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Tarragon #2
Dragon Mage
After hundreds of years, the gates to Tarragon are open once more, fulfilling age-old prophecy. However, Anwen's journey is far from over. The dragons still sleep and she has no clue how to wake them. Forced to retreat from the Mountain, she and her newfound friends must devise a new plan to wake the inhabitants of Tarragon. Meanwhile, the Mage Circle, a group of dragon mages with a vendetta, is camped outside the Gates. Calling on allies of their own, they will stop at nothing to gain control of the Dragon City and all who dwell inside. To complicate matters even more, Anwen's mother has joined the party. But even with the help of all her friends, can Anwen overcome the ordeals set before her or will this spell the end of the dragons and the world as we know it?
256 pages, Paperback
First published March 31, 2017
1 person is currently reading
150 people want to read
About the author
Karlie Lucas
16 books81 followersKarlie Lucas is a dreamer, reader, and helpless romantic with a soft spot for female lead characters.
The third of eight children, Karlie often felt "lost" in the mix and promised herself that things would not stay that way, for herself or her characters.
"Each of my characters tend to 'feel lost' in one way or another. The real struggle, for them, is overcoming that and realizing they are of worth. I write to give everyone the opportunity to remember that."
With a bachelor's degree in Creative Writing, and a few memberships in various writing societies, Karlie is making her mark in literature.
If you haven't checked out her books, I strongly suggest you do so.
The third of eight children, Karlie often felt "lost" in the mix and promised herself that things would not stay that way, for herself or her characters.
"Each of my characters tend to 'feel lost' in one way or another. The real struggle, for them, is overcoming that and realizing they are of worth. I write to give everyone the opportunity to remember that."
With a bachelor's degree in Creative Writing, and a few memberships in various writing societies, Karlie is making her mark in literature.
If you haven't checked out her books, I strongly suggest you do so.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 3, 2018
Young Adult, fantasy.
Book #2 of a trilogy, that is not suppose to be read as a stand-alone. The end of this one doesn't feel like a cliffhanger, but if you are following the series, you know there is a lot learn yet.
Addictiveness: Highly addictive. This one is packed with action and keep the readers on the edge of their seat from the beginning.
Character: hero 4.5/5, heroine 5/5, secondary characters 5/5, growth 5/5, real 4/5 Yes. In this installment of the series we got to see Anwen discover more about herself and how "different"she is. Even better, we really learn a lot of Tyler and his true feeling for Anwen. Courtney is another one that has a lot of emotional growth here. A few new secondary characters, specially Anwen's mom and Tyler's friend, Walter. A lot of character development here. They are all so easy to love, connect and understand.
Freshness: This is a one-of-a-kind type of book. Totally unique, with a take on dragons that I have never read before. Amazing world-built and superb character development.
4/5, conflict 4/5, dialogue 5/5, ending 4/5, enjoyment 4.5/5, opening 3.5/5, pace 5/5, setting 5/5, subplots 5/5, twists 5/5 Ok opening and great ending. Very good conflict and awesome dialogues. Fast-paced with enough subplots to enhance the story. A lot of action here. Now that Anwen knows she is the key keeper and has opened the gate, she needs to learn how to wake the dragons. We also learn more about Tyler and Courtney here. This one, even though we know is not the end of a trilogy, has a great ending to the book. I can't wait for the next one!
Romance: believable 4/5, chemistry 3.5/5, description 4/5, development 4/5, steam 0/5 Now, we got a love story. Yes, Tyler learns more about Anwen and is more open here to his feelings. We know he loves her, but at the same time they are treading so many discoveries throughout the trilogy, will they have time for love?
Writing Style: Fantastic character development, great plot and cute romance.
Cover: art 3/5, title 5/5, subtitle 4/5, color-font 2/5, buy 3/5 I’m obsessed with book covers and I love to “read”snippets of the story on it. I don't like much about this one. I mean, I like the title, it fits the story and I also like the font used. But I definitely don't like the background. I like the idea of the dragon with a forest as a backdrop (only changed the lighting from book 1) but still too much black. I wouldn't buy this book without reading the blurb.
Plot: There a somethings that are still hard to understand in this fantastic plot, but I hope that the last installment will take away all my doubts.
If in the first book the author took really good care with world-built, in this one she has really delved deeply into character development and the beginning of the love story.
29.5/35 STARS – 4 STARS (4 stars between 28 and 31 stars)
Addictiveness: 4.5 Character: 5 Cover: 3 Freshness: 5 Plot: 4.5 Romance: 3.5 Writing Style: 4
Action 4.5/5
Angst 0/5
Darkness 0/5
Humor 0/5
Romance 3.5/5
Suspense/Mystery 5/5
Would I recommend? I would recommend this book for everyone that enjoys ya fantasy with a bit of romance.
Would I re-read this book? YES!
Would I re-read this series? I will follow the series. Can’t wait!
Would I read more from the author? Yes, looking forward to.
You MAY read this because you like the author; you SHOULD read this because you followed the series; you MUST read this because you want unique dragons!!!
April 14, 2017
Pressure is a dangerous thing. It can be something that makes a person snap, typically involving stress and the fear of letting someone else down. It can also be a good thing though. For some, being under pressure may be how they get their best productiveness. In this novel, Anwen is placed under an immense pressure to do something that no one else is able to do. She is the key keeper, destined to open the mountain and wake the dragons that have been slumbering there for a very long time. Lucas provides an entertaining second installment for readers, one filled with emotion, power, determination, and adventure.
Anwen, Tyler, and Courtney are back in this second installment and they are in trouble. What started as an easy-going adventure, has become difficult and nearly fatal. Tyler must make an impossible decision, one which can alter his life and Anwen’s for eternity. As dragon mages from the Inner Circle attack the three friends, they barely escape…killing one of the mages in the process. With the Inner Circle wanting revenge and Anwen still needing to reach the dragons inside of the mountain, she must go to places and put her faith in people who have hidden things from her until “the right time”. Legends and prophecies are all that everyone has to guide them to what they believe is the only way to live, fear of the unknown guiding some and desire to break the curse for others.
Lucas does a good job with character development, world-building, and originality. The story offers a terrific adventure in a land of imagination where dragons slumber. The author allows her readers to continue into this world, filled with not only adventure, but also elements of suspense and romance. The backstory is thought provoking and captivating; however, there are a few inconsistencies or rather quick endeavors that are a bit difficult to understand. Tarragon Dragon Mage is a fast paced novel, easy to read, and entertaining. If you are a reader of young adult, coming of age, and science fiction or fantasy, this may be the right book for you. It is recommended that the first installment be read prior to diving into this one, since it does pick up where the first one ended.
A copy of this book was provided to Turning Another Page by Loving the Book, but this in no way affects our honest opinion of the book or the review that has been written. We provide a four-star rating for Tarragon: Dragon Mage by Karlie Lucas.
Anwen, Tyler, and Courtney are back in this second installment and they are in trouble. What started as an easy-going adventure, has become difficult and nearly fatal. Tyler must make an impossible decision, one which can alter his life and Anwen’s for eternity. As dragon mages from the Inner Circle attack the three friends, they barely escape…killing one of the mages in the process. With the Inner Circle wanting revenge and Anwen still needing to reach the dragons inside of the mountain, she must go to places and put her faith in people who have hidden things from her until “the right time”. Legends and prophecies are all that everyone has to guide them to what they believe is the only way to live, fear of the unknown guiding some and desire to break the curse for others.
Lucas does a good job with character development, world-building, and originality. The story offers a terrific adventure in a land of imagination where dragons slumber. The author allows her readers to continue into this world, filled with not only adventure, but also elements of suspense and romance. The backstory is thought provoking and captivating; however, there are a few inconsistencies or rather quick endeavors that are a bit difficult to understand. Tarragon Dragon Mage is a fast paced novel, easy to read, and entertaining. If you are a reader of young adult, coming of age, and science fiction or fantasy, this may be the right book for you. It is recommended that the first installment be read prior to diving into this one, since it does pick up where the first one ended.
A copy of this book was provided to Turning Another Page by Loving the Book, but this in no way affects our honest opinion of the book or the review that has been written. We provide a four-star rating for Tarragon: Dragon Mage by Karlie Lucas.
May 9, 2018
Book 2 of the Tarragon Series. The last book ended with me being upset and wanting...no...needing to see what would happen next.
Anwen and her friends continue on their journey to become stronger and get ready for the next step in their battle. Randomly, Anwen's mother has joined their party to give them aid and well-needed training. There is a lot of dangers they will be facing.
The story started right where it left off. I feel like these characters had a lot of character development and growth to go along with their training. This made me happy. I actually grew to like Courtney more and I even liked Anwen's mom. We got to learn more why they kept Anwen in the dark. It makes sense on the whys, but I still feel they should've trained her and had her slightly more prepared. Poor girl has a lot of pressure on her to succeed.
This was an exciting read, especially near the end. I finished this in a couple of sittings. So good. Better than the first book for sure. I'm nervous to start the final book. I have my worries.
In the end, this was better than the first. I had no issues. I'll give this 5 stars.
Anwen and her friends continue on their journey to become stronger and get ready for the next step in their battle. Randomly, Anwen's mother has joined their party to give them aid and well-needed training. There is a lot of dangers they will be facing.
The story started right where it left off. I feel like these characters had a lot of character development and growth to go along with their training. This made me happy. I actually grew to like Courtney more and I even liked Anwen's mom. We got to learn more why they kept Anwen in the dark. It makes sense on the whys, but I still feel they should've trained her and had her slightly more prepared. Poor girl has a lot of pressure on her to succeed.
This was an exciting read, especially near the end. I finished this in a couple of sittings. So good. Better than the first book for sure. I'm nervous to start the final book. I have my worries.
In the end, this was better than the first. I had no issues. I'll give this 5 stars.
April 17, 2017
Reviewed by Queens of the darkside
I really enjoyed this story and everything about it. Im loving the mythical creatures at the moment and so this book was right up my street. The story is very well written with a great descriptive text and keeps you hooked which i loved!
The main female character is great and i enjoyed watching her develop throughout the story. Will she succeed in her plans to open the mountain? Read it to find out at this book deserves your full enjoyment!
I have always admired authors that write in this genre and this book is an absolute must read for all the dragon lovers out there!
I really enjoyed this story and everything about it. Im loving the mythical creatures at the moment and so this book was right up my street. The story is very well written with a great descriptive text and keeps you hooked which i loved!
The main female character is great and i enjoyed watching her develop throughout the story. Will she succeed in her plans to open the mountain? Read it to find out at this book deserves your full enjoyment!
I have always admired authors that write in this genre and this book is an absolute must read for all the dragon lovers out there!
April 3, 2017
I really do love the world building with the dragon lore. It is so fascinating to learn about the abilities of the dragons and also see how mortals understood and developed the magic they were given by the dragons. I like reading this series just to learn more about the lore.
The Key Keeper ends with a great cliff hanger and I was looking forward to discovering what it means for the main characters. Yet for the first half of Dragon Mage, nothing more seems to hint at it. No clues as to what change it will incur. It isn't fun to have a character who gets all the amazing abilities, but when it comes to fantasy I guess it is what I expect to find. So I can't decide if I am glad or disappointed in the revealed meaning behind the change.
I really do like the main character and how she is different than the others. I would just like to see more development in her abilities instead of luck or fate pushing her from event to event.
This did not end (at least to me) with a cliffhanger. But reading the sneak peek to the next book did tab my attention and made me interested in seeing more of the story develop.
The Key Keeper ends with a great cliff hanger and I was looking forward to discovering what it means for the main characters. Yet for the first half of Dragon Mage, nothing more seems to hint at it. No clues as to what change it will incur. It isn't fun to have a character who gets all the amazing abilities, but when it comes to fantasy I guess it is what I expect to find. So I can't decide if I am glad or disappointed in the revealed meaning behind the change.
I really do like the main character and how she is different than the others. I would just like to see more development in her abilities instead of luck or fate pushing her from event to event.
This did not end (at least to me) with a cliffhanger. But reading the sneak peek to the next book did tab my attention and made me interested in seeing more of the story develop.
January 12, 2018
EXCELLENT , "Clean" read for anyone who loves Dragons, Romance & Mystery!!
With believable ,well drawn Characters, this story grabbed my attention from the first page and held my interest in high style!! I was so engrossed, I couldn't put it down! I eagerly reached for each volume and was enthralled with all the twists, turns and a thoroughly resounding finale!! I'm looking forward to reading more of Ms Lucas' books!
With believable ,well drawn Characters, this story grabbed my attention from the first page and held my interest in high style!! I was so engrossed, I couldn't put it down! I eagerly reached for each volume and was enthralled with all the twists, turns and a thoroughly resounding finale!! I'm looking forward to reading more of Ms Lucas' books!
May 12, 2018
Anwen has opened the gates to Tarragon but that is only the first step. Now she needs to learn how to awaken the dragons. Anwen, Tyler, Courtney, and a few others go off to find the keys to waking the dragons. But those that can show them only have legends and stories. But it will be a race against time to awaken the dragons. The Mage Circle has gathered outside the Gates and are trying to get control of the Dragon City to control the dragons themselves.
I love how you jump into the story right where you left off in Key Keeper. Because of this I strongly recommend reading the books in order. As we start on this journey, Anwen’s mother and a couple others have joined this journey. We learn why Anwen was kept in the dark about her heritage and abilities but I think I would still have given her training so she had some preparation.
As the story goes along we learn more about the characters. I have to say that I am warming up to Courtney from the first book and am glad to see a little romance for Anwen with Tyler. But there is no time for doe eyes. Getting the dragons awakened and away from the Mage Circle is more important.
I loved how this book helped progress the story as opposed to usual second books in trilogies. The story is ramping up more and more and it is clearly getting to be a race against time. I can’t wait to read Dragon Bane.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
I love how you jump into the story right where you left off in Key Keeper. Because of this I strongly recommend reading the books in order. As we start on this journey, Anwen’s mother and a couple others have joined this journey. We learn why Anwen was kept in the dark about her heritage and abilities but I think I would still have given her training so she had some preparation.
As the story goes along we learn more about the characters. I have to say that I am warming up to Courtney from the first book and am glad to see a little romance for Anwen with Tyler. But there is no time for doe eyes. Getting the dragons awakened and away from the Mage Circle is more important.
I loved how this book helped progress the story as opposed to usual second books in trilogies. The story is ramping up more and more and it is clearly getting to be a race against time. I can’t wait to read Dragon Bane.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
July 11, 2020
At the end of the previous book, Anwen succeeded in opening the gate to the dragon city. Now she, Tyler, and Courtney are fighting for their lives against the dragon mages as they try to wake the dragons who still slumber within the city.
Tarragon: Dragon Mage is the second book in the Tarragon series by Karlie Lucas. It picks up with Anwen and her friends fleeing the destruction wreaked by the mages within the dragon city. A few friends join their little group as they heal and prepare to fight on. The world grows more complicated and interesting, and the plot held my attention. Tyler and Courtney remain my favorite characters, after learning so much more about them and watching them grow.
I continue to have some of the same problems with Anwen, however. Multiple times, the other characters declare that she is not a fighter, and that is fine, but she needs to do more out of her own effort rather than wait for others to do things for her or events to happen around her. She does very little of her own volition and spends much of the story too injured to do anything. And yet, the others continue to say that Anwen is working hard. And she doesn't tell the others some things that she needs to tell them for her own and their own safety. It frustrates me. I am unable to respect her as a main character. Tyler or Courtney would have done - and are doing - a much better job.
The plot is good, though it needs a little more volume and complexity. And the fact that Anwen knows nothing about her heritage and powers even though her mom knows everything makes little sense and has little foreshadowing. The excuses for it aren't enough for me, I'm afraid.
So, I like this book for the dragon myths, the overall plot, the two side characters, and the magic. But I have some reservations. If you like dragons as much as I do, take a chance on this book. You might find you like it more than I do.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions are expressly my own.
Tarragon: Dragon Mage is the second book in the Tarragon series by Karlie Lucas. It picks up with Anwen and her friends fleeing the destruction wreaked by the mages within the dragon city. A few friends join their little group as they heal and prepare to fight on. The world grows more complicated and interesting, and the plot held my attention. Tyler and Courtney remain my favorite characters, after learning so much more about them and watching them grow.
I continue to have some of the same problems with Anwen, however. Multiple times, the other characters declare that she is not a fighter, and that is fine, but she needs to do more out of her own effort rather than wait for others to do things for her or events to happen around her. She does very little of her own volition and spends much of the story too injured to do anything. And yet, the others continue to say that Anwen is working hard. And she doesn't tell the others some things that she needs to tell them for her own and their own safety. It frustrates me. I am unable to respect her as a main character. Tyler or Courtney would have done - and are doing - a much better job.
The plot is good, though it needs a little more volume and complexity. And the fact that Anwen knows nothing about her heritage and powers even though her mom knows everything makes little sense and has little foreshadowing. The excuses for it aren't enough for me, I'm afraid.
So, I like this book for the dragon myths, the overall plot, the two side characters, and the magic. But I have some reservations. If you like dragons as much as I do, take a chance on this book. You might find you like it more than I do.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions are expressly my own.
April 22, 2017
With all of the world building out of the way, book two takes off with a lot of action and never stops! This second book introduces many new characters, such as Anwen's mom and Tyler's friend Walter. They both are essential to helping Anwen and Tyler in helping the dragons. I also loved this book because we see so much more of the dragons and I loved the way the author describes them. I can't wait to read more about them in the next book coming out next year.
The plot is so well developed and after reading both books one right after the other, everything fit together so well like puzzle pieces. There is also a great surprise or two at the end that made for a great and exciting finish to this book. The character growth was huge for Anwen and Courtney in this book and it was very satisfying to see both of these young women grow emotionally and mentally in their respective powers.
It's not often that the second book is better than the first, but the constant action and more magical happenings put this book as my favorite so far in the series.You truly need to read book one first though or you'll be lost in book two.This book is recommended for fantasy lovers and those that love books about dragons.
The plot is so well developed and after reading both books one right after the other, everything fit together so well like puzzle pieces. There is also a great surprise or two at the end that made for a great and exciting finish to this book. The character growth was huge for Anwen and Courtney in this book and it was very satisfying to see both of these young women grow emotionally and mentally in their respective powers.
It's not often that the second book is better than the first, but the constant action and more magical happenings put this book as my favorite so far in the series.You truly need to read book one first though or you'll be lost in book two.This book is recommended for fantasy lovers and those that love books about dragons.
April 23, 2017
I enjoyed reading this book, maybe more so than reading book 1. Besides being introduced to the treacherous mages who want the destruction of enslavement of all dragons.. They are a fanatical group but this makes them have delusions of grandeur which makes them blind in some respects to what is really happening. Some unexpected twists but still... Will they be able to stop Anwen from waking the dragons, will Anwen somehow know the ritual to do that, and will the dragons or the mages reign supreme in this story. There is a book 3, I sure hope it comes out this month. I must know more, much more.
I received this book through Triple A book blog in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book through Triple A book blog in exchange for an honest review.
March 12, 2019
The adventure continues in the second book of the Tarragon trilogy. The magic takes a huge growth spurt in this book. A few new characters are introduced and the plot remains engaging. As in the first book, there are some editing issues, but they are not overpowering. The violence is even stronger in book 2, but it is free of sex scenes and foul language. This one left me eager to read the third and final book.
August 28, 2024
After reading her dismissive and hateful comments on social media posts about suicide prevention, why would anyone want to read her books?
April 14, 2017
When I started writing Dragon Mage, I had no idea what exactly was going to happen. But I did know two things, one, I had to somehow get that Mountain opened for good, and two, I had to find a way to wake the dragons inside. I'm not going to tell you how either is accomplished. You'll have to read that for yourself. Those were just the two biggest concerns.
I think writing Dragon Mage was probably the easiest of the planned trilogy, if I'm being honest. I got to introduce some fun new characters. I stretched my writing with some more battle action. And, hopefully, gave you a reason to experience a large variety of emotions when you read it.
Of the new characters, I'd have to say Walter is my favorite. He's just such a down to earth kind of guy, but he's also got his flaws. He's not looking for romance, and he doesn't find it. At least not yet. I'm still working on book three so anything's possible. But he's also different, adding an element of mortality that Tyler doesn't quite get. That and Walter gives you more insight into Tyler as well.
Anwen's journey continues, even if it may seem slow on the whole development as a heroine. Anwen is anything but typical as a female protagonist. I like to think that she'd the 'average joe' kind of girl, one of those girls who wished she could be the popular one in school but never managed to do that because she was too different from everyone else. her growth is a quiet one. Her strength is understated. She doesn't have to rely on sex or domination as a female to make her way in life. Just being is enough.
Tyler grows in this story too. He comes to realize more about, not only himself but about Anwen as well, especially when we throw her mother into the mix. What's not to love when you meet the parent of the girl you love? Because, yes, Tyler loves Anwen. Just how far that goes, I will let you discover for yourself as you continue on the journey of returning the dragons to their rightful place.
I hope you will enjoy reading Tarragon: Dragon Mage as much as I enjoyed writing it. And I look forward to finishing and sharing the third and final chapter of this story.
I think writing Dragon Mage was probably the easiest of the planned trilogy, if I'm being honest. I got to introduce some fun new characters. I stretched my writing with some more battle action. And, hopefully, gave you a reason to experience a large variety of emotions when you read it.
Of the new characters, I'd have to say Walter is my favorite. He's just such a down to earth kind of guy, but he's also got his flaws. He's not looking for romance, and he doesn't find it. At least not yet. I'm still working on book three so anything's possible. But he's also different, adding an element of mortality that Tyler doesn't quite get. That and Walter gives you more insight into Tyler as well.
Anwen's journey continues, even if it may seem slow on the whole development as a heroine. Anwen is anything but typical as a female protagonist. I like to think that she'd the 'average joe' kind of girl, one of those girls who wished she could be the popular one in school but never managed to do that because she was too different from everyone else. her growth is a quiet one. Her strength is understated. She doesn't have to rely on sex or domination as a female to make her way in life. Just being is enough.
Tyler grows in this story too. He comes to realize more about, not only himself but about Anwen as well, especially when we throw her mother into the mix. What's not to love when you meet the parent of the girl you love? Because, yes, Tyler loves Anwen. Just how far that goes, I will let you discover for yourself as you continue on the journey of returning the dragons to their rightful place.
I hope you will enjoy reading Tarragon: Dragon Mage as much as I enjoyed writing it. And I look forward to finishing and sharing the third and final chapter of this story.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews