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Romeo and Juliet with dragons.
Will a magical civil war doom them both?
Penny Sparrow hates being fake. But when her widowed mom remarries, dragging her from London to San Francisco, she’s trapped in a pretend life with a tyrannical stepfather. Things only get worse when the scheming head of their magic-wielding clan threatens to blow their cover.
Lennon Lau isn’t sure how he’s supposed to fulfill a prophecy and ascend to dragonhood. But when murder slices through his family, he burns for fiery vengeance. Fleeing from shadowy traitors desperate to prevent his rise, he takes to the streets intent on delivering justice.
Brought together by an unlikely ally, Penny and Lennon vow to uncover the mystery behind the murderous chaos. But with every faction vying for control, they find themselves caught in a power struggle driven by an ominous prediction.
Can two teens plunged into a traitorous war discover the truth before they’re silenced forever?
Fake is the second book in the action-packed Dragons of the Crossroads fantasy series. If you like snarky, rebellious teens, magical martial arts, and mystical dragons, you’ll love this enthralling tale.
Will a magical civil war doom them both?
Penny Sparrow hates being fake. But when her widowed mom remarries, dragging her from London to San Francisco, she’s trapped in a pretend life with a tyrannical stepfather. Things only get worse when the scheming head of their magic-wielding clan threatens to blow their cover.
Lennon Lau isn’t sure how he’s supposed to fulfill a prophecy and ascend to dragonhood. But when murder slices through his family, he burns for fiery vengeance. Fleeing from shadowy traitors desperate to prevent his rise, he takes to the streets intent on delivering justice.
Brought together by an unlikely ally, Penny and Lennon vow to uncover the mystery behind the murderous chaos. But with every faction vying for control, they find themselves caught in a power struggle driven by an ominous prediction.
Can two teens plunged into a traitorous war discover the truth before they’re silenced forever?
Fake is the second book in the action-packed Dragons of the Crossroads fantasy series. If you like snarky, rebellious teens, magical martial arts, and mystical dragons, you’ll love this enthralling tale.
302 pages, ebook
First published November 1, 2016
43 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 13, 2016
I read this book a while ago and just realized I hadn't posted a review.
This book's actually been on my mind, which is what made me realize I should post a review... months after finishing it, this sage and its characters are still on my mind.
The characters are complex - even for teenagers, which the mains are. I'm very attached to both of them and very much admire them as people. Even though they're still young, they know who they are and mostly what they want out of life. They're both secure in their values and wise beyond their years due to having to grow up fast. Down to earth. You'll love to root for them and hate on their oppressors.
The author does a brilliant job of alternating the point of views. There's no confusion, and it doesn't get boring or leave me hanging - she times it perfectly and makes the transitions perfectly.
The story has some action, plenty of drama, some scandal, a bit of mystery, and some fantasy and probably more that I'm leaving out.
In other words, there's something for everyone.
I find the cover to be professionally designed and relevant and the formatting/editing to be well done and professional. Very easy on the eyes.
I'm dying for more of this series and I truly hope Saltis keeps writing whether it's to satisfy my own need for more of these characters or to bring new ones into the world.
5 stars all the way.
This book's actually been on my mind, which is what made me realize I should post a review... months after finishing it, this sage and its characters are still on my mind.
The characters are complex - even for teenagers, which the mains are. I'm very attached to both of them and very much admire them as people. Even though they're still young, they know who they are and mostly what they want out of life. They're both secure in their values and wise beyond their years due to having to grow up fast. Down to earth. You'll love to root for them and hate on their oppressors.
The author does a brilliant job of alternating the point of views. There's no confusion, and it doesn't get boring or leave me hanging - she times it perfectly and makes the transitions perfectly.
The story has some action, plenty of drama, some scandal, a bit of mystery, and some fantasy and probably more that I'm leaving out.
In other words, there's something for everyone.
I find the cover to be professionally designed and relevant and the formatting/editing to be well done and professional. Very easy on the eyes.
I'm dying for more of this series and I truly hope Saltis keeps writing whether it's to satisfy my own need for more of these characters or to bring new ones into the world.
5 stars all the way.
November 21, 2017
*i was given a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for a honest review*
I really liked the concept but the story just did not grab me. I didn’t feel drawn into the book. I could put it down again and not pick it up for awhile with no problems... in saying that it was a really good book. I really liked Penny and her backstory and overall was happy with it... it was just lacking something that I can’t put my finger on that would’ve made it a fantastic read.
I really liked the concept but the story just did not grab me. I didn’t feel drawn into the book. I could put it down again and not pick it up for awhile with no problems... in saying that it was a really good book. I really liked Penny and her backstory and overall was happy with it... it was just lacking something that I can’t put my finger on that would’ve made it a fantastic read.
October 20, 2017
*This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Penny, her younger brother Kai, and her mother Birdie are Irish gypsies. They have lived on the road for quite a while but after both Penny’s and Kai’s fathers have passed away, Birdie gets married to a business man named Bill. Penny doesn’t want to live with Bill anymore. She wants her family to travel again and perform like they do at the clubs and bars. It’s bad enough for her that she’s treated awful at school and has horrible notes written about her and stuck to her locker, but Bill also dictates when they can and can’t go perform. Penny isn’t meant to live her life in a cage, she’s meant to travel the world, live in a car, and do street performances to make money.
Paul’s Chinese-American family is part of the Two Dragon Clan. His father is the true dragon heir, and Paul is training to learn all the special skills required to use when it’s his turn to be the leader. Their Elder is trying to push Paul into a leadership position that everyone knows he’s not yet ready for. After failing the required task, Paul overhears The Elder talking about wanting to overthrow his father. He tries to warn his family but learns that he, his mother, and his cousin are going to be leaving China and will be staying in San Francisco for a while, and his father will join them later. After arriving, Paul is suddenly confronted by betrayal from his family. He tries to tell everyone what happened, but they don’t believe him. He rebels and runs away to try to make it alone on the streets before they can get to him next and decides to call himself Lennon due to the disguise he ends up putting together.
Penny and Lennon’s lives intersect at just the right time. They are both going through some tough stuff and find that talking to one another really helps. There is a strong attraction between them and they make plans to meet up, only for more horrible things to go down.
I loved Penny’s story right from the very beginning. She’s a firecracker. She’s smart, strong, and may want to kick all the other kid’s asses, but she holds herself back for her mother’s sake. Paul’s story took a little longer for me to get into. Once his family got to San Francisco that’s where I started to enjoy it more and I couldn’t stop reading. He’s a teenager who’s never been out on his own before, has no idea where to go, has no real idea how to survive the streets, but knows that he can’t go home no matter what. I loved this story and read this so quickly. As soon as it was over, I knew I had to continue on with the series. I’m totally rooting for Penny and Lennon.
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng***
Penny, her younger brother Kai, and her mother Birdie are Irish gypsies. They have lived on the road for quite a while but after both Penny’s and Kai’s fathers have passed away, Birdie gets married to a business man named Bill. Penny doesn’t want to live with Bill anymore. She wants her family to travel again and perform like they do at the clubs and bars. It’s bad enough for her that she’s treated awful at school and has horrible notes written about her and stuck to her locker, but Bill also dictates when they can and can’t go perform. Penny isn’t meant to live her life in a cage, she’s meant to travel the world, live in a car, and do street performances to make money.
Paul’s Chinese-American family is part of the Two Dragon Clan. His father is the true dragon heir, and Paul is training to learn all the special skills required to use when it’s his turn to be the leader. Their Elder is trying to push Paul into a leadership position that everyone knows he’s not yet ready for. After failing the required task, Paul overhears The Elder talking about wanting to overthrow his father. He tries to warn his family but learns that he, his mother, and his cousin are going to be leaving China and will be staying in San Francisco for a while, and his father will join them later. After arriving, Paul is suddenly confronted by betrayal from his family. He tries to tell everyone what happened, but they don’t believe him. He rebels and runs away to try to make it alone on the streets before they can get to him next and decides to call himself Lennon due to the disguise he ends up putting together.
Penny and Lennon’s lives intersect at just the right time. They are both going through some tough stuff and find that talking to one another really helps. There is a strong attraction between them and they make plans to meet up, only for more horrible things to go down.
I loved Penny’s story right from the very beginning. She’s a firecracker. She’s smart, strong, and may want to kick all the other kid’s asses, but she holds herself back for her mother’s sake. Paul’s story took a little longer for me to get into. Once his family got to San Francisco that’s where I started to enjoy it more and I couldn’t stop reading. He’s a teenager who’s never been out on his own before, has no idea where to go, has no real idea how to survive the streets, but knows that he can’t go home no matter what. I loved this story and read this so quickly. As soon as it was over, I knew I had to continue on with the series. I’m totally rooting for Penny and Lennon.
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng***
December 26, 2017
Omg this book is awesome!!
I can definitely put this book on my besties shelf, wait, I already did that before I finished reading it.
I do love Asian fiction in most ways but even though the summary was quite interesting I didn't think I would like it as much as I did.
The book does have a bit of supernatural powers and curses, the characters most of time are just like you and me and I guess that's what make the plot so interesting and impossible to drop.
I loved seeing Paul/Lennon and Penny's friendship and eventually romance develop. It felt natural given the tragics happening in their lives and having to be someone they are not and neither want to become.
Penny's family have a hard life trying to fit in a new country and the commom lifestyle, but they are really supportive of each other when it comes down to keep each other safe. I still don't know what to think of Paul's family and I totally understand his need of being someone else and that's why Penny and him aren great for each other.
I loved a few characters and hated others as if I was inside the story myself and I'm glad I already have the next one or I would be going crazy with anxiety over what happens next.
Give this book a try, you won't regret it and it's not even expensive. I can definitely say this is in my top 5 best book I've read this year!!
I can definitely put this book on my besties shelf, wait, I already did that before I finished reading it.
I do love Asian fiction in most ways but even though the summary was quite interesting I didn't think I would like it as much as I did.
The book does have a bit of supernatural powers and curses, the characters most of time are just like you and me and I guess that's what make the plot so interesting and impossible to drop.
I loved seeing Paul/Lennon and Penny's friendship and eventually romance develop. It felt natural given the tragics happening in their lives and having to be someone they are not and neither want to become.
Penny's family have a hard life trying to fit in a new country and the commom lifestyle, but they are really supportive of each other when it comes down to keep each other safe. I still don't know what to think of Paul's family and I totally understand his need of being someone else and that's why Penny and him aren great for each other.
I loved a few characters and hated others as if I was inside the story myself and I'm glad I already have the next one or I would be going crazy with anxiety over what happens next.
Give this book a try, you won't regret it and it's not even expensive. I can definitely say this is in my top 5 best book I've read this year!!
May 23, 2024
Penny and Paul's life falls apart but they find each other
Two teens are plunged into a magical civil war ,can they discover the truth
Penny and Lennon vow to uncover the mystery behind the murders But with every faction vying for control, they find themselves caught in a power struggle. They can only rely on each other to get through it but with all the secrets that they are keeping is that possible .
Two teens are plunged into a magical civil war ,can they discover the truth
Penny and Lennon vow to uncover the mystery behind the murders But with every faction vying for control, they find themselves caught in a power struggle. They can only rely on each other to get through it but with all the secrets that they are keeping is that possible .
September 2, 2023
what a ride!
A great read. Excellent storyline, great characters…
And oh the drama…
talk about a roller coaster of emotions and problems….
How two ‘fake’ lives meet, both feeling trapped and wanting to escape….
A really great read
A great read. Excellent storyline, great characters…
And oh the drama…
talk about a roller coaster of emotions and problems….
How two ‘fake’ lives meet, both feeling trapped and wanting to escape….
A really great read
January 13, 2018
Awesome
Just finished and looking forward to the second book in the series in which I already purchased. Thanks very much.
Just finished and looking forward to the second book in the series in which I already purchased. Thanks very much.
August 29, 2023
loved it
If u like dragons and magic u will-love this book I can’t water to finish all the books it was 10 star for me and the author is so sweet and amazing
If u like dragons and magic u will-love this book I can’t water to finish all the books it was 10 star for me and the author is so sweet and amazing
May 9, 2024
One of a fascinating series, looking at race, gender roles, sexuality and culture from a very unusual perspective. I inhaled the series and then I read them all again.
May 17, 2024
This is very young adult. it wasn't super angsty, but something that I was reminded of frequently. overall, interesting story, good character development, interesting world.
November 20, 2016
Hopefully the first of many
I got this book to support my friend, and it turned out that I really loved it. The complex society of Penny's and Paul's families takes some dedication by the reader to understand, but is worth the effort. I am looking forward to many more stories of the Crossroads!
I got this book to support my friend, and it turned out that I really loved it. The complex society of Penny's and Paul's families takes some dedication by the reader to understand, but is worth the effort. I am looking forward to many more stories of the Crossroads!
dnf
November 8, 2017This is more for my reference - 2% and while the summary concept intrigues me, I can already tell Penny's narrative style will grate on my nerves so I'll stop myself now.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews