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Dragon Bond
General Zala Shaylinor has led her troops against the dragons since they first invaded her homeland. Respected by her soldiers and wielder of a powerful storm blade, she’s a dedicated warrior who would never seek out love in the middle of a war. All she wants is for her people to be able to walk the world without fear again.
But when a captured prisoner turns out to be a dragon magically chained in human form, she finds herself noticing his striking violet eyes and his powerful presence. Surely, he’s more than the lowly captive he seems.
The dragon, who only offers the name Talon, promises to help the humans strike a blow against his leaders, one that could turn the tide of the war. Zala's troops suspect a trap, and her unusual interest in the prisoner makes them question her leadership for the first time. Talon claims that all he wants is his freedom in return for helping.
Dare she risk losing her troops’ hard-earned respect? Dare she trust a dragon?
Warning: Dragon Bond is a fantasy romance and contains mature sexual content.
But when a captured prisoner turns out to be a dragon magically chained in human form, she finds herself noticing his striking violet eyes and his powerful presence. Surely, he’s more than the lowly captive he seems.
The dragon, who only offers the name Talon, promises to help the humans strike a blow against his leaders, one that could turn the tide of the war. Zala's troops suspect a trap, and her unusual interest in the prisoner makes them question her leadership for the first time. Talon claims that all he wants is his freedom in return for helping.
Dare she risk losing her troops’ hard-earned respect? Dare she trust a dragon?
Warning: Dragon Bond is a fantasy romance and contains mature sexual content.
182 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 22, 2016
144 people are currently reading
507 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
November 2, 2016
I love Ms. Lionsdrake (and Ms. Buroker's too) books!!!
She has a way with words that appeal to me; the beautiful balance between the hotness and the action/adventure!
I has a slight problem here, but it is really a very, very small one: I cannot immagine how she will reconcile the human and the dragons... I know that the relationship between Zala and Talon is pointing in that direction, but I think that some minor miracle should occur and I just want to continue reading and find out what Ms. Lionsdrake imagination will reveal!
In the meantime, I throughly enjoyed this adventure! The battles, the transformations, the trust growing between Zala and Talon and between Talon and Zala's friends. That was the best part!
She has a way with words that appeal to me; the beautiful balance between the hotness and the action/adventure!
I has a slight problem here, but it is really a very, very small one: I cannot immagine how she will reconcile the human and the dragons... I know that the relationship between Zala and Talon is pointing in that direction, but I think that some minor miracle should occur and I just want to continue reading and find out what Ms. Lionsdrake imagination will reveal!
In the meantime, I throughly enjoyed this adventure! The battles, the transformations, the trust growing between Zala and Talon and between Talon and Zala's friends. That was the best part!
November 16, 2016
I'm afraid I have to disagree with all the 4 and 5 star reviews of this novel, too me it was just a decent(ish) read.
Kudos for making Talon fall for the older human female instead of the pretty, young one. Seriously though, there is insta-lust and then there is ridiculous insta-lust. Talon's peen reacts to Zala the first time he sees her in his human guise. Granted, he's met her in battle whilst in his dragon form, but still...
There was something simplistic and juvenile about this story. Despite the sexy smut I was never able to connect to the two lovers - or understand how the two of them will very able to share a long and happy life together. For one; I doubt the soldiers under her command will be as easily swayed as Zala seems to think, and then there is the matter of aging. She's 40 and he's, well we dont know exactly, but well over a 100. I don't foresee a long and happy future for our interspecies couple.
A very unfulfilling novel and 2.5 stars from me.
Kudos for making Talon fall for the older human female instead of the pretty, young one. Seriously though, there is insta-lust and then there is ridiculous insta-lust. Talon's peen reacts to Zala the first time he sees her in his human guise. Granted, he's met her in battle whilst in his dragon form, but still...
There was something simplistic and juvenile about this story. Despite the sexy smut I was never able to connect to the two lovers - or understand how the two of them will very able to share a long and happy life together. For one; I doubt the soldiers under her command will be as easily swayed as Zala seems to think, and then there is the matter of aging. She's 40 and he's, well we dont know exactly, but well over a 100. I don't foresee a long and happy future for our interspecies couple.
A very unfulfilling novel and 2.5 stars from me.
November 5, 2016
I've long been a fan of this author's other persona, Lindsay Buroker, and while the space opera written as Ruby Lionsdrake doesn't appeal to me for some reason, I'm always up for dragons. When I saw this on a promotion, I thought I'd give it a try.
It was fully up to the usual standard, and had the familiar elements: competent characters in a situation that threatens to overwhelm their level of competence, bantering, bickering, and ultimately uniting against a major threat. The difference is that Ruby Lionsdrake's books get more explicit than the Buroker ones. I felt that aspect was handled well, and in a way that contributed to the story.
There's one use of "may" instead of "might" in past tense narration, and a character name is misspelled at one point (Merath/Mareth); otherwise, I didn't notice any editing issues.
As a fan of the Dragon Blood series (under the Buroker name), I got a sense of familiarity in the backstory: dragons come through a portal from another world, where they've been underdogs (underdragons?), and fight the humans for territory. I'm reasonably sure that was mentioned as part of the history of Dragon Blood, and I'm intrigued to know whether these stories are set in the same world at a much earlier era, or at least in the same universe.
An enjoyable start to a series I will be following.
It was fully up to the usual standard, and had the familiar elements: competent characters in a situation that threatens to overwhelm their level of competence, bantering, bickering, and ultimately uniting against a major threat. The difference is that Ruby Lionsdrake's books get more explicit than the Buroker ones. I felt that aspect was handled well, and in a way that contributed to the story.
There's one use of "may" instead of "might" in past tense narration, and a character name is misspelled at one point (Merath/Mareth); otherwise, I didn't notice any editing issues.
As a fan of the Dragon Blood series (under the Buroker name), I got a sense of familiarity in the backstory: dragons come through a portal from another world, where they've been underdogs (underdragons?), and fight the humans for territory. I'm reasonably sure that was mentioned as part of the history of Dragon Blood, and I'm intrigued to know whether these stories are set in the same world at a much earlier era, or at least in the same universe.
An enjoyable start to a series I will be following.
November 25, 2016
I love the idea of a badass leading female and this book certainly had that. The story and characters were likeable. I'll check out more of this.writers work.
December 27, 2016
General Zala Shaylinor is forty, scarred and a little tired of the war that started when dragons came through a portal into their world to hunt humans. But as she carries one of the magic blades - the only things that can cut through dragon scale - she keeps fighting. Zala doesn’t know the dragons are fleeing a battle of their own. In their world, they are the smallest dragons. Here, they are strong.
Zala and her friends Salena and Vorkan have stopped battling dragons to try and free some human slaves put to work mining diamonds. Dragons like shinies. Unfortunately for them, one of the slaves IS a dragon.
Talon Aristolinis is a general of dragons and has fought against Zala more than once. He feels that they are behaving towards humans the same way the larger dragons did to them. When he rejects the King’s sister as a mate and suggests they stay in the continent they occupy and make a treaty with humans, he is imprisoned. He is forced to wear a magic collar that keeps him in human form. Evidently dragons can shape shift to anything; dragon is their preferred form.
***
Lyndsey Buroker experiments with sexual content, genre, marketing and so on using her pseudonym(s). This is kind of in the shape-shifter space fantasy box, when she’s already tried space opera and serials. She hasn’t put a lot into world building. There are things like coffee for instance, on this alien world. It also has kings, armies and magic swords.
This world could certainly expand further and given how prolific Buroker is, I guess she’s planning that or signing this world up for Kindle Worlds so others can expand it.
There’s a couple of things I squicked at.
There are certainly enough characters to expand, and issues unresolved
Easy read, fairly enjoyable
3 stars
Zala and her friends Salena and Vorkan have stopped battling dragons to try and free some human slaves put to work mining diamonds. Dragons like shinies. Unfortunately for them, one of the slaves IS a dragon.
Talon Aristolinis is a general of dragons and has fought against Zala more than once. He feels that they are behaving towards humans the same way the larger dragons did to them. When he rejects the King’s sister as a mate and suggests they stay in the continent they occupy and make a treaty with humans, he is imprisoned. He is forced to wear a magic collar that keeps him in human form. Evidently dragons can shape shift to anything; dragon is their preferred form.
***
Lyndsey Buroker experiments with sexual content, genre, marketing and so on using her pseudonym(s). This is kind of in the shape-shifter space fantasy box, when she’s already tried space opera and serials. She hasn’t put a lot into world building. There are things like coffee for instance, on this alien world. It also has kings, armies and magic swords.
This world could certainly expand further and given how prolific Buroker is, I guess she’s planning that or signing this world up for Kindle Worlds so others can expand it.
There’s a couple of things I squicked at.
There are certainly enough characters to expand, and issues unresolved
Easy read, fairly enjoyable
3 stars
October 26, 2016
Steamy Dragon Love Story
First I want to say I want more of this world Ruby Lionsdrake created, as the end of this book left room for more stories. Second, I adored that the female lead was a woman, mature and a leader of her people. Third the 'dragon' was alpha and vulnerable at the same time as he was in human form. So great characters exploration.
The relationship between Zala and Thorn the dragon jumped to the physical quickly. I like a good romp, but I adore the quiet moments of the character bonding before the romp, this is just a personal preference, as Lionsdrake writes scorching hot sex. Thank goodness my kindle didn't catch fire as the romp was an inferno.
The relationship with Zala's command soldiers was well defined, and really added multilayers to the plot. The relationship the dragons had within their own social structure was stunted and made me not like the dragons beyond Thorn, even his comrade who came to help him. It felt as if Thorn was the only 'good guy' in all the dragon world. Which is a shame. Well they did destroy most of the humans, so I guess they aren't nice.
The tale also has a slight moralistic tale of oppressed beings becoming the oppressors which I would love to see Lionsdrake explore on future books.
In the end I am hoping for a series and this book was a fab fantasy.
First I want to say I want more of this world Ruby Lionsdrake created, as the end of this book left room for more stories. Second, I adored that the female lead was a woman, mature and a leader of her people. Third the 'dragon' was alpha and vulnerable at the same time as he was in human form. So great characters exploration.
The relationship between Zala and Thorn the dragon jumped to the physical quickly. I like a good romp, but I adore the quiet moments of the character bonding before the romp, this is just a personal preference, as Lionsdrake writes scorching hot sex. Thank goodness my kindle didn't catch fire as the romp was an inferno.
The relationship with Zala's command soldiers was well defined, and really added multilayers to the plot. The relationship the dragons had within their own social structure was stunted and made me not like the dragons beyond Thorn, even his comrade who came to help him. It felt as if Thorn was the only 'good guy' in all the dragon world. Which is a shame. Well they did destroy most of the humans, so I guess they aren't nice.
The tale also has a slight moralistic tale of oppressed beings becoming the oppressors which I would love to see Lionsdrake explore on future books.
In the end I am hoping for a series and this book was a fab fantasy.
August 9, 2023
mf - speculative (fantasy) romance - dragon/human - moderate steam - age gap (very old dragon, 40 yo human) - child free - enemies to lovers (dragons and humans are at war) - forced proximity - military (she’s a commander in the human army) - third act external - virgin (MMC) - 5 star. It surprised me how much this book made me laugh. Dragons only have sex to procreate and for the first ⅓ of the book, the dragon is in human form and naked. He gets hard around the FMC and is very confused by it, and also by the fact that the other humans find it funny. I would definitely read more in this world but it appears to be a standalone.
October 24, 2016
Interesting story, but a bit disappointing that Talon was immediately attracted and devoted to the heroine. I expected more tension and animosity between enemies, but it was easily explained away by their honourable actions on the battlefield leading to mutual respect and trust. Still a decent book for the fantasy romance genre.
October 29, 2016
2.5?
I love books with dragons and I love Lindsay Buroker's writing but this just wasn't my cup of tea. Even though there was no insta-lovejust insta-lust lol and it had a decent plot line, it didn't work out for me. I don't think I'll be continuing with the series.
I love books with dragons and I love Lindsay Buroker's writing but this just wasn't my cup of tea. Even though there was no insta-love
October 28, 2016
Enjoyable. Way more sex than i thought there'd be, and the story could have been fleshed out more (heh heh) but a solid reading experience
June 15, 2022
Ehhhh. I can see what we were trying to get at. But it didn't really do it for me. It seemed like a lot of the attraction was was physical. Sure they both admired each other and If I had to choose maybe who truly like the other one more than just sex, it was Talon. But Zala was more impressed that he wanted an older muscular woman like her than someone like her younger lieutenant. I didn't see them connect at all. I can't see them working out forever or having a happily ever after.
I was hoping they'd run away together and go somewhere totally different in the very end just to make sure they'll be happy and not judged or separated. She was haggard after Mount Slash and she said she's tired and is still healing but like she could have taken that as a sign to retire and go be with someone she loves. But no, they're gonna share a tent and she basically says, my men will have to get over Talon's presence and I don't care what they think. That's great and all but your people are in war against dragons. And that pretty inconsiderate of you.
I was hoping they'd run away together and go somewhere totally different in the very end just to make sure they'll be happy and not judged or separated. She was haggard after Mount Slash and she said she's tired and is still healing but like she could have taken that as a sign to retire and go be with someone she loves. But no, they're gonna share a tent and she basically says, my men will have to get over Talon's presence and I don't care what they think. That's great and all but your people are in war against dragons. And that pretty inconsiderate of you.
February 13, 2018
Now I need book two!
September 4, 2017
Imprisoned by his own kind a dragon finds himself as a slave in a human form. A female human general frees him for the promise of his help in the fight of the humans against the dragons.
I guess these people do not have many trust issues, however, the story is well told and the tension and action makes it a page turner.
I guess these people do not have many trust issues, however, the story is well told and the tension and action makes it a page turner.
October 26, 2016
Such a treat, catching this on sale for 99 cents! Ruby Lionsdrake/Lindsay Buroker never disappoints with her perfect blend of fantasy, adventure, and romance. The coffee-bean-popping heroine was fun and the soul-searching dragon-shifter lead was perfect. My only slight regret --- there's no author's note to let me know if this is the first book in a new series or merely a standalone. Either way, it was a delight...but I want more!
April 26, 2019
Dragon slayer
I liked that the woman was constantly saving the man. I like that she was a competent leader and put her people first. I didn't like that there was way too much showing and not enough telling. The book had a lot of unnecessary filler and would of received more stars if it had been shorter.
I liked that the woman was constantly saving the man. I like that she was a competent leader and put her people first. I didn't like that there was way too much showing and not enough telling. The book had a lot of unnecessary filler and would of received more stars if it had been shorter.
September 6, 2020
Precursor to the Death Before Dragons series
Beautifully written tale of love between human and dragon. The story was full over adventure and love,with a bit of naughty bits thrown in. The author, "Ruby" Lindsey Buckner has a new dragon story now. Series, Death before Dragons. Read it too!
Beautifully written tale of love between human and dragon. The story was full over adventure and love,with a bit of naughty bits thrown in. The author, "Ruby" Lindsey Buckner has a new dragon story now. Series, Death before Dragons. Read it too!
December 4, 2017
I like it when she has a character who is not the norm for heroines ... the older battle-worn female in a leader position who thinks she is too old for love.
Really cute and I wouldn't mind a sequel in this world.
Really cute and I wouldn't mind a sequel in this world.
February 12, 2017
Zala and Talon
Their country/world has been invaded by shape-shifting dragons. The five year war has killed millions of people, the few remaining have gone underground. The last resistance fighters are led by their General Zala, who welds a magic dragon-sensing sword. When she frees slaves from the mines she also finds a dragon who is trapped in human form. Talon agrees to provide a map of the dragon's mountain headquarters in exchange for his freedom from the mines and his magic collar that keeps him trapped in human form.
Talon, who was commander of the Dragon military, feels they should negotiate with the humans rather than killing them all and taking all the land. The king imprisons in the mines under the sadistic foreman.
The relationship between Zala and Talon is interesting. Although enemies in battle they have lived very similar experiences commanding armies. They also are both confused with their feelings for each other "the enemy." I would have liked to see this budding relationship explored more but this story did happen in a short amount of days so more wasn't possible.
I hope to see more books in this world, there are so many possible stories to tell.
Their country/world has been invaded by shape-shifting dragons. The five year war has killed millions of people, the few remaining have gone underground. The last resistance fighters are led by their General Zala, who welds a magic dragon-sensing sword. When she frees slaves from the mines she also finds a dragon who is trapped in human form. Talon agrees to provide a map of the dragon's mountain headquarters in exchange for his freedom from the mines and his magic collar that keeps him trapped in human form.
Talon, who was commander of the Dragon military, feels they should negotiate with the humans rather than killing them all and taking all the land. The king imprisons in the mines under the sadistic foreman.
The relationship between Zala and Talon is interesting. Although enemies in battle they have lived very similar experiences commanding armies. They also are both confused with their feelings for each other "the enemy." I would have liked to see this budding relationship explored more but this story did happen in a short amount of days so more wasn't possible.
I hope to see more books in this world, there are so many possible stories to tell.
January 5, 2018
I actually finished this a while back, but I'm really behind on my reviews. This was a short romance, based around an alt-history where interdimensional dragons have found their way to earth and taken over at least one continent. I think the technology puts the book at around WW2 era...? I liked both the main characters, with the only flaw imo being that were attracted to each other much, much too quickly (but that's probably to be expected with a romance novella that's also trying to follow a story). In typical Lindsay Buroker/Ruby Lionsdrake fashion, she ran headlong into a detailed world and a fast-paced action/adventure, so there isn't much room for the romance next to that.
This story was a little different to your typical fantasy romance, since you could argue that our heroine was the "alpha" with the dragon-hero taking on a "beta" role. I enjoyed this switch-up, and I liked the internal conflicts that the heroine was presented with as she tried to balance her desire for a relationship with an 'enemy' while not betraying her people.
While everything works out nicely in the end, it does finish pretty abruptly - I wouldn't mind seeing more stories within this universe, but I don't think the author plans to continue it.
3.5 stars, rounded down to 3 for Goodreads.
This story was a little different to your typical fantasy romance, since you could argue that our heroine was the "alpha" with the dragon-hero taking on a "beta" role. I enjoyed this switch-up, and I liked the internal conflicts that the heroine was presented with as she tried to balance her desire for a relationship with an 'enemy' while not betraying her people.
While everything works out nicely in the end, it does finish pretty abruptly - I wouldn't mind seeing more stories within this universe, but I don't think the author plans to continue it.
3.5 stars, rounded down to 3 for Goodreads.
October 8, 2020
Although an interesting concept and well written, there wasn't enough plot or character development for me to really understand the motivation of the characters and their worlds. I found dragon fights to be a bit boring.
That said, this is the first of Ruby Lionsdrake's fantasy stories I have read. I was hesitant to believe that a dragon and human could have a romantic relationship that wasn't just creepy and this story succeeded in not making it too farfetched.
I can't truly judge whether sci fi and space operas are my favorite until I read more of the fantasies from this author (and L. Buroker), but I really enjoyed the Mandrake Company and Star Guardians series, more than this book. Talon may just be too confident and lacking the nerdiness and insecurities (other than physical weakness) of humans, making him hard to relate to.
Throughout this story I was comparing the mind and body manipulation of dragons to that of Starseers from the Fallen Empire series by Lindsay Buroker (the only series that I have read, and reread, from her so far) and though I like dragons, I think I would prefer a Starseer romance story.
That said, this is the first of Ruby Lionsdrake's fantasy stories I have read. I was hesitant to believe that a dragon and human could have a romantic relationship that wasn't just creepy and this story succeeded in not making it too farfetched.
I can't truly judge whether sci fi and space operas are my favorite until I read more of the fantasies from this author (and L. Buroker), but I really enjoyed the Mandrake Company and Star Guardians series, more than this book. Talon may just be too confident and lacking the nerdiness and insecurities (other than physical weakness) of humans, making him hard to relate to.
Throughout this story I was comparing the mind and body manipulation of dragons to that of Starseers from the Fallen Empire series by Lindsay Buroker (the only series that I have read, and reread, from her so far) and though I like dragons, I think I would prefer a Starseer romance story.
March 15, 2023
Dragon Bond by Ruby Lionsdrake aka Lindsay Buroker
This tale is a touch different than your normal sword and sorcery saga. Fantasy comes to play with dragons and libidos. Dragons have invaded the planet and razed one continent with plans to conquer the world. The less powerful dragons from a dragon-ruled planet they fled persecution and became persecutors.
General Zala Shaylinor is the leading general of the oppressed humans. First Commander “Talon” Arristalonis is the most successful dragon general. The two meet in on several occasions and are impressed by each other’s skills.
Surprising circumstances throw them together and sparks of a surprising physical arousal result. Lest your fears of stranger things run amuck, the dragons are shapeshifters and the sparks fly when Talon is in human form.
The book has from my aged perspective, adult content that is no doubt tame to contemporary teens. I would not recommend the book for pre-teens as it is suitable for a more adult audience. It was a good story with some overt romanticism.
This tale is a touch different than your normal sword and sorcery saga. Fantasy comes to play with dragons and libidos. Dragons have invaded the planet and razed one continent with plans to conquer the world. The less powerful dragons from a dragon-ruled planet they fled persecution and became persecutors.
General Zala Shaylinor is the leading general of the oppressed humans. First Commander “Talon” Arristalonis is the most successful dragon general. The two meet in on several occasions and are impressed by each other’s skills.
Surprising circumstances throw them together and sparks of a surprising physical arousal result. Lest your fears of stranger things run amuck, the dragons are shapeshifters and the sparks fly when Talon is in human form.
The book has from my aged perspective, adult content that is no doubt tame to contemporary teens. I would not recommend the book for pre-teens as it is suitable for a more adult audience. It was a good story with some overt romanticism.
April 24, 2023
This book sounded great from the blurb but the reality is an insta story. They basically get together the 2nd night after they meet, becoming attached and it escalates from there. A lot happens to a short amount of time. I think Talon's character would have been more interesting if he'd been more mysterious than we had been less privy to his point of view. I'm big fan of this author's Writing as Lindsey Buroker, this is my 1st one by Ruby and it's just OK. But of course I'll give her work under this name another try!
October 4, 2018
So I quickly read this last night...
There are not enough hours to read in darn it! I loved the storyline. The characters are strong with distinct personalities, that, given more time could grow. I would love to read more of this particular set of people and how they come to live together. I would love to see the outcome of certain joinings and the results there of.
Thank you for a delicious read
:^)
There are not enough hours to read in darn it! I loved the storyline. The characters are strong with distinct personalities, that, given more time could grow. I would love to read more of this particular set of people and how they come to live together. I would love to see the outcome of certain joinings and the results there of.
Thank you for a delicious read
:^)
May 3, 2018
Awesome book.
Another great read by ruby, this author has definitely made it to the top of my list. I had a hard time getting any work done while reading it, kept finding excuses to read instead 😁 Since the overall word conflict has not been resolved, I hope she will write more in this word. Salena seems like she needs someone 😏😉
Another great read by ruby, this author has definitely made it to the top of my list. I had a hard time getting any work done while reading it, kept finding excuses to read instead 😁 Since the overall word conflict has not been resolved, I hope she will write more in this word. Salena seems like she needs someone 😏😉
May 28, 2021
Slow start but excellent finish!
The first half of the book does an excejob of establishing the world and characters but is a bit boring.
The second half has more action but also more intense emotions. I’m a fan now. This us the first book I’ve read by this author and I can’t wait to read more.
The first half of the book does an excejob of establishing the world and characters but is a bit boring.
The second half has more action but also more intense emotions. I’m a fan now. This us the first book I’ve read by this author and I can’t wait to read more.
June 21, 2018
I’m a sucker for sweet love stories.
I’m an even bigger sucker for love stories where both the lead an the heart throb are tough. Dragons, swords, magic, and female generals. All the good stuff.
I’m an even bigger sucker for love stories where both the lead an the heart throb are tough. Dragons, swords, magic, and female generals. All the good stuff.
July 18, 2018
I love this author, both under this name and under her other pen name. This is a great book with a really interesting premise and I wish that she would write more of them because I want to have more about Zala and Talon.
June 16, 2020
This steamy read is good relaxing brain candy. The story was a bit simplistic, but I liked the interaction and was a good read. I enjoy Ruby's (Lindsey Buroker) books. She makes the women strong and the men desirable! What more could you ask for?
October 5, 2020
I do love Ruby's
(And Lindsay's) stories. I'm so crazy about the humor in so many of these books during this stressful time for our world. Keep up the good work! I'm nearly out of your series!!
(And Lindsay's) stories. I'm so crazy about the humor in so many of these books during this stressful time for our world. Keep up the good work! I'm nearly out of your series!!
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