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Dragon Mage Chronicles #1
Verdant Magic
USA Today bestselling author Aimee Easterling's new series is chock-full of "electric story telling" and "wild post apocalyptic world building."
Ever since dragon fire killed her parents, Amber Gardener has resolved to protect her enclave of illegal magic users from the dangers of the outside world. So when a winged intruder lands in her garden, the witch's initial impulse is to defend her neighbors using every weapon at her disposal...up to and including the use of deadly force.
But at the last moment, the invading dragon shifts into a mysterious yet handsome stranger whose calm nature prompts Amber to question everything she previously believed to be true. Too bad her childhood sweetheart has no such compunction against dealing with danger the quick and dirty way.
Enter a murderous dragon on the rampage, an unexplained fading illness, and a kind-hearted innocent kidnapped out of her bed. Can Amber abandon her post as protector and team up with her enemy in time to save people they both hold dear?
Dive into an exhilarating new adventure with this first in a series of interconnected standalones.
Ever since dragon fire killed her parents, Amber Gardener has resolved to protect her enclave of illegal magic users from the dangers of the outside world. So when a winged intruder lands in her garden, the witch's initial impulse is to defend her neighbors using every weapon at her disposal...up to and including the use of deadly force.
But at the last moment, the invading dragon shifts into a mysterious yet handsome stranger whose calm nature prompts Amber to question everything she previously believed to be true. Too bad her childhood sweetheart has no such compunction against dealing with danger the quick and dirty way.
Enter a murderous dragon on the rampage, an unexplained fading illness, and a kind-hearted innocent kidnapped out of her bed. Can Amber abandon her post as protector and team up with her enemy in time to save people they both hold dear?
Dive into an exhilarating new adventure with this first in a series of interconnected standalones.
223 pages, ebook
Published August 28, 2017
188 people are currently reading
470 people want to read
About the author
Aimee Easterling
98 books621 followersAimee Easterling is a USA Today Bestselling author writing on the boundary between urban fantasy and paranormal romance. She specializes in spunky shifters and invites you to dive into her werewolf world in the Wolf Rampant trilogy, the spinoff Bloodling serial, and her new Alpha Underground series.
Studying biology and working as a naturalist have both informed Aimee's writing, but she's quite willing to let reality slide in favor of a good story. When not writing, she loves to read and always keeps books by Robin McKinley, Patricia Briggs, and Elizabeth Peters on her shelf. You can learn more at www.aimeeeasterling.com.
Studying biology and working as a naturalist have both informed Aimee's writing, but she's quite willing to let reality slide in favor of a good story. When not writing, she loves to read and always keeps books by Robin McKinley, Patricia Briggs, and Elizabeth Peters on her shelf. You can learn more at www.aimeeeasterling.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
June 22, 2017
The characters are very 1-dimensional, and the instalove was cringeworthy. There is no character development or relationship development. The lead characters Zane and Amber act like swooning teenagers when they're around each other. I don't understand any of the character's motivations, since they seem to change their minds immediately. Amber goes from being dragon-fearing to dragon-loving in the span of 1 day. The dragon Zane gets captured by Amber and has a severe case of Stockholm syndrome where he keeps thinking about how Amber's lips would feel on his or how warm her touch feels. He literally got pulled out of the air by aggressive vines and all he thinks about is how much he wants to kiss his captor.
It's even more confusing when Zane suddenly calls Amber his mate, with no explanation as to what a "mate" is or signifies to a dragon. Amber also calls Zane "her dragon", but I still don't understand why she is so fond of him. The sex scene was even worse not because it happened outside on the airship where there was no privacy, but because there was no buildup or relationship development leading to it. The only okay characters were Sabrina and Nicholas, both minor characters that had motivations, but were overlooked by the main characters. Sabrina is also a wind witch, a fact that she hides from the dragons, but we never find out why.
I don't think I was ever so happy to be done with a book so I could leave a bad review. The concept and ideas were interesting, but were poorly executed. The characters are inconsistent, and I have no idea how or why Zane and Amber fell in love. The writing is okay, but not amazing.
Summary:
1D characters
instalove
no character or romance development
It's even more confusing when Zane suddenly calls Amber his mate, with no explanation as to what a "mate" is or signifies to a dragon. Amber also calls Zane "her dragon", but I still don't understand why she is so fond of him. The sex scene was even worse not because it happened outside on the airship where there was no privacy, but because there was no buildup or relationship development leading to it. The only okay characters were Sabrina and Nicholas, both minor characters that had motivations, but were overlooked by the main characters. Sabrina is also a wind witch, a fact that she hides from the dragons, but we never find out why.
I don't think I was ever so happy to be done with a book so I could leave a bad review. The concept and ideas were interesting, but were poorly executed. The characters are inconsistent, and I have no idea how or why Zane and Amber fell in love. The writing is okay, but not amazing.
Summary:
1D characters
instalove
no character or romance development
February 28, 2017
This is an amazing "post apocalyptic" story with a unique take on the theme. Well written, it takes place almost 30 years after the event, and unlike most such stories, the world is overgrown with vegetation that has evolved a sentience and an alternate life forms, dragon shifters and earth witches, live side by side with the surviving humans.
Embark on a wild adventure that has all the elements - love, hate, revenge and evil. I am looking forward to seeing more stories set in this future.
Embark on a wild adventure that has all the elements - love, hate, revenge and evil. I am looking forward to seeing more stories set in this future.
May 31, 2017
Artistic but lacking complexity
Am intriguing read. It appears each book in the series will follow a single main character and love interest. I wasn't expecting this so I found everything nicely tied up at the end.
The strength and weakness of the book is the lyrical language. There are a lot of alliterations and some colorful descriptions which make the language flow. Unfortunately, it appears plot was sacrificed to word artistry. The story was slow-moving and the characters could have benefited from more growth and development. For me, the romance was too easy and had a definite insta-love quality that I generally disfavor.
I would recommend this book; just know that the story is secondary too the language. I prefer more depth to the story than was achieved in this novel, but others who favor lots of descriptions would find it more to their taste.
Am intriguing read. It appears each book in the series will follow a single main character and love interest. I wasn't expecting this so I found everything nicely tied up at the end.
The strength and weakness of the book is the lyrical language. There are a lot of alliterations and some colorful descriptions which make the language flow. Unfortunately, it appears plot was sacrificed to word artistry. The story was slow-moving and the characters could have benefited from more growth and development. For me, the romance was too easy and had a definite insta-love quality that I generally disfavor.
I would recommend this book; just know that the story is secondary too the language. I prefer more depth to the story than was achieved in this novel, but others who favor lots of descriptions would find it more to their taste.
March 1, 2017
Do you like forbidden love? Do you love dragons? What about witches? If you answered yes to any of those questions then this is a book for you. Aimee Easterling had such a great writing style that she draws you into the story as if you are standing right there. Fighting along side the characters in the book. This is such a great twist on shifters and witches. I adore this book. I give it a solid 5 out of 5 Stars would give it more if I could.
March 13, 2017
Interesting world building, but felt sketchy at times, and i wanted more fleshing out of plot and characters. Also, instalove with no explanation of why or how or anyone acknowledging that it was kind of fated
July 5, 2017
Wonderful
I find it is always hard to read the first book of a new author to me. But I truly enjoyed this book. Her style is different and takes some getting use to, but I can not wait to read her next book!
I find it is always hard to read the first book of a new author to me. But I truly enjoyed this book. Her style is different and takes some getting use to, but I can not wait to read her next book!
May 14, 2017
Aimee Easterling's Verdant Magic was a fun, fun, fun escapist read to digest over a series of plane rides in one day. This is a short story that could easily cross the line from fantasy into sci-fi, given the detailed explanation for how, exactly, Amber Gardener's earth magic works. I particularly enjoyed the the hints of biology and biochemistry and genetic engineering throughout the story -- really lets you sink into the world without too much of a suspension of disbelief, at least as far as the plant magic is concerned.
SPOILERS AHEAD, Y'ALL:
The dragons left a few more questions unanswered, though Easterling may have plans to spill those throughout the series. There's a hint that the dragons came recently into being, but no explanation as to why or how. I was also left wondering about Zane's twin brother. Villainy for the sake of villainy isn't very entertaining, and I was hoping we could get a bit more background about him, other than that he seems to be the dark to Zane's light.
Of course, short stories have a word-count limit. Hungry readers can't complain that all our questions don't get answered! However, there might have been room to shed a bit more light if some of the more wordy prose had been tightened. Easterling seems to favor lengthy sentences, though this only pulled me out of the story a couple times. It's certainly no reason not to give Verdant Magic a read.
There is language about "mates" and so on, but never at the expense of the protagonist's empowerment and free will. Easterling handles the romance with a refreshingly progressive touch. No testosterone-drunk alpha males here, though Zane is certainly powerful enough to satisfy the reader who wants her confident love interest with the ripped body. I always appreciate it when an author can serve up the romance without resorting to making a domineering jackass out of the hero.
tl;dr
Give Verdant Magic a try if you're looking for a smart heroine and a compassionate hero, both with their own goals and their own strengths, dished up fresh in a post-apocalyptic fantasy world.
SPOILERS AHEAD, Y'ALL:
The dragons left a few more questions unanswered, though Easterling may have plans to spill those throughout the series. There's a hint that the dragons came recently into being, but no explanation as to why or how. I was also left wondering about Zane's twin brother. Villainy for the sake of villainy isn't very entertaining, and I was hoping we could get a bit more background about him, other than that he seems to be the dark to Zane's light.
Of course, short stories have a word-count limit. Hungry readers can't complain that all our questions don't get answered! However, there might have been room to shed a bit more light if some of the more wordy prose had been tightened. Easterling seems to favor lengthy sentences, though this only pulled me out of the story a couple times. It's certainly no reason not to give Verdant Magic a read.
There is language about "mates" and so on, but never at the expense of the protagonist's empowerment and free will. Easterling handles the romance with a refreshingly progressive touch. No testosterone-drunk alpha males here, though Zane is certainly powerful enough to satisfy the reader who wants her confident love interest with the ripped body. I always appreciate it when an author can serve up the romance without resorting to making a domineering jackass out of the hero.
tl;dr
Give Verdant Magic a try if you're looking for a smart heroine and a compassionate hero, both with their own goals and their own strengths, dished up fresh in a post-apocalyptic fantasy world.
January 10, 2020
What a beautiful love story this is, wow! I love that Amber is an earth witch and a watcher of the green, the sentient trees which had sprouted everywhere after the change however this made Amber the enemy of dragons as the green hated dragons and kept them away from Greenwich, the human village over which Amber watched. Then one find day Zane, a dragon shifter turned up and magic flared between the two of them and though there were many obstacles and dangers in their way they stayed true to their love which was all encompassing and nothing or no one could keep apart. So the earth witch had to give up her watcher status and leave the green in search of different pastures and she did this willingly as she luxuriated in the heat of her dragons love! I had read book 2 before I came across this book and I loved book 2 but this for me was something even more special. I think it is one of the best romances I have read in quite a while.
August 9, 2024
Amber Gardener, an Earth mage, is the guardian of her community, their watcher. When a pair of dragons approach, even though they fight each other, she is wary of the damage that might be inflicted. As one flies away, she captures the other. And thus, a grand adventure begins.
This Metaphysical Fantasy is astounding. The main character is Amber. As such, she is the protagonist. The other significant characters vacillate between protagonist and antagonist depending on whether they fight for or against her. All characters find themselves in a time of upheaval. A time for beliefs to be questioned. A time to embrace change. These changes are not only at the cultural level but also for the individual. The basic rule is to adapt or perish. Whether immediately or over time is to be determined. The end is magnificent.
Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Great world building. Happily Ever After. Page-turner. Romantic. Scary. Steamy. Tragic. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.
This Metaphysical Fantasy is astounding. The main character is Amber. As such, she is the protagonist. The other significant characters vacillate between protagonist and antagonist depending on whether they fight for or against her. All characters find themselves in a time of upheaval. A time for beliefs to be questioned. A time to embrace change. These changes are not only at the cultural level but also for the individual. The basic rule is to adapt or perish. Whether immediately or over time is to be determined. The end is magnificent.
Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Great world building. Happily Ever After. Page-turner. Romantic. Scary. Steamy. Tragic. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.
September 5, 2017
After reading Cerulean Magic I was intrigued by how Sabrina had come close to the dragons’ family and the witch named Amber. And how in a world where Nature is personified by an aggressive Green enemy of all dragons could an earth witch enter a family of fire shifters.
This book answered my questions and more. Thought it raised another question when Nicholas pointed out how there was coincidence in the quest of Washington.
I loved the way the Green is more than just a big bad villain. Amber find out how difficult it is to paint the world in black and white and even her cherished companions since her parents’ death have their flaws. Just as her "ennemies" have their good points (especially Zane).
The characters are not the only treats in this book: the story twist mind and imagination so we take a trek in the After surrounded by greenery and sparks of fire.
This book answered my questions and more. Thought it raised another question when Nicholas pointed out how there was coincidence in the quest of Washington.
I loved the way the Green is more than just a big bad villain. Amber find out how difficult it is to paint the world in black and white and even her cherished companions since her parents’ death have their flaws. Just as her "ennemies" have their good points (especially Zane).
The characters are not the only treats in this book: the story twist mind and imagination so we take a trek in the After surrounded by greenery and sparks of fire.
October 30, 2018
Verdant Magic is the first book in the Dragon Mage Chronicles, and we find out about Amber, an Earth Witch, and Zane, a Dragon.
This is an intricate story with a dystopian/post-apocalyptic setting. Although the differences (as a whole) between Earth Witches and Dragons aren't really explored, we do know why Amber fears them. It is very much a case of insta-love, even with all the difficulties the main pair face. There are lots of bits in this book that I would like more information about, like why the Air Witch doesn't want the Dragons to know, but I'm guessing the answers may be in future books.
For an easy read that was entertaining, then I can definitely recommend this.
This is an intricate story with a dystopian/post-apocalyptic setting. Although the differences (as a whole) between Earth Witches and Dragons aren't really explored, we do know why Amber fears them. It is very much a case of insta-love, even with all the difficulties the main pair face. There are lots of bits in this book that I would like more information about, like why the Air Witch doesn't want the Dragons to know, but I'm guessing the answers may be in future books.
For an easy read that was entertaining, then I can definitely recommend this.
January 19, 2018
A Highly Entertaining Read.
Another exciting, well written, action packed, page turning adventurous story from the mind of Ms Amiee Easterling, that will keep reader's engaged throughout from start to finish & left wanting more.
This time we're introduced to Zane, a Dragon Lord & Amber, an Earth Witch, & their journey towards their own HEA.
Even though this is a stand alone, I would recommend you start with "Incendiary Magic" and go from there, you won't be disappointed.
Looking forward to reading more from Ms Easterling.
Another exciting, well written, action packed, page turning adventurous story from the mind of Ms Amiee Easterling, that will keep reader's engaged throughout from start to finish & left wanting more.
This time we're introduced to Zane, a Dragon Lord & Amber, an Earth Witch, & their journey towards their own HEA.
Even though this is a stand alone, I would recommend you start with "Incendiary Magic" and go from there, you won't be disappointed.
Looking forward to reading more from Ms Easterling.
September 11, 2021
New World, New Rules
Magic, dragons, romance and a goat. What's not to love? Let's not forget the sentient plants.
An earth witch who believes dragons only want to kill earth witches and is the Watcher of the Green (sentient plants) finds herself needing to ensure a dragon keeps breathing.
A dragon shifter who protects humans from the Green and is slowly dying finds himself distracted by an earth witch, needing to keep her close.
Prejudices are challenged on all sides, secrets shared, secrets unspoken and the world as they know it is changed.
Magic, dragons, romance and a goat. What's not to love? Let's not forget the sentient plants.
An earth witch who believes dragons only want to kill earth witches and is the Watcher of the Green (sentient plants) finds herself needing to ensure a dragon keeps breathing.
A dragon shifter who protects humans from the Green and is slowly dying finds himself distracted by an earth witch, needing to keep her close.
Prejudices are challenged on all sides, secrets shared, secrets unspoken and the world as they know it is changed.
May 27, 2017
Very sweet
I love dragons and the supernatural in general, so this one was right up my alley. One thing I really liked in this book is that is shows people can change for the better. I thought the romance was sweet and the ending happy. Who doesn't want a happy ending in a love story? The spelling and grammatical errors were a bit distracting, and the use of "the latter" was a bit too frequently used, but overall a good read.
I love dragons and the supernatural in general, so this one was right up my alley. One thing I really liked in this book is that is shows people can change for the better. I thought the romance was sweet and the ending happy. Who doesn't want a happy ending in a love story? The spelling and grammatical errors were a bit distracting, and the use of "the latter" was a bit too frequently used, but overall a good read.
June 22, 2017
Enjoyable
Garden witch and Dragons, once mortal enemies, join in post-apocalyptic challenges. This was an enchanting story that has well written imagery, and a solid plot line that kept my interest until the end.
Amber is a garden witch and Watcher who has her feet grounded into the soil living a mundane life; Zane is aDragon who flies high and shifts into human form. When these two characters interact it's always a fiery scene.
Garden witch and Dragons, once mortal enemies, join in post-apocalyptic challenges. This was an enchanting story that has well written imagery, and a solid plot line that kept my interest until the end.
Amber is a garden witch and Watcher who has her feet grounded into the soil living a mundane life; Zane is aDragon who flies high and shifts into human form. When these two characters interact it's always a fiery scene.
July 2, 2017
Another Excellent Adventure From Easterling!
I have read all of this author's previous work, so I was excited to see her branching off in a new, intriguing direction. I expected a masterfully-written story, with complex characters and a swiftly-moving plot with lots of twisty-turns, & I wasn't disappointed. I know that readers of this book will enjoy the ride! Can't wait for book 2 of this series! Thanks, Aimee Easterling, for another great ride!
I have read all of this author's previous work, so I was excited to see her branching off in a new, intriguing direction. I expected a masterfully-written story, with complex characters and a swiftly-moving plot with lots of twisty-turns, & I wasn't disappointed. I know that readers of this book will enjoy the ride! Can't wait for book 2 of this series! Thanks, Aimee Easterling, for another great ride!
August 30, 2017
This is a story about a witch and a dragon. It starts off a little slow but it gets going pretty quickly and you don't want to put the book down until you finish. It was a pretty exciting book about magic, dragons and a little bit of love. I don't think you'd be disappointed if you read this book. I absolutely loved the book!
August 24, 2018
Ok
I liked the premise, dragons, a goat and witches in a post apocalyptic world filled with sentient plants. The flaw was too much recount at times and then skipping parts of the story that for me would be interesting such as Zane’s secrets and their four months with Electra. Not sure I’ll continue but unique world.
I liked the premise, dragons, a goat and witches in a post apocalyptic world filled with sentient plants. The flaw was too much recount at times and then skipping parts of the story that for me would be interesting such as Zane’s secrets and their four months with Electra. Not sure I’ll continue but unique world.
May 12, 2019
Witches, Dragons, the Green and a goat... what is not to love? This book is enthralling from beginning to the end. I loved the story! It was well written and without typos. The characters were wonderful. If you like a good read, then this one is for you. I know I am hoping she will write more in this universe.
March 1, 2017
Oh Aimee, you have done it again! A new series and it is going to be a new favorite of mine. I have not read one of your books that have not been awesome page turners and this one is no exception. I am so glad I found you as a writer, my reading life would be so boring. Thanks so very much!
March 2, 2017
I loved it! The book started a little slow but picked up quickly. I became so engrossed that I read it in one sitting. The story is a melding of different kinds of magic and attraction coming from an unexpected source. I can not wait for the next one. Great going Ms. Easterling!
June 11, 2017
Adorable love story
I've read many paranormal romance novels, but this book definitely deserves a top choice as a reread. It's fun and engaging, it takes you on a ride that you hope has no end.
I've read many paranormal romance novels, but this book definitely deserves a top choice as a reread. It's fun and engaging, it takes you on a ride that you hope has no end.
August 5, 2017
Unique and Fanciful
This was great imaginative reading. I couldn't wait to return to it when forced to put it down by the pulls of life. Really created a world that was interesting. Can't wait to start Cerulean Magic next.
This was great imaginative reading. I couldn't wait to return to it when forced to put it down by the pulls of life. Really created a world that was interesting. Can't wait to start Cerulean Magic next.
September 20, 2017
This was a well written story. I loved the writing, characters, and storyline. It was fun and exciting to read. I loved Amber and Zanes journey. I can't wait to read
more about this series.
Well done Aimee
I was given a copy to read with no expectations.
more about this series.
Well done Aimee
I was given a copy to read with no expectations.
January 27, 2018
YA Romance
Romeo and Juliet. Two people from warring factions meet and fall in love instantly. The world sounds interesting and the plot (other than that) is reasonable, but there seem to be some gaping holes in the motivation and actions of the 'evil' people.
Romeo and Juliet. Two people from warring factions meet and fall in love instantly. The world sounds interesting and the plot (other than that) is reasonable, but there seem to be some gaping holes in the motivation and actions of the 'evil' people.
January 31, 2018
I loved this book. It has witches and dragons which are two things I love. This book is well written. It kept me engrossed with every turn of the page. I couldn't put it down and was sad for the story to end.
April 3, 2019
Pretty intriguing novel
I liked the story overall, the main character did change a bit from the beginning, in many good ways but also in some strange ways. The magic system was very interesting, wish we knew a little more about the Fade and if it was going to be cured.
I liked the story overall, the main character did change a bit from the beginning, in many good ways but also in some strange ways. The magic system was very interesting, wish we knew a little more about the Fade and if it was going to be cured.
February 1, 2021
Compelling engaging book
Aimee Easterling is one of my all time favorite authors. You can feel why her characters stay with you. Highly recommend all her books. The world she creates seems to be one I would love to live in.
Aimee Easterling is one of my all time favorite authors. You can feel why her characters stay with you. Highly recommend all her books. The world she creates seems to be one I would love to live in.
April 9, 2017
Another great book by this author. This book really takes you one an adventure. I won't spoil it for you but its a must read. Great story.
March 9, 2017
Couldn't put it down!
This novel has a lot to offer: action adventure Romance and lovable characters. Well written and fun to read, I highly recommend this book.
This novel has a lot to offer: action adventure Romance and lovable characters. Well written and fun to read, I highly recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews