Through a Dragon's Eyes

Chronicles of the Four #1

by Marissa Farrar

A magic long forgotten. Four races divided. An epic journey. She lost her brother, now will she lose her life? Ever since the Treaty was signed after the Great War, one hundred and fifty years earlier, the separate races of Xantearos have been divided. Only every six months do a select group come together for the Passover-a time to trade much needed produce. In the human city of Anthoinia, Dela Stonebridge has already lost her brother to The Choosing, and now it is her turn. The grueling journey across the mountains, through the Southern Pass, is always dangerous, but when magic and madness descends, she discovers herself exiled with the leaders of the three other races-the Elvish, Moerians and Norcs. With the Treaty broken, they learn the secret to the unity of Xantearos lies in a magic long thought dead... that of the Dragonstone and the Dragonsayer. Can they put their differences aside and work together to make their way back to their homelands? Or will they be walking into a war between each of their races?

Genres: Fantasy, Dragons, Paranormal, Romance, Magic, Paranormal Romance, Amazon

258 pages, Paperback

Published April 18, 2018

About the author

Marissa Farrar is a multi-published romance and fantasy author. She was born in Devon, England, loves to travel and has lived in both Australia and Spain. She now resides in the countryside with her husband, three children, a crazy Spanish dog, two rescue cats and six hens. She has a degree in Zoology, but her true love has always been writing.

Marissa is the author of sixteen novels, including the dark vampire ‘Serenity’ series. Her short stories have been accepted for a number of anthologies including, Their Dark Masters, Red Skies Press, Masters of Horror: Damned If You Don’t, Triskaideka Books; and 2013: The Aftermath, Pill Hill Press.

If you want to know more about Marissa, then please visit her website at www.marissa-farrar.blogspot.com. You can also find her at her facebook page, www.facebook.com/marissa.farrar.author or follow her on twitter @marissafarrar.
She loves to hear from readers and can be emailed at marissafarrar@hotmail.co.uk.

Reviews

[Jessica Robbins · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.

So I am not going to lie this book took a little while to really get going for me as everything had to be set up and the different viewpoints are pertinent. it was driving me little wonky though and then bam all sorts of insanity happened making the book really take off. I was hooked as each new page seemed to offer something new in this strange fantasy world that I would love to go visit. As if that is not enough the part I was waiting for finally happens and then I hit the last page. How you going to do that to us? (whining in a really good way good job!) If you enjoy PNR RH novels then you should check this one out. I really enjoyed it so I give it 4/5 stars and I will be looking forward to book two.

[Thais • tata.lifepages • · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished this book in one sitting!

The world of the story and all the different cultures, are presented in a clear and structured way, its easy to grasp and understand the cultural backgrounds as well as setting of the story.

The story is very well plotted, i was turning page after page unable to put the book down because I was so curious of what would happen once they entered the Pass, once all different races met, and finally after they did It was one curve ball after the other, new challenges at every turn for our main character's. The dangers lurking about were SCARY, huge insects, monsters!
In the beginning i thought it would be similar to The Hunger games because of the Choosing, but thats where similarities ended. It became more of an action-packed lord of the rings quest, where the character's travelled together trying to reach their objective.

I think the reason it wasnt 5 Stars for me, was the character's development. We have 4 different main character's and the story is told in their different points of view: Dela (human), Vehel (Elvish), Warsgra (Norc) and Orergon (Moerian). Their personalities (except for maybe Warsgra's) dont stand out too much and I feel like their Friendship / relationships was kinda of an "insta-love" thing. One Second they were weary and analysing each other, the next they were saying they would risk their lifes for each other. I feel like the mistrust should have lasted a bit longer.

I must say the sexual tension, specially between Dela and Warsgra, was one of the things that i loved about this story.
I loved Warsgra's points of views the most.
In a Matter of fact, considering its a RH story, its a slow burn Reverse Harem . I was expecting more sexual tension and sexy scenes, but It was rather light. I hope this develops in book 2.

Im excited to read the sequel and find out what happens to their Quest (the story leaves us in a major cliffhanger gasping for MORE) and their relationship development as well!

[Jaime (Two Chicks on Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok first the wait for book 2 better not be a long one because omg I need more right now!!! I think this may just be my new favorite RH Fantasy! I loved Dela and her boys and the world building and the story!!!Also just a warning for those who like steam this is a slow burn but omg when the steam happens it’s gonna be so worth the wait!!!!

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Despite the title, the first mention of dragons doesn't appear until about two-thirds of the way through the book.

The story is based on a world (continent?) where humans have access to fertile land to grow food, but other races have access to natural resources including metals and gemstones. Every six months delegations from the humans and the other races meet in the middle to trade goods for food. The non-human delegations (Elves, Norc, and Moerian) are led by strong males who are known as leaders of their people, but the human delegation is picked by lot and includes both men and women of all ages.

Dela Stonebridge is a young woman who is chosen to be part of the delegation. As the story progresses she becomes self-confident and works with the leaders of the other races to combat demons and other evils.

The description refers to this as a "Reverse harem" book. That was not a term that I was familiar with. Although there are mentions of Dela looking at the males and of each of them being attracted to her the story did not veer off into any sexual activity (except for one kiss).

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really like the start of this series. Fast paced and interesting. The heroine is peculiar. She goes with the flow easily but is not laid back. Odd dichotomy. I look forward to reading the next book.

[Punkin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh

I didn't like this. Too much history and politics. Dragon-y things aren't mentioned until 75% through. Seemed to kind of slog.

[Phthon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, that was beautifully written! I don’t even know what to say, except that I loved every word! I hope there is more to come.

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

The time of the Choosing in Anthoinia has come once again. Every six months a group of 20 is randomly chosen to make a journey to trade for supplies from the other races of Xantearos. Each of the other races - Elvish, Moerians, and Norcs bring something only their people can provide in exchange for foods from the humans. Dela and her best friend are among the ones chosen for this journey from the humans. The journey is long, hard, and dangerous. The other races always send strong warriors and those who are able-bodied, while the humans do random selections. The Elvish, Moerians, and Norcs do their part to uphold the Treaty that was put in place years ago, but this particular trade will put the treaty to the test. Danger is afoot, and when the groups are attacked everything is thrown into chaos when Dela and the three leaders of the other groups are separated from the rest and thrown to another part of the world they know. The fear of the repercussions of what happened in the Pass abound but first they must survive to get back to their people.
Through a Dragon's Eyes: A Reverse Harem Fantasy by Marissa Farrar is engaging from beginning to end. I could not put this book down. I absolutely loved it. Each of the characters that the story follows is engaging and well done. Dela is a strong female character. I love how she is about her family and doing her best to take care of her mom and dad after the loss of her brother. Each of the men from: Warsgra (the Norc), to Vehel (the Elven Prince) to Orergon (the Moerian) are unique in their own ways. They each have their own strengths and differences that make them the engaging characters and leaders that they are for their respective groups. I like how Vehel has something that his people look down on him for. I understand their fears, but I like his strength in standing strong regardless.
As much as I enjoyed this book, there isn't much I can complain about it. I will admit that from time to time a character's attitude will get on my nerves, but it's nothing to totally make me not want to read this book. Obviously. LOL! There are moments of where I both understand Dela's thought process but I also want her to look at things from the men's perspective. For me, there are moments of where she acts like a petulant child instead of the grown woman that she is.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to the next book in this series. Hopefully, I won't have to wait too long. These characters are engaging and exciting to read. This is a reverse harem book, but I completely forgot until they are separated from the others during the fight. I'm excited to read what happens next!

[Cassandra MADEUP BookBlog · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this story.

Although the first half of the book is quite slow, this is for good reason. With four main characters and each chapter one of their perspectives, and alternating between, we meed to get to know them.

Marissa has also created a variety of communities within this world she has built, with a background gradually explained as to each.

That being said, i didn’t find myself confused as to what was happening, rather Marissa has managed to create a complex history with ease, and allows the reader to get to know each character. Just as you feel you have a grasp on who is who, where they are from and why they are doing what they are, WHAM the story kicks it up several notches, and you find yourself devouring page after page, eager to see what will happen.

I love that each character has their own definite personality, they are very different people and it’s evident in the way the story is written in their perspective. It’s easy to “become” each character, because they are so well crafted as to feel real.

I love the world we have seen so far, it’s variety of peoples and amount of history having already been offered, and I’m excited to see where else this tale will take us! New animals have been discussed, and it was interesting to have new people and traditional folklore creatures involved at the same time, my only comment here would be that i found it frustrating at the lack of explanation as to one things history, although this was put down to a lack of experience of the characters themselves, i am hopeful this will return to be addressed in the next instalment.

I find myself eager to see what is about to happen, nervous at the same time due to the buildup, and IMMENSELY grateful that it is my next book up for review.

WATCH THIS SPACE folks, because I will soon be sharing my thoughts on Books 2, just as soon as it is finished!

[Kara Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Rounded Up

This book gave me Lightlark and Hunger Games vibes while also maintaining its own plot. I enjoyed learning about the different races and how they viewed the others, and as someone who enjoys reading about characters that distrust each other learning to trust each other, I enjoyed watching their views gently fall apart to forge better understandings. I would especially recommend this for someone looking for a slow burn, though. This book doesn’t seem to shy away from the reverse harem trope, but it looks like the forming of the main characters’ relationships are going to build over several books.

I don’t say this often, but I think the most promising part of this book was the middle. The beginning has to get you into the world and introduce you to the characters, and the end makes you believe they’ve just reached the end of their journey (I won’t spoil). The middle is where all the action happens, and that’s the section of the book that kept me engaged and looking to see where our four adventurers were going to end up.

Contrary to the title, I didn’t really see much about the dragons. Like what most reviews on Goodreads are going to say, there’s no mention of it until about two-thirds of the way through the book. That’s not to say the dragon aspect isn’t important later on, because it very much is, but I feel like it should have been introduced sooner somewhere.

[Dawn Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!Absolutley loved this fantasy story even though i was sceptical of this genre......Marissa Fararr does a brilliant job of getting you hooked into this fantasic book.

Its the time of the choosing in Anthoinia which happens every six months to trade.Dela is amongst the 20 people chosen to make this journey to trade with the other races on this Island,the Norcs,Moerians and Elvish.This is a very dangerous journey and not everyone surives as the other races send in there strongest leaders to make the trade for grain from the humans.

This book is a reverse harem and the story follows Dela (human),Warsgra (norcs),Vehel (elvish) and Orergon (moerians) through all the upheaval that befalls them on there journey after dissaster nearly wipes them all out.Dela is a strong character that you warm to, her time spent with these three fierce warriors with there own strenths become even closer the more you read.

It was slow to start but by the end i couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen next.I loved how it all unfolded and the closeness they all got to feel for each other.We get to find out about each character and there complex history with ease along the way.There was plenty of action throughout this book that will keep you gripped and now i need the next book in this series.

[Ada · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was excited to start this, fantasy with RH.. who doesn't want that? It's good with fantasy but the RH aspect is the most slowest/cleanest I have read till date so definitely not the book if you don't have the patience for that.

This book handles the world building quite well. There are different POVs from our main characters just adjusting the readers to the way things work. By the time Dela meets all of the guys we have a good grasp at every important character and their world. The book is basically like a long hike through a fantasy world, the time in this hike where they spend together as a group is where they supposedly bond.
I couldn't quite get how easily they just have feelings for Dela. I honestly couldn't feel anything between them other than friendship. Seriously zero chemistry, just a bunch of peeps forced together in a situation; this wouldn't be an issue if we had a slow development to take them from strangers to the close group they become instead it was an abrupt switch between awkward travellers to besties with feelings for Dela for no apparent reason.

[Book Monitor · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I thought this was derivative and a bit cliched, a sort of Hunger Games meets Lord of the Rings,,, but it soon changes track and becomes an exciting and gripping original and very good tale of adventure and bonding. If you like fantasy elements, with otherfolk and magical elements then you can't go wrong with this- its a fast paced easy read with good story telling, unexpected twists and turns and very good characterisation. As the relationships develop the dynamics are becoming more intriguing- There is definitely more to come in this respect...
I am really looking forward to find out what happens next..
This is the first part of a series and the end of the book is not the end of the story so if you like a book to tell the whole story at once than this might not be for you but you may be missing out so perhaps wait for the box set when the whole series is complete.

[Shawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Selected as part of a band of people the humans are sending out in the biannual trade with other races, Dela finds herself with the leaders of those three other races. The races aren't exactly famous for getting along. There used to be a war, now there's a treaty and this exchange of goods is the only two times of the year where they mingle.

It's a bit slow moving at first, Dela doesn't even meet the other three until about half way through the book. The story alternates between their viewpoints so you slowly get to know each of their stories, which is pretty interesting on it's own. The relationships aren't forced; they feel quite natural in how they flow.

I really enjoyed this book, finding it hard to put it down, and look forward to the next in the series.

[Raina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wondrous beginning to a whole new world where humans aren’t the only beings. Magic does exist and maybe even dragons. The book goes into detail about the four races and how the view each other. To keep peace they are separated by where they live in the world. But two times a year they come together to trade. As I read the book I realize how the humans view what is important. The other races put food and the health of their races first. But the human rulers would trade their food for gold and diamonds instead of the welfare of their race. But one human female may be the link to bringing them together. Lots of action and adventure. Can’t wait for book two.

I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of the book.

[Bryony · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the world building with plenty of details in how each of the four societies worked, the politics between them, and how this treaty was written to stop the war and get peace. It is soon clear the treaty wasn't written in favour of them all, and there is some tension there. The characters were also well developed, and the relationship building was epic, how one person from each society forged this unlikely bond to survive and start to make things better.

For the negative, not much happened, there was the start of a plot about the dragons, but there really was not much action to go along with it. The end of this one has set it up to be more action packed in the next one, so I hope there is more of a plot to the series going forward.

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tolkin with a Rh twist!

Fantasy. Rh. 3 leaders. Strong, fearless heroine. Tolkin with a Rh twist! There's even a ring. Dela is selected for a the semi-annual trade mission for their village along with 19 others. They trade food to the other races for riches. The trip is treaturous and has already claimed Dela's brother as well as many others. Well written, with clear though and character contruct. The world is interesting, full of life and mystery. This is a slowburn Rh. I kiss scene. <3 I like where the series is going.

[Marie Fraser · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought that this book was excellent. It was well written and the characters and story were well developed. I loved the main characters, their personalities and their interactions. The story was great. It was descriptive with plenty of adventure, suspense, action, emotion, intrigue and a small amount of romance. I’d highly recommend this book and look forward to the next book in the series!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Excellent book! I look forward to the next installment!!

[Destiny Bridwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this for a fair and honest review. There was a lot to love about this book. I have read my fair share of romances and this is a reverse harem book. I really liked that it was not insta-love. It did go a little slow but it is only the first book in the series. It was exciting to watch them adventure to the event to trade for supplies that happens every six month. I love that Dela is a strong character and has a mind of her own. The three guys were pretty sweet as well. Each with their own strengths and weakness. I so ready for the next one in the series. 

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this story was really good. It started slow for me and eventually picked up. Dela, a human, is one of the twenty chosen to make the trek across the dangerous Southern Pass to trade grain to three different tribes. The Norcs, the Moerians, and the Elvish. She meets the leaders of each group, Warsgra the Norcs, Orergron the Moerian, and Vehel an Elvish Prince. This is a really good start to a really good story. It grabs hold and gets you wrapped up to see what happens. I can't wait to read the next book. I recommend this read. 5 Thumbs up.

[Fiona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting new series.

We follow Dela's story after she is one of the chosen to trade with the other races. Things do not go as planned and she finds herself stranded in the North with the leader of the Norcs, the leader of the Moerians and an Elvish prince. Magic was used therefore the treaty has been broken which means a war will ensue.

This was a little slow in places but definitely makes up for it in content. The writing is brilliant and the characters draw you in from first meeting them.

Definitely worth reading.

[Shannon Risdon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally epic adventure

I absolutely loved this first installment of what.promises to be an amazing and epic adventure of discovery and love. Four members of different races forced to work together to potentially save their world...can they overcome their supposed knowledge of each other. Characters that you will love, a world that you will get lost in...and adventure that you won't want to end...have already added the rest of this to my wish list. MF has yet again delivered an amazing book and I can't wait to continue the journey!!!

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a book that claims to be a RH, there is no RH things that happen at all (based on other reviews, it takes until book 3 to hit??). So far, it’s a slightly campy adventure story with 3 guys (who are all powerful leaders of their people) that feel the need to protect this “nobody” human girl basically because she’s kinda spunky. They all make good travel companions and don’t fight amongst themselves at all despite being very different races/cultures. Overall it wasn’t bad but I don’t know if I’ll continue on with the next books.

[Aleera Ceres · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first thing about this book that pulled me in was the map in the beginning. What can I say? I love maps. At first it reminded me a bbit of the hunger games & then reminded me of Game of Thrones.
I'm going to be completely honest...
I LOVED EVERY BIT OF THIS BOOK.
It was filled with action and magical creatures and a female main character who kicks total ass. I love the men, I love how different everyone is from each other and I wish I had book two already.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this. Not only do we get the MC's POV, but we also get the POVs of her three guys (though it is a slow burn so they aren't exactly hers yet). I really liked the characters and how even though they didn't really know each other they still cared about each others well being and worked together. By the end they had built a camaraderie and I can't wait to see their relationships develop further. Having dragons that don't shift is also kind of refreshing.

[Cali Jewel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written, emotionally thrilling, action packed and sexy romantic adventure filled with danger, secrets, misdirection and betrayal.... enjoyed every heart pounding twist.

Dela Stonebridge already lost her brother to the choosing and now it is her turn, only things are not always what they seem and she and her travel companions find out a very deep dark secret... Highly entertaining, engaging, and exciting journey. I am looking forward to more Chronicles of the Four.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg omg oh my beeping god.. this book was so awesome..... now whens the next one out lol.... love it... this author is amazing... didnt even put it down once I started reading it. An adventure between different races. Will they be able to stop a war will they make it home... will they even survive.... totally recommened to all.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Britan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book

This was like a traditional fantasy with names that are practically impossible to pronounce. But other then the names the story was good. It had action and kept me entertained throughout without a slump. One thing that bothered me was how the guys acted when they realized they like dela. But I am excited to read the next book and find out what is going to happen with the war.

[Glenda Dykstra · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful tale

Now before I get into why I love the book. If there were grammatical errors, I didn't see them as the story wrapped me up into it.
When for different races meet twice a year to year so that each can survive....
The time comes when our protagonists all meet. Monsters, creatures from nightmares, curses and more bring them together to make them family. I can't wait to read the next one!

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

The different races have a peace treaty that requires them to exchange goods every six months. Dela is one of the chosen humans to bring their goods to the designated meeting spot, but the trip is dangerous and things go terribly wrong. She ends up stranded with leaders from the other three races and they get stuck trying to stop the next war.

I did enjoy this overall, but I also found myself skimming a lot of sections. I am interested enough to consider book 2 though.