A fallen dynasty. Hunted royals. How far can they go? There is nowhere to hide. Born of a rogue prince, Marina and Arcos have always been outcasts. Illegitimate royalty, they have never seen a palace. When their family’s dynasty is overthrown in a coup defat, they are summoned to the capital by the new regime. Only their welcome is sure to be death.
Being born was their crime.
Emotional and poignant, Draconian is the tragic beginning of a four-book saga told from a young girl’s eyes. A narrative that rises steadily from mellow drama to fast paced-action on stage based on political collusion its unpredictable prose will keep readers on their toes. As heartfelt as it is somber, its wide plot gives life to a fictional tale that is daring and beautiful. Where there is darkness, there is light, and with rough beginnings comes the making of an even stronger heroine.
Magically suspenseful, the historical fantasy is a fiery beginning to a new series by multi-genre author D.J. Hoskins. Enter a daring world of politics and majesty.
A pseudonym for the siblings Davena and Jason—D.J. Hoskins is the author of 23 books and counting. From military sci-fi and introspective essays to contemporary romance and chess endgames, they write across a wide span of genres with the aim to immerse readers into a visual and imaginative literary experience. Military veterans and current university students, they’re striving to make their way in the world.
This is the story of two children caught up in the aftermath the overthrow of their grandfather, the king. Although they are not in line of succession due to the circumstances of their births, they are noble enough to be marked for elimination in the purge of the old dynasty, the Draconians.
This is the first book in a series.
I did not pay for this book. It was given to me to review and I received no other compensation (except for the undying gratitude of the authors. ;-) )
The authors have a lot of fun with the language which makes it a good read.
They also have a lot of secrets, some of which are revealed slowly in the book.
When the boat burns during the children’s escape in the first chapter you normally assume that the fire was set or an accident. Neither really describes what actually happened.
People in our reality don’t have feathers. Medieval peasants didn’t smoke cigarettes. The guillotine wasn’t invented until the 18th century.
Alternate reality? The far future? Maybe we’ll find out in another book but maybe it was the authors just having fun. There are a couple of times when you think you might have skipped a couple of pages but the cause of the events are shown after the fact. Again, it appears the authors are having fun with the language and the reader’s expectations.
There is a great dividing line between peasants and nobles in this society and strict limitations on interactions between the two. Which causes problems but may provide hope for the escapees.
There is more loyalty to power than to family (although some of the characters regard it more as duty and not power).
There are a lot less people in the town at the end of the book than the start as the escape winds through the town.
It is a short read of about an hour or so. But it is an hour you will enjoy.
Marina and Arcos, just children, are running for their lives. Everything they have know has been destroyed and the world surrounding them now is filled with death, betrayal and blood. Sadly, only Marina survives, after she watches her brother before her very eyes.
That is the end of the story in her mind. His death has left her with nothing more to live for. There are still good people in the world and she's rescued from death and nursed, against her will, back to health. Why, she asks her rescuers. They know who she is and yet they still saved. Even more, they give her hope, love and a new family.
Filled with action, blood and political drama, this little saga ends on a cliffhanger. You can then only crave to know what happens in the next missive.
I received a free copy from the authors in return for an honest review.
Ok, the problem with this book is it's way too short!!! I want to know more about the story. I want all the details on Marina's family, her station, her abilities, her new life. So much more to learn! I am very intrigued by the characters and the society! How bad are things? Are they going to get better? Or is it just a different kind of trouble? Can't wait to find out more.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a fun read. Like other reviews, I found it to be short enough to frustrate me and long enough to engage me towards wanting more. The world in which the story is set is exciting in a Medieval Magic sort of way. The plot twists were exciting and soul crushing at the same time. I will keep my eyes open for Book 2.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.