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Dragon Kin #3
What a Dragon Should Know
Only for those I love would I traipse into the merciless Northlands to risk life, limb, and my exquisite beauty. But do they appreciate it? Do they say, Gwenvael the Handsome, you are the best among us—the most loved of all dragons? No! For centuries my family has refused to acknowledge my magnificence as well as my innate humility. Yet for them, and because I am so chivalrous, I will brave the worst this land has to offer.
So here I stand, waiting to broker an alliance with the one the Northlanders call The Beast. A being so fearful, the greatest warriors will only whisper its name. Yet I, Gwenvael, will courageously face down this terrifying woman? It turns out the Beast, a.k.a. Dagmar Reinholdt, is a woman—one with steel-gray eyes and a shocking disregard for my good looks. Beneath her plain robes and prim spectacles lies a sensual creature waiting to be unleashed. Who better than a dragon to thaw out that icy demeanor?
And who better than a beast to finally tame a mighty dragon's heart?
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2009
484 people are currently reading
4876 people want to read
About the author
G.A. Aiken
56 books4,447 followersA.K.A. Shelly Laurenston
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author G.A. Aiken, Originally from Long Island, New York, lives on the West Coast and spends most of her time writing and making sure her rescued Pittie doesn’t love everyone into a coma. When she’s not writing about sexy dragons, she’s writing about sexy wolf, lion, tiger, and other fang-filled predators under the name Shelly Laurenston. Find out more about this New York Times and USA Today Bestselling authors books at www.shellylaurenston.com.
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author G.A. Aiken, Originally from Long Island, New York, lives on the West Coast and spends most of her time writing and making sure her rescued Pittie doesn’t love everyone into a coma. When she’s not writing about sexy dragons, she’s writing about sexy wolf, lion, tiger, and other fang-filled predators under the name Shelly Laurenston. Find out more about this New York Times and USA Today Bestselling authors books at www.shellylaurenston.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 701 reviews
March 29, 2015
Not quite as super-funny as some of the other installments, but still excellent!
M'kay. Not to poop on the parade, but I had to do some mental editing when it came to our hero.
Let me explain why..
Gwenvael has long blonde hair.
Now, when I think of long blonde hair on men my mind wanders into two distinctly different directions.
A) Growr!
And
B) I Can't Believe It's Not Butter
Alrighty, it's not just long blonde hair, though.
Gwenvael is described as having blonde hair that comes below his knees.
To me, this isn't sexy.
So. I very quickly pulled out my 'mental scissors' and gave that boy a trim.
You're welcome.
And now that I had my Gwenvael, I could let the lust-fest begin.
Oh, and also focus on the person that I really wanted to read about, Dagamr Reinholdt.
Dagmar has always been one of my favorite characters in the other books, so finally getting a chance to read her backstory was awesome! She was just as impressively devilish as I thought she'd be, and seeing how Gwenvael the Handsome won her over was pretty entertaining.
Dagmar (for those of you who don't know) is usually referred to as The Beast, and considered one of the most dangerous people to cross in the Dragon Kin series. Even the dragons are afraid of her, but not because she's the least bit physically frightening.
Nope.
She's one of those cold, calculating schemers that topples kingdoms (and evil sister-in-laws) without ever breaking a sweat.
So how does an apparently air-headed pretty boy win over a lady like that?
Well, you've gotta read the book!
Duh.
M'kay. Not to poop on the parade, but I had to do some mental editing when it came to our hero.
Let me explain why..
Gwenvael has long blonde hair.
Now, when I think of long blonde hair on men my mind wanders into two distinctly different directions.
A) Growr!
And
B) I Can't Believe It's Not Butter
Alrighty, it's not just long blonde hair, though.
Gwenvael is described as having blonde hair that comes below his knees.
To me, this isn't sexy.
So. I very quickly pulled out my 'mental scissors' and gave that boy a trim.
You're welcome.
And now that I had my Gwenvael, I could let the lust-fest begin.
Oh, and also focus on the person that I really wanted to read about, Dagamr Reinholdt.
Dagmar has always been one of my favorite characters in the other books, so finally getting a chance to read her backstory was awesome! She was just as impressively devilish as I thought she'd be, and seeing how Gwenvael the Handsome won her over was pretty entertaining.
Dagmar (for those of you who don't know) is usually referred to as The Beast, and considered one of the most dangerous people to cross in the Dragon Kin series. Even the dragons are afraid of her, but not because she's the least bit physically frightening.
Nope.
She's one of those cold, calculating schemers that topples kingdoms (and evil sister-in-laws) without ever breaking a sweat.
So how does an apparently air-headed pretty boy win over a lady like that?
Well, you've gotta read the book!
Duh.
April 28, 2020
💀 DNF at 60%.
Shock! Dismay! Outrage! Discombobulation! This book is naught but Bloody Boring Blah Blah Blah (B⁵) and unlikable as fish characters!!
What the bloody stinking squid happened to the humor in this series, that's what I want to know! Dragon Actually was hilarious as shrimp but this one? Ugh and meh and blah and bleh (yes, I know, I'm a poet). Not only was it NOT funny at all, it was also NOT deliciously OTT as fish. And that is quite unacceptable, if you ask me. Because the only thing that can make a series like this one somewhat bearable, moderately survivable and not kill-it-with-fire material, is its ridiculously ridiculous outrageousness. So turn it into a way-too-serious-for-its-own-good story, and what you get is a clichéd as fish, dull, trite Extra-Strength Boredom Extravaganza (ESBE™).
It would have been bad enough if the author had focused only on the two Super Extra Uninteresting MCs (SEUMC™)
➽ Nefarious Last Words (NLW™): done done done with this
· Book 1: Dragon Actually ★★★★
· Book 2: About a Dragon ★★★
April 24, 2021
In the end, their loyalty and allegiance would be to their families and their people. But their devotion would be to each other.
What a Dragon Should Know was such a WILD and HILARIOUSLY FUN ride from start to finish! I think the author does a fantastic job in expanding the world of dragons in this installment. I love how each book is packed with romance, action, politics and loads of humor. G. A. Aiken is slowly becoming my go-to author when reality is kicking my butt...
Dagmar Reinholdt aka the Beast was such an awesome heroine. This book definitely gets bonus points for having a plain jane heroine (and extra points on top of that for being a dog lover!). She was so shrewd, cunning and ruthless... I loved her so much! And normally I hate manwhores, but I could not resist loving Gwenvael the Handsome. He was so arrogant and obnoxious but he was also SO endearing and hilarious. I loved his antics and how he never stopped talking!
When he returned with the puppy he found in someone’s yard, he thought she’d be happy.
“You stole someone’s puppy?” she’d accused.
“Dragons don’t steal. We simply take what we want. It’s not like that little girl needs him more than you do.”
The banter between Dagmar and Gwenvael was just too funny. Even though Gwenvael was such an airhead sometimes, they were literally perfect for each other.
“Don’t make me cover your face with a pillow until you see my side of things.”
“Isn’t that called murder?”
“In some parts of the world.”
I also LOVE the family dynamic in this series. The constant bantering and bickering never fails to have me in stitches. Normally, I get annoyed when previous couples come back and steal the thunder of the main characters, but I don’t feel that way about this series at all. I love how everyone plays an important role and no character is ever wasted. I’m really looking forward to Éibhear and Izzy’s book! I just love those two SO MUCH!
Overall, I know I can always count on G. A. Aiken for a fun time. This might be my favorite book out of the series so far. Now, onto the next book! (In case anyone is wondering, I would not recommend reading this as a standalone as there are overarching plots and reoccurring characters...)
Rating: 5/5
July 21, 2016
Know your audience.
By the time the readers hit a book number 3 in a series, they have certain expectations. In this case, we want outrageous and funny dialogue, crazy bloodthirsty characters, and plenty of dragon sex. Unfortunately, this book decided it was time to go "deeper", or maybe it just wanted to expand the world and story.
How dare you try to make shifter-smut serious?
Instead of getting my favorite dragon Gwenvael's story we get everyone else's continuation of their stories with a dash of Gwenvael thrown in. What a rip-off!!
Screw you, life!
And, considering that Gwenvael's mate is nicknamed The Beast - we really should have had a full book on them. But, nooooo.... we had a full book on Talaith the Bitch, but the Beast gets the short end of the stick. AND, we had too many scenes with Talaith the Bitch being a bitch in this book too. What the hell? Is she such a bitch that she bitch-slapped the author into writing her a storyline in someone else's book?
and her little loud-mouthed daughter too.
Needless to say, I need to step away from Dragon Smut Land for a bit. I'll get back to it once I feel less ragey. Maybe.
By the time the readers hit a book number 3 in a series, they have certain expectations. In this case, we want outrageous and funny dialogue, crazy bloodthirsty characters, and plenty of dragon sex. Unfortunately, this book decided it was time to go "deeper", or maybe it just wanted to expand the world and story.
How dare you try to make shifter-smut serious?
Instead of getting my favorite dragon Gwenvael's story we get everyone else's continuation of their stories with a dash of Gwenvael thrown in. What a rip-off!!
Screw you, life!
And, considering that Gwenvael's mate is nicknamed The Beast - we really should have had a full book on them. But, nooooo.... we had a full book on Talaith the Bitch, but the Beast gets the short end of the stick. AND, we had too many scenes with Talaith the Bitch being a bitch in this book too. What the hell? Is she such a bitch that she bitch-slapped the author into writing her a storyline in someone else's book?
and her little loud-mouthed daughter too.
Needless to say, I need to step away from Dragon Smut Land for a bit. I'll get back to it once I feel less ragey. Maybe.
August 3, 2013
I've caught up on all the books, and this one was my reigning favorite. I wasn't sure about our handsome Gold at first, and I was making faces at the fact that Dagmar was described as "plain." Because that just seemed to easy to predict but...
HOLY CRAP.
I laughed so hard throughout the entire novel. I loved their relationship, chemistry, and dialogue. They made sense to me. I loved both characters and appreciated that while the plot was moved along, our two little liars' relationship wasn't forgotten. Anyway, this one was my favorite of the Dragon Kin series besides Ailean's book and later on, Vigholf's book.
HOLY CRAP.
I laughed so hard throughout the entire novel. I loved their relationship, chemistry, and dialogue. They made sense to me. I loved both characters and appreciated that while the plot was moved along, our two little liars' relationship wasn't forgotten. Anyway, this one was my favorite of the Dragon Kin series besides Ailean's book and later on, Vigholf's book.
March 20, 2019
I liked this book! Read almost every word too, and very few books can make me do that. It has to be interesting/ beautiful/ compelling/ humorous writing that makes me do that. This book falls into the "humorous" category.
What I liked:
* An endearing man-whore. Not many of those to be found outside of historical romance "rakes." But Gwenvyle is adorable. I particularly like how he sucked his tail like a baby sucks his thumb in one scene.
* A heroine I can get behind. Cold, calculating, manipulative, but loyal and brave and good. Totally a match for our H.
* Hilarious family interactions, both on the h/H sides.
* The nod to Scandanavian mythologies and terminologies, with the Mountain of Woe, and things of this nature, love the names! Gwenvyle the Defiler/ Ruiner! The Weeper! hahahahahahaha!
* I love dragons - might be my favorite shifters, so this dragon shifting series has hit the spot.
What the 1 star off is for:
* A bit too long. And part of it was because of all the great world building and mythologies and wars and intrigue which is fine, but still...
* related to above, the central H/h dynamic tapered off about 50-60% in. No more relationship development between the 2 and they weren't even together most of the time. She was off saving the world and he became a background character ready to give her hot lovin' when she came home. I thought G deserved more air time. I think he's a lot smarter than people give him credit for, which is why he's a great match for Dagmar. But he didn't get to really showcase his own intellectual and manipulative prowess. This is where he got lost amongst all the side characters the author throws at me left and right. And I wish he got to shine a lot more.
Overall, MAY read another in the series. Open to recs for the best of the series to hit next!
What I liked:
* An endearing man-whore. Not many of those to be found outside of historical romance "rakes." But Gwenvyle is adorable. I particularly like how he sucked his tail like a baby sucks his thumb in one scene.
* A heroine I can get behind. Cold, calculating, manipulative, but loyal and brave and good. Totally a match for our H.
* Hilarious family interactions, both on the h/H sides.
* The nod to Scandanavian mythologies and terminologies, with the Mountain of Woe, and things of this nature, love the names! Gwenvyle the Defiler/ Ruiner! The Weeper! hahahahahahaha!
* I love dragons - might be my favorite shifters, so this dragon shifting series has hit the spot.
What the 1 star off is for:
* A bit too long. And part of it was because of all the great world building and mythologies and wars and intrigue which is fine, but still...
* related to above, the central H/h dynamic tapered off about 50-60% in. No more relationship development between the 2 and they weren't even together most of the time. She was off saving the world and he became a background character ready to give her hot lovin' when she came home. I thought G deserved more air time. I think he's a lot smarter than people give him credit for, which is why he's a great match for Dagmar. But he didn't get to really showcase his own intellectual and manipulative prowess. This is where he got lost amongst all the side characters the author throws at me left and right. And I wish he got to shine a lot more.
Overall, MAY read another in the series. Open to recs for the best of the series to hit next!
January 29, 2012
G.A. Aiken’s Dragon Kin series continues to capture my heart and keep me up night after night. WHAT A DRAGON SHOULD KNOW is Gwenvael and Dagmar’s book. Dagmar is the only daughter of The Reinholdt and she is a mastermind politician who simply kicks ass. While she isn’t like my favourite warrior, Annwyl the Blood Queen, Dagmar still fits in with these fierce warriors in her own way. With her spectacles and her modesty, Gwenvael can’t believe that he is meeting The Beast of the Northlanders. However, with her iron will and sharp tongue, Dagmar really holds her own amongst the warriors.
I was really looking forward to Gwenvael’s book. He was a character I loved from the very beginning. I loved his upbeat attitude, his jokes, his sluttiness and his loyalty. Dagmar and Gwenvael were an unlikely match, but they really ended up being a great couple. Though the romance in this novel isn’t always the main focus, their love was still strong and believable.
What I love about this series is that we see previous couples come back and we see their relationships continue to develop. So that means we see a lot of Annwyl and Fearghus as well as Breic and Talaith. Futhermore, Aiken also sets up future books with Keita and Izzy and E. I’m really looking forward to Izzy’s book!
I guess my Dragon Kin obsession will continue because I’ll be diving straight into the next book right after this. I just can’t get enough of these witty, sexy dragons!
I was really looking forward to Gwenvael’s book. He was a character I loved from the very beginning. I loved his upbeat attitude, his jokes, his sluttiness and his loyalty. Dagmar and Gwenvael were an unlikely match, but they really ended up being a great couple. Though the romance in this novel isn’t always the main focus, their love was still strong and believable.
What I love about this series is that we see previous couples come back and we see their relationships continue to develop. So that means we see a lot of Annwyl and Fearghus as well as Breic and Talaith. Futhermore, Aiken also sets up future books with Keita and Izzy and E. I’m really looking forward to Izzy’s book!
I guess my Dragon Kin obsession will continue because I’ll be diving straight into the next book right after this. I just can’t get enough of these witty, sexy dragons!
October 25, 2022
when you reread a book thinking you'd like it more this time and slowly as you read you are reminded of everything that made you not like this book enough the first time around and you are "oh 💀👍"
April 27, 2020
Audio April 2020: Laughed out load. Cried and loved it all over again.
Audio July 2018: I laughed a lot. Gwenvael & Dagmar are just great together. See review below. As for the audio well it’s superb. The narrator brings out the characters personalities. This is one of my favorite books in the series. The Gods come out to play and the babies arrive. Lots of fun!
~ 5 What a Dragon Stars ~
What a Dragon Should Know is book three in the Dragon Kin series by G.A. Aiken. I absolutely love thee’s dragon! This series has captured my heart and keeps me coming back.
What a Dragon Should Know is a re-read for me. I love diving back into this world. Dagmar is the only daughter of The Reinholdt. She is a masterminded politician that kicks ass and can hold her own amongst the warriors, with a sharp tongue and iron will. Gwenvael the Handsome is the most fun-loving of all the dragons next to Eibhear. No one takes him seriously and that he uses to his advantage. I loved his attitude and sluttiness along with his loyalty to family. The author always finds a way to make the leads complement eachother, especially when they are an unlikely match. What I love most is that you feel the connections between the characters whether they are family, friends, or mates. The love that flows with the romance is strong and believable. The humor and banter is always great fun to read about and we get to see previous couples come back along with seeing how their relationships continue to develop.
I will always come back to this series. I can’t get enough of the fun loving, witty, sexy dragons! I highly recommend pick up the Dragon Kin.
Audio July 2018: I laughed a lot. Gwenvael & Dagmar are just great together. See review below. As for the audio well it’s superb. The narrator brings out the characters personalities. This is one of my favorite books in the series. The Gods come out to play and the babies arrive. Lots of fun!
~ 5 What a Dragon Stars ~
What a Dragon Should Know is book three in the Dragon Kin series by G.A. Aiken. I absolutely love thee’s dragon! This series has captured my heart and keeps me coming back.
What a Dragon Should Know is a re-read for me. I love diving back into this world. Dagmar is the only daughter of The Reinholdt. She is a masterminded politician that kicks ass and can hold her own amongst the warriors, with a sharp tongue and iron will. Gwenvael the Handsome is the most fun-loving of all the dragons next to Eibhear. No one takes him seriously and that he uses to his advantage. I loved his attitude and sluttiness along with his loyalty to family. The author always finds a way to make the leads complement eachother, especially when they are an unlikely match. What I love most is that you feel the connections between the characters whether they are family, friends, or mates. The love that flows with the romance is strong and believable. The humor and banter is always great fun to read about and we get to see previous couples come back along with seeing how their relationships continue to develop.
I will always come back to this series. I can’t get enough of the fun loving, witty, sexy dragons! I highly recommend pick up the Dragon Kin.
November 2, 2020
The Handsome fell for The Beast...
My favourite part of my re-read/listen of What a Dragon Should Know was experiencing this unlikely couple grow to love each other. A very handsome man... I mean dragon, surprisingly falls in love with a plain and bespectacled human. Now, to be fair to the Beast aka Dagmar, she's plain because it suits her to not attract attention. Dagmar is one smart cookie who observes more than anyone would know and holds many secrets. With a little time around each other, Gwenvael and Dagmar look below the surface and realise that they are more than what others see.
This series is extremely funny, but I found myself taking Dragon Kin #3 a little more seriously than the other instalments. I think it's because it hurt that both Gwenvael and Dagmar are judged on their looks A LOT! Yes, Dagmar is appreciated for her intelligence and cunning, but she also suffered for it. With Gwenvael, he distracted his family from his intelligence by acting the horny goose a lot of the time. By then end, I think their siblings appreciated their talents more. I also found the side-story of Annwyl's struggle with her health a little heartbreaking.
Hollie Jackson again narrates with skill, and I could easily listen to her for hours. Luckily, I had a lot of baking to do this weekend, so plenty of listening time.
I will definitely be back for more Dragon Kin in the future. No change to my rating, I loved every minute of my visit with the dragons.
My favourite part of my re-read/listen of What a Dragon Should Know was experiencing this unlikely couple grow to love each other. A very handsome man... I mean dragon, surprisingly falls in love with a plain and bespectacled human. Now, to be fair to the Beast aka Dagmar, she's plain because it suits her to not attract attention. Dagmar is one smart cookie who observes more than anyone would know and holds many secrets. With a little time around each other, Gwenvael and Dagmar look below the surface and realise that they are more than what others see.
This series is extremely funny, but I found myself taking Dragon Kin #3 a little more seriously than the other instalments. I think it's because it hurt that both Gwenvael and Dagmar are judged on their looks A LOT! Yes, Dagmar is appreciated for her intelligence and cunning, but she also suffered for it. With Gwenvael, he distracted his family from his intelligence by acting the horny goose a lot of the time. By then end, I think their siblings appreciated their talents more. I also found the side-story of Annwyl's struggle with her health a little heartbreaking.
Hollie Jackson again narrates with skill, and I could easily listen to her for hours. Luckily, I had a lot of baking to do this weekend, so plenty of listening time.
I will definitely be back for more Dragon Kin in the future. No change to my rating, I loved every minute of my visit with the dragons.
September 17, 2016
Plain Jane Bold Genius Heroine Meets Hilarious Too Pretty Dragon Shifter Hero. They are one of my favorite couples of all time and I have reread this book so much that if it wasn't on my Kindle it would be falling apart.
There is nothing about this book I don't like. The chemistry is of the charts. The adventure is compelling. The banter is to die for.
I love the calculating nature of both leads though it manifest in one in charm and they other in coldness.
Oh is this book funny. And they are perfect for each other. And there are dogs.
There is nothing about this book I don't like. The chemistry is of the charts. The adventure is compelling. The banter is to die for.
I love the calculating nature of both leads though it manifest in one in charm and they other in coldness.
Oh is this book funny. And they are perfect for each other. And there are dogs.
November 7, 2021
Diese Beziehungen sind ja zum Teil sehr fragwürdig, aber den Rest mag ich. So faszinierend ich die Welt hier finde, so sehr entziehen sich mich viele ihrer Regeln und zweitens empfinde ich viele der dargestellten Beziehungen als sehr problematisch. (Wenn jemand eindeutig nein sagt, deutlicht macht, dass kein Interesse besteht etc und aber einfach fröhlich weitergemacht und dieses Nein ignoriert wird und am Ende ist alles toll, weil es gab ja einen Orgasmus? Nope.)
Was ich damit sagen will: Ohne die Erotik könnte ich in diesen Büchern gut und gerne leben, gefühlt würden diese dann aber zu Kurzgeschichten. Der Rest ist allerdings spannend und liest sich gut weg, wenn man davon absieht, dass gelegentlich der Schreibstil hakt. Und in einer Geschichte, in der es weder Strom noch fließend Wasser gibt, eine Anspielung auf Lady Gaga gemacht wird. :'D
Was ich damit sagen will: Ohne die Erotik könnte ich in diesen Büchern gut und gerne leben, gefühlt würden diese dann aber zu Kurzgeschichten. Der Rest ist allerdings spannend und liest sich gut weg, wenn man davon absieht, dass gelegentlich der Schreibstil hakt. Und in einer Geschichte, in der es weder Strom noch fließend Wasser gibt, eine Anspielung auf Lady Gaga gemacht wird. :'D
October 7, 2015
More serious a book than its predecessor, but still humorous. The overall plot that continues through the series is enlarged in this book. Dagmar is a fantastic heroine - I love her cold, evil, plotting genius. And Gwenvael is the perfect foil to her plain, behind the scenes personality. He's extremely vain, arrogant, beautiful, flashy, narcissistic & humorous, but not in a hateful way. I enjoyed the dialogue between the two.
February 15, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 stars.
➕ What I liked :
Good banter.
Interesting and capable heroine.
Funny hero.
Funny and entertaining.
Good romantic build up and chemistry.
Interesting side characters.
(Especially Éibhear and Izzy.)
Interesting plot with a little more depth than the other books in the series.
➖ What I disliked:
A little bit repetitive.
A little bit slow in some parts.
A little verbose in some parts.
In some parts of the middle of the book and towards the ending of the book too much was going on with too many other characters than the main characters, this had a negative effect on the main characters romance because it took away some of the building of the relationship.
December 13, 2015
This series is pure unadulterated brain candy, it doesn't take itself too seriously and G.A. Aiken consistently gives us slightly silly but very, very funny stories about overbearing alpha dragons and the warrior women who tame them. I've always loved reading about dragons and that is probably one of the reasons this series appeals to me so much but I also love the family dynamics and the crazy characters this series has introduced us to.
I've been waiting to read Gwenvael's story since the moment we first met him, he's the most light hearted of the brothers and the one who is always ready to lighten the mood with a joke or a silly comment. As a result of that nobody ever takes him seriously though so when Annwyl gives him a task to gather information from the Beast of the north he is determined to prove how capable he really is. The last thing he expects when he arrives at the home of the Northlanders is to discover that the Beast is in fact a woman but Gwenvael is known for his good looks and luck with the ladies as much as for his sense of humour so he isn't worried about his chances of success. Unfortunately for him Dagmar is the one woman who doesn't immediately fall for his charms and she isn't going to be easy to convince.
I knew I was going to love Gwenvael so I wasn't surprised to find that he is my favourite of the dragons we've met so far. He's just such a sweet guy and I love that he's less overbearing than his brothers. Dagmar may not be a fighter like Annwyl but she is more than capable of standing up for herself, she comes from a huge family but learnt from an early age how to talk her father and brothers into doing pretty much whatever she wants so she has been running her household for years without them even noticing. She has information that she knows Annwyl will find useful but she wants to deal directly with the Queen not her messenger boy. I enjoyed the banter between these two and the way Dagmar managed to keep Gwenvael on his toes, he's definitely not going to have an easy quiet life with her by his side!
It was also great to catch up with the previous couples and we're introduced to a whole new set of dragons who I think are going to be an interesting addition to the series. These books are a lot of fun to read and I'm glad I still have quite a few books to read before I'm caught up with the series.
I've been waiting to read Gwenvael's story since the moment we first met him, he's the most light hearted of the brothers and the one who is always ready to lighten the mood with a joke or a silly comment. As a result of that nobody ever takes him seriously though so when Annwyl gives him a task to gather information from the Beast of the north he is determined to prove how capable he really is. The last thing he expects when he arrives at the home of the Northlanders is to discover that the Beast is in fact a woman but Gwenvael is known for his good looks and luck with the ladies as much as for his sense of humour so he isn't worried about his chances of success. Unfortunately for him Dagmar is the one woman who doesn't immediately fall for his charms and she isn't going to be easy to convince.
I knew I was going to love Gwenvael so I wasn't surprised to find that he is my favourite of the dragons we've met so far. He's just such a sweet guy and I love that he's less overbearing than his brothers. Dagmar may not be a fighter like Annwyl but she is more than capable of standing up for herself, she comes from a huge family but learnt from an early age how to talk her father and brothers into doing pretty much whatever she wants so she has been running her household for years without them even noticing. She has information that she knows Annwyl will find useful but she wants to deal directly with the Queen not her messenger boy. I enjoyed the banter between these two and the way Dagmar managed to keep Gwenvael on his toes, he's definitely not going to have an easy quiet life with her by his side!
It was also great to catch up with the previous couples and we're introduced to a whole new set of dragons who I think are going to be an interesting addition to the series. These books are a lot of fun to read and I'm glad I still have quite a few books to read before I'm caught up with the series.
October 14, 2009
This book and this series really crack me up. The way the author writes the main characters just makes me laugh. So often they are yelling at each other or beating on each other. The best parts are when it is the women that are doing it to each other. Part of that comes from them all being family. And it seems to be so true that no one other than your family can make you madder faster than them, and while it is ok for you to call them bad names or beat on them, no one else has that right.
This book ramped up the battle coming after Annwyl and her soon to be children. With threat after her, she sends Gwenvael to find out some info, but him being who he is manages to get himself in a crazy situation and all hell breaks loose from there.
I found as the story went on I loved Dagmar. She had just the right personality to put up with all of the dragons and all of their crap.
I also loved seeing more of the extended dragon family and all of their antics, which lead to some much needed leavity to break the heart-wrenching part of the story. Annwyl back to her bloody self was both scary and funny.
In the end the book had me laughing right up to the last page. Can't wait to see what happens next.
This book ramped up the battle coming after Annwyl and her soon to be children. With threat after her, she sends Gwenvael to find out some info, but him being who he is manages to get himself in a crazy situation and all hell breaks loose from there.
I found as the story went on I loved Dagmar. She had just the right personality to put up with all of the dragons and all of their crap.
I also loved seeing more of the extended dragon family and all of their antics, which lead to some much needed leavity to break the heart-wrenching part of the story. Annwyl back to her bloody self was both scary and funny.
In the end the book had me laughing right up to the last page. Can't wait to see what happens next.
March 26, 2018
Bu kitapta Gwenvael'den beklediğim davranışlar yoktu bu bir gerçek ama gene de muhteşem bir kitaptı Dagmar'a hayran kaldım. Tanrılar gene kendi rollerini oynadılar.
Neden beklediğim gibi değildi? Çünkü Gwenvael'i yaramaz çocuk olarak tanıdık, her ne kadar Dagmar ona meydan okusada o yaramaz çocuğu göremedim ben daha ciddi ve daha olgun davranıyordu.
Briec ve eşide gene bu kitapda hiç bir zaman diğer karakterler yok olmuyor hatta bazen ana karakterlerden daha bile ilgi çektikleri söylenebilir.
Özellikle bir sahne vardı kitapta, Gwenvael ve Dagmar birilerinin sevişmesini izliyorlardı. İşte bu bizim yaramaz çocuktan beklenir bir hareketti ama bundan daha fazlasını göremedim.
Biliyor muydunuz Annwyl hamile!
Bu sefer kızımız kuzeyli, soğuk bir iklim, kaba adamlar... üstelikte pek zeki oldukları söylenemez. Canavar diye tanınan Darmar bizim insan kraliçemize, Annwyl'a, çocukları hakkında önemli bir bilgisi olduğunu iletir ve Gwenvael oraya gönderilir. Sorun şu ki Gwenvael kızımızı gördüğü anda gülme krizine girer çünkü hiçte beklediği gibi birisi değildir. Kitabın başı böyle ana konu ise Annwyl'ın hamileleiği ve ikizlerinin tehlikede olmasıdır. Herkes onları öldürmek istemektdir ve nitekim kitabın sonunda Annwyl ölür. Kahrolmamak imkansız!!
July 23, 2011
After reading this book I remembered just why I love this series. I love the no holds bar humor. It's really enjoyable and made the more serious parts of the book tolerable because they softened the blow.
April 10, 2017
Re-read
Still in Dragon Kin binge re-reading in the order to refresh my memory. I hope you don't get bored with my update, lol! But first, I REALLY RECOMMENDED DRAGON KIN SERIES!! I mean..right now so many fantasy romance had been released and some using "Game of Thrones for feminist", or "Game of Thrones with romance", or "Game of Thrones met Pride and Prejudice", and so on, on on. You know what? Dragon Kin series have been released long before GoT grazed your TV cable! :D. And I know that this series still the best in term of world building, complexity, romance and steaminess! (even the amount of steamy become less and less). I wonder if beside GoT, LOTR will also got honored to be blurb. To be "LOTR meet fill the blank" :P.
Anyhoo, I read What a Dragon Should Know in 2013..so that 4 years ago! Gosh, so long XD. I used to adore Gwenvael back then, but after re-read, I just find him...just.. charming. I know. Shocking! But, like I said, re-read will give you a different perspective. I had read hundreds books (even with my reading slump!) that make my taste now different compared to 2013. That's including genres, trope, characterization, etc. Right now, I prefer a dynamic couple, rather than just a hero that can make you swoon, but the heroine is TSTL. Nope! I want them to be balanced. And after re-read, I'm glad that both Gwenvael and Dagmar really deserve each other :). Gwenvael, like his grandfather, Ailean, is not just a womanizer characters, not just a hero that love to embarrassed himself (and his family too), or narcissistic guy. He did have his own strength, like Dagmar, he too play the game of manipulation and politics.
I do know that Dagmar can be too..cold, compared to always raging Anwyll or chatty Talaith. But I love her cunning and scheming minds. Always plotting, always planning, always executing. Aiken write that a woman strength, not just in her power in the battle (Anwyll) or magick (Morfydd and Talaith). She show that a mind, is a greatest power. Dagmar might be petite, but she can reasons with the gods that she didn't believe. Always rational. Re-read make me think that Dagmar somehow is too good for Gwenvael, tbh. But Aiken loved to write "Opposite attracts", and that's what work for them. Gwenvael and Dagmar kinda remind me of Ailean and Shalin. A pair of slag and innocent-at-first.
I had stated that the world building of Dragon Kin is expanded, and that shows in this book. The subplot make this books feels chaotic, but in a good way. I like that Aiken didn't forget her old characters, even for a new reader that jump first into this book, will feel overwhelmed at first. So I suggest to read the previous, Dragon Actually and About a Dragon first. Because old characters will there, together with new characters.
And to end this re-read review..I'll share my favorite quote from Dragon Kin series. I still cracked a lot when read it. How Gwenvael really, really deserve it XD:
"I already explained this. I don’t like you. True, I don’t like most people, but I especially dislike you. I could start my own religion based on how much I dislike you."
Oh, I also think that it's still wrong for Eibhear to lust into Izzy. He's her uncle, even not by blood. Just..eww at first, lol!
First read review below...you will know that I used to gushed about Gwenvael back then :P :
What a Readers Should Know about What a Dragon Should Know???
First, that G.A. Aiken again prove she become one of my favorite author and I put her in my autobuy list (beside her other pen name, Shelly Laurenston. She also put E in EPIC, A in AMAZING, S in SUPERB, and.. well I can go on and on and on. But the old saying that "third times is the charm" is definitely true, because in "What A Dragon Should Know", Ms Aiken again show that humor and fantasy (and dragon!) can make a wonderful story.
What a Dragon Should Know is about Gwenvael the Handsome (his term), the Slag (his family term), the Defiler (his enemy and people term) and the Ruiner (his term, again). Now, you've got the picture. Yes, Gwenvael is the most narcississtic dragon ever lived, it make his family think he's idiot and so easy. Which is hurt, that's why he ask to Anwyll, the Blood Queen and the leader of Garbhan Isle to make him as emissary to the Northlands. To find the cure for Anwyll's pregnancy. Now, to find about it you definitely must read the previous book. Okay, next! So Gwenvael go to the Reinholdt stronghold and demand to meet The Beast. Of course he's so surprised when knowing that The Beast is Sigmar Reinholdt's daughter. Make him laughing so hard, and in the end insult The Beast. Now, he must seduce her in hope to help his Queen
Dagmar Reinholdt, known as The Beast, since she have ability to calm animal and especially her father's war dog, is a spinster, but with a smart and calculating brain. She knows who target the Blood Queen and want Anwyll dead. But Gwenvael's last act to her, beside make she feel insulted, she also irritated to him. Gwenvael will stop to nothing to make Reinholdt accept him, and his one of idea is crying. Yep, he's crying. Which make me laughing so hard. Now, there's a hero who is crying to get what he want. Even it just a fake tears, still hilarious, eh? X)
Dagmar and Gwenvael then search for Order of Silverhammer (forget the exact name) and brother Ragnar, who for 20 years provide Dagmar with information. Turn that Ragnar is not human, he is Lightning Dragon, who made him as Gwenvael's enemy since Lightning and Fire are sworn enemy. Dagmar then go to Garbhan Isle. Meet Anwyll and can't believe her sight when see the queen who heavily pregnant is far from fierce. But Anwyll's condition is bad too, her twin babies suck her life force. Dagmar with the rest of Gwenvael's kin can't do anything. Anwyll turn up dead after her babies born, make her dragon mate Fearghus grieve. Dagmar, who not believing in Gods, then try to bargain with Rhyddec Hael, the dragon god who also make Anywyll pregnant (dragon actually can't have children with human). Rhyddec Hael send her, the babies and Anwyll's body to the tunnel when Anywyll's enemy wait her. So, Dagmar, again with her smart and cunnning mind, try to bargain with another God to make Anwyll live again. Is the problem over? Noooo, there's still war waiting for Anwyll, Dagmar must convice her to help Dagmar's father war with his brother, Talaith who have fight with her daughter Izzy, and the most important thing is finally Gwenvael find his one and only. Now, how he convice Dagmar to accept his, despite his womanizer past?
I really love What a Dragon Should Know, the world building still amazing, the characters still crazy, but what I love more is this book not just about Dagmar and Gwenvael. Not like the previous, the sexual tone of this book is tamer than the previous, even still steamy and make my nose bleeding. Who know that the serious and stern Dagmar like to watch another people have sex? Yes, Dagmar's kinky habit is voyeurism :)). And with Gwenvael beside her, of course it hard to concentrate, not to forget that Gwenvael is the whore and will use that opportunity to make Dagmar's body sing in a good way :)). Gwenvael kinda remind me of Mitch Shaw from Pride series by Shelly Laurenston, too much loving himself! There's a time when I wonder when Gwenvael will stop embarassing himself in front of everybody. Which never happen. It's in his nature :)). As for Dagmar,she like Irene Van Holtz, also from Pride series. Cold, calculating, stern and smart. But she's like a vulcano which its lava turmoil inside it. Dagmar is a perfect match to Gwenvael :)
Ms Aiken not forget another characters since all have their own story. From Anywyll and Fearghus with their newborn twins, Talaith and Briec with their problem about Izzy that want to go to war, also second love story beside Morfydd the DragonWytch and Brastias, Anwyll second in command. And there's sexual tension between Izzy and Eibhear the Blue, Gwenvael little brother. Which seems wrong, I mean Eibhear kinda like Izzy's uncle (Briec is Eibhear's brother) even not by blood and Eibhear considered as young among the Dragon Kin.
Still filled with many hilarious one liner, and these are my favorite quote :
- "You can’t leave me. I’m tortured and brooding. You need to show me how much you adore me so I can learn to love myself again."
"You’ve never stopped loving yourself."
"Because I’m amazing."
Love your fantasy with humor, great world building, fantastic idea, fast paced plot, steamy and full with dragon? Read Dragon Kin series and you will know that dragon can be as crazy as human can be :))
Still in Dragon Kin binge re-reading in the order to refresh my memory. I hope you don't get bored with my update, lol! But first, I REALLY RECOMMENDED DRAGON KIN SERIES!! I mean..right now so many fantasy romance had been released and some using "Game of Thrones for feminist", or "Game of Thrones with romance", or "Game of Thrones met Pride and Prejudice", and so on, on on. You know what? Dragon Kin series have been released long before GoT grazed your TV cable! :D. And I know that this series still the best in term of world building, complexity, romance and steaminess! (even the amount of steamy become less and less). I wonder if beside GoT, LOTR will also got honored to be blurb. To be "LOTR meet fill the blank" :P.
Anyhoo, I read What a Dragon Should Know in 2013..so that 4 years ago! Gosh, so long XD. I used to adore Gwenvael back then, but after re-read, I just find him...just.. charming. I know. Shocking! But, like I said, re-read will give you a different perspective. I had read hundreds books (even with my reading slump!) that make my taste now different compared to 2013. That's including genres, trope, characterization, etc. Right now, I prefer a dynamic couple, rather than just a hero that can make you swoon, but the heroine is TSTL. Nope! I want them to be balanced. And after re-read, I'm glad that both Gwenvael and Dagmar really deserve each other :). Gwenvael, like his grandfather, Ailean, is not just a womanizer characters, not just a hero that love to embarrassed himself (and his family too), or narcissistic guy. He did have his own strength, like Dagmar, he too play the game of manipulation and politics.
I do know that Dagmar can be too..cold, compared to always raging Anwyll or chatty Talaith. But I love her cunning and scheming minds. Always plotting, always planning, always executing. Aiken write that a woman strength, not just in her power in the battle (Anwyll) or magick (Morfydd and Talaith). She show that a mind, is a greatest power. Dagmar might be petite, but she can reasons with the gods that she didn't believe. Always rational. Re-read make me think that Dagmar somehow is too good for Gwenvael, tbh. But Aiken loved to write "Opposite attracts", and that's what work for them. Gwenvael and Dagmar kinda remind me of Ailean and Shalin. A pair of slag and innocent-at-first.
I had stated that the world building of Dragon Kin is expanded, and that shows in this book. The subplot make this books feels chaotic, but in a good way. I like that Aiken didn't forget her old characters, even for a new reader that jump first into this book, will feel overwhelmed at first. So I suggest to read the previous, Dragon Actually and About a Dragon first. Because old characters will there, together with new characters.
And to end this re-read review..I'll share my favorite quote from Dragon Kin series. I still cracked a lot when read it. How Gwenvael really, really deserve it XD:
"I already explained this. I don’t like you. True, I don’t like most people, but I especially dislike you. I could start my own religion based on how much I dislike you."
Oh, I also think that it's still wrong for Eibhear to lust into Izzy. He's her uncle, even not by blood. Just..eww at first, lol!
First read review below...you will know that I used to gushed about Gwenvael back then :P :
What a Readers Should Know about What a Dragon Should Know???
First, that G.A. Aiken again prove she become one of my favorite author and I put her in my autobuy list (beside her other pen name, Shelly Laurenston. She also put E in EPIC, A in AMAZING, S in SUPERB, and.. well I can go on and on and on. But the old saying that "third times is the charm" is definitely true, because in "What A Dragon Should Know", Ms Aiken again show that humor and fantasy (and dragon!) can make a wonderful story.
What a Dragon Should Know is about Gwenvael the Handsome (his term), the Slag (his family term), the Defiler (his enemy and people term) and the Ruiner (his term, again). Now, you've got the picture. Yes, Gwenvael is the most narcississtic dragon ever lived, it make his family think he's idiot and so easy. Which is hurt, that's why he ask to Anwyll, the Blood Queen and the leader of Garbhan Isle to make him as emissary to the Northlands. To find the cure for Anwyll's pregnancy. Now, to find about it you definitely must read the previous book. Okay, next! So Gwenvael go to the Reinholdt stronghold and demand to meet The Beast. Of course he's so surprised when knowing that The Beast is Sigmar Reinholdt's daughter. Make him laughing so hard, and in the end insult The Beast. Now, he must seduce her in hope to help his Queen
Dagmar Reinholdt, known as The Beast, since she have ability to calm animal and especially her father's war dog, is a spinster, but with a smart and calculating brain. She knows who target the Blood Queen and want Anwyll dead. But Gwenvael's last act to her, beside make she feel insulted, she also irritated to him. Gwenvael will stop to nothing to make Reinholdt accept him, and his one of idea is crying. Yep, he's crying. Which make me laughing so hard. Now, there's a hero who is crying to get what he want. Even it just a fake tears, still hilarious, eh? X)
Dagmar and Gwenvael then search for Order of Silverhammer (forget the exact name) and brother Ragnar, who for 20 years provide Dagmar with information. Turn that Ragnar is not human, he is Lightning Dragon, who made him as Gwenvael's enemy since Lightning and Fire are sworn enemy. Dagmar then go to Garbhan Isle. Meet Anwyll and can't believe her sight when see the queen who heavily pregnant is far from fierce. But Anwyll's condition is bad too, her twin babies suck her life force. Dagmar with the rest of Gwenvael's kin can't do anything. Anwyll turn up dead after her babies born, make her dragon mate Fearghus grieve. Dagmar, who not believing in Gods, then try to bargain with Rhyddec Hael, the dragon god who also make Anywyll pregnant (dragon actually can't have children with human). Rhyddec Hael send her, the babies and Anwyll's body to the tunnel when Anywyll's enemy wait her. So, Dagmar, again with her smart and cunnning mind, try to bargain with another God to make Anwyll live again. Is the problem over? Noooo, there's still war waiting for Anwyll, Dagmar must convice her to help Dagmar's father war with his brother, Talaith who have fight with her daughter Izzy, and the most important thing is finally Gwenvael find his one and only. Now, how he convice Dagmar to accept his, despite his womanizer past?
I really love What a Dragon Should Know, the world building still amazing, the characters still crazy, but what I love more is this book not just about Dagmar and Gwenvael. Not like the previous, the sexual tone of this book is tamer than the previous, even still steamy and make my nose bleeding. Who know that the serious and stern Dagmar like to watch another people have sex? Yes, Dagmar's kinky habit is voyeurism :)). And with Gwenvael beside her, of course it hard to concentrate, not to forget that Gwenvael is the whore and will use that opportunity to make Dagmar's body sing in a good way :)). Gwenvael kinda remind me of Mitch Shaw from Pride series by Shelly Laurenston, too much loving himself! There's a time when I wonder when Gwenvael will stop embarassing himself in front of everybody. Which never happen. It's in his nature :)). As for Dagmar,she like Irene Van Holtz, also from Pride series. Cold, calculating, stern and smart. But she's like a vulcano which its lava turmoil inside it. Dagmar is a perfect match to Gwenvael :)
Ms Aiken not forget another characters since all have their own story. From Anywyll and Fearghus with their newborn twins, Talaith and Briec with their problem about Izzy that want to go to war, also second love story beside Morfydd the DragonWytch and Brastias, Anwyll second in command. And there's sexual tension between Izzy and Eibhear the Blue, Gwenvael little brother. Which seems wrong, I mean Eibhear kinda like Izzy's uncle (Briec is Eibhear's brother) even not by blood and Eibhear considered as young among the Dragon Kin.
Still filled with many hilarious one liner, and these are my favorite quote :
- "You can’t leave me. I’m tortured and brooding. You need to show me how much you adore me so I can learn to love myself again."
"You’ve never stopped loving yourself."
"Because I’m amazing."
Love your fantasy with humor, great world building, fantastic idea, fast paced plot, steamy and full with dragon? Read Dragon Kin series and you will know that dragon can be as crazy as human can be :))
January 20, 2020
What a Dragon Should Know was so much fun. I really love Gwenvael and he can make me laugh with his ego. He truly believes he is the best of everything and gets insulted at any indication that he is not capable of being a strong, worthwhile opponent for anyone who opposes the throne. Gwenvael is determined that he has finally been given a chance to prove himself and is sent to the Northlands to confront the Beast who he believes is a feared warrior for the Reinholdt. His reaction on discovery of who the Beast is just makes his job 10X harder.
Dagmar Reinholdt has a skill set that makes her the perfect partner for Gwenvael. She's not a great warrior like many of the females we've met so far, but she can plot and plan like no other. Dagmar is very good at manipulating Gwenvael. She also does very well when confronted with his family.
I had a lot of laughs in What a Dragon Should Know. These characters have become favorites of mine in this series. I love the passion between Gwenvael and Dagmar, as well as their interactions. Poor Gwenvael still does not get the great worshipping he thinks he deserves.
It is also great to see so many characters from the previous books. There is a serious problem with Annwyl and Dagmar comes in very helpful in preventing what could be a terribly devastating situation.
Hollie Jackson's narration is fun and I love her voices for the characters. You can really get the full comedic impact of Gwenvael's attitude.This review was originally posted on Rantings of a Reading Addict
Dagmar Reinholdt has a skill set that makes her the perfect partner for Gwenvael. She's not a great warrior like many of the females we've met so far, but she can plot and plan like no other. Dagmar is very good at manipulating Gwenvael. She also does very well when confronted with his family.
I had a lot of laughs in What a Dragon Should Know. These characters have become favorites of mine in this series. I love the passion between Gwenvael and Dagmar, as well as their interactions. Poor Gwenvael still does not get the great worshipping he thinks he deserves.
It is also great to see so many characters from the previous books. There is a serious problem with Annwyl and Dagmar comes in very helpful in preventing what could be a terribly devastating situation.
Hollie Jackson's narration is fun and I love her voices for the characters. You can really get the full comedic impact of Gwenvael's attitude.This review was originally posted on Rantings of a Reading Addict
December 17, 2016
What a Dragon Should Know expands upon the richly entertaining lore of mighty dragons and the humans that love them. Picking up after the conclusion of the previous book, the story primarily focuses on the love story of Gwenvael the Handsome and Dagmar Reinholdt, the only daughter of the Reinholdt, also known as “the Beast.” Annwyl the Bloody, heavy with her twins who are literally sucking the life from her, sends Gwenvael to the Northlands on her behalf to discover if the Reinholdt will make a worthy ally. When Gwenvael discovers that the Beast is actually an extremely intelligent and wily female, he is forced to adjust his approach to the situation.
Dagmar has spent her entire life as the brains behind her father’s success, staying in the shadows while she manipulates events to her advantage. So when Gwenvael acts unpredictably and treats her with respect, even reverence, Dagmar isn’t sure how to best respond. Striking a bargain with Gwenvael, the pair head out of the Northlands with important information to share with Annwyl.
I absolutely adored the pairing of Gwenvael and Dagmar. Two underestimated souls, both play to the misrepresentations and conventions their families have placed upon them. They use these stereotypes to hide their true intentions, striking blows upon their enemies. Both love their respective families and would do anything to protect them. Right from the start the pair recognizes the strengths of the other; never disrespecting the other, even if they do try to outsmart one another. Their passion ignites as Gwenvael and Dagmar open up and fall in love. I just adored their verbal sparring and joint masterminding.
Outside of the romance, the entire story is multifaceted and filled with complex layers of political maneuvering. I found myself engrossed and enjoyed just listening to the plot unfold. While I did find myself lost a couple times and trying to remember who was who more than once (lets face it, there are too many similar sounding names), the character development and bonds cemented over the course of the series made for stronger connections and deeper enjoyment of this tale.
In addition to Gwenvael and Dagmar, What a Dragon Should Know shares the continuing romance of Brastias and Morfyd. I was pleased to see so much forward momentum for the couple, but still disappointed they won’t get their own book. We also follow the progression of Annwyl’s pregnancy and Izzy’s combat training.
While I wasn’t taken with the narration at the start of the series, the narrator’s idiosyncrasies have become familiar and comforting. After three books, I was able to follow along and recognize most characters based on the narrator’s intonations and inflections. While some of the initial dragon voices are still my least favorite, I find that each new character has a voice that is more fitting and appealing.
In the end, I completely enjoyed listening to What a Dragon Should Know. Gwenvael and Dagmar are perfectly matched and so well suited. I liked that they weren’t another “arguing” pair, but rather they used their smarts and cunning to work together instead of always fighting with one another. I also enjoyed following all of the side stories - Annwyl’s pregnancy, Brastias and Morfyd falling in love, the dragon god mythology, the development of Izzy, the politics of Northlands, the expanded dragon kin, and the introduction of Ragnar the lightning dragon.
My Rating: B+
Narration: B
Review copy provided by Tantor Audio.
Dagmar has spent her entire life as the brains behind her father’s success, staying in the shadows while she manipulates events to her advantage. So when Gwenvael acts unpredictably and treats her with respect, even reverence, Dagmar isn’t sure how to best respond. Striking a bargain with Gwenvael, the pair head out of the Northlands with important information to share with Annwyl.
I absolutely adored the pairing of Gwenvael and Dagmar. Two underestimated souls, both play to the misrepresentations and conventions their families have placed upon them. They use these stereotypes to hide their true intentions, striking blows upon their enemies. Both love their respective families and would do anything to protect them. Right from the start the pair recognizes the strengths of the other; never disrespecting the other, even if they do try to outsmart one another. Their passion ignites as Gwenvael and Dagmar open up and fall in love. I just adored their verbal sparring and joint masterminding.
Outside of the romance, the entire story is multifaceted and filled with complex layers of political maneuvering. I found myself engrossed and enjoyed just listening to the plot unfold. While I did find myself lost a couple times and trying to remember who was who more than once (lets face it, there are too many similar sounding names), the character development and bonds cemented over the course of the series made for stronger connections and deeper enjoyment of this tale.
In addition to Gwenvael and Dagmar, What a Dragon Should Know shares the continuing romance of Brastias and Morfyd. I was pleased to see so much forward momentum for the couple, but still disappointed they won’t get their own book. We also follow the progression of Annwyl’s pregnancy and Izzy’s combat training.
While I wasn’t taken with the narration at the start of the series, the narrator’s idiosyncrasies have become familiar and comforting. After three books, I was able to follow along and recognize most characters based on the narrator’s intonations and inflections. While some of the initial dragon voices are still my least favorite, I find that each new character has a voice that is more fitting and appealing.
In the end, I completely enjoyed listening to What a Dragon Should Know. Gwenvael and Dagmar are perfectly matched and so well suited. I liked that they weren’t another “arguing” pair, but rather they used their smarts and cunning to work together instead of always fighting with one another. I also enjoyed following all of the side stories - Annwyl’s pregnancy, Brastias and Morfyd falling in love, the dragon god mythology, the development of Izzy, the politics of Northlands, the expanded dragon kin, and the introduction of Ragnar the lightning dragon.
My Rating: B+
Narration: B
Review copy provided by Tantor Audio.
December 3, 2020
4.5 stars. So much better than I ever expected! I really liked this book for the humor, storyline, the smart & sassy heroine, and even the manwhore hero 😱😱😱.
I was very ready to give up on this series after finishing book 2, which was just mediocre. I usually hate manwhore heroes and so I figured there wasn’t really reason to go on... but a few good reviews made me give this book a chance. And this, imo, is the funniest book in the series thus far. I loved the banter and all the stupid shit that the hero constantly sprouted. I loved that he wasn’t a serious hero, which was a nice change from those who came before him.
I also just really liked the storyline. There were lots of funny parts but also tear jerking moments. It hit a nice balance.
Finally, I LOVED that the heroine called the hero out for his past sexual escapades. She didn’t think it was hot or appealing that he had been a hoe... and she didn’t just let it go. I’m sensitive to this shit and somehow I still managed to love this slutty hero. I really felt like he changed and was committed fully to the heroine.
Safe, no cheating, heroine is a lot less experienced than the hero. TW: Lots of gore, murder, violence, attempted rape
I was very ready to give up on this series after finishing book 2, which was just mediocre. I usually hate manwhore heroes and so I figured there wasn’t really reason to go on... but a few good reviews made me give this book a chance. And this, imo, is the funniest book in the series thus far. I loved the banter and all the stupid shit that the hero constantly sprouted. I loved that he wasn’t a serious hero, which was a nice change from those who came before him.
I also just really liked the storyline. There were lots of funny parts but also tear jerking moments. It hit a nice balance.
Finally, I LOVED that the heroine called the hero out for his past sexual escapades. She didn’t think it was hot or appealing that he had been a hoe... and she didn’t just let it go. I’m sensitive to this shit and somehow I still managed to love this slutty hero. I really felt like he changed and was committed fully to the heroine.
Safe, no cheating, heroine is a lot less experienced than the hero. TW: Lots of gore, murder, violence, attempted rape
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2014
This gorgeous creature is Gwenvael. Gwenvael the Handsome, Gwenvael the Sexy, Gwenvael the Hot. Just ask him, he will confirm it!
I love the dragons in this series. They are all so arrogant and self-centered but they are honorable and thoughtful and funny as hell. Gwenvael's story is one of my favs. He is so adorable.
Dagmar is such an awesome heroine as well. She is a badass but she is the badass you never see coming. She won't attack you with swords like Annwyl, she will plot and lie and scheme to bring you to your knees.
The story was funny, sweet and so sad at one point. I like the fact that although we have a new couple at every book, the stories of the previous heroes keep developing!:)
Found this...
Ragnar, Dagmar and Gwenvael!;)
May 27, 2020
Read as part of a bundle.
This is easily the most amusing book in the series. A less likely match of dragon and human can not be imagined. There are some seriously LOL moments. Plus the serious bit of negotiating treacherous politics, lying villains, and hungry dragons. Strength comes from the least expected places.
This is easily the most amusing book in the series. A less likely match of dragon and human can not be imagined. There are some seriously LOL moments. Plus the serious bit of negotiating treacherous politics, lying villains, and hungry dragons. Strength comes from the least expected places.
August 13, 2012
In Dagmar Reinholdt’s world of Northlanders- you have to be strong to survive. As a small woman in a family of burtish men, she developed her strengths of cunning and trickery to get ahead. Now a rather devious politician, she uses words to defeat her foes- along with her clever mind. When a golden dragon of the Southland appears at her castle, everyone else is ready to war- and although she wasn’t expecting this particular dragon shifter, she’s perpared to do the opposite and make an alliance.
Gwenvael, middle child and golden boy- literally- of the Southland dragons, wasn’t prepared to meet a tiny woman when he answered the summons for his fierce warlord sister-in-law, but something about the keen intellect he sees behind her eyes stirs his blood. He may be considered a lazy, lay-about, male-ho by his over-the-top family of warriors, but he’s determined to find out what these Northlanders know about his sister-in-law’s pregnancy- and why it’s not going well- because they do know something. So, he decides to haunt her castle for a day or two and find out what makes her tick. If he talks her into his bed? All the better.
Like a spark to dry tinder these two light up when together- but Dagmar’s determined to keep all the fire hidden and Gwenvael’s equally sure he needs to draw it out. He talks her into accompanying him to his home in the Southlands and good thing he does because when the final battle comes down for the lives of the twins about to join his family, they will need Dagmar’s skills of politicking- with gods no less- to make it out alive.
Dagmar and Gwenvael, seem an unlikely match at first blush- her so serious, him so not. But she needs him to ground her(and lighten her up!) and that’s good enough for me. I love that they find each other and are secure enough in their love to see beyond their differences- more than that, to appreciate each other for them. Much of this story is tied up with securing the Southland Dragons’ rulling stronghold from invaders- and the safety of Gwenvael’s oldest brother’s family. (I was bawling my eyes out at the end and also crossing my fingers Aiken wouldn’t really do that to her readers. Shhh, no spoilers). I loved how Dagmar had such a huge part of it all.
As I’ve stated in my previous reviews for this series, The Dragon Kin sorta drags for me for some reason, but I always end up liking it. (By far my favorite series by this author is her Pride Series.)
This entry, however, was a goodie.
Gwenvael, middle child and golden boy- literally- of the Southland dragons, wasn’t prepared to meet a tiny woman when he answered the summons for his fierce warlord sister-in-law, but something about the keen intellect he sees behind her eyes stirs his blood. He may be considered a lazy, lay-about, male-ho by his over-the-top family of warriors, but he’s determined to find out what these Northlanders know about his sister-in-law’s pregnancy- and why it’s not going well- because they do know something. So, he decides to haunt her castle for a day or two and find out what makes her tick. If he talks her into his bed? All the better.
Like a spark to dry tinder these two light up when together- but Dagmar’s determined to keep all the fire hidden and Gwenvael’s equally sure he needs to draw it out. He talks her into accompanying him to his home in the Southlands and good thing he does because when the final battle comes down for the lives of the twins about to join his family, they will need Dagmar’s skills of politicking- with gods no less- to make it out alive.
Dagmar and Gwenvael, seem an unlikely match at first blush- her so serious, him so not. But she needs him to ground her(and lighten her up!) and that’s good enough for me. I love that they find each other and are secure enough in their love to see beyond their differences- more than that, to appreciate each other for them. Much of this story is tied up with securing the Southland Dragons’ rulling stronghold from invaders- and the safety of Gwenvael’s oldest brother’s family. (I was bawling my eyes out at the end and also crossing my fingers Aiken wouldn’t really do that to her readers. Shhh, no spoilers). I loved how Dagmar had such a huge part of it all.
As I’ve stated in my previous reviews for this series, The Dragon Kin sorta drags for me for some reason, but I always end up liking it. (By far my favorite series by this author is her Pride Series.)
This entry, however, was a goodie.
November 3, 2017
“What a Dragon should Know” is the story of Gwenvael the Handsome and Dagmar the Beast.
Firstly, if you’ve read the series before, you already know about Gwenvael, the totally crazy, tail missing, manwhore of a dragon with the most insane sense of humor and no self preservation.
When Annwyl sends him to the Reinholdt clan in her absence to get information which could potentially save her unborn, he never expects the notorious beast would be a woman or that the do was piss her off.
Dagmar is known as the beast due to her notorious past. Tired of three failed marriages and a father who wished she was a man, brothers and sisters in laws who don’t give a crap- she spends all her days training dogs and strengthening her fathers army.
She however doesn’t expect to be infuriated (and maybe charmed in a way!) by a crazy dragon who wants to make a meal out of her dog babies!
This was a-fckn-mazing!
So many laugh out loud crazy moments between these two you’ll keep snorting, and the chemistry is off the charts- adored how they fell for each other. I really loved these two together! The villains are cuckoo and brutal, the betrayals heartbreaking.
There is also good angst in this book- and keep your tissues ready to cry your eyes out.
We get updates regarding our favorite Eibhear and Izzy, as well as other couples including their crazy antics. Fearghus and Annwyl deal with birth along with the clan, Briec and Talaith with Izzy growing up and some surprises, Keita’s kidnapping, Morfyd and Brastias’ ongoing tale and finally their crazy parents Bercelak and Rhiannon.
Totally a great read!
Safe
4.5/5
Firstly, if you’ve read the series before, you already know about Gwenvael, the totally crazy, tail missing, manwhore of a dragon with the most insane sense of humor and no self preservation.
When Annwyl sends him to the Reinholdt clan in her absence to get information which could potentially save her unborn, he never expects the notorious beast would be a woman or that the do was piss her off.
Dagmar is known as the beast due to her notorious past. Tired of three failed marriages and a father who wished she was a man, brothers and sisters in laws who don’t give a crap- she spends all her days training dogs and strengthening her fathers army.
She however doesn’t expect to be infuriated (and maybe charmed in a way!) by a crazy dragon who wants to make a meal out of her dog babies!
This was a-fckn-mazing!
So many laugh out loud crazy moments between these two you’ll keep snorting, and the chemistry is off the charts- adored how they fell for each other. I really loved these two together! The villains are cuckoo and brutal, the betrayals heartbreaking.
There is also good angst in this book- and keep your tissues ready to cry your eyes out.
We get updates regarding our favorite Eibhear and Izzy, as well as other couples including their crazy antics. Fearghus and Annwyl deal with birth along with the clan, Briec and Talaith with Izzy growing up and some surprises, Keita’s kidnapping, Morfyd and Brastias’ ongoing tale and finally their crazy parents Bercelak and Rhiannon.
Totally a great read!
Safe
4.5/5
April 16, 2012
If you forgive the cover, this series is one of the most well made series I've ever read about in adult fantasy genre.
This is a much better book than the last few (which is overwhelming funny) since this was appropriately a fantasy novel with blood, angst, dragons, minotaur, skyrim-worth of adventure, poltics and of course, Gwenvael - the poor dragon who always get punched by everyone in the last two books. All the thoughts of the author into this one book never cease to amaze me. The plot really did make more sense with the whole world building in the book.
Gwenvael was toned down in this one to complement with Dagmar's sensibilities and occasional sarcasm. We get to see the continuation of the last two story in this one which someone create a whole new subplots inside the main story line. I thought that she would go like most serial authors who give Happily-Ever-Afters to their characters and wrote blandly about them in the subsequent books. There's a lot of intelligent quotes in this one and although I don't crack into laughter like the previous ones, I thoroughly enjoyed the plot and the characters.
Authors really need to take Aiken's style of writing since she complements every scenes with minimal description but enough suspense and plot lines and make them memorable on their own. I can't stop saying that I adore the author and her complex intelligence to bring it out in writing.
This is a much better book than the last few (which is overwhelming funny) since this was appropriately a fantasy novel with blood, angst, dragons, minotaur, skyrim-worth of adventure, poltics and of course, Gwenvael - the poor dragon who always get punched by everyone in the last two books. All the thoughts of the author into this one book never cease to amaze me. The plot really did make more sense with the whole world building in the book.
Gwenvael was toned down in this one to complement with Dagmar's sensibilities and occasional sarcasm. We get to see the continuation of the last two story in this one which someone create a whole new subplots inside the main story line. I thought that she would go like most serial authors who give Happily-Ever-Afters to their characters and wrote blandly about them in the subsequent books. There's a lot of intelligent quotes in this one and although I don't crack into laughter like the previous ones, I thoroughly enjoyed the plot and the characters.
Authors really need to take Aiken's style of writing since she complements every scenes with minimal description but enough suspense and plot lines and make them memorable on their own. I can't stop saying that I adore the author and her complex intelligence to bring it out in writing.
November 12, 2014
Re-reading the series (again for the 10th time)
"Not knowing what she meant, Gwenvael looked down at his body. Horrified, he sat up. “What is this? What’s happened to me?”
“Calm down. It’ll heal quick enough, I’m sure.”
“Heal? I’m hideous!”
“You’re alive.”
“Hideously alive!” He covered her face with his hands. “Don’t look at me! Look away!”
“Stop it!” She pulled at his hands. “Have you lost your mind?”
Gwenvael dropped back to the bed, turned his face toward the wall. “You know what this means, don’t you?”
“Gwenvael—”
“I’ll have to live alone, at the top of a castle somewhere. I’ll hide from the daylight and only come out at night.”
“Please stop this.”
“I’ll be alone but not for long because you’ll all want me more. You’ll lust for the beautiful warrior I once was and pity the hideous creature I’ve become. Most importantly, you’ll want to soothe my pain.” He looked at her again. “Don’t you want to soothe my pain? Right now? Without that dress on?”
“No. I do not.”
Dagmar tried to stand, and Gwenvael caught her hand, pulling her back down. “You can’t leave me. I’m tortured and brooding. You need to show me how much you adore me so I can learn to love myself again.”
“You’ve never stopped loving yourself.”
“Because I’m amazing.”
"Not knowing what she meant, Gwenvael looked down at his body. Horrified, he sat up. “What is this? What’s happened to me?”
“Calm down. It’ll heal quick enough, I’m sure.”
“Heal? I’m hideous!”
“You’re alive.”
“Hideously alive!” He covered her face with his hands. “Don’t look at me! Look away!”
“Stop it!” She pulled at his hands. “Have you lost your mind?”
Gwenvael dropped back to the bed, turned his face toward the wall. “You know what this means, don’t you?”
“Gwenvael—”
“I’ll have to live alone, at the top of a castle somewhere. I’ll hide from the daylight and only come out at night.”
“Please stop this.”
“I’ll be alone but not for long because you’ll all want me more. You’ll lust for the beautiful warrior I once was and pity the hideous creature I’ve become. Most importantly, you’ll want to soothe my pain.” He looked at her again. “Don’t you want to soothe my pain? Right now? Without that dress on?”
“No. I do not.”
Dagmar tried to stand, and Gwenvael caught her hand, pulling her back down. “You can’t leave me. I’m tortured and brooding. You need to show me how much you adore me so I can learn to love myself again.”
“You’ve never stopped loving yourself.”
“Because I’m amazing.”
May 20, 2015
Another action packed addition to the series
~4.5 stars~
I am really loving this series. The heroines are probably my favorite in this series, and Dagmar was no exception. They never over emphasized her beauty which was a nice change in a read. She was simply plain to look at my most, but a total badass. Whereas some of our previous heroines were tough when it came to fighting and battle, Dagmars talent was her mind and ability to negotiate. It was a unique quality and much appreciated. This book also had some hilarious dialogue and characters. I look forward to more!
~4.5 stars~
I am really loving this series. The heroines are probably my favorite in this series, and Dagmar was no exception. They never over emphasized her beauty which was a nice change in a read. She was simply plain to look at my most, but a total badass. Whereas some of our previous heroines were tough when it came to fighting and battle, Dagmars talent was her mind and ability to negotiate. It was a unique quality and much appreciated. This book also had some hilarious dialogue and characters. I look forward to more!
May 23, 2020
My gosh I have to read the rest of this series. Adore Laurenston's Pride Series and its now the same with her here. There's a shift at mid-point in this story that you know is coming but when it does ... sobbed. The main love story is made better by including it with the rest of the characters journeys. Just phenomenal writing.
Updated - re read. When a book you loved that made you cry, has you SOBBING when you re read it and loving the story more...one for the 6 star category.
Updated - re read. When a book you loved that made you cry, has you SOBBING when you re read it and loving the story more...one for the 6 star category.
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