The Prince Returns

The Keeper of Dragons #1

by J.A. Culican

A mystical calling.

On his 18th birthday, Cole learns that he is a dragon fated to save all that was deemed true.

Destiny.


Cole's life spirals into an uncontrollable battle for life or death. First, he learns that his family isn't really his own and his birth parents are dragons. With that legacy comes a special calling; devoting an eternity to protecting all true beings from creatures bent on controlling the Earth and bringing an end to dragons.


Danger.


As the newly-minted Prince of Ochana, Cole is also the Keeper of Dragons and his first task is to keep the nefarious farro-fallen fairies-at bay. With no formal training, no control of his mahier-dragon magic, and fear like he's never experienced before, will Cole be able to reach outside of his human side and embrace his destiny in time to defeat the farros?

Genres: Fantasy, Dragons, Young Adult, Ebooks, Magic, Paranormal, Middle Grade

284 pages, ebook

First published June 19, 2016

About the author

J.A. Culican is a USA Today Bestselling author of the middle grade fantasy series Keeper of Dragons. Her first novel in the fictional series catapulted a trajectory of titles and awards, including top selling author on the USA Today bestsellers list and Amazon, and a rightfully earned spot as an international best seller. Additional accolades include Best Fantasy Book of 2016, Runner-up in Reality Bites Book Awards, and 1st place for Best Coming of Age Book from the Indie book Awards.

J.A. Culican holds a Master's degree in Special Education from Niagara University, in which she has been teaching special education for over 13 years. She is also the president of the autism awareness non-profit Puzzle Peace United. J.A. Culican resides in Southern New Jersey with her husband and four young children.

For more information about J.A. Culican visit her website at: www.jaculican.com and follow her on Facebook: @jaculican

Reviews

[Ellie Midwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story for the young-adult readers! It’s full of adventure, remarkable characters, dangerous quests, and of course love and friendship. In “The Keeper of Dragons” we follow the story of an ordinary teenager Cole, who finds himself in more than extraordinary circumstances. On his eighteenth birthday his parents reveal a secret to the boy that will change his life forever…
The author did an amazing job in setting the world of Ochana with its inhabitants – dragons; I could picture everything clearly in my mind as I was turning pages. Also, what I really enjoyed was that the main character Cole is so easy to associate with and understand his inner struggle as he learns of his destiny, his doubts and fears concerning his new family and kin, and also his personal growth as he learns to stand up to his enemies to protect his land.
It really is a beautiful story, which I didn’t want to end. I am eagerly awaiting the sequel now!

[jenn *mother of dragon & snake* · Rating 2 out of 5]

dnf at 40%

to be honest, i'm kind of dissapointed in this. i thought there would be more character development, more plot, more explinations.

something other than this. *sigh*

[Sean · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dnf ~30%

[Meredith Hillenbrand · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable Read

I'm giving this book 3.5 Stars! I really wanted to give it 4 stars, but couldn't for several reasons.

1. The book needed another pass through an editor.
2. The characters needed to be fleshed out better.
3. All things "dragon" could have been described better.
4. The ending was so quick, it was a little disappointing.

Please note, that this writer has great potential. Her ideas alone hooked me. Even with the problems, I would like to read book #2. There is action, twists that I did not see coming, and it is a clean read. There were many times when I felt I was a part of the story. I was given this book for free by the author, and it is my choice to post this review.

[Dawn Crist · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not read this, but I did send it to my 10 yr old nephew who does not love reading novels. He loved it and requested and read the next book in the series. He’s waiting on book three to arrive. Success!!

[Jo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Initially, I was really excited to read this book. The concept is really cool and I like the plot line. However, the execution is lacking. I have read fanfiction that was better organized than this novel. I almost didn't bother going past the first chapter, but I was hoping the writing would get better. Unfortunately, it continued to be confusing. It's like the story doesn't know how to story. There are a ton of plot holes and there is details missing that end up making a difference as you read. At one point, I thought I was reading about seven people walking around a lake and then all of a sudden it's like "All hundred of them." First off, that is a very different image. Second? WTH? Yep, 100 dragons just taking a stroll around a lake in silence. Also, the main character is conveniently surrounded by people who can read his mind with no explanation for why or how or who exactly can do so, and he ends up talking maybe...let's say ten sentences the entire novel. Everything else is comments other people pick up out of his head. Why....? This review is probably as chaotic as the book because I just finished reading it and I'm no even sure what exactly I read. Usually, I wouldn't both posting a review on something I didn't like, but really I'm just disappointed that it wasn't better. I really wanted it to be better.

[Elizabetta Holcomb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been reading droves of YA lately. The dystopian worlds, retelling of fairy tales, I like them all! This story, however, is something new and fresh. Its a fabulous change from the regular YA material out there. It's a fantasy world created by the author as bedtime stories for her children. Guys; she had me at bedtime stories. Really. This story is so original and light. It's a coming of age for a prince, Colton. But it's also a sweet story of a friendship. Colton and Eva have a big destiny. I don't want to spoil it for you! It's got dragons, magic, fairies, beast, and worlds hidden in the sky. Did I mention dragons????
A great story that I'm passing onto my daughter who loves all things magical. Well written and unique. Great debut novel!

[Dermot Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine reaching your 18th birthday and being told that the parents you've been living with are not your biological parents at all? To top it off, imagine being told that your real parents were actually a pair of dragons? Yes, that means that you are, in fact, a dragon. This is precisely what our hero Cole is being surprised with a few days before his birthday and not only that but he also is a Prince of the dragon realm and as such is being charged with the duty of being the Keeper of Dragons which basically means defending all dragons against a fallen tribe of faeries that are intent on their destruction. No pressure.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great YA friendly novel. Plus it's about dragons! Who wouldn't love to learn there a dragon. That alone should make you want to read this book : )

This is for sure a fun fantasy read and wanting to read straight through as we learn about Cole and how his life is about to be a whole new adventure for him. This book has plenty adventure and is well fleshed out to really feel like your there. I loved reading about the faeries and how there not so nice. A fun great ride indeed. The next installment I can only imagine will be just as great.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Dragons so I was excited to read this Dragon shifter book and was not disappointed. Cole and Eva are two halves of a whole in their human forms so it's not surprising that the two of the end up as partners as The Keepers of the Dragons. I love the way Cole goes from being awkward to being a true Prince, the story watching as everyone continued to remind him and reinforce giving him the guidance and confidence he needed. Eva is accepted for who she is and stands strong in her belief in him along with his parents and warriors. A great story with strong characters I highly recommend.

[Lesia Connelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. Cole turned 18 and his world turned upside down. He finds out his parents are dragons and he is now The Keeper of Dragons. Wonderful creatures, like faires and the dragons are beyond beautiful. Wait until you see the beautiful Gold dragon, she is very special to Cole. I told my 15 year old granddaughter to read this book because it is fabulous and she loves dragons , like her Mimi. 5***** read.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

One great read!

Thus book kept me hooked to the end! Thought I had it all figured, but not so fast! Can wait for the next book!!!

[Lupe Espinoza Murana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best read in ages!

I have a new love and respect for dragons after reading this book. I can’t wait to see what adventures the Keeper of Dragons II have instore next...

[Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun and easy read! It's the perfect length that I was able to devour it in a single afternoon. And, since I'm down with a bit of a bug right now, I had a whole afternoon I was itching to fill! I know that the fourth book in this series is coming out soon, and so I was very eager to read the whole series, I decided to re-read this first book and read the whole series in a row. Kind of like binge-watching a favorite TV show, only reading!

Eva was not in this book a ton, but I already adore her. I know that I could easily read about her for days and days. And Cole is everything I think a suddenly-royal, gangly teenager should be. He has such an admirable relationship with his adoptive parents, and its' clear that that empathy is going to stand him in good stead throughout his newfound life with DRAGONS.

I can only imagine what a whirlwind I would be in if I was notified that I was adopted, and a royal next in line for the throne, oh, and also a dragon - all in the span of about 48 hours. I feel like this book completely captures everything that Cole is feeling and writes him as appropriately off-kilter throughout. Not only does he have all of these shocks, but he's also surprisingly powerful - why? And an unusual color? Nothing like standing out like a sore thumb among people you didn't know existed but now are supposed to rule to make a teenager feel like their worst nightmares of humiliation have all come true! As he stumbles along, he keeps a surprisingly open mind and is exceedingly humble. I think that may be my favorite aspect of his character.

The only thing that held me back in this story is that it was over so quickly! The whole time period is less than a week from introduction to Cole to reveal of his true parentage and culture, to the appearance of an enemy, to the vanquishing of that enemy. And, as I said, I was able to finish this entire story in an afternoon. I wanted to keep reading. I would have happily curled up with these characters for hours and hours more - which is why I'm glad it's an entire series!

There is so much to love about this storyline and the characters in it. Sila, for instance, is a clearly very powerful woman, who is also very calming. I think of her as a deep, jade pool, perfect for meditation and enlightenment.

Eva, as I said, is a character I cannot wait to see more of. She is sharp-witted, fierce, courageous, and naturally graceful. She is clearly a link between humans and dragons in the story, and she is so exquisitely written that I feel she is a connection between me and dragons, as well.

But probably my favorite of all is Jericho. Middle-aged at only 500 years old, he initially seems to be a potential threat to Cole. That quickly is replaced by the understanding that he is simply a fierce protector of his people, and has a tragic reason for being so dedicated to his duties. He pushes Cole, and the reader immediately gets the understanding that it is Jericho who will be a primary source of Cole's eventual greatness. I almost hope that Jericho gets his own set of books sometime in the future!

I'm so excited to start the next book and will happily share all my thoughts with you when I finish it!


Read this and more reviews on my blog:

www.memoirsofabookwyrm.com

[Tonja Drecker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well kept secrets mix with dragons and a hidden, magical world to form a fast-paced yet gentler adventure.

Cole is about to turn eighteen, graduate from high school and still has no clue what he's going to do next. Two days before his birthday, his parents drop a bombshell on him—he's not really their child. When his 'real' parents show up and turn into dragons, he can barely wrap his head around it. But that's only the beginning. His destiny is calling, and it requires more from him than he think he'll ever be able to give.

This is fantasy pure. It starts out in an every day town in the US, but quickly lets the magic and imagination flow. Cole tries to understand what's going on around him, but everything happens so fast, that it's hard for him to keep up. His confusion is understandable, and even though he's hesitant, he still is brave enough to take the leaps. It's nice to see a hero who has power but is down to earth enough not to control it or even accept it right away. He's remains skeptical the whole way through, and simply swallows things as they come.

Boring is not a word to describe this tale. Cole hits one situation after the other and goes up against emotional as well as physical obstacles. The fantasy unfolds as rolling waves, always exposing a bit more as the chapters go on. The world building is well done and easy to all into. Although the dragon realm itself doesn't really come to life in this first book—much of this tale happens indoors and around the castle—there's enough to get caught up into the story.

The action starts out calm and grows with every passing chapter. The first chapters allow Cole to make the mysterious discovery and slide into the new reality. The information comes at a steady pace, but is dropped a little too quick from the adoptive parents. This and other spots later on, put distance between the tale and the reader, making it hard to connect to the characters and story at times. While at other times, it was easy to get lost in the adventure. There's a later friendship, which hints at romance, but little depth and history is given to the heroine, leaving her hard to grasp. But it looks like later in the series, this will turn around.

Although this book is a solid Young Adult read, it holds distance to more aggressive scenes which are usually found in such plots. Cole does have to go up against some pretty nasty enemies, but the battle isn't harsh. The way he wins is unique and a fresh breeze compared to huge fight scenes, which more gentle readers will appreciate it. For more adventurous fantasy fans, it's a bit anti-climatic and misses the journey for the hero to reach that point.

All in all, this is a read fantasy fans will enjoy. The dragons, magic and adventure keep the pages turning are invite for more. It is more gentle on the battle end and offers an alternative way to go at the battles, which will be appreciated by some readers more than others. In any case, it's a great beginning for an interesting world and worth a read.

I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed the adventure enough to want to leave my honest thoughts.

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Return of the Prince is book one in J.A. Culican’s The Keeper of Dragons series. In this book we are introduced to Cole. Cole believes himself to just be an average teenage boy trying to plan his life after high school. He’s feeling down because his prospects have been low if non-existent. All of his other friends and classmates have already moved on with finding colleges to attend or jobs to work. Cole’s world is about turn upside down though. When his parents come and tell him that he was “adopted” by them as a baby, everything changes for him. They tell him that he will get the rest of the answers soon when his REAL parents come to collect him. Cole is thrown for a loop. He’s scared, conflicted, and hurt. When the ones claiming to be his parents arrive, Cole feels himself reacting in a strange way to them. He still has no answers, but he feels different than before. Despite his heart wishing to cling to the only parents he has ever know, Cole leaves with the ones who have come to collect him. It doesn’t take long for Cole to learn that not only is he himself a dragon, but a Prince as well. What’s more is that war is coming to the dragons, and he must prepare to fight as he and another will be the salvation of not just the dragons but the humans as well.
Return of the Prince is an engaging YA fantasy novel from start to finish. Cole is an interesting character. He comes off as mediocre because he immediately indicates that there was never really anything special about him. He was an average kid at school, got average grades, and never was really the center of attention. I enjoyed reading along as he learns about who he really is and strives to become stronger. I honestly like that he doesn’t sit around and complain about the things that are going on. I was worried that when things starting getting weird, or when it came to something that he didn’t understand that he would balk and have a fit. I was glad to see this was not the case. I like the twists and surprises that the author throws into the book as well. There are a couple of predictable elements, but it’s nothing that is that bad in my opinion.
I need to see if there has been an update for this book, because in the version I have there are a few editorial errors. They aren’t anything major to throw the story off, but they do catch the eye. Other than that there really isn’t anything that I didn’t like about this book. The author does an amazing job sticking with the main story, and giving us some side storylines as well.
I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. This is an easy, enjoyable story that will engage the reader throughout. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series. If you are a fan of fantasy novels, love dragons, and other fantasy creatures then this is a book to pick up and dive into. I’m sure you’ll enjoy

[Nikita Kapoor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeper of Dragons, The Prince Returns is a fantastic book written by J. A. Culican. The main character, Cole, is a totally normal teenager, or as it seems, who is approaching his 18th birthday with bated breath. But before he can marvel over the fact that he will be a qualified adult in two days, he is hit with startling news that sweeps away all his anticipation. What had been his 'real parents' weren't his actual family at all, and the sickening realization hit him as though it were a crazy bomb that had suddenly been dropped on his head, and he had never realized it. He had been adopted, it turned out, but why hadn't his parents told him until days before he turned 18? But the more startling news was when he discovered that his birth parents were still alive and that he was to be handed back to them on the day he turned 18. And too soon, the day when his biological parents would come loomed towards him, and dread curled inside Cole.

But when his parents, Rylan and Sila, arrived to take him, they didn't drive to their new home; they didn't even take an airplane, but they flew. They weren't actually what he thought they were. It turns out that they were dragons, huge emerald green ones, or Leslos.

Soon, Cole comes to find himself in a new realm filled with dragons, dragons that could transform into a human and back. But when Cole reached his new home, he found himself in a position he had never imagined. His title was now 'Prince Colton.' Rylan was a king, and Sila was a queen. To Cole, the world had just turned upside down. He had never thought he would end up to be royalty. But the craziness didn't stop there. Prince Colton's dragon color was odd, and it didn't fit into the four categories, Leslo: green dragon, Galian: blue dragon, Sein: silver dragon, Woland: red dragon; he fit into all of them. Each one of his scales was one of the four colors. And soon, they find out why he had such an odd coloring. He was one of the Keepers of Dragons, a prophecy that states that the Keepers of Dragons would end the time of fear. The other Keeper of Dragons is his best friend Eva, who is also a dragon, and one of odd coloring; she is the Golden Dragon of the prophecy.

Now thrown into a frenzy that might possibly lead to their death, Prince Colton and Eva fight alongside each other, the fate of all the magical creatures, fairies, elves, and mere people, resting in their hands.

This story is exciting and intriguing, and the plot is full of twists and turns that kept me hooked and engaged as I turned each page. It was also creatively written and filled with adventure and magic, gluing my eyes to the pages. I can't wait to get my hands on the next one in the series, Keeper of Dragons: The Elven Alliance. I highly recommend this book overall.

[Danny Perez · Rating 3 out of 5]

No mentiré, para ser una lectura de avión, estuvo entretenido.

Esta es la historia de un chico llamado Cole, él no es un estudiante sobresaliente ni deportista o tan siquiera artista, es un chico más del montón que tiene unos padres que lo aman y una mejor amiga que la apoya en todo. Sin embargo, las cosas cambian cuando se entera que sus padres no son sus padres biológicos y no sólo eso, si no que sus padres biológicos son descendientes de poderosos dragones. Después de 18 años viviendo como humano, los padres biológicos buscan a Cole para que regrese con ellos, reclame su lugar como príncipe de la nación Ochannan y venza a un poderoso enemigo que los quiere aniquilar.

Lo que más me gustó es que no fuera una historia innecesariamente larga. La autora es breve pero precisa con las descripciones tanto de lugares como de criaturas. Aunque no me sentí transportada al reino de los dragones, la autora deja lo suficiente a la imaginación para imaginar un lugar maravilloso. Por el otro lado, las criaturas siento que quizá hacerlas diferentes pero no se logró y terminó diciendo que se parecían a las hadas o trolls que todos los humanos conocemos.

En cuanto a los personajes… no fue la gran cosa. Es decir, son un tanto arquetípicos pero funcionan para que la historia avance. Eso sí, esperaba que Cole reaccionara no se, diferente. Te enteras que eres adoptado un día, luego que dentro de dos tus verdaderos padres te llevarán lejos de tu hogar, ¿y no dice nada? Al menos yo los hubiera confrontado para saber por qué me dejaron y tardaría en confiar en ellos, pero Cole no. La autora lo justificó diciendo que los aceptó por su parte dragón, pero no me terminó de convencer. Los padres, la mejor amiga, el general e incluso el enemigo estuvieron meh, pero al menos fue lo suficientemente dinámico para que la historia avanzara a buen ritmo.

Y por último, la historia. Creo que fue entretenida. No era nada del otro mundo, los dragones enfrentan un enemigo que subestimaron y necesitan de dls criaturas especiales para vencer. Hubiera sido bueno que algunas cosas siguieran en misterio para las siguientes partes, o que el conflicto no se solucionara “fácil”, pero no soy la escritora, ella tiene un plan. Para ser una historia de dragones, esperaba más acción y vuelo, aunque tomando en cuenta la extensión de la historia, no me quejo.

No creo seguir con la saga, pero al menos esta primera parte fue lo suficientemente entretenida para soportar 11 horas de vuelo. Le doy eso a su favor.

[Topsues · Rating 4 out of 5]

J.A.Culican has given us a worthy introductory book of a great new series in the YA paranormal/fantasy market. I am no longer a YA but enjoyed it immensely. The title "Keeper Of Dragons" fits the story like a glove, and gave a story of what I expected the title would portray. I don't leave spoilers, so I will try and review purely on how the author managed to make me want to read past the first few pages. This book has a unique storyline. yes there are other books that have characters in that are associated with dragons so to speak, but it then has to provide a unique example, the author in my opinion managed to do this. It was written in the first person, which is what I prefer, and I felt that it worked perfectly for this story, as it managed to get every point across with ease, with the language fitting each individual character. I identified with the main characters immediately and decided who I was going to root for, and became invested in their journey. I imagine this could be different for each individual reader. Each plot and story seamlessly worked, and was easy to see in my minds eye. There was a few other characters in this story, but they was introduced slowly, so you could understand their involvement as and when needed as the story unfolded. J.A.Culican has a great talent of being able to write emotions that you actually feel. I felt, love, devotion, realism, encouragement but along with denial, mis-trust, mystery, trepidation, intimidation and much much more. This book had me still reading at 2am as I couldn't stop reading it, then I felt myself speed reading as I needed to know what happened, but then I slowed down as I didn't want it to end. It is a definite a page turning story and keeps you on your toes, as once you may feel settled then wham something happens that twists away from that contentment. It's hard to not give examples as I don't want to spoil it for other readers. But I would definitely recommend you give it a try. I thought it was great and can't wait for the next instalment to how all the characters faired.

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

The main characters are Cole, who only days before turning 18 finds out who he thought were his family never were and his neighbour and friend Eva, who was his only friend at high school. They are both suddenly thrown into a completely different world.

Cole is taken to Ochana on his 18th birthday by his biological parents, who tell him on the way, that he is a Prince of dragons. He doesn’t believe it until they shift in front of him. Before he can enter the dragon safe hold he has to find his own inner dragon, and when he does, one like nothing his real parents have ever seen before.

Eva is picked up by one of the dragon Wolands, protectors and warriors, a few days later, but she is also not what the King and Queen or the dragon council expect. Her coming confirms that Cole is the Keeper of Dragons and that Eva is the Golden Dragon and their arrival is foretold as the end of times!

Cole was an average teen, average student with no great skills or athleticism and is suddenly having to be trained as the saviour of all ‘True Beings’ (all the fantasy creatures’ kids read of in fairy tales) and defend the dragons against the coming war. He has only days before he is expected to save them from the farro – fallen (dark) fairies.

This is a great story, which follows on from a short novella called Jericho (part of the Keeper of Dragons saga) which introduces you to the world of dragons and the Royal family a little.

The characters are well described and the pace runs along at a good pace, as required, lots of action in parts and learning all about a couple of normal kids as they try to adapt to a different world and a definitely different future.

I loved both and will definitely be reading the rest of this series. These are well written tales of fantasy and the imagination of the author is magnificent in the descriptions of the different creatures and habitats and the understanding of what each magical creature can do and evolves.

A great read!

[Helen Garraway · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I picked up this book, I didn't realise it was targeted at young readers, which explains some of the simplistic, very explanatory prose. So be aware this is not really YA fantasy but aimed at 8-12 year olds.

In light of that this is a lovely fantasy story about Colton, who finds out on his eighteenth birthday that he is a Dragon, and has been living with adoptive parents for the last eighteen years. Mind blowing in itself. Quite an emotional start, Culican makes you really feel the loss and confusion Cole experiences, no matter how his adoptive parents try to ease it.

When his real parents turn up to tell him he is a dragon shifter, he is transported into a new life. He then finds out he is the son of the King and Queen of Ochanda, a dragon realm, and he is one of it's protectors He never really gets the chance to absorb any of that before he has to save the dragon world, without much knowledge about the world he has been thrust into. His fear that he doesn't know what he is doing is very real.

First book in a coming of age fantasy series. You sympathise with Cole as he struggles to come to terms with his new life and what he is expected to do. There is much more for him and us to learn about the world of Ochanda and the dragon shifters.

[Lea Vickery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it!

The world building is incredible. I could picture myself in the world. I could see the city clear in my mind. I thought that the characters were funny and relatable. I wish that Cole's parents had been mentioned more. Maybe even could have been at the end of the book to show their support in what happened (read it and find out :P) I thought that the book moved slightly fast though, it seemed that Cole had a lot of growing up to do before he took on the responsibility that he did. He went from unsure of what to do to being comfortable quickly.

What I loved the most was how kick butt Eve was! That Golden Dragon is my favorite! :D I will read the next book in the series, because this one is really intriguing. It makes you ask important questions and I was having a bad day when I started the book tonight, but by the time I finished it I had forgotten about the day. It pulled me in, in a great way and it made me laugh! It was great!

[Big Book Theory · Rating 3 out of 5]

As the story starts it is very intriguing when we meet Cole trying to find a job after high school. Soon his life is turned upside down when his parents tell him he is adopted and his real parents will be taking him back in a few day's time. I almost gave up reading because for me there were just too many areas that did not seem real, which confused me so it pulled me from the story. The whole adopted - why - reason did not seem plausible at all. When he meets the strangers who are his parents, rather than being afraid of them he is more afraid of disappointing them and I did not feel any emotional connection from his mother or father, at all. When he 'finds' his dragon, I would have liked to know more. The story is really well written, there are no mistakes, but (and maybe it's just me) although I read the whole story and it kept me entertained I wasn't captivated enough in the lives of Cole and Eva to read the next book.

[Gea · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are different words for Magic, like there are different species that wield it.

One of the most basic things for a people to want is a place to live, of their own. After being banished from their previous home it is to be expected that they will fight for a new one.

Cole and his counterpart have to deal with this imbalance which cannot easily be solved. Besides that there are power hungry ones who want more that just a peaceful place to live. They want power and probably revenge for what has been done to them.
No easy solution for that.
Forgiveness seems too much to ask.

I like that Cole knows he has lots to learn and even though some know what he’s thinking he doesn’t try to toughen up or to shield what he doesn’t know yet.
He is true to his heart and that says a lot nowadays.
It would have been nice to know the point of view of the golden dragon too.
Guess I’ll have to find out if it’s in one of the next books.

[Pablo García · Rating 1 out of 5]

For 18 years, the main character, Cole, lived a regular life in Texas. It turns out that he is a very important prince and a totally different species (Dragon Kin). What I don't understand is why all the worry with security the day that the main character comes back, if nobody gave a darn for the 18 years that he had been missing??? Where is the story balance? Why is the main plot and secondary plots of this story so weak and nonsensical??
I love dragons but not enough to read a story that lacks common sense. There wasn't even a "bodyguard" while the main character was growing up as a human-texan-regular-guy...so why so much "fake-drama" the moment that he comes back to his "kingdom"...why did his parents not have a security retinue if they were so important?? See, no balance, no sense...it's sad cause this is the start of a urban-fantasy-story-series..and if it starts like this, there is no point to continue the series.
I do not recommend this book or series.

[Ruth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good plot premise but poorly executed

Needs an editor. Talks abt terms not normally used and not defined in the story either. One such example is "the GROVE." Well, if they are protectors of the planet there are at least 50,000 of those on our planet. The story kept talking about the 2nd realm, but only later you find out the mean a group of soldiers. A realm is another wold not a company of soldiers. This was only dragons. Wane was spelled wean. Then was used for than. This isn't even the worst of them. Some places didn't make sense at all. In one place they were trying to determine the destiny of someone to see if they were the chosen one. Instead of experiencing that with the character we find it out abt it later. Doesn't that sound important enough to witness?? Read something else.

[Beverly Laude · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually read the second book in this series first & I loved it so much that I had to go back to the beginning!

Well-written story with well-developed worlds & characters abounding in this fantasy adventure. What would you do if you found out the week before your 18th birthday that not only you were adopted, your parents are dragons? Then, once you meet your parents & go to their world, you find out you are a Prince & a Protector. Then, as if that isn't enough, you discover that you & your best friend are the Keeper of Dragons & have to save the world from the farros & other previously unknown races.

A great adventure, enjoyable whether you are a YA or a OA (older adult, in this case over 50). I love this series & am waiting for Ms. Culican to write more!

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book felt short. It progressed quickly and it lacked detail in some areas. There was an issue of Character knowledge. Not the authors but mine. It would have been great, since the author just threw new names out there, to have a glossary of characters.
Over all i liked the story line and i will continue the series, but i think now that i know about some of the issues of listening to the series i will need to notate the characters and brace myself a little better.
Cody - Main Character
Ema - Cody's best friend
Tana - Queen of the Fay
Jerico - Guard Leader
Some dude that starts w a C - Guard for Ema and he came out of nowhere! Also apparently the most loyal person on the guard ever.

[Jonathan Gardner · Rating 1 out of 5]

Feels like the author had a great idea in her head but couldn't execute it on (virtual) paper. Summary of issues:
1. MC has zero agency or personality. I've met sacks of potatoes more interesting. The female protagonist would've been a much better MC from what little we saw of her.
2. No clear world building. Still have no clue about who the dragons are, what they do, hire they do it, or why they do anything, let alone any of the other magical creatures.
3. Chaotic, random plot that made zero sense. Still not sure what the main conflict was it even who the antagonist was (Queen Tana?). Nor did we have motivations for... anyone. Part of this goes back to point one, Colton seems to be in a daze the whole time, so nothing makes sense.

[Rylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hi, I am Rylie and I am in 7 grade I'm 13 and I love dragons and fantasy. This is the best book I have read in years I read a lot, I get teased in school for reading so much. I stay up at night reading and I have to say that this is the best book I read. I have a whole collection of fantasy books I got this book from my friend she said that I should read it and that she bought it so I can borrow it from her. I just finished it the night I wrote this it is 10:10 in Wisconsin. I highly recommend it and I want to thank the author for writing books thank you so much you have really opened my eyes to writing I have so many ideas from your book to put in my fantasy writings I'm working on again thank you so much!!!!