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Above All Else
Avo is a dragon like no other. He’s reclusive, he’s tiny, and he can’t breathe fire.
He also has a knack for getting himself into trouble!
While wandering through his woodland habitat, Avo happens across a stranger in need. The chance encounter pits him against an ancient enemy, which forces him to flee the forest. During his travels, the little dragon must learn to cooperate with unlikely allies in alien lands. He must safely navigate through a world that is full of betrayal, blood-magic and malice. And finally Avo must accept the part he has to play, as foretold in the prophecies of old.
Can his body, heart, and soul survive the journey intact? Will he find sanctuary in an unknown land?
Will he become a savoir or a destroyer?
A ‘LOVE’S AN OPEN ROAD’ STORY.
Written for the 2015 ‘Don’t Read in the Closet’ event that is hosted by the M/M Romance Group.
Dear Author,
I’m a dragon shifter, and I’m the smallest of my kind. I’m small enough to sit on the shoulders of an average sized man. I might be adorable in both my forms because of my size and looks, but I have a deadly secret ability that other dragons don’t have (at least to the same extent I do). Tell me Author who/what is my mate/s and how do we meet.
Photo Description:
Ribbons of autumnal sunlight penetrate the canopy of leafless trees. The silvery beams reflect off the rippling river, which winds itself amongst the roots of the ancient forest. Next to the gushing water, a blue dragon rests its claw on a gaping fish. The sapphire-scaled creature stares inquisitively into the woods, listening to the cries of an approaching stranger…
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love is an Open Road" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
This story may contain sexually explicit content and is intended for adult readers. It may contain content that is disagreeable or distressing to some readers. The M/M Romance Group strongly recommends that each reader review the General Information section before each story for story tags as well as for content warnings.
He also has a knack for getting himself into trouble!
While wandering through his woodland habitat, Avo happens across a stranger in need. The chance encounter pits him against an ancient enemy, which forces him to flee the forest. During his travels, the little dragon must learn to cooperate with unlikely allies in alien lands. He must safely navigate through a world that is full of betrayal, blood-magic and malice. And finally Avo must accept the part he has to play, as foretold in the prophecies of old.
Can his body, heart, and soul survive the journey intact? Will he find sanctuary in an unknown land?
Will he become a savoir or a destroyer?
A ‘LOVE’S AN OPEN ROAD’ STORY.
Written for the 2015 ‘Don’t Read in the Closet’ event that is hosted by the M/M Romance Group.
Dear Author,
I’m a dragon shifter, and I’m the smallest of my kind. I’m small enough to sit on the shoulders of an average sized man. I might be adorable in both my forms because of my size and looks, but I have a deadly secret ability that other dragons don’t have (at least to the same extent I do). Tell me Author who/what is my mate/s and how do we meet.
Photo Description:
Ribbons of autumnal sunlight penetrate the canopy of leafless trees. The silvery beams reflect off the rippling river, which winds itself amongst the roots of the ancient forest. Next to the gushing water, a blue dragon rests its claw on a gaping fish. The sapphire-scaled creature stares inquisitively into the woods, listening to the cries of an approaching stranger…
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love is an Open Road" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
This story may contain sexually explicit content and is intended for adult readers. It may contain content that is disagreeable or distressing to some readers. The M/M Romance Group strongly recommends that each reader review the General Information section before each story for story tags as well as for content warnings.
107 pages, ebook
First published June 23, 2015
5 people are currently reading
187 people want to read
About the author
Dayton Idoni
7 books18 followersI'm all about the fun factor!
Personally, after a long day at work, I like nothing more than to get home from the toil and ferment in a boiling bath with a book. I like stories with a lot of imagery and motifs that carry me away from the natural world.
I love fantasy, supernatural, sci fi and horror.
When I write, I aspire to create a light-hearted, yet immersive experience for my readers. I try to incorporate a lot of what I like into my stories, in the hope the reader will enjoy it too.
I’m an eager writer who lives in the county of Nottinghamshire. (Yes my house is near Sherwood Forest; no I do not wear a green bycocket.)
From a very young age, I’ve read fantasy and horror stories, marvelling at the words artfully adorning the pages. My first love affair was with a book written by L. J. Smith. Her Night World series awed my turbulent teenage mind and I couldn’t read enough of her work. Following on from that, I’ve fallen in love with many other authors including, Anne Rice, James Clemens, and Trudi Canavan. I find their writing to be both inspiring and enthralling.
I’m also a massive geek and will happily spend hours playing on RPG console games. Some of the most content moments in my life have involved me being tucked away with a bar of Dairy Milk Chocolate in one hand and my PlayStation pad in the other. I’ve lost hours without end to the likes of Final Fantasy, Suikoden, Zelda, The Secret of Mana, and Breath of Fire. These story-driven RPGs have had a profound effect over my creative psyche and probably influence my writing more than I dare to let on…
I sincerely hope you enjoy reading what I’ve written. Nothing gives me greater pleasure than to think I’ve sprinkled a little bit of enjoyment into the lives of other people.
Personally, after a long day at work, I like nothing more than to get home from the toil and ferment in a boiling bath with a book. I like stories with a lot of imagery and motifs that carry me away from the natural world.
I love fantasy, supernatural, sci fi and horror.
When I write, I aspire to create a light-hearted, yet immersive experience for my readers. I try to incorporate a lot of what I like into my stories, in the hope the reader will enjoy it too.
I’m an eager writer who lives in the county of Nottinghamshire. (Yes my house is near Sherwood Forest; no I do not wear a green bycocket.)
From a very young age, I’ve read fantasy and horror stories, marvelling at the words artfully adorning the pages. My first love affair was with a book written by L. J. Smith. Her Night World series awed my turbulent teenage mind and I couldn’t read enough of her work. Following on from that, I’ve fallen in love with many other authors including, Anne Rice, James Clemens, and Trudi Canavan. I find their writing to be both inspiring and enthralling.
I’m also a massive geek and will happily spend hours playing on RPG console games. Some of the most content moments in my life have involved me being tucked away with a bar of Dairy Milk Chocolate in one hand and my PlayStation pad in the other. I’ve lost hours without end to the likes of Final Fantasy, Suikoden, Zelda, The Secret of Mana, and Breath of Fire. These story-driven RPGs have had a profound effect over my creative psyche and probably influence my writing more than I dare to let on…
I sincerely hope you enjoy reading what I’ve written. Nothing gives me greater pleasure than to think I’ve sprinkled a little bit of enjoyment into the lives of other people.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
July 11, 2015
Surprisingly enjoyable! I couldn't put it down, as the action is fast-paced, and I had to know what happened next! I also liked the MC's, and have to congratulate the author on creating two very unique, original characters. I also like that the focus is less on the treoll's appearance, but on his good heart. Because I like me a pretty face, but a kind, loving personality is even more attractive. The plot was a bit much near the end, but all things considered, it deserves a good solid four stars.
Read
June 12, 2016I'll make it quick :)
- OMG, the cover!!! Is so cool!
- And our little dragon... loved him. Cuuuute!
- Loved the difference in appearance / race from our love interests, how it didn't really matter... They were very sweet together, a bit sappy even maybe.
- The world building was sufficient ;-) Not mind-blowing, but giving enough depths.
- The plot... Well, I think nothing to shout out about, but also not taking away from my entertainment. A bit foreseeable, I think, most of the time.
- The characters were likeable, but felt a bit flat.
- The writing style was engaging on the one hand, but maybe a bit awkward on the other, especially during the dialogue or inner monologue.
- I would have loved a warning for the content of captivity and violence in captivity. I was looking for something more pleasant, I guess, and was caught by surprise.
- I enjoyed reading this book. If you like fantasy, you should give this a go.
- OMG, the cover!!! Is so cool!
- And our little dragon... loved him. Cuuuute!
- Loved the difference in appearance / race from our love interests, how it didn't really matter... They were very sweet together, a bit sappy even maybe.
- The world building was sufficient ;-) Not mind-blowing, but giving enough depths.
- The plot... Well, I think nothing to shout out about, but also not taking away from my entertainment. A bit foreseeable, I think, most of the time.
- The characters were likeable, but felt a bit flat.
- The writing style was engaging on the one hand, but maybe a bit awkward on the other, especially during the dialogue or inner monologue.
- I would have loved a warning for the content of captivity and violence in captivity. I was looking for something more pleasant, I guess, and was caught by surprise.
- I enjoyed reading this book. If you like fantasy, you should give this a go.
August 21, 2015
2.65 stars
It was interesting story involving dragons, tree trolls and humans. I had to hand it to author for the imagination, also the new language spoken by the treolls. Though I'd rather wish, for sentence or conversations in that lingo, to be translated to readers instead of confusing us along with the dragon for not speaking the language.
This was more fantasy and less romance, wherein one not to judge others by their look or heresay only. The tale was told from Avo the wee dragon's perspective as first person, which usually made me more connected to the character. That didn't happen here though, I don't know. Perhaps the writing style or the plot that was too... all over. Not to say this was bad though. I just felt throughout reading, that this could me more.
It was interesting story involving dragons, tree trolls and humans. I had to hand it to author for the imagination, also the new language spoken by the treolls. Though I'd rather wish, for sentence or conversations in that lingo, to be translated to readers instead of confusing us along with the dragon for not speaking the language.
This was more fantasy and less romance, wherein one not to judge others by their look or heresay only. The tale was told from Avo the wee dragon's perspective as first person, which usually made me more connected to the character. That didn't happen here though, I don't know. Perhaps the writing style or the plot that was too... all over. Not to say this was bad though. I just felt throughout reading, that this could me more.
dnf
June 23, 2015Thanks to the author for participating and offering this freebie.
Not rating this as I only read the first chapter, it's just not a fic for me.
The dialogue didn't seem natural to me, very formal on the part of the human and more scholar than warrior, I had difficulty imagining him and really didn't understand the pleas for help.
It also seemed strange that the Dragon was so casually sharing Dragon-facts too, if that was typical behaviour then it would all be common knowledge...
BUT I did only read the first chapter. Fantasy fans may love it.
Not rating this as I only read the first chapter, it's just not a fic for me.
The dialogue didn't seem natural to me, very formal on the part of the human and more scholar than warrior, I had difficulty imagining him and really didn't understand the pleas for help.
It also seemed strange that the Dragon was so casually sharing Dragon-facts too, if that was typical behaviour then it would all be common knowledge...
BUT I did only read the first chapter. Fantasy fans may love it.
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December 22, 2019**Thank you to A Happy Hanukkah Elf**
June 25, 2015
Avo is the smallest of dragons. He outcasted himself and lives a lonesome life. He is just minding his own business when he hears the distress calls of a human in his woods. When he investigates, he see the human in the river battling a female tree troll(Treoll) and kills her. Two other Treolls attack him and Avo, doing what he thinks is best, helps the human.
Because everyone knows Treolls are dragons enemies. They had a fight between them generations ago and it left bad blood between them.
Sadly, Avo is tricked and that is how he comes to meet a Treoll named Lok’Maht. Lok’Maht is a humble Treoll who is special. Born along with Earth, he is able to heal. Overtime, Lok’Maht grows on Avo. Together they work together to escape. That is how Lok’Maht learns the truth about Avo’s ability. For he is too small to breath fire.
Avo starts to see Lok’Maht in a whole new light and they travel together. Avo learns more about what truly happened back all those generations ago, that caused the great war between the dragons and the treolls. He trusts Lok’Maht and finally realizes he hates being isolated. He craves companionship and a mate. Together they work together. There are not one, but two prophecies. Avo is linked to both of them.
I really liked this story and was pleasantly surprised to see the couple didn’t involve a human. The story was full of adventure and was interesting.
Because everyone knows Treolls are dragons enemies. They had a fight between them generations ago and it left bad blood between them.
Sadly, Avo is tricked and that is how he comes to meet a Treoll named Lok’Maht. Lok’Maht is a humble Treoll who is special. Born along with Earth, he is able to heal. Overtime, Lok’Maht grows on Avo. Together they work together to escape. That is how Lok’Maht learns the truth about Avo’s ability. For he is too small to breath fire.
Avo starts to see Lok’Maht in a whole new light and they travel together. Avo learns more about what truly happened back all those generations ago, that caused the great war between the dragons and the treolls. He trusts Lok’Maht and finally realizes he hates being isolated. He craves companionship and a mate. Together they work together. There are not one, but two prophecies. Avo is linked to both of them.
I really liked this story and was pleasantly surprised to see the couple didn’t involve a human. The story was full of adventure and was interesting.
October 11, 2015
This started out sunny and suddenly turned dark with betrayal. I hurt for the pain and injury that was irreversibly suffered. Then salvation and love came from an unexpected source. After that was a bunch of mystical mumbo-jumbo that I skimmed, some heroics, and a happily ever after.
The protagonist is a dragon shifter who is alone, in a self-imposed exile. He rescues a man seemingly in danger, and that is what forever brings him out of isolation. Aside from the villains, he and others show compassion and tolerance. There's also a bit of humor.
The protagonist is a dragon shifter who is alone, in a self-imposed exile. He rescues a man seemingly in danger, and that is what forever brings him out of isolation. Aside from the villains, he and others show compassion and tolerance. There's also a bit of humor.
May 4, 2017
I have to say, over-explaining often got in the way, which is especially annoying in a short book.
I was thinking of rounding the 3.5 stars down, but the originality (and the cover) won me over.
4 stars.
I was thinking of rounding the 3.5 stars down, but the originality (and the cover) won me over.
4 stars.
July 1, 2020
Rating: 4 stars
I really liked this book. I liked that the two MCs were not your typical good-looking perfect shifter/human pair. I thought despite this being a short story, the author told a complete tale. I really liked the fantasy world that the author created and would definitely read more books set in this world. All in all, a really good book.
I really liked this book. I liked that the two MCs were not your typical good-looking perfect shifter/human pair. I thought despite this being a short story, the author told a complete tale. I really liked the fantasy world that the author created and would definitely read more books set in this world. All in all, a really good book.
June 30, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. A Sweet romance and a great story. What more could you want? Showing us dynamite comes in small packages.
I may have been guilty of having been tricked like Avo, by the first hot guy that meets our protagonist and appears nice.
I may have been guilty of having been tricked like Avo, by the first hot guy that meets our protagonist and appears nice.
January 1, 2018
This was an interesting story with a good plot and well done world building. The characters were well written and there was decent development. The details were good and not overwhelming. I was very happy that there wasn't an insta-love connection between the two main characters.
July 18, 2015
Ooh, this one was full of surprises! I expected it to be good, and it was - just a different kind of good. I went in without reading other reviews, which was fortunate - this has twists and foreshadowing, so if you start and don't like some of what is happening, read on (dancing around the spoilers here with my pants down, but you'll probably know what I mean when you get there).
More often than not the fantasy elements in fantasy m/m are just a means to enhance the romance plot and woefully underdeveloped, so I tend to tone down my expectations. Here? Full plot, solid worldbuilding, lots of action and a wide range of scenery and tone. It's a fantasy story with an embedded romance, not a romance with hints of fantasy. I really enjoyed the imagery and the themes touched upon, and how the author assembled familiar fantasy elements to create something unique.
As for the romance aspect, I generally have a bit of trouble with interspecies attraction because I get stuck wondering about what would constitute physical attraction for the species concerned, and am often disappointed if human beauty is still the measure of choice (this is what really bothered me about "Daughter of Smoke and Bone", where among the vastly diverse Chimaera the ultimate beauty ideal is the "human aspect". Drove me bonkers). I mean, dragons: wouldn't they see "beauty" as glossy scales or impressive whiskers or the leatheriest wings? In this story it was partly averted - and even a little subverted - since the humanoid shape was somewhat of a common trait, but nonetheless I had a bit of trouble with Avo's appreciation of human muscles etc.(as well as with being able to picture Avo in his different forms). In the end, though, it didn't really matter, since appearance vs. inner worth was a theme of the story - so I guess the author pulled one over me and my ponderings.
The story is skillfully written with an even style and a strong voice; early on I felt there was some adjective and alliteration overload (yup), but either it was toned down later on or I stopped minding. The finale was a bit... much; I couldn't decide if it felt rushed or too crowded, but there was a lot going on and it seemed a bit messy - still satisfying, however, and I really loved that the author stuck to his decisions and that consequences were permanent. The last sentence left me with a happy smile (which is returning as I'm typing this).
Overall it was a really enjoyable, gripping read with small flaws that were wrestled to the ground by the huge fun factor. Avid fantasy readers will probably feel more at home with this, and I can see how some readers will be left wishing for more focus on the romance and a more conventional storyline. I had lots of fun reading this, however, and was tickled by the way the story challenged conventions and expectations (my own included). In the end I found myself dithering between 4 and 5 stars but decided to go with 5, because fantastic work for a free story in a limited time frame and overall yayness. I want to read more of the author's work!
(Also three cheers for the handmade cover, icing on the cake.)
More often than not the fantasy elements in fantasy m/m are just a means to enhance the romance plot and woefully underdeveloped, so I tend to tone down my expectations. Here? Full plot, solid worldbuilding, lots of action and a wide range of scenery and tone. It's a fantasy story with an embedded romance, not a romance with hints of fantasy. I really enjoyed the imagery and the themes touched upon, and how the author assembled familiar fantasy elements to create something unique.
As for the romance aspect, I generally have a bit of trouble with interspecies attraction because I get stuck wondering about what would constitute physical attraction for the species concerned, and am often disappointed if human beauty is still the measure of choice (this is what really bothered me about "Daughter of Smoke and Bone", where among the vastly diverse Chimaera the ultimate beauty ideal is the "human aspect". Drove me bonkers). I mean, dragons: wouldn't they see "beauty" as glossy scales or impressive whiskers or the leatheriest wings? In this story it was partly averted - and even a little subverted - since the humanoid shape was somewhat of a common trait, but nonetheless I had a bit of trouble with Avo's appreciation of human muscles etc.(as well as with being able to picture Avo in his different forms). In the end, though, it didn't really matter, since appearance vs. inner worth was a theme of the story - so I guess the author pulled one over me and my ponderings.
The story is skillfully written with an even style and a strong voice; early on I felt there was some adjective and alliteration overload (yup), but either it was toned down later on or I stopped minding. The finale was a bit... much; I couldn't decide if it felt rushed or too crowded, but there was a lot going on and it seemed a bit messy - still satisfying, however, and I really loved that the author stuck to his decisions and that consequences were permanent. The last sentence left me with a happy smile (which is returning as I'm typing this).
Overall it was a really enjoyable, gripping read with small flaws that were wrestled to the ground by the huge fun factor. Avid fantasy readers will probably feel more at home with this, and I can see how some readers will be left wishing for more focus on the romance and a more conventional storyline. I had lots of fun reading this, however, and was tickled by the way the story challenged conventions and expectations (my own included). In the end I found myself dithering between 4 and 5 stars but decided to go with 5, because fantastic work for a free story in a limited time frame and overall yayness. I want to read more of the author's work!
(Also three cheers for the handmade cover, icing on the cake.)
June 24, 2015
This book definitely challenged my notions of romance novels and made me aware of my bad habit of . Romance aside, I really liked both MCs and the world was fascinating. Some of the imagery wasn't too clear in my mind - especially the climax - but overall, this was a very enjoyable read.
Want to read
July 16, 2015
Offered for FREE from the M/M Romance Group's Love Is An Open Road event. Thank you too all the amazing authors who participated!
January 9, 2016
Cute little story. There were a few little niggles for me but for a short story it was rather good. I would love for the author to improve and expand this. I think it could be quite the adventure story.
August 30, 2015
A thrilling and exciting fantasy tale with an unexpectedly unique twist on the dragon myth.
I was not expecting the romance to turn out the way it did. This was good. I loved it.
I was not expecting the romance to turn out the way it did. This was good. I loved it.
February 26, 2019
A great FREE read!! The story was new and interesting and unique! The characters were lovable and I was very sad to part with them so quickly. This book could ave definitely been longer (or could have sequels?). I did not appreciate Avo's attraction to Phain. It felt like he just started liking every male he came to contact with and I was sure that was not how I was supposed to be made feel.
Please keep writing! :)
Please keep writing! :)
October 9, 2018
I really really liked this story. Yes, it’s a fantasy but I was so drawn into it that I felt like I was there with Avo and Lok’Maht. Deceit and betrayal followed by friendship and love. A whole lot of angst and some tragedy finally heads to our MC’s HEA. Open your imagination and just let yourself feel the energy in this story.
April 23, 2018
It started out with great promise but I think it went bad when they were in the Treol's Mountain. After their reconciliation the story stopped being interesting and got easily predictable. A shame, really. Still worth the read.
October 6, 2020
This was surprisingly good for a short book. There's a plot twist at around the 20 percent mark that I was totally not expecting. This book turned out to be a pleasant surprise and something I quite enjoyed. I liked the characters and the story.
May 25, 2017
Very neat and tidy. The beginning was a little rough, but it cleaned up very nicely in short order and was an enjoyable read.
March 15, 2018
This was a quick entertaining read. The first person pov kept throwing me off, though. The story was cute at times, a bit too dramatic at others.
May 15, 2020
I think this could’ve benefited from being a little longer. There really wasn’t much of a connection between the characters, even though the rest of the world was interesting.
March 16, 2016
This was a nice story including shifters, magical creatures and a bit of M/M romance (even though I would have gladly welcomed some more of the latter, as Avo and Lok'Maht were so sweet together).
I wasn’t able to give more than 3 starts to the story though. It started in a very promising way and fully caught my attention, however, halfway through the book it went somehow lost. The whole part describing Avo’s stay with the treolls, the actual twist , and especially the end hinting at the humans trial were a bit too much for me. They would have fit nicely if the story was a tad longer and these separate segments have been extended a bit. Similarly to other readers, I also found it quite disturbing that the treoll’s speech was not translated – I was constantly awaiting some translation to happen “live” and this distracted me in addition to the broken human language Lok'Maht was speaking, which in itself was fine.
Nonetheless, I enjoyed the story overall. I really liked some of the unique elements the author has embedded like, for instance, the spirits reincarnation and their relationship with Earth. I love the way Avo, Lok'Maht and the rest of the characters were depicted, and that the author has created such a mix out of love, friendship, betrayal, self-sacrifice, and hatred – it was very entertaining and was constantly changing the mood of the story.
I wasn’t able to give more than 3 starts to the story though. It started in a very promising way and fully caught my attention, however, halfway through the book it went somehow lost. The whole part describing Avo’s stay with the treolls, the actual twist , and especially the end hinting at the humans trial were a bit too much for me. They would have fit nicely if the story was a tad longer and these separate segments have been extended a bit. Similarly to other readers, I also found it quite disturbing that the treoll’s speech was not translated – I was constantly awaiting some translation to happen “live” and this distracted me in addition to the broken human language Lok'Maht was speaking, which in itself was fine.
Nonetheless, I enjoyed the story overall. I really liked some of the unique elements the author has embedded like, for instance, the spirits reincarnation and their relationship with Earth. I love the way Avo, Lok'Maht and the rest of the characters were depicted, and that the author has created such a mix out of love, friendship, betrayal, self-sacrifice, and hatred – it was very entertaining and was constantly changing the mood of the story.
April 27, 2016
This story is amazing! What I loved about the book is that it gave me a quite a few nice surprises that got me really hooked on to the book early on.
Avonrepus is the smallest dragon around and his size have constricted his dreams, but he is just so full of willpower and he was just so animated all throughout the book. I fell in love with this cute little dragon.
I am not going to spoil the book so I am not going to tell you who he mates with because that was on of the best surprises in this book but this book is awesome and believe me the only reason I am avoiding giving out any details is that the book flows in a certain way that allow you to make certain assumptions and then the story twists and all my assumptions got flushed away. But since I can't write this review without talking about this particular person, I am going to do that under the spoiler tag.
This story is a tale of adventure and it follows Avo on a journey that sees him take control of himself and a very dangerous power that resides within him. On this journey Avo will find his mate who turns out to really reflect his changing world view.
This story was a delight! It was just so wonderful and sweet, definitely worth it!!
Avonrepus is the smallest dragon around and his size have constricted his dreams, but he is just so full of willpower and he was just so animated all throughout the book. I fell in love with this cute little dragon.
I am not going to spoil the book so I am not going to tell you who he mates with because that was on of the best surprises in this book but this book is awesome and believe me the only reason I am avoiding giving out any details is that the book flows in a certain way that allow you to make certain assumptions and then the story twists and all my assumptions got flushed away. But since I can't write this review without talking about this particular person, I am going to do that under the spoiler tag.
This story is a tale of adventure and it follows Avo on a journey that sees him take control of himself and a very dangerous power that resides within him. On this journey Avo will find his mate who turns out to really reflect his changing world view.
This story was a delight! It was just so wonderful and sweet, definitely worth it!!
August 4, 2015
This was a roller coaster ride between, yeah great story, and struggling through it for me.
During the first two chapers I though, oh no, another dragon/human story with insta love but git pleasantly surprised after that. I loved the interaction between dragon and treoll during captivity and on the run but didn't really feel the pull between them. That said, the love admissions felt way too early and until the end over the top and lgot my eyes rolling on it's own accord. I also was glad that actual intercourse faded to black - I felt both MCs were kind of either asexual or just very good friends. The bit mentioned didn't feel right and I was prepared to skip it but it was lucikly faded out.
Also, while I could live with the evil witch, I found it completely unbelievable, that the circus owners would treat their biggest attractions in such a bad way.
I loved the treoll world and "religion" which was thought out to the littlest detail but I found the rest of the world building a bit lacking (interaction between the different species etc).
A personal dislike of mine is when the underdog is lifted to become the leader/king/millionair etc - it's hard to pull this of believable without it sounding too fairy tale like.
During the first two chapers I though, oh no, another dragon/human story with insta love but git pleasantly surprised after that. I loved the interaction between dragon and treoll during captivity and on the run but didn't really feel the pull between them. That said, the love admissions felt way too early and until the end over the top and lgot my eyes rolling on it's own accord. I also was glad that actual intercourse faded to black - I felt both MCs were kind of either asexual or just very good friends. The bit mentioned didn't feel right and I was prepared to skip it but it was lucikly faded out.
Also, while I could live with the evil witch, I found it completely unbelievable, that the circus owners would treat their biggest attractions in such a bad way.
I loved the treoll world and "religion" which was thought out to the littlest detail but I found the rest of the world building a bit lacking (interaction between the different species etc).
A personal dislike of mine is when the underdog is lifted to become the leader/king/millionair etc - it's hard to pull this of believable without it sounding too fairy tale like.
July 6, 2015
I was delighted by how imaginative so many of the elements in this story were. Avo's unique ability was intriguing, Lok'Maht was fascinating, and the descriptions of the magic and the villages were lovely.
I don't mind violence in my fantasy, but the fights here were VIOLENT. And permanent. I have a hard time with the characters being maimed or permanently disfigured. Maybe it's shallow of me, but I like fantasy because it's escapist, and permanent consequences like this remind me way too much of real life.
Still good, just not as fun as I'd hoped.
Some Favorite Quotes:
But more than that I wanted to be free.
"Avo make Lok'Maht's heart lose Earth's rhythm sometime. It beat so fast." He placed his elongated fingers over his chest. "Avo is beautiful. Big. Small. Dragon. Man. Lok'Maht only see beauty."
I don't mind violence in my fantasy, but the fights here were VIOLENT. And permanent. I have a hard time with the characters being maimed or permanently disfigured. Maybe it's shallow of me, but I like fantasy because it's escapist, and permanent consequences like this remind me way too much of real life.
Still good, just not as fun as I'd hoped.
Some Favorite Quotes:
But more than that I wanted to be free.
"Avo make Lok'Maht's heart lose Earth's rhythm sometime. It beat so fast." He placed his elongated fingers over his chest. "Avo is beautiful. Big. Small. Dragon. Man. Lok'Maht only see beauty."
March 1, 2016
This was nothing at all like anything I expected, from how I pictured the dragon shifter, to the nature of the romance, to the plot. The beginning wasn't all that enticing, but the story was infinitely better as the story unfolded. I could not help but hold a soft spot for Avo and Lok'Maht, their selflessness, their generosity, even their humour - how can you not want to curl up in bed with them. Could have done with more world building but still enjoyable, well thought out and imaginative. Recommended to all fantasy lovers.
3.5 stars.
*This was a free read, written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love is an Open Road" event.
3.5 stars.
*This was a free read, written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love is an Open Road" event.
November 11, 2015
This story was okay, but it felt like there was too much in such a short story. I did like that the love story wasn't as basic as it seemed like it was going to be in the first couple chapters. I liked that it took me by surprise. Overall, it was cute and it was a pretty good start for an alternative universe type thing.
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September 20, 2015After they manage to make it out of captivity, and the evil brothers are dead, I suddenly lost interest in finding out how they move on from here and fall in love. When I started reading it, I was expecting a story with a cute small dragon, what I got instead was an intense story with captivity, and evil deceitful humans and witches. How disappointing.
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