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Chronicles of Pelenor #1
Heart of Dragons
Stolen magic. Rising evil. Tangled loyalties.She stole a powerful artefact. He resurrected an ancient evil. They are mortal enemies and only one can survive… but both of them may be doomed in this heartrending saga of intrigue and betrayal.
Orphan Harper discovers a legendary Dragonheart...and instantly becomes the most wanted person in Pelenor, where magic, dragons, and elves rule. She must quickly learn how to survive - or die.
Searching for the elven King's missing Dragonheart is his ruthless Spymaster Dimitri, who has his own agenda to revolutionise Pelenor, and free it from the King's greed.
Harper is thrust into a web of intrigue beyond her knowledge, and her newfound companions - a roguish elven thief and his ragtag band - might not be the trustworthy friends she thinks.
When Harper and Dimitri's paths collide, the only thing more dangerous than lies might be the truth, but either might destroy them. Harper is forced to ally with the hated spymaster - and Dimitri is equally displeased his fate rests in her unworthy hands.
Harper and Dimitri must join forces to ensure both of them survive the King's wrath in a court where betrayal is as easy as breathing. The Dragonheart is key to both their successes - but only one can possess it, and the king will not suffer its loss.
Who will drown in deceit, and who will rise triumphant?
USA Today Bestselling Author and 2018 SPFBO Semi-Finalist Meg Cowley returns with a stunning new dark epic fantasy quartet set in the same world as her award nominated Books of Caledan series.Praise for the series includes;
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “It pulled on every single emotion available to the soul. You will laugh, you will cry, you will smile, you will want more.” – Goodreads Reviewer
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “An epic ending in the best of high fantasy. The mixture of good and evil, darkness and light, and hope and despair carries you through from the first page to the last.” – Amazon Reviewer
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “I couldn't put it down. The characters are so well written and believable they are almost real.” – Amazon Reviewer
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “The best fantasy series I've read in recent years.” – Amazon Reviewer
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “A wild ride from the beginning. I sobbed at several parts. Meg has done such a great job of making me truly care for these characters.” – Amazon Reviewer
The Chronicles of Pelenor is perfect for fans of Sylvia Mercedes' Venatrix Chronicles, JA Andrews' The Keeper Chronicles, and Elise Kova’s Air Awakens, who love richly woven sagas of characters striving to overcome adversity from within and without, against a backdrop of an epic-scale world that comes alive on the page.
Read Heart of Dragons now, available in Kindle Unlimited.
Orphan Harper discovers a legendary Dragonheart...and instantly becomes the most wanted person in Pelenor, where magic, dragons, and elves rule. She must quickly learn how to survive - or die.
Searching for the elven King's missing Dragonheart is his ruthless Spymaster Dimitri, who has his own agenda to revolutionise Pelenor, and free it from the King's greed.
Harper is thrust into a web of intrigue beyond her knowledge, and her newfound companions - a roguish elven thief and his ragtag band - might not be the trustworthy friends she thinks.
When Harper and Dimitri's paths collide, the only thing more dangerous than lies might be the truth, but either might destroy them. Harper is forced to ally with the hated spymaster - and Dimitri is equally displeased his fate rests in her unworthy hands.
Harper and Dimitri must join forces to ensure both of them survive the King's wrath in a court where betrayal is as easy as breathing. The Dragonheart is key to both their successes - but only one can possess it, and the king will not suffer its loss.
Who will drown in deceit, and who will rise triumphant?
USA Today Bestselling Author and 2018 SPFBO Semi-Finalist Meg Cowley returns with a stunning new dark epic fantasy quartet set in the same world as her award nominated Books of Caledan series.Praise for the series includes;
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “It pulled on every single emotion available to the soul. You will laugh, you will cry, you will smile, you will want more.” – Goodreads Reviewer
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “An epic ending in the best of high fantasy. The mixture of good and evil, darkness and light, and hope and despair carries you through from the first page to the last.” – Amazon Reviewer
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “I couldn't put it down. The characters are so well written and believable they are almost real.” – Amazon Reviewer
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “The best fantasy series I've read in recent years.” – Amazon Reviewer
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “A wild ride from the beginning. I sobbed at several parts. Meg has done such a great job of making me truly care for these characters.” – Amazon Reviewer
The Chronicles of Pelenor is perfect for fans of Sylvia Mercedes' Venatrix Chronicles, JA Andrews' The Keeper Chronicles, and Elise Kova’s Air Awakens, who love richly woven sagas of characters striving to overcome adversity from within and without, against a backdrop of an epic-scale world that comes alive on the page.
Read Heart of Dragons now, available in Kindle Unlimited.
422 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2020
396 people are currently reading
1123 people want to read
About the author
Meg Cowley
60 books202 followers✒️ Romantic Fantasy with courageous heroines, protective heroes, and endearing found families to sweep you away... ✨️
Meg Cowley is a USA Today bestselling fantasy author from England. Meg writes slow burn steamy epic fantasy romances with courageous and vulnerable heroines, protective and brooding heroes, and lovable and welcoming found family in stories that will steal your heart long after the last page.
Meg's favourite past times are reading, hiking, and cooking. She can usually be found curled up with a cup of tea and a riveting fantasy romance book, cooking up a fantasy-book worthy feast, or out walking the wild, windswept moors of Yorkshire dreaming up her next story.
Visit www.megcowley.com to find out more, discover Meg’s books, find exclusive reader bonus content, and join her Romantasy Fellowship newsletter.
Meg Cowley is a USA Today bestselling fantasy author from England. Meg writes slow burn steamy epic fantasy romances with courageous and vulnerable heroines, protective and brooding heroes, and lovable and welcoming found family in stories that will steal your heart long after the last page.
Meg's favourite past times are reading, hiking, and cooking. She can usually be found curled up with a cup of tea and a riveting fantasy romance book, cooking up a fantasy-book worthy feast, or out walking the wild, windswept moors of Yorkshire dreaming up her next story.
Visit www.megcowley.com to find out more, discover Meg’s books, find exclusive reader bonus content, and join her Romantasy Fellowship newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
October 9, 2019
I’ve kept my eye on Meg Cowley’s books for a few years now, and based on the rave reviews her stories accumulate, I fully expected to be impressed. And I was! So impressed and so delight with HEART OF DRAGONS, the first of the Chronicles of Pelenor.
There are many throwback fantasy elements to this story that give it a feel of revisiting an old friend . . . there’s a magical talisman that everyone is chasing, which ends up in the hands of an unlikely and unprepared hero. There are multiple fantasy races—elves, goblins, dwarves, etc.—and a complex world with intricate social structures generating an interesting push-and-pull within the narrative. But the author’s handling of classic fantasy themes is always fresh, exciting, unexpected, and utterly captivating.
The characters are the driving heart of this story, particularly the three main leads. Harper is our unexpected heroine, who finds herself in possession of the Dragon Heart and therefore in the eye of the storm, so to speak. She starts out as a tough, self-possessed, confident character, but ends up thrown completely for a loop when she’s transported into a foreign land. Her journey was fascinating, and she made for a compelling lead.
Dimiti, the king’s spymaster and our main antagonist, proves himself heart-wrenchingly sympathetic along the way, though without ever losing his sinister undercurrent. There’s hope for him to possibly take a turn for the better (I’m definitely rooting for him!!!), but in the meanwhile, he drives the story with deadly intent. He may have been my favorite character . . . .
Aedon, the arrogant elf thief, had his own intriguing storyline as well, and made for a fantastic counterpoint to the other two leads. He’s a bit of a Robin Hood, cheeky, charming, and always entertaining.
The plot unfolds at a wonderful pace, with the first chapter so gripping that you’ll be swept away within moments. I love being plunged into new worlds, and this world is so multi-layered and fascinating. What’s more, I know we’ve only just begun to explore everything Pelenor has to offer, and I can’t wait to dive in deeper still!
There are many throwback fantasy elements to this story that give it a feel of revisiting an old friend . . . there’s a magical talisman that everyone is chasing, which ends up in the hands of an unlikely and unprepared hero. There are multiple fantasy races—elves, goblins, dwarves, etc.—and a complex world with intricate social structures generating an interesting push-and-pull within the narrative. But the author’s handling of classic fantasy themes is always fresh, exciting, unexpected, and utterly captivating.
The characters are the driving heart of this story, particularly the three main leads. Harper is our unexpected heroine, who finds herself in possession of the Dragon Heart and therefore in the eye of the storm, so to speak. She starts out as a tough, self-possessed, confident character, but ends up thrown completely for a loop when she’s transported into a foreign land. Her journey was fascinating, and she made for a compelling lead.
Dimiti, the king’s spymaster and our main antagonist, proves himself heart-wrenchingly sympathetic along the way, though without ever losing his sinister undercurrent. There’s hope for him to possibly take a turn for the better (I’m definitely rooting for him!!!), but in the meanwhile, he drives the story with deadly intent. He may have been my favorite character . . . .
Aedon, the arrogant elf thief, had his own intriguing storyline as well, and made for a fantastic counterpoint to the other two leads. He’s a bit of a Robin Hood, cheeky, charming, and always entertaining.
The plot unfolds at a wonderful pace, with the first chapter so gripping that you’ll be swept away within moments. I love being plunged into new worlds, and this world is so multi-layered and fascinating. What’s more, I know we’ve only just begun to explore everything Pelenor has to offer, and I can’t wait to dive in deeper still!
February 18, 2022
Well for the most part I liked the broad strokes of the plot. I enjoyed the world building and magical creatures- Like Elves, Dwarves, Dragons and Aerian's. I also liked the corrupt court and King storyline...but I kind of felt like some of the character choices didn't make a lot of sense overall.
Because reading some of the h's actions left me thinking...seriously?
My main gripe was that Harper seemed painfully naive after she gets to Pelenor, and at times she acts like a little child. For someone who knows the harshness and cruelness of her own corner of the world (starvation, being poor, being pawed by creeps, and taken advantage of) she acts like she's wearing rose colored glasses when she arrives in a new place.
I mean, come on- she's 20 years old and even her new 'team' treats and talks to her like she's a simpleton child at times. And let's not get started on when she
But I think I will read on despite my misgivings because I am really interested in where the Saradon plot is going- and hopefully Harper's character will grow up a bit more in the next book.
Because reading some of the h's actions left me thinking...seriously?
My main gripe was that Harper seemed painfully naive after she gets to Pelenor, and at times she acts like a little child. For someone who knows the harshness and cruelness of her own corner of the world (starvation, being poor, being pawed by creeps, and taken advantage of) she acts like she's wearing rose colored glasses when she arrives in a new place.
I mean, come on- she's 20 years old and even her new 'team' treats and talks to her like she's a simpleton child at times. And let's not get started on when she
But I think I will read on despite my misgivings because I am really interested in where the Saradon plot is going- and hopefully Harper's character will grow up a bit more in the next book.
October 15, 2019
Highly addictive!
April 2, 2019
Let me just start by saying this is my second Meg Cowley book and wow has she stepped it up! The end of this one left me gasping for more!
I loved it so much, I had to listen to it a second time before leaving my review!
Similarly, this is my second Jack Voraces audiobook and it gave me yet more evidence to why he immediately jumped into my 'top ten narrators ever' list!
He does narrate a touch faster than your average narrator, so I listen to him at a slightly lower speed than normal (my standard is x1.75-x2, while I listen to Jack at x1.5).
He has a phenomenal skill in manipulating pacing and vocal inflections to provide exactly the experience on offer and he has an impressive array of voices (especially the feminine ones, I mean, wow!) and accents.
If I had a critique, I suppose it would be that his voices don't always 100% match the way they are described in the text. In particular, over the two books there have been several voices described as deep that he actually gives quite high voices.
However, audio is an adaptation, much like having a movie made. And typically I'm much happier with the narrator's interpretation than I would have been if it had been a perfect translation of the author's intentions.
Such is the case with Jack's work.
Quite apart from her Books of Caladan series, while this story does take place in the same world, most of it happens in a land quite distant from Caladan.
Much more so than the previous trilogy, there is a lot of Christopher Paolini influence in several aspects of this story, yet most of them end up being flipped on their heads in some deliciously fun ways!
Although the book definitely maintains the general YA feel of Meg's books, this one also feels a bit more serious with more of an epic-feeling scope than at least the first Caladan book.
Not that we're looking at the next Wheel of Time, Malazan, or Song of Ice and Fire here. Nothing that grandly epic. But it doesn't need to be.
What we do have, is an introduction to some really fun characters that are mostly just trying to get their heads on straight (and largely failing to do so!).
None of these characters is what we would typically call heroic or villainous, but each falls into the crags somewhere between them.
I love the way the distrust between them was played up to feel so genuine and real, and I love the growth we get to see these characters go through, particularly in the case of Harper. She has her world views challenged over and over and is continually reevaluating her definitions of the way the world works.
I also love that in no way did this book fall into the (in my experience) all-too-common YA trap of having characters that are contradictorily both extremely self-centered and altruistically make fixing all the world's problems their personal responsibility.
There are some definite twists that, while not completely out of left field, were a bit surprising and worked to tie things together into a more cohesive whole.
I admit that maybe I just haven't seen enough of it yet, but I'm still left feeling a bit underwhelmed by the magic system. But it's entirely possible that I've just been spoiled from reading the works of Friedman, Jordan, Sanderson, and Erikson.
And that ending!
I mean, wow!
Okay, in fairness, I saw it coming very early on. One aspect of it, at least, was quite obvious to me. But the devil is in the details, as they say. And this ending, while neatly tying several threads together, has me on the edge of my seat with baited breath waiting for more!
I can't wait for the next book to come out!
I loved it so much, I had to listen to it a second time before leaving my review!
Similarly, this is my second Jack Voraces audiobook and it gave me yet more evidence to why he immediately jumped into my 'top ten narrators ever' list!
He does narrate a touch faster than your average narrator, so I listen to him at a slightly lower speed than normal (my standard is x1.75-x2, while I listen to Jack at x1.5).
He has a phenomenal skill in manipulating pacing and vocal inflections to provide exactly the experience on offer and he has an impressive array of voices (especially the feminine ones, I mean, wow!) and accents.
If I had a critique, I suppose it would be that his voices don't always 100% match the way they are described in the text. In particular, over the two books there have been several voices described as deep that he actually gives quite high voices.
However, audio is an adaptation, much like having a movie made. And typically I'm much happier with the narrator's interpretation than I would have been if it had been a perfect translation of the author's intentions.
Such is the case with Jack's work.
Quite apart from her Books of Caladan series, while this story does take place in the same world, most of it happens in a land quite distant from Caladan.
Much more so than the previous trilogy, there is a lot of Christopher Paolini influence in several aspects of this story, yet most of them end up being flipped on their heads in some deliciously fun ways!
Although the book definitely maintains the general YA feel of Meg's books, this one also feels a bit more serious with more of an epic-feeling scope than at least the first Caladan book.
Not that we're looking at the next Wheel of Time, Malazan, or Song of Ice and Fire here. Nothing that grandly epic. But it doesn't need to be.
What we do have, is an introduction to some really fun characters that are mostly just trying to get their heads on straight (and largely failing to do so!).
None of these characters is what we would typically call heroic or villainous, but each falls into the crags somewhere between them.
I love the way the distrust between them was played up to feel so genuine and real, and I love the growth we get to see these characters go through, particularly in the case of Harper. She has her world views challenged over and over and is continually reevaluating her definitions of the way the world works.
I also love that in no way did this book fall into the (in my experience) all-too-common YA trap of having characters that are contradictorily both extremely self-centered and altruistically make fixing all the world's problems their personal responsibility.
There are some definite twists that, while not completely out of left field, were a bit surprising and worked to tie things together into a more cohesive whole.
I admit that maybe I just haven't seen enough of it yet, but I'm still left feeling a bit underwhelmed by the magic system. But it's entirely possible that I've just been spoiled from reading the works of Friedman, Jordan, Sanderson, and Erikson.
And that ending!
I mean, wow!
Okay, in fairness, I saw it coming very early on. One aspect of it, at least, was quite obvious to me. But the devil is in the details, as they say. And this ending, while neatly tying several threads together, has me on the edge of my seat with baited breath waiting for more!
I can't wait for the next book to come out!
November 19, 2019
Now I am going to do 2 review. One from my 30 years old point of view and one from my inside fan girl. Chose your poison!
This book is very well constructed! Meg Cowley knows how to keep you wanting for more and make you work for it! The story switch form point of view from point of view, from Harper, Aedon and Dimitri. Each one of them are interesting and unique. They all live their own adventure and when something gets interesting, the character change. Now, you get bummed and want to know what will happen, so you go through with the other character story, but it's so good too! So you get bummed when the point of view change again, so on and so on. Ergo, you won't be able to put it down!
All the characters are very different, but they all complete each other, even though they are not allies. They give you the feeling that if they would come together, great thing could be accomplish, because they would form an invincible team.
It's a more mature read then what I thought. I am more of a clean book reader, so I nearly put it down when small reference to bedding dalliance was mentioned. But I was curious, so I told myself ''one more chapter to see what will happen'' and now I finished it haha.
I can't say it's a clean read, but except from mildly explicit scenes and some languages, it pass my cleaness test.
Fan Girl review:
That was such a good book! I am a big Dimitri/Harper fan! But Aedon is great too, but I can't get more than a good brother feel for him. BTW these are my opinions and may not be how the characters feels, so I am not counting it as spoilers.
I went through the book to see the relationship between the characters develop. They are so complex and interesting. Some time there is some slow part or some ''what are you doing!'' moments that made me doubt the progression of the story line. I mean blunder can be made at the start because they don't know better, but near the end? Really? Come on Harper! Ho well, I imagine it's not that bad, it made me fall more for one character, I am not telling which! Because I am sure you will feel the same!
I am going to read the next volume!
Edit:
After my post got liked by the fabulous Meg Cowley (thank you! *So happy*), I re-read it and corrected some autocorrect mistakes and some of mines too. Haha
This book is very well constructed! Meg Cowley knows how to keep you wanting for more and make you work for it! The story switch form point of view from point of view, from Harper, Aedon and Dimitri. Each one of them are interesting and unique. They all live their own adventure and when something gets interesting, the character change. Now, you get bummed and want to know what will happen, so you go through with the other character story, but it's so good too! So you get bummed when the point of view change again, so on and so on. Ergo, you won't be able to put it down!
All the characters are very different, but they all complete each other, even though they are not allies. They give you the feeling that if they would come together, great thing could be accomplish, because they would form an invincible team.
It's a more mature read then what I thought. I am more of a clean book reader, so I nearly put it down when small reference to bedding dalliance was mentioned. But I was curious, so I told myself ''one more chapter to see what will happen'' and now I finished it haha.
I can't say it's a clean read, but except from mildly explicit scenes and some languages, it pass my cleaness test.
Fan Girl review:
That was such a good book! I am a big Dimitri/Harper fan! But Aedon is great too, but I can't get more than a good brother feel for him. BTW these are my opinions and may not be how the characters feels, so I am not counting it as spoilers.
I went through the book to see the relationship between the characters develop. They are so complex and interesting. Some time there is some slow part or some ''what are you doing!'' moments that made me doubt the progression of the story line. I mean blunder can be made at the start because they don't know better, but near the end? Really? Come on Harper! Ho well, I imagine it's not that bad, it made me fall more for one character, I am not telling which! Because I am sure you will feel the same!
I am going to read the next volume!
Edit:
After my post got liked by the fabulous Meg Cowley (thank you! *So happy*), I re-read it and corrected some autocorrect mistakes and some of mines too. Haha
February 25, 2019
My favourite of this author's books by far! Heart of Dragons grabs you by the heartstrings from page one and doesn't let up until the end. I loved the varied cast of characters, the amazing worldbuilding and the intrigues and plot twists. The author has a way with words that transports you to Pelenor and makes you want to stay. I can't wait to find out what happens next!
February 20, 2019
WOW! This book grabs you from page one and yanks you into a world filled with amazing scenes. The characters drag you into their peril and take you on adventure filled episodes. Well done Meg Cowley, this is definitely the best book you have written thus far.
February 25, 2019
wow! I've been aware of Ms. Cowley's writing for a couple of years - have had the Books of Caledan on my to-be-read list for that long - but this is the first time I've actually read one of her works. What a mistake to have waited so long; this is definitely an author I will be keeping an eye on!
I loved the characters she created and found myself empathizing with so many of them despite what side they seem to be on! It's entirely possible that I am rooting for both sides at the same time, I don't know, but I guess I'll find out as the plot unfolds! To me, that's a mark of good writing: that characters are developed and portrayed as complex beings, causing me to have sympathy even for those I wouldn't necessarily side with in real life.
I'll tell you, Dimitri's plight has been heart-wrenching and I'm not sure if what he has set in motion is going to be for the good or bad of himself and the people of Pelenor, but Ms. Cowley has fully brought to light something within him that gives me hope for him to land on the side of truth and justice in the end, whatever that looks like. And somehow it has actually put Dimitri tied with Harper for my favorite characters in the book. I would not have guessed that would happen!
I thought it would be easy to name Harper as my favorite, and maybe Aedon as a close second, but somehow Dimitri shimmied right up to the top. I do absolutely love Harper and I can't wait to see how she develops in future installments - the foreshadowing of her magic is terribly intriguing to me! Her goodness, kindness, innocence and compassion all shine through and make her someone I will love to root for and watch. I also love Ragnar for similar reasons and found him near the top of my list of faves! He just seemed so... just. So fair and kindhearted and supportive to Harper and to others in their group, without compromising his morals. Then there's Aedon! With a bit of a cheeky streak and not a little ego! But what a heart; and such magic, and such strength, like Robin Hood: using his gifts to help those in need, those who can't help themselves. I can't ignore Brand and Erika either; I am thoroughly intrigued by their backgrounds. I am chomping at the bit for more insight into Erika's history and character! And although we got a glimpse at Brand's past, I don't think I've ever read about the Aerian race before, so I'm excited to learn more about him and the world he has come from.
As much as I've enjoyed reading of all these wonderful characters and witnessing the first chapter of Harper's foray in Pelenor, I simply can't wait to continue the story! The ending totally gave me goosebumps and I can not wait to see what happens next in both Dimitri's plan and in Harper and Aedon's quest!
I loved the characters she created and found myself empathizing with so many of them despite what side they seem to be on! It's entirely possible that I am rooting for both sides at the same time, I don't know, but I guess I'll find out as the plot unfolds! To me, that's a mark of good writing: that characters are developed and portrayed as complex beings, causing me to have sympathy even for those I wouldn't necessarily side with in real life.
I'll tell you, Dimitri's plight has been heart-wrenching and I'm not sure if what he has set in motion is going to be for the good or bad of himself and the people of Pelenor, but Ms. Cowley has fully brought to light something within him that gives me hope for him to land on the side of truth and justice in the end, whatever that looks like. And somehow it has actually put Dimitri tied with Harper for my favorite characters in the book. I would not have guessed that would happen!
I thought it would be easy to name Harper as my favorite, and maybe Aedon as a close second, but somehow Dimitri shimmied right up to the top. I do absolutely love Harper and I can't wait to see how she develops in future installments - the foreshadowing of her magic is terribly intriguing to me! Her goodness, kindness, innocence and compassion all shine through and make her someone I will love to root for and watch. I also love Ragnar for similar reasons and found him near the top of my list of faves! He just seemed so... just. So fair and kindhearted and supportive to Harper and to others in their group, without compromising his morals. Then there's Aedon! With a bit of a cheeky streak and not a little ego! But what a heart; and such magic, and such strength, like Robin Hood: using his gifts to help those in need, those who can't help themselves. I can't ignore Brand and Erika either; I am thoroughly intrigued by their backgrounds. I am chomping at the bit for more insight into Erika's history and character! And although we got a glimpse at Brand's past, I don't think I've ever read about the Aerian race before, so I'm excited to learn more about him and the world he has come from.
As much as I've enjoyed reading of all these wonderful characters and witnessing the first chapter of Harper's foray in Pelenor, I simply can't wait to continue the story! The ending totally gave me goosebumps and I can not wait to see what happens next in both Dimitri's plan and in Harper and Aedon's quest!
December 23, 2023
2.5 star
I felt the author had a rambling dialog of random nonsense going on. It wasn't just scenery being described but also unimportant info that was pages long. There were a lot of times that nobody was talking and no internal thoughts were happening. The first half of the book was very bland and nothing happened until almost 60% in.
The MC finds herself thousands of miles away from her hometown after touching a dragonheart (this is unheard of), which forces her to leave her sick and helpless caretaker at home...who would of died in real life btw if she was left by herself, but will probably miraculously make it in the next book.
The MC is helpless the entire time, even though the book hints at her having this great, undiscovered power. I wish we could of at least seen somewhat of a manifestation of it since Aeron was trying to teach her a little magic.
She is portrayed as this loyal, kind and considerate person, and yet she wants the dragonheart for her own personal use instead of using it to save a whole village.
She's warned multiple times that if she tries to stroll into the kingdom (as a foreigner who doesn't speak the language, no less) and offer the stone to the king in exchange for passage home, she will be imprisoned and probably torchured and killed for thievery...and yet that is exactly what she does and is still surprised when they arrest her and torture her in prison.
There are a bunch of things during that time that don't make sense. But she basically ends up getting out and they have this miraculous opportunity to break into the king's vault and steal bags of dragonhearts. Aeron is portrayed as this weak-magic elf since his bonded dragon was killed, and yet he is able to hold back the king's wards and pull off this amazing feat of stealing the most precious items in the world.
Though Demetrius (the supposedly evil guy and yet not so evil because he saved the MC and was nice to her multiple times out of the goodness of his heart...but also awakens the ancient evil that almost took over the world) was unable to do this, even though he lived in the castle as the king's closest henchmen, consistently blew through all of Aeron's magical defenses, held people still with his mind, and was telepathic...just to mention a few.
And Erika is a rude b***h towards the MC the whole book, without any explanation for it.
I felt the author had a rambling dialog of random nonsense going on. It wasn't just scenery being described but also unimportant info that was pages long. There were a lot of times that nobody was talking and no internal thoughts were happening. The first half of the book was very bland and nothing happened until almost 60% in.
The MC finds herself thousands of miles away from her hometown after touching a dragonheart (this is unheard of), which forces her to leave her sick and helpless caretaker at home...who would of died in real life btw if she was left by herself, but will probably miraculously make it in the next book.
The MC is helpless the entire time, even though the book hints at her having this great, undiscovered power. I wish we could of at least seen somewhat of a manifestation of it since Aeron was trying to teach her a little magic.
She is portrayed as this loyal, kind and considerate person, and yet she wants the dragonheart for her own personal use instead of using it to save a whole village.
She's warned multiple times that if she tries to stroll into the kingdom (as a foreigner who doesn't speak the language, no less) and offer the stone to the king in exchange for passage home, she will be imprisoned and probably torchured and killed for thievery...and yet that is exactly what she does and is still surprised when they arrest her and torture her in prison.
There are a bunch of things during that time that don't make sense. But she basically ends up getting out and they have this miraculous opportunity to break into the king's vault and steal bags of dragonhearts. Aeron is portrayed as this weak-magic elf since his bonded dragon was killed, and yet he is able to hold back the king's wards and pull off this amazing feat of stealing the most precious items in the world.
Though Demetrius (the supposedly evil guy and yet not so evil because he saved the MC and was nice to her multiple times out of the goodness of his heart...but also awakens the ancient evil that almost took over the world) was unable to do this, even though he lived in the castle as the king's closest henchmen, consistently blew through all of Aeron's magical defenses, held people still with his mind, and was telepathic...just to mention a few.
And Erika is a rude b***h towards the MC the whole book, without any explanation for it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2019
When Harper finds a stolen Dragonheart she is magically transported to a faraway land and the adventures begin. Finding herself with a band of outcasts who want to take the heart. The Kings spymaster also is looking for the heart with his own plans. In a land of stolen magic Elves and Dragons and a king who wants all the magic and power all this and a rising evil.
Harpers hidden magic has yet to be discovered how can she escape all this when all she wants is to return home. A brilliant written Fantasy drawing you into the story from the very start with great characters who make you wish you could join the Adventures. A superb read you wont want to put down to the very end. making it very hard to wait for Book2 when the saga continues.
Harpers hidden magic has yet to be discovered how can she escape all this when all she wants is to return home. A brilliant written Fantasy drawing you into the story from the very start with great characters who make you wish you could join the Adventures. A superb read you wont want to put down to the very end. making it very hard to wait for Book2 when the saga continues.
February 22, 2019
Edge of your seat, nail biting, and epic.
Ms. Cowley takes you on an incredible journey to the other side of Caladan. She brings to live a breathtaking world, with a rich history and beautiful world building.
You can't help feel like you're a part of the story, or maybe living as one of the characters.
You start off in Aedon's world and go to different characters as each chapter begins. You don't realize right away that you're not in Caladan, but the other side. MS. Cowley has just made a globe a full world like I have never seen since the Lord of the rings.
Her character building and believability is remarkable. I look forward to the rest of the series.
Definitely a highly recommended read to anyone who loves epic fantasy.
Ms. Cowley takes you on an incredible journey to the other side of Caladan. She brings to live a breathtaking world, with a rich history and beautiful world building.
You can't help feel like you're a part of the story, or maybe living as one of the characters.
You start off in Aedon's world and go to different characters as each chapter begins. You don't realize right away that you're not in Caladan, but the other side. MS. Cowley has just made a globe a full world like I have never seen since the Lord of the rings.
Her character building and believability is remarkable. I look forward to the rest of the series.
Definitely a highly recommended read to anyone who loves epic fantasy.
February 21, 2019
A terrific beginning to a new series in the world of Caledan. After reading this book I am totally invested in the characters already. Harper, Aedon, Dimitri and the other wonderful characters!. This book is extremely well written with a cast of engaging and complex characters. The storyline is fascinating and enchanting from page one to the last page. An epic journey of magic and adventure with plenty of action and twists and turns, twists and turns that caught me completely off guard! (I was completely and totally delighted by that)! The author does not disappoint. A definite must read for any fantasy fan. I loved this book and you will too!
February 22, 2019
Fabulous book, Meg Cowley's words brought the characters to life and I quickly found myself invested in all of them, rarely have I been so engaged by all the characters in a book and wanting to know all their stories. Such complexities in the characters and story line but an effortless enjoyable read as the development and flow of the adventure is beautifully done. I can't wait for the rest of the series to be available. I wish my words about the book could be as expressive as the book itself. If you are a fantasy fan this is a must read!
February 22, 2019
This is a Fantastic read. Wow this grabs you from the first page. And has you on the edge of your seat. This takes you on a Journey in a world of Magic and Fantasy. I loved this Epic read. I haven't read much by this Author, but she really brings an epic read that is definitely a must read. She brings out the Characters personalities and the background, that makes this fantastic read epic
Shauna Joesten
Shauna Joesten
February 23, 2019
Heart of Dragons grabs you from the first chapter and keeps you involved to the very end. Meg's style of writing introduces you to the main characters in such a way that you feel like you know them. Some of their motivations are a mystery making it hard to know what side of the story they're going to end up on.
The story is told from multiply points of view in a fast paced world that you enter from the very beginning.
I can't wait for the next in the series.
The story is told from multiply points of view in a fast paced world that you enter from the very beginning.
I can't wait for the next in the series.
February 23, 2019
Super Fantastic Meg Cowley has definitely got herself a winner here , this is a start to a new series that is going to blow people away . I literally could not put this down , and when I did I thought about it and when I finished I kept thinking about it , it's been along time since I've had a book stay with me like that . You will love the characters they are great . I want you to buy this book and I know when you start it you will be so glad you did . I can not wait for book number two . Did I mention this book is simply amazing . 😁😁😁😁😁
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September 3, 2020This book was not quite successful for me, partly owing to that strange deficiency in my nature that just doesn't appreciate classic-flavoured epic fantasy with elves, dwarves, and dragons. The part of the book I most enjoyed was the subplot in which a morally compromised outcast-turned-spymaster was pulling strings and plotting revolution while telling the naive heroine that he shouldn't be trusted, which was Very Good.
February 21, 2019
Heart of Dragons is a book that will grab you from page one and sends you on a thrilling adventure! Aedon; elf thief, Harper ; a rescued waif with more hidden in soul than she can imagine. Dimitri; elf with a chip on his shoulder. Saradon; the beautiful evil and Dimitri's undoing. ,The Draonheart; a stone of great magic and everyone wants it. ! This is a great tale with characters you'll love ( or hate) with a world filled with adventure and thrills,evils and what a plot!! This is a book you won't want to put down !
February 23, 2019
An epic magical adventure. Who can the orphan Harper trust? And what is her history? Great characters and a twisty plot with with elves, dragons, dragon riders, aerians, and palace intrigues galore. Recommended.
February 20, 2019
This book made my stay in the hospital bearable ☺️ I LOVE each characters attitude towards Harper's situation, towards life in general and the friendships they've found with each other (despite their sometimes extreme attitude differences) lol
The plot builds up to the point where your left okay with the end of book one, but it's still a cliffhanger leaving you crazy waiting for book two so you can see what happens next!! Love this book!!
The plot builds up to the point where your left okay with the end of book one, but it's still a cliffhanger leaving you crazy waiting for book two so you can see what happens next!! Love this book!!
February 23, 2019
An excellent epic fantasy that was well written and had a great storyline. Good world building with characters that were well developed and interesting. Contains a complex plot with several twists and turns and was very hard to put down. Fantasy readers will love this epic fantasy adventure that is full of magic. A very enjoyable read.
March 1, 2019
I'm relatively new to Ms. Cowley's writing, but I'm glad I took the plunge. Although it's slightly outside of my more preferred genre, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Beautifully written with complex and well developed characters, you can't help but be drawn into the world of Harper as she goes about her epic quest. Plenty of plot twists and action, along with immersive world-building and imagery, kept me captivated from start to finish! I'm off now to go and discover more of Ms. Cowley's work!
I received a free advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 22, 2019
Great story with a complex plot that keeps you interested until the end and well written characters.
February 20, 2019
Great book, great characters. Can't wait for the next book in the series!
November 21, 2019
This book was such a joy! Meg Cowley does such an incredible job effectively building a vivid and larger than life fantasy world, and she really brings out the best of noblebright high fantasy — this atmosphere of wonder and adventure. But what really made this book for me is the fact that this vivid fantasy world is populated by such human (even if not literally...) characters. I appreciate the fact that every character was sympathetic in some manner and all of their motivations were relatable and understandable, including Dimitri, who serves as an antagonist for most of this book, and even the Big Bad (TM) Sarandon (or at least, I suspect he’s the big bad... it speaks to my point that I’m not even sure if that will turn out to be the case!).
As a result, everyone is likeable and three dimensional, which is really what makes a story for me, and I’m also excited by the foreshadowing of darker things to come. I’m especially looking forward to seeing what’ll become of Harper in particular once she sheds the village girl naïveté she dons for most of this book.
My personal favorites: Dimitri, because *duh* - with honorable mention going to Erika, because I do love me a grumpy-but-loyal warrior lady. I hope we continue to learn more about her.
Overall, a fun and engaging fantasy story with a lot of intriguing mysteries yet to solve and twists still to turn. Count me in!
As a result, everyone is likeable and three dimensional, which is really what makes a story for me, and I’m also excited by the foreshadowing of darker things to come. I’m especially looking forward to seeing what’ll become of Harper in particular once she sheds the village girl naïveté she dons for most of this book.
My personal favorites: Dimitri, because *duh* - with honorable mention going to Erika, because I do love me a grumpy-but-loyal warrior lady. I hope we continue to learn more about her.
Overall, a fun and engaging fantasy story with a lot of intriguing mysteries yet to solve and twists still to turn. Count me in!
September 6, 2020
What a rollercoaster. Totally awesome and full of adventure, elves, dwarves, a man who has wings and of course dragons. Harper’s life changes forever when she finds an unusual looking stone. The author describes all the characters in a descriptive and succinct manner and her world building is amazing. We are in the same world as Caladan but in a totally different area. Grab your drink, curl up and find out how Harper survives this leg of her journey. Highly recommend.
February 25, 2019
Fast paced magical adventure.
A young woman, Harper, from a far away city gets mixed up with a band of thieves. Whom only want to help the poor. Magic, dragons, elves and Aerian, bird people all live in this new city. Harper is in for adventures beyond anything she ever dreamed of. Looking forward to reading more adventures.
A young woman, Harper, from a far away city gets mixed up with a band of thieves. Whom only want to help the poor. Magic, dragons, elves and Aerian, bird people all live in this new city. Harper is in for adventures beyond anything she ever dreamed of. Looking forward to reading more adventures.
March 10, 2020
MC is TSTL
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April 29, 2020🎁 Free on Amazon today (4/29/2020)! 🎁
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