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Fallen Empire #2
Dragon Unleashed
Magic is outlawed in the Krael Empire and punishable by death. Born with the gift of earth magic, the free trader Halani keeps her dangerous secret closely guarded. When her uncle buys a mysterious artifact, a piece of bone belonging to a long-dead draga, Halani knows it's far more than what it seems.
Dragas haven't been seen for more than a century, and most believe them extinct. They're wrong. Dragas still walk among the denizens of the Empire, disguised as humans. Malachus is a draga living on borrowed time. The magic that has protected him will soon turn on him--unless he finds a key part of his heritage. He has tracked it to a group of free traders, among them a grave-robbing earth witch who fascinates him as much as she frustrates him with her many secrets.
Unbeknownst to both, the Empire's twisted empress searches for a draga of her own, to capture and kill as a trophy. As Malachus the hunter becomes the hunted, Halani must risk herself and all she loves to save him from the Empire's machinations and his own lethal birthright.
Dragas haven't been seen for more than a century, and most believe them extinct. They're wrong. Dragas still walk among the denizens of the Empire, disguised as humans. Malachus is a draga living on borrowed time. The magic that has protected him will soon turn on him--unless he finds a key part of his heritage. He has tracked it to a group of free traders, among them a grave-robbing earth witch who fascinates him as much as she frustrates him with her many secrets.
Unbeknownst to both, the Empire's twisted empress searches for a draga of her own, to capture and kill as a trophy. As Malachus the hunter becomes the hunted, Halani must risk herself and all she loves to save him from the Empire's machinations and his own lethal birthright.
14 pages, Audiobook
First published June 9, 2020
544 people are currently reading
8159 people want to read
About the author
Grace Draven
51 books7,649 followersI'm an author and Louisiana native living in Texas with my husband, three smalls and a big doofus dog. I have lived in Spain, hiked the Teton Mountains, honeymooned in Scotland, ridden in competition rodeo and am the great great granddaughter of a Nicaraguan president. I also hate doing laundry and refuse to iron anything.
I've loved storytelling since forever. I published my first short story with Amber Quill Press and have since written several other tales. A love of the bad boy in fiction always inspires me.
I've loved storytelling since forever. I published my first short story with Amber Quill Press and have since written several other tales. A love of the bad boy in fiction always inspires me.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 598 reviews
September 18, 2020
ARC provided by DAW in exchange for an honest review.
1.) Phoenix Unbound ★★★★
Oh friends, this was such a disappointment for me, especially after loving the first book in this series, Phoenix Unbound, so much! Dragon Unleashed does read as a stand alone, and in this world magic is outlawed! That is why it is so important for our main character, Halani, to hide that she has earth magic, especially since it helps her family who are traveling traders. Yet, when her uncle finds a bone that she can tell will bring nothing but pain to them, he refuses to listen. And that bone happens to be a dragon bone that our other main character, Malachus, needs because the magic holding his dragon-self inside this human form is quickly waning.
Action and romance ensue, well, they ensue extremely slowly over these 400 pages. I was highly anticipating this one, and I always feel like good fantasy romance is hard to find, but I have enjoyed everything by Grace Draven in the past! But I just felt such a disconnect from this book for so many reasons (so much miscommunication, very questionable disability representation, the most long-winded banter), but also because it truly was so very boring for the first 90%.
Trigger and Content Warnings: talk of assault (unwanted touching), torture, violence, gore, blood depiction, captivity, kidnapping, mention of slavery, ableism (in a negative light), and talk of rape in the past.
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1.) Phoenix Unbound ★★★★
"What must it be like to be loved this way? So devotedly that the person you parted with cried at your absence before you even left?"
Oh friends, this was such a disappointment for me, especially after loving the first book in this series, Phoenix Unbound, so much! Dragon Unleashed does read as a stand alone, and in this world magic is outlawed! That is why it is so important for our main character, Halani, to hide that she has earth magic, especially since it helps her family who are traveling traders. Yet, when her uncle finds a bone that she can tell will bring nothing but pain to them, he refuses to listen. And that bone happens to be a dragon bone that our other main character, Malachus, needs because the magic holding his dragon-self inside this human form is quickly waning.
Action and romance ensue, well, they ensue extremely slowly over these 400 pages. I was highly anticipating this one, and I always feel like good fantasy romance is hard to find, but I have enjoyed everything by Grace Draven in the past! But I just felt such a disconnect from this book for so many reasons (so much miscommunication, very questionable disability representation, the most long-winded banter), but also because it truly was so very boring for the first 90%.
Trigger and Content Warnings: talk of assault (unwanted touching), torture, violence, gore, blood depiction, captivity, kidnapping, mention of slavery, ableism (in a negative light), and talk of rape in the past.
Blog | Instagram | Youtube | Ko-fi | Spotify | Twitch
April 22, 2024
2.5 stars, rounding up only because I didn't dislike it ... but there just wasn't much to like in here either.
Grace Draven used to be one of my favorite authors. Master of Crows was the first book I reviewed on Goodreads, and I thoroughly enjoyed it despite its imperfections as a self published debut. But her subsequent books seemed to click with me less and less, with this one hitting the rock bottom. Boring romance? Check. Boring villain? Check. Generic worldbuilding? Check. Anticlimactic ending? Check. Even the prose was mediocre (which is what I liked Draven for the most), and I wasn't expecting the lack of love scenes from a steamy romance author (probably a consequence of getting picked up by a big publisher?).
The only thing that saved the book was the characterization, and I liked both Halani and Malachus enough to push through the story. But sadly, this might be my last with Grace Draven. Or maybe I'm just not having much luck with dragon shifter romances, after my previous failed attempt with Dragonfall ... How is it possible that books about dragons could repeatedly end up being so boring??
Grace Draven used to be one of my favorite authors. Master of Crows was the first book I reviewed on Goodreads, and I thoroughly enjoyed it despite its imperfections as a self published debut. But her subsequent books seemed to click with me less and less, with this one hitting the rock bottom. Boring romance? Check. Boring villain? Check. Generic worldbuilding? Check. Anticlimactic ending? Check. Even the prose was mediocre (which is what I liked Draven for the most), and I wasn't expecting the lack of love scenes from a steamy romance author (probably a consequence of getting picked up by a big publisher?).
The only thing that saved the book was the characterization, and I liked both Halani and Malachus enough to push through the story. But sadly, this might be my last with Grace Draven. Or maybe I'm just not having much luck with dragon shifter romances, after my previous failed attempt with Dragonfall ... How is it possible that books about dragons could repeatedly end up being so boring??
June 9, 2020
Release Day
Phoenix Unbound was one of my favorite books of 2018, so Dragon Unleased had a hard act to follow. It’s a really great story full of longing, deception, lore and danger. I liked so many things about it but I didn’t love it quite as much as the first book of the series. Just remember it was a really high bar.
Halani has travelled with a trading caravan for most of her life. She is a gifted healer with earth magic. Magic welding of any kind is outlawed so Halani has hid the source of her potent healing powers for her entire life and is used to living with many secrets and lies.
Malachus is also used to living with a lot of secrets and lies. He is one of the only draga in the land, currently in his human form he is forced to search for his mother-bond (a gift of bone from his mother that will help him shift from human to dragon form). Stolen long ago by tomb raiders it has passed hands many times and it has now come into the possession of Halani’s Uncle.
In a chance meeting, Malachus helps Halani’s child minded mother Asil at a vendor stall. He definitely makes an impression on her with his charm, looks and the tingle of earth magic she feels coming off him. Their next meeting is not so kind as Malachus was jumped and left for dead in a field. Halani cannot let the man who was so kind to her mother die without at least trying to save him and thus they end up spending a lot of time together while he is healing.
The longing between the two is so think you could slice off pieces of it like butter. The romance builds slowly as each confides some things to the other. Hints are made as to what Malachus is and why the stories he knows of the Draga are so different from her own. Each is so reluctant to trust the other with their secrets.
The Queen lost her King consort and an arm in the last battle she faced against the Phoenix. She is sure if she can drink the blood of a draga she will be restored to her former glory. Her hunter has been tasked to find the mother-bond rumored to be in her land and bring it to her in order to trap the dragon and take its life to fuel her own.
As time ticks down for Halani and Malachus each will have to decide whether they can trust the other with all of their secrets, if there is a place for love between a mortal and a draga somewhere in this world and how to find a way to it.
Another really good book from Grace Draven. While I didn’t give it all five stars it is really a solid read and I loved how each individual got to see the world through the other’s eyes. Both Halani and Malachus see the other for who they truly are and change their world view because of it. A lovely Romantasy
Phoenix Unbound was one of my favorite books of 2018, so Dragon Unleased had a hard act to follow. It’s a really great story full of longing, deception, lore and danger. I liked so many things about it but I didn’t love it quite as much as the first book of the series. Just remember it was a really high bar.
Halani has travelled with a trading caravan for most of her life. She is a gifted healer with earth magic. Magic welding of any kind is outlawed so Halani has hid the source of her potent healing powers for her entire life and is used to living with many secrets and lies.
Malachus is also used to living with a lot of secrets and lies. He is one of the only draga in the land, currently in his human form he is forced to search for his mother-bond (a gift of bone from his mother that will help him shift from human to dragon form). Stolen long ago by tomb raiders it has passed hands many times and it has now come into the possession of Halani’s Uncle.
In a chance meeting, Malachus helps Halani’s child minded mother Asil at a vendor stall. He definitely makes an impression on her with his charm, looks and the tingle of earth magic she feels coming off him. Their next meeting is not so kind as Malachus was jumped and left for dead in a field. Halani cannot let the man who was so kind to her mother die without at least trying to save him and thus they end up spending a lot of time together while he is healing.
“You’re a woman of standing among your folk, with skills to spare and a kindness this world hasn’t beaten out of you yet. That you’re unmarried is surprising. That you don’t have a line of suitors from here to the Goban market wanting to court you is remarkable.”
The longing between the two is so think you could slice off pieces of it like butter. The romance builds slowly as each confides some things to the other. Hints are made as to what Malachus is and why the stories he knows of the Draga are so different from her own. Each is so reluctant to trust the other with their secrets.
The Queen lost her King consort and an arm in the last battle she faced against the Phoenix. She is sure if she can drink the blood of a draga she will be restored to her former glory. Her hunter has been tasked to find the mother-bond rumored to be in her land and bring it to her in order to trap the dragon and take its life to fuel her own.
As time ticks down for Halani and Malachus each will have to decide whether they can trust the other with all of their secrets, if there is a place for love between a mortal and a draga somewhere in this world and how to find a way to it.
He burned for her, body and soul, a fire unlike the draga’s imperative to be free but no less consuming.
Another really good book from Grace Draven. While I didn’t give it all five stars it is really a solid read and I loved how each individual got to see the world through the other’s eyes. Both Halani and Malachus see the other for who they truly are and change their world view because of it. A lovely Romantasy
April 10, 2021
Much like my experience with PHOENIX UNBOUND, book one in the Fallen Empire series, I have very mixed feelings over this read. Mostly because I have adored so many of Draven's stories and want to support this well-deserved achievement in being lifted up by one of the big publishing houses. But the reality is this just seems like such a lesser offering than all her previous tales.
I remember saying it in my review for book one, but this writing? It doesn't feel at all like Draven. I feel so removed, so disconnected, by everything. The plot, the characters, the dialogue. It's awkward or stilted or poorly transitioned. It feels like a debut author as opposed to a seasoned one who was often wowed me, stunned me, made me burst out laughing, with her words. I definitely felt some chemistry and excitement in book one's pairing, fitting as one character wielded the power of fire, but this one? Way less chemistry, less connection, and there was only one moment between them where I felt.. something. Maybe because I appreciated that two people, with different backgrounds and perspectives, could do some self-reflection and appreciate they didn't understand what it was like to be in each others' shoes. But everything else..?
I wanted to be wowed by this, I wanted to feel that rounding up on book one had paid off with this follow up story, but instead I want to go back and knock off a star from PHOENIX UNBOUND. I'm sad.
I don't know if there's more to come from this series but I'm sure I'll pick it up anyway. Particularly if it helps to ease the pain of waiting for the next Wraith Kings installment.
** I received an ARC from Edelweiss and the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
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This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
I remember saying it in my review for book one, but this writing? It doesn't feel at all like Draven. I feel so removed, so disconnected, by everything. The plot, the characters, the dialogue. It's awkward or stilted or poorly transitioned. It feels like a debut author as opposed to a seasoned one who was often wowed me, stunned me, made me burst out laughing, with her words. I definitely felt some chemistry and excitement in book one's pairing, fitting as one character wielded the power of fire, but this one? Way less chemistry, less connection, and there was only one moment between them where I felt.. something. Maybe because I appreciated that two people, with different backgrounds and perspectives, could do some self-reflection and appreciate they didn't understand what it was like to be in each others' shoes. But everything else..?
I wanted to be wowed by this, I wanted to feel that rounding up on book one had paid off with this follow up story, but instead I want to go back and knock off a star from PHOENIX UNBOUND. I'm sad.
I don't know if there's more to come from this series but I'm sure I'll pick it up anyway. Particularly if it helps to ease the pain of waiting for the next Wraith Kings installment.
** I received an ARC from Edelweiss and the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
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This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
Read
December 3, 2024I'm so sad to say, after how much I loved the first book in this series (both times that I read it!), I'm setting this one down at about the 20% mark. Frankly, I'm very bored and even more confused. I might try this one again sometime, but I doubt it.
September 21, 2020
Mrin to the author after liking her previous works:
And just to be DRAMATIC....
I was in mood for some Dragon action!!!
Is it too much to ask for???!!!!
Lemme tell you what the story is about...
the story follows Two characters :
Halani who is a witch
And Malachus...who is SUPPOSED to be a dRAgON
I say "supposed" because he becomes dragon ONLY towards the END and that too for TWO PAGES
The blurb promised some DRAGON ACTION!!!
Instead, we get these two trying to be Nancy Drew wannabe
Soo basically Malachus is in search for an object ...that will help him to transform into a Dragon
banner MALACHUS
Anyways...my point is that the tension & angst felt forced
all the chase would have been avoided if the MC's had used some COMMON SENSE
And the story dragged and then dragged some more!!!
Meanwhile I was soooooo bored that I could watch the PAINT DRY!!
BUT I am glad this book got over
that's the only good thing that happened!!
Cause no chemistry between the MC's
NO CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
The plot sucked & the characters felt flat!!
No sorting these characters because they were so bland and annoying that NO magical school would take them in
And just to be DRAMATIC....
I was in mood for some Dragon action!!!
Is it too much to ask for???!!!!
Lemme tell you what the story is about...
the story follows Two characters :
Halani who is a witch
And Malachus...who is SUPPOSED to be a dRAgON
I say "supposed" because he becomes dragon ONLY towards the END and that too for TWO PAGES
The blurb promised some DRAGON ACTION!!!
Instead, we get these two trying to be Nancy Drew wannabe
Soo basically Malachus is in search for an object ...that will help him to transform into a Dragon
Anyways...my point is that the tension & angst felt forced
all the chase would have been avoided if the MC's had used some COMMON SENSE
And the story dragged and then dragged some more!!!
Meanwhile I was soooooo bored that I could watch the PAINT DRY!!
BUT I am glad this book got over
that's the only good thing that happened!!
Cause no chemistry between the MC's
NO CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
The plot sucked & the characters felt flat!!
No sorting these characters because they were so bland and annoying that NO magical school would take them in
May 15, 2020
Oh Grace Draven, you never fail to deliver. OK, upfront, the con on this book is pacing-- it's really back heavy in action, which means the front half feels far too slow. BUT-- who cares, honestly? We've got a bomb ass fantasy world. We've got compelling, nuanced characters with interesting backstories and motivations. We've got an absolutely delicious slow burn-y romance. We've gotten beautiful prose and descriptions. All around-- this was so satisfying, and I think folks who struggled with the more difficult aspects of the characters' backstory in the first book. I don't think I've ever read a Grace Draven book I didn't enjoy, and this has certainly not broken that streak.
November 17, 2020
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.
While I liked this book, I didn't love it as I had hoped that I would. I really enjoyed the first book in this series, Phoenix Unbound, so I have been very eager to get my hands on this newest installment. I couldn't wait to dive back into this world and the dragons promised in the title only added to my excitement. My expectations were really high going into this book which might have ended up being an issue because I ended up being somewhat disappointed that those expectations were not met. Don't get me wrong - this is a good book but I just expected a little more.
This was a slower-moving story. The first book in the series felt pretty action-packed and I really expected that this book would be similar. I really felt like I spent most of this book just waiting for something to happen. Things did eventually get exciting but it was pretty late in the book before things picked up.
I thought that the characters in the story were very well done. I really enjoyed getting to know Halani, her mother, and Malachus. I thought that the chemistry between Halani and Malachus was well done and I was definitely cheering on their relationship. I found all of the information regarding the Draga to be quite interesting and I really felt like Malachus had been through a lot. I also found that the secrets surrounding Halani added a nice element to the story.
I would recommend this book to others. I feel like most readers will enjoy this one a bit more than I did. I did like the book but felt like it was rather slow for much of the story. I definitely plan to read more of Grace Draven's work in the future.
I received a digital review copy of this book from Berkley Publishing Group - Ace via Net Galley.
Initial Thoughts
I can't remember the last time it took me so long to read a book. I am going to credit that to the things going on in my life...mostly. I do think that part of the reason it took me so long to make my way through this book is that it was a rather slow-moving story. I never disliked the book but I always seemed to find it easy to set aside. I did like the book and found the characters to be well done. It seemed like the bulk of the action took place at the end of the book and I would have appreciated a little more excitement throughout the story.
While I liked this book, I didn't love it as I had hoped that I would. I really enjoyed the first book in this series, Phoenix Unbound, so I have been very eager to get my hands on this newest installment. I couldn't wait to dive back into this world and the dragons promised in the title only added to my excitement. My expectations were really high going into this book which might have ended up being an issue because I ended up being somewhat disappointed that those expectations were not met. Don't get me wrong - this is a good book but I just expected a little more.
This was a slower-moving story. The first book in the series felt pretty action-packed and I really expected that this book would be similar. I really felt like I spent most of this book just waiting for something to happen. Things did eventually get exciting but it was pretty late in the book before things picked up.
I thought that the characters in the story were very well done. I really enjoyed getting to know Halani, her mother, and Malachus. I thought that the chemistry between Halani and Malachus was well done and I was definitely cheering on their relationship. I found all of the information regarding the Draga to be quite interesting and I really felt like Malachus had been through a lot. I also found that the secrets surrounding Halani added a nice element to the story.
I would recommend this book to others. I feel like most readers will enjoy this one a bit more than I did. I did like the book but felt like it was rather slow for much of the story. I definitely plan to read more of Grace Draven's work in the future.
I received a digital review copy of this book from Berkley Publishing Group - Ace via Net Galley.
Initial Thoughts
I can't remember the last time it took me so long to read a book. I am going to credit that to the things going on in my life...mostly. I do think that part of the reason it took me so long to make my way through this book is that it was a rather slow-moving story. I never disliked the book but I always seemed to find it easy to set aside. I did like the book and found the characters to be well done. It seemed like the bulk of the action took place at the end of the book and I would have appreciated a little more excitement throughout the story.
did-not-finish
June 21, 2020DNF 30%
A pity. I loved the previous one but this is not holding my attention right now.
Maybe i'll try again in the future.
A pity. I loved the previous one but this is not holding my attention right now.
Maybe i'll try again in the future.
April 20, 2020
Title: Dragon Unleashed
Series: Fallen Empire #2
Author: Grace Draven
Release date: June 9, 2020
Cliffhanger: No
Genre: Fantasy, romance
Book one in this series, Phoenix Unbound hit my all-time favorites list when I read it a couple of years ago. It's one of those rare books that's in a league above all others, almost untouchable. I loved it that much. Now you understand what the follow up had to live up to. There was a considerable wait for Dragon Unleashed (not that I'm complaining), but as usual, Grace Draven has delivered the goods. Make no mistake, even though I didn't rate this a full five stars, this was another quality fantasy in the world of the Fallen Empire.
This is the story of Halani, a healer in the traveling free trader caravan from the previous book. Halani and her family took in Gilene and Azarion when they were on their journey. Gilene suspected that the healer who took care of her was hiding some sort of magic, and she was correct. As an earth witch, gifted with the ability to draw power from the earth, she would be hunted down and killed by Krael forces if it became common knowledge. Empress Dalvila is a blood-thirsty, immoral ruler who sees anyone with magical powers as a threat. Those who are born with abilities do not practice out in the open for fear of the consequences. Although the Empire's capitol was hit hard in the previous book, they are not defeated yet by any means. There may be some surprise over who the antagonist is in this second installment.
Malachus is a four hundred year old Draga, an ancient dragon who is trapped in human form until he reunites with his mother-bond. If he does not reunite with the bone that holds the power to release his caged form, he will eventually die. Malachus has lived a long and lonely life hunting down the artifact that was stolen from the Sovatin monks who raised him. He's grown world weary and jaded towards humans and their weakness of character. His respect for most people has dwindled to almost nothing, making him avoid interactions whenever possible. So it's a rare thing when he makes friends with the woman shown to him in his lightning vision. The woman who may hold the key to reuniting him with what he seeks most.
Although Malachus is embittered, and lost his family through a cruel betrayal, right from the start you can sense a gentleness in his soul. He shows it through his care and concern for his horse, and the compassionate way he interacts with Halani's mother who has the mental capacity of a child. He becomes her protector and friend, gaining his good opinion for her forthwrite, pure heart. With Halani, he is torn on how to feel about her and approaches her with caution. Whether it's through their shared earth magic, or something more, he's drawn to her immediately, and he's never felt that for a human before. After being gravely injured, he's forced to stay and recuperate with the caravan, giving him a chance to learn more about the healer who kindles a new and unfamiliar passion. She seems to have the same fascination in her eyes, but they both know that his destiny is on another path.
He had grown as attached to Halani as Seydom claimed she was to him. His desire for her beat through every part of him. He wanted only to please her, but the one thing he couldn’t do—and she’d even asked in her own oblique way—was to stay with the free traders.
My one reasoning for detracting a little bit from my rating was because the first half was a little slow moving for my taste. The pace is quite different from the jam-packed action and excitement of book one. It was a slow and steady incline in the first half with the action finally settling in strong in the back end. You have a feeling of doom hanging over your head as you wait for Halani and Malachus to come face to face with those who are slyly setting a trap for them to walk into. It doesn't help that Halani doesn't come clean to Malachus about what her Uncle has done, even when she suspects that he is tied to it in some vital way. It allowed their enemies to get a strong plan in place, which wasn't without its frustrations.
Silence had weight. Sometimes it was a light thing, gossamer as a spider’s web and just as enduring. Other times, it raised the hair on one’s nape and made the heart beat a trebled rhythm. And sometimes it became a thing alive.
The romance between Halani and Malachus was slow burning, but infused with such tenderness you could feel it with every longing glance and soft touch. They both knew they were together on borrowed time, so they cherished every moment like it was their last. They didn't want to part with any regrets of lost time or opportunity. When their love was tested, both were willing sacrifice everything without hesitation, even their lives.
Malachus is a fractured man with a foot in two different worlds who must choose which one holds his future. Is his home in the safe harbor that calls to him, or is his safe harbor in the arms of the woman he loves? This was a fantastic addition to the series that I highly recommend. If you haven't explored the dark and dangerous land of the Fallen Empire yet, you're truly missing out.
He burned for her, body and soul, a fire unlike the draga’s imperative to be free but no less consuming.
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Want to read
December 31, 2019This cover is gorgeous and this book is by Grace Draven so it will be mine!
And I will LOVE it! I will love it more than this cute baby panda loves his ball.
And I will LOVE it! I will love it more than this cute baby panda loves his ball.
August 13, 2020
This was MUCH better than the first book in the series! True to (usual) form, Grace Draven delivers a fantastic romance with a strong heroine and a well-developed relationship with the hero, all within a vivid fantasy setting.
In Dragon Unleashed, a healer with earth magic and a dragon shifter fall in love. Halani was a side character in Phoenix Unbound, and here we get a lot more of her. She is part of a nomadic trader caravan, has a complicated relationship with her uncle (their leader) and a loving but unusual relationship with her mother who has the mind of a child as response to trauma in her past. Malachus is secretly a Draga, searching for a powerful artifact that will allow him to shift to his dragon form, but was stolen from him. Of course, Halani's uncle has purchased this same artifact from the thieves, so when Malachus is injured and Halani nurses him back to health, she must hide this information despite her growing suspicious that it belongs to him. And despite their growing friendship and attraction.
This was exactly what I wanted- a reasonably well-developed fantasy world and plot, but with the main focus being on the relationship development and conflict of the couple. If you didn't love Phoenix Unbound, (because I didn't either) I would give this one a shot. It's a much better depiction of what Grace Draven is capable of. Well-developed characters, a slow burn romance with a real relationship at its core, steamy moments that don't overshadow the larger story, and a capable heroine who partners with the hero. It was great. I received an advance copy of this book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
In Dragon Unleashed, a healer with earth magic and a dragon shifter fall in love. Halani was a side character in Phoenix Unbound, and here we get a lot more of her. She is part of a nomadic trader caravan, has a complicated relationship with her uncle (their leader) and a loving but unusual relationship with her mother who has the mind of a child as response to trauma in her past. Malachus is secretly a Draga, searching for a powerful artifact that will allow him to shift to his dragon form, but was stolen from him. Of course, Halani's uncle has purchased this same artifact from the thieves, so when Malachus is injured and Halani nurses him back to health, she must hide this information despite her growing suspicious that it belongs to him. And despite their growing friendship and attraction.
This was exactly what I wanted- a reasonably well-developed fantasy world and plot, but with the main focus being on the relationship development and conflict of the couple. If you didn't love Phoenix Unbound, (because I didn't either) I would give this one a shot. It's a much better depiction of what Grace Draven is capable of. Well-developed characters, a slow burn romance with a real relationship at its core, steamy moments that don't overshadow the larger story, and a capable heroine who partners with the hero. It was great. I received an advance copy of this book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
January 25, 2022
This was a beautiful fantasy romance. The hero is a dragon shifter out to find his mother's sacred bones. He runs into the heroine who's family has been trying to sell the bones on the down low.
The romance was very slow burn, but also beautiful. I loved the interaction between Malachus and Asil best. So sweet.
The romance was very slow burn, but also beautiful. I loved the interaction between Malachus and Asil best. So sweet.
June 12, 2020
4 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2020/06/08/...
It’s official, Grace Draven is now my go-to author for fantasy romance. I adored Phoenix Unbound, the first book in the Fallen Empire sequence, namely because she treated the story and the characters with as much care and importance as the romance. Now she returns to the world with a second novel, Dragon Unleashed, which follows a new set of protagonists and thus can be read as a standalone.
Opening once more on the Krael Empire where magic is outlawed by the cruel tyrant Empress Dalvila, this novel shines a light on the draconic lore of the world. While most believe that the draga have long gone extinct, the truth is that the few who have survived still live secretly among humankind in disguise. Malachus is one of these dragons, who uses a magical artifact called a mother-bond to maintain his human form. Without its magic, he would be forced to revert to his true self, revealed to the world without protection.
When the story begins though, Malachus has just had his mother-bond stolen, and is in the middle of tracking the thieves who have taken it when he chances upon a caravan of free traders. Among them is a young woman named Halani, a healer who possesses the gift of magic. Her uncle is also the leader of their group, who purchases the mother-bond, unaware of the true power the artifact holds. When Malachus catches up to the original thieves thinking they still have what belongs to him, a skirmish ensues, leaving him grievously injured. It is Halani who ends up treating his wounds and nursing him back to health, and during his long convalescence, the two inevitably grow closer, inadvertently giving away some of their secrets. Malachus can’t help being drawn to the healer, despite being disapproving of some her less-than-ethical free trader ways, while Halani herself suspects there is something more to her enigmatic patient, but never in a million years would have guessed his true nature.
Meanwhile, the reason for Malachus’ furtiveness soon becomes clear as it is revealed that Empress Dalvila is on the hunt for a draga for herself. Her network of spies have been hard at work seeking information on the mother-bond, which she plans to use as bait, and unbeknownst to Malachus or Halani, they are already a target for Dalvila’s agents.
While Dragon Unleashed technically reads as a standalone and new readers can jump right in without worrying they will be missing out on pertinent information from the first book, I would still highly recommend starting with Phoenix Unbound for several reasons. First is that you will get a more detailed exploration into the background and history of the Krael Empire and why those possessing magic, like Halani, must remain hidden for fear of persecution and death. Second, the main couple from the first book, Gilene and Azarion, feature as side characters in this one, and I was able to appreciate reading about them a lot more knowing how much they’ve been through to get where they are. And third and most important of all, Phoenix Unbound was simply and excellent book that shouldn’t be missed, especially considering the romance in it was even more swoon-worthy than this one.
That said, Dragon Unleashed was no slouch either. While their romance might not have been as intense as Gilene and Azarion’s, I felt Halani and Malachus’s story was overall filled with more action, intrigue, and fascination. I can also understand why some readers might find their relationship too slow to develop, but I personally enjoyed how the author took her time. After all, Malachus teaching Halani to read was sexier than anything I could imagine! Plus, the differences between our two protagonists only served to make the journey of their courtship even more compelling, particularly in light of their disparate backgrounds and ideologies. In fact, I think the novel was strongest when it was focusing on our main characters, as well as the comings and goings around the free trader camp, which in addition to the appearances by Gilene and Azarion also included Halani’s charmingly sweet but mentally disabled mother Asil as well as the wretched and greedy uncle Hamod. In contrast, when the story flipped back to the capital, where Dalvila’s machinations are seen through the eyes of a top henchman, the interest there was simply not as strong, so that might be my only major criticism of the plot and pacing.
Still, whatever you may think of the lead-up to the conclusion, the book’s climax and its final scenes were incredible. I thought the ending also underscored Grace Draven’s talent as a romance writer whose stories aren’t just about the romantic aspects, because everything I’ve read by her so far has featured strong plot and character elements as well. However, given the way this one wrapped up, it did make me wonder if we might see another volume in this series, since things did end with something of an air of finality to them. If not, it’ll be sad to say goodbye to this world, but I will still be eagerly looking forward to the author’s next project.
It’s official, Grace Draven is now my go-to author for fantasy romance. I adored Phoenix Unbound, the first book in the Fallen Empire sequence, namely because she treated the story and the characters with as much care and importance as the romance. Now she returns to the world with a second novel, Dragon Unleashed, which follows a new set of protagonists and thus can be read as a standalone.
Opening once more on the Krael Empire where magic is outlawed by the cruel tyrant Empress Dalvila, this novel shines a light on the draconic lore of the world. While most believe that the draga have long gone extinct, the truth is that the few who have survived still live secretly among humankind in disguise. Malachus is one of these dragons, who uses a magical artifact called a mother-bond to maintain his human form. Without its magic, he would be forced to revert to his true self, revealed to the world without protection.
When the story begins though, Malachus has just had his mother-bond stolen, and is in the middle of tracking the thieves who have taken it when he chances upon a caravan of free traders. Among them is a young woman named Halani, a healer who possesses the gift of magic. Her uncle is also the leader of their group, who purchases the mother-bond, unaware of the true power the artifact holds. When Malachus catches up to the original thieves thinking they still have what belongs to him, a skirmish ensues, leaving him grievously injured. It is Halani who ends up treating his wounds and nursing him back to health, and during his long convalescence, the two inevitably grow closer, inadvertently giving away some of their secrets. Malachus can’t help being drawn to the healer, despite being disapproving of some her less-than-ethical free trader ways, while Halani herself suspects there is something more to her enigmatic patient, but never in a million years would have guessed his true nature.
Meanwhile, the reason for Malachus’ furtiveness soon becomes clear as it is revealed that Empress Dalvila is on the hunt for a draga for herself. Her network of spies have been hard at work seeking information on the mother-bond, which she plans to use as bait, and unbeknownst to Malachus or Halani, they are already a target for Dalvila’s agents.
While Dragon Unleashed technically reads as a standalone and new readers can jump right in without worrying they will be missing out on pertinent information from the first book, I would still highly recommend starting with Phoenix Unbound for several reasons. First is that you will get a more detailed exploration into the background and history of the Krael Empire and why those possessing magic, like Halani, must remain hidden for fear of persecution and death. Second, the main couple from the first book, Gilene and Azarion, feature as side characters in this one, and I was able to appreciate reading about them a lot more knowing how much they’ve been through to get where they are. And third and most important of all, Phoenix Unbound was simply and excellent book that shouldn’t be missed, especially considering the romance in it was even more swoon-worthy than this one.
That said, Dragon Unleashed was no slouch either. While their romance might not have been as intense as Gilene and Azarion’s, I felt Halani and Malachus’s story was overall filled with more action, intrigue, and fascination. I can also understand why some readers might find their relationship too slow to develop, but I personally enjoyed how the author took her time. After all, Malachus teaching Halani to read was sexier than anything I could imagine! Plus, the differences between our two protagonists only served to make the journey of their courtship even more compelling, particularly in light of their disparate backgrounds and ideologies. In fact, I think the novel was strongest when it was focusing on our main characters, as well as the comings and goings around the free trader camp, which in addition to the appearances by Gilene and Azarion also included Halani’s charmingly sweet but mentally disabled mother Asil as well as the wretched and greedy uncle Hamod. In contrast, when the story flipped back to the capital, where Dalvila’s machinations are seen through the eyes of a top henchman, the interest there was simply not as strong, so that might be my only major criticism of the plot and pacing.
Still, whatever you may think of the lead-up to the conclusion, the book’s climax and its final scenes were incredible. I thought the ending also underscored Grace Draven’s talent as a romance writer whose stories aren’t just about the romantic aspects, because everything I’ve read by her so far has featured strong plot and character elements as well. However, given the way this one wrapped up, it did make me wonder if we might see another volume in this series, since things did end with something of an air of finality to them. If not, it’ll be sad to say goodbye to this world, but I will still be eagerly looking forward to the author’s next project.
May 24, 2020
3.5 stars
I'm a fan of Grace Draven and I was beyond stoked when this book arrived on my doorstep. It cut in line ahead of all the other books I had waiting to read and I dove in on the very same day.
It took me a while to get into it. Like half the book. To the point where I had to push myself to keep reading, reminding myself of how much I've enjoyed this author's other work and the idea that eventually the magic would kick in.
It did. The second half was awesome and all that I'd been waiting for. But I'm not sure I would've made it that far had this come from a new-to-me author. The problem was that I found nothing in the first half to be exciting. There was no real action, no romance. Draven spent a lot of time laying groundwork. We met Malachus and learned his backstory: he's a draga trapped in the guise of a human, trying to reunite with the piece of his mother's claw that will allow him to shift for the first time. It was stolen and he tracks it to a free-trader market, where it is sold to Halani's uncle.
Malachus has a vision of Halani and they cross paths a couple of times before she finds him gravely injured by the thieves he was tracking and nurses him back to health. He suspects she knows something about the artifact and she suspects he is looking for it, but they don't speak of it, instead focusing on his recovery, telling stories, and him teaching her to read.
Oh, and the evil Empress wants the bone too, convinced a draga will help her grow her missing arm back, so she dispatches one of her henchmen to track it down and bring it back to her.
I'm okay with a slow burn, but we're nearly 200 pages in before so much as a kiss. And there wasn't a great deal of yearning leading up to it, which might have helped some. Not much in the way of action, either. Just Malachus getting to know Halani and her people. There was a little angst in Malachus over his backstory, but it felt more like warm water than fiery rage.
I think if that first half had been distilled to about half of what it was--or if the need was dialed up a little--I'd feel a little differently about the book overall. Because once the romance started, I was so much more engaged. Not that I found the reasons for Malachus's disgust all that believable... After all, he did kind of know Halani had something to do with the artifact all along. But I didn't care about that so much as I was excited they were feeling things. They finally wanted each other and they were finally revealing the meat of what drove them.
The climax was great and props to Draven for folding in the mythology to get us to that point. I believed in the romance once we got there and I was there for it--as well as the dragon parts and the HEA. I'm also kind of stoked for the idea of a book about the empress's "cat's paw" Gharek and his enigmatic servant Siora. Hopefully, that story will come next--and there will be enough going on at the beginning to invest me in what's going on while I wait for the romance.
Not my favorite from Draven, but I'll be back for what comes next.
*ARC provided by publisher
I'm a fan of Grace Draven and I was beyond stoked when this book arrived on my doorstep. It cut in line ahead of all the other books I had waiting to read and I dove in on the very same day.
It took me a while to get into it. Like half the book. To the point where I had to push myself to keep reading, reminding myself of how much I've enjoyed this author's other work and the idea that eventually the magic would kick in.
It did. The second half was awesome and all that I'd been waiting for. But I'm not sure I would've made it that far had this come from a new-to-me author. The problem was that I found nothing in the first half to be exciting. There was no real action, no romance. Draven spent a lot of time laying groundwork. We met Malachus and learned his backstory: he's a draga trapped in the guise of a human, trying to reunite with the piece of his mother's claw that will allow him to shift for the first time. It was stolen and he tracks it to a free-trader market, where it is sold to Halani's uncle.
Malachus has a vision of Halani and they cross paths a couple of times before she finds him gravely injured by the thieves he was tracking and nurses him back to health. He suspects she knows something about the artifact and she suspects he is looking for it, but they don't speak of it, instead focusing on his recovery, telling stories, and him teaching her to read.
Oh, and the evil Empress wants the bone too, convinced a draga will help her grow her missing arm back, so she dispatches one of her henchmen to track it down and bring it back to her.
I'm okay with a slow burn, but we're nearly 200 pages in before so much as a kiss. And there wasn't a great deal of yearning leading up to it, which might have helped some. Not much in the way of action, either. Just Malachus getting to know Halani and her people. There was a little angst in Malachus over his backstory, but it felt more like warm water than fiery rage.
I think if that first half had been distilled to about half of what it was--or if the need was dialed up a little--I'd feel a little differently about the book overall. Because once the romance started, I was so much more engaged. Not that I found the reasons for Malachus's disgust all that believable... After all, he did kind of know Halani had something to do with the artifact all along. But I didn't care about that so much as I was excited they were feeling things. They finally wanted each other and they were finally revealing the meat of what drove them.
The climax was great and props to Draven for folding in the mythology to get us to that point. I believed in the romance once we got there and I was there for it--as well as the dragon parts and the HEA. I'm also kind of stoked for the idea of a book about the empress's "cat's paw" Gharek and his enigmatic servant Siora. Hopefully, that story will come next--and there will be enough going on at the beginning to invest me in what's going on while I wait for the romance.
Not my favorite from Draven, but I'll be back for what comes next.
*ARC provided by publisher
dnf
August 20, 2020DNF At 1 hour and 23 minutes
May the book gods bless me for I foresee a book slump coming forth!
Here we are again. I've read one other novel by this author to date and I loved it. I wanted to love this one too. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. I had a hard time getting into the world and there were SO many characters presented one on top of the other without much preamble. To say I was confused and lost was putting it mildly. That may or may not be due to the fact that I didn't read the first book in this series because I didn't know it was a series before I started it (don't ask me how I missed it because I don't know either *face palm*). Now that I know I don't know what I'll do. The first book doesn't really interest me and I'm not sure it'll give me much context for this story. Then again maybe this is all due to the book slump that may or may not be here.
May the book gods bless me for I foresee a book slump coming forth!
Here we are again. I've read one other novel by this author to date and I loved it. I wanted to love this one too. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. I had a hard time getting into the world and there were SO many characters presented one on top of the other without much preamble. To say I was confused and lost was putting it mildly. That may or may not be due to the fact that I didn't read the first book in this series because I didn't know it was a series before I started it (don't ask me how I missed it because I don't know either *face palm*). Now that I know I don't know what I'll do. The first book doesn't really interest me and I'm not sure it'll give me much context for this story. Then again maybe this is all due to the book slump that may or may not be here.
August 27, 2025
Stars: 3.5 out of 5.
I loved the first book in the series, so I was excited to see how the author would take the story of the fall of a horrible Empire further. Unfortunately, I didn't like this book as much as the first one. Don't get me wrong, it's still a good story, just not as strong as the first one.
I think it's partly because I wasn't as invested in Halani and Malachus as I was in Gilene and Azarion. They are good characters, but they didn't quite work for me as a couple. I love Halani and her relationship with her mother Azil, but adding Malachus into the mix? Let's just say that their explosive romance wasn't as organically developed as the one between Gilene and Azarion.
Probably because Gilene and Azarion had to overcome some pretty messed-up things together - escaping Kraelag, surviving a cursed city, and navigating the politics and hostilities of Azarion's homecoming. They had to rely on each other and saved each other's lives on multiple occasions, so their growing respect and affection felt earned.
With Halani and Malachus, we don't get any of this. This is basically a story of Halani finding a wounded man and nursing him back to health, and he falls in love with her for that. Nothing particularly bad with this setup, but it makes for a rather boring story. For most of the book, there are no stakes. Yes, the Empress wants to mother-bond, but it's a distant kind of treat, which doesn't affect the main couple until we are past three-quarters of the book. Most of the book is just them milling about in the free traders' camp, away from danger.
So to me, Malachus's obsession with saving Halani in the end doesn't feel earned, because their love hadn't grown organically or been tempered or tested before that moment. I understand the parallel the author wanted to draw between Goldar trying to save her daughter and Malachus saving his lover, but it doesn't hit the same as the raw despair Azarion felt when he watched Gilene immolating Kraelag.
But while I was lukewarm about the main couple, I really liked the side characters, especially Azil and the other free traders. However, I don't understand how Hamond is still the leader of the caravan after all the heartache he caused. Seeing Gilene and Azarion finally reunited and happy was a welcome sight. Oh, and seeing the Spider of the Empire finally getting what she deserves was also a very welcome bonus.
So all in all, I still had fun with this book, just a lot less than with the first one.
I loved the first book in the series, so I was excited to see how the author would take the story of the fall of a horrible Empire further. Unfortunately, I didn't like this book as much as the first one. Don't get me wrong, it's still a good story, just not as strong as the first one.
I think it's partly because I wasn't as invested in Halani and Malachus as I was in Gilene and Azarion. They are good characters, but they didn't quite work for me as a couple. I love Halani and her relationship with her mother Azil, but adding Malachus into the mix? Let's just say that their explosive romance wasn't as organically developed as the one between Gilene and Azarion.
Probably because Gilene and Azarion had to overcome some pretty messed-up things together - escaping Kraelag, surviving a cursed city, and navigating the politics and hostilities of Azarion's homecoming. They had to rely on each other and saved each other's lives on multiple occasions, so their growing respect and affection felt earned.
With Halani and Malachus, we don't get any of this. This is basically a story of Halani finding a wounded man and nursing him back to health, and he falls in love with her for that. Nothing particularly bad with this setup, but it makes for a rather boring story. For most of the book, there are no stakes. Yes, the Empress wants to mother-bond, but it's a distant kind of treat, which doesn't affect the main couple until we are past three-quarters of the book. Most of the book is just them milling about in the free traders' camp, away from danger.
So to me, Malachus's obsession with saving Halani in the end doesn't feel earned, because their love hadn't grown organically or been tempered or tested before that moment. I understand the parallel the author wanted to draw between Goldar trying to save her daughter and Malachus saving his lover, but it doesn't hit the same as the raw despair Azarion felt when he watched Gilene immolating Kraelag.
But while I was lukewarm about the main couple, I really liked the side characters, especially Azil and the other free traders. However, I don't understand how Hamond is still the leader of the caravan after all the heartache he caused. Seeing Gilene and Azarion finally reunited and happy was a welcome sight. Oh, and seeing the Spider of the Empire finally getting what she deserves was also a very welcome bonus.
So all in all, I still had fun with this book, just a lot less than with the first one.
July 28, 2020
I got there in the end...
After absolutely LOVING Phoenix Unbound, I was so excited to move onto Dragon Unleashed.
Holy Shamoly, that was a wee bit of a hard slog. Instead of watching my progression dreading it coming to an end, I was rolling my eyes in frustration with how many hours I had left till the end.
After meeting Halani in Phoenix Unbound, I was looking forward to getting to know her better. It just felt that there wasn't much more than what I already knew. Sure, we got to find out why Asil (Halani's mother) is the way she is, but even that felt skimmed over. I never really felt like I understood Halani's magic either, and I wasn't excited when she used it. I wanted to know how her earth magic made her such an accomplished healer. I hated that her abilities were used for greedy reasons, and that the people in her caravan took advantage of her kindness.
While I liked Malachas, again, I felt like we didn't get to know him that well. He was even a bit self-righteous, which I found unappealing. I normally love dragon stories too.
In the first instalment of the Fallen Empire series, I was on the edge of my seat for most of it. The characters were in peril, the storyline moved in an effortless way, and I was desperate to see good overcome evil. This second instalment dragged on and I felt that we only skimmed the surface with the character development. I just expected a wee bit more.
While both stories followed a similar plot progression, I wasn't as invested to see the Dragon Unleashed or the Empire Fall. There were parts of the stories that I enjoyed, but by the halfway point, I was just pushing myself to get it finished.
I'm still a fan of Grace Draven and while this story wasn't a complete winner, I will definitely come back for more of her stories in the future.
After absolutely LOVING Phoenix Unbound, I was so excited to move onto Dragon Unleashed.
Holy Shamoly, that was a wee bit of a hard slog. Instead of watching my progression dreading it coming to an end, I was rolling my eyes in frustration with how many hours I had left till the end.
After meeting Halani in Phoenix Unbound, I was looking forward to getting to know her better. It just felt that there wasn't much more than what I already knew. Sure, we got to find out why Asil (Halani's mother) is the way she is, but even that felt skimmed over. I never really felt like I understood Halani's magic either, and I wasn't excited when she used it. I wanted to know how her earth magic made her such an accomplished healer. I hated that her abilities were used for greedy reasons, and that the people in her caravan took advantage of her kindness.
While I liked Malachas, again, I felt like we didn't get to know him that well. He was even a bit self-righteous, which I found unappealing. I normally love dragon stories too.
In the first instalment of the Fallen Empire series, I was on the edge of my seat for most of it. The characters were in peril, the storyline moved in an effortless way, and I was desperate to see good overcome evil. This second instalment dragged on and I felt that we only skimmed the surface with the character development. I just expected a wee bit more.
While both stories followed a similar plot progression, I wasn't as invested to see the Dragon Unleashed or the Empire Fall. There were parts of the stories that I enjoyed, but by the halfway point, I was just pushing myself to get it finished.
I'm still a fan of Grace Draven and while this story wasn't a complete winner, I will definitely come back for more of her stories in the future.
June 15, 2020
Well I was a bit surprised to see that this story was about the new couple of Halani and Malachus but we do get a glimpse of our previous couple. The story revolves around the search for an item that Malachus must have to fulfill his destiny and much to his dismay and as much as he tries he cannot stop his attraction and eventual love for Halani. This story while I am giving it 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 was not the usual "can't put it down" attraction I have for her other books and felt it dragged a bit but a great ending makes up for a lot and this had a great ending as did the first book in this series and both are wonderfully complete with no cliffhanger endings. I am not sure if this is going to be a trilogy and wonder where the overarching story of the empire goes from here. I guess at the end of all I can say I was entertained but unlike other books of hers it took a exceptional ending to pull this one up to 5 Stars
January 27, 2025
2025 reread: Loved this one as much as the first time I read it!
I loved this! Grace Draven is a goddess!!
This is a fantasy romance between Halani and Malachus. Halani is an Earth witch/healer and Malachus is a dragon shifter.
Malachus is a dragon bound to a man's body. His mother places a spell on him when he was a child where he cannot shift into his dragon form unless he has a certain object of hers. But when his mother dies, the magical item is stolen. Malachus has been tracking the object for years, and he is so close to getting it back. Then one day while he is searching, he comes across a woman in a market named Halani. Halani travels with her family across the empire in a caravan. She cares for her mother Asil and is secretly an Earth witch. Malachus gets injured while at the market and Halani takes it upon herself to hear him and nurse him back to health. Through the two of them spending time with each other, they start to realize that they cannot live without the other.
I loved this so much!! Another 5 stars read from Grace Draven. I just loved this couple so much!
Malachus was so swoony and amazing! I LOVE how he cared for Halani's mother Asil. ASIL! I adore her character so much! She and Halani have an interesting relationship. Asil's brain and temperament did not develop as her body did. So she is essentially a child in an old woman's body. Halani cares for her and Malachus just falls in love with her. It was so sweet!!
I need more people to read this book!! But I 100% recommend that you read book one first since you first meet Halani and Asil in that book. You also meet the villain of this story in book one and I feel like you would not hate her as much as you should if you did not read book one!
10/10 recommend!!!
TROPES: alpha heroes, books with pets (his horse), caretaking, dragon romance, fantasy romance, non-human, road trip, shifter romance
I loved this! Grace Draven is a goddess!!
This is a fantasy romance between Halani and Malachus. Halani is an Earth witch/healer and Malachus is a dragon shifter.
Malachus is a dragon bound to a man's body. His mother places a spell on him when he was a child where he cannot shift into his dragon form unless he has a certain object of hers. But when his mother dies, the magical item is stolen. Malachus has been tracking the object for years, and he is so close to getting it back. Then one day while he is searching, he comes across a woman in a market named Halani. Halani travels with her family across the empire in a caravan. She cares for her mother Asil and is secretly an Earth witch. Malachus gets injured while at the market and Halani takes it upon herself to hear him and nurse him back to health. Through the two of them spending time with each other, they start to realize that they cannot live without the other.
I loved this so much!! Another 5 stars read from Grace Draven. I just loved this couple so much!
Malachus was so swoony and amazing! I LOVE how he cared for Halani's mother Asil. ASIL! I adore her character so much! She and Halani have an interesting relationship. Asil's brain and temperament did not develop as her body did. So she is essentially a child in an old woman's body. Halani cares for her and Malachus just falls in love with her. It was so sweet!!
I need more people to read this book!! But I 100% recommend that you read book one first since you first meet Halani and Asil in that book. You also meet the villain of this story in book one and I feel like you would not hate her as much as you should if you did not read book one!
10/10 recommend!!!
TROPES: alpha heroes, books with pets (his horse), caretaking, dragon romance, fantasy romance, non-human, road trip, shifter romance
May 26, 2020
I’ve read Grace Draven’s books for years now, and I’m always extremely excited about her next book, but I would be lying if I don’t mention that I have been struggling with her last two novels.
Although Dragon Unleashed had wonderful world building, enchanting characters, and everything a fantasy novel needs to be captivating, the book was slow at the beginning. Very slow. The action was missing, and the story focused instead on character development. Throughout the entire book the story drags quite a bit, because of a slower and more sedated pace, which works well for the characters, but not so much for me. I caught myself zoning out early on.
The romance between the couple was slow burn too. So I had a really hard time not getting pulled away from the novel to something more fast paced.
On the other hand I love everything DRAGON and just loved the plot that revolved around a hero that was trapped in human form.
As always the writing was beautiful, and the relationship between the couple had tender and enchanting moments, but the pace was off for me. Nothing could take away from the overall slowness of the plot.
___________________________________
I received a copy of this book from publishers for free, in exchange for an honest review. My opinions have not been influenced by the publisher or the author.
___________________________________
Find more reviews and book recommendations on my blog.
Find me on Bookstagram.
Although Dragon Unleashed had wonderful world building, enchanting characters, and everything a fantasy novel needs to be captivating, the book was slow at the beginning. Very slow. The action was missing, and the story focused instead on character development. Throughout the entire book the story drags quite a bit, because of a slower and more sedated pace, which works well for the characters, but not so much for me. I caught myself zoning out early on.
The romance between the couple was slow burn too. So I had a really hard time not getting pulled away from the novel to something more fast paced.
On the other hand I love everything DRAGON and just loved the plot that revolved around a hero that was trapped in human form.
As always the writing was beautiful, and the relationship between the couple had tender and enchanting moments, but the pace was off for me. Nothing could take away from the overall slowness of the plot.
___________________________________
I received a copy of this book from publishers for free, in exchange for an honest review. My opinions have not been influenced by the publisher or the author.
___________________________________
Find more reviews and book recommendations on my blog.
Find me on Bookstagram.
November 30, 2024
OOP this is the lowest I’ve rated a Grace Draven book. It was however, exactly the comfort read I needed after the emotionally devastated puddle state that Arcane left me in. For that I am grateful.
This is book 2 in the fallen empire trilogy (?). We pick up just about right where we left off in book 1 (Phoenix Unbound) but follow a new romantic lead, something that is quickly becoming my favorite style of romantasy series.
Malachus is a dragon shifter ladies and gentleman and he is desperate to unite with his “mother bond” = a piece of his mother’s dragon body that lets him shift into a dragon and avoid spontaneously combusting. His timer on turning into a ball of flames is running out though and he has tracked his bond to a caravan of free traders, one of which is someone we know and love from book 1: Halani. In my mind I read her name as halloumi (~ like the cheese).
Halani is a classic Grace Draven heroine. That is someone on the softer side, immensely kind, and with an inner strength that makes them radiant. A natural healer, and secret earth witch, Halani was the perfect character to turn a grumpy, jaded, “I hate humankind” type dragon shifter into an utter softie. <3 The strangers to mutual respect to lovers was great.
I enjoy the magic and fantasy worlds Draven crafts, both are always interesting and substantial enough to support the romantic arc at the center of her stories. I also find her books compulsively readable despite the undeniably slower pacing and the floral, almost historical romance like nature of her prose. Sometimes her writing gets a little too over the top and she loses me… Dragon Unleashed suffered a few eye rolls from me for that reason. And while I love the in depth detail she provides, like a several page long healing scene in this case, I could see how that might lose others as well. Her endings though, are always quite intense. I coin them her little “Dravenlanche”.
The ending, as fun as it was, highlights the evil villain of this story… who I honestly found to be laughable. She is seductive female evil incarnate. 100% sadist who only derives joy from torturing people and instilling fear. Sounds like it could be fun but she was as flat and tasteless as a piece of cardboard bread.
Another comment, half critique half praise: The maturity of the two characters occasionally pulled the punch out of scenes of tension and severed conflict that could have been explosive and dramatic. That’s what happens I guess when characters just communicate with each other LOL but it left me wanting more since I’ve been trained on the miscommunication to emotional blowup / action scene pipeline. I think the couple in this could have maintained their healthy communication style with still giving us some pizzazz but maybe that’s just me.
This last piece is tied into my earlier language comment (if I never see the word engorged again I will die happy) but we also fell pray to cheese nation in this sequel. Romantic dialogue and wording has to strike an almost impossible balance for me not to find it slightly cringy. I persevere though, I persevere.
Anyway - good, not great, and not my favorite of hers.
This is book 2 in the fallen empire trilogy (?). We pick up just about right where we left off in book 1 (Phoenix Unbound) but follow a new romantic lead, something that is quickly becoming my favorite style of romantasy series.
Malachus is a dragon shifter ladies and gentleman and he is desperate to unite with his “mother bond” = a piece of his mother’s dragon body that lets him shift into a dragon and avoid spontaneously combusting. His timer on turning into a ball of flames is running out though and he has tracked his bond to a caravan of free traders, one of which is someone we know and love from book 1: Halani. In my mind I read her name as halloumi (~ like the cheese).
Halani is a classic Grace Draven heroine. That is someone on the softer side, immensely kind, and with an inner strength that makes them radiant. A natural healer, and secret earth witch, Halani was the perfect character to turn a grumpy, jaded, “I hate humankind” type dragon shifter into an utter softie. <3 The strangers to mutual respect to lovers was great.
I enjoy the magic and fantasy worlds Draven crafts, both are always interesting and substantial enough to support the romantic arc at the center of her stories. I also find her books compulsively readable despite the undeniably slower pacing and the floral, almost historical romance like nature of her prose. Sometimes her writing gets a little too over the top and she loses me… Dragon Unleashed suffered a few eye rolls from me for that reason. And while I love the in depth detail she provides, like a several page long healing scene in this case, I could see how that might lose others as well. Her endings though, are always quite intense. I coin them her little “Dravenlanche”.
The ending, as fun as it was, highlights the evil villain of this story… who I honestly found to be laughable. She is seductive female evil incarnate. 100% sadist who only derives joy from torturing people and instilling fear. Sounds like it could be fun but she was as flat and tasteless as a piece of cardboard bread.
Another comment, half critique half praise: The maturity of the two characters occasionally pulled the punch out of scenes of tension and severed conflict that could have been explosive and dramatic. That’s what happens I guess when characters just communicate with each other LOL but it left me wanting more since I’ve been trained on the miscommunication to emotional blowup / action scene pipeline. I think the couple in this could have maintained their healthy communication style with still giving us some pizzazz but maybe that’s just me.
This last piece is tied into my earlier language comment (if I never see the word engorged again I will die happy) but we also fell pray to cheese nation in this sequel. Romantic dialogue and wording has to strike an almost impossible balance for me not to find it slightly cringy. I persevere though, I persevere.
Anyway - good, not great, and not my favorite of hers.
October 19, 2021
Such a slow drone. What a letdown. The first book is a also slow and winding but is never boring.
But this one was either a dnf or major skimming.
The book continues right from where book #1 ends. The early setting up and introduction to this story, while meandering, is still okay as I was invested and curious.
But, by all that's holy, the middle is a snoooozefest. Usually, the h nursing a H is the high point of a story. But not here. These two almost made me cry with boredom. I did not like the h's deception and and we are to believe the H suddenly loses connection with his mother-bond?
The later third, when the story shifts to Domora (the queen's new capital) and the draga story takes centerstage, is definitely better.
Oh and I love Golnar's story and how Kansi Yuv gets revealed as who he really was.
The ending is similar to the first book's with a small separation. And I am not sure I like the idea that the 'draga' will join the free traders's caravan. Nothing better to do?
So really, I had no interest in the romantic pair or their romance such as it was. I just wanted the draga/dragon story and see if all that evil queen finally gets vanquished. And so I persevered or skimmed.
But this one was either a dnf or major skimming.
The book continues right from where book #1 ends. The early setting up and introduction to this story, while meandering, is still okay as I was invested and curious.
But, by all that's holy, the middle is a snoooozefest. Usually, the h nursing a H is the high point of a story. But not here. These two almost made me cry with boredom. I did not like the h's deception and and we are to believe the H suddenly loses connection with his mother-bond?
The later third, when the story shifts to Domora (the queen's new capital) and the draga story takes centerstage, is definitely better.
Oh and I love Golnar's story and how Kansi Yuv gets revealed as who he really was.
The ending is similar to the first book's with a small separation. And I am not sure I like the idea that the 'draga' will join the free traders's caravan. Nothing better to do?
So really, I had no interest in the romantic pair or their romance such as it was. I just wanted the draga/dragon story and see if all that evil queen finally gets vanquished. And so I persevered or skimmed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
June 10, 2023#1.) Phoenix Unbound: ★★
#2.) Dragon Unleashed: DNF
DNF at 14% because eh.
_____
I may not have loved Phoenix Unbound but let's be real -- if it's a Grace Draven fantasy, I'm reading it.
#2.) Dragon Unleashed: DNF
DNF at 14% because eh.
_____
I may not have loved Phoenix Unbound but let's be real -- if it's a Grace Draven fantasy, I'm reading it.
dnf
June 2, 2020DNF at 22%
I’m having a lot of trouble becoming invested in this book. It’s slow and I don’t care about the characters yet. Not for me, but I hope I’m an anomaly among Draven’s fans. I love fantasy, but I don’t want to read over half a book before I start caring about the romance.
Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I’m having a lot of trouble becoming invested in this book. It’s slow and I don’t care about the characters yet. Not for me, but I hope I’m an anomaly among Draven’s fans. I love fantasy, but I don’t want to read over half a book before I start caring about the romance.
Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 9, 2020
This review was originally posted on Addicted To RomanceI received this book for free from Ace in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Dragon Unleashed is the second book in the "Fallen Empire" series by the epic Grace Draven. It seems like forever since we had the first book "Phoenix Unbound" and the story starts off around the time of the epilogue of the first book. We get to see the reunion again of Azarion and Gilene. So that was a delight and had me wanted to read that book again and kinda wished I had done a reread of that book because there were many connecting details that I had previously forgotten and would have preferred a retouch on before reading this one. So that is what I would recommend since these two books are connected.
Our heroine of the story is Halani who is the trade camp's healer and trader and works with earth magic. She works for her uncle and is devoted to taking care of her child like mother. In this story we see two plot lines form before our hero and heroine have the chance to meet. Our hero, is a Drago. A dragon hidden in a man's body until he finds an ancient artifact, one that could save him before his body turns on him. Its his "mothers heart" a way of dragons protecting their young from mankind finding Dragon children before they mature. But now he is hunting those who had stolen the artifact which rightfully belongs to him. This leads him to a trading camp where he meets Halani. As they travel together, both contain secrets from each other but there is a burning passion that erupts between them. But the empress is hunting them and will stop at nothing to have Malachus and the dragon inside of him.
Dragon Unleashed was such a delight to read, I am not sure if this book is better or not than the first book. I would say that I enjoyed both installments on the same level. I will mention that my lower rating is due to the fact that the first half of the book is a bit slower going. There are engaging moments but it doesn't really kick up speed till really the last third of the book. The same thing happened in the first book for me. Not sure why I am struggling with the later installments of this author, when other books from her I have had no issue in getting into the stories. Or maybe it could be just me.
I will say that I adored the characters in this book. Both Malachus and Halani are fabulous characters. Malachus may seem arrogant at times, but he also has a strong sense of honor and what is right and wrong and I truly admired how he sticks by his own principles. Halani does what she does to protect herself and her family. Even when she commits wrongdoing she admits to it and doesn't make excuses. I really admired that trait about Halani that she knows she does wrong but doesn't hide it when she is confronted by it. She owns up to her own mistakes. Both of them have some hurdles to cross that is for sure, but the adventure and journey we see them go on in finding their HEA was pure delight and quite invigorating at times. There is such a strong level of intrigue and mystery in what unravels throughout the story and true justice happens in the end....YES!! And those who have read the first book will be thrilled with the ending and what happens with the villain.
Overall I found Dragon Unleashed to be a truly awe opening installment, a world of mystery, danger, dragons and magic....a story guaranteed to delight its reader.
Dragon Unleashed is the second book in the "Fallen Empire" series by the epic Grace Draven. It seems like forever since we had the first book "Phoenix Unbound" and the story starts off around the time of the epilogue of the first book. We get to see the reunion again of Azarion and Gilene. So that was a delight and had me wanted to read that book again and kinda wished I had done a reread of that book because there were many connecting details that I had previously forgotten and would have preferred a retouch on before reading this one. So that is what I would recommend since these two books are connected.
Our heroine of the story is Halani who is the trade camp's healer and trader and works with earth magic. She works for her uncle and is devoted to taking care of her child like mother. In this story we see two plot lines form before our hero and heroine have the chance to meet. Our hero, is a Drago. A dragon hidden in a man's body until he finds an ancient artifact, one that could save him before his body turns on him. Its his "mothers heart" a way of dragons protecting their young from mankind finding Dragon children before they mature. But now he is hunting those who had stolen the artifact which rightfully belongs to him. This leads him to a trading camp where he meets Halani. As they travel together, both contain secrets from each other but there is a burning passion that erupts between them. But the empress is hunting them and will stop at nothing to have Malachus and the dragon inside of him.
Dragon Unleashed was such a delight to read, I am not sure if this book is better or not than the first book. I would say that I enjoyed both installments on the same level. I will mention that my lower rating is due to the fact that the first half of the book is a bit slower going. There are engaging moments but it doesn't really kick up speed till really the last third of the book. The same thing happened in the first book for me. Not sure why I am struggling with the later installments of this author, when other books from her I have had no issue in getting into the stories. Or maybe it could be just me.
I will say that I adored the characters in this book. Both Malachus and Halani are fabulous characters. Malachus may seem arrogant at times, but he also has a strong sense of honor and what is right and wrong and I truly admired how he sticks by his own principles. Halani does what she does to protect herself and her family. Even when she commits wrongdoing she admits to it and doesn't make excuses. I really admired that trait about Halani that she knows she does wrong but doesn't hide it when she is confronted by it. She owns up to her own mistakes. Both of them have some hurdles to cross that is for sure, but the adventure and journey we see them go on in finding their HEA was pure delight and quite invigorating at times. There is such a strong level of intrigue and mystery in what unravels throughout the story and true justice happens in the end....YES!! And those who have read the first book will be thrilled with the ending and what happens with the villain.
You will always have a place among us, a place beside me, in life and beyond death when the earth sings us to dust
Overall I found Dragon Unleashed to be a truly awe opening installment, a world of mystery, danger, dragons and magic....a story guaranteed to delight its reader.
May 8, 2020
I received an e-ARC from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. Review can also be found on *Milky Way of Books*
I seriously, SERIOUSLY, devoured this book in one sitting! I knew that this had to do with draga and Halani and I couldn't be more excited! While the first book dealt with enemies to lovers this one was a slow burn of friends turned to lovers. Filled with lush descriptions, amazing world-building, and the Empress lurking in every corner searching for Malachus, I felt like I had been transported into the book.
Halani was also a great heroine filled with duty and power, despite the psychological bullying of her uncle. She has a lovely mother and a trusty crew too.
My only comfort is that I have already pre-ordered this book so I am going to enjoy the final copy too!
Can someone pick this up for a TV series adaptation please!?
I seriously, SERIOUSLY, devoured this book in one sitting! I knew that this had to do with draga and Halani and I couldn't be more excited! While the first book dealt with enemies to lovers this one was a slow burn of friends turned to lovers. Filled with lush descriptions, amazing world-building, and the Empress lurking in every corner searching for Malachus, I felt like I had been transported into the book.
Halani was also a great heroine filled with duty and power, despite the psychological bullying of her uncle. She has a lovely mother and a trusty crew too.
My only comfort is that I have already pre-ordered this book so I am going to enjoy the final copy too!
Can someone pick this up for a TV series adaptation please!?
June 4, 2020
3.5/5
Mon avis en Français
My English review
I had had a really good time with the first volume and I was curious to discover this second story.
If we don’t follow the same character as in the first volume, Gilene and her husband are also present for our greatest pleasure! But this time we follow the story of Halani and Malachus. An encounter that will change them both!
It was a real pleasure to be back in Grace Draven’s world and I had a great time with the story. I may not have been as hooked as I was on the first volume, but it was a nice surprise again. The adventure of our heroes is intriguing and they will have to face many problems!
Yes, a good second volume.
Mon avis en Français
My English review
I had had a really good time with the first volume and I was curious to discover this second story.
If we don’t follow the same character as in the first volume, Gilene and her husband are also present for our greatest pleasure! But this time we follow the story of Halani and Malachus. An encounter that will change them both!
It was a real pleasure to be back in Grace Draven’s world and I had a great time with the story. I may not have been as hooked as I was on the first volume, but it was a nice surprise again. The adventure of our heroes is intriguing and they will have to face many problems!
Yes, a good second volume.
June 18, 2020
We are back in the Krael empire where magic is outlawed. Halani, born with the gift of earth magic, is a free trader in her uncle’s caravan. Her Uncle buys a piece of bone belonging to a dead draga, but Halani senses it is more. Most of the world believes the dragas are gone from this world, but they live among them disguised as human.
Meanwhile, Malachus is living on borrowed time. The magic that’s protecting him will soon turn on him. He must find a key part of his heritage. He has tracked it to a group of free traders with an earth witch, who fascinates him.
I loved the city, the trade market and the way of life of Halani’s people. The story was slow-moving but slowly pulled me in. We learn another party is searching for the draga bone and that the Empress wants a draga of her own.
I enjoyed how Draven tied all the threads together as we moved closer to the heart of the Krael empire. The suspense built and the storyline pulled me in, particularly during the second half.
I liked Halani and adored her mother. Both have suffered hardships. We get to know key characters within the caravan and her harsh, conniving uncle.
When Malachus in injured, it is Halani who heals him. The romance was for me more subdued than the first book. While I enjoy a good romantic thread, it isn’t necessary for me and the world, supernatural aspects, and plot soon had me hooked. I fear that for some the slow burn will have them losing interest before it flames.
The second half is faster-paced as the romance develops and the dangerous villains make their moves. While I loathed the Empress, the Cat’s Paw surprised me. I still wasn’t happy with him, but understood. And the Uncle..bah. Don’t get me started!
While this didn’t hook me quite as deeply as the first novel, one thing is clear, Draven has created a vivid world. The world-building, magic, myths and magical items were impressive and unique. Magical elements and an item used by the cat’s paw were clever.
The climactic scenes as Halani and Malachus faced danger had me biting my nails, and Draven delivered an epilogue of sorts to wrap up their story.
Katharine Lee McEwan once again narrated and she brought distinct voices to the characters, in particular Halani and Malachus strengthening their points of view. Her tone and pacing enhanced the story and holding me captive even during the slower unfolding in the first half. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Meanwhile, Malachus is living on borrowed time. The magic that’s protecting him will soon turn on him. He must find a key part of his heritage. He has tracked it to a group of free traders with an earth witch, who fascinates him.
I loved the city, the trade market and the way of life of Halani’s people. The story was slow-moving but slowly pulled me in. We learn another party is searching for the draga bone and that the Empress wants a draga of her own.
I enjoyed how Draven tied all the threads together as we moved closer to the heart of the Krael empire. The suspense built and the storyline pulled me in, particularly during the second half.
I liked Halani and adored her mother. Both have suffered hardships. We get to know key characters within the caravan and her harsh, conniving uncle.
When Malachus in injured, it is Halani who heals him. The romance was for me more subdued than the first book. While I enjoy a good romantic thread, it isn’t necessary for me and the world, supernatural aspects, and plot soon had me hooked. I fear that for some the slow burn will have them losing interest before it flames.
The second half is faster-paced as the romance develops and the dangerous villains make their moves. While I loathed the Empress, the Cat’s Paw surprised me. I still wasn’t happy with him, but understood. And the Uncle..bah. Don’t get me started!
While this didn’t hook me quite as deeply as the first novel, one thing is clear, Draven has created a vivid world. The world-building, magic, myths and magical items were impressive and unique. Magical elements and an item used by the cat’s paw were clever.
The climactic scenes as Halani and Malachus faced danger had me biting my nails, and Draven delivered an epilogue of sorts to wrap up their story.
Katharine Lee McEwan once again narrated and she brought distinct voices to the characters, in particular Halani and Malachus strengthening their points of view. Her tone and pacing enhanced the story and holding me captive even during the slower unfolding in the first half. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
September 17, 2021
I really expected to love this one, but I was disappointed.
Grace Draven is always a good writer. But this story suffers from Super Hero Syndrome, as I like to call it. Where the MCs are so morally perfect and ideal from the very start, that there is no room for character growth, at all. I don't want to read about a saint going through the motions; I want a good story.
At one point, the heroine is asked if she ever has a hard time being a caretaker to her disabled/traumatized mother. She replies no, never! This is just something else....even the nicest and kindest and most patient human on earth will suffer from caretaker fatigue. Especially a child caretaker with no adult to rely on. What's the point of denying these difficult human truths? So we can crown the heroine with a halo?
The romance suffered for the same reason.
Grace Draven is always a good writer. But this story suffers from Super Hero Syndrome, as I like to call it. Where the MCs are so morally perfect and ideal from the very start, that there is no room for character growth, at all. I don't want to read about a saint going through the motions; I want a good story.
At one point, the heroine is asked if she ever has a hard time being a caretaker to her disabled/traumatized mother. She replies no, never! This is just something else....even the nicest and kindest and most patient human on earth will suffer from caretaker fatigue. Especially a child caretaker with no adult to rely on. What's the point of denying these difficult human truths? So we can crown the heroine with a halo?
The romance suffered for the same reason.
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