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Draga Court #1
Princess of Draga
In the first book of the Draga Court series, Princess Adelina's coming-of-age party will declare to the worlds she is finally eligible to wed. All she wants is to serve her people and the crown with honor, but when a dangerously attractive prince from another galaxy - one who they all thought was dead - arrives with warnings of monstrosities and war, will her feelings put her in a position where she has to choose between her people and love?
The Draga Court series is a beautiful combination of fantasy and space opera set in a faraway future where humans have altered their genetics to save their species from their destructive natures. Dominance and rank weave a complicated dance among the galaxy's society where a true submissive has to find her place, and learn the true meaning of power and love.
The Draga Court series is a beautiful combination of fantasy and space opera set in a faraway future where humans have altered their genetics to save their species from their destructive natures. Dominance and rank weave a complicated dance among the galaxy's society where a true submissive has to find her place, and learn the true meaning of power and love.
276 pages, Paperback
First published October 17, 2017
406 people are currently reading
1524 people want to read
About the author
Emma Dean
83 books699 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
April 13, 2018
I'm going through a stage of reading a lot of RH fantasy/Sci Fi at the moment and I have found a lot of offerings in the genre rather shallow. By this I mean the plot is contrived to just allow for the romance and is therefore rather lazy. This was not the case for 'Princess of Draga.'
I'll admit that I was slightly put off by the long lost of characters and their families and alliances, buy I skimmed over this and figured I could come back to it if necessary. I'm currently on book 3 and haven't needed to, so don't let this put you off! It is not as complicated as the opening makes it seem.
Princess of Draga is set in a unique Sci Fi world, where different galaxies are ruled by royal families and we focus predominantly on the Draga ruling family. The King has fallen ill and the eldest sister is preparing to take over from him. Our main character, Adelina, is third in line from the throne and therefore is unlikely to ever rule. There are many interactive aspects to their world and society, the main ones being that each ruling family has aspects of a predator inserted into their DNA, with thebDrga family's being the Wolf. While they are not shapeshifters, they do have heightened senses and instincts and their family dynamic tends to be as a wolf pack would be. Additionally, as part of the genetic engineering of their species, people are either naturally dominant or submissive, with this being on a spectrum. Those who are dominant have the natural instinct to lead and protect, whereas those who are submissive steer more towards certain roles in society where you would serve, for example. scientists. I was initially wary of this, thinking it would be some sort of master/slave dynamic, but this wasn't the case at all and makes a lot of sense in the book. The Royal family are naturally the most dominant of all, apart from Adelina who is the first and only submissive member of the Royal family. However, as the book (and series) progresses, we realise that Adelina is something different entirely.
Adelina is a great character, who only gets better with each book. She is fierce, loyal, honourable, strong and cunning. Despite being a submissive, she plays to her strengths and is not afraid to manipulate the protective instincts she brings out in others. There are many hidden depths to her character, which we are introduced to slowly and in such a way that she doesn't seem to fall foul to the 'special snowflake' trope.
Whilst Adelina is the main character, chapters are told from multiple character's points of view, which worked really effectivelynl for me. There are some fantastically strong female characters and the additional points of view added a lot of depth to my understanding of the world and the characters in it.
There is a focus on romance in Adelina's storyline, as well as others, but for me this didn't saturate the over-arching plot, which is how I prefer it in the books I read. There isn't a huge Reverse Harem aspect yet, but the society they live in is very open to multiple partners and spouses, even in the Royal family. In book 1 we see Adelina focusing her attentions on one male and one female, but there is clear foreshadowing of an additional male who I'm sure will be involved.
If you are someone who likes your RH to involve the characters meeting, falling in love instantly because it was destined, or they're 'mates' and all falling in bed with each other within the first 20 pages, then this probably isn't the book for you. However, if you are looking for book with great characters, particularly strong women, interesting world building, an engaging and fast paced writing style, with a slow burn RH romance as a delightful extra, then I would highly recommend this book!
I'll admit that I was slightly put off by the long lost of characters and their families and alliances, buy I skimmed over this and figured I could come back to it if necessary. I'm currently on book 3 and haven't needed to, so don't let this put you off! It is not as complicated as the opening makes it seem.
Princess of Draga is set in a unique Sci Fi world, where different galaxies are ruled by royal families and we focus predominantly on the Draga ruling family. The King has fallen ill and the eldest sister is preparing to take over from him. Our main character, Adelina, is third in line from the throne and therefore is unlikely to ever rule. There are many interactive aspects to their world and society, the main ones being that each ruling family has aspects of a predator inserted into their DNA, with thebDrga family's being the Wolf. While they are not shapeshifters, they do have heightened senses and instincts and their family dynamic tends to be as a wolf pack would be. Additionally, as part of the genetic engineering of their species, people are either naturally dominant or submissive, with this being on a spectrum. Those who are dominant have the natural instinct to lead and protect, whereas those who are submissive steer more towards certain roles in society where you would serve, for example. scientists. I was initially wary of this, thinking it would be some sort of master/slave dynamic, but this wasn't the case at all and makes a lot of sense in the book. The Royal family are naturally the most dominant of all, apart from Adelina who is the first and only submissive member of the Royal family. However, as the book (and series) progresses, we realise that Adelina is something different entirely.
Adelina is a great character, who only gets better with each book. She is fierce, loyal, honourable, strong and cunning. Despite being a submissive, she plays to her strengths and is not afraid to manipulate the protective instincts she brings out in others. There are many hidden depths to her character, which we are introduced to slowly and in such a way that she doesn't seem to fall foul to the 'special snowflake' trope.
Whilst Adelina is the main character, chapters are told from multiple character's points of view, which worked really effectivelynl for me. There are some fantastically strong female characters and the additional points of view added a lot of depth to my understanding of the world and the characters in it.
There is a focus on romance in Adelina's storyline, as well as others, but for me this didn't saturate the over-arching plot, which is how I prefer it in the books I read. There isn't a huge Reverse Harem aspect yet, but the society they live in is very open to multiple partners and spouses, even in the Royal family. In book 1 we see Adelina focusing her attentions on one male and one female, but there is clear foreshadowing of an additional male who I'm sure will be involved.
If you are someone who likes your RH to involve the characters meeting, falling in love instantly because it was destined, or they're 'mates' and all falling in bed with each other within the first 20 pages, then this probably isn't the book for you. However, if you are looking for book with great characters, particularly strong women, interesting world building, an engaging and fast paced writing style, with a slow burn RH romance as a delightful extra, then I would highly recommend this book!
June 24, 2018
Full Blog Tour Review on my blog
Let me just say, the cover is what drew me in! Yes, I totally judged this book by its cover, and what beautiful cover it is! This is the first book I've read from Emma Dean and it wont be the last! The world that the author has created is filled with many interesting and varying characters, I was instantly hooked.
Princess of Draga by Emma Dean is a new sci-fi series that I'm really excited for! A quick read, with lots of world building. In this world, humans have been genetically altered with a dominance gene. The world has an Earth-like feeling, but definitely not Earth.
The main character is the youngest Princess, Adelina. She’s a submissive, which is odd for a royal, but everyone loves her. At this point she has reached a certain age and will be entering the public eye and formally presented to everyone. Therefore she has to be trained in the ways and wiles of a female. Courtesans a most respected group of individuals interact the many high-level persons. In Adelina's world politics go hand and hand with sex and pleasure.
It's well written and with a great plot and great cast of characters. The story was filled with thieves, spies, numerous aristocratic houses, a royal family, and the members of that time-honored profession courtesans. Individuals all bear a marker a marker of scent that identifies and categorizes each and every person. Mainly people are recognized as either dominant or submissive.
This was a good first book to a series! I'm really looking forward to reading the rest of the series! I highly recommend it!
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Let me just say, the cover is what drew me in! Yes, I totally judged this book by its cover, and what beautiful cover it is! This is the first book I've read from Emma Dean and it wont be the last! The world that the author has created is filled with many interesting and varying characters, I was instantly hooked.
Princess of Draga by Emma Dean is a new sci-fi series that I'm really excited for! A quick read, with lots of world building. In this world, humans have been genetically altered with a dominance gene. The world has an Earth-like feeling, but definitely not Earth.
The main character is the youngest Princess, Adelina. She’s a submissive, which is odd for a royal, but everyone loves her. At this point she has reached a certain age and will be entering the public eye and formally presented to everyone. Therefore she has to be trained in the ways and wiles of a female. Courtesans a most respected group of individuals interact the many high-level persons. In Adelina's world politics go hand and hand with sex and pleasure.
It's well written and with a great plot and great cast of characters. The story was filled with thieves, spies, numerous aristocratic houses, a royal family, and the members of that time-honored profession courtesans. Individuals all bear a marker a marker of scent that identifies and categorizes each and every person. Mainly people are recognized as either dominant or submissive.
This was a good first book to a series! I'm really looking forward to reading the rest of the series! I highly recommend it!
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July 8, 2024
!!May contain spoilers!!
.....
Holy hell!! This has to be my favorite book in forever. I absolutely loved all the multiple POVs. I felt like I was reading several stories at once. It reminded me of The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon. I need this series on my shelf, like now. Nothing in the reviews said anything about a female lover possibly being in the harem. Let me just say I was swooning all over the place. And Lina is brilliant, I love her. I can't wait to see her grow into her role. And fuck you Reana, I hope you die. On to the next book.
.....
Holy hell!! This has to be my favorite book in forever. I absolutely loved all the multiple POVs. I felt like I was reading several stories at once. It reminded me of The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon. I need this series on my shelf, like now. Nothing in the reviews said anything about a female lover possibly being in the harem. Let me just say I was swooning all over the place. And Lina is brilliant, I love her. I can't wait to see her grow into her role. And fuck you Reana, I hope you die. On to the next book.
April 27, 2018
Royal Intrigue
This book is just full of plot twists on plot twists. We get meet Princess Adelina (and quite a few others) as she readies for coming of age day as well as the crowning of her sister. The problem is that was is coming and it is just full of intrigue. We get spies, lies, back stabbings, and even a love story all blended together. This is definitely political maneuvering at its finest. If you enjoy science fiction, intrigue, and more wrapped up in a great story then you really have to try this book. I really enjoyed it so I give it 4/5 stars.
This book is just full of plot twists on plot twists. We get meet Princess Adelina (and quite a few others) as she readies for coming of age day as well as the crowning of her sister. The problem is that was is coming and it is just full of intrigue. We get spies, lies, back stabbings, and even a love story all blended together. This is definitely political maneuvering at its finest. If you enjoy science fiction, intrigue, and more wrapped up in a great story then you really have to try this book. I really enjoyed it so I give it 4/5 stars.
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December 2, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon today (12/2/2018)!💝
August 14, 2019
This Space fantasy is sooooo good !!!
This is a Slow build RH .. it has heat for days and tension galore !!!
💫Writing = amazingly captivating, this author creates an entire solar system of planets, each with its own uniqueness. different races of aliens bred from humans but genetically altered/improved. Through the centuries ( years are called cycles) humans imbedded themselves with animal genetics which then forced the humans to develop dominate/ submissive traits. however there are other races that are more cat than wolf and than there is the courtesan race which is different again.
💫World creation = well thought out and logical/ mild language development is well thought out and captivating.
💫MC= kick arse 3rd in line for the throne submissive (which is really rare in books' she isn’t dominate - MC comes from THE royal space family, smart ruthless self sacrificing for the greater good, has her own mysteries that we get to discover with her
💫Possible love interest = 1 or two maybe, its all hinted but not confirmed this book.
💫Emotion factor 10/10
💫Not omega verse but does have dominate submissive class system ish type thingy
💫steam - it’s a slow burn with enough tease to be interested
💫multiple story lines multiple POV
This could totally be made into a show , easily !! i downloaded the next book immediately. This ticked all my boxes.
February 5, 2018
I love a good political intrigue, trying to figure out who is allied with whom and who is plotting against whom makes my head spin in delightful ways...so when this book was just brimming with intrigue, I was hooked! Assassination plots and treason and espionage abound in this well-crafted tale of a galaxy far, far away. In fact, this is so well-crafted that it wasn't until the very end that I could even see more than 1, maybe 2, of the guys who might be in her harem...and even then, it's still a slight chance, given the other goings on in the court! Dean does a fantastic job of weaving this tale so that you're left begging for more. I can't wait to see how all these threads end. Also, kudos for the steamy scenes not centering around the MC and allowing her story to play out while giving the readers something to sweat on.
December 1, 2017
Okay let me start off with a bit of drooling. This book has a beautiful cover. The formatting inside with the Initial is a lovely curly font. There has been obvious care been taken in how this is all put together.
I wouldn't completely class this as erotica but the heat level is certainly there. Which anyone could have figured out as it does start with a courtesan with a client in the first chapter. The one thing the author did right that I often complain when it comes to stories that focus on the sex is lazy writing. This author is not a lazy writer. She takes her time to build up the tension and she lets you get to know the characters before getting technical in the details.
The whole 'born to be courtesan' bugs me but I blame Sharon Green for that. Also why not have it as a skill that someone worked hard to get instead of attributing it to some quirk of fate and genetic lottery. It annoys me because it traps the characters in their role. This is wrong as anyone can seek beyond who they are genetically meant to be. That is the excuse racists and sexists use to justify why people can't be part of their world. Despite these objections this novel does pass the Bechdel test and manages to do that in the first chapter.
This book reminded me of others like Gail Dayton's Rose series and Gena Showalter but mostly it brought to mind Jacqueline Carey. All of these authors are happy to have a lot of sex in their stories but they also don't stint on character building or world building.
I did skip a bit as the heat level was a little too much for me. There is certainly more there than just romantic hook ups as there is invasions, betrayal. People who are not who they seem to be. The cast is massive and the story convoluted.
I give this a four stars. Half a star off because of the undercurrent of genetic elitism that bother me. A little more off for too much heat and a little more off because there is really a massive cast. There is a reason I haven't read Game of Thrones. I know sacrilegious. There is certainly a lot there for people to love.
I wouldn't completely class this as erotica but the heat level is certainly there. Which anyone could have figured out as it does start with a courtesan with a client in the first chapter. The one thing the author did right that I often complain when it comes to stories that focus on the sex is lazy writing. This author is not a lazy writer. She takes her time to build up the tension and she lets you get to know the characters before getting technical in the details.
The whole 'born to be courtesan' bugs me but I blame Sharon Green for that. Also why not have it as a skill that someone worked hard to get instead of attributing it to some quirk of fate and genetic lottery. It annoys me because it traps the characters in their role. This is wrong as anyone can seek beyond who they are genetically meant to be. That is the excuse racists and sexists use to justify why people can't be part of their world. Despite these objections this novel does pass the Bechdel test and manages to do that in the first chapter.
This book reminded me of others like Gail Dayton's Rose series and Gena Showalter but mostly it brought to mind Jacqueline Carey. All of these authors are happy to have a lot of sex in their stories but they also don't stint on character building or world building.
I did skip a bit as the heat level was a little too much for me. There is certainly more there than just romantic hook ups as there is invasions, betrayal. People who are not who they seem to be. The cast is massive and the story convoluted.
I give this a four stars. Half a star off because of the undercurrent of genetic elitism that bother me. A little more off for too much heat and a little more off because there is really a massive cast. There is a reason I haven't read Game of Thrones. I know sacrilegious. There is certainly a lot there for people to love.
February 28, 2018
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
A bit of a slow burner, long build up kinda book, this one!
It reminds me a little of reading Game of Thrones, NOT in the content, not at all but in the way the stage is set with many players, who have their own agendas. Many players who have a say. Many players who did NOT get a say too!
But my overwhelming reaction to finishing this was, I missed something. Something was missing and I cannot figure out what.
There is a book before this one, Royal Guard of Draga, but reading the blurb, it isn't what I'm missing. I think what I'm missing is more history of Draga, more about the original invasion of the Neprijat monsters who have returned to take over the galaxy. We get bits and pieces, but not enough for me to get the whole picture, the whole history. Maybe that will come with future books, I dunno. That's just how I feel, and ya'll know I love to share how I feel!
I did think it would be a little more on the explicit side, given how we are introduced to Nadyah and why she is in court with Adelina, but it isn't overly.
It's a GOOD book, well written from lots of those players, it just didn't grab me and it took far longer for me to read the 276 pages than it should have. Maybe book two will be better. Off to read it now!
A good solid 3 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
A bit of a slow burner, long build up kinda book, this one!
It reminds me a little of reading Game of Thrones, NOT in the content, not at all but in the way the stage is set with many players, who have their own agendas. Many players who have a say. Many players who did NOT get a say too!
But my overwhelming reaction to finishing this was, I missed something. Something was missing and I cannot figure out what.
There is a book before this one, Royal Guard of Draga, but reading the blurb, it isn't what I'm missing. I think what I'm missing is more history of Draga, more about the original invasion of the Neprijat monsters who have returned to take over the galaxy. We get bits and pieces, but not enough for me to get the whole picture, the whole history. Maybe that will come with future books, I dunno. That's just how I feel, and ya'll know I love to share how I feel!
I did think it would be a little more on the explicit side, given how we are introduced to Nadyah and why she is in court with Adelina, but it isn't overly.
It's a GOOD book, well written from lots of those players, it just didn't grab me and it took far longer for me to read the 276 pages than it should have. Maybe book two will be better. Off to read it now!
A good solid 3 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
December 13, 2019
Glad I gave it a second shot
I started to read this book months ago but lost interest due to POVs that couldn’t hold me. After having the series recommended to me several tines over, I decided to give in and try again. I’m not saying I’m totally won over just yet, but the narrative intrigued me far more this time around. Yes, it does jump around quite a bit and features view points from characters that don’t feel main, but considering the breadth and length of this series - I’m guessing they WILL be.
I started to read this book months ago but lost interest due to POVs that couldn’t hold me. After having the series recommended to me several tines over, I decided to give in and try again. I’m not saying I’m totally won over just yet, but the narrative intrigued me far more this time around. Yes, it does jump around quite a bit and features view points from characters that don’t feel main, but considering the breadth and length of this series - I’m guessing they WILL be.
November 1, 2017
***I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book***
This was the first book that I've read of Ms. Dean and Ms. Ashe. The world that the authors have created is filled with many interesting and varying characters. The book has a plot within a plot with many characters that all want something from someone. The story was filled with thieves, spies, numerous aristocratic houses, a royal family, and the members of that time-honored profession courtesans. Individuals all bear a marker a marker of scent that identifies and categorizes each and every person. Mainly people are recognized as either dominant or submissive.
The third and final daughter Princess Adelina has reached her majority and will be entering the public eye and formally presented to one and all. She is therefore to be trained in the ways and wiles of a female. Courtesans a most respected group of individuals interact the many high-level persons. In Adelina's world politics goes hand and hand with sex and pleasure.
The little princess' life is about to become very complicated. Will she be molded into the model female? To whom will she give herself over? Is she going to do her duty or will she hold out for love? Can love really survive and grow in the complicated and shark filled waters of the Draga Court? I guess we'll have to wait for the next installment of this great saga.
This was the first book that I've read of Ms. Dean and Ms. Ashe. The world that the authors have created is filled with many interesting and varying characters. The book has a plot within a plot with many characters that all want something from someone. The story was filled with thieves, spies, numerous aristocratic houses, a royal family, and the members of that time-honored profession courtesans. Individuals all bear a marker a marker of scent that identifies and categorizes each and every person. Mainly people are recognized as either dominant or submissive.
The third and final daughter Princess Adelina has reached her majority and will be entering the public eye and formally presented to one and all. She is therefore to be trained in the ways and wiles of a female. Courtesans a most respected group of individuals interact the many high-level persons. In Adelina's world politics goes hand and hand with sex and pleasure.
The little princess' life is about to become very complicated. Will she be molded into the model female? To whom will she give herself over? Is she going to do her duty or will she hold out for love? Can love really survive and grow in the complicated and shark filled waters of the Draga Court? I guess we'll have to wait for the next installment of this great saga.
October 21, 2017
The book started out as a slow read and then ramped up to warp speed! Waiting for the second book in the series will be torture but I am so glad I read this book. All the twisty plot lines, complex major and minor characters . . . whew!
July 29, 2017
My review will be posted on or near release date and after it has gone live on my blog. This series has me very intrigued and there are a lot of things I'm quite curious about.
June 18, 2022
Love it
I love the characters in this. I hope Adelina and Nash can work things out. Nadyah and Varan, too. I'm so looking forward to book two.
I love the characters in this. I hope Adelina and Nash can work things out. Nadyah and Varan, too. I'm so looking forward to book two.
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July 13, 2019Why isn't there a tag for F/F love in the description? (Mostly sexual tension but still)
July 18, 2018
Even though I spoke highly of this novel when I wrote my short blurb for the blog tour, I don’t quite agree with what I originally said. I rushed through this book the first time before I realized that I was going to be completely unable to write my full review on my cell phone. After the trip, I basically forgot everything and had to read the book again. On my second time through, I noticed a few issues that I hadn’t picked up on before.
For starters, this book seemed a bit messy to me. There was the main plot, but somewhere in the middle of the book, I felt that it had been lost. Originally, I thought that Nadyah was the main character. This confused me as we slowly switched to an Adelina-centric plot. Once we got into Adelina’s main story, things smoothed out a bit. This rough start ended up making me more confused than it was worth.
Then when the story actually started, it took me a while to actually get into the main character. I wanted to like her, but I just felt no connection whatsoever. This followed me throughout the entire book, and it made me read even slower as I tried to find some way to connect with her.
The world was unique, but another thing I missed in my speed-read was the fact that the description was very lacking in certain areas. I was able to understand how the dominant/submissive system worked, but the simple description of environments and certain scenes was just not there.
The plot moved semi-smoothly, and I did enjoy the romance between Adelina and Nash. My overall opinion of the book was that while it wasn’t horrible, it definitely wasn’t the best fantasy-romance novel that I have read. The small things that I noted above did irritate me as I read, but the story wasn’t that bad. I do want to read the next book in this series to see where it goes next, and hopefully, some of these minor errors will be fixed.
This world is definitely interesting and it reminded me of Alpha/Beta/Omega dynamics in a story. I rarely see full romance novels with this sort of world, only fanfiction. This definitely made the story for me.
I would recommend this story to people who enjoy fantasy-romance novels and who don’t mind a few irritating parts along the way.
I received an advance copy of this novel and this is my voluntary review.
For starters, this book seemed a bit messy to me. There was the main plot, but somewhere in the middle of the book, I felt that it had been lost. Originally, I thought that Nadyah was the main character. This confused me as we slowly switched to an Adelina-centric plot. Once we got into Adelina’s main story, things smoothed out a bit. This rough start ended up making me more confused than it was worth.
Then when the story actually started, it took me a while to actually get into the main character. I wanted to like her, but I just felt no connection whatsoever. This followed me throughout the entire book, and it made me read even slower as I tried to find some way to connect with her.
The world was unique, but another thing I missed in my speed-read was the fact that the description was very lacking in certain areas. I was able to understand how the dominant/submissive system worked, but the simple description of environments and certain scenes was just not there.
The plot moved semi-smoothly, and I did enjoy the romance between Adelina and Nash. My overall opinion of the book was that while it wasn’t horrible, it definitely wasn’t the best fantasy-romance novel that I have read. The small things that I noted above did irritate me as I read, but the story wasn’t that bad. I do want to read the next book in this series to see where it goes next, and hopefully, some of these minor errors will be fixed.
This world is definitely interesting and it reminded me of Alpha/Beta/Omega dynamics in a story. I rarely see full romance novels with this sort of world, only fanfiction. This definitely made the story for me.
I would recommend this story to people who enjoy fantasy-romance novels and who don’t mind a few irritating parts along the way.
I received an advance copy of this novel and this is my voluntary review.
January 28, 2018
Reviewed on behalf of 3 Degrees of Fiction Blog
My feelings concerning this book are confusing. I liked the setting, even though normally I’m not a Science Fiction reader, but this setting was not “alien-ish” enough to warn me off. I cannot really describe how the setting feels. A bit like a mix out of modern and regency. The earth as we know it isn’t existing anymore. Instead there are other galaxies that are filled with life. One of them is the Draga galaxy where a king and queen with their children rule over the whole galaxy. All people have been genetically modified to install a dominance system that makes it easy to pull rank over those more submissive than you with the royal family being the most dominant.
All that submissive/dominant stuff was a bit confusing at first, even though there was an explanation in the beginning. I probably should have printed it out, just to take a look on it, whenever I was confused.
That being said I DID make a list with all the characters. Names, planets and of course what their intentions were as far as they were out in the open. It wasn’t easy from time to time, because almost every character had some kind of hidden agenda that gave the whole book a game of thrones like feeling. That was also supported from the fact that the POV changed a lot during the chapters, so that you could “look” in more than one head, while changing the setting and ideas.
The writing style was good, supporting the plot very well, but the “native” words sometimes threw me out of my concentration. I could guess the meaning of most of them from the context, but in my opinion they would not have been necessary.
The whole book left me a bit unsatisfied. It felt like a setup for a bigger stage feeding the reader bits and pieces of bits and pieces of a way bigger picture. Nothing was resolved at all and while I don’t mind a series stretching over a few books, I would have preferred for at least one problem to be solved, tiny as it might seem. I’m still looking forward to the next book in the series, getting some answers for my questions
My feelings concerning this book are confusing. I liked the setting, even though normally I’m not a Science Fiction reader, but this setting was not “alien-ish” enough to warn me off. I cannot really describe how the setting feels. A bit like a mix out of modern and regency. The earth as we know it isn’t existing anymore. Instead there are other galaxies that are filled with life. One of them is the Draga galaxy where a king and queen with their children rule over the whole galaxy. All people have been genetically modified to install a dominance system that makes it easy to pull rank over those more submissive than you with the royal family being the most dominant.
All that submissive/dominant stuff was a bit confusing at first, even though there was an explanation in the beginning. I probably should have printed it out, just to take a look on it, whenever I was confused.
That being said I DID make a list with all the characters. Names, planets and of course what their intentions were as far as they were out in the open. It wasn’t easy from time to time, because almost every character had some kind of hidden agenda that gave the whole book a game of thrones like feeling. That was also supported from the fact that the POV changed a lot during the chapters, so that you could “look” in more than one head, while changing the setting and ideas.
The writing style was good, supporting the plot very well, but the “native” words sometimes threw me out of my concentration. I could guess the meaning of most of them from the context, but in my opinion they would not have been necessary.
The whole book left me a bit unsatisfied. It felt like a setup for a bigger stage feeding the reader bits and pieces of bits and pieces of a way bigger picture. Nothing was resolved at all and while I don’t mind a series stretching over a few books, I would have preferred for at least one problem to be solved, tiny as it might seem. I’m still looking forward to the next book in the series, getting some answers for my questions
October 8, 2017
I got this book as an ARC in exchange for a voluntary review. Adelina is third in the line for the throne of Draga. The author has created a fantastic universe full of people who's dna has been changed for them to survive on different planets. The characters are real and emotions run wild as the story is told. Every hope is for Princess Adelina to find her mate in Prince Nash and for her sister to allow that to happen.
October 19, 2017
I was so excited when I started reading this book. I met the characters in the Prequel and was really looking forward to this book coming out. Adelina is supposed to be the submissive, third daughter of the Royal Couple of the Draga galaxy. But, she is so much more! This is non-stop action, betrayal, spies, and the threat of war. This book further delves into Princess Adelina and her uncommon demeanor, as well as how her siblings are affected by the threat of war and their father's illness. This is a fantastic story about life as a royal, military alliances, traitors, courtesans to the royals and maybe a bit of love on the side. There are several characters that I am so fond of and can't wait for more. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
November 1, 2017
***I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book***
This was the first book that I've read of Ms. Dean and Ms. Ashe. The world that the authors have created is filled with many interesting and varying characters. The book has a plot within a plot with many characters that all want something from someone. The story was filled with thieves, spies, numerous aristocratic houses, a royal family, and the members of that time-honored profession courtesans. Individuals all bear a marker a marker of scent that identifies and categorizes each and every person. Mainly people are recognized as either dominant or submissive.
The third and final daughter Princess Adelina has reached her majority and will be entering the public eye and formally presented to one and all. She is therefore to be trained in the ways and wiles of a female. Courtesans a most respected group of individuals interact the many high-level persons. In Adelina's world politics goes hand and hand with sex and pleasure.
The little princess' life is about to become very complicated. Will she be molded into the model female? To whom will she give herself over? Is she going to do her duty or will she hold out for love? Can love really survive and grow in the complicated and shark filled waters of the Draga Court? I guess we'll have to wait for the next installment of this great saga.
This was the first book that I've read of Ms. Dean and Ms. Ashe. The world that the authors have created is filled with many interesting and varying characters. The book has a plot within a plot with many characters that all want something from someone. The story was filled with thieves, spies, numerous aristocratic houses, a royal family, and the members of that time-honored profession courtesans. Individuals all bear a marker a marker of scent that identifies and categorizes each and every person. Mainly people are recognized as either dominant or submissive.
The third and final daughter Princess Adelina has reached her majority and will be entering the public eye and formally presented to one and all. She is therefore to be trained in the ways and wiles of a female. Courtesans a most respected group of individuals interact the many high-level persons. In Adelina's world politics goes hand and hand with sex and pleasure.
The little princess' life is about to become very complicated. Will she be molded into the model female? To whom will she give herself over? Is she going to do her duty or will she hold out for love? Can love really survive and grow in the complicated and shark filled waters of the Draga Court? I guess we'll have to wait for the next installment of this great saga.
October 9, 2017
A five star story that hooks you from beginning to the end. When you start reading, it’s impossible to stop until the last page. Emma Dean does an excellent job of creating the Draga Galaxy with descriptions so vivid you can close your eyes and actually see the world created, going through the journey with the characters .This novel made me lose sleep because i couldn't put it down. I am so looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book of Draga.
I received this advanced readers copy as a gift and I am voluntarily submitting this review
I received this advanced readers copy as a gift and I am voluntarily submitting this review
October 10, 2017
Wonderfully written story of a princess and her family trying to find suitable mates for the princess and her siblings. lots of drama and intrigue included. Has a few typo errrors however nothing too drastic.
i was given a free advanced readers copy for an honest review of this book.
i was given a free advanced readers copy for an honest review of this book.
August 27, 2025
3 Slooooooow Stars
Book tropes, spice, steam, specs, etc., listed at the bottom
You know, I get a bit leery when a book calls itself “slow burn.” I’m pretty sure slow burn is just another phrase for no burn.
The story takes place over a week’s time and is pretty much just setting the stage for the series. There is a lot of court drama, world-building, and the beginnings of character-development. There is hardly any romance or plot progression. Most of the book so far is political planning and maneuvering.
That being said, I am curious enough to consider reading the next book. I have absolutely no idea how this is going to be a reverse harem or how she is going to make it work with even one male.
⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻
Book Details & Ratings
📚 Completed Series
👀 POV: Multiple, First Person
📖 Genre: Space Fantasy + Romance
❣️ Romance Type: Reverse Harem
🎱 Tropes: Royalty • Court Intrigue • Fated Mates • Aliens • FF • War • Betrayals
🌎 World-building: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
⭐ Plot-line: ★★★★☆ (3.5/5)
🤓 Character Development: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
🙀 Angst: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
👥 Harem/MMC: One love interest so far.
🍒 Virgins: None
♥️ Romance: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
🌶 Spice Level: ☆☆☆☆☆ (0/5) *I don't like FF, so I'm not including it in my spice scale*
🔥 Burn: No burn / slow burn
👄 Kinks: FF sex + relationship.
🚫 No: MM, cheating, bullying, dub/non-con
‼️ Triggers: corporal punishment by sibling • one of FMCs future mates is in love with another woman and there are some sexual interactions between them.
⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻
Book tropes, spice, steam, specs, etc., listed at the bottom
You know, I get a bit leery when a book calls itself “slow burn.” I’m pretty sure slow burn is just another phrase for no burn.
The story takes place over a week’s time and is pretty much just setting the stage for the series. There is a lot of court drama, world-building, and the beginnings of character-development. There is hardly any romance or plot progression. Most of the book so far is political planning and maneuvering.
That being said, I am curious enough to consider reading the next book. I have absolutely no idea how this is going to be a reverse harem or how she is going to make it work with even one male.
⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻
Book Details & Ratings
📚 Completed Series
👀 POV: Multiple, First Person
📖 Genre: Space Fantasy + Romance
❣️ Romance Type: Reverse Harem
🎱 Tropes: Royalty • Court Intrigue • Fated Mates • Aliens • FF • War • Betrayals
🌎 World-building: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
⭐ Plot-line: ★★★★☆ (3.5/5)
🤓 Character Development: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
🙀 Angst: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
👥 Harem/MMC: One love interest so far.
🍒 Virgins: None
♥️ Romance: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
🌶 Spice Level: ☆☆☆☆☆ (0/5) *I don't like FF, so I'm not including it in my spice scale*
🔥 Burn: No burn / slow burn
👄 Kinks: FF sex + relationship.
🚫 No: MM, cheating, bullying, dub/non-con
‼️ Triggers: corporal punishment by sibling • one of FMCs future mates is in love with another woman and there are some sexual interactions between them.
⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻
did-not-finish
September 8, 2019DNF @ 26%
I'm not rating this book, because I'm in no way saying this is a bad book. It didn't work for me, is all.
There are a ton of characters here and when I quit we were being introduced to yet another POV character and no real mention of the romance. There is a ton of political intrigue and some circling danger, which is all interesting and exciting, but wasn't what I was looking for.
If you are looking for a sci-fi with political intrigue and suspense featuring a slow building romance then you should really check this one out.
I'm not rating this book, because I'm in no way saying this is a bad book. It didn't work for me, is all.
There are a ton of characters here and when I quit we were being introduced to yet another POV character and no real mention of the romance. There is a ton of political intrigue and some circling danger, which is all interesting and exciting, but wasn't what I was looking for.
If you are looking for a sci-fi with political intrigue and suspense featuring a slow building romance then you should really check this one out.
November 26, 2017
Draga Galaxy is run by Adelinas family a her sister is preparing to become ruler. Adelina is preparing for her coming out party. There are many other fators that go on this story. I enjoy the theory of the story and reading about the people involved, however I do find some spots that drag along to theist where I want to just skip over them.
I am going to continue in this series though as I am curious to know what happens.
** I received this book in exchange for an honest review**
I am going to continue in this series though as I am curious to know what happens.
** I received this book in exchange for an honest review**
May 23, 2018
#SpoilerWarrior
This was a tough read for me to get into, but once I did it was absolutely worth it.
I apologize in advance for the long list of running’s thoughts:
I was recommended this book so I have high hopes for it.
I like that the dominance levels are laid right out there for you. Sometimes it takes like 50 pages to establish dominance. Boring.
Oh my god I take it back. The amount of information thrown at you immediately is overwhelming. I’m going to just skip to the first chapter and hope that it makes sense.
Dang, I really thought he might end that by killing her. Although, still hot.
This book takes a weird amount of concentration.
Ohhh, is there going to be some FF in this book? I’m into that.
*reads blurb again for the 8000th time to remember what is happening*
THEORY: The Prince of Thieves is masquerading as Prince Nash. Somehow.
Ugh, more players to the game.
Hmm. Interesting. Hot, and interesting.
So many things are happening right now. But so far I think I like Joslynn the most out of everyone.
Ahhh go go go go!!
Well that’s an actual bummer. Interesting though. I’m not a huge fan of soul mates, and I like how this isn’t..like SHE could be fated to HIM but HE wouldn’t be fated to HER. I like that there is still some choice in the matter.
I feel like the first half of this book is just introducing everyone.
THEORY: Adelina is part courtesan and has more than one mate.
His saliva can heal?! Nifty.
I’m a little confused about how this turns into an RH when everyone is being mated off.
I stopped taking notes after that because the book FINALLY picked up speed.
This was a tough read for me to get into, but once I did it was absolutely worth it.
I apologize in advance for the long list of running’s thoughts:
I was recommended this book so I have high hopes for it.
I like that the dominance levels are laid right out there for you. Sometimes it takes like 50 pages to establish dominance. Boring.
Oh my god I take it back. The amount of information thrown at you immediately is overwhelming. I’m going to just skip to the first chapter and hope that it makes sense.
Dang, I really thought he might end that by killing her. Although, still hot.
This book takes a weird amount of concentration.
Ohhh, is there going to be some FF in this book? I’m into that.
*reads blurb again for the 8000th time to remember what is happening*
THEORY: The Prince of Thieves is masquerading as Prince Nash. Somehow.
Ugh, more players to the game.
Hmm. Interesting. Hot, and interesting.
So many things are happening right now. But so far I think I like Joslynn the most out of everyone.
Ahhh go go go go!!
Well that’s an actual bummer. Interesting though. I’m not a huge fan of soul mates, and I like how this isn’t..like SHE could be fated to HIM but HE wouldn’t be fated to HER. I like that there is still some choice in the matter.
I feel like the first half of this book is just introducing everyone.
THEORY: Adelina is part courtesan and has more than one mate.
His saliva can heal?! Nifty.
I’m a little confused about how this turns into an RH when everyone is being mated off.
I stopped taking notes after that because the book FINALLY picked up speed.
November 30, 2025
This is the kind of book that would normally be 4 stars for me, but I demoted it to 3 for a couple reasons.
Edit to add: This may be spoilery for future books, be warned unless you're looking for a reason to keep going.
Edit to add: This may be spoilery for future books, be warned unless you're looking for a reason to keep going.
June 14, 2018
Review originally posted at my blog for Xpresso Book Tours: https://bookishpuffcorn.wordpress.com...
Princess of Draga is the first book in the Draga Court series! Science fiction + court drama? Definitely a must read!
The book started off just fine. I was instantly hooked and if I’ve got no school stuff, I could’ve read it in one sitting. Just a warning that the book contains sexual scenes but in my opinion, it wasn’t icky at all. And I can’t say it’s not essential to the whole plot itself.
Nadyah was the first character to be introduced. She’s a courtesan to the House of Kismet. My first impression was she’s awesome and she really is! She was assigned to Princess Adelina, the third daughter of the Kind and Queen of Draga Terra as the courtesan who will teach her the camerraleto or the bedroom arts.
Adelina has a really strong character and is purely submissive than the usual Royal Family dominance. Although she’s quite different. I adore her! She’s smart and she’s got her own resources. Although, she’s easily blinded by her emotions sometimes. She and Nadyah make a good duo!
Adelina prepares for her coming-of-age party as most of the story starts to unravel. World building: great! The writing was really nice, it isn’t rushed and it takes its time to introduce everyone and tell the story. One of the great things in the book is how it started with lots of pieces and how everything connected as the story progresses. I always have a hard time remembering names of characters though, especially when there’s a lot.
It’s kind of a slow burn but not the kind that will bore you. I loved the whole court drama! The political intrigue between the planets and galaxy is an entertaining read. Although there are some down parts in the book but it was still great! I can’t stop reading and I need more of this series!
I am really looking forward to the rest of the series and recommend this to fans of science fiction and fantasy! Although, I’ll warn you again about some of the sexual content. Overall, I rate Princess of Draga by Emma Dean, 4 out of 5 stars!
Princess of Draga is the first book in the Draga Court series! Science fiction + court drama? Definitely a must read!
The book started off just fine. I was instantly hooked and if I’ve got no school stuff, I could’ve read it in one sitting. Just a warning that the book contains sexual scenes but in my opinion, it wasn’t icky at all. And I can’t say it’s not essential to the whole plot itself.
Nadyah was the first character to be introduced. She’s a courtesan to the House of Kismet. My first impression was she’s awesome and she really is! She was assigned to Princess Adelina, the third daughter of the Kind and Queen of Draga Terra as the courtesan who will teach her the camerraleto or the bedroom arts.
Adelina has a really strong character and is purely submissive than the usual Royal Family dominance. Although she’s quite different. I adore her! She’s smart and she’s got her own resources. Although, she’s easily blinded by her emotions sometimes. She and Nadyah make a good duo!
Adelina prepares for her coming-of-age party as most of the story starts to unravel. World building: great! The writing was really nice, it isn’t rushed and it takes its time to introduce everyone and tell the story. One of the great things in the book is how it started with lots of pieces and how everything connected as the story progresses. I always have a hard time remembering names of characters though, especially when there’s a lot.
It’s kind of a slow burn but not the kind that will bore you. I loved the whole court drama! The political intrigue between the planets and galaxy is an entertaining read. Although there are some down parts in the book but it was still great! I can’t stop reading and I need more of this series!
I am really looking forward to the rest of the series and recommend this to fans of science fiction and fantasy! Although, I’ll warn you again about some of the sexual content. Overall, I rate Princess of Draga by Emma Dean, 4 out of 5 stars!
August 20, 2023
Okay, so a lot of what I’m going to mention is my fault for not being at all familiar with how much we’ve been working on romance novels and their categories, and what alpha/omega meant, but still.
This is a furry coded book, all the main characters are mixed with wolves, and have a scent based hierarchy of dominance and subservience. If that’s not something that appeals to you, I would not read this, because it’s pretty cringe. Some people are into it, and hey, have at it, it’s just not my thing.
I was more interested in the ‘sci-fi’ and ‘in space’ twist to this. And honestly the plot isn’t why I’m knocking a star off. For a romance novel the plot actually does well to have a level of complexity, only, all the characters are fucking and hypnotized every once in a while by pot pourri related reasons.
The sex itself, it’s pretty repetitive. Like, step one, muscles brushing on curves. Step two dancing tongues, step three Lightning bolt to the clit. Pretty formulaic, and honestly pretty hard science approach to a book that is supposedly queer.
Sci fi only comes in two flavors, hard science (boring) where the fans get out their rulers and protractors to verify the validity of the science, and then queer sci fi where there’s magic and really where anything at all interesting happens in Sci fi anymore. So it’s just disappointing that the hard science is the sex, and it’s not entendre. It’s wild to me that people from the different planets use this same (but sometimes a little different) hierarchy and all their sex is the same.
Anyway,
This is a furry coded book, all the main characters are mixed with wolves, and have a scent based hierarchy of dominance and subservience. If that’s not something that appeals to you, I would not read this, because it’s pretty cringe. Some people are into it, and hey, have at it, it’s just not my thing.
I was more interested in the ‘sci-fi’ and ‘in space’ twist to this. And honestly the plot isn’t why I’m knocking a star off. For a romance novel the plot actually does well to have a level of complexity, only, all the characters are fucking and hypnotized every once in a while by pot pourri related reasons.
The sex itself, it’s pretty repetitive. Like, step one, muscles brushing on curves. Step two dancing tongues, step three Lightning bolt to the clit. Pretty formulaic, and honestly pretty hard science approach to a book that is supposedly queer.
Sci fi only comes in two flavors, hard science (boring) where the fans get out their rulers and protractors to verify the validity of the science, and then queer sci fi where there’s magic and really where anything at all interesting happens in Sci fi anymore. So it’s just disappointing that the hard science is the sex, and it’s not entendre. It’s wild to me that people from the different planets use this same (but sometimes a little different) hierarchy and all their sex is the same.
Anyway,
July 25, 2020
WTF!!! This was awesome
Now I don’t give 5 stars easily. This was everything. It makes me care and wonder who these people are and what roles will they play. Like in game of thrones I’m scared to care tooo much about any of them especially potential love interests. I’m guessing the only one guaranteed to live to the very end is Lina but still just 🤩 wow. I’ve put off reading this for a while (like year) cause I wasn’t in the mood for this kinda story. Now OMG I was about to go on hiatus from reading for a while and Emma Dean came across my recommendations and I’m like okay I’ll give her ago. I haven’t looked back since. I devoured her one of her other series set in the council of paranormals world and thought why not see what kinda story this is to be compared to game of thrones and so far not disappointed.
On the real, I love how so far this is just the right about of complex but not so complex I’m falling asleep but not simple enough I’m like I know where this is going. The threads of the plots to come are being laid down. I’m guessing even more will with laid for maybe the next two books before things start going fast and crazy. Definitely a must read when you have exhausted other sub- genres in this genre. I personally have just been tired of the current trend of bullying and prison so this was a very nice change of pace.
Now I don’t give 5 stars easily. This was everything. It makes me care and wonder who these people are and what roles will they play. Like in game of thrones I’m scared to care tooo much about any of them especially potential love interests. I’m guessing the only one guaranteed to live to the very end is Lina but still just 🤩 wow. I’ve put off reading this for a while (like year) cause I wasn’t in the mood for this kinda story. Now OMG I was about to go on hiatus from reading for a while and Emma Dean came across my recommendations and I’m like okay I’ll give her ago. I haven’t looked back since. I devoured her one of her other series set in the council of paranormals world and thought why not see what kinda story this is to be compared to game of thrones and so far not disappointed.
On the real, I love how so far this is just the right about of complex but not so complex I’m falling asleep but not simple enough I’m like I know where this is going. The threads of the plots to come are being laid down. I’m guessing even more will with laid for maybe the next two books before things start going fast and crazy. Definitely a must read when you have exhausted other sub- genres in this genre. I personally have just been tired of the current trend of bullying and prison so this was a very nice change of pace.
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