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Dragon Prey: A Cloud Lands Novella
When humans became prey... Set in the prehistory of the Cloud Lands world, “Dragon Prey” tells the story of how humans and dragons met for the first time. Their early encounters are anything but auspicious. Humans and their livestock become the prey of invading “firebeasts”. Sidren's clan is hanging on, helped by her unusual talent. She can sense the emotions of those firebeasts, allowing her to warn her clan of an impending attack and seek shelter. Even so, their numbers dwindle, and trips to the burial cave have become too frequent. What will it take for them to survive?
259 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 11, 2018
1 person is currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
Hannah Steenbock
58 books74 followersI'm a writer, dreamer and creator of worlds. I love taking my readers onto journeys into far-away lands where things are different and yet humans are still the same.
I live in the North of Germany, where seagulls scream, the wind never rests, and people are friendly.
Find me on Mastodon (@firlefanz@writing.exchange) and at my website www.hannah-steenbock.de. That's where you can sign up to my newsletter that I send out on every 13th of the month, with writing news and tales of my silly little dragon pet, Ember.
I live in the North of Germany, where seagulls scream, the wind never rests, and people are friendly.
Find me on Mastodon (@firlefanz@writing.exchange) and at my website www.hannah-steenbock.de. That's where you can sign up to my newsletter that I send out on every 13th of the month, with writing news and tales of my silly little dragon pet, Ember.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
November 10, 2022
'How ironic that I can trust a... dragon more than my own clan.'
I picked up this novella for my 'Fantasy Ladies Who Aren't Perfect Beauties' feature and was not disappointed.
In a world where "firebeasts" prey on livestock and humans alike, a young healer unexpectedly finds herself at the mercy of one such a beast. Becoming a snack for the beast was the only thing Sidren expected, but turning her into a snack was the furthest thing on the young dragon's mind.
And this is how the story of how humans and dragons met for the first time in the Cloud Lands begins. With reluctantly given trust and a friendship that will change the course of not only human but also dragon lives.
Well written, with a good pace and lots of action, Dragon Prey gives us real seeming characters in different shades of grey and captivating dragons. But not only that. The FMC, Sindren, is disabled and I truly appreciated the way her disability was represented. Used neither as a mere crutch to set the plot going, nor as a means to endearingly have her fall into the arms of a loving mate -something I have noticed some authors do (*cough* A Curse So Dark and Lonely). Sindren's disability was an integral part of her character and felt real. And NO. There's no romance at all in this book. No human mate either. I was just referring to the portrayal of disability with that remark.
The world is nicely sketched with a definite touch of realness that also applies to the reactions of characters as well as their interaction. From feelings to actions everything is absolutely understandable if not always relatable. And I loved the incorporated themes of prejudice countered by forgiveness, and hate stopped in its tracks by love.
If you're a fan of fantasy and dragons, this novella is worth your time.
Review copy requested from the author after the book was recommended on my FB page rec request post.
Thank you Hannah Steenbock!
Find this review and more over on my Book Review Blog The Magic Book Corner
I picked up this novella for my 'Fantasy Ladies Who Aren't Perfect Beauties' feature and was not disappointed.
In a world where "firebeasts" prey on livestock and humans alike, a young healer unexpectedly finds herself at the mercy of one such a beast. Becoming a snack for the beast was the only thing Sidren expected, but turning her into a snack was the furthest thing on the young dragon's mind.
And this is how the story of how humans and dragons met for the first time in the Cloud Lands begins. With reluctantly given trust and a friendship that will change the course of not only human but also dragon lives.
Well written, with a good pace and lots of action, Dragon Prey gives us real seeming characters in different shades of grey and captivating dragons. But not only that. The FMC, Sindren, is disabled and I truly appreciated the way her disability was represented. Used neither as a mere crutch to set the plot going, nor as a means to endearingly have her fall into the arms of a loving mate -something I have noticed some authors do (*cough* A Curse So Dark and Lonely). Sindren's disability was an integral part of her character and felt real. And NO. There's no romance at all in this book. No human mate either. I was just referring to the portrayal of disability with that remark.
The world is nicely sketched with a definite touch of realness that also applies to the reactions of characters as well as their interaction. From feelings to actions everything is absolutely understandable if not always relatable. And I loved the incorporated themes of prejudice countered by forgiveness, and hate stopped in its tracks by love.
If you're a fan of fantasy and dragons, this novella is worth your time.
Review copy requested from the author after the book was recommended on my FB page rec request post.
Thank you Hannah Steenbock!
Find this review and more over on my Book Review Blog The Magic Book Corner
October 13, 2019
This is the first time I’ve read anything from this author and I was not disappointed. The book was well written and the characters and story were well developed. I loved the main female character and the fact that her disability did not define her. The story was unique had plenty of action, suspense, intrigue and emotion. I’d highly recommend this book if your looking for a book with a difference! I look forward to reading more from this author!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 30, 2019
This book is a part of a greater universe called Cloud Lands, but I have not read any of the others of this series/universe. In fact, this is the first book by this author that I have read. Let me say right off the bat that you don't have to have read any other books in this universe to understand this one. I enjoy fantasy and don't read straight-up fantasy as often as I would like. I think fantasy is such a complex genre, and oftentimes independent authors don't do it well; so I have been turned off by it at times at my favorite book review sites.
I am so glad that I was drawn to give this one a try. It is so well written. The descriptions and depictions of what is happening make you feel like you are there. The author pulled me right into the story with a dramatic event; I love that. The characters, particularly Sidren and Kreysha, were complex and well drawn. The danger to Sidren and her people, as suggested by the title, was palpable and kept me turning the pages. I found myself intrigued by Sidren and Kreysha’s evolving relationship and Kreysha’s interactions with the members of Sidren’s clan. The author has created a complex world and complex characters here, but she makes it feel realistic. Sidren and members of the clan react in completely relatable human ways, which doesn't always happen in fantasy. I like the way that the author demonized only some dragons, subtly bringing up the concept of prejudice. This book is full of action; it will keep you turning the pages to see what will happen. This is a delightful introduction to this author and this universe. It won't be my only foray.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
I am so glad that I was drawn to give this one a try. It is so well written. The descriptions and depictions of what is happening make you feel like you are there. The author pulled me right into the story with a dramatic event; I love that. The characters, particularly Sidren and Kreysha, were complex and well drawn. The danger to Sidren and her people, as suggested by the title, was palpable and kept me turning the pages. I found myself intrigued by Sidren and Kreysha’s evolving relationship and Kreysha’s interactions with the members of Sidren’s clan. The author has created a complex world and complex characters here, but she makes it feel realistic. Sidren and members of the clan react in completely relatable human ways, which doesn't always happen in fantasy. I like the way that the author demonized only some dragons, subtly bringing up the concept of prejudice. This book is full of action; it will keep you turning the pages to see what will happen. This is a delightful introduction to this author and this universe. It won't be my only foray.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
September 29, 2019
This is a stand alone you get a head or hfn you dont need to read the other books I started with this one and I will follow up and read the other 3, I enjoyed this authors world building and the journey to the HEA!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 13, 2018
So, I've been trying to think exactly what it is about Hannah Steenbock's work that appeals to me so much... Yes, the writing is brilliant, the characters are vibrant, and the plots/storylines are always entertaining. But it's so much more than that...
I think the trickiest thing for a writer of fantasy is to make the reader comfortable enough that the story/characters don't feel as "alien" as they actually are - and Ms. Steenbock achieves this. As soon as I start reading, I fall into the story. I believe it.
You don't need to have read any of the "Cloud Lands" novels to enjoy this novella to its fullest, but you will want to read them after you've finished this.
Truly superb.
I think the trickiest thing for a writer of fantasy is to make the reader comfortable enough that the story/characters don't feel as "alien" as they actually are - and Ms. Steenbock achieves this. As soon as I start reading, I fall into the story. I believe it.
You don't need to have read any of the "Cloud Lands" novels to enjoy this novella to its fullest, but you will want to read them after you've finished this.
Truly superb.
November 8, 2018
A fascinating look into the world where humans and dragons are still strangers to each others.
And considering the title of the book, I'll leave it up to you who's winning so far.
This was a really good read, with lots of action, a great pace, real people to believe in, and of course: dragons. If you think any dragons is a good dragon, think again. Read up on the things Sidren and her tribe face and then you'll know.
Definitely a commendable book for people into fantasy, dragons and human(ish) relations.
And considering the title of the book, I'll leave it up to you who's winning so far.
This was a really good read, with lots of action, a great pace, real people to believe in, and of course: dragons. If you think any dragons is a good dragon, think again. Read up on the things Sidren and her tribe face and then you'll know.
Definitely a commendable book for people into fantasy, dragons and human(ish) relations.
August 28, 2021
Excellent Dragon Fantasy
While chatting with the author I inquired as to any novels that were not part of a series and she mentioned this title. I was not disappointed. I immediately fell into this dragon world fighting alongside human and dragon to shape a new alliance and maybe a new world. I understand there's a sequel so I go now to hunt.
While chatting with the author I inquired as to any novels that were not part of a series and she mentioned this title. I was not disappointed. I immediately fell into this dragon world fighting alongside human and dragon to shape a new alliance and maybe a new world. I understand there's a sequel so I go now to hunt.
February 27, 2023
Although this was the first and only book,(so far), that I have read from Hannah Steenbock, I thought that it was fabulously written. The inter-relationships and inter-woven story line were meaningful and satisfying to a ravenous book hound as I am. Again, this was the first of many of Hannah Steenbock's books that I plan on devouring.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews