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Shift #1
Fianna the Gold
Abbie’s life hasn’t made much sense. She doesn’t understand why she’s a compulsive thief or why weird things keep happening to her. One night, mysterious men show up at her campsite seeking to capture her. She escapes, but there’s a blank in her memory and she has no idea how she got away or what the men may have wanted.
Fianna, a dragon with the House of Gold, and her two sisters, Orla and Guin, are on a mission to locate a human-dragon hybrid and deliver her to the dragon community. That hybrid is Abbie. However, their plans are complicated when they discover that Abbie is also being hunted by a human who wants to harness Abbie’s special powers for financial gain, as well as by a centuries-old dragon who wants to control the hybrid.
If Abbie wants to find out who she really is, she’ll need to make a choice about who to trust and what secrets to hold.
Fianna, a dragon with the House of Gold, and her two sisters, Orla and Guin, are on a mission to locate a human-dragon hybrid and deliver her to the dragon community. That hybrid is Abbie. However, their plans are complicated when they discover that Abbie is also being hunted by a human who wants to harness Abbie’s special powers for financial gain, as well as by a centuries-old dragon who wants to control the hybrid.
If Abbie wants to find out who she really is, she’ll need to make a choice about who to trust and what secrets to hold.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 13, 2019
18 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
Louisa Kelley
7 books6 followersLouisa Kelley writes fantastical stories of sensual romance, intrigue and magical mayhem, often with modern day characters based in Portland. "The Shift Series" is her latest fantasy series about shape-shifting dragons.
She resides in Portland, Oregon where, in a strangely perfect combination of rainy winters and urban skyline, her writing inspiration abounds. She’s also slightly obsessed with dragons.
www.louisakelley.com
https://www.facebook.com/louisakelley...
www.instagram.com/louisakelleyauthor/
Member: Romance Writers of America
Member: Willamette Writers of Oregon
Member: Golden Crown Literary Society
She resides in Portland, Oregon where, in a strangely perfect combination of rainy winters and urban skyline, her writing inspiration abounds. She’s also slightly obsessed with dragons.
www.louisakelley.com
https://www.facebook.com/louisakelley...
www.instagram.com/louisakelleyauthor/
Member: Romance Writers of America
Member: Willamette Writers of Oregon
Member: Golden Crown Literary Society
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 9, 2019
3.50 Stars. This was a fun and lighthearted fantasy book. I don’t know what is going on but September seems to be turning into fantasy month. Lots of new fantasy books coming out, but you will not see me complaining one bit, in fact I could not be happier. This book is lighter than I expected in the fantasy elements. In fact since most of this takes place on Earth, and in modern times, I would say this more fits the category of urban fantasy. And because of that and the more lightheartedness of this book, I don’t think you have to be a fantasy fan to enjoy this. The book is very approachable and would work for people who don’t normally read fantasy or are newer to the genre, but there still is something for people like me who love this category.
Dragons, I mean come on do I need to say more? I love dragons and just totally geek out about them. This book is about dragon shapeshifters, I mean that is like geek porn for me. I loved the beginning of the book and was hooked in an instant. While I have read books about dragon shifters before they are not the most common type of shifter. I loved how Kelley brought to life the dragon side with the collecting/stealing of shiny things and other characteristics we think of when it comes to dragons. I found myself having a lot of fun with the book.
I do have to admit the middle of the book lagged for me. It was actually where some of the excitement happened but one of the mains was acting so dumb I thought she basically deserved what happened. The battle was a little anticlimactic and it seemed like one of the biggest fights happened “off screen” so to say. I have to say some of the fun that so attracted me to the book was lost a bit.
The romance I would say was about average. When you have books about shifters you tend to get quick attraction because of the animal/creature side that is involved and that did happen here. This wasn’t insta-love and there was some chemistry, there just wasn’t anything that wowed me to push the romance beyond average.
While I did find this book to be very up and down, it is only the first of a series. Book ones can have their bumps especially in fantasy since the author has to explain things to the reader and do some world building. Towards the end of the book, my interest started to go back up so I have some hopes for the next book in the series. I do want to make clear that this book does NOT end on a cliffhanger.
Dragon shifters could not be more up my alley so I had some high hopes and big expectations for this book. Even though this didn’t meet those high expectations it was still a fun read and a solid start to the series. I will be reading the second book when it comes out.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
Dragons, I mean come on do I need to say more? I love dragons and just totally geek out about them. This book is about dragon shapeshifters, I mean that is like geek porn for me. I loved the beginning of the book and was hooked in an instant. While I have read books about dragon shifters before they are not the most common type of shifter. I loved how Kelley brought to life the dragon side with the collecting/stealing of shiny things and other characteristics we think of when it comes to dragons. I found myself having a lot of fun with the book.
I do have to admit the middle of the book lagged for me. It was actually where some of the excitement happened but one of the mains was acting so dumb I thought she basically deserved what happened. The battle was a little anticlimactic and it seemed like one of the biggest fights happened “off screen” so to say. I have to say some of the fun that so attracted me to the book was lost a bit.
The romance I would say was about average. When you have books about shifters you tend to get quick attraction because of the animal/creature side that is involved and that did happen here. This wasn’t insta-love and there was some chemistry, there just wasn’t anything that wowed me to push the romance beyond average.
While I did find this book to be very up and down, it is only the first of a series. Book ones can have their bumps especially in fantasy since the author has to explain things to the reader and do some world building. Towards the end of the book, my interest started to go back up so I have some hopes for the next book in the series. I do want to make clear that this book does NOT end on a cliffhanger.
Dragon shifters could not be more up my alley so I had some high hopes and big expectations for this book. Even though this didn’t meet those high expectations it was still a fun read and a solid start to the series. I will be reading the second book when it comes out.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
May 14, 2021
May 2021
I needed a refresher of Fianna the Gold to remind myself how much I enjoyed these dragon shifters and prepare for Ms. Kelley's soon to be released Guin the Emerald. Fianna, Orla, Guin and Abby are great and now I remember the character Miriam who plays a role in this next novel. Fun series. Give it a look if you love dragons and don't mind that a lot of the action takes place in present day Earth. Magic and mayhem awaits.
August 2019
I’m not a big shape shifter fan. The memory and sound effects in An American Werewolf in London cured me of any interest in wolf transformation. But dragons. Oh my how I love dragons. I jumped at the chance to read this book featuring a race of dragon shape shifters called the Draca. As the blurb states, Fianna and her team are sent to earth to help a young dragon hybrid come to terms with her dragon sister-self. Abbie has grown used to fending for herself and never fitting in, accepting her “other” status in life. She lives by her wits and tries to cope with the weird voices in her head.
What a fun read. Kelley pulls the best bits of dragon lore from writers like Ursula Le Guin and JRR Tolkien and adds enough comedy to make these giant fire-breathing monsters loveable. Like Smaug of old, dragons love their treasure. Abbie is a born thief and hoarder and not easily persuaded to drop her guard around these well intentioned strangers. Fianna, Orla and Guin are on a mission and take their responsibilities seriously but their dragon nature bubbles to the surface making these women as entertaining as the Sanderson sisters in Hocus Pocus. I loved their playful, lust-filled adventurous dragon selves.
Looking forward to reading every book in this series. I’m ready for more glorious shiny beasts with hearts of fire. Well done Ms. Kelley.
ARC received with thanks from publisher for an honest review.
I needed a refresher of Fianna the Gold to remind myself how much I enjoyed these dragon shifters and prepare for Ms. Kelley's soon to be released Guin the Emerald. Fianna, Orla, Guin and Abby are great and now I remember the character Miriam who plays a role in this next novel. Fun series. Give it a look if you love dragons and don't mind that a lot of the action takes place in present day Earth. Magic and mayhem awaits.
August 2019
I’m not a big shape shifter fan. The memory and sound effects in An American Werewolf in London cured me of any interest in wolf transformation. But dragons. Oh my how I love dragons. I jumped at the chance to read this book featuring a race of dragon shape shifters called the Draca. As the blurb states, Fianna and her team are sent to earth to help a young dragon hybrid come to terms with her dragon sister-self. Abbie has grown used to fending for herself and never fitting in, accepting her “other” status in life. She lives by her wits and tries to cope with the weird voices in her head.
What a fun read. Kelley pulls the best bits of dragon lore from writers like Ursula Le Guin and JRR Tolkien and adds enough comedy to make these giant fire-breathing monsters loveable. Like Smaug of old, dragons love their treasure. Abbie is a born thief and hoarder and not easily persuaded to drop her guard around these well intentioned strangers. Fianna, Orla and Guin are on a mission and take their responsibilities seriously but their dragon nature bubbles to the surface making these women as entertaining as the Sanderson sisters in Hocus Pocus. I loved their playful, lust-filled adventurous dragon selves.
Looking forward to reading every book in this series. I’m ready for more glorious shiny beasts with hearts of fire. Well done Ms. Kelley.
ARC received with thanks from publisher for an honest review.
May 28, 2021
4.5⭐️ – Fianna is a dragon with a mission. Along with her sisters Guin and Orla, she’s been sent to the human side to find a new hybrid shifter. A task she hopes will get her back in her people’s good graces after a mistake she can only blame on her impetuous nature. Abbie is going through a change she doesn’t understand and discovering she’s part dragon makes a lot of weird sense. And then there’s Miriam, who would give anything to catch a dragon.
This was such an exciting story. Dragons, right? Not only are dragons fantastic and wonderful and awesome but these specific dragons are badass and witty and fun. Shapeshifters stories are always entertaining but dragon shifters! Louisa Kelley did a fabulous job of describing the dual nature of the characters, the freedom they enjoy in dragon form, the balance they have to find within themselves. The bond between Fianna, Guin and Orla is lovely and I can’t wait to read more about each of them, together and individually.
Abbie’s discovery of her hidden self was exhilarating, the author perfectly conveyed her feeling of finally being herself (even if she has to compromise with her other self on some aspects, because can dragons be vegan?). Fianna’s journey to redemption gives a more serious undertone to the story but it all remains rather lighthearted.
One of my favourite aspects of shapeshifter stories is that the animal part of the characters gives authors the perfect excuse to go full instalust in a very plausible manner. Fianna and Abbie face a slew of false starts, the result of which is an increase in sexual tension between them. Their dragon selves don’t exactly need their fire stoked to begin with, and it all gets very explosive.
Louisa Kelley’s lively writing style is a really good fit for bubbly and vibrant dragon adventures. This is another book I wish was made into a movie. I mean, kickass women and dragons, what more could one want?
The second book in this series, Guin the Emerald, will be released in July and I can’t wait to spend more time in this universe.
ARC provided to Les Rêveur for an honest review.
This was such an exciting story. Dragons, right? Not only are dragons fantastic and wonderful and awesome but these specific dragons are badass and witty and fun. Shapeshifters stories are always entertaining but dragon shifters! Louisa Kelley did a fabulous job of describing the dual nature of the characters, the freedom they enjoy in dragon form, the balance they have to find within themselves. The bond between Fianna, Guin and Orla is lovely and I can’t wait to read more about each of them, together and individually.
Abbie’s discovery of her hidden self was exhilarating, the author perfectly conveyed her feeling of finally being herself (even if she has to compromise with her other self on some aspects, because can dragons be vegan?). Fianna’s journey to redemption gives a more serious undertone to the story but it all remains rather lighthearted.
One of my favourite aspects of shapeshifter stories is that the animal part of the characters gives authors the perfect excuse to go full instalust in a very plausible manner. Fianna and Abbie face a slew of false starts, the result of which is an increase in sexual tension between them. Their dragon selves don’t exactly need their fire stoked to begin with, and it all gets very explosive.
Louisa Kelley’s lively writing style is a really good fit for bubbly and vibrant dragon adventures. This is another book I wish was made into a movie. I mean, kickass women and dragons, what more could one want?
The second book in this series, Guin the Emerald, will be released in July and I can’t wait to spend more time in this universe.
ARC provided to Les Rêveur for an honest review.
September 23, 2019
Dragons, dragons, magic, modern earth, dragons and more dragons. I loved it!
When does the next book come out? I want... no, I need to know more about Fianna and Abbie. Gain and Orla, Queen Nareen and the wonder that is Dracan.
When does the next book come out? I want... no, I need to know more about Fianna and Abbie. Gain and Orla, Queen Nareen and the wonder that is Dracan.
Read
September 19, 2019This is the first in new series by Louisa Kelley but it can be read as a standalone. Thankfully, Ms Kelley didn't end this on a cliffhanger or with any major unresolved threads that would leave a reader throwing a book across the room in frustration and grimly marking down the days on the calendar for the next book's release. Not that I've done that ... recently.
Fianna the Gold is an original and inventive urban fantasy with a heavier emphasis on fantasy. Rather than going down the werewolves living among us - either in secret or "out" - story line, Ms. Kelley has decided to go big or go home. With dragons. Total, kick ass dragons.
There's a lot of fun in this book - having dragons as the centerpiece means a completely different set of personalities and cultures that isn't all about the Alpha and dark broody animal magnetism. Dragons are a craftier sort - and I don't mean they crochet. They're closer to tricksters - cocky, confident, sly and a tendency to hoard jewels. It's a nice change of pace and gives a fresh twist to the story.
Abbie's always been a bit of loner. She has a hard time finding friends or holding down a job - the oddest things always seem to happen to her and she's got sticky fingers when it comes to shiny valuables. During an ill-advised solo camping trip (she got ditched by her so-called friends) and taking magic mushrooms in order to try to figure out why she has her own personal Box of Weird that keeps messing up her life, she's confronted by two armed men with less than savory intent and as her anger rises, things get ... weird ... and hot, but not in a good way. She manages to escape and finds herself lost in the woods, naked and with no clear memory of what happened. Luckily she happens upon a remote cabin and when she wakes the next morning, she meets the oddest women - Fianna, Guin and Orla - who entice her to stay for a bit with a day-long poker game.
Abbie is an engaging character - she's got a great sense of humour and a definite penchant for larceny, gambling and getting into trouble (even as she acknowledges that her decision-making may be a bit poor at times - solo camping and mushrooms? - but she owns it, and she does end up in some rather interesting situations) How could you resist? Hints of her dragon nature have been bubbling up from her subconscious for years - her love of gambling, a stash of purloined gems, it all adds up. Finding out she's actually a dragon shifter is actually a pretty easy revelation for her - of course, when you shift into a big ass dragon and knock out the side of a cabin, it's kind of hard to deny. But Abby takes to it with a child like wonder and happiness - maybe that Box of Weird was a good thing after all. There's a great dynamic between Abbie and her sister-self - once they both acknowledge one another, with the dragon self being a bit grumpy and pushy and Abbie giving it right back to her.
Fianna, although the namesake of the book, is a bit harder to connect to. She's been sent to Portland to find Abby as a means of atonement for a misstep when she was training young dragons. She's strong, noble and obviously knows what she's doing. I'm not saying Abbie could do better, but I would have liked to see a bit more of Fianna's personality and more of a romantic build up (this was kind of an insta-attract/bonded mate whirlwind romance).
My one quibble with the book was the use of magic through the book - Draca magic was never really explained or rules laid out, it just seemed to be used to smooth out whatever gaps there might have been and used for just about anything from filling a stew pot to . It was just a bit too powerful and too easily wielded - if they could use magic like that, how could the humans ever be a threat to dragons (big, flying, toothy dragons) who have seemingly unlimited magic?
Based on the "Book 1 of the Shift Series" subtitle, there will definitely be more coming in this series and I'll be interested to see where Ms. Kelley takes us next. The first book is a self contained story and you won't be left hanging but there's lots of possibilities hinted at - a book set in Draca or maybe following the idea of more Draca youth "visiting" Portland, what about Myriam ... and Guin who was left behind to keep an eye on things ... or the unnamed techno-Draca? Like I said, there's lots of things to explore with a fresh and new perspective of dragon shifters and I look forward to seeing what's coming next.
Thank you to Dirt Road Books for an advance copy of this book.
Fianna the Gold is an original and inventive urban fantasy with a heavier emphasis on fantasy. Rather than going down the werewolves living among us - either in secret or "out" - story line, Ms. Kelley has decided to go big or go home. With dragons. Total, kick ass dragons.
There's a lot of fun in this book - having dragons as the centerpiece means a completely different set of personalities and cultures that isn't all about the Alpha and dark broody animal magnetism. Dragons are a craftier sort - and I don't mean they crochet. They're closer to tricksters - cocky, confident, sly and a tendency to hoard jewels. It's a nice change of pace and gives a fresh twist to the story.
Abbie's always been a bit of loner. She has a hard time finding friends or holding down a job - the oddest things always seem to happen to her and she's got sticky fingers when it comes to shiny valuables. During an ill-advised solo camping trip (she got ditched by her so-called friends) and taking magic mushrooms in order to try to figure out why she has her own personal Box of Weird that keeps messing up her life, she's confronted by two armed men with less than savory intent and as her anger rises, things get ... weird ... and hot, but not in a good way. She manages to escape and finds herself lost in the woods, naked and with no clear memory of what happened. Luckily she happens upon a remote cabin and when she wakes the next morning, she meets the oddest women - Fianna, Guin and Orla - who entice her to stay for a bit with a day-long poker game.
Abbie is an engaging character - she's got a great sense of humour and a definite penchant for larceny, gambling and getting into trouble (even as she acknowledges that her decision-making may be a bit poor at times - solo camping and mushrooms? - but she owns it, and she does end up in some rather interesting situations) How could you resist? Hints of her dragon nature have been bubbling up from her subconscious for years - her love of gambling, a stash of purloined gems, it all adds up. Finding out she's actually a dragon shifter is actually a pretty easy revelation for her - of course, when you shift into a big ass dragon and knock out the side of a cabin, it's kind of hard to deny. But Abby takes to it with a child like wonder and happiness - maybe that Box of Weird was a good thing after all. There's a great dynamic between Abbie and her sister-self - once they both acknowledge one another, with the dragon self being a bit grumpy and pushy and Abbie giving it right back to her.
Fianna, although the namesake of the book, is a bit harder to connect to. She's been sent to Portland to find Abby as a means of atonement for a misstep when she was training young dragons. She's strong, noble and obviously knows what she's doing. I'm not saying Abbie could do better, but I would have liked to see a bit more of Fianna's personality and more of a romantic build up (this was kind of an insta-attract/bonded mate whirlwind romance).
My one quibble with the book was the use of magic through the book - Draca magic was never really explained or rules laid out, it just seemed to be used to smooth out whatever gaps there might have been and used for just about anything from filling a stew pot to . It was just a bit too powerful and too easily wielded - if they could use magic like that, how could the humans ever be a threat to dragons (big, flying, toothy dragons) who have seemingly unlimited magic?
Based on the "Book 1 of the Shift Series" subtitle, there will definitely be more coming in this series and I'll be interested to see where Ms. Kelley takes us next. The first book is a self contained story and you won't be left hanging but there's lots of possibilities hinted at - a book set in Draca or maybe following the idea of more Draca youth "visiting" Portland, what about Myriam ... and Guin who was left behind to keep an eye on things ... or the unnamed techno-Draca? Like I said, there's lots of things to explore with a fresh and new perspective of dragon shifters and I look forward to seeing what's coming next.
Thank you to Dirt Road Books for an advance copy of this book.
September 2, 2019
Hold the cake and the tea, within these glorious pages there be dragons everywhere! I can’t get over the fact that this author has created a wonderful world of shape-shifting dragons! Abbie is moody and impulsive but she’s a young dragon who is coming into her powers even though she’s fighting with her inner dragon every step of the way. She wants to be in control of her life but her unique nature sets her apart from everyone she’s ever known. Now Fianna... she’s been given the most challenging mission of her life, she needs to find Abbie and deliver her safely to the elders in the Draca Council but there’s nothing simple about her mission at all. Fianna has to deal with shady and malicious humans and dragons who would do anything to capture Abbie and exploit her for their own gain. I couldn’t get enough of the tight bond that Orla, Guin and Fianna shared and I really wished these women were real because I’d love to meet them! I can’t wait to read the next book in this captivating series!
September 7, 2019
It is the first book about dragons that I read and it's not the last one especially from this author. It was funny at times but mostly educational. I felt like I was the brand new dragon who didn't know about her abilities! I liked the small drama, and the feelings developing between Abbie and Fianna. It was one wonderful reading experience!!!
ARC review- I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
ARC review- I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
September 10, 2019
A dragon story lover's dream. Dragon shifters - better yet!! First book I'm reading by Ms. Kelley and I'm impressed. This is a skillfully woven tale that easily transported me into Abbie and Fianna's world. Looking forward to #2 in the series. Strongly recommend with 4 stars.
I rec'd an ARC from Dirt Road Books for an un-biased review.
I rec'd an ARC from Dirt Road Books for an un-biased review.
February 29, 2020
This was a light fun urban fantasy that takes place in my home town (woot woot) of Portland. This book follows a group of Dragon Shifters as they find a hybrid and solve a conspiracy they stumble upon.
I enjoyed this book. It was a fun read with an interesting world. The characters were all solid and entertaining, I especially liked Abbie. I hope to read more about Abbies shenanigans. I fully admit that I am a huge slow-burn romance fan and have a hard time buying into insta love relationships, which this relationship was. While I liked Abbie and Fianna, I found myself asking why are they together other than because.
This book features a bushel of characters who are described as cunning and mischievous, and I wish the writing reflected that. There were no surprises for me. The story seemed transparent and I was hoping for an air of mystery. Something to support the cunningness of the characters. It wasn’t helpful that the glossary was in the front and gave the game away when it came to the “bad guy”. I pretty much knew exactly where that was going before starting chapter 1 and then immediately ID’ed the “bad guy” when they were first introduced because of the glossary. Moving it to the back would help. Secondly, I am not sure why Miriam was given a POV. It didn’t feel like it added anything, and without it, there would have been some mystery to what was going on. Also, I’m fairly positive Miriam is going to be an MC and love interest in the next book, and I would have preferred to have her be this mysterious person that is unraveled in that book. Especially since it would provide some interesting tension between her and Guin, as Guin tries to figure out how much of a role she had with Abbies kidnapping.
All in all, I enjoyed this book and look forward to the sequel. I would recommend this book to urban fantasy, dragons, and/or shifter fans.
I enjoyed this book. It was a fun read with an interesting world. The characters were all solid and entertaining, I especially liked Abbie. I hope to read more about Abbies shenanigans. I fully admit that I am a huge slow-burn romance fan and have a hard time buying into insta love relationships, which this relationship was. While I liked Abbie and Fianna, I found myself asking why are they together other than because.
This book features a bushel of characters who are described as cunning and mischievous, and I wish the writing reflected that. There were no surprises for me. The story seemed transparent and I was hoping for an air of mystery. Something to support the cunningness of the characters. It wasn’t helpful that the glossary was in the front and gave the game away when it came to the “bad guy”. I pretty much knew exactly where that was going before starting chapter 1 and then immediately ID’ed the “bad guy” when they were first introduced because of the glossary. Moving it to the back would help. Secondly, I am not sure why Miriam was given a POV. It didn’t feel like it added anything, and without it, there would have been some mystery to what was going on. Also, I’m fairly positive Miriam is going to be an MC and love interest in the next book, and I would have preferred to have her be this mysterious person that is unraveled in that book. Especially since it would provide some interesting tension between her and Guin, as Guin tries to figure out how much of a role she had with Abbies kidnapping.
All in all, I enjoyed this book and look forward to the sequel. I would recommend this book to urban fantasy, dragons, and/or shifter fans.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2021
Fianna the Gold starts in Portland, Oregon. Abbie has spent a large part of her life wondering why she can’t resist the temptation to squirrel away shiny things, and why she can hear weird voices in her head. Unbeknown to her, Abbie is dragon-human hybrid, and her dragon self it trying to get herself known to the human side. Cue lots of humour & lots of getting into trouble, some involving magic mushrooms!
.
Enter scene left, the three dragon sister shapeshifters - Fianna, Guin and Orla. They have been sent to Earth, from Draca, to rescue Abbie. Unfortunately, things are not that simple - Abbie doesn’t realise she is part-dragon, and is also hunted by a human, Miriam, who would do anything to get hold of a dragon and use their power.
.
The first book is a lighthearted adventure fantasy as Abbie discovers her dragon-self, and the 3 sisters try to get her back to Draca while evading Miriam. It is not too heavy on the fantasy element, and you might enjoy it even if you normally don't read this genre. The bond between the sisters is lovely, and Fianna and Abbie cannot resist the spark between them. On the whole the characters have depth, and are very relatable. There are some hilarious moments when Abbie the human competes with her grumpy dragon-self, as each tries to be the dominant entity - but they ultimately end up making peace.
A good read overall!
.
Enter scene left, the three dragon sister shapeshifters - Fianna, Guin and Orla. They have been sent to Earth, from Draca, to rescue Abbie. Unfortunately, things are not that simple - Abbie doesn’t realise she is part-dragon, and is also hunted by a human, Miriam, who would do anything to get hold of a dragon and use their power.
.
The first book is a lighthearted adventure fantasy as Abbie discovers her dragon-self, and the 3 sisters try to get her back to Draca while evading Miriam. It is not too heavy on the fantasy element, and you might enjoy it even if you normally don't read this genre. The bond between the sisters is lovely, and Fianna and Abbie cannot resist the spark between them. On the whole the characters have depth, and are very relatable. There are some hilarious moments when Abbie the human competes with her grumpy dragon-self, as each tries to be the dominant entity - but they ultimately end up making peace.
A good read overall!
April 13, 2021
This was a really fun fantasy romp complete with dragons, evil men, shape-shifters, greedy humans, and magical objects. This is the first time I have read this author but will certainly read more! Light-hearted & fun entertainment!
January 7, 2020
This was a fun read with Abbie (the what-the-hell's-happening-to-me protagonist), Fianna (the disgraced dragon trying to redeem herself) and the secondary characters, including more dragon-shapeshifters, greedy humans, and an evil old dragon suffering from their world's version of dementia. The build up on the evil mage was exciting, although I would have liked more time on the resolution. It felt like watching the fireworks, only to be disappointed with the finale. I also would have enjoyed more information on the duality of the shapeshifters--that of the human self and the dragon self. This is why I rated the book four stars instead of five. That said, I enjoyed how the author ended the book, reflecting Abbie's acceptance of her new reality, Fianna's hero arc, and a good stopping point before they embark on the next part of their lives. This series shows promise, and I look forward to reading the next book.
September 9, 2019
Sets the stage for a promising new fantasy series (4.5 stars)
Fantasy is a relatively new genre for me to read so I tend to read it more slowly than other genres in order to take in all the details of the worlds being built, the creatures being introduced and the rules that govern them. I was a bit concerned at first glance seeing a Glossary at the beginning of Fianna the Gold, but relaxed soon after when I realized that the terms make sense and, in the context of the story, are easy to understand the majority of the time without having to refer back to the glossary. If anything the glossary provides hints that dragons, their home world and the technology it holds are going to be part of the story; I had not read the synopsis for the book and just dove in to start reading and discovering as I went along. That worked well for me but knowing the gist of the story ahead of time is not a detriment (in part because this is only book one in a series).
Fianna the Gold is set in and around Portland, Oregon and fits nicely under the 'keep Portland weird' banner. There are several plots threads being spun and then woven together as the story progresses so the storytelling remains fresh and entertaining, with moments of mini-suspense when the scene changes, leaving the reader up in the air for a brief time until the focus returns to that scene in play. It could be argued that this book has an age gap element to it but to me that dynamic is more like teacher and student; humans interact with the Draca with each learning about the other's ways, so the dynamic shifts and causes some great humor and insight about the human race and its behaviors when seen thru the eyes of an outsider. For trope lovers there is also an element of bed sharing but not what you might expect.
I had many questions as I read and most were answered; it's clear that this book is setting the stage for a series and one that could extend beyond a trilogy. It reminded me of Brey Willows' Afterlife Inc trilogy where each book in that series places the spotlight on one of the three sister Furies but features all of them among a cast of other characters, human and otherworldy. The ending of Fianna the Gold is a satisfying one and knowing there are more books to come just has me all the more eager to read them and to see if my hypothesis about how they may be laid out (for the first three books anyway) holds true. I started out slow in reading the book but by the latter portion my speed had bumped up significantly, wanting to see what happens next; there were some predictable moments and some surprises but the suspense felt secondary to the character arcs, romance action and comedy going on. If you're a fantasy fan or love dragons you'll love this book and even if they're not in your reading wheelhouse give this a read anyway for the humor, action and quality storytelling that ought to be far more prevalent in visual mediums like television and movies by now. I look forward to reading the remaining books in this series when they're published and anything else by this author in the future.
I received an advance reading copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Fantasy is a relatively new genre for me to read so I tend to read it more slowly than other genres in order to take in all the details of the worlds being built, the creatures being introduced and the rules that govern them. I was a bit concerned at first glance seeing a Glossary at the beginning of Fianna the Gold, but relaxed soon after when I realized that the terms make sense and, in the context of the story, are easy to understand the majority of the time without having to refer back to the glossary. If anything the glossary provides hints that dragons, their home world and the technology it holds are going to be part of the story; I had not read the synopsis for the book and just dove in to start reading and discovering as I went along. That worked well for me but knowing the gist of the story ahead of time is not a detriment (in part because this is only book one in a series).
Fianna the Gold is set in and around Portland, Oregon and fits nicely under the 'keep Portland weird' banner. There are several plots threads being spun and then woven together as the story progresses so the storytelling remains fresh and entertaining, with moments of mini-suspense when the scene changes, leaving the reader up in the air for a brief time until the focus returns to that scene in play. It could be argued that this book has an age gap element to it but to me that dynamic is more like teacher and student; humans interact with the Draca with each learning about the other's ways, so the dynamic shifts and causes some great humor and insight about the human race and its behaviors when seen thru the eyes of an outsider. For trope lovers there is also an element of bed sharing but not what you might expect.
I had many questions as I read and most were answered; it's clear that this book is setting the stage for a series and one that could extend beyond a trilogy. It reminded me of Brey Willows' Afterlife Inc trilogy where each book in that series places the spotlight on one of the three sister Furies but features all of them among a cast of other characters, human and otherworldy. The ending of Fianna the Gold is a satisfying one and knowing there are more books to come just has me all the more eager to read them and to see if my hypothesis about how they may be laid out (for the first three books anyway) holds true. I started out slow in reading the book but by the latter portion my speed had bumped up significantly, wanting to see what happens next; there were some predictable moments and some surprises but the suspense felt secondary to the character arcs, romance action and comedy going on. If you're a fantasy fan or love dragons you'll love this book and even if they're not in your reading wheelhouse give this a read anyway for the humor, action and quality storytelling that ought to be far more prevalent in visual mediums like television and movies by now. I look forward to reading the remaining books in this series when they're published and anything else by this author in the future.
I received an advance reading copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
October 6, 2019
Dragons and magical powers, what wasn’t to love!
Abbie has a complicated life that she doesn’t fully understand, until one night she stumbles upon sanctuary in the woods. Here she meets Fianna, Guin and Orla who help her come to terms with everything, and understanding what all the weird and wonderful happenings in her life are about. This leads to adventure, a little true love, and a whole heap of magical wonders and fun.
I loved the fun adventure sense of this story. It was wonderfully magical and lots of twists and turns that made for an exciting read. The shape shifting dragons, their world, and how it could morph with the human existence was absolutely fascinating and something different. I loved the layering in this story as well, within the amazing world building, the complexities of the relationships and hierarchy within the houses of the dragons has me excited to see what the future of this series holds. No one was as they seemed, deals were made, and magic surrounded all creating crazy plot for an all action adventure with beautiful imagery. As a reader it was so uplifting to get swept up in Abbie’s discoveries and marvel with her at the wonders of the dragons she encountered.
I would have loved a little more insight into Abbie’s experiences before she met the dragons but it worked equally as well, and was a little bit more of a surprise when we did find out what it all meant.
Abbie was a lot of fun as a character. Full of life, embracing opportunity, whilst having a wicked sense of humour. Abbie wasn’t without her uncertainty though, which kept her grounded, but she was quite stubborn, and a bit of a rebel. She really injected something exciting into this story by being a vibrant and unforgettable character. With the other characters, Abbie had brilliant relationships, she gelled so well with Fianna, Orla and Guin that it was as if they had always known each other, such an easy friendship full of banter. But it was Fianna that Abbie had an instant connection with, and it was very magical.
A great start to a promising fantasy series! I look forward to more.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher
Abbie has a complicated life that she doesn’t fully understand, until one night she stumbles upon sanctuary in the woods. Here she meets Fianna, Guin and Orla who help her come to terms with everything, and understanding what all the weird and wonderful happenings in her life are about. This leads to adventure, a little true love, and a whole heap of magical wonders and fun.
I loved the fun adventure sense of this story. It was wonderfully magical and lots of twists and turns that made for an exciting read. The shape shifting dragons, their world, and how it could morph with the human existence was absolutely fascinating and something different. I loved the layering in this story as well, within the amazing world building, the complexities of the relationships and hierarchy within the houses of the dragons has me excited to see what the future of this series holds. No one was as they seemed, deals were made, and magic surrounded all creating crazy plot for an all action adventure with beautiful imagery. As a reader it was so uplifting to get swept up in Abbie’s discoveries and marvel with her at the wonders of the dragons she encountered.
I would have loved a little more insight into Abbie’s experiences before she met the dragons but it worked equally as well, and was a little bit more of a surprise when we did find out what it all meant.
Abbie was a lot of fun as a character. Full of life, embracing opportunity, whilst having a wicked sense of humour. Abbie wasn’t without her uncertainty though, which kept her grounded, but she was quite stubborn, and a bit of a rebel. She really injected something exciting into this story by being a vibrant and unforgettable character. With the other characters, Abbie had brilliant relationships, she gelled so well with Fianna, Orla and Guin that it was as if they had always known each other, such an easy friendship full of banter. But it was Fianna that Abbie had an instant connection with, and it was very magical.
A great start to a promising fantasy series! I look forward to more.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher
September 23, 2019
I truly enjoyed this one! I’ve been in a book reading funk and was finding it too difficult to pick up any book and read. Thank goodness I picked this one up and began reading! After an exhausting week this is what I needed. Book one in a new series, Fianna the Gold takes place in Portland, Oregon. Lol Keep Portland Weird! Abbie is 30 years old and struggling with her weirdness so she absolutely knows a camping trip into the forest with some magic mushrooms will totally help her find herself. Pick this one up and check out what happens! I honestly can’t wait for book two by Louisa Kelley. I received an arc by DRB and this is my absolutely honest review! I highly recommend Fianna the Gold by Louisa Kelley!
Merged review:
I truly enjoyed this one! I’ve been in a book reading funk and was finding it too difficult to pick up any book and read. Thank goodness I picked this one up and began reading! After an exhausting week this is what I needed. Book one in a new series, Fianna the Gold takes place in Portland, Oregon. Lol Keep Portland Weird! Abbie is 30 years old and struggling with her weirdness so she absolutely knows a camping trip into the forest with some magic mushrooms will totally help her find herself. Pick this one up and check out what happens! I honestly can’t wait for book two by Louisa Kelley. I received an arc by DRB and this is my absolutely honest review! I highly recommend Fianna the Gold by Louisa Kelley!
Merged review:
I truly enjoyed this one! I’ve been in a book reading funk and was finding it too difficult to pick up any book and read. Thank goodness I picked this one up and began reading! After an exhausting week this is what I needed. Book one in a new series, Fianna the Gold takes place in Portland, Oregon. Lol Keep Portland Weird! Abbie is 30 years old and struggling with her weirdness so she absolutely knows a camping trip into the forest with some magic mushrooms will totally help her find herself. Pick this one up and check out what happens! I honestly can’t wait for book two by Louisa Kelley. I received an arc by DRB and this is my absolutely honest review! I highly recommend Fianna the Gold by Louisa Kelley!
September 16, 2019
The first part was wonderful. I read a lot of fantasy so some early parts seemed familiar to me and kind of predictable. However, Kelley managed to create an interesting story that kept my attention for the rest of the book. She managed to make the “villains” not quite so evil and somewhat humane (not human since they’re not all human, but definitely understandable.) All the characters had flaws and strengths which made them more believable. Abby doesn’t know what’s happening to her, but someone wants her and not in a good way. She has to learn to trust and believe Fianna and the other two women. There were a few sly references to current culture that made me smile. And dragons! We don’t see too many dragon shifters, if any. I’m looking forward to the next installment. I received an ARC from the publisher to review.
September 16, 2019
Discovering a talented author is always exciting; knowing that said author's first book is the start to a series? That's cause for celebration.
It is a testament to Louisa Kelley's writing that Fianna the Gold at times felt like reading an illustrated novel—the world building was first rate, the writing vivid and crisp. This is an assured, imaginative work that never takes itself too seriously, with welcome touches of humor and heat.
Abbie and Fianna are adorable. Reaching the end of the book felt fulfilling, but left me wanting to learn more about these characters and their world.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It is a testament to Louisa Kelley's writing that Fianna the Gold at times felt like reading an illustrated novel—the world building was first rate, the writing vivid and crisp. This is an assured, imaginative work that never takes itself too seriously, with welcome touches of humor and heat.
Abbie and Fianna are adorable. Reaching the end of the book felt fulfilling, but left me wanting to learn more about these characters and their world.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 21, 2019
I really enjoyed this story. It was great to read about Dragon shifters. I thought thee characters were very good I loved Abbie and how she was so untrusting of others, but once her sister-self was discovered how curious and trusting she became of the others. This is the first book by this author that I have read and am looking forward to reading the rest of this series. I felt it was well written and kept me entertained. I would recommend this to others.
I received this as an ARC from Dirt Road Books in exchange for an honest review.
I received this as an ARC from Dirt Road Books in exchange for an honest review.
January 1, 2021
excellent book, great plot, very entertaining. ready for another book from this aithor
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