Holubičí srdce

Dragon Chalice #3

by Tina St. John

Podrobné, ale nesmírně živé vyprávění, stateční a citliví hrdinové, podmanivá zápletka. Nechybí velká míra vášně a nebezpečí a také trochu kouzel. To všechno je brilantně spojeno v první z novodobých sérií z období středověku, kterou napsala Tina St. John.
Příběh začíná na palubě lodi, kdy Rand, který si veze vzácnou věc, celou polovinu kouzelného kalicha, je napaden hádejte kým - vlkodlakem, uá! Oba skončí v moři, vlkodlak to už nerozchodí a Rand málem taky ne. Moře ho nakonec vyplaví na pobřeží, kde se setkává se Serenou. Rand je posedlý touhou po pomstě, protože jakýsi Silas de Mortaine, mu kvůli klíči ke kalichu vyvraždil rodinu. Polovinu kalicha měl jen jako návnadu, aby toho prevíta (tak mě tak napadá, víte, jak vzniklo tohle slovo?) mohl zabít. Jenže půlkalich se ztratil. Rand se v pohádkovém lese zotavuje z vlkodlačích ran, které utržil, hledá kalich a zamilovává se do Sereny. Ale zlo se blíží a kruh se uzavírá…

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Historical, Paranormal, Medieval Romance

334 pages, Paperback

First published November 29, 2005

About the author

Pseudonym of Lara Adrian

A Michigan native and descendant of Mayflower passenger Governor William Bradford, Tina St. John makes her home in coastal New England with her husband, the inspiration for all her heroes and her most devoted fan. The couple are the caretakers of two rescued felines who have trained them to surrender treats, tuna, and belly rubs on command.

She quit a full-time corporate job to pursue her dream of becoming a published author. In 1995, Tina St. John sold her first completed manuscript, Lord of Vengeance, and has since gone on to pen several more acclaimed medieval romances. She was frightened of vampires as a child. Luckily, she has overcome this fear and uses that early fascination to drive her paranormal romance novels as Lara Adrian. Her stories mesh fear, sensuality, and power into vampire romance fantasy novels and today she is well-known for the popular Midnight Breed series. She believes that “vampires as heroes in romantic fiction…are the ultimate bad boy.” Her books have been licensed in over sixteen countries. She is also a RWA RITA finalist and Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice award recipient.

Reviews

[~*~Princess Nya Vasiliev~*~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm struggling with how to rate this book...


On the one hand it was disappointing as far as the main couple, Randwulf & Serena. Their story within this story, was seriously lacking. The intensity was just not there. I did not believe their coupling or the struggle that Rand seemed to have with it, concerning his "intense" feelings for Serena, so soon (2 months) after the brutal death of his wife & son. His reason for being thrust onto Serena's path to begin with; avenging their deaths. I wasn't buying it. Not when you witness his anguish for his loss in book 2 & the beginning of this one. Then the crucial mistake, of trying to dial down the bond that we are told & shown of his marriage, by talking down about his wife & their troubles before hand. Trying to paint a less beautiful picture of his marriage. Eluding to the fact that he was not truly as happy as we were once led to believe. Just for the sake of giving a fair shake of how he can feel so intensely & so soon toward a female he barely knows. I didn't like this route the story took at all...


Instead of trying to belittle what he once had with his deceased wife, why not try to sell us on HOW these feelings that he thought he would never have, & come so soon at that, be present for this other woman? Instead you get a long drawn out BORING slew of character development. You're stuck on a beach, in paradise no less, but it's boring as hell. Trying to establish a connection between these two during this time, for the most part, was either like watching paint dry or pulling teeth. The story just dragged. And when the deal was finally closed, it could have been alot hotter for all that you suffer through before hand. And while there were minor things that alluded to what may come, the road there was difficult to walk. From the 15% ALL THE WAY to the 80% mark, I kept thinking this about reading this story...


Now, once you get to the 80% mark and beyond, things finally get interesting.


The conclusion of the Dragon Chalice, Serena's purpose/place in all this, Randwulf's revenge/redemption etc.. all comes to be revealed. And I must say, it ended quite well. Shocking, a bit heartbreaking, but a satisfying close. I mean, I was happy...


So would I recommend this series? Yes, I would. Do I love this series overall? Yes, I do. Do I wish that Randwulf & Serena's love/coupling could have just been.... more.. Of everything? ABSOLUTELY.

So, me thinks this story is deserving of a Solid 3.75 Stars



*Please read this series in order.* This is a series with different main characters, but an on going plot.

[UltraMeital · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gotta say that though this series wasn't my favorite, and I had many misgivings about the prior books (as well as this one), I actually liked the way it ended, the way it came full circle. All my questions were answered and though I had my guesses throughout this book (and the series) I was still surprised with some of the things that were revealed as well as the ending it self. I can honestly say it's the best possible outcome and better than I would have guessed.

The quest to finding the last piece of the Dragon Chalice continues. This time it's Rand's job. We started the journey with the firs piece already in the hands of our main villain Silas de Mortaine and even more than that he also had Ariana's brother as his prisoner trying to figure out where the other pieces are through Kenrick's life work of finding information about the Dragon Chalice and where the 4 pieces could be. So in the first and second books each of our couples - Ariana with Braedon and later Kenrick with Haven each found one part, leaving the very last one for Rand.

Unlike our main villain each of the couples weren't consumed but the job of retrieving all the parts for fame and glory, which was also why it was easier for them to give the task away to the "next in line" once they found a happier state of living with the love of their lives by their side. With Rand it's different since he already LOST his family before he starts his quest. For him it's all about revenge. Yet this IS a romance story so Rand not only gets his revenge and ambition regarding the Dragon Chalice he also finds someone who gets him and loves him for who and how he is. Can anyone ask for more?

Randwulf of Greycliff is on his way to Scotland to find the last piece of the Dragon Chalice when he finds himself stranded on an island sans his most valuable possession - the fusion of the two cups his friends found. Waking up on the shore with a beautiful nymph watching over him he hopes for the shortest delay possible before he finds what he lost and returns to sea on his way to Scotland. Yet most of the book he actually stays with the beautiful nymph - rather a solitude young woman who lives with her mother all alone surrounded by beautiful scenery of trees, waterfall and naturally sea side.

Serena is mostly content with her life even though she dreams of what the world beyond the grove she lives in contains. Yet living with her mother Calandra is all she knows and considering her unique ability of absorbing a person's emotions and experiences through touch maybe she is better off in this solitary place surrounded with everything she holds dear. When a strange man is washed from the sea she isn't sure what to do about him and when her mother is reluctant to help and he himself acts even worse - controlling and high handed - she isn't sure if she wants him to just leave or to learn a bit more about him and somehow make this intriguing man her friend.

I gotta say I found Rand INFURIATING in the way he behaved towards Serena and her mother. Yeah, I get it, it's different times, and men were used to "getting what they wanted", but it still felt like Rand took these two for granted, expecting them to literally SERVE him while he stayed - unwanted - at their house. He took one of their two beds, he expected them to feed him and when they showed him kindness (like Serena offering him her father's cloths since his were totally wrecked by the sea) his first thoughts were how old and unfashionable they were. REALLY?

Serena is the most gentle and sweet person to ever live which is the only explanation - except never actually MEETING a man before - for the way she tried to appease him and befriend him. Also with every unwanted snippet she gets from him by touch she is horrified by what he went through and is honestly intrigued by his past. She knows what he wants is vengeance with little regard to if he actually lives to tell the tale, but she wished he could see for himself - a present, a future - and not just blood and death for his enemies. Being with her Rand actually changes. We also come to know more about who he was and what he went through in his marriage. He was starved for the kind of affection and care Serena offered him from the purity and kindness of her heart. I'm quite conflicted with my thoughts about their romance story as I wasn't a fan of Rand and wished a better match for Serena though he DID make her happy after a while and I think no one can ask for a more compassionate and loving partner like Serena.

Yet there comes a time for Rand to take a step forward in his mission to either find the Dragon Chalice (the one he lost or the one still hidden) or take down Silas. His decision is taken from him when Silas himself decided to take the initiative and from there the action starts as well as the many truths about this special place Serena and her mother are living in, the origin of the Dragon Chalice, the last remaining piece and naturally who and what is Silas de Mortaine. But you know what? This isn't all because we also learn what is the role of Draec le Nantres. I was highly intrigued by him this whole time. He was Braedon's close friend only to betray him to Silas. Yet he never actually wanted to harm the guy and he was never truly loyal to Silas as well. He had his own agenda and it never felt like the "Fame and Glory" others were trying to find in the Dragon Chalice legends. It was actually quite brilliant.

I really enjoyed the way things played out in the end which is why I'm giving this book 4 stars. It was more of a 3 - 3.5 throughout as it took me a VERY long time to connect with Rand especially since the first half of the book (if not more) was JUST about the two of them, the arc of the Dragon Chalice almost forgotten. I think only two thirds into the story we come back to his actual quest and from there the pace takes off with all the action and the mysteries being revealed.

More Reviews HERE

[Keksisbaby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alles in ihm schreit nach Rache, denn er hat bei einem Überfall auf seine Burg alles verloren: sein Heim, seine Frau und seinen Sohn. Getrieben den Verantwortlichen zur Strecke zu bringen macht Randwulf of Greycliff sich mit zwei Teilen des Drachenkelchs auf, der Gerechtigkeit genüge zu tun. Als er Schiffbruch erleidet, ahnt er nicht dass die Schöne, die ihn am Strand findet, sein Schicksal wird. Serena lebt mit ihrer Mutter abgeschieden im Wald. Sie hat die Gabe ins Innere eines Menschen zu sehen und Rands Schmerz und Wut erfüllt ihr Herz, doch schon bald wandelt sich dieses Gefühl in Liebe. Doch lange wehrt der Frieden nicht, denn das Böse ist bereits unterwegs, um sich den Drachenkelch zu holen und die Herrschaft über diese Welt und über das magische Reich Anavrin einzufordern. Dabei spielt Serenas Mutter eine größere Rolle in dem Drama, als alle Beteiligten zunächst vermutetet hätten.
Dies ist das Ende der Drachenkelchsaga von Lara Adrian und für meinen Geschmack kein schlechtes. Man darf jetzt bei dem Buch die Messlatte nicht zu hoch anlegen. Das Thema ist literarisch nicht tiefgreifend, aber unterhaltsam. Halt ein typisch historischer, fast kitschiger Liebesroman. Rand und Serena geben dabei ein sehr überzeugendes Liebespaar ab und die Geschichte an sich wird zum Schluss, so aufgelöst, das alle drei Teile ein rundes Ganzes ergeben. Von mir aus hätte der spannende Teil mehr umspannen können. als das letzte Drittel, aber die Entwicklung der zarten Liebesbande nahm dann doch mehr Platz ein, als erwartet. Ich habe mich aber nicht eine Minute dabei gelangweilt, auch wenn Serena mir manchmal eine Spur zu naiv war. Ich mag lieber die sturköpfig, schlauen, starken Frauen in solchen Büchern. Sonst kann ich diesen Band alle Lara Adrian Fans nur empfehlen, wenn man Teil 1 und 2 schon mochte.

[Stevie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phewww. If finished the series and I have to say I liked it. St. John/Adrian wrapped this up very well. I think the ending was the best part. Great satisfaction in the retribution delivered to the evil villain, loved how it all circled back to the beginning, and of course my ideal closure. Although I though Ariana's pregnancy would have played more of a role. I was slightly hoping all the main characters would reunite in the end. The beginning did drag a bit, and at times I felt I was being beaten over the head with repeated sentiments and insecurities, but that may have been my impatience to see to the end of the story all together. I didn't see Calandra's part coming for the majority of the book, so that was a nice surprise as was Silas'. Rand was a good character, tortured, tormented by the past and what could be the future, honor-bound and selfless character. Stereo-typical humble hero who could kick some serious shiftera--. Serena was a fun character as well, and had a lot more potential than the story gave her. Just my opinion, but I would have liked to see more of her wonderment with new experiences played up more. It would have benefited the building relationship between her and Rand- to me anyway. Loved the wooden doves part. But all and all, I found the series good and like I said, a very well rounded and satisfying ending.

[liz · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think I would have liked this more if it weren't for this one cheesily executed plot element: It gets a little supernatural. Not a lot, just a little. And I couldn't help but wonder: Who is the target audience for this? I think it would be too weird for non-supernaturally-inclined romance readers, but not fully-developed enough for the people who are into that whole thing. And it took the whole "naïve heroine" convention to a whole 'nother level.

[Larissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hi guys... finally I remembered that I already wrote a review on this trilogy.
Check it out:
http://myoneheartplace.tumblr.com/pos...

[Brigitte · Rating 3 out of 5]

This historical novel is slow to start with and it's not until towards the end that it becomes really interesting.

Rand is on a quest for revenge. He has lost everything an doesn't feel he has anything left to live for. Until at least he destroys his mortal enemy. His encounter with his enemy's minion ends drastically. He is stranded on a beach when Serena finds him. She tends to his wounds until he recovers. He is intrigued by her, but will not dteter from his quest for vengeance. Serena's mother is a mysterious woman full of surprises. He falls in love with Serena, but unfortunately he has to leave her to find and destroy his enemy. When the secrets of Serena's mother are revealed,everything changes. When eventually the enemy surfaces, there are more surprises. There are twists and turns. The long awaited battle takes place and De Montaine, the dreaded enemy receives a surprise of his own and now Rand and Serena can look to their future.

It's slow paced until De Montaine arrives to claim his prize. Although, a slow beginning it's worth the read just to see the conclusion of this battle.

[Rosemary Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

The saga continues. The four original segments of the Dragon Chalice have now had three parts found, two of which are now one cup, with two stones.
The search for the third takes a revengeful Randwulf of Greycliff towards Scotland, where the last cup was believed to be, by all the information accumulated by Kenrick of Clairmont.
However, things go awry, and Rand ends up being dragged overboard in the height of a storm.
What happens next is the most remarkable part of this tale. No, I am not going further, as my attempt at a synapses of the story, will not give you the insight that the writer's own words will do.
Yes, definitely, a story worth pursuing.

[Jennifer percy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Fantasy, impossible love and magic. Great combination. Last book of the hunt for the four enchanted challis parts. The end had an unexpected twist

[Christine Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

A very intense, sizzling romance. I liked the way you brought it all together in this romantic series. Oh thank you.

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome

[Addison · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Randwulf’s thirst for revenge after a devastating loss meets Serena, a maiden with a rare gift to see the secrets in a man’s heart. The novel delves into themes of loss, redemption, and forbidden love, wrapped in a moody and immersive historical setting. While the romance is compelling and the stakes high, pacing issues and occasional clichés hold it back from being truly exceptional.

[L.J. Sealey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me first just say that I've given this only 4 stars because I found it a little slow for the first quarter of the book. That's not to say I wanted to skip any or that I didn't enjoy it because I did. This was another great read from the Dragon Chalice trilogy and a satisfying conclusion to the story.

This was a little different than the first two books as it focused mainly on Rand and Serena's developing relationship after they'd ended up in a remote forest together due to Rand being washed up on a nearby beach after an altercation with a shifter. Serena and her mother, through no choice of their own, take Rand in while he heals and gains his strength back to continue on his journey to find the last cup so he can destroy the Chalice once and for all. He is there longer than expected and, while fighting his honour for his dead wife, begins to develop feelings for Serena and her for him.

I actually liked the fact that it took time for Rand and Serena to admit their feelings for one another, even though it took longer than it needed to. Not much else really happens throughout the story until probably the last 20% maybe,. It's mostly about Rand avoiding what Serena is stirring in him, and, with the help of her unique gift, Serena getting to know him for what he truly is and the hurt he has suffered at the hands of his enemy. I felt that there was a little bit of repetition with regards to details of Rands past and where Serena's gift was mentioned, which I think helped towards making it feel a little dragged out at first but as I said, It didn't ruin my enjoyment, just didn't have me as gripped as the other two books , particularly book 2 'Heart of The Flame' which is definitely my favourite.

All in all, this trilogy has been thoroughly enjoyable and I really do recommend it if you love historical paranormal stories, or even just historical stories due to the paranormal element being quite small in these.

Now I'm going straight to buy Lara's other trilogy as Tina St John 'The Warrior Trilogy' ;)

[Claire B. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Review for the trilogy

First book was not bad, even if the storyline and the plots were, most of the time, totally predictable. I enjoyed that one, quick reading.
Second book, well… there was something in it that bothered me but I couldn’t say what exactly. Perhaps because I had the feeling that the author rushed things; was it to avoid having to explain why and how Kenrick, although feeling betrayed by Haven, could so easily forgive everything and pick up things where he left them off? I didn’t buy it.
And the third book: we learned in book #2 who Rand is and why he is setting out on a journey to find the last part of the Dragon Chalice. He wants to stop Silas De Mortaine, who had his shapeshifters attack Rand's home and is responsible for the deaths of Rand's family. Our hero craves revenge, he says so himself abundantly, avenging their deaths is his sole goal. Seems legit. Thing is, you can’t help but wonder how he will fall in love so soon – 2 months – after his loss of a wife he seemed to be madly in love with. Well, that’s not a problem for the author. In fact, Rand was not so happy, his wife was “fragile” (i.e. mad) and denigrating her is the magic trick. Painting another picture of the marriage, like this is sufficient to explain the “intense feelings” for Serena, even though he perceives her as fragile as his wife… You would think that Rand would like to avoid another relationship with a “fragile” woman, and certainly so soon after his first wife’s death. But no. Sorry, I didn’t buy that either.
The end is wrapped up in a rush, all villains die (what else?!) and they live happily ever after. Yay. Typical for the genre, I know, but sometimes it’s a bit too much.

[Jayne Castel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novel - more than I thought I would, as the paranormal elements of the first book in this series put me off. However, those elements work perfectly in this novel. It's more of a historical romance, with a fairy tale twist.

The thing I enjoyed most about Heart of the Dove was the sense of place that the writer evokes. The setting is actually quite limited - just the shoreline, forest and nearby town - yet I didn't find that restricting or boring. Instead, St. John evokes a magical atmosphere.

The writing is powerful and the plot strong. I enjoy romances that are driven by more than just the love story, and I thought the supporting cast of characters, including the heroine's mother, the villain and his henchmen, were all well-drawn and credible.

Warning - some possible spoilers coming up!!

The love story is touching, although a hard one to get right. The hero, Rand, is still grieving for his dead wife at the beginning of the story, and obsessed with revenge. The heroine, Serena, is an innocent young woman with a strange gift - the Knowing - which allows her to read someone's thoughts just by touching them. I enjoyed the tale of how they fall in love, I only wish that the author hadn't resorted to making Rand's previous relationship seem flawed (his wife battled with depression and was suicidal before the attack that killed her and their son).

I think it would have been more powerful if, despite that his great love for his dead wife, he was able to recover from his grief and love again. However, despite this small gripe, I thought it was an excellent, moving love story.

[Jilly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly after the second book I had higher hopes for the third volume and while it was entertaining enough there was something lacking in the overall story.

Rand was an interesting hero. A man who'd lost everything because of our villain and the mystical shifters under his control. Rand is setting out on a journey to find the final part of the Dragon Chalice in hopes of stopping Silas our villain who had his men attack Rand's home and who is responsible for the deaths of Rand's wife and child.

The thing is that Rand is in morning for his loved ones and yet when he meets Serena a sheltered woman who had grown up away from others, he can't help being drawn to her.

Now the story explains some things about Rand's wife that were set up in the second book and yet it all seemed very convenient to enable Serena and Rand a love story.

Serena's sheltered life is called more into question when she starts getting to know Rand and realizes that her own family has secrets she had no knowledge of.

The thing is that while the story was good there was the nagging aspect that just seemed like it could have been better or that just seemed to be so much less important to the fact that the goal was to bring Rand and Serena together.

I felt like the Dragon Chalice was a great idea and the fantasy aspect a great one that really could have been more involved and yet it all seemed like an after thought to the romance between two characters.

Not nearly as good as the Midnight Breed series by the same author.

[Lover of Romance · Rating 1 out of 5]

When I first picked Heart Of The Dove up from the library, I was intrigued and it sounded like a book that I would really get into....however it wasn't exactly what I had hoped for. It started out very slow, and I found myself forcing myself to continue reading, and I gave it about 100 pages, before I had to give it up....it never clicked for me, and I just wasn't really enjoying it at all. I mean the plot was alright....but kinda sketchy at times, it didn't flow smoothy-more like all over the board, there were things that didn't piece together right. I really liked Serena though, she was sweet and innocent and magical in a way, and she treated Rand way better than he ever deserved. Rand has gone through some rough patches, however he treats Serena horridly, and I really never liked him. I never really connected to the characters apart from Serena a little. Part of me is sad that I wasn't able to finish it, and maybe another time I might try re reading it again, but I just found it a little too depressing for my taste, and I didn't really get into it, and it seemed more of a chore to read....so unfortunately I wasn't able to finish it. I do wish it hadn't been so disappointing though.

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heart of the Dove is the third, and final, book in St. John's Dragon Chalice series. After liking the first two books, I was looking forward to this one and seeing how it would all end. And, as with the other books, I enjoyed this one and found it to be a good read overall. I was especially pleased w/ the ending, and thought the author did a good job of tying up all the loose ends and creating an ending that readers/fans of the series will be happy w/. I also apprecitated the little plot twists surrounding the Dragon Chalice, and the elements of magic and mystery that surrounded it. I even enjoyed the characters, even Rand and Serena's, although they annoyed me at times. The only drawbacks for me that prevented me from giving a five star rating was that the story started off slow, and I was hoping all the characterws (from this book and the previous ones) would be reunited. I would def recommend this book and the other's to fans of historical romance. Although this book can be read as a stand alone, I would encourage reading the previous books to fully understand some of the references.

[Richard Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

While Randwulf Of Graycliff (Rand) is on a ship to Scotland to try and find the last piece of the Dragon Chalice, he is attacked by one of the shape-shifters belonging to Silas De Mortaine and during the fight falls overboard to be washed up on the shore by a forest glade where he meets Serena and her mother Calander but he has lost the cup he was carrying. As he heals from the wounds he received he starts to see more to Serena and by accident he finds out that by touching someone or something with her bare hand Serena can learn all their memories and feelings.

Will the feelings Rand starts to have for Serena cause him to give up his quest to find the last part of the chalice or will his desire for revenge cause him to lose her? Also who are Serena and Calander and where did her powers come from and why do they live in the glade away from everyone. What secret does Calander have?

In this the third and last book of the Dragon Chalice series the answers will come with a twist at the end that I didn't see coming till the very last.

[Dorothea Müller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Randwulf of Greycliff hat in einer Nacht einfach alles verloren und sinnt jetzt auf Rache. Auf dem Weg zum letzten Stück des Kelches, trifft er auf Serena. Im Wald erholt er sich von seinen Verletzungen und seine Seele bekommt auch Heilung, durch Serena. Doch der Feind ist auch schon auf dem Weg.

Diese Geschichte ist voller Emotionen, nicht nur von Randwulf sondern auch Serena. Serena hat eine Gabe, die ihr vieles zeigt und spüren lässt. Sie ist mehr wie eine junge Frau am Anfang der Geschichte. Doch umso weiter die Geschichte voranschreitet desto mehr spürt und liest man ihre Stärke die sie hat. Randwulf ist ein gebrochener Mann, der deshalb immer noch lebt, weil er Rache will. In diesem Wald erfährt er langsam Heilung und man spürt wie er wieder zurück ins Leben findet. Eine fantastische Geschichte über das Leben und die innere Stärke. Die Spannung erfährt ihren Höhepunkt als der Feind auftaucht und eine Überraschung verschlägt einem dem Atem und danach kann man das Buch auf jeden Fall nicht mehr aus der Hand legen.

[J.B. Stockings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whenever I want to read a book that I know can't fail, I turn to Lara Adrian (Tina St. John). While the hero, Rand,is another tortured man on a quest, the heroine, Serena, is more unique, and it is the way that her character impacts Rand that makes this a great story.

I don't want to give anything away, but there were a few moments later in the book when I wondered if, given Serena's protected background, she'd be so bold and careless, but it is a minor grievance given the rest of the book. My biggest complaint was that it was way shorter than the other Adrian books I've read.

[Brenda · Rating 1 out of 5]

This author spent so many pages on detailed descriptions of everything that the book was longer than it should have been. I started reading the series expecting an exciting story of adventure and some romance, but with the exception of the first book, there was very little adventure. The exciting parts of the book was left to the very end for the last two book and in this last book she didn't even finish the story of what happened to Anavrin. I truly feel these books were a waste of my time. I was not impressed.

[Beebs · Rating 2 out of 5]

And again, mmeeeehhhh. I don't think I'll be reading any more of Lara Adrian (aka Tina St. John)'s attempts at historical/sci-fi/romance. This, as the last in the trilogy, should have been the best. However, it was as lackluster as the first. While I acknowledge that it is semi-silly to judge a sci fi book on realness, the plot "closure" seemed force. And the biggest problem for me was that the relationships didn't seem plausible. I don't know- it was just meh.

[Sonya Lano]

I did finish this book, but it was just so slow I really couldn't get into it and it took forever. The three fourths of the book is about Serena looking at Greywolfe (or whatever his name is) and him having temper tantrums and them randomly wandering around the forest. The last fourth speeds up slightly but not enough to get exciting. I think I've just been spoiled by too many really good books...

[Chahidat · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,5 Sterne

Hatte mir unter der Reihe etwas mehr vorgestellt. Bin enttäuscht.

Es gibt viele Wiederholungen, selbst für jmd der erst bei diesem Band anfängt. Es kommt erst so gegen Seite 200 in Fahrt. Aber viel holt Tina St. John nicht aus der Story raus.

Die Liebesgeschichte rund um Rand und Serena ist toll, besser als Kenrick und Haven. Die Geschichte rund um den Drachenkelch kommt definitiv zu kurz.

Fazit für mich: Die Drachenkelch-Reihe muss man nicht gelesen haben.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lara Adrian is one of my favorite author's so I checked these books out since I'm a huge fan of her Midnight Breed series. I fell in love with this trilogy! I love the characters and how the story connects so beautifully. I also love the era the books are set in; all in all a wonderful book in a wonderful series!

[Sunsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

07/10 Punkte gebe ich für dieses Hörbuch. Uve Teschner hat auch den 3. Band der Trilogie gelesen und mit seiner Stimme das Buch noch aufgewertet. Ohne ihn wäre es mir 06/10 Punkte wert gewesen.

Meine Rezension findet ihr in meinem Blog

[Poet Gentleness · Rating 1 out of 5]

I like (just like) Lara Adrian books. But reading this one was a hard task. The story is slow and boring. The descriptions are boring. The mother of the heroine, Calandra, arg!, is boring. Even the supposedly hot hero, Rand, boring. Enough of boring. I'm bored. I couldn't believe I spent my money in it. :(

[Joan Perez-gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great trilogy. I enjoyed it immensely! The Hunter, Kendrick, and Rand are all men I would want by my side. Lara Adrain did it again. Will definitely purchase Moe of her books.

Great trilogy. I enjoyed it immensely! The Hunter, Kendrick, and Rand are all men I would want by my side. Lara Adrain did it again. Will definitely purchase More of her books.