Dragon Blooded

A Thunder of Dragons #1

by Emma Alisyn, Naima Solis

A ruthless dragon lord who destroyed Chicago. A woman desperate to end his reign of fire.

A thousand years of sleep. Before that, a thousand years waiting.

But when Alanna walks into dragon shifter Kaspien’s night club, he knows his sentence is over. He’ll claim his mate—even though she’s his assassin.

Alanna didn’t expect Kaspien’s charismatic pull to hit her like a punch in the gut. She came to kill him, but wound up in his arms. . .

. . .and blooded by his talons.

He says she's his mate.

But how can the ultimate predator forgive the ultimate betrayal?

Her only choice is to run, and hope the dragon in front of her doesn’t kill her before the enemy behind her does.

Dragon Blooded is a steamy, high action fated mates enemies-to-lovers romance. This standalone is first in the Thunder of Dragons series.

Genres: Dragons, Romance, Shapeshifters, Fantasy, Paranormal Urban Fantasy

Kindle Edition

Published July 24, 2021

About the author

Emma is a Black/white Muslim American mom of five, ages 6-22, in her mid-forties just trying to live her best life…which usually includes coffee, wine, and an unfortunate habit of one-clicking any pretty special edition that winds up in her feed. (If you DM it, she will come.)

She likes K-pop (#army, #moa) cultivation dramas (Till the End of the Moon,) precioussss silence, and collects more makeup than she uses.

She bends knee to Michelle Sagara West, Anne Bishop, N.K. Jemisin, Grace Draven, J.D. Robb, and Nalini Singh—a nod to Sanderson, Goodkind, Eddings, McCaffrey, and McKinley.

If you are looking for romantic epic fantasy set in complex, diverse, sex positive worlds with morally gray societies, powerful anti-heroes with THAD energy, multi-racial heroines at least 35—if not 350—coming into power, and a central theme of family, both dysfunctional and supportive, then you will binge her stories..

Reviews

[Laurine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately this book can be judged by its cover. There were some good ideas but they weren’t explored, which made the book all the more cliché. At least it was a fun read

[Alexandrine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read better things on Wattpad

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writing and editing of the ARC version of the manuscript was clean, with no typos that I found and well constructed sentences. The world building was vivid, with the culture of the dragons and the human resistance coming to life. The characterization was great, with the heroine being badass and deeply sympathetic. The hero was deliciously alpha, the way a dragon hero in a romance novel should be. The development of the romantic relationship was great, with sizzling chemistry between these two. The heat level was three chili peppers. The plot was exciting and full of danger and action. As a consequence, the pacing was very quick. This novel contained low angst and high stakes throughout, which tends to be one of my preferred narrative structures for a romance novel. This novel used the Enemies to Lovers trope and the Fated Mates trope. The world building, plot, and pacing were all four stars. The characterization and development of the romantic relationship were also four stars. I therefore gave this novel a combined rating of four stars. This novel had a Happy Ever After ending instead of a cliffhanger ending, so that was a big plus. I recommend this novel to readers who enjoy great world building and alpha heroes in their paranormal romance novels. I look forward to reading the next book in this series when it releases. I plan to buy myself a keeper copy of this novel.

I received a free advance review copy of this book, and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Erin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Apparently this was a recently reviewed version of the story… honestly I don’t see it.

1. The story makes no sense. The character flip flop on their stances. And the ‘negotiations’ happen during sex? Like is that really the best time?

Also 1.5. Why was there so much emphasis on the sex? I mean yeah a dragon mating story but they didn’t even get a ‘get to know you’ period. It was just a flash of memory then ‘oh I guess that’s that then, lets have grossly described sex for two-three chapters’

2. Spelling/tense mistakes and obvious autocorrect issues

3. Characters that disappear within a paragraph

4. Both side of this ‘Battle’ suck and are in the wrong. In fact the Dragons by comparison look like the undisputed ‘good guys’

5. An obviously and typically Hollywood American view on ‘shoot first ask questions later’. I mean do they ALL have to just be angry and emotional with no room for ‘hey maybe we should assess the situation before firing?’
Like basically no one was like ‘eh dragon rule is better than the shit storm our city was before’.
Like negotiating with the dragons was NEVER an option to them. They kept saying ‘we don’t negotiate with terrorists’ and then proceeded to blow up a new business the dragons had funded to be built. Buddy who’s the Real Terrorist here?

6. An almost complete lack of character self-awareness. It was annoying to see a character realise something and then quickly revert back to pervious though process.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kaspian and Alanna's Story . . .

This is a fast-paced story to pull the reader in immediately. After 1,000 years sleeping, and 1,000 years of waiting before that, 13 dragons have taken over major cities around the world to find their mates. An assassin is sent to Chicago by the rebels to destroy Kaspian, but Alanna finds herself powerfully drawn to her target.

Kaspian sees Alanna as soon as she walks through the door of his club. Before she can make a move to kill him, the dragon cuts her with his claws and her blood scent lets him know she is his mate. He claims her right there on his desk! What will her dragon mate do with her now? Will the rebels come after her for not completing her job? Can she escape by running? Or is it too late for her to save herself? And will they continue to come after him? Her only choice is to run, and hope the dragon in front of her doesn’t kill her.

[Cheyenne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Normally I don't like books that have steamy sex scenes, however the ones in this book set the tone for the depth of the bond between the two main characters. The female lead goes as a virgin sacrifice to assassinate the leader of the dragon brothers that have awakened after a 1,000 year slumber and conquered, if not the world, all of Chicago. The leader of the dragons takes the bait and her flower and as she tries to kill him he discovers that she is his fated mate. She flees from the dragon's apartment to a safe house of the rebellion and gradually accepts over the time that she can't live without the dragon she was sent to kill, but she's torn between killing him to save her sister from her brother and letting him live to be her husband. Eventually the female lead, her sister, and her dragon mate are safe at the dragon's estate. It's really quite the interesting tale.

[Melanie S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Between a bully and a dragon

Alanna is active Chicago's underground anti/dragon rebellion, which is lead by her gang-banger bully of a brother. He's holding their little sister hostage to force Alanna to assassinate Kaspien, the dragon king. It's certain death for her, but worth it to save her sister. Things don't go to plan: when she turns out to be Kaspien's mate, she's forced to find another way to save her sister, herself, and achieve the rebellion's goals. It's impossible, but love may make it happen - if she can survive. I loved this dystopian dragon romance for the hot alpha dragon Kaspien, the incredibly gutsy, politically savvy Alanna, the fine world-building, and the smoking hot love scenes. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s a lot about this book that reminds me of my favorite things about the Dragon, Stone & Steam series. A strong, feisty woman who wants no part of being a dragon’s mate? Check. A dragon who’s as enamored with her warrior spirit as he is with everything else about her? Check. A twisty political thriller hiding behind the paranormal romance? Double check. Alanna and Kaspien’s story has set something in motion that I badly want to learn more about. The fact that it will let me spend more time with a bunch of handsome dragons, is simply icing on the cake. I can’t wait to read more in this series now.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I immediately got sucked into the story. I had conflicting emotions about the dragons and their tactics and about the rebellion fighting them. I could see things from both their viewpoints. My hope is that Alanna and Kaspien will be able to help bring peace. Although they get their HEA, war is brewing so until the next book we don't know what will occur. I would like to see Laurel end up as a mate too. If I got my way, she would be matched to Leif but until the other books are released we won't know.

[Lory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting and entertaining read. I low key liked the aggressiveness between Alanna and Kaspien it was like watching some steamy foreplay. But I also had conflicting emotions about the dragons and their tactics towards the rebellion. But also had the same feeling in regard to the rebellion trying to fighting and kill the dragons. Overall enjoyable read looking forward to the next book in the series. I received a free copy via Booksprout and as always my reviews are totally voluntarily and no monetary compensation was received and the opinions I have expressed is completely my own.

[Andi Downs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read! Loved Kaspien, one strong and loving dragon, in his way. Alanna meets him at his club but things don't go as planned. While having sex, she is revealed to be his mate! It is one hell of a ride through this book and filled with snippets of humour. Both main characters are strong and very determined. There are bad guys and one seriously, sick of the mind, brother! I suspect that Leif and Laurel may have a story? I certainly hope so. However, whoever will become the mate for Sethos, has to be one tough lady! :) Can't wait for more!

[Kiranna Travellyn]

Wow. That was actually amazing, the storyline itself was so exciting. I loved the slightly Snarky and aggressiveness between Alanna and Kaspien, their back and forth banter was so much fun. The characters were very different and interesting, even those that weren't main characters. I found them all fascinating, Gregory made me want to hit something. Brothers... I can't wait for the second book, or at least it gives the impression more is coming. God I hope so, this book is a must read.

[Marta Cox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two and a half
I'm increasingly realising that this author is hit and miss for me. I have read a Fae book by her which was ok although not exactly right for me but had a beautiful cover. More recently I truly enjoyed an Orc story which I rated highly. This is just too much sex, very confused at times and honestly I really don't like the cover. The good thing is that its quick to read so for me sadly that was a plus.

[Michelle Fortune · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and cannot wait for more set in this world. I was immediately enthralled with all of the characters and think that this is an interesting concept. I loved all of the brothers and some of the other side characters are interesting in their own right.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shannon Risdon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enemies to lovers...extreme!!

Oh boy...the journey to romance is an interesting journey for these two...with her trying to kill him the first time they meet!! Dragons and human mates in unexpected joinings...for both human and dragon...but can they get past being on different sides mmm well, it does have kind of a HEA (for now) but the rest of the series will tell us more!

[Jennine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked Alanna, she quickly gained my sympathy and support. At the same time leader of the dragon thirteen Kaspien had my hope to find his mate. I mean who wants a dragon to die? Not me! Recommended series
Sexually explicit

[P · Rating 5 out of 5]

****Dragon Blooded (ARC) by Emma Alisyn: Entertaining and hot!
Loved this story! Good storyline, good pace, relatable characters and awesome chemistry!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dragons have taken over major cities around the world and plan to find their mates. Alanna meets Kaspien at his club but things sure don't go as planned. I liked Alanna, and really enjoyed the book. I can't wait to see how the others find their mates.

[Jeletta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read!

I enjoyed this story and the characters. It was a good amount of suspense and intrigue. The characters aren't inherently likable but it's a great set up for the series and very steamy!. I recommend the read.

[Tina Odom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dystopian Romance? I think so!

The plot: 13 dragon shifters take over Chicago to find their mates, and gangs try to keep them from it.
There is just enough romance and action in this story to get you hooked! I can't wait to start the next in the series!

[Blue · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5
Could’ve been really good without plot holes.

[Beatrice Gleaves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally entertaining

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Thunder of Dragons.

I thoughly enjoyed reading the 1st book of ( A Thunder of Dragons). It kept you guessing who was going to do what next. Thank you.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dragon Blooded

Wow!!! What a gr8 story. I truly enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading the next. I recommend this read. 5 Thumbs up

[CHARLIE BARE · Rating 4 out of 5]

KEEPS YOU GUESSING

This story keeps you wondering what’s going to happen next. A good read even though it’s a bit heavy with the sexual content.

[Michelle Promotion's for Indie Author's csmindiepr · Rating 5 out of 5]

An extremely well written and organised storyline.
Sometimes, it's so easy to believe what's written on the pages, and "Dragon Blooded" is one such time.
The world that Alanna is living in is where suddenly Dragon's have risen after a thousand years of sleep and resting because madness was taking them due to not finding their individual mates, to give both the world and themselves a chance they allowed themselves to be drawn into a healing long term sleep, hoping they will finally find their mates and destiny has a chance to work her magic.
Alanna has little to no choice, she is in no position to argue especially when her brother who leads one of the resistant teams, is fearful she is becoming to popular, her life is at risk along with her sister she has to do whatever it takes to kill Kaspien the first born dragon and leader of their.
So expecting to die, Alanna attempts something she really doesn't believe will happen, to kill Kaspien, only to find out she has far more control of him than she could ever hope for.
Is this going to be a game changer, will Geophry believe and trust her, can she hope that she and her sister will be able to try and live somewhat of a semblance of normal, given the situation.
Never mind the huge attraction she found between herself and Kaspien, he is the enemy, if only these Dragon's could let go of some of their most feudal aristocratic attitudes then maybe they could all find themselves working on the same page.
The one thing that keeps every species flourishing is finding someone to love and produce children with, knowing that their child helps with the continuation of the species, but this applies even more so with the Dragon's simply because a species such as theirs holds magic and cannot be cloned or copied, so can Alanna keep Kaspien from destroying everything she holds dear, or will she and her town find themselves having to consider burrowing to live below the surface to avoid the Dragon's wrath and madness.
Honestly, if Dragon shifters are one of your favourite genres, then do not bypass this book. You will find yourself instantly intrigued, thirteen Dragon's,!!
WOW, are there enough women to handle these big naughty boys? Grab a copy to find out today.

[Laure · Rating 4 out of 5]

The dragons awakened after a thousand years and the world was thrown into chaos. In Chicago, after the Thunder of dragons led by Kaspien nearly destroyed it the city has settled into an uneasy ceasefire. Alanna doesn't want to be going into the nightclub where the thirteen dragons hold reign, but if she wants to save her sister from the rebel leader she has no choice but to kill Kaspien. She knows his bother working behind the bar is a dragon, yet she doesn't act afraid, that gets his, and his dragon's attention. There is nothing that could have prepared Kaspien for finding his mate, a woman who wants him dead, but he will track her to the ends of the earth if necessary when she runs away from him.
I really liked these characters, they're unique and well written in my opinion. Sizzling hot interactions between the Alanna and Kaspien, some action, and unexpected twists in the plot kept me reading from the first page to the last. I couldn't put this book down and look forward to reading more of this series.
I can honestly say that I enjoyed the "extended" version of this book even more that the short version. It's even more exciting, has a lot more action, and it gives a more complete accounting of events. There are more of the interactions between Alanna and Kaspien and give a much better overview of the reactions, and actions, of the characters in this book.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Generously giving this 3 stars.
There were several times that I wanted to quit the book, it wasn't quite as bad as some other books I've read, so I kept going. I felt like I was missing a prequel or maybe that this was split from another series, I didn't care enough to look into it though. I think this could be considered a stand-alone in the series, as the couple work thru things & end with the mate bond by the end. There's a definite gap in the world building. I really didn't understand a lot of the dragon lore, or why they had to get human mates, or why they were so violent when they first came causing such a rift between them & humans, or a lot of other things that would have been in the world building. I also felt the character development was not great, I really didn't know the characters any better at the end than I did at the beginning, not even enough to like or dislike them, especially the dragon(s). The mate bond is definitely used, otherwise I'm not sure I felt the connection between the main characters without it. I felt the set up for the other 12 dragons to find mates in their own books, but I just didn't care overall to want to read more in this series.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the original Dragon Blooded short story and was very happy to see that Emma decided to make it a full novel. This gave her a chance to add some detail to the world-building and to make the story a little more complex. I am going to repeat some of my original review as it is still applicable without any spoilers.

A dragon Thunder has taken over the city of Chicago and the dragon shifters need to find their mates like yesterday. The humans are not all just laying down and taking the demand that all the human woman of age be brought to them so they can test for any mate. Some of the population has formed a resistance, but it is not a very successful one since shooting a dragon just pisses it off. Alanna's brother is part of one of these cells and he is holding a threat over Alanna to force her to seduce and assassinate the leader of the Thunder, Kaspien. Unfortunately for him, there will be a little wrench thrown into the works. The first dragon mate has been found.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a NON-SPOILER REVIEW of Dragon Blooded by Emma Alisyn and Naomi Solis. This is the first book in her new series, A Thunder of Dragons. This is a quick read that introduces you to premise of thirteen dragons searching for their mates in the city of Chicago. Despite being a series, this book has resolution and an HEA (thank goodness, no cliffhangers here!), so it is basically a stand alone style read. It remains to be seen if there will be an element that weaves all the stories together. Emma Alisyn is a talented writer that generally provides characters with a lot of depth and immersive world building. The story telling was good, but the story was too short to provide a clear picture of the setting. Kaspien is a hunky dragon shifter hero and Alanna is a snarky and human heroine. There is some heat, so Mature Readers Only Please.

This honest and voluntary review was made possible by reading a copy through Booksprout.