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Dragonbound #1
Dragonbound
Virginia St. George—of the dragon-slaying St. George dynasty—has the brains and bloodline that define her family’s legacy, but she’s never been good at following in their footsteps. She doesn’t have the powerful magic every St. George is born with or the sword-wielding skills of the paladins—like her sister, Celeste—who bravely combat their fire-breathing foes. Even worse, a past tragedy has left Virginia with a crippling fear of dragons…and facing arranged marriage to an aging nobleman eager for heirs. But when Celeste is kidnapped by an infamous dragon clan, Virginia must make a daring rescue and defy the fear that has tormented her for years.
Virginia can’t do it alone, and her only ally is the notorious criminal she’s freed from her family’s dungeon. Who better to guide her into the dragons’ lair than one of their own? To save her flesh and blood, Virginia will risk her life—even if her first quest proves her final undoing.
Virginia can’t do it alone, and her only ally is the notorious criminal she’s freed from her family’s dungeon. Who better to guide her into the dragons’ lair than one of their own? To save her flesh and blood, Virginia will risk her life—even if her first quest proves her final undoing.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 9, 2016
186 people are currently reading
1358 people want to read
About the author
Chelsea M. Campbell
28 books311 followersChelsea M. Campbell grew up in the Pacific Northwest, where it rains a lot. And then rains some more. She finished her first novel when she was twelve, sent it out, and promptly got rejected. Since then she's written many more novels, earned a degree in Latin and Ancient Greek, become an obsessive knitter and fiber artist, and started a collection of glass grapes. Besides writing, studying ancient languages, and collecting useless objects, Chelsea is a pop-culture fangirl at heart and can often be found rewatching episodes of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Parks and Recreation, or dying a lot in Dark Souls.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
March 16, 2017
Did I enjoy this? Yes and no.
I personally found Virginia to be insufferable for much of the book. Granted her attitude towards Dragons was understandable; she pretty much stood by helplessly while her mom was killed rather brutally by one, which when you're a St. George - aka one of the best Dragon Killer Families Ever - this isn't the best thing. Add in the fact her older sister is the literal BEST at everything (except being a supportive, understanding older sister), her best friend wouldn't marry her to save her from an arranged marriage with a guy older than her father and the complete inability to have any say in her future...yeah okay I understand her issues.
What I couldn't get past however was how WHINY she sounded. Originally I went into this book thinking it was 16+ YA crowd, but Virginia comes off as much younger than her age. She's not proactive nor reactive, she just IS and whatever she IS frustrates her. She doesn't take steps to alleviate this, nor to think for herself much. She's been told, and has seen, that all dragons are evil evil bastards intent on killing all of human kind - never mind that the "baddest" of them all saved her life and got tossed in prison and tortured for his good deed. She's been told that dragons can't be reasoned with and are driven by their bloodlust, never mind they have an entire SOCIETY that no seems to know about complete with their own customs and families.
Virginia exists in such an unnuanced place that it takes a long time for her to see otherwise even when the otherwise is smacking her in the face.
Points in the favor of the book however include Amelrik - who puts up with A LOT, not just from Virginia but his own family while PROTECTING Virginia, the fast pacing of the story and the stand alone nature. Campbell ties up the loose ends very well and gives a satisfactory ending.
You just have to get through Virginia first.
I personally found Virginia to be insufferable for much of the book. Granted her attitude towards Dragons was understandable; she pretty much stood by helplessly while her mom was killed rather brutally by one, which when you're a St. George - aka one of the best Dragon Killer Families Ever - this isn't the best thing. Add in the fact her older sister is the literal BEST at everything (except being a supportive, understanding older sister), her best friend wouldn't marry her to save her from an arranged marriage with a guy older than her father and the complete inability to have any say in her future...yeah okay I understand her issues.
What I couldn't get past however was how WHINY she sounded. Originally I went into this book thinking it was 16+ YA crowd, but Virginia comes off as much younger than her age. She's not proactive nor reactive, she just IS and whatever she IS frustrates her. She doesn't take steps to alleviate this, nor to think for herself much. She's been told, and has seen, that all dragons are evil evil bastards intent on killing all of human kind - never mind that the "baddest" of them all saved her life and got tossed in prison and tortured for his good deed. She's been told that dragons can't be reasoned with and are driven by their bloodlust, never mind they have an entire SOCIETY that no seems to know about complete with their own customs and families.
Virginia exists in such an unnuanced place that it takes a long time for her to see otherwise even when the otherwise is smacking her in the face.
Points in the favor of the book however include Amelrik - who puts up with A LOT, not just from Virginia but his own family while PROTECTING Virginia, the fast pacing of the story and the stand alone nature. Campbell ties up the loose ends very well and gives a satisfactory ending.
You just have to get through Virginia first.
March 16, 2019
Low-key still have no idea what this book was even about.
Dragonbound was meh. Quick read but meh. In it you will meet Virginia. Now her life kind of sucks because she has no magic. It always sucks that her dad just kind of wants to give her away to the highest bidder. All for the cause of producing kids . Being a girl sucks sometimes.
Now this book was confusing - like so freaking confusing. I had no idea where things were going at times.. and when romance just kind of went 0-100... I was thoroughly confused. Other than that, there's some twists and turns in this book.. but nothing really happens.
Overall, I'm glad this book was over and I hope it never becomes a series. Mostly because Virginia was an annoying MC and I don't want to read another book about her. Or the whole ending was just terrible. We know absolutely nothing that is going to happen and I also just don't care at this point.
Dragonbound was meh. Quick read but meh. In it you will meet Virginia. Now her life kind of sucks because she has no magic. It always sucks that her dad just kind of wants to give her away to the highest bidder. All for the cause of producing kids . Being a girl sucks sometimes.
Now this book was confusing - like so freaking confusing. I had no idea where things were going at times.. and when romance just kind of went 0-100... I was thoroughly confused. Other than that, there's some twists and turns in this book.. but nothing really happens.
Overall, I'm glad this book was over and I hope it never becomes a series. Mostly because Virginia was an annoying MC and I don't want to read another book about her. Or the whole ending was just terrible. We know absolutely nothing that is going to happen and I also just don't care at this point.
June 17, 2016
Early copy, honest review, blah blah blah, you know the drill.
Dragonbound is an interesting story for me to review, because I typically can't stand romances… and yet I absolutely loved this book. Chelsea Campbell is great at finding the sweet balancing point between a moving plot, well delivered humor, and genuine sweet romance. It's a rare precious combination and why I consider her one of the best authors out there today.
One of the little things I enjoyed about Dragonbound was how it subverts the shifter romance genre. Amelrik, the dragon and romance interest, has more in common with a friend you might've had in high school than the typically flat personality lizard with a libido typical for the shifter romance sub-genre. He has fears, insecurities, aspirations, hobbies, doubts, goals, and all of this slowly unfolds as the story progresses. Amelrik is deeper than a typical love interest and honestly I found it so refreshing.
Virginia, the protagonist, does a lot of growing in this novel. She starts the novel with a lot of baggage, flaws, and limitations. But all those things exist so she can address and triumph over them. Virginia's growth as a character is bumpy but so very natural at the same time. I enjoyed seeing her preconceptions about her natural enemies be challenged as she adapted to an entire world outside of her comfort zone. She also reminded me a lot of Daimen, protagonist of Chelsea's other amazing series Renegade X, and that's no small praise. I really recommend you check that out.
Dragonbound is an interesting story for me to review, because I typically can't stand romances… and yet I absolutely loved this book. Chelsea Campbell is great at finding the sweet balancing point between a moving plot, well delivered humor, and genuine sweet romance. It's a rare precious combination and why I consider her one of the best authors out there today.
One of the little things I enjoyed about Dragonbound was how it subverts the shifter romance genre. Amelrik, the dragon and romance interest, has more in common with a friend you might've had in high school than the typically flat personality lizard with a libido typical for the shifter romance sub-genre. He has fears, insecurities, aspirations, hobbies, doubts, goals, and all of this slowly unfolds as the story progresses. Amelrik is deeper than a typical love interest and honestly I found it so refreshing.
Virginia, the protagonist, does a lot of growing in this novel. She starts the novel with a lot of baggage, flaws, and limitations. But all those things exist so she can address and triumph over them. Virginia's growth as a character is bumpy but so very natural at the same time. I enjoyed seeing her preconceptions about her natural enemies be challenged as she adapted to an entire world outside of her comfort zone. She also reminded me a lot of Daimen, protagonist of Chelsea's other amazing series Renegade X, and that's no small praise. I really recommend you check that out.
March 25, 2019
At the start of this book I really thought I was going to be in for a wild ride. The FMC Virginia had my undivided attention from the first sentence of the book.
"I want to punch everyone at this party in the face."
I mean come on, as far as Epic first sentences go that one ranks right up there at the top! I'm collecting epic first sentences and this one is getting tucked away into the collection for sure. Unfortunately after the epicness of that sentence things went straight down hill for me. As far as premises go, the plot line of the story was a little weak, almost like a little side short story thats a spinoff of a series. For me, it was the way the plot points came about just oh so conveniently but not really influeced at all by the main characters at all. The story was happening to them instead of them leading and influencing it in the direction the author wants it to go. Usually for me, that happens when the characters are weak. I'm not really sure that was the case with this book, Virginia from the get go seemed like a really strong personality, and strong willed type of character. The problem was she was incredibly annoying, like nails on a chalkboard.. I can't even count the amount of times I was rolling my eyes during one of her intense, poor pitiful me, inner monologues. For such a short book, I was amazed that there was any room left on the pages for any story whatsoever. It wasn't just the ramblings of a young teenager, it was like soul crushing anxiety, back and forth arguing, my life is over, why me monologues... My eyes twitch in fear at the thought of rereading them.
Virginia St George has come of age, unfortunately her family magic did not come with that age. Now here she is being auctioned off to her fathers old cronies for a brood mare... that is until a handsome prince appears. Gaining hope that she might just avoid the cronies in the corner staring at her like choice beef she allows herself to dream of becoming a princess... well until all her hopes come crashing down minutes later as her prince is revealed as a dragon. Panic ensues as her family and the fellow paladins gear up to fight the dragon as the legacies before them. During the fight one dragon is captured. For some reason Virginia is drawn to that dragon, and after her sister goes missing during a mission that dragon may be her sisters only hope. So she rescues him from the dungeon and journeys with him off to get her sister, eventually learning she has severe PTSD and that is why she can't use her magic like her family. (it never says that... those are my conclusions, its never really explained why other than "because you don't want your magic") Discovering that dragon shifters aren't what she has always been taught, and finding a soul mate with the same issues of not fitting in that she has, she begins facing her past, and all the teachings of hate from centuries of paladins. Virginia decides some changes need to be made. Love conquers all.. maybe we don't really know since we never got to see any effects of her decision and no progress or change had been made except in Virginia.
A little anticlimactic and abrupt on the end side. I might be convinced to continue the story, as Virginia's tale ended pretty complete, but only if she isn't the FMC of the next one. There is only so much I can handle.
"I want to punch everyone at this party in the face."
I mean come on, as far as Epic first sentences go that one ranks right up there at the top! I'm collecting epic first sentences and this one is getting tucked away into the collection for sure. Unfortunately after the epicness of that sentence things went straight down hill for me. As far as premises go, the plot line of the story was a little weak, almost like a little side short story thats a spinoff of a series. For me, it was the way the plot points came about just oh so conveniently but not really influeced at all by the main characters at all. The story was happening to them instead of them leading and influencing it in the direction the author wants it to go. Usually for me, that happens when the characters are weak. I'm not really sure that was the case with this book, Virginia from the get go seemed like a really strong personality, and strong willed type of character. The problem was she was incredibly annoying, like nails on a chalkboard.. I can't even count the amount of times I was rolling my eyes during one of her intense, poor pitiful me, inner monologues. For such a short book, I was amazed that there was any room left on the pages for any story whatsoever. It wasn't just the ramblings of a young teenager, it was like soul crushing anxiety, back and forth arguing, my life is over, why me monologues... My eyes twitch in fear at the thought of rereading them.
Virginia St George has come of age, unfortunately her family magic did not come with that age. Now here she is being auctioned off to her fathers old cronies for a brood mare... that is until a handsome prince appears. Gaining hope that she might just avoid the cronies in the corner staring at her like choice beef she allows herself to dream of becoming a princess... well until all her hopes come crashing down minutes later as her prince is revealed as a dragon. Panic ensues as her family and the fellow paladins gear up to fight the dragon as the legacies before them. During the fight one dragon is captured. For some reason Virginia is drawn to that dragon, and after her sister goes missing during a mission that dragon may be her sisters only hope. So she rescues him from the dungeon and journeys with him off to get her sister, eventually learning she has severe PTSD and that is why she can't use her magic like her family. (it never says that... those are my conclusions, its never really explained why other than "because you don't want your magic") Discovering that dragon shifters aren't what she has always been taught, and finding a soul mate with the same issues of not fitting in that she has, she begins facing her past, and all the teachings of hate from centuries of paladins. Virginia decides some changes need to be made. Love conquers all.. maybe we don't really know since we never got to see any effects of her decision and no progress or change had been made except in Virginia.
A little anticlimactic and abrupt on the end side. I might be convinced to continue the story, as Virginia's tale ended pretty complete, but only if she isn't the FMC of the next one. There is only so much I can handle.
March 14, 2019
Virginia St. George is the only one in her family with no magic - something that is important to a dragon-slaying family like hers. Since she cannot be a Paladin (warrior), her father tries to marry her off. At a ball full of potential suitors, a prince her age asks her to dance. Initially, Virginia is excited about the prospect of not having to marry one of the old men that her father has chosen, until the young prince turns out to be a dragon in disguise. He is revealed by another dragon in attendance, Almelrik, who is captured by the Paladins. Later, Virginia's sister, Celeste, is captured by a dragon clan and Virginia determines that Almelrik is the only one that can help her free her sister. She breaks him out and they begin their journey to the prince's clan to free Celeste. Along the way, she learns that not all dragons are bad.
Hmm, what to say? I listened to the audio version of this book, and it might be a case where the narrator is influencing my feelings of this book....but I don't think so. I found Virginia's character to be extremely whiny, bratty and all around annoying. Most of the time she behaved like a 12-year-old, yet she talked about sex a lot. It really disrupted the YA feel of the book/plot. As for the plot itself, each time I got interested in what was happening, something ridiculously stupid would happen and my interest would wane. The plot holes were a real problem for me. I doubt I will continue the series.
Hmm, what to say? I listened to the audio version of this book, and it might be a case where the narrator is influencing my feelings of this book....but I don't think so. I found Virginia's character to be extremely whiny, bratty and all around annoying. Most of the time she behaved like a 12-year-old, yet she talked about sex a lot. It really disrupted the YA feel of the book/plot. As for the plot itself, each time I got interested in what was happening, something ridiculously stupid would happen and my interest would wane. The plot holes were a real problem for me. I doubt I will continue the series.
December 16, 2016
"Virgin" and Amelrik are amazing characters. This book is funny, touching and quite a ride. I highly recommend listening to the audio book. Prejudice is an uncomfortable subject no matter if it's in the real or paranormal world. Virginia matured and fell in love with a dragon. Was her story easy? Heck no. I enjoyed the journey. Happy reading!
January 27, 2017
17 Year Olds Don't Need a Sex Obsession
Sure, if you're father is trying to marry you off to a 50+ year old man before your seventeenth birthday, you might be apprehensive about the husband-wife relationship. However, once you've escaped that fate, sex doesn't need to be such an obsession. Especially if you've run off with your worst fear. Instead of engraving the growing relationship between the 2 main characters, all the talk about wanting to share a bed or get your boobs touched is just degrading. I am generally a fan of dragon lore and thought the premise of this story was intriguing. However, three-quarters of the way through the book I finally put it down. Too much sex-related filler. It detracted from the story and weakened the book's premise. The whole plot would just come to a standstill so a dragon could talk about human sex vs dragon sex or something equally ridiculous. I should have put this book down in the first hundred pages.
Sure, if you're father is trying to marry you off to a 50+ year old man before your seventeenth birthday, you might be apprehensive about the husband-wife relationship. However, once you've escaped that fate, sex doesn't need to be such an obsession. Especially if you've run off with your worst fear. Instead of engraving the growing relationship between the 2 main characters, all the talk about wanting to share a bed or get your boobs touched is just degrading. I am generally a fan of dragon lore and thought the premise of this story was intriguing. However, three-quarters of the way through the book I finally put it down. Too much sex-related filler. It detracted from the story and weakened the book's premise. The whole plot would just come to a standstill so a dragon could talk about human sex vs dragon sex or something equally ridiculous. I should have put this book down in the first hundred pages.
January 6, 2017
****3.5****
It is free via Kindle Unlimited.
This book was not what I thought it would be. However, I still enjoyed reading it. It had a cutesy vibe to it and the narration sounded young to me. Say, 15ish? It does seem like a standalone book.
Story overall is pretty good. Dragons is what lured me to read this one. It is a fast read. We're introduced to the world of dragons, paladins and humans. There isn't a whole lot of world building except that dragons are evil and will kill for their benefits. World is divided pretty much but there isn't much background as to why? Again, being standalone I get that there is only so much you can cram in a book.
The story revolves around Virginia St. George who belongs to the paladin family yet is not one of them cuz she has no magic. Unlike her sister, Celeste, who is supposedly a badass paladin. Virginia is snarky, bitter, lonely, whiny at times and is tired of everyone trying to compare her to her sister and feeling useless. She's also cooped up in the barracks for several years due to the tragedy that happened in her past. She is afraid of dragons and feels safe in her home. However, due to an incident she's brought face to face with not just 1 but 2 dragons (Lothar and Amelrik) and a crash course into their world. Soon after brings on a chain reaction to where she is forced to leave her safe place and travel to the dragon land along with a fellow dragon Amelrik.
Amelrik , on the other hand, is bitter, insecure, lonely, guarded, broken and doesn't trust people. Both of them are vary of each other for various reasons. However, their journey together opens them to a new bond that they didn't know was possible. They are both indeed broken and have things in common despite living different lives.
The story deals with underlying messages about tolerance, understanding, prejudices, insecurities, love, friendship, finding common ground, and also sheds some light on just because someone is different by birth, color, creed, or whatever reason doesn't make them a pariah. Everyone is unique and deserves a chance/love irrespective of who or what they are. This is not an action book although there are brief action scenes in the book.
There is no love triangle. The story is pretty straightforward with some underlying issues dealt with.
It is free via Kindle Unlimited.
This book was not what I thought it would be. However, I still enjoyed reading it. It had a cutesy vibe to it and the narration sounded young to me. Say, 15ish? It does seem like a standalone book.
Story overall is pretty good. Dragons is what lured me to read this one. It is a fast read. We're introduced to the world of dragons, paladins and humans. There isn't a whole lot of world building except that dragons are evil and will kill for their benefits. World is divided pretty much but there isn't much background as to why? Again, being standalone I get that there is only so much you can cram in a book.
The story revolves around Virginia St. George who belongs to the paladin family yet is not one of them cuz she has no magic. Unlike her sister, Celeste, who is supposedly a badass paladin. Virginia is snarky, bitter, lonely, whiny at times and is tired of everyone trying to compare her to her sister and feeling useless. She's also cooped up in the barracks for several years due to the tragedy that happened in her past. She is afraid of dragons and feels safe in her home. However, due to an incident she's brought face to face with not just 1 but 2 dragons (Lothar and Amelrik) and a crash course into their world. Soon after brings on a chain reaction to where she is forced to leave her safe place and travel to the dragon land along with a fellow dragon Amelrik.
Amelrik , on the other hand, is bitter, insecure, lonely, guarded, broken and doesn't trust people. Both of them are vary of each other for various reasons. However, their journey together opens them to a new bond that they didn't know was possible. They are both indeed broken and have things in common despite living different lives.
The story deals with underlying messages about tolerance, understanding, prejudices, insecurities, love, friendship, finding common ground, and also sheds some light on just because someone is different by birth, color, creed, or whatever reason doesn't make them a pariah. Everyone is unique and deserves a chance/love irrespective of who or what they are. This is not an action book although there are brief action scenes in the book.
There is no love triangle. The story is pretty straightforward with some underlying issues dealt with.
October 1, 2016
This is such an amazing fantasy book. I couldn't put it down literally. I had started the book during the day and at night I gave up everything else I wanted to do so I could sit down and read as much as possible. The drama and suspense in this book is amazing.
Virginia is such a complex character who has such an arrange of emotions and such loyalty to her friends and family. Well most of her family. She's been the weird girl that no one wants to spend time with since her saw her Mother died right in front of her while at the market. This event makes Virginia stay in the confines of the barracks because she has a fear of dragons. She stays in the barracks for four and a half years before something happens that makes her want to leave.
The St. George's are known for their blood line and dragon binding powers. Virginia's father and her sister Celeste have those powers. Virginia never developed them so she's been cast a side. Virginia must either figure out a way to harness her Paladin power or be married off.
Virginia meets Amelrik at a party that is being thrown for her sister Celeste and to help find a suitor for Virginia. Amelrik saves Virginia's life all while ending up in the dungeon of the barracks. Virginia feels a connection to Amelrik that she just can't let go of. After a horrifying event that includes Celeste. Virginia decides to take matters into her own hands.
Can Virginia figure out a way to save the day and figure out what would make her happy?
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good fantasy book and dragons.
Virginia is such a complex character who has such an arrange of emotions and such loyalty to her friends and family. Well most of her family. She's been the weird girl that no one wants to spend time with since her saw her Mother died right in front of her while at the market. This event makes Virginia stay in the confines of the barracks because she has a fear of dragons. She stays in the barracks for four and a half years before something happens that makes her want to leave.
The St. George's are known for their blood line and dragon binding powers. Virginia's father and her sister Celeste have those powers. Virginia never developed them so she's been cast a side. Virginia must either figure out a way to harness her Paladin power or be married off.
Virginia meets Amelrik at a party that is being thrown for her sister Celeste and to help find a suitor for Virginia. Amelrik saves Virginia's life all while ending up in the dungeon of the barracks. Virginia feels a connection to Amelrik that she just can't let go of. After a horrifying event that includes Celeste. Virginia decides to take matters into her own hands.
Can Virginia figure out a way to save the day and figure out what would make her happy?
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good fantasy book and dragons.
February 10, 2017
Almost
There were so many things that I liked about this but a couple of key things that I did not. I liked the witty banter, the heroines voice and even the overcoming prejudice theme. I did not like the occasional slow moments, her preoccupation with sex and especially her lack of value for waiting for marriage. Be warned, while there is no graphic description of doing the deed, it's still PG-13. Not clean enough for me.
There were so many things that I liked about this but a couple of key things that I did not. I liked the witty banter, the heroines voice and even the overcoming prejudice theme. I did not like the occasional slow moments, her preoccupation with sex and especially her lack of value for waiting for marriage. Be warned, while there is no graphic description of doing the deed, it's still PG-13. Not clean enough for me.
August 6, 2019
DNF at 90%
Books like this can fall into 3 categories for me, Hidden Gem, Comfort-Food and A Mistake.
Suffice to say it's the latter.
We start with Virginia (Vee) "I want to punch everyone in the face" St. George. A very relatable sentiment, as I too want to punch each and every one of the characters in the face, or better yet get someone else to do it. The stupidity might be contagious.
Anyway I'm getting ahead of myself let's start slow, like the book did. Well it started that way and never picked up pace but that's another topic.
Celeste and Virginia are sisters. On that note, can you see the difference in the naming already? We will get to that. They're from a line of special people (in this book we call them paladins) and Celeste has inherited powers, Virginia hasn't. We know this because there was a Tragic EventTM in her past. An event so traumatic, I might add, that it left her unable to do anything useful in the past seven? or so years. Her mom was killed by a dragon. Talk about plot device.
Now, of course that doesn't mean that she has anything what you could call personality or depth. She doesn't grow as a character or overcome her fears (actually they just kinda vanish at some point?) The entire point of her existence is to be extremely full of herself, all the while denying her ability to change anything about her oh-so-awful-situation and whining to anyone willing to listen. A character calls her out for this, Torrin, her supposed best friend (and if she had her wishes, get-out-of-jail coughs I mean get-out-of-arranged-marriage for free hubbie) and she has the audacity to give his words about as much consideration as the buzzing of an insect. Because he insulted her, how dare he question her? What a bastard!
To the plot again. On the evening of Vee's senior and senile exclusive marriage auction, sorry I meant the unspecific ball that happened only for this reason, things go horribly wrong because two dragons appear (for reasons that are super vague and don't hold up under closer inspection) and make a mess. One of them finds himself captured and put into the dungeon. Cue the "why do they like each other again" romance.
Amelrik is so bland I can't even begin to describe it. He's so evil and Vee hates him like she hates all dragons but she also clearly sees he's good inside. Aww. Rolls eyes. Celeste, the character with most sense by far, warns her away from him. Which of course has the opposite effect. So they meet a few times, Virginia seeing right through his insults and "stay away from me" act, because she's so insightful (haha..ha..). He calls her "Virgin." I don't even have to say anything to this, it's like kicking someone who's already down.
More plot happens, Celeste is gone, people think she's dead. Only Vee knows she's not because Amelrik said that she isn't and that has to be the truth. It's not like he's a known liar. Okay he is but she's seen through his facade, he's a good guy! So has she races to rescue her sister who was captured by the other evil dragon from earlier, denying her family and everyone else, they were all mean to her anyway! Especially that father that blamed her for everything! Nothing good was ever in her life! Now she's free! ... Sigh. She steals the key to get Amelrik out of the dungeon and together they run.
The rest isn't worth writing coherent sentences for. They get found by Torrin. Somehow Vee pisses him off and he leaves? Honestly, I would have done the same but considering he wanted to kill Amelrik I was surprised to see him just vanish into thin air from one chapter to the next. But ok. Some situation endangers dragon boy, causing Vee to find her magic to save him. He tricks her to go home to his family instead of going after Celeste immediately like Vee wanted. (May I take this second to say Vee's plan had about a 0.0% chance of working? I mean. Can you even call it a plan when she hasn't thought beyond getting there? What did she want to do? Just kinda stumble into the middle of an evil dragon lair and improvise?) But she forgives him in about 0.5 seconds because he's hurting inside and sooo nice, and they hugged while asleep and they're practically in love now. And now they can chill out there and watch dragon olympics, because there's a festival coming up that is apparently a good distraction for their rescue plan. So yea, lets just leave Celeste in the clutches of the evil dragon for a few weeks, that's calm.
Okay???
I skipped a lot of pages. Stuff happens but it doesn't matter and is boring. (Aka said dragon sport event) I got 90% in because I was unreasonably stubborn before deciding I should cut my losses and not waste anymore time.
I simplified some things here but the details make it worse rather than better, so there's that. Just... don't read the book.
Books like this can fall into 3 categories for me, Hidden Gem, Comfort-Food and A Mistake.
Suffice to say it's the latter.
We start with Virginia (Vee) "I want to punch everyone in the face" St. George. A very relatable sentiment, as I too want to punch each and every one of the characters in the face, or better yet get someone else to do it. The stupidity might be contagious.
Anyway I'm getting ahead of myself let's start slow, like the book did. Well it started that way and never picked up pace but that's another topic.
Celeste and Virginia are sisters. On that note, can you see the difference in the naming already? We will get to that. They're from a line of special people (in this book we call them paladins) and Celeste has inherited powers, Virginia hasn't. We know this because there was a Tragic EventTM in her past. An event so traumatic, I might add, that it left her unable to do anything useful in the past seven? or so years. Her mom was killed by a dragon. Talk about plot device.
Now, of course that doesn't mean that she has anything what you could call personality or depth. She doesn't grow as a character or overcome her fears (actually they just kinda vanish at some point?) The entire point of her existence is to be extremely full of herself, all the while denying her ability to change anything about her oh-so-awful-situation and whining to anyone willing to listen. A character calls her out for this, Torrin, her supposed best friend (and if she had her wishes, get-out-of-jail coughs I mean get-out-of-arranged-marriage for free hubbie) and she has the audacity to give his words about as much consideration as the buzzing of an insect. Because he insulted her, how dare he question her? What a bastard!
To the plot again. On the evening of Vee's senior and senile exclusive marriage auction, sorry I meant the unspecific ball that happened only for this reason, things go horribly wrong because two dragons appear (for reasons that are super vague and don't hold up under closer inspection) and make a mess. One of them finds himself captured and put into the dungeon. Cue the "why do they like each other again" romance.
Amelrik is so bland I can't even begin to describe it. He's so evil and Vee hates him like she hates all dragons but she also clearly sees he's good inside. Aww. Rolls eyes. Celeste, the character with most sense by far, warns her away from him. Which of course has the opposite effect. So they meet a few times, Virginia seeing right through his insults and "stay away from me" act, because she's so insightful (haha..ha..). He calls her "Virgin." I don't even have to say anything to this, it's like kicking someone who's already down.
More plot happens, Celeste is gone, people think she's dead. Only Vee knows she's not because Amelrik said that she isn't and that has to be the truth. It's not like he's a known liar. Okay he is but she's seen through his facade, he's a good guy! So has she races to rescue her sister who was captured by the other evil dragon from earlier, denying her family and everyone else, they were all mean to her anyway! Especially that father that blamed her for everything! Nothing good was ever in her life! Now she's free! ... Sigh. She steals the key to get Amelrik out of the dungeon and together they run.
The rest isn't worth writing coherent sentences for. They get found by Torrin. Somehow Vee pisses him off and he leaves? Honestly, I would have done the same but considering he wanted to kill Amelrik I was surprised to see him just vanish into thin air from one chapter to the next. But ok. Some situation endangers dragon boy, causing Vee to find her magic to save him. He tricks her to go home to his family instead of going after Celeste immediately like Vee wanted. (May I take this second to say Vee's plan had about a 0.0% chance of working? I mean. Can you even call it a plan when she hasn't thought beyond getting there? What did she want to do? Just kinda stumble into the middle of an evil dragon lair and improvise?) But she forgives him in about 0.5 seconds because he's hurting inside and sooo nice, and they hugged while asleep and they're practically in love now. And now they can chill out there and watch dragon olympics, because there's a festival coming up that is apparently a good distraction for their rescue plan. So yea, lets just leave Celeste in the clutches of the evil dragon for a few weeks, that's calm.
Okay???
I skipped a lot of pages. Stuff happens but it doesn't matter and is boring. (Aka said dragon sport event) I got 90% in because I was unreasonably stubborn before deciding I should cut my losses and not waste anymore time.
I simplified some things here but the details make it worse rather than better, so there's that. Just... don't read the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2017
A wonderful read
I picked this book up by pure chance, but I couldn't put it down! I loved it. I'm sure anyone who's a fan of Twilight would be able to enjoy this book, too!
I picked this book up by pure chance, but I couldn't put it down! I loved it. I'm sure anyone who's a fan of Twilight would be able to enjoy this book, too!
August 23, 2016
Another great book by Chelsea Campbell!
Taking the idea of two people meeting from opposite sides to a whole new level, Virginia and Amelrik are one of the most fascinating relationships I have read in a while. Not just because they have the opposite sides thing, but because they have actually done things that are not pleasant. This is no cloying little Romeo and Juliet where each are innocent of any past offences; Virginia has supported Paladins killing dragons and Amelrik has has worked to coerce many to their deaths. They are not star-crossed lovers and their is plenty of baggage between the two. This simply made it far more realistic and quite amazing to read.
Laid out early on is that trust is a big thing in this book. After all, how can you trust the one person who is supposed to have their life mission to be to kill you? Well, both Virginia and Amelrik need to figure this out. The thing is trust is important in all relationships and they have had a severe lack of it in their own lives. From Virginia's father blaming her and selling her off, to even her own best friend not trusting that her trauma and magical inability aren't just an excuse, Virginia has never really had anyone to turn to with complete trust. For Amelrik, being given away as a political hostage to a rival clan, he has lived a complicated life where everything he says and ever action he has made were meant to have weight, a weight that is heavy to bear alone. Finding trust between each other is not easy but it is something that has the chance to develop given time and circumstance and the way that Campbell set it up was fantastic! It made for such a captivating, sweet, and at times hilarious read that I keep going back over it in my head. Such a good book!
Taking the idea of two people meeting from opposite sides to a whole new level, Virginia and Amelrik are one of the most fascinating relationships I have read in a while. Not just because they have the opposite sides thing, but because they have actually done things that are not pleasant. This is no cloying little Romeo and Juliet where each are innocent of any past offences; Virginia has supported Paladins killing dragons and Amelrik has has worked to coerce many to their deaths. They are not star-crossed lovers and their is plenty of baggage between the two. This simply made it far more realistic and quite amazing to read.
Laid out early on is that trust is a big thing in this book. After all, how can you trust the one person who is supposed to have their life mission to be to kill you? Well, both Virginia and Amelrik need to figure this out. The thing is trust is important in all relationships and they have had a severe lack of it in their own lives. From Virginia's father blaming her and selling her off, to even her own best friend not trusting that her trauma and magical inability aren't just an excuse, Virginia has never really had anyone to turn to with complete trust. For Amelrik, being given away as a political hostage to a rival clan, he has lived a complicated life where everything he says and ever action he has made were meant to have weight, a weight that is heavy to bear alone. Finding trust between each other is not easy but it is something that has the chance to develop given time and circumstance and the way that Campbell set it up was fantastic! It made for such a captivating, sweet, and at times hilarious read that I keep going back over it in my head. Such a good book!
December 26, 2016
Ok YA / Coming of age story set in a fantasy realm. Main problem was the self absorbed MC - most of the book was her stream of consciousness. While it was not as bad as some, a lot of her issues had an actual basis, it did leave the world feeling like an unfinished canvas. There was almost no expositition and world building. Which is sad, because there were some interesting ideas expressed, but never developed, in this fantasy world.
August 22, 2016
Aw! That was Cute!
I really enjoyed this book! I'm a big fan of the author's Renegade X series and noticed that the main characters in both of the books share a bit of that great, self-depreciating humor in their internal narrative. I look forward to the next books both these series!
I really enjoyed this book! I'm a big fan of the author's Renegade X series and noticed that the main characters in both of the books share a bit of that great, self-depreciating humor in their internal narrative. I look forward to the next books both these series!
August 21, 2016
I loved this book
I couldn't put this book down. It was brilliant from start to finish.
It was about how a Dragon slayer with no powers overcomes her prejudices to save her sister. Along the way she falls in love with a Dragon. Throughout, the book is a Mic of adventure, humour and romance. It is exceptionally written and I look forward to reading more.
I couldn't put this book down. It was brilliant from start to finish.
It was about how a Dragon slayer with no powers overcomes her prejudices to save her sister. Along the way she falls in love with a Dragon. Throughout, the book is a Mic of adventure, humour and romance. It is exceptionally written and I look forward to reading more.
September 12, 2016
Amazing!
Just when you think you know what is going to happen, your world is turned upsidedown. A book filled with thrilling adventure, daring rescues, and a forbidden romance that keeps your heart pounding and the pages turning. I highly recommend this book to anyone that has a taste for sarcasm,dragons, and true love.
Just when you think you know what is going to happen, your world is turned upsidedown. A book filled with thrilling adventure, daring rescues, and a forbidden romance that keeps your heart pounding and the pages turning. I highly recommend this book to anyone that has a taste for sarcasm,dragons, and true love.
September 8, 2016
It was amazing
This book was everything I wanted it to be and more action adventure and romance. It was everything a then girl would want to read about.
This book was everything I wanted it to be and more action adventure and romance. It was everything a then girl would want to read about.
November 6, 2019
A two star ok book, with minus one star for a whinny, immature main character.
March 25, 2019
This book.. was interesting enough.
Let me start off by saying that I don't like reading books written in present tense, and this book is.. well.. written in present tense. (as in, it is written "I am going into the store" rather than "I went to the store") After getting over that hiccup and trying to focus more on the story, I was intrigued enough. I do feel like there was a lack of depth in the story telling. Everything was kind of grazed over and there was nothing really detailed and explained thoroughly. The concept was really interesting; Dragon's that can turn into human form and human dragon slayers known as Paladins. Naturally, there is animosity between the two races. Magic was lightly touched on even though it held kind of an important role in the story. Like I said, nothing was thoroughly explained.
The romance was very predictable but kind of enjoyable. There were a few times that I really wish the author had gone into more detail, especially scenes that were supposed to convince you they were a good couple or scenes that were supposed to pull at your heartstrings.
I also felt, like most of the book, the ending was very rushed and well.. meh. I honestly thought that this was a series going into it so the ending didn't bother me too much at the time. Now that I know that this is a solo novel, I am disappointed on how it ended. Dragon and human, very much a Romeo and Juliet romance, and nothing was explained as to how they would survive as a couple.
Overall, the concept of the story was very interesting but the writing itself was pretty lackluster. It was an enjoyable enough quick read. 3/5 stars
Let me start off by saying that I don't like reading books written in present tense, and this book is.. well.. written in present tense. (as in, it is written "I am going into the store" rather than "I went to the store") After getting over that hiccup and trying to focus more on the story, I was intrigued enough. I do feel like there was a lack of depth in the story telling. Everything was kind of grazed over and there was nothing really detailed and explained thoroughly. The concept was really interesting; Dragon's that can turn into human form and human dragon slayers known as Paladins. Naturally, there is animosity between the two races. Magic was lightly touched on even though it held kind of an important role in the story. Like I said, nothing was thoroughly explained.
The romance was very predictable but kind of enjoyable. There were a few times that I really wish the author had gone into more detail, especially scenes that were supposed to convince you they were a good couple or scenes that were supposed to pull at your heartstrings.
I also felt, like most of the book, the ending was very rushed and well.. meh. I honestly thought that this was a series going into it so the ending didn't bother me too much at the time. Now that I know that this is a solo novel, I am disappointed on how it ended. Dragon and human, very much a Romeo and Juliet romance, and nothing was explained as to how they would survive as a couple.
Overall, the concept of the story was very interesting but the writing itself was pretty lackluster. It was an enjoyable enough quick read. 3/5 stars
January 27, 2017
Wow, I loved this book! It was right up my alley, dragons, fantasy, magic, romance...it checked all the boxes. I would read a sequel in a heartbeat.
Virginia is a St George, and as such should be able to perform binding spells on dragons to defeat them. Unfortunately she can't. Her sister Celeste is a revered paladin, loved by her father and praised by other paladins and townsfolk. Virginia is being sold off to the highest bidder to breed more paladins due to her inability to perform this magic. It is at this first party where she meets Amelrik and Lothar, two dragons in human form, and her life changes.
Amelrik is captured and tells the paladins how to find Lothar, unfortunately Celeste is kidnapped and thought to be dead. Everyone around Virginia tells her not to trust Amelrik because he's a lying dragon, but she believes he's right, her sister is still alive. The eve before Amelrik's execution and her marriage, Virgina makes a decision that will change her life forever. She runs off that morning with a dragon to save her sister.
What follows is not only a fabulous romance, but a great example of why we shouldn't judge others by their species/nationality/differences. Virginia learns more about these dragons she's feared her whole life and begins to realize the similarities between humans and dragons.
I recommend that lovers of fantasy and romance check out this book. I will be on the lookout for more by this author, her writing style and ability to weave such a compelling story had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Reading this as a kindle edition showed me why I love paper books more, the battery doesn't die in the middle of the action when it's paper and mine died right in the middle of a good part! Anyways, an amazing book!
*Note: I won a free copy of this book through Goodreads giveaways*
Virginia is a St George, and as such should be able to perform binding spells on dragons to defeat them. Unfortunately she can't. Her sister Celeste is a revered paladin, loved by her father and praised by other paladins and townsfolk. Virginia is being sold off to the highest bidder to breed more paladins due to her inability to perform this magic. It is at this first party where she meets Amelrik and Lothar, two dragons in human form, and her life changes.
Amelrik is captured and tells the paladins how to find Lothar, unfortunately Celeste is kidnapped and thought to be dead. Everyone around Virginia tells her not to trust Amelrik because he's a lying dragon, but she believes he's right, her sister is still alive. The eve before Amelrik's execution and her marriage, Virgina makes a decision that will change her life forever. She runs off that morning with a dragon to save her sister.
What follows is not only a fabulous romance, but a great example of why we shouldn't judge others by their species/nationality/differences. Virginia learns more about these dragons she's feared her whole life and begins to realize the similarities between humans and dragons.
I recommend that lovers of fantasy and romance check out this book. I will be on the lookout for more by this author, her writing style and ability to weave such a compelling story had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Reading this as a kindle edition showed me why I love paper books more, the battery doesn't die in the middle of the action when it's paper and mine died right in the middle of a good part! Anyways, an amazing book!
*Note: I won a free copy of this book through Goodreads giveaways*
March 2, 2019
3.5 stars. I enjoyed this. There are a few "dragon shifter" books out there, and I seem drawn to dragons more than werewolves or other animal shifters. It was a quick, entertaining read. It had a very conversational tone, and was light and fun for the most part. The POV is first person, present tense ... which is NOT my favorite, but it was well written, so it didn't bother me.
While the picture and inflection of the book reads as very YA, I think many parents might be a tad uncomfortable with all the sexual references to recommend to teens. Amelrick constantly teases and refers to Virginia as "virgin" (because he can smell if someone has had sex or not), and then there's the "he brushed against my boob, which was okay, I was going to tell him he could touch me there" as well as them talking about (and having) sex, as both humans, and dragons. Dragon shifters walk around naked when in their human form (when at home in the dragon cities, not out pretending and attempting to pass as humans).
As I'm a bit of a homebody, I could relate to Virginia, who has stayed inside the barracks for years, "unable" to leave.
While the picture and inflection of the book reads as very YA, I think many parents might be a tad uncomfortable with all the sexual references to recommend to teens. Amelrick constantly teases and refers to Virginia as "virgin" (because he can smell if someone has had sex or not), and then there's the "he brushed against my boob, which was okay, I was going to tell him he could touch me there" as well as them talking about (and having) sex, as both humans, and dragons. Dragon shifters walk around naked when in their human form (when at home in the dragon cities, not out pretending and attempting to pass as humans).
As I'm a bit of a homebody, I could relate to Virginia, who has stayed inside the barracks for years, "unable" to leave.
March 9, 2019
So freakin cute!
I gave this book 5 stars for it's originality, cuteness, and dialogue. I loved the fact that Virginia wasn't a special snowflake destined to save the world without any proper training, but somehow still manages to be a badass. No, instead, what we find is a girl who isn't the prettiest, is kind of weird in a wonderful way, and doesn't seem to have an ounce of magic. She and Amelrik grow and overcome so much together. It almost seems like a middle grade book because they are both so pure and innocent. Their friendship and eventual love is so heartwarming. It made me so happy that there was no instalove and that you were falling in love right a long with them. Amelrik is such an amazing character. He has a beautiful soul and my heart broke reading about all that he endured. Even though this was a fantasy book, these characters had real world problems. It was refreshing and delightful to read.
I gave this book 5 stars for it's originality, cuteness, and dialogue. I loved the fact that Virginia wasn't a special snowflake destined to save the world without any proper training, but somehow still manages to be a badass. No, instead, what we find is a girl who isn't the prettiest, is kind of weird in a wonderful way, and doesn't seem to have an ounce of magic. She and Amelrik grow and overcome so much together. It almost seems like a middle grade book because they are both so pure and innocent. Their friendship and eventual love is so heartwarming. It made me so happy that there was no instalove and that you were falling in love right a long with them. Amelrik is such an amazing character. He has a beautiful soul and my heart broke reading about all that he endured. Even though this was a fantasy book, these characters had real world problems. It was refreshing and delightful to read.
Read
October 17, 2019It was really strange to read modern language and slang in a fantasy setting book. It clearly didn't bother me too bad if I read the whole book this quickly, but it was definitely weird. Maybe if this was a more magical realism-type book.... but it wasn't, like, at all.
The ending was really rushed. Really, really. I would have enjoyed 100 more pages or so. There wasn't much going on for quite while and then all of a sudden it's over. Like, they didn't even sneak in to go rescue the sister. It was literally last night together fade to black... and then they're standing in front of the cell door. Did I miss something? No? Oh, ok. One more paragraph to wrap this "dramatic climax" up nice and tight and then we can skip ahead to the end where another giant mess of questions gets another giant bow on it and then we'll just be done here standing in the hallway.
Should that be marked as a spoiler? Probably.
Anyway.
I did enjoy this book though, just wish there was more to it.
The ending was really rushed. Really, really. I would have enjoyed 100 more pages or so. There wasn't much going on for quite while and then all of a sudden it's over. Like, they didn't even sneak in to go rescue the sister. It was literally last night together fade to black... and then they're standing in front of the cell door. Did I miss something? No? Oh, ok. One more paragraph to wrap this "dramatic climax" up nice and tight and then we can skip ahead to the end where another giant mess of questions gets another giant bow on it and then we'll just be done here standing in the hallway.
Should that be marked as a spoiler? Probably.
Anyway.
I did enjoy this book though, just wish there was more to it.
February 8, 2017
I harsh on YA a lot - I didn't like teenagers, even when I was one, and I was extra insufferable - but here, it lends a lot to the story. The main character and narrator has very real and relatable insecurities, as do the other teens around her, and they are well-written.
What did wind up making this book extra memorable for me was the attitude towards sex. There are characters that are sexually active, and open about it, and there's no judgment. There are still more characters who aren't sexually active, and there's no judgment. The book has a really healthy attitude towards sex. Major points for that.
What did wind up making this book extra memorable for me was the attitude towards sex. There are characters that are sexually active, and open about it, and there's no judgment. There are still more characters who aren't sexually active, and there's no judgment. The book has a really healthy attitude towards sex. Major points for that.
April 11, 2019
Loved it
I didn’t know that a young adult book could be this fun!
The book is narrated in first person from the heroine’s POV, and the author captured her ‘voice’ just right. I read another book whose heroine is also a teenager, but the author tried too hard to make the heroine sound authentically teenager, and it ruined the book for me because the heroine sounded so annoying and unnatural. Not this one, though.
The story is fast paced, the romance is so sweet, and the hero/heroine are so endearing, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I already pre-ordered the 2nd book that comes out in May.
I didn’t know that a young adult book could be this fun!
The book is narrated in first person from the heroine’s POV, and the author captured her ‘voice’ just right. I read another book whose heroine is also a teenager, but the author tried too hard to make the heroine sound authentically teenager, and it ruined the book for me because the heroine sounded so annoying and unnatural. Not this one, though.
The story is fast paced, the romance is so sweet, and the hero/heroine are so endearing, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I already pre-ordered the 2nd book that comes out in May.
January 3, 2018
Very engaging
I got this as one of the kindle monthly details for a dollar thinking for that price I might as well check it out. I'm very glad I did. I've hit some duds with books from deals recently but this one caught me up right off the bat. A very engaging and fun story. The main character Virginia was very relatable and I like the idea of dragons that can turn into humans. Only 4 stars because the love story is predictable, but I still a great book. Definitely recommend this to young adult fantasy lovers.
I got this as one of the kindle monthly details for a dollar thinking for that price I might as well check it out. I'm very glad I did. I've hit some duds with books from deals recently but this one caught me up right off the bat. A very engaging and fun story. The main character Virginia was very relatable and I like the idea of dragons that can turn into humans. Only 4 stars because the love story is predictable, but I still a great book. Definitely recommend this to young adult fantasy lovers.
July 12, 2019
Good effort
Good idea for a story, however it is very immature in parts and I struggled to finish it. It was also unrealistic in parts.
The idea that the main female character would suddenly get a backbone and loose her fear of dragons and travel with a dragon is a stretch.
Also, the idea that she loved her sister and ran off to save a sister, (who did not stand up for her against their fathers demand that she marry an old man) is unrealistic.
There are so much more holes in this stoyline. Not logical in parts.
Good idea for a story, however it is very immature in parts and I struggled to finish it. It was also unrealistic in parts.
The idea that the main female character would suddenly get a backbone and loose her fear of dragons and travel with a dragon is a stretch.
Also, the idea that she loved her sister and ran off to save a sister, (who did not stand up for her against their fathers demand that she marry an old man) is unrealistic.
There are so much more holes in this stoyline. Not logical in parts.
July 15, 2017
I loved the concept, but not the delivery. The pacing felt wrong and the story imbalanced as a result. There were definitely some missed opportunities with this one. What saved it for me was the characters. Virginia (among others) feels imperfect and flawed, and in turn very real because of that. Without the author embracing the entirety of each character, the book would have felt very two-dimensional. Overall, I think this author has the potential to do better, but needs to hone her craft.
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