Ink Sworn

Greatdrakes #3

by Alessa Thorn

Valentine has always had perfect control over his darkness— except when it comes to the one deceptively sweet female whose hidden claws match his own.

Scarred by dark magic and deadly visions, Valentine has spent years binding his dragon deep inside—until the disappearance of Yelena and Avallach forces him to unleash the beast.

Born wild and abandoned to die, Yelena has learned to hide her true nature behind sweet smiles and pale silks. But when ancient enemies threaten the fragile peace between worlds, Yelena must choose between her safety, or the dangerous sorcerer whose darkness makes her dragon purr.

As ancient enemies close in and trust shatters, Valentine and Yelena must harness their volatile magic while healing the wounds that shaped them into monsters. Because some bonds are forged in blood and fire, and true love means accepting the beast within.

Please note this book is an adult romantasy, and it contains swearing, violence, and spicy scenes.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Magic, Fae, Dragons, Shapeshifters, Found Family

274 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 2, 2025

About the author

Alessa Thorn believes that all monsters and villains deserve their happy endings. She prefers her clothes black, eyeliner winged and books full of hot romance. She thinks heroes are boring, so her first series 'The Court of the Underworld' centers around dark gods, monsters and villains from her favorite Greek Myths.

Reviews

[Taylor Jefferson · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a disappointing previous book, we are back on track. I was looking forward to Valentine's story. He was by far the most interesting, and strongest magically, of the Greatdrake brothers. Couple him up with Yelena who wasn't intimidated by him in the least and this became one of my favorite installments. I love when the main characters are so strong they're a bit scary and Valentine and Yelena fit the brief.

I don't think everyone will get the same enjoyment from this series as I do. But something about it scratches an itch for me.

[between.inked.sheets · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sentences I never want to read again because I hate baby girl pet name and I find it weird af:

"You're so wet, baby girl. "
&
"Come for me, baby girl."

🤢

[Marielli (lellireads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Magic first, sex later,” she said, the bite on her neck throbbing. Valentine's lips lifted into the charming Greatdrakes smile. “I wouldn't have it any other way, baby girl.”

This book is my new favorite in the series, hands down! I know I say this with each new book in the Greatdrakes series, but I can’t help it. And I fear that with Daddy Cosimo’s book the same will happen lmao.

It’s so different from the other books—in the very best sense of the word—which suits Valentine and Yelena just fine. I loved everything, from their romantic relationship to the action. It was the kind of book I couldn’t put down and that kept me up waaay past my bedtime. I was missing this kind of feeling 🥲

Yelena is such a breath of fresh air! Absolutely loved her. I love a fierce, baddie FMC—especially when she’s so unapologetic about it. Yelena and Valentine were truly the perfect counterparts to each other, and it blew my mind how that was explained in the story. Valentine was just as good. He was always the mysterious, brooding brother, and we finally understood why. Also, baby girl? Phew!

Now I’m salivating for Cosimo’s book! I mean, witches are finally making an appearance! Sign me the fuck up.

[Jane Rush · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok sequal

To be honest, I'm starting to lose interest in these books. I'll continue till they finish and looks like there is a plan to introduce a new story line but they are very much the same - but they are a light relief following a heavy book so are good from the perspective. What really puts me off is the constant use of the term "baby." It's excessive - 51x in this book alone, not including the other books that were excessive as well. It's just too much! I would have appreciated adding place names to the glossary and a mini synopsis of past events as I found the start quite confusing referencing previous events that I struggled to recall.

[Carina Gomes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightfully delicious

Our two dark, powerful dragons, fire and ice, come together in an explosion of heat. Val has been the ever intriguing eldest Greatdrake brother with red darkness shrouding him, and Yelena the sweetness with simmering silver darkness emerging. Together? Their true selves are finally released. Everything about this story was perfection, one of my all time favourites.

[Jessisfullybooked · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT-Drakes!

Hold onto your hats, Valentine and the Greatdrakes are back. Val's story is angsty, bold and a new favourite of the universe. Dragons galore, fantastical drama and the whole gang needed to save the day? Consider yourself sold. Not a dull moment in sight, totally binge-able.
Make sure to have an ice cold drink because this is scorching, in more ways than one! 5 million stars

[Caitlin Floyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when I think Alessa has written the best book and it can't get any better, she goes and writes this masterpiece! Val was everything I was hoping for and I'm so glad he got his happy ending!

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ rounded up. I am HERE for Valentine and Yelena. I knew that Valentine had the potential to be one of my favourite MMCs from this fae world but it could have gone sideways. Instead we got the broody asshole we all knew Valentine was while also getting the sweet damaged guy underneath. Valentine knocked heads with Yelena from the beginning and thought she had betrayed his trust but that didn’t stop him from going after her when she is held prisoner by a crazy king. Turns out Yelena knew the king was after Val and that this was the only way to keep Val and Taranis’ kingdom safe. Yelena and Valentine fit so well together you can really see them as actual soul mates unlike some of the other couples. Valentine’s dragon big reveal actually made me kick my feet laughing because of course the one with the biggest ego/brainpower would have a three headed dragon.

Yelena was also great. Love her own confidence in her strength, power and sexuality. This book was mostly about Valentine though simply because Yelena was already 90% developed as a person. She knew herself and accepted it which lent itself to the plot as the balance to Valentine who never felt comfortable with himself, who he honestly was or how people viewed him.

One theme throughout all these books is how the intertwined families show up for one another. Always, no questions asked. I like the callbacks to other previous books and that this series isn’t books in the same universe but with some cameos. It truly is interconnected with recurring characters. I can’t wait for Cosimo’s book. We’ve seen him getting progressively unhinged the last few books and phew that is going to be a doozy.

[Kylee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did a full reread of the Fae Universe starting from book one to get ready for this release. I’ve loved Valentine since his very first appearance, and at the end of Apollo’s book I found myself racking my brain trying to remember who Yelena was. Even on reread she barely features, just a few minor appearances and others commenting she believes Valentine is evil.

As it turns out, it was all a misunderstanding. From the start Yelena was actually intrigued by him, with her dragon insisting he was her mate. So yes this book leans on the misunderstanding/miscommunication trope (which isn’t my favourite) but thankfully it’s only minor and didn’t ruin the story for me.

Valentine absolutely lives up to the power and presence he’s been hyped for throughout the series, and when his dragon finally emerges ... what a moment! Yelena is just as powerful, but her sweetness softens his grumpiness. I really enjoyed their dynamic; they respect one another as equals and balance each other beautifully.

The only thing that didn’t quite land for me? The nickname “baby girl.” Definitely an ick.

[Jessie · Rating 3 out of 5]

All of the Greatdrakes bambini have a designated personality trope to feed our lizard brains, and I was really looking forward to Valentine’s dark, tatted up, moody journey… but it was honestly my least favorite of all the Faeverse stories and I am a sad bambina 😭😭

It was just very barebones, (dare I say rushed to release???)and kept referencing previous books and characters to drive the story instead of giving us a more worthy backstory for Yelena and Val. Boo hiss. When Yelena sang in her dragon form was the best part—well that and Apollo saying Cosimo would shat eggs if Mpreg was a dragon thing—and the rest felt recycled. Boo boo hiss hiss.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I accidentally managed to start this... book 14 in greater set and book 3 in the series and so I was dropped into quite the world and characters that I knew nothing about. Amazon recommended it but I didn't check it to see if it was book 1 or not. I'da not of blood, a lot of boning, and a lot of bad words. It does a second job of catching me up or at least not overwhelming, but I think I would have enjoyed this more if I'd started in the proper place.

[The Lusty Literarians · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. I don't know why I can't connect with this series. I've waited YEARS for the Greatdrakes and I' not loving the books. Part of my problem is the constant mention of past characters from earlier in the series. I don't need to see characters from books 1 on. That just confuses me on who is who and what is what. I wish more emphasis was placed on the current characters and maybe those in the one or two books before them. Then I could have followed more easily.

[Kseniya V. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been cured! I have been officially desensitised of my hate for "baby girl".

I think. I'm almost sure. Time will tell. 😆

Again, funny pop references for the win.

I really liked that they're both OP but not in the obnoxious way and even though here we have an abundance of soft magic systems, at least there was an interesting intention explaining some of it.

[Kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the Greatdrakes, but I wish I had thought to go back and read Taranis' book before this one because there was a bit if set up between Valentine and Yelena that I didn't remember going into this one.

[Pet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m glad I held back on reading this book for a while. The ending leaves you desperately wanting the next book. That aside, Val and Yelena were perfect together. Once the beginning angst got sorted, they were drama-free and just wonderful together.

[Lauren Pidcock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Valentine Greatdrakes. The emo of the Dragons with Sauron tendencies and attitude mates with Yelena a dragon shifter, magician, and disney's Elsa vibes all around. Honestly, what more could one want in a book.

[Asia Farrar · Rating 5 out of 5]

my favorite!!!!!

Valentine is my main man! I loved him so much and Yelena is a perfect match for him. He’s definitely my favorite of the Greatdrakes and I’m still obsessed with this series

[Duchess_of_Pearls Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

These stories are so well written, and this was no different. Loved the flow, how the overall plot progressed and now I’m looking forward to more from this world. The spice is top tier, the banter is amazing, and I can’t wait to get my hands on more!

[Pam Middleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

enjoyed

I enjoyed reading the eldest greatdrakes brothers hea story. This mate was perfect for him and I loved how she was written.

[Veronika B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alessa never fails to captivate me—her books are my ultimate comfort reads. I love that perfect blend of tension, a growly protective MMC, and just the right amount of spice. We all know these aren’t Pulitzer-level masterpieces, but honestly? I’m not here for that. I’m here for comfort, and Alessa delivers every single time.

This story follows Val and Yelena. Throughout the *Greatdrakes* series, Val has been the aloof, grumpy one, and now we finally get to see behind the mask. Watching him confront his traumatic past and embrace his powerful dragon was deeply satisfying—I’ve truly never loved a character more.

He’s easily the most fascinating and magically powerful of the Greatdrake brothers. Pair him with Yelena—who isn’t remotely intimidated by him—and you’ve got one of my favourite instalments yet. I adore when both main characters are strong enough to be a little scary, and Val and Yelena absolutely fit that bill.

At a slightly longer length than most of Alessa’s works, this one still flows effortlessly. As their romance ignites, an ancient threat rises, driving the story forward. The theme of acceptance really swept me away, especially since it’s Yelena who helps Val heal. And of course, I can never resist a powerful female lead—Alessa has me flipping pages late into the night, as always.

One thing I consistently love about this series is the way the families show up for each other—always, no questions asked. The callbacks to previous books are fun, though I’ll admit, there are *a lot* of them, and I’ve definitely lost track at times.

And by the name of god… no more baby girls. I am haunted.

Still, I’m counting down the days for Cosimo’s book. He’s been growing increasingly unhinged in the last few instalments, and I just *know* that one’s going to be an absolute ride.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Greatdrakes: it’s finally Valentine’s story: I have been waiting to know more about him since Ironwood 1!
The chemistry between Valentine and Yelena is great, so is the banter. Such a fun read, I just can’t get enough of this world!

[Tasha Eddleston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alessa continually captivates me—her books are my ultimate comfort reads. I love the perfect blend of tension, a growly protective MMC, and just the right amount of spice! This tale centers around Val and Yelena. Throughout the Greatdrakes series, we’ve glimpsed Val be aloof and grumpy, and now the layers are finally peeling back to reveal what is actually going on with him. Val is truly our special snowflake, fiercely protective of those he cherishes.

At a longer length than most of Alessa's works, this read flows effortlessly. As our main characters ignite their romance, an ancient threat looms over their worlds, propelling the story forward. The theme of acceptance swept me off my feet, especially as it was Yelena who guides Val on his journey. You know I can't resist a powerful female lead—Alessa always has me flipping pages late into the night.

If you crave a story packed with dragons, witty banter, thrilling action, and sizzling romance, **Ink Sworn** is your must-read!

Delicious reading!