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The Draegan Lords #1
True of Heart
A hundred years ago, the high sorcerer of Velensperia launched a swift and deadly attack against the Draegans--a race of dragon shapeshifters who had always lived in harmony with the humans. The Draegans were all but destroyed, with the few who remained scattered and in hiding. Now, a group of them have united and begun to fight back. Their leader, Keiran Hareldson, seeks to free his people from the cruel repression the high sorcerer's reign has imposed on them.
Gaige Rizik is captain of the sorcerer's High Guard, and known for his lethal ability to hunt down his prey with no remorse. His orders are to infiltrate the Draegan rebels' camp, learn their plans, and identify their leader so he can be destroyed. But when Gaige joins the rebels, posing as a human sympathizer to the Draegans' cause, he discovers the shapeshifters aren't the bloodthirsty beasts he's been led to believe, and their leader is a passionately captivating man who only wants what's best for his people. Keiran sparks powerful emotions in Gaige, tearing down his walls of steely control, and stirring a longing in him he can't deny.
Torn between his duty to the high sorcerer and his growing feelings not only for Keiran, but for the Draegan way of life, Gaige knows he's damned no matter which side he chooses. In a world of lies, deception, and dark secrets, one false move will bring destruction to all he's begun to hold dear. With the fate of so many lives on his shoulders, Gaige's only hope is to follow his heart...and pray it's true enough to save them all.
NOTE: Don't miss the exciting sequel, Lords Of Kellesborne...
Genres: Gay / Fantasy / Shapeshifter / Witchcraft / Magic / Action / Adventure / BDSM / Series
186 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2007
50 people are currently reading
1942 people want to read
About the author
M.L. Rhodes
42 books570 followersI’m author M.L. Rhodes and I write m/m romance and fantasy. This means my books are about gay or bisexual men meeting, falling in love, and finding happily-ever-afters with other men. Sometimes the settings are contemporary, sometimes the stories take place in worlds filled with dragons, witches, or other fantasy and paranormal creatures. But there’s one thing of which you can be certain…in my books, love always wins!
If you'd like to know more about me and writing, swing by my website when you have a few minutes! http://authormlrhodes.com
If you'd like to know more about me and writing, swing by my website when you have a few minutes! http://authormlrhodes.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
August 16, 2014
Idiotic anachronisms. Plot foolishness.
LO, I HAVE SUMMONED DISAPPOINTMENT AND DESPAIR.
LO, I HAVE SUMMONED DISAPPOINTMENT AND DESPAIR.
April 19, 2017
Ugh, insta-love. Man, I hate insta-love. However, this book did have a lot of potential. Potential to be great. But the is in fact insta-love in it, and you all know, I despise it. Leader of the Draegans Keiran Hareldson (how old?) and captain of the sorcerer's High Guard Gaige Rizik (32) was interesting, but didn't really make me feel like they were a leader and a captain, more just like two normal lovers. Sure, there was a strong love connection between them, but it didn't feel extraordinary or anything. Overall, it was just a book that made the time pass. A book that wasn't overly bad, but not great either.
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Paranormal Romance (M/M)
Series: - Series, Book One
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Keiran Hareldson.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Unsure.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Unsure
Will I read this again in the future? - No.
Rating - 2.5 stars
“I am yours, beloved. As you are mine. For all of eternity.”
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Paranormal Romance (M/M)
Series: - Series, Book One
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Keiran Hareldson.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Unsure.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Unsure
Will I read this again in the future? - No.
Rating - 2.5 stars
February 13, 2011
Gaige Rizik, Capitan of the high guard of the sorcerer Byram...
is a man with a mission... He MUST discover the where the rebel group of Drageans are, and most of all get information about their leader. Gaige is not a regular human. He is the best soldier and because of his blond almost white hair, and his ruthless, he is called The White Panther
Keiran is a Draegan
He is one of the few Draegan still alive after the begin of the war. All of his race are humans able to shift in powerful dragons. Are they human killers, as Gaige was told? Are they animals, lusting for the end of humans?
You will question it with Gaige, one step at time, while the story will be told.
The both men narrations add a special aspect in this amazing fantasy. You will hear sometimes Gaige, and his doubts and pain, other moments will be Keiran, with his overwhelming passion. I ADORED this dual narration... love, pain, betrayal, moral... both are very strong men, and certainly both voices were necessary in this story.
So do I recomment it?
Yes, to all fantasy readers, crazy about dragons as I'm
Yes, to all romantic readers, because it's not possible to a human and a Draegan have a mate bound, or is?
Yes, to all readers interested in read the first M/M novel, because the love scenes are very erotic, and incredible beautiful. It's not the first M.L. Rhodes book I read, and again I was stunned with all the love the characters shared... is so strong... so beautiful... so...
...perfect!
5 stars, and I'm already starting the second of this serie. One book was not enough.
is a man with a mission... He MUST discover the where the rebel group of Drageans are, and most of all get information about their leader. Gaige is not a regular human. He is the best soldier and because of his blond almost white hair, and his ruthless, he is called The White Panther
Keiran is a Draegan
He is one of the few Draegan still alive after the begin of the war. All of his race are humans able to shift in powerful dragons. Are they human killers, as Gaige was told? Are they animals, lusting for the end of humans?
You will question it with Gaige, one step at time, while the story will be told.
The both men narrations add a special aspect in this amazing fantasy. You will hear sometimes Gaige, and his doubts and pain, other moments will be Keiran, with his overwhelming passion. I ADORED this dual narration... love, pain, betrayal, moral... both are very strong men, and certainly both voices were necessary in this story.
So do I recomment it?
Yes, to all fantasy readers, crazy about dragons as I'm
Yes, to all romantic readers, because it's not possible to a human and a Draegan have a mate bound, or is?
Yes, to all readers interested in read the first M/M novel, because the love scenes are very erotic, and incredible beautiful. It's not the first M.L. Rhodes book I read, and again I was stunned with all the love the characters shared... is so strong... so beautiful... so...
...perfect!
5 stars, and I'm already starting the second of this serie. One book was not enough.
March 25, 2014
Spoilers, probably.
So this book has all the makings for things I usually don't like.
- Insta-love
- Dummy MCs who are like, "What, it's YOU?!" and can't see the obvious
- Typical characters in an M/M Romance book
- "Soulmates"
But despite all that, I ate this shit up.
There are so many awesome things in the book and you read it, and know it's not really the most in-depth book you're ever gonna read, and know it's basically dragon-smut, but fuck, I just loved it.
- Dragon cum = magma
- White-blond MC (meow!)
- Such the hot sex
- Angry sex
- Enemies to lovers
- Hidden identities
- Jealous best friend
- Dragon sex
So, uh, yeah. If you're into this kinda stuff and if you can accept the book just for what it is, then you'll probably read it and have a good time.
So this book has all the makings for things I usually don't like.
- Insta-love
- Dummy MCs who are like, "What, it's YOU?!" and can't see the obvious
- Typical characters in an M/M Romance book
- "Soulmates"
But despite all that, I ate this shit up.
There are so many awesome things in the book and you read it, and know it's not really the most in-depth book you're ever gonna read, and know it's basically dragon-smut, but fuck, I just loved it.
- Dragon cum = magma
- White-blond MC (meow!)
- Such the hot sex
- Angry sex
- Enemies to lovers
- Hidden identities
- Jealous best friend
- Dragon sex
So, uh, yeah. If you're into this kinda stuff and if you can accept the book just for what it is, then you'll probably read it and have a good time.
August 6, 2014
3.5 Stars
Dragons - check (well, they’re dragon shifters but who cares)
Hot shifter sex - check
M/M - check
Likable characters - check
A little non-con - check
Bondage thrown in for good measure - check
What’s not to like here? Admittedly, I do have a thing for dragons so I could possibly be a tad biased but…I doubt it.
Dark wizard Byram from Velensperia has been perpetuating the myth that his people are the underdogs to the sinister draegans & must be eradicated; however, it turns out the draegans are the downtrodden, the persecuted. They’ve been waging a guerilla war in an effort to stave off Byram’s advances. Gaige, Captain of The High Guard of Velensperia, is sent to infiltrate the draegans but soon finds enlightenment & Keiran, Draegan leader. Now faced with an impossible decision Gaige must decide to either betray his country or the man he loves.
I must say for a seemingly run of the mill paranormal erotica novella it has strong contemporary political & sociopolitical undertones. So, I guess that makes it smart smut or perhaps smartly smutty?
It's a tad sappy sweet in the romance department but I can deal. The storyline's strong enough for me to want to continue. The obscure language is somewhat off-putting-a glossary in the back would've been nice but, I guess this is the way of books in the paranormal/scyfy/fantasy genre.
August 24, 2011
Heard about this series in a post by one of my friends here at GR. It tickled my curiosity because it's about shifters but not the usual wolf or cats. Though I'm a fan of paranormal romance in all its genres, I'm kinda tired of the myriad shifter romances, they have become interchangeable. "See mate, must have mate, hot mating sex ensues, voila! HEA". The formula works and nobody wants to move beyond it. Blah!
With that in mind, I have to say that "True of Heart" was amazingly good, way beyond my expectations. It's the perfect mix of fairy tale, romance, erotica, angst and the struggle of good vs. evil. A new (at least to me) and incredibly effective formula for a shifter romance, precisely because the shifting itself is not the most important plot point, as tends to be the case.
There are many things going on at the same time in the story, keeping this reader hooked from page to page, trying to catch the signs and get a feel for what's coming next. The main characters feel real, even in a fantasy story. Yes, the good guys are good and the bad guys are evil incarnate, but the good guys have flaws and the bad guys have weaknesses that you can sense will be exploited by the good guys. I have a feeling I know what will happen, as I continue reading through the series, but it's not a disappointment because I cannot wait to read what will get them to their very well-deserved HEA.
Last but not least, this story contains some of the most beautifully written homoerotic love scenes (not just sex, but love-making) I've had the pleasure to read. The author devised some required aids to be part of the character's physical make-up in a very clever way, allowing the scenes to flow effortlessly. Ah, the beauty of fantasy fiction!
If you want a different take (finally!) on m/m shifter romance, you'll enjoy this series.
With that in mind, I have to say that "True of Heart" was amazingly good, way beyond my expectations. It's the perfect mix of fairy tale, romance, erotica, angst and the struggle of good vs. evil. A new (at least to me) and incredibly effective formula for a shifter romance, precisely because the shifting itself is not the most important plot point, as tends to be the case.
There are many things going on at the same time in the story, keeping this reader hooked from page to page, trying to catch the signs and get a feel for what's coming next. The main characters feel real, even in a fantasy story. Yes, the good guys are good and the bad guys are evil incarnate, but the good guys have flaws and the bad guys have weaknesses that you can sense will be exploited by the good guys. I have a feeling I know what will happen, as I continue reading through the series, but it's not a disappointment because I cannot wait to read what will get them to their very well-deserved HEA.
Last but not least, this story contains some of the most beautifully written homoerotic love scenes (not just sex, but love-making) I've had the pleasure to read. The author devised some required aids to be part of the character's physical make-up in a very clever way, allowing the scenes to flow effortlessly. Ah, the beauty of fantasy fiction!
If you want a different take (finally!) on m/m shifter romance, you'll enjoy this series.
February 19, 2010
By no more than 15 pages in, I already knew this was going to be an exceptional read. ML Rhodes possesses the level of writing ability which allows the reader to forget the words before his or her eyes, and instead see the story revealed as one would a movie. With imagination to match writing talent, the story took off with amazingly well-rounded characters that brought out the adventure and excitement of this 'Robin Hood' type tale.
October 28, 2014
Paranormal fantasy at it's finest. Wonderful world-building and suspense kept me on my toes and turning pages. The tension between Keiran and Gaige was palpable and their love story a joy to watch.
This first book in the series had a beautiful ending for our lovers, but it left many things undone in the war of a despotic leader against the draegons, which makes me happy knowing there are several more books to go. Can't wait.
This first book in the series had a beautiful ending for our lovers, but it left many things undone in the war of a despotic leader against the draegons, which makes me happy knowing there are several more books to go. Can't wait.
Want to read
September 2, 2016Dragons...magma cum!
August 14, 2012
The narration is...dry. Rote. The characterization didn't work out either. People don't just do things for no reason and I felt there was way too much emphasis on nature vs. nurture. To avoid getting into a philosophical debate about human psychology (neh, too late for that, maybe), I'll just chalk it up to a dissonance between what we are told and shown. We are told that the MC has a bunch of barriers and whatnot, defenses, reservations, the whole nine yards. What we see is some dude who is altogether too aware of himself at times and at others all too unaware of what he's supposed to be thinking.
Anyway, what little suspense might have actually existed quickly degenerated into melodrama.
Yeah, yeah. We get it.
Gaige seemed awfully a lot like someone who was half-heartedly pretending to care about being "loyal" to Byram instead of someone who was legitimately loyal, if for the wrong reasons (such as conditioning). And the wangst. Oh, the wangst. I started skimming by the time I was only about a third of the way through.
This reads more like PWP but with something that someone could argue was actually plot. And it has me speaking in tropes, but this time in a genuinely head-desk way, not like the couple of other ones I've mentioned, which were usually just amusing the way the author didn't intend.
Anyway, what little suspense might have actually existed quickly degenerated into melodrama.
Yeah, yeah. We get it.
Gaige seemed awfully a lot like someone who was half-heartedly pretending to care about being "loyal" to Byram instead of someone who was legitimately loyal, if for the wrong reasons (such as conditioning). And the wangst. Oh, the wangst. I started skimming by the time I was only about a third of the way through.
This reads more like PWP but with something that someone could argue was actually plot. And it has me speaking in tropes, but this time in a genuinely head-desk way, not like the couple of other ones I've mentioned, which were usually just amusing the way the author didn't intend.
April 10, 2010
This is the first book in the Draegan Lords fantasy series and is a well written and highly entertaining story. Gaige is the Captain of the High Guards to the sorcerer of Velensperia. He's served for many years without questioning his orders and has a rather brutal reputation. When he's ordered to infiltrate a rebel camp in search of the Draegan leader he doesn't hesitate.
But as time passes and he spends time with the rebels he comes to realize that the shapeshifters and the humans living with them are just looking for a better way of life. One person in particular, Keiran, catches his interest. The men become lovers and before long their relationship is based on mutual love and not just physical desire.
When Gaige is reminded who he really is he faces the most difficult decision of his life. When he decides what he needs to do and who he needs to be with unfortunately for him it's too late. His actions lead to pain and suffering for both him and Keiran. But he is given a second chance to be with his lover and he makes the most of it before he does what his conscience tells him is the only thing he can do.
This decision ends up helping a lot of people but the price Gaige pays for it is enormous. Luckily for him Keiran isn't about to lose the man he loves. The ending is very action packed and exciting as they battle the sorcerer and his minions, including Gaige's father. Ultimately there is a HFN ending for the men as they come together and declare their love. They know that there is still a great danger to Draegans and that there is a lot of work to be done but for now they are just happy to be together.
This is a very well written and action packed Fantasy story. I loved both Gaige and Keiran and was completely drawn into their lives and relationship. The world building in this book is detailed enough to create and keep the readers interest but not so much that it takes over the storyline. I loved seeing the changes in Gaige as he realizes that the things he's done in the past while blindly serving his leader were not in the best interest of the people of his land. Once he acknowledges his past mistakes he's free to become his own man, free from the oppressive hold the sorcerer and his father had on him. The development of his relationship with Keiran was wonderful to read and the sex scenes in this story are very hot yet clearly show the growing love between the men.
Aside from the main characters there are numerous well written supporting characters which were great additions to the story. I enjoyed their interaction with Gaige and Keiran, even with the one character who is dead set again Gaige. Overall this was a fantastic beginning to what promises to be an awesome series.
But as time passes and he spends time with the rebels he comes to realize that the shapeshifters and the humans living with them are just looking for a better way of life. One person in particular, Keiran, catches his interest. The men become lovers and before long their relationship is based on mutual love and not just physical desire.
When Gaige is reminded who he really is he faces the most difficult decision of his life. When he decides what he needs to do and who he needs to be with unfortunately for him it's too late. His actions lead to pain and suffering for both him and Keiran. But he is given a second chance to be with his lover and he makes the most of it before he does what his conscience tells him is the only thing he can do.
This decision ends up helping a lot of people but the price Gaige pays for it is enormous. Luckily for him Keiran isn't about to lose the man he loves. The ending is very action packed and exciting as they battle the sorcerer and his minions, including Gaige's father. Ultimately there is a HFN ending for the men as they come together and declare their love. They know that there is still a great danger to Draegans and that there is a lot of work to be done but for now they are just happy to be together.
This is a very well written and action packed Fantasy story. I loved both Gaige and Keiran and was completely drawn into their lives and relationship. The world building in this book is detailed enough to create and keep the readers interest but not so much that it takes over the storyline. I loved seeing the changes in Gaige as he realizes that the things he's done in the past while blindly serving his leader were not in the best interest of the people of his land. Once he acknowledges his past mistakes he's free to become his own man, free from the oppressive hold the sorcerer and his father had on him. The development of his relationship with Keiran was wonderful to read and the sex scenes in this story are very hot yet clearly show the growing love between the men.
Aside from the main characters there are numerous well written supporting characters which were great additions to the story. I enjoyed their interaction with Gaige and Keiran, even with the one character who is dead set again Gaige. Overall this was a fantastic beginning to what promises to be an awesome series.
July 1, 2011
While the story is sappy and predictable, I'm a sucker for tortured heroes ... and well, M.L. Rhodes writes those kinds exceptionally. The internal conflict that Gaige is having, being a spy and a killer, but finds out that he is falling in love with his target, Keiran, is enjoyable to read. I do wish there are scenes of their first meeting.
The love making is hot, the ending is sweet. I love the world presented here ... the jargon/technical term is not as difficult to understand. Maybe because it's a novella?
The love making is hot, the ending is sweet. I love the world presented here ... the jargon/technical term is not as difficult to understand. Maybe because it's a novella?
October 22, 2012
It was an enjoyable read but at times the dialogue felt too cliche and out of place. Also, some actions were at odds with the characterization, like what I knew about the character didn't correspond with his actions. Aside from that, it was a good story and I will read the sequel eventually.
May 29, 2017
Ok so when I first wanted to read this book I quickly found out it was out of print. I've been waiting awhile to get my hands on this one and I have to say I'm glad I finally got to read it. It's a fairly simple fantasy story all told, but still a fun read.
I liked the characters in this story. I liked that Gaige was torn inside over what he was doing and what the best path forward would be. His connection to Keiran was obvious and strong, but his inner conflict was as well. He knew what was asked of him was wrong, but he wasn't sure how to get around it. He's been held under the aegis of a horrible man for so long finding which was is up is difficult. While Keiran has always had to struggle being who and what he is, he's always had the luxury of being free. He controlled his own fate. Gaige has not. He his been under the hand of evil from the minute of his birth and had very little control over anything.
I will definitely be looking to read the next book in the series. There were a lot of things introduced in this story that I am curious about. I want to know more and I look forward to seeing how things develop. There was a lot of teases dropped and I like the idea of where things will go next.
I liked the characters in this story. I liked that Gaige was torn inside over what he was doing and what the best path forward would be. His connection to Keiran was obvious and strong, but his inner conflict was as well. He knew what was asked of him was wrong, but he wasn't sure how to get around it. He's been held under the aegis of a horrible man for so long finding which was is up is difficult. While Keiran has always had to struggle being who and what he is, he's always had the luxury of being free. He controlled his own fate. Gaige has not. He his been under the hand of evil from the minute of his birth and had very little control over anything.
I will definitely be looking to read the next book in the series. There were a lot of things introduced in this story that I am curious about. I want to know more and I look forward to seeing how things develop. There was a lot of teases dropped and I like the idea of where things will go next.
October 31, 2017
sadly too much wrong with it to get more than 2 stars.
this is apparently the improved and expanded version yet it still felt very unfinished. Lots of telling instead of showing. it is insta-lust but even that is not shown. Gaige is ordered to infiltrate the super secret dreagan camp and the very next thing we know he has found it and gotten himself a position guarding the camp. He is talking to Keiran and feeling all sorts of attraction. Apparently this lust has been going on for a while but we the reader get none of it.
Other than the writing style I liked a lot of the story elements. We have sorcery and dragons and fighting evil. All good things. But then we get characters being stupid. One stunning example was I hate character inconsistency. I also don;t like cliffhangers. This was not the worst cliffhanger but if I want to know how it turns out I have to read the next one. Which I probably will.
this is apparently the improved and expanded version yet it still felt very unfinished. Lots of telling instead of showing. it is insta-lust but even that is not shown. Gaige is ordered to infiltrate the super secret dreagan camp and the very next thing we know he has found it and gotten himself a position guarding the camp. He is talking to Keiran and feeling all sorts of attraction. Apparently this lust has been going on for a while but we the reader get none of it.
Other than the writing style I liked a lot of the story elements. We have sorcery and dragons and fighting evil. All good things. But then we get characters being stupid. One stunning example was I hate character inconsistency. I also don;t like cliffhangers. This was not the worst cliffhanger but if I want to know how it turns out I have to read the next one. Which I probably will.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
March 25, 2009Gaige is the Chief Captain of the Guard of the High Sorcerer. He is known as the White Panter, both for his hair colour, white blond, then for the glacial behaviour he has on duty.
And now he is on mission to find and kill the leader of the draegan rebels, a group of dragon shapeshifters. All the draegan were slaughtered by the Sorcerer and his men, and few of them survive.
Keiran, their leader, his young and idealist, and from the very first time he has the chance to be with Gaige he understands that his feeling for Gaige is not only desire, but a primal need... like those he could feel for a soul mate.
Both Gaige and Keiran are strong characters, but Gaige is more tormented, he keeps too many secrets inside, and can't love openly. Instead Keiran, even when discovers the defeat of Gaige, can't stop to love him. And put him in front of his people.
A very enjoyable reading, with the right dose of love and adventure. And I have the feeling that M.L. Rhodes plans to write more of these two...
http://www.amazon.com/dp/160272945X/?...
And now he is on mission to find and kill the leader of the draegan rebels, a group of dragon shapeshifters. All the draegan were slaughtered by the Sorcerer and his men, and few of them survive.
Keiran, their leader, his young and idealist, and from the very first time he has the chance to be with Gaige he understands that his feeling for Gaige is not only desire, but a primal need... like those he could feel for a soul mate.
Both Gaige and Keiran are strong characters, but Gaige is more tormented, he keeps too many secrets inside, and can't love openly. Instead Keiran, even when discovers the defeat of Gaige, can't stop to love him. And put him in front of his people.
A very enjoyable reading, with the right dose of love and adventure. And I have the feeling that M.L. Rhodes plans to write more of these two...
http://www.amazon.com/dp/160272945X/?...
January 7, 2014
The premise was promising, the world building seemed so intriguing...Rebel dragon shifters, anyone???
But. It all just fizzled towards Chapter 2. The writing was dry, with telling rather than showing, with no heart, no depth. Utter waste of time. Finished only because it was short.
But. It all just fizzled towards Chapter 2. The writing was dry, with telling rather than showing, with no heart, no depth. Utter waste of time. Finished only because it was short.
July 19, 2018
It was kind of like stepping into a tepid bath. Nothing really to recommend it. No real fire or edge-of-your-seat plotting. Weak world building, uninteresting characters. It won't be memorable for me.
October 4, 2011
I like dragons
August 5, 2022
really good fantasy romance
This had more depth than I was expecting for a book under 200 pages. I really liked Kieran and Gaige! The story is fairly fast paced with danger and rescues. There is off page torture and implied rape, so be warned, but there is also love and redemption. This is not the end of the story though, so I’m happy to read the rest of the series!!
This had more depth than I was expecting for a book under 200 pages. I really liked Kieran and Gaige! The story is fairly fast paced with danger and rescues. There is off page torture and implied rape, so be warned, but there is also love and redemption. This is not the end of the story though, so I’m happy to read the rest of the series!!
October 19, 2011
Gaige Rizik serves as Captain of the High Guard of the land of Velensperia. The High Sorcerer Byram is battling the draegon rebels and their human supporters who seek an end to Byram's tyranny and the oppression, poverty, and starvation that have come with it. Byram sends Gaige to infiltrate the rebels, hoping he can find the leader and provide information that will finally allow them to end the rebellion.
Gaige has lost his taste for his job and his support for Byram. Yet he knows that to show anything less than perfect allegiance will result in severe punishment, so he accepts the assignment. Soon he has worked his way into the draegan's confidence, earning a place as a guard in one of the camps. However, he never expects to fall in love with Kieran, one of the draegans, and is soon caught between the two worlds. The more Gaige gets to know the draegans, the harder it is to ever imagine betraying them. But he can only stall Byram for so long before he starts to realize Gaige's deception, putting Gaige, the draegans, and innocent villagers at risk.
One of the problems I had with the story is that so much of Kieran and Gaige's relationship develops off page. The first time we see them together, and in fact the first time we meet Keiran at all, they are already deeply attracted and emotionally connected to each other. It has already been weeks of them getting to know each other and forming a bond that we never see. This development all takes place within the timeline of the story (it is not a pre-existing relationship), but we don't get to witness any of it. We just hear afterwards that it all happened and how they feel about each other now.
I really did like Gaige and Keiran as a couple, however. They were super hot together, but also very romantic, especially once they had committed to one another. Their bond was well depicted and I thought their love scenes were really nicely written.
I had a few other quibbles along the way. Some of the language seemed off to me. Although the era of the story isn't spelled out, it is clearly a historical (or at least not real life contemporary) timeframe. Most of the time the language reflected this, but occasionally the men would use expressions like "turned on" or "get laid" or there would be mention of using "lube." These words seemed so modern day world that it took me out of the story to hear these characters use them. I also found myself getting confused at times whose point of view we were getting. Most of the story seems to be told from Gaige's POV, so sometimes when it switched suddenly to Keiran I got momentarily thrown off.
I found the story entertaining, if somewhat predictable. The heroes were very heroic, and the villains very villainous. But I love dragon stories and I thought the scenes of the draegon camp and their lifestyle were really interesting. Keiran is a wonderful leader, dedicated and committed to his people. Rhodes does a good job showing the differences between his rule of the draegans versus Byram's dictatorship. And despite his history of violence while serving Byram, by the time we meet Gaige he has completely changed to someone caring and compassionate who becomes dedicated to the draegan cause.
This book is the first in the Draegan Lords series, and I think the book did a good job leaving room for the sequels while still providing an entertaining and complete story. Unfortunately, it didn't all work for me, but it did leave me curious exactly what Byram is up to and wanting to see our heroes succeed in the draegan's rebellion.
A copy of the full review is available on my blog Joyfully Jay.
Gaige has lost his taste for his job and his support for Byram. Yet he knows that to show anything less than perfect allegiance will result in severe punishment, so he accepts the assignment. Soon he has worked his way into the draegan's confidence, earning a place as a guard in one of the camps. However, he never expects to fall in love with Kieran, one of the draegans, and is soon caught between the two worlds. The more Gaige gets to know the draegans, the harder it is to ever imagine betraying them. But he can only stall Byram for so long before he starts to realize Gaige's deception, putting Gaige, the draegans, and innocent villagers at risk.
One of the problems I had with the story is that so much of Kieran and Gaige's relationship develops off page. The first time we see them together, and in fact the first time we meet Keiran at all, they are already deeply attracted and emotionally connected to each other. It has already been weeks of them getting to know each other and forming a bond that we never see. This development all takes place within the timeline of the story (it is not a pre-existing relationship), but we don't get to witness any of it. We just hear afterwards that it all happened and how they feel about each other now.
I really did like Gaige and Keiran as a couple, however. They were super hot together, but also very romantic, especially once they had committed to one another. Their bond was well depicted and I thought their love scenes were really nicely written.
I had a few other quibbles along the way. Some of the language seemed off to me. Although the era of the story isn't spelled out, it is clearly a historical (or at least not real life contemporary) timeframe. Most of the time the language reflected this, but occasionally the men would use expressions like "turned on" or "get laid" or there would be mention of using "lube." These words seemed so modern day world that it took me out of the story to hear these characters use them. I also found myself getting confused at times whose point of view we were getting. Most of the story seems to be told from Gaige's POV, so sometimes when it switched suddenly to Keiran I got momentarily thrown off.
I found the story entertaining, if somewhat predictable. The heroes were very heroic, and the villains very villainous. But I love dragon stories and I thought the scenes of the draegon camp and their lifestyle were really interesting. Keiran is a wonderful leader, dedicated and committed to his people. Rhodes does a good job showing the differences between his rule of the draegans versus Byram's dictatorship. And despite his history of violence while serving Byram, by the time we meet Gaige he has completely changed to someone caring and compassionate who becomes dedicated to the draegan cause.
This book is the first in the Draegan Lords series, and I think the book did a good job leaving room for the sequels while still providing an entertaining and complete story. Unfortunately, it didn't all work for me, but it did leave me curious exactly what Byram is up to and wanting to see our heroes succeed in the draegan's rebellion.
A copy of the full review is available on my blog Joyfully Jay.
January 29, 2013
3.5 stars rounded up... cos it's about dragons! :P
Parts of this were very much like just a m/m version of Dragon Actually, but given that I thoroughly enjoyed that book, it didn't detract from the story too much.
My favorite thing about this was getting to see the development of the relationship between Gaige and Kieran. And from the reviews I've read of book 2, that just keeps getting better. So, I can't wait!
I loved that we got to head-hop. It was fun to get to see Gaige trying to hide his almost-overwhelming attraction to Kieran, and then get to hop to Kieran's head and see exactly what hes' thinking in return. Not to mention that these two are keeping so many secrets from each other, that we almost needed to head-hop if we were going to have even a semblance of an idea what was going on...
Gaige was a fascinating character. He had me 100% on his side right from the start. That being said, he began to frustrate me with how wishy-washy he was being. It seemed obvious, to me as the reader anyway, what he should choose, and I thought it seemed obvious a few times what he'd decided to choose. But then we'd be back in his head and he'd be all torn up again about what to do. That got a little old.
And Kieran... /happy sigh. He was lovely. A kind, brave, noble, intelligent leader who listens to his people and tries to treat everyone with respect. Not to mention totally hot! And completely in love with Gaige even before he himself knew it. A wonderful, delightful character that I can't wait to get to spend more time with and get to know better!
My only real complaint, I think, is that the threats from the head-mage leader guy and Gaige's internal struggles over what to do went on a little too long. I felt like I could have done with maybe one less round of threats and indecision.
Still very fun. I'm excited for #2!
Only one favorite quote:
"Gaige, there will always be people who don't understand. No society is perfect. But that can't stop us, any of us as beings, from doing what our hearts tell us is right."
Parts of this were very much like just a m/m version of Dragon Actually, but given that I thoroughly enjoyed that book, it didn't detract from the story too much.
My favorite thing about this was getting to see the development of the relationship between Gaige and Kieran. And from the reviews I've read of book 2, that just keeps getting better. So, I can't wait!
I loved that we got to head-hop. It was fun to get to see Gaige trying to hide his almost-overwhelming attraction to Kieran, and then get to hop to Kieran's head and see exactly what hes' thinking in return. Not to mention that these two are keeping so many secrets from each other, that we almost needed to head-hop if we were going to have even a semblance of an idea what was going on...
Gaige was a fascinating character. He had me 100% on his side right from the start. That being said, he began to frustrate me with how wishy-washy he was being. It seemed obvious, to me as the reader anyway, what he should choose, and I thought it seemed obvious a few times what he'd decided to choose. But then we'd be back in his head and he'd be all torn up again about what to do. That got a little old.
And Kieran... /happy sigh. He was lovely. A kind, brave, noble, intelligent leader who listens to his people and tries to treat everyone with respect. Not to mention totally hot! And completely in love with Gaige even before he himself knew it. A wonderful, delightful character that I can't wait to get to spend more time with and get to know better!
My only real complaint, I think, is that the threats from the head-mage leader guy and Gaige's internal struggles over what to do went on a little too long. I felt like I could have done with maybe one less round of threats and indecision.
Still very fun. I'm excited for #2!
Only one favorite quote:
"Gaige, there will always be people who don't understand. No society is perfect. But that can't stop us, any of us as beings, from doing what our hearts tell us is right."
October 22, 2011
★★★★☆ (4.5 stars)
A very good to excellent fantasy M/M romance novel that hooked me from the first few pages right through to the end.
Gaige, troop leader to the sorcerer Byram, has received new orders from the sorcerer. Byram has learned that humans were now allying themselves with Draegans, his enemies for the past century. Furious at the betrayal, Byram orders Gaige to infiltrate the enemy camp; to learn the layout of the camp, the future plans of the Draegans, and finally, to identify and assassinate the Dragan leader.
However, when Gaige succeeds in the first step and becomes a guardsman within the camp, he discovers that life is very different under the Draegans leadership than he is used to. There is a sense of freedom and caring for others that he has not seen under Byram's rule. Almost unwillingly, he quickly makes friends amongst the people within the camp, Draegan and human alike. He particularly has come to like Kieran, a fellow guardsman, to whom he was attracted to from their first meeting. Gaige's sense of friendship and liking of the people around him is at war with his sense of duty. The rebels are nothing like he has been led to believe so he struggles with the choice before him... But then the choice is removed and Gaige may be forced to sacrifice everything.
I really liked the characterization in this novel, the bad guys are really horrible, while the good guys are flawed but commit to doing the right thing for those around them. There are a few scenes that made me wince but they only added depth to this story. The twists and turns within the plot were fairly predictable although they were handled so deftly that the predictability didn't really matter. I enjoyed this novel and would recommend it to those who enjoy the fantasy genre as a light but satisfying read.
A very good to excellent fantasy M/M romance novel that hooked me from the first few pages right through to the end.
Gaige, troop leader to the sorcerer Byram, has received new orders from the sorcerer. Byram has learned that humans were now allying themselves with Draegans, his enemies for the past century. Furious at the betrayal, Byram orders Gaige to infiltrate the enemy camp; to learn the layout of the camp, the future plans of the Draegans, and finally, to identify and assassinate the Dragan leader.
However, when Gaige succeeds in the first step and becomes a guardsman within the camp, he discovers that life is very different under the Draegans leadership than he is used to. There is a sense of freedom and caring for others that he has not seen under Byram's rule. Almost unwillingly, he quickly makes friends amongst the people within the camp, Draegan and human alike. He particularly has come to like Kieran, a fellow guardsman, to whom he was attracted to from their first meeting. Gaige's sense of friendship and liking of the people around him is at war with his sense of duty. The rebels are nothing like he has been led to believe so he struggles with the choice before him... But then the choice is removed and Gaige may be forced to sacrifice everything.
I really liked the characterization in this novel, the bad guys are really horrible, while the good guys are flawed but commit to doing the right thing for those around them. There are a few scenes that made me wince but they only added depth to this story. The twists and turns within the plot were fairly predictable although they were handled so deftly that the predictability didn't really matter. I enjoyed this novel and would recommend it to those who enjoy the fantasy genre as a light but satisfying read.
January 3, 2012
For a century war has reigned between the Draegans and the High Socerer and evil dictator Byram. The shape-shifting draegans were hunted to near extinction but a small band of those that remain are joining with disgruntled humans to fight.
Gaige is passionate, kind, loyal and strong but he's managed to hide it all behind cold ruthlessness as he performs his duties for the High Sorcerer. The draegan rebels are gaining strength and Gaige is charged with infiltrating their camp, discovering their secrets, and finding their leader.
It takes a few weeks for Gaige to find the main draegan camp and become a part of it but it takes even less time for him to discover they are not the monsters he was expecting and he has no desire to betray them. Particularly since meeting Kieran, the fierce and compassionate draegan leader. As time ticks by Gaige knows his options are limited, betray the draegans he has come to love and respect or turn his back on a cunning and brutal sorcerer and risk his wrath and revenge.
Overall this book was nice. The writing flowed well and the main characters were definitely likeable. In terms of story it's pretty basic and therefore gets my average 3 stars. As far as complaints I would have to say that it's a fairly short read and as such the depth of the world, characters and plots suffer. For example, Gaige was sent off to discover the draegan camp at the end of one chapter and at the beginning of the next chapter it was 2 weeks later and he was already in the main camp with very little details of how he got there, who he met and what he learned along the way. I'm a details person myself and I would really have liked to have more about the world, the magic, the people, etc. I'm hoping to get some filler from the next one and plan to continue reading!!
Gaige is passionate, kind, loyal and strong but he's managed to hide it all behind cold ruthlessness as he performs his duties for the High Sorcerer. The draegan rebels are gaining strength and Gaige is charged with infiltrating their camp, discovering their secrets, and finding their leader.
It takes a few weeks for Gaige to find the main draegan camp and become a part of it but it takes even less time for him to discover they are not the monsters he was expecting and he has no desire to betray them. Particularly since meeting Kieran, the fierce and compassionate draegan leader. As time ticks by Gaige knows his options are limited, betray the draegans he has come to love and respect or turn his back on a cunning and brutal sorcerer and risk his wrath and revenge.
Overall this book was nice. The writing flowed well and the main characters were definitely likeable. In terms of story it's pretty basic and therefore gets my average 3 stars. As far as complaints I would have to say that it's a fairly short read and as such the depth of the world, characters and plots suffer. For example, Gaige was sent off to discover the draegan camp at the end of one chapter and at the beginning of the next chapter it was 2 weeks later and he was already in the main camp with very little details of how he got there, who he met and what he learned along the way. I'm a details person myself and I would really have liked to have more about the world, the magic, the people, etc. I'm hoping to get some filler from the next one and plan to continue reading!!
May 28, 2017
Evil wizard vs. Rebel dragon shifters.
I mostly enjoyed this book. Insta-love alert!
The plot:
Draconian wizard has been ruling and terrorizing the land for over 100 years. He has been killing off dragon shifters and seeks to kill their rebel leader by infiltrating his camp. Gaige, the white Panther, is sent on the mission. He finds the camp and realizes that draegans are not the bad guys. Where will his loyalties lie? Will he give up he rebel leader or turn traitor to the wizard? Aside from the insta-love, insta-mate I liked the conflict set up in this book.
The characters:
Keiran, the draegan leader, was likeable, although kinda perfect with no real flaws that I could see. Gaige, the infiltrator to the rebel camp, was a little more complex, but not by much. Still, I liked them together even if they got very mushy and lovey. Secondary characters were very one-dimensional. Hopefully, the characters will show more depth in the next book.
The writing:
This part fell flat for me. There was a lot of telling in the beginning of the book, which didn't leave a lot of room for discovery as the story progressed. Also, we took big jumps in time which didn't allow us to see a character's journey/arc.
The Heat:
These guys couldn't keep their hands off each other and were pretty hot together. Fun fact: draegan's have self-lubricating members (when wet). How handy is that?
Triggers:
Lead up to torture scene. Description of the aftermath of the scene.
Overall:
I'm intrigued enough to want to read the next book. I just won't expect a 4 star read and I'll be a-okay with it.
I mostly enjoyed this book. Insta-love alert!
The plot:
Draconian wizard has been ruling and terrorizing the land for over 100 years. He has been killing off dragon shifters and seeks to kill their rebel leader by infiltrating his camp. Gaige, the white Panther, is sent on the mission. He finds the camp and realizes that draegans are not the bad guys. Where will his loyalties lie? Will he give up he rebel leader or turn traitor to the wizard? Aside from the insta-love, insta-mate I liked the conflict set up in this book.
The characters:
Keiran, the draegan leader, was likeable, although kinda perfect with no real flaws that I could see. Gaige, the infiltrator to the rebel camp, was a little more complex, but not by much. Still, I liked them together even if they got very mushy and lovey. Secondary characters were very one-dimensional. Hopefully, the characters will show more depth in the next book.
The writing:
This part fell flat for me. There was a lot of telling in the beginning of the book, which didn't leave a lot of room for discovery as the story progressed. Also, we took big jumps in time which didn't allow us to see a character's journey/arc.
The Heat:
These guys couldn't keep their hands off each other and were pretty hot together. Fun fact: draegan's have self-lubricating members (when wet). How handy is that?
Triggers:
Lead up to torture scene. Description of the aftermath of the scene.
Overall:
I'm intrigued enough to want to read the next book. I just won't expect a 4 star read and I'll be a-okay with it.
April 26, 2011
01/18/13: Revised rating after a couple of years of reading m/m: from 4 to 3.
This was a very enjoyable book and the first book with a dragon I've read.
Gaige and Keiran are very good characters. I liked that at the beginning Gaige was oblivious of Keiran's identity, but he was captivated by the qualities as a leader that Keiran couldn't suppress. There is an incredible physical attraction between them. Since I love anticipation, I thought that it came a bit too early in the book, but it's also true that Gaige had been in the camp for a few weeks before he and Keiran acted on their attraction.
There are a couple of things that didn't really convince me. Gaige is undercover in the Draegan camp. He is presented to us as a man with the fame of a ruthless warrior and he tells many times that he is an extension of the High Sorcerer's power, since he is the captain of the guards. His more compassionate side is shown many times, but I think that his leading qualities were not shown enough. His strength didn't come out enough and I would have loved that the conflict in his loyalties had also become a conflict in his personality, in the process of shedding his brutal past.
I also must confess that although I love tenderness, the dialogue at the end of the book was a bit stilted and stereotyped. It was like the author had run out of space and the Love words, the Hurt/Comfort words, the Mate things, etc. were too compressed. The characters are deeper than that, they could do much better in my opinion.
I am definitely going to read the sequel.
This was a very enjoyable book and the first book with a dragon I've read.
Gaige and Keiran are very good characters. I liked that at the beginning Gaige was oblivious of Keiran's identity, but he was captivated by the qualities as a leader that Keiran couldn't suppress. There is an incredible physical attraction between them. Since I love anticipation, I thought that it came a bit too early in the book, but it's also true that Gaige had been in the camp for a few weeks before he and Keiran acted on their attraction.
There are a couple of things that didn't really convince me. Gaige is undercover in the Draegan camp. He is presented to us as a man with the fame of a ruthless warrior and he tells many times that he is an extension of the High Sorcerer's power, since he is the captain of the guards. His more compassionate side is shown many times, but I think that his leading qualities were not shown enough. His strength didn't come out enough and I would have loved that the conflict in his loyalties had also become a conflict in his personality, in the process of shedding his brutal past.
I also must confess that although I love tenderness, the dialogue at the end of the book was a bit stilted and stereotyped. It was like the author had run out of space and the Love words, the Hurt/Comfort words, the Mate things, etc. were too compressed. The characters are deeper than that, they could do much better in my opinion.
I am definitely going to read the sequel.
September 25, 2013
Main Characters: Gaige Rizik (aka White Panther) & Keiran (misspelt "Kieran" a couple of times aka Hareldson)
Key Themes: Soulmates, War
MM romance between a human and a dragon shifter.
Gaige is human and Captain of the High Guard of a realm ruled by a sadistic and evil sorcerer. Gaige is sent to infiltrate a band of rebel dragon shifters. Keiran is the rebel leader. Once Gaige infiltrates the rebels, it soon becomes obvious to him that Keiran is a compassionate and fair leader, providing hands-on leadership, and not the type of tyrannical leadership Gaige had experienced all his life.
The story pretty much follows the expected path, with Gaige falling for Keiran, than having his true identity uncovered and eventually defecting to join the rebels.
My main issue with the story was how little actual shifting took place. I know the shifters were at war and could not shift willy nilly but it almost seemed pointless that Keiran was a shifter because he spent most of his time in human form.
This is apparently the first of a series, but since I did not particularly enjoy this story, I have no plans to read any of the follow on books.
I felt the premise of the story was great, but I was disappointed in the execution.
Key Themes: Soulmates, War
MM romance between a human and a dragon shifter.
Gaige is human and Captain of the High Guard of a realm ruled by a sadistic and evil sorcerer. Gaige is sent to infiltrate a band of rebel dragon shifters. Keiran is the rebel leader. Once Gaige infiltrates the rebels, it soon becomes obvious to him that Keiran is a compassionate and fair leader, providing hands-on leadership, and not the type of tyrannical leadership Gaige had experienced all his life.
The story pretty much follows the expected path, with Gaige falling for Keiran, than having his true identity uncovered and eventually defecting to join the rebels.
My main issue with the story was how little actual shifting took place. I know the shifters were at war and could not shift willy nilly but it almost seemed pointless that Keiran was a shifter because he spent most of his time in human form.
This is apparently the first of a series, but since I did not particularly enjoy this story, I have no plans to read any of the follow on books.
I felt the premise of the story was great, but I was disappointed in the execution.
July 20, 2014
For some reason, I kept putting this book off. It wasn’t that it didn’t start good or anything. I love dragons and read what the book was about. It intrigued me. I really can’t even explain why it took me so long. Right now, I am wishing it hadn’t though. I’ve been missing a great series that has been on my “to read” list for a while. So, I am kicking myself as I write this.
Basically, the book is about Draegans that are being hunted down and destroyed. There is a sorcerer that can’t stand them and has spread all kinds of tales. So, you have the high general sent out to infiltrate the band of Draegans. He is to find the leader and location and send the information to the sorcerer. Nothing goes as planned though. Okay, I’m not going to say why things didn’t go as planned. You have to read to find out.
Other than kicking myself right now, I am getting ready to start reading the next book in the series. I have to find out what happened. This is definitely a series you will want to read in order. I just want to know that the sorcerer is defeated. I really don’t like that guy. So, I’m off to read.
Basically, the book is about Draegans that are being hunted down and destroyed. There is a sorcerer that can’t stand them and has spread all kinds of tales. So, you have the high general sent out to infiltrate the band of Draegans. He is to find the leader and location and send the information to the sorcerer. Nothing goes as planned though. Okay, I’m not going to say why things didn’t go as planned. You have to read to find out.
Other than kicking myself right now, I am getting ready to start reading the next book in the series. I have to find out what happened. This is definitely a series you will want to read in order. I just want to know that the sorcerer is defeated. I really don’t like that guy. So, I’m off to read.
September 21, 2013
3-3.5stars
This was a very good book.
Gaige is a human and enforcer for a powerful and evil sorcerer. He was raised to be obediant and never question orders. The sorcerer sends him to infiltrate the Draegan rebels who have been persecuted for hundreds of years. However, Gaige has secretly been questioning the sorcerers motives and brutality. He finds a people who are the opposite of everything he has been taught. Keiran is the dragaen leader. Gaige and Keiran meet while on watch and well ....sex and fighting and kidnapping and stuff happens then!
I would like to have seen more build up to Gaige and Keiran being together. The story is short but is followed up with several books, so if I had the time right now I would probably fly through the rest ....which could possibly result in an overall higher rating. I really liked the turmoil that Gaige went through trying to deicide if he could betray the sorcerer. I did feel the connection between Gaige and Keiran. Near the end some of the wording was hokey...you know when they fall into all the "my beloved's" and such.
Overall a good read.
This was a very good book.
Gaige is a human and enforcer for a powerful and evil sorcerer. He was raised to be obediant and never question orders. The sorcerer sends him to infiltrate the Draegan rebels who have been persecuted for hundreds of years. However, Gaige has secretly been questioning the sorcerers motives and brutality. He finds a people who are the opposite of everything he has been taught. Keiran is the dragaen leader. Gaige and Keiran meet while on watch and well ....sex and fighting and kidnapping and stuff happens then!
I would like to have seen more build up to Gaige and Keiran being together. The story is short but is followed up with several books, so if I had the time right now I would probably fly through the rest ....which could possibly result in an overall higher rating. I really liked the turmoil that Gaige went through trying to deicide if he could betray the sorcerer. I did feel the connection between Gaige and Keiran. Near the end some of the wording was hokey...you know when they fall into all the "my beloved's" and such.
Overall a good read.
May 14, 2014
I feel like I should probably give it 4 stars...but I want to give it 5, so screw off, niggling doubts and uncertainty!
I loved this book, and I don't even know 100% why, but it had action, dragons, a love I could see coming a mile off, some predictability, but then some things towards the end that I didn't think would pan out like they did; so some good and some bad, but all in all, it was very enjoyable, quick-paced, and a bundle of fun to read.
I love, and was totally in the mood for, this type of world--the medieval, supernatural type--populated with strong, powerful, good men and written into a good plot (with good villains), so this was a perfect read for me yesterday, and it worked for me big time :)
Looking forward to book 2. I know which draegan is about to turn bad!
I loved this book, and I don't even know 100% why, but it had action, dragons, a love I could see coming a mile off, some predictability, but then some things towards the end that I didn't think would pan out like they did; so some good and some bad, but all in all, it was very enjoyable, quick-paced, and a bundle of fun to read.
I love, and was totally in the mood for, this type of world--the medieval, supernatural type--populated with strong, powerful, good men and written into a good plot (with good villains), so this was a perfect read for me yesterday, and it worked for me big time :)
Looking forward to book 2. I know which draegan is about to turn bad!
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