Rating:  5 stars out of 5

 

Cop-turned-bounty-hunter Gabe Dominguez is hired to capture firestarter Nat Wyatt. For a dragon-shifter like Gabe, apprehending Nat is easy, but transporting him involves more time, energy, and blood loss than he envisioned. An attack from a band of fairies, an out-of-control forest fire, and a showdown at an auction don’t faze Gabe, but Nat’s innocence might stop him entirely.

Since discovering his abilities, Nat’s lost a best friend, a boyfriend, and trust in his brother. Only his love of concerts and card games get him through life without a home. Rumors of the Judge, a giant dragon who once destroyed half of Canada avenging those he loved, provide Nat with hope of vindication. When Nat discovers his captor is the Judge, he thinks he’s finally caught a break. Through late-night conversations and a shared love of music, Nat tries to convince Gabe he’s not guilty.

Can Gabe continue his cutthroat lifestyle, or will he run away with his dragon hoard like he’s always longed to do? Can Nat escape his legacy, or will his be another spark snuffed out by people who don’t understand? The Oracle, the most powerful wizard in Canada, might be the only one who can provide answers.

 

This was my first book by Francis Gideon and I loved it.  Gabe thinks that capturing Nat will be easy, but soon learns there is a lot more to his story.  Nat has been running from his brother since he discovered his abilities.

 

Gabe isn’t sure what to think of Nat, no matter what evidence his boss feeds him.  They both share their pasts with each other which goes a long way towards earning each other’s trust.  Working together to save others and solve the mystery of why Gabe’s boss wants Nat brings them even closer together.

 

In this story I could feel how confused Gabe was.  Nothing he was being given about Nat was adding up to the man he was with.  I loved Nat and felt horrible that even when things were going well for him he was resigned to the fact that he would be going back to his brother no matter what while Gabe had resigned himself to a life alone without happiness.  Gabe’s friendships with the others in the story really goes a long way towards humanizing him a bit because he tries to keep himself so closed off.  I loved these characters and the different premise of this story.

 

Cover art by AngstyG is great and eye-catching.

 

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon | ARe

 

Book Details:

ebook, 310 pages

Published: August 1, 2016 by Dreamspinner Press

ISBN-13: 9781634775410

Edition Language: English