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Draga Court #0.5
Royal Guard of Draga
In a galaxy far from our own in a faraway future, humans have settled among the stars, altering their genetics to create a more peaceful society where dominance and rank are known instinctually. Princess Adelina of the Draga royal family seeks love before political gain and her guard is the only male her eyes see. Alpha is the most beautiful man she's ever laid eyes on and ever since he came back from his training Adelina can't get him out of her mind.
The strength and dominance Alpha has tests her will and all Adelina wants to do is submit to him, but she has duties required by the crown. When her father becomes ill, her life and the lives of her siblings are turned upside down. Can Adelina find love with her royal guard before it's too late and the choice is taken from her?
The strength and dominance Alpha has tests her will and all Adelina wants to do is submit to him, but she has duties required by the crown. When her father becomes ill, her life and the lives of her siblings are turned upside down. Can Adelina find love with her royal guard before it's too late and the choice is taken from her?
174 pages, ebook
First published August 3, 2017
73 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
About the author
Emma Dean
83 books695 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
October 8, 2019
A fine start to a new series
A short, sweet introduction to a science-fantasy series (more Star Wars than Star Trek). Looking forward to reading more.
3.5 stars
A short, sweet introduction to a science-fantasy series (more Star Wars than Star Trek). Looking forward to reading more.
3.5 stars
June 1, 2017
Y'all are going to have to wait until this book goes live to hear my thoughts on it (because the review needs to go live on my blog first, and I don't do that until release day). I will say now that the science fiction elements of the story are not very prominent, and except for the space travel, they don't seem a whole lot different than our smart phones for the most part.
August 5, 2017
It is a good book. Complicated to explain here so I suggest reading it. It is exciting, fun, suspenseful, imaginative and so much more. I recommend reading it. I was given a review copy and voluntarily review it.
August 17, 2017
Princess Adelina is finding out that the life she thought was hers to have is shocking her into realizing that everything she has been hoping for with the man she has know since she was a young girl he has been her best friend and personal guard. They have a wonderful night of adventure and intrigue which she and her sister have been having for years but this time Alpha has followed her out of concern for her safety but she has been taking care of herself and he has been teaching her and her sisters self defense in order to protect themselves from attackers. He doesn't like the fact that she is out of the palace alone but she shows him that she is capable of taking care of herself, she has even set up her own business. Lina takes him to her bed because she loves him then they don't have a chance to discuss what happened between them and then the announcement that her older sister is to take over for their father right after Adelina's coming out ball, there is a disaster that takes place and threatens the family and she realizes that Alpha is not there by her side and he is devastated that he barely does his job. I enjoyed the book, just was not enough and ended without giving me closure on several areas of the book. It is a prequel to the series. I was given a copy as a gift from the author. I am providing a review with out obligation.
June 11, 2022
Good Setup
This is a really good introduction to this series and to Adelina, whom I love. She's sweet and strong. You get glimpses of the side of her that isn't completely submissive and I love it. I've read this prequel before and the first four books of the series and knowing how some of the characters turn into disappointments makes me dislike them from the start. I've always hated the way Alpha broke things off with Adelina even though I know what's going to happen with him going forward. I'm not looking forward to it. I appreciate getting to see Varan from the beginning again. I love that guy. Even though he fancied himself in love with someone else. Things develop nicely with him later on. This book reminds me of how much I dislike the Neprijat and certain scheming nobles.
This is a really good introduction to this series and to Adelina, whom I love. She's sweet and strong. You get glimpses of the side of her that isn't completely submissive and I love it. I've read this prequel before and the first four books of the series and knowing how some of the characters turn into disappointments makes me dislike them from the start. I've always hated the way Alpha broke things off with Adelina even though I know what's going to happen with him going forward. I'm not looking forward to it. I appreciate getting to see Varan from the beginning again. I love that guy. Even though he fancied himself in love with someone else. Things develop nicely with him later on. This book reminds me of how much I dislike the Neprijat and certain scheming nobles.
September 4, 2017
Interesting story set in the future. Humans have spread across galaxies. Genetic manipulation has allowed for longer life spans, less illness and social class instinctive. Princess Adelina is the third daughter of the King and submissive. I was worried that Lina would be taken advantage of because of that, but she wasn't. Her personal guard, Alpha, has been in her life since they were kids and she loves him. She wants nothing more than for Alpha to want her in return. When her father is diagnosed with an incurable disease and an attack is made on the royal family, everything changes. Not to spoil anything, I'll just say my heart broke for her. But with war on the horizon, can she still have her happy ending? I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
July 30, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader's copy of this book. This was a pretty good story, though it didn't really feel alien/sci-fi but more fantasy overall, which is fine & didn't matter to me since I enjoy both, though it might to others. There were some mentions of spaceships & other planets, & that it's not based on earth -that's the extent of sci-fi. I was expecting dragon shifters because of "Draga" in the title, so was a bit disappointed there weren't any dragons (or any shifters) in this book since I love dragon shifters.
The book flowed well, though some parts did cause some flow issues due to a lack of background. The main characters, princess Adelina & Alpha (I think he's the Hero of the story, though the cliff-hanger ending left that as questionable), were complicated enough to keep you guessing. I didn't care for his name since it's a word so often used in shifter book lingo to describe a leader's title not a name, & he was not royalty or a leader, just a royal guard. I felt there was a lot of intrigue set up in this book, though I think the world building was a bit light. I felt like this was more of a prequel to a series, setting it up where more important things will happen in the next book than there was in this one. There were a few things in the plot that came out of left field, like in the beginning when they arrive at a different planet, no mention of the king not feeling well, but in the span of maybe hours, but definitely the same day, suddenly he has a non-curable disease happen with no warning. Some build up would have smoothed that out, maybe saying he hadn't been feeling good for days or a while, before it's diagnosed. I also didn't feel this was really steamy, a bit tame as far as the sex scenes went, which is ok by me, I prefer the relationship build up over the sex in a book, but I think those people who want steamy might be disappointed. I'd definitely be interested in reading the next book.
The book flowed well, though some parts did cause some flow issues due to a lack of background. The main characters, princess Adelina & Alpha (I think he's the Hero of the story, though the cliff-hanger ending left that as questionable), were complicated enough to keep you guessing. I didn't care for his name since it's a word so often used in shifter book lingo to describe a leader's title not a name, & he was not royalty or a leader, just a royal guard. I felt there was a lot of intrigue set up in this book, though I think the world building was a bit light. I felt like this was more of a prequel to a series, setting it up where more important things will happen in the next book than there was in this one. There were a few things in the plot that came out of left field, like in the beginning when they arrive at a different planet, no mention of the king not feeling well, but in the span of maybe hours, but definitely the same day, suddenly he has a non-curable disease happen with no warning. Some build up would have smoothed that out, maybe saying he hadn't been feeling good for days or a while, before it's diagnosed. I also didn't feel this was really steamy, a bit tame as far as the sex scenes went, which is ok by me, I prefer the relationship build up over the sex in a book, but I think those people who want steamy might be disappointed. I'd definitely be interested in reading the next book.
June 29, 2024
Start of an epic sci-fi RH romance, apparently operatic sci-fi GOT vibes without the incest. This novella prequel has a sweet and steamy scifi romance feel but is only the start of a longer story.
Notes: The FMC has a sweet demure presence and a dual personality feel when she sneaks out of the palace. Told from her point of view. The male interest called Alpha 🙄 was very bland. I'm glad I checked reviews for the next books as it looks like this is a more layered story, and not every character that interacts with the main protagonist will hang around. So this seems to be a teaser book.
I'm undecided on whether I can overlook the very new adult vibes to continue. I was surprised by the youthfull innocent feel of the story as I've just finished the 3rd book in her "You Think You're Slick?" series and that had very mature characters. Going by reviews, it doesn't seem like a clear indication of the overall series style, so when I'm up for a longer story commitment, I need to check out the next book.
Notes: The FMC has a sweet demure presence and a dual personality feel when she sneaks out of the palace. Told from her point of view. The male interest called Alpha 🙄 was very bland. I'm glad I checked reviews for the next books as it looks like this is a more layered story, and not every character that interacts with the main protagonist will hang around. So this seems to be a teaser book.
I'm undecided on whether I can overlook the very new adult vibes to continue. I was surprised by the youthfull innocent feel of the story as I've just finished the 3rd book in her "You Think You're Slick?" series and that had very mature characters. Going by reviews, it doesn't seem like a clear indication of the overall series style, so when I'm up for a longer story commitment, I need to check out the next book.
December 8, 2017
Full Review On The Blog
www.carolineandrus.com/blog
A STEAMY introduction to the Draga Court universe.
It’s descriptive, interesting, and very sexy. You don’t have to read this book to know what’s going on in the series, but you’ll understand the events referenced later a little better having read this.
Basic gist – the princess has feelings for her personal guard. He shares those feelings. You have to read on to find out what, if anything, becomes of that.
I also feel like this isn’t too heavy on the sci-fi so anyone who enjoys steamy romance, who is open to non-contemporary genres, can enjoy this series.
www.carolineandrus.com/blog
A STEAMY introduction to the Draga Court universe.
It’s descriptive, interesting, and very sexy. You don’t have to read this book to know what’s going on in the series, but you’ll understand the events referenced later a little better having read this.
Basic gist – the princess has feelings for her personal guard. He shares those feelings. You have to read on to find out what, if anything, becomes of that.
I also feel like this isn’t too heavy on the sci-fi so anyone who enjoys steamy romance, who is open to non-contemporary genres, can enjoy this series.
July 30, 2017
Interesting story set in the future. Humans have spread across galaxies. Genetic manipulation has allowed for longer life spans, less illness and social class instinctive. Princess Adelina is the third daughter of the King and submissive. I was worried that Lina would be taken advantage of because of that, but she wasn't. Her personal guard, Alpha, has been in her life since they were kids and she loves him. She wants nothing more than for Alpha to want her in return. When her father is diagnosed with an incurable disease and an attack is made on the royal family, everything changes. Not to spoil anything, I'll just say my heart broke for her. But can she still have her happy ending? I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
March 21, 2022
My perfect sub-genre
I love the world building and the flow of words are like the ocean. I feel calm when reading this book and look forward to reading book 2. I'd been looking for decent galactic empire for ages. After trying most the the best selling space operas, with dissapointment, I nearly gave up, but someone recommended this series to me, and it's beautful.
I was worried most sci-fi reverse harem was being stolen and nearly raped by gang of aliens, but not this. No, this is just lovely.
I love the world building and the flow of words are like the ocean. I feel calm when reading this book and look forward to reading book 2. I'd been looking for decent galactic empire for ages. After trying most the the best selling space operas, with dissapointment, I nearly gave up, but someone recommended this series to me, and it's beautful.
I was worried most sci-fi reverse harem was being stolen and nearly raped by gang of aliens, but not this. No, this is just lovely.
January 26, 2022
Amazing !
We get a peek at world that the author has created and it is so unique and amazing. I love that are main character hasn’t developed her confidence and dominance yet but that’s she so clever and strong in her own unique way, I can’t wait to read the next book to see how she develops. The only thing I didn’t like was her relationship in this book, it seemed to one sided and I didn’t love alpha as a character.
We get a peek at world that the author has created and it is so unique and amazing. I love that are main character hasn’t developed her confidence and dominance yet but that’s she so clever and strong in her own unique way, I can’t wait to read the next book to see how she develops. The only thing I didn’t like was her relationship in this book, it seemed to one sided and I didn’t love alpha as a character.
May 9, 2019
Love love love this series!
So I read the entire series before I found the prequel. It really brings so much more to the series especially in terms of Adelina and Alpha. Their relationship is one I’m sad to see fall apart because of what they have together. Plus we get to see more of the feisty and carefree Lina.
So I read the entire series before I found the prequel. It really brings so much more to the series especially in terms of Adelina and Alpha. Their relationship is one I’m sad to see fall apart because of what they have together. Plus we get to see more of the feisty and carefree Lina.
August 7, 2017
This book takes place in the future. I thought it was hard to follow in some areas. The story is about a family that rules Draga and the changes that is happening at the moment.
** I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
** I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
October 19, 2017
This book was given to me for my honest and unbiased opinion and I love it and can't wait to get my hands on more of Emma's book I've already pre ordered them ;)
Take a chance like me and read something different because you might be missing out on something
Take a chance like me and read something different because you might be missing out on something
June 4, 2018
A Great Introduction
A great introduction to a great series looking forward to book 2 Crown of Draga am sure it will keep me up like the last 2 did Emma Dean is one heck of a writer.
A great introduction to a great series looking forward to book 2 Crown of Draga am sure it will keep me up like the last 2 did Emma Dean is one heck of a writer.
April 8, 2019
So glad I got this and read it first as the prequel, and then read the first in the series! It helped to set the scene and get into the series bc there is a lot of characters and a lot of different families. Well worth getting and recommend reading it first to help get into the first book as I did.
August 6, 2019
Beginning of the series
I am so, so excited to start this new series!!
I am glad that I started with the prequel as I believe it will greatly help with understanding plot moving forward
I am so, so excited to start this new series!!
I am glad that I started with the prequel as I believe it will greatly help with understanding plot moving forward
December 26, 2021
Royal Guard of Draga: prequel
I wasn't hooked on the characters. I don't feel invested in their story. Nothing against the author or her writing style. I just didn't love this one.
I will give book 1 a try, hoping it gain my interest but won't hold my breath.
I wasn't hooked on the characters. I don't feel invested in their story. Nothing against the author or her writing style. I just didn't love this one.
I will give book 1 a try, hoping it gain my interest but won't hold my breath.
May 25, 2022
fantasy but in space
I look forward to reading the series. It really is a good mix of Kushiels dart but in space. Secret identities, political intrigue, childhood best friends into lovers.
I look forward to reading the series. It really is a good mix of Kushiels dart but in space. Secret identities, political intrigue, childhood best friends into lovers.
August 10, 2023
It's so very close. The world building, the details, the story was wonderful. A few topics were handled poorly and the second half was overly rushed. I'm wondering if I was supposed to read the Princess of Draga first.
April 12, 2018
DNF. not my kind of book
Read
January 6, 2020I loved it
This book was an amazing start to a series that I think I will love to read. I really love this book!!
This book was an amazing start to a series that I think I will love to read. I really love this book!!
March 14, 2020
This book was an amazing start to a series that I think I will love to read. I really love this book!!
September 4, 2022
3.75-4🌟
Not sure exactly how I feel about this book but I am intrigued and want to continue the series.
Not sure exactly how I feel about this book but I am intrigued and want to continue the series.
added-it
February 1, 2023🎁 Books 1 & 2 in the Series are FREE on Amazon today (2/1/2023)! 🎁
Read
October 11, 2024🔴 This is a poly romance, not a RH 🔴
February 19, 2025
It's amazing re-reading this an knowing the journey the heroine has ahead of her.
March 26, 2025
3.5 stars. I struggled with this one for a while. I really don't care about royalty, protocol, etc, so it was hard to find the world engaging. It did get better the more I read, though. Happy reading!
January 30, 2022
Ratings - completed series:
#0.5 Royal Guard of Draga (this book): ★★★☆☆
#1 Princess of Draga: ★★★★☆
#2 Crown of Draga: ★★★★☆
#3 Jasmine of Draga: ★★★★☆
#4 Heir of Draga: ★★★★★
#5 Queen of Draga: ★★★★★
#5.5 Warrior Prince of Hai: ★★★★★
#6 Fate of Draga: ★★★★★
#6.5 Winter Solstice in Draga: ★★★★☆
#0.5 Royal Guard of Draga (this book): ★★★☆☆
#1 Princess of Draga: ★★★★☆
#2 Crown of Draga: ★★★★☆
#3 Jasmine of Draga: ★★★★☆
#4 Heir of Draga: ★★★★★
#5 Queen of Draga: ★★★★★
#5.5 Warrior Prince of Hai: ★★★★★
#6 Fate of Draga: ★★★★★
#6.5 Winter Solstice in Draga: ★★★★☆
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews