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Queen of Arcadia #1

Emergence of Fire

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I wouldn’t consider myself extraordinary.

That is until my thirtieth birthday when a world I didn't know existed is revealed in a dream. A world where I discover I'm a dragon and the next queen of Arcadia.
Me, Cordelia Drake, a soap maker? A queen?

Even worse, three men show up claiming I'm the key to saving our realm. A realm that is protected by the balance of a mate bond...with them.

Can I leave the world I know behind and save a place I've only seen in my dreams?

No one told me turning thirty would change everything.

Emergence of Fire is an 18+ Paranormal Reverse Harem Romance. The first book in the Queen of Arcadia series

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Published February 25, 2022

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Dreia Wells

32 books554 followers

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5 stars
297 (45%)
4 stars
184 (28%)
3 stars
119 (18%)
2 stars
38 (5%)
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13 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
Profile Image for Book Life With Jen.
1,253 reviews21 followers
March 3, 2022
Emergence of Fire, the first book in the Queen of Arcadia series by Dreia Wells, was an absolutely enthralling read that will suck you right in from the very beginning and never let you go—taking you on an adventure filled ride through a magical new world full of captivating characters, an intriguing storyline and a carefully articulated plot. This was my first time reading a story by this author and she did NOT disappoint!

Cordelia, our beautiful FMC, is everything you want in a heroine—she’s strong, caring, courageous, resilient, full of passion and totally clueless of who she really is…until one fateful night when everything changes and she discovers that she’s not just a human after all but rather the long lost Queen of a magical mystical realm…of dragons. And that she’s one too…

And of course that couldn’t be it! It turns out that she’s also the fated mate to three other dragons and after the attempted arrival of her own, it pulled on those mate bonds and brought three super sexy and totally protective men to her side.

After finding out what happened to her mother many years ago, she’s determined to seek revenge on those that did her mother and her mates wrong, and with the help of her mates, Adrian, Torin and Gale, and Twyla, the Druid that helped her escape to earth as a baby and King Maddox, the man that assisted, she quickly discovers that there’s more to the story and that betrayals run deep.

Overall this story was absolutely amazing! The world building was phenomenal, the plot utterly captivating and the characters so beautifully portrayed you couldn’t help by fall in love with this story. So needless to say, if you’re a fan of paranormal rh dragon shifter fantasy romances with a nice blend of action, intrigue and spice—then this is the one for you!
1,068 reviews5 followers
October 3, 2022
Too Fast

*****Spoilers*****

This book moves too fast, so much so it feels rushed. Cordelia and her dragon mates aside, she goes from thinking she's human to a threesome so quick I couldn't really appreciate much else. Yeah, her neighbor died but so what? Yeah, her childhood home imploded but so what? Yeah, her aunt is really a magical being and others exist and other realms and Cordelia is a dragon shifter and Queen of the dragons but so what? It felt like everything went like that in this book. Extra time and attention could've been spent on the present, getting to know Cordelia, Torin, Gale, and Adrian, heck even Twyla or Madison or any of the druids but nope. It's superficial and so feels artificial. I felt zero connection to any of the characters and debate if it's worthwhile to pick up the next. It's interesting, I think the concept but the author should slow it down and expand the details in the book.
Profile Image for Maureen.
503 reviews8 followers
February 27, 2022
Fairy tale for grown ups

I always loved fairy tales where the princess grew up not knowing she was a princess, and this fits right into that trope. I also have a soft spot for dragon shifters! Cordelia is a strong FMC, dealing with a lot that gets thrown at her. Her mates are the perfect blend of hot, protective, and caring. The backstory of how she ended up on Earth is well worked into the present-day narrative. The story finishes at the perfect point, too, setting up the next book and leaving you wanting to know what happens next. Can't wait!
Profile Image for Valery.
21 reviews
February 13, 2023
DNF @56% I don’t understand why this has so many good reviews, but to each their own. Writing is subpar, everything feels rushed including the romance. I tried to push through for the plot, but the bad writing eventually won.
Profile Image for Annette.
3,847 reviews177 followers
February 18, 2022
I used to be a vampire girl. I used to be the kind of girl dreaming about a vampire sneaking in in the middle of the night wanting to drain me, me opening my eyes and him falling instantly in love with me. However, slowly the shifters are catching up and I actually discovered that shifters, especially the diversity of shifters, are much more interesting. And the most interesting shifters of all? Dragons! I was therefore quite excited when I got this arc.

I was very positively surprised how fast this book had me hooked. The prologue of the story is amazing and immediately sets the atmosphere. And the moment we catch up with the lost princess I was really enjoying her figuring everything out and slowly growing into the person, and Queen, she has to be. Wells did an amazing job giving our heroine enough great personality traits from the start, while also leaving enough for her to learn and discover.

Wells clearly does take her time with the rest of the plot. I mean that as a compliment. Quite often in these kind of stories things are rushed and in a very unrealistic way the heroine wins the throne and saves the kingdom. It's clear that Wells didn't make things easy for our heroes. They have a lot of threats to deal with and the situation seems to be quite complicated. It will take time for them to gather the power and means to get our girl back on her throne.

I do hope that in the future books there's also a little more room for the guys to grow more as individuals. I loved those guys to pieces and they were very sweet and caring towards our heroine, but I sometimes had trouble telling them apart or figuring out what made the three of them different. Yes, a few characteristics were named, but I never really saw them in action. Just like we know not too much about their pasts.

I'm quite excited to read the next book in the series though!
Profile Image for Denise.
196 reviews2 followers
January 27, 2022
Cordelia is a humble soap maker with her own business, but one night everything changes and her world erupts in fire. She is the heir to a realm that she never knew existed. She knows what happened to her mother and vows to get revenge on the one that killed her. She learns that there are 3 males that love her unconditionally even though they have never met. But a small part is still missing - the piece that keeps her dragon from emerging and solidifying the bond with her mates.

This story was absolutely amazing! Five stars in all aspects! This is the first book I’ve read from this author and I could not put it down. The world building was wonderfully done and I can’t wait to see how the other realms get described. The plot was phenomenal and I loved every second. The characters came off so beautiful and so relatable and the spice balance was perfect. There was enough to keep you on your toes but it wasn’t just scene after scene.

Dreia Wells did a BEAUTIFUL job with this book. I cannot fangirl enough over this one. If you enjoy reverse harem shifter fantasy run and go get this book!
Profile Image for Ines.
1,335 reviews46 followers
February 7, 2022
Cordelia doesn't know why she keeps on dreaming the same dream night after night, revealing tiny snippets every time. And things only get weirder when she wakes up after one of her dreams, in a bed that's on fire and without any burn wounds on her body. Looking for answers she turns to her aunt, and to a whole new unknown world...

I have to say: Cordelia is one of my favourite fmc's so far (and I've read a lot!). She's a thirty year old woman who believes in her own worth, knows what she wants and needs in her life but who's also very considerate and kind to others. I enjoyed reading a book about a woman who knows her own strengths and weaknesses and who's willing to compromise with the people around her. She's the kind of woman I aspire to be... Minus the queen and dragon shifter part...

I'm a big fan of fated mate stories, and I don't want to give away any spoilers, but I love the way this author took a spin on that trope. Cordelia's guys sound amazing, and I'm really looking forward to read more about them in the next book(s). No brutal cliffhangers in this one, so I'll be fine while waiting.
Profile Image for Erin Walker.
86 reviews3 followers
February 26, 2022
Dreia said Redacted is Mine 😉

I had the amazing opportunity to get to read this amazing book while it was still in the works. I absolutely loved every second of it from the older characters to the fact that the book is about dragons with dragon shifters and, of course, an RH all in one. 😍👌😍👌

I adored Delia's personality and am so glad everyone else is getting to witness the book themselves. All of the pain that she felt..it was so emotional!! 😭😭
And my boy. My darling D. He's all mine. Every damaged piece. Delia better save him!!!! 😭🥺😭🥺

Also. That cliffhanger. It was definitely "Hold on to the edge of your seats cause things are about to get wild" for sure.
I. Need. More. 🤤💯🤤💯
So. If you like:
Dragons
Fated Mates
RH
Fantasy
Pain
Addiction to plots
This is definitely a book for you, and you need to buy it right away. 🥰💪🥰💪

P.S. I am territorial over my boy and am not afraid to fight anyone who tries to take him from me, most especially Dreia as she already knows!! 😤👏😤👏
Profile Image for Debbie Eyre.
5,918 reviews116 followers
March 2, 2022
What a fantastic start to this series! An amazing read that’s gripping and exciting from the very start as we meet Cordelia an average thirty year old who makes soap then bam! Suddenly she’s a dragon and the next queen of Arcadia and if thats not enough she has three hot and sexy mates who claim she is theirs and the key to saving the realm. Cordelia is a fantastic character, she’s strong and independent and when her dragon emerges it is magnificent! The world building is incredible and the storyline entertaining and intriguing and I loved how the author has drawn me in and now I am completely hooked!
Profile Image for Samantha Lynn.
780 reviews47 followers
February 15, 2022
Emergence is the first book in Dreia’s newest series and my first time ever reading a book about dragon shifters.

Cordelia is such a strong character in the ways that she is so assertive and confident while still being a kind person. She struggles to understand why she keeps having the same dream over and over again. Until she wakes up one night to find out about a whole new world and the truth behind her family.

Dreia does an incredible job as always with her world building and character building.
Profile Image for Cali Mafiaa.
401 reviews23 followers
March 6, 2022
Ok so this was my first dragon book & I absolutely loved it!! It will have you freak’n hooked by the very beginning!!

I loved the characters in this book they were freak’n great.. definitely Cordelia aahhhh loved her.. & that ending aahh.. definitely can’t wait for book two..

I loved it & definitely need more…💜🖤


“This book was given to me in exchange for my honest review."
Profile Image for Adrienne McFarlane.
473 reviews36 followers
February 25, 2022
Great world building. This book features multiple realms that are interesting and we'll thought out. The main characters are people of colour which is a great change for main characters. The story was well thought out and I remained interested until the end.
Profile Image for Charlotte.
3,975 reviews63 followers
April 4, 2022
Cordelia is completely oblivious to who and what she is just living a simple life of running her own business. When the dreams she been having for years escalate to her starting fires in her own bed it also opens up a can of worms for Cordelia and a whole new world. One that shes ill equipped for too. As well as three men - Adrian, Gale and Torin who are drawn to her.

Emergence of Fire is a cracking start to this series. I loved Cordelia with all her wit, sass and sarcasm. I also liked her auntie Twyla and the guys too. The plot twists were just knockout. I cannot wait for next book after that ending
Profile Image for Allison.
42 reviews1 follower
February 21, 2022
The characters are well developed and really get you invested into their story. I love how strong Cordelia is, she's really in charge of her own life. However, she's also able to be vulnerable with her mates, which is so much better than a character who is so strong they can't be vulnerable ever.
The world building is also really well thought out. There are multiple realms and the two we're introduced to are described in enough detail to give you a mental picture without bogging down the story.
The base idea of this novel is really great, it's engaging and interesting. The novel really starts out well and keeps your interest until the end. However, it could have definitely used more editing. And there were a few places where I see why we're going to a certain place in the plot, but the explanations of getting there just don't make sense.
I will definitely keep reading this series and would recommend this book to anyone who likes PNR or shifter books.
106 reviews
May 26, 2022
I so wanted to love this book, it has many of my favorite things, especially dragon shifters. But nothing makes logical sense here. It's a matriarchal society, but women apparently can't shift into their dragons until they are with their mates? But men can shift from an early age, no problem, no extras needed? No wonder the men think they are superior to women. And the Queen, who is apparently, maybe, the strongest dragon, dies at the hands of a bunch of male dragons who have lost their magic and ability to shift? And she never shifts to protect herself or her realm? She does nothing, just stands there and takes it? Why the women can't shift until they have their mates is never explained, and honestly I am making some supposition that the Queen is the biggest, baddest dragon since she's the only fire dragon, because that's not really explained either. I truly can suspend disbelief with the best of them, but there is just too much missing here.

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Book Dragon.
169 reviews2 followers
February 25, 2022
Emergence of Fire by Dreia Wells is a story which was gripping from the start. It was totally unpredictable, which made me read on.
What really drew me in was it was about Dragon Shifters! Eek! I love Dragons so of course I read this gem of a book.
I liked the multi POV, which helped us get to know the characters better. But Cordelia, the FMC is just incredible. She is strong and independent.
What worked for me was how the story was crafted. We get glimpses of the past which help show the present and explain how things are.
The ending! What a cracker of an ending! I need book two now!!!!! I can't wait to see what happens in the next book and see where the author takes the story to next.
Profile Image for LaTosha Webber.
1,167 reviews71 followers
April 30, 2022
Yesss Queen

This was a fun read. Delia is funny and sassy and literal black girl magic. I lost it when I realized that she had black mates and that a solid portion of the characters are as well, that honestly makes this 10x better for me personally. I e been on the hunt for these for a while so I’m pretty mad at myself for letting it sit on my TBR for so long. I enjoyed the pace and the plot. It’s not complicated but it isn’t lazy either. And I love that! The sexy time was good but was a little random. It didn’t mess with the flow there just wasn’t much build up. I’m so excited for the next book.
Profile Image for Demi Nolan.
21 reviews2 followers
June 27, 2023
usual tropes

SPOILERS !!! This book could have actually been really good if it wasn’t insta love like insta insta love 😴 all the usual tropes as well finds out she’s a queen and has mates pretty much instantly accepts all this has the most stupid argument I have ever heard with said mates and even tho she knows how much danger she’s in accidentally teleports to the middle of the woods and takes a walk. Really ??
Profile Image for Diana.
44 reviews22 followers
March 12, 2022
She immediately accepted her mates within days of finding out she was a dragon. Not only that but a Queen. At random moments the author would try to portray her as a badass confident woman. I mean I'm here for it but there was nothing really to suggest that she actually was. I wouldn't recommend it.
Profile Image for Rachel.
2,352 reviews132 followers
February 3, 2022
Emergence of Fire finds thirty-year-old business owner Cordelia Drake's life turned upside down from one moment to the next. She has to navigate a world that she didn't know existed until her's came crashing down. Luckily (or should I say lickably) for her she has three hot dragon mates and a magical aunt to guide her through.

For someone whose life imploded Cordelia "Delia" takes things fairly well. This woman is not shy, Delia has confidence, is determined, and has a stubborn streak a mile long. Not to mention owns her sexuality and isn't afraid to want what she wants even I'd that includes some very hot dragons.¹

Good thing too because Torin, Gale, and Adrien are fantastic. Torin is the unofficial leader who balances Adrien's brooding and Gale's playfulness. This is insta-love of the guys' side Delia took just slightly longer. It's obvious that the guys love her and are absolutely devoted to her and good thing too because enemies are closing in on all sides.

What was genius about this book is that I thought I had a clear picture of the villain, and their great plan only to have stuff steadily revealed along the way that totally changed everything. Not to mention the plot twists that were incorporated into the story that had me wondering what the heck was going on.

As for the world-building, it was great. The mention of other realms and the slight background we got was really interesting, I just wish that Dreia went into a little more detail about them but I have a fairly good picture of the Dragon realm and the others I get the gist. The history behind the story about different realms and why things are the way they are currently was a different take on things.

I absorbed Emergence of Fire. I instantly felt for the characters, their struggles and was captivated by the story. There was betrayal, hidden royals, fated mates, magic, power struggles, and uncertain futures not to mention a villain that I hated. Plus dragons, druids, shifters, and more were all represented in the story. Somehow the story manages to end with a victory but also a cliffhanger that leaves me with questions I'm dying to have answered. I am excitedly looking forward to the next book Trail by Fire and here's to hoping I don't have to wait too long.
Profile Image for Toni Glitz.
295 reviews3 followers
February 25, 2022
Excellent start to a new Paranormal Romance series

This is the first book in a new PNR RH series from Dreia Wells. The book is set both in modern day Earth as well as in the realms of the Druids and the Dragons. There are scenes of betrayal and murder and there are descriptive scenes of consensual sexual activity between one female and her three mates.

I really enjoyed this book. It's among my favourite of her books so far. I really like the story, the characters are well thought out and the worldbuilding and magic systems are great.

The book begins with a coup; the betrayal of the Dragon Queen and the rescue of the infant princess. The rest of the book is set thirty years later, when the princess has grown. Discovering that she is a dragon is surprising enough. Discovering that she is destined to be queen of the dragon realm and that she will have three fated mates is beyond anything she could have imagined. To fulfil her destiny she will have to take on the evil which destroyed her family all those years ago. They know she survived and they are coming for her. Can she get to grips with her new found powers and the upheaval life has thrown her way in time to take them on?

This is a fun book. I enjoyed reading it. I can see characters in this who I’d like to know more about and I hope they get their own books as either part of this series or a spin-off series. Roll on Book 2!
Profile Image for Beba Andric.
1,580 reviews110 followers
February 16, 2022
I enjoyed this book the moment I started reading it. It starts off with a bang, murder, betrayal and a desperate bargain and that's only the prologue! What a way to start, all I wanted to find out was if Twyna managed to escape and what the outcome was. And did i l ever! There was no easing into this story, the plot, the events all unravel simultaneously, at a brilliant pace, and the world building is simply marvelous! I loved Cordelia's character, independent, tough and completely dedicated to her aunt, whose actually not her aunt, but more on that later. I loved her reactions to the events hitting her from all side, one would expect lots of whinny, self-absorbed narrative but Dreia has captured her shock at the various discoveries without resorting to 'whoa is me', in fact, Cordelia is portrayed that her spunk comes through, her acceptance and control, or lack of it, is superbly depicted. When Cordelia finally emerges, I felt her thrill to the tips of my toes! Loved it! Yes, this is a RH, so yeesss, there is steam and plenty of it. As for her mates, heaven help me but I was seriously fantasising! So dreamy and so down to earth at the same time, every-single- one!!! I The little twists and turns were well thought out and by the end of the book, yes, you guessed right, I'm aching for the next book!
Profile Image for Lena.
245 reviews4 followers
February 1, 2022
I am pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this story. Cordelia is the long lost Queen of Arcadia. Arcadia is home to dragons. The Queen, meaning Cordelia, is a Fire Dragon.

After the betrayal of the court, Cordelia’s mother sends her to Earth with Twyla, a Druid. Twyla raises Cordelia as her own. Twyla gives up her whole life for this mission. As a reader, we do not know the motives - yet.

Earth makes dragons and druids mortal, so it comes as a huge shock when Cordelia’s dragon tries to emerge. The surge of magic pulls on her mate bonds and brings Torin, Adrian and Gale to her side. Everything goes sideways after this and quickly Cordelia, her mates, Twyla and King Maddox discover the betrayals run far deeper than any one suspected.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Emergence of Fire’s world building is amazing. Each of the characters are unique and flawed in all the right ways. Cordelia is strong, passionate and full of surprises; while her mates are protective, loving and hot. There is something for everyone is this story.

I’m really excited to read more about this world and how the realms defeat the villains.
Profile Image for Samantha Silensky.
421 reviews3 followers
March 2, 2022
I can’t tell you how refreshing it was to not have the heroine be a school-aged, barely adult, who is expected to just roll with responsibilities and problems of worlds being thrust upon them, when they’re barely able to hold their own in life before things happened and fell apart. I loved that Cordelia is 30, and not rushing in to take over a throne when she barely knows what’s going on, or who the people she’s just learning existed, actually are. I also enjoyed how the book didn’t seem rushed. It wasn’t an immediate rush to just fix or take care of the problem, rushing headfirst into the unknown. Her and her men are learning about everything they must know and do before throwing themselves into it. I loved this book and can’t wait to read more. I also hope to learn more backstory about her mates, and what they endured before, in a kingdom that was clearly falling apart. I’d also love to get a view on what transpired when Cordelia’s mother died, from the perspective of the villains of the story, or even someone overhearing/serving the villains plots and plans.
Profile Image for Angela Paton.
117 reviews3 followers
January 27, 2022
Emergence of Fire
Dreia Wells.

First and foremost I have to say I love what this book is dedicated to, Ohh and the quote as well. This book has multiple POVs which is fantastic. I love books about Dragon shifters and this one is amazing. Since the moment I started reading this book has just kept me wanting more and more. An added bonus the book also shows you what Twyla is drawing for Cordelia. Delia is a strong and independent person in every sense until she learns the truth, but even after learning about her own heritage and who she really is she doubts thinks but is still as strong within herself as ever. It’s also surprising how well she takes to her mates after being a little timed about the whole thing at first but that fated mate connection was just to strong to ignore. Not going to say anything more that happens but OMG I am in love with Cordelia. I can’t believe you left us on that cliffhanger but it has made me wanting more. Can’t wait for book 2!!
Profile Image for Ashley.
381 reviews3 followers
February 2, 2022
This book basically hooked me from the get-go. Emergence of Fire introduces us to Cordelia Drake, an independent woman who is "the Alpha of her own life." Girl if I didn't vibe with you before that, I sure do now! Cordelia's character is one I can absolutely relate to. The sorrow, the anger, the thirst for vengeance...I definitely feel like I can get behind her story. And let's not forget her men...hoo boy is it hot in here, or is that just the dragon fire? The devotion is real y'all and the spice is SPICY!! The narrative was easy to follow and left us with a little cliffy that wasn't too terrible. I'm definitely eagerly awaiting book 2 to find out what happens next!

I received an ARC copy and am posting this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for iliana G.
1,699 reviews27 followers
February 5, 2022
I really didn't expect to enjoy this story so much.
Once I started reading I couldn't put the book down.
The characters are well written and amazing as is the story.
I love the world building and the way the relationships between the characters evolve.
This story has many layers and I have a feeling we will get to read all of them.
Fast paced and definitely a page Turner this book will hook in anyone that reads it.
The characters are well developed and the MFC is a strong independent woman that doesn't back down in anything she faces. Witty , funny with quick come backs. (She faints alot but I don't fault her)
Profile Image for Chey.
1,494 reviews50 followers
February 25, 2022
Epic Beginning

Cordelia is an average woman who makes soap for a loving. Then one night she finds out she is the heir to Arcadia, a realm she never knew existed, and she has three mates that love her unconditionally despite never having met. Now she must choose whether to save the world she never knew about and solidify her mate bonds, or forgo it for the safety of her own world.

This book was a stunning start to this series and emphasizes the author's paranormal writing abilities. I loved Cordelia's character and how the author developed her. She went from being an average woman to a fierce queen and I was living for that. Her men are everything you want and the way they treat her just warms your heart.

I would've liked to see the men grow more as characters, since they felt more like background characters rather than the main characters that they are.
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews63 followers
February 25, 2022
The author had me at “dragons”. Then she pulled me in the rest of the way by giving me a snarky, sassy heroine who isn’t the cookie-cutter image of every other coming-of-age story. To be honest, I’m kind of loving this latest trend of ‘second-coming-of-age’ stories, where a life believed well-lived must start over. And I can’t think of a better description for what Cordelia is going through now. Misdirections and double-crosses abound in this book, and they kept me glued to the edge of my seat to find out what would happen next. This was a fantastic read and I’m dying to see how the author will top it.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.
232 reviews1 follower
February 27, 2022

Emergence of Fire

This is an author that is new to me so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’m happy to say it was a great experience.

Cordelia is a displaced Queen who had no idea she wasn’t in the world where she was originally born. She always thought she was human, but things they are a’changing!

Not only does she learn the circumstances behind her being on the Earth Realm, but she finds out so many hidden truths that she begins to feel overwhelmed.

Take a walk on the wild side and enjoy Cordelia and her 3 hunky men’s journey. It will keep you entranced until you turn the last page.
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