Of Bards and Witches

Fallen Immortals #3.5

by Alisa Woods

London, The Year of Our Lord 1600
Leonidas is a dragon shifter, a century into his allotted five, he’s entranced by Master Shakespeare’s theatre and the comely and lusty women of London’s bankside. But when he finds a witch in the practice of her art in clear view of the stage, he must act… for dragons are the keepers of the peace between the mortal and immortal realms. But never has duty been so sweetly sexy and delicious to the touch as a witch whose very skin sparks pleasure. He becomes lost in his bed, breaking his own cardinal rule—never seduce a woman for more than a night. As one pleasure-drenched night bleeds into the next, he runs afoul of a danger he ought already know… never cross a witch.

Of Bards and Witches is a short standalone backstory of Leonidas Smoke, prince of the House of Smoke, from the bestselling Fallen Immortals series. It contains flaming HOT dragon shifters and sexy witches.

**Of Bards And Witches can be read independently of the novel series**

Genres: Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy, Dragons, Paranormal Romance, Witches, Shapeshifters

ebook

Published August 1, 2016

About the author

Alisa Woods, Paranormal Romance Author

GET A FREE STORY: http://smarturl.it/AlisaNewsletter

Reading Order:
Dot Com Wolves (formerly Shifters in Seattle)
Claiming Mia (Book 1)
Saving Arianna (Book 2)
A Christmas Wish (Book 3)

Riverwise Private Security
Jaxson (Book 1)
Jace (Book 2)
Jared (Book 3)

Wilding Pack Wolves
Wild Game (Book 1)
Wild Love (Book 2)
Wild Heat (Book 3)
Wild One (Book 4)
Wild Fire (Book 5)
Wild Magic (Book 6)

Fallen Immortals
Lucian & Arabella
Kiss of a Dragon (Book 1)
Heart of a Dragon (Book 2)
Fire of a Dragon (Book 3)
Leonidas & Rosalyn
Chosen by a Dragon (Book 4)
Seduced by a Dragon (Book 5)
Touched by a Dragon (Book 6)
Leksander & Erelah
Loved by a Dragon (Book 7) 
Marked by a Dragon (Book 8) 
Claimed by a Dragon (Book 9)

Of Bards and Witches (Book 10) Leonidas's Story

Fallen Angels
A Deadly Sin (Book 1)
Guardian of Light (Book 2)
The Sin of Wrath (Book 3)
Seraphim (Book 4)
Prince of Shadow (Book 5)
Tempted: Tajael's Story
Kiss of an Angel: A Christmas Story

Legal Magick
Ever Strange (Book 1)
Mercy Strange (Book 2)
Verity Strange (Book 3)

Broken Souls
My Dragon Lord (Book 1)
My Dragon Keeper (Book 2)
My Dragon Mate (Book 3)
My Dragon Bodyguard (Book 4)
My Dragon Lover (Book 5)
My Dragon Master (Book 6)

Reviews

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice short story, but oh, the ending so sad. I just wished that it was more lengthy. 3☆

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this sad telling of how Leonidas was cursed by a love that was very heartfelt....being a young dragon of 100 years, Prince of the House of Smoke he spent these years drinking and whoring till he met the young Meridi and was smitten. He never imagined his love affair with an ignorant young witch would cause his life to spin forever more. 100's of years will pass and Leonidas will forever feel it was well deserved.

This is a short very sad yet informative telling of how Leonidas came to be what he is today.

[Ingrid Stephanie Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Of Bards and Witches
Series: A Fallen Immortals Story
Destination: short bio of the young life of Prince Leonidas Smoke
Author: Alisa Woods
Reviewer: Ingrid Stephanie Jordan
Genre: #PRN  #DragonShifters  #Vampire
My Score:  #5Stars☆☆☆☆☆

♡¤▪♡¤▪♡¤▪♡¤▪♡¤▪♡¤▪♡¤▪♡
Wowzer quite ingenious of Ms. Alisa writting a short little story of the young dragon. Its absolutely amazing that missy did this, i hope she does this with everyone.
In the 1600's Prince Leonidas Smoke loved going to London from Paris for the Shakespeareing theater and he always like a little bit of a taste of the smorgasbord. But  this night was different when he put his tasSters out he got back Witch.
Meridi never knew she was a witch, with
Leonidas help she was received by a Coven who taught her a few things. Meridi realized that after weeks in Leonidas bed she knew he was getting antsy. I was gifted this book for an honest and truthful review.

[Kamryn Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Initially, it was a little jarring when I was getting into this book because of the language. It makes sense that Alisa Woods went for a language style to fit the time period since this book takes yeeeaaars before the Fallen Immortals series. I got over it fast though and really appreciated that she paid attention to style like that.

This book had tons and tons and tons of sex. It had a point and a purpose, but I was getting bored of it at one point. The ending totally made up for it though. It was heart-pounding and had me on the edge of my seat. The way Leonidas's course was delivered was on point.

If you like the Fallen Immortals series or aren't sure you want to give it a chance, try starting with this book. It's no cost to you. 😉

[Jane Stopes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book a real insite as to why leonidas has never loved. A sad story of realising your love for someone when it's to late

[Sheila Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

How he was cursed too young to realize his folly

He was young enjoying life loving any women that took his fancy that was until he met a witch Meridi was a strong witch but didn't know how to use her magic, so he could take her to his bed he promised to help her. The sparks between them when they made love was beyond intoxication wherever they touch sparked a magic of it's own. Introduction into a covern brought the end of their relationship and catching her take poison so she wouldn't get pregnant was the last straw. He tried to explain but she fled. Thinking it was time to return back to the keep he decided to wish her well, but what he found was a shock she was burning at the stake, he rescued her but too late and in her dying breath she cursed him. You must read his story in the series I recommend this book

[Steven Allen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I find most of this author's books to be a meh read. I've read a couple of the Dot Com Werewolf series, but never really got invested in the books. The author writes well, her dialogue is flawless and the characters are vividly described. Werewolves, dragons and most urban fantasy is just not my thing.

If you do read the author's writing, and are invested in this series of dragons, you might find it of interest as this little novella provides good background information on the MC. I really didn’t like the MC after this little novella so I am betting that the author is banking on the redeeming qualities of love to make the MC less of a supernatural douchebag.

If I had not received this novella for free I never would have read it or any other of the author’s writing.

However, please keep in mind that I am not the author's target audience.

[Pamela Schalk · Rating 5 out of 5]

A female witch and a dragon shifter prince!

A dragon shifter prince comes upon a female witch while attending a Shakespeare play in London. He is unable to understand the magic that flows whenever their bare skin touches. The young inexperienced witch knows nothing about supernatural beings including witches. You will have to read the book to find out what all happens to everyone. Plenty of twists and turns. Happy reading!

[Angie Peoples · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick Read

This short story of the curse that befell a handsome dragon shifter, Leonidas, with some fae powers was a great read with an emotional twist. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series!

[Lorrie (Clockworkbookworm) · Rating 3 out of 5]

2024 Reads #528/250
2.5⭐️ Cringe for me.

Read for the Sights of Sweden Challenge 2024-2025
September 20, 2024 - January 10, 2025

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[Gerri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't believe that Leo won't get to have a mate to love him forever. I like him lots so he will have to get a mate.

[Robin Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a story of doomed love. Have to read the rest of the series to see how the story continues. Story hooked me in from the start

[Joy Ki`Ili · Rating 5 out of 5]

This quick read gives us a look into why Leonidas has never found love and why he thinks it will be him that voids the treaty. It's short, sweet and sad and best read before his full story begins.

[Darlene Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was kinda slow at first. But it did pickup after the first few pages. This book contains intrigue, love, and William Shakespeare. I recommend it to be a good read.

[LeMiliere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent addition to a truly excellent series.

[Christine Karmelreads2665 W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The makings of a curse. This is Leonidas beginning with no end in sight. A dragon must be careful of who he spites as the consequences can last a lifetime.

[Pat Raab · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sad that love can turn to hate and affect generations to come. Most enjoyable.

[Myra Wray · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have found this book interesting and would like to read more in this series.

[Lori Howe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only four stars since there is no HEA...

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

now the series makes so much sense. so glad I read them all

[Vic · Rating 4 out of 5]

So sad and felt bad for her too🥺

[Lawanda Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this series along time ago. I read it prior to knowing the importance of reviews. This is the beginning of Leonidas curse. I love everything dragon. This series captured my heart.

[Lauren Mullikin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet, sweet magic. What a great little novella to get the beginning of Leonidas’ curse of a story

[Gerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of Bards and witches

I enjoyed reading this short story but I think this should have been book one not ten. Highly recommend reading but again would read first.

[Vonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this shifter/witch story very much.

[Marissa Michaelsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't wait for the rest of the story.

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great read. I actually recommend reading before book 1 Kiss of a Dragon but absolutely before book 3 Fire of a Dragon to really give you a true perspective of Leonidas. Leonidas has come to London to experience a bit of Shakespeare theatre; but finds himself a young beautiful witch without a coven. Truly worth reading, I don't want to say anything to spoil the read for you. Happy Reading!

[Sandy Grissett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding. Another great book by Alisa Woods. I had previously read her book about Lucian and therefore knew how his brother Leonidas was. I was still taken with the way this book ended and I felt love and pain for Leonidas. This is a great book about Leonidas, a dragon shifter, who comes upon a witch (Meridi) who he is taken with. Meridi, however, did not know for sure what she was and Leonidas helped her find a colony in which to learn how to use her witchcraft. She was in love with Leonidas and wanted to remain with him, however, Leonidas was only 100 years old and would not even think about trying to have a family until he was at least 500. She was taken by this and knew she would be dead by then. He did not know what to say, he had feelings for her for he had not been with one for the length of time he had spent with Meridi. You may be surprised at what takes place next, it may not be the same type of endings that I normally read. Great Book!

[Brigitte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being one of the Princes of the House of Smoke, Leonidas is a key player in the Fallen Immortal Series. There has been snippets about a curse and his inability to love. This novella gives a good insight of what led to his predicament.

Leonidas is a hundred years old dragon, still very young in the Immortal world. He is fascinated by the theatre and the women during a visit in London.

Meridi is a young witch who has yet to discover her full potential.

When Leonidas spots Meridi weaving a spell at the theatre, he intervenes as keeping the peace is one of his jobs. The magical attraction between them is hotter than he expected. Leonidas decides to help Meridi find her way in the magical world and their one night together turns into many more nights. At such a young age he doesn't have any idea of what he is getting himself into and he has to live with the consequences for the rest of his long life.

This novella gives a detailed account of the reasons for Leonidas' way of life. He is one of my favourite characters in this series and I really hope that he will somehow find "Love True." A short but comprehensive and enlightening read.

I received an eARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Cindy Caron · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have started reading "A Fallen Immortals Story" series, they you will certainly appreciate this short, giving us a bit of a background on Leonidas, the "love them and leave" them triplet of the House of Smoke princes, and why he's determined to remain that way throughout his lifespan. It also opens the door to many questions about Leonidas, which I'm certain that Ms. Woods will enlighten us with the answers, when his mini-series comes along. If you haven't started the series, what are you waiting for? If you love dragons, especially the hunky kind, you won't regret picking this one up.
Hungry for the thrill and entertainment of the theatre in 1600 England, Leonidas plans to enjoy all of the perks that encircle the stage, especially the delectable ladies in the audience. When he notices the beautiful Meridi casting magic in a corner, he approaches her. When she runs from him, he runs after her.
For such a short tale, this one is definitely not lacking in excitement, love, and tragedy. You won't want to miss it.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.