What do you think?
Rate this book
Haret Chronicles: Qilin #1
Piece of Dragon
I should have run, but I never had a chance.
I'd kept my life small for years to avoid getting caught. Then I take a risk to help a gorgeous stranger and find out the world I know is a lie.
My stranger is a tempting dragon with more darkness binding him than I know how to handle.
He claims I'm the lost Qilin Queen - a magical freaking unicorn. His team is hot on my trail, too - lion shifter, mage, fae, merman, and vampire. They're from a magical world beyond mine, and they need me to help them find the way home.
Only a pure Qilin can find the Path, and these six sexy men think I'm the last one alive.
But they aren't the only ones trying to find me. I haven't trusted anyone but myself in years, and I'll have to change that if I want to survive. Here's hoping I took the right risk.
I'm Carlyle Licorne, and I'm no innocent unicorn.
Ready to find your next group of book boyfriends? Scroll up now to start this sexy series today!
Reverse Harem - one girl loving six guys
Medium Burn - harem collection over several books
Steamy - suitable for eighteen and up
I'd kept my life small for years to avoid getting caught. Then I take a risk to help a gorgeous stranger and find out the world I know is a lie.
My stranger is a tempting dragon with more darkness binding him than I know how to handle.
He claims I'm the lost Qilin Queen - a magical freaking unicorn. His team is hot on my trail, too - lion shifter, mage, fae, merman, and vampire. They're from a magical world beyond mine, and they need me to help them find the way home.
Only a pure Qilin can find the Path, and these six sexy men think I'm the last one alive.
But they aren't the only ones trying to find me. I haven't trusted anyone but myself in years, and I'll have to change that if I want to survive. Here's hoping I took the right risk.
I'm Carlyle Licorne, and I'm no innocent unicorn.
Ready to find your next group of book boyfriends? Scroll up now to start this sexy series today!
Reverse Harem - one girl loving six guys
Medium Burn - harem collection over several books
Steamy - suitable for eighteen and up
277 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 26, 2018
2355 people are currently reading
2708 people want to read
About the author
Laurel Chase
26 books288 followersLaurel Chase lives in the state that boasts of fast horses, fast cars, and fast women.
She writes steamy romance and lives in her head more and more each day – hey, the scenery is great in there.
She never sleeps enough, and she drinks too much coffee, but she’d never replace any of that with sensible stuff.
Find her hanging out on social media, usually in the Lovers of Haret readers’ Facebook group!
She writes steamy romance and lives in her head more and more each day – hey, the scenery is great in there.
She never sleeps enough, and she drinks too much coffee, but she’d never replace any of that with sensible stuff.
Find her hanging out on social media, usually in the Lovers of Haret readers’ Facebook group!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 254 reviews
February 20, 2019
This is a late review, and I don't have many notes, so bear with me. This book started going downhill after awhile. The MC is a special-snowflake chosen one with a dash of TSTL. I think the only reason I kept reading was that I didn't want to bail before I'd met all of the guys because sometimes they can save an RH for me if I dislike the MC.
Here are some observations from my Kindle notes:
1. It felt weird that I didn't learn that one of the characters spoke with an Irish accent until 19% into the book.
2. I’m a bit worried about this 6-man harem because I tend to prefer my book harems to be a bit smaller.
3. I’m not sure exactly what I was complaining about at 43%, but something about that sex scene was bugging me. Maybe I thought it went from 0 to 100 too fast, or maybe I thought they were being too rough for their first time. It was also weird because the guy said “I’ll give you everything you want, but we have to build up to that sort of trust” after he had already nearly lifted her into the air by her throat.
4. The guys didn’t bother clarifying that the mission didn’t require them mating to her until 46% into the book. And then the MC acted as if she wouldn’t have any choice in the matter if that had been part of their mission: “I nodded, feeling a little better that I wasn’t, like, suddenly betrothed to a bunch of mega-hot strangers.”
5. She kept talking about how the guys were so great, fighting for her when they didn’t have to, but they totally had to.
6. I thought the MC told the guys her darkest secret way too easily.
7. “Ever since the argument with Dair, he’d seemed determined not to do anything with me that might come within a hundred miles of either claiming or fucking.” It had only been about an hour, so chill out.
8. I hated the “good girl” dialogue in the sex scenes with one of the guys (maybe Dair?).
9. She fell “in love” with Jack waaaay too fast.
Here are my reviews and ratings of the other books that I read in the series before I dropped it:
(2) Piece of Shifter ★★★
(3) Piece of Mage ★★
Here are some observations from my Kindle notes:
1. It felt weird that I didn't learn that one of the characters spoke with an Irish accent until 19% into the book.
2. I’m a bit worried about this 6-man harem because I tend to prefer my book harems to be a bit smaller.
3. I’m not sure exactly what I was complaining about at 43%, but something about that sex scene was bugging me. Maybe I thought it went from 0 to 100 too fast, or maybe I thought they were being too rough for their first time. It was also weird because the guy said “I’ll give you everything you want, but we have to build up to that sort of trust” after he had already nearly lifted her into the air by her throat.
4. The guys didn’t bother clarifying that the mission didn’t require them mating to her until 46% into the book. And then the MC acted as if she wouldn’t have any choice in the matter if that had been part of their mission: “I nodded, feeling a little better that I wasn’t, like, suddenly betrothed to a bunch of mega-hot strangers.”
5. She kept talking about how the guys were so great, fighting for her when they didn’t have to, but they totally had to.
6. I thought the MC told the guys her darkest secret way too easily.
7. “Ever since the argument with Dair, he’d seemed determined not to do anything with me that might come within a hundred miles of either claiming or fucking.” It had only been about an hour, so chill out.
8. I hated the “good girl” dialogue in the sex scenes with one of the guys (maybe Dair?).
9. She fell “in love” with Jack waaaay too fast.
Here are my reviews and ratings of the other books that I read in the series before I dropped it:
(2) Piece of Shifter ★★★
(3) Piece of Mage ★★
November 2, 2018
2.75ish maybe. I dont know.... I did actually like the story, I found it pretty interesting and its obvious that this book is striving for the epic fantasy RHN but I just wasn't a huge fan of our FMC, its not the "craving sweets and sex" thing. For being 23 years old, she a little on the immature side...especially considering the life she lead. I know that some of that was explained away as her nature but that was a stretch for my mind to believe that. Of course we have the insta attraction/love here well, mostly.
In all honesty the story had many giggle/cringe parts that had me rolling my eyes or cheesing like an idiot. Our FMC Carlyle Licorne....yea tha'ts her name, was abandoned as a baby and spent her childhood and adolescence in foster homes until her ability to sense and redirect others emotions around her developed and got out of control causing some really horrific things to happen. Running from the group home she had finally been placed in she met an older woman and began her career traveling from festival to festival giving clients a temporary ease of emotions and a better outlook on life, but she is hunted by an evil Circus Leader "The Ringmaster." Luckily she is found by a group of man candy that have been looking for one of her kind for a century because she may be the only way to get back to their world....you know Somewhere over the Rainbow . cue a tiny bit of eyerolling. Also, it appears that so far the only way for Carlyle to siphon? at least for now is to touch and to store up the power to get busy with someone. Thats right the orgasm that just keeps giving. Cue a larger eye roll.
All in all the story was decent and I am invested enough to want to see where it goes. I feel we ended in a weird spot like in the middle of a mission but it wasn't a cliffhanger.
In all honesty the story had many giggle/cringe parts that had me rolling my eyes or cheesing like an idiot. Our FMC Carlyle Licorne....yea tha'ts her name, was abandoned as a baby and spent her childhood and adolescence in foster homes until her ability to sense and redirect others emotions around her developed and got out of control causing some really horrific things to happen. Running from the group home she had finally been placed in she met an older woman and began her career traveling from festival to festival giving clients a temporary ease of emotions and a better outlook on life, but she is hunted by an evil Circus Leader "The Ringmaster." Luckily she is found by a group of man candy that have been looking for one of her kind for a century because she may be the only way to get back to their world....you know Somewhere over the Rainbow . cue a tiny bit of eyerolling. Also, it appears that so far the only way for Carlyle to siphon? at least for now is to touch and to store up the power to get busy with someone. Thats right the orgasm that just keeps giving. Cue a larger eye roll.
All in all the story was decent and I am invested enough to want to see where it goes. I feel we ended in a weird spot like in the middle of a mission but it wasn't a cliffhanger.
May 1, 2019
DNF - quit at 75%
I don’t know, there was this weird vibe going on for me as I kept reading. I thought at first the the book showed potential, but the further in I got, the more it fell apart. The more it just seemed like every sexual encounter was just for shock value & there was no actual relationship developing to form a reverse harem that I was expecting. I didn’t feel an emotional connection between any of the four guys and Carlyle. I wasn’t even feeling lust/chemistry between the characters. I can’t imagine adding the other 2 guys to the mix, & not that it’s even a harem by the 75% point of this book, more of a sexual exploration with each of the 2 guys so far. I realize the world building is secretive -to learn as the MFC learns, since she knows nothing of this weird magical world. But at 75%, I was still trying to grasp at what the heck was going down. I also didn’t like Carlyle, she wasn’t a great character for a heroine/MFC. Calling her a unicorn & having the weird name, seemed more of a joke & took away even more from the story for me. The 4 guys also were not really well developed -enough to like them, either. I just couldn’t bring myself to continue with the “50 shades” sex scene with Dair, that was just over the top gross for me, he was the guy I liked the least from the 4 & was my breaking point for not wanting to finish the book.
I don’t know, there was this weird vibe going on for me as I kept reading. I thought at first the the book showed potential, but the further in I got, the more it fell apart. The more it just seemed like every sexual encounter was just for shock value & there was no actual relationship developing to form a reverse harem that I was expecting. I didn’t feel an emotional connection between any of the four guys and Carlyle. I wasn’t even feeling lust/chemistry between the characters. I can’t imagine adding the other 2 guys to the mix, & not that it’s even a harem by the 75% point of this book, more of a sexual exploration with each of the 2 guys so far. I realize the world building is secretive -to learn as the MFC learns, since she knows nothing of this weird magical world. But at 75%, I was still trying to grasp at what the heck was going down. I also didn’t like Carlyle, she wasn’t a great character for a heroine/MFC. Calling her a unicorn & having the weird name, seemed more of a joke & took away even more from the story for me. The 4 guys also were not really well developed -enough to like them, either. I just couldn’t bring myself to continue with the “50 shades” sex scene with Dair, that was just over the top gross for me, he was the guy I liked the least from the 4 & was my breaking point for not wanting to finish the book.
July 2, 2019
A pleasant surprise thought the content is gruesome sometimes. I did enjoy this book but I’m still curious about what all this is about, what the Ringmaster’s ultimate goal is. I still am not sure.
I’m enjoying the cast of characters that might be part of the harem. Though I’m annoyed with Killian right now. I don’t like how he treated Carlyle (yep a chick) but I suspect there’s something more going on with him back home or something.
Lots of twists and turns. I’m still getting used to this cast.
I’m enjoying the cast of characters that might be part of the harem. Though I’m annoyed with Killian right now. I don’t like how he treated Carlyle (yep a chick) but I suspect there’s something more going on with him back home or something.
Lots of twists and turns. I’m still getting used to this cast.
Read
May 3, 2021DNF at the 25% mark. I was enjoying the concept and world-building, then I realized this was a reverse-harem novel and the female MC was an idiot. I thought she might get better as the novel went on, but other reviews suggested that isn't the case. While I am sort of interested in the Ringmaster and his end goal, I wasn't invested enough to keep reading.
November 5, 2019
Solid 4-4.5 stars.
Such a great concept. The story hooked me in. I couldn't put it down once I started reading. The world builds perfectly. I as so excited to see how it develops.
Can't wait to start the next book. But alas, I require the sleeps.
Such a great concept. The story hooked me in. I couldn't put it down once I started reading. The world builds perfectly. I as so excited to see how it develops.
Can't wait to start the next book. But alas, I require the sleeps.
December 24, 2020
Quite a journey
So there's this girl, she works at festivals following the circuit around. She's always on the move running from the Ringmaster and his minions. She doesn't know why he's so bad, she just knows she doesn't want anything to do with him.
In the corse of her journey a bunch of supernatural hot guys track her down and fill her in a little bit on what she is and what she's got to do. Some of the supernatural "team" has been captured or gone missing and other hijinx ensue.
We go on this journey of discovery with Carlyle. There is a lot of mystery but I think the author does a good job at feeding us hints and information as we read through.
At one point there was mention of something really blunt and out ofcthe blue. It caught me off guard. I dont know if I misunderstood or if it was a misstep or if it was supposed to be an intentional slip up by the characters involved. Basically, it was unclear and felt out of place. There was a couple of instances where I felt some confusion but there was the one major time. I dropped a star from an otherwise 5 star book due to the lack of some clarity at points. I dont mean the mysteries and miss directions with in the plot, those are fine. I mean there is a bit of confusion as to how somethings are written.
Overall this was an enjoyable read with a decent amount of steam that felt natural in the progression of the book. I hope to see more character development in the next book. The only character I feel close to was hardly in this book at all.
So there's this girl, she works at festivals following the circuit around. She's always on the move running from the Ringmaster and his minions. She doesn't know why he's so bad, she just knows she doesn't want anything to do with him.
In the corse of her journey a bunch of supernatural hot guys track her down and fill her in a little bit on what she is and what she's got to do. Some of the supernatural "team" has been captured or gone missing and other hijinx ensue.
We go on this journey of discovery with Carlyle. There is a lot of mystery but I think the author does a good job at feeding us hints and information as we read through.
At one point there was mention of something really blunt and out ofcthe blue. It caught me off guard. I dont know if I misunderstood or if it was a misstep or if it was supposed to be an intentional slip up by the characters involved. Basically, it was unclear and felt out of place. There was a couple of instances where I felt some confusion but there was the one major time. I dropped a star from an otherwise 5 star book due to the lack of some clarity at points. I dont mean the mysteries and miss directions with in the plot, those are fine. I mean there is a bit of confusion as to how somethings are written.
Overall this was an enjoyable read with a decent amount of steam that felt natural in the progression of the book. I hope to see more character development in the next book. The only character I feel close to was hardly in this book at all.
April 27, 2019
Ok
I had a hard time getting into thus, but honestly that could have just been me. I picked it bam up a few months later at chapter 10 and really enjoyed it except for the immediate acceptance of things and wanting to be in the group/claiming guys she just met at her own. I get there is magic involved but the get I just met you and want to call you mind thing has never really worked for me. A little more flirtation, a little more drawn out getting to know you, a little more tension both sexual and at the idea of being with all of these guys and wanting to be with all of these guys. I also felt like the climax didn't make a lot of sense. They were completely vested and then there was no explanation as to how they suddenly weren't and could just get out of there. My biggest complaint is the good girl, do as I say, don't say a word or I'll hit you sex 1) not sexy 2) really not sexy 3) the good girl thing making her like a kid thing is creepy 4) coming in a close second for creepiness is hitting someone and saying it's errotic.
The story is interesting though so I'll stick around I'll just hope for less wizard sex...
I had a hard time getting into thus, but honestly that could have just been me. I picked it bam up a few months later at chapter 10 and really enjoyed it except for the immediate acceptance of things and wanting to be in the group/claiming guys she just met at her own. I get there is magic involved but the get I just met you and want to call you mind thing has never really worked for me. A little more flirtation, a little more drawn out getting to know you, a little more tension both sexual and at the idea of being with all of these guys and wanting to be with all of these guys. I also felt like the climax didn't make a lot of sense. They were completely vested and then there was no explanation as to how they suddenly weren't and could just get out of there. My biggest complaint is the good girl, do as I say, don't say a word or I'll hit you sex 1) not sexy 2) really not sexy 3) the good girl thing making her like a kid thing is creepy 4) coming in a close second for creepiness is hitting someone and saying it's errotic.
The story is interesting though so I'll stick around I'll just hope for less wizard sex...
April 12, 2021
Re-read April 2021
I understand how I got sucked into this story the first time around, even if I couldn't really remember it a year later. The installments are short and the mystery behind everything is interesting. The longer Haretians stay in this realm, the more of their memories they lose...so basically, everyone is running blind, but there's a whole lot of backstory that no one knows.
There are lots of steamy scenes; I'd classify this as a middle-burn RH. The main character's overly emotional bursts are a bit of a turn-off for me. The food claiming ("mine!") is a bit weird too. A "thank you" would go a long way. It seems like someone who grew up in foster care and group homes would be more aware of herself and surroundings, and the fact that generosity is not the norm. Maybe I'm just knit-picking this character.
Read May 2020
Kindle Unlimited.
Fun and steamy.
I understand how I got sucked into this story the first time around, even if I couldn't really remember it a year later. The installments are short and the mystery behind everything is interesting. The longer Haretians stay in this realm, the more of their memories they lose...so basically, everyone is running blind, but there's a whole lot of backstory that no one knows.
There are lots of steamy scenes; I'd classify this as a middle-burn RH. The main character's overly emotional bursts are a bit of a turn-off for me. The food claiming ("mine!") is a bit weird too. A "thank you" would go a long way. It seems like someone who grew up in foster care and group homes would be more aware of herself and surroundings, and the fact that generosity is not the norm. Maybe I'm just knit-picking this character.
Read May 2020
Kindle Unlimited.
Fun and steamy.
October 6, 2018
If you like Joely Sue Burkhart then you're gonna like Laurel Chase. It was fun, steamy and definitely shows promise of more to come! I cant wait read the rest of the series.
November 28, 2018
The story is interesting. The flow was fine. I didn't like the characters. Usually when characters are thrust into a new situation, like her mutual caregiver friend, abandons her so she is stuck with her charges.... she becomes overwhelmed, and I feel more overwhelmed and confused than interested in everything else. I had to stop reading for myself. It's closer to an erotica than a romance I seek out.
January 7, 2019
Just an excuse for sex with lots of guys.
special-last unicorn horny-girl meets lots of guys that need to ride her over the rainbow to get back home and save the world(s).
possible trigger warning - rape/coercive sex in her past is slightly discussed but essentially glossed over in a few sentences.
special-last unicorn horny-girl meets lots of guys that need to ride her over the rainbow to get back home and save the world(s).
possible trigger warning - rape/coercive sex in her past is slightly discussed but essentially glossed over in a few sentences.
October 3, 2018
I absolutely loved this book. The characters had clear and very defined Personalities. I love how the story takes a different turn using a traveling circus as a main point in the book. I'm so excited for the next one to come out. If you want a fun crazy new world to jump in to. Read This Book!
March 23, 2019
Loved it!
Was a little slow to engage as i was a little afraid of the start but so glad i continued as it is a brilliant story!
Was a little slow to engage as i was a little afraid of the start but so glad i continued as it is a brilliant story!
September 24, 2021
I really loved the world building in this one! I already like the characters and the magic and the plot. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
January 7, 2023
Someone tell the author talking crap and saying "fucking" every 2 secs isn't going to make the fl look tougher
September 29, 2018
Can’t say enough good things about this book. It was just amazing!!! I didn’t know what to expect reading about a unicorn shifter but omg sooo good!!!! A definite must read if you like steamy books with action and a bunch of hot men 😀
December 5, 2018
What an intriguing start to this new fantasy romance series. We meet Carlyle who has been on the run pretty much her whole life because she is different and she knows it. Her powers make others want to control her so she is always on guard. Well of course a few unexpected things have to happen that will change her life permanently in a way that may or may not be good we will just have to wait and see. In depth characters you can relate to place in an original story that will suck you in. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
September 17, 2019
New author to me
Loved this book! Kept me hooked from page one till the end! On to the next book in the series.
Loved this book! Kept me hooked from page one till the end! On to the next book in the series.
December 4, 2020
Hahahaha! This concept is quite hilarious... shape shifting unicorns. Although dragons aren't my favourite mythical shape shifters, Jack does seem sweet. Oh and this is definitely a pg18 book. I flew through this book... pun definitely intended. ;) If you're looking for something unusual with a touch of naughty, then this book is for you.
January 23, 2019
love , in love with this story!
This story was the best. I a! So excited to continue to the next book. I read on my kindle, I am Disabled, I have chronic pain and only a good story can get my mind distracted, this is an amazing story line, characters, private scenes. I read a lot. This is the first time I wanted to leave a comment, it isn't easy on my kindle, but I had to send my appreciation!
This story was the best. I a! So excited to continue to the next book. I read on my kindle, I am Disabled, I have chronic pain and only a good story can get my mind distracted, this is an amazing story line, characters, private scenes. I read a lot. This is the first time I wanted to leave a comment, it isn't easy on my kindle, but I had to send my appreciation!
July 25, 2023
I am reviewing this after finishing all 14 novels and novellas.
Series overall rating: 5 stars
The spice in all of the series is 5/5
Consistent throughout the series: strong FMC who doesn't suddenly become weak once she has her mates, consent repeatedly gained through all of the books. No cheating, no bullying. I love that we see character development in all of them: she is learning about her heritage and growing stronger. The men allow her to see their vulnerabilities and they go through their own healing (childhood shame, trauma, etc).
Spice: I've read a ton of romance novels from traditional 1m/1w to reverse harem and even just straight erotica. This series provides unique sexual encounters - a variety of places, sexy time adventures, explorations. So many series provide just limited sex because of the complex plot, or they make the sex scenes too similar. This series had a bit of everything: her taking charge, them taking charge, sharing, DP, submissive/dom play (and always with verbal consent no matter how many times they have done it). I've never experienced such a range in any other series, and all well written.
This first novel I rate as 4/5, because I found Jack's introduction to be a bit confusing, and I wasn't the fondest of how she introduced Dair. To be clear I found all of the characters to be relatable, and they had obvious chemistry between each other. It just took me a couple of rereads of certain pages to really grasp Jack's meeting of her. And while I like the submissive role play, I generally don't like "good girl" comments. Luckily that was not so bad here, the context was more than just "good girl" and there was no "daddy/baby girl" grossness (I know some people like that but it is a mood killer for me).
There was respect evident, and genuine friendships and relationships developing. No instalove. Yes, there was some instalust feelings but she acknowledged them without acting on them except for with Sol. But it is a part of the plot and something we learn about Qilins and their mates (not really fated mates but a similar soul knowing that pushes them together faster than non fantasy novels might do). Even with the instalust, relationships progressed pretty slowly for some of the guys, even with deliberate conversations about taking things slowly and getting to know each other.
Series overall rating: 5 stars
The spice in all of the series is 5/5
Consistent throughout the series: strong FMC who doesn't suddenly become weak once she has her mates, consent repeatedly gained through all of the books. No cheating, no bullying. I love that we see character development in all of them: she is learning about her heritage and growing stronger. The men allow her to see their vulnerabilities and they go through their own healing (childhood shame, trauma, etc).
Spice: I've read a ton of romance novels from traditional 1m/1w to reverse harem and even just straight erotica. This series provides unique sexual encounters - a variety of places, sexy time adventures, explorations. So many series provide just limited sex because of the complex plot, or they make the sex scenes too similar. This series had a bit of everything: her taking charge, them taking charge, sharing, DP, submissive/dom play (and always with verbal consent no matter how many times they have done it). I've never experienced such a range in any other series, and all well written.
This first novel I rate as 4/5, because I found Jack's introduction to be a bit confusing, and I wasn't the fondest of how she introduced Dair. To be clear I found all of the characters to be relatable, and they had obvious chemistry between each other. It just took me a couple of rereads of certain pages to really grasp Jack's meeting of her. And while I like the submissive role play, I generally don't like "good girl" comments. Luckily that was not so bad here, the context was more than just "good girl" and there was no "daddy/baby girl" grossness (I know some people like that but it is a mood killer for me).
There was respect evident, and genuine friendships and relationships developing. No instalove. Yes, there was some instalust feelings but she acknowledged them without acting on them except for with Sol. But it is a part of the plot and something we learn about Qilins and their mates (not really fated mates but a similar soul knowing that pushes them together faster than non fantasy novels might do). Even with the instalust, relationships progressed pretty slowly for some of the guys, even with deliberate conversations about taking things slowly and getting to know each other.
April 2, 2020
Unexpected
I, admittedly, tend to snag books on KU based on the cover - which I realize is horrible and short sighted. That said, this book proved to be something completely different than the cover led me to believe, which turned out to be an amazing thing. Yes, it’s about a dragon, but it’s not really about the dragon - it’s about so much more. Lost worlds, hidden paths, unicorns, shifters, vampires, magic and a circus gone mad. Talk about complex!
Pros:
- Very Unique world building.
- Characters are captivating.
- Is it wrong that I find the ringmaster compelling?
- Qilin’s.... wow. Just wow.
Cons:
- Some of the action scenes are so busy they get confusing.
I, admittedly, tend to snag books on KU based on the cover - which I realize is horrible and short sighted. That said, this book proved to be something completely different than the cover led me to believe, which turned out to be an amazing thing. Yes, it’s about a dragon, but it’s not really about the dragon - it’s about so much more. Lost worlds, hidden paths, unicorns, shifters, vampires, magic and a circus gone mad. Talk about complex!
Pros:
- Very Unique world building.
- Characters are captivating.
- Is it wrong that I find the ringmaster compelling?
- Qilin’s.... wow. Just wow.
Cons:
- Some of the action scenes are so busy they get confusing.
Want to read
March 30, 2025🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/11/2022)! 🎁
August 31, 2024
DNF at 51%. The technical aspects are solid—not a ton of errors, no weird sentences, and the writing uses all the senses as far as I noticed.
I'm not into insta-love, and that's what you get here. The MMCs are way too emotional when the FMC reveals her past, and it feels fake as shit. She literally just met two of them within 24 hours, and they are filled with rage on her behalf for having a crap childhood instead of showing awkard sympathy or pity or whatever. The MMCs are also hundreds of years older than her and way more powerful, so it is even more unlikely to me that they would instantly attach to Carlyle. It would have made so much more sense if she had one-sided crushes until they get to know her better. Like, especially with her background, I'm sure she should have some sort of volatile, disordered way of attaching to people.
Which, actually, that's another big issue I had with this story. Carlyle does not have the personality to match her character background—she is a Mary Sue with the background of a drug addicted stripper. She should be super untrusting, maybe a little immoral, and overreactive in the face of protecting herself. There is one small bit about her being a pickpocket, but that is ruined by her need to only pickpocket terrible people—but everybody can be terrible in the right circumstances, and she should know that with her history. Also, how does her ability to sense emotion tell her somebody is shit? Wouldn't it just show her somebody that was having a bad day?
Rather than be wary of her new circumstances after the Ringmaster tries to kidnap her, she just kind of accepts everything and doesn't seem super concerned with her environment or the secretive nature of her alternative kidnappers/saviors—doesn't do anything to arm herself or give herself an escape route in case things go tits up.
Also, the characters all act incredibly stupid when it comes to her powers. The first time she uses super strength to crush something, it's obvious what is happening. Everyone is like, "Huh? What? That's so weird!"
And the lore is a bit shit, to be honest. The home world needs to be connected to Earth because humans' innocent natures somehow keeps their magic from going evil........ Um. Is this some sort of alternate Earth, or ...? Plus, there's this whole memory loss thing, and this weirdly uneven way the magical people are dependent on both their home world AND Earth to be normal? That just seems like a recipe for bad survival rates and doesn't seem feasible. I mean, maybe one or two races could have that weakness, but there are no original races that thrive in their own home?
Anyway, I got halfway through and it was just lacking for me. The FMC's backstory is told in a monologue (which, sorry, I can see trauma dumping on a total stranger you will never see again, but who does that with people whose opinions matter waaaay too much [because insta-love]). It would have been much better if her background was given out in bits and pieces with flashbacks or in an extended intro so we could experience what her life was like when she decided to run away. There's lots of hemming and hawing about secrets while they all eat food or wander around their environment or hump each other or whatever. The POV changes are just enough to throw out the breadcrumbs of a plot, but it isn't enough.
I'm not into insta-love, and that's what you get here. The MMCs are way too emotional when the FMC reveals her past, and it feels fake as shit. She literally just met two of them within 24 hours, and they are filled with rage on her behalf for having a crap childhood instead of showing awkard sympathy or pity or whatever. The MMCs are also hundreds of years older than her and way more powerful, so it is even more unlikely to me that they would instantly attach to Carlyle. It would have made so much more sense if she had one-sided crushes until they get to know her better. Like, especially with her background, I'm sure she should have some sort of volatile, disordered way of attaching to people.
Which, actually, that's another big issue I had with this story. Carlyle does not have the personality to match her character background—she is a Mary Sue with the background of a drug addicted stripper. She should be super untrusting, maybe a little immoral, and overreactive in the face of protecting herself. There is one small bit about her being a pickpocket, but that is ruined by her need to only pickpocket terrible people—but everybody can be terrible in the right circumstances, and she should know that with her history. Also, how does her ability to sense emotion tell her somebody is shit? Wouldn't it just show her somebody that was having a bad day?
Rather than be wary of her new circumstances after the Ringmaster tries to kidnap her, she just kind of accepts everything and doesn't seem super concerned with her environment or the secretive nature of her alternative kidnappers/saviors—doesn't do anything to arm herself or give herself an escape route in case things go tits up.
Also, the characters all act incredibly stupid when it comes to her powers. The first time she uses super strength to crush something, it's obvious what is happening. Everyone is like, "Huh? What? That's so weird!"
And the lore is a bit shit, to be honest. The home world needs to be connected to Earth because humans' innocent natures somehow keeps their magic from going evil........ Um. Is this some sort of alternate Earth, or ...? Plus, there's this whole memory loss thing, and this weirdly uneven way the magical people are dependent on both their home world AND Earth to be normal? That just seems like a recipe for bad survival rates and doesn't seem feasible. I mean, maybe one or two races could have that weakness, but there are no original races that thrive in their own home?
Anyway, I got halfway through and it was just lacking for me. The FMC's backstory is told in a monologue (which, sorry, I can see trauma dumping on a total stranger you will never see again, but who does that with people whose opinions matter waaaay too much [because insta-love]). It would have been much better if her background was given out in bits and pieces with flashbacks or in an extended intro so we could experience what her life was like when she decided to run away. There's lots of hemming and hawing about secrets while they all eat food or wander around their environment or hump each other or whatever. The POV changes are just enough to throw out the breadcrumbs of a plot, but it isn't enough.
March 5, 2024
3 - 3.25 ⭐
Book #1
🆗⬇️ Introduction to supernatural part of the world
⬇️ Beings from another world/dimension: vampires, Fae, shifters, mages,...
🆗 Unknown powers/heritage
🆗 Chosen/special one
🆗⬇️ Being on the run/hidden
🆗 RH romance: instant attraction but slowly getting up to RH in the future
❗Lightly mentions (not graphic): abduction, sexual assault, incarceration, suicide, death
***
As an orphan and growing up in the system, Carlyle Licorne hasn't had an easy life, especially with what she later on realised to be a strange ability to feel and manipulate others emotions.
Others' intense reaction to her powers, led to her leaving her life and running away.
For years, she has made a living with her partner with an hypnose number at festivals, developing her powers to help others deal with their emotions.
Because of her unique talent, Carlyle has always been careful to not attract too much attention and be "recruited" by the Ringmaster, someone who seems to collect, truthfully kidnap, a lot of special individuals.
No risks, small life, always moving, always on the background.
Until she tries to help a gorgeous stranger.
And other gorgeous men also show up at the same time.
They know each other but... are they working for different sides?
They were a team.
Only now one of their own is under the Ringmaster's rules.
And her saviours claim she is a Qilin, a unicorn.
The world is bigger than what she knows.
The beings of fantasy are real.
Vampires, Fae, shifters, mages,...
They are from a magical world beyond Earth and the Qilins are the only ones that can find and navigate the Path connecting both worlds.
And her new attractive acquaintances seem to believe she is the last one.
***
Notes:
🔸 Interesting plot
The chosen one part has been a bit of overused in fantasy books.
It does get a bit confusing in the sense that it needs more information and development, everything is still too new.
🔸RH romance
Instant attraction, especially from the FMC but the pace is believable and not too fast.
Quite a few cute and funny scenes.
The FMC, her sweet addition and the way the guys pay attention to her and indulge her sweet addition...adorable.
🔸Overall: nice but...
Needs more.
It is clearly just the beginning for the characters and the story.
They are getting to know each other and the FMC is learning about herself and this new world.
***
As always my complete respect for the author and their work.
No hate nor hurt intended with this review.
Book #1
🆗⬇️ Introduction to supernatural part of the world
⬇️ Beings from another world/dimension: vampires, Fae, shifters, mages,...
🆗 Unknown powers/heritage
🆗 Chosen/special one
🆗⬇️ Being on the run/hidden
🆗 RH romance: instant attraction but slowly getting up to RH in the future
❗Lightly mentions (not graphic): abduction, sexual assault, incarceration, suicide, death
***
As an orphan and growing up in the system, Carlyle Licorne hasn't had an easy life, especially with what she later on realised to be a strange ability to feel and manipulate others emotions.
Others' intense reaction to her powers, led to her leaving her life and running away.
For years, she has made a living with her partner with an hypnose number at festivals, developing her powers to help others deal with their emotions.
Because of her unique talent, Carlyle has always been careful to not attract too much attention and be "recruited" by the Ringmaster, someone who seems to collect, truthfully kidnap, a lot of special individuals.
No risks, small life, always moving, always on the background.
Until she tries to help a gorgeous stranger.
And other gorgeous men also show up at the same time.
They know each other but... are they working for different sides?
They were a team.
Only now one of their own is under the Ringmaster's rules.
And her saviours claim she is a Qilin, a unicorn.
The world is bigger than what she knows.
The beings of fantasy are real.
Vampires, Fae, shifters, mages,...
They are from a magical world beyond Earth and the Qilins are the only ones that can find and navigate the Path connecting both worlds.
And her new attractive acquaintances seem to believe she is the last one.
***
Notes:
🔸 Interesting plot
The chosen one part has been a bit of overused in fantasy books.
It does get a bit confusing in the sense that it needs more information and development, everything is still too new.
🔸RH romance
Instant attraction, especially from the FMC but the pace is believable and not too fast.
Quite a few cute and funny scenes.
The FMC, her sweet addition and the way the guys pay attention to her and indulge her sweet addition...adorable.
🔸Overall: nice but...
Needs more.
It is clearly just the beginning for the characters and the story.
They are getting to know each other and the FMC is learning about herself and this new world.
***
As always my complete respect for the author and their work.
No hate nor hurt intended with this review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2018
Damn. I can’t really find a better word then that which coincidentally was exactly what I though when I finished the book. It’s good!! Books are a sustainable source of nourishment for me therefore I read over a thousand books per year so lend a little trust to me when I say I know a good story and performance when I read it. But on to the book in question.
This story pulled my in from the start because it’s building, when I read I don’t want a nice story wrapped it a pink bow. I want the characters to mature as the words flow and be pulled in to their world. Boy, did I get my wish! Often books lacks the element of surprises or curveballs, you know when you just KNOW what’s gonna happen? The book can still be really good but if the intrigue (not the same as drama) the thrills lacks I don’t feel as drawn in and hanging on the words as much. This book got a hep of surprises and curveballs. Found myself when I read this that I had a hard time to predict where the story might go which I liked cause it has a new story you know? Not something any other has done before. Don’t know how others feel but if you want a book to be fast phased, this is not it. It has action but a heavy mix with getting to know the characters through their discovery of each other.
Won’t give you any spoilers, haha worked hard to not give them to you. Sorry! The guys really have different personalities and are not extensions of each other. One guy is mysterious I just want to dive into and learn more of his sweet but totally silent deadly self another is commanding and push just to dangle you over the edge. Another hero is intriguingly there and when you think you got a grip on him he turns the table on you. Fascinating when the author can create multiple dominant personalities is a group without lessen a part of the character. Looking forward to getting to know them and the others more in the next book. The heroine you ask? Badass! She don’t take any shit and lay down when things get in a jam. She strikes back, although not blindly let emotions take over and not gives a shit when given advise type of way. Can a get a thank the book gods and goddesses? Ooh! And she’s funny.
So all god stuff like this have to come to an end, cause let’s get real here. Read the damn book cause it’s much better then any review I can ever give you.
ARC - advanced readers copy. For my complete and totally honest review of this book.
This story pulled my in from the start because it’s building, when I read I don’t want a nice story wrapped it a pink bow. I want the characters to mature as the words flow and be pulled in to their world. Boy, did I get my wish! Often books lacks the element of surprises or curveballs, you know when you just KNOW what’s gonna happen? The book can still be really good but if the intrigue (not the same as drama) the thrills lacks I don’t feel as drawn in and hanging on the words as much. This book got a hep of surprises and curveballs. Found myself when I read this that I had a hard time to predict where the story might go which I liked cause it has a new story you know? Not something any other has done before. Don’t know how others feel but if you want a book to be fast phased, this is not it. It has action but a heavy mix with getting to know the characters through their discovery of each other.
Won’t give you any spoilers, haha worked hard to not give them to you. Sorry! The guys really have different personalities and are not extensions of each other. One guy is mysterious I just want to dive into and learn more of his sweet but totally silent deadly self another is commanding and push just to dangle you over the edge. Another hero is intriguingly there and when you think you got a grip on him he turns the table on you. Fascinating when the author can create multiple dominant personalities is a group without lessen a part of the character. Looking forward to getting to know them and the others more in the next book. The heroine you ask? Badass! She don’t take any shit and lay down when things get in a jam. She strikes back, although not blindly let emotions take over and not gives a shit when given advise type of way. Can a get a thank the book gods and goddesses? Ooh! And she’s funny.
So all god stuff like this have to come to an end, cause let’s get real here. Read the damn book cause it’s much better then any review I can ever give you.
ARC - advanced readers copy. For my complete and totally honest review of this book.
June 27, 2022
This is my first book I have read/listened to by this author and it certainly won't be the last. I enjoyed book 1 of the Haret Chronicles and am interested to see where this series and the shorter spinoff series (I think of the same group, but not sure yet) goes. I thought book 1 did a good job giving some of the background and we get to be introduced to most of the characters of the future harem. I liked some characters more than others, but I am already on book 3's audiobook so I can honestly say that changes in book 2 and in book 3 haha.
I enjoyed the premise of this book and the conflicts between the group and the Ringmaster. I think for me the reason I held back from giving it a 5 stars for the story was because the flow was a little too disjointed for me. There was a lot of back and forth, some details were lost, and I was confused a couple times and had to go back and relisten to different parts of the audiobook to make sure I understood the nuances and what was going on. I did like the tension between Carlisle and a lot of her future guys, some of the nicknames made me giggle a lot. I would classify this a slow to medium born (depends on which guy we are talking about). I felt so bad for Jack and the others being controlled by the Ringmaster and can't wait for him to get what's coming to him. I was confused by some of the Qilin info but hope it will be better explained in future books. I enjoyed getting to see the various beings and their powers being introduced, can't wait to see more and how Carlisle will get her own/expand the ones she currently has.
In terms of the narration, loved loved loved! I have both of these narrators on my automatic listen list, I love their combo and that this was duet narration was icing on the cake. I thought Luca does a fabulous job with all the different guys (except maybe Jay or however you spell it since I am listening I have no clue haha because I was confused what his accent actually was supposed to be). I loved his Killian and Dare renditions though (even if the fae needs an attitude adjustment haha) with their accents and portrayals were yummy! Vanessa is one of the best of the business and she really brought the Qilin to life and the emotions in some of the scenes was palpable. So good! 5/5 for the narration from me 😊
I enjoyed the premise of this book and the conflicts between the group and the Ringmaster. I think for me the reason I held back from giving it a 5 stars for the story was because the flow was a little too disjointed for me. There was a lot of back and forth, some details were lost, and I was confused a couple times and had to go back and relisten to different parts of the audiobook to make sure I understood the nuances and what was going on. I did like the tension between Carlisle and a lot of her future guys, some of the nicknames made me giggle a lot. I would classify this a slow to medium born (depends on which guy we are talking about). I felt so bad for Jack and the others being controlled by the Ringmaster and can't wait for him to get what's coming to him. I was confused by some of the Qilin info but hope it will be better explained in future books. I enjoyed getting to see the various beings and their powers being introduced, can't wait to see more and how Carlisle will get her own/expand the ones she currently has.
In terms of the narration, loved loved loved! I have both of these narrators on my automatic listen list, I love their combo and that this was duet narration was icing on the cake. I thought Luca does a fabulous job with all the different guys (except maybe Jay or however you spell it since I am listening I have no clue haha because I was confused what his accent actually was supposed to be). I loved his Killian and Dare renditions though (even if the fae needs an attitude adjustment haha) with their accents and portrayals were yummy! Vanessa is one of the best of the business and she really brought the Qilin to life and the emotions in some of the scenes was palpable. So good! 5/5 for the narration from me 😊
October 16, 2019
Brief notes on what I recall about the book:
The Heroine:
• Very, for lack of a better phrase, "happy-go-lucky"; she didn't seem nearly as jaded as her past seemed to have aluded to. Little street smarts for someone who grew up in foster care and was homeless for years.
• Accepted the whole "the fate of two worlds is on your shoulders" thing way too fast and without any demands - I would assume she would be at least a little selfish and put herself first rather than go through with what a handful strange men tell her.
• She spent most of the book lusting after one guy or another (or all).
• Marysue. Can do everything the 'normal' paranormals can do but better.
The Harem:
• Very macho-male but also pretty childish considering they were at least 100+ years (early 20s in human age).
• 5/6 were introduced in this book. Sol (lion shifter) & Darin's (mage) personalities bled into each other because of the common alpha male mentality. Killian (fae) was the only one who actively kept distant from her - he & the h had a love-hate thing going on. It was hard to think of Jai (vamp) as anything other than the teams leader; he was very distant but they didn't exchange any barbs as Killian and the h did. Jack was introduced at the beginning of the book but didn't show up again until the end - instalove between him & h.
• Near the very end there was a part where the ringleader mentions something about the guys being next in line to rule their world and this is sort of glossed over for some reason.
Plot:
• Good basic plotline but it could have been developed more.
• I feel as though the h needing to perform sexual acts in order to transfer their powers to her was a lazy (?) way to get the characters to be intimate with each other. I would've liked something more substantial. It was also strange that the heroine felt comfortable enough with her literal kidnappers to sit on one's lap with his hard on underneath her. 🤔
• There was a part where Jai was searching for coordinates to the circus and it felt weird that the h couldn't have helped with that considering she was following it for years? Adding to the assumption that the circus isn't as well hidden as described?
The Heroine:
• Very, for lack of a better phrase, "happy-go-lucky"; she didn't seem nearly as jaded as her past seemed to have aluded to. Little street smarts for someone who grew up in foster care and was homeless for years.
• Accepted the whole "the fate of two worlds is on your shoulders" thing way too fast and without any demands - I would assume she would be at least a little selfish and put herself first rather than go through with what a handful strange men tell her.
• She spent most of the book lusting after one guy or another (or all).
• Marysue. Can do everything the 'normal' paranormals can do but better.
The Harem:
• Very macho-male but also pretty childish considering they were at least 100+ years (early 20s in human age).
• 5/6 were introduced in this book. Sol (lion shifter) & Darin's (mage) personalities bled into each other because of the common alpha male mentality. Killian (fae) was the only one who actively kept distant from her - he & the h had a love-hate thing going on. It was hard to think of Jai (vamp) as anything other than the teams leader; he was very distant but they didn't exchange any barbs as Killian and the h did. Jack was introduced at the beginning of the book but didn't show up again until the end - instalove between him & h.
• Near the very end there was a part where the ringleader mentions something about the guys being next in line to rule their world and this is sort of glossed over for some reason.
Plot:
• Good basic plotline but it could have been developed more.
• I feel as though the h needing to perform sexual acts in order to transfer their powers to her was a lazy (?) way to get the characters to be intimate with each other. I would've liked something more substantial. It was also strange that the heroine felt comfortable enough with her literal kidnappers to sit on one's lap with his hard on underneath her. 🤔
• There was a part where Jai was searching for coordinates to the circus and it felt weird that the h couldn't have helped with that considering she was following it for years? Adding to the assumption that the circus isn't as well hidden as described?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2020
I normally don’t write reviews, but I’ve been blowing through the first books of a lot of reverse harem series lately just trying to find a good one. I’m hoping my reviews will remind me as to why I didn’t continue on with the series. I passed up on reading this book so many times. It just didn’t really grab my attention. I think the circus aspect turned me off from it. I finally gave it a try and I have mixed feelings on it.
What I liked was the idea behind the story. Without giving anything away, I enjoyed that Carlyle was a unique being, but not the unicorn part and don’t get me started on the rainbow thing. I thought it was unique that she could access different abilities, but I hated the way she had to do it. I’m not opposed to intimate/sex scenes, but these felt rushed and forced. The relationships just weren’t there to have such intense intimate moments feel believable.
Surprisingly, I didn’t dislike the circus part as much as I thought I would. The ringmaster and his circus were interesting and left me feeling intrigued as to what would happen next. I felt like the better parts of the book involved the circus. The rest of it just kind of fell flat for me. Carlyle’s past is brought up for a few paragraphs and the occasional mention of the lady she lived with, but there was little depth to it. I would have loved to see her build off of her experience throughout the book as she made relationships and learned more about herself and abilities. I also expected her to be stronger, but her dependency on the men is immediate.
I really wanted to like the male characters, but there wasn’t much there to even like or dislike. The characters felt bland, except for the sex scenes, and lacked character building. I struggled to like one of the characters because of his dialogue. I didn’t even know he had an accent for a little while. I thought it was spelling errors. I just couldn’t get over the wording and it made it difficult to imagine the accent in my head.
I don’t really know if I’ll continue on with this series. I’m hoping it’ll get better as the series progresses. With that being said, there are a lot of great reviews so it may have just not been the book for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 254 reviews