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Dragon Souls #1
Havesskadi
The red dragon is hunting her own. Up in the icy peaks of the northern mountains, Orsie Havesskadi spends his days hiding from her, but eventually he is found and his dragon magic stolen. Cursed to wander the lands as a mortal unless he recovers his magic before twenty-four rising crescents have passed, Orsie embarks on an arduous journey. Spurred by the whispers in his mind, his quest takes him to a castle hidden deep in a forest.
Arkeva Flitz, a skilled garrison archer, discovers an abandoned castle in the woods. Trapped there, he spends his days with his two companions, one cruel, the other soothing. One day, a young man arrives at his gates, and soon they are confined by heavy snowfalls and in danger from what slumbers in the shadows of the castle.
Arkeva Flitz, a skilled garrison archer, discovers an abandoned castle in the woods. Trapped there, he spends his days with his two companions, one cruel, the other soothing. One day, a young man arrives at his gates, and soon they are confined by heavy snowfalls and in danger from what slumbers in the shadows of the castle.
203 pages, Paperback
First published February 28, 2018
4 people are currently reading
349 people want to read
About the author
Ava Kelly
23 books31 followersAva Kelly is an engineer with a deep passion for stories. Whether reading, watching, or writing them, Ava has always been surrounded by tales of all genres. Their goal is to bring more stories to life, especially those of friendship and compassion, those dedicated to trope subversion, those that give the void a voice, and those that spawn worlds of their own.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 25, 2020
Dragons! ‘Havesskadi’ is one of nine stories in the ‘For the Hoard’ collection, and it is yet another intriguingly different look at dragonshifters. In this fictional world that feels like it’s set in the past, dragons carry their magic inside themselves, use it to build their homes, and rely on its presence for health and long life. It is possible to steal this magic, or anaskett, and while it used to be greedy humans who did this, now there is a dragon who has been corrupted by all the anasketts she amassed. The driving force behind this tale is the main character’s need to reclaim his magic within two years or lose his immortality. It’s an action/adventure, a love story, and a wonderful illustration of how things are easier when you have friends to help you.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
February 25, 2018
4.5 Stars!
I requested this book because I found the blurb intriguing and felt it would at least be an interesting read, if nothing else. I'm glad I did.
This book was fascinating. You could tell that the world-building around the dragons was well thought out because it showed in its fantastic delivery. I loved reading all about dragon lore in this story and how their physical and magical characteristics affected their lives as well as the lives of the physical world around them.
This story made me FEEL. It made me feel so much for Ark and Orsie as lonely individuals, feel again as they discovered each others presence, feel during their time apart and feel even MORE when they finally found each other. The palpable feelings that these two had for each other overshadowed every other thing (including lack of sexy times) and it was a joy to read. Oh and whenever Orise called Ark "my soul", I damn near swooned in my seat. Ugh such good feeeeels!
I must admit that the story dragged a tad bit during their time apart. However, it wasn't so slow to the extent of causing me to lose interest in the book. I guess I just needed my two MCs to finally get to each other and stop the aching they went through.
Ultimately and from my rating, its obvious I loved this book and I will definitely be picking up anything else by Ava Kelly I come across. Definitely.
*****ARC Provided By Publisher In Exchange For An Honest, Unbiased Review*****
I requested this book because I found the blurb intriguing and felt it would at least be an interesting read, if nothing else. I'm glad I did.
This book was fascinating. You could tell that the world-building around the dragons was well thought out because it showed in its fantastic delivery. I loved reading all about dragon lore in this story and how their physical and magical characteristics affected their lives as well as the lives of the physical world around them.
This story made me FEEL. It made me feel so much for Ark and Orsie as lonely individuals, feel again as they discovered each others presence, feel during their time apart and feel even MORE when they finally found each other. The palpable feelings that these two had for each other overshadowed every other thing (including lack of sexy times) and it was a joy to read. Oh and whenever Orise called Ark "my soul", I damn near swooned in my seat. Ugh such good feeeeels!
I must admit that the story dragged a tad bit during their time apart. However, it wasn't so slow to the extent of causing me to lose interest in the book. I guess I just needed my two MCs to finally get to each other and stop the aching they went through.
Ultimately and from my rating, its obvious I loved this book and I will definitely be picking up anything else by Ava Kelly I come across. Definitely.
*****ARC Provided By Publisher In Exchange For An Honest, Unbiased Review*****
August 15, 2020
This lovely book has a careful, mysterious build to an absolutely captivating and sensual ending. The story's blend of quiet fantasy and asexual romance is highly psychological, and explores issues of personal identity and change. I also really enjoyed (and learned from!) its ownvoices ace and trans perspectives. Its gorgeous ending opens a door to myriad of story possibilities, so I'm excited to see where the author takes it!
March 13, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.
5 stars
This is a love story, but it is an incredible slow burn. At first, Orsie and Ark are the subjects of two seemingly parallel arcs: Orsie’s story about his struggle to get his dragonsoul back and Ark’s story about his meagre life as an unappreciated archer who becomes more or less imprisoned in a magical castle. Despite the seeming distance between our two MCs, Kelly builds in intimacy when these two discover they can “whisper” to each other. This is a sort of mind link that allows the two to build a connection, a bond, and to fall in love—but that connection can only activate in certain parts of the castle and only when both Orsie and Ark seek it out. Kelly really starts fanning the fire when their two paths finally converge, but they don’t realize they’ve finally found their lover because the whisper link disallows any sort of identifying information (such as voice, appearance, even physical location) from being shared. For me, I was rooting for them to fall for each other anyway, but also appreciated that Ark and Orsie developing feelings for one another makes them feel like they are betraying their “whisperer” love.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
5 stars
This is a love story, but it is an incredible slow burn. At first, Orsie and Ark are the subjects of two seemingly parallel arcs: Orsie’s story about his struggle to get his dragonsoul back and Ark’s story about his meagre life as an unappreciated archer who becomes more or less imprisoned in a magical castle. Despite the seeming distance between our two MCs, Kelly builds in intimacy when these two discover they can “whisper” to each other. This is a sort of mind link that allows the two to build a connection, a bond, and to fall in love—but that connection can only activate in certain parts of the castle and only when both Orsie and Ark seek it out. Kelly really starts fanning the fire when their two paths finally converge, but they don’t realize they’ve finally found their lover because the whisper link disallows any sort of identifying information (such as voice, appearance, even physical location) from being shared. For me, I was rooting for them to fall for each other anyway, but also appreciated that Ark and Orsie developing feelings for one another makes them feel like they are betraying their “whisperer” love.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
February 22, 2018
3. 5 stars
Thanks to NetGalley and to the editor. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book has an interesting idea and has dragons so... yeah, I was expecting quite a lot. And some of my expectations were disappointed because it's a good read, yes, but it's not a book... it's more a long story, and they're not the same thing!
In a book we have characters with depths, and if the book is a good book then we have also secondary characters of some relevance, and the story happens while we are reading, we see the same things that the characters see, we feel what they feel and so on... in a story we have the main characters, and we know quite a lot about them, yes, but they lack something, they aren't so well characterized as in books, the story is just told and we don't live it with the characters, the secondary characters are almost non-existent and all is almost but not enough.
And that's the case with this book.
It's not that I didn't like it, I liked it a lot, I liked the writing, the writing is really good because it's vivid and full of life, some parts seem painted and not just written, and that was great! Also, the two characters were good, but I wanted more, both from them and from the secondary (we don't have them, argh!).
There are a lot of good ideas in there, but I wasn't satisfied with the reading, even if I enjoyed it and it was quite pleasant.
Thanks to NetGalley and to the editor. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book has an interesting idea and has dragons so... yeah, I was expecting quite a lot. And some of my expectations were disappointed because it's a good read, yes, but it's not a book... it's more a long story, and they're not the same thing!
In a book we have characters with depths, and if the book is a good book then we have also secondary characters of some relevance, and the story happens while we are reading, we see the same things that the characters see, we feel what they feel and so on... in a story we have the main characters, and we know quite a lot about them, yes, but they lack something, they aren't so well characterized as in books, the story is just told and we don't live it with the characters, the secondary characters are almost non-existent and all is almost but not enough.
And that's the case with this book.
It's not that I didn't like it, I liked it a lot, I liked the writing, the writing is really good because it's vivid and full of life, some parts seem painted and not just written, and that was great! Also, the two characters were good, but I wanted more, both from them and from the secondary (we don't have them, argh!).
There are a lot of good ideas in there, but I wasn't satisfied with the reading, even if I enjoyed it and it was quite pleasant.
September 11, 2020
To be frank, I loved this book immensely. This is the first of this author that I've read, and I'm beyond excited to find more work by them.
The writing style is very particular and poetic while being concise and emotive. It reminds me a bit of Peter Beagle. The world building is subtle, but tight for what the characters experience; the magic is a lovely bit of soft magic that really does feel magical; the characters feel both real and mythical.
The asexual representation was the reason I found this in the first place, and it honestly was wonderful. (Any more thoughts on this would be spoilers, but like, ♥)
I knew I wanted to read this book for a while, and honestly was saving it for myself like a special treat for just when I needed it, and all anticipation was well met.
The writing style is very particular and poetic while being concise and emotive. It reminds me a bit of Peter Beagle. The world building is subtle, but tight for what the characters experience; the magic is a lovely bit of soft magic that really does feel magical; the characters feel both real and mythical.
The asexual representation was the reason I found this in the first place, and it honestly was wonderful. (Any more thoughts on this would be spoilers, but like, ♥)
I knew I wanted to read this book for a while, and honestly was saving it for myself like a special treat for just when I needed it, and all anticipation was well met.
September 21, 2020
With the beautiful new cover, the 2020 edition of Havesskadi is even more of a joy to read than before. Once again I was enchanted by the intriguing ways of this world's dragons and the poetic, thoughtful writing. I'm glad this dragon found a new home, both in the world of publishing and in the story.
June 11, 2018
I got an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for a fair review.
This was a great read! Havesskadi is beautifully written, with vivid, immersive prose and its novel, well-thought-out worldbuilding. It's a story about love, enduring hardships, and how no man (or dragon) is an island. The pace is more contemplative in the first half of the book, before everything picks up in the second half. The ending left me hanging for more, and I hope the author will consider writing a sequel to expand on the lore hinted at at the end of the story!
This was a great read! Havesskadi is beautifully written, with vivid, immersive prose and its novel, well-thought-out worldbuilding. It's a story about love, enduring hardships, and how no man (or dragon) is an island. The pace is more contemplative in the first half of the book, before everything picks up in the second half. The ending left me hanging for more, and I hope the author will consider writing a sequel to expand on the lore hinted at at the end of the story!
July 7, 2019
This book was a birthday present and I love it!!
What a wonderful take on dragons!
During the story the mysteries surrounding the dragons and their magic are revealed.
Trust me, you want to read about these dragons ;)
It references 'common' dragon legends but the pieces come together differently than expected.
When I was reading I could feel the love that has gone into the worldbuilding and the story.
What a wonderful take on dragons!
During the story the mysteries surrounding the dragons and their magic are revealed.
Trust me, you want to read about these dragons ;)
It references 'common' dragon legends but the pieces come together differently than expected.
When I was reading I could feel the love that has gone into the worldbuilding and the story.
February 28, 2018
Inventive dragon lore, queer characters, love for snow... Good ingredients for a good book :D
March 4, 2020
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review...
The senses run wild with this one. A beautiful story written with classic dragon tales in mind. I could feel the hurt, longing, happiness, eagerness, cold, heat, every emotion and sensation described in this book was so well delivered. Only in the last chapter did I wish for a little more from the story. I feel it ended too quickly and that might just be because I was enjoying it so much that I didn't want it to end. Just wonderful.
The senses run wild with this one. A beautiful story written with classic dragon tales in mind. I could feel the hurt, longing, happiness, eagerness, cold, heat, every emotion and sensation described in this book was so well delivered. Only in the last chapter did I wish for a little more from the story. I feel it ended too quickly and that might just be because I was enjoying it so much that I didn't want it to end. Just wonderful.
September 21, 2020
Queer dragons and wonderful world-building; what more can you wish for?
This is a great fantasy romance with exciting, sad, cute and funny moments. At times, the beautiful language made me want to read pieces out loud, like a bard telling this story of old in one of the taverns Orsie stops to work at.
I loved the interesting new concepts in this universe,
In the second half, the book transformed from a classic roadtrip-fantasy to an interesting Beauty and the Beast variation. I was really feeling for Orsie and Ark. Their emotions were conveyed very well and invoked a lot of different strong feelings in me. Like “aargh!!”, but also “awh”.
I could certainly see sequel possibilities near the end, so I hope we’ll be taken back to this universe someday!
This is a great fantasy romance with exciting, sad, cute and funny moments. At times, the beautiful language made me want to read pieces out loud, like a bard telling this story of old in one of the taverns Orsie stops to work at.
I loved the interesting new concepts in this universe,
In the second half, the book transformed from a classic roadtrip-fantasy to an interesting Beauty and the Beast variation. I was really feeling for Orsie and Ark. Their emotions were conveyed very well and invoked a lot of different strong feelings in me. Like “aargh!!”, but also “awh”.
I could certainly see sequel possibilities near the end, so I hope we’ll be taken back to this universe someday!
May 10, 2021
I found this book sweet, but kind of weak.
I liked it overall - I think both the characters were set up well, and I was rooting for them, and I appreciated the 'villain's story too. But the way this book was plotted - the first half, the characters aren't in the same place. The next 50 pages, they're together but don't realise it. And that left only the last 50 pages for real romance and the story! I understand that they were 'talking' but their communication seemed so vague it was essentially just sharing vibes which, sure, but I wish this had been structured differently.
This sounds very negative. I did like it, and it picked up a ton at the end, there's a lot to like! I just personally don't like pining-based or miscommunication-based romance, and this is that.
I liked it overall - I think both the characters were set up well, and I was rooting for them, and I appreciated the 'villain's story too. But the way this book was plotted - the first half, the characters aren't in the same place. The next 50 pages, they're together but don't realise it. And that left only the last 50 pages for real romance and the story! I understand that they were 'talking' but their communication seemed so vague it was essentially just sharing vibes which, sure, but I wish this had been structured differently.
This sounds very negative. I did like it, and it picked up a ton at the end, there's a lot to like! I just personally don't like pining-based or miscommunication-based romance, and this is that.
May 6, 2021
I almost put the book down after just a few pages because of the present tense. It felt awkward and I couldn't focus properly. I kept reading because of my love for dragons and slow-burn romances. Overall the story wasn't bad, but not breathtaking either. I kind of liked the protagonists, with a slight preference for Orsie. Not enough for re-reading though, or willing to read another volume when/if it's released. 3 stars.
February 28, 2020
2.5 Stars rounded up
This reading experience was a bit unusual for me in that it started out really strong. I really liked the setup with Orsie and Nevmis and I was on the lookout for an awesome dragon fight as the resolution. Perhaps because I had built up some expectation of what I wanted to happen, the actual ending of the book seemed a little tepid in comparison. I also really struggled to connect with Orsie and Ark; both seemed like very flat, one-dimensional characters. I didn't know what made them tick or who they really were. Towards the middle, I honestly just started skimming. It was too repetitive and nothing really happened for so many pages. In the end, I kind of felt this disappointment because there were so many loose ends. Even if this book is a part of a series, the details I am talking about didn't seem like they were purposefully not explained; they came off more as something the author forgot to fully resolve.
Even with all of these flaws, I think the author did a few things really well. I loved the world-building. The author seemed to put a lot of thought into the lore of the series, but I just wish it was contextualized a little better. It was like I knew all the names of places but not the stories behind them, so it was hard to connect with the world of the book. It felt like it was constantly just out of reach. Also, I liked the touches about dragon intimacy. I fully support the idea that dragons would not be the same as humans in many ways, and the author did a pretty decent job getting that message across. Overall, I feel like the book had a lot of potential, but I couldn't quite connect with the world or the characters.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This reading experience was a bit unusual for me in that it started out really strong. I really liked the setup with Orsie and Nevmis and I was on the lookout for an awesome dragon fight as the resolution. Perhaps because I had built up some expectation of what I wanted to happen, the actual ending of the book seemed a little tepid in comparison. I also really struggled to connect with Orsie and Ark; both seemed like very flat, one-dimensional characters. I didn't know what made them tick or who they really were. Towards the middle, I honestly just started skimming. It was too repetitive and nothing really happened for so many pages. In the end, I kind of felt this disappointment because there were so many loose ends. Even if this book is a part of a series, the details I am talking about didn't seem like they were purposefully not explained; they came off more as something the author forgot to fully resolve.
Even with all of these flaws, I think the author did a few things really well. I loved the world-building. The author seemed to put a lot of thought into the lore of the series, but I just wish it was contextualized a little better. It was like I knew all the names of places but not the stories behind them, so it was hard to connect with the world of the book. It felt like it was constantly just out of reach. Also, I liked the touches about dragon intimacy. I fully support the idea that dragons would not be the same as humans in many ways, and the author did a pretty decent job getting that message across. Overall, I feel like the book had a lot of potential, but I couldn't quite connect with the world or the characters.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 16, 2020
Orsie Havesskadi has been living a very solitary life hidden in the mountains. This is natural for a dragon...especially when there is a red dragon hunting all dragons. His peaceful existence is shattered one night when the Red Dragon finds him. As fearlessly as he fights, he still loses and as a result... loses his dragon magic.
In this world, when. dragon's magic is taken, they have 24 crescents to recover it. If they're unable to find it, they will become human permanently and will pass away.
Orsie is sick immediately. Having his magic stolen seems to almost tear him apart. He is feverish and confused... and only barely manages to survive by relying on the kindness of humans.
In another part of this world, garrison archer Ark is struggling with an unscrupulous commander. He's sent out on a mission... only to be attacked by a Red Dragon. Ark raises his bow and lets an arrow fly on instinct and then things begin to get bizarre! Things around Ark being to change as he struggles to focus and understand what's happened. He's being called a dragonslayer, but he doesn't recall slaying a dragon. He's shifting through space... unsure of where he should be or what he's doing. Finally, he stumbles upon a castle and is enticed inside.
Once Ark is inside the castle he beings to hear voices...whispers... some of which are dark and cruel, some of which are sweet and caring. Those caring whispers are coming from Orsie but neither man is able to communicate their names, or where they are.
Orsie sets off in search of his anaskett... and the whispering voice in his head.
For the course of this novel, neither Ark nor Orsie knows that they are seeking each other. There are yearning and emptiness in both their lives that is well-written by Kelly throughout. Each of these characters was quite different and I enjoyed the contrast between them.
The story is ultimately about finding an anchor in your life, someone or something to keep you centered and well. That journey is complicated in this story by the fact that one soul is a human and the other a dragon.
In this world, when. dragon's magic is taken, they have 24 crescents to recover it. If they're unable to find it, they will become human permanently and will pass away.
Orsie is sick immediately. Having his magic stolen seems to almost tear him apart. He is feverish and confused... and only barely manages to survive by relying on the kindness of humans.
In another part of this world, garrison archer Ark is struggling with an unscrupulous commander. He's sent out on a mission... only to be attacked by a Red Dragon. Ark raises his bow and lets an arrow fly on instinct and then things begin to get bizarre! Things around Ark being to change as he struggles to focus and understand what's happened. He's being called a dragonslayer, but he doesn't recall slaying a dragon. He's shifting through space... unsure of where he should be or what he's doing. Finally, he stumbles upon a castle and is enticed inside.
Once Ark is inside the castle he beings to hear voices...whispers... some of which are dark and cruel, some of which are sweet and caring. Those caring whispers are coming from Orsie but neither man is able to communicate their names, or where they are.
Orsie sets off in search of his anaskett... and the whispering voice in his head.
For the course of this novel, neither Ark nor Orsie knows that they are seeking each other. There are yearning and emptiness in both their lives that is well-written by Kelly throughout. Each of these characters was quite different and I enjoyed the contrast between them.
The story is ultimately about finding an anchor in your life, someone or something to keep you centered and well. That journey is complicated in this story by the fact that one soul is a human and the other a dragon.
April 13, 2020
I tried really hard to get into this book and for the most part it was ok, because who doesn't love dragons. But I don't think this book is for me. I don't know. The plot was alright.
A dragon loses his soul to an evil dragon and is now losing his life. A human, who was a serviceman, was said to have killed the dragon. Ark never killed the dragon, he knows it. But he found a stone/gem that is calling to him and a castle he can't leave. He whispers at night to someone, knowing they hear somehow but can't answer. When Orsie appears on his doorstep, he knows he has to save the young man. But what he doesn't realize is this 'young' man is quite old and is the owner of the stone he found and has been whispering to. But in the bowels of the castle lies another stone. One that is full of malice. Taunting him. And it will be up to Ark and Orsie to solve what it is and how to fix it.
I felt bad for Orsie. The life of a dragon is long and lonely. And I felt bad for Ark as well at what he was dealing with, with the higher ups in the service. Treating him the way they did. And after losing his moms. So it's been one thing after another with these two. And it's almost as if fate wanted them together to fill holes in each other's lives they never had before. And while they are getting to know each other, they are learning what is really going on and how they are starting to mean to each other. How they've kept each other somewhat sane over these long months.
It's not a bad story overall, but for me, it just wasn't what I was looking for. I hope you all enjoy it
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
A dragon loses his soul to an evil dragon and is now losing his life. A human, who was a serviceman, was said to have killed the dragon. Ark never killed the dragon, he knows it. But he found a stone/gem that is calling to him and a castle he can't leave. He whispers at night to someone, knowing they hear somehow but can't answer. When Orsie appears on his doorstep, he knows he has to save the young man. But what he doesn't realize is this 'young' man is quite old and is the owner of the stone he found and has been whispering to. But in the bowels of the castle lies another stone. One that is full of malice. Taunting him. And it will be up to Ark and Orsie to solve what it is and how to fix it.
I felt bad for Orsie. The life of a dragon is long and lonely. And I felt bad for Ark as well at what he was dealing with, with the higher ups in the service. Treating him the way they did. And after losing his moms. So it's been one thing after another with these two. And it's almost as if fate wanted them together to fill holes in each other's lives they never had before. And while they are getting to know each other, they are learning what is really going on and how they are starting to mean to each other. How they've kept each other somewhat sane over these long months.
It's not a bad story overall, but for me, it just wasn't what I was looking for. I hope you all enjoy it
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
May 27, 2021
I don't really use Goodreads anymore, but I had to come back to hype this totally under-rated book. It charmed me immediately and I loved every page. The fairy tale twist was clever and one I hadn't seen before, and the world-building was well-done. The scenery was lush and vivid, and I especially was impressed by how distinct the world inside the castle is. But it's the two protagonists who really make this book stand out.
It's rare to get a queer love story with so much depth and tenderness to it. Pain in the journey and a gentle but powerful joy at the end, something I related to totally subconsciously and got to the end shouting "yes!! that's how love is!!" Exactly my kind of romance, and a darn good fantasy story at the same time.
I wish I could have got more about the red dragon and would have liked to understand her better. I would also love to read further stories set in this world, whether about the continued story of these characters or brand new ones in another part of the world, and I hope there is more to come.
It's rare to get a queer love story with so much depth and tenderness to it. Pain in the journey and a gentle but powerful joy at the end, something I related to totally subconsciously and got to the end shouting "yes!! that's how love is!!" Exactly my kind of romance, and a darn good fantasy story at the same time.
I wish I could have got more about the red dragon and would have liked to understand her better. I would also love to read further stories set in this world, whether about the continued story of these characters or brand new ones in another part of the world, and I hope there is more to come.
February 26, 2020
Dragons! ‘Havesskadi’ is an intriguingly different look at dragonshifters. In this fictional world that feels like it’s set in the past, dragons carry their magic inside themselves, use it to build their homes, and rely on its presence for health and long life. It is possible to steal this magic, or anaskett, and while it used to be greedy humans who did this, now there is a dragon who has been corrupted by all the anasketts she amassed. The driving force behind this tale is the main character’s need to reclaim his magic within two years or lose his immortality. It’s an action/adventure, a love story, and a wonderful illustration of how things are easier when you have friends to help you.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
February 24, 2020
I received a copy of Havesskadi by AvaKelly via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review. I can understand why this story won an award. It is both sweet and touches on deeper issues at the same time. I think a lot of us are searching for something and don’t realize when it is literally within our grasp. I did not find the story focusing on just Orsie and Ark to be restricting, but rather played up their need for each other. The author did a good job of differentiating between human thinking and dragon thinking. I especially enjoyed the worldbuilding, as this is a new take on dragons for me. I hope the author does indeed write another book set in this fantastical environment.
June 26, 2024
Usually I'm not a fan of dragon-shifter romances but I'll read anything with dragons and asexual characters so I picked it up anyway and wow I loved every single thing about this book.
Orsie must go on a quest to find his stolen soul or stay trapped in a human form forever, while Ark spends his time in isolation after finding his way into a sentient castle that won't let him go.
This book has a fascinating take on dragons, and it does romance a little different which I really enjoyed.
The style is a little strange but I loved how the PoV changed several times (back and forth between Orsie and Ark) throughout each chapter, it made the book feel quite fast paced to me even though it's more slow burn, and I honestly forgot I was reading much of the time because I was so absorbed in it.
Orsie must go on a quest to find his stolen soul or stay trapped in a human form forever, while Ark spends his time in isolation after finding his way into a sentient castle that won't let him go.
This book has a fascinating take on dragons, and it does romance a little different which I really enjoyed.
The style is a little strange but I loved how the PoV changed several times (back and forth between Orsie and Ark) throughout each chapter, it made the book feel quite fast paced to me even though it's more slow burn, and I honestly forgot I was reading much of the time because I was so absorbed in it.
August 16, 2020
Arc provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
While this was a shorter novella it still built this world that I wish I could see more of. The lore for the dragons was just amazing and something that I have not seen before. IT was part travel book as well as part romance and yet nothing felt stagnant. Everything flowed together making me enjoy the journey along with the characters. I would highly recommend this book to those that want something about dragons that is quite new and fresh.
While this was a shorter novella it still built this world that I wish I could see more of. The lore for the dragons was just amazing and something that I have not seen before. IT was part travel book as well as part romance and yet nothing felt stagnant. Everything flowed together making me enjoy the journey along with the characters. I would highly recommend this book to those that want something about dragons that is quite new and fresh.
May 13, 2020
I really enjoyed this title. Havesskadi's journey was realistic to the point of frustration. The dead ends and wrong turns had me internally screaming at many points. The villains were a bit evil-for-the-sake-of-evil but it works in a fairy tale type setting like this book has in a way it wouldn't in other settings. The ending was especially refreshing.
February 28, 2018
I am not very good with reviews. But this story is beautiful. And everyone should read it.
April 22, 2023
This was a really beautiful story of loneliness and finding someone who fits your emptiness. The worldbuilding was elaborate for such a short story, and I would love to read more within this world.
March 2, 2021
I quite liked this story of adventure and romance. Lots of queer dragon books coming out right now...it's good stuff.
The Premise
Orsie is a dragon. Long, long lifespan, two forms (one humanoid and one full blown dragon) and a jewel he keeps inside himself called an "anaskett". But one day a fellow dragon named Nevmis, old and insane, steals his anaskett. If he can't get it back he will slowly turn into a human and then die.
Arkeva is just an archer, until he shoots an arrow at a dragon and wanders into a castle that forms a magical connection with him. The castle has a psychic presence that is possessive and malevolent, and Arkeva begins to feel stifled. But there is another psychic presence in the castle as well, caused by a large black anaskett sitting in the treasure room. Arkeva realizes he has a connection to a dragon far away, but they can only communicate through emotions. He can't, for example, hear the dragon tell him his name is Orsie or tell the dragon where his anaskett is hidden.
Orsie sets out on a quest to find the anaskett and the person with whom he has formed a sort of psychic bond. But winter is coming, and although Orsie is a dragon of the North, his human form is not so durable. He'll have a hard time making his way to his anaskett, finding the person he is growing to love, and becoming a full blown dragon again.
My Thoughts
I liked both Orsie and Arkeva. They strike me as individuals who do not have very strong connections in their lives, who are happy to find each other for this reason. I do hope things continue to go well with them in the future. I also enjoyed the writing style greatly, which is smooth, lush and often melancholy. Orsie is not what he is meant to be, and both he and Arkeva long to find each other. You sympathize with them and you are pulled into their troubles.
The mythology behind the world is interesting. I would like to know more about Nevmis, who remains a strong influence throughout the story but is still not as present as I expected from the beginning. The fact that she is largely corrupted as she is because she carries stolen anasketts is an interesting plot element, though I would have liked to explore that in more detail. Was she ever a good dragon? Or is that a fiction made up by Orsie's mother because she doesn't like to believe one of her own kind could be so brutal and sadistic? Either way the idea of anasketts and dragon-ness being something physical, something that can be stolen, was an intriguing plot element, not to mention the possibilities it opens up in the ending. I do wish a little more time had been taken to explore the nature of anasketts, especially towards the end, since they are fairly important to the plot and constitute characters in their own right.
On Orsie and Arkeva's eventual relationship, I remain ambivalent. While they do talk to each other (more than they talk to anyone else), the fact that they are concealing large amounts of information from each other when they finally do meet and this continues throughout almost half of the book strains their relationship for me. At some points it felt like their love was a little forced by proximity rather than by chemistry or true connection. Still, circumstances often create connection, so I more or less bought it. I did like that apparently Orsie is asexual (I think?) and this affects how Orsie and Arkeva's relationship manifests. Dragons do not mate through sex, but through touching souls. I want to know how this works.
Overall I liked it. Some parts of it remind me of Beauty and the Beast (two people, one slightly sentient castle, one person not being human, and secrets), others more have to do with soulbonds and questing. I would recommend as a romance with dragons and a mutual pining sort of vibe.
I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Premise
Orsie is a dragon. Long, long lifespan, two forms (one humanoid and one full blown dragon) and a jewel he keeps inside himself called an "anaskett". But one day a fellow dragon named Nevmis, old and insane, steals his anaskett. If he can't get it back he will slowly turn into a human and then die.
Arkeva is just an archer, until he shoots an arrow at a dragon and wanders into a castle that forms a magical connection with him. The castle has a psychic presence that is possessive and malevolent, and Arkeva begins to feel stifled. But there is another psychic presence in the castle as well, caused by a large black anaskett sitting in the treasure room. Arkeva realizes he has a connection to a dragon far away, but they can only communicate through emotions. He can't, for example, hear the dragon tell him his name is Orsie or tell the dragon where his anaskett is hidden.
Orsie sets out on a quest to find the anaskett and the person with whom he has formed a sort of psychic bond. But winter is coming, and although Orsie is a dragon of the North, his human form is not so durable. He'll have a hard time making his way to his anaskett, finding the person he is growing to love, and becoming a full blown dragon again.
My Thoughts
I liked both Orsie and Arkeva. They strike me as individuals who do not have very strong connections in their lives, who are happy to find each other for this reason. I do hope things continue to go well with them in the future. I also enjoyed the writing style greatly, which is smooth, lush and often melancholy. Orsie is not what he is meant to be, and both he and Arkeva long to find each other. You sympathize with them and you are pulled into their troubles.
The mythology behind the world is interesting. I would like to know more about Nevmis, who remains a strong influence throughout the story but is still not as present as I expected from the beginning. The fact that she is largely corrupted as she is because she carries stolen anasketts is an interesting plot element, though I would have liked to explore that in more detail. Was she ever a good dragon? Or is that a fiction made up by Orsie's mother because she doesn't like to believe one of her own kind could be so brutal and sadistic? Either way the idea of anasketts and dragon-ness being something physical, something that can be stolen, was an intriguing plot element, not to mention the possibilities it opens up in the ending. I do wish a little more time had been taken to explore the nature of anasketts, especially towards the end, since they are fairly important to the plot and constitute characters in their own right.
On Orsie and Arkeva's eventual relationship, I remain ambivalent. While they do talk to each other (more than they talk to anyone else), the fact that they are concealing large amounts of information from each other when they finally do meet and this continues throughout almost half of the book strains their relationship for me. At some points it felt like their love was a little forced by proximity rather than by chemistry or true connection. Still, circumstances often create connection, so I more or less bought it. I did like that apparently Orsie is asexual (I think?) and this affects how Orsie and Arkeva's relationship manifests. Dragons do not mate through sex, but through touching souls. I want to know how this works.
Overall I liked it. Some parts of it remind me of Beauty and the Beast (two people, one slightly sentient castle, one person not being human, and secrets), others more have to do with soulbonds and questing. I would recommend as a romance with dragons and a mutual pining sort of vibe.
I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 23, 2018
2.5
This isn't horrible, but it's too long by half and heavily dependent on two people not having a conversation that the continued avoidance of feels manipulated and unnatural. Further, there's very little character development and almost no actual characters beyond the two main ones. I also have questions about these all important dragon souls. It's an interesting idea, but not nearly well enough explained. All in all, it's a sweet story, but it's a poorly executed book.
This isn't horrible, but it's too long by half and heavily dependent on two people not having a conversation that the continued avoidance of feels manipulated and unnatural. Further, there's very little character development and almost no actual characters beyond the two main ones. I also have questions about these all important dragon souls. It's an interesting idea, but not nearly well enough explained. All in all, it's a sweet story, but it's a poorly executed book.
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