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A thousand years ago, the Ilyium and dragonkind co-existed, neither friend nor foe, until one horrific moment in time that changed everything.

All dragonkind are born with a deeply ingrained calling to protect the innocent. As Primalthorn, the Ultimate Guardian, it becomes Skulla’s duty to preserve his dying race as well. But with his responsibility comes a great burden as he’s tasked with ending the lives of those on the verge of going rogue.

Year after lonely year, only his obligations keep Skulla clinging to sanity, until the day he meets his mate. Kiah-thorn brings light back into his darkened soul.
With the lives of not only dragonkind but his family at stake, Skulla is hesitant when the Ilyium call on him for assistance. For his choices may just end all dragonkind.

Get Dracones Primalthorn and delve into the magical world of dragonkind to find out how the curse came to be. Can be read either before or after bk1, Dracones awakening.

89 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 28, 2017

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About the author

Sheri-Lynn Marean

35 books216 followers
When Canadian Born Author Sheri-Lynn Marean wasn't riding horses or drawing, she had her head in a book. In 2008, she finally challenged herself to write her own stories. Inspired by the Authors, Shows & Characters she loved, Sheri-Lynn decided upon immortals who change into dragons. Tierney, Jax and Sami came to life and the Dracones were born. She currently has nineteen published stories. Most of her work is steamy paranormal/fantasy romance that contain evil villains, mystery, and twists.

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5 stars
79 (66%)
4 stars
31 (26%)
3 stars
8 (6%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
Profile Image for Ana.
2,038 reviews6 followers
May 13, 2018
I loved to read how the Dracones came to be.....It all started on their home of Tartaria when the first dragonkind were living in relative peace with the IIyium. The old witch queen of the Ilyium put a curse on all grandchildren of Skullathorn after losing her great grandchildren to demons and blaming dragonkind for the atrocity they were innocent of. After losing most of his children and beloved mate Skull convinces his remaining sons to join forces with the Fallen against the murdering Ilyium thus ensuring the survival of their kind.

All fans of Dracones will love reading this short story, gives more of an insight to reason for the war between the two.
Profile Image for Deb.
1,099 reviews
April 6, 2017
Wow! Just wow :D Every book I've read by this talented author blows me away! This short prequel can be read anytime since it gives you hints from the past and the upcoming future reads in the fan-freaking-tastic, must read Dracones world :D Always an interesting & unique storyline, with fabulous details & awesome relatable characters that will engage readers & keep the pages turning! Amazing PNR with twists & turns that kept me glued to my seat :) I highly recommend this & every book by Ms. Marean, and can't wait for more, but I will :D
90 reviews49 followers
June 27, 2017
Let Dracones Primalthorn draw you in and paint the picture of the tale as old as time curse placed on the Dracones. Follow Skulla as he battles an internal war in his mind, trying to decide to do the right thing, whichever way you want to view it.

It is strange to me to see the Dracones living in a somewhat peaceful nature with the Illyium, I guess I've become a stab now ask questions later type of person when it comes to them anymore HAHA.

As always, Sheri-Lynn Marean has provided us with insight into her fantastic world, building upon the magic, and races we already know, using it to give us this firm building block that sets the foundation for the rest of the series.

This is a standalone, that can be read at any point in the series.
Profile Image for Kelley  Benson.
87 reviews7 followers
August 15, 2017
A really good short prequel to the curse that started it all. I'm glad that Sheri-lynn wrote this and gave us more background into the Dracones and shed light on how things came to be. It was an amazingly, emotional read. I would recommend to anyone that has read any of the other books in the Dracones series.
Profile Image for Jessica  Scully.
46 reviews1 follower
April 28, 2019
It gives a good description of how the series is going to start out. I've already started to enjoy the books. I've enjoyed the different characters, and the roles that they play. It was also emotional in some parts. I would definitely recommend this book series to friends.
1,056 reviews4 followers
May 10, 2018
I loved this book. Full of suspense, intrigue and action. I can’t wait to get more from this author.
Profile Image for Raquel Huesca.
22 reviews5 followers
July 5, 2017
This short story/novella gives the back story for how the curse came to be, the birth of a new race & how this war started up again. I loved Skulla and his sense of duty and the love he has for his family. If you read the first 3 books of the series you have already read a lot of the info contained in this book but it's awesome to read events unfold through Skulla's perspective. Enjoy!!
Profile Image for Lana.
2,842 reviews61 followers
December 18, 2018
This is the first book in the series which i have read, also the first work by this author and i am already in love. I read the book in one sitting as i could not put it down. The dragons are by nature protectors and they defend those most vulnerable and they are very family oriented with a bonded soul mate for life. When Primalthorn was dying he passed the ultimate guardianship to his dragon son Skullathorn and with this position came a lot of responsibilities which Skull took very seriously. But no matter what he did the number of dragons kept on dwindling and the males who were unable to find their mate became enraged and could not be controlled. Skull thought this was going to happen to him too but then he met Kiah his own soul mate and they had many offspring and lived happily for many years. Until the llyium druids who were the only group not under dragonkind protection came to ask for help from Skull as the Irod demons had opened a portal and were stealing their woman and children and Skull who never stopped being a protector of those in need went to their aid with a number of his children and that is when the tragedy started. Skull ended up losing many of his own family over the years and he knew so much sorrow and pain after the witch leader of the llyium cursed him and his for a thousand years to come. The war raged on until Skull finally lost everything, the only thing that kept him sane were Kiah's wise last words to him and the friend she sent to help him understand and cope as best he could. I love fantasy novels and my very favourite are books with dragons in them especially when these are the main characters, this book reminded me a lot of the excellent series by Kevin Potter, the Metal and Stone Series and I am really looking forward to reading other books after this prequel! The dragons have such awesome character traits, I really am in love.
8 reviews
August 15, 2017
Okay so let me be honest a name like Skulla, is a cool name don't get me wrong, but when I first read the name, I thought it very odd to be a name of a badass male character, let alone a dragon shifter one.  But after a while it started to rub in well, and strangely enough the name fits him.

Its interesting also that it was because of him, and a group of demons that the lives of all the dragon shifters in their world was changed forevermore, because of not so good choices in his part, and that of other characters. This is were art imitates life at the most basic human level, it is the freedom of choice, and of free will, and how that is such a dangerous gift to have for its both a blessing, and a curse.

For a prequel of a fantasy/romance series, it is short, and to the point, but most importantly it answers many questions for us loyal readers of this series in the lore perspective of things like why it is so important for each dragon to find their perfect mate because without her to temper their dragon with their soft, feminine nature, a dragon shifter could go crazy enough into a killing spree, and so when that time comes for many young dragon shifters instead of hurting any innocents, they go to Skulla, their leader, and beg for release from this cruel world of theirs, and many other story/plot elements ideas are clarified also in this story.

So overall, I give this story a 5/5! So a very good job to the author, and I hope we get to see more of your work!
Profile Image for Sheila.
548 reviews10 followers
June 29, 2017
If you like the Dracones series, this is a must read. Primalthorn tells you how the story began in Tartaria. The Ilyium and Dragons were not always adversaries. Skulla was charged with protecting the innocent and searching out roque dracones and ending their lives to protect all. When the demons kidnap two Ilyium children the Queen of the Ilyium put a Curse on all grandchildren of Skullathorn after losing her great grandchildren to demons and blaming dracones. Skulla hesitated to help with his family in danger as well. That hesistation lead to Skulla losing his son through the portal. How can he ensure the Dracones race with this Curse on his race? So much heartbreak and misunderstanding between the druidic Ilyium witches and the Dracones race.
It is always good to know the background of how and why a conflict starts. This prequel is rich in providing a backstory that explains the curse and why the Ilyium and Dracones are now enemies. This book enriches an already compelling story that draws you in and makes you care about these characters. I am eagerly awaiting the next installment.
Profile Image for Denise.
1,268 reviews5 followers
May 22, 2018
This is a NON-SPOILER REVIEW. Dracones Primalthorn by Sheri-Lynn Marean is a Prequel to the Dark Dragon Curse series. This is my first Sheri-Lynn Marean read and I loved it! I have been eyeing the Dracones series for a while, but have been a little hesitant to start the series as I have a couple of dragon series reads going at the moment. (But who doesn't love a Good dragon series?!) Then I saw this novelette-prequel on Amazon, a quick read that is an intro to the series and thought great a sneak peek. I fell into this read fast and hard. Ms. Marean writes with passion that comes across in Skulla's internal dialog and his struggle with his situation. The world building shows promise and the characters are quick to evoke an emotional response. (Grab a tissue) If you like Deborah Cooke's Dragonfire series, Gena Showalter's Lords of the Underworld or Alyssa Day's Warriors of Poseidon series then grab a copy of Primalthorn and prepare to be sucked through a portal into the Dark Dragon Curse series.
556 reviews12 followers
June 16, 2017
Wow so many emotions and such heartbreak for Skulla as we learn how the curse began for the new ly formed Dracones. I often wondered while reading books 1 through 3 how it all began but I never thought of how heartbreaking it could be. Skulla is a dragon charged with protecting the humans by his father before him. Many of the young dragons came to him because they were going insane and wanted him to end their lives before they went on killing rampages. For those of his kind if they didn't find their mates they would go insane and would need to be killed themselves. Skulla himself was beginning to despair before he found Kiah the light for his soul. They had many offspring.

There are many ins and outs as I learned about Skulla and what he went through to the creation of the Dracones but I cannot give more details as then you would have no reason to read it yourself. It's powerful, it's heartbreaking and yet it leaves you with hope.
1,372 reviews8 followers
July 9, 2017


I loved this book. I received this book for an honest review. I would recommend this book to everyone. I love the relationship between skulla and Kaia, the easy way they have with each other and how Kaia keeps skulla grounded. Skulla has nightmares about his people and their curse but Kaia will remind him that she is his light and their children also and that he is not alone in this fight anymore that he has his s
I loved this book. I received this book for an honest review. I would recommend this book to everyone. I love the relationship between skulla and Kaia, the easy way they have with each other and how Kaia keeps skulla grounded. Skulla has nightmares about his people and their curse but Kaia will remind him that she is his light and their children also and that he is not alone in this fight anymore that he has his sons helping now. I will not reveal anymore but I recommend you get this book you will be hooked like me.




1,345 reviews10 followers
July 21, 2017
This is a short quick read. So my review will be short as well. The story is well written and thought through. And it is a great prequel to let you know how it all begins. This is the story of the beginning of the draconian. It short and to the point. But don't let that fool you. This story will bring tears to your eyes. It's not just how they became but a great story of loss. In the Greek sacrifice the great dragon see to save all of dragon kind. I have read some of the other books in the series and I plan to read them all. But this gives great insight to how it all begins. So if you read this book and you want to know more I'd suggest getting all of the books that are available. They are truly wonderful reads and I love them all.
Now before I ruin this for you I will leave off here. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. If you do like this book, please consider leaving a review. The Authors really like it when you do; they value your opinions too
Profile Image for Therese Caruana.
Author 20 books35 followers
June 12, 2019
This is a perfectly written dragon-shifting prequel novella to the Dracones series. The way Sheri-Lynn has captured the dragon monarchy; Thundrance and Thunrece’s leadership to protect their dragonkind is craft of high skill. To understand the history of the Dracones, Sheri-Lynn paints an endearing family picture were every one of the 34 dragons are unique and important. The love between Skullathorn and his mate Kiahthorn is connected by their love for their children who are all able to communicate telepathically. This novella has so much to offer in a short period of time, yet makes you so clearly understand all the goals, cultures and troubles the family is facing through a vast galaxy and the 52 realms of their own world.
Profile Image for Dayna DeMarco.
22 reviews1 follower
June 13, 2017
Oh my heart. This book was too short! But i loved that about it too. Hearing how it all began, knowing what i know of the story from reading this one... it clears so much for me but leaves me with questions, so many questions! I only hope to one day hear more about these characters. This book, like the others in the series is made of magic and I'm by far craving more. I want to know more about Skulla, his young, his mate. I hope one day he will understand this was not all his fault. Not with free will involved, he couldn't have changed a thing without hurting the very thing he was trying to protect.... I loved this book, and recommend it highly!
Profile Image for Samaria LeBlanc.
72 reviews2 followers
June 26, 2017
Primalthorn gives you and amazing insight into the beginning of the series that began a long standing war and Curse. The history is told throughout the Dracones series but this book settles it all into one place. I would still recommend reading Book 1 Dracones awakening first before you jump into the prequel as it can be a bit much but still the information opens your eyes in a whole other way I wouldnt have thought possible. Sheri-lynn uses her creativity and just keeps adding to her amazing works of art. Dracones is an amazing series for anyone looking for a dragon related shifter series, she keeps you hungry wanting more and I selfishly hope the series never ends.
Profile Image for Karen.
10 reviews
June 28, 2017
We've all read the adventures of our beloved Fallen Dracones and their friends and how brutal the war between them and the Ilyium can be.

But how did it begin? Here is the story of the Skulla, great dragon and guardian of the innocent. Asked to help protect the Ilyium women and children from invading demons, 2 very important children are taken despite the dragonkinds best efforts aswell as Skullas beloved son. Pain, loss betrayal and eventually hope weave through this lovely novella. A wonderful slice of the Dracones history
Profile Image for Tina Cross.
53 reviews1 follower
July 1, 2017
You have already reviewed Dracones Primalthorn (Dark Dragon Curse): Prequel Novella.
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Sheri-Lynn Marean
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Not to put a spoiler on this, but what an emotional ride. The things we will do for love of family, is limitless. Now, I must get on this ride to it's conclusion.

This was very well written and extremely concise, in explaining the beginning.
I can't believe how it was accomplished in so few pages. Loved It!

Must Read!
Profile Image for Janie Boots.
15 reviews1 follower
July 2, 2017
I loved the premise of this story. I really felt like I was part of it. I was able to visualize everything and the characters. Sheri-Lynn brought the dragons to life for me. I was so invested in these characters I cried right along with Skulla when his children and mate were killed, it broke my heart for him. I cannot wait to read more on this growing saga. This series promises to be a blockbuster. Thank you Sheri-Lynn for creating the Dracones I am in love.
I chose to read this one first so I could get a bit of history on the Dracones, let me tell you I am hooked. Well worth the read.
Profile Image for The Book Junkie Reads . . ..
5,072 reviews155 followers
July 3, 2017
He was strong, wise, protective, unique . . . the ultimate . . .

This quick glimpse at the beginning gave a different side than I was expecting. I saw the fierce, loyal, protective dragon that had it all stripped away from him. To have his family live on they would have to be assimilated into a cultural and species that would allow them to evolve into a new species. The read allowed for me to become excited, saddened, pained, and even hopeful to see what would be coming next for these people.
Profile Image for The Mysterious Reader.
3,589 reviews66 followers
July 4, 2017
"[H]ang on to your seat as Skulla roars through the magical realm of Tartaria, filled with fierce immortal dragons, witches, demons, prophecy and heartache..."

Yup, that pretty much sums it up, and if you like that line from the kindle blurb you'll undoubtedly love this short, powerful tale. This is the story that tells how the Dracones in Sheri-Lynn Marean's later Tales came about and as such it does an excellent job and achieves what any good prologue should achieve, namely a hunger to find out what comes next. Definitely recommended for anyone thinking of reading the series itself.
Profile Image for Fern Markau.
17 reviews1 follower
July 7, 2017
The beginnining

How far would you go to save your mate and children? What if there was a way to destroy your enemy but at the cost of your entire species and your soul, could you do it then? In this prequel we meet Skulla and learn how an uneasy truce to defeat a common enemy leads to a war without end. This prequel answers the questions we had about the origins of the feud between the Ilyium and the Dracones and I can't wait to see if we get to see some of these characters in the upcoming books.
Profile Image for Derek Williams.
101 reviews2 followers
July 7, 2017
The beginnings of a series can sometimes not be the best book to read but they are necessary to set the tone for the remaining books. Sheri-Lynn Marean has given us a wonderful first book in Dracones Primalthorn (Dark Dragon Curse). Not only does it set up the rest of the series, it was a pleasure to read. Fans of the genre will be thoroughly excited with this book and have a desire to continue reading. Good news is that there are more books coming.

I was given a free copy of the book but my review is completely voluntary.
Profile Image for Diana Page.
903 reviews16 followers
July 20, 2017
I could actually feel Skulla's ( Primalthorn),complete anguish and his last bit of hope at the end of this book !! Going back to see how, why, when and where the Dracones started was a huge gift from the author, there are sone series you never get the whole picture . I can't wait for the next book in this series. I have read all of them to date and there isn't one you want to miss !! 4⭐'s !! I received a gifted copy of the book and am voluntarily choosing to leave an honest and unbiased review.
166 reviews2 followers
July 23, 2017
What a finominul series !!! Dracones Primalthorn is the prequel for Sherri-Lynn Marean's Dracones series. And quite a story it is. Romance, heartbreak, action, twist and turns. Questions answered from prior books. If this is your first book of this series....it Will Not be the last. Dragons, witches, Angels, oh my !!! I received this book as an ARC. I am voluntarily posting this review. MUST READ BOOK !!! MUST READ SERIES !!! Me?? I am reaching for the next book now - Dracones Revelations, book 2...
10 reviews
July 10, 2017
I received this book in exchange for a review.

This was a quick and easy read. It explained the origin of the series and clarified the history of the dracones. It was a little difficult to keep track of all of the characters, but I have a hard time remembering names. I would recommend reading this to better understand the other books in the series. Primalthorn breaks down the curse and why it was placed on the species.
Profile Image for Jean.
912 reviews39 followers
July 15, 2017

A Quick and Easy Read..

This novelette provides a little back ground about how the Curse actually came about
and it centers around Skulla, a dragon.

Skulla protects humans as well as dragon kind.

Overall an engaging read that includes an enemy, a long awaited mate, and a truce.

Note:
"This book was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review."

50 reviews
September 15, 2018
I'm so glad I read this book first. I had book one, but hadn't gotten to it yet, when book zero showed up. It filled in the blanks when I got to book One, of the questions I had. Who/What are the Dracones? Why were they on Earth? How come babies were an item? Why is there animosity between the two species? Sheri-Lynn Marean has a way with the story that I just kept reading and finished book one before I wrote my review of book zero.
Profile Image for Sandra Hould.
135 reviews2 followers
June 26, 2017
The prequel to the story that is known through the other books of the series explains very well where it all started. It was an easy read, and a page turner as well. I had always wondered where that war started, why the curse on the Dracones and how it would end. All these questions have been answered. It was a great read and the characters were as awesome as ever.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews