Claim the Dragon

The Legion #2

by A.C. Arthur

To save her, he’ll sacrifice everything.

Born a dream reaper, Steele Ezo, a powerful half dragon, half human, is struggling to find his place in the Drakon hierarchy. He is ready to accept his fate until he realizes the next victim on the Reaper’s hit list is the sexy thief who’s caught his eye.

She’s supposed to die.

He’s forbidden to stop it.

But their inexplicable connection makes it impossible to step aside.

Abandoned by her family and abused by local enforcers, Ravyn Walsh lives life on her own terms. She’s created an underground sanctuary for the oppressed citizens of Burgess, and she needs funds to keep it running. When a lucrative job—stealing an ancient dagger—lands in her lap, she doesn’t hesitate, not even when a smoldering tattooed stranger attempts to stop her.

A dagger that can raise the dead is a powerful tool—one that could change the course of history. As they fight to keep the dagger out of the wrong hands, Ravyn will be forced to embrace the truth of her heritage, while Steele will find himself torn between saving a life that isn’t meant to be saved and denouncing the power he was born to wield.

This book is approximately 72,000 words

One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise : all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!

Genres: Romance, Paranormal Romance, Audiobook, Fantasy, Dragons, Paranormal

238 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 8, 2020

About the author

AC Arthur has worked as a paralegal in every field of law since high school, but her first love is and will always be writing romance. She’s written and won awards for her acclaimed Donovans and Shadow Shifters contemporary and paranormal romance series. Under her pen name, Lacey Baker, she created the quaint small town of Sweetland and wrote the novelization for the Original Hallmark Channel Movie, A Gingerbread Romance.

After years of hosting reader appreciation events, AC created the One Love Reunion, an event designed to bring readers and authors together to celebrate their love of books.

AC resides in Maryland with her family, where she’s currently working on her next book…or watching Criminal Minds.

Reviews

[Stacie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2 Stars!

[Caitlyn Lynch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not precisely sure when this series is supposed to be set, but it feels vaguely futuristic, with the heroine Ravyn living literally underground with a ‘found family’ of folks hiding from the ‘enforcers’ who run the town of Burgess. The enforcers burned down Ravyn’s bookstore when she refused to pay protection money, so she gave up on trying to live on-grid. Now she’s a thief, stealing and selling artefacts to feed and house her motley band. Tipped off about a dagger worth half a million, she doesn’t expect what happens when she gets it in her hands and the world she thinks she knows changes forever.

This is a world where the paranormals - vampires and dragon shifters - are still not ‘out’ to humans, which is frankly incomprehensible considering how much mess Steele, the dragon shifter hero, keeps making. Blowing out the side of a building before flying away carrying an unconscious woman? I’m not sure I buy that nobody saw that, even if they are able to tinker with memories (and that’s a bit icky since they don’t ask for consent - I really didn’t like that Steele pulled that on Ravyn, I thought it was unnecessary). And there’s a few other things that are seriously off… this is obviously supposed to be Earth, considering the source of the dagger as Tutankhamun’s tomb, so ‘the next full moon is in twenty-nine days’ makes absolutely no sense. It also didn’t need to be in there since the full moon never came into play, but seriously… moon magic referenced when you don’t know how long the moon cycle is? I winced.

There’s some good stuff here - I like the Nigerian origin of the dragon shifters because there absolutely need to be more Black paranormal romance heroes, but I’d have really liked some more world-building and some more of their mythos and origin story, and I never did manage to figure out whether Ravyn was actually Black or white or what, because we never get a real description of her beyond her asymmetrically cut hair.

I’m torn. I don’t want to be harsh because I do want to see more diverse paranormal romance out there, but this could be so much better with a firm hand in the editing. I’ll give it three and a half stars.

Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.

[ReadBecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an entertaining read, though not really for me. It's high plot and high smut, so you'll definitely be propelled right along reading it. The hate to love element between the two protagonists was I think the most effective thing for me here, since they don't really dislike each other personally but it was kind of their job to be enemies (thief vs security), so things like combat turning sexy had this tangible tension of them forgetting why they are opponents and it made sense. In typical paranormal romance fashion this takes the everything and the kitchen sink approach to worldbuilding, with vampires, shifters, a lot of mythology in the background, this very gritty dark city setting, I think there was a lot of thought put into that with a detailed glossary at the front explaining the intricacies. However, I was mostly just along for the fun, so the effort may have been lost on me, but I did still appreciate what the author was doing and would likely re-visit the series when I'm in the mood.

🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 open door, graphic detail

[Toni · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

This is the 2nd book in The Legion series by A.C. Arthur.

This paranormal series features a dream reaper who falls for a sexy thief he is supposed to keep his distance from.

I think this is one of those series that you really need more backstory to help it make sense to you. I was struggling to keep up with what was going on. But the overall story is very appealing. I loved the Steel Ezo and Ravyn characters. They made a perfect pair.

The whole magical dagger storyline was fascinating and kept me glued to the page even when I didn’t understand the Drakon hierarchy.

Definitely going to put book one on my reading list in the future!

If you like this type of book and want to read a good romantic paranormal suspense, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

[Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

First things first, I did not realize that this was part of a series until I started reading. Sometimes that works out okay and sometimes not - this one falls into the latter category. There were several things that left me a bit confused for about half the book. That said, I did finally figure it out, and I was able to enjoy the rest of the book, but I would recommend starting with the first book and moving on from there. Honestly, I think this one leaned a little too heavily toward science fiction, which isn't a genre I read very often, so I maybe didn't get into this book as easily as some. Nevertheless, the book is well done, maybe a little too fast on the pacing, but still an entertaining read once I understood some things. In the end, the story was entertaining and the characters were engaging. I did enjoy the second half, so I would advise sticking with it if you're like me and jumping in later.

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I struggled with this one. I didn’t really like either main and had trouble tracking the plot. And I was pretty much done when the mummies showed up. Not for me and won’t be continuing with the series. 2 stars

[Cynthia Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steele is carrying an awful huge amount of baggage - in addition to an alter identity, but that didn’t stop his heart from its purpose. Ravyn is trying to protect her “family” from Enforcers and struggling from something within. What brings them together takes them in a journey that can be disastrous. How it pans out depends on things both in their control and fate. What an amazing adventure!
#cillasbookmaniacs

[Lee Holden, E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

Excellent read, I loved the storyline and characters. Steele and Ravyn are appear to a match, although their from different worlds. The was a supernatural romance and thriller filled with witches, dragons, vampires and even mummies. This was an action packed story.

[Deborah Arrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

Had me rooting for the Dragons and rooting for Steele and Rayvan. They were a force to be reckoned with just with the burning attraction to each other. Loved it as much as I did the Big Cats in Shadow Shifters.

[Kyra Gates · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story

I haven’t read a supernatural book in a while, such a switch from romance. This was a good story. I will enjoy the next one.

[jovanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

I love this story and all the series in this group. It is well worth the money and a great read.

[Jennifer Copeland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Claim the Dragon so much! I couldn't put my kindle down. I enjoyed the chemistry between Ravyn and Steele. I enjoyed the storyline as well. Such an awesome read!

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5, but added a 1/2 star for the lovely narrator

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claim the Dragon is a breathtaking foray into a new world that will leave your heart transformed and your mind enthralled. There is nothing quite like diving back into a world created by A.C. Arthur. She is a fabulous author who knows how to delight and entertain with her wonderful whit and boundless creativity. Walking into one of her books is light entering a world where the colors are substantially brighter, the characters are far more alive and unforgettable, and the storylines are dangerous and addictive. My heart is never truly prepared for the intensity, the beauty, and the heart wrecking wonder that is an Arthur masterpiece.

Steele is a Drakon who feels out of step and out of place. He is no less dangerous and deadly then the others he surrounds himself with, but he is silently hurting and in need of something more. Not able to figure out what his dragon is leading him towards, he finds himself inadvertently a self proclaimed protector of the most intriguing woman he has ever met. Ravyn is unlike anyone Steels has ever met, and he is determined to figure her out. She has no desire to be entangled with the big, sexy complication, so she tries to shake him at every turn. Can Ravyn get rid of her unwanted hero before things get even more complicated, or will she find herself pulling him closer out of a deep need that she isn't even aware of?

I was beyond the moon excited to be able to read another A.C. Arthur book, and this one left me thoroughly excited and emotionally satisfied. I had no idea what to expect, and that is the best approach to reading any book in my opinion. It leaves your mind and heart open for the wonderful surprises and stunning twists that you are sure to find along the way. I found all of that and so much more with the fascinating pages of this extraordinary book. What I found left my heart enthralled, my mind challenged, and my imagination on fire. I can't wait to see what happens next in this fabulous series!

Arthur knows how to delight and entertain, and I devour everything of hers that I can get my hands on with question. She is one of my absolute favorite authors, and I begin and end her books with a huge smile on my face. She never fails to push me past my limits, and I find myself willing to walk the path that she sets before me in order to discover the wonderous treasure she had hidden at the end. My favorite part is that her endings never feel like endings but rather beginnings that just needed some time to be explained and explored. Her stories are truly never ending stories that fill my heart with hope and light my world with joy.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️. PNR, dragon shifter, fated mates.


Q: what kind of shifter romances do you read the most of? Mine would be wolf!

Ravyn’s sure that someone’s following her.

Drakon Steele Ezo’s drawn to the human Ravyn against his will. His dreams indicate that she’s also the next being he should turn over to the Reaper. They have no future together but he will protect her.

I really enjoyed my first A.C. Arthur book. The world-building in Claim the Dragon is intricate and also so cool, incorporating details from various realms Arthur created and parts of African history. It’s steamy; both characters are driven to protect and provide for others (I love noble characters + kissing!); and Ravyn DOES NOT immediately trust Steele because he tells her some things and I appreciate the hell out of that because *stranger danger.

What worked less for me is that some parts of the book feel slightly rushed and/or unclear. At times I felt like there needed to be a little more explanation to show A to B. Some transitions between chapters feel like they could be smoother and the ending—and all of its implications for the main characters—seems hurried.

Claim the Dragon is second in the series and I definitely recommend starting with the first, although Arthur takes care to explain things throughout.

While Claim the Dragon falls short for me in some ways execution-wise, the original world-building and great chemistry go a long way for me. I’m so excited to have found this PNR author and really looking forward to seeing where this Drakon team goes next!


Claim the Dragon is out on 06/08. Thanks to the publisher & Netgalley for my complimentary ARC. All opinions provided are my own.

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I joined this series already in progress. There was a bit of back story and world building, but not so much that I couldn't catch up relatively quickly.

Ravyn is a scrapper. She's been doing her best for the mistreated and abandoned parts of the city, even going as far as building a type of underground safe haven. How do they pay for it all? Well, she's got to work with some unsavory characters and sell some not-so-legally-acquired goods. On the case for an expensive item, she ends up face-to-face with her invisible stalker.

Steele is half-dragon, half-dream reaper-person-type who has the unfortunate job of leading death to paranormals who have too much power. He has had some issues with the job in the past, but does his job without issues lately... until he sees Ravyn in his dreams. It's clear that he's drawn to her and just can't bring himself to stop stalking her, but also can't bring himself to lead death to her. It's this that ends up putting them face-to-face. The sparks fly and tempers flare, but there are oodles of complications.

Sometimes, I just wanted to throttle Ravyn. Sometimes, I wanted to mash those two together. Overall, it was a mix of infuriating annoyance and desire for smut that got me through it all. In the end, it takes some wise dragons and other paranormal types to shake some sense into both of them. In the end, we get a nice HEA with some interesting twists and turns along the way.

[Felice Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in The Legion series and wow… what a read.

If you’ve read A.C. Arthur’s Shadow Shifter series, then you know this is not her first foray into the paranormal. This series however, is a little grittier and darker than the previous one.

Ravyn and Steele are cut from the same cloth, they just don’t know it. They are both heroes and protectors hiding from their pasts, in their own way. The chemistry is off the charts from the beginning and just gets more intense as the story moves along.

The secondary characters, and I use that term loosely because all of these characters could become the focal point at any moment, help round out this book. Each has their own mysterious aura that makes them just as interesting as the main characters. They help keep us, the reader, engaged enough to say.. “hey, when is their book coming out?”

I’m really excited about this series and cannot wait to see where these dragon shifters and their mates take me.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Joyce M. H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book # 2 in “The Legion Series” and I must say this a great book. AC is doing an outstanding job with her paranormal series.

Steele is a dreamer reaper dragon shifter and Ravyn shows up in his dream.
Ravyn is a living underground in a world that she creates to stay hidden from the enforcers who shake the locals who own businesses down for monthly payoff. After her local bookstore is burned to ground because she will not pay the monthly fee, she seeks safety underground with others. She is in charge. Rayvn is a female robin hood. Way to go Ravyn.

Steele being the dream reaper is not happy about what he has do because he is battling demons from his past that he blames himself for. He is willing to risk his life to protect Ravyn. A man after my own heart.

Can’t wait to read the next installment will it be Steele’s brother Magnum, will it be Reese inquiring mind would like to know.

[Nextbookaroundthecorner · Rating 3 out of 5]

You've got fastpaced and you've got too fast... Maybe it was because I didn't realize this book was the second part of a series, or maybe A.C. Arthur thought we could keep up without further ado. So, maybe I'm just getting too old for dragon shifters (iek, did I just say that out loud???) or A.C. Arthur should give some more pointers at the beginning of the story.
At first I didn't totally understand Steele's profession: what is a Dream Reaper slash Drakon? And then I didn't understand the enforcers who where threatening Ravyn. So the story kept getting more confusing at first. And also because I didn't know about the Legion Security Company it was hard to understand why Theo and the others got all riled up.
Halfway through the story things started to make sense. But you have to get through the first part first. So, hang in there and enjoy the ride. But maybe read Awaken The Dragon first. Three out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.

[Karen Roma · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 Star Review....

Claim the Dragon is the second book in A.C. Arthur’s The Legion and this is definitely a series you need to start at the beginning. Having read the first book, I quickly realised that readers starting here would feel like they had missed something in translation, so I definitely recommend reading book one first. Moving on. If you’ve read Ms Arthur’s Shadow Shifter series, you will know that she does enjoy her PNR. But don’t expect this series to follow previous trends, this series has more grit, and ventures into a darker realm. I felt that Claim the Dragon started out a little slow, but then had moments where it seriously zoomed ahead. Once the author fell into a rhythm, the story was interesting, and the characters were suitably portrayed. Be patient at the beginning and I’m sure you will finish the book satisfied with the overall read.

[Melindeeloo · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars - This was a decent old school paranormal romance. I am a sucker for Dragon Shifters, so I loved the hero and the fact that there looks like a whole slew of interesting Dragon friends of the hero look like they might get books too. I liked the leading lady who is a thief who stills to keep a band of misfits safe and fed in a secret underground encampment. The world is an interesting mixed paranormal one with a demi-goddess, Reapers , vampires, and mummies in addition to the dragons. I was a shifter nut for years so I appreciated that the hero fights his mating and that the mating for his race is one sided, so it's not a done deal. I enjoyed this and would consider picking up the next, or checking out Arthur's old shifter romance backlist.

This is an unpaid review of an ARC received via NetGalley.

[Sandy Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't realize this was book 2 in the series so I was slightly confused as to what was happening in parts of this story. The premise for the story seemed like it would be such a good idea but I felt like it was way too rushed and I was often lost as to what some things were. I would absolutely read the first book before reading this one, or you will feel the same exact way that I did!! The beginning was a little slow and then it was like bam! Fast paced and then it would slow a little. And I was a little all over the board with it. It wasn't horrible, I liked the characters and their interactions with each other. I just felt lost at points and at others I just had a hard time getting through them. I am going to go back and read the first book and see if re-reading this one after that helps any. But I don't know because just based off this one, I hope the first isn't the same way.

[Brenda Larnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Versatile author, A.C. Arthur, dons her paranormal writer’s hat to regale readers with the second installment of her Dragon Shifter Romance series. CLAIM THE DRAGON features Steele Eze, a powerful Drakon Dream Reaper, and Ravyn Walsh, his love interest with an intriguing past. Ms. Arthur’s Paranormal Romance stories are the best! The characters are complex, sexy and fierce. Burgess, Pennsylvania is the setting.
Ms. Arthur never neglects the romantic aspect of her paranormal stories. Steele and Ravyn’s love scenes are sensual, hot, and explosive. It’s a perfect blend of the paranormal meets romance that makes her stories so compelling.
CLAIM THE DRAGON is an entertaining story, and I recommend it. Because of the adept writing of A.C. Arthur, you’ll come away with a whole new perspective on dragons. Trust me.

[Rochelle Boyles · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a slow read in the beginning. It seems like it was rushed, and at times I lost interest in the story. The book did pick up in the middle, and it turned out to be an interesting read. Ravyn and Steele are both head strong people, with past issues, so it made it hard for them to connect at first. Ravyn was very independent, so she didn't need an alpha like Steele to come and rescue her. Steele was closed off to me, and at times it seems like he only cared about himself, and the the others were an inconvenience because they required his time. If you can stick through the first 3 to 4 chapters, then you will end up with a decent read.

I received this copy this book in return for my honest review

[Nana Prah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been eagerly waiting for this book and I am one happy reader.
Ravyn has the kind of strength that I love in a heroine. Not only has she been through hard times in her life, but she’s taken those hits and learned how to make other people’s lives better. She is a woman of power and becomes more so as the book progresses. She may not be as ethical as she could be, but this is something that has consequences and is dealt with within the book.
Steele possesses a special skill that puts Ravyn in the direct line of danger. It’s not only his past that pushes him to protect her, but his dragon.
Steele and Ravyn have amazing chemistry. This was a wonderful paranormal romance and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read. Tbh I've been unable time finish a book for a while now. Any who this book is a quick fun read! If your a fan of steamy shifter romance this ones for you.

My only critic would be I wish there was more of an interaction between Steele and Safe Space residence or Raven's charges. Found families are my favorite and I just love that Raven had her own agency and life outside her romantic partner. So many times it seems like the heroines of this genre are just waiting for their lives or their love interest to drop into their lives (very reminiscent of the someday my prince will come trope). Plus everyone in the underground (they're not called that, but I call them that in my head) sounded like an interesting bunch and I would've like more background about them.

[Sharon Roland · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second installment in The Legion paranormal romance series and I enjoyed it. Steele and Ravyn were both strong characters. I liked Steele because despite his assignment, he was determined to protect Ravyn at all cost. I liked Ravyn because of her strength and protective instincts for everyone else. Their chemistry was apparent and they kept trying to fight it. I enjoyed the build up to their HEA. I can’t wait for the next installment. I recommend this story but I would read book one first.

[Matysha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second installment of #TheLegion series reinforced why I like dragon shifters. Steele is definitely paranormal romance bae material the way he was in protector mode the whole book was bomb. Ravyn was bad ass too especially when you find out she not just a mere mortal. Arthur always welds a mighty pen when writing paranormal and for that I’m grateful. I can’t wait to see what happens next for this team of Drakons. I would definitely recommend this to paranormal reading friends.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

REVIEW:

This is the second installment in the series. The dream reaper falls for the woman he is supposed to keep his distance, but instead of keeping away from her he falls in love and begin to watch and protector her. Ravyn steal this dagger unbeknown to her the power it has. Steele and Ravyn learn the history of the dagger and fight to keep it out of the wrong hand.

This is a very entertaining story.

Smooches
LL Brown

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book enjoyable and entertaining even if I think it would have been better after having read the previous installment.
The world building is interesting, the characters are well thought and the story is well plotted.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.