What do you think?
Rate this book
This short novel, set in the same world as The Book of Deacon, follows the blessed and cursed life of Jade Rinton. Stripped of her family and kept in a tall tower by a fierce dragon due to the scheming of a mysterious stranger, Jade seems to be living in a twisted fairy tale. She soon learns, though, that fate has its own ideas of who should play each part, and that family is where you find it.
5 pages, Audible Audio
First published September 24, 2010
47 people are currently reading
777 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
Read
April 24, 2011As the author of this book, I dare say my review would be a bit biased.
May 16, 2012
What a beautiful, charming story this is. Part fairytale, part fantasy, exceptionally moving, it is the story of a girl raised by a dragon from the time that she's six years old. At first, a very reluctant dragon. What do dragons know about raising kids anyway? But she has no one else, because her family all died in a fire and there's no other family to speak of. So they are stuck together after the village tries to feed her to the dragon to appease it so that it will stop the draught killing the crops and livestock and soon the people. But the dragon doesn't kill her. The rest of the story is about the relationship of the girl and the dragon. How he raises her to be self sufficient and smart. She teaches the dragon about love and caring for someone else. Unfortunately there is one of the bad guys left over from the Books of Deacon, who continuously plots the deaths of Jade and Halfax - the girl and her dragon. He constantly has something going on to wipe them out, but the girl and the dragon are smart, resourceful and lucky. They kind of grow up together - each learned different things.
The ending to the story is bittersweet, while you know it should happen, it still brings a tear to the eye, but wait it's not over. The last part's the sweet part and that brings a few tears as well. All in all the story was charmingly perfect. I loved Jade and Halfax, her dragon, they were some of the best characters I've seen outside the book of Deacon - now I want a dragon too! I've got room for it in the pasture.
Just in Lallo's other books, his characterization is brilliant; leaping right of the page these folk are truly 3D technicolor marvels of excellence. Even the personality of Halfax the dragon was fully formed and wonderful. There's a scene in they book when he's found armoured men on horseback hunting him. So instead of using his stealth, he knows they expect a ravening beast, so he acts the part. He stomps. He bellows. He breathes fire. He knocks them down. They run away. It was hilarious! He laughs at them as they are scurrying off and says " Don't ever come back to this forest or I will eat you!", or something like that. How good is that? That a dragon gets to play with humans for a while without really hurting them. Only Lallo could think up something like that for a dragon personality. Jade was fabulous too. She learned all kinds of things and became very pragmatic and smart but she always loved Halfax like a father and he loved her right back. Just like Myranda and Myn in the Books of Deacon. Their relationship was special in so many ways.
The pacing of the story was swift which kept you turning the pages of this too short story until it was through. The transitions between character POV was smooth as silk. There were a number of characters that you hopped between, but they were so distinct, and the changes done so well that the story just flowed along without a hitch - just silky smooth. The dialogue in the story is masterful. You can absolutely tell which character it is by hearing them speak. Every character, even secondary and tertiary characters had pronounced ways of speaking. This added to the brilliant characterization already there and made each character that much more credible. I feel like I could be in a dark room and hear one of them speak, and know who it is.
All in all, I would recommend this book to everyone who can read. Read it for yourself, then read it to your children. It's about the love between parent and child. It's about the love between husband and wife. It's about love undying. It's also about the bad people out there who want to put good things to an end, and the things you need to do to protect yourself and your loved ones from them. These are things your kids should know. There are bad people out there. It's not all sunshine and roses, unfortunately. So read them this story, but first read it yourself. If you don't have kids, you should absolutely read it. It is a beautiful story. Buy it for yourself. Think of it as a gift to yourself. Buy the Books of Deacon too and read them first. Lallo has to be the most under-rated author on the market. My prediction is he'll be the next Tolkein in no time. Just you wait and see!
The ending to the story is bittersweet, while you know it should happen, it still brings a tear to the eye, but wait it's not over. The last part's the sweet part and that brings a few tears as well. All in all the story was charmingly perfect. I loved Jade and Halfax, her dragon, they were some of the best characters I've seen outside the book of Deacon - now I want a dragon too! I've got room for it in the pasture.
Just in Lallo's other books, his characterization is brilliant; leaping right of the page these folk are truly 3D technicolor marvels of excellence. Even the personality of Halfax the dragon was fully formed and wonderful. There's a scene in they book when he's found armoured men on horseback hunting him. So instead of using his stealth, he knows they expect a ravening beast, so he acts the part. He stomps. He bellows. He breathes fire. He knocks them down. They run away. It was hilarious! He laughs at them as they are scurrying off and says " Don't ever come back to this forest or I will eat you!", or something like that. How good is that? That a dragon gets to play with humans for a while without really hurting them. Only Lallo could think up something like that for a dragon personality. Jade was fabulous too. She learned all kinds of things and became very pragmatic and smart but she always loved Halfax like a father and he loved her right back. Just like Myranda and Myn in the Books of Deacon. Their relationship was special in so many ways.
The pacing of the story was swift which kept you turning the pages of this too short story until it was through. The transitions between character POV was smooth as silk. There were a number of characters that you hopped between, but they were so distinct, and the changes done so well that the story just flowed along without a hitch - just silky smooth. The dialogue in the story is masterful. You can absolutely tell which character it is by hearing them speak. Every character, even secondary and tertiary characters had pronounced ways of speaking. This added to the brilliant characterization already there and made each character that much more credible. I feel like I could be in a dark room and hear one of them speak, and know who it is.
All in all, I would recommend this book to everyone who can read. Read it for yourself, then read it to your children. It's about the love between parent and child. It's about the love between husband and wife. It's about love undying. It's also about the bad people out there who want to put good things to an end, and the things you need to do to protect yourself and your loved ones from them. These are things your kids should know. There are bad people out there. It's not all sunshine and roses, unfortunately. So read them this story, but first read it yourself. If you don't have kids, you should absolutely read it. It is a beautiful story. Buy it for yourself. Think of it as a gift to yourself. Buy the Books of Deacon too and read them first. Lallo has to be the most under-rated author on the market. My prediction is he'll be the next Tolkein in no time. Just you wait and see!
October 11, 2016
Such a cute and quick read! A fairy tale worth spending a few hours on!
September 10, 2021
Jade Rinton is orphaned after a house fire claims the lives of everyone in her family. But being one of the chosen blessed with good luck, she miraculously escapes the fire. The greedy neighbor who took her in, throws her to the dragon hiding in a nearby cave system under the pretense of ending the drought plaguing their village, though he really just wants to take her prosperous family farmland. The dragon, however was hiding nearby to keep a watch over Jade as her guardian. Jade talks Halfax the dragon into taking her with him far away and becoming her new family.
This is set long after the Book of Decon series, with the characters from the main series mentioned in this as legends and ancestors with Jade being a descendant of Myranda Celeste. This is a heart-warming tale of a girl and her dragon best friend. This book is wonderfully absent of shifters and the dragon is no more than what he appears to be, a talking dragon. It reminded me a bit of Dragon Heart or a gender/age switch of Eragon. I loved watching Jade growing up from child to young woman and being raised by the dragon with both of them teaching each other, and Jade having to discover quite a bit on her own. She saves him just as much as he saves her. There are some complications along the way and mis-understandings and the dragon being a grouchy, reluctant dragon, but it is fun seeing him grow to love Jade as being more than just his charge, but as almost his daughter. The girl is headstrong, even as a child, determined, knows what she wants, and won’t take no even from a dragon and her endearing cheerfulness. I will say that this book does feel a whole lot longer than 105 pages (probably more like the 170 that Smashwords says it is) as it follows the life of Jade and the dragon over the decades. My only quibble with this book was really the elf bad guy. He was rather one-dimensional for a villain without any real reason as to why he kept trying to off Jade, other than needing to get rid of the chosen to make his evil plan work, whatever it was. You could practically imagine him twirling a moustache as he expounded on his history of trying to off Jade. I still have no idea who he actually was other than a mysterious, evil elf guy responsible for all the bad things in Jade’s life (admittedly I haven’t read any other books in the Book of Decon series). This story is followed up with the novella Halfax, with the dragon from this book going on to protect Jade’s daughter.
This is set long after the Book of Decon series, with the characters from the main series mentioned in this as legends and ancestors with Jade being a descendant of Myranda Celeste. This is a heart-warming tale of a girl and her dragon best friend. This book is wonderfully absent of shifters and the dragon is no more than what he appears to be, a talking dragon. It reminded me a bit of Dragon Heart or a gender/age switch of Eragon. I loved watching Jade growing up from child to young woman and being raised by the dragon with both of them teaching each other, and Jade having to discover quite a bit on her own. She saves him just as much as he saves her. There are some complications along the way and mis-understandings and the dragon being a grouchy, reluctant dragon, but it is fun seeing him grow to love Jade as being more than just his charge, but as almost his daughter. The girl is headstrong, even as a child, determined, knows what she wants, and won’t take no even from a dragon and her endearing cheerfulness. I will say that this book does feel a whole lot longer than 105 pages (probably more like the 170 that Smashwords says it is) as it follows the life of Jade and the dragon over the decades. My only quibble with this book was really the elf bad guy. He was rather one-dimensional for a villain without any real reason as to why he kept trying to off Jade, other than needing to get rid of the chosen to make his evil plan work, whatever it was. You could practically imagine him twirling a moustache as he expounded on his history of trying to off Jade. I still have no idea who he actually was other than a mysterious, evil elf guy responsible for all the bad things in Jade’s life (admittedly I haven’t read any other books in the Book of Decon series). This story is followed up with the novella Halfax, with the dragon from this book going on to protect Jade’s daughter.
January 1, 2015
I received an electronic copy of this book as part of the EPIC: Fourteen Books Of Fantasy boxed set in exchange for an honest review.
A rather simple tale, but told so beautifully that it made me want to cry at the end. Girl's family dies in a fire and she miraculously survives. The guy who set the fire tries to feed her to a dragon; instead, the dragon protects her. Prince goes off to kill the dragon, dragon wins but lets him live and, oh yes, happily forever after happens too. Very simple in conception, but ah, the execution. Well told and heartbreaking, all at once.
I loved it.
A rather simple tale, but told so beautifully that it made me want to cry at the end. Girl's family dies in a fire and she miraculously survives. The guy who set the fire tries to feed her to a dragon; instead, the dragon protects her. Prince goes off to kill the dragon, dragon wins but lets him live and, oh yes, happily forever after happens too. Very simple in conception, but ah, the execution. Well told and heartbreaking, all at once.
I loved it.
February 16, 2021
A fantasy fairy tale that was too cute for words! Loved it.
October 26, 2021
What a lovely, fun read.
My wife recommended this to me, and I'm glad she did.
This really whetted my appetite for mr Lallo's main series.
I initially thought this was more aimed at middlegrade, but then the excellent fight sequence quickly changed my mind on that point.
I really enjoyed this and look forward to read more from this author.
My wife recommended this to me, and I'm glad she did.
This really whetted my appetite for mr Lallo's main series.
I initially thought this was more aimed at middlegrade, but then the excellent fight sequence quickly changed my mind on that point.
I really enjoyed this and look forward to read more from this author.
February 17, 2017
Jade is a short story set in the world of Deacon, long after the Chronicles of Deacon have reached their inevitable conclusion. All in all, it's quite a sweet story, however the short length of it means that vast swathes of Jade's life are swept over with little to no detail. The writing style is therefore somewhat bare bones and it's difficult to continue caring about a character when you keep missing years of their life and popping back in to see how they are doing.
I also found the love aspect of the story predictable and remarkably boring if truth is told. All the way through I was hoping for something different, something special and yet in the end exactly what I thought would happen...did. This was obviously somewhat of a disappointment and marred my overall enjoyment of the short tale.
Finally, I found the characters under-developed and rather unfleshed. Jade is too perfect; this is covered in novel terms by the fact that she is 'lucky' and yet perfect characters do not make for brilliant protagonists, particularly if you don't intend on killing them off early. Our dragon companion doesn't fare too much better... being legendarily powerful creatures it is perhaps difficult to make them flawed but certainly more of an effort could have been made. And our Prince Charming was... rather vapid and bleh.
The evil doers aren't much more fleshed out and the motives are lacklustre at best. Greed is a huge one and that at least makes sense, but some of the resultant actions of the characters are baffling at best and you'd strongly suggest that someone with more brains would have pointed this out. Either way, the overall bad guy who is pulling the strings has no motive at all that can be seen until the last section and this again makes you wonder why, oh why it couldn't have been written better.
All in all, this is somewhat of a disappointment, particularly as I very much enjoyed the final installment of the Book of Deacon. It's a quick and easy read though, so won't take long if you want another section of the tale told to you.
I also found the love aspect of the story predictable and remarkably boring if truth is told. All the way through I was hoping for something different, something special and yet in the end exactly what I thought would happen...did. This was obviously somewhat of a disappointment and marred my overall enjoyment of the short tale.
Finally, I found the characters under-developed and rather unfleshed. Jade is too perfect; this is covered in novel terms by the fact that she is 'lucky' and yet perfect characters do not make for brilliant protagonists, particularly if you don't intend on killing them off early. Our dragon companion doesn't fare too much better... being legendarily powerful creatures it is perhaps difficult to make them flawed but certainly more of an effort could have been made. And our Prince Charming was... rather vapid and bleh.
The evil doers aren't much more fleshed out and the motives are lacklustre at best. Greed is a huge one and that at least makes sense, but some of the resultant actions of the characters are baffling at best and you'd strongly suggest that someone with more brains would have pointed this out. Either way, the overall bad guy who is pulling the strings has no motive at all that can be seen until the last section and this again makes you wonder why, oh why it couldn't have been written better.
All in all, this is somewhat of a disappointment, particularly as I very much enjoyed the final installment of the Book of Deacon. It's a quick and easy read though, so won't take long if you want another section of the tale told to you.
June 30, 2015
Ahh, I loved this one.
I got this book in the Kindle bundle EPIC: 14 Books of Fantasy.
I have to say I was growing tired of reading tragic and action filled first-of-its-trilogy books, and Jade was a much needed and much welcome rest from that.
It was wonderful and refreshing to read an almost fairy-tale story of love and kindness that had started and ended and didn't leave me dying to know if I should pick up the sequel.
Upon finishing I found out there are other books to the series, even previous in chronology to this one, but I felt no need for more information. When there was talk of background and worldbuilding, I just assumed it was to give some depth and in no way did it detract from my enjoyment of the story.
There are some minor writting issues, but nothing serious.
I just loved so very much both Jade and Halfax that I will most definetly pick up the other books to get to know this world better.
I only hope that horrible elf won't hurt future descendants from Jade, or I'll go inside myself to kill him.
I got this book in the Kindle bundle EPIC: 14 Books of Fantasy.
I have to say I was growing tired of reading tragic and action filled first-of-its-trilogy books, and Jade was a much needed and much welcome rest from that.
It was wonderful and refreshing to read an almost fairy-tale story of love and kindness that had started and ended and didn't leave me dying to know if I should pick up the sequel.
Upon finishing I found out there are other books to the series, even previous in chronology to this one, but I felt no need for more information. When there was talk of background and worldbuilding, I just assumed it was to give some depth and in no way did it detract from my enjoyment of the story.
There are some minor writting issues, but nothing serious.
I just loved so very much both Jade and Halfax that I will most definetly pick up the other books to get to know this world better.
I only hope that horrible elf won't hurt future descendants from Jade, or I'll go inside myself to kill him.
July 20, 2012
This was a short and sweet little story set in the world of The Book of Deacon trilogy. I'm torn about how to review it because there was nothing wrong with it, but it did feel like it was missing something. I think after reading Lallo's other work I was expecting this book to have more action. In terms of the structure of the plot I was expecting the plot to have a rising action, a climax, and a falling action, but those things didn't really happen.
In my head I'm comparing this book to chocolate pudding. It's pleasant, smooth and easy to take in, and it doesn't take long to finish. Sometimes it's exactly what you want, but if you were looking for something with depth and dimension it's probably not exactly going to hit the spot.
In my head I'm comparing this book to chocolate pudding. It's pleasant, smooth and easy to take in, and it doesn't take long to finish. Sometimes it's exactly what you want, but if you were looking for something with depth and dimension it's probably not exactly going to hit the spot.
May 7, 2015
For a few hours I felt like a child again, escaping a rainy afternoon into a fairytale of the young unwanted girl becoming a princess, a dragon, magic, and good winning over evil. As a stand alone story it is not complex but Lallo excels at creating characters I quickly become attached to. If this had been available 25 years ago I would have been reading it at bedtime to my daughter.
I understand this is set in a world where Lallo has written a series, which I have not read. Many of the reviews appear to be based on expectations of people who read the Book of Deacon series. I enjoyed Jade and did not feel I was missing out by not being familiar with those other stories.
I understand this is set in a world where Lallo has written a series, which I have not read. Many of the reviews appear to be based on expectations of people who read the Book of Deacon series. I enjoyed Jade and did not feel I was missing out by not being familiar with those other stories.
March 14, 2013
A girl, a dragon, and a sacrafice that didn't happen. Good choice for a start on "Jade". Usually the lady is sacraficed for the good of her village/family but Jade is saved instead.
I like the way that the main character Jade is shown as a strong example of what a girl-child to young woman can do. Not a victim and not uber girly.
I recommend for Young Adults and young Teens. Good side - story in Joseph Lallo's world of Deacon.
I like the way that the main character Jade is shown as a strong example of what a girl-child to young woman can do. Not a victim and not uber girly.
I recommend for Young Adults and young Teens. Good side - story in Joseph Lallo's world of Deacon.
July 3, 2012
I love this guy, I really do. I love the world he has created and the characters he fills it with. This story, short, but sweet sets the stage for another set of adventures and I'm keen to see if Joseph will continue. ^_^
December 22, 2012
This was a great "dessert" story after the feast that was the trilogy. Touching and poignant, doesn't have the non-stop action of the trilogy and that was actually perfect.
April 26, 2024
Content:
Language: Mild. There were about 8 or 9 milder swear words throughout.
Violence: Moderate. There is a fair bit of violence, but it isn't graphically described. Fires, bloody wounds, magic battles, about what you'd seen in a PG-13 fantasy movie.
Sexual: Mild. Due to one character being a healer, there is some nudity and it amuses the healer that the patient is so embarrassed about it.
TW: Child endangerment and active plots to kill said child throughout. Neglect as well. Black magic mentioned as well in case that gives people issue.
For a short story, it was paced perfectly. This is a story about a little girl who is raised by a dragon. Yup. It's buckets of fun. I enjoyed how the author showed how the dragon wasn't just a human in a dragon body, he was different on fundamental levels with his mentality, culture, and perspective. It made it hilarious to see a six-year-old girl wearing him down and getting him to care for her.
It's hard to review this without huge spoilers, so I'll just say, this is worth the couple hours it takes to read. Despite it beginning rather horribly, with Jade being neglected and treated as poorly as you can be, it didn't drag me down because she found Halfax. I love their relationship.
Reading this makes me intrigued to read The Book of Deacon trilogy.
Language: Mild. There were about 8 or 9 milder swear words throughout.
Violence: Moderate. There is a fair bit of violence, but it isn't graphically described. Fires, bloody wounds, magic battles, about what you'd seen in a PG-13 fantasy movie.
Sexual: Mild. Due to one character being a healer, there is some nudity and it amuses the healer that the patient is so embarrassed about it.
TW: Child endangerment and active plots to kill said child throughout. Neglect as well. Black magic mentioned as well in case that gives people issue.
For a short story, it was paced perfectly. This is a story about a little girl who is raised by a dragon. Yup. It's buckets of fun. I enjoyed how the author showed how the dragon wasn't just a human in a dragon body, he was different on fundamental levels with his mentality, culture, and perspective. It made it hilarious to see a six-year-old girl wearing him down and getting him to care for her.
It's hard to review this without huge spoilers, so I'll just say, this is worth the couple hours it takes to read. Despite it beginning rather horribly, with Jade being neglected and treated as poorly as you can be, it didn't drag me down because she found Halfax. I love their relationship.
Reading this makes me intrigued to read The Book of Deacon trilogy.
October 22, 2018
Delightfully original "damsel-in-distress" tale
First off, I rated this only four vs five stars, because much of the dialog between six year old Jade and the dragon at the beginning of the story is not representative of a true six year olds' capability of reasoning/understanding, in my estimation. Secondly, if editing is an issue for you, at least on the Kindle, prepare to grit your teeth and persevere. It is definitely frustrating.
However, in the spirit of fairy tales this is a delightful story, one I don't even mind reading again. Jade's cheerful personality, and the strength of character she learns are just the sort of thing I want to introduce my granddaughters to in time.
Mostly though, this tale is special to me because I was once a young girl in love with dragons. (Silly me, who am I kidding? I'm still in love with dragons!)
First off, I rated this only four vs five stars, because much of the dialog between six year old Jade and the dragon at the beginning of the story is not representative of a true six year olds' capability of reasoning/understanding, in my estimation. Secondly, if editing is an issue for you, at least on the Kindle, prepare to grit your teeth and persevere. It is definitely frustrating.
However, in the spirit of fairy tales this is a delightful story, one I don't even mind reading again. Jade's cheerful personality, and the strength of character she learns are just the sort of thing I want to introduce my granddaughters to in time.
Mostly though, this tale is special to me because I was once a young girl in love with dragons. (Silly me, who am I kidding? I'm still in love with dragons!)
November 16, 2023
This light listening served as a break from the reading that I have been doing. The good things I have heard about this book were all true. It was in my eyes a sort of coming-of-age story with the young girl Jade being orphaned by a fire and then coming to be saved and raised by the dragon that was meant to kill her. The friendship that was forged between the two of them was so very wholesome, it progressed the way a child and parent relationship would, the child being cared for by the parent, then the roles reversing to the child caring for the parent. As well as the need for the parent to release the child to live their life.
This was a beautiful story, I will be looking for more books from this author.
This was a beautiful story, I will be looking for more books from this author.
June 14, 2018
I gave this book a three star because it was not what I was expecting. For some reason, I was under the impression that this book was going to be a full length novel so I was severely disappointed when it was cut short. If I had realized this before I started reading, I wouldn't have been so disappointed.
On the other hand, I love this world and all the characters and I totally lapped up seeing what was happening generations after the original series. It is well written from a writing standpoint. It is easy to read and follow along.
If you have read the deacon triology, you totally want to add this under your belt.
On the other hand, I love this world and all the characters and I totally lapped up seeing what was happening generations after the original series. It is well written from a writing standpoint. It is easy to read and follow along.
If you have read the deacon triology, you totally want to add this under your belt.
May 8, 2019
This is such a beautiful story. It's set many years in the future, long after the events in the Book of Deacon trilogy. You don't need to read the Book of Deacon trilogy to enjoy this. It can be read as a standalone.
It's about a lonely orphaned girl, a protective dragon, and a bumbling prince.
There are some mentions of characters from the Book of Deacon that I really enjoyed reading. We catch stories of Miranda and her dragon, Myn, and a few mentions of the other Chosen Ones, all told by Halfax the protective dragon. It's beautifully done. I love revisiting this world Lallo has created. I'm looking forward to reading more of his stories.
It's about a lonely orphaned girl, a protective dragon, and a bumbling prince.
There are some mentions of characters from the Book of Deacon that I really enjoyed reading. We catch stories of Miranda and her dragon, Myn, and a few mentions of the other Chosen Ones, all told by Halfax the protective dragon. It's beautifully done. I love revisiting this world Lallo has created. I'm looking forward to reading more of his stories.
November 20, 2025
so cute!
This was a breath of fresh air fantasy. A life story of an unlucky lucky little girl. I kinda liked the narrators perspective like I was looking down on many points of view and it had a feel like someone telling the story over and over campfire. There wasn’t all that drama with feelings and decisions. Just told like I was looking into the book. It was supposed to be a quick read but it felt a little longer, almost like a short epic story if that makes sense. The only thing I didn’t like was the villain and maybe that’s because I haven’t read the other books. He seemed….more, like there is a colorful past to him.
This was a breath of fresh air fantasy. A life story of an unlucky lucky little girl. I kinda liked the narrators perspective like I was looking down on many points of view and it had a feel like someone telling the story over and over campfire. There wasn’t all that drama with feelings and decisions. Just told like I was looking into the book. It was supposed to be a quick read but it felt a little longer, almost like a short epic story if that makes sense. The only thing I didn’t like was the villain and maybe that’s because I haven’t read the other books. He seemed….more, like there is a colorful past to him.
October 22, 2017
LOVED IT!
I previously read the Book Of Deacon Trilogy and really like them although confused with some of the creepy crawly things that would not die. This book, Jade, was absolutely marvelous. It told of Myn, Ether, Myranda and even Connor Celeste. I loved that Halfax's brothers were responsible for Lumineblades and Rintons. For me, it wrapped up the story of Myranda as did the previous book I read, Rise of The Red Phantom gave me an endorsing for Lain. Thank you for hours of enjoyment
I previously read the Book Of Deacon Trilogy and really like them although confused with some of the creepy crawly things that would not die. This book, Jade, was absolutely marvelous. It told of Myn, Ether, Myranda and even Connor Celeste. I loved that Halfax's brothers were responsible for Lumineblades and Rintons. For me, it wrapped up the story of Myranda as did the previous book I read, Rise of The Red Phantom gave me an endorsing for Lain. Thank you for hours of enjoyment
September 16, 2021
3+
It was a cute, if a bit predictable in spots, story. I don't think it's necessary to read the novels in the series as this takes place several hundred years after, although I haven't actually read the series so I can't say for sure. I didn't feel like I had missed anything while reading this book, though. It stood alone quite well.
I may return to the original series and see how I like it. The writing was certainly good enough to pursue it to see.
It was a cute, if a bit predictable in spots, story. I don't think it's necessary to read the novels in the series as this takes place several hundred years after, although I haven't actually read the series so I can't say for sure. I didn't feel like I had missed anything while reading this book, though. It stood alone quite well.
I may return to the original series and see how I like it. The writing was certainly good enough to pursue it to see.
September 6, 2020
So happy I stumbled across this novella.
This was my first story by Joseph R. Lallo, but it certainly won’t be the last. This has a great set up, I was hooked from the first. Jade and Hal’s relationship was so sweet, and that ending. Just perfect. It’s made me want to pick up the previous books in the series.
4 stars ⭐️
This was my first story by Joseph R. Lallo, but it certainly won’t be the last. This has a great set up, I was hooked from the first. Jade and Hal’s relationship was so sweet, and that ending. Just perfect. It’s made me want to pick up the previous books in the series.
4 stars ⭐️
March 30, 2021
Oh, this was so good. I listened to the audio book while I was at work and it had me crying into my microscope. The narrator is omniscient so it's told largely from the point of view of the dragon. Watching his care of the little girl morph from a duty and obligation to an act of love is heart melting. Good Job Mr. Lallo.
August 14, 2021
A well written story of a young woman and a dragon. It doesn't start that way, but by the end the reader realizes that it is truly a love story. The author leads in a totally unexpected direction from the start. A strong willed young lady who will always push for the best for the people.
I strongly recommend this read.
I strongly recommend this read.
August 18, 2017
A lovely little story set in the Book of Deacon universe. Don't worry if you have forgotten all the details of the original trilogy, but I will say that a familiarity with the story is helpful here.
August 22, 2017
Excellent story!!!
I would recommend anyone who likes fantasy to read this. Granted there was a few errors but overall I loved it. I hope Mr. Lallo will write more of this world and the descendants of the chosen. Keep up the good work sir.
I would recommend anyone who likes fantasy to read this. Granted there was a few errors but overall I loved it. I hope Mr. Lallo will write more of this world and the descendants of the chosen. Keep up the good work sir.
January 4, 2024
It's interesting to go to an author's earlier works and "see" them grow over time. As I really love his "Bygone" series, I had higher hopes for earlier works. This seems a little flat in comparison.
January 20, 2017
I enjoyed the story, but I felt it ended rather abruptly. I would have liked to see a bit more to it. It felt like it was revving up for a more in-depth tale, but it just ended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews