Quick review: Legion by Julie Kagawa


I’m stressed. Totally stressed. This is the beginning of the end. Very action packed and tense. So many battles, both physically and emotionally. The ending I never saw coming. Now I am both nervous and excited to read the final book.

However, I will say that I now know how my daughter felt when reading the Iron Fey books. My heart is with the other guy. This is a bittersweet read now. But I’m dying to know what happens, so I’m pushing through. I think this book had more of the romance aspect in it, compared to the others.

What I like about this series is that we get many POVs. Not only from Ember and her soldier and rogue, but also her brother. I liked knowing what was happening from the inside of Talon and what their plans are. Although I totally didn’t agree with them, and they added to my stress, it was nice to know what Dante was thinking.

Who knew a YA book would have me feeling this way? I am almost afraid to continue on, but I’m pulling up my big girl panties and diving in.

~Melpomene

Talon https://amzn.to/2IPw8BA
Rogue https://amzn.to/2xbB0zA
Soldier https://amzn.to/2kq4VuD
Legion https://amzn.to/2xcGXML

Quick Review: Soldier by Julie Kagawa


A YA love triangle with dragons. That’s all that needs to be said.

I kid…

Sorta…

Ember and joined Cobalt and is still struggling with the exit of Garret. She is torn between two boys, a dragon or a soldier. Both seem to be pulling her in their directions. But she’s not sure what to do.

Even though Garret left, he can’t seem to forget Ember. When he discovers something extremely disturbing about The Order, he must go back to the states and see if he can help make things right.

Another exciting installment in the Talon series that left me breathless. I’m about to dive into the next book. I’m so glad I waited till they were all complete. This really is a fun YA series. It’s been added to my list of recs.

On a side note, my non reader son read these books and thoroughly enjoyed them. He is currently rushing me to finish so he can talk about them. That’s saying something. It’s nice to find books like this.

~Melpomene

Grab
Talon https://amzn.to/2GiEr77
Rogue https://amzn.to/2KqyiIx
Soldier https://amzn.to/2Kt7K9B

Review: Dragon Fever by Donna Grant

01 a1001 I just love this sexy dragon series. I mean, it’s dragons. And everyone knows dragons are cool.

Rachel is sent to get information on dragons living in our world and expose them for what they really are. She was picked specifically because she wouldn’t fall for whoever she was after. She’s a diehard reporter who knows how to get the story no matter what. But after her first glance of Asher, she knows that this is going to be harder than she thought.

Asher wishes he was back home at Dreagan instead in Paris. But after a chance meeting, he begins to think that maybe Paris isn’t so bad after all. That is until he finds out what she’s doing but still has trust her when things start to fall apart.

I really enjoyed this fast paced novella. These Dragon Kings move quickly in the romance department. When they find something they like, they go after it FAST. And I gotta say, I like their speed. They don’t mess around. We also discover who’s behind the trouble and learn a few things that I never saw coming.

Sometimes I don’t get to read novellas in some of my series, but I’m so glad I read this one. If you like this series, I highly recommend you read this one. Plus it’ll hold you over until the next one, in March.

~Melpomene

Buy Dragon Fever HERE.

Excerpt

Asher exited the car amid a flash of clicks from cameras as well as reporters doing their best to holler questions the loudest in the hopes he might answer.

“Is it true you’re a dragon?” one reporter asked.

Another yelled, “Shift for us.”

They had no idea how much he wanted to do just that, if for no other reason than to get everyone out of his face. Instead, he put on a serene expression, buttoned his jacket and gave a nod to a few spectators lined up along the entrance as he walked in.

Once inside the centre, there was no time to relax. Ms. Engel was right on his heels, directing where he was headed and giving him names of those he would be meeting.

He stopped outside of the closed doors of the room.

“Is something wrong, sir?” Ms. Engel asked.

“For one, my name is Asher, not sir.”

She held up a finger to stop him. “Mr. Constantine also tried to tell me the same thing. I work for Dreagan and whoever represents the company at the WWC. While here, you’ll always be ‘sir.’”

Asher could accept that. Blossom was beginning to grow on him. She might be a miniature drill sergeant, but she was damn good at her job. No wonder Con used her year after year.

He drew in a breath and released it as he looked behind them. “Is it always so…” He waved his hand around, looking for the right word.

“Crazy? Insane? Nearly fanatical?”

He nodded. “Yes.”

“Only when Dreagan is here.” Ms. Engel put the cap on her pen. “Before TVL, everyone just wanted a glimpse of those who were a part of Dreagan and get a taste of the whisky. After TVL, well, now they want to see what might happen.”

“TVL?” he asked, sorting through all sorts of words she might mean.

“The Video Leak.”

“Ah.” Well, that made sense. He turned his attention to her. “Did you see the video?”

“Of course.”

When she said nothing further, he asked, “What did you think?”

“It doesn’t matter, sir.”

Review: Smoke and Fire by Donna Grant

01 dark I love this series. Plain and simple. Dragons are my weakness and I can’t hold myself back when I see books with them in it. And when you combine dragons with the fae, you have a recipe for Melpomene’s happiness.

Kinsey and Ryder were in love, or so she thought. Then her broke her heart and she never saw him again. That is until during the battle, in Glasgow, when he changed right before her eyes, and she was faced with more than your every day secret. This was a life shattering secret. She was devastated and was determined to never set her eyes on him again. Little did she know that her work was sending her straight into her worst nightmare.

Ryder has loved Kinsey for years. He never forgot about her. And when he was sent to Glasgow to stop the dark from killing every mortal, he had no idea that he would be revealing himself to the one person he vowed to keep in the dark.

This story was different than the rest, in the sense that they already have a history. They’re in love, even if they won’t admit it to themselves. I was actually quite happy with that aspect, since there was so much happening in the background already. If we had to wait for them to find each other and fall in love, it would take away from the dynamic of the entire story. Without saying any spoilers, let’s just say that history almost repeated itself, and in the worst way possible.

Now for the side characters, Ulrik is keeping some very HUGE secrets from everyone. And I mean H.U.G.E. This is a game changer no one even knows yet. Part of me hopes that reconciliation can happen, with Con and the rest of the Kings, but I’m not holding my breath.

Rhi wants to stay with Balladyn, but I’m not so sure that’s a good idea. While being with Rhi makes him more light than dark, his normal side is dark and I fear this isn’t good for her. I have my suspicions as to who her King is, and if I’m right, I’d rather they both get their heads out of their butts and realize it and get back together. After her captivity, she can’t afford anymore dark in her life.

There are many more questions that still need to be answered and I am anxiously waiting for them. Until then, I’ll keep on reading and hope I can draw some correct conclusions and discover answers for myself. #Dragons4Ever

~Melpomene

Buy Smoke and Fire: A Dark Kings Novel

Start from the beginning and fall in love with all the Kings:
Darkest Flame (Dark Kings)
Fire Rising (Dark Kings)
Burning Desire (Dark Kings)
Hot Blooded (Dark Kings)
Night’s Blaze (Dark Kings)
Soul Scorched: A Dark Kings Novel
Passion Ignites (Dark Kings)
Smoldering Hunger: A Dark Kings Novel

Review: Smoldering Hunger by Donna Grant

01 smold If it’s wrong to love these dragon kings so much, then I don’t wanna be right. I’m so happy with this book, I can’t even tell ya. Romance, drama, suspense, intrigue and emotion. The perfect combination of this paranormal romance series.

The last time we saw Darius and Sophie was at the end of Passion Ignites. They were in a bit of a saucy situation, that was definitely an indication of what was in store for us in this book. Let me tell you, they have quite a connection.

Darius is back in Edinburg searching for dark fae to destroy, but he tried to stay clear of Sophie and deny what he feels, because he wants to protect her. He knows being with her would put her in harms way, an swore to protect the human race, even if they wouldn’t do the same to him. In fact, when Con woke him to join in the war, he was so angry. Nothing soothed him, until he met Sophie. She had this way of calming him and pulling on his heart. I think it was because she was a doctor. She was always calm and knew the right things to say and do. And when you’re up against an angry dragon king, sometimes that’s how you need to be.

There are a few different story lines happening in each book. And I love them all. But this one had a story line made me mad. I’m waiting for someone to step up and smack some sense into this dragon. And another one had me smiling the biggest smile. I am freaking out. No joke. When I read it, I squealed and had the goofiest grin on my face when I got to the end. I’m still sitting here in a happy fog.

We also get a glimpse into a few characters from the spin off series, the Reapers. They bring in a whole new story line and a new set of allies/enemies, depending on who you’re talking to. I have a feeling it’s gonna be good. And I can’t wait!!

If you’re in the mood for a new PNR series, I highly recommend you pick up read the entire Dark series. Go HERE for the entire list.

~Melpomene

Buy Smoldering Hunger: A Dark Kings Novel

Review: Rogue by Julie Kagawa

01 rogue Another perfect young adult book, filled with action and adventure, and plenty of sweet romance and fantasy to keep me happy.

SYNOPSIS
Ember Hill left the dragon organization Talon to take her chances with rebel dragon Cobalt and his crew of rogues. But Ember can’t forget the sacrifice made for her by the human boy who could have killed her—Garret Xavier Sebastian, a soldier of the dragonslaying Order of St. George, the boy who saved her from a Talon assassin, knowing that by doing so, he’d signed his own death warrant.

Determined to save Garret from execution, Ember must convince Cobalt to help her break into the Order’s headquarters. With assassins after them and Ember’s own brother helping Talon with the hunt, the rogues find an unexpected ally in Garret and a new perspective on the underground battle between Talon and St. George.

A reckoning is brewing and the secrets hidden by both sides are shocking and deadly. Soon Ember must decide: Should she retreat to fight another day…or start an all-out war?

I love Cobalt. I do. Ember was driving me a little nuts, but she is 16 yrs old, so I need to cut her emotional behavior some slack. She is still torn between the soldier and the dragon. My inner teenager was very happy with this. I love that we saw a bit of his back story. It makes me wish for very bad things for Talon.

Ember has chosen to be a Rogue, but Talon won’t let her go so easily. They pull out all the stops and will stop at nothing to get her back, dead or alive.

Cobalt has lived as a rogue for some time now, but his safe houses are being targeted. So he must find out who’s behind all of this. I’m a bit fearful, that once this is discovered, I will not be with the outcome. But I hope I’m wrong. Again, I say, I LOVED Cobalt. He knows who and what he wants, and he will do everything he can to get it and defend it. I’m pulling for him.

Garret made his decision and now he must pay for it. St. George won’t let him just walk away. So no matter what, he’s on his own. I kinda fell for him, too. But he’s human, which means he’s bad for the dragons. Tough break for him.

I did enjoy the many points of view we had. It was nice to be in everyone’s head. But sometimes the heartache made me sad. But these people chose their paths and now they must defend their actions, no matter if it takes their life.

~Melpomene

Buy Rogue (The Talon Saga Book 2)

Get caught up with Talon (The Talon Saga Book 1) first.

Review: Talon, by Julie Kagawa

01talon Okay, let me think for a moment. I liked it. I really did. I didn’t love it though. I liked her Iron Fey series more. But let’s talk about this one.

Synopsis
Long ago, dragons were hunted to near extinction by the Order of St. George, a legendary society of dragon slayers. Hiding in human form and growing their numbers in secret, the dragons of Talon have become strong and cunning, and they’re positioned to take over the world with humans none the wiser.

Ember and Dante Hill are the only sister and brother known to dragonkind. Trained to infiltrate society, Ember wants to live the teen experience and enjoy a summer of freedom before taking her destined place in Talon. But destiny is a matter of perspective, and a rogue dragon will soon challenge everything Ember has been taught. As Ember struggles to accept her future, she and her brother are hunted by the Order of St. George.

Soldier Garret Xavier Sebastian has a mission to seek and destroy all dragons, and Talon’s newest recruits in particular. But he cannot kill unless he is certain he has found his prey: and nothing is certain about Ember Hill. Faced with Ember’s bravery, confidence and all-too-human desires, Garret begins to question everything that the Order has ingrained in him: and what he might be willing to give up to find the truth about dragons.

The story is really about Ember. She is supposed to have the summer off to do have fun before she is thrust full force into what Talon wants her to do. But that’s not exactly what happens.

Long story short, she meets two guys. Her human side is drawn to one, while her dragon side, to the other. That doesn’t seem so bad except that the rouge dragon shows her that what she always told, may not be truth, while the human may be the one thing that can truly destroy her.

How will she choose?

Most of this story I was torn. I didn’t know which guy I want her to go to. But I knew, either one would drastically change her life. Ember has to grow up very fast and make decisions that she isn’t ready to make, but she has no choice.

Garret is on a mission to kill all dragons. That is his only mission. That is who he is. He is sent to this town to find a sleeper dragon. He meets Ember and is immediately drawn to her, but part of him wonders if she is the sleeper. He knows he shouldn’t get close, but sometimes you can’t help it. Then he makes a decision that changes his life forever, but there’s no going back now.

I like the potential love triangle. I’m not sure who is best for Ember though. I’ll have to wait and see in the next book.

While this is mostly a YA book, it does have a scene that pushes it to the NA status. While it’s not bad whatsoever, there’s just a topic that my tween doesn’t need to read or learn about. So I say, this is for a 15/16 yr old. IMO. Well, at least MY kids will be waiting til then. I guess this would a coming of age type of book. You decide when your kids read it.

Talon doesn’t leave us in a cliffhanger, really, but it leaves many unanswered questions and a few lives in the balance. So when Rogue comes out, I will be staying up late reading it.

~Melpomene

Buy Talon (The Talon Saga)

Review: Burning Desire(Dragon Kings #3), by Donna Grant

01burI stopped a book I was currently reading, just so I could read this ARC. I am so thrilled to have received this book! I just love these Dragon Kings!!

So much happened in this book, it’s crazy!! So many side stories that if you haven’t been paying attention, you’ll miss stuff. So PAY ATTENTION!!!

Kiril is spying on the Dark, in hopes of finding Rhi. But then he finds himself drawn to a female Dark, who is trying to set him up. He knows what she’s up to, but can’t stay away from her.

Shara has been on a mission to make her family proud of her again. So she is to bring them a dragon king, so they can prove how powerful their family is. But what she doesn’t anticipate is falling so hard for him.

No matter what happens, they know that a Dark and a Dragon King can never be together, but they don’t care. When they finally give in to each other, it’s an all consuming fire that spreads like mad. I was shocked at the fierceness of their passion. But when you have such power flowing through you, there’s only so many ways to release it. But behind all this passion are secrets that could destroy them.

But soon they have outside distractions that make their secrets known and cause their hearts to break. They are both in very deep trouble, if they can’t find a away to move past and prove to each other that their love is stronger than all the danger around them.

We also find out a few surprises that may change the players in this war. One in particular, I am hoping we see something soon. He may be the deciding factor to which this war would be won.

Oh my gosh, I am so excited to see the next few books!!! I won’t say anymore. Spoilers…. but AHHHH!!!!!

~Melpomene

Buy Burning Desire (Dark Kings)
Release date: September 30, 2014

Read the first two stories in this series.
Darkest Flame (Dark Kings)
Fire Rising (Dark Kings)

And book 4 comes out December 30 and I can’t wait!!!
Hot Blooded (Dark Kings)