Stoking the Embers

The Dragon Duels #1

by Laura Greenwood

Using the Arts is forbidden. And I just got caught.

Now I have three options: death, the Marriage Market...or the Dragon Duels.

I'm going to take my chances against the dragons. If I survive, I'll become be pardoned for my crimes and become a Dragon Defender. If I lose, death will seem like the easy option.

Hundreds of people go into the Duels, but only a tenth come out. And this year, I'm going to be one of them.

-
Stoking the Embers is book one in the Dragon Duels series, an urban fantasy adventure with a dystopian flare and a slow burn romance.

Genres: Fantasy, Dragons, Paranormal, Amazon, Dystopia, Paranormal Romance, Fiction

156 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 7, 2021

About the author

Laura is a USA Today Bestselling Author of fantasy romance and urban fantasy. She lives in the UK, where most of her books are set, with her partner. When she's not writing, Laura can be found exploring worldwide cusine with her partner, drinking tea, and reading fantasy books. Laura specialises in quick reads, featuring healthy relationships and consent-positive moments, regardless of whether she's writing light-hearted romance, mythology-inspired modern fantasy, cozy fantasy or anything in between.

Discover one of Laura Greenwood's most popular series:
- The Apprentice of Anubis (mythology inspired modern/urban fantasy)
- Forgotten Gods (mythology inspired fantasy romance)
- Jinx Paranormal Dating Agency (mythology inspired paranormal rom-com)
- House of Blood and Roses (vampire romantasy)
- Amethyst's Wand Shop Mysteries (urban fantasy murder mystery)
- Scales of Justice (mythology inspired modern/urban fantasy)
- Purple Oak Oasis (cozy fantasy romance)
- Falhaven Castle (cozy fantasy romance)

You can find a full book list and more information on her website, or in her Facebook Reader Group.

Happy Reading!

Reviews

[Laura Greenwood]

The Dragon Duels is a modern fantasy series with a hint of dystopia and a slow burn romance.

1. Stoking The Embers: books2read.com/stokingtheembers
2. Igniting The Coals: books2read.com/ignitingthecoals
3. Forging The Blaze: books2read.com/forgingtheblaze

Standalone: Escaping The Chains: books2read.com/escapingthechains
Prequel: Striking The Flint: The First Dragon Duels: books2read.com/strikingtheflint

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dystopia's have always been a weak spot of me. Mostly because I'm really interested in politics, even though I'm not very vocal about my own opinions on issues and things. It's mostly the dynamics that interest me, the reasons why people do something, the interesting character studies you can do while watching politicians post something and say something. I was therefore quite curious what Greenwood would do with this dystopia!

And even though this first book focusses mainly on the duels and the games, we do get a glimpse of the politics. We see how daily life is for our heroine in the city and we hear what life is like in the tower from our hero. We also briefly get an impression of what the Marriage Market truly is like. I think there is a lot more to explore when it comes to the politics, who pulls the strings and why. But somehow I feel Greenwood is gonna dive into that in the next books.

Compared to the prequel I also did happen to enjoy this edition of the Dragon Duels more. Yes, our characters are still mainly surviving, staying hidden and away from other people, but there are quite a few moments where they have to engage in the games and the cruelty and therefore we do get a much better impression of what it's actually like, what dangers are out there and how the people in the duels actually do behave.

On top of that I also liked the characters in this book quite a lot! Our characters were brave and strong, but they were far from stupid. They know they have to survive a certain amount of days and they do everything they can to do so. There's no need for too many stupid mistakes and there's also, quite clearly proven by another character, no room for just impulsively acting without thinking, checking and double checking.

However, I think we will only really get to know our main characters when they're free of the duels. And I can't wait to see more of their inner personalities.

[Rhonda Hicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Stoking the Embers' is book one in Laura Greenwood's Dystopian, Science Fiction, and Paranormal/Urban Fantasy series " Dragon Duels". It had me a bit confused at first but then I realized this world is ruled by dragons while humans are split into classes; privileged and working poor. The privileged are given protectors from the dragon duels in order to keep them safe. What about the working poor, you ask? Left to their own devices they are harassed as the dragon's playthings. Their only other choices? Either the marriage market or entering the Dragon Duels. These games are so intense and brutal!! This read was as intense as the games and had me running through a plethora of emotions while doing so. I'm really interested in seeing where this goes politically and socially. I'm also hoping we get to visit and learn about the Marriage Market.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Raine and her sister Mila are barely managing to stay alive in a city that is always covered in ash from the dragons that nest in the nearby mountains. Raine would volunteer for the Dragon Duels if it wouldn't mean leaving her sister alone if she failed to make it through. If she won she would be able to join the Dragon Defenders and move them to White Towers where Mila would be safer, but if she lost Mila could end up at the Marriage Market and that would be really bad.

Unfortunately, it seems someone where she worked "volunteered" Raine for the Dragon Duels. Now she is competing whether she wants to or not. Is there any way she can hope to survive the ten days and the other two hundred participants? Oh yeah, then there's the dragons.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one of The Dragon Duels series and tells the story of a young woman called Raine Mason who finds herself part of the Dragon Duels, against her will. There is a prequel to the series, which described the first ever Dragon Duels and this story takes place some hundreds of years later, where the duels now take place every three months. About two hundred and fifty people are forced to take part in the duels, many are prisoners, violent or not, or taken from the streets or their work places, without their actual permission, only about one in fifteen survive to go onto becoming part of the Dragon Guard for the city. Her older sister had made her swear to never volunteer for the duels, even if it might have helped them out financially, as her sister tried to avoid having to go to the marriage market, which could have been an even worse fate than the duels, as women are not well treated. Raine has to accept she cannot refuse to take part, to do so would mean her immediate death!

All the ‘volunteers’ are housed in a barrack area, allowing them to be fed and watered much better than they have been used to, apart from a large group of well-dressed citizens of the White Towers, who have actually volunteered for this deadly challenge. One catches her eye as they pass and she later ends up teaming up with him once they are in the arena together. He is called Cobalt and was made to volunteer by his father, but he has a lot more knowledge about the arena, the duels and how to survive with the minimal of items available. The participants were allowed to take one item with them, they could choose a weapon, food, water, a first aid kit, but only one item from the vast array in the room. The duels last for some ten days and they have to survive dragons who want to burn them to death or eat them, as well as all the other participants who have been given free rein to kill others, to make their chances of survival so much better than the rest.

Unfortunately, not just surviving to the end is a recipe for surviving after the duels, as she finds out from Cobalt. He knows so much more about how the survivors are graded during their time in the arena and what will ensure their actual existence afterwards. No one from the city has ever survived the duels during recent history, as far as Raine or anyone she knows can remember and nothing is ever said what happens to those might survive, but never end up in the Dragon Guards, a position that seems to be for those from the White Towers, the elite! Nothing is fair in the arena and the people coerced into there, are at a disadvantage compared to those from the towers. She needs to escape the dragons and steer clear of any more dangerous foes, who are willing to kill their fellow participants, to save their own lives. Friendship or being part of a team, may not save her from death. She will have to learn if she has enough within herself, to survive everything the dragon duels can throw at her. Luckily she has her basic skills at the ‘Arts’, the use of basic elemental magical powers, something forbidden in the city, on pain of death. I look forward to finding out more about what happens to those who do survive and what their new roles will involve. I hope we get to follow some of the characters already shown in the story, in future books of the series. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Marjorie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Raina does what she must to survive and protect her sweet, gentle sister - even when that means using illegal Arts (magic). Unfortunately, she is not the only one doing whatever it takes to survive and soon she finds herself volunteered into what is known to be a death sentence for someone of her social status. Are good instincts and fragile new alliances enough to get her through? And even if she survives, what next? Exciting, fast paced read full of action, adventure, mystery and just a touch of romance.

There were obvious parallels to Hunger Games with the "volunteers" being thrown into an arena for the rich's entertainment with the goal to survive 10 days against each other and dragons without really knowing the rules, but more differences I think. The society reminded me a bit more of revolutionary France with the massive difference between the haves and have nots, but also the precarious position those who made it inside Versailles were in and the gilding that hid oh so many dark secrets. Raina was a far more likeable heroine to me as well - when faced with a difficult decision she is willing to take the risk and stand by her beliefs.

Book 1 in a new series, the prequel gives you some historic background but is not necessary to enjoy and understand this book. This is a full story arc - but lots of hints about what is coming next with the society, the marriage market, the dragons - oh so many questions to be answered!

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was excited to read this book after reading the description, and I wasn't disappointed. It has dragons and magic!

The Dragon Duels are held every three months where over 200 people compete to become Guardians of the city/Defenders against the dragons. Dragons make the duels even harder and there are no rules, meaning you have to survive both the dragons and the other players. Raine lives in the slums with her sister and hardly knows anything about the duels, except that it is difficult to survive. She works for minimal pay and uses the illegal Arts (magic) to provide for her and her sister. Raine was 'volunteered' for the duels by her employer. Her goal is to stay alive, see her sister again, and provide a better life for them.



*Spoiler*
I like the dragons and magic aspects of this story. However, I was slightly disappointed as I expected the dragons to be more prevalent in the duels. Raine kills one and is almost killed by another. But that's basically all the dragon interaction she had for something titled the 'Dragon Duels'. I'm interested to read on and see if they are more prevalent. It will also be interesting to see how Raine masters the Arts and how she uses them to her advantage. Overall, I really enjoyed the book and will be continuing to book two.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raine was caught using the Arts (magic) which is forbidden. As punishment, she has three options: death, the Marriage Market, or the Dragon Duels, where only a very small number of people survive. Her odds of survival are slight. But if she somehow makes it through the duels, she will be pardoned and become a Dragon Defender.

To increase her chances of survival, Raine partners with Cobalt who has inside information to win the duels. She needs every bit of luck she can find because this will not be at all easy. Will she survive? Will she ever see her sister, Mila, again?

This is an exciting story line with edge-of-the-seat action that will pull the reader in. Dragon lovers will be pleased to get to watch them in action! It’s kind of tough at times, though, when we’re supposed to be cheering for Raine, and she is a worthy character. But dragons do have my heart. Ah, so fickle.

[Steve Baumgartner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book pulled me into the story quicker than any other book I've read in years, making it very difficult to put down, and I read this book quicker than I have read a book in years as well. Granted, it wasn't a very long book, coming in at just over 150 pages, but still.

I will say that I really loved this book. Yes, it seemed like a very thinly veiled Hunger Games, which I'm sure was a primary inspiration for the book--a poor, young lady in a dystopian society forced to compete in a lethal survival game devised for entertainment for the rich as well as a way to keep those less fortunate under control, and a budding romance as part of that game as well. What sets this story apart, and in my opinion, makes it better is the addition of the dragons. I mean, who hasn't said to themselves, "you know what would make the Hunger Games better? Dragons." Well, this is that story, and I would encourage anyone who likes the Hunger Games, dragons, or both of them to pick up this book.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in The Dragon Duels boxset. So I am going to copy and paste my review here.
Five books in one collection. From start to finish the three main PLUS one prequel and one complimentary. I recommend reading the prequel, Striking the Flint, first as the Dragon Duels is introduced then Raine’s three stories: Stroking the Embers, Igniting the Coals, and Forging the Blaze. The complimentary book, Escaping the Chains takes place after Raine’s exploits. It also features a dark abusive relationship that may cause a trigger and does involve sensitive issues. All five are remarkable reads that involve magic (Arts) and dragons. How cool is that? I was left awed and speechless with Stroking the Embers. Impressed and thought “Cool!” with Igniting the Coals and left bittersweet with Forging the Blaze. If you like Hunger Games and Divergent with youth survival and fighting a broken and controlling system, you will like Dragon Duels.

[Rose Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Exciting Beginning
“Stroking the Embers” is the first installment in “The Dragon Duels” series and it works. This dystopian tale takes place in a world where dragons rule. Humans are divided between the privileged and the working poor. The poor are harassed by the dragons, while the privileged have protectors to keep them safe. The protectors are selected from the winners of the dragon duels. The only way out for the poor is the marriage market or the dragon duels. Raine, the main character is forced to participate in the Dragon Duels. This intense and exciting tale has danger, action, fear and betrayal, new friends, allies, and love. The scenes are vivid and intense, the characters are realistic and intriguing. This installment is an exciting beginning to this series. I highly recommend this tale.
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review

[sherri jones-teachout · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two options. Win the dragon duels or die.
behind her back her employer signed Raine up for the dragon duels just to get a payback. Now she has to win or die. But how do you win against a fire breathing dragon, and other contestants willing to take you out for the points? Team up with someone. After unexpectedly killing a dragon a man from the affluent part of the city asks to team up with her. His name is Cobalt and she’s not sure she can trust him, but he has food and other things that could help them survive the next few days. He says he can help her with her magic. Raine has always been forbidden to use it so she doesn’t really know how to fully take advantage of it. Is he being truthful? If not her life is on the line. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life is hard, bleak at times for the people who live in the towns outside of the White Towers. Under attack by dragons, always surrounded by the ash of their fires. There is little hope unless you can find a way to get in. There’s the marriage markets or the dragon duels. A contest which puts 250 people volunteers and compelled alike into an arena with dragons. 1 in 15 survive and become protectors. Raine lives with her sister Mila. Both do all they can to survive. One day at work Raine is pulled aside and told she’s been accepted into the duels. Only she never applied. Her job put her up to get a payment. Now she must do whatever she can to survive.
It’s got a definite Hunger Games vibe. I love the dragons. A bit dark due to the premise but all in all a great read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fascinating introduction to a brand new world. With some noticeable parallels to another dystopian ‘game of survival’ series I can think of, this sets itself apart with the presence of dragons. And as a devout lover of all things draconic, there’s a sharp pinch in my chest to see my beloved fire lizards as anything but benevolent. Through Raine’s eyes, we’re shown the outline of many of the things that have gone sideways in their society. Our hero gives us a slightly different perspective, but it all looks pretty grim. I can’t wait to see what the author has in store for these characters next, because I’m sure it's going to be something exciting that will fill us in a little more on what’s going on behind the scenes.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout as part of the box set.

[Anita Hanekom · Rating 5 out of 5]

We meet Raine while she is trying to do whatever it takes to provide for herself and her sister, even if it means breaking the law. When she gets called to the Dragon Duels (think the Hunger Games with real Dragons and more than one winner) she doesn't fancy her chances at coming out of it alive but she has more inside her than she thought and when she gets the chance to team up with Cobalt a "volunteer" from the White towers she is skeptical at first but they make it through but something tells me that this is only the beginning of the trials that they will face. I loved the characters and the story which is filled with action and danger kept me enthralled from start to finish.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book... started out a bit skeptical but it picked up quickly and showed a grim life for Raine but she tries to keep her head high and clear. Cobalt sounds like a slow burn partner.... and circumstances make you wonder what happened to Raine's sister Mila. The dragon duels are quite intensive and brutal!! Friendships forged and lost, strengths honed and new skills learned and while trying to stay alive and not get bbq'd! Looking forward to the next book and learning how things progress from the duels.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Adena Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

The society the author tells us of in this novel makes North American ghettos look good. Bad enough that it is hard to just find food day to day, but what kind of society allows an employer to fill out paperwork "volunteering" you to enter a life-or-death competition without your knowledge or consent? That and being treated like a "mushroom" (being kept in the dark and being fed [you fill in the blank]) makes this situation unfortunately challenging for Raine. The pace of the story started slowly, but once I warmed up to it, the story got better. I now need to see what happens next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stoking The Embers is book one in The Dragon Duels and so far I am loving the amazing world this author has created. When Raine gets caught using the forbidden Arts her punishment is she gets three choices, death, marriage market, or entering the Dragon Duels. Raine chooses the Dragon Duels. This is an intense, action packed story with dragons, danger, betrayal, interesting characters, and a captivating story that had me on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next. After that ending I can't wait to read the next book in The Dragon Duels series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Goddess of Chaos · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I'm not in the market for premature death."

Raine may not be living an ideal life, but it's better than some, she's got a sister she loves, a job that almost pays the bills... it's not a life she's ready to throw away... that doesn't mean life isn't tempted to pull the rug out from under her.

This is the first book in a series, as such it establishes the world, introduces a capable and strong woman who is about to discover just how much she doesn't know and hasn't been taught, and keeps the reader on their toes as Rains finds herself caught up in a game where the rules she's told may or may not be the actual rules of the game.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raine is put into the dragon duels, while she didn't volunteer for it, but she has no choice. Only the best ones survive and while she didn't get how she did it, she killed a dragon.
But meeting Cobalt right after it saved her even more. Together they trying to survive the rest of the days till the end of this cruel games.

But even it is cruel and not a fun read the story does have something. Raine tries to see good in everyone and us sticking up for the people she cares for.

Looking forward to read more in this series.

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

The prequel story did a good job of introducing this world of dragons and humans and now the first book in the series is out. And what a good story it was. I liked that it was a quick read that I finished in one sitting just to see what would happen, how Raine would survive and if she would have to face a dragon. I liked the 2 main characters and loved the glimpse of the Arts and cannot wait to see what might happen next and what might me revealed. The Duels are so rigged and this time around got to learn a bit more. An entertaining, quick clean read with some danger and some blood.

[Debbie Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raine and Mila live in a world full of dragons. The elite control everyone and force them to duel the dragons. People are chosen for the duels or volunteer. Raine is called to the office while at work, to find that she has been volunteered against her will. Survivors go to work for the dragon defenders but only a few make it out of the duels alive. What a crazy way of life this book creates. I love it. Looking forward to book 2.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[TaniaRina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dragon Duel – ten days of your toughest job interview
I’d hate to be a woman living in a place where fighting dragons (and desperate humans) unto death is preferable to entering the Marriage Market. Especially not, when my employer can volunteer my participation or a parent can enroll an adult child as a punishment. Even if the flip-side is learning new skills in this short-term survival “challenge” – I can continue eating TV dinners thank you very much.


Now on to ‘Igniting the Coals’ then ‘Forging the Blade’ and ‘Escaping the Chains’.

[Anne Dwyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raine has promised her sister that she will not enter the DFragon Duels, but her employer forgers her application, and when she is chosen, she has no choice. She chooses a weapin that seems to call to her - and when she meets Cobalt in the field, they team up together. He knows more than she does about what is happening, and together they do all that they can to survive, Will they succeed? Loved it!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tera Comer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brand new start to a new series and who doesn't like books with dragons in them? This is a dystopia that has some really interesting dynamics in the political standings. While this is the first book it focuses on the duels and games and of course the daily life of the main character before she enters the game. We also get a impression of the Marriage Market and I hope that we get to explore more into the politics in future books.

[Trina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the prequel some time ago and was happy to read the first in the series. Loved the development of this world much more comes to light than in the prequel. It was a quick read with lots of action. The relationship between Cobalt and Raine is only just starting look forward to where that will go in the next book. Reminded me very much of the Hunger Games which I loved.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Wanda Jewell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a very good book. The premise was a bit different and there were dragons.. I liked the characters. They had very realistic thoughts and feelings. There was danger, employer betrayal, love and friendship in this book. I felt the world building was very good. I enjoyed the story and would recommend it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another great read by Laura Greenwood. I loved this fantasy book with great characters and storyline. With some romantic scenes written in it and I really enjoyed how well the story flowed together throughout the whole thing.
This author has author has set up a fantastic world that feels very well through the detail written in the story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ash J · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting first story in this series. I enjoyed Raine and her fight and perseverance throughout her tough situation. This was the first story I've read from Laura Greenwood about Dragons and I actually quite enjoyed it. It had brutality, strength, and a little bit of love. It left me eagerly anticipating the next story in the series and I can't wait to read that one as well.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read a lot of books written by Laura Greenwood; she is one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the 1st book of the Dragon Duels Series; when the duels start they have 250 people in the duel; but by the time it’s over there’s only about 15 left so when Raine is selected for the next duels she has to figure out how to survive.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.