What do you think?
Daranii Justice #1
The Price of Surrender
The war with the Daranii, instigated by Earth, was short and brutal.
Outgunned by superior weapons, the obliteration of the military outpost on Jupiter’s moon, Io, ended with Earth’s unconditional surrender.
Captain Jonathan Thomsin of the warship Excalibur was the only Captain of Earth’s combined forces to successfully destroy Daranii ships, not by confronting them, but with guerilla warfare. Outraged by Thomsin’s dishonorable tactics, the Daranii demand the captain as part of Earth’s reparations to Daran.
Captain Thomsin was given to Daran to protect Earth from Daranii vengeance.
A Sacrifice.
He expected to be tormented by loss and grief.
He expected to be tortured and die on Daran.
He never expected to fall in love.
PLEASE NOTE: This is a slow burn, male/male romance with on-page torture scenes, health issues, and adult sexual situations.
Outgunned by superior weapons, the obliteration of the military outpost on Jupiter’s moon, Io, ended with Earth’s unconditional surrender.
Captain Jonathan Thomsin of the warship Excalibur was the only Captain of Earth’s combined forces to successfully destroy Daranii ships, not by confronting them, but with guerilla warfare. Outraged by Thomsin’s dishonorable tactics, the Daranii demand the captain as part of Earth’s reparations to Daran.
Captain Thomsin was given to Daran to protect Earth from Daranii vengeance.
A Sacrifice.
He expected to be tormented by loss and grief.
He expected to be tortured and die on Daran.
He never expected to fall in love.
PLEASE NOTE: This is a slow burn, male/male romance with on-page torture scenes, health issues, and adult sexual situations.
207 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 12, 2022
About the author
C.J. Dragon
25 books21 followersCJ has always been an avid reader of everything, having started her reading career on cereal boxes at a tender age. Deciding to finally share some of the stories in her head, CJ took the plunge into publishing in 2022.
She lives in North Carolina, is happily married to her soulmate who is also a writer, and is the Bringer of Food for two cats; Frankie, who is a delight; and Angel, who has earned her new name, Lucifer's Handmaiden.
For all things Dragon, make sure you visit her website!
www.cjdragon.com
She lives in North Carolina, is happily married to her soulmate who is also a writer, and is the Bringer of Food for two cats; Frankie, who is a delight; and Angel, who has earned her new name, Lucifer's Handmaiden.
For all things Dragon, make sure you visit her website!
www.cjdragon.com
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 12, 2022
A brilliant slow burn romance.
Bam!!! CJ Dragon delivers with another well-written story which promises to be the beginning of a second series-ish (?) storyline. You can read the blurb but basically a human captain is held responsible for the murder of aliens during a war. A war which was started by the humans (no surprise there) but ended in Earth's unconditional surrender. The alien race demanded the captain, Jonathan, be handed over as a "sacrifice." Earth's military has no choice but to deliver Jonathan to the aliens (Daranii) and the story begins at that point.
The Daranii warrior, Talin, who is responsible for Jonathan's "protection" is the same one who is charged to carry out his torture. There is some pretty heavy duty torture going down...not blood and guts...but the author is able to paint a picture so that my mind's eye can easily see it...and cringe. These scenes are non-gratuitous and are appropriate to the story as it unfolds.
As mentioned in the blurb this is a very slow burn romance. This is the second novel I have read by Ms. Dragon and she absolutely kicks it when it comes to slow burn. Good grief... she could give a seminar. Actually the author excels at quite a few things.
One of the things about this author that I love is how first she is able to build a believable slow-burn romance between Talin, who absolutely hates the human, and Jonathan, who has resigned himself to be killed as a sacrifice for what the humans have done. THEN, simultaneously, when the reader's heart starts to smile (it's a thing), the reader also begins to realize that very likely this is not going to end well. How could it? So you have this romance thing cooking but are feeling all angsty about what is going to happen next.
I was very pleasantly surprised by the ending in that the story continues in a second book that appears to be on its way. As I was reading the story and saw how it was going to end, I was satisfied. BUT, when I realized the story was continuing into a second book it got me crazy excited because, without going into any detail (read the book) it actually changes...possibly/potentially the entire storyline. Now THAT takes a great deal of skill and seriously, I can't wait.
C.J. Dragon is 2 for 2 in knocking these books out of the park.
Bam!!! CJ Dragon delivers with another well-written story which promises to be the beginning of a second series-ish (?) storyline. You can read the blurb but basically a human captain is held responsible for the murder of aliens during a war. A war which was started by the humans (no surprise there) but ended in Earth's unconditional surrender. The alien race demanded the captain, Jonathan, be handed over as a "sacrifice." Earth's military has no choice but to deliver Jonathan to the aliens (Daranii) and the story begins at that point.
The Daranii warrior, Talin, who is responsible for Jonathan's "protection" is the same one who is charged to carry out his torture. There is some pretty heavy duty torture going down...not blood and guts...but the author is able to paint a picture so that my mind's eye can easily see it...and cringe. These scenes are non-gratuitous and are appropriate to the story as it unfolds.
As mentioned in the blurb this is a very slow burn romance. This is the second novel I have read by Ms. Dragon and she absolutely kicks it when it comes to slow burn. Good grief... she could give a seminar. Actually the author excels at quite a few things.
One of the things about this author that I love is how first she is able to build a believable slow-burn romance between Talin, who absolutely hates the human, and Jonathan, who has resigned himself to be killed as a sacrifice for what the humans have done. THEN, simultaneously, when the reader's heart starts to smile (it's a thing), the reader also begins to realize that very likely this is not going to end well. How could it? So you have this romance thing cooking but are feeling all angsty about what is going to happen next.
I was very pleasantly surprised by the ending in that the story continues in a second book that appears to be on its way. As I was reading the story and saw how it was going to end, I was satisfied. BUT, when I realized the story was continuing into a second book it got me crazy excited because, without going into any detail (read the book) it actually changes...possibly/potentially the entire storyline. Now THAT takes a great deal of skill and seriously, I can't wait.
C.J. Dragon is 2 for 2 in knocking these books out of the park.
July 17, 2022
Good story, but I couldn’t get pas the writing style to really immerse myself into it and enjoy it.
July 3, 2022
3.5 rounded up to a 4 because I liked the characters.
Jonathan Thomsin, Captain of the Excalibur, offered as sacrifice to end a war. Confined, tortured over and over and debased. His caretaker Dulan, his doctor Calel, and his torturer Talan, his only companions.
“I see now that I don’t belong to myself at all here. I am merely the Sacrifice, meant to suffer any way Daran wants me to – no dignity, no rights, no recourse. I wish they would kill me, but I know they won’t until there is nothing left of me.”
I liked the story, I wish there had been more of the ships and space ( that’s because I’m a Sci-Fi nerd). The Daranii are formal in their daily lives and Jon quickly picked up that trait. The writing seemed very formal also.
This wasn’t an insta love but the torturer did fall in love with his victim rather fast. I was happy to know that all sorts of pairings were the norm on Jon’s new planet. Other than in the very beginning not much information on Earth’s and Daran’s war. I would of liked to know how earth fared after Jon’s sacrifice. Maybe that will be explained in the next book.
I received an arc of this book.
Jonathan Thomsin, Captain of the Excalibur, offered as sacrifice to end a war. Confined, tortured over and over and debased. His caretaker Dulan, his doctor Calel, and his torturer Talan, his only companions.
“I see now that I don’t belong to myself at all here. I am merely the Sacrifice, meant to suffer any way Daran wants me to – no dignity, no rights, no recourse. I wish they would kill me, but I know they won’t until there is nothing left of me.”
I liked the story, I wish there had been more of the ships and space ( that’s because I’m a Sci-Fi nerd). The Daranii are formal in their daily lives and Jon quickly picked up that trait. The writing seemed very formal also.
This wasn’t an insta love but the torturer did fall in love with his victim rather fast. I was happy to know that all sorts of pairings were the norm on Jon’s new planet. Other than in the very beginning not much information on Earth’s and Daran’s war. I would of liked to know how earth fared after Jon’s sacrifice. Maybe that will be explained in the next book.
I received an arc of this book.
November 26, 2022
Expected some dub con and BDSM from the summary and the cover, but got fluffity fluff fluff.
March 23, 2024
See my web site for a full review of “The Price of Surrender.”
July 15, 2022
Such a moving story
Loved this slow burn romance with moments that brings the reader to tears then causes you to smile. An enemies to friends love story that shows how someone can change the hearts and minds of many. Can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
Loved this slow burn romance with moments that brings the reader to tears then causes you to smile. An enemies to friends love story that shows how someone can change the hearts and minds of many. Can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
January 9, 2023
A Joyfully Jay review.
2.75 stars
This is the first book in the Daranii Justice series and, to be honest, it feels like a bit of a bait and switch. The blurb mentioned a war between an alien race and Earth, and a captain who managed to score a hit with guerilla attacks, who was a hero for humans and a devil to the Daranii. I expected what the blurb offered. Instead, I was given what felt like an entirely different type of story set in no particular location with no real characters. To start with, the world building is almost completely threadbare. What little there is of the Darenii culture is confused and both poorly explained and poorly put together, with all of the story’s focus being on the two main characters.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
2.75 stars
This is the first book in the Daranii Justice series and, to be honest, it feels like a bit of a bait and switch. The blurb mentioned a war between an alien race and Earth, and a captain who managed to score a hit with guerilla attacks, who was a hero for humans and a devil to the Daranii. I expected what the blurb offered. Instead, I was given what felt like an entirely different type of story set in no particular location with no real characters. To start with, the world building is almost completely threadbare. What little there is of the Darenii culture is confused and both poorly explained and poorly put together, with all of the story’s focus being on the two main characters.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
July 12, 2022
In order to save: Mars Colony, Lunar Outpost and Earth and prevent more devastating attacks by Daranii, Captain Jonathan Thomsin is now a prisoner. He has now been sacrificed as reparations to the Daranii. Jon is now dead to Earth as he will never be able to return. He will face the most horrific torture by Daranii Government Council until death.
Jon is not a super hero or a warrior, under the circumstances he had to make a decision based on miscommunication and a standoff. Now in the hands of Talin, Adjutant of the Order of Warriors, Jon is humiliated and tortured beyond belief. All Jon can do is wish for death to come. After his torture he is helped by Dulan of the Order of Artisans. Dulan understands English, where Jon does not have any knowledge of the Daran language. Calal, is a physician and is also there to aid Jon. Both Dulan and Calal do not agree with the harsh treatment that Jon is receiving but there is nothing either of them can do. But they both do not hesitate to express their disgust. With the care of both Calal and Dulan, Jon just barely has survived the required torture by the Governing Council.
Months have passed and Jon holds no grudges. He’s learned to live among the Daran’s even though he’s treated as a prisoner. He’s learned the language of the Darana and has even spent time teaching Dulan more of the English language. He’s even becomes an educator to the Darana’s and teaches them the English language. But even as it seems Jon has adapted well, he is already damaged, PTSD, nightmares and death can still come.
Talin has inflicted torture on Jon at every step. He has no regards for Jon. But he’s ordered to be Jon’s protector. Jon has somehow survived the Sha alat (pain giver) after the third and required time. The rules change on the Day of Remembrance by the Governing Council, especially Warrior Sental, there’s no other option for Jon but death. With Talin and Jon’s new commitment to each other, Talin does not back down to the Council.
Will Talin, Calan, Dulan and other allies come to Jon’s defense against the Governing Council and will it really make a difference in Jon’s fate?
C.J. Dragon creates a spectacular sci fi tale with language and world building of the Daranii. It’s very descriptive in the forms of torture used against Jon. The laws of the Daranii Council are very cruel, hateful and prejudice. The one thing that I’m skeptical about is, Jon being the only individual having to pay for the war crime. “The Price of Surrender” is a well written novel filled with a rollercoaster ride of strong emotions. As well as things progress for Jon and Talin, there’s always those moments of fear that something will go wrong.
There are a few supporting characters that show signs of hope for Jon. Calal the physcian, Dulan, and Senior Tidan.
“The Price of Surrender” is a first time read for me by C.J. Dragon. Not giving away any spoilers but I am more than curious to see where the next “Dranii Justice” novel will take Jon and Talin.
Jon is not a super hero or a warrior, under the circumstances he had to make a decision based on miscommunication and a standoff. Now in the hands of Talin, Adjutant of the Order of Warriors, Jon is humiliated and tortured beyond belief. All Jon can do is wish for death to come. After his torture he is helped by Dulan of the Order of Artisans. Dulan understands English, where Jon does not have any knowledge of the Daran language. Calal, is a physician and is also there to aid Jon. Both Dulan and Calal do not agree with the harsh treatment that Jon is receiving but there is nothing either of them can do. But they both do not hesitate to express their disgust. With the care of both Calal and Dulan, Jon just barely has survived the required torture by the Governing Council.
Months have passed and Jon holds no grudges. He’s learned to live among the Daran’s even though he’s treated as a prisoner. He’s learned the language of the Darana and has even spent time teaching Dulan more of the English language. He’s even becomes an educator to the Darana’s and teaches them the English language. But even as it seems Jon has adapted well, he is already damaged, PTSD, nightmares and death can still come.
Talin has inflicted torture on Jon at every step. He has no regards for Jon. But he’s ordered to be Jon’s protector. Jon has somehow survived the Sha alat (pain giver) after the third and required time. The rules change on the Day of Remembrance by the Governing Council, especially Warrior Sental, there’s no other option for Jon but death. With Talin and Jon’s new commitment to each other, Talin does not back down to the Council.
Will Talin, Calan, Dulan and other allies come to Jon’s defense against the Governing Council and will it really make a difference in Jon’s fate?
C.J. Dragon creates a spectacular sci fi tale with language and world building of the Daranii. It’s very descriptive in the forms of torture used against Jon. The laws of the Daranii Council are very cruel, hateful and prejudice. The one thing that I’m skeptical about is, Jon being the only individual having to pay for the war crime. “The Price of Surrender” is a well written novel filled with a rollercoaster ride of strong emotions. As well as things progress for Jon and Talin, there’s always those moments of fear that something will go wrong.
There are a few supporting characters that show signs of hope for Jon. Calal the physcian, Dulan, and Senior Tidan.
“The Price of Surrender” is a first time read for me by C.J. Dragon. Not giving away any spoilers but I am more than curious to see where the next “Dranii Justice” novel will take Jon and Talin.
September 4, 2025
**This review is for the book and the audiobook**
I really enjoyed listening to this sci-fi fantasy audiobook about John from Earth and Talin from the planet Daran. Captain John Thomsin was the Captain of the warship Excalibur and during the war killed many Daranji. Similarly, the Daranji, led by Talin, killed many Earthlings. Since Earth started and lost the war, Daran demanded that John be handed over and tortured until death. Except he survived four rounds of torture. Talin and John started off as enemies but eventually became friends and then life partners.
There were some descriptions of torture, but not too many details. Surprisingly, John was given medical treatment between torture sessions. Whereas the spicy scenes between John and Talin were explicit and very well described. Deliciously so, and should not be listened to in public.
I liked the way the curiosity of each other was handled and how respectful John and Talin were about every aspect of their life together. I liked that they had a friend group that they were able to depend on, especially during the scary final sentencing of John. I really didn’t like that the authorities on Earth were all too happy to turn over John to the Daranji, especially knowing his fate. Asking John to be the only one to make the ultimate sacrifice for his planet wasn’t fair. That John mentally handled this betrayal was commendable. I think you would have had to either sedate me or drag me kicking and screaming if I were asked to be the sacrificial lamb being led to my death.
The narrator, John Solo, had a pleasant voice and was enjoyable to listen to. The audio quality was exceptional. The narrator’s voice quality and character distinction, pacing and rhythm, and emotional delivery were all on point. I loved the different accents, and they made the book even more enjoyable. Overall, I really enjoyed the story and think the excellent narration added to the experience for me. If you are looking for a well-written, well-narrated Sci-fi romance story full of interesting characters, I would recommend this book for you.
I really enjoyed listening to this sci-fi fantasy audiobook about John from Earth and Talin from the planet Daran. Captain John Thomsin was the Captain of the warship Excalibur and during the war killed many Daranji. Similarly, the Daranji, led by Talin, killed many Earthlings. Since Earth started and lost the war, Daran demanded that John be handed over and tortured until death. Except he survived four rounds of torture. Talin and John started off as enemies but eventually became friends and then life partners.
There were some descriptions of torture, but not too many details. Surprisingly, John was given medical treatment between torture sessions. Whereas the spicy scenes between John and Talin were explicit and very well described. Deliciously so, and should not be listened to in public.
I liked the way the curiosity of each other was handled and how respectful John and Talin were about every aspect of their life together. I liked that they had a friend group that they were able to depend on, especially during the scary final sentencing of John. I really didn’t like that the authorities on Earth were all too happy to turn over John to the Daranji, especially knowing his fate. Asking John to be the only one to make the ultimate sacrifice for his planet wasn’t fair. That John mentally handled this betrayal was commendable. I think you would have had to either sedate me or drag me kicking and screaming if I were asked to be the sacrificial lamb being led to my death.
The narrator, John Solo, had a pleasant voice and was enjoyable to listen to. The audio quality was exceptional. The narrator’s voice quality and character distinction, pacing and rhythm, and emotional delivery were all on point. I loved the different accents, and they made the book even more enjoyable. Overall, I really enjoyed the story and think the excellent narration added to the experience for me. If you are looking for a well-written, well-narrated Sci-fi romance story full of interesting characters, I would recommend this book for you.
May 26, 2026
DNF.
I didn't make it very far, so maybe it gets better? However, with that I listened to, I have thoughts.
Let's talk about POVs. The first sign of trouble was when John is meeting with his replacement Captain as he's going to his room where he's being held until the Daranii pick him up. We are supposedly in John's POV, so when the woman (I can't remember her name, sorry!) reaches out towards him for a hug the line is something like "she reached for her captain." Which, if we are in John's POv, it should be something like "she reached for him" ...? Why is he using third person and an epithet for himself?
Then, when his family comes to visit before the Daranii show up, we knew what they were thinking and doing before they reached John? We shouldn't have since it was still supposed to be John's POV.
And then, almost immediately after the family POV issue, when he's leaving his room to get picked up, his former crew line up to respect him (which was emotional, not going to lie), the like is something like "they were seeing their former captain blah blah blah." Again, with the third person and epithet ... if we were in his POV.
All of that happened in the same chapter. And no, I don't think it was third person. I think the author switched POVs for a few lines to show what others were feeling or thinking. Which ... no.
It gets way worse later on. We switch POVs with so many characters without any warning or chapter change. One second we are in John's POV and the next sentence it's the doctor's or Talin's. And even then, it changes between them. I had no idea whose POV we were in a lot of the time, and it was very annoying.
This needed another edit. At one point, the name Thomas is used instead of John. And it clearly was supposed to be John as there is no Thomas and the next sentence showed it was John.
That was only the first couple chapters. I gave up with the whole whose POV are we in game started to really get going.
I didn't make it very far, so maybe it gets better? However, with that I listened to, I have thoughts.
Let's talk about POVs. The first sign of trouble was when John is meeting with his replacement Captain as he's going to his room where he's being held until the Daranii pick him up. We are supposedly in John's POV, so when the woman (I can't remember her name, sorry!) reaches out towards him for a hug the line is something like "she reached for her captain." Which, if we are in John's POv, it should be something like "she reached for him" ...? Why is he using third person and an epithet for himself?
Then, when his family comes to visit before the Daranii show up, we knew what they were thinking and doing before they reached John? We shouldn't have since it was still supposed to be John's POV.
And then, almost immediately after the family POV issue, when he's leaving his room to get picked up, his former crew line up to respect him (which was emotional, not going to lie), the like is something like "they were seeing their former captain blah blah blah." Again, with the third person and epithet ... if we were in his POV.
All of that happened in the same chapter. And no, I don't think it was third person. I think the author switched POVs for a few lines to show what others were feeling or thinking. Which ... no.
It gets way worse later on. We switch POVs with so many characters without any warning or chapter change. One second we are in John's POV and the next sentence it's the doctor's or Talin's. And even then, it changes between them. I had no idea whose POV we were in a lot of the time, and it was very annoying.
This needed another edit. At one point, the name Thomas is used instead of John. And it clearly was supposed to be John as there is no Thomas and the next sentence showed it was John.
That was only the first couple chapters. I gave up with the whole whose POV are we in game started to really get going.
March 31, 2023
Audiobook review:
This was surprising in the best ways. I wasn't sure how I would feel about Johnathan being a sacrifice for Earth. It didn't seem fair at all but he honorably took his fate facing forward knowing he would die. In a surprise twist, Johnathan survives his punishments and is granted life, although still very much a prisoner, on Daran. He makes the best of his new life by making a few friends and even gets to teach English to some willing Daranii. But most surprising is that his most adamant torturer Talin becomes his friend. Talin starts to understand that Johnathan is a remarkable human and starts to form feelings for him. Ahh love is in the air. The plot really takes off after this but no spoilers from me. This is my first CJ Dragon book and definitely won't be my last. I enjoyed the world building and the creativity behind the alien species. John Solo is amazing as always. I really liked how he voiced the aliens. It made it feel more believable that most of the characters aren't human.
This was surprising in the best ways. I wasn't sure how I would feel about Johnathan being a sacrifice for Earth. It didn't seem fair at all but he honorably took his fate facing forward knowing he would die. In a surprise twist, Johnathan survives his punishments and is granted life, although still very much a prisoner, on Daran. He makes the best of his new life by making a few friends and even gets to teach English to some willing Daranii. But most surprising is that his most adamant torturer Talin becomes his friend. Talin starts to understand that Johnathan is a remarkable human and starts to form feelings for him. Ahh love is in the air. The plot really takes off after this but no spoilers from me. This is my first CJ Dragon book and definitely won't be my last. I enjoyed the world building and the creativity behind the alien species. John Solo is amazing as always. I really liked how he voiced the aliens. It made it feel more believable that most of the characters aren't human.
April 10, 2023
Alien Romance
Earth started a war with an alien race, and quickly out, maneuvered and lost the war.Jon is a military officer, highly decorated and respected.
The terms of surrender require that John be given as a sacrifice to the alien world,Daran.
Talin is the alien Daranii adjunct who is put in charge of Jon.
Talin harbors great hatred for Jon and all humans.
Initially, Jon endures a lot of torture and difficulty, some at the hands of Talin, but slowly circumstances improve, and he and talin actually Get to know each other become friends, and then more.
As they fall in love and become life mates, the situation is still difficult, because many on the planet still hate John and think of him as The sacrifice.
John and Talon have to fight the government for their relationship, but they have a growing circle of support That helps them.
This was an interesting, alien story. There were a lot of strange syntax and bowing and posturing that felt very stilted. But the romance had some very endearing moments. I think I liked it.
Earth started a war with an alien race, and quickly out, maneuvered and lost the war.Jon is a military officer, highly decorated and respected.
The terms of surrender require that John be given as a sacrifice to the alien world,Daran.
Talin is the alien Daranii adjunct who is put in charge of Jon.
Talin harbors great hatred for Jon and all humans.
Initially, Jon endures a lot of torture and difficulty, some at the hands of Talin, but slowly circumstances improve, and he and talin actually Get to know each other become friends, and then more.
As they fall in love and become life mates, the situation is still difficult, because many on the planet still hate John and think of him as The sacrifice.
John and Talon have to fight the government for their relationship, but they have a growing circle of support That helps them.
This was an interesting, alien story. There were a lot of strange syntax and bowing and posturing that felt very stilted. But the romance had some very endearing moments. I think I liked it.
Read
July 14, 2022Sci-fi tale of redemption
Great sci-fi tale full of amazing world building.
Jon has been sacrificed to the Daranii as trophy of war.
His main torturer and simultaneous protector has nothing but hate and contempt for Jon.
Once Jon survives his ordeal he is now Talin's responsibility.
As they slowly get to actually know one another a bond of friendship and eventually more develops.
I really enjoyed these two stoic men letting down their guards, becoming vulnerable with each other and realizing that they're not so different after all.
Calal and Daran were wonderful side characters who helped both Jon and Talin's characters development and helped to make them more realistic and approachable.
I'm definitely looking forward to more from this author.
Great sci-fi tale full of amazing world building.
Jon has been sacrificed to the Daranii as trophy of war.
His main torturer and simultaneous protector has nothing but hate and contempt for Jon.
Once Jon survives his ordeal he is now Talin's responsibility.
As they slowly get to actually know one another a bond of friendship and eventually more develops.
I really enjoyed these two stoic men letting down their guards, becoming vulnerable with each other and realizing that they're not so different after all.
Calal and Daran were wonderful side characters who helped both Jon and Talin's characters development and helped to make them more realistic and approachable.
I'm definitely looking forward to more from this author.
July 15, 2022
I thought this would be darker, but I loved where it went instead
This book ended up be surprisingly sweeter than what I was expecting. Talin had more reason than anyone else on Daran to hate Jon, and yet, he grew to respect Jon’s honor and courage. If Talin could do so, why would the members do the Council not heed his words? And honestly, have the Daranii never lost a single conflict before? The punishment certainly didn’t fit the crime.
I liked that Jon held to his own sense of honor throughout, without trying to excuse the actions that ended up with him being the Sacrifice of Daran. And in doing so, he showed respect for Daranii culture and law as he became subject to them.
I will certainly be buying any further books in this series.
This book ended up be surprisingly sweeter than what I was expecting. Talin had more reason than anyone else on Daran to hate Jon, and yet, he grew to respect Jon’s honor and courage. If Talin could do so, why would the members do the Council not heed his words? And honestly, have the Daranii never lost a single conflict before? The punishment certainly didn’t fit the crime.
I liked that Jon held to his own sense of honor throughout, without trying to excuse the actions that ended up with him being the Sacrifice of Daran. And in doing so, he showed respect for Daranii culture and law as he became subject to them.
I will certainly be buying any further books in this series.
July 12, 2022
I tell you. I've said it before and I'll say it again. I'm not a huge fan of romance books, BUT when I find one that has a plot like this, it's hard to have to wait for the next book. Sooooo hard. I will tell you, there could be a possible trigger in here as far as some torture. And you will definitely need some tissues with this one as well. It's a really good story with outcome I wasn't expecting. But I'm very curious who is going to be the next one. I know whom I'm hoping it to be, but we'll have to see. I recommend it!
September 25, 2022
Last 75% 4 stars
I like the redemption arc at the end, but the other reviews were pretty clear that the beginning of the book would probably be too much for me to read, because I am grieving a significant and recent personal loss. Knowing this about myself, I decided to avoid potential stress and skipped to the good part of the romance towards the end. I am very happy that I did so, because I cannot handle the torture angst part of the plot right now. The 4 star rating is based on the last 75% of the book.
I like the redemption arc at the end, but the other reviews were pretty clear that the beginning of the book would probably be too much for me to read, because I am grieving a significant and recent personal loss. Knowing this about myself, I decided to avoid potential stress and skipped to the good part of the romance towards the end. I am very happy that I did so, because I cannot handle the torture angst part of the plot right now. The 4 star rating is based on the last 75% of the book.
July 23, 2022
I liked this book - the world building and characters etc were good. I did find the narrative and some of the dialogue to be a bit stiff and overly formal - okay for the aliens I suppose but it seemed the human character Jonathan had the same problem at times. Also the author seemed to have a problem decided if his nickname was Jon or John for the first few chapters. A bit more editing would have helped, but overall I enjoyed the story
July 12, 2022
The Price Of Surrender is a good start to CJ Dragon's new series, The Daranii Justice. I was surprised that it would be Talin and not Calan or Dulan who would be Jonathan's love interest. But it wound up to be a good, slow-burn, enemies to lovers.
July 3, 2022
Good story concept. I look forward to reading more about Jon and Talin's life.
July 12, 2022
Uma história de angústia ,sacrifício ,um bom conceito mas achei que a história desenvolve muito lentamente.
July 17, 2022
Good romantic sci fi adventure
The worldbuilding is good, and the romance is believable and well-written. The secondary characters are interesting. I'm looking forward to book 2.
The worldbuilding is good, and the romance is believable and well-written. The secondary characters are interesting. I'm looking forward to book 2.
Read
November 10, 2025作者喜欢把人称代词和人名用“husband”来替代，全是husband。。。。。。设定可惜了，完全不是硬核作品
Did Not Finish
December 23, 2025Don't like the writing style.
Also felt a bit too unbelievable, even for an alien book.
Also felt a bit too unbelievable, even for an alien book.
Did Not Finish
November 24, 2025DNF at 75%
2nd time I tried to read this book, and 2nd time I DNF'ed it.
Not only it's kinda bad and boring, but a lot of things are told and not shown to us, making things clumsy and weird.
The first half of the book is mostly about the MC being a sacrifice and the trials/punishment (can't recall what is named). And the second half is when things are mostly told, for example, the other dude declaring his love for the MC out of the blue because apparently they became friends and grew closer (which was once again told and not shown). Plus the MC agreeing and saying he always wanted to settle down and have a family (while not once any inkling was giving in the story before that point).
2nd time I tried to read this book, and 2nd time I DNF'ed it.
Not only it's kinda bad and boring, but a lot of things are told and not shown to us, making things clumsy and weird.
The first half of the book is mostly about the MC being a sacrifice and the trials/punishment (can't recall what is named). And the second half is when things are mostly told, for example, the other dude declaring his love for the MC out of the blue because apparently they became friends and grew closer (which was once again told and not shown). Plus the MC agreeing and saying he always wanted to settle down and have a family (while not once any inkling was giving in the story before that point).
July 5, 2022
I have not read a book this good in quite a while.
Earth starts a war it cannot win, so they surrender. But part of their surrender is handing over the captain of the only ship that was able to inflict any damage on the Daranii.
Jonathon expects to be tortured, and boy is he. There were several points in this read that I had to grab the tissue. Then there were other parts where I was smiling like a loon. Anytime an author can invoke that kind of emotion from me, it's a win in my book!
I highly recommend this one folks!
Earth starts a war it cannot win, so they surrender. But part of their surrender is handing over the captain of the only ship that was able to inflict any damage on the Daranii.
Jonathon expects to be tortured, and boy is he. There were several points in this read that I had to grab the tissue. Then there were other parts where I was smiling like a loon. Anytime an author can invoke that kind of emotion from me, it's a win in my book!
I highly recommend this one folks!
September 13, 2022
Good Story
I wasn't sure I was going to like this one at first but I'm glad I pushed through that initial reaction. I'm actually eager for more from this series and can't wait to get to book 2.
Update: The audiobook for this was very entertaining to listen to. John Solo does a great job bringing the story to life.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
I wasn't sure I was going to like this one at first but I'm glad I pushed through that initial reaction. I'm actually eager for more from this series and can't wait to get to book 2.
Update: The audiobook for this was very entertaining to listen to. John Solo does a great job bringing the story to life.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
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