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Dragon Kin #5
The Dragon Who Loved Me
Come on, barbarian, light my fire…
I was raised for battle. And as the first daughter of a warrior family, I’ve earned my reputation the hard way. Yet now I fight alongside uncivilized male Northland dragons who think a female is only good for breeding and waiting back home in the cave. But it’s the foolish and foolhardy who would try to stop me, Rhona the Fearless, from doing what I do best—destroying the enemies of my kind.
So the smartest thing wily barbarian Vigholf the Abhorrent can do for me is stay out of my way as we risk all on a deadly mission in enemy territory. I don’t care if he’s fascinated by me, even though he is as attractive as he is resourceful. He’s having far too much fun putting me in difficult situations and testing my sense of duty to the limit. And I’m going to enjoy challenging his insufferable confidence, outwitting his schemes, and making him surrender in the wildest ways…
I was raised for battle. And as the first daughter of a warrior family, I’ve earned my reputation the hard way. Yet now I fight alongside uncivilized male Northland dragons who think a female is only good for breeding and waiting back home in the cave. But it’s the foolish and foolhardy who would try to stop me, Rhona the Fearless, from doing what I do best—destroying the enemies of my kind.
So the smartest thing wily barbarian Vigholf the Abhorrent can do for me is stay out of my way as we risk all on a deadly mission in enemy territory. I don’t care if he’s fascinated by me, even though he is as attractive as he is resourceful. He’s having far too much fun putting me in difficult situations and testing my sense of duty to the limit. And I’m going to enjoy challenging his insufferable confidence, outwitting his schemes, and making him surrender in the wildest ways…
383 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 1, 2011
326 people are currently reading
3658 people want to read
About the author
G.A. Aiken
56 books4,446 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 500 reviews
April 1, 2017
Very entertained...once I settled in
I needed an escape from reality and I definitely got that with The Dragon Who Loved Me. I love escaping to another world where dragons come in different shapes and colours. Wars are fought for power and everlasting love spans centuries.
It's been a wee while since I've read a Dragon Kin instalment and I was completely lost in the first half. I had decided to treat myself to a copy of the kindle and the audio. Unfortunately, I struggled with the audio. I couldn't remember who was who, who was with who and where we were at. So, trying to follow a new storyline with new characters...while trying to remember what had happened previously was almost impossible.
Once I started reading instead of listening, it seemed easier. I also went back and read the blurbs for each story and that helped me connect the characters.
I liked the first half of the story but was a little frustrated with it too. The amount of jumping around from character to character takes a bit of getting used to. I'd forgotten this was common in this series. I found that once the connection between the main characters developed and Rhona stopped acting like she hated Vigholf, it was much more enjoyable.
There was plenty of action in the second half. The dragons and humans with battle plans, hoping to end the bloody war. God's interfering because they can and it gives them a sick pleasure. We also get to see egotistical overlord's sending in their battalions to fight while watching safely from afar. At least our dragons fight alongside their men and face death from the front.
I really liked Rhona and Vigholf and enjoyed seeing their connection grow. Rhona has family issues that leave her as Mum to her siblings. her Mum is a bit of nasty piece of work and I struggled with her for most of the book. Vigholf is pretty laid back. His main focus is to protect his woman...who hasn't realised he owns her tail. It will take a wee bit of convincing on his part to get her to see how he sees things for their future.
My favourite character by far is Annwyl. She is a lovable lunatic who makes me laugh like a loon, cringe at the violence that surrounds her and sympathise for the burden she carries. One of the final scenes where she "handles" her 7-year-old twins was a riot.
Now that I've visited this series again, I don't think I'll wait quite as long to read more of them especially considering it's Eibhear and Izzy's story up next.
I’m an Aussie chick who loves to read and review romance, drink coffee, be a Style Setter and stalk David Gandy. To see more of my reviews, fashion, food and pervathons -
September 8, 2011
A lusty, testosterone-filled and laugh-out-loud funny romance guaranteed to make you fall in love. I'm a huge fan of G.A. Aiken's (aka Shelly Laurenston) dragons. This is the fifth book in what has been a fantastic series. Like with many other PNR series, the world building and cast of characters gets bigger with each book but G.A. doesn't let that detract from the main romance.
Vigholf the Abhorrent is a Northland dragon, a race who are renowned for treating their females like they are only capable of staying home and having babies. Rhona the Fearless is from the mighty Cadwaladr clan whose females are champion warriors and love to put big-headed male dragons in their place. A secret mission throws the two of them together in a race to win the war their tribes are fighting against an evil king.
Apart from the great romance and edge-of-your-seat action, anyone who is familiar with the series will love revisiting past characters. The constant sibling rivalry, massive egos and sexy antics of the crew will keep you laughing and the introduction of new characters and future storylines will grab hold of your imagination. I can't wait to see what happens with Ren, with Eibhar and Izzy, with Rhianwen and the twins and so many others.
One thing I really appreciate about this book is that Rhona's character is so natural and sensible. It seems that in some PNR series the female characters are becoming more crazy and outlandish as each book tries to be better than the last. But here G.A. has given us a regular woman (albeit a dragon shifter), who has raised her own siblings, is not averse to true love and has ambitions to be something other than the greatest warrior in the world (although she is a kick-ass fighter). She feels like a fully rounded character. Like a normal girl who has found her prince. I really connected with that.
Whatever you do don't start reading the series with this book. You'll never keep up with the names or places. In fact I want to suggest to the author that she take a leaf from Fantasy genre writers and include a map and a family tree at the beginning of each book. It would really help. Even for those of us who follow the series closely. Highly recommended for PNR fans.
Vigholf the Abhorrent is a Northland dragon, a race who are renowned for treating their females like they are only capable of staying home and having babies. Rhona the Fearless is from the mighty Cadwaladr clan whose females are champion warriors and love to put big-headed male dragons in their place. A secret mission throws the two of them together in a race to win the war their tribes are fighting against an evil king.
Apart from the great romance and edge-of-your-seat action, anyone who is familiar with the series will love revisiting past characters. The constant sibling rivalry, massive egos and sexy antics of the crew will keep you laughing and the introduction of new characters and future storylines will grab hold of your imagination. I can't wait to see what happens with Ren, with Eibhar and Izzy, with Rhianwen and the twins and so many others.
One thing I really appreciate about this book is that Rhona's character is so natural and sensible. It seems that in some PNR series the female characters are becoming more crazy and outlandish as each book tries to be better than the last. But here G.A. has given us a regular woman (albeit a dragon shifter), who has raised her own siblings, is not averse to true love and has ambitions to be something other than the greatest warrior in the world (although she is a kick-ass fighter). She feels like a fully rounded character. Like a normal girl who has found her prince. I really connected with that.
Whatever you do don't start reading the series with this book. You'll never keep up with the names or places. In fact I want to suggest to the author that she take a leaf from Fantasy genre writers and include a map and a family tree at the beginning of each book. It would really help. Even for those of us who follow the series closely. Highly recommended for PNR fans.
June 25, 2020
My love for the Dragon Kin series started with this book,
The Dragon Who Loved Me.
I didn't know when I picked up this book back in 2012 that it was the 5th book in the series. This novel made me fall in love with the series and I deiced to read from book 1 to the end, and I did.
Audio Jan. 2019: Here is where the narration change comes in from Hollie Jackson to Morgan Hallett. I wasn't found of this change, but eventually I got use to it. It took time for me to get into Morgan Hallett's narration and the voice's for all the old characters. Thou in this one we meet a bunch of new dragons. I really loved this book all over again. We get a war that is on going, we see that years have pasted, and that their are now children from human and dragon matings or not matings. It's a turning point in the series and a new direction. As always the humor is great and I feel it comes across so much better in audio then reading, but both options a great.
Rated: 5 Stars
Audio Jan. 2019: Here is where the narration change comes in from Hollie Jackson to Morgan Hallett. I wasn't found of this change, but eventually I got use to it. It took time for me to get into Morgan Hallett's narration and the voice's for all the old characters. Thou in this one we meet a bunch of new dragons. I really loved this book all over again. We get a war that is on going, we see that years have pasted, and that their are now children from human and dragon matings or not matings. It's a turning point in the series and a new direction. As always the humor is great and I feel it comes across so much better in audio then reading, but both options a great.
Rated: 5 Stars
September 5, 2011
Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads
I admit, I couldn't remember exactly who Vigholf was at the start, (this world is pretty complex, very fun, but there are dragons everywhere to keep track of!) – but as soon as a reference was made to Annwyl cutting the long warrior hair off a dragon and having it attached to her helmet - Vigholf was the unlucky warrior who received this hair cut in the previous book. There are so many different players in this world, it’s little crazy moments like that, that once they get recalled it instantly puts you back into their world and back on familiar ground with everyone. Surprisingly, the main romance in this newest installment was fairly straight forward, and dare I say the most “normal” of all the relationships so far. Vigholf has known and worked by Rhona for years, but only recently he’s made his intentions toward her known, at least to her. He’s already warned off all the dragons from her. What’s great about Vigholf is he’s sort of adorably clueless when it comes to Rhona. Put him on a war field or preparing for battle and there’s no one else you’d want by your side, but dealing with his feelings for Rhona is too much for him to handle at times and Rhona doesn’t make it easy, in a good way.
Rhona is a solider and has no desire to rise any higher in rank, which annoys her mom, a commanding officer herself. She wants all her daughters to be Dragonwarriors and this just isn’t Rhona. Instead, Rhona was the one who raised her siblings when her mother went off to fight battle after battle, and while Rhona raised her sisters to be the next Dragonwarriors, she’d be just as happy to follow in her father’s footsteps, being an amazing Master Blacksmith. This is a female who’s strong, she follows orders because that’s what someone in her position does, but she’s really just trying to figure out what she wants to do, and Vigholf helps her out with that decision by trying to court her (in his own way) as they’re in the middle of multiple wars and chaos. Vigholf is pretty charming as he tries to understand Rhona better and his back and forth with her is always hilarious:
“Your concern for my well-being overwhelms me, Sergeant.”
“You shouldn’t have been following me, Commander.”
“Who said I was?”
“Common sense?”
“I don’t know who that is,” he muttered, turning away and looking over the blacksmith’s work area.
Rhona and Vigholf’s story takes them from traveling with Ren and Keita back to the home base where the young twins and Rhian are in danger, to finding Annwyl, who took off on her own with only Izzy and Brannie. She's in search of a crazy, powerful recluse King that she needs to convince to ally with her in a huge battle that's starting to take place between numerous dragon clans. During their travels, Rhona doesn't quite know what to make of Vigholf's actions when he tries to make his intentions known, literally freezing up when he kisses her for the first time, but when she realizes that he truly does want her, she slowly comes around and they have a really sweet romance - banter and all.
“So” – Vigholf faced her – “would you like to have dinner tonight with me and my mother?”
“No.”
He scowled. “Why not?”
“Well, first off I’m having dinner with my father, and second…no.”
“You don’t like my mother,” he accused.
“I don’t know your mother.”
“And you never will…unless you have dinner with us.” His grin was wide…and a tad ridiculous-in an annoyingly adorable way. “Bring your father.”
“You’re getting stranger every day, I just want to make that clear.”
There are so many side stories happening all at once. First off, this book takes place years after the last book, some of the mates haven’t seen each other in 3 years, some in 5 and while I understand that it’s the way things are during times of war in this series, it’s still hard to imagine. So there’s Annwyl, still crazy as ever, taking heads and asking questions later on her quest to end the war and get home to her twins. There’s the triangle of Eibhear/Izzy/Celyn that’s still going strong. Eibhear refuses to acknowledge any feelings he has for Izzy and when death hits close to Eibhear, he goes from boy to man in a split second and he’s in a place at the end of book of being completely hopeless and unfeeling. There are small updates on all the past characters, including one of my favorite couples, Morfyd and Brastias, and most important is the new information we get about The Three: Fearghus and Annwyl’s twins and Rhian – Briec and Talaith’s daughter. They have some amazing abilities, most of which the adults know nothing about and it will continue to be interesting to see just what these three will be capable of in the future.
I’m a huge fan of the series and thoroughly enjoyed this latest story. The humor is non-stop, very sarcastic and dark at times, but always laugh-out-loud funny. There is a resolution to the war we were left with in the last book, and promises of more to come. My only small issue is there are a lot of characters and having not reread the previous books prior to this one, it took a few chapters to really remember who was who and where we last left off. But I do appreciate that the author doesn’t give us a lot of long recaps but rather just gives us the past information in new ways that brings us back up to speed quickly. Great story, and one that all fans of this series will enjoy.
I admit, I couldn't remember exactly who Vigholf was at the start, (this world is pretty complex, very fun, but there are dragons everywhere to keep track of!) – but as soon as a reference was made to Annwyl cutting the long warrior hair off a dragon and having it attached to her helmet - Vigholf was the unlucky warrior who received this hair cut in the previous book. There are so many different players in this world, it’s little crazy moments like that, that once they get recalled it instantly puts you back into their world and back on familiar ground with everyone. Surprisingly, the main romance in this newest installment was fairly straight forward, and dare I say the most “normal” of all the relationships so far. Vigholf has known and worked by Rhona for years, but only recently he’s made his intentions toward her known, at least to her. He’s already warned off all the dragons from her. What’s great about Vigholf is he’s sort of adorably clueless when it comes to Rhona. Put him on a war field or preparing for battle and there’s no one else you’d want by your side, but dealing with his feelings for Rhona is too much for him to handle at times and Rhona doesn’t make it easy, in a good way.
Rhona is a solider and has no desire to rise any higher in rank, which annoys her mom, a commanding officer herself. She wants all her daughters to be Dragonwarriors and this just isn’t Rhona. Instead, Rhona was the one who raised her siblings when her mother went off to fight battle after battle, and while Rhona raised her sisters to be the next Dragonwarriors, she’d be just as happy to follow in her father’s footsteps, being an amazing Master Blacksmith. This is a female who’s strong, she follows orders because that’s what someone in her position does, but she’s really just trying to figure out what she wants to do, and Vigholf helps her out with that decision by trying to court her (in his own way) as they’re in the middle of multiple wars and chaos. Vigholf is pretty charming as he tries to understand Rhona better and his back and forth with her is always hilarious:
“Your concern for my well-being overwhelms me, Sergeant.”
“You shouldn’t have been following me, Commander.”
“Who said I was?”
“Common sense?”
“I don’t know who that is,” he muttered, turning away and looking over the blacksmith’s work area.
Rhona and Vigholf’s story takes them from traveling with Ren and Keita back to the home base where the young twins and Rhian are in danger, to finding Annwyl, who took off on her own with only Izzy and Brannie. She's in search of a crazy, powerful recluse King that she needs to convince to ally with her in a huge battle that's starting to take place between numerous dragon clans. During their travels, Rhona doesn't quite know what to make of Vigholf's actions when he tries to make his intentions known, literally freezing up when he kisses her for the first time, but when she realizes that he truly does want her, she slowly comes around and they have a really sweet romance - banter and all.
“So” – Vigholf faced her – “would you like to have dinner tonight with me and my mother?”
“No.”
He scowled. “Why not?”
“Well, first off I’m having dinner with my father, and second…no.”
“You don’t like my mother,” he accused.
“I don’t know your mother.”
“And you never will…unless you have dinner with us.” His grin was wide…and a tad ridiculous-in an annoyingly adorable way. “Bring your father.”
“You’re getting stranger every day, I just want to make that clear.”
There are so many side stories happening all at once. First off, this book takes place years after the last book, some of the mates haven’t seen each other in 3 years, some in 5 and while I understand that it’s the way things are during times of war in this series, it’s still hard to imagine. So there’s Annwyl, still crazy as ever, taking heads and asking questions later on her quest to end the war and get home to her twins. There’s the triangle of Eibhear/Izzy/Celyn that’s still going strong. Eibhear refuses to acknowledge any feelings he has for Izzy and when death hits close to Eibhear, he goes from boy to man in a split second and he’s in a place at the end of book of being completely hopeless and unfeeling. There are small updates on all the past characters, including one of my favorite couples, Morfyd and Brastias, and most important is the new information we get about The Three: Fearghus and Annwyl’s twins and Rhian – Briec and Talaith’s daughter. They have some amazing abilities, most of which the adults know nothing about and it will continue to be interesting to see just what these three will be capable of in the future.
I’m a huge fan of the series and thoroughly enjoyed this latest story. The humor is non-stop, very sarcastic and dark at times, but always laugh-out-loud funny. There is a resolution to the war we were left with in the last book, and promises of more to come. My only small issue is there are a lot of characters and having not reread the previous books prior to this one, it took a few chapters to really remember who was who and where we last left off. But I do appreciate that the author doesn’t give us a lot of long recaps but rather just gives us the past information in new ways that brings us back up to speed quickly. Great story, and one that all fans of this series will enjoy.
May 27, 2015
3.5 stars
I strongly suggest you read this series in order. These are not stand-alone romance novels written in the same world. It's an ongoing series that includes one (or more) couples falling for each other...while hacking enemies into bloody bits. Each story in the Dragon Kin series includes a huge cast of characters from previous books that continue to play relevant parts in the story. So seriously...read the other books first if you can.
And that brings us to my problem. My library doesn't carry all of the books. Soooo. I've had to read what I can get my hands on....when I can get my hands on them. Which means that I haven't read them all, and certainly not in order.
Even though this book was enjoyable, I probably would have been able to get more out of it if I wasn't missing hunks of information. But it wouldn't be fair of me to take off stars for something that isn't in any way the author's fault.
I thought both of the main characters in this book were very likable. And like all of the books in the series, there were lots of sweetish/funny moments between the couple. It was definitely a fun read, even if I didn't get all of the references to some of the other characters or plot lines.
Recommended for girls who like a bit of blood and gore with their romance!
I strongly suggest you read this series in order. These are not stand-alone romance novels written in the same world. It's an ongoing series that includes one (or more) couples falling for each other...while hacking enemies into bloody bits. Each story in the Dragon Kin series includes a huge cast of characters from previous books that continue to play relevant parts in the story. So seriously...read the other books first if you can.
And that brings us to my problem. My library doesn't carry all of the books. Soooo. I've had to read what I can get my hands on....when I can get my hands on them. Which means that I haven't read them all, and certainly not in order.
Even though this book was enjoyable, I probably would have been able to get more out of it if I wasn't missing hunks of information. But it wouldn't be fair of me to take off stars for something that isn't in any way the author's fault.
I thought both of the main characters in this book were very likable. And like all of the books in the series, there were lots of sweetish/funny moments between the couple. It was definitely a fun read, even if I didn't get all of the references to some of the other characters or plot lines.
Recommended for girls who like a bit of blood and gore with their romance!
September 3, 2011
4.5 stars: one of the best in the series and one of my favorite new releases this year
I couldn't put this book down--great mix of action, humor, romance and suspense. I liked the main characters and how their relationship developed over the first half of the book. They didn't immediately jump into bed together. It was good seeing the characters from the earlier books--the way the author brought them back into this book was very well handled. (Except for Keita, who continues to get on my nerves. She wasn't in this one a lot--thank goodness.) There's a lot of violence in this book, but I like a good fight scene so that's ok by me. The war scenes at the end were very suspenseful and full of action. I was on the edge of my seat. The dialogue was well written, often funny, and believable. Up until now book 3 has been my favorite (Gwenvael & Dagmar were hilarious!), but this was even better. Aiken really brought her 'A' game with The Dragon Who Loved Me. Can't wait for the next one!
If you haven't read this series, it's one of the better fantasy romance/PNR series about dragon shapeshifters. Best to read the books in order, since each story builds on the earlier ones and characters show up in later books. The books tend to have a lot of action/violence, bawdy humor and a nice amount romance. The sex scenes are typical for what you find in mainstream romance books--steamy but not over the top.
I couldn't put this book down--great mix of action, humor, romance and suspense. I liked the main characters and how their relationship developed over the first half of the book. They didn't immediately jump into bed together. It was good seeing the characters from the earlier books--the way the author brought them back into this book was very well handled. (Except for Keita, who continues to get on my nerves. She wasn't in this one a lot--thank goodness.) There's a lot of violence in this book, but I like a good fight scene so that's ok by me. The war scenes at the end were very suspenseful and full of action. I was on the edge of my seat. The dialogue was well written, often funny, and believable. Up until now book 3 has been my favorite (Gwenvael & Dagmar were hilarious!), but this was even better. Aiken really brought her 'A' game with The Dragon Who Loved Me. Can't wait for the next one!
If you haven't read this series, it's one of the better fantasy romance/PNR series about dragon shapeshifters. Best to read the books in order, since each story builds on the earlier ones and characters show up in later books. The books tend to have a lot of action/violence, bawdy humor and a nice amount romance. The sex scenes are typical for what you find in mainstream romance books--steamy but not over the top.
February 4, 2012
I’ll get straight to the point – You must read this series. That’s the bottom line.
You probably don’t need to read the rest of this review now, because I’ll only redundantly list the reasons why you should read this book.
So let’s get to it! The top 5 reasons why you should read this book:
5. Rhona and Vigolf have great chemistry and holds up against all the other things that goes on in this book (And there are a lot of things that go on, so much so that it kind of boggles my mind).
4. The children are older and are now playing an active part in the book. It’s kind of creepy the things these kiddos can do.
3. Though Eibhear and Izzy have been separated for five years during the war, things are only just beginning for them. When does their book come out?
2. Annwyl the Bloody aka The Blood Queen kicks massive ass in this book. I adore her ruthless determination.
1. The war – you will not believe the amount of detail and politics that Aiken has incorporated in this book. It’s epic.
You probably don’t need to read the rest of this review now, because I’ll only redundantly list the reasons why you should read this book.
So let’s get to it! The top 5 reasons why you should read this book:
5. Rhona and Vigolf have great chemistry and holds up against all the other things that goes on in this book (And there are a lot of things that go on, so much so that it kind of boggles my mind).
4. The children are older and are now playing an active part in the book. It’s kind of creepy the things these kiddos can do.
3. Though Eibhear and Izzy have been separated for five years during the war, things are only just beginning for them. When does their book come out?
2. Annwyl the Bloody aka The Blood Queen kicks massive ass in this book. I adore her ruthless determination.
1. The war – you will not believe the amount of detail and politics that Aiken has incorporated in this book. It’s epic.
October 12, 2016
4.5 stars!
October 1, 2018
Action Packed Craziness!! Just what I needed!!
Rhona the Fearless
Rhona the Fearless
April 16, 2017
Re-read
Part of my binge re-read of Dragon Kin to refresh my memory, since I read The Dragon Who Loved Me almost 4 years ago. This is the weeks of the dragon in my humble abode, you all! And I hope I don't make you tired with all my Dragon Kin updates, because, I find that re-read an ongoing series is a one of best reading experience I've ever read. You may see some memes that stated "it's only I can read an awesome book for the first time, again". Guess what? Re-read is not bad! It's will sharpen your memory, reading something new that you may miss at your first reading, and also give you a whole different perspective. You can either "whyyy I rated this so great before" or "well, I guess I change my mind. This book is great actually, why I rated low, I never know", and etc.
In case of The Dragon Who Loved Me, my opinion still didn't change from my first read. I agreed that this book is a turn-of-tide book. This book also have full war scenes, many intertwined plots, and Aiken executed it brilliantly. Her Dragon Kin series keep expanding, with new characters and also old characters that I grow fond of. To be honest, the main couple of Dragon Who Loved Me can be any dragon from Cadwaladr clans, or any Lightnings, bla de bla, I don't care. Didn't mean Vigholf and Rhona are useless, but the main story about this book is more like Anywll's war against Irons and their allies. Still, I also like Vigholf and Rhona, but I like the whole story more.
Also...some hint that Keita finally will let Ragnar Claimed her after their 5 years together. Why Ragnar can tolerate Keita, he might be the most patience dragon alike in Dragon Kin. Also, I know of course that Eibhear and Izzy will get their own book, but I believe Eibhear is too..oblivious with his own feeling to his niece-not-by-blood, Izzy. And because of that, he constantly beating Celyn because Celyn once having sex with Izzy. I find that, that fact didn't annoy me like it did when I first read about it. I guess, my reading taste just simply matured and I can tolerate this kind of thing. Can't blame Izzy at first, since, well of course it's Eibhear's fault! :P
What annoy me the most is...the paperback version I read. Since it's have the same cover with Eibhear's book, How to Drive a Dragon Crazy. I really want to gaze to Paul Marron's back in the original cover!! :(
Below is my first read review, and you know, when I gushed about a book I loved, I gushed a lot. So, enjoy! :D
5 Stars! Loved, loved, loved this!
Note : This book is not mean to be read stand alone and must read in order. Yeah, yeah, I know it's suck, I know some reader doesn't like series. But, you will regret someday if you not start reading Dragon Kin books.
G.A. Aiken never failed to amazed me! Her Dragon Kin already in 5th installment, and the story still going strong. For me, I love her Aiken books rather than her other pen name, Shelly Laurenston's (aka Pride series). I don't know about Pride, it's more like a daily life of shapeshifter with somehow confusing plotline. Yet, it's kinda more popular (maybe because Dragon Kin have some hardly pronounced character names?). While Dragon Kin is easily to understand. Its story is about the journey of Anwyll, the Bloody Queen, ruler of Garbhann Isle. To defend her kingdom against enemy, with help from her dragon mate (and his crazy family, Cadwaladr Dragon from his father side) and how some people (and dragons!) getting involved to her.
What I love again from Dragon Kin is, while it's still have bantering and witty dialogue, some you-shake-your-head moment when read about their brawling and some steamy sex scene, the story was engaging and if we push aside all part that will make us rolling eyes, G.A. Aiken indeed is a good fantasy writer! She write about politic and war strategy as smooth as glass. The action is non stop, the politic is intriguing and the character, no matter how crazy they was, are adorable. You can't help to loved them despite their flaws (and craziness).
The Dragon Who Loved Me is Rhona the Fearless (one of Cadwaladr Dragon) and Vigholf the Abhorrent (Lightning dragon)'s story. Yet, the main focus is not just them, but another characters so well. So many characters, I suggest you to not read this first! Dragon Kin must be read in order to understand the characters and the plot in particular. We will get know more about new kind of dragons. In this book, we will introduced to Iron Dragons (archenemy of Fire Dragon and their ally, Lightning Dragon) and Volcano Dragons. New characters were introduced, make the plot thicken. The gods again interfere, try to control the war Anwyll and her cohorts face.
The romance side not in its finest, while I don't think that Rhona and Vigholf are boring couple. Actually, I love them more compared to the previous book couple, like Ragnar and Keita (who still not let Ragnar Claim her). They're kinda cute, their bantering also not make me tired and always make me can't help to smile. Also Vigholf kinda like Mitch Shaw, eat and eat and eat. Rhona is like some heroine that Shelly Laurenston had created. I wonder if she kinda have some love and hate relationship with her mother, for mostly heroine she created always have problem with their mother as well!
Readers who follow this series from the beginning, will rejoice to read about previous characters such as Anwyll, Talaith and Dagmar. Also Keita, she still cunning like usual. Morfyd and Brastias, another favorite couple, alas doesn't have to much scene. The twins, aka Anwyll's children kinda creepy. They can kill the enemy with ease, yet they still 8 years old! I cringed when read it, but in that era, children sometimes had been faced into harsh condition and also their parents is not there to protect them.
My favorite scene is when Anwyll finally meet Fearghus after been separated for 5 years. Five years, said you! While Anwyll so bloody maniacal to her enemy, act crazy even to her comrades, treat anyone who dare to cross her, she back to herself when met Fearghus. She become a woman, a whole woman who missed her mate dearly. And her scene when she cry and hug Fearghus remind me that, Anwyll actually just a normal woman when it concern her mate.
What I find fascinating is how Ms Aiken naming the dragons! The Southlander dragon, the Fire Breather have Celtic names - hence why Rhiannon's Royal Family Name, Gwachayr mab Gwayar (not sure I spell it right) have Celts terms. Their gods also have Celts name. Their enemy-turn-ally Lightning Dragon whom lived at Northland, have Viking name. The Irons Dragon, whom ruled Western Land with their iron fist, have Rome names. And Dragon in the east (who still don't know what their capability yet) have Chinese/Japanese name. Which delight me, because there's some character named Ren. Like my name, lol!!
Dragon Kin is one of my crack books, and it sadden me to know that the seventh book, To Kiss a Dragon will be released December 2014! It's too loooooooong! I have Izzy and Eibhear book's How To Drive a Dragon Crazy, but I don't know if I want to wait any longer! Guess I will re-read previous books, because Ms Aiken make me addicted to her books and her wonderful crazy dragons!
Part of my binge re-read of Dragon Kin to refresh my memory, since I read The Dragon Who Loved Me almost 4 years ago. This is the weeks of the dragon in my humble abode, you all! And I hope I don't make you tired with all my Dragon Kin updates, because, I find that re-read an ongoing series is a one of best reading experience I've ever read. You may see some memes that stated "it's only I can read an awesome book for the first time, again". Guess what? Re-read is not bad! It's will sharpen your memory, reading something new that you may miss at your first reading, and also give you a whole different perspective. You can either "whyyy I rated this so great before" or "well, I guess I change my mind. This book is great actually, why I rated low, I never know", and etc.
In case of The Dragon Who Loved Me, my opinion still didn't change from my first read. I agreed that this book is a turn-of-tide book. This book also have full war scenes, many intertwined plots, and Aiken executed it brilliantly. Her Dragon Kin series keep expanding, with new characters and also old characters that I grow fond of. To be honest, the main couple of Dragon Who Loved Me can be any dragon from Cadwaladr clans, or any Lightnings, bla de bla, I don't care. Didn't mean Vigholf and Rhona are useless, but the main story about this book is more like Anywll's war against Irons and their allies. Still, I also like Vigholf and Rhona, but I like the whole story more.
Also...some hint that Keita finally will let Ragnar Claimed her after their 5 years together. Why Ragnar can tolerate Keita, he might be the most patience dragon alike in Dragon Kin. Also, I know of course that Eibhear and Izzy will get their own book, but I believe Eibhear is too..oblivious with his own feeling to his niece-not-by-blood, Izzy. And because of that, he constantly beating Celyn because Celyn once having sex with Izzy. I find that, that fact didn't annoy me like it did when I first read about it. I guess, my reading taste just simply matured and I can tolerate this kind of thing. Can't blame Izzy at first, since, well of course it's Eibhear's fault! :P
What annoy me the most is...the paperback version I read. Since it's have the same cover with Eibhear's book, How to Drive a Dragon Crazy. I really want to gaze to Paul Marron's back in the original cover!! :(
Below is my first read review, and you know, when I gushed about a book I loved, I gushed a lot. So, enjoy! :D
5 Stars! Loved, loved, loved this!
Note : This book is not mean to be read stand alone and must read in order. Yeah, yeah, I know it's suck, I know some reader doesn't like series. But, you will regret someday if you not start reading Dragon Kin books.
G.A. Aiken never failed to amazed me! Her Dragon Kin already in 5th installment, and the story still going strong. For me, I love her Aiken books rather than her other pen name, Shelly Laurenston's (aka Pride series). I don't know about Pride, it's more like a daily life of shapeshifter with somehow confusing plotline. Yet, it's kinda more popular (maybe because Dragon Kin have some hardly pronounced character names?). While Dragon Kin is easily to understand. Its story is about the journey of Anwyll, the Bloody Queen, ruler of Garbhann Isle. To defend her kingdom against enemy, with help from her dragon mate (and his crazy family, Cadwaladr Dragon from his father side) and how some people (and dragons!) getting involved to her.
What I love again from Dragon Kin is, while it's still have bantering and witty dialogue, some you-shake-your-head moment when read about their brawling and some steamy sex scene, the story was engaging and if we push aside all part that will make us rolling eyes, G.A. Aiken indeed is a good fantasy writer! She write about politic and war strategy as smooth as glass. The action is non stop, the politic is intriguing and the character, no matter how crazy they was, are adorable. You can't help to loved them despite their flaws (and craziness).
The Dragon Who Loved Me is Rhona the Fearless (one of Cadwaladr Dragon) and Vigholf the Abhorrent (Lightning dragon)'s story. Yet, the main focus is not just them, but another characters so well. So many characters, I suggest you to not read this first! Dragon Kin must be read in order to understand the characters and the plot in particular. We will get know more about new kind of dragons. In this book, we will introduced to Iron Dragons (archenemy of Fire Dragon and their ally, Lightning Dragon) and Volcano Dragons. New characters were introduced, make the plot thicken. The gods again interfere, try to control the war Anwyll and her cohorts face.
The romance side not in its finest, while I don't think that Rhona and Vigholf are boring couple. Actually, I love them more compared to the previous book couple, like Ragnar and Keita (who still not let Ragnar Claim her). They're kinda cute, their bantering also not make me tired and always make me can't help to smile. Also Vigholf kinda like Mitch Shaw, eat and eat and eat. Rhona is like some heroine that Shelly Laurenston had created. I wonder if she kinda have some love and hate relationship with her mother, for mostly heroine she created always have problem with their mother as well!
Readers who follow this series from the beginning, will rejoice to read about previous characters such as Anwyll, Talaith and Dagmar. Also Keita, she still cunning like usual. Morfyd and Brastias, another favorite couple, alas doesn't have to much scene. The twins, aka Anwyll's children kinda creepy. They can kill the enemy with ease, yet they still 8 years old! I cringed when read it, but in that era, children sometimes had been faced into harsh condition and also their parents is not there to protect them.
My favorite scene is when Anwyll finally meet Fearghus after been separated for 5 years. Five years, said you! While Anwyll so bloody maniacal to her enemy, act crazy even to her comrades, treat anyone who dare to cross her, she back to herself when met Fearghus. She become a woman, a whole woman who missed her mate dearly. And her scene when she cry and hug Fearghus remind me that, Anwyll actually just a normal woman when it concern her mate.
What I find fascinating is how Ms Aiken naming the dragons! The Southlander dragon, the Fire Breather have Celtic names - hence why Rhiannon's Royal Family Name, Gwachayr mab Gwayar (not sure I spell it right) have Celts terms. Their gods also have Celts name. Their enemy-turn-ally Lightning Dragon whom lived at Northland, have Viking name. The Irons Dragon, whom ruled Western Land with their iron fist, have Rome names. And Dragon in the east (who still don't know what their capability yet) have Chinese/Japanese name. Which delight me, because there's some character named Ren. Like my name, lol!!
Dragon Kin is one of my crack books, and it sadden me to know that the seventh book, To Kiss a Dragon will be released December 2014! It's too loooooooong! I have Izzy and Eibhear book's How To Drive a Dragon Crazy, but I don't know if I want to wait any longer! Guess I will re-read previous books, because Ms Aiken make me addicted to her books and her wonderful crazy dragons!
July 25, 2020
I was raised for battle. And as the first daughter of a warrior family, I've earned my reputation the hard way. Yet now I fight alongside uncivilized male Northland dragons who think a female is only good for breeding and waiting back home in the cave. But it's the foolish and foolhardy who would try to stop me, Rhona the Fearless, from doing what I do best—destroying the enemies of my kind.
So the smartest thing wily barbarian Vigholf the Abhorrent can do for me is stay out of my way as we risk all on a deadly mission in enemy territory. I don't care if he's fascinated by me, even though he is as attractive as he is resourceful. He's having far too much fun putting me in difficult situations and testing my sense of duty to the limit. And I'm going to enjoy challenging his insufferable confidence, outwitting his schemes, and making him surrender in the wildest ways. . .
A great addition to the Dragon Kin series from G.A.Aiken. I adore the entire clan. But a small warning - there are some events in the book that might be confusing if you haven't read the previous books in the series. The entire story arc is sometimes difficult to follow even if you read the books.
I love both Rhona and Vigholf. Rhona never really enjoyed war (unlike 90% of her family), but she's a great soldier and that stupid Lightning that says otherwise clearly has no idea what he's talking about. Vigholf for his part, knows that the female can take care of herself, but his instincts tell him he's the one who should protect. Of course that's the reason they spent the last five years arguing. :-)
We get to see a lot of characters from the previous books. Mostly the royals, and of course Anwyl the Bloody (I love that woman). It's nice seeing them again (except for Keita, that dragon is so bloody annoying).
I'm now even more curious as to what will happen with Izzy and Eibenhar. I hope they get their book soon.
Rating:
4.75 stars
September 22, 2011
4.5 stars
Rhona the Fearless is a dragoness and a soldier that follows orders without question. She takes her responsibilities seriously and has little time for fools who think women have no place on the battlefield like Vigholf the Abhorrent. When she's given orders that will take her behind enemy lines, Vigholf is right by her side and together they'll travel into a land of dangerous wingless dragons, a blood thirsty princess and wild horses with attitude so they can get back their crazed queen.
Rhona is cousin to the royal siblings Keita, Eibhear, Fearghus, Briec and Gwenvael, all of which we've met in earlier books. She comes from a family where all want to be dragonwarriors, but not Rhona. She's fine with just being a soldier and has dreams of doing other things with her life that don't involve fighting in one war after then next. Rhona manages to be a strong, skilled fighter while also being caring. Can't say that about many of the women in her family and I was thrilled to see she wasn't just another battle junkie like the others.
Vigholf is a Lightening dragon from the north. His kind once captured dragoness from the south and forced them to be their mates. That is no longer the practice but Vigholf still lives with that hanging over his head. It doesn't help the barbarian label his kind are given when he says women have no place on a battlefield, not that it stops Rhona and her aunts/sisters/cousins from being there anyways. Vighold has wanted Rhona since the first time he saw her and he's smart enough to know that he'll have to start fighting along side her and no against her if he hopes to make her his. It's like a game of cat and mouse between Vigholf and Rhona and once he finally has her, sparks fly. The sex was hot but the mutual respect and love they end up having for each other is what made them a great pair.
War has been raging for 5 years against the cruel Iron dragons who intend rule over all humans and dragons. All main characters from previous books are back and have a role to play. There is a lot of jumping around between all sides of the war but it never felt confusing or overwhelming. Whether the focus was on Rhona and Vigholf behind enemy lines, with Briec, Fearghus and Ragner fighting the Irons at the front line or back in the south with Dagmar and Talaith who are helping to keep Annywl's twins safe, everything flowed together nicely and felt relevant to the story and series.
The Dragon Who Loved Me is the 5th book in G.A. Aiken's Dragon Kin series and my favorite installment. Unlike the last couple books, it was fast paced and had me hooked from the beginning. Vigholf and Rhona were great leads. All my favorite characters were present and just as funny and crude as ever. This series is so unapologetic, violent and absolutely hilarious and has quickly become a PNR favorite of mine.
-Stephanie
Rhona, always the good soldier following orders never asking questions; so when her cousin Keita, asked her to come escort her back home her answer was of course yes. Since Rhona is not in the habit of asking question she had no idea what this task was actually going to cost her. She thought this would be a simple take, drop and return mission, but the gods had other plans for this group of soldiers.
During one of his many stalker moments when Vigholf was following Rhona, he found out that she was being sent to escort his brother’s mate back to the southland, so of course he got himself somehow involved and sent to accompany them. This didn't bother him one bit because there was something about this dragoness that set his tail on fire and he'd follow her any ware.
This stubborn, rude, self centered lightning dragon was to accompany them; Rhona couldn’t deny her attraction to him even if he annoyed her to no end most of the time. Rhona knew the reputation of all the northland dragons, what with their lack of women dragons the lightning men would settle for any dragoness. Only problem with that is Rhona didn't want to just be anyone she wanted to be someone special. So even though she was attracted to the purple haired northerner she needed keep her distance, of only he'd leave her alone.
I loved this whole series. Each character is unique and has their own personality and mannerisms. Even when a character has had their own book you still see a lot of them in the subsequent books thereafter. You can't help but fall in love with each member of these clans
The whole dragon kin world is soo imaginative. The world has the middle ages for a back drop but they speak with more modern curse words but it seems to work well together.
There is plenty of action, fighting and blood. If you want a good beheading I'm sure one of the dragon kin will lop one off for you.
The whole story of this book and each previous book has plenty of comedy, romance, sex, and war. Really you can't go wrong sexy warrior dragons. Yummy!
-Athenna
Rhona the Fearless is a dragoness and a soldier that follows orders without question. She takes her responsibilities seriously and has little time for fools who think women have no place on the battlefield like Vigholf the Abhorrent. When she's given orders that will take her behind enemy lines, Vigholf is right by her side and together they'll travel into a land of dangerous wingless dragons, a blood thirsty princess and wild horses with attitude so they can get back their crazed queen.
Rhona is cousin to the royal siblings Keita, Eibhear, Fearghus, Briec and Gwenvael, all of which we've met in earlier books. She comes from a family where all want to be dragonwarriors, but not Rhona. She's fine with just being a soldier and has dreams of doing other things with her life that don't involve fighting in one war after then next. Rhona manages to be a strong, skilled fighter while also being caring. Can't say that about many of the women in her family and I was thrilled to see she wasn't just another battle junkie like the others.
Vigholf is a Lightening dragon from the north. His kind once captured dragoness from the south and forced them to be their mates. That is no longer the practice but Vigholf still lives with that hanging over his head. It doesn't help the barbarian label his kind are given when he says women have no place on a battlefield, not that it stops Rhona and her aunts/sisters/cousins from being there anyways. Vighold has wanted Rhona since the first time he saw her and he's smart enough to know that he'll have to start fighting along side her and no against her if he hopes to make her his. It's like a game of cat and mouse between Vigholf and Rhona and once he finally has her, sparks fly. The sex was hot but the mutual respect and love they end up having for each other is what made them a great pair.
War has been raging for 5 years against the cruel Iron dragons who intend rule over all humans and dragons. All main characters from previous books are back and have a role to play. There is a lot of jumping around between all sides of the war but it never felt confusing or overwhelming. Whether the focus was on Rhona and Vigholf behind enemy lines, with Briec, Fearghus and Ragner fighting the Irons at the front line or back in the south with Dagmar and Talaith who are helping to keep Annywl's twins safe, everything flowed together nicely and felt relevant to the story and series.
The Dragon Who Loved Me is the 5th book in G.A. Aiken's Dragon Kin series and my favorite installment. Unlike the last couple books, it was fast paced and had me hooked from the beginning. Vigholf and Rhona were great leads. All my favorite characters were present and just as funny and crude as ever. This series is so unapologetic, violent and absolutely hilarious and has quickly become a PNR favorite of mine.
-Stephanie
Rhona, always the good soldier following orders never asking questions; so when her cousin Keita, asked her to come escort her back home her answer was of course yes. Since Rhona is not in the habit of asking question she had no idea what this task was actually going to cost her. She thought this would be a simple take, drop and return mission, but the gods had other plans for this group of soldiers.
During one of his many stalker moments when Vigholf was following Rhona, he found out that she was being sent to escort his brother’s mate back to the southland, so of course he got himself somehow involved and sent to accompany them. This didn't bother him one bit because there was something about this dragoness that set his tail on fire and he'd follow her any ware.
This stubborn, rude, self centered lightning dragon was to accompany them; Rhona couldn’t deny her attraction to him even if he annoyed her to no end most of the time. Rhona knew the reputation of all the northland dragons, what with their lack of women dragons the lightning men would settle for any dragoness. Only problem with that is Rhona didn't want to just be anyone she wanted to be someone special. So even though she was attracted to the purple haired northerner she needed keep her distance, of only he'd leave her alone.
I loved this whole series. Each character is unique and has their own personality and mannerisms. Even when a character has had their own book you still see a lot of them in the subsequent books thereafter. You can't help but fall in love with each member of these clans
The whole dragon kin world is soo imaginative. The world has the middle ages for a back drop but they speak with more modern curse words but it seems to work well together.
There is plenty of action, fighting and blood. If you want a good beheading I'm sure one of the dragon kin will lop one off for you.
The whole story of this book and each previous book has plenty of comedy, romance, sex, and war. Really you can't go wrong sexy warrior dragons. Yummy!
-Athenna
February 23, 2020
Love this series. This is a continuation on from the last book adding more characters and they fight a war between other dragons.
February 20, 2015
Like the previous book, the romance in The Dragon Who Loved doesn't get to hog the spotlight. In this latest Dragon Kin story there's sort of a three pronged attack with the starring pair being the focus as they move between the other main threads with: the dragon brothers (Briec, Feargus, Gwenvael, and Eibhear), their Cadwaladr kin and the Northern Dragons in one battling group; Annwyl and Izzy sneaking off from Annwyl's army for a secret mission in another; and Dagmar, and Talaith minding the kids and holding down the home front in the third - all of which allows us to catch up with pretty much everyone from all of the past books. It was fun to see past characters, though some of them don't quite 'pop' like they did in their own stories.
The leading pair this time is a Cadwaladr cousin Rhona, and while she is every bit as deadly as her kin, Rhona is, gasp, a nurturer so much different than our past leading ladies and Vigholf who has seemed a bit cloddish in the past book is amazing patient in waiting for his chance with the dragoness he has decided is his and ends up a pretty decent leading man - um, dragon. There are weapons and wounds along the way for Rhona and Vigholf but for a dragon dragon pairing, their courtship is amazingly smooth but still steamy and satisfying and wrapped up in a happily ever after - unlike previous pair Keita and Ragna who are here briefly and who are still working on theirs.
There is plenty of action with a fair number of skirmishes on the way as this story eventually brings almost everyone together for an epic battle, but I didn't find The Dragon Who Loved Me to be as nonstop hilarious as my favorite in the series, What A Dragon Should Know - which is probably going to continue to be a hard act to follow, it was just that funny - but there still are enough laugh out loud moments to give it that Aiken flavor.
I have to mention Izzy and Eibhear. Eibhear who started out endearing in the earlier books, is not at his best in this story. It's time for him to grow up, but with events that occur that transition is going to be a painful one and I hope that once he comes out the other side, Eibhear is ends up being a character I can root for - I wasn't a fan of Eibhear in this book. And there is no steamy tension between the pair in the one scene that they have together here, so nothing to to move them any closer to a happily ever after or even the hope of one in the near future.
There were, however, some interesting additions to the cast, as the Annwyl picks up some new allies, and I am betting that we'll be seeing one or both with books of their soon and even though series has moved to being more ensemble pieces instead of one-couple-a-book romances, I will definitely be on the look out for more of Aiken's Dragonkin.
The leading pair this time is a Cadwaladr cousin Rhona, and while she is every bit as deadly as her kin, Rhona is, gasp, a nurturer so much different than our past leading ladies and Vigholf who has seemed a bit cloddish in the past book is amazing patient in waiting for his chance with the dragoness he has decided is his and ends up a pretty decent leading man - um, dragon. There are weapons and wounds along the way for Rhona and Vigholf but for a dragon dragon pairing, their courtship is amazingly smooth but still steamy and satisfying and wrapped up in a happily ever after - unlike previous pair Keita and Ragna who are here briefly and who are still working on theirs.
There is plenty of action with a fair number of skirmishes on the way as this story eventually brings almost everyone together for an epic battle, but I didn't find The Dragon Who Loved Me to be as nonstop hilarious as my favorite in the series, What A Dragon Should Know - which is probably going to continue to be a hard act to follow, it was just that funny - but there still are enough laugh out loud moments to give it that Aiken flavor.
I have to mention Izzy and Eibhear. Eibhear who started out endearing in the earlier books, is not at his best in this story. It's time for him to grow up, but with events that occur that transition is going to be a painful one and I hope that once he comes out the other side, Eibhear is ends up being a character I can root for - I wasn't a fan of Eibhear in this book. And there is no steamy tension between the pair in the one scene that they have together here, so nothing to to move them any closer to a happily ever after or even the hope of one in the near future.
There were, however, some interesting additions to the cast, as the Annwyl picks up some new allies, and I am betting that we'll be seeing one or both with books of their soon and even though series has moved to being more ensemble pieces instead of one-couple-a-book romances, I will definitely be on the look out for more of Aiken's Dragonkin.
March 26, 2018
Serinin çıkmış son kitabı. Çok muhteşem olmasa da beni merakta bıraktığını söyleyebilirim.
4. kitapta başlayan savaş 5 yıldır sürmekte ve Annwyl delirmiş durumda. Tanrılar o büyük burunlarını her yere sokuyor ve bizimkilerin hayatlarını mahvediyor.
Açık konuşmak gerekirse bu kitapta diğerlerinde olan tadı alamadım. Tabii bu kesinlikle kitap kötü demek değil. Sadece ikili ilişki biraz zayıf geldi. O ilk kitaptan beri hayranı olduğumuz, kardeşler arası çatışmalar, komik ve ateşli sahneler bol bol mevcut. Ayrıca İkizlerin ve Briec'in kızının büyüyüp anne babalarını korumak için adam öldürme yaşına geldiğini sevinçle size duyurmak isterim.
"Dürüst olmamı mı istiyorsun?" Vigholf aniden söyledi. "Neden -senin demene göre -yüzümün aç olduğunu sana söylememi mi istiyorsun? Senin yüzünden. Sana açım. Eğer yemek istediğim bir şey varsa oda sensin."Rhona geriye bir adım attı, ellerini kalçalarına koydu ve onu " Yamyam pislik" diye suçladı.
Belki de romantik anların biraz zayıf olması daha iyiydi, çünkü bu kitapta çok fazla kan ve savaş vardı. Yüregim gögsümden çıkacakmış gibi hissettim. Özellikle bir sahnede Briec'in yaralanması ve ölüme çok yaklaşması beni fena yaraladı. Tabi sevgili kızı onu bu durumdan kurtardı.
Kitabın sonundaki eşlerin buluşma anları öyle güzeldi ki. Feargous ve Annywl, çok duygusal.
Kitap gene esprilerle dolu, anlatımda değişme gözüme çarpmadı. Sanırım bu konuda içimizi rahat tutabiliriz.
Bu kitapta çift olarak Rhona ve Vigholf'u okuyoruz. Bu ikisi Annwly'ın çılgınca planları peşi sıra sürüklenir, çeşitli badireler atlatır ve kendi mutlu sonlarına ulaşırlar. Savaş biter ve bizimkiler evlerine döner. Kitabın sonunda ise Eibhear en sonunda çocukluktan çıkar. Tabi bizim Izzy ona hemen atlamayacaktır. İyi de yapar.
bu ikisinin ilişkisi beni gerçekten çok meraklandırıyor. Ama içten içe en çok Eibhear'a kızmaktayım. Çünkü kızı sevdiğini bile bile hala saçma sapan yollara baş vuruyor..
September 8, 2011
This one was so much better than Keita's book and just so we are clear I still don't like her, maybe because she doesn't let Ragnar claim her.
So, this takes five years later and all of them have been separated for so long fighting the Irons, Annwyl is still her. Now the Southlanders and the Lightning are fighting together. I loved seeing the crazy kids and Izzy and Eibhear though I guess I have tired with the story, I don't like being lead along that much I guess.
Rhona was awesome and so oblivious to what Vigholf felt for her. I loved their relationship. As usual the books are an ensemble.
So, this takes five years later and all of them have been separated for so long fighting the Irons, Annwyl is still her. Now the Southlanders and the Lightning are fighting together. I loved seeing the crazy kids and Izzy and Eibhear though I guess I have tired with the story, I don't like being lead along that much I guess.
Rhona was awesome and so oblivious to what Vigholf felt for her. I loved their relationship. As usual the books are an ensemble.
August 7, 2012
MY THOUGHTS ABOUT THIS SERIES
Eibhear için korktuğum başıma geldi diyebilirim ayrıca. o tatlı önemseyen dev mavi kelebeğim içi boş duygusuz sivri dilli birine dönüştü. Umarım beyinsiz Izzy eirbhear'ı kazanabilir :=))) evet beyinsiz bu kız mal... :D
Eibhear için korktuğum başıma geldi diyebilirim ayrıca. o tatlı önemseyen dev mavi kelebeğim içi boş duygusuz sivri dilli birine dönüştü. Umarım beyinsiz Izzy eirbhear'ı kazanabilir :=))) evet beyinsiz bu kız mal... :D
January 18, 2019
Perfect blend of the old characters you come to love and Vighoff and Rhona's budding romance. Aiken created the most dysfunctional family in the world and they just happen to be hilarious, shape shifting, warrior dragons.
September 10, 2011
Review courtesy of Badass Book Reviews
At the end of Last Dragon Standing, a War is coming. Annwyl the bloody is gearing up and heading out. As are all the troops and dragons. Izzy was promoted to Annwyl’s Squire, and Blue is off to the Army in the Northlands with Ragnar.
The Dragon Who Loved Me, starts FIVE YEARS later. {O.M.G freaking 5 years!!} Sorry, had to get that out there.
Annwyl and Fearghus have been gone from Garbhan Isle and their children AND each other for five years. Five years! Apparently, I’m still not over this. Annwyl has not been home once in those years, and Fearghus came home once, three years ago. The children were being taken care of by Ebba the Centaur and the Kyvich witches. The twins are now 6, almost 7 and Rhianwen is 5, almost 6. Their parts in this book were both completely interesting, and terrifyingly scary. I had to keep reminding myself that this world had DRAGONS and that it was a fantasy world… because children with swords—killing soldiers? I just had to not think too much about it, that’s all.
Commander Vigholf the Abhorrent and Sergeant Rhona the Fearless are both in the Northlands Camp. For the five years they have been on the mountain and fighting the war and Vigholf has harbored a fascination with Rhona. She on the other hand, thinks Vigholf is a pest—an irritant– and spares no expense reminding him of that at every turn.
I really liked Vigholf and Rhona. I thought both dragons were well written, funny and endearing. I liked them so much better than Keita the Viper.
I found that I enjoyed all the new characters that we meet. I think Aiken does a masterful job at characterization. Every single character adds to the story, has purpose, and is their own person. They are not one dimensional nor are they fodder. I loved Rhona’s father, and her triplet sisters. Watching Vigholf with is mum was ‘awwwwwww’ worthy.
While we see a lot more of the main relationship in this novel, it wasn’t in your face or all about them. It worked much better in TDWLM than in Last Dragon Standing.
One thing that G.A Aiken does is write differing Points of View. Usually that is a big turn off for me, but in the dragon kin series it doesn’t bother me. Mostly because I really want to know what everyone is doing, how everyone is fairing, and what is going on around all the characters. Plus, she doesn’t write long lengthy passages from other viewpoints, it’s a page or two, here and there. I find I rather look forward to it.
The Dragon Who Loved Me, had so much violence and killing. Some might be turned off. There is talk about killing women and children, in fact—children do a lot of killing in this novel. If you stop and think about it, you might get angry, but if you put it in perspective of the dragon world, it works.
One of the most chilling aspects of The Dragon Who Loved Me, was being in the minds of Annwyl and Talaiths kids. The twins and Rhianwen. The twins don’t speak out loud, and in this novel, we find out how they do speak and how they think. Cutthroat and ruthless little buggers they are!. I loved Rhianwen, the peacekeeper {snickers} That child packs some serious power, and pretty soon, everyone is going to know it! Despite the brutal nature of the twins, I found that I adored them.
I know you all want to know about Blue and Izzy. If you’ve been reading the series, you know how these two are. They dance around each other, blue being conflicted about her being his brothers step-daughter, and also Izzy’s age, and Izzy, not waiting around for Blue anymore, decides to get into a ‘relationship’ with Celyn—Blue’s cousin.
When Blue found out that Izzy slept with Celyn {Giving away her virginity}in the Last Dragon Standing; Blue went a little crazy. For the past five years, Blue and Celyn have been fighting with each other. Taking cheap shots, verbal threats, and everyone has had enough. They fight throughout The Dragon Who Loved Me, and it got annoying. But it plays a major part in the end, and quite frankly, I don’t know what to make of Blue’s Parting words to Izzy. It was heartbreaking, and I’m left wondering what G.A Aiken has planned for these two, or if there is even a plan for them—at all.
This book was very good, and hard to put down, though I cringed a lot, rolled my eyes a lot, laughed a lot and teared up as well. Briec get’s hurt, Blue is hurting, Annwyl carries the weight of the world on her shoulders and has no-one to rely on except a wolf and Izzy to keep herself sane. This is not an easy book. It’s dark, violent, bloody and takes no prisoners. It’s not for the squeamish, or easily offended. I’m glad that the overall war story ARC has ended for the most part. I imagine Vateria will be the villain next.
Grade: B+
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Noteworthy quotes:
“I have absolute control of my hammer, thank you very much. But once it’s moving, it’s not always easy for me to stop, my lady.” he grinned, feeling cheeky. “I can say that about all my hammers, in fact.”
“You can’t fistfight him!”
“He started it!”
To ensure that Rhona understood that, the horse slammed his hoof into Vigholf’s head. The lightning snarled and punched back with a double tap, striking the beast in the snout and throat. Unliked the Tribesman’s smaller horse, however, this one wasn’t knocked unconscious, but he was definelty more irriated.
“by the gods of forge fires,” Rhona laughed “Do we really have time for this?”
“If you want us to ride horses.”
“He’s never going to let you ride him now, you idiot!”
Vigholf’s eyes narrowed when he saw that damn stallion sneer at him. He was sneering at him! At Vigholf! A true Northlander and commander of the Olgeirsson Horde Armies was being sneered at by a prey animal! The damn thing should be roasted by Vigholf’s lighting and torn to pieces by his comrades.
And what was the She-Dragon doing? Chatting with the bloody Stallion’s female!
“We’re running out of dried beef,” he pointed out.
“because you don’t pace yourself.”
“I don’t even know what those words mean.”
At the end of Last Dragon Standing, a War is coming. Annwyl the bloody is gearing up and heading out. As are all the troops and dragons. Izzy was promoted to Annwyl’s Squire, and Blue is off to the Army in the Northlands with Ragnar.
The Dragon Who Loved Me, starts FIVE YEARS later. {O.M.G freaking 5 years!!} Sorry, had to get that out there.
Annwyl and Fearghus have been gone from Garbhan Isle and their children AND each other for five years. Five years! Apparently, I’m still not over this. Annwyl has not been home once in those years, and Fearghus came home once, three years ago. The children were being taken care of by Ebba the Centaur and the Kyvich witches. The twins are now 6, almost 7 and Rhianwen is 5, almost 6. Their parts in this book were both completely interesting, and terrifyingly scary. I had to keep reminding myself that this world had DRAGONS and that it was a fantasy world… because children with swords—killing soldiers? I just had to not think too much about it, that’s all.
Commander Vigholf the Abhorrent and Sergeant Rhona the Fearless are both in the Northlands Camp. For the five years they have been on the mountain and fighting the war and Vigholf has harbored a fascination with Rhona. She on the other hand, thinks Vigholf is a pest—an irritant– and spares no expense reminding him of that at every turn.
I really liked Vigholf and Rhona. I thought both dragons were well written, funny and endearing. I liked them so much better than Keita the Viper.
I found that I enjoyed all the new characters that we meet. I think Aiken does a masterful job at characterization. Every single character adds to the story, has purpose, and is their own person. They are not one dimensional nor are they fodder. I loved Rhona’s father, and her triplet sisters. Watching Vigholf with is mum was ‘awwwwwww’ worthy.
While we see a lot more of the main relationship in this novel, it wasn’t in your face or all about them. It worked much better in TDWLM than in Last Dragon Standing.
One thing that G.A Aiken does is write differing Points of View. Usually that is a big turn off for me, but in the dragon kin series it doesn’t bother me. Mostly because I really want to know what everyone is doing, how everyone is fairing, and what is going on around all the characters. Plus, she doesn’t write long lengthy passages from other viewpoints, it’s a page or two, here and there. I find I rather look forward to it.
The Dragon Who Loved Me, had so much violence and killing. Some might be turned off. There is talk about killing women and children, in fact—children do a lot of killing in this novel. If you stop and think about it, you might get angry, but if you put it in perspective of the dragon world, it works.
One of the most chilling aspects of The Dragon Who Loved Me, was being in the minds of Annwyl and Talaiths kids. The twins and Rhianwen. The twins don’t speak out loud, and in this novel, we find out how they do speak and how they think. Cutthroat and ruthless little buggers they are!. I loved Rhianwen, the peacekeeper {snickers} That child packs some serious power, and pretty soon, everyone is going to know it! Despite the brutal nature of the twins, I found that I adored them.
I know you all want to know about Blue and Izzy. If you’ve been reading the series, you know how these two are. They dance around each other, blue being conflicted about her being his brothers step-daughter, and also Izzy’s age, and Izzy, not waiting around for Blue anymore, decides to get into a ‘relationship’ with Celyn—Blue’s cousin.
When Blue found out that Izzy slept with Celyn {Giving away her virginity}in the Last Dragon Standing; Blue went a little crazy. For the past five years, Blue and Celyn have been fighting with each other. Taking cheap shots, verbal threats, and everyone has had enough. They fight throughout The Dragon Who Loved Me, and it got annoying. But it plays a major part in the end, and quite frankly, I don’t know what to make of Blue’s Parting words to Izzy. It was heartbreaking, and I’m left wondering what G.A Aiken has planned for these two, or if there is even a plan for them—at all.
This book was very good, and hard to put down, though I cringed a lot, rolled my eyes a lot, laughed a lot and teared up as well. Briec get’s hurt, Blue is hurting, Annwyl carries the weight of the world on her shoulders and has no-one to rely on except a wolf and Izzy to keep herself sane. This is not an easy book. It’s dark, violent, bloody and takes no prisoners. It’s not for the squeamish, or easily offended. I’m glad that the overall war story ARC has ended for the most part. I imagine Vateria will be the villain next.
Grade: B+
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Noteworthy quotes:
“I have absolute control of my hammer, thank you very much. But once it’s moving, it’s not always easy for me to stop, my lady.” he grinned, feeling cheeky. “I can say that about all my hammers, in fact.”
“You can’t fistfight him!”
“He started it!”
To ensure that Rhona understood that, the horse slammed his hoof into Vigholf’s head. The lightning snarled and punched back with a double tap, striking the beast in the snout and throat. Unliked the Tribesman’s smaller horse, however, this one wasn’t knocked unconscious, but he was definelty more irriated.
“by the gods of forge fires,” Rhona laughed “Do we really have time for this?”
“If you want us to ride horses.”
“He’s never going to let you ride him now, you idiot!”
Vigholf’s eyes narrowed when he saw that damn stallion sneer at him. He was sneering at him! At Vigholf! A true Northlander and commander of the Olgeirsson Horde Armies was being sneered at by a prey animal! The damn thing should be roasted by Vigholf’s lighting and torn to pieces by his comrades.
And what was the She-Dragon doing? Chatting with the bloody Stallion’s female!
“We’re running out of dried beef,” he pointed out.
“because you don’t pace yourself.”
“I don’t even know what those words mean.”
June 14, 2023
Spoilers ahead 3.5*
Brother of the H in the previous book and
Most of this is about war as a five ear long war between the Irons and Annwyl's troops continued
Multiple povs from the crazy ass members of the extended family
Annwyl is like a one woman army 😂
I actually enjoyed this one more than some of the previous books even though the romance itself wasn't that interesting
H/h have known each other for years but only when they're sent off on a mission together do they get close
No mention if they'd been with anyone else since meeting but since they're in the middle of a war camp I'm choosing to believe not 🤷🏽♀️
The children are crazy powerful with unbelievable powers but since their creation was the first of its kind and put in place by gods I'll allow it
Brother of the H in the previous book and
Most of this is about war as a five ear long war between the Irons and Annwyl's troops continued
Multiple povs from the crazy ass members of the extended family
Annwyl is like a one woman army 😂
I actually enjoyed this one more than some of the previous books even though the romance itself wasn't that interesting
H/h have known each other for years but only when they're sent off on a mission together do they get close
No mention if they'd been with anyone else since meeting but since they're in the middle of a war camp I'm choosing to believe not 🤷🏽♀️
The children are crazy powerful with unbelievable powers but since their creation was the first of its kind and put in place by gods I'll allow it
July 1, 2011
Wow Aiken has written another Dragon Kin book that will have you laughing out loud and silently cheering.
This book is the story of Rhona and Vigholf who do have a great romance and manage to heat things up in the middle of the battlefield. But more than just them you get to follow all the other characters that you have fallen in love with over the series. Annwyl the bloody is still getting very bloody, Keita is still secretive, Izzy is still young and figuring out life, so many more that you will want to read this to get up to date on everyone’s life.
Heroic acts are undertaken, lovers reunited, and gods intervening. What is not to love! If you haven’t started this series you are missing out, it is best to start with number one but Aiken does a great job of filling in the blanks in every book so you will not feel lost.
This book is the story of Rhona and Vigholf who do have a great romance and manage to heat things up in the middle of the battlefield. But more than just them you get to follow all the other characters that you have fallen in love with over the series. Annwyl the bloody is still getting very bloody, Keita is still secretive, Izzy is still young and figuring out life, so many more that you will want to read this to get up to date on everyone’s life.
Heroic acts are undertaken, lovers reunited, and gods intervening. What is not to love! If you haven’t started this series you are missing out, it is best to start with number one but Aiken does a great job of filling in the blanks in every book so you will not feel lost.
January 8, 2015
These books have changed since the first one, having much more of a plot, warfare, & less romance. Which is a good thing because I'm not a huge fan of this couple - Vigholf & Rhona. Honestly, I find them boring & wasn't interested in them at all. Luckily, the couple is right in the thick of all the fun, intrigue, killing, warfare. The novel is much more about the ongoing war, their enemies, the villains, the children, etc - all of which were great. If I was just rating this couple, I'd give them 1-2 stars, but minus them in the book - 4-5 stars.
The best part about these books is the incorporation of all the couples from the previous books. Annwyl is my favorite.
The best part about these books is the incorporation of all the couples from the previous books. Annwyl is my favorite.
April 4, 2012
I love GA Aiken! The Dragon Kin remind me of a crazy family reunion - always someone fussing or calling each other names but sticking together when one is threatened. Kind of like "he may be a dumbass but he's MY dumbass" line of thinking. This is the 5th book and my 2nd favorite after Annwyl's story. I loved it! Adding this to my comfort reads shelf - guaranteed to make me laugh/feel better, no matter what is going on in my life.
A+
A+
March 16, 2023
Fifth in the Dragon Kin hysterically funny paranormal romance fantasy series revolving around a family of shapeshifting dragons and their friends. The couple focus is on Vigholf, Ragnar's brother, and Rhoan, the Sergeant of the Cadwaladrs.
My Take
I love the sarcastic comments that Aiken throws in about the Northland dragons and how it only takes five years of battling alongside the Southland female dragons for the Lightnings to learn to hold their tongues. They still can't resist stepping in to "protect" these Cadwaladr women. These Northlanders are so confused with these particular dragonesses as they don't behave like proper female dragons!
It's so much fun to read the interactions between Rhona and Vigholf. He teases with having another adorable little spear made for her. This is the book you want to read when you just need a good laugh and a few chuckles.
Five years of battle and Éibhear is still fighting with Celyn about Izzy. Then there's the horses incident...too funny! Even better when the mare pairs up with Rhona and they both laugh at the stallion and Vigholf.
Lots of adventure, action, and snarking. It doesn't get much better than this...when you simply want to LYAO.
It's hard for me to believe that I've only read five books in this series. So much has happened and I adore the characters so much, that it feels more like ten. This is definitely a buy series for me. I already want to go back and start re-reading simply for the fun of it.
The Story
It can take forever for a Northland dragon to court the dragoness he loves, so Vigholf is in no hurry to claim Rhona for his own. At least, not to her face. He's already laid down the law to his kin.
For five years the Southland dragons and their allies have fought against the Iron dragons in the Euphrasia Valley. Five years of fighting together on the same battlefield and all those opportunities to tease Rhona about her pretty little spear, protecting her as a Cadwaladr, you know how well she accepts that!, and nicknaming her the Babysitter.
He finally gets his chance when Rhona is ordered to accompany Keita and Ren back to Garbhán Isle to protect the children. There is no way that Rhona is going without him. But when they get home, they learn that Annwyl is missing and Rhona is sent to rescue her, bring her back before her army takes fright.
But, this is Annwyl and nothing can ever be that easy.
The Characters
Rhona the Fearless, a.k.a., the Sergeant, is an incredible fighter, but really would prefer to work as a blacksmith like her dad. It's her proven record as a fighter who does exactly what she's told that finds her with this particular covert mission. Meanwhile, she's picked up the slack from her mother's inability to mother and has raised most of her siblings. Bradana the Mutilator is her mother and keeps pushing Rhona to go off to Dragonwarrior training like the rest of her children. I think it's this disappointment that has made Rhona feel worthless. Three of her siblings, the triplets, are featured in this story: Edana, Nesta, and Breena. Delen is another sister. Sulien the Black is her father, spews lava, and is a truly talented blacksmith.
Vigholf the Abhorrent is a Northland dragon, a Lightning. And always starving. He's also Ragnar's brother and he has fought by Rhona's side these past five years. He's warned all of his kin away from her for she will be his. He is a very positive thinking dragon. I do like that he's asking his mother, Davon, for courting advice and how very protective he is of her in any situation. Meinhard is his cousin.
Fearghus the Black, Briec the Mighty, Gwenvael the Really Pissy because he hasn't seen his wife in years, and Éibhear the Blue are Rhona's royal cousins. Their parents are Bercelak the Great, consort and commander of the Queen's armies, and Queen Rhiannon. Keita the Viper is still with Ragnar, but he hasn't dared claim her yet. Even if she is his Battle Twat, er, Slut, er, Slag, wait, no...his Battle Maid. Morfyd the White is the Eldest Daughter and Battle Mage for Queen Alwynn's Army and mated to General Brastias, a human.
Celyn the Black is a Cadwaladr cousin and he's been seeing Iseabail, a.k.a., Izzy, who is Briec and Talaith's daughter. She was promoted to squire to Annwyl which terrified her mother and made Izzy ecstatically happy. Branwen the Black is Izzy's best friend. And a Cadwaladr. Issy is also the woman Éibhear refuses to acknowledge that he loves. It's Éibhear and Celyn's fighting obsession that creates disaster and sends Éibhear into a tailspin. Austell the Red is their friend. Auntie Ghleanna is General of the Seventh and Ninth Legions.
Annwyl the Bloody is the queen of Garbhán Isle and married to Fearghus. They have a set of bloodthirsty twins who are now about seven years old: Talan and Talwyn. These two and Rhia demonstrate some truly awesome power. Ebba is their centaur nanny.
Talaith, a Nolwenn witch, is mated to Briec and she is Izzy and Rhia's mother. The Kyvich are warrior witches who are pledged to protect the three children from harm; Ásta is their commander. Dagmar Reinholdt, a.k.a., The Beast, is Annwyl's Battle Lord, for she has a fearsome intellect and is an even more brilliant strategist. She's mated to Gwenvael.
Ren of the Chosen is an ally and Keita's best friend. He has the ability to open portals between lands.
The Irons are vicious brutes and want to conquer the world and Overlord Thracius is the ruler of the Iron dragons in the Quintilian Province, what became the Quintilian Sovereigns. Keita slew his wife and threw her body parts down in front of him, which started off this war. Well, it was coming. This just kicked it off a bit sooner. His daughter, Vateria, has some vicious, nasty hobbies. Columella is another daughter. Junius Toranius is a dragonmage who has the hots for Vateria. Laudaricus Parthenius is another of Thracius' commanders and his human representative. Chramnesind is the blind gold worshipped by the Iron dragons. Part of the Iron dragons desire to conquer the world is to force everyone to worship only their god.
The Western Tribesmen have been bribed into attacking Garbhán Isle and kidnapping the children.
The Rebel Dragon King of the Septima Mountains is an Iron dragon, Thracius' nephew, Gaius Lucius Domitus. Varro Marius Parthenius is Laudaricus' son and best friends, nay, brothers with Gaius. Agrippina is Gaius' sister who has been held hostage for his good behavior by Vateria for years.
Nannulf is a wolf-god and Eir's companion. Usually. Eir is a mercenary and a goddess of war. She's also the dragon god's, Rhydderch Hael's, woman, although she's definitely on the Southlanders' side.
The Cover
The cover is a bright background of turquoises and grass greens with a full moon and a tiny dragon in the upper left corner. Filling the page is the well-muscled back of Vigholf as he stretches out.
The title could go either way, but my preference is for Vigholf. He is so patient and pushy both through his own culture's slow custom of courtship and because Rhona just doesn't seem interested. Yet. Of course, it could be a tongue-in-cheek, and very Aiken, for it to be interpreted as Vigholf's optimism, just knowing that Rhona is The Dragon Who Loved Me.
My Take
I love the sarcastic comments that Aiken throws in about the Northland dragons and how it only takes five years of battling alongside the Southland female dragons for the Lightnings to learn to hold their tongues. They still can't resist stepping in to "protect" these Cadwaladr women. These Northlanders are so confused with these particular dragonesses as they don't behave like proper female dragons!
It's so much fun to read the interactions between Rhona and Vigholf. He teases with having another adorable little spear made for her. This is the book you want to read when you just need a good laugh and a few chuckles.
Five years of battle and Éibhear is still fighting with Celyn about Izzy. Then there's the horses incident...too funny! Even better when the mare pairs up with Rhona and they both laugh at the stallion and Vigholf.
Lots of adventure, action, and snarking. It doesn't get much better than this...when you simply want to LYAO.
It's hard for me to believe that I've only read five books in this series. So much has happened and I adore the characters so much, that it feels more like ten. This is definitely a buy series for me. I already want to go back and start re-reading simply for the fun of it.
The Story
It can take forever for a Northland dragon to court the dragoness he loves, so Vigholf is in no hurry to claim Rhona for his own. At least, not to her face. He's already laid down the law to his kin.
For five years the Southland dragons and their allies have fought against the Iron dragons in the Euphrasia Valley. Five years of fighting together on the same battlefield and all those opportunities to tease Rhona about her pretty little spear, protecting her as a Cadwaladr, you know how well she accepts that!, and nicknaming her the Babysitter.
He finally gets his chance when Rhona is ordered to accompany Keita and Ren back to Garbhán Isle to protect the children. There is no way that Rhona is going without him. But when they get home, they learn that Annwyl is missing and Rhona is sent to rescue her, bring her back before her army takes fright.
But, this is Annwyl and nothing can ever be that easy.
The Characters
Rhona the Fearless, a.k.a., the Sergeant, is an incredible fighter, but really would prefer to work as a blacksmith like her dad. It's her proven record as a fighter who does exactly what she's told that finds her with this particular covert mission. Meanwhile, she's picked up the slack from her mother's inability to mother and has raised most of her siblings. Bradana the Mutilator is her mother and keeps pushing Rhona to go off to Dragonwarrior training like the rest of her children. I think it's this disappointment that has made Rhona feel worthless. Three of her siblings, the triplets, are featured in this story: Edana, Nesta, and Breena. Delen is another sister. Sulien the Black is her father, spews lava, and is a truly talented blacksmith.
Vigholf the Abhorrent is a Northland dragon, a Lightning. And always starving. He's also Ragnar's brother and he has fought by Rhona's side these past five years. He's warned all of his kin away from her for she will be his. He is a very positive thinking dragon. I do like that he's asking his mother, Davon, for courting advice and how very protective he is of her in any situation. Meinhard is his cousin.
Fearghus the Black, Briec the Mighty, Gwenvael the Really Pissy because he hasn't seen his wife in years, and Éibhear the Blue are Rhona's royal cousins. Their parents are Bercelak the Great, consort and commander of the Queen's armies, and Queen Rhiannon. Keita the Viper is still with Ragnar, but he hasn't dared claim her yet. Even if she is his Battle Twat, er, Slut, er, Slag, wait, no...his Battle Maid. Morfyd the White is the Eldest Daughter and Battle Mage for Queen Alwynn's Army and mated to General Brastias, a human.
Celyn the Black is a Cadwaladr cousin and he's been seeing Iseabail, a.k.a., Izzy, who is Briec and Talaith's daughter. She was promoted to squire to Annwyl which terrified her mother and made Izzy ecstatically happy. Branwen the Black is Izzy's best friend. And a Cadwaladr. Issy is also the woman Éibhear refuses to acknowledge that he loves. It's Éibhear and Celyn's fighting obsession that creates disaster and sends Éibhear into a tailspin. Austell the Red is their friend. Auntie Ghleanna is General of the Seventh and Ninth Legions.
Annwyl the Bloody is the queen of Garbhán Isle and married to Fearghus. They have a set of bloodthirsty twins who are now about seven years old: Talan and Talwyn. These two and Rhia demonstrate some truly awesome power. Ebba is their centaur nanny.
Talaith, a Nolwenn witch, is mated to Briec and she is Izzy and Rhia's mother. The Kyvich are warrior witches who are pledged to protect the three children from harm; Ásta is their commander. Dagmar Reinholdt, a.k.a., The Beast, is Annwyl's Battle Lord, for she has a fearsome intellect and is an even more brilliant strategist. She's mated to Gwenvael.
Ren of the Chosen is an ally and Keita's best friend. He has the ability to open portals between lands.
The Irons are vicious brutes and want to conquer the world and Overlord Thracius is the ruler of the Iron dragons in the Quintilian Province, what became the Quintilian Sovereigns. Keita slew his wife and threw her body parts down in front of him, which started off this war. Well, it was coming. This just kicked it off a bit sooner. His daughter, Vateria, has some vicious, nasty hobbies. Columella is another daughter. Junius Toranius is a dragonmage who has the hots for Vateria. Laudaricus Parthenius is another of Thracius' commanders and his human representative. Chramnesind is the blind gold worshipped by the Iron dragons. Part of the Iron dragons desire to conquer the world is to force everyone to worship only their god.
The Western Tribesmen have been bribed into attacking Garbhán Isle and kidnapping the children.
The Rebel Dragon King of the Septima Mountains is an Iron dragon, Thracius' nephew, Gaius Lucius Domitus. Varro Marius Parthenius is Laudaricus' son and best friends, nay, brothers with Gaius. Agrippina is Gaius' sister who has been held hostage for his good behavior by Vateria for years.
Nannulf is a wolf-god and Eir's companion. Usually. Eir is a mercenary and a goddess of war. She's also the dragon god's, Rhydderch Hael's, woman, although she's definitely on the Southlanders' side.
The Cover
The cover is a bright background of turquoises and grass greens with a full moon and a tiny dragon in the upper left corner. Filling the page is the well-muscled back of Vigholf as he stretches out.
The title could go either way, but my preference is for Vigholf. He is so patient and pushy both through his own culture's slow custom of courtship and because Rhona just doesn't seem interested. Yet. Of course, it could be a tongue-in-cheek, and very Aiken, for it to be interpreted as Vigholf's optimism, just knowing that Rhona is The Dragon Who Loved Me.
November 3, 2019
Rhona and Vig ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
January 18, 2015
Rhona the Fearless is an amazing warrior and mother to her siblings and cousins. She's protective of her kin and doesn't bother to hide it. Rhona was forced into the life of a warrior even though she doesn't really like it, in fact she could do without it. However, just because she doesn't like it doesn't mean she won't be the perfect soldier and do what she's told. When she's stuck in a war surrounded by Lightening dragons that believe women should hide in caves and let the men do the work she starts to loose her cool. One man in particular just drives her insane, as much as she would love to take him out, she can't because he's related to the Lightening dragons leader. What's a girl to do? Sneak off seems like a good choice.
Vigholf can't help but be attracted to the ferocious dragoness Rhona. He plans on courting her the right way since things have changed. He can't just cut off a wing and drag her back to his cave like his ancestors did, he's just not that type of barbarian. Every time he goes near her though she gets mad, so his only choice is to follow her on her mission. Vigholf knows spending time with her alone might be his only chance at wooing this maiden, along with keeping her safe.
Rhona and Vigholf are a great pair, they're constantly ready to battle each other, while at the same time that sexual tension between them is ever present. Vigholf may be the only one that can get Rhona to see she doesn't have to do everything she's told. Rhona might be just what Vigholf needs and craves.
Besides the main couple, the Cadwaladr brothers are fighting in a war against their enemies. Lots happen with this, some characters die (yes! I said DIE) and others are forever changed. Plus, a lot is going on back at home with Annwyl and the ladies.
Definitely recommend this book, it's much better than the previous one with a more likable couple.
Vigholf can't help but be attracted to the ferocious dragoness Rhona. He plans on courting her the right way since things have changed. He can't just cut off a wing and drag her back to his cave like his ancestors did, he's just not that type of barbarian. Every time he goes near her though she gets mad, so his only choice is to follow her on her mission. Vigholf knows spending time with her alone might be his only chance at wooing this maiden, along with keeping her safe.
Rhona and Vigholf are a great pair, they're constantly ready to battle each other, while at the same time that sexual tension between them is ever present. Vigholf may be the only one that can get Rhona to see she doesn't have to do everything she's told. Rhona might be just what Vigholf needs and craves.
Besides the main couple, the Cadwaladr brothers are fighting in a war against their enemies. Lots happen with this, some characters die (yes! I said DIE) and others are forever changed. Plus, a lot is going on back at home with Annwyl and the ladies.
Definitely recommend this book, it's much better than the previous one with a more likable couple.
December 19, 2011
3.5 STARS
For some crazy reason, I really, really enjoy reading the books in this series. I don't know what it is, but I laugh like a loon with every book. It keeps surprising me though because I usually don't like pnr-romance mixed with comedy. I guess, with this series, the combination works just fine.
I would have rated this book even higher, but for me reading about characters which were not a part of the royal dragon family didn't work for me. I adore this bat-sh*t crazy family and can't help to want to know more and more about them. And it's not that we didn't get a lot of info about them, because the POV kept constantly switching. It's just that I still need many characters we already loved from the beginning to get their own book. **cough **cough... Eibhear and Izzy's book. HOW MUCH MORE WILL THIS AUTHOR KEEP US WAITING??? I love this couple but it's getting a bit too annoying to keep reading about how they fight. I need their book next!
Still, The Cadwaladr Clan kick a--!!!
I just adore them all, almost as much as I love the royal family, so reading about Rhona the Fearless wasn't that bad because we got to know her and her crazy family way better. And the kids, OMG, nothing funnier than that. If the original siblings were battle-f*ck insane, these 3 kids will make everybody laugh even harder for many books to come.
Again, I guess I just can't help it but I adore this huge unbalanced family. I'm not sure what it is but their dynamics are just amazing. Can't wait to read more. I will never get bored with reads like this one, so please Aiken, just keep them coming. Outstanding, quick and entertaining reads, that's what the books in this series are.
For some crazy reason, I really, really enjoy reading the books in this series. I don't know what it is, but I laugh like a loon with every book. It keeps surprising me though because I usually don't like pnr-romance mixed with comedy. I guess, with this series, the combination works just fine.
I would have rated this book even higher, but for me reading about characters which were not a part of the royal dragon family didn't work for me. I adore this bat-sh*t crazy family and can't help to want to know more and more about them. And it's not that we didn't get a lot of info about them, because the POV kept constantly switching. It's just that I still need many characters we already loved from the beginning to get their own book. **cough **cough... Eibhear and Izzy's book. HOW MUCH MORE WILL THIS AUTHOR KEEP US WAITING??? I love this couple but it's getting a bit too annoying to keep reading about how they fight. I need their book next!
Still, The Cadwaladr Clan kick a--!!!
I just adore them all, almost as much as I love the royal family, so reading about Rhona the Fearless wasn't that bad because we got to know her and her crazy family way better. And the kids, OMG, nothing funnier than that. If the original siblings were battle-f*ck insane, these 3 kids will make everybody laugh even harder for many books to come.
Again, I guess I just can't help it but I adore this huge unbalanced family. I'm not sure what it is but their dynamics are just amazing. Can't wait to read more. I will never get bored with reads like this one, so please Aiken, just keep them coming. Outstanding, quick and entertaining reads, that's what the books in this series are.
August 5, 2024
Series: Dragon Kin #5
Rating: 5 stars - I loved it!
For not remembering this couple I really enjoyed this book. Rhona the Fearless was a kickass female who is always taking care of everyone, hence the nickname Babysitter. Vigholf the Abhorrent was a always hungry, stubborn Northlander, who was always trying to protect the women. I really liked him. He instantly wanted Rhona but knew he had to woo her to get anywhere, unfortunately she doesn’t understand subtle things like that and just thought he was annoying for years. These two were perfect for each other.
After five years, the war with the Iron’s comes to an end. The battle was action packed, bloody, and emotional, especially with Éibhear. It was very interesting seeing the other race of dragons and how they differ from the Fire and Lightnings. I can’t wait to see more of them in the future, especially Giaus and Aggrippa.
Annwyl was so fierce but also a little broken in this one. The five years of fighting have taken a toll on her body but mostly her mind. She misses her twins, Fearghus, and home. But the biggest issue is that she needs to sleep. I liked that even though she is a very strong and capable female she can still show her vulnerability, especially at the end when she finally sees her kids again. She is still my favorite because of how crazy and caring she is.
I can’t wait to see what will come of the new alliance with the Irons.
You can also find my reviews at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
Rating: 5 stars - I loved it!
For not remembering this couple I really enjoyed this book. Rhona the Fearless was a kickass female who is always taking care of everyone, hence the nickname Babysitter. Vigholf the Abhorrent was a always hungry, stubborn Northlander, who was always trying to protect the women. I really liked him. He instantly wanted Rhona but knew he had to woo her to get anywhere, unfortunately she doesn’t understand subtle things like that and just thought he was annoying for years. These two were perfect for each other.
After five years, the war with the Iron’s comes to an end. The battle was action packed, bloody, and emotional, especially with Éibhear. It was very interesting seeing the other race of dragons and how they differ from the Fire and Lightnings. I can’t wait to see more of them in the future, especially Giaus and Aggrippa.
Annwyl was so fierce but also a little broken in this one. The five years of fighting have taken a toll on her body but mostly her mind. She misses her twins, Fearghus, and home. But the biggest issue is that she needs to sleep. I liked that even though she is a very strong and capable female she can still show her vulnerability, especially at the end when she finally sees her kids again. She is still my favorite because of how crazy and caring she is.
I can’t wait to see what will come of the new alliance with the Irons.
You can also find my reviews at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
January 13, 2015
5 stars
Loved it, loved it, loved it! I enjoyed it so thoroughly. This was packed with the most action in the series... so far and of course in the middle of all that, I found myself LOL, hilarious dialogs. The war strategics will have you at awe, the fight will have you jumping or for me, running like crazy on the treadmill. I was so pumped, I kicked into high-gear as during the war fight scene and lasted for 7 miles. If you loved Annwyl for her guts-strength-passion, you'll even admire her more for her determination and will power, wow. I got give it to the Lightnings, they have patience like no other dragons, bc putting up with Keita and Rhona were no easy tasks.
As eldest daughter of Brendana Cadwaladr, long line of Dragonwarriors, she was raised following her Mum's footsteps. As she became the perfect soldier, unlike her Mum, she also became a Babysitter for her loved ones. As the war forced maturity upon Izzy, Eibhear, Celyn, you can't help but feel wretched for all of them. That said, I love every little bit I get of Gwenvael.
Such colorful characterizations and great great storyline. So looking forward for Eibhear, heck, is she saving the best for last?
Loved it, loved it, loved it! I enjoyed it so thoroughly. This was packed with the most action in the series... so far and of course in the middle of all that, I found myself LOL, hilarious dialogs. The war strategics will have you at awe, the fight will have you jumping or for me, running like crazy on the treadmill. I was so pumped, I kicked into high-gear as during the war fight scene and lasted for 7 miles. If you loved Annwyl for her guts-strength-passion, you'll even admire her more for her determination and will power, wow. I got give it to the Lightnings, they have patience like no other dragons, bc putting up with Keita and Rhona were no easy tasks.
As eldest daughter of Brendana Cadwaladr, long line of Dragonwarriors, she was raised following her Mum's footsteps. As she became the perfect soldier, unlike her Mum, she also became a Babysitter for her loved ones. As the war forced maturity upon Izzy, Eibhear, Celyn, you can't help but feel wretched for all of them. That said, I love every little bit I get of Gwenvael.
Such colorful characterizations and great great storyline. So looking forward for Eibhear, heck, is she saving the best for last?
April 11, 2021
Dieser Band hat mich was überrascht, da ich mit anderen Charakteren gerechnet hätte.
Zwar ist Vigholf im Vorgänger vor gekommen, aber ich hätte jetzt nicht mit einen eigenen Band gerechnet. Zumal mir auch Rhona vorher nicht begegnet ist.
Trotzdem konnte mich der Band begeistern. Denn die beiden Charaktere fand ich wirklich interessant.
Die beiden werden auf eine Mission geschickt, die nicht ohne ist.
Vigholf gehört zu den Nordland Drachen, deren Ruf nicht grad gut ist bei Rhonas Volk. Schließlich haben die Nordland Drachen in der Vergangenheit Frauen entführt. Aber auch das diese im Krieg nichts zu suchen haben.
Doch Vigholf ist fasziniert von Rhona. Zwischen den beiden Knistert es natürlich nur Rhona ist da erstmal blind für.
Ich habe das Wortgefecht zwischen den beiden geliebt. Und auch so gab es viele Situationen, die einfach genial und witzig waren.
Der Humor der Autorin ist einfach genial, anders ist es nicht zu beschreiben.
Und wieder bekommt man auch mit was bei den anderen Charakteren so passiert ist, da wieder zum Hauptstrang auch einen Nebenstrang gibt, der genauso interessant ist.
Zwar ist Vigholf im Vorgänger vor gekommen, aber ich hätte jetzt nicht mit einen eigenen Band gerechnet. Zumal mir auch Rhona vorher nicht begegnet ist.
Trotzdem konnte mich der Band begeistern. Denn die beiden Charaktere fand ich wirklich interessant.
Die beiden werden auf eine Mission geschickt, die nicht ohne ist.
Vigholf gehört zu den Nordland Drachen, deren Ruf nicht grad gut ist bei Rhonas Volk. Schließlich haben die Nordland Drachen in der Vergangenheit Frauen entführt. Aber auch das diese im Krieg nichts zu suchen haben.
Doch Vigholf ist fasziniert von Rhona. Zwischen den beiden Knistert es natürlich nur Rhona ist da erstmal blind für.
Ich habe das Wortgefecht zwischen den beiden geliebt. Und auch so gab es viele Situationen, die einfach genial und witzig waren.
Der Humor der Autorin ist einfach genial, anders ist es nicht zu beschreiben.
Und wieder bekommt man auch mit was bei den anderen Charakteren so passiert ist, da wieder zum Hauptstrang auch einen Nebenstrang gibt, der genauso interessant ist.
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