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Between the Dragon King and His Wrath
Revenge is a curse that can only destroy.
Princess Annika loves dancing, wearing bright gowns, and enjoying life. When she travels to the neighbouring kingdom of Walhack for the spring festival, she expects to make new friends. What she doesn’t expect is to meet Wlad, the former prince of Walhack now a slave in his own kingdom, starved and beaten by the violent usurper. Her attempt to help the fallen prince ends with her being assaulted and her father damaged for life.
Revenge is the only thing that keeps Wlad alive after the invaders occupied his kingdom, killed his parents, and turned him into a slave. Annika is the first ray of sunlight in years of pain and humiliation. Her kindness and compassion awaken the most dangerous feeling of all in his heart—hope.
Desperate to take his kingdom back, he makes a pact with the Sister Witches. He’ll be cursed forever in exchange for the supernatural powers that will allow him to defeat his enemy.
Eight years later
Annika doesn’t dance anymore. Doesn’t wear bright gowns anymore. As she struggles with her trauma, she has to meet King Wlad the Dracul—the Dragon King of Walhack—who slaughtered his way back to the throne. Everyone says he’s cursed, turned into an immortal creature who seeks blood to survive. But she hopes he’s still the kind young man she met years ago.
~This is a standalone, steamy paranormal/historical romance with a happily ever after. Trigger warning for explicit sex scenes, assault (off page), violence (off page), and trauma. There’s a time jump after the first few chapters. Cinnamon roll hero.~
Princess Annika loves dancing, wearing bright gowns, and enjoying life. When she travels to the neighbouring kingdom of Walhack for the spring festival, she expects to make new friends. What she doesn’t expect is to meet Wlad, the former prince of Walhack now a slave in his own kingdom, starved and beaten by the violent usurper. Her attempt to help the fallen prince ends with her being assaulted and her father damaged for life.
Revenge is the only thing that keeps Wlad alive after the invaders occupied his kingdom, killed his parents, and turned him into a slave. Annika is the first ray of sunlight in years of pain and humiliation. Her kindness and compassion awaken the most dangerous feeling of all in his heart—hope.
Desperate to take his kingdom back, he makes a pact with the Sister Witches. He’ll be cursed forever in exchange for the supernatural powers that will allow him to defeat his enemy.
Eight years later
Annika doesn’t dance anymore. Doesn’t wear bright gowns anymore. As she struggles with her trauma, she has to meet King Wlad the Dracul—the Dragon King of Walhack—who slaughtered his way back to the throne. Everyone says he’s cursed, turned into an immortal creature who seeks blood to survive. But she hopes he’s still the kind young man she met years ago.
~This is a standalone, steamy paranormal/historical romance with a happily ever after. Trigger warning for explicit sex scenes, assault (off page), violence (off page), and trauma. There’s a time jump after the first few chapters. Cinnamon roll hero.~
468 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2022
4 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
February 6, 2023
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
Between the Dragon King and his Wrath is a fantasy mixed with romance and a touch of horror elements, too. We follow Annika, who has a carefree air about her and loves to dance. But all that changes when she travels to Walhack with her father (a king) for a spring festival. Annika sees a servant (Wlad) being mistreated and asks the king for better treatment towards his servants. This sets the king into a rage, and he and his men attack Annika and her father. Thankfully, her father survives the beating, but Annika is left with not only physical scars but emotional and mental scars too from how the king assaulted her, and this changes her. No longer is she carefree and happy. When the servant (Wlad) she tried to help overthrows his king and takes back the kingdom that was rightfully his, sees Annika again, he is shocked to find her so different and realises he is not the only person who's had to change. He pursues her, unaware of what she's been through. But she has another person vying for her affections, even though she's turned him down more than once. But will Wlad and Annika get it together? You'll have to read to find out. This was a great book and I loved the similarities to Dracula and Vlad the Impaler in relation to Wlads character which was a fun surprise.
Between the Dragon King and his Wrath is a fantasy mixed with romance and a touch of horror elements, too. We follow Annika, who has a carefree air about her and loves to dance. But all that changes when she travels to Walhack with her father (a king) for a spring festival. Annika sees a servant (Wlad) being mistreated and asks the king for better treatment towards his servants. This sets the king into a rage, and he and his men attack Annika and her father. Thankfully, her father survives the beating, but Annika is left with not only physical scars but emotional and mental scars too from how the king assaulted her, and this changes her. No longer is she carefree and happy. When the servant (Wlad) she tried to help overthrows his king and takes back the kingdom that was rightfully his, sees Annika again, he is shocked to find her so different and realises he is not the only person who's had to change. He pursues her, unaware of what she's been through. But she has another person vying for her affections, even though she's turned him down more than once. But will Wlad and Annika get it together? You'll have to read to find out. This was a great book and I loved the similarities to Dracula and Vlad the Impaler in relation to Wlads character which was a fun surprise.
January 5, 2023
When we first meet Annika she is bright, fun loving and happy. She dances all the time and is good at it. When she and her father, travel to Walhack for the Spring festival she isn't expecting anything bad to happen but when she spots Wlad, a servant who is being treated badly, she implores the King there to treat Wlad and his brother better. But Wlad and Roman are the former King's sons and when this horrible king took over this kingdom and killed their parents, he let them live so he could torture them. So he's really angry that Annika and her father lecture him about how he's treating them. Since Annika's father is a King of his own kingdom I think that might be the only thing that saved him from being killed when the King of Walhack and his men attacked Annika and her father.
While her father came away with broken bones and many cuts and bruises, Annika was assaulted by the King in a way that left such deep emotional scars that she was never the same again. Wlad doesn't know how bad things got for Annika and her father before they left, he only knows that she was kind to him, gave him food and an expensive broach to sell so he could have the money needed so he and his brother could escape. He never forgets her kindness, even after years have passed and he's overthrown the former King to take back his Kingdom with the help of some witches. But he's had to change who he is and has a reputation of being a monster to those who wronged him and doesn't want to bring that to her door, so he never reaches out to her until another Spring festival comes around and this time Annika and her father are hosting it in their kingdom.
Once he comes face to face with Annika again, he realizes that he's not the only one who has changed. So has she and not for the better. She is no longer the bright light that she used to be. She looks dull, lifeless and wears grey, drab dresses unlike the bright, fun dresses she used to wear and she doesn't dance any longer. Wlad doesn't know what happened to create such a drastic change in her personality but when they come face to face he sees the spark in her eyes that he used to see. He wants nothing more than to spend some time with her and after a little while, she enjoys spending time with him as well. Annika's father is so happy to see her enjoying herself even a little after everything she's gone through and would love nothing more than for Wlad to marry his daughter.
But Annika has another suitor even though she's turned him down more than once, he wants to marry her so he will be King at some point. This guy ends up causing trouble more than once for her and I was happy to see him get what was coming to him. But Wlad has a lot of secrets and when they are revealed we see what he had to give up to the witches in order for him to become powerful enough to get his kingdom back and be is afraid once Annika finds out the truth about him, she'll be disgusted by him.
I really enjoyed this book, Wlad has a lot of similarities with Vlad The Impaler and Dracula so this really ended up surprising me because I wasn't expecting that. Turned out to be a great book.
Disclosure: I was given a copy of this book via NetGalley but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
While her father came away with broken bones and many cuts and bruises, Annika was assaulted by the King in a way that left such deep emotional scars that she was never the same again. Wlad doesn't know how bad things got for Annika and her father before they left, he only knows that she was kind to him, gave him food and an expensive broach to sell so he could have the money needed so he and his brother could escape. He never forgets her kindness, even after years have passed and he's overthrown the former King to take back his Kingdom with the help of some witches. But he's had to change who he is and has a reputation of being a monster to those who wronged him and doesn't want to bring that to her door, so he never reaches out to her until another Spring festival comes around and this time Annika and her father are hosting it in their kingdom.
Once he comes face to face with Annika again, he realizes that he's not the only one who has changed. So has she and not for the better. She is no longer the bright light that she used to be. She looks dull, lifeless and wears grey, drab dresses unlike the bright, fun dresses she used to wear and she doesn't dance any longer. Wlad doesn't know what happened to create such a drastic change in her personality but when they come face to face he sees the spark in her eyes that he used to see. He wants nothing more than to spend some time with her and after a little while, she enjoys spending time with him as well. Annika's father is so happy to see her enjoying herself even a little after everything she's gone through and would love nothing more than for Wlad to marry his daughter.
But Annika has another suitor even though she's turned him down more than once, he wants to marry her so he will be King at some point. This guy ends up causing trouble more than once for her and I was happy to see him get what was coming to him. But Wlad has a lot of secrets and when they are revealed we see what he had to give up to the witches in order for him to become powerful enough to get his kingdom back and be is afraid once Annika finds out the truth about him, she'll be disgusted by him.
I really enjoyed this book, Wlad has a lot of similarities with Vlad The Impaler and Dracula so this really ended up surprising me because I wasn't expecting that. Turned out to be a great book.
Disclosure: I was given a copy of this book via NetGalley but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 25, 2024
When I requested an ARC of Between the Dragon King and His Wrath, I expected a steamy Dracula origin story. It is that, but I had no idea I'd be so invested in the story. It’s a tale of healing and redemption, through love. The hero and the heroine have a shared history that tugs my heartstrings. The setting is incredibly vivid (narrow, twisting castle passages, a firefly-lit lake, trees with bones hanging from their branches), and the touches of dark magic give the story a folkloric feel (I love the Sisters!). Barbara Russell’s vampires feel at once familiar and unique—the stuff of whispered, old world superstition.
As the cursed Dracul, Wlad is Beast-like, but he's sweet and gentle with the traumatized Annika. The way Annika processes sexual assault feels true and is handled with care. There is only one moment, toward the end, that gives me pause (hence four stars instead of five). I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves retellings and romance!
Thank you to BookSirens and the publisher for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review. ❤️
As the cursed Dracul, Wlad is Beast-like, but he's sweet and gentle with the traumatized Annika. The way Annika processes sexual assault feels true and is handled with care. There is only one moment, toward the end, that gives me pause (hence four stars instead of five). I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves retellings and romance!
Thank you to BookSirens and the publisher for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review. ❤️
January 18, 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5 to 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🗡️🗡️🗡️ to 🗡️🗡️🗡️.5
😂 to 😂😂
**𝑪𝒉𝒆𝒄𝒌 𝑻𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒈𝒆𝒓 𝑾𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒂𝒕 𝒃𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒇 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒃𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈**
Ok, based on the title and the cover, I was NOT expecting a
𝑫𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒖𝒍𝒂'𝒔 𝑶𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒔 𝑺𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚 but was pleasantly surprised!
(This was an ARC of the book, so there were some minor editing issues but I'm sure they will be fixed before the release date in January 15th, 2023.
My review will solely be on the story itself.)
~ 4⭐: I'm a sucker for the "first" vampire stories, so of course I really loved this one. It was a unique spin on where he, (Dracula,) came from and still had ties to the real life "Dracula."
~ 3.5 to 4 🌶️: There are multiple, very detailed, spicy scenes throughout this book. 🥵❤️
~ 3 to 3.5 🗡️: It's Dracula with ties to the real life man, so obviously there will be battle scenes and blood. There wasnt anything horrifically gory or overly descriptive though.
~ 1 to 2😂 : There weren't any laugh out loud moments, however, the King's advisor made me smile and chuckle a few times with his wry humour. (I liked him!)
--> This is a story about 𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒔, 𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇 𝒅𝒐𝒖𝒃𝒕, 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒆, 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒆, 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒆, 𝒔𝒂𝒄𝒓𝒊𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒆 and 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆.
--> It's a full length 𝑯𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍/𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒂𝒍 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 at 466 pages for 𝑨𝒅𝒖𝒍𝒕 readers.
--> There are 𝑻𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒈𝒆𝒓 𝑾𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 listed at the beginning of the book. It's a closed door scene, however it is brought up multiple times throughout the book.
❤️ I very much enjoyed this story and it's characters and am more than sure that I will pick it up again to re-read. I will be purchasing an actual copy for my Kindle once it has been released.
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5 to 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🗡️🗡️🗡️ to 🗡️🗡️🗡️.5
😂 to 😂😂
**𝑪𝒉𝒆𝒄𝒌 𝑻𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒈𝒆𝒓 𝑾𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒂𝒕 𝒃𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒇 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒃𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈**
Ok, based on the title and the cover, I was NOT expecting a
𝑫𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒖𝒍𝒂'𝒔 𝑶𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒔 𝑺𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚 but was pleasantly surprised!
(This was an ARC of the book, so there were some minor editing issues but I'm sure they will be fixed before the release date in January 15th, 2023.
My review will solely be on the story itself.)
~ 4⭐: I'm a sucker for the "first" vampire stories, so of course I really loved this one. It was a unique spin on where he, (Dracula,) came from and still had ties to the real life "Dracula."
~ 3.5 to 4 🌶️: There are multiple, very detailed, spicy scenes throughout this book. 🥵❤️
~ 3 to 3.5 🗡️: It's Dracula with ties to the real life man, so obviously there will be battle scenes and blood. There wasnt anything horrifically gory or overly descriptive though.
~ 1 to 2😂 : There weren't any laugh out loud moments, however, the King's advisor made me smile and chuckle a few times with his wry humour. (I liked him!)
--> This is a story about 𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒔, 𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇 𝒅𝒐𝒖𝒃𝒕, 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒆, 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒆, 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒆, 𝒔𝒂𝒄𝒓𝒊𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒆 and 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆.
--> It's a full length 𝑯𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍/𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒂𝒍 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 at 466 pages for 𝑨𝒅𝒖𝒍𝒕 readers.
--> There are 𝑻𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒈𝒆𝒓 𝑾𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 listed at the beginning of the book. It's a closed door scene, however it is brought up multiple times throughout the book.
❤️ I very much enjoyed this story and it's characters and am more than sure that I will pick it up again to re-read. I will be purchasing an actual copy for my Kindle once it has been released.
December 19, 2022
I loved this book! Such a great story, and so well written. I love a story with a tortured soul and this book had two of them. Reading their story and how they come together was fantastic. The author really allows the reader to be there with the characters and feel what they are going through. The storyline moves along nicely, with some twists that I didn't see coming. I don't think I've ever wanted to be bitten by Wlad, the Dracul before until reading this novel! Steamy scenes were SO good! This is my first time reading a Barbara Russell novel and I know it won't be my last. Very interested in her books now.
Thank you to the author and BookSirens for an advanced copy that I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
Thank you to the author and BookSirens for an advanced copy that I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
January 24, 2023
I loved this romantasy with vampire origins, royal wars, and lots of emotion! It's a story of overcoming trauma and finding the right fit to help accept and move forward.
It's hard to write an extensive review without giving away all the twists and turns, but grab it if you love heartwrenching romance, well-built fantasy worlds and character, gray character leads, and well-deserved HEAs!
It's hard to write an extensive review without giving away all the twists and turns, but grab it if you love heartwrenching romance, well-built fantasy worlds and character, gray character leads, and well-deserved HEAs!
January 4, 2023
4.5 stars
At the start of the book, Princess Annika and her father are required to travel to a festival at a neighboring kingdom. The kingdom has recently been overthrown by a malevolent ruler. Annika is naive, starry-eyed, and uninterested in the political maneuverings but inserts herself into the business of the kingdom on behalf of former Prince Wlad. With no understanding of the current ruler and his cruelty, this intervention backfires and results horrendous violence against herself and her father (See Warnings Below).
Prince Wlad was too young to intervene when his kingdom was overthrown. Now he is a slave of the current rulers and desperate to survive and win back his kingdom. Annika is a bright light of hope and inspiration which guide him to seek his revenge. The revenge has a cost that is great to Wlad and causes him to forfeit a piece of his humanity.
After 7 years, Annika is now a healer and goes by the title the Grey Nun while King Wlad the Dracul is a monster in his own right and has made fields red with the blood of his enemies. As they reconnect at the same festival that set their futures in motion, they have to decide if the past will have the power to hold them back from the future they can have together.
The first 20% of the book was hard to get through. The dark, traumatic events both on and off page had me worried in the emotional payoff of the remaining book; however, the recovery from these events was handled with care and in a realistic manner. However, I would definitely warn that the material is harsh and heavy (but not grotesque) and may be harmful to some readers.
I found Wlad to be a great hero. He pines after Annika and yet is able to relearn who she is when she has changed from how she was before. Both Wlad and Annika can be a little self-deprecating and feel they are unworthy of the other. I loved getting to see them together and learning how to be together in the face of their trauma.
Trigger and Content Warnings: Slavery, Starvation, Physical Assault (Off Page), Assault resulting in permanent injury (Off Page), Sexual Assault of heroine (not by hero, Off page), Forced Sex Work/SA (side character, off page), Forced sterility (discussion on page, event off page), Murder, gore, & violence (both good guys and bad guys), PTSD, Sexual Trama
THIS MAY NOT BE A COMPREHENSIVE LIST. Please verify and do additional research as you see fit to keep yourself well. Many of the above warnings are not "on page" but they still greatly affect the mood of the story.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review of the book.
At the start of the book, Princess Annika and her father are required to travel to a festival at a neighboring kingdom. The kingdom has recently been overthrown by a malevolent ruler. Annika is naive, starry-eyed, and uninterested in the political maneuverings but inserts herself into the business of the kingdom on behalf of former Prince Wlad. With no understanding of the current ruler and his cruelty, this intervention backfires and results horrendous violence against herself and her father (See Warnings Below).
Prince Wlad was too young to intervene when his kingdom was overthrown. Now he is a slave of the current rulers and desperate to survive and win back his kingdom. Annika is a bright light of hope and inspiration which guide him to seek his revenge. The revenge has a cost that is great to Wlad and causes him to forfeit a piece of his humanity.
After 7 years, Annika is now a healer and goes by the title the Grey Nun while King Wlad the Dracul is a monster in his own right and has made fields red with the blood of his enemies. As they reconnect at the same festival that set their futures in motion, they have to decide if the past will have the power to hold them back from the future they can have together.
The first 20% of the book was hard to get through. The dark, traumatic events both on and off page had me worried in the emotional payoff of the remaining book; however, the recovery from these events was handled with care and in a realistic manner. However, I would definitely warn that the material is harsh and heavy (but not grotesque) and may be harmful to some readers.
I found Wlad to be a great hero. He pines after Annika and yet is able to relearn who she is when she has changed from how she was before. Both Wlad and Annika can be a little self-deprecating and feel they are unworthy of the other. I loved getting to see them together and learning how to be together in the face of their trauma.
Trigger and Content Warnings: Slavery, Starvation, Physical Assault (Off Page), Assault resulting in permanent injury (Off Page), Sexual Assault of heroine (not by hero, Off page), Forced Sex Work/SA (side character, off page), Forced sterility (discussion on page, event off page), Murder, gore, & violence (both good guys and bad guys), PTSD, Sexual Trama
THIS MAY NOT BE A COMPREHENSIVE LIST. Please verify and do additional research as you see fit to keep yourself well. Many of the above warnings are not "on page" but they still greatly affect the mood of the story.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review of the book.
February 9, 2023
Thank you to netgalley and the author for letting me read a copy of this book
Right off the bat the story is not what you would expect. I love a good vampire story, but I did not realize that this was leaning more towards a historic and serious point of view. which I still prefer over fluff pieces - looking at you Francis Ford Coppola casting Keanu Reeves and Winona Ryder opposite a master actor like Gary Oldham. that was just painful
*ahem*
Meanwhile, this book has some very interesting and fun aspects to it. But I do want to mention again that even though I'm not a big lover of book covers which lend towards the Harlequin romance style, I do like when they give you some intonation into the story. The cover art is light and romantic. But the story is not. Ironical considering it is about the light.
Yanno, just not the “ l i t e “
Actually this is an interesting and winding, in-depth, detailed tale. Obviously influenced on historical interpretation, myth, lore and the story of the dracul. But I don't need to tell you about that because the author will. As in you will feel like an expert when you're done the book
It feels more like a historical viewpoint that has drifted into its own alternate timeline as opposed to another banal retelling of the vampire story. However you will definitely feel the influences from other retellings and screenplays.
What was unique was the take on the spellwork-dark magic of transformation. Without giving anything away it was different and I enjoyed that. Also enjoyed the whole dichotomy of the power / revenge vs trusting yourself / healing your heart
If you love minutiae and detail then this is the book for you. Also if you love a good bit of violence, misogyny, mental strife and suffering, slow burn romance with development of characters, then you will really enjoy this. So basically your mostly historically accurate Carpathian 1200s.
Can't say I was rooting for the MC. Most of the book I hated him. But still, the fact that there is an emotional reaction to the characters is often the sign of a decent book.
So I give it a three and a half star. Where it fell short for me was some of the repetition and the length of the book. Almost as if it felt duty bound to follow the historically accurate trail - yet it's fiction so that kind of confused me.
Anyhow I would still recommend this book if you love different take on the vampire story and want some fleshed out characters with some bite
#couldntresist
Right off the bat the story is not what you would expect. I love a good vampire story, but I did not realize that this was leaning more towards a historic and serious point of view. which I still prefer over fluff pieces - looking at you Francis Ford Coppola casting Keanu Reeves and Winona Ryder opposite a master actor like Gary Oldham. that was just painful
*ahem*
Meanwhile, this book has some very interesting and fun aspects to it. But I do want to mention again that even though I'm not a big lover of book covers which lend towards the Harlequin romance style, I do like when they give you some intonation into the story. The cover art is light and romantic. But the story is not. Ironical considering it is about the light.
Yanno, just not the “ l i t e “
Actually this is an interesting and winding, in-depth, detailed tale. Obviously influenced on historical interpretation, myth, lore and the story of the dracul. But I don't need to tell you about that because the author will. As in you will feel like an expert when you're done the book
It feels more like a historical viewpoint that has drifted into its own alternate timeline as opposed to another banal retelling of the vampire story. However you will definitely feel the influences from other retellings and screenplays.
What was unique was the take on the spellwork-dark magic of transformation. Without giving anything away it was different and I enjoyed that. Also enjoyed the whole dichotomy of the power / revenge vs trusting yourself / healing your heart
If you love minutiae and detail then this is the book for you. Also if you love a good bit of violence, misogyny, mental strife and suffering, slow burn romance with development of characters, then you will really enjoy this. So basically your mostly historically accurate Carpathian 1200s.
Can't say I was rooting for the MC. Most of the book I hated him. But still, the fact that there is an emotional reaction to the characters is often the sign of a decent book.
So I give it a three and a half star. Where it fell short for me was some of the repetition and the length of the book. Almost as if it felt duty bound to follow the historically accurate trail - yet it's fiction so that kind of confused me.
Anyhow I would still recommend this book if you love different take on the vampire story and want some fleshed out characters with some bite
#couldntresist
April 19, 2023
I was given a copy to review via Love Book Tours for a book tour. My reviews are always honest and all opinions are my own. #BetweenTheDragonKingAndHisWrath #BarbaraRussell #ZoolooBookTours #BookTourReview #Paranormal #ZooLoo #BookReview #gifted #ad
I have to say I was not sure about this one, I have not read a lot of romance but this was a great place to start. Between the Dragon King and His Wrath has a great mix of romance, action, and paranormal themes all wrapped in an historical setting. The main characters were a joy to read about and follow as their relationship blossomed.
We are introduced to Princess Annika who loves to dance, wear bright gowns and enjoy life. When visiting the neighbouring kingdom with her father she expects to make new friends and alliances not to meet Wlad, the former prince of the kingdom now slave. Determined to bargain for his freedom Annika and her father are beaten and shamed. Wlad’s lust for revenge is the only thing that keeps him going but when he met Annika he was given the most dangerous gift of all hope. Desperate to take his kingdom back when Annika departs he makes a pact with the witch sisters. For a sacrifice he will be granted supernatural power to gain what he wants.
Eight years past and Annika does not dance anymore, struggling with the trauma of trying to free Wlad but when she gets to meet King Wlad the Dracul who slaughtered his way back to his throne she hopes to meet the same young man she saw years before and tried to free.
Like I said normally I am not one for romance but this one did capture me rather quickly. Annika and Wlad are wonderful protagonists that you cannot help but get invested in. The plot itself is also interesting full of warring kingdoms and court intrigue along a budding romance. I particularly liked seeing how Wlad and Annika brought the best out of each other. The paranormal side was also interesting and well thought out as was the world building. Russell’s writing really does transport you to the kingdom of Walhack and you can easily picture of the setting. I found myself hooked after the first few chapters. If you love paranormal romance this is one you are bound to enjoy. I know I did!
I have to say I was not sure about this one, I have not read a lot of romance but this was a great place to start. Between the Dragon King and His Wrath has a great mix of romance, action, and paranormal themes all wrapped in an historical setting. The main characters were a joy to read about and follow as their relationship blossomed.
We are introduced to Princess Annika who loves to dance, wear bright gowns and enjoy life. When visiting the neighbouring kingdom with her father she expects to make new friends and alliances not to meet Wlad, the former prince of the kingdom now slave. Determined to bargain for his freedom Annika and her father are beaten and shamed. Wlad’s lust for revenge is the only thing that keeps him going but when he met Annika he was given the most dangerous gift of all hope. Desperate to take his kingdom back when Annika departs he makes a pact with the witch sisters. For a sacrifice he will be granted supernatural power to gain what he wants.
Eight years past and Annika does not dance anymore, struggling with the trauma of trying to free Wlad but when she gets to meet King Wlad the Dracul who slaughtered his way back to his throne she hopes to meet the same young man she saw years before and tried to free.
Like I said normally I am not one for romance but this one did capture me rather quickly. Annika and Wlad are wonderful protagonists that you cannot help but get invested in. The plot itself is also interesting full of warring kingdoms and court intrigue along a budding romance. I particularly liked seeing how Wlad and Annika brought the best out of each other. The paranormal side was also interesting and well thought out as was the world building. Russell’s writing really does transport you to the kingdom of Walhack and you can easily picture of the setting. I found myself hooked after the first few chapters. If you love paranormal romance this is one you are bound to enjoy. I know I did!
May 29, 2023
I received a copy of Between the Dragon and His Wrath by Barbara Russell from NetGalley. This book immediately piqued my interest because it is a retelling of Dracula. Princess Annika travels to the neighboring kingdom of Walhack for the spring festival with her father. Unexpectedly, she meets the former prince Wlad, now a slave in his home. The book is a historical paranormal romance.
Annika is a bright and optimistic person. She is also curious and a wonderful dancer. For her, visiting a new kingdom feels like an adventure, but their hosts are known for brutality. The kingdom of Walhack has been conquered violently, and the former princes are now imprisoned as slaves in their own home. Annika is unaware of the reality to an extent so when she meets Wlad, the former younger prince, she is shocked by his state. She wants to genuinely help him and asks her father to talk about Wlad to the new king. This plea leads to horrible consequences for Annika and her father, and they leave.
Wlad has been through hell since his parents were killed, and the kingdom was taken. He and his brother are tortured and mistreated all the time. The only thing keeping him alive is his revenge. Annika is the first person to show him any kindness in years; she makes him feel hopeful. The murder of Wlad’s brother is the last straw for him. He seeks the Sister Witches, who ask him to make a sacrifice in exchange for supernatural gifts. Driven by his need for revenge, Wlad makes the pact with them and is reborn. He goes on a rampage, punishing everyone who wronged him and his family.
The romance between Annika and Wlad evolves from their first meeting. The first time they meet, there is a connection, but it is more like an infatuation. When they meet again and spend time with each other, the magnitude of what they feel starts setting in. Annika is not scared of Wlad, he is different than the boy she remembers, but he is still mostly himself with her. They accept each other the way they are now and not how they used to be, which is so beautiful.
The world created in the story helps form a connection with the story and the characters. Overall, Between the Dragon and His Wrath by Barbara Russell is an interesting and engaging Dracula retelling. I enjoyed reading it.
Annika is a bright and optimistic person. She is also curious and a wonderful dancer. For her, visiting a new kingdom feels like an adventure, but their hosts are known for brutality. The kingdom of Walhack has been conquered violently, and the former princes are now imprisoned as slaves in their own home. Annika is unaware of the reality to an extent so when she meets Wlad, the former younger prince, she is shocked by his state. She wants to genuinely help him and asks her father to talk about Wlad to the new king. This plea leads to horrible consequences for Annika and her father, and they leave.
Wlad has been through hell since his parents were killed, and the kingdom was taken. He and his brother are tortured and mistreated all the time. The only thing keeping him alive is his revenge. Annika is the first person to show him any kindness in years; she makes him feel hopeful. The murder of Wlad’s brother is the last straw for him. He seeks the Sister Witches, who ask him to make a sacrifice in exchange for supernatural gifts. Driven by his need for revenge, Wlad makes the pact with them and is reborn. He goes on a rampage, punishing everyone who wronged him and his family.
The romance between Annika and Wlad evolves from their first meeting. The first time they meet, there is a connection, but it is more like an infatuation. When they meet again and spend time with each other, the magnitude of what they feel starts setting in. Annika is not scared of Wlad, he is different than the boy she remembers, but he is still mostly himself with her. They accept each other the way they are now and not how they used to be, which is so beautiful.
The world created in the story helps form a connection with the story and the characters. Overall, Between the Dragon and His Wrath by Barbara Russell is an interesting and engaging Dracula retelling. I enjoyed reading it.
December 17, 2022
Princess Annika meets Wlad during a visit to Arges Castle, where Wlad, the former prince, is a slave in his own home after another king has killed his parents and taken over his kingdom. Annika stands up for the young Wlad, which leads to her and her father also becoming victims of the new king and sustaining lifelong trauma and injuries. Annika and Wlad meet again 7 years later in her kingdom, after Wlad lives with a curse he accepted in return for the strength to take back his kingdom and slaughter his enemies. The two are hardly the young and innocent individuals they each met years ago, but their attraction is still present.
This was a really interesting story to read. It is an intriguing re-imagining of Vlad the Impaler/Dracula, and while a rather overt adaptation it was not entirely predictable. In fact, I was really interested to see where it would go and what would become of these two damaged but well-intentioned souls.
This story has a tortured cinnamon roll hero (I didn't know I needed this in my life but now I do, give me more!), a strong FMC who stands up for what she believes in, and a pretty slow burn, with a paranormal twist.
While it is a slow burn, exploring the lore and world of these characters was more than satisfying and interesting, so I never felt a lack of interest in continuing the story.
I do wish that it would have felt more accurate to the time period it was set in (mid-15th century), because some of the language felt quite modern and some details were entirely lacking. I think it relied on having stated that the year was 1450 rather than describing things in such a way that you could have assumed it was around the 15th century. In addition, there were a few editorial mistakes regarding punctuation and spelling that could easily be remedied.
Trigger warnings, included in the description, include off-page sexual assault and some mild on-page violence.
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a really interesting story to read. It is an intriguing re-imagining of Vlad the Impaler/Dracula, and while a rather overt adaptation it was not entirely predictable. In fact, I was really interested to see where it would go and what would become of these two damaged but well-intentioned souls.
This story has a tortured cinnamon roll hero (I didn't know I needed this in my life but now I do, give me more!), a strong FMC who stands up for what she believes in, and a pretty slow burn, with a paranormal twist.
While it is a slow burn, exploring the lore and world of these characters was more than satisfying and interesting, so I never felt a lack of interest in continuing the story.
I do wish that it would have felt more accurate to the time period it was set in (mid-15th century), because some of the language felt quite modern and some details were entirely lacking. I think it relied on having stated that the year was 1450 rather than describing things in such a way that you could have assumed it was around the 15th century. In addition, there were a few editorial mistakes regarding punctuation and spelling that could easily be remedied.
Trigger warnings, included in the description, include off-page sexual assault and some mild on-page violence.
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 8, 2023
The first thing that drew me to this one was the beautiful cover - the blurb sounded intriguing and a bit more complicated than your usual paranormal ramnace novel, which made me want to see for myself.
There's a lot going on in the first few chapters and I found this quite dark. Invaders took the Kingdom, killed the King and enslaved Prince Wlad who now survives only in the hope that he can exact revenge.
When Annika and her father visit the Kingdom they discovered Wlad and his story and tried to bargain for his freedom, but not only was this refused, they were also beaten and scarred before being banished.
Wlad only option left was to barter with the witch sisters who allowed him special powers which will allow him to get what he wanted.
I actually really loved Wlad's character. He exuded a dark brooding but with a kind heart when it came to Annika and I could really see how the relationship would blossom through the book.
Annika, left traumatised by her experience was the one who changed, but when it came to having hope and being with Wlad, however that meant, she was weak.
There were a lot of steamy scenes in this which worked well in contrast with the dark undertones of the revenge and the cursed life Wlad now leads.
A perfectly dark setting for this dark romance - watch out for the trigger warnings with this one - but otherwise a great read.
There's a lot going on in the first few chapters and I found this quite dark. Invaders took the Kingdom, killed the King and enslaved Prince Wlad who now survives only in the hope that he can exact revenge.
When Annika and her father visit the Kingdom they discovered Wlad and his story and tried to bargain for his freedom, but not only was this refused, they were also beaten and scarred before being banished.
Wlad only option left was to barter with the witch sisters who allowed him special powers which will allow him to get what he wanted.
I actually really loved Wlad's character. He exuded a dark brooding but with a kind heart when it came to Annika and I could really see how the relationship would blossom through the book.
Annika, left traumatised by her experience was the one who changed, but when it came to having hope and being with Wlad, however that meant, she was weak.
There were a lot of steamy scenes in this which worked well in contrast with the dark undertones of the revenge and the cursed life Wlad now leads.
A perfectly dark setting for this dark romance - watch out for the trigger warnings with this one - but otherwise a great read.
January 22, 2023
Yes!!! Yes!!! Yes!!!!
What a fantastic read full of revenge, love and power. From desperation to power over a kingdom to finding love and chasing fears this book left me on the edge of my seat flipping pages faster than I could read! The characters back grounds, traumas and growths made for an amazing read. Dracul a once lost king and forsaken prince became a man and women in love defeating the world and their enemies together. I felt this book really showed some of the intricacies that are relationships and building a life together while working through old trauma to be able to move on in life. As someone who has done my own growth with my husband due to our messed up childhoods I can attest to how hard it is to face them and the festering Evelin that stains your heart from it. But I can also attend to the freedom and peace you get after dealing with it with the help of my spouse. Barbara embodied this growth and those changes completely between Dracul and Annika!! I loved not only the depth of the story but on the superficial level I’m always a sucker for a vampire story 😂 I felt this book was an AMAZING read and I really really hope we see more from this world in the future
What a fantastic read full of revenge, love and power. From desperation to power over a kingdom to finding love and chasing fears this book left me on the edge of my seat flipping pages faster than I could read! The characters back grounds, traumas and growths made for an amazing read. Dracul a once lost king and forsaken prince became a man and women in love defeating the world and their enemies together. I felt this book really showed some of the intricacies that are relationships and building a life together while working through old trauma to be able to move on in life. As someone who has done my own growth with my husband due to our messed up childhoods I can attest to how hard it is to face them and the festering Evelin that stains your heart from it. But I can also attend to the freedom and peace you get after dealing with it with the help of my spouse. Barbara embodied this growth and those changes completely between Dracul and Annika!! I loved not only the depth of the story but on the superficial level I’m always a sucker for a vampire story 😂 I felt this book was an AMAZING read and I really really hope we see more from this world in the future
January 23, 2023
I loved this book! Such a nice take on the 'vampire' and 'undead' concept. I loved the main characters in this book - Annika was a naive girl when we meet her, and I love the arc she has over the course of the story - she comes into her own strength and I love how she heals from the trauma she has to deal with.
And of course, I loved Wlad. How resilient he was and how loyal he was to Annika, right from the start. Truly a cinnamon roll, despite his tough (monstrous?) exterior. My heart broke for his brother, and I desperately wanted Wlad to get his revenge on their persecutors.
The Sister Witches was an interesting touch, and I loved how they were more a force of nature rather than good or bad. Wlad and Annika healed each other, which was beautiful to see, and the steam was fun to read!
I loved Maynard and Annika's father - lovely side characters. I also loved the disability/chronic pain representation - and how Maynard's inventions were proto-prosthetics that helped people. He deserves his own book - here's hoping his story is next! I'd definitely read it. :)
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
And of course, I loved Wlad. How resilient he was and how loyal he was to Annika, right from the start. Truly a cinnamon roll, despite his tough (monstrous?) exterior. My heart broke for his brother, and I desperately wanted Wlad to get his revenge on their persecutors.
The Sister Witches was an interesting touch, and I loved how they were more a force of nature rather than good or bad. Wlad and Annika healed each other, which was beautiful to see, and the steam was fun to read!
I loved Maynard and Annika's father - lovely side characters. I also loved the disability/chronic pain representation - and how Maynard's inventions were proto-prosthetics that helped people. He deserves his own book - here's hoping his story is next! I'd definitely read it. :)
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 11, 2023
Beautiful young Princess Annika comes with her father to visit King Hosman at Castle Arges. It is there that she meets a badly abused servant, Wlad, who is actually the son of the rightful king of the castle. When Annika has her father advocate for Wlad, her father is badly beaten by King Hosman and she is raped by his head henchman, Lord Draga. Meanwhile, Wlad makes a deal with three evil sisters and in return for vanquishing King Hosman, he is cursed with infertility and a lust for human blood. Years later when the Annika and Wlad meet again a love springs up that is both tender and passionate. I really loved this book and enjoyed this sympathetic retelling of the Dracula story. The only thing I did not like was the fact that there were quite a few very explicit sex scenes, which I glossed over when reading. If not for that, I would almost put this book in a Fairy Tale type category. So if you love reading folk tales, supernatural tales, or fairy tales turned into love stories, and don't mind erotica, you will love this book. I got this book as an Advance Reader Copy from the author through Voracious Readers Only.
March 3, 2023
Love, love, love Barbara Russell. I was fortunate to read some of her earlier work and I am thrilled to know that she still has the same power and punch that I remember. Between the Dragon King and His Wrath was a great book. Russell has a gift of creating worlds that pull the reader in right from the beginning and I was definitely no exception.
Princess Annika and Wulf were deep, well-constructed characters that suited each other extremely well. I loved how they grew and developed throughout the novel and despite the distance, it was clear the two of them never forgot each other. Everything moved at a good pace and I think I finished the entire book in two sittings. The paranormal / fantasy aspects of this book were a great addition and definitely gave the plot yet another layer to unravel. With romance, intrigue, vampires and witches, I absolutely enjoyed her take on Count Dracula / Vlad the Impaler and how he became what he was. I can’t wait to see what comes next!
Thank you Voracious Readers and Barbara Russell for my copy! I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Princess Annika and Wulf were deep, well-constructed characters that suited each other extremely well. I loved how they grew and developed throughout the novel and despite the distance, it was clear the two of them never forgot each other. Everything moved at a good pace and I think I finished the entire book in two sittings. The paranormal / fantasy aspects of this book were a great addition and definitely gave the plot yet another layer to unravel. With romance, intrigue, vampires and witches, I absolutely enjoyed her take on Count Dracula / Vlad the Impaler and how he became what he was. I can’t wait to see what comes next!
Thank you Voracious Readers and Barbara Russell for my copy! I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 12, 2023
Princess Annika always had fire in her eyes. She is a talented dancer who loves to wear bright colours until she travelled to the dragon kingdom of Walhack. There she meets the former Prince Wlad who has been enslaved by the current king.
Wlad will do anything to get his family back on the throne. Even if that means sacrificing the one thing he prizes above everything else.
Seven years later and Wlad has become a vicious warrior who lets nothing stand in his way. The rumours of his actions on the battlefield are truly terrifying. Annika has lost that spark. Really, who would blame her. But when Wlad is invited to Annika's home for the spring festival he is shocked at what he finds.
Can Wlad get the spark back in Annika's eyes? Will she ever dance again? What has Wlad had to sacrifice and what is up with the blood drinking?
Overall the trauma was well handled in this book. Please be aware that there is a closed door rape scene. I struggled few a few scenes and found that there was just so much pining at some points. I'm not sure how I felt about Annika continuing to suffer, but that's just me. Some nice spicy scenes
Wlad will do anything to get his family back on the throne. Even if that means sacrificing the one thing he prizes above everything else.
Seven years later and Wlad has become a vicious warrior who lets nothing stand in his way. The rumours of his actions on the battlefield are truly terrifying. Annika has lost that spark. Really, who would blame her. But when Wlad is invited to Annika's home for the spring festival he is shocked at what he finds.
Can Wlad get the spark back in Annika's eyes? Will she ever dance again? What has Wlad had to sacrifice and what is up with the blood drinking?
Overall the trauma was well handled in this book. Please be aware that there is a closed door rape scene. I struggled few a few scenes and found that there was just so much pining at some points. I'm not sure how I felt about Annika continuing to suffer, but that's just me. Some nice spicy scenes
January 16, 2023
The Cost of Revenge💀🔪
ADULT Historical Medieval🏰. Horror💀 and Paranormal Romance.
Number 1. There are no dragons🐉 in this very long, drawn out novel. Slow going in the beginning.
2. Instead , There are vampires, evil Kings👑 and evil witches in the Carpathian mountains of eastern Europe.
3. The book is filled with graphic bloody violence💀🔪 in a power struggle between Kings 👑 with revenge and retribution as the main theme throughout the book.
ARC Provided by Book 📚Sirens 💃
I also got this ebook from Amazon 📚with KU.
The reason I took the book is I thought it was about a King 👑 who could turn into a dragon🐉..
I enjoy Dragon🐉 sci-fi once in a while.
No such luck with this novel that is mostly a story of the horrors💀 that men inflict💪🔪 on each other and also the innocent in theIr age old pursuit of power. And because they could.
Don't read if blood, gore, and graphic violence💀🗡💪 bothers or offends you.
In my opinion, the book is misnamed. No dragons🐉 here. Not a fan of horror so won't read any more of author Barbara Russell' s work if this is her typical genre.
ADULT Historical Medieval🏰. Horror💀 and Paranormal Romance.
Number 1. There are no dragons🐉 in this very long, drawn out novel. Slow going in the beginning.
2. Instead , There are vampires, evil Kings👑 and evil witches in the Carpathian mountains of eastern Europe.
3. The book is filled with graphic bloody violence💀🔪 in a power struggle between Kings 👑 with revenge and retribution as the main theme throughout the book.
ARC Provided by Book 📚Sirens 💃
I also got this ebook from Amazon 📚with KU.
The reason I took the book is I thought it was about a King 👑 who could turn into a dragon🐉..
I enjoy Dragon🐉 sci-fi once in a while.
No such luck with this novel that is mostly a story of the horrors💀 that men inflict💪🔪 on each other and also the innocent in theIr age old pursuit of power. And because they could.
Don't read if blood, gore, and graphic violence💀🗡💪 bothers or offends you.
In my opinion, the book is misnamed. No dragons🐉 here. Not a fan of horror so won't read any more of author Barbara Russell' s work if this is her typical genre.
January 8, 2023
I received this book for free and voluntarily reviewed it.
The beginning was dark, and I was at a point were I thought: I don't want to read anymore how the main characters suffer. Exactly at that moment, it stops, and there is the leap in time.
The scenes were necessary, though. It helps to understand the motivation of the characters. I like the idea of telling the dracula story from a different angle.
The only point is the "steamy" paranormal romance. Here I would give 1/5 points in how steamy the book is. Specific words were never used, and for a book were abuse is descripted, and how it pulls the characters into the deep, I would have wished for a more steamy and plain description of the sex scenes. However, this is only a minor thing.
The writing, the tension, the characters in the book are very good.
All together, I really enjoyed the book and will look for more books from the author.
The beginning was dark, and I was at a point were I thought: I don't want to read anymore how the main characters suffer. Exactly at that moment, it stops, and there is the leap in time.
The scenes were necessary, though. It helps to understand the motivation of the characters. I like the idea of telling the dracula story from a different angle.
The only point is the "steamy" paranormal romance. Here I would give 1/5 points in how steamy the book is. Specific words were never used, and for a book were abuse is descripted, and how it pulls the characters into the deep, I would have wished for a more steamy and plain description of the sex scenes. However, this is only a minor thing.
The writing, the tension, the characters in the book are very good.
All together, I really enjoyed the book and will look for more books from the author.
December 20, 2022
I am extremely appreciative to read an ARC of this novel as I'm always happy to read fantasy romances. This novel had some great things going for it:
- Strong female lead
- Tortured soul (but hot) leading man
- Guy falls first (IMO - this isn't explicitly put in there)
- Fun world building
The plot kept me engaged the entire time and I enjoyed seeing the building romance between Wlad and Annika. Definitely read the trigger warnings as there is off-screen sexual assault and it comes up again and again in the book.
I think I would've liked a bit more world building but I also love that this was a standalone fantasy romance. It seems that most fantasy romance books lately are a series and I get impatient waiting for the next book to come out.
- Strong female lead
- Tortured soul (but hot) leading man
- Guy falls first (IMO - this isn't explicitly put in there)
- Fun world building
The plot kept me engaged the entire time and I enjoyed seeing the building romance between Wlad and Annika. Definitely read the trigger warnings as there is off-screen sexual assault and it comes up again and again in the book.
I think I would've liked a bit more world building but I also love that this was a standalone fantasy romance. It seems that most fantasy romance books lately are a series and I get impatient waiting for the next book to come out.
February 8, 2023
The beginning of this novel is quite a dark read. The reader can feel the ominous tension that the characters live with daily. Vlad and his brother are kept slaves and abused. Anika and her father don't get away unscathed from their visit either. There is hope for the future and a glimmer of joy in the short-lived friendship that Anika and Vlad developed during her brief stay.
I worried that Vlad's personality would change after his deal with the Sisters but when it came to Annika he was still kind and protective of her. I really liked his relationship with Annika. They were both kind and considerate of each other. Their romance was heartwarming against such a violent backdrop.
If you like a slow-burn romance with plenty of steamy scenes then Annika and Vlad's story won't disappoint.
I worried that Vlad's personality would change after his deal with the Sisters but when it came to Annika he was still kind and protective of her. I really liked his relationship with Annika. They were both kind and considerate of each other. Their romance was heartwarming against such a violent backdrop.
If you like a slow-burn romance with plenty of steamy scenes then Annika and Vlad's story won't disappoint.
January 5, 2023
3.5 ⭐️This is fantasy/paranormal historical romance and I quite enjoyed most of it. The book handles trauma and healing very delicately which I so appreciated. Both characters loved and respected each other and gave each other time to heal. Also happy the epilogue wasn’t some “miracle” but that it showed Happily Ever After in spite of suffering.
I found the Dracula/Van Helsing inspiration to be uninspiring. I know Dracul is from Order of Dragon … but it also meant Devil… Dragon king sans dragons? I was disappointed that the title was misleading.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance eArc.
I found the Dracula/Van Helsing inspiration to be uninspiring. I know Dracul is from Order of Dragon … but it also meant Devil… Dragon king sans dragons? I was disappointed that the title was misleading.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance eArc.
December 31, 2022
A sweet fantasy romance read. Moving, warm and compelling. Dragon king and a lovely princess who both just want their own kind of freedom,.
Annika loves dancing, frilly gowns and enjoying her life but she can't help but feel like something is missing. When she meets Wlad, a prince being held captive she tries to save him, ending in her own injury and her fate being changed forever. When they meet again 8 years later, will they be able to resist the pull of fate?
Cinnamon roll hero, and loving heroine.
Annika loves dancing, frilly gowns and enjoying her life but she can't help but feel like something is missing. When she meets Wlad, a prince being held captive she tries to save him, ending in her own injury and her fate being changed forever. When they meet again 8 years later, will they be able to resist the pull of fate?
Cinnamon roll hero, and loving heroine.
January 5, 2023
3.5 ⭐️This is fantasy/paranormal historical romance and I quite enjoyed most of it. The book handles trauma and healing very delicately which I so appreciated. Both characters loved and respected each other and gave each other time to heal. Also happy the epilogue wasn’t some “miracle” but that it showed Happily Ever After in spite of suffering.
I found the Dracula/Van Helsing inspiration to be uninspiring. I know Dracul is from Order of Dragon … but it also meant Devil… Dragon king sans dragons? I was disappointed that the title was misleading.
I found the Dracula/Van Helsing inspiration to be uninspiring. I know Dracul is from Order of Dragon … but it also meant Devil… Dragon king sans dragons? I was disappointed that the title was misleading.
February 23, 2023
Don’t let the title fool you - there’s no dragons in this dark paranormal romance. This is an interesting retelling of Dracula but with a twisty love story. I loved the characters, I loved the setting. I *personally* just feel like it was longer than necessary and a little slow in some places so it took me a little while to fully get in the zone to read and finish this, hence the 4 ⭐️. But overall, I really loved this book and definitely recommend it, especially if you enjoy slow-burn romances with plenty of steam. 🖤
As always, please look up triggers before reading. 🫶🏼
As always, please look up triggers before reading. 🫶🏼
May 5, 2023
The beginning of this novel is rather dark. The reader feels the ominous tension with which the characters live their daily lives. Vlad and his brother are kept as enslaved people and abused. Annika and her father never get off Scot-free during their visit. This book was a touching story about defeating demons. Don't get me wrong, the characters were hot and cute, with the perfect mix of romance, action, and paranormal themes in a historical setting. DefiAnhor I'd read again. It's a fun read with some obvious character tropes and a touch of Darkness.
January 10, 2023
Between the Dragon King and His Wrath is a welcome fantasy feast of the supernatural, political intrigue, magic and adventure.
Well written, evenly paced the story of leads Annika and Wlad is an exciting romantic narrative that unfolds on the page with compulsively readable prose and a litany of memorable characters who hold sway in an imaginatively crafted world.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Well written, evenly paced the story of leads Annika and Wlad is an exciting romantic narrative that unfolds on the page with compulsively readable prose and a litany of memorable characters who hold sway in an imaginatively crafted world.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 15, 2023
What do you get if you see Dracula and Van Helsing on the same page? Well, quite unexpectedly you get a horrific love story steeped in blood, gore, sensuality, revenge, retribution and everything in between.
Between the Dragon King and His Wrath is fantasy-horror re-telling of Dracula's backstory. It's a very interesting angle to the old tale.
Annika and Wlad might become your favourite couple or they might not. But if you love supernatural romance/horror, this one is for you.
Between the Dragon King and His Wrath is fantasy-horror re-telling of Dracula's backstory. It's a very interesting angle to the old tale.
Annika and Wlad might become your favourite couple or they might not. But if you love supernatural romance/horror, this one is for you.
January 16, 2023
A very well written take on Dracula, but it just didn't hit right with me. Which is odd because it contains so many elements that I normally enjoy in a romance: strong female lead, devoted male lead, monstrous, character growth, sincere connection and chemistry between the characters. Overall, I liked it but it just wasn't quite right for me.
Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 27, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for the free book in exchange for a review.
Between the Dragon King and His Wrath was an atmospheric Adult fantasy that was an amazing read. I loved the characters and the writing style was really wonderful, I did read it a little slower because the pacing was harder for me to get through but this was a really great read.
18 and up for the content level.
Between the Dragon King and His Wrath was an atmospheric Adult fantasy that was an amazing read. I loved the characters and the writing style was really wonderful, I did read it a little slower because the pacing was harder for me to get through but this was a really great read.
18 and up for the content level.
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