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Solstice Dragon World #1
The Dragon Question
The Dragon King is dying, all for want of an answer.
For centuries, the Dragon King has ruled over High Cadore and horded a library that is the envy of neighboring kingdoms.
Researcher Shennon Trelor, intent on hunting out the reasons for a long-standing war, never expected to be dragged in front of the terrifying king to answer the question that might save him.
But the Dragon King doesn't know what question to ask, any more than Shennon knows how to answer.
What draws her to the dragon? What drives him to keep demanding her attendance?
Is there more between them than the mystery?
Buried deep within High Cadore's libraries and archives are the answers they both seek, and Shennon will have to use all her skills to discover them.
Enjoy this standalone novel in the Solstice Dragon World, a Beauty and the Beast story with a dragony twist because time is running out for the Dragon King.
For centuries, the Dragon King has ruled over High Cadore and horded a library that is the envy of neighboring kingdoms.
Researcher Shennon Trelor, intent on hunting out the reasons for a long-standing war, never expected to be dragged in front of the terrifying king to answer the question that might save him.
But the Dragon King doesn't know what question to ask, any more than Shennon knows how to answer.
What draws her to the dragon? What drives him to keep demanding her attendance?
Is there more between them than the mystery?
Buried deep within High Cadore's libraries and archives are the answers they both seek, and Shennon will have to use all her skills to discover them.
Enjoy this standalone novel in the Solstice Dragon World, a Beauty and the Beast story with a dragony twist because time is running out for the Dragon King.
ebook
First published August 31, 2018
320 people are currently reading
334 people want to read
About the author
L. Darby Gibbs
53 books25 followersL. Darby Gibbs, aka Elldee: I have lived all over the country, so I don't feel I come from anywhere specific, but I started in Maryland and consider California my current home base. I am a teacher of creative writing.
At thirteen, I read science fiction almost exclusively, reading Asimov first and moving alphabetically down the library shelf, then turned to fantasy for a while taking in everything up through Tolkien. I spend my free time reading many of the classics, science fiction, fantasy, mystery, and contemporary fiction.
I have four fantasy series and a nonfiction book on narrative frameworks available in eBook form on Amazon, Smashwords, Kobe and other fine eBook retailers.
At thirteen, I read science fiction almost exclusively, reading Asimov first and moving alphabetically down the library shelf, then turned to fantasy for a while taking in everything up through Tolkien. I spend my free time reading many of the classics, science fiction, fantasy, mystery, and contemporary fiction.
I have four fantasy series and a nonfiction book on narrative frameworks available in eBook form on Amazon, Smashwords, Kobe and other fine eBook retailers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
March 18, 2021
This was good but a little drawn out. It’s more political and that’s something I can’t get into so I skimmed a lot of that. There is some humor and the characters were likable but I didn’t love them.
March 14, 2021
I LOVED this book. It was full of unexpected twists and turns. All of which were very interesting. She brought the characters to life. It was sad, interesting, funny and heart filling. I had to make myself put it down late at night when my eyes became to blurry to make out the words. If you like dragons, mysteries and wonderful storytelling you should read this book.
December 15, 2025
This was such a fun story to read. I thought the growing friendship/romance between the researcher and the dragon king were just written wonderfully well. There's humour and mystery and a good plot twist.
Admittedly, i thought the depth of the story, possibly because of the pacing, changed a little in the last 15-20% and wished there'd been more time for it to develop and for the characters to process. But I really thoroughly enjoyed this and looked forward to my reading time every day.
Violence & gore: mild violence, no gore
Coarse language: none
Sexual content: kissing only, no steam or spice
Admittedly, i thought the depth of the story, possibly because of the pacing, changed a little in the last 15-20% and wished there'd been more time for it to develop and for the characters to process. But I really thoroughly enjoyed this and looked forward to my reading time every day.
Violence & gore: mild violence, no gore
Coarse language: none
Sexual content: kissing only, no steam or spice
March 3, 2020
Ends at 91%
Interesting spinning the fair tale. No real romance to be seen. Very game and political instead. Curious mystery. Plenty of humor.
Interesting spinning the fair tale. No real romance to be seen. Very game and political instead. Curious mystery. Plenty of humor.
September 27, 2023
I read through this hoping its unanswered questions and riddles would be interesting. I skimmed large amounts of juvenile content.
Several times I was struck by the similarity between how this story progresses, and those 8-bit video games where you walk around each village you arrive at, asking every NPC you see, to be told a snippet of data or a plot point.
The resolution was weak.
Several times I was struck by the similarity between how this story progresses, and those 8-bit video games where you walk around each village you arrive at, asking every NPC you see, to be told a snippet of data or a plot point.
The resolution was weak.
October 17, 2021
Great book for fantasy lovers
I was intrigued beginning to end. I found excellent writing, perfect character development, and a suspenseful plot. This was an exceptionally delightful read.
I was intrigued beginning to end. I found excellent writing, perfect character development, and a suspenseful plot. This was an exceptionally delightful read.
March 19, 2020
Enjoyable, and I liked it, but not really a standout.
A Beauty and the Beast retelling, which left it fairly predictable. The only thing that really surprised me was what happened after he returned to being human - while not groundbreaking, it was still an extra step that I hadn't specifically seen coming.
It wasn't quite as tightly told as some stories I've read. There was a lot of extra detail, so the pacing was a bit slow, and at times it felt like things were mentioned and didn't come to anything. Whether that was just unneccessary world building, or red herring plot threads, or just extraneous detail, I'm not sure. It just made it slower to read, having more to wade through. What I would have enjoyed more of, though: more interactions between the dragon and Shennon. We got some, enough to see that he was intrigued with her and she with him, but not enough to really see the feelings change and the romance build.
In terms of romance, it was 3rd person, mostly from Shennon's POV. No cheating or love triangles or OW/OM drama.
Beauty and the Beast with a grumpy dragon, a bookish researcher, and a curse that he can't remember all the details to. Enjoyable (especially for a fractured fairy tale junkie like myself) but not a classic either.
A Beauty and the Beast retelling, which left it fairly predictable. The only thing that really surprised me was what happened after he returned to being human - while not groundbreaking, it was still an extra step that I hadn't specifically seen coming.
It wasn't quite as tightly told as some stories I've read. There was a lot of extra detail, so the pacing was a bit slow, and at times it felt like things were mentioned and didn't come to anything. Whether that was just unneccessary world building, or red herring plot threads, or just extraneous detail, I'm not sure. It just made it slower to read, having more to wade through. What I would have enjoyed more of, though: more interactions between the dragon and Shennon. We got some, enough to see that he was intrigued with her and she with him, but not enough to really see the feelings change and the romance build.
In terms of romance, it was 3rd person, mostly from Shennon's POV. No cheating or love triangles or OW/OM drama.
Beauty and the Beast with a grumpy dragon, a bookish researcher, and a curse that he can't remember all the details to. Enjoyable (especially for a fractured fairy tale junkie like myself) but not a classic either.
August 26, 2022
I have not read this author before and as I am a big Beauty and the Beast fan, I had to give it a go.
I think for the story the author wanted to tell it got quite long and repetitive. It was all from Shennon's point of view. I would have loved to have heard Karlyle's point of view and his origin story. It did not go into detail really about that.
Why did he kill the baby dragon? Why was Adrian with him? What was the curse? We saw what the dragon wrote in the wall about Shennon but we do not know the wording of his own curse or how the question came to be.
How did Dovni and Dumant get away with what they were doing in the archive? The big spiders were everywhere in there and reported back to the dragon, so how did Karlyle not know about it?
Saying this, I did enjoy the concept of it. I loved that the Beast was a grumpy dragon turning more and more into a dragon and that the Beauty was a researcher.
The twist at the breaking of the curse was a surprise and I thought that added a great element to the story.
The support characters also interest me and helped add to the story, they were well thought out.
Overall an interesting read, if you like Beauty and the Beast I would say it's worth a read for your own opinion.
I think for the story the author wanted to tell it got quite long and repetitive. It was all from Shennon's point of view. I would have loved to have heard Karlyle's point of view and his origin story. It did not go into detail really about that.
Why did he kill the baby dragon? Why was Adrian with him? What was the curse? We saw what the dragon wrote in the wall about Shennon but we do not know the wording of his own curse or how the question came to be.
How did Dovni and Dumant get away with what they were doing in the archive? The big spiders were everywhere in there and reported back to the dragon, so how did Karlyle not know about it?
Saying this, I did enjoy the concept of it. I loved that the Beast was a grumpy dragon turning more and more into a dragon and that the Beauty was a researcher.
The twist at the breaking of the curse was a surprise and I thought that added a great element to the story.
The support characters also interest me and helped add to the story, they were well thought out.
Overall an interesting read, if you like Beauty and the Beast I would say it's worth a read for your own opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2019
Kind of a drawn out beauty and the beast. Alas, it was a bit on the predictable side. And more than once, I wanted to explain "Chekhov's gun" to the author... There were a few things that seemed like foreshadowing but went nowhere.
February 13, 2021
3 1/2 stars
I liked the book. It was an interesting take on the beauty and beast type tale. I liked the political parts of it, I love that she is a strong MC and the fun banter she had with the dragon. I wish that there were more interaction between them. It had a good start to their romance, but I think having the political parts there took a little bit away from it. I find myself interested on just the political parts of it and then the romance part of it. When the negotiation was getting good and you want to know how it played out, you don't. You just get the end results, and it was a let down. I think it would have been nice to see how it played out. I felt like I was watching a tennis game, and only focusing on the individuals instead of the "game" as a whole. It was a fun read with good characters and even secondary ones that could have been "more". I mean, the characters from Larpa was also interesting. Too many interesting things and not enough focus on the MC's relationship that would have made them more endearing to the readers. Kimble's character was more endearing because you know why he was there and see the care he has for his King. But very creative and I love the world building.
I liked the book. It was an interesting take on the beauty and beast type tale. I liked the political parts of it, I love that she is a strong MC and the fun banter she had with the dragon. I wish that there were more interaction between them. It had a good start to their romance, but I think having the political parts there took a little bit away from it. I find myself interested on just the political parts of it and then the romance part of it. When the negotiation was getting good and you want to know how it played out, you don't. You just get the end results, and it was a let down. I think it would have been nice to see how it played out. I felt like I was watching a tennis game, and only focusing on the individuals instead of the "game" as a whole. It was a fun read with good characters and even secondary ones that could have been "more". I mean, the characters from Larpa was also interesting. Too many interesting things and not enough focus on the MC's relationship that would have made them more endearing to the readers. Kimble's character was more endearing because you know why he was there and see the care he has for his King. But very creative and I love the world building.
May 2, 2020
1 star out of pure spite
I don't know why some authors seem to think a Beauty and the Beast retelling/a story with those elements doesn't need to have romance in it, but they're wrong. Yes, we get some building of the relationship between Shennon and Karlyle, but I wouldn't call it a romance.
Honestly, I'm not sure how long this book is but it dragged on FOREVER. The parts about the Welsel/Shalla war didn't matter until the end and were so dry that I ended up just skipping them. In fact, I ended up skipping every part that wasn't about Shennon and Karlyle because nothing else mattered.
And I know the reader knew Karlyle wasn't always a dragon and that Shennon had to figure it out, but oh my god it was practically spelled out for her since she started her research on him and she still didn't figure it out until after he turned back into a human.
This book is boring, spends way to much time on a poor attempt at a court intrigue plot, and doesn't have anything resembling a romance, which the BatB elements hinge on.
I don't know why some authors seem to think a Beauty and the Beast retelling/a story with those elements doesn't need to have romance in it, but they're wrong. Yes, we get some building of the relationship between Shennon and Karlyle, but I wouldn't call it a romance.
Honestly, I'm not sure how long this book is but it dragged on FOREVER. The parts about the Welsel/Shalla war didn't matter until the end and were so dry that I ended up just skipping them. In fact, I ended up skipping every part that wasn't about Shennon and Karlyle because nothing else mattered.
And I know the reader knew Karlyle wasn't always a dragon and that Shennon had to figure it out, but oh my god it was practically spelled out for her since she started her research on him and she still didn't figure it out until after he turned back into a human.
This book is boring, spends way to much time on a poor attempt at a court intrigue plot, and doesn't have anything resembling a romance, which the BatB elements hinge on.
June 24, 2020
Not just another Beauty and Beast retelling. The Dragon Question was imaginative and innovative. While there is still the bad behavior of the young prince and a woman trapped in his castle, this story has so much more.
The maiden, Shennon, comes to the castle to add her father in preparing for an arbitration, but a case of mistaken identity changes everything. Shennon is strong and faces things head on and isn’t afraid of anything—including a Dragon King.
This book had some great twists that completely surprised me, and was full of intrigue beyond the growing relationship between Shennon and the Dragon King.
Very engaging and kept me turning the pages. I’ve already got my next book by Darby Gibbs and can’t wait to start reading it.
The maiden, Shennon, comes to the castle to add her father in preparing for an arbitration, but a case of mistaken identity changes everything. Shennon is strong and faces things head on and isn’t afraid of anything—including a Dragon King.
This book had some great twists that completely surprised me, and was full of intrigue beyond the growing relationship between Shennon and the Dragon King.
Very engaging and kept me turning the pages. I’ve already got my next book by Darby Gibbs and can’t wait to start reading it.
October 15, 2023
A riddle in an enigma in a question and answer
A page turner that hides a romance. Boys Mischief 👦 result in the complications of the history of several kingdoms. Shannen is a researcher helping her father and his team to settle disputes. She is researching the ancient war of a few centuries to determine the root of the war. The Dragon 🐉 King needs her help for his problem. Unfortunately his time of 500 years has not been enough to solve the demand of the black dragon. As usual events seem to come slowly although the action is fast enough. Description is rich without being tedious. An illustrator could draw nice pictures. There is a revealed romance. Things are connected.
A page turner that hides a romance. Boys Mischief 👦 result in the complications of the history of several kingdoms. Shannen is a researcher helping her father and his team to settle disputes. She is researching the ancient war of a few centuries to determine the root of the war. The Dragon 🐉 King needs her help for his problem. Unfortunately his time of 500 years has not been enough to solve the demand of the black dragon. As usual events seem to come slowly although the action is fast enough. Description is rich without being tedious. An illustrator could draw nice pictures. There is a revealed romance. Things are connected.
March 3, 2020
Wow! This book was a wait to get but I am so glad that I did read it. Well written with a wonderful story line. Even though you are sure that PK stands for Prince Karlyle there is still enough of a mystery to make you wonder if maybe Adrian is actually the missing Prince. Shennon is presented as perfect heroine who doesn't know she the heroine. And Adrian - my, I had my suspicions about him from the beginning.
May 25, 2022
Shennon is the heroine of this story. An unexpected heroine - she certainly is not the dragon, a princess, a warrior, not even a mage; she is a researcher - one of the best. That's what's needed at this point in the eight kingdoms' history.
The author's writing is so eloquent that Shennon's power of self-confidence, search for the truth and desire to set things right will pull you along. You'll be so involved that you'll skip dinner and read long after your body says it's time for bed.
The author's writing is so eloquent that Shennon's power of self-confidence, search for the truth and desire to set things right will pull you along. You'll be so involved that you'll skip dinner and read long after your body says it's time for bed.
May 12, 2020
Wonderful read!!
This story has it all and is beautifully written! Quests, dragons, danger, evil plots, refined ladies with the proper amount of sarcasm, true friendships, humor and love! Be prepared to stay up well into the night, to turn just one more page!! (To the author, thank you for sharing this wonderful story! I look forward to the next!). ~Beth
This story has it all and is beautifully written! Quests, dragons, danger, evil plots, refined ladies with the proper amount of sarcasm, true friendships, humor and love! Be prepared to stay up well into the night, to turn just one more page!! (To the author, thank you for sharing this wonderful story! I look forward to the next!). ~Beth
November 30, 2021
Love it
It took me a while to finish this book, but it was worth it. I will say, you could've just had Shannon be a half-dragon and half-human, so the deal could still be acceptable. The same goes with Kimble, who is my favorite, he could also be a halfie to please the dragon, but I still love the store.
It took me a while to finish this book, but it was worth it. I will say, you could've just had Shannon be a half-dragon and half-human, so the deal could still be acceptable. The same goes with Kimble, who is my favorite, he could also be a halfie to please the dragon, but I still love the store.
December 26, 2021
Unique tale
This was a story unlike any I've read. It begins with a map of this unusual world, continues through many adventures, dragon lore and twists and turns in several conflicts. There is good natured humor, an interesting castle full of life and a clean romance. It was lots of fun.
This was a story unlike any I've read. It begins with a map of this unusual world, continues through many adventures, dragon lore and twists and turns in several conflicts. There is good natured humor, an interesting castle full of life and a clean romance. It was lots of fun.
January 5, 2022
Creative version of Beauty and the Beast
I loved the characters of intrepid, caring, intellectual Shennon, pouty, needy Karlyle, and brave, loyal Kimble. Shennon has serious researcher skills which makes all the difference. I loved the twists and turns of the story and the creative plot.
I loved the characters of intrepid, caring, intellectual Shennon, pouty, needy Karlyle, and brave, loyal Kimble. Shennon has serious researcher skills which makes all the difference. I loved the twists and turns of the story and the creative plot.
October 16, 2023
Excellent read
Thoroughly enjoyable book, good world and character building. Easy to immerse yourself into their world. Very few text and punctuation errors. I really like that the author makes these books stand alone stories, that makes me want to read more of an authors books.
Thoroughly enjoyable book, good world and character building. Easy to immerse yourself into their world. Very few text and punctuation errors. I really like that the author makes these books stand alone stories, that makes me want to read more of an authors books.
May 4, 2020
I like a good mystery.
It was a good book. I enjoyed reading it. Kept me interested. I was not able to guess ahead, which makes a good story. Would make a good movie. Mystery and surprises.
It was a good book. I enjoyed reading it. Kept me interested. I was not able to guess ahead, which makes a good story. Would make a good movie. Mystery and surprises.
February 27, 2021
I delightful story and well worth the time to read
I fell in love with this book. Ms. Gibbs has crafted an amazing world right out of the fairy tales of our youth but with an adult spin. A must read for any Sci-Fi aficionados.
I fell in love with this book. Ms. Gibbs has crafted an amazing world right out of the fairy tales of our youth but with an adult spin. A must read for any Sci-Fi aficionados.
October 20, 2021
Karlysle the dragon king and shennon the researcher
Week worth reading. When a mystery beckons, Shennon can't wait to get to the bottom of it... well, when she wasn't doing research for her father's mediator team.
Week worth reading. When a mystery beckons, Shennon can't wait to get to the bottom of it... well, when she wasn't doing research for her father's mediator team.
November 17, 2021
Enthralling
I was riveted. I enjoyed it so much that as a mother with a baby who sleep is precious to, I choose to give up some of my sleeping time to read. It made me think, it entertained and made me laugh. A very good read.
I was riveted. I enjoyed it so much that as a mother with a baby who sleep is precious to, I choose to give up some of my sleeping time to read. It made me think, it entertained and made me laugh. A very good read.
December 25, 2021
Fabulous
If you love dragons, you will love this story. The author works humor, suspense, danger, bad guys, clever heroes and heroines, hard working and dedicated characters. Absolutely delightful.
If you love dragons, you will love this story. The author works humor, suspense, danger, bad guys, clever heroes and heroines, hard working and dedicated characters. Absolutely delightful.
December 28, 2021
An excellent story.
I loved this story about a dragon and a researcher. The story was told very well and the descriptions were so very vivid. Trying to piece the puzzle together, figure out what the question was and it's answer was so fun. I hope to read more from this author.
I loved this story about a dragon and a researcher. The story was told very well and the descriptions were so very vivid. Trying to piece the puzzle together, figure out what the question was and it's answer was so fun. I hope to read more from this author.
February 14, 2022
Dragon Question
Loved the book. I just could not put it down and read it straight through. Though I guessed about the dragon could never have foreseen the ending. Wonderfully written.
Loved the book. I just could not put it down and read it straight through. Though I guessed about the dragon could never have foreseen the ending. Wonderfully written.
February 16, 2022
Brave and Smart Heroin
I was so engrossed in this book I read all day to completion. The Dragon subject is one of my favorites and this story ranks high. Some surprises await you so don't miss out. Great read
I was so engrossed in this book I read all day to completion. The Dragon subject is one of my favorites and this story ranks high. Some surprises await you so don't miss out. Great read
April 5, 2022
This is a very original BatB reimagining. I loved the both MCs. Their interactions were quite excellent and drove the story well. My one complaint was that the pacing was a bit slow in places, but overall, I loved it. Be warned if you do not like spiders, there are big ones here.
September 23, 2022
The dragon question
What a fun read! The story was well layered and the ending disguised until the final reveal. I look forward to the next installment when we hear more from Kimble.
What a fun read! The story was well layered and the ending disguised until the final reveal. I look forward to the next installment when we hear more from Kimble.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews