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79 AD: Rome presses outward. Vesuvius smokes. Ladon exacts a terrible vengeance for an unthinkable act—and sets in motion the unavoidable collision of four people:

Two Fates bound by the rigidity of the past and the arrogance of the future.

One Shifter with a gift too vile to use.

And a man and a dragon who must save them from the mountain’s smoldering anger—and the weight of their soul’s ashes.

Conpuslio, a novella set in the Fate ~ Fire ~ Shifter ~ Dragon universe, expands the story of Ladon and Dragon before they meet Rysa, the heroine of Games of Fate. Set during the infamous night Vesuvius destroys Pompeii, Conpulsio asks two questions: Who is bound? Who is compelled?

The Fate - Fire - Shifter - Dragon Series:
New Adult Urban Fantasy Romance

The Fate - Fire - Shifter - Dragon series takes Rysa and Ladon—and Ladon’s companion beast, Dragon—through a landscape punctuated by unfamiliar creatures:

Fates with the ability to see past, present, and future.
Ghouls called Burners who devour with fire and acid.
Shifters who shape much more than their bodies.
And two dragons who speak with color and pattern.

#0 Prolusio: Three Prelude Stories of Fates Fire Shifters and Dragons.
#1 Games of Fate: It’s not a good love story until something explodes.
#1.5 Conpulsio: A Fate ~ Fire ~ Shifter ~ Dragon novella of binding and compulsion.
#2 Flux of Skin: All Shifters understand fury. Now they learn rupture.
#3 Fifth of Blood: Available now.
#3.5 Silence: Coming Summer 2014.


Librarian's note: This is an alternate cover edition for ASIN: B00CEPT96K.

Unknown Binding

First published April 17, 2013

3 people are currently reading
123 people want to read

About the author

Kris Austen Radcliffe

47 books162 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Profile Image for Jonel.
1,717 reviews311 followers
July 28, 2013
This novella provides a much appreciated look into the past and a history of events alluded to in the Fate ~ Fire ~ Shifter ~ Dragon series as a whole. It is impeccably written, as is all of Radcliffe’s work. As a reader you never find yourself wondering what she meant, or what that word should be. You are able to immerse yourself in her brilliantly crafted world and sit back and enjoy the ride.

Although working with a short page count in this novella, Radcliffe presents us with some very well developed and captivating characters. She also gives a deeper context as to why Ladon’s past and why he is who he is today.

Overall, this novella puts a great deal of things in context for the Fate ~ Fire ~ Shifter ~ Dragon. Many of the relationships formed and prejudices felt are explained through the actions seen here. It was a brilliant read that leaves you aching for more from this amazing author and her phenomenal series.
Profile Image for Joetta Spurling.
Author 2 books7 followers
May 16, 2017
I'm an independent reviewer for Romance Authors That Rock.
This book was well written... I recommend that you read the beginning of the series before reading this... There was a war... Now you have the different sides wanting to exact revenge against the other... Is one side the murderer? Is one side Justified in what they did? When does it stop? That is some of the questions that I got from this book... I would give this series as a hole a chance... So pick up the first book of this series you will not be disappointed....
Profile Image for Kristine.
83 reviews13 followers
April 24, 2013
It is no lie that I am in love with this new author, Kris Radcliffe. Her work leaves you constantly on the edge of your seat while you whip through the pages in a race to the end. This short story is no different and for that reason I have rated it as a FIVE STAR read.

This novel is just a short story and it goes back to before 'Games of Fate' and introduces a character that will be seen in book two 'Flux of Skin'. One of our loved characters from 'Games of Fate' is in this story as well, Ladon and Dragon. It tells a story of a race against time as Vesuvius is close to erupting and encasing them all in a sea of ash. The Jani Prime obey their fathers wishes while unknowingly an act so encompassing will take them on a path towards revenge.

I found it extremely interesting seeing Ladon and Mira interact in this story, before Rysa (Mira's future daughter) takes a place in Ladon's heart. It seemed as though almost instantly they have an understanding about one another. The 'new' character that will be in book two is Andreas, a man with a powerful gift that is more like a curse. I am extremely interested in this new character and am looking forward to reading more about him in the next book.

I really found nothing wrong with this short book, except for the fact that it was too short. I was sucked right into the story and would have loved to continue to read more. Maybe someday when the series is done Radcliffe will go back and tell more of their stories. All of the characters are fully developed with interesting behaviours and attitudes that guide their actions. All in all it was an amazing read and it will be highly recommended to any supernatural/paranormal readers out there.
Profile Image for Lyn Mckenzie.
876 reviews16 followers
December 28, 2016
I loved this novella...After reading the first book this really gives you an insight into some of the characters past and why they act and react in certain ways, it is a window into the past and it really does make you understand the characters in this this world more, i am really glad that i got a chance to read this!


This book is written so well, this author has a talent for weaving a tale around you and making it part of you, you feel part of the characters story, feeling their thoughts and emotions with them.


If readers have already read the first book then they will have already met most of the characters in this book but the past characters are very different, you really do get a better understanding of the characters, you see more about them. I think that this was a very good way to show us as readers what has made the characters the way that they are. Also if you love history as i do then you will appreciate this book even more


I would definitely recommend reading book one before this as you will understand things better. This is a definite must read and to be honest i couldn't stop turning the pages of this book, just to find out what was going to happen next!!!
Profile Image for Cassandra.
1,188 reviews110 followers
December 30, 2013
My Thoughts - 4 out of 5 Unicorns - I really liked it!!

I bought this when I was given the opportunity to review Flux of Skin (review is coming very soon)! I did this for several reasons which include I hate starting a series in the middle & it looked really good so I wanted to support the author :)

This is a short story or novella (I’m not good at where the dividing line is), but it is about 50 pages. I definitely recommend reading book 1 Games of Fate before Conpulsio or Prolusio.

This story gives you details of the past between the Dracos & Jani Primes. I won’t give you any details for this one though because it would ruin the story for you. I will tell you that the differences between the Fates in this triad sort of unfold in this story. I love how Kris pulls you in with her writing. The story is told from multiple perspectives, so you understand everything happening.

If you loved reading Games of Fate, then you don’t want to miss this background to the characters. Can’t wait to read Flux of Skin :)
Profile Image for Kat.
976 reviews32 followers
March 20, 2014
i was offered the opportunity to read and review this book by paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock for an honest review. The authors world she has created sounds very interesting, and I am going to check out the book which is given as a teaser at the end of this book.
I do wish this book had been more in depth as the fates peculiar world and lives which are basically controlled from Birth interested me. Plus I wanted to know more about ladons life and the dragons, also I loved how it was based in the past of when Vesuvius erupted, that event has always fascinated me, in fact I watched doctor who the other night when the storyline was based in that time too and it brought me back to thinking about this book! I think I might just read it again!
I give this book 4 fangs.
Profile Image for Kami.
Author 2 books71 followers
April 18, 2013
This is an ARC review gifted to me by the author.


This story is about Ladon and Dragon in 79 AD Rome. Vesuvius is about to blow. This writer is so skilled at immediately hooking you into the story. The characters are so well thought and fleshed out. The story is so good, my mind wasn't wandering like it often does when I am reading. It was so exciting, I couldn't stop reading it. This is a very compelling, fast paced, well-written novella. “Death was as easy as kneeling under a tree, waiting for a mountain.” I really like this series and can't wait for the next installment. 
Profile Image for Marichus Real.
3,573 reviews27 followers
September 8, 2014
A gifted copy was given in exchange for an honest review.
A short story which helps us to understand the relationship between Ladon and the Fates. Very well-written and easy to read. Once you start reading the book you forget about everything else. That is what happens when you read a book by this amazing author.
947 reviews7 followers
April 25, 2016
This was a quick short story that showed some of the history that came up between Rysa's family and Landon/Dragon. It was interesting to read some of that back story and see why the families felt the way they did about each other.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews

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