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The Draegan Lords #2
Lords of Kellesborne
A hundred years ago, the high sorcerer of Velensperia launched a swift and deadly attack against the draegans—a race of dragon shapeshifters who’d always lived in harmony with the humans. The draegans were all but destroyed, with the few who remained, scattered and in hiding. But after a century of cruel repression, a group of them have united and begun to fight back. Their leader, Keiran Hareldson, is determined to free his people from the high sorcerer’s tyranny.
Gaige Rizik used to be the captain of the sorcerer’s High Guard, and known for his lethal ability to hunt down his prey with no remorse. His last assignment was to infiltrate the draegan rebel’s camp, identify the leader, and eliminate him. But the more deeply Gaige became entrenched with the draegans and their passionate, compelling leader, the more torn he became over his mission. Keiran sparked powerful emotions in Gaige and stirred a longing in him he couldn’t deny. No one, least of all him, expected him to fall in love with the very man he’d sworn to kill. When he chose to defect to the draegans’ side, his betrayal to the sorcerer came at a high personal cost. Left for dead in the sorcerer’s dungeon, Keiran barely found him in time.
Now, the hunter has become the hunted. With the high sorcerer bent on annihilating every last draegan and all those who support them, a secret revealed from Keiran’s past becomes their best hope for survival. From the deep forests of Velensperia to the ancient draegan stronghold of Kellesborne, only the strength of two determined men and their fierce love for one another stand between the people they protect and an evil conjured from the bowels of hel itself.
LORDS OF KELLESBORNE was previously published. This new, second edition has been revised since its original release.
Gaige Rizik used to be the captain of the sorcerer’s High Guard, and known for his lethal ability to hunt down his prey with no remorse. His last assignment was to infiltrate the draegan rebel’s camp, identify the leader, and eliminate him. But the more deeply Gaige became entrenched with the draegans and their passionate, compelling leader, the more torn he became over his mission. Keiran sparked powerful emotions in Gaige and stirred a longing in him he couldn’t deny. No one, least of all him, expected him to fall in love with the very man he’d sworn to kill. When he chose to defect to the draegans’ side, his betrayal to the sorcerer came at a high personal cost. Left for dead in the sorcerer’s dungeon, Keiran barely found him in time.
Now, the hunter has become the hunted. With the high sorcerer bent on annihilating every last draegan and all those who support them, a secret revealed from Keiran’s past becomes their best hope for survival. From the deep forests of Velensperia to the ancient draegan stronghold of Kellesborne, only the strength of two determined men and their fierce love for one another stand between the people they protect and an evil conjured from the bowels of hel itself.
LORDS OF KELLESBORNE was previously published. This new, second edition has been revised since its original release.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2008
29 people are currently reading
640 people want to read
About the author
M.L. Rhodes
42 books570 followersI’m author M.L. Rhodes and I write m/m romance and fantasy. This means my books are about gay or bisexual men meeting, falling in love, and finding happily-ever-afters with other men. Sometimes the settings are contemporary, sometimes the stories take place in worlds filled with dragons, witches, or other fantasy and paranormal creatures. But there’s one thing of which you can be certain…in my books, love always wins!
If you'd like to know more about me and writing, swing by my website when you have a few minutes! http://authormlrhodes.com
If you'd like to know more about me and writing, swing by my website when you have a few minutes! http://authormlrhodes.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
February 15, 2011
I WANT TO RIDE A DRAGON!
Oh Yeah... I could be that
No wait a second... this phrase could have another meaning!
I WANT TO RIDE A DRAGON!
huuuuummmm... ok, so I think both meanings are valid in this case, because KEIRAN is a hell of a dragon!
Quick comment about the story (without spoilers of the #1 or this #2 of the serie)
Ok, the first book let us know how can enemies be together
Lords of Kellesborne (The Draegan Lords, #2) is in my view much more focalized (thanks havens for that) in Keiran.
Will Keiran be a leader of the Drageans? How strong is he?
Will Keiran trust with all of his heart in his mate? Their union is possible?
Will Keiran
Anyway....
It's a perfect balanced book, with a lot of shifter scenes (YEY! Loved it, and OMG I LOOOOOOOVE dragons!!!!!), fights, love, and adventure!
One of the best quality of this book is all info about other shifters, and be prepare... maybe also some elf can appear...
Another great aspect is about the
Hummmm... no, not that...read it to know what I'm talking about.
So, of course it's a 5 stars book and a little warn... the end will obligate you to read more... soooooo beautiful but OMG I end this book trying very hard to don't punch something... it's... it's.... can't tell... read it to know
Have fun reading it!
April 19, 2017
Well... I sure as hell hadn't expected that ending. It was a bit of a shock, as I had expected something else. It was a pleasant surprised, I think, though an horrible twist for the story. Overall, the book had its moments, though it was boring as well. And fuck, I was going crazy with all the I love you's. You love each other, I get it, but I don't need to hear it all the time. Just saying. Though the ending makes you intrigued to continue, the series is still not the best out there and makes you...not want to continue at the same time. Who knows what my messy mind decides to do...
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Paranormal Romance (M/M)
Series: - Series, Book Two
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Keiran Hareldson.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Unsure.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Uhhh, I don't know?
Will I read this again in the future? - No.
Rating - 2 stars
“You don't belong in this world. Go back to your shadows. You'll get nothing else from us.”
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Paranormal Romance (M/M)
Series: - Series, Book Two
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Keiran Hareldson.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Unsure.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Uhhh, I don't know?
Will I read this again in the future? - No.
Rating - 2 stars
March 14, 2011
The sequel of True of Heart (or Book #2 of The Draegan Lords series) is even better than the first book.
First because it is the length is longer, which gives me satisfaction of being immersed into the urban fantasy world of draegans and their fight against the evil sorcerer, Byram.
Second because there are a lot of development from both Keiran and Gaige as characters, including more stories regarding Keiran's heritage as the last Draegan Lord and his followers. It's an amazing world to follow, I feel like watching a whole season of Merlin (BBC) ... with additional hot lovemaking, of course :).
At first, the back-and-forth guilt inner-monologue session from both Keiran and Gaige annoy me a bit. It's nice to read in the beginning, but after awhile, this starts to feel like self-pity and trust me, there is nothing adorable about that. However, I'm glad that as the story goes, Keiran and Gaige take time to work on their issues, deciding not to keep secrets from one another, in effect make for good communication between the two of them.
I love the twist of Gaige's heritage in addition to some new characters being introduced. The ending is such a climax ... I'm happy that I read this after the third book is released because the cliff-hanger in this one will make me go crazy if I have to wait a year for it.
First because it is the length is longer, which gives me satisfaction of being immersed into the urban fantasy world of draegans and their fight against the evil sorcerer, Byram.
Second because there are a lot of development from both Keiran and Gaige as characters, including more stories regarding Keiran's heritage as the last Draegan Lord and his followers. It's an amazing world to follow, I feel like watching a whole season of Merlin (BBC) ... with additional hot lovemaking, of course :).
At first, the back-and-forth guilt inner-monologue session from both Keiran and Gaige annoy me a bit. It's nice to read in the beginning, but after awhile, this starts to feel like self-pity and trust me, there is nothing adorable about that. However, I'm glad that as the story goes, Keiran and Gaige take time to work on their issues, deciding not to keep secrets from one another, in effect make for good communication between the two of them.
I love the twist of Gaige's heritage in addition to some new characters being introduced. The ending is such a climax ... I'm happy that I read this after the third book is released because the cliff-hanger in this one will make me go crazy if I have to wait a year for it.
April 15, 2010
Book two in the Draegan Lords series starts off right where book one ended. Gaige had been captured and treated brutally by Byram, the High Sorcerer of Velensperia, until finally Keiran was able to rescue him. During their escape Keiran is also injured. Now the men must recuperate, get back to their people and plan and be ready for the certain fight ahead. Byram now knows Keiran's true heritage and he'll stop at nothing to kill him and all of the other Draegans.
I really liked the continuation of Gaige and Keiran's story. This is a well written and interesting story with a dynamic and well paced plot. The story is rich in detail and is filled with memorable characters that feel real despite the fantasy theme of the story. The connection between Gaige and Keiran deepens in this book as they become true mates and Gaige's heritage comes to light.
As with True of Heart the supporting characters in this story are well written and interesting. In this book we are introduced to a few new ones, including one with a surprising connection to Gaige, and these new characters are all good additions to the storyline. There is plenty of action in this active, engaging story as well as times when the pace slows down and Gaige and Keiran are given time to connect and keep that connection strong and vital.
Another aspect of the story that I really enjoyed was Gaige and his developing talents. As he comes to accept himself fully he emerges as a true hero and an equal to Keiran. I loved the deepening connection between them and felt the author did a great job of showing the love and care between them.
Overall this is a fast paced and well written fantasy that features great characters and a strong and engaging plot. While I really liked the first book I was totally blown away by this one. I was hooked from the first page and the only thing I didn't like was that when I finished it I had to wait for book three to be published. Luckily for me I had waited to read books one and two of the Draegan Lords series until the third was almost out so the wait wasn't too long. I highly recommend Lords of Kellesborne as well as the first book, True of Heart.
I really liked the continuation of Gaige and Keiran's story. This is a well written and interesting story with a dynamic and well paced plot. The story is rich in detail and is filled with memorable characters that feel real despite the fantasy theme of the story. The connection between Gaige and Keiran deepens in this book as they become true mates and Gaige's heritage comes to light.
As with True of Heart the supporting characters in this story are well written and interesting. In this book we are introduced to a few new ones, including one with a surprising connection to Gaige, and these new characters are all good additions to the storyline. There is plenty of action in this active, engaging story as well as times when the pace slows down and Gaige and Keiran are given time to connect and keep that connection strong and vital.
Another aspect of the story that I really enjoyed was Gaige and his developing talents. As he comes to accept himself fully he emerges as a true hero and an equal to Keiran. I loved the deepening connection between them and felt the author did a great job of showing the love and care between them.
Overall this is a fast paced and well written fantasy that features great characters and a strong and engaging plot. While I really liked the first book I was totally blown away by this one. I was hooked from the first page and the only thing I didn't like was that when I finished it I had to wait for book three to be published. Luckily for me I had waited to read books one and two of the Draegan Lords series until the third was almost out so the wait wasn't too long. I highly recommend Lords of Kellesborne as well as the first book, True of Heart.
September 19, 2017
second review
I think.I love this book even more than the first
first review
speak about cliffhangers!!! and now I have to wait for the next book ...
at least as good as the first. LOve the world, the dragons and especially Gaige and Keiran. Gaiges characer is really developing and I love to watch
I think.I love this book even more than the first
first review
speak about cliffhangers!!! and now I have to wait for the next book ...
at least as good as the first. LOve the world, the dragons and especially Gaige and Keiran. Gaiges characer is really developing and I love to watch
August 16, 2012
4.25
Better than the first with more action, hot sex (well, more of it anyway). It was a pretty engaging book overall. Again like the first book, although there was nothing wrong with it, it just doesn't quite cut the 5-star mark. I just feel that even though there is nothing I can point out that could clarify my taking off a star, it's just that I don't feel that it really is that good of a book to be able to make it that far.
I don't know. And even now I feel a bit iffy taking off a star even as I can't really point out anything.
Anyway, apart from that, I think it that Lords of Kellesborne is a fantastic book, and well worth the read. Recommended for those who enjoyed the first book, and just this genre in general.
**Note: It ends with a cliffhanger. A pretty big ass one too.
Better than the first with more action, hot sex (well, more of it anyway). It was a pretty engaging book overall. Again like the first book, although there was nothing wrong with it, it just doesn't quite cut the 5-star mark. I just feel that even though there is nothing I can point out that could clarify my taking off a star, it's just that I don't feel that it really is that good of a book to be able to make it that far.
I don't know. And even now I feel a bit iffy taking off a star even as I can't really point out anything.
Anyway, apart from that, I think it that Lords of Kellesborne is a fantastic book, and well worth the read. Recommended for those who enjoyed the first book, and just this genre in general.
**Note: It ends with a cliffhanger. A pretty big ass one too.
January 11, 2016
Too much drama for my personal taste. Do men even talk that much, especially about their emotional state? However, I love the plot and dragons in particular. Starting the next book :)
July 21, 2017
Okay, okay, okay. I'm actually giving this 2.5 stars and here's why.
I definitely didn't like this one as much as the first book. It's a middle installment and it feels like it. There was rising action and an interesting climax, but much of the book was reconnaissance and I wasn't thinking for a second we'd actually defeat or even interact with the main villain. This made the end very unsatisfying because now I feel obligated to read the third one when the second wasn't very amazing. I didn't get any closure at all, or even a cliffhanger to launch me into the next installment.
One of my biggest beefs with this novel is the constant and extreme dramatics. These boys are a lil' extra. The adjectives used to describe their feeling and reactions are super EXTREME. Things are exploding, piercing their souls, crushing them with guilt, tearing them limb from limb with FEELINGS. All the time. Every time anything happens, it causes a catastrophic roiling of emotions that sends their souls into spirals of agony. It's, uh, a bit much. I'm all for people, especially dudes, having feelings, but this is a goddamn roller coaster that I want to get off.
The two leads, Gaige and Kelan...Keinar...Kairan...sorry, I don't remember his name, or at least how to spell it, share a soul bond that allows them to speak telepathically, experience each other's emotions, and share visions and memories. I like the idea of soul bonds and it often works well in fanfiction, but fanfics have an advantage over novels in this regard. In fanfiction, the soul bond idea isn't new. It's been done to death and so instead of just HAVING a soul bond and that being the exciting thing, people have moved onto exploring the infinite varieties and ways to have a soul bond, as well as the problems that may come with. This allows the fics to be in depth, more considerate, and more critical of the soul bond trope. It's explored, mashed up, and remixed in interesting and unique ways. This novel doesn't do that. We're stuck with basic, straightforward soul bond stuff.
Part of the reason this annoys me is because if feels cheap, or like cheating. I mean this in regards to the author and how they write the characters. Instead of communicating, the characters just feel what the other is feeling and instantly understand. I'm not a fan of miscommunication as a plot device, but I feel like this goes too far in the other direction. Sharing pain through the bond isn't enough of a drawback to compensate for the various ways the soul bond overpowers the characters.
I also wasn't much of a fan of the string of sex scenes. They'd do it every five pages, then lament in between how they hadn't been alone together for ages. Find out you have a living grandmother? Let's handle the overwhelming emotion with a dose of sex in the woods. Guys, there's a war going on. Put on your pants!
The language used during the sex scenes was weird too. It was a strange mix of odd and distracting euphemisms one expects from a romance novel, blunt slang terms one expects from fanfiction, and then clinical, unsexy terms one doesn't expect at all. I ended up giggling my way through half of the sex bits and skimming the rest, just because they happened so often and I wanted to move along to the plot.
Plot-wise, there were a few things that legitimately took me by surprise. I appreciate that, especially since there are many other cliche things happening.
I'm not sure if I'll pick up the third one. We'll see.
I definitely didn't like this one as much as the first book. It's a middle installment and it feels like it. There was rising action and an interesting climax, but much of the book was reconnaissance and I wasn't thinking for a second we'd actually defeat or even interact with the main villain. This made the end very unsatisfying because now I feel obligated to read the third one when the second wasn't very amazing. I didn't get any closure at all, or even a cliffhanger to launch me into the next installment.
One of my biggest beefs with this novel is the constant and extreme dramatics. These boys are a lil' extra. The adjectives used to describe their feeling and reactions are super EXTREME. Things are exploding, piercing their souls, crushing them with guilt, tearing them limb from limb with FEELINGS. All the time. Every time anything happens, it causes a catastrophic roiling of emotions that sends their souls into spirals of agony. It's, uh, a bit much. I'm all for people, especially dudes, having feelings, but this is a goddamn roller coaster that I want to get off.
The two leads, Gaige and Kelan...Keinar...Kairan...sorry, I don't remember his name, or at least how to spell it, share a soul bond that allows them to speak telepathically, experience each other's emotions, and share visions and memories. I like the idea of soul bonds and it often works well in fanfiction, but fanfics have an advantage over novels in this regard. In fanfiction, the soul bond idea isn't new. It's been done to death and so instead of just HAVING a soul bond and that being the exciting thing, people have moved onto exploring the infinite varieties and ways to have a soul bond, as well as the problems that may come with. This allows the fics to be in depth, more considerate, and more critical of the soul bond trope. It's explored, mashed up, and remixed in interesting and unique ways. This novel doesn't do that. We're stuck with basic, straightforward soul bond stuff.
Part of the reason this annoys me is because if feels cheap, or like cheating. I mean this in regards to the author and how they write the characters. Instead of communicating, the characters just feel what the other is feeling and instantly understand. I'm not a fan of miscommunication as a plot device, but I feel like this goes too far in the other direction. Sharing pain through the bond isn't enough of a drawback to compensate for the various ways the soul bond overpowers the characters.
I also wasn't much of a fan of the string of sex scenes. They'd do it every five pages, then lament in between how they hadn't been alone together for ages. Find out you have a living grandmother? Let's handle the overwhelming emotion with a dose of sex in the woods. Guys, there's a war going on. Put on your pants!
The language used during the sex scenes was weird too. It was a strange mix of odd and distracting euphemisms one expects from a romance novel, blunt slang terms one expects from fanfiction, and then clinical, unsexy terms one doesn't expect at all. I ended up giggling my way through half of the sex bits and skimming the rest, just because they happened so often and I wanted to move along to the plot.
Plot-wise, there were a few things that legitimately took me by surprise. I appreciate that, especially since there are many other cliche things happening.
I'm not sure if I'll pick up the third one. We'll see.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2017
Honestly I thought Book 1 was better. Both the MCs in this book were a bit too emotional for me. I'm all for alpha guys having feelings but it seemed like they were constantly on a super high or a super low. Extreme guilt or constant I love yous. Also not a lot happened in this book until the end and while I like some good sex scenes there just felt like too many in this book at odd times. Interesting cliffhanger though and since I did really love the first book I'll give book 3 a shot to see if it improves.
May 8, 2018
I loved this. It actually surprised me in places. Just when I thought the guys would be uncommunicative and ruin everything by not talking about their insecurities....they talked! And reassured. And it was great. I like the progression of the plot as well. I liked the new characters introduced. The twist towards the end and the new big bad was interesting. THE ENDING WAS NOT OKAY.
February 22, 2019
I pretty much gave up reading this at about 54% and skimmed through to the last chapter. Then, skimmed some more. It was too drawn out for me, at 50% I felt like I should have been almost done already.
May 14, 2018
I love a good dragon story and this one was almost as good as the first book. I think this one needed a bit more fleshing out on some of the character points but over all a wonderful book. I look forward to reading book 3
January 17, 2016
After this cliffhanger ending... I NOW find out that well there is a book 3, book 4 never happened. It has been years!!
So frustrated that I started an unfinished series. I am upset that I wasted my money on a book (which was very pricey for a kindle book) only to find out it will never end.
It's my own fault. I should have LOOKED before I began this series. But I didn't. And know I'll never know how it ends and it is a HUGE cliffhanger at the end of this book. Guess I'll have to come up with my own ending.
So, in this installment the truths about Keiran and Gaige are brought to light and it makes the rebels grow stronger. It helps bring together everyone and they have a chance to take back the land. As they look for a way to end the evil sorcerer, they find out another truth. How and why the sorcerer has been able to hold power and stay young.
Sacrifices.
We should have known.
But Gaige continues to have horrible visions(that aren't played out by the end of this book). How much are they willing to lose to win?
They work on gathering/spreading the world about finally going to war against the evil sorcerer. He is on his own now, since Gaige killed his long-time lover/father. Their bond brings more abilities to them. Their love is growing.
There is a new evil, something much more sinister than the sorcerer. In fact, it makes the sorcerer look like a pawn compared to this evil. Death.
In the end Death comes. It is devastating and leaves you hanging on will happen next. There are hints of how to save everyone throughout the book, and I assume we'd find out in book three. But that won't be happening.
So frustrated that I started an unfinished series. I am upset that I wasted my money on a book (which was very pricey for a kindle book) only to find out it will never end.
It's my own fault. I should have LOOKED before I began this series. But I didn't. And know I'll never know how it ends and it is a HUGE cliffhanger at the end of this book. Guess I'll have to come up with my own ending.
So, in this installment the truths about Keiran and Gaige are brought to light and it makes the rebels grow stronger. It helps bring together everyone and they have a chance to take back the land. As they look for a way to end the evil sorcerer, they find out another truth. How and why the sorcerer has been able to hold power and stay young.
Sacrifices.
We should have known.
But Gaige continues to have horrible visions(that aren't played out by the end of this book). How much are they willing to lose to win?
They work on gathering/spreading the world about finally going to war against the evil sorcerer. He is on his own now, since Gaige killed his long-time lover/father. Their bond brings more abilities to them. Their love is growing.
There is a new evil, something much more sinister than the sorcerer. In fact, it makes the sorcerer look like a pawn compared to this evil. Death.
In the end Death comes. It is devastating and leaves you hanging on will happen next. There are hints of how to save everyone throughout the book, and I assume we'd find out in book three. But that won't be happening.
April 4, 2011
How could it just end like that?! Ugh, cliffhangers! Lol.
I really loved this book. It was definitely better than the first one, True of Heart. I was hooked from the very beginning and even with all the months that passed between reading ToH and LoK I was still able to follow the story and remember the basics of what happened in ToH.
I liked Gaige more in this one, though. He seems like a more trustworthy type of character now whereas before I was still kinda cautious of if he was actually good at heart or not. Keiran is still my favorite, though. Who doesn't love a fire-breathing dragon? I mean, come on! Lol.
LoK starts off where ToH leaves off in which Keiran takes Gaige to Kellesborne to recuperate from the injuries he got while being Byram's captive and getting hurt while Keiran goes to rescue him. From there it's basically non-stop action while the two get accustomed to being true mates, learning Gaige is half-draegan and his new found powers, trying to get back to the rebel camp and what happens once they return, and dealing with the added responsibility of saving the lives they can when Gaige starts getting visions. I absolutely loved it and I can't wait to read the third one.
Definitely recommended.
I really loved this book. It was definitely better than the first one, True of Heart. I was hooked from the very beginning and even with all the months that passed between reading ToH and LoK I was still able to follow the story and remember the basics of what happened in ToH.
I liked Gaige more in this one, though. He seems like a more trustworthy type of character now whereas before I was still kinda cautious of if he was actually good at heart or not. Keiran is still my favorite, though. Who doesn't love a fire-breathing dragon? I mean, come on! Lol.
LoK starts off where ToH leaves off in which Keiran takes Gaige to Kellesborne to recuperate from the injuries he got while being Byram's captive and getting hurt while Keiran goes to rescue him. From there it's basically non-stop action while the two get accustomed to being true mates, learning Gaige is half-draegan and his new found powers, trying to get back to the rebel camp and what happens once they return, and dealing with the added responsibility of saving the lives they can when Gaige starts getting visions. I absolutely loved it and I can't wait to read the third one.
Definitely recommended.
August 25, 2011
Stunning in the intensity of the feelings portrayed between the MCs, the author cleverly uses the usual mis-communications between them but resolves them quickly and believably.
I keep thinking this is similar but an adult, m/m version of "Lord of the Rings".
My only complaint? The cliff-hanger finish. But, I'm already reading the last in the series, Fires Of Ballian, absolutely obssesed with what happens next.
I keep thinking this is similar but an adult, m/m version of "Lord of the Rings".
My only complaint? The cliff-hanger finish. But, I'm already reading the last in the series, Fires Of Ballian, absolutely obssesed with what happens next.
January 20, 2013
Dropping to 3 stars due to the unfinished nature of this series, a lack of closure on the story has impacted my opinion for all 3 books, I will never re-read them since I know they're unfinished. A warning to all who would start this series, we've been waiting for book 4 for 3 years. I'm giving up hope and removing book 4 from my want to read pile. Very, VERY frustrating.
July 7, 2013
It's been a while since I read the first book in this series, but I was able to jump right back into the story with no problem. This is an excellent combination of m/m romance and fantasy. Loved it.
August 6, 2017
4.5 heart review for Love Bytes Reviews!
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, interviews, and giveaways.
This is the second book in the epic fantasy series The Draegan Lords. In book one, True of Heart, we met Gaige and Keiran. At the beginning of the story Gaige has been sent by Byram, the high sorcerer of Velensperia, on a mission to find the leader of the remaining draegans. He finds the camp where the leader is hiding, has a change of heart and ends up mated to Keiran, the leader of the draegans. Much world and character building happens as we are introduced to his amazing world. The bond between Gaige and Keiran strengthens, especially after Keiran dramatically rescues Gaige from a Very Bad Situation. The two spend some time healing at Kellesborne, the hidden stronghold of the draegans.
Lords of Kellesborne starts off with some history… We get a brief and icky look at the beginning of Byram’s reign of terror. Then back to current times we go, as the story picks up with Gaige and Keiran still at Kellesborne healing and making a plan for the future. Gaige learns more about himself, and has a serious case of the self-doubts. Keiran helps to heal him emotionally as well as physically, then the two head back to camp. Which leads to much drama and more revelations about Gaige. I guess I need to give a spoiler from the first book. Gaige is half draegan. A good portion of this book is focused on Gaige learning about his abilities as his draegan blood beginnings to awaken once he and Keiran formed a blood bond. Gaige begins to have prophetic dreams, which sends Keiran and Gaige off on missions to save people that Gaige sees coming to harm. This brings us several very interesting characters, and more revelations.
So lots more world and character building happens in this book, especially with Gaige. Some Really Big Shit happens at the end, that left me gasping with pain. I did read these books many years ago, and I forgot what happened. Then I remembered…
I loved this series when I first read it, and I am happy to say I am loving it this time through as well! These books are being re-edited and expanded, but it’s been so long since I read them that I can’t say what has changed. I love a good fantasy world, and M.L. Rhodes takes lots of time to get us a good strong look at this world. There is long history that slowly is revealed, and the true nastiness of Byram and his abuse of the draegan people comes to light. We see humans and draegans work together to try and fight this evil. We see families reuniting after years apart. And through it all, we see the deep bond and love between Keiran and Gaige. And the really hot sex they have…. lots of hot sex. Yum. This book, and the whole series if I remember correctly, is just the perfect blend of fantasy, romance, and erotica. And great writing!
I do feel that I need to acknowledge my little niggling annoyance with the slowness in releasing this series. I pretty much gave up on ever getting the next book in the lives of Gaige and Keiran four years ago, I actually stopped even looking after a while. I was very happy to see that the author was working again, and the long awaited new book would eventually appear! Then due to a health issue, which I totally understand, the third book has been delayed a bit. So I’m trying not to let it frustrate me, we are getting them, and that is a good thing! I will focus on that, and wait patiently. I will happily read Fires of Ballian whenever it is ready to go!
In the meantime, if you haven’t tried this fantastic series, go get True of Heart and experience the magic of Keiran and Gaige! If you have read the first book, you will love this one too!
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, interviews, and giveaways.
This is the second book in the epic fantasy series The Draegan Lords. In book one, True of Heart, we met Gaige and Keiran. At the beginning of the story Gaige has been sent by Byram, the high sorcerer of Velensperia, on a mission to find the leader of the remaining draegans. He finds the camp where the leader is hiding, has a change of heart and ends up mated to Keiran, the leader of the draegans. Much world and character building happens as we are introduced to his amazing world. The bond between Gaige and Keiran strengthens, especially after Keiran dramatically rescues Gaige from a Very Bad Situation. The two spend some time healing at Kellesborne, the hidden stronghold of the draegans.
Lords of Kellesborne starts off with some history… We get a brief and icky look at the beginning of Byram’s reign of terror. Then back to current times we go, as the story picks up with Gaige and Keiran still at Kellesborne healing and making a plan for the future. Gaige learns more about himself, and has a serious case of the self-doubts. Keiran helps to heal him emotionally as well as physically, then the two head back to camp. Which leads to much drama and more revelations about Gaige. I guess I need to give a spoiler from the first book. Gaige is half draegan. A good portion of this book is focused on Gaige learning about his abilities as his draegan blood beginnings to awaken once he and Keiran formed a blood bond. Gaige begins to have prophetic dreams, which sends Keiran and Gaige off on missions to save people that Gaige sees coming to harm. This brings us several very interesting characters, and more revelations.
So lots more world and character building happens in this book, especially with Gaige. Some Really Big Shit happens at the end, that left me gasping with pain. I did read these books many years ago, and I forgot what happened. Then I remembered…
I loved this series when I first read it, and I am happy to say I am loving it this time through as well! These books are being re-edited and expanded, but it’s been so long since I read them that I can’t say what has changed. I love a good fantasy world, and M.L. Rhodes takes lots of time to get us a good strong look at this world. There is long history that slowly is revealed, and the true nastiness of Byram and his abuse of the draegan people comes to light. We see humans and draegans work together to try and fight this evil. We see families reuniting after years apart. And through it all, we see the deep bond and love between Keiran and Gaige. And the really hot sex they have…. lots of hot sex. Yum. This book, and the whole series if I remember correctly, is just the perfect blend of fantasy, romance, and erotica. And great writing!
I do feel that I need to acknowledge my little niggling annoyance with the slowness in releasing this series. I pretty much gave up on ever getting the next book in the lives of Gaige and Keiran four years ago, I actually stopped even looking after a while. I was very happy to see that the author was working again, and the long awaited new book would eventually appear! Then due to a health issue, which I totally understand, the third book has been delayed a bit. So I’m trying not to let it frustrate me, we are getting them, and that is a good thing! I will focus on that, and wait patiently. I will happily read Fires of Ballian whenever it is ready to go!
In the meantime, if you haven’t tried this fantastic series, go get True of Heart and experience the magic of Keiran and Gaige! If you have read the first book, you will love this one too!
December 9, 2020
The first half of this book is mostly feelings and sex, with some exposition thrown in. Nothing really happens, other than numerous sexual exploits of the MCs. Around the halfway mark, things start to pick up. But the action is over quickly, and we're back to feelings and sex all the time.
Actually, several new characters are introduced at the halfway point. Many of them are quite interesting and become key to the story, particularly the healer, the book miser, and the old lady dragon. (I predicted there was a special connection between one of these characters and one of the MCs—and unlike most of my book predictions, this one proved to be correct! So that was exciting.)
Things finally start to pick up around the 80% mark. It's not action per se, but several key elements of the overall story are revealed. (And they're even more horrific than you might expect.)
Nearly all of the action takes place in the last 10% of the book. But all that action leads to the Worst. Cliffhanger. Ever. And I don't mean "worst" as in lamest. I mean Worst as in "OMG, that was horrible! WTF??" Thankfully, the sequel is available from Kindle Unlimited, so at least I won't have to shell out any extra money to find out what happens.
Actually, several new characters are introduced at the halfway point. Many of them are quite interesting and become key to the story, particularly the healer, the book miser, and the old lady dragon. (I predicted there was a special connection between one of these characters and one of the MCs—and unlike most of my book predictions, this one proved to be correct! So that was exciting.)
Things finally start to pick up around the 80% mark. It's not action per se, but several key elements of the overall story are revealed. (And they're even more horrific than you might expect.)
Nearly all of the action takes place in the last 10% of the book. But all that action leads to the Worst. Cliffhanger. Ever. And I don't mean "worst" as in lamest. I mean Worst as in "OMG, that was horrible! WTF??" Thankfully, the sequel is available from Kindle Unlimited, so at least I won't have to shell out any extra money to find out what happens.
September 12, 2018
I like this book even more than the last one because Keiran started to feel more realistic to me. He was just a bit too close to perfect in the first book, so he was on the verge of being a Gary Stu. Anyway, he made mistakes in this book, which I enjoyed.
I also was relieved to see that Gaige and Keiran have maintained their lack of fixed sexual roles; I was worried the author only had them switch for the logistics of the bonding.
I just really enjoy that neither character sees the other as weaker, though they have different roles and strengths. Mainly, I think it would have been easy for this book to portray Gaige as a weak character in need of constant rescuing because he was just assaulted and is physically weaker than a full draegan anyway, but that isn't really the case, though we do see more scenes of Keiran comforting Gaige than the other way around.
I also was relieved to see that Gaige and Keiran have maintained their lack of fixed sexual roles; I was worried the author only had them switch for the logistics of the bonding.
I just really enjoy that neither character sees the other as weaker, though they have different roles and strengths. Mainly, I think it would have been easy for this book to portray Gaige as a weak character in need of constant rescuing because he was just assaulted and is physically weaker than a full draegan anyway, but that isn't really the case, though we do see more scenes of Keiran comforting Gaige than the other way around.
July 27, 2017
Gaige & Kieran are so mushy and adorably in love. I do not care what people think, or how much of a cliché/trope it is, I absolutely love the concept of “truemate”.
Since his identity have been reveal, Gaige is trying to gain the people trust, while Kieran have to accept his heritage and become the draegans leader. And that about it, there is not a lot of action in this book, it all about characters progression and feeling (and yes there is a lot of them, and a lot of I love you). Come on this is a fantasy romance book, what do you expect....
Can’t wait to learn more about Gaige abilities
Since his identity have been reveal, Gaige is trying to gain the people trust, while Kieran have to accept his heritage and become the draegans leader. And that about it, there is not a lot of action in this book, it all about characters progression and feeling (and yes there is a lot of them, and a lot of I love you). Come on this is a fantasy romance book, what do you expect....
Can’t wait to learn more about Gaige abilities
December 30, 2018
I liked the beginning, even though the book has the same problems as book 1: leaps in narration, too much exposition, fixation on the romance (okay, I get it, it is a romance novel, sorry, I’m just not into “I’m horny 24/7” thing), etc. But I must give it to the author - I thought I would stop here but the ending makes me want to continue.
If you are into shapeshifter romance and do not care about tropes and cliches - it is not a bad series to start.
If you are into shapeshifter romance and do not care about tropes and cliches - it is not a bad series to start.
August 13, 2023
4.5 stars
Wow! It had been awhile since I read book one but this book did a good job triggering my memory so I didn’t feel lost. This is fast paced with a sense of urgency, even if plenty of time was taken to show Kieran and Gaige’s love and connection (if you get my drift) it loses 1/2 a star for the distressing cliffhanger. Luckily the next book is out but I learned the last two are not and the author doesn’t know when they will be.
Wow! It had been awhile since I read book one but this book did a good job triggering my memory so I didn’t feel lost. This is fast paced with a sense of urgency, even if plenty of time was taken to show Kieran and Gaige’s love and connection (if you get my drift) it loses 1/2 a star for the distressing cliffhanger. Luckily the next book is out but I learned the last two are not and the author doesn’t know when they will be.
May 31, 2017
Read in one sitting, loved it!! Then, tragedy.... where is the rest of the series???? I am bummed and stunned!! We can't leave Kieran with the demon!! Hurry up we have to save Jax first then get Kieran!!
5 stars
5 stars
November 23, 2018
It'd be 10000 times better if there was less sex, not gonna lie. I'm usually all for that moment of intimacy between loving characters but man, sometimes it's too much. I'd rather have more of the plot which is quite good.
November 19, 2023
A good sequel to the first book. The story builds quite nicely in this one and I was quite surprised by some of the things that ended up happening. There are still some instances of sex taking place in close proximity to events that would put it out of most people's minds, except our protagonists.
July 5, 2017
Seriously it can't end like that! Review to come
October 7, 2017
Me gustó esta saga, quedé enganchada desde el primer libro, solo desearía que la autora continuara con la historia llevo bastante tiempo esperando :(
October 22, 2017
★★★☆☆½ ~ 3.5 Stars
Lords focuses on Keiran and Gaige's relationship and learning more about what the true mating means for Gaige and Keiran. And ends on a cliffy so on to #3.
Lords focuses on Keiran and Gaige's relationship and learning more about what the true mating means for Gaige and Keiran. And ends on a cliffy so on to #3.
March 17, 2013
5 stars
Originally reviewed for JoyfullyJay.com
Former Captain of the High Guard Gaige Rizik’s world has been turned upside down. One day he’s one of the most feared, most respected men under High Sorcerer Byram’s command, the next day he is mated to the leader of the draegan rebels, the high sorcerer’s sworn enemies. After his rescue and escape from Byram’s dungeon and near death by poisoning, Gaige is faced with the fact that he is of mixed blood – both human and draegan – that he’s now mated to the man he was born to hate, and face the demons of his past and the ones of his lineage.
Kieran Hareldson, leader of the draegans, has a secret. A secret he’s kept for a century in order to protect himself and those he loves. Kieran is a draegan with lord blood. The last of his kind. And after his recent mating to Gaige – his true-mate – Kieran finds himself needing to let tell the truth. To lead his people with Gaige at his side.
Upon returning to the draegan camp, Kieran and Gaige are faced with scorn and hate and are forced to prove Gaige is no more a traitor than Kieran. But proving himself worthy is not Gaige’s only challenge. With his mating comes new abilities, abilities that prove to be painful and difficult to handle.
Worst of all, with Gaige’s rescue and their escape from Byram’s stronghold, the high sorcerer is determined to find and kill all draegans and any human helping them, especially Gaige and Kieran, now more than ever. With the threat of spies, discovery, and the mystery of Byram’s source of power looming over them, Gaige and Kieran must work together with their trusted inner circle to bring the draegans together and to stop Byram before the high sorcerer stops them.
Oh my…this is possibly the hardest book to summarize…ever. I want to begin by saying that, to date, Lords of Kellesborne is my favorite of the Draegan Lords series. First, the series itself is so cleanly written and flows with ease sometimes at a heart pounding pace, other times calm and beautiful. There is so much that happens in this story. So much is revealed. So many new mysteries are brought to light. Lives are changed, both good and bad. Decisions are made that are shocking. New vital characters are introduced. The plot takes a new path one that is unpredictable, yet so captivating. I absolutely love this book.
Kieran and Gaige both grow so much here. For Gaige, this is a journey of finding out who he really is and believing he is actually a good man. He battles with his past, with his heritage, with hatred from others as well as himself. It’s a journey of self-acceptance – who he is, who he was, who he wants to be and who he will become. For Kieran, his journey is one of accepting his role in life, his birthright. He also is a healing presence for Gaige, a support, a reassurance. They are both extremely strong men with vulnerabilities, which is one of my favorite aspects of this author’s characters, and they make mistakes, but they learn from those mistakes. And that only makes them stronger.
The relationship between Kieran and Gaige is solidified in this book. Their true-mating is brought to light and given rules. The bond between them strengthens and makes them stronger together. It not only makes them good for each other, but good for their followers.
There are so many vital secondary characters added to the story, I hesitate to list them all. But the addition of each one adds a new layer to this story. You’ll learn that everything that happens within this series will eventually mean something. It’s one of the reasons I’m so addicted to this series. Everything has a purpose, and it may not be revealed in this book, but trust that it will be revealed. And when it is, it’s that much sweeter…or shocking…or amazing.
The world of Velensperia continues to grow as the series moves on. Not only physically – the landscape, the mountain ranges, the outer realm, Kellesborne – but story-wise as well. Draegans are given life in this story. Yes, we see them in the first book, but here they all have more of a central role in both human and draegan form. The camp is brought to life – humans and draegans, alike. The rules of the world continue to progress. A hierarchy is set in place. Dreagans are given special abilities. The rules of true-matings are detailed. Nothing is left to chance. It’s truly an amazing world
I’m not sure that I can truly explain how much I love this book. The characters, the story, the world, the plot, the intricacies – it’s all so amazing from beginning to end. The more I read this series, the more I fall in love. I highly, highly recommend Lords of Kellesborne. This series is made to be read in order, so read True of Heart first or you’ll be completely lost to what happens in Lords of Kellesborne.
Originally reviewed for JoyfullyJay.com
Former Captain of the High Guard Gaige Rizik’s world has been turned upside down. One day he’s one of the most feared, most respected men under High Sorcerer Byram’s command, the next day he is mated to the leader of the draegan rebels, the high sorcerer’s sworn enemies. After his rescue and escape from Byram’s dungeon and near death by poisoning, Gaige is faced with the fact that he is of mixed blood – both human and draegan – that he’s now mated to the man he was born to hate, and face the demons of his past and the ones of his lineage.
Kieran Hareldson, leader of the draegans, has a secret. A secret he’s kept for a century in order to protect himself and those he loves. Kieran is a draegan with lord blood. The last of his kind. And after his recent mating to Gaige – his true-mate – Kieran finds himself needing to let tell the truth. To lead his people with Gaige at his side.
Upon returning to the draegan camp, Kieran and Gaige are faced with scorn and hate and are forced to prove Gaige is no more a traitor than Kieran. But proving himself worthy is not Gaige’s only challenge. With his mating comes new abilities, abilities that prove to be painful and difficult to handle.
Worst of all, with Gaige’s rescue and their escape from Byram’s stronghold, the high sorcerer is determined to find and kill all draegans and any human helping them, especially Gaige and Kieran, now more than ever. With the threat of spies, discovery, and the mystery of Byram’s source of power looming over them, Gaige and Kieran must work together with their trusted inner circle to bring the draegans together and to stop Byram before the high sorcerer stops them.
Oh my…this is possibly the hardest book to summarize…ever. I want to begin by saying that, to date, Lords of Kellesborne is my favorite of the Draegan Lords series. First, the series itself is so cleanly written and flows with ease sometimes at a heart pounding pace, other times calm and beautiful. There is so much that happens in this story. So much is revealed. So many new mysteries are brought to light. Lives are changed, both good and bad. Decisions are made that are shocking. New vital characters are introduced. The plot takes a new path one that is unpredictable, yet so captivating. I absolutely love this book.
Kieran and Gaige both grow so much here. For Gaige, this is a journey of finding out who he really is and believing he is actually a good man. He battles with his past, with his heritage, with hatred from others as well as himself. It’s a journey of self-acceptance – who he is, who he was, who he wants to be and who he will become. For Kieran, his journey is one of accepting his role in life, his birthright. He also is a healing presence for Gaige, a support, a reassurance. They are both extremely strong men with vulnerabilities, which is one of my favorite aspects of this author’s characters, and they make mistakes, but they learn from those mistakes. And that only makes them stronger.
The relationship between Kieran and Gaige is solidified in this book. Their true-mating is brought to light and given rules. The bond between them strengthens and makes them stronger together. It not only makes them good for each other, but good for their followers.
There are so many vital secondary characters added to the story, I hesitate to list them all. But the addition of each one adds a new layer to this story. You’ll learn that everything that happens within this series will eventually mean something. It’s one of the reasons I’m so addicted to this series. Everything has a purpose, and it may not be revealed in this book, but trust that it will be revealed. And when it is, it’s that much sweeter…or shocking…or amazing.
The world of Velensperia continues to grow as the series moves on. Not only physically – the landscape, the mountain ranges, the outer realm, Kellesborne – but story-wise as well. Draegans are given life in this story. Yes, we see them in the first book, but here they all have more of a central role in both human and draegan form. The camp is brought to life – humans and draegans, alike. The rules of the world continue to progress. A hierarchy is set in place. Dreagans are given special abilities. The rules of true-matings are detailed. Nothing is left to chance. It’s truly an amazing world
I’m not sure that I can truly explain how much I love this book. The characters, the story, the world, the plot, the intricacies – it’s all so amazing from beginning to end. The more I read this series, the more I fall in love. I highly, highly recommend Lords of Kellesborne. This series is made to be read in order, so read True of Heart first or you’ll be completely lost to what happens in Lords of Kellesborne.
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