram, who teaches her swordsmanship in a butcher shop until the day when it’s safe for her to continue home.
But it may never be safe, and their enemies are closing in. Ilsa and Ram are being hunted, and they must flee through the dangers that bar them from their homeland. The journey will require all their skill and strength, but it will also uncover the secrets of who Ilsa is and where she belongs.
She’s always longed for the truth, but once she learns it, can she accept it?
Is she…a dragon?
And do those ancient monsters even deserve to live?
The Dragon Eye series books:
One: Dragon
Two: Hydra
Three: Phoenix
Four: Vixen
Five: Dracul
Six: Basilisk
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 24, 2014
175 people are currently reading
1089 people want to read
About the author
Finley Aaron
10 books188 followersFinley Aaron grew up reading books of all sorts and believes the best stories are in the ones in which things happen. And the best sorts of things to happen in books are the very things that so rarely happen in real life, for they christen the doldrums of our days with that spark of life that reminds us things can happen to us, too, if we are trained and ready when the adventures come to meet us.
Finley likes to laugh, and doesn't mind at all if readers laugh while reading these books, for in fact they were written with an impish, barely-suppressed humor that peeks out and winks at odd moments. If you're paying attention you'll spot them before they duck away
Finley likes to laugh, and doesn't mind at all if readers laugh while reading these books, for in fact they were written with an impish, barely-suppressed humor that peeks out and winks at odd moments. If you're paying attention you'll spot them before they duck away
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
July 17, 2016
Rating: 4.1 stars
Wow, this book really surprised me. The characters were pretty good, although I felt like the villian wasn't really all that villianly. I mean sure, she did some pretty bad stuff but not enough to make me see her like a villian, if you know what I mean. Plus, she only made one appearance in the whole story!
Romance: Not gonna lie, I really enjoyed the romance in Dragon. Ram and Isla are so cute together! I think my favorite thing about this couple is how they're very compatible together and work like a team when fighting together. Did I mention they're so cute together?
Anyways let's talk about Isla, this girl lol. She's a pretty good main character but let me tell you, she's a complete dumbass when it comes to all things danger and things that are painfully obvious. An example: this girl has a very good sense of smell; she can smell fear, blood, danger and pretty much everything else you can think of, she also can extend her vision, and she's hella crazy about meat. Oh and did I mention she also eats bones like popcorn? Yup, and yet she never questioned if she's anything but human. But other than that, the book is quite good.
Definitely check it out if you have the chance, plus if you have kindle unlimited like me, it's free!
Wow, this book really surprised me. The characters were pretty good, although I felt like the villian wasn't really all that villianly. I mean sure, she did some pretty bad stuff but not enough to make me see her like a villian, if you know what I mean. Plus, she only made one appearance in the whole story!
Romance: Not gonna lie, I really enjoyed the romance in Dragon. Ram and Isla are so cute together! I think my favorite thing about this couple is how they're very compatible together and work like a team when fighting together. Did I mention they're so cute together?
Anyways let's talk about Isla, this girl lol. She's a pretty good main character but let me tell you, she's a complete dumbass when it comes to all things danger and things that are painfully obvious. An example: this girl has a very good sense of smell; she can smell fear, blood, danger and pretty much everything else you can think of, she also can extend her vision, and she's hella crazy about meat. Oh and did I mention she also eats bones like popcorn? Yup, and yet she never questioned if she's anything but human. But other than that, the book is quite good.
Definitely check it out if you have the chance, plus if you have kindle unlimited like me, it's free!
December 23, 2014
Exciting, edge of your seat read. I read the book in one day and enjoyed it very much. The main character, Ilsa, is a young butcher with a troubled past. Not far into the book, she and her friend, mentor, and also-butcher Ram are forced to leave and go back to her home with a mysterious man. Her past is hunting her: but her past isn't the only thing.
The characters are developed well. Their characters make sense with the story. The descriptions were great--a hard thing to do while writing in first person. I appreciated the lack of mature, adult themes like sexual content and cursing. It is well written, that was another plus. Overall, I loved the book!
~ Sarah Newman
The characters are developed well. Their characters make sense with the story. The descriptions were great--a hard thing to do while writing in first person. I appreciated the lack of mature, adult themes like sexual content and cursing. It is well written, that was another plus. Overall, I loved the book!
~ Sarah Newman
January 8, 2015
I received this book free through Goodreads First Reads.
I enjoyed this book. The characters in the story have a duality that I was not expecting before I started the book. It was also unique when this story took place-not in history-but a more current time. A different take on dragons, and their "motives",as well as a mini short love story.I just wish it would have been longer,so we could get to know the main characters a bit better. I will be reading the second part of this series in the future.
I enjoyed this book. The characters in the story have a duality that I was not expecting before I started the book. It was also unique when this story took place-not in history-but a more current time. A different take on dragons, and their "motives",as well as a mini short love story.I just wish it would have been longer,so we could get to know the main characters a bit better. I will be reading the second part of this series in the future.
February 4, 2015
I liked this so much I bought the next book and read it before I thought to rate this one. I should probably give it five stars but know that the editing needs work. The story is fresh, fun, and has a great voice. I am looking forward to reading more in this series.
December 21, 2014
Needs more depth. Honestly, I felt no connection to the characters. No love, no hate, no empathy, nothing.
July 4, 2016
Dragon, the first book of the Dragon Eye series, was a fairly gripping page turner, that does surprise the reader with the modern time the series is set in. It is an A to B journey story that has use follow along with the protagonist, Ilsa as she discoverers the truth surrounding the mysteries of her life, and the comes to terms with them for good or ill. As the title suggest Dragons are involved and it is worth a read. I would reread the book even if it was not the first book of a series. Dragon could stand on it own and be a fun read on a rainy day.
Being able to add some humor without making the story a comedy is a big plus for me and they were many moments that I laughed out loud because of the personality of the Ilsa and her views on things. What I appreciated greatly is that for a fantasy action story with a strong heroine that is aimed for a younger crowd it does not fall into the cliches of love at first sight (aka you're hot so I like you a lot) or a forced love triangle that take away from the story and makes it feel as if the rest of the story is a superfluous addition. While there is a main love interest it is not obvious at first, and as the layers of the over all mystery are unveiled it is becomes sort innocently sweet ah ha! romance.
Most of the reviews I read show people enjoyed to over all story for what it was, and I agree with those. I do think if you can not finish a book and do not give an coherent reasoned explanation as to why you disliked the book in the review than it really is not a review as much as trolling. Of course I never have stopped reading a book or a series even if I did not like it. I have to know the story so I can having an accurate view of it.
For all that enjoyed with the book I do have issues with some of the logic behind a few of Ilsa's inner concerns and struggles. Some of my issues could is easily be dismissed as just being a part of her character. Also Ilsa is not in a situation where she is being told the full truth by anyone so trust issues are understandable. There is also the fact that people are not always logical in how they feel about things or who they trust. I will say though that no one in their right might trust someone who has clearly betrayed them once.... Will not say more because of spoilers but it did keep me from giving the story a higher rating.
Being able to add some humor without making the story a comedy is a big plus for me and they were many moments that I laughed out loud because of the personality of the Ilsa and her views on things. What I appreciated greatly is that for a fantasy action story with a strong heroine that is aimed for a younger crowd it does not fall into the cliches of love at first sight (aka you're hot so I like you a lot) or a forced love triangle that take away from the story and makes it feel as if the rest of the story is a superfluous addition. While there is a main love interest it is not obvious at first, and as the layers of the over all mystery are unveiled it is becomes sort innocently sweet ah ha! romance.
Most of the reviews I read show people enjoyed to over all story for what it was, and I agree with those. I do think if you can not finish a book and do not give an coherent reasoned explanation as to why you disliked the book in the review than it really is not a review as much as trolling. Of course I never have stopped reading a book or a series even if I did not like it. I have to know the story so I can having an accurate view of it.
For all that enjoyed with the book I do have issues with some of the logic behind a few of Ilsa's inner concerns and struggles. Some of my issues could is easily be dismissed as just being a part of her character. Also Ilsa is not in a situation where she is being told the full truth by anyone so trust issues are understandable. There is also the fact that people are not always logical in how they feel about things or who they trust. I will say though that no one in their right might trust someone who has clearly betrayed them once.... Will not say more because of spoilers but it did keep me from giving the story a higher rating.
January 5, 2015
A fun story which could have been really good! Finley's sense of humour shines through in this new YA dragon adventure in which our heroine meat-butcher aka (don't want to spoil the plot here - person of significance from Eastern Europe) aka target of a love triangle takes on the bad guys as she struggles to return to her homeland to fulfill her destiny.
Generally well written with minimal editing errors, the major issues for me were the 18 year-old heroine (who I really liked), who unfortunately is served up as (1) untouchable in battle (2) not knowing whether she's spent 10 years at an exclusive school where she certainly wouldn't learn to speak in 12 year-old teenage slang e.g., "right fit " and "But I'm right sure" and "obviously he was keeping some right hefty secrets from me" ... (3) struggles to choose between her two equally gorgeous beaus who with a twinkle of their magical eyes sweep her off across Romania to her homeland. Secondly, the setting and the battles were short on description. I'm a visual reader. Excellent choice of modern setting, Romania and Eastern Europe, but we just don't the visuals in the story. The battles are generally short and as noted above, our heroine Isla is often surrounded by enemies who fail to touch her, unless I missed it somewhere.
And that brings us to dragons in boxer shorts. Finlay carefully elucidates how when certain male characters change into dragon form and back to human, they miraculously keep clothed in their right fit boxer shorts which amazingly stretch to accommodate a dragon's size. So now we have male dragons flying around in their boxer shorts, transforming without nudity. Umm ... and the image of dragons fighting in these amazingly elastic boxer shorts sticks in the head.
The first person narrative keeps us right in the story, which is all for the better as this is a quick read but we do get to know our heroine well by being right inside her head, and some of the humour that emerges is just fabulous. There were parts of the story that I enjoyed wholeheartedly, but in the end, the weak climax to this first volume in a promising series really kept this rating at a 3. I am looking forward to reading the second part of this series.
Generally well written with minimal editing errors, the major issues for me were the 18 year-old heroine (who I really liked), who unfortunately is served up as (1) untouchable in battle (2) not knowing whether she's spent 10 years at an exclusive school where she certainly wouldn't learn to speak in 12 year-old teenage slang e.g., "right fit " and "But I'm right sure" and "obviously he was keeping some right hefty secrets from me" ... (3) struggles to choose between her two equally gorgeous beaus who with a twinkle of their magical eyes sweep her off across Romania to her homeland. Secondly, the setting and the battles were short on description. I'm a visual reader. Excellent choice of modern setting, Romania and Eastern Europe, but we just don't the visuals in the story. The battles are generally short and as noted above, our heroine Isla is often surrounded by enemies who fail to touch her, unless I missed it somewhere.
And that brings us to dragons in boxer shorts. Finlay carefully elucidates how when certain male characters change into dragon form and back to human, they miraculously keep clothed in their right fit boxer shorts which amazingly stretch to accommodate a dragon's size. So now we have male dragons flying around in their boxer shorts, transforming without nudity. Umm ... and the image of dragons fighting in these amazingly elastic boxer shorts sticks in the head.
The first person narrative keeps us right in the story, which is all for the better as this is a quick read but we do get to know our heroine well by being right inside her head, and some of the humour that emerges is just fabulous. There were parts of the story that I enjoyed wholeheartedly, but in the end, the weak climax to this first volume in a promising series really kept this rating at a 3. I am looking forward to reading the second part of this series.
February 18, 2015
This is one of the stupidest most selfish heroines I've ever read.
Observe:
Random stranger says let's run away together! Leave guy you know (gyk) behind! Stupid Girl (sg): ok!
Crap turns out random stranger (rs) led sg to a trap.
Sg kills some live beings while rs watches grinning ' hungrily' enjoying her almost death
Gyk comes in and saves sg
Sg blames her runaway attempt on gyk
Gyk forgives sg and feeds her stupid face
Sg sees rs again and rs says come with me
Sg has a whole conversation with him then feebly says no and calls for gyk to come save her
Gyk comes and saves her
Meanwhile rs tries to sexually molests sg
Gyk's dog dies trying to save sg
Sg says rs 'understands me' she's on rs's side.
Recall rs lied to her, led her to a trap , tried to kill her, tried to sexually molest her... And because of sg and rs, gyk 's dog dies for sg's sake.. Oh yeah did I mention rs's on the team of weird live beings that want to kill her, the same team that killed her mom
Why the fuck does sg support and side with and trusts rs when all his actions points him towards being an untrustworthy dangerous damaging individual ??? She's fucking stupid and crazy.
Not to mention her thought processes (and actions) are so immature and shallow she's lucky she was gifted as the heroine of a book.
This is 39% into the book . Like I'm going to continue with this fucked up heroine's book . Goodbye Ram! I feel bad for him for having to put up with her . I like him. Toodles Stupid Girl . Your selfish ways and stupid actions and thoughts disgust and repel me.
Observe:
Random stranger says let's run away together! Leave guy you know (gyk) behind! Stupid Girl (sg): ok!
Crap turns out random stranger (rs) led sg to a trap.
Sg kills some live beings while rs watches grinning ' hungrily' enjoying her almost death
Gyk comes in and saves sg
Sg blames her runaway attempt on gyk
Gyk forgives sg and feeds her stupid face
Sg sees rs again and rs says come with me
Sg has a whole conversation with him then feebly says no and calls for gyk to come save her
Gyk comes and saves her
Meanwhile rs tries to sexually molests sg
Gyk's dog dies trying to save sg
Sg says rs 'understands me' she's on rs's side.
Recall rs lied to her, led her to a trap , tried to kill her, tried to sexually molest her... And because of sg and rs, gyk 's dog dies for sg's sake.. Oh yeah did I mention rs's on the team of weird live beings that want to kill her, the same team that killed her mom
Why the fuck does sg support and side with and trusts rs when all his actions points him towards being an untrustworthy dangerous damaging individual ??? She's fucking stupid and crazy.
Not to mention her thought processes (and actions) are so immature and shallow she's lucky she was gifted as the heroine of a book.
This is 39% into the book . Like I'm going to continue with this fucked up heroine's book . Goodbye Ram! I feel bad for him for having to put up with her . I like him. Toodles Stupid Girl . Your selfish ways and stupid actions and thoughts disgust and repel me.
September 13, 2016
I read this series with a free trial of Kindle Unlimited. This is a pretty good series, in my opinion this is a YA read (I'm 54, & was not put off by them being Y/A), so would be good for young adults too. The first book was a little under-explained in places, which left you trying to figure out what was going on. But the rest of the books had more information, so you could understand better what was happening. Was definitely good reading, with a different take on were/shifter dragons than I've read before. I couldn't put these down, wanting to see what happens next. Each book has a conclusion to the main characters of each book in the series. I would definitely reccomend these to others who like dragons.
May 6, 2016
Good start for a series
This is an interesting book, but I knew it was Book 1 of a fire book series and I was hoping it would open a door for me. I read 1 plus books each week and to be honest I read this one in two days, including the start of book 2. The characters are well introduced and the plot is excellent. I will look forward to all five books, expecting them to keep my interest to the end. Then I will look to more of Finley Aaron's books to read.
This is an interesting book, but I knew it was Book 1 of a fire book series and I was hoping it would open a door for me. I read 1 plus books each week and to be honest I read this one in two days, including the start of book 2. The characters are well introduced and the plot is excellent. I will look forward to all five books, expecting them to keep my interest to the end. Then I will look to more of Finley Aaron's books to read.
January 18, 2015
This author writes with a very deep passion for Dragons
The characters are written in first person; which I like. Also, the written words describe, beautifully, the gorgeous surroundings that the author describes explicitly.
I'd recommend this book to anyone that loves dragons, even when one character in not too sure what she wants.
Mef
The characters are written in first person; which I like. Also, the written words describe, beautifully, the gorgeous surroundings that the author describes explicitly.
I'd recommend this book to anyone that loves dragons, even when one character in not too sure what she wants.
Mef
September 9, 2015
once you start you cant stop! every second you want to know what is going to happen to ilsa;
sometimes is predictable, sometimes it isnt. This is a fantasy- action dragon story so dont expect deep meanings or complex analysis of the characters, the book was made for teens and young adults AND every fan of dragons will enjoy it.
sometimes is predictable, sometimes it isnt. This is a fantasy- action dragon story so dont expect deep meanings or complex analysis of the characters, the book was made for teens and young adults AND every fan of dragons will enjoy it.
December 30, 2014
This was a fun read, more of a romance fantasy, than pure fantasy. I enjoyed the characters and it's great how the reader knows more than the main character.
The storyline is simple but an easy entertaining read.
I recommend this to young at heart fantasy and romance lovers.
I bought book 2
The storyline is simple but an easy entertaining read.
I recommend this to young at heart fantasy and romance lovers.
I bought book 2
January 10, 2015
Okay I liked this story to an extent. But it was very pedestrian for the most part. The girl spent far too much time waffling between wanting to not be a dragon and wanting to be a dragon. See, I can drag things out too!
January 17, 2015
Great book
I enjoy finding new genres and authors to read. I'm an avid reader of anything. I really enjoyed this book. the storyline is well written. the characters are enjoyable. I'm looking forward to reading more stories by the author. so this definitely recommended.
I enjoy finding new genres and authors to read. I'm an avid reader of anything. I really enjoyed this book. the storyline is well written. the characters are enjoyable. I'm looking forward to reading more stories by the author. so this definitely recommended.
March 16, 2015
good read
First book is well written from the feminine viewpoint. Thought the trials and tribulations of a dragon-human female were an interesting way to write the story.
The book is entertaining.
First book is well written from the feminine viewpoint. Thought the trials and tribulations of a dragon-human female were an interesting way to write the story.
The book is entertaining.
June 6, 2015
Loved
This is one of the best kindle books I have read in a long time. Without spoilers, it's made for all ages, it's fun, exciting, you want more when it's over. It was a joy to read!
This is one of the best kindle books I have read in a long time. Without spoilers, it's made for all ages, it's fun, exciting, you want more when it's over. It was a joy to read!
July 31, 2015
Dragon
I truly enjoyed reading this book. I couldn't put it down, wanting to know what happened next. The detail is awesome and I could see myself in the main characters place. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy!!!
I truly enjoyed reading this book. I couldn't put it down, wanting to know what happened next. The detail is awesome and I could see myself in the main characters place. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy!!!
August 10, 2015
Fun and innoncent
I found the story to be more innocent than normal Dragon books. It had a decent plot, but there was not true war and in-depth fighting as you usually read, when dragons are involved. I loved Ram, he seemed like a big teddy bear without good eating manners.
I found the story to be more innocent than normal Dragon books. It had a decent plot, but there was not true war and in-depth fighting as you usually read, when dragons are involved. I loved Ram, he seemed like a big teddy bear without good eating manners.
December 19, 2014
Unique story and take on dragons. Enjoyed the plot and how it was set in a more recent timeline than the medieval ones.
April 24, 2015
Just wow
I loved going on this journey with her as she discovers who she really is and the way it's told makes you feel like you are right there....
I loved going on this journey with her as she discovers who she really is and the way it's told makes you feel like you are right there....
March 7, 2015
Good book. Like different stories about dragons.
Started number 2 and I hope it is as good as the
first one. Will let you know.
Started number 2 and I hope it is as good as the
first one. Will let you know.
July 14, 2015
Very good story and series. Looking forward to more.
September 18, 2015
Good Read
Enjoyed this book, although it was a little predictable towards the end, I look forward to reading the next one.
Enjoyed this book, although it was a little predictable towards the end, I look forward to reading the next one.
September 21, 2015
This is one stupid,selfish chick, Ram should leave her ignorant ass to fend for herself, he deserves better!
April 16, 2015
great book.
December 16, 2023
This is, by far, the best book in the series. Read it.
This review will have a couple (what I consider to be minor) spoilers, so you can stop here and go read the book if you don't want to be spoiled. If you don't care, read on.
The book starts with Ilsa, the main character, training with swords as a butcher in Prague. Right from the first page, the novel establishes tension, with an unknown enemy just outside Ilsa's door, waiting, hunting. Her dog, Ozzie, is growling at the door, which she never does. Cautious, Ilsa calls her friend and fellow butcher, Ram, who comes over immediately and tells her to stay out of sight. He'll be over immediately.
The tension continues building from there. Ilsa longs to return to a home that she can't remember; she sees it in her dreams, razed by dragons and fire. As she wonders about the unseen enemy outside her door, a young man named Ion shows up and tells her that her father wants her to come home. Despite Ram's misgivings, they go.
Now, to me, it becomes obvious early on that the three characters (Ilsa, Ram, and Ion) aren't entirely what they seem on the surface. Judging by the title of the book, I figured they were dragons, and I was proven right fairly early in the book. It's not about a secret mission to become a dragon, though. It's more about Ilsa finding herself and becoming comfortable with what and who she is, discovering what happened in her life. That's why I consider ILSA IS A DRAGON!!! to be a minor spoiler. The real question is, what are the Yagi (the mysterious enemy that has been hunting her) and who is sending them after her?
Who is Ion, and what does he really want with her? Is he a bad guy? Is he a good guy?
Who is Ram, and why does Ilsa's father trust him so much?
The best part about this book is that Ilsa does not need to be saved. She is a capable young woman who thinks on her feet, and at times, her wings, in order to solve problems to which she's had no previous exposure. She learns the Yagi's weakness without being told what it is, and then, when things look bleak for her friend, she comes through for him, too. Not just once, but several times.
Instead of playing the part of the undefeatable hero, Ram is more of a guide and a protector, helping Ilsa come into her own without overshadowing her. It was nice to have a book with a hero team who both acted to defend each other. And while I think the male characters are a tad OVERprotective, it doesn't influence what Ilsa does to protect herself. That is... She doesn't sit safely in a box while the men do all the work.
I highly recommend this book. It does come to a somewhat abrupt end, which foreshadows the rather tired, cliche themes of the next three books that follow, but this story itself is worth the read. I kind of want to caution people to stop with this one and not go onto the next ones, but book five in the series (Dracul) is also very well-written, and you can't read that one without reading the three in between.
This does work as a standalone book, though, so if you read one book by this author, this is the one I recommend!
This review will have a couple (what I consider to be minor) spoilers, so you can stop here and go read the book if you don't want to be spoiled. If you don't care, read on.
The book starts with Ilsa, the main character, training with swords as a butcher in Prague. Right from the first page, the novel establishes tension, with an unknown enemy just outside Ilsa's door, waiting, hunting. Her dog, Ozzie, is growling at the door, which she never does. Cautious, Ilsa calls her friend and fellow butcher, Ram, who comes over immediately and tells her to stay out of sight. He'll be over immediately.
The tension continues building from there. Ilsa longs to return to a home that she can't remember; she sees it in her dreams, razed by dragons and fire. As she wonders about the unseen enemy outside her door, a young man named Ion shows up and tells her that her father wants her to come home. Despite Ram's misgivings, they go.
Now, to me, it becomes obvious early on that the three characters (Ilsa, Ram, and Ion) aren't entirely what they seem on the surface. Judging by the title of the book, I figured they were dragons, and I was proven right fairly early in the book. It's not about a secret mission to become a dragon, though. It's more about Ilsa finding herself and becoming comfortable with what and who she is, discovering what happened in her life. That's why I consider ILSA IS A DRAGON!!! to be a minor spoiler. The real question is, what are the Yagi (the mysterious enemy that has been hunting her) and who is sending them after her?
Who is Ion, and what does he really want with her? Is he a bad guy? Is he a good guy?
Who is Ram, and why does Ilsa's father trust him so much?
The best part about this book is that Ilsa does not need to be saved. She is a capable young woman who thinks on her feet, and at times, her wings, in order to solve problems to which she's had no previous exposure. She learns the Yagi's weakness without being told what it is, and then, when things look bleak for her friend, she comes through for him, too. Not just once, but several times.
Instead of playing the part of the undefeatable hero, Ram is more of a guide and a protector, helping Ilsa come into her own without overshadowing her. It was nice to have a book with a hero team who both acted to defend each other. And while I think the male characters are a tad OVERprotective, it doesn't influence what Ilsa does to protect herself. That is... She doesn't sit safely in a box while the men do all the work.
I highly recommend this book. It does come to a somewhat abrupt end, which foreshadows the rather tired, cliche themes of the next three books that follow, but this story itself is worth the read. I kind of want to caution people to stop with this one and not go onto the next ones, but book five in the series (Dracul) is also very well-written, and you can't read that one without reading the three in between.
This does work as a standalone book, though, so if you read one book by this author, this is the one I recommend!
February 27, 2020
Interesting premise but was lacking a bit with characters. There's really only 3 characters in this book which when there's such a small cast I REALLY want them to be well-developed.
Ilsa and Ram have been working together for months in close quarters and seem to have a fairly solid relationship. There's no evidence that they spend time with anyone else so a few months of time should have built up a fairly decent connection.
Yet when random stranger shows up and they go on a road trip Ilsa makes some really nonsensical choices. She chooses to vanish into the night with this guy, leaving Ram behind, just because he says "hey let's sneak off and I don't trust Ram". She should've had NO reason to trust random person and more trust in the guy she actually knows.
Then when it blew up in her face she still for the rest of the freaking journey would randomly trust this stranger(who's name I've forgotten). She's constantly chatting with him and listening to him and never thinks to tell Ram this guy who tried to kill her (multiple times) is following them.
The author also has a HORRIBLE habit of over-explaining things to the reader through Ilsa's thoughts. For example, during the first attack it's obvious that random guy set her up (leads her into an ambush and then sits back smiling though she calls for help) she is thinking at certain points in the fight. "I think he set me up. Yes, he must of. Why is he not answering me? Why is he not helping? The only explanation is that he set me up."
DUH.
Like just case, dear reader, you weren't able to figure out that this guy is bad and set up the MC let me character go through it for you.
And so many times this happens where she sits there and works through thoughts that absolutely make her seem stupid and made me feel talked down to because I couldn't imagine why they were there except to "help me out" in case I wasn't bright enough to get the obvious.
Then the big reveal was no shocker. The story concluded with a battle that was underwhelming that ended in no villains being captured, killed, or restrained. So the story felt incomplete(and the next book takes place decades in the future).
Finally the whole marriage thing was a bit much. I'm not against an 18 year old getting married(or maybe she was 19) and wanting kids. Heck, I married just before I turned 20 and knew I wanted kids. But I knew that BEFORE I met the guy I wanted to marry. Ilsa has no life goals before the end. She doesn't have dreams or aspirations. She's graduated school and is just kind of aimlessly letting other people run her life and never thinks about what she wants to do.
So I personally struggled with her suddenly thinking her perfect life involved marriage NOW and kids in the near future. I'd think that'd be something a person would know they wanted before they actually happened. Instead both a husband and kids came out of left field. Like suddenly random young woman/teen wants something she's never thought of before! And the next day she's married!
The three stars are because I thought the bones of the story were good. A community of shapeshifting dragons that have to hide from most everyone. They're struggling to maintain numbers because of the lack of females, there's human communities that support the dragons, the main villain is a dragon herself that thinks the dragons should all be dead, etc. Everything was described well and I could picture everything nicely.
It just lacked the things I mentioned which will prevent me from reading on.
Ilsa and Ram have been working together for months in close quarters and seem to have a fairly solid relationship. There's no evidence that they spend time with anyone else so a few months of time should have built up a fairly decent connection.
Yet when random stranger shows up and they go on a road trip Ilsa makes some really nonsensical choices. She chooses to vanish into the night with this guy, leaving Ram behind, just because he says "hey let's sneak off and I don't trust Ram". She should've had NO reason to trust random person and more trust in the guy she actually knows.
Then when it blew up in her face she still for the rest of the freaking journey would randomly trust this stranger(who's name I've forgotten). She's constantly chatting with him and listening to him and never thinks to tell Ram this guy who tried to kill her (multiple times) is following them.
The author also has a HORRIBLE habit of over-explaining things to the reader through Ilsa's thoughts. For example, during the first attack it's obvious that random guy set her up (leads her into an ambush and then sits back smiling though she calls for help) she is thinking at certain points in the fight. "I think he set me up. Yes, he must of. Why is he not answering me? Why is he not helping? The only explanation is that he set me up."
DUH.
Like just case, dear reader, you weren't able to figure out that this guy is bad and set up the MC let me character go through it for you.
And so many times this happens where she sits there and works through thoughts that absolutely make her seem stupid and made me feel talked down to because I couldn't imagine why they were there except to "help me out" in case I wasn't bright enough to get the obvious.
Then the big reveal was no shocker. The story concluded with a battle that was underwhelming that ended in no villains being captured, killed, or restrained. So the story felt incomplete(and the next book takes place decades in the future).
Finally the whole marriage thing was a bit much. I'm not against an 18 year old getting married(or maybe she was 19) and wanting kids. Heck, I married just before I turned 20 and knew I wanted kids. But I knew that BEFORE I met the guy I wanted to marry. Ilsa has no life goals before the end. She doesn't have dreams or aspirations. She's graduated school and is just kind of aimlessly letting other people run her life and never thinks about what she wants to do.
So I personally struggled with her suddenly thinking her perfect life involved marriage NOW and kids in the near future. I'd think that'd be something a person would know they wanted before they actually happened. Instead both a husband and kids came out of left field. Like suddenly random young woman/teen wants something she's never thought of before! And the next day she's married!
The three stars are because I thought the bones of the story were good. A community of shapeshifting dragons that have to hide from most everyone. They're struggling to maintain numbers because of the lack of females, there's human communities that support the dragons, the main villain is a dragon herself that thinks the dragons should all be dead, etc. Everything was described well and I could picture everything nicely.
It just lacked the things I mentioned which will prevent me from reading on.
February 8, 2023
This wasn't a bad book. I really got into it after the first few chapters. The world and character building were really good. The only reason I didn't give it a 5-star rating was because at times; I found it very predictable. I like books that surprise me with twists and turns that I never saw coming. Other than that, it was a good read, and I can't wait to see how the other books in the series pan out.
Ilsa is an 18-year-old butcher's apprentice. However, things aren't always what they seem to be. The appearance of a shadowy character from a past she doesn't either remember or know about brings her rushing into the adventure of her life; quite literally. Now her, and butcher Ram are on a trip back to their (unbeknownst to Ilsa) homeland. This trip proves to be the doing and undoing of everything Ilsa thought about herself and her life.
Ilsa is an 18-year-old butcher's apprentice. However, things aren't always what they seem to be. The appearance of a shadowy character from a past she doesn't either remember or know about brings her rushing into the adventure of her life; quite literally. Now her, and butcher Ram are on a trip back to their (unbeknownst to Ilsa) homeland. This trip proves to be the doing and undoing of everything Ilsa thought about herself and her life.
July 2, 2023
I really enjoyed this story. In fact I wouldn’t have minded it being about 100 pages longer to flesh out the characters a bit more.
It’s set in 1993, our world, but with some twists. I thought it was so interesting how the dragons play apart in major history event.
The romance between Ilsa and Ram was super cute, and clean.
Ilsa for the most part was an enjoyable main character. There were a few times I wanted to shake her for trusting the wrong person…again!!! But it doesn’t take away from me enjoying the book too much.
Content: clean
It’s set in 1993, our world, but with some twists. I thought it was so interesting how the dragons play apart in major history event.
The romance between Ilsa and Ram was super cute, and clean.
Ilsa for the most part was an enjoyable main character. There were a few times I wanted to shake her for trusting the wrong person…again!!! But it doesn’t take away from me enjoying the book too much.
Content: clean
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