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Dragonfriend #3
Dragonsoul
Stricken. Dying. Laid low by the accursed dragon haters, Hualiama must confront the greatest powers of the age as Dramagon's disciples encircle the ultimate prize--her. A girl born of fire, raised by dragons and imbued with the terrible, corrupting power of ruzal. Now, portents fill the sky. Legendary armies fly to war. The prophesied comet crashes into the Island-World, bearing the spirit of a malevolent ancient dragoness, Numistar Winterborn. She will obliterate any that seek to thwart her ambitions--all the armies of men and dragons, the monstrous war-machine of Shinzen, warlord of the giants, and most especially, Hualiama and Grandion, the Tourmaline dragon. Epic powers collide in the worlds above and below the clouds. Can Hualiama forge a path, a new way, as the first shapeshifter dragoness? Can her forbidden love for Grandion flower amidst the smoke and ruin of war? Yet she dances over Islands, forging a fate inimical to all evil. For this she was born. First of her kind. Heart of flame. Shapeshifter Dragon. Dragonsoul.
470 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 2, 2016
271 people are currently reading
201 people want to read
About the author
Marc Secchia
63 books574 followersMarc is a South African-born dragon masquerading as an author, who loves writing about dragons and Africa, preferably both at the same time. He's the author of over 40 fantasy books in 5 languages including 10 rip-roaring dragon fantasy bestsellers.
His latest releases are Khyrial and the King, an absorbing Fantasy Romance and the hilarious epic fantasy Call me Dragon which won gold in the 2021 IPPY Book Awards for best Fantasy novel.
When he's not writing about Africa or dragons Marc can be found travelling to remote locations. He thinks there's nothing better than standing on a mountaintop wondering what lies over the next horizon.
His latest releases are Khyrial and the King, an absorbing Fantasy Romance and the hilarious epic fantasy Call me Dragon which won gold in the 2021 IPPY Book Awards for best Fantasy novel.
When he's not writing about Africa or dragons Marc can be found travelling to remote locations. He thinks there's nothing better than standing on a mountaintop wondering what lies over the next horizon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
March 11, 2017
Seriously? I thought this was it, the third and final book, everything wrapped up... but no. There's another coming, 'Dragonstar'. I think that'll be the last volume.
HOWever, in this book at least there's substantial progress on the main romance, hope that's unspoilerish enough, and in the meanwhile Marc Secchia just keeps on blowing this reader's mind with order-of-magnitude increases in the stakes (and the size of the dragons involved!). I mean, this is epic!
There's an incredible amount of action and huge battle scenes in this book, all of it really well done. The mystery at the core of the series continues to unfold, and while certain key elements were revealed, there's quite a bit more to come. Which is why I'm going to have to get the next, hopefully last, book as soon as it comes out. At least Marc says he's working on it at top priority!
Bottom line, this is one of the dragon fantasy series I have enjoyed most.
HOWever, in this book at least there's substantial progress on the main romance, hope that's unspoilerish enough, and in the meanwhile Marc Secchia just keeps on blowing this reader's mind with order-of-magnitude increases in the stakes (and the size of the dragons involved!). I mean, this is epic!
There's an incredible amount of action and huge battle scenes in this book, all of it really well done. The mystery at the core of the series continues to unfold, and while certain key elements were revealed, there's quite a bit more to come. Which is why I'm going to have to get the next, hopefully last, book as soon as it comes out. At least Marc says he's working on it at top priority!
Bottom line, this is one of the dragon fantasy series I have enjoyed most.
November 14, 2016
Good book! Worth the read.
I don't generally spend money on books, but #1 was so good I paid for #2. Then #2 was so good I paid for #3. The story is starting to drag a bit, even though out is packed full of interesting characters. There is so much going on it seems like a soap opera, as soon as one problem is solved, another starts. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but the characters never get to really rest, or have some fun.
The only annoying parts of the book are that the characters jump to anger over tiny things ( Lia punches a hole in the wall because someone said her boobs are big, then takes off in a tantrum?), and another part where Grandion tries to attack a soldier for a snide comment in a volatile situation that requires diplomacy ( like he has no self control?) Then there is the whole "proverbial" thing, people don't say "they let the proverbial cat out of the bag," they just say "they let the cat out of the bag." Those little annoyances don't effect the epic story happening here, so I recommend these books to anyone who loves a good story, and loves dragons.
I don't generally spend money on books, but #1 was so good I paid for #2. Then #2 was so good I paid for #3. The story is starting to drag a bit, even though out is packed full of interesting characters. There is so much going on it seems like a soap opera, as soon as one problem is solved, another starts. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but the characters never get to really rest, or have some fun.
The only annoying parts of the book are that the characters jump to anger over tiny things ( Lia punches a hole in the wall because someone said her boobs are big, then takes off in a tantrum?), and another part where Grandion tries to attack a soldier for a snide comment in a volatile situation that requires diplomacy ( like he has no self control?) Then there is the whole "proverbial" thing, people don't say "they let the proverbial cat out of the bag," they just say "they let the cat out of the bag." Those little annoyances don't effect the epic story happening here, so I recommend these books to anyone who loves a good story, and loves dragons.
October 11, 2016
Good sequel
Good read, a little too much battle stuff for my taste, but balanced well with personal stuff, too. I still am impressed with the length of your books. Too many keep them short, but you give a worthy read. Thank you.
Good read, a little too much battle stuff for my taste, but balanced well with personal stuff, too. I still am impressed with the length of your books. Too many keep them short, but you give a worthy read. Thank you.
November 9, 2016
Great book 3 of the series
August 28, 2016
Dragonsoul
Behold, the dazzling strings of gold,
Vivid enchantment from times of old,
Azure blue, the sky of infinity,
Soft cotton white eternity.
Wonders from long forgotten lore,
Hopes that was cut from the living ore,
Of existing life and burning fire,
We burn and burn and burn.
Still, we wake to every hour of strife,
The bitterest pain of every lost life,
And thus the grieving taste,
Paints oblivion to a kiss so chaste.
Yet hope came last to stay,
Inspiration, for all who wish to walk the way.
Oh, we reign from the eternal sky,
Free souls to soar up high.
In dreams we see the other side,
And hopes are borne across the great divide,
Upon silent wings through the night,
We great the birth of dawn's faint light.
Behold, the dazzling strings of gold,
Vivid enchantment from times of old,
Azure blue, the sky of infinity,
Soft cotton white eternity.
Wonders from long forgotten lore,
Hopes that was cut from the living ore,
Of existing life and burning fire,
We burn and burn and burn.
Still, we wake to every hour of strife,
The bitterest pain of every lost life,
And thus the grieving taste,
Paints oblivion to a kiss so chaste.
Yet hope came last to stay,
Inspiration, for all who wish to walk the way.
Oh, we reign from the eternal sky,
Free souls to soar up high.
In dreams we see the other side,
And hopes are borne across the great divide,
Upon silent wings through the night,
We great the birth of dawn's faint light.
February 3, 2017
Awesome! I got to page 400 ish by December. Then I took a break and finished the last 70 or so pages two months later. Oh my God, I can't wait to read the rest! There was so much foreshadowing! Especially at the end with Hualiama and the Queen of Immadia! I love Immadia! I guess she sensed Hualiama was future Queen Istaralia's sister (Aranya's mom) because of the enchantress thing. AWESOME! Another great book!
August 25, 2016
Excellent series! Anxiously awaiting next installment! The characters both human and dragon was very well done. A must read for anyone that has dreamt of flying with dragons!
Excellent series! Anxiously awaiting next installment! The characters both human and dragon was very well done. A must read for anyone who has ever dreamt of flying with dragons!!
Excellent series! Anxiously awaiting next installment! The characters both human and dragon was very well done. A must read for anyone who has ever dreamt of flying with dragons!!
September 24, 2016
Wonderful series
I love the interaction between Lia and Grandion. Both characters are struggling to come to terms with their unusual situation in the midst of one struggle after another. Leaves you on the edge of your seat to see how they will save their world and accept their own feelings. Can't wait for book 4!
I love the interaction between Lia and Grandion. Both characters are struggling to come to terms with their unusual situation in the midst of one struggle after another. Leaves you on the edge of your seat to see how they will save their world and accept their own feelings. Can't wait for book 4!
October 20, 2016
Great continuation!
Yet another action packed book, Dragonsoul advances the story of Hualiama and her dragon to a whole new level. We see the main characters growing up and discovering their true identity. Still, the author left plenty of mysteries and adventures for the next book. Can't wait until 2017.
Yet another action packed book, Dragonsoul advances the story of Hualiama and her dragon to a whole new level. We see the main characters growing up and discovering their true identity. Still, the author left plenty of mysteries and adventures for the next book. Can't wait until 2017.
August 26, 2016
Love this series
I can not wait for the next one. All of these dragon books are wonderful. And this might be my favorite so far.
I can not wait for the next one. All of these dragon books are wonderful. And this might be my favorite so far.
October 18, 2017
I have up and down feelings about this book. This is the third book in Marc Secchia's Dragonfriend series, and I don't know if it's because of my mood not being very good when I read it, but the battle scenes felt jumpy and a little bit rushed. Coupled with the over abundance of enemies and perilous situations during those moments, this made for a sometimes head-spinning reading experience. Also, there were times when the characters and places were a little bit underdeveloped. I will not spoil it, but I will say that Grandion's temper is very short fused in this novel.
That does not mean, however, that this is a bad tale overall. There are characters suffering from internal conflicts, most notably Hualiama's dialogue between her human and dragon selves. And the scene where she calmed one character down from ending his life--I will not say names because that would be spoiling--was brilliantly done.
Overall, Dragonsoul was a good, if flawed, book. If you are a fan of the series, don't hesitate to pick it up, but don't go into it thinking that it's going to be close to the quality of book one.
That does not mean, however, that this is a bad tale overall. There are characters suffering from internal conflicts, most notably Hualiama's dialogue between her human and dragon selves. And the scene where she calmed one character down from ending his life--I will not say names because that would be spoiling--was brilliantly done.
Overall, Dragonsoul was a good, if flawed, book. If you are a fan of the series, don't hesitate to pick it up, but don't go into it thinking that it's going to be close to the quality of book one.
January 20, 2019
I guess competent editors are in short supply in Ethiopia, where Mr. Secchia works. I kept getting distracted from the story by the editing errors listed below.
Misspelled or misused: 1. reflect / reflecting ; 2. ponce / prance (best guess from context) ; 3. faraway / far away ; 4. palette / palate ; 5. elided / elicited ; 6. enormity / immensity ; 7. enormity / magnitude (please don't use ENORMITY in reference to size; it means enormous WICKEDNESS) ; 8. mucous / mucus; 9. attested / tested ; 10. decelerated / accelerated ; 11. Giant's / Giants' ; 12. dependant / dependent ; 13. overhead / overheard ; 14. of / on ; 15. tacked / tackled ; 16. fonts / founts ; 17. nearby / near ; 18. -come- / -cum- .
Added to text: to. Missing from text: out, a.
I was also confused by these two phrases: "A decidedly leopard young man" and, a little later, "ultra-leopard." The meaning is fairly obvious, from the context (extremely attractive), but, if this is some kind of African slang, my Internet dictionary is not aware of it.
Misspelled or misused: 1. reflect / reflecting ; 2. ponce / prance (best guess from context) ; 3. faraway / far away ; 4. palette / palate ; 5. elided / elicited ; 6. enormity / immensity ; 7. enormity / magnitude (please don't use ENORMITY in reference to size; it means enormous WICKEDNESS) ; 8. mucous / mucus; 9. attested / tested ; 10. decelerated / accelerated ; 11. Giant's / Giants' ; 12. dependant / dependent ; 13. overhead / overheard ; 14. of / on ; 15. tacked / tackled ; 16. fonts / founts ; 17. nearby / near ; 18. -come- / -cum- .
Added to text: to. Missing from text: out, a.
I was also confused by these two phrases: "A decidedly leopard young man" and, a little later, "ultra-leopard." The meaning is fairly obvious, from the context (extremely attractive), but, if this is some kind of African slang, my Internet dictionary is not aware of it.
July 17, 2017
Third Chapter of Dragon Life Epic is Fantastic S&S
Mark Secchia's third volume is a runaway hit, even better than the previous two books starring Lia, her numerous parents, her "frenemies" who oscillate from helpful to deadly, and, of course, her best friend (a miniature dragonet) and the object-of-her-affections: the Tourmaline dragon.
At this point in the story, Kia understands that she is somehow two beings sharing an existence: an orphan/adoptee of a human king and queen; a misplaced human child of a human queen; a dragon offspring of two of the most famous dragons on her world; a human child adopted for a number of years by the local king and queen dragons...etc., etc., etc.,
This extremely complicated story, with hundreds of characters, easily and immediately captured my imagination. All three volumes so far are very enjoyable reading.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AS BOTH AN INDIVIDUAL BOOK AND AS A SERIES!
Mark Secchia's third volume is a runaway hit, even better than the previous two books starring Lia, her numerous parents, her "frenemies" who oscillate from helpful to deadly, and, of course, her best friend (a miniature dragonet) and the object-of-her-affections: the Tourmaline dragon.
At this point in the story, Kia understands that she is somehow two beings sharing an existence: an orphan/adoptee of a human king and queen; a misplaced human child of a human queen; a dragon offspring of two of the most famous dragons on her world; a human child adopted for a number of years by the local king and queen dragons...etc., etc., etc.,
This extremely complicated story, with hundreds of characters, easily and immediately captured my imagination. All three volumes so far are very enjoyable reading.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AS BOTH AN INDIVIDUAL BOOK AND AS A SERIES!
July 23, 2020
This is a high energy story with plot twists, strong characters, and powerful imagery. Hualiama is one of my favorite characters. She strives to escape the clutches of three powerful entities determined to capture and use her. At the same time, she grapples with the human and dragon aspects of her shapeshifter whole. How can they work together and survive?
As always, the descriptions are perfect. “Silence pooled about Lia, as thick as congealed blood.” Later, a young warrior clings precariously to a flying dragon’s tail “with the air of a thousand-year-old lichen attached to her favourite boulder.” This sets the mood with an intense image that pulls you right into the story. “Dragonsoul” is a rousing, satisfying addition to a marvelous series.
As always, the descriptions are perfect. “Silence pooled about Lia, as thick as congealed blood.” Later, a young warrior clings precariously to a flying dragon’s tail “with the air of a thousand-year-old lichen attached to her favourite boulder.” This sets the mood with an intense image that pulls you right into the story. “Dragonsoul” is a rousing, satisfying addition to a marvelous series.
Read
June 9, 2019DNF. I loved the first book but it’s been downhill since Flicker died. Things have gone from one ridiculous obstacle/crisis to the next. Once I realized there were ancient dragons headed their way in comets, I just couldn’t. I’ve never enjoyed books where the author rambles from one crisis to the next torturing the main characters in what feels like an effort to increase page count and in this case book numbers. So I peaked ahead at where the series is going and decided it was time to jump ship. So many have been disappointed with the ending of the series, I’m already disappointed at this point and see no reason in torturing myself further.
May 20, 2017
Not a trilogy
Well, this was a bit of a disappointment. I thought I was reading a trilogy, but it's not over yet. A series. This story bogged down a bit in places. It seemed as if storylines were drawn out to extend the length of the book instead of addy to the depth of the story. I really don't like to read continuing stories and usually wait until a series is pretty much complete before I begin reading. I'm not very patient.
It's been an interesting three books, so hopefully book four will be out soon. I hate all the loose ends.
Well, this was a bit of a disappointment. I thought I was reading a trilogy, but it's not over yet. A series. This story bogged down a bit in places. It seemed as if storylines were drawn out to extend the length of the book instead of addy to the depth of the story. I really don't like to read continuing stories and usually wait until a series is pretty much complete before I begin reading. I'm not very patient.
It's been an interesting three books, so hopefully book four will be out soon. I hate all the loose ends.
July 22, 2018
Oh mighty dragon
This series continues to amaze me. Lia has come through fire to become the Star Dragoness. A glorious white hatchling who promises to grow into an amazing Dragoness a fitting partner for Grandion. The descriptions of the world continue to astound with the Land Dragons, gargantuan Dragons who’s descriptions allow you to imagine the size and complexity of them. Lia is still being attacked by her many enemies, and her adventures in this book are many and her solutions are highly imaginative. Love this series highly recommend. Off to read book four.
This series continues to amaze me. Lia has come through fire to become the Star Dragoness. A glorious white hatchling who promises to grow into an amazing Dragoness a fitting partner for Grandion. The descriptions of the world continue to astound with the Land Dragons, gargantuan Dragons who’s descriptions allow you to imagine the size and complexity of them. Lia is still being attacked by her many enemies, and her adventures in this book are many and her solutions are highly imaginative. Love this series highly recommend. Off to read book four.
January 14, 2018
Exciting
This was the third book In the series and to be truthful parts of it had to be trudged through. There was just so much battle descriptions and magical definitions, that it really slowed down the pace you can read at. Not sure all of it was necessary, but the ending was good and the whole book is a battle! Have to finish the last book to see what happens next in this crazy but compelling world!
This was the third book In the series and to be truthful parts of it had to be trudged through. There was just so much battle descriptions and magical definitions, that it really slowed down the pace you can read at. Not sure all of it was necessary, but the ending was good and the whole book is a battle! Have to finish the last book to see what happens next in this crazy but compelling world!
July 28, 2025
I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobook of this title. (Audible)
The world seems to be overrun by evil types, all wishing to obtain the one thing that would give them ultimate control over dragon kind.
However, there stands a mere girl of 5 feet tall, a dancer and apprentice monk, and a dragon friend and rider. It is this petite young thing that will go to war to save the innocents.
The world seems to be overrun by evil types, all wishing to obtain the one thing that would give them ultimate control over dragon kind.
However, there stands a mere girl of 5 feet tall, a dancer and apprentice monk, and a dragon friend and rider. It is this petite young thing that will go to war to save the innocents.
March 20, 2017
YA, but as with #1,2, not for any age. Monotonous, repetitive
This #3 is no better than first two. The antagonist is a whiny, sarcastic inevery conversation , serving no purpose other than to annoy the reader. Always miraculously escaping or helping others out of impossible situations. Should die about every couple pages...
This #3 is no better than first two. The antagonist is a whiny, sarcastic inevery conversation , serving no purpose other than to annoy the reader. Always miraculously escaping or helping others out of impossible situations. Should die about every couple pages...
January 25, 2017
Decent but just a little too much
I enjoyed it without really getting to into it. It just was a little too much and too often. Too many battles, too many close calls, too many overwhelming enemies, and too many escapes. All action, no meat, so to speak.
I enjoyed it without really getting to into it. It just was a little too much and too often. Too many battles, too many close calls, too many overwhelming enemies, and too many escapes. All action, no meat, so to speak.
May 31, 2018
Multiple conflicts of humans, magic and Dragons
Good tale that is made a bit sluggish with too much repetition of information. It also bogs down with the complexity of overwhelming enemies, battle odds and strategies. Still an enjoyable tale with a twist.
Good tale that is made a bit sluggish with too much repetition of information. It also bogs down with the complexity of overwhelming enemies, battle odds and strategies. Still an enjoyable tale with a twist.
June 26, 2018
The series continues to entertain and educate
Kia and her tourmaline dragon are enticing, delightful, elucidating, fiery, freezing, fun. A wonderful use of vocabulary that amplifies the journey.
Kia and her tourmaline dragon are enticing, delightful, elucidating, fiery, freezing, fun. A wonderful use of vocabulary that amplifies the journey.
January 21, 2019
Continued just for the sake of continuation
I think the first book was good, and story seemed to go somewhere. Book 2 and Book 3 were a complete waste of time. I had to literally skip to the end to get over with it.
I think the first book was good, and story seemed to go somewhere. Book 2 and Book 3 were a complete waste of time. I had to literally skip to the end to get over with it.
June 4, 2019
AZZIALA IS JUST AS PHLEGM ON A ROCK AS RA'ABA!!! Only it was she who was raped by rab'a BUT THEY BOTH DESERVE TO DIE AND JINICHI WHAT AND IMMADIA SOUUNDS COOL AND FLICKER IS REEEEEEEEEEBBBBBBOOOOOORRRRRNNNNNN!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2017
Love these books. I just bought #4 can't wait to start reading it.
The reading fantasy with dragons.
The reading fantasy with dragons.
September 27, 2018
The story does get a little predictable after 5 or 6 volumes, but still so much fun.
September 2, 2019
Awesome.
As well written as the first two books of this series bringing more answers and questions to all readers of this series.
As well written as the first two books of this series bringing more answers and questions to all readers of this series.
March 12, 2017
Loved it. Great series.
October 25, 2016
Over the top and not in a good way
I thoroughly enjoyed the first two Dragonfriend books. I liked the characters and enjoyed the story but this book especially just went to far with the enemies. Yegads enough already... these, monsters, plus fallen God's, plus mind witches, plus giants, plus evildoers on top of this nasty plus this one.... just too much. Trying to be clever with plot twists and a one minute invincible then poof powerless then shawiiing powerful.... the "battle" scenes became so prolific and so tedious I ended up speed skimming through the last 40% of the book. Shame too the world and the non superfied, then stuperfied characters are engaging but now I find myself too tired of the over the top jerky nature of the story and the seemingly endless, ridiculous turmoil of the two protagonists at not being species compatible to really care. I might give the next one a sample try, but if it's more of the arrival of the second half of this one, I won't be going any further
I thoroughly enjoyed the first two Dragonfriend books. I liked the characters and enjoyed the story but this book especially just went to far with the enemies. Yegads enough already... these, monsters, plus fallen God's, plus mind witches, plus giants, plus evildoers on top of this nasty plus this one.... just too much. Trying to be clever with plot twists and a one minute invincible then poof powerless then shawiiing powerful.... the "battle" scenes became so prolific and so tedious I ended up speed skimming through the last 40% of the book. Shame too the world and the non superfied, then stuperfied characters are engaging but now I find myself too tired of the over the top jerky nature of the story and the seemingly endless, ridiculous turmoil of the two protagonists at not being species compatible to really care. I might give the next one a sample try, but if it's more of the arrival of the second half of this one, I won't be going any further
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews