“Call this number before you call the police.” Natalie Thomas never thought she would have to follow the cryptic instructions, but she’s forced to obey when her best friend Thea goes missing. Her day only gets weirder as she files a police report, meets Thea’s unreasonably gorgeous “cousin,” and gets attacked by a dragon in her living room.
A dragon determined to avoid love. Since his heart was shattered by his one true love, Erevan Skyblaze has filled his days with work and his evenings with meaningless flings. But when he is called to investigate the disappearance of a young dragon woman, he meets the beguiling and stubborn Natalie Thomas. Not only does she defy his dragon compulsion, she doesn’t seem to know that she’s not entirely human.
They’ll have to trust each other, or they could lose everything. Together, Erevan and Natalie begin an investigation that veers into dangerous territory as they discover the resurgence of a dragon-slaying cult. Long thought dead, these mysterious enemies pose a grave threat to the dragon world. And the fiery attraction between Erevan and Natalie may prove to be the one thing that can protect them.
Wings of Exile is Book 2 of the heart-pounding Dragons of Ascavar series. Each book can be enjoyed alone (no cliffhangers!), but fits into a larger world where an epic story unfolds over the course of the series.
Wings of Exile by JD Monroe The Dragons of Ascavar series #2. Paranormal dragon shifter romantic suspense. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series. HFN. When Natalie Thomas’s best friend disappears, she follows instructions calling a specific phone number first to report her missing, and only afterwards, the police. Then Natalie’s world changes for the weird. A dragon in her living room. And now she’s actively tracking down a dragon-slaying cult with Erevan Skyblaze trying to find her missing friend.
Natalie and Erevan together are explosive though both have past issues they need to get over. She doesn’t let his “dragon superiority” stand either. Natalie is impressively adaptable since she didn’t know about her own heritage let alone the whole world thing. Gripping, with a bit of humor, this book will have you holding your breath and reaching for the next in the series.
. Well poop. I really did enjoy this one, but then the ending was so totally HFN.
Natalie is pretty human, who is worried about her bff, Thea who hasn't been seen in almost 24 hours. She calls the number Thea gave her in case of emergencies, instead of calling the cops... but then she calls the cops anyways. I loved this, that she could think for herself and would contradict Everan. Everan is a rather grouchy dragon who expects people to just do as he says. He job is as a contact to dragons who are 'wandering' among the humans. But he doesn't really keep track of them. There's some talk in the book about his sexual past and his inability to be emotionally attached... one hook up being his partner.
Natalie has been unlucky in love and except for Thea is pretty much alone in the world.
The intrigue that unfolds after she and Everan start looking into Thea's disappearance was engrossing. And there are secrets about Natalie that are learned as they go. The world building is nicely done and fairly complex.
Everan is pretty resistant to his attraction for Natalie, but because of their enforced closeness he is unable to keep his emotional distance for very long.
I like how the author writes her characters as flawed. Everan is alpha, but with a soft underbelly. Natalie is used to being inconsequential, but makes up for it in tenacity. Their relationship is rather a whirlwind, but in the end felt kinda unfinished. It seemed like Everan was all in, but Natalie was still holding back somewhat. Hence the HFN.
OMG!! I am glad I read this book. It has been a while since I began this series. Book 2 picked up and brought the sense of discovery back to me. This book was AWESOME. There is love, suspense, facing the unbelievable, trust, heavy training. The only thing missing was the popcorn. (Please bring your own.) The author draws you into the story and leads you on an excellent journey. I am so glad there are more installments in this series. I would recommend everyone read this series.
Erevan is kinda a macho, me big dragon, you tiny human, and i first i didn't like him. But Natalie's refusal to let Erevan treat her as less had him relaxing on the cave-dragon mentality, and seeing him grow, made me like him despite first impressions. And Natalie, talk about the very definition of a strong female character. She is thrown into a world where she is out of her depth, but despite her fears, she holds her own. She doesn't let it stop her. And the plot, Ms Monroe, tell one hell of a story! I like that i didn't know what was going to happen. Her world and the magic in it are so different, it is a joy to read!
My Rating System 5 stars--WOW 4 stars--would read again 3 stars--was good, won't read again 2 stars--read it, but didn't enjoy it 1 star--didn't finish, it was so awful
Do I need to read books before this one: no Cliffhanger: not for the couple, but the war isn't over
Summary Thea, Natalie's roommate and boss, isn't at work. Perry, Natalie's other boss, suggests they do a training session while they wait. Thea and Perry co-own a gym that also teaches martial arts. By lunch, they're both worried. Natalie goes home to get the phone number Thea said to call before calling the cops. Erevan says he'll be right over. Natalie calls Perry to be her safeguard. Erevan comes to her house, does some investigating, leaves after suggesting to them that everything is fine and to not call the cops. Perry buys it completely, Natalie calls the cops. After they leave, a man comes to the door saying he's Thea's friend. Natalie tries to keep him out, but Thomas gets in. She gets her gun (don't mess with Texas), he shifts into a dragon, she shoots him, then hides while he searches for her. He eventually leaves, she calls the cops. Natalie doesn't tell them about Thomas turning into a dragon. She goes to a hotel because her home isn't safe. She calls Erevan, meets him at Dennys. She wants to know about dragons because she has a dragon scale to prove she's not off her rocker. He tries again to suggest she stay out of it. It fails again.
Evaluation This paranormal romance has a unique plot twist with the Crimson Elegy, a device that harms dragons while shifting, making them vulnerable for as long as it sounds. And the bad guys use it to do terrible things. I'm not sure of the rebels's aims or reasons. It's the second book in the series, but has no tie to the first book, other than they're dragons. No white dragons with psychological powers in this book, no blood magic in the first book. The romance grows, but I don't know why. Overall, I'm dissatisfied and not continuing the series.
Recommendation It's not a strong PNR, not gripping suspense. I don't recommend it.
Favorite Quotes She could pace and straighten the kitchen and adjust the thermostat twelve times, but Thea was still gone.
Her brother was her only remaining family. He was halfway around the world with the Army in Afghanistan. She had no boyfriend or husband to put an arm around her to reassure her that everything would be okay. Her roommate was missing, and some guy had literally transformed into a dragon to attack her in her own house. And now she had to go to a hotel because her own house wasn’t even safe. From dragons. Because apparently those were real now.
“Do you have to make an effort to sound like a jerk, or does it come with the scales?”
Possible Triggers (spoilers) Sex: one scene Language: 14 F words, 28 Lord's name in vain, 38 S words Violence: kidnapping, gun fights, arson, burns, torture
Critique (spoilers) What happened to the key cut Erevan have his arm?
How come Tarek and the Stoneflight know nothing of these dragons and Erda in our world, with their laws, etc.? I realize they keep the Gates secret from each other, but surely they'd've heard about exiles.
I was happy to get an ARC of this book, and even happier when I read it.
I've always loved dragon books, and though I haven't read much in the "dragon-shifter" subgenre, I was eager to delve into this new series (I have not read Book One yet, but that's okay, as each book in the series is about a different character).
Natalie is struggling through life, treading water as she works with her bestie Thea at a gym in Asheville, NC. One day, however, Thea doesn't come home. A brief investigation into her whereabouts uncovers a fantastical world hidden in plain sight within our own, one populated by seemingly-human men and women who can shift into various creatures, especially dragons.
She meets Erevan, a broody hunk who discovers that Thea's disappearance is the tip of a very nasty iceberg - one that threatens to bring dragon society down. Teaming up with Natalie may be the only way to get to the bottom of the conspiracy.
Ms. Monroe's writing style flows easily, keeping me turning pages with gusto. The world-building is terrific, and the character development is truly excellent. (Sohan and Ruana are AWESOME.) The dialogue is wonderful, and the action hard-hitting.
I eagerly await more of this series. Do yourself a favor and start it today.
The story was interesting, with an intriguing plot and I liked the main characters, tough there were times when I found them irritating...I didn't love them, but they were likeable. And, while I find the universe created interesting and I'm going to read the next book of the series out of curiosity, I didn't really love this book.
It was somehwta enjoyable, with an interesting premise and mystery, but I didn't particularly care for the story.
I was never fully immersed into it. I doubt I am ever going to re-read It or even care to remember much of It in the long run.
And unfortunately, I didn't feel any chemistry between the main characters Zero. Nil. Nada. I Just couldn't feel any romantic or sexual chemistry. I couldn't care less if they ever got together, and when they did get together I was completely indifferent to it. I wouldn't say that the romance felt forced, but it didn't feel natural either.
Overall, nice read but also forgettable.
This Is one of those books where I end up being indifferen to it. But I can also see why people would enjoy/love it, even if I don't feel the same.
I read a lot of paranormal romance books I like time travels vampires dragons witches etc. etc. Because I read so many it comes to a point that some of them sound very similar I I'm reading this series because it's about dragon shifters And other shifters from another world. I have read A lot of vampire romances recently, I needed something different. Shifters are definitely different than vampires. The 1st two books in this series are not tied together except by the world where they take place. The characters from the 1st book are not in the second book. And the second books characters were not in the 1st. Future books are going to tie-in with the second book as the story line was not all tied together at the end so there has to be a continuation of that storyline. Characters From this book are likely to appear in future books. The dragons , Kardaria, have to continue their efforts to stop blood magic users who are using the essence of dragons to fuel their powers
While there is no connection between the characters in the previous book and this one, they are obviously part of the same world and culture. More information is given on dragon history and habits.
Both Natalie and Erevan are interesting. Erevan's arrogant "I'm a dragon" attitude meets Natalie's attitude head on. Natalie's history, Erevan's background and the entire backstory with the Raspolin is excellent. The sexual connection takes time to build, and because the timeline is fast, at the end it's not "let's get married for the rest of our lives" but rather "let's take a chance and see where this is going". Like the previous book, this book is deeply satisfying on many levels, and I loved it.
Favorite quote: She was feeling like a regular CSI agent, at least if they ever did a CSI: Dragon edition :)
Standalone. 3rd person point of view following the main characters. Steamy.
I really enjoyed this second book in the series, the main protagonists, the plot, the world - but for one thing.
*SPOILER*
There is someone in immediate danger, they know she could be tortured, they know she will be killed, if not right away, then soon but there is a chance to save her. Now, what do they do? Rush to her? Train to defeat the bad guy? Sleep, so they are fit to fight? No. They spend hours with lovemaking. Seriously? What is wrong with those people? And how do the editors of those book not notice and tell the authors that this is NOT the appropriate time for the schmexy scene, may it be awesome and breathtaking and perfect in any other way! I just thumbed through it, nervous to get to the point where I could see if they manage to save her or not. Because to me, that was the most important thing at that time. And it should have been for the heroes too...
Wings of Exile is book 2 of JD Monroe's The Dragons of Ascavar series. This series is amazing. The world that Ms Monroe had built is so different and a refreshing twist to ages of Dragon storytelling. The characters will draw you in and have you vested in their lives right from the beginning. The twist and turns,the depth of the intrigue, the edge of your seat suspense all make you feel like you are can't put the book down. Ms Monroe's use of her own Dragon language is beautiful and sets her stories uniqueness. It's reminiscent of Tolkien's Elvin language in his Lord of the Rings series. Her added language makes the story feel more real. I can't wait to read the rest of this fantastic series.
4,5 Stars I enjoyed reading this book very much. I did not realize that this is the second book until I am writing the review, however, I did not think that anything was missing nor that it was hard to understand the history and politics of the dragons Natalie is worried about her best friend when she does not come home after a night out, I sincerely wish for a friend like Natalie, someone who would not stop at anything in order to look for her best friend and by doing so finding out that life is so not simple. Worth reading it.
This is a second book in the series. (The Dragons of Ascavar) It does not disappoint. It's a little slower to grab you than the first book, but by the second chapter the tempo picks up and it flows nicely from there. The characters are well form and likable. Her description of the universe is not overwhelming. It is easy to slide into this universe and to follow the storyline. It is not necessary to read all the books in this series. The books can stand on its own. There is a subtle underlining story that connects the books. It does make for better and faster understanding, but is not necessary. Looking forward to the next book in the series. J.D. Monroe has just become a go to author, when looking for books to read. I truely in enjoy the writen style.
Wow what a great addition. I really enjoyed this book. I love this world it is a refreshing twist on dragons with plenty of twist and turns, action, mystery, danger and lets not forget the romance. I liked the interaction between Natalie and Erevan and how their attraction grows throughout the story. I got this on KU. Will read the next book
I liked Erevan and Natalie, and I like that the author does not rely on insta-love, but allows her characters to develop feelings for each other over time. I'm enjoying this series, but I'm curious to see how they all fit together since most of the stories take place in different locations, and very few characters have occurred in more than one book or novella so far.
Natalie’s friend and roommate Thea, goes missing on a night out and after failing to find or reach her, Natalie reaches out to the emergency contact Thea gave her, when they moved in together. This has unforeseen circumstances as Natalie is dragged into the world of dragon shifters and their hidden enemies.
2nd stand-alone story in this series is also great
This second book in the series was fun to read and helped expand the universe a bit more. There was a lot of fun action, interesting characters, magic, dragons and more. All in all definitely worth reading both the books so far in the series. Hopefully the rest are as fun. I recommend this book and series.
The second major book in The Dragons of Ascovar series was unexpected. Rather than taking place in Ascavar, it all took place on earth. The two main characters were well developed, though the bad guys’ motives and methods are still a bit of a mystery. Well written.
I devoured this book. It's so much fun to read. I loved Nathalie and Erevan, and the way that Nathalie refuses to bow down to anyone. Very fast paced, with a huge amount of chemistry between the protagonists. I loved it.
Packed with suspense from the offset, Natalie and Erevan’s story is guaranteed to keep you guessing as you plunge into their breathtaking adventure filled with magic, excitement, action and sooo much evil. This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy
This is a good series. I liked the first book and this one as well. I enjoyed the story and the characters. But I didn't buy the third book. Although it's a good series, with good writing, the pace is just wrong for me. However, I can see where others would truly love this series.
Natalie is a woman who has lived through great loss but it formed her into one who is loyal to her friends. Erevan is a dragon shifter who is a good guy but a bit arrogant.
The book was a wonderful who done it as well as a great romance. It was full of mystery, action and adventure. It left me not wanting to put the book down. Every page was wonderful
I love a Dragon shifter series and this is a decent one and each one can be read as a standalone but if you are like me you need to see what the world is about. This was a decent story and an incite into the world, so i dont see how i can’t continue the series. A good dragon shifter book.