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Scrolls of Fire #2
The Dragon Loremaster
What is darkness?
“How may a soul pine for that which it has never known? For a sightless person, to be seen is a miracle that defies imagination.”
Auli-Ambar, a girl born blind and with severe facial deformities, has risen from the ashes of her meagre beginnings to grasp a new destiny amongst the Dragons of Gi’ishior. Yet the scourge of her heritage burns lambent within her bones.
Many wish such an accursed creature nothing but ill; none could imagine the crucible of darkness through which she must pass. A crushing misfortune, an unthinkable diagnosis, a cabal of murderers and an impossible duality of magic that threatens to tear her apart, are only some of the challenges facing one who must defy all the odds to live.
She will journey to the soul’s very nadir, and find hope beyond. For Auli-Ambar is a survivor. Enigma. Protector of Dragons, and confidante of Arkurion the Mercury Blue. She is the Dragon Loremaster.
Let darkness flee!
“How may a soul pine for that which it has never known? For a sightless person, to be seen is a miracle that defies imagination.”
Auli-Ambar, a girl born blind and with severe facial deformities, has risen from the ashes of her meagre beginnings to grasp a new destiny amongst the Dragons of Gi’ishior. Yet the scourge of her heritage burns lambent within her bones.
Many wish such an accursed creature nothing but ill; none could imagine the crucible of darkness through which she must pass. A crushing misfortune, an unthinkable diagnosis, a cabal of murderers and an impossible duality of magic that threatens to tear her apart, are only some of the challenges facing one who must defy all the odds to live.
She will journey to the soul’s very nadir, and find hope beyond. For Auli-Ambar is a survivor. Enigma. Protector of Dragons, and confidante of Arkurion the Mercury Blue. She is the Dragon Loremaster.
Let darkness flee!
638 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 9, 2020
59 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Marc Secchia
63 books575 followersMarc is a South African-born dragon masquerading as an author, who loves writing about dragons and Africa, preferably both at the same time. He's the author of over 40 fantasy books in 5 languages including 10 rip-roaring dragon fantasy bestsellers.
His latest releases are Khyrial and the King, an absorbing Fantasy Romance and the hilarious epic fantasy Call me Dragon which won gold in the 2021 IPPY Book Awards for best Fantasy novel.
When he's not writing about Africa or dragons Marc can be found travelling to remote locations. He thinks there's nothing better than standing on a mountaintop wondering what lies over the next horizon.
His latest releases are Khyrial and the King, an absorbing Fantasy Romance and the hilarious epic fantasy Call me Dragon which won gold in the 2021 IPPY Book Awards for best Fantasy novel.
When he's not writing about Africa or dragons Marc can be found travelling to remote locations. He thinks there's nothing better than standing on a mountaintop wondering what lies over the next horizon.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 17, 2020
I actually really liked this book. I've never written a review for a book, but I feel like the only review being a one star review gives off the wrong idea. To preface this, I have read every single one of Secchia's books and have loved pretty much all of them. This book is not at all different from the first, which I think is actually my favorite from this author (up there with Dragonfriend). It has the same loveable characters, humor, and loveable protagonist from the first. One thing I will say about the Scroll of fires books is that they probably feature the best protagonist. Auli is amazing. She's smart, funny, and extremely empathetic. Auli is, however, flawed. First of all, she's flawed in a physical sense. I love that she's actually ugly. You often times have female protagonist who have one minor defect and yet are treated like garbage despite being gorgeous and perfect in every other way. I like that Auli is blind, and has a misshapen jaw and a cleft lip. It is realistic that she would encounter bullies and such. She fixes some of these issues in the first book, yet her freakish eyes and misshapen jaws remain. And they affect her. She realistically reacts to being seen as a"freak" and when she ovecomes these insecurities, it is all the more satisfying. Auli is also flawed in other aspects. She is quick to anger and sometimes acts like a complete brat. I remember really disliking her for being so arrogant when a certain event happened to her. She's not perfect, yet this fact makes her successes and her overcoming goals so satisfying.
That's auli, at least, you know she's good. Now let's talk about Arkurion. Arkurion suffers from a lot of the same flaws, as in he is quick to anger. He is also bound to lash out and say things he regrets because of pride or because he doesn't understand Auli. It was surprised at a certain action he took midway through the story, but at the same time it fit his character, as in he's a good dragon, yet he has flashes of toxic behaviors. He has insanely good chemistry with Auli however and I like him despite his flaws. He grows throughout the book, albeit a bit suddenly.
My only problem, really, is with the plot. Now, the plot is a complete mindf*ck. Without spoiling anything, I would never have guessed, in a million years where this was going. The first book's plot seems relatively mundane and tame compared to this book's. My problem with the plot, however, is that sometimes it drags on too long. The first book had me hooked 100% of the time. This one, not so much. I'd say it was closer to 80% of the time with this book, the rest being stuff I was not really interested in. I will say the peaks in this book are higher than the ones in the first.
Now, a common complain seems to be the purple prose. It, however, doesn't really bother me. Not only does it fit in universe (Auli and Arkurion are scholars) but it adds some character to Secchia's writing. I read it on Amazon so everytime I was confused on a word, a definition was two clicks aways, which certainly helped. I just think the story would be bland if it had plainer prose and I feel like it benefits from it, rather than the opposite.
Sorry if that seemed a bit rambly, but I've never done one of these reviews. Its a great book and I excitedly await the third.
That's auli, at least, you know she's good. Now let's talk about Arkurion. Arkurion suffers from a lot of the same flaws, as in he is quick to anger. He is also bound to lash out and say things he regrets because of pride or because he doesn't understand Auli. It was surprised at a certain action he took midway through the story, but at the same time it fit his character, as in he's a good dragon, yet he has flashes of toxic behaviors. He has insanely good chemistry with Auli however and I like him despite his flaws. He grows throughout the book, albeit a bit suddenly.
My only problem, really, is with the plot. Now, the plot is a complete mindf*ck. Without spoiling anything, I would never have guessed, in a million years where this was going. The first book's plot seems relatively mundane and tame compared to this book's. My problem with the plot, however, is that sometimes it drags on too long. The first book had me hooked 100% of the time. This one, not so much. I'd say it was closer to 80% of the time with this book, the rest being stuff I was not really interested in. I will say the peaks in this book are higher than the ones in the first.
Now, a common complain seems to be the purple prose. It, however, doesn't really bother me. Not only does it fit in universe (Auli and Arkurion are scholars) but it adds some character to Secchia's writing. I read it on Amazon so everytime I was confused on a word, a definition was two clicks aways, which certainly helped. I just think the story would be bland if it had plainer prose and I feel like it benefits from it, rather than the opposite.
Sorry if that seemed a bit rambly, but I've never done one of these reviews. Its a great book and I excitedly await the third.
April 6, 2021
The Dragon Loremaster is the second book of the Scrolls of Fire series, which I downloaded from Kindle Unlimited.
This series seriously needs more exposure. The protagonist, Auli-Ambar is blind with serious facial deformities, so her life before becoming the Dragon Librarian trainee was harsh. Auli's magic allows her to read scrolls and drawings through her hands, and her enhanced senses can 'read' the world around her with startling clarity (and insight).
The first book captured me with it's great characters and inspired world-building. The plot is wonderful, and the playful banter between Auli-Ambar and the dragons kept me smiling through the first two books. Bibliophiles who love to stretch their vocabulary will enjoy this series with it's playful and often lyrical use of language and puns.
So glad I have a kindle so I could look up words I've never read before (or needed to verify, because it's been so long since I've used them). A great read. I love this series and can't wait for book three.
This series seriously needs more exposure. The protagonist, Auli-Ambar is blind with serious facial deformities, so her life before becoming the Dragon Librarian trainee was harsh. Auli's magic allows her to read scrolls and drawings through her hands, and her enhanced senses can 'read' the world around her with startling clarity (and insight).
The first book captured me with it's great characters and inspired world-building. The plot is wonderful, and the playful banter between Auli-Ambar and the dragons kept me smiling through the first two books. Bibliophiles who love to stretch their vocabulary will enjoy this series with it's playful and often lyrical use of language and puns.
So glad I have a kindle so I could look up words I've never read before (or needed to verify, because it's been so long since I've used them). A great read. I love this series and can't wait for book three.
November 3, 2020
Excellent series.
I enjoyed this series on two levels, one the story itself, with its twists and turns, but even more so, the author's use of language. I appreciate a great vocabulary and he has a wonderful way with the use of language. It is pure joy for me to read and I look forward to the next volume in this series. As a book a day reader for at least 70 of my 77 years, I have acquired a rather extensive vocabulary which I seldom get to use. I must admit that when annoyed or really angry, I am more apt to resort to 3 and 4 syllable words than mundane 4 letter ones. Much more fun. I believe Mr Secchia might easily be my match in that arena. Words are fun in and of themselves, and his way of using them delights me.
I enjoyed this series on two levels, one the story itself, with its twists and turns, but even more so, the author's use of language. I appreciate a great vocabulary and he has a wonderful way with the use of language. It is pure joy for me to read and I look forward to the next volume in this series. As a book a day reader for at least 70 of my 77 years, I have acquired a rather extensive vocabulary which I seldom get to use. I must admit that when annoyed or really angry, I am more apt to resort to 3 and 4 syllable words than mundane 4 letter ones. Much more fun. I believe Mr Secchia might easily be my match in that arena. Words are fun in and of themselves, and his way of using them delights me.
October 4, 2021
Amazing author!
I have been a long time fan of Marc secchia and have read most if not all of his books set in this world. They are mind blowingly detailed and well written. I have read so many books about dragons and dragon riders but Marcs books are my favorite. The world and history and lore in his books is so well thought out and described that you feel transported into the book. I eagerly await the third book in this series and any future ones. If I had one request of this author it would be to turn dragon thief and Tytiana (his stand alones) into series themselves. They left room for there to be more!
I have been a long time fan of Marc secchia and have read most if not all of his books set in this world. They are mind blowingly detailed and well written. I have read so many books about dragons and dragon riders but Marcs books are my favorite. The world and history and lore in his books is so well thought out and described that you feel transported into the book. I eagerly await the third book in this series and any future ones. If I had one request of this author it would be to turn dragon thief and Tytiana (his stand alones) into series themselves. They left room for there to be more!
August 19, 2020
Could not finish.
I have read and enjoyed almost all of Marcs previous books, but I couldn't finish this one. Maybe it was me, but the rambiling on and on and supposedly clever prose was so annoying.
I have read and enjoyed almost all of Marcs previous books, but I couldn't finish this one. Maybe it was me, but the rambiling on and on and supposedly clever prose was so annoying.
September 14, 2024
The joy of book three!!!
I have loved both books. So glad that there will be a third. What new adventurers will there be? Will there be new types of dragons? Oh, I hope so¡!!! I love all the tight places you put everyone into.
I have loved both books. So glad that there will be a third. What new adventurers will there be? Will there be new types of dragons? Oh, I hope so¡!!! I love all the tight places you put everyone into.
December 3, 2020
enchanting and spellbinding
Probably the best fantasy, adventure writing that I
Have ever read. Couldn’t put any of the books down. Love theme!
Probably the best fantasy, adventure writing that I
Have ever read. Couldn’t put any of the books down. Love theme!
February 11, 2021
Magic makes us think
Can not wait for the next book. I get lost in these stories and forget covid isolation. I'm 64 but love the child like wonder that anything is possible
Can not wait for the next book. I get lost in these stories and forget covid isolation. I'm 64 but love the child like wonder that anything is possible
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November 14, 2021Awesome!
What an adventure this book takes you on! So much mystery, excitement, deception, not and happiness. This book takes you on a journey through time and back again!!
What an adventure this book takes you on! So much mystery, excitement, deception, not and happiness. This book takes you on a journey through time and back again!!
December 9, 2022
Amazing voice
The main character loves arcane words and they feature throughout books 1 and 2. The voice of Auli-Ambar makes the books a wonderful read.
The main character loves arcane words and they feature throughout books 1 and 2. The voice of Auli-Ambar makes the books a wonderful read.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews