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Dragon's Breath #3
Forged by Flames
Ever since dragons invaded Earth, Bailey Monzac and other survivors have had to adjust to a new world order. But a long-lost threat is re-emerging that could once again destroy everything they've been struggling to rebuild—for both man and beast. There's an artifact out there that can control dragons, and many would seek to possess it for ill intent.
It's going to be up to Bailey, her dragon shape-shifter ally Aidan, and their friends to embark on a long and arduous quest to recover the relic before it falls into the wrong hands. Along the way, relationships will strengthen and the bonds of friendship will be tested. For there can only be one outcome if they wish to survive this journey.
It's going to be up to Bailey, her dragon shape-shifter ally Aidan, and their friends to embark on a long and arduous quest to recover the relic before it falls into the wrong hands. Along the way, relationships will strengthen and the bonds of friendship will be tested. For there can only be one outcome if they wish to survive this journey.
437 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 29, 2016
75 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
About the author
Susan Illene
40 books492 followersSusan Illene served in the US Army for eleven years and worked as a human resources specialist and an Arabic linguist. She served two deployments to Iraq, and after leaving the army, she studied history at the University of Oklahoma. She currently lives with her husband and two sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
April 19, 2017
3.5/5
Damn, this book has left me restless.
Forged by Flames is a classic quest which was a nice transition book after the previous story arc ended.
Bailey, Aidan, Conrad, Miles, Danae, and Aidan's uncle and sister are traveling together to different parts of the US to reassemble a magical orb which can control dragon shifters, dragon slayers, and magic users. They have to go through a few trials, and in the process learn important things about their history and mutual origins.
You see, this part was really fascinating to me, and I wanted to know more.
I also loved Aidan's change of heart about his relationship with Bailey and their mutual character growth. Really nicely done!
Conrad was a sweetheart continuously providing comic relief but we also found out an intriguing backstory to Aidan's sister and Miles & Danae.
At the same time, the plot in parts lost focus, and I didn't feel like some storylines were wrapped up successfully. The witch or Aidan's brother, for example.
Saying all that, it was a pleasant, smooth read, and I'm looking forward to this series expanding its world-building in the future. Recommended.
* * *
Чёрт, эта книга оставила меня неудовлетворённой!
Скованные Пламенем - это классический квест и хорошая переходная книга, расширяющая горизонты серии.
Эйдан, его дядя и сестра, Бэйли, Конрад, Дэна и Майлз путешествуют вместе в разные части США, чтобы собрать магическую сферу, которая может контролировать драконов-оборотней, охотников за драконами и ведьм.
Им приходится пройти через несколько испытаний и в процессе узнать о том, что объединяет их происхождение, несмотря на такую антипатию друг к другу.
Вы знаете, это была самая волнительная часть сюжета, о которой мне хотелось узнать побольше. Однако, мне также понравился перелом в отношениях между Бэйли и Эйданом, и их обоюдное развитие характеров.
Конрад продолжил разбавлять серьёзность повествования своими шуточками и позитивом, но мы также узнали интересные детали прошлого Фиби, Майлза и Дэны.
В то же время, сюжет временами терял фокус, и некоторые из его линий просто сошли на нет ( я говорю о ведьме или, например, брате Эйдана). Однако, в общем, книга слушалась легко, и я с интересом буду ждать расширения мира серии в новом направлении. Рекомендую.
Damn, this book has left me restless.
Forged by Flames is a classic quest which was a nice transition book after the previous story arc ended.
Bailey, Aidan, Conrad, Miles, Danae, and Aidan's uncle and sister are traveling together to different parts of the US to reassemble a magical orb which can control dragon shifters, dragon slayers, and magic users. They have to go through a few trials, and in the process learn important things about their history and mutual origins.
You see, this part was really fascinating to me, and I wanted to know more.
I also loved Aidan's change of heart about his relationship with Bailey and their mutual character growth. Really nicely done!
Conrad was a sweetheart continuously providing comic relief but we also found out an intriguing backstory to Aidan's sister and Miles & Danae.
At the same time, the plot in parts lost focus, and I didn't feel like some storylines were wrapped up successfully. The witch or Aidan's brother, for example.
Saying all that, it was a pleasant, smooth read, and I'm looking forward to this series expanding its world-building in the future. Recommended.
* * *
Чёрт, эта книга оставила меня неудовлетворённой!
Скованные Пламенем - это классический квест и хорошая переходная книга, расширяющая горизонты серии.
Эйдан, его дядя и сестра, Бэйли, Конрад, Дэна и Майлз путешествуют вместе в разные части США, чтобы собрать магическую сферу, которая может контролировать драконов-оборотней, охотников за драконами и ведьм.
Им приходится пройти через несколько испытаний и в процессе узнать о том, что объединяет их происхождение, несмотря на такую антипатию друг к другу.
Вы знаете, это была самая волнительная часть сюжета, о которой мне хотелось узнать побольше. Однако, мне также понравился перелом в отношениях между Бэйли и Эйданом, и их обоюдное развитие характеров.
Конрад продолжил разбавлять серьёзность повествования своими шуточками и позитивом, но мы также узнали интересные детали прошлого Фиби, Майлза и Дэны.
В то же время, сюжет временами терял фокус, и некоторые из его линий просто сошли на нет ( я говорю о ведьме или, например, брате Эйдана). Однако, в общем, книга слушалась легко, и я с интересом буду ждать расширения мира серии в новом направлении. Рекомендую.
November 6, 2016
Forged by Flames by Susan Illene a fiery good five star read. This is the third book in the Dragon’s breath series, and it doesn’t disappoint, its keeping the story going and bringing new aspects It just keeps getting better and better. I can’t wait for the next instalment.
This series focuses on Bailey Monzac who had just finished college and was deciding what to do with her life when the Dragons crossed over from Kederrawien the dragon realm. It’s at this time that she discovers she is a slayer and she meets Aiden a dragon shifter from the Taugud toriq when he comes to aid her in the first book Stalked by Flames and helps Bailey come to terms with what she is, teaching her how to gain control of her Slayer instincts. They develop a friendship and possibly more during the books. The challenge they face in this book to find an object that can control dragons and slayers alike, they face their hardest challenges, and some of the supporting cast come out to play, We get to see Phoebe, Aiden’s older sister more finding out more of her story and what makes her tick, we also get more Conrad, and who could complain about that, but he will face his own challenges in this story, and not just coming to terms with Bailey and Aiden getting closer no matter how much they fight it as it shouldn’t happen.
They will all form bonds on this journey and face some of the toughest challenges they have ever faced, even more of a challenge than coming to terms with the fact they all share this new world. The question is will they all survive and will they all come out the other side stronger, or will they be broken along the way?
Susan Illene is a fabulous author, she writes books that you can’t put down, I read this book again for a second time, straight after the first read, I didn’t want it to end.
This series focuses on Bailey Monzac who had just finished college and was deciding what to do with her life when the Dragons crossed over from Kederrawien the dragon realm. It’s at this time that she discovers she is a slayer and she meets Aiden a dragon shifter from the Taugud toriq when he comes to aid her in the first book Stalked by Flames and helps Bailey come to terms with what she is, teaching her how to gain control of her Slayer instincts. They develop a friendship and possibly more during the books. The challenge they face in this book to find an object that can control dragons and slayers alike, they face their hardest challenges, and some of the supporting cast come out to play, We get to see Phoebe, Aiden’s older sister more finding out more of her story and what makes her tick, we also get more Conrad, and who could complain about that, but he will face his own challenges in this story, and not just coming to terms with Bailey and Aiden getting closer no matter how much they fight it as it shouldn’t happen.
They will all form bonds on this journey and face some of the toughest challenges they have ever faced, even more of a challenge than coming to terms with the fact they all share this new world. The question is will they all survive and will they all come out the other side stronger, or will they be broken along the way?
Susan Illene is a fabulous author, she writes books that you can’t put down, I read this book again for a second time, straight after the first read, I didn’t want it to end.
December 2, 2025
Forged by Flames
These books just keep getting better and better. This one has lots of action and a great storyline. I love the relationship between Aidan and Bailey, and their friends are very likeable.
These books just keep getting better and better. This one has lots of action and a great storyline. I love the relationship between Aidan and Bailey, and their friends are very likeable.
November 1, 2016
Holy Moly!!! What a journey has this book been? Stalked by Flames was one of my absolute favourite reads of last year and Forged by Flames is definitely up there for me this year. It has absolutely everything I look for in an urban fantasy book, characters I want as my best friends and care about just as much, utterly amazing and incredibly realistic world building (remember those annoying books where the heroine never thinks about going for a bathroom break for 24 hours plus? You won't get any of that here), creative, witty and humorous writing and best of all those unexplainable shivers you get when you've got the book in your hands. You just know you have something special and to say I loved it is an understatement.
Bailey and Aidan are growing as characters and in their relationships, moving forwards around all the obstacles placed in front of them. But that's not to say the side characters are forgotten either, I want to bring Conrad right out of the pages and take him home with me, he is so adorable and funny, I want him as a best friend too!! He gets the best one liners ;-) Phoebe, Miles, Danae and Kade all play a very major role in this book and I adored the journey with all it's trials and revelations that went through it. I suddenly see a very bog picture playing out in front of me and I can't wait to see where it all goes. I am definitely on board for this ride, wherever it takes us readers. Utterly brilliant, excited for more.
Bailey and Aidan are growing as characters and in their relationships, moving forwards around all the obstacles placed in front of them. But that's not to say the side characters are forgotten either, I want to bring Conrad right out of the pages and take him home with me, he is so adorable and funny, I want him as a best friend too!! He gets the best one liners ;-) Phoebe, Miles, Danae and Kade all play a very major role in this book and I adored the journey with all it's trials and revelations that went through it. I suddenly see a very bog picture playing out in front of me and I can't wait to see where it all goes. I am definitely on board for this ride, wherever it takes us readers. Utterly brilliant, excited for more.
February 5, 2017
An exciting quest
In my opinion, this newest addition to the Dragon's Breath Series is the best yet. If you haven't already read the previous novels of this series, the following contains spoilers for those books.
For humans, their whole world and everything they believed in changed in one day. They were no longer the top of the food chain. Suddenly not only were there dragons, witches, and dragon shifters, but some of the humans have discovered there is more to what they had thought they knew about themselves than they ever believed. There is a complete shared history with these other beings that goes back to when they had previously lived in the same realm. This is the believable world Susan Illene has developed. Among the richly developed characters is a dragon shifter who upon recognizing that one of the humans is a dragon slayer, makes the decision to train her although she is a traditional enemy of his people.
In this addition to the series, a dragon shifter with the power of prophecy brings together a team made up of Dragon shifters, the slayer, a witch and humans. They are sent on a quest to find an artifact that, in the wrong hands, can destroy everything they all hold dear. This action-packed adventure takes them on a journey where they learn more about themselves individually and their histories. You won't want to put it down until the end. The only disappointment I had was that the books are no longer avaliable through Kindle Unlimited which makes it Hardee on my book budget.
In my opinion, this newest addition to the Dragon's Breath Series is the best yet. If you haven't already read the previous novels of this series, the following contains spoilers for those books.
For humans, their whole world and everything they believed in changed in one day. They were no longer the top of the food chain. Suddenly not only were there dragons, witches, and dragon shifters, but some of the humans have discovered there is more to what they had thought they knew about themselves than they ever believed. There is a complete shared history with these other beings that goes back to when they had previously lived in the same realm. This is the believable world Susan Illene has developed. Among the richly developed characters is a dragon shifter who upon recognizing that one of the humans is a dragon slayer, makes the decision to train her although she is a traditional enemy of his people.
In this addition to the series, a dragon shifter with the power of prophecy brings together a team made up of Dragon shifters, the slayer, a witch and humans. They are sent on a quest to find an artifact that, in the wrong hands, can destroy everything they all hold dear. This action-packed adventure takes them on a journey where they learn more about themselves individually and their histories. You won't want to put it down until the end. The only disappointment I had was that the books are no longer avaliable through Kindle Unlimited which makes it Hardee on my book budget.
December 16, 2016
I really enjoy this series. It features a strong heroine and hero without either dominating.
The book starts out with Bailey (the heroine) and her friend Conrad out hunting dragons. While they are driving around they are stopped by Verena, the local sorceress. Verena has helped Bailey and her friends before, but she's always been sketchy. As payment for healing Conrad a while back Verena required a favor from Bailey to be granted at a later date. Unfortunately, now is the time.
Verena tells Bailey that she will be going on a journey to obtain the orb and when Bailey does she has to give the orb to Verena. Bailey doesn't know about any journey, but soon finds out from Aidan (the hero) and his leader that she will be going on a quest for this orb. The orb is a big deal as it controls shifters, true dragons, and slayers and so is much too dangerous to be in a sorcerer's hands.
Bailey, Conrad, Aidan, and several other people set out on the quest. They face many obstacles, which include some interesting tests. I've read my share of quest books, and this is a good one. The characters are interesting and the action and situations are great. I definitely recommend this book.
The book starts out with Bailey (the heroine) and her friend Conrad out hunting dragons. While they are driving around they are stopped by Verena, the local sorceress. Verena has helped Bailey and her friends before, but she's always been sketchy. As payment for healing Conrad a while back Verena required a favor from Bailey to be granted at a later date. Unfortunately, now is the time.
Verena tells Bailey that she will be going on a journey to obtain the orb and when Bailey does she has to give the orb to Verena. Bailey doesn't know about any journey, but soon finds out from Aidan (the hero) and his leader that she will be going on a quest for this orb. The orb is a big deal as it controls shifters, true dragons, and slayers and so is much too dangerous to be in a sorcerer's hands.
Bailey, Conrad, Aidan, and several other people set out on the quest. They face many obstacles, which include some interesting tests. I've read my share of quest books, and this is a good one. The characters are interesting and the action and situations are great. I definitely recommend this book.
December 25, 2023
An excellent example of the simple quest format type of story. While used often by authors, this was done extremely well here.
Background characters, such as Conrad and Danae, got a chance to shine here with small POV sections. They also played a larger part in the whole of the narrative.
The world building in this book is very well done. I have seen many authors fail to integrate fantasy into the “real world” many times. Nice to see that isn’t a problem here. Also, with the worldbuilding in this particular series, I desire more knowledge about the lore of the dragons, slayers, and sorcerers.
Some romance also goes a long way in the series. I feel that this adds a needed layer to the story. While it doesn’t take a spotlight, it does play a necessary role in the story.
As a final thought, the whole of the story seems to flow better and faster than the previous novels. The pacing is better, and the action sequences seem smoother.
Overall, a great read. Better than the last book in the series and this one makes me look forward to continuing the series.
Background characters, such as Conrad and Danae, got a chance to shine here with small POV sections. They also played a larger part in the whole of the narrative.
The world building in this book is very well done. I have seen many authors fail to integrate fantasy into the “real world” many times. Nice to see that isn’t a problem here. Also, with the worldbuilding in this particular series, I desire more knowledge about the lore of the dragons, slayers, and sorcerers.
Some romance also goes a long way in the series. I feel that this adds a needed layer to the story. While it doesn’t take a spotlight, it does play a necessary role in the story.
As a final thought, the whole of the story seems to flow better and faster than the previous novels. The pacing is better, and the action sequences seem smoother.
Overall, a great read. Better than the last book in the series and this one makes me look forward to continuing the series.
November 23, 2016
This is the latest installment in the the Dragon's Breath series and is a good as the rest. Today it is on sale now for $3.99 so check it out.This review was originally posted on Books In Brogan
June 4, 2017
Lots of action
I enjoyed this book. It was interesting to watch the friendships grow between characters and to find out details about the side characters that you previously didn't know about (Danae, Miles and Conrad especially). There was plenty of action and I liked getting a glimpse at the past and the origins of the shifters. All in all, it was a great read!
I enjoyed this book. It was interesting to watch the friendships grow between characters and to find out details about the side characters that you previously didn't know about (Danae, Miles and Conrad especially). There was plenty of action and I liked getting a glimpse at the past and the origins of the shifters. All in all, it was a great read!
March 5, 2023
a treasure hunt 👍🏽
Aidan and Bailey along with their allies must find an orb before it gets into a sorcerer’s hands. The trial that they are forced to pass determined their success or failures. With a slow burn passion brewing between the slay and dragon shifter sparks fly through the journey.
Aidan and Bailey along with their allies must find an orb before it gets into a sorcerer’s hands. The trial that they are forced to pass determined their success or failures. With a slow burn passion brewing between the slay and dragon shifter sparks fly through the journey.
June 22, 2017
I want to love this series so badly. I'm not sure what keeps me from loving it but it never quite makes the leap from like to love it always leaves me slightly dissatisfied.
Glad I read the book and that the H/h has depended. Would like more character and world building out of the next books.
Glad I read the book and that the H/h has depended. Would like more character and world building out of the next books.
January 11, 2017
Very well written and the story building is amazing! I really love Aiden and Bailey. Was also nice to see Kade more active in this book. Off to read Christmas with Dragons!!
March 3, 2018
I loved the conclusion. Know I can't wait to see how that decision forms the rest of the series.
May 3, 2018
Enjoyed it.
Very good read. The storyline grabs you. The author writes a compelling book that almost seems real. Give it a try.
Very good read. The storyline grabs you. The author writes a compelling book that almost seems real. Give it a try.
September 7, 2018
I love this series its so good! I love so the characters especially Adian ♡
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2023
This was an amazing book. I already purchased the next in the series and I cannot wait to start reading. I love this series.
Read
October 5, 2023DNF
February 10, 2024
The epic quest was a little lame, but the character growth was awesome.
November 30, 2016
A complicated 3 stars
Despite being a diehard fan of Susan Illene's work, I have to admit I struggled with this book. If I am being honest, I also struggled throughout 2 as well. I chalked book 2 up to second book syndrome and the need to lay groundwork for books 3 and after. I think that is still valid.
For me, Forged by Flames just didn't have the usual...soul that we see in book 1 and throughout the Sensor series. I found the dialogue flowed less, became stilted. The plot wasn't unsurprising for a mid series book but I never felt that sense of adventure I wanted to feel. Events felt forced, less natural and more formulaic. Even the descriptions and thoughts of the characters felt off. It's almost as if this book came from a different author.
So why did I rate this 3 stars? I trust this author. I know she has had a hard year in her personal life and can only imagine how hard it is to pick the pen back up and put your heart into something; and Susan has always put heart into her books, making them visceral and real. It's why they stand out, and her characters live with you long after you put the story down. So while this book isn't her best work, I give it three stars knowing what she can do, and knowing that I will get to see her best in the books that follow.
Despite being a diehard fan of Susan Illene's work, I have to admit I struggled with this book. If I am being honest, I also struggled throughout 2 as well. I chalked book 2 up to second book syndrome and the need to lay groundwork for books 3 and after. I think that is still valid.
For me, Forged by Flames just didn't have the usual...soul that we see in book 1 and throughout the Sensor series. I found the dialogue flowed less, became stilted. The plot wasn't unsurprising for a mid series book but I never felt that sense of adventure I wanted to feel. Events felt forced, less natural and more formulaic. Even the descriptions and thoughts of the characters felt off. It's almost as if this book came from a different author.
So why did I rate this 3 stars? I trust this author. I know she has had a hard year in her personal life and can only imagine how hard it is to pick the pen back up and put your heart into something; and Susan has always put heart into her books, making them visceral and real. It's why they stand out, and her characters live with you long after you put the story down. So while this book isn't her best work, I give it three stars knowing what she can do, and knowing that I will get to see her best in the books that follow.
January 30, 2017
PROS: interesting story line, brings in a lot of different characters but not so many that I felt overwhelmed, great character development- I felt like I got to really know each one of the characters (but did not really relate to them)
CONS: I did not like how the author switched POV's, in my opinion it would have been more coherent and made me feel more a part of the story and relate better to the characters if it would have all been written in first person. I was also frustrated with segments between chapters (ie. one minute we are shooting a dragon, next chapter waking up for breakfast- what the heck happened in the middle).
I haven't read book 4, but I wish the author would have wrapped up the ending in this book... Seriously how can we go from titles like Forged by Flames (totally cool) to Christmas with Dragons (that does not sound dark, enticing, or alluring at all)
CONS: I did not like how the author switched POV's, in my opinion it would have been more coherent and made me feel more a part of the story and relate better to the characters if it would have all been written in first person. I was also frustrated with segments between chapters (ie. one minute we are shooting a dragon, next chapter waking up for breakfast- what the heck happened in the middle).
I haven't read book 4, but I wish the author would have wrapped up the ending in this book... Seriously how can we go from titles like Forged by Flames (totally cool) to Christmas with Dragons (that does not sound dark, enticing, or alluring at all)
March 31, 2023
re-read February 2023
4.5 stars
A really great book.
So far I've loved everything this author published and I hope I'll continue to do so.
One of the things I love most about her books is the complexity of the stories. It's obvious the author put a lot of thought and time in this series.
The characters are amazing and the way she created the adventure in this book was brilliant.
I also thought that this would be the last book in the series, but I'm so happy to find out there will be more!
Can't wait for the next one!
4.5 stars
A really great book.
So far I've loved everything this author published and I hope I'll continue to do so.
One of the things I love most about her books is the complexity of the stories. It's obvious the author put a lot of thought and time in this series.
The characters are amazing and the way she created the adventure in this book was brilliant.
I also thought that this would be the last book in the series, but I'm so happy to find out there will be more!
Can't wait for the next one!
November 7, 2016
Can't wait for the next in series!
I have read many books on the end of the world, none did it with dragons before. I am enjoying the characters as they mature in this new world and am looking forward to the next in this series.
I have read many books on the end of the world, none did it with dragons before. I am enjoying the characters as they mature in this new world and am looking forward to the next in this series.
November 14, 2016
I love this series.
Sure there is some romance in this series but the main characters don't complete revolve around their love interest. They have other priorities and responsibilities.
Great books, cannot wait for the next one!
Sure there is some romance in this series but the main characters don't complete revolve around their love interest. They have other priorities and responsibilities.
Great books, cannot wait for the next one!
November 25, 2016
Great story
An interesting journey with lots of twists and turns. Learning a history you knew nothing of. Finding out truths you did not know about or truths you were afraid to believe. Opening ones eyes.
An interesting journey with lots of twists and turns. Learning a history you knew nothing of. Finding out truths you did not know about or truths you were afraid to believe. Opening ones eyes.
November 13, 2016
Another Good One
I love how the characters evolve throughout the novel. The plot is a delicious blend of complexity and intrigue that keeps me on my toes.
I love how the characters evolve throughout the novel. The plot is a delicious blend of complexity and intrigue that keeps me on my toes.
November 15, 2016
Another good sequel in this series, although I think it is weaker than the second book (but still good). If you liked the first two books, you should get this book.
November 17, 2016
Love this Dragon/Apocalypse/Fantasy/Dystopian/ book! Every time I read one of Susan Illene I have to have more. This book kept me reading an wanting to know what was going to happen next.
November 22, 2016
Five Star +++
A nice and refreshing change to the run of the mill stories. Bound by moral standards. With plenty of action of all kinds. Well written and highly recommended.
A nice and refreshing change to the run of the mill stories. Bound by moral standards. With plenty of action of all kinds. Well written and highly recommended.
December 15, 2016
Review to come!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews