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Dragon Mistress #1
The Dragon Mistress
They’re the last five dragons in existence.
To survive, they must form soul-bonds with five humans who are pure of heart and resolute of spirit. Too bad they’re stuck with us instead.
The angry drunk. The shameless man-whore. The coward who ran away and got his comrades killed. The ice-cold assassin for hire. And me, the girl with abandonment issues as deep and wide as the Southern Sea.
I left home in search of adventure. Instead, I stumbled into the middle of a desperate struggle for survival.
Five people. Five mythical beasts.
If we manage to get through this mess, it’s going to be a miracle.
* * *
The Dragon Mistress by USA Today bestseller R. A. Steffan is a medium-burn fantasy romance series where the heroine doesn’t have to choose one person at the end. It is part of the Eburosi Chronicles, along with The Horse Mistress and The Lion Mistress. It’s not necessary to have read any of the other books in the series before starting The Dragon Mistress arc.
A special note for Fantasy readers: herein, you will find explicit love scenes in several interesting and unconventional permutations. If your gut reaction to that is “Eww” or even “Meh,” you probably won't enjoy this series.
To survive, they must form soul-bonds with five humans who are pure of heart and resolute of spirit. Too bad they’re stuck with us instead.
The angry drunk. The shameless man-whore. The coward who ran away and got his comrades killed. The ice-cold assassin for hire. And me, the girl with abandonment issues as deep and wide as the Southern Sea.
I left home in search of adventure. Instead, I stumbled into the middle of a desperate struggle for survival.
Five people. Five mythical beasts.
If we manage to get through this mess, it’s going to be a miracle.
* * *
The Dragon Mistress by USA Today bestseller R. A. Steffan is a medium-burn fantasy romance series where the heroine doesn’t have to choose one person at the end. It is part of the Eburosi Chronicles, along with The Horse Mistress and The Lion Mistress. It’s not necessary to have read any of the other books in the series before starting The Dragon Mistress arc.
A special note for Fantasy readers: herein, you will find explicit love scenes in several interesting and unconventional permutations. If your gut reaction to that is “Eww” or even “Meh,” you probably won't enjoy this series.
231 pages, ebook
First published March 26, 2018
165 people are currently reading
531 people want to read
About the author
R.A. Steffan
86 books506 followersUSA Today bestselling author R. A. Steffan lives in New Mexico, where the sunsets paint the mountains purple, and roadrunners roam the desert endlessly in search of their coyote victims. When she’s not busy writing stories about people loving each other in all sorts of different and interesting ways, she can be found taking care of her small menagerie of critters.
A rebel to the core, she is currently sticking it to the man by illegally harvesting graywater from the kitchen and bathroom sinks to water trees outside. This fearless disregard for societal norms extends to her writing, as well. There, you will find polyamory along with straight, gay, bisexual, and non-gender conforming love of all flavors. You will also find families of choice, profound friendships, adventure, danger, and good triumphing over evil.
That, and sex. Lots of sex. Most of which is not the vanilla variety.
If any of that appeals, sign up at http://www.rasteffan.com/ to get a free starter library featuring the first books in several of her series. You can also follow her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RASteffanAut..., or on Twitter at https://twitter.com/RA_Steffan.
A rebel to the core, she is currently sticking it to the man by illegally harvesting graywater from the kitchen and bathroom sinks to water trees outside. This fearless disregard for societal norms extends to her writing, as well. There, you will find polyamory along with straight, gay, bisexual, and non-gender conforming love of all flavors. You will also find families of choice, profound friendships, adventure, danger, and good triumphing over evil.
That, and sex. Lots of sex. Most of which is not the vanilla variety.
If any of that appeals, sign up at http://www.rasteffan.com/ to get a free starter library featuring the first books in several of her series. You can also follow her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RASteffanAut..., or on Twitter at https://twitter.com/RA_Steffan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
February 4, 2020
I love the Eburosi Chronicles and I was excited to start this new series set in the same world. The Dragon Mistress is told from Frella's point of view, she's the adopted daughter of the main characters from the Horse Mistress series and the sister to Favian who is one of the main characters in the Lion Mistress series. But this one can be read as a standalone, although you will miss a bit of background information and knowledge about Eburos. But as this one takes place in a different place then the first two series, I think it would definitely be possible to start here if you like.
I really enjoyed this book. I quickly read through it and just wanted to keep reading as I was excited to read more about Frella. I was curious to see how she would get herself out of the trouble she finds herself in and also how she will connect with the men she meets. There is plenty of adventure, some romance and some sex later in the book. And ofcourse dragons. This book is clearly the introduction, setting the stage for what's to come, but it was a thoroughly enjoyable book and makes me really curious and excited for the later books in the series.
Frella makes for a great main character. She has a taste for adventure and has quite the temper. She also has some abandonment issues. While she gets herself into trouble multiple times, she's also capable and smart. I liked reading about her. She's also quite openminded due to her upbringing.
The four men she meets along the way are all interesting as well. They all have some past or things to hide and we only get some glimpses of those things, which makes me even more curious to learn more about them. While I feel like we only scratched the surface of who these men really are, it was easy to form an image of all four of them and after the first few scenes I had no trouble remembering who was who. Rayth is the one I like the least so far as he can be quite rude, although I except he will become more interesting as the series progress I have a hard time liking him so far. Eldris and Aristede are both great. Eldris is kind and steady and Aristede is the charming type. I like the dynamic between them and how they are clearly good friends. And Nyx is great too and I like how he is a bit shyer and quieter than the rest.
I like the slow steps Frella makes into romance with some of the guys and how her relationship with each of them develops in a different way. I am excited to see how the romance will develop. I liked how she already trusts and feels comfortable with some of them and I thought their romance developed in a realistic manner even if things progressed fast, it felt right for these characters. There is a steamy sex scene toward the end of the book and I am always impressed with how this author manages to write good sex scenes that are different from what you read in most books while at the same time also showing the caring and kindness between the characters. Even in the middle of the sex they communicate and make sure everyone is enjoying themselves, which is great to read about.
It was interesting to have this book take place in a totally different country than the first two books. At first I was a bit surprised by this development, but it totally makes sense why the story is set there. Although I would've liked to see a bit of Eburos, that would've slowed down the start of the book, so I can see why the author decided to start the book where she did. There are no recurring characters form the previous series due to this, although there are some mentions of those characters and events that take place in those series.
I enjoyed learning more about this country and it's customs and also how they differ. There are some fun scenes where we see the differences between Frella and her customs compared to the characters she meets. And then there are the dragons. We only get a glimpse of them in this book, but I can't wait to read more about them and get a feel for their personalities as well.
To summarize: This was a great start to this new series and I wanted to keep reading to find out what happens next. Frella is the main character of this books and she finds herself into some trouble while visiting a different country. I liked following her story and reading about her and the four men she meets. Frella was smart, capable and confident, but also has some abandonment issues. The four men she meets all have some secrets or something in their past that shapes who they are and we only get a glimpse of what that is, but I liked getting some glimpses and wondering what more there is to these characters. They are all different and it's easy to remember who is who. I liked the beginnings of the romance and how Frella warms up to the guys in varying degrees. There is a bit of sex toward the end of the book and I like the way this author writes sex scenes with how the characters care about each other and are considerate during the sex. It was interesting to read about a different country with different customs than Eburos. I also liked the dragons and I am excited to see how that part of the story will continue. I am really excited to see where the rest of this series goes!
I really enjoyed this book. I quickly read through it and just wanted to keep reading as I was excited to read more about Frella. I was curious to see how she would get herself out of the trouble she finds herself in and also how she will connect with the men she meets. There is plenty of adventure, some romance and some sex later in the book. And ofcourse dragons. This book is clearly the introduction, setting the stage for what's to come, but it was a thoroughly enjoyable book and makes me really curious and excited for the later books in the series.
Frella makes for a great main character. She has a taste for adventure and has quite the temper. She also has some abandonment issues. While she gets herself into trouble multiple times, she's also capable and smart. I liked reading about her. She's also quite openminded due to her upbringing.
The four men she meets along the way are all interesting as well. They all have some past or things to hide and we only get some glimpses of those things, which makes me even more curious to learn more about them. While I feel like we only scratched the surface of who these men really are, it was easy to form an image of all four of them and after the first few scenes I had no trouble remembering who was who. Rayth is the one I like the least so far as he can be quite rude, although I except he will become more interesting as the series progress I have a hard time liking him so far. Eldris and Aristede are both great. Eldris is kind and steady and Aristede is the charming type. I like the dynamic between them and how they are clearly good friends. And Nyx is great too and I like how he is a bit shyer and quieter than the rest.
I like the slow steps Frella makes into romance with some of the guys and how her relationship with each of them develops in a different way. I am excited to see how the romance will develop. I liked how she already trusts and feels comfortable with some of them and I thought their romance developed in a realistic manner even if things progressed fast, it felt right for these characters. There is a steamy sex scene toward the end of the book and I am always impressed with how this author manages to write good sex scenes that are different from what you read in most books while at the same time also showing the caring and kindness between the characters. Even in the middle of the sex they communicate and make sure everyone is enjoying themselves, which is great to read about.
It was interesting to have this book take place in a totally different country than the first two books. At first I was a bit surprised by this development, but it totally makes sense why the story is set there. Although I would've liked to see a bit of Eburos, that would've slowed down the start of the book, so I can see why the author decided to start the book where she did. There are no recurring characters form the previous series due to this, although there are some mentions of those characters and events that take place in those series.
I enjoyed learning more about this country and it's customs and also how they differ. There are some fun scenes where we see the differences between Frella and her customs compared to the characters she meets. And then there are the dragons. We only get a glimpse of them in this book, but I can't wait to read more about them and get a feel for their personalities as well.
To summarize: This was a great start to this new series and I wanted to keep reading to find out what happens next. Frella is the main character of this books and she finds herself into some trouble while visiting a different country. I liked following her story and reading about her and the four men she meets. Frella was smart, capable and confident, but also has some abandonment issues. The four men she meets all have some secrets or something in their past that shapes who they are and we only get a glimpse of what that is, but I liked getting some glimpses and wondering what more there is to these characters. They are all different and it's easy to remember who is who. I liked the beginnings of the romance and how Frella warms up to the guys in varying degrees. There is a bit of sex toward the end of the book and I like the way this author writes sex scenes with how the characters care about each other and are considerate during the sex. It was interesting to read about a different country with different customs than Eburos. I also liked the dragons and I am excited to see how that part of the story will continue. I am really excited to see where the rest of this series goes!
February 1, 2022
I really enjoyed this.
Frella is a sensible, no-nonsense, pretty chilled and fair wort of a character. She's not super special and some sort of gifted warrior, but she's not some simpering, naieve girl, either. She makes the best, most sensible choices she can with the options she has and is smart and resourceful. There was nothing not to like with her.
We're introduced to four guys and she's in very different places with them. I thought they were characterised well and the mix of stages she's at with them really works.
My main gripe is that the world building was a bit vague, but considering this is the third series in a wider world, I think its more my fault for not starting at the beginning of the sets of stories.
Frella is a sensible, no-nonsense, pretty chilled and fair wort of a character. She's not super special and some sort of gifted warrior, but she's not some simpering, naieve girl, either. She makes the best, most sensible choices she can with the options she has and is smart and resourceful. There was nothing not to like with her.
We're introduced to four guys and she's in very different places with them. I thought they were characterised well and the mix of stages she's at with them really works.
My main gripe is that the world building was a bit vague, but considering this is the third series in a wider world, I think its more my fault for not starting at the beginning of the sets of stories.
August 3, 2023
Book one in a four book series. Straight away, I like the FMC she is sassy, knows her traits, but also knows she is who she is.
The book starts off with an attack that could be a trigger for anyone attacked, robbed, or touched without their permission.
In this world, it is part of how things are, although frowned on, there is an element of women being seen as objects. You will see what I mean later.
We meet the first three MMCs at the start. I admit I didn't really know the difference and thought there were just two at first. But as they develop, you can pick out more of their characters. Later on, you meet the 4th MC, and he is different with a character that is sweet to me, sexy to our FMC.
There is spice in this book, and in great detail, too. I enjoyed the smutty bits and the reactions of our characters, too.
There are many laugh out loud moments, too. The FMC is smart and funny, and her inner dialogue can make you chuckle.
This is just an introduction book, but well developed in many ways, you are disappointed when it ends. Felt like someone shut the curtains while I was engrossed in what I was watching. That screams, good book to me
4.2 stars
The book starts off with an attack that could be a trigger for anyone attacked, robbed, or touched without their permission.
In this world, it is part of how things are, although frowned on, there is an element of women being seen as objects. You will see what I mean later.
We meet the first three MMCs at the start. I admit I didn't really know the difference and thought there were just two at first. But as they develop, you can pick out more of their characters. Later on, you meet the 4th MC, and he is different with a character that is sweet to me, sexy to our FMC.
There is spice in this book, and in great detail, too. I enjoyed the smutty bits and the reactions of our characters, too.
There are many laugh out loud moments, too. The FMC is smart and funny, and her inner dialogue can make you chuckle.
This is just an introduction book, but well developed in many ways, you are disappointed when it ends. Felt like someone shut the curtains while I was engrossed in what I was watching. That screams, good book to me
4.2 stars
August 5, 2021
4 stars
October 25, 2018
Just finished the preview read of this new RA Stefan series. Can’t wait to read more!! Not sure I have the right start date as I’ve been reading the chapters one at a time as released on her website. Hope more is coming SOON!
November 12, 2018
Clash of culture and the return of dragons
This is my first book by this author and her specific brand of fantasy romance novel. Heed her warnings in the book description. This isn’t for everyone.
I however am fascinated by the primary characters and the return of dragons to their culture. I look forward to the upcoming installments of this series.
This is my first book by this author and her specific brand of fantasy romance novel. Heed her warnings in the book description. This isn’t for everyone.
I however am fascinated by the primary characters and the return of dragons to their culture. I look forward to the upcoming installments of this series.
July 6, 2019
This amazing series picks up approximately a decade in the future with the story of Frella, the younger sister of one of the heroes of the previous collection. Possibly my favorite thing about Steffan's writing is their ability to create fully fleshed female narrative characters who each have their own strengths, weaknesses, and personalities. Frella is very different from Carival and Kathrael, but she is an intriguing character in her own right, and her story instantly had me hooked.
Frella is a strong female character, but she never falls into the pitfalls of that trope. She gets herself into plenty of trouble, and she relies on allies to help herself get out. Her view of relationships and sexuality is also refreshing, because it would be so easy for this series to turn into a torrid drama of who she ends up with in the end. Instead, I care more about each character growing and evolving for themselves.
The world of Eburosi also continues to expand, showing Steffan is equally skilled at world-building as they are at characterization and plot. I've noted that other reviews complain that it takes too long to get to the dragons -- I was too busy being entertained by Frella's shenanigans and meeting her new companions to be bothered.
But don't worry: When the dragons do arrive, they are absolutely spectacular. This installment works on its own as a complete story, though it does end on a cliffhanger. I have some predictions about how Frella's story will turn out, and I can't wait to read more.
Frella is a strong female character, but she never falls into the pitfalls of that trope. She gets herself into plenty of trouble, and she relies on allies to help herself get out. Her view of relationships and sexuality is also refreshing, because it would be so easy for this series to turn into a torrid drama of who she ends up with in the end. Instead, I care more about each character growing and evolving for themselves.
The world of Eburosi also continues to expand, showing Steffan is equally skilled at world-building as they are at characterization and plot. I've noted that other reviews complain that it takes too long to get to the dragons -- I was too busy being entertained by Frella's shenanigans and meeting her new companions to be bothered.
But don't worry: When the dragons do arrive, they are absolutely spectacular. This installment works on its own as a complete story, though it does end on a cliffhanger. I have some predictions about how Frella's story will turn out, and I can't wait to read more.
August 28, 2020
(This review is for the entirety of the Dragon Mistress series, as they are now all available)
I have enjoyed all of the Eburosi Chronicles, but The Dragon Mistress is my favorite arc.
We've met Frella in the previous stories, seen her grow up. In The Dragon Mistress she shows that she has become the sassy adult she showed promise of in her youth. She is off on her own adventure, and, much like her sibling and her guardians, that adventure leads her to several lovers and discovering they all have something supernatural in common. The lovers have to overcome their personal issues to be with Frella, and each other (yes, that's a hint, there's M/M).
As usual R.A. Steffan interweaves this story with a lot of detail that makes for rich world building. I do suggest reading The Horse Mistress and the Lion Mistress first, as those stories will help you understand the world around this story.
I have enjoyed all of the Eburosi Chronicles, but The Dragon Mistress is my favorite arc.
We've met Frella in the previous stories, seen her grow up. In The Dragon Mistress she shows that she has become the sassy adult she showed promise of in her youth. She is off on her own adventure, and, much like her sibling and her guardians, that adventure leads her to several lovers and discovering they all have something supernatural in common. The lovers have to overcome their personal issues to be with Frella, and each other (yes, that's a hint, there's M/M).
As usual R.A. Steffan interweaves this story with a lot of detail that makes for rich world building. I do suggest reading The Horse Mistress and the Lion Mistress first, as those stories will help you understand the world around this story.
October 24, 2018
A book that made me miss the old stories of Frella's brother, adoptive father and their lovers. Now it's her turn to enjoy adventures with her dragon and the brave men that join her and help her grow into an equally brave, kind and wise woman. I can't wait to read her saga.
January 17, 2022
I read this without having read the other Eburosi Chronicles books, and it works as a standalone trilogy together with the next two Dragon Mistress books. I didn't feel lost at any point, nor were there references to previous books (or if there were, I missed it!).
I wavered between 3 and 4 stars for this one. It's well-written, but the problem for me is that it's not gripping. There was not enough tension in the story that made me want to keep turning pages to see what would happen next. Even though there are hints of the characters' painful pasts, the way things were told sounded strangely unemotional, so I didn't feel for them and wasn't curious to find out more. There's a sort of detachment in the writing -- or maybe it's just me, feeling detached from the events and people in this book.
At the moment I have finished book 2, and I still don't feel like I have a proper grasp of Frella's personality and background. What drives her? Is it just the need for adventure and travel? But then she seems quite content to stay put on the mountain, forgoing adventure and travel. She claims to be reckless and game for anything, but balks at bonding with a dragon. She never seems to miss home, despite speaking of her adoptive parents and her brother with fondness, and hasn't tried to send any messages to let them know she's alive and well. She can throw a knife with accuracy, but doesn't know self-defense moves and needs to learn them from Eldris?
The guys are a bit of a caricature: Eldris, the easy-going, calm, and kind one; Aristede, the flirty manwhore who is plagued by nightmares; Rayth, the taciturn and sarcastic one who has a stick up his arse; Nyx, the timid and broken one who is afraid of his own shadow. It takes so long for their backstories to come out that I got a bit tired of the repetitive behaviour which just didn't seem to be going anywhere. By the end of this book, Rayth is still distant and closed off, and Nyx is still skittish and running away. If Frella had Facebook, all of them except Eldris would be parked under "It's complicated".
I'm struggling with whether to read book 3. I just don't feel the writing is compelling enough.
I wavered between 3 and 4 stars for this one. It's well-written, but the problem for me is that it's not gripping. There was not enough tension in the story that made me want to keep turning pages to see what would happen next. Even though there are hints of the characters' painful pasts, the way things were told sounded strangely unemotional, so I didn't feel for them and wasn't curious to find out more. There's a sort of detachment in the writing -- or maybe it's just me, feeling detached from the events and people in this book.
At the moment I have finished book 2, and I still don't feel like I have a proper grasp of Frella's personality and background. What drives her? Is it just the need for adventure and travel? But then she seems quite content to stay put on the mountain, forgoing adventure and travel. She claims to be reckless and game for anything, but balks at bonding with a dragon. She never seems to miss home, despite speaking of her adoptive parents and her brother with fondness, and hasn't tried to send any messages to let them know she's alive and well. She can throw a knife with accuracy, but doesn't know self-defense moves and needs to learn them from Eldris?
The guys are a bit of a caricature: Eldris, the easy-going, calm, and kind one; Aristede, the flirty manwhore who is plagued by nightmares; Rayth, the taciturn and sarcastic one who has a stick up his arse; Nyx, the timid and broken one who is afraid of his own shadow. It takes so long for their backstories to come out that I got a bit tired of the repetitive behaviour which just didn't seem to be going anywhere. By the end of this book, Rayth is still distant and closed off, and Nyx is still skittish and running away. If Frella had Facebook, all of them except Eldris would be parked under "It's complicated".
I'm struggling with whether to read book 3. I just don't feel the writing is compelling enough.
June 28, 2022
I have to say things already start intense… and I like the way our girl thinks who the fuck needs fear when you can turn every unpleasant feeling into rage ? Yeah I understand more than is healthy hahaha.
Oi? Eunuchs? WHY ???? ok ok I’m confuse and … uh? Yeah I probably should have read the other series before but I’m lazy and now I’m super curious to know why the fuck they’re eunuchs… like ok you be a eunuch because of some sickness or a accident like a arrowhead going right THERE, but they’re eunuchs because they shouldn’t take the risk of impregnate their woman ? Because they’re not the noble in the relationship? WHERE THE FUCK IS THE BALANCE IS THIS KIND OF HAREM ? Ok I’m just supposing things so I sure should read the former two series…. But I think I’m right because when Eldris said about his people ways, of freely going from a partner to another ,
she immediately asked how they knew who was the father … well, well, well ….
I must say our girl was after adventure? Well she got a lot of that practically tossed in her face, first being robbed and almost raped and then being taken by … well by naivety to the Prince’s Harem hahaha girl when you ask for something be aware of what deity listen to you, but I love her good humor. Damn I can’t believe Frella’s dragon is going to be a male , so wonderful because normally they’re almost always female .
I love the background of the characters, every one of them is so well made and interestingly heartbreaking this book is damn good .
“My brother is a eunuch,” I said tiredly. “And so is one of my adoptive fathers.”
Oi? Eunuchs? WHY ???? ok ok I’m confuse and … uh? Yeah I probably should have read the other series before but I’m lazy and now I’m super curious to know why the fuck they’re eunuchs… like ok you be a eunuch because of some sickness or a accident like a arrowhead going right THERE, but they’re eunuchs because they shouldn’t take the risk of impregnate their woman ? Because they’re not the noble in the relationship? WHERE THE FUCK IS THE BALANCE IS THIS KIND OF HAREM ? Ok I’m just supposing things so I sure should read the former two series…. But I think I’m right because when Eldris said about his people ways, of freely going from a partner to another ,
she immediately asked how they knew who was the father … well, well, well ….
I must say our girl was after adventure? Well she got a lot of that practically tossed in her face, first being robbed and almost raped and then being taken by … well by naivety to the Prince’s Harem hahaha girl when you ask for something be aware of what deity listen to you, but I love her good humor. Damn I can’t believe Frella’s dragon is going to be a male , so wonderful because normally they’re almost always female .
I love the background of the characters, every one of them is so well made and interestingly heartbreaking this book is damn good .
January 29, 2019
~AUDIO REVIEW~
Loved story and narration
I really enjoyed following Frella on her journey and meeting her new comrades she encounters. Frella is constantly getting into trouble but not by choice, mostly because she is a little naive to what is really going on around her. Luckily for her, during one of her little troubled moments she is rescued by some wonderful people. These people happen to help her out in more ways than one. Most importantly they are around when she realizes dragons are real, but that’s just the start of what’s to come. Not only are they real but they choose humans to soul bond with.
I love when a story can keep me on the edge of my seat and yearning for more. The author is great at details and all the characters have such depth and emotion. It was easy to get sucked into this story as the action and emotions were non-stop.
Gwendolyn Druyor does an amazing job. All the voice changes were fantastic and made it easy to keep up. I can’t wait to hear more from her and I’m excited to find a new narrator who also has me wanting more.
Loved story and narration
I really enjoyed following Frella on her journey and meeting her new comrades she encounters. Frella is constantly getting into trouble but not by choice, mostly because she is a little naive to what is really going on around her. Luckily for her, during one of her little troubled moments she is rescued by some wonderful people. These people happen to help her out in more ways than one. Most importantly they are around when she realizes dragons are real, but that’s just the start of what’s to come. Not only are they real but they choose humans to soul bond with.
I love when a story can keep me on the edge of my seat and yearning for more. The author is great at details and all the characters have such depth and emotion. It was easy to get sucked into this story as the action and emotions were non-stop.
Gwendolyn Druyor does an amazing job. All the voice changes were fantastic and made it easy to keep up. I can’t wait to hear more from her and I’m excited to find a new narrator who also has me wanting more.
April 1, 2019
The Eburosi Chronicles continues this time with Frella's story. She is all grown up with an attitude and a thirst for adventure and adventure she finds. From what we can understand in the first book, her adventure is more epic than the one of her guardians and her brother's.
The writing is once again captivating and you want to keep on reading, the story is still in the beginning and through the chapters of this book we meet one by one the characters and by the end we find the connection they all share.
I don't remember if the previous books were this small or if that was my imagination because it seemed as this book was just an introduction and the story will begin in the second.
That is my only objection but maybe I just needed more. I can't cut a star because of that because I already loved the story and I have started to form a connection with all the characters. I hope in the next books we will be able to visit with our favorite characters from the Horse and Lion Mistress series.
The writing is once again captivating and you want to keep on reading, the story is still in the beginning and through the chapters of this book we meet one by one the characters and by the end we find the connection they all share.
I don't remember if the previous books were this small or if that was my imagination because it seemed as this book was just an introduction and the story will begin in the second.
That is my only objection but maybe I just needed more. I can't cut a star because of that because I already loved the story and I have started to form a connection with all the characters. I hope in the next books we will be able to visit with our favorite characters from the Horse and Lion Mistress series.
February 14, 2021
Masterful POV. Strong, distinctive Characters.
I’ve not listened to a lot of fantasy books. I chose this book because I’m editing the text of a fantasy book for an author. I wanted to see how R.A. Steffan–well-known and well-respected author–dealt with some of the elements my author is grappling with in his narrative. I was examining how the author deals with point of view (POV) character and how that plays out in the action scenes.
In this book Steffan carefully kept within Frella’s perspective—this entire book is told from her POV as she encounters each of the other characters). I was impressed by the author’s skill and the narrator’s presentation of the POV of Frella throughout this book.
On my second listen to the book, I picked up on Frella’s wanderlust and her interest in the supposedly extinct dragons as her reason for traveling to this foreign land—a motivation I had missed on my first listen.
Narrator Gwendolyn Druyor was stellar in creating each character and distinctive voices for each. Easy to listen to. Just right depicting the feelings of Frella in each scene.
I’ve not listened to a lot of fantasy books. I chose this book because I’m editing the text of a fantasy book for an author. I wanted to see how R.A. Steffan–well-known and well-respected author–dealt with some of the elements my author is grappling with in his narrative. I was examining how the author deals with point of view (POV) character and how that plays out in the action scenes.
In this book Steffan carefully kept within Frella’s perspective—this entire book is told from her POV as she encounters each of the other characters). I was impressed by the author’s skill and the narrator’s presentation of the POV of Frella throughout this book.
On my second listen to the book, I picked up on Frella’s wanderlust and her interest in the supposedly extinct dragons as her reason for traveling to this foreign land—a motivation I had missed on my first listen.
Narrator Gwendolyn Druyor was stellar in creating each character and distinctive voices for each. Easy to listen to. Just right depicting the feelings of Frella in each scene.
May 31, 2019
Love love love!!!!
I just knew I would love Frella's story from the moment I met her (which was in The Lion Mistress books and then the The Horse Mistress).
Steffan did not disappoint. I loved Kathrael and Carivel's personalities but Frella is so badass and fearless. I love her. Absolutely love her.
I also love all the other characters so far. Steffan has this way of portraying beautifully flawed characters and giving glimpses of tragic back stories, before revealing all, that I just adore. I can't wait to see what's in store with these characters.
Sometimes series like this can seem stale after awhile but so far I'm not disappointed at all. I read this in one sitting (and likely won't sleep so I can start the next!).
Only downside, which we are warned about, is that it has a cliffhanger ending. And honestly It's brilliant.
I just knew I would love Frella's story from the moment I met her (which was in The Lion Mistress books and then the The Horse Mistress).
Steffan did not disappoint. I loved Kathrael and Carivel's personalities but Frella is so badass and fearless. I love her. Absolutely love her.
I also love all the other characters so far. Steffan has this way of portraying beautifully flawed characters and giving glimpses of tragic back stories, before revealing all, that I just adore. I can't wait to see what's in store with these characters.
Sometimes series like this can seem stale after awhile but so far I'm not disappointed at all. I read this in one sitting (and likely won't sleep so I can start the next!).
Only downside, which we are warned about, is that it has a cliffhanger ending. And honestly It's brilliant.
August 20, 2019
Fun Adventures With Dragons
This is the first book in a series that follows a character from two previous series, The Horse Mistress and The Lion Mistress. In this series we see Frella all grown up at age 22, finally having the adventure she always wanted, only it’s not going so well. She’s robbed by bandits and left to die in the desert when she is rescued by a noble woman and her three hired guards. This is not the end of her problems.
I’ve always like Frella, she’s a feisty and independent young woman who has always longed for travel. She speaks her mind but isn’t unkind with it. Throwing dragons into the mix along side gorgeous men with mysterious pasts is always a winner too.
As I enjoyed the previous books in this series a lot, I’m sure I’ll enjoy future ones too. I plan on finding out!
This is the first book in a series that follows a character from two previous series, The Horse Mistress and The Lion Mistress. In this series we see Frella all grown up at age 22, finally having the adventure she always wanted, only it’s not going so well. She’s robbed by bandits and left to die in the desert when she is rescued by a noble woman and her three hired guards. This is not the end of her problems.
I’ve always like Frella, she’s a feisty and independent young woman who has always longed for travel. She speaks her mind but isn’t unkind with it. Throwing dragons into the mix along side gorgeous men with mysterious pasts is always a winner too.
As I enjoyed the previous books in this series a lot, I’m sure I’ll enjoy future ones too. I plan on finding out!
August 29, 2022
This series is quite different from the first two series in Eburosi Chronicles. It’s written in first person POV and only has the perspective of Frella, whereas the previous two series were third person narration with multiple POVs.
Also the previous two books seemed like a medieval world, and the dialogue was mostly in line with that. But in this book, the dialogue and Frella’s narrative voice feel very contemporary, even though it’s a high fantasy world. It was a little offputting to start, but now that I’ve adjusted, I’m quite enjoying it. I sort of just have to think of this series in a very different way.
Anyways, it seemed like a short book and ended sooner than I expected, but I’m just going to race on to the next one. The tension is great between the characters.
Content warning for on-page sexual assault and abduction.
Also the previous two books seemed like a medieval world, and the dialogue was mostly in line with that. But in this book, the dialogue and Frella’s narrative voice feel very contemporary, even though it’s a high fantasy world. It was a little offputting to start, but now that I’ve adjusted, I’m quite enjoying it. I sort of just have to think of this series in a very different way.
Anyways, it seemed like a short book and ended sooner than I expected, but I’m just going to race on to the next one. The tension is great between the characters.
Content warning for on-page sexual assault and abduction.
November 5, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed
I really enjoyed the start to Frella’s story. Her nickname of trouble is right - if not bandits, it’s and princes and soldiers and DRAGONS. I really liked the flow and premise of a headstrong sure of herSelf you woman taking on 4 equally, if not more stubborn men, and getting into shenanigans. Frella is smart, capable and snarky, but with a gooey center she keeps behind a tough as nails exterior. I enjoyed this book far more than the first book of the Lion mistress. This is more RH-poly and definitely does not have quite as much soul crushing angst. Will def read the next book!
I really enjoyed the start to Frella’s story. Her nickname of trouble is right - if not bandits, it’s and princes and soldiers and DRAGONS. I really liked the flow and premise of a headstrong sure of herSelf you woman taking on 4 equally, if not more stubborn men, and getting into shenanigans. Frella is smart, capable and snarky, but with a gooey center she keeps behind a tough as nails exterior. I enjoyed this book far more than the first book of the Lion mistress. This is more RH-poly and definitely does not have quite as much soul crushing angst. Will def read the next book!
March 17, 2019
Audio book review
This is my first audio by the USA today author . The story is full of action from the first sentence when the heroine Frella sets things straight.
Frella starts out with a band of people on wagons. She gets a loud bang when a bunch of riders surprised her and the people she’s with . Her mind and mouth let’s loose and the men like it . The men say that Frella has to come with them she has no choice.
The men are interesting , Ari , Raythe and Eldridge form a perfect group even when they are so different.
The narrator is great , Gwendolyn has a smooth clear voice . She played all the parts perfectly
This is my first audio by the USA today author . The story is full of action from the first sentence when the heroine Frella sets things straight.
Frella starts out with a band of people on wagons. She gets a loud bang when a bunch of riders surprised her and the people she’s with . Her mind and mouth let’s loose and the men like it . The men say that Frella has to come with them she has no choice.
The men are interesting , Ari , Raythe and Eldridge form a perfect group even when they are so different.
The narrator is great , Gwendolyn has a smooth clear voice . She played all the parts perfectly
October 21, 2018
The Dragon Mistress: Book 1 by R A Steffan takes one on a rollicking journey with a young, spirited, sexy and fearless woman. R A Steffan is unique in that she delivers a well thought out and intreaging plot which carries one ever forward to learn more about her well defined characters and their stories. I love her writing and I love this book. If you are looking for a clean read then this is not for you; yes, there is sex - and very good it is too - but not gratuitous. I have only one complaint - I now have to wait for Book 2, and I don’t like waiting!
March 28, 2021
some notes
3.75 stars
- the book opens up with a sexual assault scene. it's over fast enough and those who did it are painted as villainous.
- plot has been ?? Okay?? Minimalish. It feels like a lot of the ratio of what was written about actual plot as advertised was pretty minimal. I assume that's because we're setting up the world and characters, though.
- there's a really sexy threesome near the end of the book with a lot of explicit consent and just !! It was really well written.
- I want more girl characters though
- cliffhanger ending
3.75 stars
- the book opens up with a sexual assault scene. it's over fast enough and those who did it are painted as villainous.
- plot has been ?? Okay?? Minimalish. It feels like a lot of the ratio of what was written about actual plot as advertised was pretty minimal. I assume that's because we're setting up the world and characters, though.
- there's a really sexy threesome near the end of the book with a lot of explicit consent and just !! It was really well written.
- I want more girl characters though
- cliffhanger ending
October 25, 2018
a good start to a series. There are five dragons left in the world and these dragons need to bond with someone . I love these group of people the chemistry was great. I sign up to read a chapter everyday. I got excited to open it up and find out which way the story would unfold. This is a great start to a series and I can't wait to see how the story will continue. I voluntarily read a chapter a day
December 1, 2018
Good Beginning Book of the Series
I enjoyed reading this story even though it ended in a cliffhanger. =(
I am wondering if the dragons are going to force the group to staying together since there is a lot of anger amongst a few members.
I am glad that the MC is pretty badass even though she let's her hotheadness get her in trouble with her mouthiness. She understands that love is love and isn't ashamed at herself.
I can't wait for the next installment.
I enjoyed reading this story even though it ended in a cliffhanger. =(
I am wondering if the dragons are going to force the group to staying together since there is a lot of anger amongst a few members.
I am glad that the MC is pretty badass even though she let's her hotheadness get her in trouble with her mouthiness. She understands that love is love and isn't ashamed at herself.
I can't wait for the next installment.
July 31, 2025
I didn't expect this. Usually going into a poly fantasy I'm prepared for disappointment. This book however was a surprise. There was world building, interesting and distinct characters and a somewhat curious storyline.
The audiobook narrator, Ms. Gwendolyn Druyor, does an excellent job with the characterisation. Her performance is spectacular.
Author R.A. Steffan is new to me. I'll keep an eye on their work.
The audiobook narrator, Ms. Gwendolyn Druyor, does an excellent job with the characterisation. Her performance is spectacular.
Author R.A. Steffan is new to me. I'll keep an eye on their work.
October 22, 2018
Love this story! It’s wonderful to follow Frella in her adventures and will wait very impatiently for more! R.A. Steffan has a very talented touch with fantasy fiction. Hot, really hot. And funny and sad and exciting too! Very much a read for adults. And I’m always glad I’m an adult when it comes to this author.
August 24, 2020
I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobook of this title.
Rescued from an hot and scorching death, after being robbed and left to die, our young heroine tags along with the group that had come across her.
This group of mercenaries were to aid her in her future troubles.
There is a hot erotic scene, as well as, a cliffhanger ending.
Rescued from an hot and scorching death, after being robbed and left to die, our young heroine tags along with the group that had come across her.
This group of mercenaries were to aid her in her future troubles.
There is a hot erotic scene, as well as, a cliffhanger ending.
November 4, 2021
There were so many great underlying themes of this series, and it didn't have a cookie cutter heroine! It supported safe sex, sexual positivity, body positivity, consent, LGBTQIA+ while not falling into the usual RH tropes of mean girls, and implicit sexism.
I love RH because I love watching how the different characters react to each other to eventually form a family unit (also hawt sex), but man is there a lot of terrible books out there. I feel so great that I found this author, and her writing was able to deliver!
I love RH because I love watching how the different characters react to each other to eventually form a family unit (also hawt sex), but man is there a lot of terrible books out there. I feel so great that I found this author, and her writing was able to deliver!
November 8, 2025
I wonder if I would have had better luck with this book if I had read it physically instead of the audiobook. The premise was great and so promising, but it just somehow fell flat for me. Also, we didn't meet the dragons till like the last 10%? of the book. I don't know, will keep on with it and go to book 2
February 3, 2026
Type: Audiobook / Solo Narration
Not a bad book, but not something great at this point either. It feels a bit like a drawn out prequel or a shortened draft of a first book. However, I think the story has a lot of promise and I hope the next books deliver.
The audio is very good and brings the characters' personalities to life.
Not a bad book, but not something great at this point either. It feels a bit like a drawn out prequel or a shortened draft of a first book. However, I think the story has a lot of promise and I hope the next books deliver.
The audio is very good and brings the characters' personalities to life.
May 18, 2019
Another brilliant installment
Loved the next chapter in these chronicles, Frella is awesome! Glad I waited for book 2 though as the cliffhanger has left me desperate for the next book
Loved the next chapter in these chronicles, Frella is awesome! Glad I waited for book 2 though as the cliffhanger has left me desperate for the next book
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