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Steel Dragon [Original] #1
Steel Dragon
Dragons rule the world. Their claws are into every aspect of human life, from government to industry. But Kristen Hall is about to throw a wrench into all of that. Because she's a dragon, too. She just doesn't know it . . . yet! A dragon raised by humans, in the human world. After graduating from the police academy, she's dropped right into the ranks of Detroit's elite SWAT team. A rookie, in SWAT? Unheard of. But what the dragons want, they get. The reasons behind their machinations become clear as her dragon powers begin to surface. Will Kristen rise to the challenges her new life delivers? What designs do the dragons have for her future? And perhaps most pressing of all--how did she come to be a dragon with human parents?
657 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 22, 2019
2297 people are currently reading
605 people want to read
About the author
Kevin O. McLaughlin
175 books138 followersWhen not practicing hobbies which include sailing, constructing medieval armor, and swinging swords at his friends, Kevin McLaughlin can usually be found in his Boston home. Kevin’s award-winning short fiction is now available in digital form at all major ebook retailers. He writes fantasy in settings both historical and contemporary, and science fiction in both the near and distant future.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
May 27, 2022
Started off okay but dragged later on. The writing style and story were kind of interesting but after the first OP steel skin death machine scene, I lost interest. None of the characters were all that great, besides the one who died. I just couldn’t really make myself care about the MC. I did like the setting of Detroit but that was about it. I DNFed around the 30% mark. 1.5 stars.
January 6, 2020
I picked this book at random from Kindle Unlimited. The low rating is partially because it wasn't my bag of tea. Even though it features dragons.
Regardless, my two chief complaints are as follows:
1) Lack of world-building: our heroine is a dragon, who grew up believing to be human. Thus, she is in the unique position of getting to know both perspectives as to a conflict that is brewing underneath the surface. Unfortunately, we have no idea why this conflict is brewing other than the dragons taking little interest in the faith of man due to the difference in life span. Also, we only see the human side in this book. And since the book focuses mainly on building camaraderie with her team members, there is little to no information about that either.
2) Main character: I will admit that my dislike of the main character is partially due to the second season of Supergirl after it moved to The CW. Besides her always being cheered on for accomplishments that were the result of her dragon nature and not her hard work, she let's those get to her head. While she explains this as wanting to protect her team members, she is continually endangering them with her arrogance. And this arrogance already annoyed me in Supergirl.
On top of that, she had severe memory problems. Frequently people would tell her something, and when that became relevant, she acted as if it came as a great surprise. For example, her father told her that she might be a dragon. And then she keeps on wondering form pages without end, where this power is coming from. Because you are a dragon, you stupid twit. Your dad just told you so.
Honestly, I won't read the second one. There was too little of the world to determine if it was interesting. Instead, I have an unlikeable main character, slow pacing (I skimmed the text a lot), and forced camaraderie. It's like watching a nineties Schwarzenegger movie such as Predator.
But if you do like team members hazing each other and then fighting against overwhelming odds - though the others barely mattered - then this book could be for you.
Regardless, my two chief complaints are as follows:
1) Lack of world-building: our heroine is a dragon, who grew up believing to be human. Thus, she is in the unique position of getting to know both perspectives as to a conflict that is brewing underneath the surface. Unfortunately, we have no idea why this conflict is brewing other than the dragons taking little interest in the faith of man due to the difference in life span. Also, we only see the human side in this book. And since the book focuses mainly on building camaraderie with her team members, there is little to no information about that either.
2) Main character: I will admit that my dislike of the main character is partially due to the second season of Supergirl after it moved to The CW. Besides her always being cheered on for accomplishments that were the result of her dragon nature and not her hard work, she let's those get to her head. While she explains this as wanting to protect her team members, she is continually endangering them with her arrogance. And this arrogance already annoyed me in Supergirl.
On top of that, she had severe memory problems. Frequently people would tell her something, and when that became relevant, she acted as if it came as a great surprise. For example, her father told her that she might be a dragon. And then she keeps on wondering form pages without end, where this power is coming from. Because you are a dragon, you stupid twit. Your dad just told you so.
Honestly, I won't read the second one. There was too little of the world to determine if it was interesting. Instead, I have an unlikeable main character, slow pacing (I skimmed the text a lot), and forced camaraderie. It's like watching a nineties Schwarzenegger movie such as Predator.
But if you do like team members hazing each other and then fighting against overwhelming odds - though the others barely mattered - then this book could be for you.
November 16, 2019
I quite enjoyed the first quarter of the book, it started really well and Kirsten looked like she was going to be a very interesting character. However once she realises she is a dragon it starts to fall apart, she becomes annoyingly stupid and the author just dragged it on and on. OK I get that she had survivor’s guilt but how long do we have to put up with her behaving like a complete moron.
January 5, 2024
DNF at 34%
Clunky prose, repetitive narration, and a meandering plot really killed this one for me. The first quarter of the book is ok, not great. Kristen joins swat and has to convince the team to accept her and prove that she deserves to be there. The characters are ok, some unlikeable, some very neutral. I didn’t really root for or care about any of them, which is a bit of a red flag by the time I decided to stop reading.
I found myself physically giving a thumbs down to some of the narration and description choices, such as:
“His Southern accent immediately cooled the heated conversation”
Kristen started out a bit basic but interesting, the authors felt I needed to know she couldn’t cook and decided to convey that character fact by reminding me like 5 times in the first chapter. Also they really needed you to know she is super attractive, and repeatedly bring that up in kind of weird and jarring ways.
The dragon stuff should have been the beginning of when this book got interesting, but I really started to hate it once the dragons got a bigger part to play. Also there’s “Dragon SWAT” which is apparently where Kristen will eventually end up after she has enough training?
Overall I don’t recommend this to anyone and wish it hadn’t been available when I was looking for new books
Clunky prose, repetitive narration, and a meandering plot really killed this one for me. The first quarter of the book is ok, not great. Kristen joins swat and has to convince the team to accept her and prove that she deserves to be there. The characters are ok, some unlikeable, some very neutral. I didn’t really root for or care about any of them, which is a bit of a red flag by the time I decided to stop reading.
I found myself physically giving a thumbs down to some of the narration and description choices, such as:
“His Southern accent immediately cooled the heated conversation”
Kristen started out a bit basic but interesting, the authors felt I needed to know she couldn’t cook and decided to convey that character fact by reminding me like 5 times in the first chapter. Also they really needed you to know she is super attractive, and repeatedly bring that up in kind of weird and jarring ways.
The dragon stuff should have been the beginning of when this book got interesting, but I really started to hate it once the dragons got a bigger part to play. Also there’s “Dragon SWAT” which is apparently where Kristen will eventually end up after she has enough training?
Overall I don’t recommend this to anyone and wish it hadn’t been available when I was looking for new books
dnf
March 22, 2020DNF 33%
After the "reveal" and the big battle I found that I'm not really interested in the dragon politics I assume will be a large part going forward, and the book is about 600 pages. Sadly the main character and side characters aren't enough to make me want to wade through the rest of the book.
After the "reveal" and the big battle I found that I'm not really interested in the dragon politics I assume will be a large part going forward, and the book is about 600 pages. Sadly the main character and side characters aren't enough to make me want to wade through the rest of the book.
October 26, 2022
Steel Dragon, written by Kevin McLaughlin, narrated by Emily Beresford. I found this audiobook and the whole series at my library, and I really wanted to like them. A modern-day urban fantasy set in Detroit, with dragons, what is there not to like?
Even though it is a good size read, the book lacks world-building and character development. With the exception of the MC, you get very little insight into other characters, and as a result, I found it hard to relate to and like them. Steel Dragon the first book in the series is long for the genre, at over 17 hours of audio, and while I thought the dialog and writing during the first third of the book were a bit rough, I was determined to push through to the end, planning on giving the read 2 stars, but hoping the series would improve with subsequent books. Did I mention, my library has a bunch of these books?
I find myself 10 hours and a bit over 50% in the story, and very frustrated. I just cannot continue. The writing is not improving, the dialog is immature, and the decisions being made by the MC and the supporting cast, are simply illogical. The MC is not a teenager, and there is a difference between witty military/tactical police banter and childish dialog. Adding a bunch of profanity into the dialog does not make it the former.
This is a fantasy novel, so I am not expecting the story to conform to reality, but I do expect reasonable decisions and responsible tactical decisions and actions from "smart" characters. If you are going to write about anti-terrorism and SWAT tactics in a fantasy world, at least make those tactical decisions make sense in the context of the world created. Sorry, I hope this series gets better because it held a lot of promise, but it is just not for me.
Even though it is a good size read, the book lacks world-building and character development. With the exception of the MC, you get very little insight into other characters, and as a result, I found it hard to relate to and like them. Steel Dragon the first book in the series is long for the genre, at over 17 hours of audio, and while I thought the dialog and writing during the first third of the book were a bit rough, I was determined to push through to the end, planning on giving the read 2 stars, but hoping the series would improve with subsequent books. Did I mention, my library has a bunch of these books?
I find myself 10 hours and a bit over 50% in the story, and very frustrated. I just cannot continue. The writing is not improving, the dialog is immature, and the decisions being made by the MC and the supporting cast, are simply illogical. The MC is not a teenager, and there is a difference between witty military/tactical police banter and childish dialog. Adding a bunch of profanity into the dialog does not make it the former.
This is a fantasy novel, so I am not expecting the story to conform to reality, but I do expect reasonable decisions and responsible tactical decisions and actions from "smart" characters. If you are going to write about anti-terrorism and SWAT tactics in a fantasy world, at least make those tactical decisions make sense in the context of the world created. Sorry, I hope this series gets better because it held a lot of promise, but it is just not for me.
November 22, 2019
Plot holes big enough to fly dragons through.
Rough read, skimmed much of it due to the whiny main character and odd world building.
Dragons control the world, yet no one seems to know how their rules work? A police Capt who is clueless as to how laws apply to Dragons vs Humans? A police Captain not knowing how dragon laws are different than human laws...
Dragon SWAT's (yes it's a thing) lead dragon has to explain it the main character, and everyone else, multiple times that human laws don't apply to dragons.
How can that NOT be a whole course in police academy?! Or just known cos ya know dragons rule the world?
MC is whiny, doesn't listen to authority, constantly endangers her team(they forgive her every time), and always over reacts. Heaven forbid she calm down, and just ask questions. Nope she's got to fly off half-cocked in a rage.
Her yo-yo of extreme emotional response from determination, to stupidity, to rage, to something else results in a constant state of her apologizing.
I liked the concept(hence skimming it), but I think it needs a serious overhaul.
Rough read, skimmed much of it due to the whiny main character and odd world building.
Dragons control the world, yet no one seems to know how their rules work? A police Capt who is clueless as to how laws apply to Dragons vs Humans? A police Captain not knowing how dragon laws are different than human laws...
Dragon SWAT's (yes it's a thing) lead dragon has to explain it the main character, and everyone else, multiple times that human laws don't apply to dragons.
How can that NOT be a whole course in police academy?! Or just known cos ya know dragons rule the world?
MC is whiny, doesn't listen to authority, constantly endangers her team(they forgive her every time), and always over reacts. Heaven forbid she calm down, and just ask questions. Nope she's got to fly off half-cocked in a rage.
Her yo-yo of extreme emotional response from determination, to stupidity, to rage, to something else results in a constant state of her apologizing.
I liked the concept(hence skimming it), but I think it needs a serious overhaul.
November 7, 2019
It was okay
The beginning was good, and the characters were well developed. However, the more I read, the more I despised the main character. She just got more and more cocky, and was under the impression that she needed to singlehandedly take on every bad guy in the book. The one dragon at the beginning...McCormick Kensington?...wants to be called Ken. He’s pretty, with blond hair. I immediately got the impression of a Ken doll. There’s only one scene that he’s in, and doesn’t reappear in the story as far as I can tell. I started to skip after about sixty percent of the way through. Main character was annoying, and finally became a dragon at the very end to defeat the villain. Honestly, I despised the main character so much that I felt I could empathize more with the villain of the story. I doubt that’s what the authors intended...
The beginning was good, and the characters were well developed. However, the more I read, the more I despised the main character. She just got more and more cocky, and was under the impression that she needed to singlehandedly take on every bad guy in the book. The one dragon at the beginning...McCormick Kensington?...wants to be called Ken. He’s pretty, with blond hair. I immediately got the impression of a Ken doll. There’s only one scene that he’s in, and doesn’t reappear in the story as far as I can tell. I started to skip after about sixty percent of the way through. Main character was annoying, and finally became a dragon at the very end to defeat the villain. Honestly, I despised the main character so much that I felt I could empathize more with the villain of the story. I doubt that’s what the authors intended...
December 16, 2019
DNF
This was a great premise. That said, I found the dialog juvenile and Kristen's storyline stilted. The superhero attitude was cringeworthy, and at that point I couldn't finish.
This was a great premise. That said, I found the dialog juvenile and Kristen's storyline stilted. The superhero attitude was cringeworthy, and at that point I couldn't finish.
December 16, 2024
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I want to change my scoring by 0.50 or more of a star. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)
Another book that I thought I'd posted a review for years ago. All I know is I rated it a two, because that's noted in his 'free to download' books folder and for which book.
I'll eventually try another of his 'first in series' that I own, to see if I can get the author rating up. I'm hoping this book is an aberration!
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: No for this series. ---- Possibly of his other books, since I already own some other 1st in series.
Would you recommend?: No
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
Another book that I thought I'd posted a review for years ago. All I know is I rated it a two, because that's noted in his 'free to download' books folder and for which book.
I'll eventually try another of his 'first in series' that I own, to see if I can get the author rating up. I'm hoping this book is an aberration!
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: No for this series. ---- Possibly of his other books, since I already own some other 1st in series.
Would you recommend?: No
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
December 28, 2019
Action packed urban fantasy
Wow, this was so much fun! The concept was amazing, and seriously, who can pass up a dragon shifter book? Not this gal.
The characters were so much fun. I love the snarky attitudes of the SWAT team, and although it’s mot all sunshine and roses, the difficulties faced by the characters only makes them better IMO.
Really enjoyed the interactions between the humans and dragons, and can’t wait to read the next book to see what the Masked One is up to (his villainous plans, etc.), and what happens to the Steel Dragon as she integrates into dragon society.
4 stars ⭐️
Wow, this was so much fun! The concept was amazing, and seriously, who can pass up a dragon shifter book? Not this gal.
The characters were so much fun. I love the snarky attitudes of the SWAT team, and although it’s mot all sunshine and roses, the difficulties faced by the characters only makes them better IMO.
Really enjoyed the interactions between the humans and dragons, and can’t wait to read the next book to see what the Masked One is up to (his villainous plans, etc.), and what happens to the Steel Dragon as she integrates into dragon society.
4 stars ⭐️
September 18, 2021
This is not the typical fantasy dragon book.
It is part coming-of-age, action, police procedural, urban fantasy, and dragon.
The length is the only thing that I was initially concerned about, but things all came together and moved along.
It is part coming-of-age, action, police procedural, urban fantasy, and dragon.
The length is the only thing that I was initially concerned about, but things all came together and moved along.
January 13, 2020
Looking forward to more books in the series.
November 25, 2019
Couldn't read it due to the massive amounts of foul language
You people need to get a clue using f-bombs is lazy way to write a story. There are more than enough words in our language to come up with creative ways to articulate there was cursing with out using curse words. At the very least Amazon needs to follow Vudu's example with their family play and create a family friendly way to read electronic books.
You people need to get a clue using f-bombs is lazy way to write a story. There are more than enough words in our language to come up with creative ways to articulate there was cursing with out using curse words. At the very least Amazon needs to follow Vudu's example with their family play and create a family friendly way to read electronic books.
February 16, 2020
When a Human Is More Than She Dreamed!
I confess, I'm a huge dragon fan. In high school, my nickname was Dragonlady! I love a new twist to the care of Dragon lie being created by intensely imaginative people. Michael Anderle and Kevin McLaughlin have expertly crafted an alternative world in which drains and humans have coexisted for millennia. The beginning of this most enjoyable, action oriented series puts the reader in Detroit, following the protagonist, Kristen Hall, while she begins here career as a police officer - with a tough assignment - being a raw rookie in SWAT! Naturally, a recent graduate going straight into SWAT doesn't sit well with her new teammates. Then, she starts showing signs of being something very not human. A dragon. And you think you've had a hard day?
This book was a finely crafted, eye gluing, bite your lip at the non-stop twists, explains, and a giant chasm between dragons and humans. Well Kristen find a way to bridge this great gap between the species? More importantly, will she lose the humanity of family and friends, or start looking at humans like other dragons - as if humans are no better than cattle? Navigating life for Kristen had become about as easy as running a NASCAR race through a ten mile wide hedge maze!
Highly recommended for fans of Urban Fantasy, Dragons, and Alternate Universes. Fantastic collaboration by the authors, this is a series to follow!
I confess, I'm a huge dragon fan. In high school, my nickname was Dragonlady! I love a new twist to the care of Dragon lie being created by intensely imaginative people. Michael Anderle and Kevin McLaughlin have expertly crafted an alternative world in which drains and humans have coexisted for millennia. The beginning of this most enjoyable, action oriented series puts the reader in Detroit, following the protagonist, Kristen Hall, while she begins here career as a police officer - with a tough assignment - being a raw rookie in SWAT! Naturally, a recent graduate going straight into SWAT doesn't sit well with her new teammates. Then, she starts showing signs of being something very not human. A dragon. And you think you've had a hard day?
This book was a finely crafted, eye gluing, bite your lip at the non-stop twists, explains, and a giant chasm between dragons and humans. Well Kristen find a way to bridge this great gap between the species? More importantly, will she lose the humanity of family and friends, or start looking at humans like other dragons - as if humans are no better than cattle? Navigating life for Kristen had become about as easy as running a NASCAR race through a ten mile wide hedge maze!
Highly recommended for fans of Urban Fantasy, Dragons, and Alternate Universes. Fantastic collaboration by the authors, this is a series to follow!
December 24, 2019
This is another one of the rather huge collection of books that Michael Anderle has his name on. His name has become more of a franchise than that of an author and I sincerely doubt that he has been much involved in the actual writing of this book. I picked it up because I found the book blurb somewhat interesting.
It’s a decent enough book. Far from great but it was rather enjoyable. Then it’s a kind of story that I like. Young protagonist who doesn’t know that he, or in this case she, is actually more than she is and is about to discover this.
The, somewhat alternate reality, universe where dragons rule is fairly interesting. I do like dragon stories as well by the way. The author certainly introduces some new twists on the origin of pixies and dwarfs.
There’s, not surprisingly, a underlying story that seems to be related to how and why Kristen is indeed a dragon and of which we get a few hints in this first book in the series. Enough to peek my interest.
There’s a fair amount of rather good action and plenty of development for the main protagonist. The writing is quite decent and overall this was a rather entertaining book. Not more than 3 out of 5 stars entertaining but still enough for me to put the next book in the series on my to-read list.
As a European living a couple of hours away from Italy I have to object to Kristen putting pineapple on her pizza though. There should be a death penalty on such atrocities.
It’s a decent enough book. Far from great but it was rather enjoyable. Then it’s a kind of story that I like. Young protagonist who doesn’t know that he, or in this case she, is actually more than she is and is about to discover this.
The, somewhat alternate reality, universe where dragons rule is fairly interesting. I do like dragon stories as well by the way. The author certainly introduces some new twists on the origin of pixies and dwarfs.
There’s, not surprisingly, a underlying story that seems to be related to how and why Kristen is indeed a dragon and of which we get a few hints in this first book in the series. Enough to peek my interest.
There’s a fair amount of rather good action and plenty of development for the main protagonist. The writing is quite decent and overall this was a rather entertaining book. Not more than 3 out of 5 stars entertaining but still enough for me to put the next book in the series on my to-read list.
As a European living a couple of hours away from Italy I have to object to Kristen putting pineapple on her pizza though. There should be a death penalty on such atrocities.
April 17, 2020
Just wow...
Two notes to start this review. A) If you’re offended by strong, profuse language, this is not the book for you. B) If you’re not a fan of long books (good Lord, 160,000 words and for the first installment of a series no less!), definitely not for you. But if you enjoy a great action adventure from points of view that most dragon shifter books don’t usually cover, then this is definitely up your alley.
Straight up, I wasn’t sure I was going to enjoy this novel when I started it. But by the end, I was won over. The fact that it incorporated SWAT into the main plot was an unexpected bonus, especially in Detroit. Many different points of view were explored and I truly loved that about the story. The gritty world in which it was set, while based on our own with addition of fantasy creatures, was wonderfully thought out.
All in all, I will be picking up the next book. Upon reading that the next installment is an even larger 180,000 words, my inner bookworm is quivering with wide eyes. But I think we’re up to the challenge. Here’s to hoping Steel Dragon 2 doesn’t disappoint…
Just a note to the authors Kevin McLaughlin and Michael Anderle. Just what did your editor say when you plopped a 160,000 words on their desk? If I did that with mine, I think she’d match a few more of the choicest curses Jonesy could come up with…
Two notes to start this review. A) If you’re offended by strong, profuse language, this is not the book for you. B) If you’re not a fan of long books (good Lord, 160,000 words and for the first installment of a series no less!), definitely not for you. But if you enjoy a great action adventure from points of view that most dragon shifter books don’t usually cover, then this is definitely up your alley.
Straight up, I wasn’t sure I was going to enjoy this novel when I started it. But by the end, I was won over. The fact that it incorporated SWAT into the main plot was an unexpected bonus, especially in Detroit. Many different points of view were explored and I truly loved that about the story. The gritty world in which it was set, while based on our own with addition of fantasy creatures, was wonderfully thought out.
All in all, I will be picking up the next book. Upon reading that the next installment is an even larger 180,000 words, my inner bookworm is quivering with wide eyes. But I think we’re up to the challenge. Here’s to hoping Steel Dragon 2 doesn’t disappoint…
Just a note to the authors Kevin McLaughlin and Michael Anderle. Just what did your editor say when you plopped a 160,000 words on their desk? If I did that with mine, I think she’d match a few more of the choicest curses Jonesy could come up with…
June 9, 2023
3.5 stars changed to 4.5 stars
original review
There were unique aspects to this tale that I was delighted with. There is potential for an intricate magic system based on what has been uncovered in the 8 books. The main protagonist is headstrong and runs into dangerous scenarios without thinking because she is propelled by her dragon instincts to protect what is hers. This tends to work out for here in most cases. The addition of the terrorist cell and the medical experiments are interesting. I like that the book is centered around the current political climate and how the dragons have control in the background. I would definitely pick up the next books in this series. It was a good read.
updated review
After finishing the Steel Dragon Omnibus: Books 9-15
I was harsh in my original review, the book length was substantial taking into consideration that there were 15 sections to the story which ended up being close to 3400 pages in length. The writing evolution from the first 500 pages to the last 500 pages was clear. If the writers spent any more time on world building the book would have been very difficult to get through. Either I got used to the writing style or the writing improved by that point. I landed up really enjoying this story. Dragons, pixies, mages, and whatnot are not unique. What makes a story unique and memorable is how you take those ideas and create something that hasn't been done before. The Steel Dragon was a good solid character and I would definitely read the spin-offs.
The number of DNF reviews for this book is mainly because the build-up is slow and follows The Steel Dragons' growth from leaving the police Academy to stepping into her full power. If you can try and stick with the book it does get better.
original review
There were unique aspects to this tale that I was delighted with. There is potential for an intricate magic system based on what has been uncovered in the 8 books. The main protagonist is headstrong and runs into dangerous scenarios without thinking because she is propelled by her dragon instincts to protect what is hers. This tends to work out for here in most cases. The addition of the terrorist cell and the medical experiments are interesting. I like that the book is centered around the current political climate and how the dragons have control in the background. I would definitely pick up the next books in this series. It was a good read.
updated review
After finishing the Steel Dragon Omnibus: Books 9-15
I was harsh in my original review, the book length was substantial taking into consideration that there were 15 sections to the story which ended up being close to 3400 pages in length. The writing evolution from the first 500 pages to the last 500 pages was clear. If the writers spent any more time on world building the book would have been very difficult to get through. Either I got used to the writing style or the writing improved by that point. I landed up really enjoying this story. Dragons, pixies, mages, and whatnot are not unique. What makes a story unique and memorable is how you take those ideas and create something that hasn't been done before. The Steel Dragon was a good solid character and I would definitely read the spin-offs.
The number of DNF reviews for this book is mainly because the build-up is slow and follows The Steel Dragons' growth from leaving the police Academy to stepping into her full power. If you can try and stick with the book it does get better.
December 12, 2019
Much better than expected
After reading the reviews,i want expecting to enjoy the book as much as i did. The bad attitude that was mentioned in many of the reviews I had was as part of making the character note realistic and believable. No one is perfect all the time and we all go through changes when forced too adjust to new elements in our lif. This is especially true when unexpected and/or life changing situations bring them on,especially those that are making the greatest changes in our life. When a character remains steady in his or her thoughts and actions dispite major and even minor plot twist, that character quickly becomes dull and unbelievable while dragging the story into one that is impossible for this reader to continue reading.
Love this introduction to a new series and appreciated that it was kept long so the story was told in a complete and satisfying manner.
Have come too appreciate almost everything I've read with Michel Anderle's name on out and always love to be introduced to new authors. This pair has proven to be a compatible pair that seem to work well together.
Will demonstrable definitely bee reading more in this series
After reading the reviews,i want expecting to enjoy the book as much as i did. The bad attitude that was mentioned in many of the reviews I had was as part of making the character note realistic and believable. No one is perfect all the time and we all go through changes when forced too adjust to new elements in our lif. This is especially true when unexpected and/or life changing situations bring them on,especially those that are making the greatest changes in our life. When a character remains steady in his or her thoughts and actions dispite major and even minor plot twist, that character quickly becomes dull and unbelievable while dragging the story into one that is impossible for this reader to continue reading.
Love this introduction to a new series and appreciated that it was kept long so the story was told in a complete and satisfying manner.
Have come too appreciate almost everything I've read with Michel Anderle's name on out and always love to be introduced to new authors. This pair has proven to be a compatible pair that seem to work well together.
Will demonstrable definitely bee reading more in this series
January 4, 2020
Awesome Teamwork
The more I read from Anderle et al, the better they write. What a team. Who knows where they will go as long as I continue to read their work? ;-)
The book was awesome, there's not much I can say without giving out huge chunks of spoilers, but there is a little.
Kristen is the daughter of a cop, at least that's what she thinks and how the Halls treat her. When she finds out she is really a foundling and the Halls never told her. Things get emotional and very intense. Things like tthis relationship can go to pieces in an instant because a comment taken wrong blinds and deafens everyone. From personal experience, I know. My Dad was adopted, he adopted me and I adopted my oldest son. But like the Halls, we were and are family.
The story of Kristen coming to accept who and what she is is well told, with adventures that don't normally happen to a rookie cop (yes, like in many police families, sons and daughters follow Dads and Moms into the business.)
You'll be pleased to know there is a bad guy, truly evil. At one point you think ... No. I can't say it, it's too big of a spoiler.
Read it, you'll be glad you did
The more I read from Anderle et al, the better they write. What a team. Who knows where they will go as long as I continue to read their work? ;-)
The book was awesome, there's not much I can say without giving out huge chunks of spoilers, but there is a little.
Kristen is the daughter of a cop, at least that's what she thinks and how the Halls treat her. When she finds out she is really a foundling and the Halls never told her. Things get emotional and very intense. Things like tthis relationship can go to pieces in an instant because a comment taken wrong blinds and deafens everyone. From personal experience, I know. My Dad was adopted, he adopted me and I adopted my oldest son. But like the Halls, we were and are family.
The story of Kristen coming to accept who and what she is is well told, with adventures that don't normally happen to a rookie cop (yes, like in many police families, sons and daughters follow Dads and Moms into the business.)
You'll be pleased to know there is a bad guy, truly evil. At one point you think ... No. I can't say it, it's too big of a spoiler.
Read it, you'll be glad you did
January 31, 2020
Good story but......
I love the character I love the story line I love so much of this book but I was a lot I did not like 1 way too long lot of things that just didn't need to be hatched over and over and over again.The story line has a lot of potential And the next book might be a lot better but I'm not gonna read ITIT took everything I had to finish this 1.A lot of talent here on these 2 Arthur's his book could've been great I'm not a great enough reviewer to really know what is missisg out on but it did
I never really connected Emotionally with this girl and the characters in it I deep level the 1 I did they killed out in Ⅰ few pages of the book.
If you're into a lot of action scenes very little emotional Relationships you might like this book a lot better go into it though knowing it's going to be long long long and drawn out Sorry guys I just couldn't give this thing thing higher than a 3 and actually probably deserve lower but I really really wanted to like it.
I love the character I love the story line I love so much of this book but I was a lot I did not like 1 way too long lot of things that just didn't need to be hatched over and over and over again.The story line has a lot of potential And the next book might be a lot better but I'm not gonna read ITIT took everything I had to finish this 1.A lot of talent here on these 2 Arthur's his book could've been great I'm not a great enough reviewer to really know what is missisg out on but it did
I never really connected Emotionally with this girl and the characters in it I deep level the 1 I did they killed out in Ⅰ few pages of the book.
If you're into a lot of action scenes very little emotional Relationships you might like this book a lot better go into it though knowing it's going to be long long long and drawn out Sorry guys I just couldn't give this thing thing higher than a 3 and actually probably deserve lower but I really really wanted to like it.
April 14, 2020
I persevered with this but I just found it a torturous read. A shame, as all the elements were there to make this a good book: dragons, a bad guy, over arching story line of wider political nature and it didn't jump straight into a romance for the lead!
I loved the camaraderie between the SWAT team. The interactions between the lead character and her family were also well observed and engaging. However, every time I thought that the plot was going to progress and the tension amped up, it just...fizzled.
My biggest gripe was the lead character. She was just plain dumb. I understand that she was supposed to be young and naive but this was so heavy handed that it undermined the other more interesting elements of her character. As a savvy police academy star and generally, a modern woman, it was frustrating to see her constantly make decisions that amounted to getting into a violent stranger's car repeatedly.
Did I hate this book? No, not at all. It is just that it could have been so much better with a few tweaks.
I loved the camaraderie between the SWAT team. The interactions between the lead character and her family were also well observed and engaging. However, every time I thought that the plot was going to progress and the tension amped up, it just...fizzled.
My biggest gripe was the lead character. She was just plain dumb. I understand that she was supposed to be young and naive but this was so heavy handed that it undermined the other more interesting elements of her character. As a savvy police academy star and generally, a modern woman, it was frustrating to see her constantly make decisions that amounted to getting into a violent stranger's car repeatedly.
Did I hate this book? No, not at all. It is just that it could have been so much better with a few tweaks.
December 19, 2019
3.5 Stars
Pros:
- Excellent world building
- Good character development, although Kristin was still whiny, insecure and needs to grow up
- Good relationship building
- Interesting overall storyline
Cons:
- Unnecessarily long, it would've benefited from being cut by a good 20%
- Some chapter beginnings read like serials, with unnecessary recaps of the previous chapter
- Certain aspects of Kristen's personality were overdone, stressed to the point where I started not to like her character
- The introduction of a new player just in time to nearly wrap up a significant problem, as though the authors couldn't figure out how to advance the plot.... although this may be corrected/explained in the next book
Conclusion:
I liked it but it dragged on, so I'll have to be completely out of books to read before I'll read the next one.
Pros:
- Excellent world building
- Good character development, although Kristin was still whiny, insecure and needs to grow up
- Good relationship building
- Interesting overall storyline
Cons:
- Unnecessarily long, it would've benefited from being cut by a good 20%
- Some chapter beginnings read like serials, with unnecessary recaps of the previous chapter
- Certain aspects of Kristen's personality were overdone, stressed to the point where I started not to like her character
- The introduction of a new player just in time to nearly wrap up a significant problem, as though the authors couldn't figure out how to advance the plot.... although this may be corrected/explained in the next book
Conclusion:
I liked it but it dragged on, so I'll have to be completely out of books to read before I'll read the next one.
December 24, 2019
Good book, slow in spots, all in all worth the read.
I started to read the series because of the number of reviews. Reviews do make a difference in attracting someone to read a book. I enjoyed this book as a whole, what I did not like was Kristen’s vacillation between her being human and a dragon. I think her indecision went on too long, nearly to the end of the third volume of this book. It drove me personally crazy that she could not decide who and what she wanted to be was she a human, or was she a dragon. It should’ve been obvious to her early on that she was a dragon raised by humans with human values. Her transformation should’ve come earlier in the book during the death of somebody she cared about. There are some typos as well as a few other things in this book that rated ita four instead of five, it’s well worth the read.
I started to read the series because of the number of reviews. Reviews do make a difference in attracting someone to read a book. I enjoyed this book as a whole, what I did not like was Kristen’s vacillation between her being human and a dragon. I think her indecision went on too long, nearly to the end of the third volume of this book. It drove me personally crazy that she could not decide who and what she wanted to be was she a human, or was she a dragon. It should’ve been obvious to her early on that she was a dragon raised by humans with human values. Her transformation should’ve come earlier in the book during the death of somebody she cared about. There are some typos as well as a few other things in this book that rated ita four instead of five, it’s well worth the read.
January 27, 2020
Two Authors, No Editor
I really enjoyed this book, despite the typos. It was great to encounter a heroine, without a love interest or a biological heat requiring her to link with a man to reach her full potential, blah, blah. Kristen is the newest member of the Detroit SWAT Team and to make the grade, she has to work and bond with her team of characters and she does it on her own merits. Everyone in the book is a great character and the discourse is naturally funny. With two authors, one could have taken on the responsibility of editing. Typos take you out of the story and disrupts any enjoyment you may have had. There is a really poignant section of the book that stands out, in fact there were many stand out moments in the book. They should not be overshadowed because of typos and grammar errors. I did like the book and will move on to the next despite the typos.
I really enjoyed this book, despite the typos. It was great to encounter a heroine, without a love interest or a biological heat requiring her to link with a man to reach her full potential, blah, blah. Kristen is the newest member of the Detroit SWAT Team and to make the grade, she has to work and bond with her team of characters and she does it on her own merits. Everyone in the book is a great character and the discourse is naturally funny. With two authors, one could have taken on the responsibility of editing. Typos take you out of the story and disrupts any enjoyment you may have had. There is a really poignant section of the book that stands out, in fact there were many stand out moments in the book. They should not be overshadowed because of typos and grammar errors. I did like the book and will move on to the next despite the typos.
May 5, 2020
A good YA story
I found this story to be less than I expect from a Michael Anderle book. That’s not to say that it’s not a good story. I think that it is aimed more at the YA market and, as such is full of angst. I also found it to be a bit drawn out. Kristen is caught between two worlds, that of the human and of the dragon. She doesn’t even know that she’s a dragon or that she’s adopted although her totally different looks should have given her a clue. It’s only when she joins SWAT that she finds herself developing odd powers. To say that she as given a hard time by her teammates is putting it mildly but she won them over with her determination and guts.
I’ll certainly be giving the second book a go but can’t promise to go beyond that. After all, I hardly fall into the YA category!
I found this story to be less than I expect from a Michael Anderle book. That’s not to say that it’s not a good story. I think that it is aimed more at the YA market and, as such is full of angst. I also found it to be a bit drawn out. Kristen is caught between two worlds, that of the human and of the dragon. She doesn’t even know that she’s a dragon or that she’s adopted although her totally different looks should have given her a clue. It’s only when she joins SWAT that she finds herself developing odd powers. To say that she as given a hard time by her teammates is putting it mildly but she won them over with her determination and guts.
I’ll certainly be giving the second book a go but can’t promise to go beyond that. After all, I hardly fall into the YA category!
July 20, 2025
Entertaining urban fantasy
Dragons rule the world, manipulating governments and humans. For Kirsten Hall the discovery after being brought up a human that she is an undiscovered dragon changes her life. A rookie cop sent to SWAT she battles a sceptical team and her new nature to keep Detroit safe. Intrigue, conspiracy and danger threaten. I enjoyed this book a lot. A well written entertaining urban fantasy that has some depth, great worldbuilding and strong characters. The book is well paced and with 17 plus hours gives plenty of time for story development. Plenty of action and a top notch ending. Narration is very good but took a little while to get used to her slightly grating voice but it was fine by the end. I will definitely be listening to more in this series
Dragons rule the world, manipulating governments and humans. For Kirsten Hall the discovery after being brought up a human that she is an undiscovered dragon changes her life. A rookie cop sent to SWAT she battles a sceptical team and her new nature to keep Detroit safe. Intrigue, conspiracy and danger threaten. I enjoyed this book a lot. A well written entertaining urban fantasy that has some depth, great worldbuilding and strong characters. The book is well paced and with 17 plus hours gives plenty of time for story development. Plenty of action and a top notch ending. Narration is very good but took a little while to get used to her slightly grating voice but it was fine by the end. I will definitely be listening to more in this series
December 19, 2020
The author has spun an unusual superhero origins story. This is definitely different and yet so relatable. An adopted child - check; mysterious past - check; over-the-top abilities popping up in unexpected ways - check; need to protect the world from stubbing their collective toes - check; family offering emotional grounding (even with a metaphorical boot to the rear) - check; supportive but stubborn friends and teammates - check. This was superhero origins combined with dragons combined with police procedural combined with political thriller combined with coming of age .... I do not know how the author stirred all this together to come up with this truly readable novel, but it really appeals to a broad readership. I loved this!
December 18, 2019
RESET!
I’m already going to love this series. I am dead! I can’t breathe!!!!😂😭😭😭😂Chili powder and cinnamon!!!! I know she said she couldn’t cook so what is she doing? Also, Kristen met a mysterious person in a bar and he was never brought back up. I feel like he should make another appearance. Was he the “Masked One” unmasked? And I know from experience that a love interest isn’t immediately sensed when reading one of your heroines... but I would love to see it. I just can’t point to who it will be, not this soon anyway. I have honestly found my next favorite series. Well done sirs!
I’m already going to love this series. I am dead! I can’t breathe!!!!😂😭😭😭😂Chili powder and cinnamon!!!! I know she said she couldn’t cook so what is she doing? Also, Kristen met a mysterious person in a bar and he was never brought back up. I feel like he should make another appearance. Was he the “Masked One” unmasked? And I know from experience that a love interest isn’t immediately sensed when reading one of your heroines... but I would love to see it. I just can’t point to who it will be, not this soon anyway. I have honestly found my next favorite series. Well done sirs!
August 20, 2025
I just couldn’t like this book
I’m sorry to say I just could not get into nor like this book.
The storyline was disjointed. Whomever edited it should not be editing books. I found myself rereading paragraphs to try to understand what the writer was saying. For example, the mom was taking about Kristen yet used the word “she”, when referring to herself (the mom). Get me? Misused pronouns everywhere. Useless and unnecessary chapters and conversations. How Kristen finds out about herself - that was the end for me. It was, simply, ridiculous. I still don’t know what the story was meant to be.
I’m sorry to say I just could not get into nor like this book.
The storyline was disjointed. Whomever edited it should not be editing books. I found myself rereading paragraphs to try to understand what the writer was saying. For example, the mom was taking about Kristen yet used the word “she”, when referring to herself (the mom). Get me? Misused pronouns everywhere. Useless and unnecessary chapters and conversations. How Kristen finds out about herself - that was the end for me. It was, simply, ridiculous. I still don’t know what the story was meant to be.
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