Contemporary Draconic Hoarding Practices

by Dae Richards

While researching his thesis, Clayton's work leads him to Syralis the wise, a dragon and professor at the university where he studies. Syralis' hoard contains original manuscripts which are invaluable to Clayton's research. Clayton soon finds himself one of the few students to ever study under Syralis, and during their lessons Clayton learns not only about medieval art, but his own history and his unusual magical sensitivity as well.

Clayton also finds himself enamored of Syralis, but when that attraction proves mutual, not everybody is pleased...

Genres: Dragons, M M Romance, Fantasy, Magic, Urban Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal

202 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 28, 2018

About the author

Even though she has a degree in physics, Dae Richards has always been a storyteller. When she was younger, it meant rounding up all her friends (and quite a few strangers) on the playground to enact epic fantasy battles that took place entirely in their collective imaginations. When she reached middle school and lost her favored medium, she turned her attention to the written word.
Dae wrote her first story when she was about five years old. Since then, she’s never really stopped. Even when her wrists wish she would. Dae writes what she writes because she is a sucker for happy endings and there need to be more of those for queer characters.
Dae currently lives at home in New Jersey with a small clowder of three cats, though only one of them is hers. It doesn’t stop the others from doing their best to “help” with her writing at every turn.

Reviews

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast paced, urban fantasy gem. A lonely, two thousand year old dragon scholar meets his match in a curious undergrad student. Loved this new-to-me author’s take on dragons and magic. Thoroughly enjoyed this story.

[Serena Yates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dragons! Another story in the ‘For the Hoard’ collection that I am slowly working my way through, this one of a contemporary nature. With a title like ‘Contemporary Draconic Hoarding Practices’, I was pretty sure this story would be funny, give me a few interesting glimpses into an unusual world set in some sort of an alternate reality that includes both dragons and magic, and, based on the idea of a dragon hoarding manuscripts and a student wanting to study them, I knew I’d be able to relate to the characters. I mean – just look at my book collection. I know, a dragon would probably sneer at it, but by human standards, it’s not so bad. In any case, I am quite proud of it. But – I digress.


Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.

[Jenn (not Lily) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.4 stars
I liked the world, although very little of it was well explained, but the unnecessarily fast ending brought this rating way down. I didn't mind the lack of smut, but I really don't like when a book just finishes without the "ever after" part of an HEA. The typos and obviously badly edited phrases scattered throughout certainly didn't help any either.

[Trip · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast paced and enjoyable read, with dragons and magic which were great fun. I loved the exploration into their backgrounds and the development of their relationship, the customs of dragons was great to see. Along with their hoards which are always fascinating to look at and I liked how it tied into Clayton work too, their meetings and his responses to magic was really interesting.

This book feels like to start to a series, it's only really the beginning of Syralis and Clayton getting together. Oh and how Clayton managed to get things to work out his way was so sweet, Ed is adorable and Ashley seemed a lot of fun too. Gavin grew on me throughout and I loved that we got to see his pov, his struggle within and i was so happy with how it ended.

Overall I enjoyed this story a lot and would love to see more in this world, especially after how it ends. I'd like to see the exploration of Clayton and Syralis relationship, more about Ed and Gavin now that apprentices. Just the whole world was amazing, I'd love to learn more about this world and see more of these characters.

[Sadie Forsythe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad for a bit of fluff, but honestly that's all it is. I liked the characters, the world and the writing, but I would have appreciated more to the story than insta-lust, a small misunderstanding and an easy resolution. I don't regret reading it and would read more of Richards' work, but there was nothing here to impress me either. A nice, safe, middle of the road read.

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was so much fun for me. I was drawn into the urban fantasy setting instantly and finished it in one breath. It was just the right kind of fluff, just the right length, just the right dose of everything. I would definitely like to read more books set in this universe (maybe even a sequel? *nudge nudge* *wink wink* ), and will follow this author for more stories.

[Nicole Field · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, this book was just so much fun for me. They had me from Graduate School of Magical Studies and it only got more fun from there.

Told from three different PoVs, this story is about Clayton, a university student who lives with Gavin and is brother to the most powerful wizard in the world. He, however, has no magic. This world is very much like ours, and this story is really clever for the way that it puts the main character in the same seat as the reader.

At least, initially it does.

Clayton very quickly comes into contact with Syralis; a dragon who teaches one of Gavin's classes. While Gavin has been striving to become the one apprentice that Syralis is likely to take in a generation, Syralis immediately becomes very interested in Clayton, and agrees to teach him in exchange for knowledge on living a short, human span.

In most chapters, we also get one scene from Syralis' point of view, as well as Gavin's. This shows us the rest of the story that Clayton isn't quite aware of. Syralis seems kind of... shady, honestly, though the writer does a good job of showing us that dragon sensibilities are quite different to human ones, and also that he is willing--if grudgingly--to take on how Clayton feels at the end.

Gavin seems like this self serving bastard, but honestly I quite liked him. Instead of being a two dimensional difficult roommate, Gavin was well fleshed out and his relationship with Clayton was enjoyable to read.

Quite a fun, short read, and not really like anything else I have read.

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was cute and easy and I enjoyed it. It's a nice, relaxing way to spend a couple of hours.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well what a little gem this was. Its not the type of book I usually read and probably wouldn't have had it not be for a challenge looking for a debut book from an author.
I liked Clayton and the unusual relationship with his dragon. I think the book was a little too short to explore everything and could be a series. I'd like to see what happens now they are together.

[Lenni A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

While Clayton splits his time between his graduate thesis and being a teaching assistant, he meets dragon and magical teacher Syralis; who is in possession of manuscripts crucial to Clayton’s work. Syralis is intrigued by the magic surrounding Clayton and agrees to teach him how to control his abilities. But there is an obvious attraction between Syralis and Clayton and when a dragon wants you, they want to keep you like any other pretty bauble they possess and Clayton doesn’t want to be a prisoner for the rest of his life.

This story does have a good plot and introduced the reader to an interesting world of magic and magical creatures but the length doesn’t allow the reader to enjoy much of it. This is another short story where I feel the world and characters could use a longer narrative. This is a fun little romp though and is good for readers who may want the titillation of lust but no actual boning. 3.7 out of 5.

[Shymsal · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fun! I wish there was more of it. But it's a lovely tale of magical academia with dragons. No evil bad guys, no infernal plot that requiring world saving. It's just the story of a kind, but stressed, grad student struggling to research and write his thesis paper who becomes the brightest jewel in a dragon's hoard.

Good characterization even though this was short. Dae Richards has interesting side characters with reasonable depth: Gavin with his internal conflicts, Ashley with her cheerful ferocity, and Ed - more invested than most brothers I know in the life of his little brother! The MC and his love interest were good, too! Clayton, who is as above noted, and Syralis - who, while demonstrably draconic, values ephemeral treasures as much, if not more so, than material valuables.

This hit the spot and I look forward to checking out more from this author!

[Eugenio · Rating 1 out of 5]

The dragon attitude is disturbing. He is possessive, controlling, arrogant, indifferent, and an overall douche. He is also deceitful and doesn’t even have any remorse for his cruelty. It really turned me off. Clearly The author has never been in or witnessed an abusive relationship, or they would not have celebrated such a perverse and controlling relationship between the protagonist and the dragon. Driving this entire story are distorted power dynamics, not “love”. When the protagonist finally accepts to become what is basically a property of the dragon, it felt like he was literally signing away his soul more than agreeing to date someone he loves. Poor Gavin was also tormented by the immorality and abuse of the dragon. Not sure how people come up with this kind of stories…

[Magnolia · Rating 4 out of 5]

From Magnolia Reviews: Four Petals

I really enjoyed reading this story. In particular, I liked Clayton's characterization and the balance he had with everything going on around him. I do wish the world building had overall been bigger, but it was just enough for this book. I definitely recommend this story.

Read the full review on Maggie's website: http://magnoliareviews.weebly.com/rev...

[Wynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a big fan of contemporary fantasy, m/m romance, and dragons, I was entirely here for this. I started reading the book on a long train ride and nearly drained my phone battery, but enjoyed the book too much to put it down. It's a fun, feel-good story about an over-worked grad student and a smoking hot dragon professor who's very much enamored with him. I also enjoyed the witty dialogue, good friendships, and heartwarming familial relationship between Clayton and his brother. All in all, it's a great read and I highly recommend it.

[Heather]

The book has major formatting issues for the entirety of chapter 4 and the ending is abrupt and unsatisfying. I came across this book after I asked for recommendations for very funny fantasy or paranormal books, but this book wasn't funny at all. I'm left largely annoyed by this no steam, amateur attempt at writing m/m romance.

[Delena666 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting world but a HFN ending. Feels like a first book in a series that might never be continued.
In my opinion the beginning needs to be a bit expanded as some 'facts' about the world are presented as if there had been prequels and the reader should already be aware of some things and characters.

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good!

A different take on dragons, hoards, wizards. Really enjoyed it. There is a possessive dragon, a bit of a snarky dragon-blessed scholar, meddling brother and friends.
Really hope there'll be more stories about Clayton, Syralis, Ed, Gavin and company.

[Rauli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exactly what's advertised, which is what I wanted. Loved the book to bits! but now I need some short stories to see the daily lives of the characters. There just wasn't enough!!! I need moooooore!

[Nix Buttons · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 stars.
I liked it, even with instalust and no real plot. It was an easy read with interesting magic and likeable characters and side-characters.

[Hani]

Stopped at 37% because the dragon was behaving too creepily for me.

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Busy Working on his Master's Thesis, Clayton Cooper is feeling discouraged with his lack of progress. Then his friend Ashley Park finds an incredible lead. Syralis the Wise, a dragon and professor at the university, has some original manuscripts that will be invaluable to his research. Unusual for Syralis, he agrees to take on Clayton as a student. Their lessons cover more than just art history. He learns about his own history as well and why his magical sensitivity is so unique. They also discover a mutual desire for each other, but not everyone is happy with that.

Contemporary Draconic Hoarding Practices by Dae Richards is a delightful read. Set in a world new to me, we meet several of Clayton's friends and learn how Syralis handles his hoard. The plot does have a few twists to keep us reading and you can't help but route for a happy ending for these two. It would delight us all if there are more books set in this world.

Merged review:

Busy Working on his Master's Thesis, Clayton Cooper is feeling discouraged with his lack of progress. Then his friend Ashley Park finds an incredible lead. Syralis the Wise, a dragon and professor at the university, has some original manuscripts that will be invaluable to his research. Unusual for Syralis, he agrees to take on Clayton as a student. Their lessons cover more than just art history. He learns about his own history as well and why his magical sensitivity is so unique. They also discover a mutual desire for each other, but not everyone is happy with that.

Contemporary Draconic Hoarding Practices by Dae Richards is a delightful read. Set in a world new to me, we meet several of Clayton's friends and learn how Syralis handles his hoard. The plot does have a few twists to keep us reading and you can't help but route for a happy ending for these two. It would delight us all if there are more books set in this world.

[Christy deSade · Rating 3 out of 5]

Could have been great...

.... but it wasn't. The world building was lacking, as was the character development. Most of the relationship between the main characters took place off stage, so to speak. We read about hours and hours spent together, to the point where time needs to be significantly manipulated, and yet we read about an hour at most. Treated like a second/third draft, fleshed out by another 4-5 chapters and you have a winner....... as it stands, we have a participant.

[Tailor · Rating 4 out of 5]

it's okay. it just kind of.....ends. honestly going into the last 10%, I was preparing myself for a sequel set up and yet....... I was kind of sad basically all the plot threads set up were kind of ignored/dropped - the main character's thesis never gets discussed again (was the manuscript what he suspected??), his roommate just kind of disappears and gets a half-sentence mention, and, of course, none of the smut teasers pay off. there's not even an epilogue/extra scene where they have sex lol.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish there was more!!

This was such an incredibly cute fluffy story! A quick read but so enjoyable. I truly wish this book was longer. I want to know more about Clayton and Syralis and their relationship! If you like dragons, magic and strong characters give this book a chance!

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3+
A bit choppy in places but improved.

[Love Bytes Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by PizzyGirl

I thoroughly enjoyed this adorable story. I was looking for something well written and light and fun and this story hit the spot perfectly for me.

I LOVED the world. The idea of magical beings and dragons mingling in the human world and accepted as they are was well done. This particular story was short and really only introduced many of the beings and concepts, but I can easily image this in a broader setting.

I LOVED the magic. The way it was presented as something learned and developed. And the way there are not only magical beings, but different types/feel/smells/tastes of magic. And the concept of magica sensitivity and how it impacts the sensitive as well as the magical being was fascinating. All the implications of interactions and growth and learning was fun!

I LOVED the dragon’s nature. His idea of the hoard and how it wasn’t all just material goods. In fact, those were just representations of his true passion for intelligence and learning. I enjoyed learning about Syralis specifically, but the promise of more dragons out there with differing natures and different hoards makes me want so many more books set in this world!

I LOVED the way the two men were instantly in lust but still slowly fell for each other and got to know each other. It was so cute watching Syralis care for Clayton. There was so much potential for this to turn dark and menacing, but it was oh so cute and romantic instead. The way Clayton was innocent and oblivious while also having some pretty while ideas and desires. And the way Syralis was so careful and yet possessive. It could have gone bad but in the end, it all worked out perfectly as these men grew together and found a mutual love and respect.

Finally, I LOVED the bit of mystery. I wanted to know more because I needed to know if the secrets were sinister or not. I needed to see what Syralis really wanted and how Clayton’s roommate would actually respond. In the end, I really loved how it all played out. I was satisfied and happy.

I recommend this one very highly. It was well written and utterly adorable. It is going onto my low angst, super satisfying re-read pile for when I need a light and quick pick me up.

This book was provided for free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.