Dragons: The Essential Ties

by Ricardo Chévere

Sorcerers, wizards, and witches use magic for evil. But as long as there are dragons in the world, there are champions ready to stand against them.

Borys knows little of such matters, but he does have a faint memory that seems to suggest that dragons are to blame for the death of his parents. He yearns to know more about these creatures, and in his quest for answers, he comes across a mystical craft that takes him down the abominable path of magic. He’ll now learn more than he ever bargained for about these elusive creatures. And he’ll also discover terrible things he can do with his newfound powers.

Alanna almost drowns at her father’s marina. The only reason she lives is because David jumps in the water after her, even though he doesn’t know how to swim. David becomes a local hero, but Alanna cannot understand why she survived. Now, she’s back in town seeking answers.

Heroes and villains alike are about to discover that nothing magic touches remains unchanged, especially in a world that still contains Dragons.

Genres: Dragons

558 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 16, 2009

About the author

Ricardo was born and raised in Caguas, P.R., where he recieved a B.A. from the University of Puerto Rico, making the Dean's List. He taught Chinese martial arts (Kung Fu) for many years in college and his private school. In the state of Florida, where he lives now, he taught Spanish to high school students for nearly a decade as an I.B. teacher.

After publishing his first title in the fantasy genre, DRAGONS: The Essential Ties, he received the prestigious Julia De Burgos Award for his early success as a new Hispanic author.

So far, he has published the first two titles of his fantasy/adventure novel, DRAGONS, which he intends to make into a seven book series. These titles include:
The Essential Ties
The Fury

Reviews

[Kiara · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I showed a friend this book she read the first chapter and had to give it back quick or else I'd never see my book again. She then quickly bought it on her ereader. It was the same for me when I first found the book. You start learning about different characters and it seems like different stories in the same book but they come together in an epic ending. Sort of like a season of Doctor Who where everything is connected in the end. I loved how I didn't have to travel back to medievil times or another time period to be in a dragon's world. This is an epic urban fantasy where dragons still exist in the shadows with us. Each type of dragon is distinct, they're not the generic shape or color. Each dragon has specific characteristics to its element. It's also a new spin on how the other magical creatures came to be. I don't want to give any spoilers, but if you like modern day fantasy and a new telling on dragons, this book is amazing.

[Tysha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I must admit, I normally devour dragon novels, but I did struggle to finish this one. I don't think the problem was with Chévere's writing, I'm just not a huge fan of witches and magic users being made out to be such evil people in novels set in a modern-day Earth setting (yes, I realise it's a fantasy novel, but I'm still allowed to have an opinion on the matter and personally, I don't enjoy it.)

If such things don't bother you, and you have an interest in dragons and martial arts (the moves of which are described in great detail), you will probably enjoy this book :)