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The Drake Chronicles #2
Edge of the Wild
“Your lordship.”
It’s a title Oliver will have to get used to: in just a few short months, he’s gone from the bastard son of a dead duke’s equally-dead brother, plain Oliver Meacham, to Lord Oliver, the royal consort of King Erik of Aeretoll. Still uncertain of his place amongst the Northerners, but cautiously hopeful that what he’s found with Erik is real and lasting, his new relationship is put to the ultimate test on the journey to the annual Midwinter Festival: a meeting of all the lords and clan chiefs of the North, across the treacherous Northern Wastes. It doesn’t help that he keeps having these visions…of blue light, and antlered shamans…and dragons.
Lady Tessa Drake traveled North with her cousin Oliver as escort with the intention of wedding King Erik. But it was Oliver who captured Erik’s heart, and Tessa was instead offered the hand of Erik’s elder nephew, the handsome and kind-hearted Prince Leif. But with Leif away at the festival, and Tessa left behind at Aeres, she finds herself growing closer and closer to Leif’s younger brother, Rune, who’s recovering from a grave injury, and putting butterflies in her stomach.
In the South, in the duchy of Drakewell, Tessa’s older sister, Amelia, spends her days scouting for outlaws with her men-at-arms – and her nights in the arms of her oldest and best friend, Malcolm, a guardsman she loves, but can’t marry if she hopes to secure an army to defend her homeland from the invading Sels. Her mother wants her to marry one of Tessa’s foppish former suitors, but Amelia has bigger things to worry about: namely, the strange happenings in the Inglewood, and the claims of “beasts” roaming there.
The second installment in the Drake Chronicles is full of action, adventure, steamy romance, danger, necromancy, magic, and, finally, actual live dragons. It’s time for the Drakes of Drakewell to learn of the power that runs in their blood, just in time to save their respective kingdoms. Featuring M/M and M/F pairings, this is an ongoing epic fantasy romance intended for adult audiences.
It’s a title Oliver will have to get used to: in just a few short months, he’s gone from the bastard son of a dead duke’s equally-dead brother, plain Oliver Meacham, to Lord Oliver, the royal consort of King Erik of Aeretoll. Still uncertain of his place amongst the Northerners, but cautiously hopeful that what he’s found with Erik is real and lasting, his new relationship is put to the ultimate test on the journey to the annual Midwinter Festival: a meeting of all the lords and clan chiefs of the North, across the treacherous Northern Wastes. It doesn’t help that he keeps having these visions…of blue light, and antlered shamans…and dragons.
Lady Tessa Drake traveled North with her cousin Oliver as escort with the intention of wedding King Erik. But it was Oliver who captured Erik’s heart, and Tessa was instead offered the hand of Erik’s elder nephew, the handsome and kind-hearted Prince Leif. But with Leif away at the festival, and Tessa left behind at Aeres, she finds herself growing closer and closer to Leif’s younger brother, Rune, who’s recovering from a grave injury, and putting butterflies in her stomach.
In the South, in the duchy of Drakewell, Tessa’s older sister, Amelia, spends her days scouting for outlaws with her men-at-arms – and her nights in the arms of her oldest and best friend, Malcolm, a guardsman she loves, but can’t marry if she hopes to secure an army to defend her homeland from the invading Sels. Her mother wants her to marry one of Tessa’s foppish former suitors, but Amelia has bigger things to worry about: namely, the strange happenings in the Inglewood, and the claims of “beasts” roaming there.
The second installment in the Drake Chronicles is full of action, adventure, steamy romance, danger, necromancy, magic, and, finally, actual live dragons. It’s time for the Drakes of Drakewell to learn of the power that runs in their blood, just in time to save their respective kingdoms. Featuring M/M and M/F pairings, this is an ongoing epic fantasy romance intended for adult audiences.
357 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 18, 2021
24 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
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August 1, 2024
|| 3.5 stars ||
I’m truly obsessed with my boy Oliver!! His sass kills me every time, and I just love how steadfast he can be despite him being technically “weak” or “soft”. I fully understand why Erik is completely obsessed with him, because he has totally charmed me as well.
My favourite part of their relationship was how dedicated they both were to each other. I genuinely believed they would have given up everything for the other, and that nothing could be more important to them than their love.
To see Erik be so scared of losing Oliver had me feeling flutters in my belly, and I wish we could have seen him completely fall apart over it. Don’t get me wrong, I adore how well they talked everything out and communicated openly, but I am a sucker for drama, so I would have appreciated a more severe blow-out between them when everything went down. There was still some angst between them, definitely, but I personally would have liked to see it be dragged out a bit more.
That said, I do not feel a similar fondness towards either of his cousins, Tessa and Amelia, and I therefore dreaded their chapters. I was so much more interested in Oliver and Erik’s storyline, whether it was political or romantic, and I wish the whole book could have focused solely on them as the main characters.
Bjorn and Revna were, other than Erik and Ollie, the ones I felt most intrigued by. The way that man is completely whipped and constantly pining after her was making me swoon quite a bit. Especially since he has loved her for decades; unrequitedly, I might add! I definitely wouldn’t mind it if the next book will give them more page-time.
Lastly, I just want to talk about how much I love the dragons!! It’s a particular weakness of mine when fantasy series have dragons that behave like loyal pets to their riders, and that’s exactly the vibe these dragons are giving to the Drakes from the get-go. I can’t wait to see how their dynamics will unfold.
'The Drake Chronicles':
1. Heart of Winter - 3.5 stars
2. Edge of the Wild - 3.5 stars
I’m truly obsessed with my boy Oliver!! His sass kills me every time, and I just love how steadfast he can be despite him being technically “weak” or “soft”. I fully understand why Erik is completely obsessed with him, because he has totally charmed me as well.
My favourite part of their relationship was how dedicated they both were to each other. I genuinely believed they would have given up everything for the other, and that nothing could be more important to them than their love.
Love. That was what he felt, he knew; the sort of slow-built, sustainable, devastating love he’d never hoped to have.
To see Erik be so scared of losing Oliver had me feeling flutters in my belly, and I wish we could have seen him completely fall apart over it. Don’t get me wrong, I adore how well they talked everything out and communicated openly, but I am a sucker for drama, so I would have appreciated a more severe blow-out between them when everything went down. There was still some angst between them, definitely, but I personally would have liked to see it be dragged out a bit more.
“I want to keep you safe. I don’t want to have dragged you through the wilderness, at the mercy of the clans, just to prove a political point. I don’t—I don’t want you to be cold, or sick, or miserable, or in danger of being eaten.” He shook his head, and his voice cracked. “I am afraid, every second, that you will decide none of this is worth it.”
“You’re afraid that I’ll decide none of this is worth what?” he asked, softly.
In the smallest voice that Oliver had ever heard from him, he whispered, “Me.”
That said, I do not feel a similar fondness towards either of his cousins, Tessa and Amelia, and I therefore dreaded their chapters. I was so much more interested in Oliver and Erik’s storyline, whether it was political or romantic, and I wish the whole book could have focused solely on them as the main characters.
Bjorn and Revna were, other than Erik and Ollie, the ones I felt most intrigued by. The way that man is completely whipped and constantly pining after her was making me swoon quite a bit. Especially since he has loved her for decades; unrequitedly, I might add! I definitely wouldn’t mind it if the next book will give them more page-time.
Bjorn’s love—and it could only be called that; deny it all she liked, she knew that was the emotion burning in his gaze—was a savage, nearly-violent thing. A starving, hungry, desperate love, one he kept in check, kept tamped down low, from sheer force of will.
Lastly, I just want to talk about how much I love the dragons!! It’s a particular weakness of mine when fantasy series have dragons that behave like loyal pets to their riders, and that’s exactly the vibe these dragons are giving to the Drakes from the get-go. I can’t wait to see how their dynamics will unfold.
'The Drake Chronicles':
1. Heart of Winter - 3.5 stars
2. Edge of the Wild - 3.5 stars
May 15, 2021
** I made a huge mistake naming Mal as Connor. 🤦♀️
Sorry for the bump, but it's fixed.
This is storytelling on another level, priceless, precious and hard to find.
The Drake Chronicles has taken me to a fascinating alternative universe, filled with shamans, dragons, magic, princes, lords and even a Lord of Corpses.
This second book consolidated this story as a family saga.
Besides, Erik and Oliver's story became so much more!
That was what he felt, he knew; the sort of slow built, sustainable, devastating love he'd never hoped to have..
The writing is consuming, magically pulling at your heartstrings. The characters are multidimensional, so much life and intimacy bonding us to them.💘💘💘
I am utterly in love with the paired couples and their mind-blowing realistic dialogues. The kind of dialogue I want to linger, go back and read again. 💖💖💖
Bjorn and Revna are breaking my heart, but at the same time, the escalating tension is so bloody good.😈😈
"I'm a fighter not a poet," he said. If you want a fancy explanation, I can't give you one. But it's you. It's always been you."
And there are Tessa and Rune, the young Prince.😍
And Amelia and Mal.💔😭💔
Hands down my highlight so far this year!
Lauren Gilley is an incredibly gifted author.
Bring on Blood of Wolves!
** I've stolen all pics from the author's website. 😬😬
Sorry for the bump, but it's fixed.
This is storytelling on another level, priceless, precious and hard to find.
The Drake Chronicles has taken me to a fascinating alternative universe, filled with shamans, dragons, magic, princes, lords and even a Lord of Corpses.
This second book consolidated this story as a family saga.
Besides, Erik and Oliver's story became so much more!
That was what he felt, he knew; the sort of slow built, sustainable, devastating love he'd never hoped to have..
The writing is consuming, magically pulling at your heartstrings. The characters are multidimensional, so much life and intimacy bonding us to them.💘💘💘
I am utterly in love with the paired couples and their mind-blowing realistic dialogues. The kind of dialogue I want to linger, go back and read again. 💖💖💖
Bjorn and Revna are breaking my heart, but at the same time, the escalating tension is so bloody good.😈😈
"I'm a fighter not a poet," he said. If you want a fancy explanation, I can't give you one. But it's you. It's always been you."
And there are Tessa and Rune, the young Prince.😍
And Amelia and Mal.💔😭💔
Hands down my highlight so far this year!
Lauren Gilley is an incredibly gifted author.
Bring on Blood of Wolves!
** I've stolen all pics from the author's website. 😬😬
August 29, 2025
Oliver studied him a moment, then nodded and glanced off across the garden. “I don’t suppose I can argue with that.”
Erik smiled. “You probably could.”
“Ha.”
“You could argue with a fence post, I think.”
Oliver flicked him lightly in the chest with the backs of his fingers– but a smile threatened. “A king and a comedian. You should do taprooms.”
I am aggressively obsessed with this series now. I am ass deep in magic and dragons and as far as I am concerned no other books exist until I have finished all the books available to me.
I'm going to be real, Erik and Oliver's relationship dynamic makes me a bit feral and I adore them both separately and together. Erik being the big, fearsome and accomplished Viking warlord, who is also a loving brother and uncle, insecure in love and JUST SO SOFT AND A COMPLETE SIMP for Oliver makes me want to bite my kindle and scream sometimes. And Oliver being that sort of character that makes up for a lack of battle prowess with brains and a smart mouth 🤌🏼
The expansion of the world, magic and characters was perfect and the additions of more POVs worked splendidly in this book. I already loved all of the side characters and the new editions in this volume were fantastic. Lord Nali and his necromantic powers and family curse added some great dimension to the magic of this world (I have my own personal Wishlist for the role he'll grow into tehehe). I also loved Amelia, the Drake sister left at home because she is too wild to force into a political marriage. Too often authors oversell their tough female characters and turn them into caricatures of what they set out to be, but Amelia (for the little page time she had) was interesting and ruthless while also being caring and empathic and I found myself invested in her story.
It's a shame that such an engaging and satisfying book suffers from quite so many typos, and a simple read through from fresh eyes would have caught most of them. But honestly I had such a good time that I can't find it in me to care beyond a throw away comment.
5 stars. Insert the rest of this series into my brain immediately. I feel like I've literally just been chanting "dragons" under my breath for days now....
So he said, “Maybe Southerners aren’t as soft as you think.”
That earned a grin. “Or maybe you’ve got more of the North in you than you know.”
A beat. Oliver said, “You could make a very terrible joke out of that.”
Bjorn stared at him a moment, and then roared with laughter.
Erik smiled. “You probably could.”
“Ha.”
“You could argue with a fence post, I think.”
Oliver flicked him lightly in the chest with the backs of his fingers– but a smile threatened. “A king and a comedian. You should do taprooms.”
I am aggressively obsessed with this series now. I am ass deep in magic and dragons and as far as I am concerned no other books exist until I have finished all the books available to me.
I'm going to be real, Erik and Oliver's relationship dynamic makes me a bit feral and I adore them both separately and together. Erik being the big, fearsome and accomplished Viking warlord, who is also a loving brother and uncle, insecure in love and JUST SO SOFT AND A COMPLETE SIMP for Oliver makes me want to bite my kindle and scream sometimes. And Oliver being that sort of character that makes up for a lack of battle prowess with brains and a smart mouth 🤌🏼
The expansion of the world, magic and characters was perfect and the additions of more POVs worked splendidly in this book. I already loved all of the side characters and the new editions in this volume were fantastic. Lord Nali and his necromantic powers and family curse added some great dimension to the magic of this world (I have my own personal Wishlist for the role he'll grow into tehehe). I also loved Amelia, the Drake sister left at home because she is too wild to force into a political marriage. Too often authors oversell their tough female characters and turn them into caricatures of what they set out to be, but Amelia (for the little page time she had) was interesting and ruthless while also being caring and empathic and I found myself invested in her story.
It's a shame that such an engaging and satisfying book suffers from quite so many typos, and a simple read through from fresh eyes would have caught most of them. But honestly I had such a good time that I can't find it in me to care beyond a throw away comment.
5 stars. Insert the rest of this series into my brain immediately. I feel like I've literally just been chanting "dragons" under my breath for days now....
So he said, “Maybe Southerners aren’t as soft as you think.”
That earned a grin. “Or maybe you’ve got more of the North in you than you know.”
A beat. Oliver said, “You could make a very terrible joke out of that.”
Bjorn stared at him a moment, and then roared with laughter.
September 7, 2024
This series!! Even better than the first book. An epic fantasy with multiple couples, terrifying battles, and
Fantasy
MM romance
MF romance
Family love
Snark/humor
Political intrigue
Graphic intimacy
Emotionally intelligent characters
Oliver and Erik.
His lips were soft when he pressed them to Oliver’s temple – and left them there. Quietly, but seriously, he said, “I have meant it every moment of the day, and I have tried to show it in the ways I know how. But I know I need to say it, too. I love you. So very much.”
Revna and Bjorn.
“I’m a fighter not a poet,” he said. “If you want a fancy explanation, I can’t give you one. But it’s you. It’s always been you.”
Amelia and Malcolm. Lovers and best friends since 15.
“What are we going to do?” she whispered.
He took a sharp breath. “If you were less loyal to your family, I would ask you to run away with me. We could join the outlaws. But” – a wry smile – “I wouldn’t love you so bloody much if you were the sort of woman who ran away.”
Leif and Rune brothers and complete opposites. Tessa, duty-bound to marry one, but in love with the other.
His thumb swept over her cheek. “You are so, so beautiful,” he said, voice small, awed.
“So are you,” she whispered, and pressed back in.
Fantasy
MM romance
MF romance
Family love
Snark/humor
Political intrigue
Graphic intimacy
Emotionally intelligent characters
“A king for a king,
A throne for a kiss,
When the dragons sing,
The throne shall be his.”
Oliver and Erik.
His lips were soft when he pressed them to Oliver’s temple – and left them there. Quietly, but seriously, he said, “I have meant it every moment of the day, and I have tried to show it in the ways I know how. But I know I need to say it, too. I love you. So very much.”
Revna and Bjorn.
“I’m a fighter not a poet,” he said. “If you want a fancy explanation, I can’t give you one. But it’s you. It’s always been you.”
Amelia and Malcolm. Lovers and best friends since 15.
“What are we going to do?” she whispered.
He took a sharp breath. “If you were less loyal to your family, I would ask you to run away with me. We could join the outlaws. But” – a wry smile – “I wouldn’t love you so bloody much if you were the sort of woman who ran away.”
Leif and Rune brothers and complete opposites. Tessa, duty-bound to marry one, but in love with the other.
His thumb swept over her cheek. “You are so, so beautiful,” he said, voice small, awed.
“So are you,” she whispered, and pressed back in.
October 25, 2021
4.5 Stars
I don’t have anything more to add than what’s already been said but I loved this second instalment. Perfectly paced (the last 20% particularly nail biting) with lots of romance, action, magic, shamans and dragons galore. What more can you ask for? There’s literally something for everyone.
Highlights:
🕹 Erik & Ollie getting closer. They had some lovely scenes/dialogue, including a little spat (due to Erik being a royal pain in the backside) but to be honest, I actually enjoyed the tension. I do like me a little bit of beef sometimes and the making up was definitely worth it. In case you’re wondering, the emoji is Erik’s joystick. 😜
💞 I was totally invested in the other couples. Young love courtesy of Tess & Rune. Star crossed lovers, Amelia and Malcolm. As for Revna and Bjorn - there’ll be fireworks when/if (this slightly older duo) get together. Not sure what’s in store for Leif though - the verdict’s out on that one?
👥 I’m loving all the secondary characters, old and new alike, friend or foe but Nali the Necromancer stole the show for me.
💪 Strong female rep.
🐉 Last but not least, the awesome cold/fire drakes. I can’t wait to get to know them better.
Lowlights:
⚔️ There’s definite room for improvement as far as the editing goes.
⚔️ I’m being harsh as I love Ollie to bits and he was suffering from Marsh Fever/under the influence towards the end, but swooning and giggling are not character traits I’m particularly fond of. I love his sassiness, so I’m hoping that now he’s forged a connection with Percy, he’ll find a way to manage the fever/visions without resorting to drugs (just say no)!!!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Edge of Wild and I couldn’t have timed it better, what with Blood of Wolves release in the not too distant future. I’m excited for what’s to come next!
I don’t have anything more to add than what’s already been said but I loved this second instalment. Perfectly paced (the last 20% particularly nail biting) with lots of romance, action, magic, shamans and dragons galore. What more can you ask for? There’s literally something for everyone.
Highlights:
🕹 Erik & Ollie getting closer. They had some lovely scenes/dialogue, including a little spat (due to Erik being a royal pain in the backside) but to be honest, I actually enjoyed the tension. I do like me a little bit of beef sometimes and the making up was definitely worth it. In case you’re wondering, the emoji is Erik’s joystick. 😜
💞 I was totally invested in the other couples. Young love courtesy of Tess & Rune. Star crossed lovers, Amelia and Malcolm. As for Revna and Bjorn - there’ll be fireworks when/if (this slightly older duo) get together. Not sure what’s in store for Leif though - the verdict’s out on that one?
👥 I’m loving all the secondary characters, old and new alike, friend or foe but Nali the Necromancer stole the show for me.
💪 Strong female rep.
🐉 Last but not least, the awesome cold/fire drakes. I can’t wait to get to know them better.
Lowlights:
⚔️ There’s definite room for improvement as far as the editing goes.
⚔️ I’m being harsh as I love Ollie to bits and he was suffering from Marsh Fever/under the influence towards the end, but swooning and giggling are not character traits I’m particularly fond of. I love his sassiness, so I’m hoping that now he’s forged a connection with Percy, he’ll find a way to manage the fever/visions without resorting to drugs (just say no)!!!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Edge of Wild and I couldn’t have timed it better, what with Blood of Wolves release in the not too distant future. I’m excited for what’s to come next!
April 28, 2021
All the expectations I formed in Heart of Winter? This second book in the Drake Chronicles took those expectations, and blew them the hell up. And that is in the best way possible! 🥰 But literally nothing happened the way that I thought it would, except that even more of the characters are finding their way into my heart. It's getting crowded up in here and I love it. 💕
I hate to be all gushy *despite the fact that I do it a LOT* but so far this series has literally been magic for me. The characters are amazing, from the forest dwellers to the guardsmen to the nobles all the way to the King, with some unexpected surprises that I definitely didn't see coming. Some of them I didn't want to see. 😕 I won't restate Oliver because he's still my favorite and wow, has he turned out to be more than anyone, even himself, suspected he was. 😍
The plot has me wrapped up, no matter what is taking place and the pacing is perfect. Nothing else exists for me while I'm in this world and I'm completely resentful of anything that tries to intrude, LOL.
Thank all the book-gods that Lauren Gilley has at least 5 books planned *at least at this point* because I'm going to need so much more time with all these people. I want Blood of Wolves just as soon as I can get it in my greedy, grabby hands!
I hate to be all gushy *despite the fact that I do it a LOT* but so far this series has literally been magic for me. The characters are amazing, from the forest dwellers to the guardsmen to the nobles all the way to the King, with some unexpected surprises that I definitely didn't see coming. Some of them I didn't want to see. 😕 I won't restate Oliver because he's still my favorite and wow, has he turned out to be more than anyone, even himself, suspected he was. 😍
The plot has me wrapped up, no matter what is taking place and the pacing is perfect. Nothing else exists for me while I'm in this world and I'm completely resentful of anything that tries to intrude, LOL.
Thank all the book-gods that Lauren Gilley has at least 5 books planned *at least at this point* because I'm going to need so much more time with all these people. I want Blood of Wolves just as soon as I can get it in my greedy, grabby hands!
August 10, 2021
This was so good I want to cry! 😭 So much better than the first one! This is my second Gilley series, and she continues to blow my mind with every book.
Oliver and Erik’s love is still a highlight of this series. They had their first serious fight here, but that was unavoidable, with Oliver finally finding his place in the world and Erik’s overwhelming — almost smothering, really — love and care for him. They’re still so perfect together, though! 😍💘
The budding romance of Tessa and Rune gives me life, too. It’s so fresh, so honest, so sweet! I’m rooting for them like crazy! ❤️ Revna and Bjorn are something else altogether; the tension between them is understated, but no less delicious. In contrast to Tessa and Rune’s young love, this isn’t a new development — Bjorn’s love withstood years of seeing the woman he loves with one of his best friends… Revna was aware of his feelings, but never knew they were this strong, and now, widowed and lonely, she’s finally seen him in a different light. I want this two to be happy together so much! 💔
We finally got to meet Amelia, Tessa’s older sister, and she’s a total badass. 💪 Here let me just say that the female rep in this books is just amazing. Every single one of those women — Tessa, Amelia, Revna (Erik’s sister) — is so brave and strong in her own way. No weak heroine in sight! 👏
There’s another prickly and lovable character for me to fuss over, too — Náli, the Corpse Lord and powerful necromancer. He fascinates me! 😳 I hope to see more of him in the next book.
Finally: Gilley’s depiction of dragons and their bonds with the Drake family was simply mind-blowing. Both the cold-drakes and the fire-drakes were deadly, but also super-cute. That blend of cat, dog and horse behavior? Absolutely adorable! ❤️
I feel like I’m repeating myself when it comes to Gilley’s series, but I am completely in love with this universe, and need another book asap!
I recommend this to all romance fans (both MM and MF), and also the lovers of good and original fantasy stories and first-class storytelling!
Oliver and Erik’s love is still a highlight of this series. They had their first serious fight here, but that was unavoidable, with Oliver finally finding his place in the world and Erik’s overwhelming — almost smothering, really — love and care for him. They’re still so perfect together, though! 😍💘
The budding romance of Tessa and Rune gives me life, too. It’s so fresh, so honest, so sweet! I’m rooting for them like crazy! ❤️ Revna and Bjorn are something else altogether; the tension between them is understated, but no less delicious. In contrast to Tessa and Rune’s young love, this isn’t a new development — Bjorn’s love withstood years of seeing the woman he loves with one of his best friends… Revna was aware of his feelings, but never knew they were this strong, and now, widowed and lonely, she’s finally seen him in a different light. I want this two to be happy together so much! 💔
We finally got to meet Amelia, Tessa’s older sister, and she’s a total badass. 💪 Here let me just say that the female rep in this books is just amazing. Every single one of those women — Tessa, Amelia, Revna (Erik’s sister) — is so brave and strong in her own way. No weak heroine in sight! 👏
There’s another prickly and lovable character for me to fuss over, too — Náli, the Corpse Lord and powerful necromancer. He fascinates me! 😳 I hope to see more of him in the next book.
Finally: Gilley’s depiction of dragons and their bonds with the Drake family was simply mind-blowing. Both the cold-drakes and the fire-drakes were deadly, but also super-cute. That blend of cat, dog and horse behavior? Absolutely adorable! ❤️
I feel like I’m repeating myself when it comes to Gilley’s series, but I am completely in love with this universe, and need another book asap!
I recommend this to all romance fans (both MM and MF), and also the lovers of good and original fantasy stories and first-class storytelling!
May 12, 2023
5 stars +++
Read for the fourth time in May 23
Simply pure genius. It never gets old.
Reread November 2021
Easily the only book I've ever reread 3 times within such a short time frame.
Was it worth it?
1000%.
Utterly and totally gratifying and wonderful.
All I can say now is: I'm more than ready for book 3!
Reread Aug 2021
I'd love to add more +++ and stars yet again. I savoured every word (Not joking or exaggerating, it's really a book I didn't want to end) and loved all the different strands of action, the beginnings of dragons and their drakes - can't wait to see what's in store for Tessa in this regard! - and the brilliant relationship development for all couples, but - of course- in particular for Oliver and Erik.
Definitely ready for book 3 NOW! Very ready!
And darn can you really get a book-hangover from the same book TWICE????
Original review:
I loved the first book.
I loved the second even more.
And these are the reasons why:
.) Oliver and Erik: Oliver proves to be far more than he already is – it’s something I kind of hoped for, and it happened in the most spectacular way. It’s something Erik is struggling a wee bit with, and his strong protective streak doesn’t help. I loved the relationship development here and can’t wait for more.
.) Tessa and Rune: adorable, that’s what they are! But I hope the author remembers to consider Leif's happiness, too!
.) We get to know Amelia, Tessa’s sister and the third drake, in this book. What a formidable, strong and admirable woman!
.) Revna and Björn: I love the fact that we get a romance between more ‘mature’ characters, too. Well, it’s not much of a romance yet, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed that this is where it’s going. They both deserve it so much.
.) The plot is split threefold between the three drakes, Amelia, Tessa and Oliver. And every thread is as gripping and captivating as the other. I was at the edge of my seat virtually throughout the book. The author totally knows how to create further tension by switching between them at the right moment.
.) This series is called the Drake Chronicles, and this book clarifies why. Dragons! Is all I say to that. I adored them and the connection they have to their 'drakes'. I hope we’re going to find out more details about it all and see a lot more of the dragons!
.) Never has braiding hair be more meaningful and sensual.
Read for the fourth time in May 23
Simply pure genius. It never gets old.
Reread November 2021
Easily the only book I've ever reread 3 times within such a short time frame.
Was it worth it?
1000%.
Utterly and totally gratifying and wonderful.
All I can say now is: I'm more than ready for book 3!
Reread Aug 2021
I'd love to add more +++ and stars yet again. I savoured every word (Not joking or exaggerating, it's really a book I didn't want to end) and loved all the different strands of action, the beginnings of dragons and their drakes - can't wait to see what's in store for Tessa in this regard! - and the brilliant relationship development for all couples, but - of course- in particular for Oliver and Erik.
Definitely ready for book 3 NOW! Very ready!
And darn can you really get a book-hangover from the same book TWICE????
Original review:
I loved the first book.
I loved the second even more.
And these are the reasons why:
.) Oliver and Erik: Oliver proves to be far more than he already is – it’s something I kind of hoped for, and it happened in the most spectacular way. It’s something Erik is struggling a wee bit with, and his strong protective streak doesn’t help. I loved the relationship development here and can’t wait for more.
.) Tessa and Rune: adorable, that’s what they are! But I hope the author remembers to consider Leif's happiness, too!
.) We get to know Amelia, Tessa’s sister and the third drake, in this book. What a formidable, strong and admirable woman!
.) Revna and Björn: I love the fact that we get a romance between more ‘mature’ characters, too. Well, it’s not much of a romance yet, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed that this is where it’s going. They both deserve it so much.
.) The plot is split threefold between the three drakes, Amelia, Tessa and Oliver. And every thread is as gripping and captivating as the other. I was at the edge of my seat virtually throughout the book. The author totally knows how to create further tension by switching between them at the right moment.
.) This series is called the Drake Chronicles, and this book clarifies why. Dragons! Is all I say to that. I adored them and the connection they have to their 'drakes'. I hope we’re going to find out more details about it all and see a lot more of the dragons!
.) Never has braiding hair be more meaningful and sensual.
July 19, 2021
5 STARS
Wow!! So much going on in this one. I don't even know how to begin to review this. All I can say is I was completely sucked into the story by the end of it. I hate to make a comparison, but it does have a bit of a Game of Thrones feel to it, in its own unique way, of course. The characters are fantastic! The fantasy is in high gear and the drama is building. I don't know how I'm going to be able to wait for the next release.
The beginning of the book dragged a little for me, but that is only because I'm comparing it to the action-packed second-half of the book. I mean this book has everything. Drama, treachery, high fantasy with a little bit of horror. There is romance and betrayal, grief and loyalty...even humor. I love Oliver's character. And I have a feeling that Amelia is going to be my next favorite. Can't wait to see what's coming in the next episode.
In a word, fantastic.
And Oliver...
"You can call him?"
"If I truly have need of him, he will come. But he doubtless doesn't want to sit attendance on a council meeting. Boredom makes dragons hungry, you know."
Wow!! So much going on in this one. I don't even know how to begin to review this. All I can say is I was completely sucked into the story by the end of it. I hate to make a comparison, but it does have a bit of a Game of Thrones feel to it, in its own unique way, of course. The characters are fantastic! The fantasy is in high gear and the drama is building. I don't know how I'm going to be able to wait for the next release.
The beginning of the book dragged a little for me, but that is only because I'm comparing it to the action-packed second-half of the book. I mean this book has everything. Drama, treachery, high fantasy with a little bit of horror. There is romance and betrayal, grief and loyalty...even humor. I love Oliver's character. And I have a feeling that Amelia is going to be my next favorite. Can't wait to see what's coming in the next episode.
In a word, fantastic.
And Oliver...
"You are, as ever, an utter delight."
June 18, 2021
***4.5 Dragons - umm... Stars***
June 1, 2021
4.5 Stars!
Oh my! That last 15-20% or so. I need that next book. Now.
While this is quite the departure from what I normally read, I've really found myself engrossed in this universe and these characters. I love it all.
Can't wait for more.
Oh my! That last 15-20% or so. I need that next book. Now.
While this is quite the departure from what I normally read, I've really found myself engrossed in this universe and these characters. I love it all.
Can't wait for more.
November 17, 2021
WOW , things just got a lot frostier 🥶, Lauren Gilley what are you doing to my brain. It’s a shame really how back then love was not viewed as a foundation but an inconvenience.
As for the bastard 😑 , well what can I say …….from “nothing “ to something amazing 🐉. I loved everything about the book
As for the bastard 😑 , well what can I say …….from “nothing “ to something amazing 🐉. I loved everything about the book
January 7, 2025
Re-read January 2025
I love these people.
------------------------------
I love that moment in a book where it tips the scale from being a good book to it being a great book.
I did find a character I was hesitant about. I didn’t really like Amelia’s POV and I also didn’t like her lover, Malcolm. Not that she got a lot of page time, but still I wasn't that invested in that storyline.
But just when I thought this would be a solid 4 star book, the scene near the end happened. Everything finally started to come together and I couldn’t read fast enough.
In this we have the enemy getting closer, Oliver getting these visions, talk of dragons, and some new characters (Náli, I looooooooove Náli!!).
I loved how Oliver and Erik got closer in this. I even loved their first real fight. It felt real and I loved how it was handled.
I can’t wait for the next book!
I love these people.
------------------------------
I love that moment in a book where it tips the scale from being a good book to it being a great book.
I did find a character I was hesitant about. I didn’t really like Amelia’s POV and I also didn’t like her lover, Malcolm. Not that she got a lot of page time, but still I wasn't that invested in that storyline.
But just when I thought this would be a solid 4 star book, the scene near the end happened. Everything finally started to come together and I couldn’t read fast enough.
In this we have the enemy getting closer, Oliver getting these visions, talk of dragons, and some new characters (Náli, I looooooooove Náli!!).
I loved how Oliver and Erik got closer in this. I even loved their first real fight. It felt real and I loved how it was handled.
I can’t wait for the next book!
December 29, 2023
4,5 'I needed more Erik & Oliver' stars
It took me forever to finish this book. Part of the problem was that I started it during summer and I just wasn't vibing with this cold atmosphere. The second problem was that at first I found Amelia's chapters really boring. I wish she would be already introduced at the end of book one, so at least I would care for her from the start. Because as it was I got invested in her story only at the very end and it's such a shame because she's actually an amazing charachter.
There was way too little Erik and Oliver in this book. I love the progress in their relationship and they are so damned cute together and I really wanted for them to have more page time together 🥰
Yes, I absolutely had to share all these quotes. They make me so mushy 🥰🥰
Ok, back to the plot. I'm really excited for the next book because everything just got so mysterious and complicated. And what was that with Ragnar?!? I really liked his charachter because he's interesting and was giving me kind of villain vibes but
Also, I need more Leif in the next book, pretty please. As Erik's heir, I think he should have a bigger role but he's just kind of always in the background. Let him shine!!
And Náli!!! My baby necromancer 😍 How is he so cute?? I need more of him too 🥰🥰 but since book 4 is literally named after him(?), I think we'll sure get more of our Corpse Lord.
(I haven't found a cast for him yet 🤭)
As for other charachters, there are probably a lot of them I forgot to mention. I hope Revna and Bjorn will finally stop dancing around each other and do something about their attraction, lol. And I'm happy that Rune and Tessa actually did do something about theirs 😄
Overall, it was a great continuation of the first book with minor downfalls but I still loved it very much. I'm tempted to round up for that joke alone 😂
Yes, yes, yes! This quote bellow 😁 did I say how much I'm excited for the next book 🎊
5 'winter' stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4,5 'I needed more Erik & Oliver' stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐
It took me forever to finish this book. Part of the problem was that I started it during summer and I just wasn't vibing with this cold atmosphere. The second problem was that at first I found Amelia's chapters really boring. I wish she would be already introduced at the end of book one, so at least I would care for her from the start. Because as it was I got invested in her story only at the very end and it's such a shame because she's actually an amazing charachter.
There was way too little Erik and Oliver in this book. I love the progress in their relationship and they are so damned cute together and I really wanted for them to have more page time together 🥰
“You,” he said, completely unable to keep that warm fondness from his voice, “are so incredibly sweet.”
He felt the subtle jump of Erik’s body against his own. “That’s… not something I get accused of.”
Oliver melted. He was flying, flying, but Erik had him; Erik wouldn’t let a bad thing touch him.
“I love you,” he heard himself say, words pressed to a sweat-damp temple. “I never thought… Gods, I love you. So much.”
The gentle press of Erik’s teeth at his throat sent him over the edge, and everything was white, and blue, and wonderful.
“If I get killed, it won’t ever be because of something you did or didn’t do. And I’m not leaving, not even for a dragon”– he smiled –“because I love you. Even when you’re a pompous ass. Even when you worry too much. Even,” he added, gently, “when you’re afraid.”
Erik’s eyes widened an impossible fraction. He drew in a ragged breath.
And then he gripped Oliver’s hair and kissed him savagely.
But his lips were soft when he pressed them to Oliver’s temple – and left them there. Quietly, but seriously, he said, “I have meant it every moment of the day, and I have tried to show it in the ways I know how. But I know I need to say it, too. I love you. So very much.”
Oliver fell asleep with the pad of Erik’s thumb brushing a tear from his cheek.
Yes, I absolutely had to share all these quotes. They make me so mushy 🥰🥰
Ok, back to the plot. I'm really excited for the next book because everything just got so mysterious and complicated. And what was that with Ragnar?!? I really liked his charachter because he's interesting and was giving me kind of villain vibes but
Also, I need more Leif in the next book, pretty please. As Erik's heir, I think he should have a bigger role but he's just kind of always in the background. Let him shine!!
And Náli!!! My baby necromancer 😍 How is he so cute?? I need more of him too 🥰🥰 but since book 4 is literally named after him(?), I think we'll sure get more of our Corpse Lord.
(I haven't found a cast for him yet 🤭)
Leif said, “I’d tell you you look half-dead, but that might be a compliment, I don’t know.”
A flicker of a smile. “Hm. Trust me when I say that it does pain me to admit that there might be a shred of cleverness in you, Torstanson…”
Leif rolled his eyes. Sickly or not, Náli was still very much his annoying self.
As for other charachters, there are probably a lot of them I forgot to mention. I hope Revna and Bjorn will finally stop dancing around each other and do something about their attraction, lol. And I'm happy that Rune and Tessa actually did do something about theirs 😄
Overall, it was a great continuation of the first book with minor downfalls but I still loved it very much. I'm tempted to round up for that joke alone 😂
“Maybe Southerners aren’t as soft as you think.”
That earned a grin. “Or maybe you’ve got more of the North in you than you know.”
A beat. Oliver said, “You could make a very terrible joke out of that.”
Bjorn stared at him a moment, and then roared with laughter.
Yes, yes, yes! This quote bellow 😁 did I say how much I'm excited for the next book 🎊
“You don’t need me to fight: you need me to think. And, not to brag about it, but I do happen to able to communicate with dragons, and I’m fairly sure none of you can do that. So. Do you want one more set of strong shoulders? One more sword and a bawdy joke around the fire? Or do you want a dragon rider back in the North once more?”
5 'winter' stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4,5 'I needed more Erik & Oliver' stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐
November 5, 2021
4.5 stars!
When is Book 3 coming?
When is Book 3 coming?
April 17, 2021
This author's books just get better with each one. Edgeof the Wild is a brilliant addition to the Drake Chronicles, I'm loving the over-arching story shared between so many characters I have come to know and love, and Gilley has the knack of not leaving me hanging (though I'm always chomping for more of her books, so there's that).
The worldbuilding is done to perfection, rich and dramatic without ever bogging down the story and as always fantastic characters. A word of warning, this is not a standalone and must be read in order.
This is becoming one of my all time favourite fantasy series, Gilley is Gold!
The worldbuilding is done to perfection, rich and dramatic without ever bogging down the story and as always fantastic characters. A word of warning, this is not a standalone and must be read in order.
This is becoming one of my all time favourite fantasy series, Gilley is Gold!
October 4, 2021
I wish the sequel could have also been a 5 star, but I had 4 issues: too many typos, boring filler POVs that could have accomplished the message in less than half the number of chapters they had (), Ollie trying to be a spitfire but ending up annoying, and the plot dragging for 70% of the book.
Nevertheless, looking forward to book 3. :)
Nevertheless, looking forward to book 3. :)
November 8, 2021
3rd read and still loving this. Now onto book 3!
August 27, 2022
July 2022, second read
To the sweet romance of book one, between sexy warrior people with braids, this second volume added adventure, and magic, and cute, savage dragons!❤️
I would love for the books to have a character glossary.
There were so many names I had totally forgotten about!
I loved The knights Magnus and Lars!
I want to know more about Yngvi the young Beserkir, I want some social justice for him. He needs some vacation on a tropical beach somewhere 🤣.
I want to see young redhead Bo and his friends grown up and living their own adventures.
I didn’t remember anything about Astrid and Hilda🙈. It’s so good to have such amazing middle-aged characters.
Anhi Arkson, Lord Askr older son. I want his love story!
Also, Birger with Lady Katherine... yes? no? Both need a little respite from worrying about reckless younger people. I’m all here for more middle-age romance.
Ragnar. (Well, what did you expect? for me not to talk about him?)
I’m totally obsessed.
He is uncomfortable to read, I cannot understand him, cannot predict him. I love that feeling of uneasiness around him. Love to hate him.
He is a viper. He is jealous and cunning and treacherous... or is he? I think we only saw glimpses of his real self... there are loooots of things that we still don’t know.
Some ideas better read if you already know the events of the first three books:
To the sweet romance of book one, between sexy warrior people with braids, this second volume added adventure, and magic, and cute, savage dragons!❤️
I would love for the books to have a character glossary.
There were so many names I had totally forgotten about!
I loved The knights Magnus and Lars!
I want to know more about Yngvi the young Beserkir, I want some social justice for him. He needs some vacation on a tropical beach somewhere 🤣.
I want to see young redhead Bo and his friends grown up and living their own adventures.
I didn’t remember anything about Astrid and Hilda🙈. It’s so good to have such amazing middle-aged characters.
Anhi Arkson, Lord Askr older son. I want his love story!
Also, Birger with Lady Katherine... yes? no? Both need a little respite from worrying about reckless younger people. I’m all here for more middle-age romance.
Ragnar. (Well, what did you expect? for me not to talk about him?)
I’m totally obsessed.
He is uncomfortable to read, I cannot understand him, cannot predict him. I love that feeling of uneasiness around him. Love to hate him.
He is a viper. He is jealous and cunning and treacherous... or is he? I think we only saw glimpses of his real self... there are loooots of things that we still don’t know.
Some ideas better read if you already know the events of the first three books:
May 15, 2022
“…his feelings were as complex, as intertwined, and as fiery as the braid that he fastened with three jeweled beads: ones that announced their wearer as lover, mate, royal consort.”
I enjoyed this installment a lot, but I also had several issues with it. But the good stuff was good enough to override the bad, and frankly I enjoyed it enough to still rate this 4 stars.
The Good Stuff
— The worldbuilding is much stronger here. Think about ice-breathing cold drakes (dragons) and fire drakes! Viking-like kingdoms and clans fighting for supremacy. Spooky half human shamans with antlers.
— This is such a character-and plot-driven story. Both elements are excellent, building up slowly and beautifully.
— The relationship development between Oliver and Eric as Ollie comes to grips with his new role as royal consort.
— Oliver’s and Erik’s journey to the Midwinter Festival and the annual clan meeting itself is epic.
— Can I just mention how much I love Oliver’s clapbacks??? This guy does not take shit from anyone!
—Tessa’s and Rune’s blossoming relationship and predicament.
The Bad
— Oliver and Erik don’t get enough page time.
— A new focus on Tessa’s elder sister, Amelia, and her own romance creates too many storylines. I couldn’t care less about this relationship.
— A couple of conflicts are resolved a bit too quickly while drawing things out a bit more would have heightened the suspense.
— OMG these books need proofreading! There are typos like literally every 3 pages! Missing words, wrong word use, wrong tenses, mixing singular/plural, etc.
I enjoyed this installment a lot, but I also had several issues with it. But the good stuff was good enough to override the bad, and frankly I enjoyed it enough to still rate this 4 stars.
The Good Stuff
— The worldbuilding is much stronger here. Think about ice-breathing cold drakes (dragons) and fire drakes! Viking-like kingdoms and clans fighting for supremacy. Spooky half human shamans with antlers.
— This is such a character-and plot-driven story. Both elements are excellent, building up slowly and beautifully.
— The relationship development between Oliver and Eric as Ollie comes to grips with his new role as royal consort.
— Oliver’s and Erik’s journey to the Midwinter Festival and the annual clan meeting itself is epic.
— Can I just mention how much I love Oliver’s clapbacks??? This guy does not take shit from anyone!
—Tessa’s and Rune’s blossoming relationship and predicament.
The Bad
— Oliver and Erik don’t get enough page time.
— A new focus on Tessa’s elder sister, Amelia, and her own romance creates too many storylines. I couldn’t care less about this relationship.
— A couple of conflicts are resolved a bit too quickly while drawing things out a bit more would have heightened the suspense.
— OMG these books need proofreading! There are typos like literally every 3 pages! Missing words, wrong word use, wrong tenses, mixing singular/plural, etc.
May 25, 2023
I really liked this, but not quite as much as the first. I’m not a fantasy reader, I am a romance reader. There is a lot going on here. Dragons. Wars. Fights. Betrayals. Cannibals. Murders. It’s a lot to take on. It kept me entertained and on the edge of my seat.
I still love all the characters. Especially Amelia, the badass sister of Tessa, who takes on a leading role here.
I loved it, but I wish there was more romance. I wish there were less POV, less MCs.
I’ll continue with this series, but I need a little break first.
I still love all the characters. Especially Amelia, the badass sister of Tessa, who takes on a leading role here.
I loved it, but I wish there was more romance. I wish there were less POV, less MCs.
I’ll continue with this series, but I need a little break first.
August 23, 2021
I didn’t want it to end, so I never marked it as read. I’ll probably need to re-read the first. Ok and this one when the third finally comes out.
April 30, 2021
Hello and welcome to my rant. 🥰❤
Before I get to deep in my old lady mentality I want to make something clear: the story, the plot, the development, the characters, the depth, THE DRAGONS, everything keeps being topnotch and lovely! I did have some issues but I think it's not something that makes the book bad, it makes it good and complex so much so that I need to rant to get it out of me.
So, first couple, Erik and Oliver....
What the fuck Erik?!!! How did you change so much? How did you become this alpha, dismissive, patronizing guy? How do you get mad for being told what to do in front of a fucking dragon?!!! AND HOW DO YOU KEEP GASLIGHTING WHAT OLIVER SAYS?!! It really made me angry, I understand he's scared ok, but fuck u mister king, you can't treat someone like that! And Oliver, you got to get more mad boy, I know the fire in you and I know you always told it how it was but Erik has to stop treating you LIKE A CRAZY NEUROTIC BITCH! So yeah I was crazy angry with this development.
I also was a little bit disappointed in Oliver at the end, he had an opportunity to learn how to manage a dragon like her sister did in a fricking day and he didn't try to untangle that mess, he just got sick (not his fault) and then got drugged when he had to fight for his life (his decision). That disappointed me a little, but it all ended well after all.
Now, Tessa and Rune are an item, fucking finally thank you very much author, they totally match and I'm real happy for them, it was time.
With that out of the way, WHAT THE FUCK WITH LEIF? Why is he still alone? Why he doesn't have any love interest yet? The only option in my mind right now is Amelia because they killed Malcolm so... But I don't like her for him, don't want him to be an afterthought, she loved Malcolm for a long time and I don't, I WANT A WOMAN/MAN TO BE DEVOTED TO HIS PURE SOUL. I somehow dig him with this Nali, dunno why *scratchs her head*.
I also love Revna and Bjorn, the biggest man in the kingdom for the woman who has the biggest personality, I dig that. 🥰🥰
Anyways, I loved it in spite of some little problems, I have a mayor book hangover but I'll survive it. Hope the next one comes soon! 😭😭❤
Before I get to deep in my old lady mentality I want to make something clear: the story, the plot, the development, the characters, the depth, THE DRAGONS, everything keeps being topnotch and lovely! I did have some issues but I think it's not something that makes the book bad, it makes it good and complex so much so that I need to rant to get it out of me.
So, first couple, Erik and Oliver....
What the fuck Erik?!!! How did you change so much? How did you become this alpha, dismissive, patronizing guy? How do you get mad for being told what to do in front of a fucking dragon?!!! AND HOW DO YOU KEEP GASLIGHTING WHAT OLIVER SAYS?!! It really made me angry, I understand he's scared ok, but fuck u mister king, you can't treat someone like that! And Oliver, you got to get more mad boy, I know the fire in you and I know you always told it how it was but Erik has to stop treating you LIKE A CRAZY NEUROTIC BITCH! So yeah I was crazy angry with this development.
I also was a little bit disappointed in Oliver at the end, he had an opportunity to learn how to manage a dragon like her sister did in a fricking day and he didn't try to untangle that mess, he just got sick (not his fault) and then got drugged when he had to fight for his life (his decision). That disappointed me a little, but it all ended well after all.
Now, Tessa and Rune are an item, fucking finally thank you very much author, they totally match and I'm real happy for them, it was time.
With that out of the way, WHAT THE FUCK WITH LEIF? Why is he still alone? Why he doesn't have any love interest yet? The only option in my mind right now is Amelia because they killed Malcolm so... But I don't like her for him, don't want him to be an afterthought, she loved Malcolm for a long time and I don't, I WANT A WOMAN/MAN TO BE DEVOTED TO HIS PURE SOUL. I somehow dig him with this Nali, dunno why *scratchs her head*.
I also love Revna and Bjorn, the biggest man in the kingdom for the woman who has the biggest personality, I dig that. 🥰🥰
Anyways, I loved it in spite of some little problems, I have a mayor book hangover but I'll survive it. Hope the next one comes soon! 😭😭❤
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2021
**Re-read October '21 before Nali's story Blood of Wolves comes out...hopefully before the end of the year 🤞🤞🤞. I just LOVE this series, its characters and the world building that the Author has done...and Dragons, can I just mention Dragons one more time?? Yes OK, minus several points for typos, incorrect words, missing words etc. but as I said before, when the story's this bl**dy good, who cares?? 😉**
A host of golden stars for this one 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟. The storyline is thoroughly engrossing, the world building terrific, the characters amazing, and the treachery? Well, let's just say I did see that one coming, but let's hope he gets his comeuppance later in the series. Love how everything is weaving together and yes, there be DRAGONS 🐉🐉!! Could've done without all the typos and errors to be honest, but when the story's this good, who cares really?? Nali's story Blood of Wolves up next later this year.
January 20, 2022
This otherwise fabulous book desperately needed an editor. Far too many misspellings, wrong words, and punctuation errors. It kept bouncing me out of the story. And I certainly could have done without the focus on the two MF relationships, which threw the pacing off for this reader. If not for the wonderful core story, I would have rated it lower.
That said, I still liked this second story in the Drake Chronicles. Deftly drawn, relatable characters, witty dialogue, and excellent world building. And magic and! It was hard to put down and I intend to start the next one immediately!
(I apologize for this subpar review, but it’s all I’ve got today. Peace out.)
That said, I still liked this second story in the Drake Chronicles. Deftly drawn, relatable characters, witty dialogue, and excellent world building. And magic and! It was hard to put down and I intend to start the next one immediately!
(I apologize for this subpar review, but it’s all I’ve got today. Peace out.)
October 1, 2021
Well we finally got the fantasy portion of this series going full throttle now.
I have to admit, though, that other than the last 10%, I was pretty checked out of this installment. We introduced a new POV, and thus a new bit of plot, and I didn't much care for either.. but the last we saw of them, it was finally getting interesting. And, as above, same applies to the rest.
The drawn out love triangle was pretty irritating because we knew how it would play out and honestly I didn't find the couple all that interesting so that probably didn't help matters.
I'm interested to see where this goes from here (this is just a trilogy? is it more?) but most of my excitement after book one may have just been slump strangeness. Guess we'll see.
I have to admit, though, that other than the last 10%, I was pretty checked out of this installment. We introduced a new POV, and thus a new bit of plot, and I didn't much care for either.. but the last we saw of them, it was finally getting interesting. And, as above, same applies to the rest.
The drawn out love triangle was pretty irritating because we knew how it would play out and honestly I didn't find the couple all that interesting so that probably didn't help matters.
I'm interested to see where this goes from here (this is just a trilogy? is it more?) but most of my excitement after book one may have just been slump strangeness. Guess we'll see.
May 15, 2021
I'm always with a loss of words finishing such an amazing book!! Well 2 books excactly!!
This.. This felt like reading a movie. With Outlander & GOT vibes to it.
This is a family saga. Several love intrests. The main love instrest is Oliver & Erik. King Erik & His Lordship Oliver...
After Oliver & King Erik come together, it comes clear Oliver has a secret that even Oliver is not aware off.
Oliver, Ollie is the best! His banter keeps me cackling all the time.
Oliver's secrets made me excited for all the Drakes. I can't wait to see them kick ass.
We have the King's heirs, his nephews Leif and Rule. Rule having feelings for Oliver's niece Tessa. I'm rooting for them but also hurting for Leif. Dear Lauren, please don't forget about Leif. He deserves the best.
We have Revna, the King's sister. She is amazing and kind. And I would love to see her becoming a true couple with Bjorn.
Then there's Amelia, Tessa's sister, the third Drake. I liked her. She's badass.
Then the last I want to mention is Náli. Náli is lords of Corpses. He's such an interesting character. We'll get his first real POV in the third installment "Blood of Wolves" see here
I'm hoping he will be our second MM love couple. But with whom?
I'm in awe of this series and summer can't come soon enough!!
This.. This felt like reading a movie. With Outlander & GOT vibes to it.
This is a family saga. Several love intrests. The main love instrest is Oliver & Erik. King Erik & His Lordship Oliver...
After Oliver & King Erik come together, it comes clear Oliver has a secret that even Oliver is not aware off.
Oliver, Ollie is the best! His banter keeps me cackling all the time.
Oliver's secrets made me excited for all the Drakes. I can't wait to see them kick ass.
We have the King's heirs, his nephews Leif and Rule. Rule having feelings for Oliver's niece Tessa. I'm rooting for them but also hurting for Leif. Dear Lauren, please don't forget about Leif. He deserves the best.
We have Revna, the King's sister. She is amazing and kind. And I would love to see her becoming a true couple with Bjorn.
Then there's Amelia, Tessa's sister, the third Drake. I liked her. She's badass.
Then the last I want to mention is Náli. Náli is lords of Corpses. He's such an interesting character. We'll get his first real POV in the third installment "Blood of Wolves" see here
I'm hoping he will be our second MM love couple. But with whom?
I'm in awe of this series and summer can't come soon enough!!
May 15, 2021
4.25 stars
September 29, 2021
The magic continues! ❤️
This book was FANTASTICAL!! 💜
I loved every single minute of it!!!💛
Just a few blurbs….
Gods, what’s happening between Oliver and Erik is squeezing my heart! I can’t wait to see what happens next with them. Oliver continues to be my favorite. I just love when Erik calls him Ollie. It is just so dang sweet. 🥰
Things between Rune and Tessa are changing. Tessa decided to grab hold of what she wanted. Rune though was a little slow on the uptake but caught on quickly. 😉 I wonder if there will be some bumps in the road for them?
Revna and Bjorn are killing me!! If they don’t open their eyes pretty damn quick I’m going lose it!
I’m anxious to see more of Amelia. I’m loving her. I hope to Gods she is headed to the Kingdom.
Ragnar is quite the asshole. He will get what’s coming to him.
And last but not least, Percy. 🐉 The last chapter was amazing. I hope it isn’t too long before the next one comes out. 💙💙💙
This book was FANTASTICAL!! 💜
I loved every single minute of it!!!💛
Just a few blurbs….
Gods, what’s happening between Oliver and Erik is squeezing my heart! I can’t wait to see what happens next with them. Oliver continues to be my favorite. I just love when Erik calls him Ollie. It is just so dang sweet. 🥰
Things between Rune and Tessa are changing. Tessa decided to grab hold of what she wanted. Rune though was a little slow on the uptake but caught on quickly. 😉 I wonder if there will be some bumps in the road for them?
Revna and Bjorn are killing me!! If they don’t open their eyes pretty damn quick I’m going lose it!
I’m anxious to see more of Amelia. I’m loving her. I hope to Gods she is headed to the Kingdom.
Ragnar is quite the asshole. He will get what’s coming to him.
And last but not least, Percy. 🐉 The last chapter was amazing. I hope it isn’t too long before the next one comes out. 💙💙💙
May 16, 2025
4⭐️
A very nice fantasy series. And the dragons show up!
A very nice fantasy series. And the dragons show up!
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