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Elder Races #9.4

Liam Takes Manhattan

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Warning: This story contains a major spoiler from SHADOW’S END (book #9, released December 1st, 2015). If readers do not want to be spoiled, they should read the stories in order of their release dates.

This is a short story (15,000 words or 50 pages) intended for readers of the Elder Races who enjoy Liam Cuelebre as a character.

Reeling from a deep loss, the magical prince of the Wyr, Dragos and Pia’s son Liam Cuelebre, turns inward and withdrawn as he struggles to come to terms with who he is, along with the challenges that lie before him.

Hoping to ease his heartache and offer comfort, a concerned Dragos and Pia offer him a gift, something he has desired for a long time. Liam’s response has a ripple effect across all of New York. Soon miracles of all kinds start arriving just in time for Christmas, along with a visit from a mysterious person who gives Liam hope and a vision of his future.

LIAM TAKES MANHATTAN is the third part of a three-story series about Pia, Dragos, and their son, Liam. Each story stands alone, but fans might want to read all three: DRAGOS GOES TO WASHINGTON, PIA DOES HOLLYWOOD, and LIAM TAKES MANHATTAN.

76 pages, ebook

First published December 12, 2015

159 people are currently reading
1705 people want to read

About the author

Thea Harrison

63 books5,490 followers
I write paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and other stuff. I taught myself to read when I was four. That was around the time I tried to ride my tricycle to work. I wasn't sure where work was, but I knew it had to be interesting if people went there every day. Now I combine my love of books with work, and I don't have to ride my tricycle to get there. My Elder Races series began May, 2011. You can also find me on Twitter and Facebook!

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 268 reviews
Profile Image for Alex is The Romance Fox.
1,461 reviews1,242 followers
November 18, 2016
Liam Takes Manhattan is the 3rd and final novella in a trilogy and book #9,5 in the Elder Races Series.

I have loved this Dragos/Pia/Liam Trilogy....the first two being Dragos Goes to Washington and Pia Does Hollywood.

These are three of the characters in the series that have a special place in my heart.
Liam is growing up big time!!!! It's been amazing taking a peek or two into his head and get an idea of what he thinks about life around him.

Adore the relationship he has with Dragos and Pia.......so beautifully written!!
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This is a rather short story and not a novella...but so worth reading and it should not be missed.

I am looking forward to more of the Elder Races World....soon I hope!!!

I loved this quote................
“Love is like a lion.
It's fierce and strong.
It conquers fear and uncertainties, and it knows how to fight.
Love fights to win and keep its mate, to do the right thing, to give to others in service, no matter what the cost.”
Profile Image for Sophia Triad.
2,241 reviews3,766 followers
March 24, 2018
Dragos and his family - STORY 6

“Kids these days," Dragos said quietly. "They grow up so fast."
"Supersonic fast," Pia said just as quietly.”


Unfortunately, little Peanut grows up much faster than I can handle it. After only a few months and a few books, Liam is young enough to know everything, ready to conquer the world, abruptly rude when he talks back to his father and eager to meet girls.
I usually prefer time travelling in the stories, when we need to meet the older version of a character. Thus, I have to say that this was my least favourite story of the series.
January 11, 2016
Well, this is a super short, fifty page novella about a whole lot of teenage rebelliousness and you can't help but feel sorry for all parties involved.

Liam is literally only one years old but has grown to an adult in that time. He is highly intelligent and handles most things well but there is so much that he simply hasn't had time to experience and grow into.

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I liked how he finally handled things although I'm scared about what might happen between him and Dragos! I was surprised that he was willing to leave with you-know-who coming but hopefully he will be home before that.

The whole scene with Inanna and Rika was intriguing and I hope we get more of this. There's gotta be a full length Liam book coming out soon!

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Favorite quote:

♥ “To family, we can get through anything together."
Profile Image for Ferdy.
944 reviews1,286 followers
January 3, 2016
Spoilers

Liam's story was a bit too angsty and self-pitying. I couldn't really take him all that seriously because he was only actually a year old yet had magically grown into a teenager in that space of time, all it did was remind me of Renesmee from Twilight. I did like that there was no romance or bad-guy-of-the-week plot, it just would have been more enjoyable had Liam been more likeable instead of a self-pitying, privileged, spoilt brat.
Profile Image for Marta Cox.
2,859 reviews210 followers
December 17, 2015
Ok I will be honest and say this is extremely short and I'm well aware that many readers will rate it quite low because of the brevity. My take is that I adore this family and Liam aka the Peanut is a character that is rapidly changing ( in more ways than one!) and to delay or dilly dally with a long drawn out story wouldn't do his own personal growth any favours.
Liam is when you think about it in oh so many ways just a baby and yet being Wyr means the possibility of accelerated growth and believe me his inner dragon is more than ready to step up and accept any challenge. Liam is still reeling and in many ways at a crossroads but the author cunningly throws into the mix his right of passage as he challenges the authority of his parents. Let's face it that's pretty normal for most young people as pushing boundaries is essential to learn your own capabilities and yet as Liam is an apex predator the consequences could be truly dire. Does the author reign him in? Do his parents? Liam needs to find his own way but fear not as he may act out but his essential good nature, common sense and love for his family shines through. No spoilers but this book releases at Christmas and indeed is set in that joyous season so there's a lovely sweet passage that will tug at the heartstrings of those like myself who love animals. Not a cliffhanger exactly but it does set up quite nicely for Liam to have adventures of his own as this series continues .
I've enjoyed reading all three of these vignettes that feature the Cuelebre family . We've seen political intrigue, learnt of new adversaries and of course had a brief glimpse of what Liam's sibling might add. With this story there's very little drama except within the family dynamics and yet for this reader it was a poignant read that was probably my favourite. If you love this series it's a must read and told so well my admiration knows no bounds. Thank you Ms Harrison for fleshing out one of my favourite characters
I was gifted a copy of this in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for ❤️ Dorsey aka Wrath Lover Reviews ❤️.
1,047 reviews322 followers
September 29, 2016
Blog Review: http://www.sweptawaybyromance.com/201...


5 "Rebellious Child Dragon" Stars!!

I absolutely love Dragos, Pia, and Liam!! This was a great little novella, only 50 pages or so, but it packed a powerful punch, and left off with a few burning questions that will leave you wanting much more!!!

Young Liam Cuelebre, Prince Cuelebre, is actually only about a year old, but in the Wyr world he is almost fully grown, not only physically, but mentally and emotionally. He will soon be as big (if not bigger!) as his dad Dragos. Liam is feeling lost and out of sorts since the tragedy within the Sentinels in Shadow's End, and he has a plan for his future....he just needs to get his parents on board with it.

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I really can't say much without giving too much away. I will say that he will be attending a Wyr college very, very far from home and a mysterious woman shows up and gives him some words of wisdom....or so it seems....we shall see. This was fantastic addition to the Elder Races, I can't wait to see what Thea Harrison has in store next for young Liam and the Cuelebre Family!!!



*ARC Kindly provided by publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Beth.
3,102 reviews301 followers
November 19, 2025
Talk about your growing pains. Liam, prince to the Wyr Nation, has gone from birth to adult in 30 seconds flat, well,it’s more like a year, but seriously how is a mother to cope. That is the pretty pickle, Pia and Dragos, the Dragon Lord, are facing.

Before they have a chance to get Liam his first puppy he is sprouting his wings and getting ready to fly out of the nest.

Battling the predatory instincts of his dragon, Liam must decide the man he wishes to become…with a little help from his friends, new and old, and maybe even a goddess.

Loved it, loved it loved it. Fan girl of the Elder Race series, I love when we get to focus on Liam and the trouble his dragon’s desire for safety puts them in. Sweet and endearing with a touch of teenage rebellion on steroids, Liam Takes Manhattan is an Elder Races novella that shouldn’t be missed.

I received this ARC copy of Liam Take Manhattan from Thea Harrison in exchange for a honest review.
Profile Image for Stacie.
2,555 reviews274 followers
December 11, 2024
My only complaint is that it was too short. I want more, more, more of my sweet baby dragon boy who is not a baby at all anymore. I love reading about Liam. I really hope he gets a full length novel in the future. In the meantime updates on what he's up to will be good.

Can't wait for more from the Elder Races. Happy reading!
Profile Image for Tori.
2,844 reviews474 followers
December 16, 2015
Originally posted at SmexyBooks-http://smexybooks.com/2015/12/review-...

Liam Cuelebre is experiencing some growing pains. The events of the past few weeks has taken a toll on him and he finds himself drifting along aimlessly as he struggles to understand exactly what happened and his place in the world.

Pia and Dragos are at a loss on how to cheer up their son so they decide on a gift that Liam has wanted forever. His response is worthy of the prince he is and it leads him to make a choice on that will change his life forever.

This is the third novella in a trilogy that focused on the Cuelebre family; each book from one family member’s point of view. I admit to waiting impatiently to finally hear from Liam. This sweet not so little boy anymore stole fans hearts from the moment we learned of his impending birth. Due to his unique genetics and some liberties taken by Harrison, his growth and maturity is fast-tracked by days rather than years as with human children. A condition he battles with his dragon on a daily basis. He feels as though life is passing him by with each minute that passes.

"He was growing tired of this constant battle with himself."

Not as action-packed as the first two, also, no smexy times. This is one of the tamest story in this world, more of a reflective coming of age than Harrison’s normal offerings.

The events in Shadow’s Fall affected Liam in multiple ways. His strong narrative explains his discontent and sorrow; and his choice to finally put forth some of his own concerns to his parents. Being the Wyr Prince isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. He is feeling smothered and wants to be able to make some of his own choices in his life. Hard to do when he is the first of his kind and his parents are extremely protective of their only child.

"I didn’t know you were having problems with being my son…"

Harrison does a fantastic job of showing the emotional upheaval Liam is experiencing. His hormones are all over the place and his is testing the boundaries with Dragos provides some chuckles. Dragos, who tolerates no dissension, is suddenly faced with a changeling teenager and must learn to balance his role as the Lord of the Wyrs with being a father. Thankfully they have Pia to smooth the way.

"I am not a child anymore. I won’t do everything you tell me to do just because you tell me to do it."

Harrison addresses the clues she left in the first two books in here, expanding on them and further ratcheting up the speculation of the next full-length novel. I also saw a certain tweet that Harrison is considering releasing a trilogy all from Liam’s point of view. I would love to see that. Especially if it relates to the new adventure he is embarking on.

As always, Harrison delivers the goods with her dynamic characters and well-plotted stories. Fans will delight to share in the more private moments on the Cuelebre family as well as seeing possible future storylines.

RATING: B

Prior Thea Harrison Reviews
Profile Image for Douglas Meeks.
893 reviews238 followers
December 21, 2015
Hmmm, well I finished Liam Takes Manhattan (Elder Races) and without saying a lot, the Amazon price is $1.99 and not sure if it is worth that much. It really is more of a slice of life for Liam, Pia and Dragos with a touch of "coming of age" mess. A few cute things but really nothing much happens but a LOT of stuff point towards a future book or spinoff for Liam that might be really interesting and this novella gives you some insight while setting it up but does not actually take much of anything to fulfillment (and NO there is nothing that even looks like a romance). There is one very interesting meeting that may be a 1 time thing but no way to tell. I wanted to give this 4 or 5 Stars like I did the other 2 novellas but there is no way it rates more than 3 for a "day in the life" and a couple of interesting "almost" things.

Bottom Line: Here is the thing, even though not a whole lot happens if you are reading this series you almost got to read these novellas to keep up with the progress of life in this world so spend your $1.99 and consider it a down payment on a good book later in the series :)
Profile Image for Astrid - The Bookish Sweet Tooth.
796 reviews917 followers
December 20, 2015
3.5

This was a short, quick read. It also contains a MAJOR spoiler, so make sure that you have read Shadow's End before this one.

Liam is Dragos' and Pia's magical son. And you just can't help but think he's growing up so fast. Too fast. Of course it doesn't help that he's a one year old in the body of a young adult. The process and why this happens to him is explained well and - since this is a paranormal series - it's credible.

Liam is butting heads with his autocratic father - being his father's son his dragon tells him so. Being the good person that he is though he knows how to reign in his wild side. The end of this short story left me satisfied and I know that Liam can take care of himself. I can't wait to see what adventures are ahead for the Cuelebres and the sentinels.

*ARC was given by the author via netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Paige  Bookdragon.
938 reviews645 followers
December 31, 2015

"So many people think love is an emotion. I love you, they say, and that is supposed to excuse all their bad behaviors and elevate them to a higher level just because they happen to feel something. That isn't love; it's an excuse."

What you'll read in this book:

○ Liam's biggest decision.

○ Dragos' as a father to a "rebellious" teenager. Like, he's the coolest and the strictest dad ever.

○ A possible spoiler or development for the next story.

○Puppies.
Profile Image for Mitticus.
1,158 reviews240 followers
December 31, 2015
Liam is like what? 18 years old externally and has conflicts with how will be his life (welcome to the human...er grownup life)

He was less than a year old. To them, he was a gigantic, dangerous child.
But he wasn’t a child. Not any longer. He was young, very young and inexperienced, but no longer a child. Bitterness whipped through him at the thought. He throttled that back too. He was fast growing tired of this constant battle with himself.


Though I enjoy with cute Peanut, I'm not sure to be prepared for this big jump to teen-rebel-Liam struggling with control of his dragon. Apart for stealing all the cuddling for Pia, is like is stealing those years for the readers.

Once stated that, well, it make sense I guess to pull a sort of spin-off , like I feel the young Liam is directed now with the college life away from mom and dad. A new YA series perhaps?

Love the puppy of course.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Thenia.
4,406 reviews180 followers
October 9, 2019
A story focused on Liam, formerly known as peanut, who is facing some unique challenges.

Liam is growing up exceptionally fast and he is understandably struggling.

An engaging story about a character whose story we'll hopefully get to read in a future book.

The series continues with The Chosen next.

Previous book reviews:
Shadow's End (Elder Races, #9) ~ ★★★ (15/01/2019)
Pia Does Hollywood (Elder Races, #8.6) ~ ★★★★ (20/12/2018)
Dragos Goes to Washington (Elder Races, #8.5) ~ ★★★★ (10/02/2018)
Midnight's Kiss (Elder Races, #8) ~ ★★★★ (14/10/2017)
Night's Honor (Elder Races, #7) ~ ★★★ (20/12/2016)
Peanut Goes to School (Elder Races #6.7) ~ ★★★★ (29/07/2015)
Profile Image for Steph.
2,159 reviews305 followers
February 3, 2016
Liam Takes Manhattan is the last in Thea's second Dragos family trilogy following Dragos Goes to Washington and Pia Does Hollywood. In it, we see a young man (very young - ) struggling with some major life changes.

He, like everyone else, is reeling from a recent loss (in Shadow's End, ). This loss has created a unique situation, one that Liam feels offers him an opportunity he never believed possible.
"I love you, and I am proud to be your son. I'm just finding it difficult to live in your shadow."
Like most young men, Liam is trying to find his place. This trying time is made more complex by the simple fact that his dragon has been close to the surface lately. And, having Dragos, Lord of the Wyr, for a dad doesn't make dealing with that any easier. A chance run-in with a friend and confidant brings to light another unforeseen opportunity ; yet another he fights for with the determination necessary to make Dragos understand.
Love is like a lion. It's fierce and strong. It conquers fear and uncertainties, and it knows how to fight. Love fights to win ...
I'm continually impressed by Liam and his character growth within the series. I am so anxious to read about his upcoming adventures!
Profile Image for Desi.
666 reviews106 followers
October 28, 2021
Ah wizarding schools smh. It's a short, disjointed, meant as a catch up with the family more than anything plot heavy. It served it's purpose, and like his parents, I preferred when Liam was young.
Profile Image for Angela (Angel's Book Nook).
1,672 reviews974 followers
November 18, 2024
~ 4 Liam Takes Stars ~

Liam Takes Manhattan is a shot story in the Elder Races series by Thea Harrison.

This short is meant to be read after Shadow's End. Yes, their are spoilers for Shadow's End in this story, so read the novel first or be warned.

I enjoyed the insight into Liam. He’s such a unique being that it puts him in a tough situation. Add in that he is now a teenager in less time then it takes other Wyr to grow and you have a character trying to find their place in the Wyr world and battle the growing pains of being a teenager/adult. He is currently at a crossroads, feeling lost in all areas of his life and wants/needs to find out who he is.

By the end I was left wanting more. The ending does an abrupt end at a point when things are just getting more interesting. Many readers will probably not like this. I am hopeful the author will finish where the plot was going with another novella.

If you love this series, it’s a must read. It’s told so well and flushes out a characters that has become one of my favorites the day he was conceived.

angelsgp-seethisreview-blure
Profile Image for Beebs.
549 reviews42 followers
January 14, 2016

The third and final book in a trilogy of novellas about the Cuelebre family.

Liam has been growing up really fast, due to another growth spurt, his body and Dragon are young adults and it is taking him and his parents a little time to adjust. He acts like a lot of teenagers in this book, he's feeling rebellious, resenting parental guidance and he is trying to figure out his place in the world. On top of that, he and everyone else are still struggling with the outcome of events in Shadow's End and his Dragon is fighting against the dominance of Dragos' dragon.

I really enjoyed this trilogy of novellas, I think they were necessary to explain Liam's growth cos he went form being a baby to a teen really, really fast. I think anyone who hasn't read this trilogy will struggle with that concept in later books.

*Received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for SheLove2Read.
3,106 reviews203 followers
December 24, 2015
For me, this was a bit of a sad read, even though I enjoyed it. Liam is growing up at an exponential rate, and with that aging comes issues no one has foreseen. I admit parts of the story made me teary eyed. Recommended if you're a fan of the series.

Note: this should not be read until after book nine, as it opens with a major spoiler from the previous book.
Profile Image for namericanwordcat.
2,440 reviews439 followers
January 16, 2016
This short story is a must read if you love the series and I do. I love what we get of Pia and Dragos. Liam coming into is own is wonderful. I can't say much without spoiling.

I wish there had been a sub plot of a secondary romance in here but a fine read.
Profile Image for Lover of Romance.
3,713 reviews1,125 followers
February 18, 2025
My Review:

Liam Takes Manahatten is a very short novella (shorter than many of the others) where Liam is in his teenager mode and is being restless and having to fight for dominance with his dragon and learning about control. He is also finding he is struggling working with his father's demands. We see the aspects of parents working with a teenager who also can shift into a big scary dragon lol And he is only a year old. Poor Dragos and Pia, and Pia is pregnant with another baby that will probably be a unicorn. lol

I found this one quite interesting, I really felt for all of them. Liam is really trying to learn who he is and Dragos and Pia are having to adapt to a teenager with hormones. I found it interesting to see Liam leave for a remote school in Ireland....I didn't see that one coming lol but I am curious to see what is going to happen next. This is a novella you need to read AFTER Shadow's End.
Profile Image for Cheesecake.
2,800 reviews509 followers
November 1, 2019
A little coming of age story about Liam.
Once again the author demonstrates how well she can get you to believe in a character.
Liam is struggling with his new adult status, when not long ago he was still a boy. His whole life ahead seems daunting yet he can't wait. He worries how to carve a path when his father has, 'been there, done that' before him.
At the same time, Pia and Dragos are barely able to keep up to his growth curve, as parents.

P.S. Be aware that there is a HUGE spoiler for book 9 in this one.
Profile Image for Rachael*Caribbean*girl*bibliophile.
2,258 reviews517 followers
February 18, 2024
Short story of young Liam who's grown from a newborn to a college aged adult in a year( those genes whew) I've enjoyed getting to know Liam and hope to follow along on his journey to adulthood. His puppy being named after his first baby girlfriend 😍 hopefully that'll be his mate
Profile Image for Holly.
1,765 reviews87 followers
August 24, 2022
I really love Liam, and watching him grow and change has been a delight. I was looking forward to this story for many reasons, not the least of which is the way things ended for Liam in Shadow's End. While I really enjoyed the story itself and liked seeing things from Liam's perspective, the end really frustrated me. Usually I finish these novellas feeling satisfied, but this one left me frustrated and wanting more. That isn't to say it wasn't a good story, but why did it have to end the way it did?? Especially since the next novel won't be available for a million years ??
Profile Image for AlwaysV.
490 reviews
December 23, 2015
Growing up at warp speed, that's Liam. So crazy in love with this short story. Since I've never read Harry Potter, I'm not going to speculate on Liam's future plan. But my friends who have read HP, believe that we'll get to read Liam's experience at a kind of imitation of Hogwarts next. Ah, sorry, a review not a speculation :( An amazing short story. Anyone who loves Inanna, the goddess of Love, will be happy to get a glimpse of her again.
Profile Image for Keri.
2,103 reviews121 followers
December 29, 2015
I love Liam stories and TH has set him up to have his own adventures without impacting the main Elders ARC. So yea for that. This is a good coming of age story short and I look forward to where she leads Liam in the future. I can related to the rebellious teen scenes.
Profile Image for Romanticamente Fantasy.
7,976 reviews237 followers
June 26, 2020
Recensione in ANTEPRIMA
.
Veronica - per RFS
.
Buongiorno fenici,

siamo arrivati alla tanto attesa novella di Liam, io non vedevo l’ora, però devo dire che un pochino sono rimasta delusa. Mi spiego meglio, delusa non nel senso che il racconto non mi sia piaciuto, ma avrei voluto qualcosa in più (non so cosa) per il piccolo principe, e per piccolo si fa per dire, Liam.

Io amo questa serie, vedere l’evoluzione della figura di Liam mi è piaciuto un sacco!In questo libro cerca di trovare il suo posto nel mondo e non è facile per lui visto i genitori che si ritrova, Dragos e Pia, due creature incredibili e piene di potere; per il loro piccolo raffrontarsi a loro è dura. Lui stesso è pieno di potere e intelligenza, è più maturo della sua età, però agli occhi dei genitori è ancora un bambino.

In questo romanzo vediamo Liam affrontare un momento difficile, sapete, ogni ragazzo attraversa una fase ribelle nella vita, lui non è da meno.

Vedrete come cercherà di superare le difficolta, non posso dire molto, ma vi sorprenderà.

Spero in futuro che l’autrice scriva un libro più completo sul nostro principe dei Wyr, perché secondo me sarà fantastico, in fondo buon sangue non mente. Se i racconti fino a ora scritti sui suoi genitori sono il massimo, non può essere da meno uno tutto suo.

Vorrei scrivere a lungo su di lui, purtroppo, essendo un breve racconto potrei spoilerare più di quanto voglia. Quindi vi consiglio di leggere la novella, e scoprire voi stesse tutte le novità sul nostro Liam.

Thea Harrison ha creato un mondo fantastico e vorrei che continuasse a proporci altri libri della serie. Soprattutto, molti con protagonisti Dragos e Pia, perché quando ci sono loro coinvolti i romanzi sono sempre esplosivi.

Ora vi lascio alla prossima.
Profile Image for Sandy S.
8,256 reviews206 followers
December 22, 2015
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 22, 2015

Warning: This story contains a major spoiler from SHADOW’S END (book #9, released December 1st, 2015). If readers do not want to be spoiled, they should read the stories in order of their release dates.

This is a short story (15,000 words or 50 pages) intended for readers of the Elder Races who enjoy Liam Cuelebre as a character.

Reeling from a deep loss, the magical prince of the Wyr, Dragos and Pia’s son Liam Cuelebre, turns inward and withdrawn as he struggles to come to terms with who he is, along with the challenges that lie before him.

Hoping to ease his heartache and offer comfort, a concerned Dragos and Pia offer him a gift, something he has desired for a long time. Liam’s response has a ripple effect across all of New York. Soon miracles of all kinds start arriving just in time for Christmas, along with a visit from a mysterious person who gives Liam hope and a vision of his future.

LIAM TAKES MANHATTAN is the third part of a three-story series about Pia, Dragos, and their son, Liam. Each story stands alone, but fans might want to read all three: DRAGOS GOES TO WASHINGTON, PIA DOES HOLLYWOOD, and LIAM TAKES MANHATTAN.

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: LIAM TAKES MANHATTAN is the November 2015 novella in Thea Harrison’s Elder Races paranormal, romance series. LTM is the third installment in Thea’s three story novella series focusing on the Cuelebre family. This is Liam’s storyline-Liam is Dragos and Pia’s son-who has reached Wyr maturity before his first birthday.

Told from close third person point of view (Liam) LIAM TAKES MANHATTAN focuses on the trials and tribulations of growing up Wyr. Liam will one day be one of the most powerful Wyr’s in existence-with both his mother and father’s magical DNA-but that doesn’t help Liam at this particular moment in time. His parents still see Liam as a young boy-barely one year old- but Liam is a dragon shifter and with it comes size, strength and the power of most adult Wyrs. As our young shifter struggles to find his place in the world, his parents must come to terms with letting go of their eldest child.

LIAM TAKES MANHATTAN is a sweet storyline; where the angst of teen drama is compromised and compounded by DNA that has forced a young boy to grow up too fast in a world of magic and the supernatural. The reader has a front row seat into the Cuelebre family dynamics: the parents who want what is best for their child; and a young man whose grief over the loss of his friend pulls at the heart of his ever, growing dragon. Liam needs to move on to discover his place in the world, and what he wants isn’t necessarily what his parents had planned for his future.

Thea Harrison writes a fantastic and magical story that will be familiar to many families with children trying to make their way into the world-too soon they grow up and take on adult responsibilities when we sit back letting anxiety and worry wash over our breaking hearts.

Copy supplied by the author.
www.thereadingcafe.com
1,153 reviews16 followers
January 6, 2016
My confidence in the author has plummeted dramatically. Books 1, 3, and 4 earned my loyalty but the other books in the series are just not good. I hate to say it but they feel lifeless and that really sucks. I stated in one of the reviews on Pia and Dragos' novella that I love any story about them. Unfortunately, even the characters can't save the story or the bare bones the reader is presented with. There is just no charm in the writing anymore and I'm wondering if the characters are just easy cash grabs. I suspected this when Dragos suddenly conveniently loses his memory to create a conflict for a future plot. For all intents and purposes, their story was pretty much closed. Anyways, I'm wondering the same of Lia because his growth is fast forwarded and I think it has more to do with plot shaping the character rather than the character growing. His growth needed to be expedited so he can be there when things happen and a child is very limited in the role. I just feel cynical about the series as it is now.

Anyways, this is a very short story about Liam needing to be independent of his parents. He is growing very fast, triggered by stressful situations. Constantine's death left him at a freshman age. I don't know, I don't like how his character had turned out. I felt like it is inconsistent and is largely dependent on what is convenient for the plot. He is mature one moment and the next, he is just a kid. One moment he is sweet as honey, the next he is rebelling like crazy. I thought he was supposed to have Pia's nature but Dragos' form. However, he has sudden outbursts and it is just inconsistent as a whole. Coupled that with the drop in quality of the last books and the future of the series just doesn't look very good. I felt like the character could have explored the issue of theoretical knowledge and life experience. Liam supposedly knows a lot from his life and it is just supposed to be accepted. Fine, but he is expected to take on large roles without life experience? I felt like the book was inadequate in a lot of ways, the biggest is Liam's sudden maturity.

Anyways, the development from this story is that Liam has applied to college where he won't have any contact with his parents. There, he has more time to train for the sentinel position since time moves slower.

My last thought on this book is that Pia and Dragos are not good parents. That, or the author doesn't want to write about children. I felt like a big ship was missed on Pia and Dragos' parenthood arc in favour of another character entering. I'm also thinking back on Shadow's End and came to the conclusion that Constantine's death was wasted on that book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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