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Soul of a Dragon #1
Obsidian Wings
A scarred, mortal witch. A dragon-shifter with a terrifying reputation.
Constance Rinehart has a tortured past. Her mother died in the hands of a ruthless man, and she grew up with a closed heart. After recent bandit raids, Evernbrook is starving for food, forcing Constance to sacrifice herself in the Offering—an event where young maidens are mated to dragon gods. When she is paired with the most brutal man in the world, her worst fears come true.
Rayse Everstone, lord of the largest dragon shifter clan ever, has been searching for his mate for the last five-hundred years. He is at odds with his clan and feared by the humans. When his mate rejects him, and tensions amongst his kind rise, he faces the threat of having all he has built collapse… and even the loss of his own life.
OBSIDIAN WINGS is the first novel in a four-book fantasy romance series. The SOUL OF A DRAGON series explores the world of Gaia, where dragons roam and magic is rampant. All four books have been written and edited before being published together.
This series contains scenes of abuse, sexual content, and violence, which makes it unsuitable for the light-hearted.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 5, 2018
274 people are currently reading
447 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
June 21, 2018
DNF
Obsidian Wings has two things that draw me into a novel.
1. Blurb jolt. I love blurbs that pull me in and make me feel like I gotta read that story. Obsidian Wings has one.
2. Pretty cover and title. Now, I’m not one to base a book off its cover. Some of the best novels I’ve read have had hideous covers. However, it was the cover of Obsidian Wings that initially enticed me to click on it while scrolling Amazons recommendations.
But, I felt these two things is all this novel had going for it. It’s got a great premise, one I actually love, it’s just not executed well. The main character was awful. She was.... a brat plain and simple. So immature, unappreciative, whiney, and very unlikable all around. I felt so bad for the hero, I would’ve dropped her ass right back where she came from.
”You’re supposed to be the one that I can talk to. The one who won’t see me as just the Black Menace.”
She clutched her dress. “You’re expecting too much of me.”
Really? He is lonely and only wants companionship from his mate and this witch is so... cold towards him constantly. I hated her.
She’s unwilling to give him a chance- he hated that. He held a grudge against her for it.
Yeah, me too Rayse.
I mean he waited 500 years for this.
Was this what he was looking forward to all these centuries? Why did his dragon want this woman so much? She couldn’t give him the love he’d been craving for.
And I know she has her issues since the one traumatizing experience she had when she was a kid, but, that doesn’t excuse the way she acts.
And then on top of the unappealing romance and shitty main character, the actual story was lacking. The author definitely needed more world building. I didn’t really grasp the fantasy world we were given. We just jumped right in.
-sigh-
I just couldn’t read anymore. I love dragon shifter romances but this one was way off the mark, it just wasn’t good.
Obsidian Wings has two things that draw me into a novel.
1. Blurb jolt. I love blurbs that pull me in and make me feel like I gotta read that story. Obsidian Wings has one.
2. Pretty cover and title. Now, I’m not one to base a book off its cover. Some of the best novels I’ve read have had hideous covers. However, it was the cover of Obsidian Wings that initially enticed me to click on it while scrolling Amazons recommendations.
But, I felt these two things is all this novel had going for it. It’s got a great premise, one I actually love, it’s just not executed well. The main character was awful. She was.... a brat plain and simple. So immature, unappreciative, whiney, and very unlikable all around. I felt so bad for the hero, I would’ve dropped her ass right back where she came from.
”You’re supposed to be the one that I can talk to. The one who won’t see me as just the Black Menace.”
She clutched her dress. “You’re expecting too much of me.”
Really? He is lonely and only wants companionship from his mate and this witch is so... cold towards him constantly. I hated her.
She’s unwilling to give him a chance- he hated that. He held a grudge against her for it.
Yeah, me too Rayse.
I mean he waited 500 years for this.
Was this what he was looking forward to all these centuries? Why did his dragon want this woman so much? She couldn’t give him the love he’d been craving for.
And I know she has her issues since the one traumatizing experience she had when she was a kid, but, that doesn’t excuse the way she acts.
And then on top of the unappealing romance and shitty main character, the actual story was lacking. The author definitely needed more world building. I didn’t really grasp the fantasy world we were given. We just jumped right in.
-sigh-
I just couldn’t read anymore. I love dragon shifter romances but this one was way off the mark, it just wasn’t good.
February 25, 2019
My review will encompass all three books of this series. The storyline is interesting but seemed rushed. One second Constance is terrified the next she was crazed with lust. She kept having an internal debate that seemed to drag out, to the point I was getting annoyed with her. The best book of the series seemed to be the last. Everything the first two installments seemed to lack finally shined through in the third and final book. I have mixed feelings, obviously, about this series. You may not do buy the books and enjoy.
May 25, 2020
No thanks.
I think the overall plot could have had so much potential, however the writing was really bad and I did not enjoy some of the book.
1) Everything happened too fast. There was no build-up, no tension (apart from the romance, and even that was tiring).
2) I didn't enjoy the romance. To me, it was really messed-up. She falls in love with a guy who, can I remind everyone, raped her in the first few chapters? I don't care about whatever dragon instincts they have, it's frickin' rape! And she lets him in without any resistance?
3) The whole world of the dragons was underdeveloped, and the one of the magic and the witches.
4) I could not see at any point of this book where the plot was heading, and that's not a good thing. It felt like I was thrown around when I was reading the book, and not being lead on a path with many turns and twists.
→1.5 stars
I think the overall plot could have had so much potential, however the writing was really bad and I did not enjoy some of the book.
1) Everything happened too fast. There was no build-up, no tension (apart from the romance, and even that was tiring).
2) I didn't enjoy the romance. To me, it was really messed-up. She falls in love with a guy who, can I remind everyone, raped her in the first few chapters? I don't care about whatever dragon instincts they have, it's frickin' rape! And she lets him in without any resistance?
3) The whole world of the dragons was underdeveloped, and the one of the magic and the witches.
4) I could not see at any point of this book where the plot was heading, and that's not a good thing. It felt like I was thrown around when I was reading the book, and not being lead on a path with many turns and twists.
→1.5 stars
April 5, 2020
Great story
Not the normal dragons im into but still interesting all the same cant wait to find out more of there journey
Not the normal dragons im into but still interesting all the same cant wait to find out more of there journey
March 9, 2018
This is my first Clara Hartley book and I was really excited to read it. I love dragon stories and this one sounded awesome. But I have to say it took a bit for me to get into it.
I love Rayse. For a dragon, he takes a lot of crap from his mate. He takes a lot a crap from everyone, but he has his reasons and he does take care of everyone. So I will give him that.
I did not enjoy Constance. She was way to whinny. I understood to a point where she was coming from, due to her past. But dang get over it. I mean Rayse does everything in his power to make her feel safe and she still won't bond with him. That is the whole point of going to the mating ceremony, to begin with.
So yes I enjoyed the story, but would I have changed the drama of Constance, yes.
I love Rayse. For a dragon, he takes a lot of crap from his mate. He takes a lot a crap from everyone, but he has his reasons and he does take care of everyone. So I will give him that.
I did not enjoy Constance. She was way to whinny. I understood to a point where she was coming from, due to her past. But dang get over it. I mean Rayse does everything in his power to make her feel safe and she still won't bond with him. That is the whole point of going to the mating ceremony, to begin with.
So yes I enjoyed the story, but would I have changed the drama of Constance, yes.
July 9, 2018
Very similar to a beauty and the beast retell I’ve read. Though not left with a cliffhanger the story ends well before it’s done. Very fast read. I have a feeling that the FMC and this “mother” are going to have to fight this out.
May 25, 2019
This book went too fast. There was not enough writing of what characters looked like and the actual setting of certain places. Sure there was some, but not enough to get an actual picture forming in your head.
I didn’t mind trying to guess what everything looked like, but just a bit more detail would’ve been awesome.
I liked the parts of the story. The bond between Constance and Rayse evolving was nice. A little of character development was great.
Only things that were a bit weird was Constance’s past. Sure she hates men but all of a sudden that changes pretty instantly halfway through the book.
It was an alright book but it could’ve been better.
I didn’t mind trying to guess what everything looked like, but just a bit more detail would’ve been awesome.
I liked the parts of the story. The bond between Constance and Rayse evolving was nice. A little of character development was great.
Only things that were a bit weird was Constance’s past. Sure she hates men but all of a sudden that changes pretty instantly halfway through the book.
It was an alright book but it could’ve been better.
March 7, 2018
I'm not quite sure where to start with this review. I was so excited to read this but I was let down. I'm in love with Rayse, he was awesome. Completely understanding, yet also bloodthirsty. He's a warrior and needs to come across as heartless but he's most definitely not. Rayse is clan leader to the dragons and every five years they head to the human villages to see if their mate is there. Rayse finds his mate, Constance.
Unfortunately, I wasn't a big fan of Constance and found myself rolling my eyes a lot at her inner dialogue. She wants him but can't cause he's a man. She had a tragic event take place in her life and she let that shape her into a woman, a very scared of every man woman. I just found her internal struggle to be long winded. She doesn't accept him as a mate knowing that he will die if she doesn't. Rayse showed her countless times how he needed her and he showed her kindness. I just found her a bit more cruel than him.
Three stars from me means I liked it, and I did. I just would have liked it more if Constance had some back bone and wasn't such a weak female lead. I loved the world building and most of the characters. I really would love a Rayse of my own. When he shows his vulnerable side? Sigh, I melt into a puddle.
Unfortunately, I wasn't a big fan of Constance and found myself rolling my eyes a lot at her inner dialogue. She wants him but can't cause he's a man. She had a tragic event take place in her life and she let that shape her into a woman, a very scared of every man woman. I just found her internal struggle to be long winded. She doesn't accept him as a mate knowing that he will die if she doesn't. Rayse showed her countless times how he needed her and he showed her kindness. I just found her a bit more cruel than him.
Three stars from me means I liked it, and I did. I just would have liked it more if Constance had some back bone and wasn't such a weak female lead. I loved the world building and most of the characters. I really would love a Rayse of my own. When he shows his vulnerable side? Sigh, I melt into a puddle.
September 7, 2018
Terrible. Really should have just DNF'd it but I seems I'm incapable of that.
The indecision and complete back and forth of decisions really grated at me.
The characters were horrible and undeveloped.
Constance was a complete wimp and wanted to save the people who wanted to murder her. Because of course why not let them try again?
The whole dragon inside me can't stop me from trying to bang you even if you're crying was also horrendously done and whilst also being juat lazy writing, but also extremely triggering and creating the wrong message.
Don't waste your time. It's shit.
The indecision and complete back and forth of decisions really grated at me.
The characters were horrible and undeveloped.
Constance was a complete wimp and wanted to save the people who wanted to murder her. Because of course why not let them try again?
The whole dragon inside me can't stop me from trying to bang you even if you're crying was also horrendously done and whilst also being juat lazy writing, but also extremely triggering and creating the wrong message.
Don't waste your time. It's shit.
March 7, 2018
One single day is all this story took me to read. I was hooked right from page one and couldn't get enough by the end I was craving more. Rayse what an alpha of all alpha men, he's strong determined and deep down has this sweet side but don't let his dragon know that. Constance this sweet and clam woman get's mixed with the dragons and slowly starts to come out of her shell, that's something really beautiful to be able to see btw. The chemistry and spark between the 2 characters are not something I was use to reading about they actually had to work on being a couple and being together took a lot longer then any other story I really liked that about it. I was drawn into the story on the writing and how it was different then anything I have read before. This was my first time reading from this author and I know it wont be the last I can't wait to see whats next. MUST READ!!! Each page was like something new and fresh. I really enjoyed how it was set up like back in the 1800s era ok to me it felt that way. The words just flew right off the pages I couldn't get enough.
***I received this ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts, all this is me, myself and I***
***I received this ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts, all this is me, myself and I***
March 8, 2018
4.5 stars
I was drawn into this story from page one and finished it that same day because I couldn’t put it down. Constance comes from a small village where she is studying to be a healer under her adoptive father. She has a past that has scarred her emotionally so that she is terrified of men. The village has what they call the Offering every five years to appease the dragons. The village girls offer themselves up to be mates to the dragons and exchange for money for the village. Constance, even though she is terrified of men, goes to the offering so she won’t see her village starve. She gets selected by Rayse who is the Lord of the dragons and as alpha male as you get. They go on an epic journey and Constance just doesn’t want to give in to the mate pull because she is terrified of the way her body responds to Rayse. The longer they deny the bond the weaker Rayse gets. Will they complete the bond before it is too late for Rayse?
** I voluntarily read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review **
I was drawn into this story from page one and finished it that same day because I couldn’t put it down. Constance comes from a small village where she is studying to be a healer under her adoptive father. She has a past that has scarred her emotionally so that she is terrified of men. The village has what they call the Offering every five years to appease the dragons. The village girls offer themselves up to be mates to the dragons and exchange for money for the village. Constance, even though she is terrified of men, goes to the offering so she won’t see her village starve. She gets selected by Rayse who is the Lord of the dragons and as alpha male as you get. They go on an epic journey and Constance just doesn’t want to give in to the mate pull because she is terrified of the way her body responds to Rayse. The longer they deny the bond the weaker Rayse gets. Will they complete the bond before it is too late for Rayse?
** I voluntarily read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review **
March 29, 2019
I had high hopes for this series. I love shifter books.
Every 5 years the dragons or Gods visit a town and search for their mates. This year the leader of the group Rayes - the Black Menace - found his. After 500 years of suffering, he finally found her. Only she's skittish around me, due to her background. What is a dragon supposed to do? If they don't mate he could die! (I've heard this lie before.) Inch by inch he is wearing her down. Only she is a liberal and he is a ruler of the dragons - every life is precious no matter what - even if they try to kill you. She is making a fool of him in front of the other dragons!!
He's a dragon. His job is to show no mercy! She turned him into a lap cat.
88% in they finally 'bond' only it's not a true bond - because she's an idiot.
Look I get the trauma background, but c'mon. She ran hot and cold. I'm sorry I forgot her name.
Every 5 years the dragons or Gods visit a town and search for their mates. This year the leader of the group Rayes - the Black Menace - found his. After 500 years of suffering, he finally found her. Only she's skittish around me, due to her background. What is a dragon supposed to do? If they don't mate he could die! (I've heard this lie before.) Inch by inch he is wearing her down. Only she is a liberal and he is a ruler of the dragons - every life is precious no matter what - even if they try to kill you. She is making a fool of him in front of the other dragons!!
He's a dragon. His job is to show no mercy! She turned him into a lap cat.
88% in they finally 'bond' only it's not a true bond - because she's an idiot.
Look I get the trauma background, but c'mon. She ran hot and cold. I'm sorry I forgot her name.
June 20, 2018
Enjoyed how each of the characters in this 1st book of the series Soul of a Dragon slowly developed together. Nothing about the Offering went as expected for these two or the challenges ahead of them. Each of them come from troubled pasts and cultures which have prevented them from finding the happiness they so richly deserve. Unlike most ‘insta-love’ books, this one took the time to build trust between Constance and Rayse’s relationship as well as understanding of each other’s culture and belief. After so much anticipation and build up, the last few chapters left me feeling incomplete. The ending battle to reclaim his title seemed overly simplified and read like a summary of events rather than a sweet victory for Rayse and his clan. Compared to the rest of the story, this felt rushed and unfinished – and not in a cliff hanger sort of way.
March 16, 2018
Dragons!
I give this a 3.5 star rating.
I love paranormal romances and dragons are just one of them. This novel started off interesting but then seemed to rush into the ending. Some of the plots in the chapters needed more clarification. There were a few editing errors where the wrong characters name was used and missing words in the sentences. I'm still not sure if I like the heroine yet or not. The hero, Rayse is an interesting person though. He needs more growth as a character as well. Now the Dragon Mother...She must be one of those characters where you either love her or hate her. I'll have to see.
Although this novel was not one where I would have about it, I am interested enough to see what will happen next.
I give this a 3.5 star rating.
I love paranormal romances and dragons are just one of them. This novel started off interesting but then seemed to rush into the ending. Some of the plots in the chapters needed more clarification. There were a few editing errors where the wrong characters name was used and missing words in the sentences. I'm still not sure if I like the heroine yet or not. The hero, Rayse is an interesting person though. He needs more growth as a character as well. Now the Dragon Mother...She must be one of those characters where you either love her or hate her. I'll have to see.
Although this novel was not one where I would have about it, I am interested enough to see what will happen next.
March 6, 2018
Spunky N Sassy Rating: 5.0
~~~~~~~~~~Julie's ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~
The Dragons come every five years to find their mates. Constance is chosen by Rayse. He takes her to his home and she begins the journey of a lifetime. She is terrified but realizes that he will not hurt her. She grows accustom to their ways and soon danger is lurking. He must complete the bonds with her for him to remain, but he vows not to push her. Can she accept him in time or will they both be lost forever? This book has awesome twist within the storyline that you will not see coming. Excellent writing.
~~~~~~~~~~Julie's ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~
The Dragons come every five years to find their mates. Constance is chosen by Rayse. He takes her to his home and she begins the journey of a lifetime. She is terrified but realizes that he will not hurt her. She grows accustom to their ways and soon danger is lurking. He must complete the bonds with her for him to remain, but he vows not to push her. Can she accept him in time or will they both be lost forever? This book has awesome twist within the storyline that you will not see coming. Excellent writing.
May 14, 2018
Mystery, intrigue, blood and flames all wrapped up in a story.
Rayse and Constance don’t get the best start out as mates and this story depicts the troubles Rayse faces as he learns humility and compassion.
This story was written well and had potential to explore other avenues that were only briefly touched upon. The plot while intriguing was stretched out and the conclusion fell short of satisfied.
There is potential in this series for more information and detailed explanations to make for an amazing plot and storyline.
“Read on Behalf of Books After Fifty”
Rayse and Constance don’t get the best start out as mates and this story depicts the troubles Rayse faces as he learns humility and compassion.
This story was written well and had potential to explore other avenues that were only briefly touched upon. The plot while intriguing was stretched out and the conclusion fell short of satisfied.
There is potential in this series for more information and detailed explanations to make for an amazing plot and storyline.
“Read on Behalf of Books After Fifty”
July 3, 2018
Constance frankly got on my nerves. She is always so indecisive and when she does make a choice it's usually the wrong one. I understand her trauma and that it wasn't easy for her to get over her fears but she knowingly put her man in mortal danger several times. She was also very quick to judge & hurl insults that she knew would offend him deeply. For the most part very selfish until the very end. I liked him because even though he was driven by animal instincts he reined himself in and genuinely tried to change for her. Good story.
November 6, 2018
A mixed bag
The story was good. The author skilled. The characters interesting. Sadly the heroine close to detestable. Regardless of her past trauma, her inability to grasp her situation and her mate's left me thinking not only was she annoying and weak but also illogical and stupid. I got 95 percent through this book and the heroine annoyed me so much I had no desire to finish it. At 95 percent!!!!! So my advice is to enjoy the rest of the story but skip over the whiny chick. Should be a short read if you do.
The story was good. The author skilled. The characters interesting. Sadly the heroine close to detestable. Regardless of her past trauma, her inability to grasp her situation and her mate's left me thinking not only was she annoying and weak but also illogical and stupid. I got 95 percent through this book and the heroine annoyed me so much I had no desire to finish it. At 95 percent!!!!! So my advice is to enjoy the rest of the story but skip over the whiny chick. Should be a short read if you do.
February 5, 2020
The book was well written. I like the fated mates bond and the one in this book is interesting and different than the norm. There's a lot of emotional baggage which causes problems with the couple. In the end it comes together well. I read it straight through and enjoyed it. It has a lot of drama in it. If that's something you can't handle you shouldn't read it. I recommend it and will be reading the others
April 9, 2018
The storyline could be good but the main girl is some whinny sad little girl.
The hero a strong powerful dragon and choose her as his mate. he is the leader of a big dragon clan. With her help some really bad cruel dragons get nothing but a little slap in the hands. Because she is oh so good and forgiven.
It gets annoy really fast. He is the big bad monster yada yada.
The hero a strong powerful dragon and choose her as his mate. he is the leader of a big dragon clan. With her help some really bad cruel dragons get nothing but a little slap in the hands. Because she is oh so good and forgiven.
It gets annoy really fast. He is the big bad monster yada yada.
May 3, 2018
Painful.
Written well but I didn’t like the characters. Constance is whiny and hurtful. I know she has a fear of men but she was awful and immature. Rayse is constantly fighting his dragon side. I won’t be reading the next one. Felt anticlimactic and they were just a dumb couple. There wasn’t any highs or lows it was just on even ground. I did like Shen and Greta.
Written well but I didn’t like the characters. Constance is whiny and hurtful. I know she has a fear of men but she was awful and immature. Rayse is constantly fighting his dragon side. I won’t be reading the next one. Felt anticlimactic and they were just a dumb couple. There wasn’t any highs or lows it was just on even ground. I did like Shen and Greta.
November 23, 2018
A character to hate, storyline was good though
WOW, I have never read a book yet that had such a selfish character, but boy o boy, Constance sure is one selfish biatch!Not really a character that I like and it is such a pity she was destined for the dragon leader, Rayse.
WOW, I have never read a book yet that had such a selfish character, but boy o boy, Constance sure is one selfish biatch!Not really a character that I like and it is such a pity she was destined for the dragon leader, Rayse.
Read
June 19, 2020This was a DNF for me
I struggled reading this, very slow pace and the reality is nothing great happened. I really wanted to enjoy the book! But the only reason I felt the need to finish it was for the yearly book count...wouldn’t recommend it unfortunately
I struggled reading this, very slow pace and the reality is nothing great happened. I really wanted to enjoy the book! But the only reason I felt the need to finish it was for the yearly book count...wouldn’t recommend it unfortunately
October 16, 2020
Love dragons
I loved this story, it was different and not boring. There are definitely lessons to be learned here, such as not to rush to make decisions before you have time to think about them. Very good book, I recommend reading it.
I loved this story, it was different and not boring. There are definitely lessons to be learned here, such as not to rush to make decisions before you have time to think about them. Very good book, I recommend reading it.
March 23, 2018
Easy quick read
It was a short, but nice book. I did want too kill the female lead sometimes, because she was so bloody stupid.
It was a short, but nice book. I did want too kill the female lead sometimes, because she was so bloody stupid.
May 15, 2018
Entertaining
The books was entertaining and left me curious enough to read the next.
The characters and story were okay, the writing as well.
The books was entertaining and left me curious enough to read the next.
The characters and story were okay, the writing as well.
May 18, 2018
Dragon Mating
Enjoyed the book. What happens when you find your soul mate, but she doesn't return your feelings. Involves love and dragon fights and a little witch craft.
Enjoyed the book. What happens when you find your soul mate, but she doesn't return your feelings. Involves love and dragon fights and a little witch craft.
June 8, 2018
Enjoyed it!!
June 14, 2018
Okay novel
The novel is okay. Can read but the female character is weak. The relationship between the main character should have been explored more.
The novel is okay. Can read but the female character is weak. The relationship between the main character should have been explored more.
July 10, 2018
4.5☆
This book from page one had me hooked. I couldn't put it down until I was finished. I will be ready the next one right away.
This book from page one had me hooked. I couldn't put it down until I was finished. I will be ready the next one right away.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews