Review:  The Dragon’s Thief (Rise of the Golden Dragons Book 1) by Shelby Hild

Rating: 3.75⭐️

The Dragon’s Thief (Rise of the Golden Dragons Book 1) is the first book in a dragon rider’s trilogy by Shelby Hild, another new to me author. This review is going to be used for all three books as it’s about the series as well as the book as I’ve finished reading all the novels.

It’s a fantasy series I quickly read through in one day, each novel a flows through into the next. There’s little romance, some action sequences, political intrigue and lots of drama.

There’s some similarities between The Deagon’s Thief and another well known series. Hild starts each chapter of every book with  ‘writings’ from a current dragonrider who’s using the history of her country as her thesis.  

The focal point of her thesis is the hidden history and heroism of Quincy Durand, the rider of the Golden Dragon, Ezsearo, transcribed from historical records. 

Which makes these chapter “notes” a bit of spoilers for the storylines that follow as we already know what happened. 

I enjoyed Quincy as a young female character. This has the same elements as many other fantasy/dragonrider/academy tales. There’s adversity from higher status students and their parents to a low born person such as Quincy, and her circumstances. But it’s handled pretty well by her character as she adjusts to her new role.

There’s some interesting elements and also some aspects that I found worked against the characters and the overall series. 

The fantasy storylines, the dragon friends, the shards, the otherworldly creatures, all nicely balanced together. I would have liked to have read more about the fairies, wyrms, and different creatures here but unfortunately an underdeveloped political plotline becomes the main series thread. 

While Quincy’s character development moves forward from oldest sibling role helping with her family in her father’s absence to a teenager alone in an academy with a small dragon, learning to cope with political pressures and societal problems, a war on the horizon. Then onto assassin and spy and rider of a golden dragon. Her struggles to find her way feel credible. Especially when dealing with the turmoil within her family and the damage done by her leaving.

The potential for this to have been a better executed or even better developed series is here, imo. Hild did quite a few things that kept that from happening. 

In a story about a dragonrider and her dragon, that dynamic and relationship is oddly absent from a majority of the series.  It’s mostly about Quincy, her off on a variety of missions, leaving her dragon behind. Or having him go somewhere else. Her communication with him is actually less than it is with other dragons. She flies with him, but it’s brief scenes and the descriptions are underwhelming. Which really negates the reason most people are reading this. The dragons , the draw , are maybe a tenth or less of the story.

There’s a weird plot twist about a magical transporter mirror (which took my mind off to warped Disney aspects) and a really weak Queen and King main characters who never believe anything they’re told and left many a SMH moment.

And then curious and repetitive word choices by Hild who can’t find another word for blue eyes other than cerulean. The Queen is constantly looking at you through her “cerulean” eyes, in her many moods. Ditto the King. Maybe their son too. Let’s just say its overuse was noted. Other strange things like Quincy saying “career path “ was just jolting.

And having the villain be sent off to become someone else’s problem rather than actually dealing with someone responsible for the deaths of bonded young people and their dragons to say nothing of the war and the deaths and destruction that caused? That taught nothing. But definitely on par with the weak rulers and the way the narrative is set.

Finally, Hild’s story has disappearing characters like Yohm, Mithy and others who play main roles, and fade away at the end, only to be mentioned in a sentence and be dismissed. 

All these things, positive and negative, are present in each book. The odd, repetitive words, the lack of dragon time in the plot sacrificed to a storyline about a weak Queen and her problems, and just overall narrative choices that kept this from being a better series.

It’s a good series but with notable flaws.   If you want a YA fantasy series with a side order of dragons, check it out. 

Cover design by Sabrina Watts of Enchanted Ink Studio

Rise of the Golden Dragons – 3 books:

  • The Dragon’s Thief’ #1
  • The Queen’s Assassin #2
  • The King’s Spy #3

Buy link 

 Book 1 of 3: Rise of the Golden Dragons 

Blurb 

After a chance encounter with a mysterious stranger in the woods, a simple farm girl is faced with a desperate dilemma. 

Quincy Durand had never planned to become a thief. With her parents both missing, when her younger brother is mortally wounded it falls on Quincy to find a way to save his life. She discovers a possible solution, but the price for help is high: she must steal a dragon’s egg from Dravonya’s acclaimed Silver Wings Academy.

When the egg unexpectedly hatches during the escape, it’s no longer just her brother’s life that hangs in the balance but hers as well as she must prove herself more than just a failed thief.

 

June 30, 2022

Language

‎English

Print length

332 pages

Book 1 of 3

Rise of the Golden Dragons

Review:  Shift Happens (Shifter Lords Book 10) by S. E. Babin

Rating: 5⭐️

Shift Happens takes S. E. Babin’s fantastic Shifter Lords urban fantasy series into its second section with Moira taking the lead as the main character for the last (I think) group of stories. 

And honestly, Moira’s journey looks to be dark, emotionally devastating and absolutely heartbreaking in many of its major elements. Things only hinted about in Evie’s storyline are peeled back, starting here. 

Dark, horrifying, damaging abuse done to Moira as a child by her mother. Mental, emotional and overwhelmingly physical trauma that made her who she is today. Then there’s the recent magical extras that being god touched has given her and the devastating events that occurred during Evie’s finale.

Moira’s development has been linked with Evie’s journey to Evie becoming the Queen of Fae. It’s folded in her complex relationship with Evan, one of the Lords that now plays a key role in her life.

Moira’s called on by the Lords, including Evan, to investigate a mysterious case of dark magic happening on the territory that is now being run by Soren, an ex of Moira’s .

Shift Happens is a dark and fabulous tale. It reveals much about the past of the main characters and sets in motion some terrifying storylines for the books going forward. 

I didn’t think anything would be able to top Evie’s finale but Moira’s arc might just do it. 

Amazing narrative storytelling and fabulous character development. Highly recommended. 

Cover design by Covers by Christian

Shifter Lords (14 book series):

Shift of Heart #1

Shift of Morals #2

Power Shift #3

Shifting Winds #4

Shifting Resolve #5

Shift of Rule #6

Shift of the Wild #7 

Goddess Shifting #8

Final Shift #9 – finale to Evie’s story 

Moira’s story begins 

Shift Happens #10 

Shifting Allegiance #11 – July 11,2026

Shift of Shadows #12 – Nov 17,2026

Karmic Shift #13 – Dec 15,2026

Shift of Fate #14 – March 2,2027

Buy link 

 Book 10 of 14: Shifter Lords 

Blurb 

Moira is a new power player in a world of hungry paranormals, but she’d rather be curled up with a blanket, ignoring the world.

Unfortunately, the Shifter Lords have other plans for her.

Moira still works at her best friend’s flower shop but also serves part-time as a magical consultant for both the fae and the Lords. Her cases run the gamut from investigating petty crimes all the way to working in close proximity to the Lords as they track down rogue shifters.

But when she’s asked to take a case working with Soren, an infuriating Lord she has history with, Moira refuses, only to find out the case they’re investigating involves someone from her past. Reluctantly, she accepts the gig, only to start sabotaging Soren around every corner.

She holds no loyalty to anyone these days, and certainly not to someone who’d stab her in the back with the least provocation. But when the case proves more difficult than she anticipated, and she and Soren get in way over their heads, they must find a way to work together or die.

When it turns out Soren is hiding a very unique talent—one that ensures they could survive what’s coming after them—Moira must learn to trust her enemy and hope he’s not still mad about that teeny tiny time she stabbed him in the back…

A slow-burn paranormal romance, with sharp banter, and high-stakes supernatural intrigue.

Oliver Heber Books

Publication date

June 23, 2026

Language

‎English

File size

3.7 MB

Print length

247 pages

Book 10 of 14

Shifter Lords

Review: The Kutherian Boxed Set 1: Books 1-11: Kutherian Gambit  By Michael Anderle

Rating:4⭐️

CONTENTS /Books Included 

Death Becomes Her 

Queen Bitch 

Love Lost 

Bite This 

Never Forsaken 

Under My Heel 

Kneel or Die 

We Will Build 

It’s Hell to Choose 

Release the Dogs of War 

Sued for Peace

I have reviewed books 1-4 and then said, I am just going to binge it the easiest way possible.  That’s a collection of books, and luckily with such an extensive series of novels that Michael Anderle put out 3 collections but he also wrote a 4-book series that is a necessity for Collection 2 as their events are of utmost significance to each other. 

That’s the series that focuses on vampire Michael and his adventures on earth as he attempts to make his way to Bethany Anne. Those four books happen within the same time line as the second Collection. 

That author is a busy writer as this goes from 2014 to 2024, maybe even past that. 

Here it’s centered around Bethany Anne, her journey to becoming the Queen Bitch, the organization she establishes and the battle to escape to space. 

The novels are all quick reads, flowing naturally one into the next with all the high stakes and adventure energy of the early Buck Rogers movies. Or maybe the Adam West Batman tv series. 

There’s werewolves, vampires, secret societies, government agencies, crazy space ships and AI beings along with genetically modified humans doing battle with magic and robots and aliens. Bloodshed, deaths, sometimes by the thousands, but it’s removed from any real emotion or connection with those events as we don’t know or haven’t built up any foundation for a real cause to be engaged with anything happening here. It’s all very one dimensional. All actions sequence scenarios. Which is fine because that’s what you are expecting.

All framed out by an action packed, fast paced adventure narrative that’s just short of a “KAPOW” and a “BAM” and an Emperor Ming. 

 Highly entertaining, and I find myself blowing through them like narrative Bon bons. 

Space exploration that’s fun, not taking too seriously but highly enjoyable. 

All the books are listed above. 

Cover by Gene Mollica and Sasha Almazan

Boxed Sets: The Kutherian Gambit/Endgame Saga:

  • Kutherian Gambit Boxed Set 1: Books 1-11
  • Kurtherian Gambit Boxed Set: Books 12-21 + Kurtherian Endgame Book 1 *
  • The Kurtherian Endgame Books 2-11 

Must Read w/ Collection 2:

  • *The Second Dark Ages Boxed Set: The Complete Series-4 books (Michael’s series)

Buy link

 Book 1 of 3: The Kurtherian Saga Boxed Sets 

Blurb 

Her time is running out. His reign is coming to an end.

The UnknownWorld is on the cusp of gaining a new Queen, one who sees humanity in shades of gray. But will this world accept her? With her special-ops team and a legacy of secrets, Bethany Anne must untangle the web Michael leaves behind.

As she steps into her new role, the question isn’t just whether she will survive but whether the UnknownWorld will splinter under her reign or unite in unforeseen harmony?

Dive into The Kurtherian Saga with the first 11 books of the bestselling urban fantasy-meets-scifi series!

—

Die young or live forever. What’s your choice?

Bethany Anne Reynolds isn’t your typical government cold case investigator. Known for her fiery temper and creative cursing that would make even the battle-hardened blush, her pursuit of justice is borderline obsessive…

And now, with her own life ticking away due to the same rare blood disorder that claimed her mother, her fight for the defenseless becomes even more urgent.

Her last hope? A world-weary vampire. Michael, bound by his legendary inflexible honor, has ruled the UnknownWorld with an iron fist for over a millennium. Exhausted and on the brink, he finds in Bethany Anne a fire that could reignite the supernatural world—or destroy it.

As Michael prepares to pass his mantle, he wonders: in choosing Bethany Anne, is he saving his world or thrusting it into deeper chaos?

The UnknownWorld is on the cusp of gaining a new Queen, one who sees humanity in shades of gray. But will this world accept her? With her special-ops team and a legacy of secrets, Bethany Anne must untangle the web Michael leaves behind.

As she steps into her new role, the question isn’t just whether she will survive but whether the UnknownWorld will splinter under her reign or unite in unforeseen harmony?

Unleash the power of choice and change humanity’s destiny.

Included in this boxed set:

  • Death Becomes Her
  • Queen Bitch
  • Love Lost
  • Bite This
  • Never Forsaken
  • Under My Heel
  • Kneel Or Die
  • We Will Build
  • It’s Hell To Choose
  • Release The Dogs of War
  • Sued For Peace

Unleash the power of choice and change humanity’s destiny. Click ‘Buy Now’ or ‘Read for Free’ to join Bethany Anne’s epic journey!

NOTE: This boxed set contains cursing. Perhaps humorous cursing, but cursing nevertheless. If this offends you, I don’t suggest reading these books.

LMBPN Publishing

Publication date

June 1, 2024

Language

‎English

Print length

2857 pages

Book 1 of 3

The Kurtherian Saga Boxed Sets

Review: The HighFire Crown: (Blood Magic Book 1 ) An Urban Fantasy Action Adventure by J.T. Lawrence 

Rating: 3⭐️

This was a book I saw advertised on FB, maybe that was a clue. I have had some good finds that way but by 55% of the story, I’ll admit I was struggling to continue reading. Each chapter, especially from the middle on when I saw Jax’s character development stays basically where it was at the beginning, I’m wavering between a DnF and keep page flipping. 

It comes down to the main character, Jax, a magical woman whose powers are channeled through her emotions, primarily from her pain. 

Rated Magus 10, a scale from her first Council kidnapping, she’s been crafted by Lawrence as an unappealing mess of a paranormal being. A private investigator of paranormal cases, once hired, by her methods, she doesn’t actually investigate anything. Instead she accepts intense, highly charged case after case, then without actually sitting down and thinking about each one of them and prioritizing the work, she just runs off. 

No research into her cases or investigative work that would make her credible. Instead plunging into dangerous situations, often turning things worse instead of better. The people who have hired her end up worse off in every instance. She ends up constantly being caught, beaten up, losing objects or breaking things she was supposed to find. And is always surprised when things go sideways. Or that people she trusted are not trustworthy. Every single scenario is full of TSTL moments where, at least me, starts flipping pages even faster. 

“I don’t understand,” I said again”

That’s a constant refrain from Jax. And I’m on Chapter 37. I’m thinking I don’t understand why I’m still reading this book. 

Honestly I kept thinking surely she has some plausible plan in mind, nope. Or backup. Again no. She’s the mindless equivalent of the ball in a pin-ball machine, endlessly ricocheting around the table. As it is, I’m sympathizing with Jax’s client’s when they look at the unmitigated disaster she’s made of their lives and cases, threatening her when the damage she’s left by not paying attention or getting things done or even making the right decisions, have left death in her wake. And theirs. 

Are we supposed to be on her side? Really? I have run into several authors who craft their characters in this manner and it always leaves me astonished. Give me a well written competent, ingenious , intelligent person, no matter what gender, who is capable of researching and investigating their cases, with or without any magical abilities. And I’m happy. In other words, a well thought out, multi dimensional, intelligent person. 

And giving them a ghostly companion (who they often berate for cleaning their apartment, oh no, and a magical albino ferret, neither of which has any background history or foundation to them), doesn’t enhance her character. It’s empty layering for her the most part.

There’s some interesting aspects to this story. Outside of how she wields her powers, there’s also the facts that the world’s magical and non-magical realms are divided into floors accessible by a elevator, humanity is one floor, otherworldly beings and creatures and their realms are on others.  I guess the world is flat? Idk It’s a neat idea , although not exactly new, that needs further exploration here. And all the magic is done with Latin words. And wands. “Illumino”.

Btw, going back, at Chapter 26, Jax has just now remembered she’s got two prior important cases to be solved, one of which is for her best friend about the death of that friend’s neighbor who just happened to Look Oh no. SMH

So , I’m not going further here. I just can’t with characters like this. I have zero tolerance for them and their stories. 

If you do, here’s a series for you. 

Blood Magic: An Urban Fantasy Action Adventure (Complete 6-Book Series) (6 book series):

The HighFire Crown (Book 1)

The Dream Drinker (Book 2)

The Witch Hunter (Book 3)

The Ember Isles (Book 4)

The Chaos Jar (Book 5)

The New Dawn Throne (Book 6)

Buy links:

Single book – see below 

        The HighFire Crown: An Urban Fantasy Action Adventure

    

 Book 1 of 6: Blood Magic: An Urban Fantasy Action Adventure (Complete 6-Book Series) 

Blurb 

It’s a case she can’t refuse.

Spell-slinger. Vampire-slayer. Magical albino ferret-rescuer.

Meet Jacqueline Denna Knight, the best wizard detective in the city.

Jax turns vampires to ash and pain into magic. She also has a knack for finding things. So when a distraught—and obscenely wealthy—elf calls Jax at midnight to hire her for an intriguing job, she grabs the opportunity with both hands…

But what Jax doesn’t know is that this case is going to unravel her life. She’ll get tangled up with a host of intriguing characters, most of whom are not who they appear to be.

As Jax speeds down a path toward the most powerful vampire clan in the country, she’ll have to put everything on the line.

Will she be able to use her unique brand of magic to save the Realm?

This complete Blood Magic series contains the following books:

The HighFire Crown (Book 1)

The Dream Drinker (Book 2)

The Witch Hunter (Book 3)

The Ember Isles (Book 4)

The Chaos Jar (Book 5)

The New Dawn Throne (Book 6)

Fire Finch Press

Publication date

August 28, 2024

Language

‎English

Print length

288 pages

Book 1 of 6

Blood Magic: An Urban Fantasy Action Adventure (Complete 6-Book Series)

Review:  Knead for Speed (Tales from the Dragon Diner #2) by Lindsay Buroker

Rating:4.5 ⭐️

“Did you bring any special weapons with you?” Rylana asked. 

Sylin held up her shovel. 

“Oh, that’ll be vastly effective. Entire ballads have been written about noble warriors who slew dragons with garden tools.”

And yes, we’re back in the town of Tranquility where it’s anything but tranquil. Things are going awry, there’s a curse that’s been loosened upon the town, several mysteries afoot, and the Fae Queen looks to be coming to town, a real threat to Rylana’s friend, the lone warrior elf, Sylin, hiding in town.

Knead For Speed is a highly entertaining, well written fantasy action adventure story. It’s got a dragon family whose interactions with each other is dysfunctional and dramatic, including our main character, Jildarin, who just wants to be an inspired chef and run his restaurant, the Dragon Diner. If only his mother and brother will leave him alone. And his bookkeeper/partner too.

But there’s more things happening here. Gnomes and trolls and fae and exes abound with plots. 

It’s fun, an extremely slow burn relationship, and terrific storytelling. 

My only slight issue was with how the element with Rylana’s ex was handled. For me it didn’t make sense , especially given their history. But that was the only aspect here.

If you enjoy a cozy fantasy, and dragons as well as other mythical creatures, this is the book and series for you. Read them in the order they are written. 

Tales from the Dragon Diner (3 book series to date)

Calculated Whisk #1

Knead for Speed #2 

Morel Dilemma #3 – Aug 31,2026

Buy link 

 Book 2 of 3: Tales from the Dragon Diner 

Blurb 

As the bookkeeper and new co-owner of the Dragon Diner, Rylana Avandar is determined to see the business become successful. Despite an inauspicious beginning, her partner Jildarin—founder, chef, and dragon—has come to trust her, and she doesn’t want to disappoint him.

But when a troll curse and an ancient secret threaten Tranquility, Rylana will have to do a lot more than crunch numbers. If she and Jildarin can’t figure out how to appease the troll gods, the diner and the entire city could be doomed.

Lindsay Buroker

Publication date

June 25, 2026

Language

‎English

Print length

310 pages

Book 2 of 3

Tales from the Dragon Diner

Review: Windwalker (Forbidden Flight Book 1) by H.G. Chambers

Rating: 4.5⭐️

Windwalker, the first novel in the Forbidden Flight YA fantasy series by H.G. Chambers, is my first introduction to this author. What a fantastic read this book is.

It reminds me of the time I found my first dragonrider story by Anne McCaffrey, although this reads for a younger audience. 

The world building is deeply layered with a remarkably beautiful desert landscape that lends a sense of awe and credence to the story and dangers of the life lived there. What I really love is that the author created a unique main female character and group of people that are themselves a part of the landscape, desert clan and a community that has been created by the desert landscape its dwelling within.  That includes its religious and societal structures. 

Furthermore, the story of a young girl, Kiva, who believes that she deserves to become a Windwalker, someone who bonds with the fierce flying sentient creatures known as Kiraeen, against the clan’s rules, is unusual in many respects. 

In some instances you would expect to see a character like Kiva isolated, without support against the clan rules that say only men can become Windwalkers. However, this story is slowly built around how Kiva’s family rallies the community, especially the women, to support her.

It’s emotional, full of a range of scenes that reflect the family’s struggles with Kiva’s journey to Kiva herself as she grows through her bond and then the dangers that come with it.

Each character, whether human or mythical creature, is beautifully written, detailed in every aspect. They are believable and beings the reader can connect with.

This story just flows from beginning to end. And I am quickly heading to the next novel. 

Highly recommended, and a lovely change from dragon and Dragonriders.

Cover Design: vividcovers

Windwalker Series: 

Forbidden Flight #1

Order of the Red Sons #2

Bonds of the Forsaken #3

Buy link

 Book 1 of 3: Windwalker 

Blurb 

They say no woman can touch a kiraeen and live.

Kiva intends to prove them wrong.

In the harsh deserts of the Miralaja, the legendary Windwalkers rule the skies, bonded to deadly flying beasts known as kiraeen. For generations, only men have been allowed to attempt the proving trials and join their ranks.

When tradition denies her the chance to become a Windwalker, she sets out to prove that skill, not birth, should decide who earns the sky. Defying centuries of law could cost her everything: exile, disgrace… even death.

But some rules exist for a reason.

And the bond between rider and kiraeen is far more dangerous than she ever imagined.

If Kiva wants to survive the skies, she’ll have to risk everything — because once a kiraeen chooses you, there is no turning back.

Perfect for readers who love dragon rider stories, fierce heroines, and epic desert fantasy.

April 23, 2018

Language

‎English

Print length

273 pages

Book 1 of 3

Windwalker

Review:  Fractured Doors and Forgotten Gods (Hidden Realms #1) by Alice Winters 

Rating:  3.75🌈

Even with a nice twist at the end, Fractured Doors and Forgotten Gods (Hidden Realms #1) by Alice Winters was a story that just didn’t connect with me. 

There’s many stories from this author I’ve found absolutely entertaining and some are in my reread piles, but the main characters, their dynamics between themselves and even those who they are forced into working with are such that I don’t enjoy reading their scenes or didn’t think their relationships felt believable.

Issues like a lack of communication of major issues, especially when Riley’s “secret” he’s not telling anyone/has told anyone smacks of martyrdom. The other issue is that Torin, the god swings emotionally from irritating arrogance to impulsive toddler to sexual being to instant love partner, all without a credible relationship built between the couple.

The story has some interesting mythical creatures, fantasy familiars and the twist plays into another mythology that will play out into the second book. 

But I’m not sure Winters has made me care enough about the characters to go further with the series. 

Still deciding. 

Cover design by Natasha Snow Designs

Hidden Realms 

Fractured Doors and Forgotten Gods #1

Timeless Doors and Captured Gods #2 – July 9,2026

Buy link 

 Book 1 of 2: Hidden Realms 

Blurb 

Riley

Trying to keep my familiar out of the meat display while shopping is the hardest part of my day… until someone drops a god right into my humdrum existence.

Torin, a massive man claiming to be a god, is unlike anyone I’ve ever met. He insists on learning English through adult graphic novels, believes the pizza delivery guy is an assassin, and thinks he can kick a subway into submission (talk about adding a bit of spice to my life, which has been sadly lacking since I left the Magical Interference Unit).

The handsome and strangely charismatic god drags me (literally) right into his problems, starting with a creature who wants to tear my head off, yet I find myself following along with his whims.

He knows something is wrong when Doors to another realm begin to open up, allowing an ominous power to get a foothold in our world… but I’m afraid this quirky god and I might be the only ones keeping this world from ending.

Oh joy.

Torin

I never expected that simply stepping through a Door into Riley’s world would introduce me to so many amazing curiosities, like pizza and burritos! Oh, and a pesky human who really should recognize that I’m a god of war and love—emphasis on the love.

But there’s more to Riley than meets the eye; why else would their special forces place me with a man who can borrow magic from others? My attempts to woo this mystifying human are thwarted at every turn (I doubt that has anything to do with me tossing him on a horse or taking over his bed).

As Riley and I grow closer, I realize that he might be the very person needed to save this realm… because what is coming for them is beyond anything they can comprehend… one even worse than the atrocity called an “escalator.”

Fractured Doors and Forgotten Gods is the first book in a series that has a continuing storyline.

June 2, 2026

Accessibility

Learn more

Language

‎English

File size

5.3 MB

Screen Reader

Supported

Enhanced typesetting

Enabled

X-Ray

Not Enabled

Word Wise

Enabled

Print length

364 pages

Page Flip

Enabled

Book 1 of 2

Hidden Realms

Review: Training My Human (The Dragocracy Chronicles Book 1) by Eve Langlais 

Rating: 3⭐️

Training My Human (The Dragocracy Chronicles Book 1) by Eve Langlais was a cute read that went by very quickly. 

There’s some nice elements here that have way more potential than in actual execution of the story. The native peoples of the region aspect, including the main female character, which isn’t given nearly enough attention. I wanted more details about the history and culture behind her story.

The baby dragon, who comes off as a bit of a jerk for 2/3’s of the book before the hunters appear to put him into a precarious situation, is ok. Again, its personality vs any detailed description. 

The main characters don’t have much depth to either of them. Which makes their instant love romance hard to connect with. 

It’s a sea of one or two dimensional characters and similar relationships in a quick paced storyline about an arrogant dragon baby who is hunted by mysterious human group. 

There’s a nice twist but the ending doesn’t really resolve anything and leaves the villain in good shape. To my mind, that’s unsatisfying. And what deaths there are feels very unreal. Like tiny toddler comic books where there’s no real expectations of any sort of real life experiences and emotions involved. 

It’s odd in a book that wants to be grownup but not too much. Not YA but not yet ready for the adult stuff. We used to call that PG-13. 

If you want a dragon story, here’s another.  

 Cover by Alex of Addictive 

Covers Produced in Canada

The Dragocracy Chronicles (6 book series):

Training My Human #1

Serving My Dragon #2

Taming My Human #3

Rescuing My Dragon #4

Protecting My Human #5

Escaping My Dragon #6

Q

Buy link

 Book 1 of 6: The Dragocracy Chronicles 

Blurb 

So it turns out dragons are real.

I never suspected the lava rock I threw into the firepit was actually an egg. I’m blown away when it hatches to reveal a reptile with a voracious appetite. Cute little bugger, until it learns to talk.

The bossy critter thinks he can order me around. Claims he’s a dragon. Says when he grows strong enough, he wants to rule the world. I say go ahead. He can’t do any worse than our current politicians.

However, his plans for planetary domination have hit a slight snag. Seems my little fella—who grumbles that I’m not honoring him properly—is wanted by the government. Or so the goons that show up on my property claim. I have my doubts as to their identities. Even if they’re telling the truth, I’m not about to hand over my new pet, but how’s a woman who inks tattoos for a living supposed to keep a dragon safe? The local pet shop owner—hunky, plaid-wearing Maddox—has a few ideas, but my little dragon isn’t keen on running.

Can I keep my dragon out of the clutches of those who’d steal him for personal gain? And if we do have to flee, will Maddox come too? I need all the help I can get with figuring out life with the lizard.

*

Humans. Bah. They’ve gotten uppity since my maternal progenitor conceived my egg. It will take much training before the female I’ve commandeered is suitable for service.

So much for her to learn, starting with proper meals. She tried to feed me bugs as if I were a simple lizard! Then she dared to abandon me so she could work—incentive for me to build my hoard so she can devote her time fully to me. I’ve allowed her distraction with the male, but only because he will serve me too, and sooner than he thinks, since my enemies are already closing in.

But they’ll learn a dragon, even one newly hatched, is a force to be reckoned with, and if you mess with those I’ve claimed, you will face my wrath!

May 15, 2025

Language

‎English

Print length

214 pages

Book 1 of 6

The Dragocracy Chronicles

Review : Ravenous Prophecy by Kai Butler and Nazri Noor 

Rating: 4🌈

Ravenous Prophecy by Kai Butler and Nazri Noor is a delightful new paranormal sci-fi thriller. Co-written by two prolific,talented authors, this novella is a paranormal thriller, with romance elements, along with good old science fiction bug monsters invading from outer space. That no one believes in. 

The characters are engaging, one an adventurer who hunt magical relics and the other a scholarly sort who has been trying to get recognition for his theories and thesis on The Hive, unsuccessfully. 

Told in alternating points of view by each of the main characters, Griffin and Bradley,Idid try to guess which author wrote what character here, the story moves quickly forward, as it becomes clear The Hive is real and there’s a villain responsible for their arrival.

 My only quibble is that it ends too soon. Feels a bit rushed. But it’s a terrific adventure and I enjoyed the story and characters. 

A winner!

Cover by Christian Bentulan

Buy link

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.comRavenous Prophecy – Kindle edition by Noor, Nazri, Butler, Kai. …

Blurb 

What you can’t see can hurt you.

Bradley Brooks spends his days with his nose buried in rare and precious books. A scholar and researcher of all things occult, but his life’s work — some would call it his obsession — is the study of the Hive, a society of locust-like creatures so deadly that they’ve ended entire civilizations.

Except for one problem. No one believes the Hive even exists, least of all Griffin Gallows, a mercenary with a taste for exotic artifacts. And then a run-in with the magical authorities forces him to go on bodyguard duty.

Together, Bradley and Griffin must investigate a spate of grisly ritual murders tied to a local billionaire. But their trail leads them to a hideous discovery: The Hive may well be real.

And they’re coming to consume us all.

Ravenous Prophecy is a 45,000-word MM urban fantasy with a HEA ending.

June 15, 2026

Accessibility

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Language

‎English

File size

4.5 MB

Screen Reader

Supported

Enhanced typesetting

Enabled

X-Ray

Not Enabled

Word Wise

Enabled

Print length

200 pages

Review: Call Back :The Model Agency 3 by Lily Morton 

Rating: 4.5🌈

The Model Agency has been a favorite of mine because of its unique characters and wonderful relationships. Their journeys to HEA often set in gorgeous places when it’s not actually in the office of the agency itself.

Reuben Langley is a character we’ve met before. He’s had a tremendous impact on Pip and Olivier as their next door neighbor and friend in the south of France (French Fancy #2). And we caught glimpses of some of the early photographs of Xavier mentioned there. 

Xavier Conway is also one of those characters who is notable from previous books and the author’s monthly blog. This due to Pip’s chatty humor and insightful commentary, focusing in on how Xavier’s insane social life and inability to stay on schedule is one of Pip’s greatest challenges. Especially when Pip becomes a model manager.

Yes, Pip will always be my favorite. Let’s get this out of the way. And, marvelously, we see lots of him here. He forever has the best lines. 

Call Back is a great second chance at love story. We begin with present day and Xavier’s physical and emotional downward spiral.  Too many parties, drugs and forms of self punishment have left him feeling empty.  However ,he’s committed to a runway to walk with Dean and Mal. 

And in the audience is Rueben, along with Olivier, Jonas and Pip. 

It will end up being an emotional event that leads to a dramatic moment.

From present day and then backwards to the past where they first met, we see the circumstances where Rueben and Xavier came together and how disastrously they were parted. 

Then the second chance they are given at Rueben’s house on the Isle of Mull in the Hebrides. 

Those are wonderfully written and beautifully executed scenes on the island. A love note to the island and the people who live there. And the relationship that resets between them is grown realistically and with depth of detail. 

Even Ibiza gets a golden opportunity to shine here as a romantic partner for the couple as a location. I did wonder what would happen to Rueben’s villa in the south of France but Morton had that figured out too. Perfect! Love it when there no drop in continuity.

If I had anything here that took me out of the book (trust an animal lover to obsess about it) , it’s concerning that Bernard, the IW. If Lily Morton had chosen any other breed I’d have been fine probably. 

But she chose an Irish Wolfhound as a pet for Xavier, one that had been dumped on the island.

I’ve been lucky to have had three IWs in my lifetime. They aren’t often seen outside of those who’ve gotten theirs from breeders here in the USA, let alone being dumped. Maybe it’s different in the UK. However , IWs are sight hounds with pretty specific behaviors. And retrieving isn’t one of them.  I’ll just say that Bernard acts exactly like a Golden Retriever or Lab in the book and nothing like an Irish Wolfhound. Ask me how I know. 

That’s my say. Next time pls choose to make the dog  a mutt or even a lab who loves its balls. Side eye.  

Did I love the romance, so so much. It’s fabulous. 

A definite recommendation!

Book cover design by Natasha Snow Designs

The Model Agency (3 book series to date)

The Sunny Side #1 (Dean and Jonas)

French Fancy #2 (Pip and Olivier Durand)❤️🫶

Call Back #3 (Rueben and Xavier)

Buy link 

 Book 3 of 3: The Model Agency 

Blurb 

Once upon a time, Reuben Langley broke Xavier Conway’s heart.

Five years later, Xavier has convinced himself that he’s over it. Now a famous supermodel, his life is filled with faraway locations, glamorous parties, even more glamorous men, and so much noise. And if his mind still drifts to the quiet and responsible war photographer he loved and lost, then no one else has to know.

Xavier’s living the dream until everything comes tumbling down around him, and when he hits absolute rock bottom, the person there to pick up the pieces is Reuben.

Reuben fell in love with Xavier the first moment he met him—a wild, sassy boy in a hotel bar. When he found out that he was his best friend’s son, it should have stopped him, but it didn’t. 

That passionate affair came to a disastrous and painful end, and since then, Reuben’s had to be content with the tiny glimpses he’s had of Xavier over the years. But now, Xavier needs him, and Reuben isn’t going to turn away this time.

Set in London and the Inner Hebrides, this is a story of second chances and a constant, hopeful love.

This is the third book in the Model Agency series, but it can be read as a standalone.

Please see the disclaimer at the beginning of the book for content some readers may find triggering.

June 21, 2026

Language

‎English

Print length

455 pages

Book 3 of 3

The Model Agency