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Alternate cover edition of ASIN B01E4VBRC0


There’s a serial killer stalking dragon shifters in Sea City, and pretty boy Detective Lachlan Flint wants my help tracking the killer down.

I’m a dragon shifter myself. Penny Caspian’s the name. But I’m trying to lie low, not run around interrogating half the dragon community—or one dragon in particular. My ex.

Yeah, I left my destined mate. I know, I know. Dragons don’t do that. Trust me. It’s better this way.

This detective, though, he’s not taking no for an answer. Did I mention he’s pretty? But haunted and hiding something. There’s some deep-down trouble in that boy’s hollow eyes, and I got enough trouble of my own. Vampire motorcycle gangs. Wounded gargoyles. Locked dragon crypts.

Maybe it’s because I saw that shifter’s broken body, washed up on the beach. Maybe it’s her dead, empty eyes. It’s something, the hell if I know what, but I am going to find that killer. This is my city, and I look after my own.

275 pages, ebook

First published April 11, 2016

383 people are currently reading
695 people want to read

About the author

Val St. Crowe

61 books84 followers
Val St. Crowe is the fantasy and sci-fi pen name for USA Today Bestselling author V.J. Chambers.

Under the name V.J. Chambers she writes mysteries, thrillers and horror.

Under the pen name Jove Chambers she writes dark romance.

A Joss Whedon fanatic, she loves all that is speculative, from Elemental Assassin to Arrow to The Lost Boys.

She lives in Shepherdstown, WV with her partner Aaron, their son, and their kitty cat.

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5 stars
324 (31%)
4 stars
368 (35%)
3 stars
241 (23%)
2 stars
63 (6%)
1 star
28 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
Profile Image for Mara.
2,533 reviews270 followers
June 12, 2016
I found this story terribly written, nothing has much sense: nor the plot or the characters.
The heroine was a cretin, beyond the TSTL cliché. Hero was unlikable, plus inept at his work. The detective work was shoddy at best. The only interesting thing was the idea behind the world building, pity it was glossed over.


The only reason I finished: it was short.
1,240 reviews24 followers
December 11, 2020
2.5

Lots of TSTL. Some teenage level angst. And one of the leads is obsessed with randomly throwing in ‘you know that book that has x in it?’ To which all the random people reply ‘huh?’ And he goes ‘no, this is the true meaning of the universe thru that book, which might be somehow kind of like this situation, if you squint and tilt your head to the side’.

As for the world... the rules are weird ass and I never really believed any of them, so they had trouble sinking in. That meant every time I re read that dragons can only shift to and from human while submerged in plenty of water... or they would squash and destroy their human form... and forever after be a feral dragon without their human side or from. Well, it was weird.

Oh, and don’t even get me started on the ridiculous mating bond that had her mates to a wife basher, and even after she left him, when she finally sees him again, she’s all hot and bothered and obsessed with the idea of getting naked and screwing him again, even tho she hates him... thankfully she didn’t cave in this one, but the fact that the bond both allows him to beat his mate and compels her to want to go back to him anyway is just gross.
Profile Image for Punkin.
983 reviews
February 17, 2021
Eh

Interesting ride. I liked the gargoyle addition and the drake's. The back and fourth between her and Lachlan didn't really go anywhere and was frustrating. Lots of sensitive topics in this one.

Warning talk of abuse, miscarriage, gun violence.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
2 reviews
November 14, 2024
Fair story Line incorporating dragons, vampires and the likes brought into modern day. Not exactly what I was expecting.
Profile Image for Brenda.
6 reviews
June 17, 2016
The book started off enjoyable enough then one hell of discrepancy jarred me right out of her world. The whole premise is young dragon girl shifters are being murdered and washed up on the beach. The dead dragon shifters are all in human form. A little bit further in the heroine explains how whenever dragons die they revert to dragon form. Theres quite a bit more detail included about dragon corpses but I wont go into it in an effort to remain spoiler free. So on one hand we have dead dragon girls washing up on a beach in human form. On the other hand we're told dragon shifters always revert to dragon form upon death. Sorry but thats exactly where I lost interest. I finished the book but it wasn't very entertaing for me any more. I slogged through to the bitter end though. This kind of carelessness is why I rated it two stars. Its also why I have no intention of going on to book two - or any other books by this author.
Profile Image for Alicja.
42 reviews
May 11, 2016
At first - I didn't like it . Then I still did not likeit . And when I came to the end - I was angry that itended.
The heroine is very private , selling us so many messages as he wants . And is dosed slowly. Hero even more mysterious. Finally, when we know hes past, her past- there does not become easier and understandable , but it's like ... easier to break through their walls .
It is difficult sometimes to understand their attitude, their reactions , and on the other hand they are very heroic and custard , more human .
And the story ? Something between Spider (not so brutally ) . Such an atmosphere and style . We had an investigation, the dead , there is a villain . And it's not so pretty around the world .
I can't wait to read the next book.
Profile Image for Someone's Peas.
140 reviews26 followers
September 2, 2016
The writing kept me from getting into an otherwise intriguing story. I wouldn't say it's emotionless, but I found it really hard to feel connected to the characters or get invested in the case.

The sentences were also weirdly choppy and a lot of times sounded like short, terse statements. Think lots of telling, little showing (Show not tell!).

Overall I was pretty disappointed, the plot had a lot of potential :(
Profile Image for Kevin.
2,662 reviews37 followers
April 23, 2016
Great story with interesting characters. It has fantasy, mystery, romance, and adventure.
A couple typos who's written as whose (whose your least likely), and a missing word (And my stepson wanted it go back....).
Profile Image for Jennifer.
1,625 reviews6 followers
April 25, 2016
Great first book

I really liked this book, I can't wait to read the next book. This is a new take on shifters, great job.
Profile Image for Tammy "Z Girl".
199 reviews
May 30, 2016
Wow, I really enjoyed this book!! Such an interesting world that I loved discovering. Totally love Penny & Lachlan...looking forward to more of this story
Profile Image for Wendy.
72 reviews10 followers
September 25, 2017
I couldn't finish it. I just sort of felt it kept harping on certain issues while ignoring others. And the word "then"...it's everywhere.
391 reviews1 follower
June 18, 2023
Penelope (Penny) Caspian is a small independent business owner. She owns a hotel that has ten rooms and four suites. She is also a dragon shifter but does not let that get around. She presents herself as one of the humans of the community. She, along with others, had been enjoying the day celebrating the Sea City March Wine Festival, but she wanted some air. She walked down the beach and found the body of a young girl washed up on the beach. She knew the girl and raised the alarm. That’s when she met Detective Lachlan Flint, a vampire who passed himself off as a human, but she did not know that yet, but he guessed what she was. When she heard a second body had washed up, she wanted to help the detective to solve this case, but sometimes when she looked at him, she had this reaction. She had to question herself if she was attracted to him because since she was mated, she had not had this reaction to another male.

In this story, the physical world-building is descriptive enough to let you know where you are and what the surroundings look like. The ethereal world-building could have been much darker. The character interactions are done well and can even make you smile in places.

This fictional fantasy, nay, dark fantasy paranormal romantic series starter has lots going for it. Oh yeah! Did I say it had dragons in it? If you like these genres, you may want to read this tale. There are a few problems that could be handled by an aware proofreader, missing words, overuse of Grammarly, and things like that. I give this tale four stars out of five stars.
Profile Image for Jenny Clark.
3,225 reviews121 followers
July 30, 2018
It was supposed to be a paranormal thriller/romance. The detective work done was pretty shoddy, and mostly illegal. They don't have a warrant for the house so lets just break in. The questioning scenes were very brief, though the questions asked were pretty standard and made sense.
One thing I noticed was that Penny stated that dragons changed when they died, but the dead dragon girls were human when found. So, is it that when a dragon knows they will die, they change so their family can use their artifacts and it was just that the girls were surprised? That's never really explained, and seams like a huge plot hole.
The romance angle seamed a tad bit forced and insta love/ lust alert, big time.
The characters left a lot to be desired, they were pretty flat. I did like the relationship between Penny and her best friend, even if Penny was a lot over protective. The background characters felt just like that, a background that was necessary but not wanted. They are just kinda thrown together.
Over all, the idea was pretty interesting and so was the world, the writing needed a helping hand however.
Profile Image for Emma.
461 reviews54 followers
August 13, 2019
WOOOOO loved it. Tbh i had this in my reader but wasnt purposely trying to start the book but the minute i clicked on the book to see the cover and somehow ended up reading the first line and well i didnt stop even for water lol. Its now nearly midnight aka cinderella oclock and WAAAAAY past my bedtime im in loopy selfloathing overtired stage and considering i had a horrific nightmare the previous night youd think id aim for disney like stuff before bed tonight but noooo i read a murder mystery and i do NOT regret it for a second cause its great and fuck me am i tempted to start the next book. I'm kicking myself for not finding this author sooner i mean how the HELL did this not show up on my dragon loving radar huh!? My hoard gathering sense has failed me but alas here we are and im adding yet another beautiful dragony magical world into my heart and good god do books like these ironically give me life. Theres soo much to love that despite my ramblings i cant put it into words. I LOVE IT ALL. ALL OF IT. MORE. I plan on inhaling this series like a kickarse dragon queen and i will make no apologies for doing so. Sleep be damned. Hooroo.
Profile Image for Blake.
1,304 reviews44 followers
December 14, 2023
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I change my mind on a series, so want to change my scoring by more than 0.50 of a star. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)

2.75*

First time read the author's work?: Yes

Will you be reading more?: Possibly

Would you recommend?: Probably


------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)

All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked

Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
Profile Image for Damian Southam.
246 reviews2 followers
October 18, 2016
If Penelope 'Penny' Caspian had really thought it out properly, she wouldn't have run up the beach screaming Elena Watson was dead, not if: A] she didn't want the cops to know she could identify the dead girl washed up on the shore with "Robyn's egg eyes"; and B] she wanted to keep her identity a secret from Detective Lachlan Flint. Even if he does have movie star handsome going for him there's something notably hollow about his eyes. He nonetheless had her number worked out before she'd even finished her first lie.

Keeping herself and her special secret hidden flew out the door the moment she actually had done the run and not just imagined it. Not to mention she just had to sink everything she had left into buying the Blue Dolphin Hotel. All because her kind couldn't abide working for anyone, which is why witnesses and therefore the detective knew who she was. Just like the torn up Elena, Penny too is a dragon shifter. She'd been running from a life filled with too much death and Sea City, with its increased number of magical creatures and proximity to the ocean, a place her mated ex loathed, seemed a good choice at the time. But now death had caught up with her once again and despite his loathing, the ex (Alistair) had been seen around town.

Its not long before Penny is once again bringing attention to her status when she returns to her hotel to find the local vamp gang is smashing up her property again. In a third visit of their protection racket, unlike the first two where the damage they caused was let go by without response, Penny decides she's had enough. Whilst its usually smart to stay off their radar if you're a dragon, especially when dealing with vampires, as they're the only magical creature that can obtain magic from dragon blood when the dragon is in human form, she uses her magic to teach the vampires why it'd be a bad idea to call on her again. Still stressed from the night before by the gruesome find, her limits are reached.

Its whilst she's discussing the validity of her choice and the potential fallout that she overhears a news report stating a second young girl has washed ashore and that signs are pointing to a serial killer. This results in Penny reconsidering the detective's request for aid. Lachlan, for his part, is intrigued by the mystery of Penny and thus investigates who she was before settling in Sea City. For the first time since running from her ex, she's forced to admit her flight from her husband, despite dragons mating for life, is because Alistair had a habit of repeatedly heating her to within an inch of her life.

Flabbergasted by her honesty, brought about in defense of her need to validate why she fled, she comes to realise its the first time she's admitted it to anyone. In the strange logic she first had to reconsider, her brain kept telling her that she was a dragon, dragons mate for life, Alistair was her destined mate, so therefore it was her destiny to be abused. Her whole life she'd been brought up to believe that dragons were incomplete until they found their true mate, so this amongst the many lies about dragons she previously believed was the hardest to break.

With racketeers breathing down her neck chasing her money and her blood, with slayers of dragons killing her kind for the blackmarket in their parts, with young female dragons like herself being killed, and with an abusive ex tracking her moves, Penny's hidden life with little to no attention has unfortunately come to an end. But whether it'll prove to be positive or negative moving forward, despite the unfortunate development, is not a foregone conclusion. Yes, the girlfriend of a potential suspect might have stated that everyone hates dragons, but with her history combined with the current stressors in her life she's fed up with hiding and bending to meet everyone else's will. Penny's coming out of the proverbial closet and if she has to burn a few people along the way then that's what she'll do.

Penny Caspien has lived a hard life, she's come out swinging, but not before she got repeatedly knocked down. As with many people who have been on the receiving end of ostracism she has picked up a couple of strays along the way; and vehemently protects them with her life and soul. But just as she is a victim she's also come away a little jaded. Because of events within her past she is tempted to only see certain aspects of situations with the potential to result in people being hurt. Closing herself off from the world and hiding who she is has helped to prevent further abuse, but it also means she's sailing through life half mast and missing a sail. But as she's done at least once before Penny has decided enough is enough. If she can manage to achieve her goals whilst still opening herself up a bit more, sure there might be some risks and she could get hurt, but she'll also live a lot more.

An entertaining and intriguing story which also includes several aspects of the magical world and it's creatures rarely considered in many books. The beauty, but also the savagery of many races and breeds living together is highlighted through the plot. Devoted best friends and token minorities help to complete a well rounded cast. With Penny coming into her own the stage is set for a rewarding series in the fantastical magical hotspot of the east coast. Great action and suspense, humour and drama, Fire Song is about recovering from a life of abuse, of one kind or another. About finding the strength to live your own life for that life's sake and not just what benefit it offers to others. And having the courage to find a new life unencumbered by the cruxes of your past.
Profile Image for Heather.
186 reviews
January 5, 2021
This was a free read through Bookbub and Amazon. Not a bad start to a supernatural urban mystery/suspense series. Not every “plot twist” was obvious. The characters were fleshed out enough to have interest in what happens to them. Not a fan of the rather trite ending, but I’m guessing when it was written the author didn’t know if this was going to be a series. If I saw the next book available for free I would probably read it, but don’t know that I would spend money on it.
Trigger warnings- domestic violence, violence, miscarriage, graphic sex.
1,714 reviews10 followers
December 11, 2020
Penny agrees to help Detective Flint find the serial killer. Someone is killing young female dragons. There are many secrets and things going on. I like what Penny does to the biker gang that is trying g to extort money from her. This was a fun read with lots of action. I recommend this book and will now have to get the rest of the series.
13 reviews
January 5, 2021
Dragons. Vampires, gargoyles, drakes.

I love sll sorts of magical creatures. The different customs and abilities of these msgicsl creatures and the way that the good ones and the bad ones interact with human society always thrills and entrances me. It was a thoroughly enjoyable book that kept me wanting to leep reading.

150 reviews1 follower
September 24, 2023
Great read!

This is a new Arthur for me. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters. The interactions of the characters was fun and interesting. Found it highly entertaining. This book was a bit different from my normal read. I appreciated the intrigue leading up to the killer reveal. I recommend you read this book.
Profile Image for Cristine Hand.
115 reviews1 follower
January 21, 2018
This is an amazing start of a series. What a wonderful page turner to read. I really enjoy how the author portrayed each character and their story. Looking forward to reading the next book. I received this book in a boxed for free in an exchange for an honest review for each book.
51 reviews2 followers
December 9, 2020
A different dragon shifter book

This dragon shifter book was unlike any I have read before. Real characters with real problems that they were working through. I finished the book looking forward to seeing what comes next.
969 reviews2 followers
December 11, 2020
Enjoyable

This is the first book I have read by this author, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was an interesting story and I look forward to learning more about what happens in the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Kathy Zuercher Diveley.
1,602 reviews11 followers
December 16, 2020
Penny and Lachlin

Penny is a dragon shifter, was mated to Alistair another dragon who was abusive. She divorced him, and bought a hotel. Now she is helping Lachlin, who is a cop investigating the murder of young lady dragons.
Profile Image for Veronica Strachan.
Author 5 books40 followers
December 21, 2020
Unique magical world

Fire Song presented a unique and intriguing magical world. It's a mix of adventure and crime, with some interspecies romantic tension and a protagonist trying to find her independence from a traumatic past.
Profile Image for Dana Wood.
631 reviews3 followers
January 20, 2021
I don't know why but this took me forever to read. I really liked the murder mystery, the use of supernatural creatures and magic and of course a little sexual tension. I should not start books before the holidays because I dont have time to invest in reading!
671 reviews3 followers
February 18, 2021
Brilliant

I am not a fan of vampire stories but this was brilliantly different... Vampires dragons ,gargoyles,and strange inbetween creatures that live side by side with humans in an exciting whodunit mystery
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews

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