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Dragonhearted
Dragons are extinct and with them the Dragon Knights of Calagon. After generations of brutal war, a rocky peace now exists between the kingdom of Calagon and Alharzat, a nation ruled by a cruel warlord thirsting for vengeance.
Determined to evade a fate of being married to the highest bidder, Torliana’s years of searching the skies are fulfilled as a pair of yearling dragons emerge from the Ruaidhri Mountains. Tori, along with her friend, Prince Crispin, form bonds with the young dragons and set themselves to restoring the once-mighty order of Dragon Knights. Torn between her father’s desire to shackle her to the ambitious whims of a nobleman and the yearning of her own heart, Tori strives to find her purpose.
As word of their discovery spreads to Alharzat, and faced with a bitter betrayal, nothing can prepare Tori for the truth behind the legends, or the lengths she will have to go to in order to save what she holds most dear.
Determined to evade a fate of being married to the highest bidder, Torliana’s years of searching the skies are fulfilled as a pair of yearling dragons emerge from the Ruaidhri Mountains. Tori, along with her friend, Prince Crispin, form bonds with the young dragons and set themselves to restoring the once-mighty order of Dragon Knights. Torn between her father’s desire to shackle her to the ambitious whims of a nobleman and the yearning of her own heart, Tori strives to find her purpose.
As word of their discovery spreads to Alharzat, and faced with a bitter betrayal, nothing can prepare Tori for the truth behind the legends, or the lengths she will have to go to in order to save what she holds most dear.
- GenresDragons
658 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2021
9 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
Abbey Franer
6 books22 followersAbbey is a wife, mother, and lover of all things Fantasy. She enjoys a good slow burn romance, tons of action, unique storytelling styles, lyrical prose, and lush world building. Her journey to becoming a published author began with fairytale retellings in second grade and progressed to hand-written original novels when she was in middle school. She took two courses with The Institute of Children's Literature when she was 15-17 and began taking her dream of a writing career more seriously when she wrote her first fantasy trilogy that, many years later, became Dragonhearted.
For more book related news, follow her on Twitter @abbey_author.
For more book related news, follow her on Twitter @abbey_author.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 5, 2022
Move over Leigh Bardugo, Sarah J Maas, Victoria Aveyard!
“Of all her friends, Crispin was the one who mattered most, who had been a steadfast sense of safety and belonging in a world where she too often felt like a leaf on the wind, destined to bud and fall, left to slowly decay on the earth staring up at a sky she could never reach.”
I discovered Dragonhearted on social media when I asked for book recommendations to meet my Goodreads goal. I was blown away by the author’s talent. Of the 50 books I read in 2021, Dragonhearted was a favorite.
Dragonhearted follows Torliana, the descendant of a notorious Dragon Knight who died decades ago in a war against the Dragon Slayers of Alharzat. Dragon Knights formed close bonds with dragons and together they defended the kingdom of Calagon until the dragons became extinct, partially due to a weapon developed by Alharzat.
Tori often recalled stories her mother told about her ancestors and yearned for a return of dragons. Her dreams come true when she and her childhood friend, Prince Crispin, stumble upon young dragons in the forest.
Epic battles ensue when Tori is betrayed by someone she trusts and the King of Alharzat learns of the reemergence of dragons.
Dragonhearted is an action-packed adventure with complex characters, a slow burn romance, vivid imagery, and beautiful prose. Take a chance on reading it -I promise you won’t regret it!
“Of all her friends, Crispin was the one who mattered most, who had been a steadfast sense of safety and belonging in a world where she too often felt like a leaf on the wind, destined to bud and fall, left to slowly decay on the earth staring up at a sky she could never reach.”
I discovered Dragonhearted on social media when I asked for book recommendations to meet my Goodreads goal. I was blown away by the author’s talent. Of the 50 books I read in 2021, Dragonhearted was a favorite.
Dragonhearted follows Torliana, the descendant of a notorious Dragon Knight who died decades ago in a war against the Dragon Slayers of Alharzat. Dragon Knights formed close bonds with dragons and together they defended the kingdom of Calagon until the dragons became extinct, partially due to a weapon developed by Alharzat.
Tori often recalled stories her mother told about her ancestors and yearned for a return of dragons. Her dreams come true when she and her childhood friend, Prince Crispin, stumble upon young dragons in the forest.
Epic battles ensue when Tori is betrayed by someone she trusts and the King of Alharzat learns of the reemergence of dragons.
Dragonhearted is an action-packed adventure with complex characters, a slow burn romance, vivid imagery, and beautiful prose. Take a chance on reading it -I promise you won’t regret it!
January 8, 2022
My sister told me about Dragonhearted and I stayed up past 2am to find out how the final battle would end. It didn’t disappoint! There was a good mix of action, romance, triumph, and tragedy. Game of Thrones vibes. I will read more by this author.
August 16, 2022
~I was honored to receive an e copy from the author in exchange for an honest review~
This book was WILD! It was fast paced, the descriptions were beautiful, and I never had any trouble being immersed into the story. I loved all the background characters (and hated the ones I was supposed to hate) I especially adored the little romances between background characters! I wish I could read something about them- I just loved them so much! And I thought the writing was simplistic and easy to read, but detailed. Perfect! And the battle scenes?? WOW. Very well done!
I only have a few criticisms which would include that I often felt that the plot was not character driven. At least not driven by Tori. She just kind of went with the flow as things happened to (and around) her.
And speaking of Tori, there were moments where I was back and forth on my thoughts with her. I felt her strength and character development was very well done (I LOVE a strong bad a** mc)—my main problem with our girl is how she dealt with romance. That was probably the most frustrating part for me because our girl was not the sharpest tool in the shed 😅 she was the epitome of “this isn’t you”
Now, Im not a fan of love triangles anyway, but (in my opinion) it should have been an easy choice for her! I just got creeped out by one of them— even in the very beginning of their little “relationship” this man insists that he knows Tori better than she herself! BIG. RED. FLAG. And I’m not going to spoil anything but there were MORE RED FLAGS that our protagonist was too naive to see! And thus was put into several dangerous situations.
And just the fact that she will proclaim love to one (even accepting his proposal of marriage) only to come across this other guy (often times he would BREAK INTO HER ROOM NUH-UH) and not push him away when he gets suuuper close and starts to kiss her? Like??? WHY?
I do admire her characteristic kindness but MAN I almost ripped out my hair with grief at her naivety.
Overall it was an enjoyable read—and kudos to the author for making me feel such strong emotions 😂 it was a wild ride for certain!
This book was WILD! It was fast paced, the descriptions were beautiful, and I never had any trouble being immersed into the story. I loved all the background characters (and hated the ones I was supposed to hate) I especially adored the little romances between background characters! I wish I could read something about them- I just loved them so much! And I thought the writing was simplistic and easy to read, but detailed. Perfect! And the battle scenes?? WOW. Very well done!
I only have a few criticisms which would include that I often felt that the plot was not character driven. At least not driven by Tori. She just kind of went with the flow as things happened to (and around) her.
And speaking of Tori, there were moments where I was back and forth on my thoughts with her. I felt her strength and character development was very well done (I LOVE a strong bad a** mc)—my main problem with our girl is how she dealt with romance. That was probably the most frustrating part for me because our girl was not the sharpest tool in the shed 😅 she was the epitome of “this isn’t you”
Now, Im not a fan of love triangles anyway, but (in my opinion) it should have been an easy choice for her! I just got creeped out by one of them— even in the very beginning of their little “relationship” this man insists that he knows Tori better than she herself! BIG. RED. FLAG. And I’m not going to spoil anything but there were MORE RED FLAGS that our protagonist was too naive to see! And thus was put into several dangerous situations.
And just the fact that she will proclaim love to one (even accepting his proposal of marriage) only to come across this other guy (often times he would BREAK INTO HER ROOM NUH-UH) and not push him away when he gets suuuper close and starts to kiss her? Like??? WHY?
I do admire her characteristic kindness but MAN I almost ripped out my hair with grief at her naivety.
Overall it was an enjoyable read—and kudos to the author for making me feel such strong emotions 😂 it was a wild ride for certain!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2023
Edit: I was asked for a review on Amazon but it is now removed and no longer accepting reviews from my account. Apologies to the author who entrusted me to leave a review there. :(
I was granted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. A young woman discovering two young dragons thought previously to be extinct while trying to escape her father's whims was a perfect concept. It is absolutely NOT, however, a middle-grade novel as I've seen in a previous review. This was a 2.5 out of 5 stars for me.
Things I liked:
- The world-building is where this series shines the brightest, by far. I enjoyed the politics and the different cultures. It was heartbreaking to watch Tori have to navigate the process of being forced into marriage as a noblewoman.
- The descriptions are gorgeous. There were moments when I could not put this down and the descriptions of the different places in the numerous kingdoms were beautiful to read. The author really excels in descriptions and makes the reader feel as if they are present whether it is a bustling market, a rowdy inn, flying on the back of a dragon, or in the thick of combat.
- The combat was amazing, which I think is incredibly difficult to write. The combat itself was perfect and the tension was very well-written.
- I enjoyed the characters overall. Sometimes things were a little unrealistic given the world-building elements that were present. At times, some of the characters would shift in their personalities. The friendships were enjoyable and the background romances were sweet.
- The main romance was sweet and I liked both main characters. I really enjoyed the friends to lovers, even if it seemed that there were a few moments that didn't make sense. They would discuss problems in the relationship and then revert back later in the story. I suppose it was realistic, at least!
- The first part of the book. The book is split into three sections and the first one is wonderful.
- The dragons
Things I did not enjoy:
- Pacing: The plot arc seemed to peak in part two. Odd choice. The second portion was weaker and the third portion was much weaker. Things did not appear to be nearly as polished after about 50% of the book. Some things were too quick, some times were way too long. Some action happened off screen and it made the stakes seem lower.
- Daniel.
- Character choices: Forgiveness for people who obviously did not deserve it. Not enough time is devoted to the relationships between characters. Some specific points were pointed out, only to not actually matter. Enemies were rarely morally grey, so they felt like caricatures.
- Some of the things that happened to the dragons.
I again want to thank the author again for allowing me to read their book! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was granted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. A young woman discovering two young dragons thought previously to be extinct while trying to escape her father's whims was a perfect concept. It is absolutely NOT, however, a middle-grade novel as I've seen in a previous review. This was a 2.5 out of 5 stars for me.
Things I liked:
- The world-building is where this series shines the brightest, by far. I enjoyed the politics and the different cultures. It was heartbreaking to watch Tori have to navigate the process of being forced into marriage as a noblewoman.
- The descriptions are gorgeous. There were moments when I could not put this down and the descriptions of the different places in the numerous kingdoms were beautiful to read. The author really excels in descriptions and makes the reader feel as if they are present whether it is a bustling market, a rowdy inn, flying on the back of a dragon, or in the thick of combat.
- The combat was amazing, which I think is incredibly difficult to write. The combat itself was perfect and the tension was very well-written.
- I enjoyed the characters overall. Sometimes things were a little unrealistic given the world-building elements that were present. At times, some of the characters would shift in their personalities. The friendships were enjoyable and the background romances were sweet.
- The main romance was sweet and I liked both main characters. I really enjoyed the friends to lovers, even if it seemed that there were a few moments that didn't make sense. They would discuss problems in the relationship and then revert back later in the story. I suppose it was realistic, at least!
- The first part of the book. The book is split into three sections and the first one is wonderful.
- The dragons
Things I did not enjoy:
- Pacing: The plot arc seemed to peak in part two. Odd choice. The second portion was weaker and the third portion was much weaker. Things did not appear to be nearly as polished after about 50% of the book. Some things were too quick, some times were way too long. Some action happened off screen and it made the stakes seem lower.
- Daniel.
- Character choices: Forgiveness for people who obviously did not deserve it. Not enough time is devoted to the relationships between characters. Some specific points were pointed out, only to not actually matter. Enemies were rarely morally grey, so they felt like caricatures.
- Some of the things that happened to the dragons.
I again want to thank the author again for allowing me to read their book! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 17, 2024
I am actually so disappointed. You’re telling me that Tori’s best friend who is the crown prince and fits her in every way… you’re telling me he has to fight for her against this dweeb other crown prince who lies to her and manipulates her and gets everybody killed and just honestly so cringe… you’re telling me she is still tempted by him at 80%?! AFTER SHE ACCEPTS A MARRIAGE PROPOSAL. Like woman…. This person who keeps breaking into to your room at night and gaslights you and claims he knows you better than yourself even though it’s BEEN WEEKS not months or years… you’re telling me he stands a chance against your literally best friend turned fiancée?! Unbelievable. Like I’m cringing at the cringe this man excretes. I just wanted to strangle him and erase him from the story. And he’s all like “oh we can be free and run away together like you always wanted” my dude please. Enough. Daniel you’re trash and the moment you entered into this story you ruined it. Like this book was so good until 27%. Then the pacing had a stroke, Daniel showed up, and everything went to hell. Unbelievable. I wanted dragons and coming of age and all that and all I got was a love triangle but the woman is delusional if she’s still considering the awful awful awful giant red flag at 80%.
May 24, 2022
As a middle-grade fantasy story, I liked this. Lovely world building, good characters, a plot that continued apace through the whole book, and enough tragedy to not feel too saccharine.
It wasn't perfect - there were some moments where I felt that there could have been more explanation (), and sometimes our MC was a little too perfect (her main flaw was not believing in herself).
Oh and one verrrry nitpicky thing from me was when the author used the word "quixotic" to describe something. This word is taken from "Don Quixote", which as a text used in our world therefore that word really only applies to our world, not to a fantasy world. BUT that's a nitpick, so not really something to judge the author badly by.
But overall it was a solid story and I did enjoy reading it.
It wasn't perfect - there were some moments where I felt that there could have been more explanation (), and sometimes our MC was a little too perfect (her main flaw was not believing in herself).
Oh and one verrrry nitpicky thing from me was when the author used the word "quixotic" to describe something. This word is taken from "Don Quixote", which as a text used in our world therefore that word really only applies to our world, not to a fantasy world. BUT that's a nitpick, so not really something to judge the author badly by.
But overall it was a solid story and I did enjoy reading it.
October 2, 2022
Return of the Dragons ? . . .
Torliana (“Tori”) is a descendant of a Dragon Knight who was killed in battle against the Dragon slayers of Alharzat. The Dragon Knights were close with their dragons as they defended Calagon. Now dragons are believed to be extinct.
Then Tori and Prince Crispin miraculously find two yearling dragons from the Ruaidhri Mountains. Desperately hoping to avoid being married off to an ambitious nobleman of her father’s choosing, Tori now devotes herself to bonding with the dragons and bringing back the Dragon Knights. Prince Crispin will be working on this with her. But danger awaits when someone betrays them and the cruel King of Alharzat hears about the possible return of the dragons. How can Tori save her beloved dragons?
Torliana (“Tori”) is a descendant of a Dragon Knight who was killed in battle against the Dragon slayers of Alharzat. The Dragon Knights were close with their dragons as they defended Calagon. Now dragons are believed to be extinct.
Then Tori and Prince Crispin miraculously find two yearling dragons from the Ruaidhri Mountains. Desperately hoping to avoid being married off to an ambitious nobleman of her father’s choosing, Tori now devotes herself to bonding with the dragons and bringing back the Dragon Knights. Prince Crispin will be working on this with her. But danger awaits when someone betrays them and the cruel King of Alharzat hears about the possible return of the dragons. How can Tori save her beloved dragons?
August 7, 2024
Nice and Long
This book is a nice long adventure you can’t put down. At least, I could barely put it down. True, the plot did feel slightly slow at times, and some of the sentences were long and confusing. But, overall, this book is a fantastic must-read.
Want adventure? You’ve got it! Want dragons? Oh, you’ll DEFINITELY get it! Slow-burn romance? Yep! That’s there, too!
The worldbuilding is one of my favorite parts of this book. It’s unique and beautifully done. And the twists and turns in this story will keep you on the edge of your seat!
Overall, I am rating this book 4.5/5 stars.
This book is a nice long adventure you can’t put down. At least, I could barely put it down. True, the plot did feel slightly slow at times, and some of the sentences were long and confusing. But, overall, this book is a fantastic must-read.
Want adventure? You’ve got it! Want dragons? Oh, you’ll DEFINITELY get it! Slow-burn romance? Yep! That’s there, too!
The worldbuilding is one of my favorite parts of this book. It’s unique and beautifully done. And the twists and turns in this story will keep you on the edge of your seat!
Overall, I am rating this book 4.5/5 stars.
November 3, 2025
This is in my bottom 10 books
The writing was ok
And the premise was cool
BUT THE PLOT HAD A STROKE HALFWAY THROUGH THE BOOK
It was slow until about halfway when it started going really fast with no point to it
The love triangle was cringey to an extreme
You have the “not like other girls” mfc. The golden retriever rich boy with blonde hair
And the racially ambiguous bad boy with slicked back hair and a leather jacket
It was cliche after cringey cliche
This book had potential it really did it just fell into too many tropes which is unfortunately common in indie books.
The writing was ok
And the premise was cool
BUT THE PLOT HAD A STROKE HALFWAY THROUGH THE BOOK
It was slow until about halfway when it started going really fast with no point to it
The love triangle was cringey to an extreme
You have the “not like other girls” mfc. The golden retriever rich boy with blonde hair
And the racially ambiguous bad boy with slicked back hair and a leather jacket
It was cliche after cringey cliche
This book had potential it really did it just fell into too many tropes which is unfortunately common in indie books.
October 7, 2022
This is a long read. We have action, suspense and more. Torliana and Prince Crispin find a pair of dragons that they bond with. Can they keep them safe? Can Torliana evade the arranged marriage? What will happen if they find out about the dragons? What will happen when they find out the truth about the legends? Follow their story you will love it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 18, 2022
The fantasy world of Dragonhearted is comfortably familiar, and Franer's strength lies in conveying brief yet powerful descriptions. Franer steadily introduces exposition and creates sufficient tension throughout the novel's cohesive plot, creating an experience for the reader, as though the reader was standing alongside her characters. It was also refreshing to see the strong female protagonist--despite her flaws and insecurities--depicted in an emotionally mature way.
September 28, 2022
This book hooked me and kept me reading to find out what happened next. Would highly recommend it has mix of action, romance, and tragedy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 30, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. I love how reading this book it came to life for me I felt transported to the world of Dragonhearted. I cannot wait for the next book😊.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 6, 2022
This was my first book by Abbey Franer and I really enjoyed it!!! If you love reading books with dragons, action, and romance then you should read this book!!! Enjoy!!!
October 28, 2021
A Celtic-inspired kingdom at war, dragons returned from extinction/exile, tons of romantic tension, found family, and a dark and handsome villain. I hope you love it!
April 14, 2024
This book was my first Fantasy book and I can say that it didn’t not disappoint it was easy to understand and the world building was simple and along with all the emotions Dragonhearted made me feel I cried so hard for Emiel and Raphael. This is definitely one of the best books I’ve read this year and I know this book will alway have a special place in my heart as my first fantasy book
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews