7,000 years ago, an Amethystine dragon fell in love with a Kalleen princess, and nearly uncovered an unholy truth. As a consequence, to protect the status quo, the Amethystine were banished from the kingdom, their very existence wiped from the epics of history.
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Plagued by inescapable nightmares, Amelia wonders if the unknown dragon in her dreams, whose boundless fury destroys all she loves, is a glimpse of an ancient past…or uncertain future?
Despite her fears, the newly crowned Dragon Queen must find the courage to face the kingdom’s darkest secrets. Evil truths that those who prefer the old ways, especially the temple’s powerful leaders, will go to any length to keep in eternal shadow.
Standing steadfast by her side, Amelia's Captain Gwain, and newfound love Conner, strive to assist her. In their quest to forge a new kingdom, one free from oppression of those not blessed with a dragon form, Amelia delves deeper into the temple’s corruption and uncovers the horrors wrought upon her kingdom’s children in the name of control and power. A necessary task, for a better future, but her revelations could spark a civil war between the temples’ devoted followers and those sworn to the royal dragon bloodline.
K.L. Bone is a USA Today bestselling author of dark fantasy and paranormal romance. Her works include the bestselling Black Rose Guard dark fantasy series. The bestselling Flames of Kalleen paranormal romance series. The Rise of the Temple Gods fantasy series. And a stand-alone science fiction novel, The Indoctrination and numerous novellas.
Bone has a master’s degree in modern literary cultures and is working toward her PhD in creative writing at Queen’s University Belfast in Northern Ireland.
She wrote her first short story at the age of fifteen and grew up with an equally great love of both classical literature and speculative fiction. Bone has spent the last few years as a bit of a world traveler, living in California, London, and most recently, Belfast. When not immersed in words, of her own creation or studies, you’ll find her traveling to mythical sites that have inspired storytellers for generations.
I loved the first book in this series and was eager to continue the story with book 2. It did not disappoint! Loved the added backstory of Crystal, Fafner, and the amythestine dragons, as well as getting a deeper look into the temple's corruption. So much fantastic imagery and imagination in these stories — highly recommend to any adult fantasy lover!
Releasing The Dragon by K.L. Bone is book two in the Flames of Kalleen Series that I listened to on audio narrated by Kylie Stewart. All I can say is K.L. did it again. She does an amazing job pulling you into the story. This story does end on a cliffhanger and there is not a book three currently out. Kylie did an amazing job narrating. She uses different voices for the characters which made it easy to follow along. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves paranormal/shifter books.
Releasing the Dragon is a sequel that is just as captivating, if not more so, than the first. Romance, corrupted priestesses, dragons, AND a sibling relationship to start a war between the Crown and temples? I'm in!
Releasing the Dragon is a dual-timeline story where we have Queen Amelia in the present and Princess Crystal 7,000 years in the past, both of whom are trying to take a stand against the priestesses as they basically steal children from the nobility and force them into a catatonic state. I enjoyed the forbidden romance vibes in the flashbacks and it was really cool to learn the history of the Amethystine dragons, but I really, really loved the "present" chapters. Queen Amelia only recently overtook the throne from her sister and I loved the political drama she faced as she came into her role AND dedicated herself to saving all the women stolen and forced into the temples.
And even though Gwain and Gwen aren't the main characters in this story, the sibling duo is definitely a major part of this book. Gwain promises his sister he will protect and rescue her from the terrible fate of being with the temples, and with Queen Amelia in his corner a war has been started. No queen has ever dared stand up against, or even question, the priestesses. They believe to do so is a direct affront against their goddess. But Amelia is like, no! We're not letting them do this anymore. I LOVED THAT!!
The ending was intense and now I'm SUPER curious what Gwen's fate will be!! Eager to read book 3!!
Why...why did it have to end there? I need book 3, damn it!
This book was just engaging as the first but with a totally different angle. It does everything a good sequel should do: builds on the characters and world, has a new but related conflict and draws on foreshadowing in the first while introducing new scenarios and characters.
I adore world building that draws on history and this book does it ever so well. It’s believable within the world that’s been set up but still provides you with unexpected surprises and twists. But they all make sense within the story’s logic.
I love the building on the moral dilemmas here. The first book gave us a taste of it but this story really pulls in the main course. I was utterly divided and didn’t know for sure which one _I_ would chose!
I can’t wait for the third book to see how this all pans out!
This is fast becoming a favorite series of mine! Between the story and the narrator’s voice, I am transported into this fantasy world and don’t want to leave. I can picture the dragons and castle. Even the characters. I have mad love for these characters. There’s trouble ahead but Queen Amelia is holding her own. The fight to do what’s right isn’t always easy or clear. That ending though!! I truly enjoyed this one and I really hope the next one comes out soon! I give this 5 stars.
KL Bone again did not disappoint with this book. She gave you romance with Amelia and Connor, a love that grows stronger by the day. There was adventure in the present and the past. Amelia found ancient scrolls hidden and took them to read. What is happening now with the priestess and the temples taking young girls to be so called voices. They say history repeats itself. The only difference is that the Queen in the past was a nasty bitch. Another Queen I came to hate! The history of the past was an adventure all in itself. I love it when they reflect back and bring out the good, the bad and the ugly. Amelia takes Gwen, Gwain, Connor and a bunch of guards to the mountains to try and “cure” Gwen. Be careful what you wish for, because you may be very surprised at what you get. Like a dragon from your nightmares. And of course you are left hanging at the end. Next book please! Boy I love KL Bone’s books!
This is such a hypnotic enchant story that you cannot put it down as you desperately want to see what is going to happen. Amazing story telling with incredible characters.
Narrator does a great job. She has a nice accent and fits the tone of the story well.
This is the 2nd book in this series, so definitely start with book 1 before starting this one. This book starts after the events of the first book.
The story is entertaining and the writing is great. Love Amelia’s strength and intelligence; she’s a good queen. Love how Amelia and Connor are so sweet together, and they have such passion between them. He’s so supportive of her. They have a wonderful connection. The thing that doesn’t work for me as much is how depressed I feel reading this story; about 85% of this book is depressing, which is similar to the first book. The present story is a little more hopeful, but the author gets her depressing quotient in by having a depressing story from the past. Amelia finds some scrolls that tell the story of a dragon princess long ago that tries to take on the horrible priestesses. In the present, Amelia is also trying to take down the evil corruption that the priestesses have been allowed to complete many atrocities against many innocents. The author has created a unique story that draws me in, so I’m still looking forward to reading the next book. Unfortunately, another depressing thing is that it seems the next book isn’t out and this one ends with some cliffhangers. So, yeah, a very good story with some strong and wonderful characters, but it’s depressing.
A fascinating dragon shifter fantasy 4 stars overall, 4 stars story, 4 stars narration
I quite enjoyed this second book of a solidly written dragon fantasy. This series need to be read in order. The author K.L. Bone takes the subject matter seriously and has created a detailed royal court with dramatic events. There is only a small splash of romance. There is violence and an instance of attempted rape, so this is definitely not YA. This volume continues the story of the Amelia, the new dragon-shifter queen of Kalleen. New political tension with the Temples and uncovered secrets from thousands of years ago kept me interested. There is a cliffhanger, which I expected and I liked. The overall tone is a little sad, but the determination of Amelia and the loyalty of her friends balanced out the sad tone. I recommend this to anyone who wants a serious dragon fantasy for adults.
The narrator Kylie Stewart delivers a beautiful, regal performance that is perfect for bringing this book to life. Her high-class English accent works really well for the nobility of Kalleen, and it brings elegance to the political intrigue at the royal court. She is pretty good at differentiating the voices of the different characters. I think that she talks a little too slowly, so I usually listened at 1.25x speed. I wish her men's voices could have been a little bit deeper. Overall, the narrator did a great job.
I requested and received a free audiobook copy via #AudiobookObsession, and I voluntarily wrote this honest review. #AudiobookObsession Reviewer
The Second book in the series, and Wow, this one is truly amazing, K.L. Bone at the top of her game. State versus the Church, Non-Shifters rights to be accepted as equals, Having to deal with religious extremists versus protecting the State and ALL the citizens. Many parallels to today, but told in a way that keep you wanting to read the next page.
"The battle. The Dreams. The lords who feel wronged by my attempts to treat all people, shifters and non-shifters alike, as equal. There are so many threats to this kingdom. So much wickedness has been allowed to run amok. I do not know where to begin."
For me this story really hits home, really resonates with me, and in my opinion, K.L Bones greatest book yet. This is a story I will b e reading and re-reading many times. What is not to love about it. The fight of what is rights of everyone versus the "rights" of those in power to stay in power. Dragons, Knights, Ladies in distress, Chivalry Code. Yet, the stories resonate with what is going on today. Beautifully written, guaranteed to grab your attention and never let it wander.
I absolutely love everything that K.L. Bone has written to date and i am only left in awe when i dive into another one of her amazing stories!
I fell in love with the characters of this story in the first installment. One of my top favorite dragon shifter stories to date!
This story will keep you turning the page until there are no more pages to turn and then you will want to go back and do it all over again! It is absolutely mesmerizing and awe inspired. K.L. Bones words are like a magic cloak that envelopes you until there is no more left in the book!
I love that we get to go through the trials of getting each and every person, shifter and non-shifter, treated as equals no matter what. That is how it should ultimately be, we are all the same and we are all unique but each and every person should have respect and be treated as equals.
Amelia is a strong and courageous woman who has to take on a lot at such a young age after she endured so much. She handles it with poise and grace and her peoples futures are always kept at the forefront! She fights for those she loves and those she protects.
If you’re reading this review, you’ve read book one (Embracing the Dragon). I don’t need to introduce our beloved butt-kicker, Amelia. Nor do I need to gush about all the characters. You’ve already fallen in love with them!
I am going to cover the marvelous writing the young Bone created. It’s seamless. Like the characters took control of her hands and wrote the story for her. I have held Indoctrination in the number one spot for my KL Bone faves...pretty much since I started reading her books. Sorry, Indoctrination, there’s a new first: Releasing the Dragon!
The writing is superior and captivating. It took like three days to finish. It��s really THAT good! Folks, it’s a page turner from the first glint of Amelia’s eye to the very last word written. I cannot wait to see what happens! Soooooo hooked!
You know the routine! Don’t take my word for it. Grab your dragon and dive in!
Releasing the Dragon (Flames of Kalleen Book 2) continues to pique my passion. I love this paranormal romance series and dragon shapeshifters are one of my favourite kind. I love learning the vivid history of this paranormal realm through flashbacks. An engaging seamless narrative with compelling characters. Beautiful, tragic and sultry moments splashdown throughout the narrative. Intricate pieces of the puzzle revealed in tiers only to gain more questions. Looking forward to listening to book three when available.
Narator Kylie Stewart performance is perfect. I absolutely love it. Her intonation is flawless. A calming, soothing and relaxing sense is felt while listening.
Amelia has fought for peace love and for her people to be saved and to live a gentle kind loving life there is so many obstacles though she fought her sister to save the kingdom never wanting to be queen then fought the high priestess and freed all the children the guard that had saved her his sister was taken she has been drugged and Daniela has been reading old scrolls about what had happened her dreams like the girl are terrifying now she has done what the scrolls have said how one princess freed her love and when she freed the girl the Dragon of her nightmares is there and in her castle there is trouble brewing what will happen read the next book
I really loved reading this book. I think the story of Amelia only got better! In this book we start to learn the history of why the the dragons of Kalleen have been separated and where the Amethystine dragons have gone. I loved learning of the history through the flashbacks. I think the story was beautifully written and flowed really well. I'm curious to know what has become of Gwen since the book ends with a huge cliff hanger. I have no problem with cliff hangers so I loved this book. I think they keep us guessing and coming back for more! Definitely recommend reading this series. I know you will fall in love with it as I have.
Divided kingdom. Queen determined to use her power to protect the kingdom. Attempted destruction of a dragon race in the past under false pretenses by others for their own agendas.
Comparison - being lost in dragon form vs being lost in human form
Balance human life with the dragon. Faith and fortification. Defend the defenseless. Choices between family and love. Stand by choices. Life isn’t always what we would’ve chosen, but sometimes we choose it for love.
“If not for one girl, then what is worth fighting for?” “Call me by a lesser title one more time!” “Kill us.” “A fate worse than death.”
Wow I couldn't put this book down. From the first paragraph I was sucked in. The author's way with words and story telling is fantastic.
I love how Amelia has become such an amazing Queen. She is so strong and feisty and absolutely sticks up for what she believes in and what she believes is right! She is going to make waves as the new Queen.
I can't wait to get into book three. Thank the goddess I wont have to wait long as book three will be out soon.
Thank you KL Bone for the 5 star read. This review was done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official book blog.
I can’t get enough of this series! I love Amelia she is a badass!! I love Gwain he is amazing and so loyal. I love Conner too, I hope he continues to be by Amelias side throughout the series. I can not believe all that has transpired through out this story! Also finding out about the hidden history...wow.. I can’t wait to read the next book! This is a must read series! It is absolutely amazing!!
Wow... this book was just as good. If not, slightly better than the first one. I've always loved history so maybe it was the back and forth of now and 7000 years ago that made me think this one was slightly better. But I love both of these books. I was actually sad when it was over. And even sadder when I realized I would have to wait for the third book. I highly recommend these books and hope KL Bone continues writing them for a long time!
What an amazing story. Dragons, love, action, adventure, suspense, secrets, corruption, truths, and a looming war. There's more revealed in this, with a plot that only thickens. It's a page turner that I couldn't put down from the first page. Then the continuing storyline, loved it and the growth within the characters. I also liked the flashbacks, how they were presented, and how it played into the overall story. A must read in this series.
Oh this book is soooooo good! The words leap from the page and you can clearly see the action happening as if watching a major battle on "Game of Thrones". Beautiful, tragic, passionate, so many emotions all in one. I could not recommend this series more. IF you love dragons this is a wonderfully original and amazing series to read. Do it today you will not be sorry!
Great paranormal romance! I was just as hooked on book 2 as I was on book 1. I really enjoyed all the pieces of this story. There is mystery, romance and suspense! The flashbacks really helped answer some questions beautifully and added a great layer. The narrator's voice is beautiful and is perfect for the characters. #AudiobookObsessionReviewer
I am loving the series. Definitely ends on a cliffhanger though. Hopefully the next one is out since I didn’t check. The storyline is awesome. I normally don’t love dragon stories but this one I can’t put down. Amelia is amazing but I wish there was more to Conner. I don’t feel his character is developing enough. Really excited for the next book though.
So good! So much more revealed, so many lies, secrets, and loves! I was captivated from first word to last, beautifully written and narrated. I hope there's MORE, I absolutely love this series!! Soooo amazing! On to many more KL Bone books, I'm officially hooked :) AWESOME!!!
This book picks up the momentum of the plot from book 1. The spice level also increased from what I would call a .5 to a 1-2. I am super invested in the plotline and can't wait to start book 3. This book has twists and turns. Emotionally dynamic and action packed.
This book has so much going on you won’t get bored. It’s written well and Kylie gives such a great performance and has lovely tones to her voice. #audiobookobsessionreviewer
What an amazing story. Dragons, love, action, adventure, suspense, secrets, corruption, truths, and a looming war. There's more revealed in this, with a plot that only thickens. It's a page turner that I couldn't put down from the first page. Then the continuing storyline, loved it and the growth within the characters. I also liked the flashbacks, how they were presented, and how it played into the overall story. A must read in this series.