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The Dragon of Umbra #1
Fire Heart
They handed her a sword and bid her to take a throne...Lorelei is half elf in a kingdom where that bloodline is synonymous with "slave". The Umbra King holds everyone captive with his pet dragon who knows no mercy. She hides in the shadows and steals to stay alive, until a rebel group gives her an offer she can't refuse.
The King seeks a bride. If she can get close enough, she could drive a dagger into that wicked man's heart. But the bridal games are more difficult than most. Lorelei must prove herself not only beautiful, but talented, poised, and deadly as the king. However, the closer she gets to saving her kingdom, the more she realizes a singular problem stands in her way.
The dragon.
The King's bodyguard is more than a slathering beast. He's a man. And the longer she's near him, the more she realizes that perhaps the king isn't the most dangerous person in the kingdom. Perhaps she had to guard not only her body, but her heart. For a dragon mates for life, and they're hard pressed to give up their treasures.
The King seeks a bride. If she can get close enough, she could drive a dagger into that wicked man's heart. But the bridal games are more difficult than most. Lorelei must prove herself not only beautiful, but talented, poised, and deadly as the king. However, the closer she gets to saving her kingdom, the more she realizes a singular problem stands in her way.
The dragon.
The King's bodyguard is more than a slathering beast. He's a man. And the longer she's near him, the more she realizes that perhaps the king isn't the most dangerous person in the kingdom. Perhaps she had to guard not only her body, but her heart. For a dragon mates for life, and they're hard pressed to give up their treasures.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 7, 2021
1382 people are currently reading
16797 people want to read
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Emma Hamm
75 books4,440 followers
We all know you don't really care about reading my background. Enjoy Cap instead.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 636 reviews
December 5, 2022
An update review. Let’s see how this went
~ spoilers for sure~
I have many more thoughts now that I forced myself to finish this book and while I hoped desperately for this book to get better, it absolutely did not. Beware of the spoilers ahead.
This book made me angrier then I wanted. I’m angry because I cared too much. This book could’ve been great. Obviously it needed restructuring because some events didn’t make sense in the order it was meant to be read in and it also needed more consistency across almost everything, mostly personalities and abilities but the worse part was the YA traps it fell into. YA traps look like: the FMC being special-er then literally everyone else, consistently demonizing other women and making them into nameless mean girls, “love at first sight”, plot with no real consequence, and under-developed villains. This does not include all YA traps but the most notable for this book. Truly, my favorite parts were that there was a dragon plus dragon eggs and Beauty, nothing more.
Below, you will find notes I took upon my continuation. There are spoilers involved.
- Firstly, how does Lorelei keep her ears covered in the wind? She says she just keeps them under her hair but all it takes is one gust of wind and they’re revealed. This would’ve made the hunt scenes way more interesting if she was trying to hide them, giving an edge of fear for her life but I never once feared for her discovery. Or better yet, ask the leshy to enchant a piercing or ring that makes it appear she has human ears. Given how much Lorelei talks up leshy magic, I’m certain he could do that.
- Why do we keep bringing attention to the fact that Beauty is heavier-set and therefore is less beautiful? Because that’s all Lorelei does and it feels like it was only included to have some “woke” points. Oh my god, I cannot describe how this infuriated me. I actually went back to look up the first quote because I’m annoyed. The quote is “she is pretty in a healthy kind of way. And Lore thought that with the utmost respect”. Wow… you’re so cool and forward-thinking, especially in comparison to the other (nameless) girls that poke fun at Beauty’s weight.
- And piggybacking off that, Lorelei constantly says that all of the other potential brides are the exact same; shallow, young, and obsessed with the king. I’m certain these girls do have different personalities, you’re just trying to be edgy and different, Lorelei, a true pick-me girl. Plus we don’t even get to know the girls. They’re nameless. They’re described by their hair color only and nothing more. Oh and how bitchy they are towards Lorelei and Beauty.
- Abraxas believes Lorelei to be an elf and witnessed her do elf-y things at their first meeting and then is shocked when she confesses to be an elf later. I might be remembering this wrong but didn’t he say he could feel the presence of magical creatures?
- Also Abraxas… my dude… can you or can you not flirt? You cannot say that you don’t know how to woo women and then turn around - In the SAME CONVERSATION, mind you- and be all suave and brooding. And then proceed to follow this formula for the rest of the book. Your personality flip-flopped everywhere and it got tiring.
- That first kiss was so RANDOM and UNDESERVED. It literally made no sense??? Why wouldn’t this be put in later? Wasn’t this advertised as enemies to lovers? They’ve known each other maybe a handful of days (I’m too lazy to count) and Lorelei says in chapter 20 that Abraxas “captures her soul”. THEY WERE NEVER ENEMIES. For a badass half-elf, I expected a lot more resistance. And they don’t even bring the first kiss up later, just a simple “oh I shouldn’t have done that. Well ok”. Literally what was the point of having that kiss so early? The second kiss made so much more sense and had more emotion.
- This is the most boring competition. It’s just running in place.
- Did I mention every girl besides Margaret, Lorelei, and Beauty didn’t have names? Even the housekeeper we see twice got a name but the brunette girl marrying the king and we’ve seen multiple times didn’t? Are you annoyed by this yet? I’m still annoyed. How hard is it to give them names so we can at least humanize and then hate the mean girl? It’s boring if we don’t care about her. Why is she even relevant? You could’ve replaced her with a lamp.
- The first prison scene had zero consequences. Cut that scene.
- You know what, this whole book barely had consequences. I read this out of dedication, not intrigue. I hate DNF-ing. I bought the book and I always read them through no matter how much they bore me. This book in particular had no fear. I wasn’t scared for the MCs. They have ✨plot armor✨. Lorelei touched the box holding the dragon eggs which is also cursed to kill whoever touches it immediately and she doesn’t die. And no one mentions how impressive that is later. If there is no consequences, why should I give a damn? You telling me to give a damn means nothing. I wanted someone to die, someone that was NAMED, not NAMELESS.
- “You’re so unlike the others” - Abraxas. Wow, how original. And yes, he repeats this many times about Lorelei when I didn’t see anything different about her. Lorelei repeats this about herself many times. We’re putting down other girls (nameless still and yes I will keep mentioning it) and proclaiming the FMC is “speshul”. Gag me. I’m so tired of hate on other women in books.
- She calls him “darling” mere chapters after being mad that he killed her mother. I just…..
- I’m pretty sure Lorelei has mentioned she knew how to kill men (and has killed men) in the past and yet she cries over killing the king. The king who is a Grade C asshole (cause let’s be honest, he was a lackluster villain) and has ordered the murder of magical creatures along with his father which include her race. And Lorelei cries for him? A self-proclaimed killer cries for a piece of shit? At this point, I’m so over this book, please let me be done.
- Lorelei has skills she’s learned. She can catch a dragon by surprise by trying to break his fingers at their first meeting. She can also slice an arrow in mid-air. Her reflexes are noted to be a very high standard. She can make a crudely-made arrow fly perfectly straight when it shouldn’t because of how it’s carved. But she cannot win a fight against a king who spends most of his time flirting or making half-assed threats. The abilities fluctuate quite a lot, the ones I mention were only a handful. Plots gotta plot.
- “Because you’ll fly me off into the sunset?… our life cannot be that, Abraxas. You know there is no escaping the path we’ve been thrust upon.”
Um yes it can. You did the one job you wanted to do or was blackmailed into doing. There is nothing keeping you tied to the rebellion at this point. Just dip and go be horny for each other forever, why do you care about the fate of the kingdom?
- “I have no interest in staying here… I want to go back to my little apartment and back to the life I left.”
Two pages later… from the last quote. Make up your MIND! Can you turn away or not? NOTHING IS HOLDING YOU BACK. LITERALLY DO WHATEVER YOU WANT, THIS IS THE MOST ANNOYING SET UP FOR THE NEXT BOOK. THERE DIDNT EVEN NEED TO BE A SECOND BOOK, THIS WOULDVE BEEN A FINE STANDALONE.
- “the king is alive?”
I want a break. She killed him with a magical dagger that apparently traps souls in it and he’s alive. Please… make it stop.
I am so irritated that I actually pulled quotes for once to remind myself how inconsistent this book was. I wish I liked this book but sadly I can’t force it.
⭐️/ 5
-———————————————————————
First Review
DNF
Also spoilers bewwaaarree
I got all the way to Chapter 22 before calling it quits.
I really really wanted to like this book, I’ve seen it on BookTok and the reviews all loved it plus the interior of the book is so lovely and beautiful but the characters were just too flat for me. Truly, the most interesting part was when Zander stabbed a dragon egg, it felt like a true villain move and I hated Zander for it and I could feel Abraxas’s pain but nothing happened after that. Nothing. Happened.
Both Lorelei and Abraxas had ever-changing personalities and I was getting annoyed. I wasn’t aware that Lorelai could shoot a bow perfectly AND also cut an arrow out of the air but I’m just going to chalk that up to elven instincts or whatnot. IDK I definitely wanted more world development but I understand it’s a first book that establishes the story and setting so whatever
INSTA-LOVE OH HOW I HATE INSTA-LOVE. Their kiss? Lackluster. Their banter? Felt meh. I understand they are intended to be mates but I could’ve used a LOT more angst with the both of them.
Hopefully I finish this book one day, I hate DNF-ing
~ spoilers for sure~
I have many more thoughts now that I forced myself to finish this book and while I hoped desperately for this book to get better, it absolutely did not. Beware of the spoilers ahead.
This book made me angrier then I wanted. I’m angry because I cared too much. This book could’ve been great. Obviously it needed restructuring because some events didn’t make sense in the order it was meant to be read in and it also needed more consistency across almost everything, mostly personalities and abilities but the worse part was the YA traps it fell into. YA traps look like: the FMC being special-er then literally everyone else, consistently demonizing other women and making them into nameless mean girls, “love at first sight”, plot with no real consequence, and under-developed villains. This does not include all YA traps but the most notable for this book. Truly, my favorite parts were that there was a dragon plus dragon eggs and Beauty, nothing more.
Below, you will find notes I took upon my continuation. There are spoilers involved.
- Firstly, how does Lorelei keep her ears covered in the wind? She says she just keeps them under her hair but all it takes is one gust of wind and they’re revealed. This would’ve made the hunt scenes way more interesting if she was trying to hide them, giving an edge of fear for her life but I never once feared for her discovery. Or better yet, ask the leshy to enchant a piercing or ring that makes it appear she has human ears. Given how much Lorelei talks up leshy magic, I’m certain he could do that.
- Why do we keep bringing attention to the fact that Beauty is heavier-set and therefore is less beautiful? Because that’s all Lorelei does and it feels like it was only included to have some “woke” points. Oh my god, I cannot describe how this infuriated me. I actually went back to look up the first quote because I’m annoyed. The quote is “she is pretty in a healthy kind of way. And Lore thought that with the utmost respect”. Wow… you’re so cool and forward-thinking, especially in comparison to the other (nameless) girls that poke fun at Beauty’s weight.
- And piggybacking off that, Lorelei constantly says that all of the other potential brides are the exact same; shallow, young, and obsessed with the king. I’m certain these girls do have different personalities, you’re just trying to be edgy and different, Lorelei, a true pick-me girl. Plus we don’t even get to know the girls. They’re nameless. They’re described by their hair color only and nothing more. Oh and how bitchy they are towards Lorelei and Beauty.
- Abraxas believes Lorelei to be an elf and witnessed her do elf-y things at their first meeting and then is shocked when she confesses to be an elf later. I might be remembering this wrong but didn’t he say he could feel the presence of magical creatures?
- Also Abraxas… my dude… can you or can you not flirt? You cannot say that you don’t know how to woo women and then turn around - In the SAME CONVERSATION, mind you- and be all suave and brooding. And then proceed to follow this formula for the rest of the book. Your personality flip-flopped everywhere and it got tiring.
- That first kiss was so RANDOM and UNDESERVED. It literally made no sense??? Why wouldn’t this be put in later? Wasn’t this advertised as enemies to lovers? They’ve known each other maybe a handful of days (I’m too lazy to count) and Lorelei says in chapter 20 that Abraxas “captures her soul”. THEY WERE NEVER ENEMIES. For a badass half-elf, I expected a lot more resistance. And they don’t even bring the first kiss up later, just a simple “oh I shouldn’t have done that. Well ok”. Literally what was the point of having that kiss so early? The second kiss made so much more sense and had more emotion.
- This is the most boring competition. It’s just running in place.
- Did I mention every girl besides Margaret, Lorelei, and Beauty didn’t have names? Even the housekeeper we see twice got a name but the brunette girl marrying the king and we’ve seen multiple times didn’t? Are you annoyed by this yet? I’m still annoyed. How hard is it to give them names so we can at least humanize and then hate the mean girl? It’s boring if we don’t care about her. Why is she even relevant? You could’ve replaced her with a lamp.
- The first prison scene had zero consequences. Cut that scene.
- You know what, this whole book barely had consequences. I read this out of dedication, not intrigue. I hate DNF-ing. I bought the book and I always read them through no matter how much they bore me. This book in particular had no fear. I wasn’t scared for the MCs. They have ✨plot armor✨. Lorelei touched the box holding the dragon eggs which is also cursed to kill whoever touches it immediately and she doesn’t die. And no one mentions how impressive that is later. If there is no consequences, why should I give a damn? You telling me to give a damn means nothing. I wanted someone to die, someone that was NAMED, not NAMELESS.
- “You’re so unlike the others” - Abraxas. Wow, how original. And yes, he repeats this many times about Lorelei when I didn’t see anything different about her. Lorelei repeats this about herself many times. We’re putting down other girls (nameless still and yes I will keep mentioning it) and proclaiming the FMC is “speshul”. Gag me. I’m so tired of hate on other women in books.
- She calls him “darling” mere chapters after being mad that he killed her mother. I just…..
- I’m pretty sure Lorelei has mentioned she knew how to kill men (and has killed men) in the past and yet she cries over killing the king. The king who is a Grade C asshole (cause let’s be honest, he was a lackluster villain) and has ordered the murder of magical creatures along with his father which include her race. And Lorelei cries for him? A self-proclaimed killer cries for a piece of shit? At this point, I’m so over this book, please let me be done.
- Lorelei has skills she’s learned. She can catch a dragon by surprise by trying to break his fingers at their first meeting. She can also slice an arrow in mid-air. Her reflexes are noted to be a very high standard. She can make a crudely-made arrow fly perfectly straight when it shouldn’t because of how it’s carved. But she cannot win a fight against a king who spends most of his time flirting or making half-assed threats. The abilities fluctuate quite a lot, the ones I mention were only a handful. Plots gotta plot.
- “Because you’ll fly me off into the sunset?… our life cannot be that, Abraxas. You know there is no escaping the path we’ve been thrust upon.”
Um yes it can. You did the one job you wanted to do or was blackmailed into doing. There is nothing keeping you tied to the rebellion at this point. Just dip and go be horny for each other forever, why do you care about the fate of the kingdom?
- “I have no interest in staying here… I want to go back to my little apartment and back to the life I left.”
Two pages later… from the last quote. Make up your MIND! Can you turn away or not? NOTHING IS HOLDING YOU BACK. LITERALLY DO WHATEVER YOU WANT, THIS IS THE MOST ANNOYING SET UP FOR THE NEXT BOOK. THERE DIDNT EVEN NEED TO BE A SECOND BOOK, THIS WOULDVE BEEN A FINE STANDALONE.
- “the king is alive?”
I want a break. She killed him with a magical dagger that apparently traps souls in it and he’s alive. Please… make it stop.
I am so irritated that I actually pulled quotes for once to remind myself how inconsistent this book was. I wish I liked this book but sadly I can’t force it.
⭐️/ 5
-———————————————————————
First Review
DNF
Also spoilers bewwaaarree
I got all the way to Chapter 22 before calling it quits.
I really really wanted to like this book, I’ve seen it on BookTok and the reviews all loved it plus the interior of the book is so lovely and beautiful but the characters were just too flat for me. Truly, the most interesting part was when Zander stabbed a dragon egg, it felt like a true villain move and I hated Zander for it and I could feel Abraxas’s pain but nothing happened after that. Nothing. Happened.
Both Lorelei and Abraxas had ever-changing personalities and I was getting annoyed. I wasn’t aware that Lorelai could shoot a bow perfectly AND also cut an arrow out of the air but I’m just going to chalk that up to elven instincts or whatnot. IDK I definitely wanted more world development but I understand it’s a first book that establishes the story and setting so whatever
INSTA-LOVE OH HOW I HATE INSTA-LOVE. Their kiss? Lackluster. Their banter? Felt meh. I understand they are intended to be mates but I could’ve used a LOT more angst with the both of them.
Hopefully I finish this book one day, I hate DNF-ing
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2022
Ooooh this was so much fun and a great start to a new series. It’s as good as the cover suggests. An interesting world that still has tons for the reader to discover with two main characters and a side character I really started caring about after only a few chapters. If you enjoyed the Throne of Glass series then I’m really pretty sure you’ll love this because it feels a little similar but with a herione you don’t want to punch in the throat. This was good right out of the gate and I’m looking forward to the next one!
ARC very kindly provided by the author.
ARC very kindly provided by the author.
October 19, 2021
Ahhhh give me book two!! I can’t wait to continue this adventure. This is a five star book for me so well written it had me turning the page wondering what was gonna happen next. I greedily read this book up in two days!! There was the perfect amount of romance & adventure nothing was over done. Now I need to have patients to wait for the next book to come out.
September 15, 2022
When I picked up this book I knew I needed something entertaining enough to keep my attention until the end. Considering I've been on a DNF spree due to a book slump this was an okay book. It is overly descriptive which usually isn't ideal for me but the audio book made things move along much faster. It is on the slower side and did have some empty spots here and there. I think I liked the main couple so much that I let a lot slide. I couldn't help but feel their pain and want to root for them to win for once in their lives. One thing I wanted this story to have more of was romance. There was barely any in the story. I hope that changes in the next few books in this series though it isn't necessarily a deal breaker for me (just a personal preference). I'll probably pick up the next book in this series!
April 22, 2022
This was actually so much better than I expected. You know how after a while, these kinds of stories really just bleed together? This was more than sodden paper and washed out ink, this was magical and vibrant and really really enchanting :)
I found myself enthralled with the world and how Abraxas was the last dragon and his turmoil with the eggs and how they are everything to him.
He's just a dragon. With a big heart. And I loved him.
Can't wait for the sequel!
April 4, 2022
I have tried and tried and tried to get into this. It’s just not for me. Very slow. Overly descriptive. Language is not connecting with me…almost as if the characters are in slow mode.
*sigh*
Happy reading,
DD🥂
*sigh*
Happy reading,
DD🥂
March 5, 2022
The overall story had great potential, but not enough for me to read the sequel. The character relationships felt entirely too forced, and the motivations and stakes were lacking. The villain was only threatening twice in the entire book. He was ironically my favorite character because he provided comic relief, but definitely not fear.
Throughout the whole book, the protagonist was simply reacting to others/events. She never took charge and when she did, her motivations didn't make sense because they weren't supported. The stakes were never that high, and the biggest "battle"/confrontation was disappointing and stilted.
Throughout the whole book, the protagonist was simply reacting to others/events. She never took charge and when she did, her motivations didn't make sense because they weren't supported. The stakes were never that high, and the biggest "battle"/confrontation was disappointing and stilted.
February 24, 2022
I saw this recommended on TikTok and thought it looked fun.
The first couple of chapters were promising but then at 20% in the main character devolves into another Pick Me girl. States that she hates women (🚩🚩🚩) and looks down on practically every other female character in the book. Barely a chapter goes by without it being said that she’s ‘not like other/normal women’. At one point she scrapes her hands and knees and when she holds up her hands to check them, she is told by one of the male characters that a normal woman would sit there and cry instead of assessing the damage. Outside of a toddler, I have never seen anyone fall over and not check their scrapes.
Besides that there were grammar and spelling errors, inconsistencies and contradictions. I lost track of how many times I slammed my kindle down in frustration.
I read to the end because I can’t DNF to save my life but I regret all of it.
The first couple of chapters were promising but then at 20% in the main character devolves into another Pick Me girl. States that she hates women (🚩🚩🚩) and looks down on practically every other female character in the book. Barely a chapter goes by without it being said that she’s ‘not like other/normal women’. At one point she scrapes her hands and knees and when she holds up her hands to check them, she is told by one of the male characters that a normal woman would sit there and cry instead of assessing the damage. Outside of a toddler, I have never seen anyone fall over and not check their scrapes.
Besides that there were grammar and spelling errors, inconsistencies and contradictions. I lost track of how many times I slammed my kindle down in frustration.
I read to the end because I can’t DNF to save my life but I regret all of it.
May 15, 2022
Tell me this margaret bitch dies cuz she annoyed the hell out of me. She blackmails the heroine to do her work and the heroine isnt even strong enough to say no or fight back. Like she literally lets margaret blackmail her even though lore doesnt want to do those works, she first said no but then goes on doing what maraget wanted and then again and again and again ugh i hate this blackmailing thing.
Lore also has “i m not like the other girl” syndrome. The writing was choppy cuz the kiss came out of no where And there was no relationship development. Kinda boring too
Lore also has “i m not like the other girl” syndrome. The writing was choppy cuz the kiss came out of no where And there was no relationship development. Kinda boring too
Want to read
January 17, 2023100% cover-baited
March 6, 2022
I wanted to like it….I just couldn’t. The plot had potential. The characters were superficial. There was hardly any descriptions about what was going on. The writing would jump from scene to scene without transition from one paragraph to the next. Overall, just very amateur writing. Grammar mistakes. I would not recommend.
February 27, 2022
I am wanting to like this, I really am.
Okay, ordinarily I would not nitpick because people use grammar incorrectly all.the.time. "People" as everyone I've ever heard speak, myself included.
But, seriously, on the 4th(!) page the author is trying to still introduce the protagonist and make a point about her character, that she's well educated and doesn't want people to know. She specifically uses this passage as example:
"Disappointed, she put her pipe down on the shingles and leaned back on her hands. “Well, if that’s the way I go, then that’s the way I go.”
“You know, you could join me and the others.”
“The others and I,” she corrected. Her training whispered in her mind that she was giving too much away. She should be like the others in Tenebrous. No schooling, no book learning to speak of, but talented when it came to keeping herself alive on the streets."
Now, seriously, if you point this out as a character trait, I can't ignore it and I end up thinking, "NO, you self-righteous twit, he WAS correct!"
Where is this author's editor??? Only a few chapters in and now that the author herself pointed it out, I find myself unable to ignore the grammar issues.
Ugh, such a silly thing because the story has caught me so far, but every time I get into it a mistake easily righted by a good editor tears me right back out.
I've got to get past this! If only the author hadn't brought it directly into the plot! Hahaha, someone please correct this in the ebook. I suppose it's too late for the printed ones!
Help me, have I learned this incorrectly my whole life?
If you "correct" it according to the character, it's the same as saying:
"You could join I."
"I" is the subject pronoun and "me" the object pronoun.
So in this case the correct term would be "you could join me."
Okay, I feel better now that I've said my bit. I just feel like if the author or publishing company had an editor or proofreader... whew, this should have been fixed, and they let the author down.
Okay, ordinarily I would not nitpick because people use grammar incorrectly all.the.time. "People" as everyone I've ever heard speak, myself included.
But, seriously, on the 4th(!) page the author is trying to still introduce the protagonist and make a point about her character, that she's well educated and doesn't want people to know. She specifically uses this passage as example:
"Disappointed, she put her pipe down on the shingles and leaned back on her hands. “Well, if that’s the way I go, then that’s the way I go.”
“You know, you could join me and the others.”
“The others and I,” she corrected. Her training whispered in her mind that she was giving too much away. She should be like the others in Tenebrous. No schooling, no book learning to speak of, but talented when it came to keeping herself alive on the streets."
Now, seriously, if you point this out as a character trait, I can't ignore it and I end up thinking, "NO, you self-righteous twit, he WAS correct!"
Where is this author's editor??? Only a few chapters in and now that the author herself pointed it out, I find myself unable to ignore the grammar issues.
Ugh, such a silly thing because the story has caught me so far, but every time I get into it a mistake easily righted by a good editor tears me right back out.
I've got to get past this! If only the author hadn't brought it directly into the plot! Hahaha, someone please correct this in the ebook. I suppose it's too late for the printed ones!
Help me, have I learned this incorrectly my whole life?
If you "correct" it according to the character, it's the same as saying:
"You could join I."
"I" is the subject pronoun and "me" the object pronoun.
So in this case the correct term would be "you could join me."
Okay, I feel better now that I've said my bit. I just feel like if the author or publishing company had an editor or proofreader... whew, this should have been fixed, and they let the author down.
May 23, 2022
There’s so much to be said about what didn’t work in this, but ultimately it just wasn’t fleshed out enough. Character development? We don’t know her. World-building? Who is she? Continuity? Never heard of her.
The characters lack depth, the plot flipped through scenes so quickly I got whiplash, and the world building was so riddled with holes as to be virtually nonexistent.
I debated giving this 1 star, because I really don’t have anything positive to say about it. But since I found myself on page 200 before truly deciding it wasn’t working for me, 2 stars it is.
The characters lack depth, the plot flipped through scenes so quickly I got whiplash, and the world building was so riddled with holes as to be virtually nonexistent.
I debated giving this 1 star, because I really don’t have anything positive to say about it. But since I found myself on page 200 before truly deciding it wasn’t working for me, 2 stars it is.
January 21, 2022
A wonderful and entertaining ride that awakened my long lost love for elves. The villain lacked charisma and more world building would have been appreciated, but overall this novel reads itself and leaves me excited for more.
February 21, 2022
This was enjoyable, a quick fantasy dragon read, with magical creatures and a sexy MMC dragon.
It was easy to read through and the baseline of the story was pretty good, plus the writing style flowed really well too. I did enjoy the magic elements, the dragon, and the switch of POV from one MC to another. Plus the special edition from Bookish Box is stunning too, one of the prettiest books I own.
The reason I gave it 3/5 stars was because I just felt like it was just okay for me as a reader. It fell a little flat and at some points I was just skimming to get ahead. I think it just needed a little more angst, a little more world building, and explanation of the different magical creatures. But I’ll definitely be reading the next one, to see what happens because I do thoroughly enjoy the MCs.
It was easy to read through and the baseline of the story was pretty good, plus the writing style flowed really well too. I did enjoy the magic elements, the dragon, and the switch of POV from one MC to another. Plus the special edition from Bookish Box is stunning too, one of the prettiest books I own.
The reason I gave it 3/5 stars was because I just felt like it was just okay for me as a reader. It fell a little flat and at some points I was just skimming to get ahead. I think it just needed a little more angst, a little more world building, and explanation of the different magical creatures. But I’ll definitely be reading the next one, to see what happens because I do thoroughly enjoy the MCs.
September 21, 2025
2.5/5 starts (rounding up). What the heck happened the last 30% of this book? This book started out okay, I thought there could be some real potential. We follow Lorelie (Lore) as an elf who has been forced into hiding, like all magically creatures, by a tyrannical king. Lore gets somewhat forced into working with the magical creatures rebellion in an attempt to go to the castle, pretend to be one of the women looking to marry the king, but actually be trying to kill the king. Kind of a boring storyline in my opinion as the world building was so limited to the very little areas around the castle. We didn't really get much in the way of character development and I think Lore's character was a bit one dimensional. I did like Beauty, one of the women she befriends in the castle but other than that I couldn't have cared much for any of the characters.
The MMC is Abraxis, a dragon that can shape shift into a human. This man did have some potential at the beginning and I thought the interactions with Lore at the beginning were okay and maybe even building to something close to enemies to lovers but that's when it kind of took a turn. And I was totally lost when he said, "she (Lore) had become an extension of his own body." What? Why? They didn't even know much about each other at this point. I was so confused why suddenly without a lot of meaninful interactions Abraxis started to get weird about Lore and say things in his inner monologue that just didn't make any sense based on how the story was going.
I get instant love (and hate it) but this we something different. It was like suddenly he had all these strong feelings and such when there was no story based reason during either of their POVs to feel that way. At the 50% mark, this book could have gone either way. It could have turned around and been an okay 3-4 star read but it went the opposite direction and I had to work pretty hard not to dnf after 70%. But i stuck through because i know plenty of books that can turn it around during even the last 5-10%. Unfortunately, this was not one of those books and I felt like the story was rushed, the relationship had no investment from me and nothing about the ending left me wanting to continue further in this series.
The MMC is Abraxis, a dragon that can shape shift into a human. This man did have some potential at the beginning and I thought the interactions with Lore at the beginning were okay and maybe even building to something close to enemies to lovers but that's when it kind of took a turn. And I was totally lost when he said, "she (Lore) had become an extension of his own body." What? Why? They didn't even know much about each other at this point. I was so confused why suddenly without a lot of meaninful interactions Abraxis started to get weird about Lore and say things in his inner monologue that just didn't make any sense based on how the story was going.
I get instant love (and hate it) but this we something different. It was like suddenly he had all these strong feelings and such when there was no story based reason during either of their POVs to feel that way. At the 50% mark, this book could have gone either way. It could have turned around and been an okay 3-4 star read but it went the opposite direction and I had to work pretty hard not to dnf after 70%. But i stuck through because i know plenty of books that can turn it around during even the last 5-10%. Unfortunately, this was not one of those books and I felt like the story was rushed, the relationship had no investment from me and nothing about the ending left me wanting to continue further in this series.
December 24, 2021
“𝑯𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒔 𝒖𝒔 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒘𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒆. 𝑰𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒕, 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒕.”
_________________________
Reading this book was like taking a deep breath of fresh air, and then exhaling pure burning power. It was refreshing and original which sets it apart from the popular fantasy “tribes” while still bringing enough of our favorite tropes in to cement its place amongst the fae and vampires in the top tier of Fantasy Romances.
Lorelei is a half human, half Silverfell Elf living in a hovel of a town in a grungy apartment making a living for herself quietly selling elfweed. Being any part magical creature is an immediate death sentence as the king, Zander, follows in his father’s footsteps by carrying on his legacy of exterminating all magical races from the world. Lorelei herself bears the scars of that, having (at the age of 8) watched her mother, who was a founding member of an uprising of magical creatures known as the Rebellion, being burned alive on a pyre by the dragon who serves the king. As the king calls for eligible brides to be gathered and brought to the castle to compete in “games” in order to win his heart and the title of queen so that he may produce an heir, it doesn’t take long for the Rebellion to set their sights on Lorelei to infiltrate the castle. They soon convince, or rather blackmail, her into helping them in an assassination plot against the king to end his evil bloodline and reign of terror once and for all.
Throughout the book we alternate between the points of view of Lorelei and the king’s dragon Abraxas. The very last dragon, Abraxas is bound to serve the king and does so for one reason and one reason only, which is heartbreaking and cements the king as honestly one of the most evil villains I’ve read in a very long time. Abraxas has the ability to shift from dragon to human, though his human form is hardly known outside the castle. As fate would have it his path crosses with Lorelei who immediately strikes him as different. He just can’t figure out exactly why.
The tension/angst and banter between Lore and Abraxis is entertaining and it’s refreshing to see a take on their attraction that isn’t solely “mate” driven. They relate more and their friendship/budding relationship is based more on a primal level, with the deeper, buried parts of their magic calling and being drawn to each other despite them having denied/disowned their true lineage and identities for so long. The spice is minimal in this book but what is there is HOT and leaves you wanting way more. *insert joke about dragons and slow burn here ;)*
As a lead character Lorelei is mature, strong, witty, self assured, and a total badass. I loved being inside her mind!! She is hardened to the world around her but as she befriends another potential bride named Beauty (who might be my favorite character in the entire book), her true personality begins to shine and you see the loving, kindhearted person she would truly be had she not been villainized by the king simply for the partial DNA she carries in her blood.
Abraxas is also mature, extremely powerful, and foreboding, while also being resolute in his fate/lot in life all while he tries to grapple with being the last of his kind. He starts out rather moody but you soon figure out the depth to his thoughts and learn the dark grief that tortures him to his very core. That is until he meets the one thing that inspires him to hope again and gives him a greater purpose: Lorelei. He’s described as not the most attractive human, but my GOSH if he didn’t sizzle off the pages for me. An overprotective, imperfect, alpha dragon in a tall, dark human form with a dark past but a heart of gold and a dream for a quiet, better future?? You love to see it!!
King Zander is honestly the worst sort of villain. He strikes the perfect balance of completely evil and unhinged, but also intelligent and fully capable of exacting his own vindictive judgement on the magical creatures that cross his path. Described by Lorelei at one point as a showman it is a spot on description as he is shallow, frivolous, and self absorbed with absolutely no regard for life outside his own…and those are understatements. The blackmail he holds over Abraxas’ head to keep him in check cuts to the core of who Abraxas is and where his priorities and values lie, while doing the same for the king in a stark contrast. He is cruel to his core and it was easy for me to support Abraxas’ occasional urges to eat him. However on the other hand you have the leaders of the Rebellion who aren’t exactly trustworthy either which begs the question is the devil you know better than the devil you don’t know?
The story comes to a head in the most explosive kind of way just as the book ends and I begged for there to be more pages after the 100% mark. It hasn’t even been released yet and I am already dying to know how the story continues.
I want to extend a massive thank you to the author Emma Hamm for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I can’t wait to see what you have in store for us in the sequel!!
_________________________
Reading this book was like taking a deep breath of fresh air, and then exhaling pure burning power. It was refreshing and original which sets it apart from the popular fantasy “tribes” while still bringing enough of our favorite tropes in to cement its place amongst the fae and vampires in the top tier of Fantasy Romances.
Lorelei is a half human, half Silverfell Elf living in a hovel of a town in a grungy apartment making a living for herself quietly selling elfweed. Being any part magical creature is an immediate death sentence as the king, Zander, follows in his father’s footsteps by carrying on his legacy of exterminating all magical races from the world. Lorelei herself bears the scars of that, having (at the age of 8) watched her mother, who was a founding member of an uprising of magical creatures known as the Rebellion, being burned alive on a pyre by the dragon who serves the king. As the king calls for eligible brides to be gathered and brought to the castle to compete in “games” in order to win his heart and the title of queen so that he may produce an heir, it doesn’t take long for the Rebellion to set their sights on Lorelei to infiltrate the castle. They soon convince, or rather blackmail, her into helping them in an assassination plot against the king to end his evil bloodline and reign of terror once and for all.
Throughout the book we alternate between the points of view of Lorelei and the king’s dragon Abraxas. The very last dragon, Abraxas is bound to serve the king and does so for one reason and one reason only, which is heartbreaking and cements the king as honestly one of the most evil villains I’ve read in a very long time. Abraxas has the ability to shift from dragon to human, though his human form is hardly known outside the castle. As fate would have it his path crosses with Lorelei who immediately strikes him as different. He just can’t figure out exactly why.
The tension/angst and banter between Lore and Abraxis is entertaining and it’s refreshing to see a take on their attraction that isn’t solely “mate” driven. They relate more and their friendship/budding relationship is based more on a primal level, with the deeper, buried parts of their magic calling and being drawn to each other despite them having denied/disowned their true lineage and identities for so long. The spice is minimal in this book but what is there is HOT and leaves you wanting way more. *insert joke about dragons and slow burn here ;)*
As a lead character Lorelei is mature, strong, witty, self assured, and a total badass. I loved being inside her mind!! She is hardened to the world around her but as she befriends another potential bride named Beauty (who might be my favorite character in the entire book), her true personality begins to shine and you see the loving, kindhearted person she would truly be had she not been villainized by the king simply for the partial DNA she carries in her blood.
Abraxas is also mature, extremely powerful, and foreboding, while also being resolute in his fate/lot in life all while he tries to grapple with being the last of his kind. He starts out rather moody but you soon figure out the depth to his thoughts and learn the dark grief that tortures him to his very core. That is until he meets the one thing that inspires him to hope again and gives him a greater purpose: Lorelei. He’s described as not the most attractive human, but my GOSH if he didn’t sizzle off the pages for me. An overprotective, imperfect, alpha dragon in a tall, dark human form with a dark past but a heart of gold and a dream for a quiet, better future?? You love to see it!!
King Zander is honestly the worst sort of villain. He strikes the perfect balance of completely evil and unhinged, but also intelligent and fully capable of exacting his own vindictive judgement on the magical creatures that cross his path. Described by Lorelei at one point as a showman it is a spot on description as he is shallow, frivolous, and self absorbed with absolutely no regard for life outside his own…and those are understatements. The blackmail he holds over Abraxas’ head to keep him in check cuts to the core of who Abraxas is and where his priorities and values lie, while doing the same for the king in a stark contrast. He is cruel to his core and it was easy for me to support Abraxas’ occasional urges to eat him. However on the other hand you have the leaders of the Rebellion who aren’t exactly trustworthy either which begs the question is the devil you know better than the devil you don’t know?
The story comes to a head in the most explosive kind of way just as the book ends and I begged for there to be more pages after the 100% mark. It hasn’t even been released yet and I am already dying to know how the story continues.
I want to extend a massive thank you to the author Emma Hamm for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I can’t wait to see what you have in store for us in the sequel!!
May 31, 2022
I loved the characters and the magic system a lot!! The only thing I found hard about the book was how ya really weren't sure how much time had passed.
November 23, 2021
Before starting to review the book, I’d like to thank the author Emma Hamm to give me the possibility to read her ARC in exchange for an honest review. Without further ado, my review and rating of Fire Heart by Emma Hamm.
So before spoiling anything from the book I will comment on my general opinion about the book. This was the first book I have ever read from this author and it felt quite refreshing and it flowed very well. However, I do feel like the story could have benefitted from delving further into the plot and the characters. The world and the story are pretty entertaining and interesting but they lacked details. Furthermore, sometimes some of the lines were a bit cliché or “too cheesy” for my liking. Without wanting to compare this book or author to someone else, I do think this book is perfect for fans of Maas’ Throne of Glass. These series are similar in some aspects and give off the same vibe and fans of the latter will find this book a perfect fit for them. While being a short novel, Hamm does a great job introducing the reader to this high fantasy world in a very easy and enjoyable way.
SPOILERS AHEAD, BEWARE!
I really loved Lore, she is strong and determined, and pretty different from other female characters I have read about. However, I would have loved to know more about her past and her own personality beyond the mission she was pushed to lead. The author might be leaving these voids for future books but I would have appreciated more flashbacks to fully understand Lore and her motivations.
On another note, I liked her relationship with Abraxas but I would have loved to see more moments together knowing each other rather than just having this bond or feeling pushing them together but not getting developed much further. Besides, although I must admit that it does bring out the harshness of the revolution and how people are made to do things they do not like to protect those they love; I was not a big fan of having Abraxas being her mother’s killer.
Finally, I would have loved to know more about Beauty. I loved her as much as I loved Lore, and she has great potential. Although some lines about her felt a bit off, I enjoyed reading about this character and cannot wait to see what she does next.
Overall this book is an enjoyable reading, although I would like to read the next one once it comes out to be able to learn more about the world, its characters, and the author’s vision of the book. To sum up, this was a lovely reading and I really cannot wait to see what Hamm brings next.
So before spoiling anything from the book I will comment on my general opinion about the book. This was the first book I have ever read from this author and it felt quite refreshing and it flowed very well. However, I do feel like the story could have benefitted from delving further into the plot and the characters. The world and the story are pretty entertaining and interesting but they lacked details. Furthermore, sometimes some of the lines were a bit cliché or “too cheesy” for my liking. Without wanting to compare this book or author to someone else, I do think this book is perfect for fans of Maas’ Throne of Glass. These series are similar in some aspects and give off the same vibe and fans of the latter will find this book a perfect fit for them. While being a short novel, Hamm does a great job introducing the reader to this high fantasy world in a very easy and enjoyable way.
SPOILERS AHEAD, BEWARE!
I really loved Lore, she is strong and determined, and pretty different from other female characters I have read about. However, I would have loved to know more about her past and her own personality beyond the mission she was pushed to lead. The author might be leaving these voids for future books but I would have appreciated more flashbacks to fully understand Lore and her motivations.
On another note, I liked her relationship with Abraxas but I would have loved to see more moments together knowing each other rather than just having this bond or feeling pushing them together but not getting developed much further. Besides, although I must admit that it does bring out the harshness of the revolution and how people are made to do things they do not like to protect those they love; I was not a big fan of having Abraxas being her mother’s killer.
Finally, I would have loved to know more about Beauty. I loved her as much as I loved Lore, and she has great potential. Although some lines about her felt a bit off, I enjoyed reading about this character and cannot wait to see what she does next.
Overall this book is an enjoyable reading, although I would like to read the next one once it comes out to be able to learn more about the world, its characters, and the author’s vision of the book. To sum up, this was a lovely reading and I really cannot wait to see what Hamm brings next.
June 22, 2022
I'm very surprised I didn't like this. I have enjoyed Emma Hamm's other books so I thought for sure with the premise, this would be a favourite. Boy, was I wrong. This was one of my most anticipated reads for 2022 but ended up being the most disappointing. It started off good but then it quickly went downhill. I should have known when it was mentioned Lore was selling illegal "elf weed". It literally made me roll my eyes. Lorelei quickly turned into a "special" and "not like other girls" character which is what I'm used to seeing in YA so it was surprising to see it in NA fantasy. The villain sucked and acted too cartoonish to be a serious threat. Lorelei and Abraxos were intsa-love and had zero chemistry which is a cardinal sin for romance fantasy. It didn't make sense to me how Abraxos had zero interest in women and then all of a sudden he sees Lore and is ready to risk it all for someone he knows nothing about.
Another thing that bothered me was the characters convictions and how easily they were swayed. Lore and Abraxos would be adamant about one thing and then immediately change their opinions with little to no convincing. I also don't understand how the rebellion wanted Lore to kill the king but barely gave her information about their plans. Like did they even want her to succeed? Wasn't that the whole point? Wouldn't they do everything to ensure the assassination happens and not give her a half-assed plan? This has got to be the worst rebellion I've seen. It just wasn't believable that the plan would succeed with some of the stupid decisions that were made in the book. The only part I liked was the backstory of Abraxos and the dragons.
This was disappointing and towards the end I was skimming just to finish the story. It's too bad because I love dragons in fantasy and feel like there are not enough stories focused on them in this genre these days. This book had potential but unfortunately was brought down with boring characters and a lacklustre plot. I probably will not continue with the series.
Another thing that bothered me was the characters convictions and how easily they were swayed. Lore and Abraxos would be adamant about one thing and then immediately change their opinions with little to no convincing. I also don't understand how the rebellion wanted Lore to kill the king but barely gave her information about their plans. Like did they even want her to succeed? Wasn't that the whole point? Wouldn't they do everything to ensure the assassination happens and not give her a half-assed plan? This has got to be the worst rebellion I've seen. It just wasn't believable that the plan would succeed with some of the stupid decisions that were made in the book. The only part I liked was the backstory of Abraxos and the dragons.
This was disappointing and towards the end I was skimming just to finish the story. It's too bad because I love dragons in fantasy and feel like there are not enough stories focused on them in this genre these days. This book had potential but unfortunately was brought down with boring characters and a lacklustre plot. I probably will not continue with the series.
November 5, 2021
Immaculate world building, the world she has built so far is every fantasy lovers dreams. I love the fun elements she added and all the magical creatures she has included in this book and her take on dragons.
I was so obsessed I read this book in one sitting almost, I just couldn’t put it down and when I had to I spent my time thinking about this book; the romance was one of my favorites that Emma has done, Lore and Abraxas are so loveable and they really get you right in the feels. In the best way. From the moment they meet I was gone for them.
This book really hit hard with all the angst feels and I still am recovering from it but do yourself a favor and mark this book on your tbr, along with pre-ordering it. You will not be disappointed.
Also the MC’s name is lore but her full name is Lorelei I mean come on, you need this book.
I was so obsessed I read this book in one sitting almost, I just couldn’t put it down and when I had to I spent my time thinking about this book; the romance was one of my favorites that Emma has done, Lore and Abraxas are so loveable and they really get you right in the feels. In the best way. From the moment they meet I was gone for them.
This book really hit hard with all the angst feels and I still am recovering from it but do yourself a favor and mark this book on your tbr, along with pre-ordering it. You will not be disappointed.
Also the MC’s name is lore but her full name is Lorelei I mean come on, you need this book.
February 25, 2022
I wanted to love it..but the competition trope is just so overplayed. I enjoyed the side characters (pixie), but didn't connect to the main characters. I am intrigued on what happens to the 'kids', so I might read the next book. Also, the cover is beautiful so that gets five stars.
February 6, 2022
This was such a fun story with so many different magical creatures, and I loved getting lost in this new fantasy world. I mean a hot dragon, a badass half elf assassin and a rising revolution against a cruel, power hungry king!? Sign me up 😏 I loved the alternating POVs between Lorelei and Abraxas. Lore was an amazing main character; strong, confident and capable. Even when forced into an impossible situation she never gave up or gave in. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy romance!
February 4, 2023
Nice story!
Fire Heart is the first book am reading from the author and definitely not a last! I loved how she navigated the characters, world building, the plot. It was well written and it was medium-fast paced, longing, angst, dragons, humans/elves, rebellion, slow burn, hate to love/enemies to lovers. Both interesting and intriguing! I loved Abraxax and Lore and their forced proximity. How they both worked together to take down their common enemy and the pain they felt because the mortal kings killed their Kind. Gonna read book 2!
Fire Heart is the first book am reading from the author and definitely not a last! I loved how she navigated the characters, world building, the plot. It was well written and it was medium-fast paced, longing, angst, dragons, humans/elves, rebellion, slow burn, hate to love/enemies to lovers. Both interesting and intriguing! I loved Abraxax and Lore and their forced proximity. How they both worked together to take down their common enemy and the pain they felt because the mortal kings killed their Kind. Gonna read book 2!
July 2, 2022
Such a good start to a series
October 26, 2024
Emma Hamm is normally a darn good writer. I love her series about the mermen and human women. She wrote that series in such an ethereal and beautiful way.
This one didn’t hit me the same way. It didn’t pull me in and hold me. I kept wondering when it would be over. When characters would evolve and a plot would develop beyond saving dragons eggs (the best part of the story frankly) and freeing magical people from human tyranny. I was expecting more-better writing and development.
This book was problematic for me in a few ways. Plot holes. Cartoon like villains. Insta love. Side characters with no names and sweeping majestic opinions.
A part elf who is a badass but also cries at killing the bad guy??? A part elf who has to simply “hide her ears with her hair” and she is POOF now a human. 👀A part elf who I think sells weed? Or is addicted to weed? But then when she gets to the castle her weed problem is solved?? A part elf who is basically forced by the rebellion to marry and kill the human king? A part elf who really has no personality traits beyond what she can physically do.
The final nail in this book for me was the King that was supposed to have been killed by a soul stealing dagger actually ended up surviving. 🤡
The ENTIRE book plot revolves around killing this guy. And yet…nope.
I guess that entire scene was suppose to be thrilling and cliffy but it came across as annoying.
You build the plot up w this weak cartoonish flamboyant man child ape of a king and then all of a sudden he’s a bad ass that can fight and survive a soul stealing knife to the throat….all because BLACK MAGIC and secret ninja classes. 👀
Literal magical beings can’t even battle this mortal king’s magic?!? Whuttttt????
And then the fmc is upset about slaying the maniac who has killed her people? WHO beat the crap out of her? Make it make sense. Maybe that moment she was taking it all in but then when they announce the king is still alive, looking back it all falls flat for me.
I wanted to love this bc the blurb sounded amazing.
What scares me now is do I finish this series and see if it gets better? Skim it all? Or just call it a day? 🥴 The amount of books for a plot so thin is bothering me.
Three max for this one.
Three is all you needed to tell the complete story.
I am so so tired of authors word fluffing books and dragging out their series to make more money while being unable to truly create the flow and dynamics needed to write that much!!
Make. It. Stop. Anyhoo. Maybe that’s my answer. 😵💫😫
MF✅
Half elf and last dragon ✅
Dragon baby eggs ✅
No spice ✅
Cliff hanger✅
Lots of books but finished✅
KU✅
This one didn’t hit me the same way. It didn’t pull me in and hold me. I kept wondering when it would be over. When characters would evolve and a plot would develop beyond saving dragons eggs (the best part of the story frankly) and freeing magical people from human tyranny. I was expecting more-better writing and development.
This book was problematic for me in a few ways. Plot holes. Cartoon like villains. Insta love. Side characters with no names and sweeping majestic opinions.
A part elf who is a badass but also cries at killing the bad guy??? A part elf who has to simply “hide her ears with her hair” and she is POOF now a human. 👀A part elf who I think sells weed? Or is addicted to weed? But then when she gets to the castle her weed problem is solved?? A part elf who is basically forced by the rebellion to marry and kill the human king? A part elf who really has no personality traits beyond what she can physically do.
The final nail in this book for me was the King that was supposed to have been killed by a soul stealing dagger actually ended up surviving. 🤡
The ENTIRE book plot revolves around killing this guy. And yet…nope.
I guess that entire scene was suppose to be thrilling and cliffy but it came across as annoying.
You build the plot up w this weak cartoonish flamboyant man child ape of a king and then all of a sudden he’s a bad ass that can fight and survive a soul stealing knife to the throat….all because BLACK MAGIC and secret ninja classes. 👀
Literal magical beings can’t even battle this mortal king’s magic?!? Whuttttt????
And then the fmc is upset about slaying the maniac who has killed her people? WHO beat the crap out of her? Make it make sense. Maybe that moment she was taking it all in but then when they announce the king is still alive, looking back it all falls flat for me.
I wanted to love this bc the blurb sounded amazing.
What scares me now is do I finish this series and see if it gets better? Skim it all? Or just call it a day? 🥴 The amount of books for a plot so thin is bothering me.
Three max for this one.
Three is all you needed to tell the complete story.
I am so so tired of authors word fluffing books and dragging out their series to make more money while being unable to truly create the flow and dynamics needed to write that much!!
Make. It. Stop. Anyhoo. Maybe that’s my answer. 😵💫😫
MF✅
Half elf and last dragon ✅
Dragon baby eggs ✅
No spice ✅
Cliff hanger✅
Lots of books but finished✅
KU✅
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
December 5, 2024Rating: 4 Stars
Highlights:
🌟 Emma Hamm always creates really interesting worlds in her stories and she’s created another one here with her Dragons of Umbra series.
🌟 I really loved the take in dragon shifters in this book and Abraxas was a loveable hero.
🌟 The storyline itself had some “The Selection” vibes, but with magical creatures.
🌟 I really enjoyed Lore and Beauty’s friendship and the fun twist with Beauty at the end.
🌟 Lore and Abraxas’ romance really kept me turning the pages, I’m excited to see where things go at the series develops.
🌟 This book wrapped up with just enough resolutions to keep me satisfied, but also still plenty of questions that makes me curious about the next book!
Highlights:
🌟 Emma Hamm always creates really interesting worlds in her stories and she’s created another one here with her Dragons of Umbra series.
🌟 I really loved the take in dragon shifters in this book and Abraxas was a loveable hero.
🌟 The storyline itself had some “The Selection” vibes, but with magical creatures.
🌟 I really enjoyed Lore and Beauty’s friendship and the fun twist with Beauty at the end.
🌟 Lore and Abraxas’ romance really kept me turning the pages, I’m excited to see where things go at the series develops.
🌟 This book wrapped up with just enough resolutions to keep me satisfied, but also still plenty of questions that makes me curious about the next book!
November 3, 2021
Who doesn’t love a good fantasy book with romance, magic, and dragons? Combine the romance WITH a dragon?! Sign me up!
This story is perfect for anyone who’s looking for a fast read, a sweet romance with minimal angst. Personally the more angst the better, which I felt this one lacked a little. The slow burn between Lore and Abraxas could’ve easily been dragged out more, but that’s just my preference! I wouldn’t say it was insta-love? But there was definitely insta-attraction between them and for good reason, too.
I really enjoyed this story, and I’m excited to see where the story goes from here!
This story is perfect for anyone who’s looking for a fast read, a sweet romance with minimal angst. Personally the more angst the better, which I felt this one lacked a little. The slow burn between Lore and Abraxas could’ve easily been dragged out more, but that’s just my preference! I wouldn’t say it was insta-love? But there was definitely insta-attraction between them and for good reason, too.
I really enjoyed this story, and I’m excited to see where the story goes from here!
March 4, 2022
Ugh. This book just didn't do it for me. It lacked depth in both the world and the characters. I wasn't invested in anyone, and the romance felt forced. It felt very very YA to me, which wasn't at all what I was expecting. I'm disappointed because we're really lacking in books with cool dragons... and I wanted this to be one!
I did enjoy the variety of magical creatures in this world! I probably won't be continuing the series, but if I heard from other readers that the characters and world develop really well, I would consider it.
I did enjoy the variety of magical creatures in this world! I probably won't be continuing the series, but if I heard from other readers that the characters and world develop really well, I would consider it.
January 2, 2022
I flew through this (ha! See what I did there?!!) and I absolutely loved it.
Great believeable characters - including a super-ballsy, strong no nonsense heroine and a tyrant king and yes, a DRAGON!
Great story - including an assassination mission, magical creatures, friendship and rebellion.
And what a great ending......
This fairytale/fantasy is full of heart and I highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Great believeable characters - including a super-ballsy, strong no nonsense heroine and a tyrant king and yes, a DRAGON!
Great story - including an assassination mission, magical creatures, friendship and rebellion.
And what a great ending......
This fairytale/fantasy is full of heart and I highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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