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DragonKin #1
DragonRider
Dragons are real. I should not be so distracted by the men riding them. I’ve found myself in a hidden world of dragons and nightly battles to protect Earth, but while the dragons are magnificent magical creatures, and bonding with Ri and learning to fly is an exhilarating joy, other dragon riders are taking too much of my attention.
Mordecai is haunting my dreams and thoughts. He is a strikingly good looking man. Tall and lean with long blond hair and blue eyes that change shade with his emotions. But he is cruel, mocking and aloof. He lets no one close. I should leave him well alone.
Harlen is far nicer. He is friendly, takes an interest in me and smiles. His broad muscles and bronzed skin, together with his dark curls and copper eyes, give me butterflies.
When our bonded dragons mate, I know it affects us. A dragon’s passion is impossible to resist. But I’m shocked to discover which man is more dominant. And I’m awed by the awakening of my pleasure. Dragons aren’t the only things that are new to me. Exploring this side of my nature is divine.
But I can’t help hoping it is more than that.
In this strange new world of dragons, magic and desire, can I find my place? And can I find love?
Dragonrider is set in our modern world, one where dragons fly every night, you just can’t see them.
Mordecai is haunting my dreams and thoughts. He is a strikingly good looking man. Tall and lean with long blond hair and blue eyes that change shade with his emotions. But he is cruel, mocking and aloof. He lets no one close. I should leave him well alone.
Harlen is far nicer. He is friendly, takes an interest in me and smiles. His broad muscles and bronzed skin, together with his dark curls and copper eyes, give me butterflies.
When our bonded dragons mate, I know it affects us. A dragon’s passion is impossible to resist. But I’m shocked to discover which man is more dominant. And I’m awed by the awakening of my pleasure. Dragons aren’t the only things that are new to me. Exploring this side of my nature is divine.
But I can’t help hoping it is more than that.
In this strange new world of dragons, magic and desire, can I find my place? And can I find love?
Dragonrider is set in our modern world, one where dragons fly every night, you just can’t see them.
241 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 23, 2023
About the author
S. Rodman
26 books188 followersI love characters who are battered and broken by life, who through the course of finding love, discover they are strong.
Despite everything, because of everything, I will always believe that love conquers all.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 226 reviews
July 18, 2023
“So what you are saying Ri, is that you are a huge slutty bottom and I’m along for the ride?”
This is one of those stories that you read and then easily forget. Freelance mage with super long red hair is hired for what he thinks will be a quick gig. Turns into so much more.
✔️Modern world
✔️Insta-lust
✔️MMM, graphic group sex scenes
✔️Dragons!
✔️Cute but childish humor
✔️Surface level emotions
He is easily a ten and I scrape a four on a good day. That knowledge does nothing to dampen my libido.
When they start calling him Khaleesi, it was too much…
Harlen grins, and his dark eyes flash with glee. “Look at you, my little Khaleesi, mother of dragons.”
Go into this expecting a fun kinky story that will leave you with a lot of questions and not too many answers. Ends on a cliffhanger.
This is one of those stories that you read and then easily forget. Freelance mage with super long red hair is hired for what he thinks will be a quick gig. Turns into so much more.
✔️Modern world
✔️Insta-lust
✔️MMM, graphic group sex scenes
✔️Dragons!
✔️Cute but childish humor
✔️Surface level emotions
He is easily a ten and I scrape a four on a good day. That knowledge does nothing to dampen my libido.
When they start calling him Khaleesi, it was too much…
Harlen grins, and his dark eyes flash with glee. “Look at you, my little Khaleesi, mother of dragons.”
Go into this expecting a fun kinky story that will leave you with a lot of questions and not too many answers. Ends on a cliffhanger.
July 24, 2023
Amusing. I had to laugh so hard at the very first paragraph of the book, it's been a few years since I've been to Wales and it's no different in other parts of the UK but I felt so happy when I read this:
I hate Wales. It’s official. If I ever gain super powers, I’m blasting it to oblivion. The roads are tiny and winding. There are far too many mountains and zero phone signal, so my map app isn’t working and now I’m hopelessly lost, very late, and my piece of shit car is about to overheat and die on me and there isn’t even anywhere to pull over and cry.
…
It’s all green fields and trees as far as the eye can see. A sparkling river snakes its way through the bottom of the valley. Wow. Okay, I’ll admit that when you aren’t panicking and lost, Wales is beautiful. 😍😍😍
I thought I only liked the book until near the end. And then suddenly I loved it. For most of the time, the story just skimmed the surface, but then immediately it took on more depth and I really wanted more of it.
The plot and the buildup of the fantasy story are interesting. You don't really get much insight into everything yet, but I assume that the follow-up books will take care of that.
The characters are a bit difficult to grasp. That's why it took me a while to warm up to them. Again, the sequels will provide better insight when the POV changes.
Therefore, the relationship of the three characters is not easy. They speak rather little with each other ... Fortunately, there is no melodrama, but it simply makes it difficult to really get into it.
Therefore, the sex is also rather strange at first and only gradually develops into something outstanding.
“You look good on your knees,” he whispers.
His words dance along my skin, leaving goosebumps behind. His tone is mocking. He is being demeaning, insulting even. But I don’t care. I think cruelty is his love language. I don’t think he knows any other way to be. 😳
The things people will do to get laid, never ceases to astound me. Guess I’m people now. 🤣😂🤣
Now I realize that I have pointed more to the negative of the book ... grmpf.
I love what it develops into in the last 50 pages. They really won me over. I just don't know how many readers might give up before that if they feel the way I did, that the bonding is just hard to build.
Oh gosh. He knows how I like my tea, he didn’t even have to ask. Call me super British, but that is a sign of true love. 💞💞💞
I hate Wales. It’s official. If I ever gain super powers, I’m blasting it to oblivion. The roads are tiny and winding. There are far too many mountains and zero phone signal, so my map app isn’t working and now I’m hopelessly lost, very late, and my piece of shit car is about to overheat and die on me and there isn’t even anywhere to pull over and cry.
…
It’s all green fields and trees as far as the eye can see. A sparkling river snakes its way through the bottom of the valley. Wow. Okay, I’ll admit that when you aren’t panicking and lost, Wales is beautiful. 😍😍😍
I thought I only liked the book until near the end. And then suddenly I loved it. For most of the time, the story just skimmed the surface, but then immediately it took on more depth and I really wanted more of it.
The plot and the buildup of the fantasy story are interesting. You don't really get much insight into everything yet, but I assume that the follow-up books will take care of that.
The characters are a bit difficult to grasp. That's why it took me a while to warm up to them. Again, the sequels will provide better insight when the POV changes.
Therefore, the relationship of the three characters is not easy. They speak rather little with each other ... Fortunately, there is no melodrama, but it simply makes it difficult to really get into it.
Therefore, the sex is also rather strange at first and only gradually develops into something outstanding.
“You look good on your knees,” he whispers.
His words dance along my skin, leaving goosebumps behind. His tone is mocking. He is being demeaning, insulting even. But I don’t care. I think cruelty is his love language. I don’t think he knows any other way to be. 😳
The things people will do to get laid, never ceases to astound me. Guess I’m people now. 🤣😂🤣
Now I realize that I have pointed more to the negative of the book ... grmpf.
I love what it develops into in the last 50 pages. They really won me over. I just don't know how many readers might give up before that if they feel the way I did, that the bonding is just hard to build.
Oh gosh. He knows how I like my tea, he didn’t even have to ask. Call me super British, but that is a sign of true love. 💞💞💞
July 25, 2023
Time of death: 55%
I started reading this on a flight yesterday and I'm honestly surprised I managed 55%. Nothing has happened except some sex scenes that were completely void of actual emotion. There's been too much telling and the worldbuilding is pretty light. I. Am. Bored. Time to move on to something else.
I started reading this on a flight yesterday and I'm honestly surprised I managed 55%. Nothing has happened except some sex scenes that were completely void of actual emotion. There's been too much telling and the worldbuilding is pretty light. I. Am. Bored. Time to move on to something else.
June 27, 2023
How to Train Your Dragon...rider 🤣 I'm sorry but I had to let it out! LOL Bad jokes aside, I like this a lot but wished there's more depth. 3.5 stars rounded up! I look forward to the sequel though. 😍
This is a great plot for a new fantasy story. At its core, it's a little bit different from the cliché dragon tropes I've read lately but with some aspects adapted to make things spicy (heat and mating in particular). This is DragonKin trilogy where DragonRider, the first book, was told in Kirby's point of view.
As the youngest and most naïve of the 3, there's a certain limit to how deep the story goes when told in Kirby's POV. I remember having similar impressions with Kate Aaron's The Slave (another trilogy with each book written in each of the threesome's POV). Kirby is a 23-year old mage whose very new to the world of dragon riding, its politics included. What this book focused on was how he immersed himself to the riders world and customs, training and involving himself with the situationship a dragon bond entails, and his confused feelings for both Cai and Harlen.
Kirby sounded a bit childish in this story. His age, naivete, and exuberance on new things contributed to this impression. (Also, the urban fantasy references was funny! That alone, should tell you his age. 😂) What he perceived Cai and Harlen to be is colored by his lack of knowledge and experience in relationship, communication, and human behavior. Honestly, exploring his attraction to both men made up more than half of this story, which should be evident on the blurb. But I'm not complaining about the steamy scenes because those 3 in bed was hot.🔥
I signed up for this ARC with an intention to leave an honest review. Thank you, S. Rodman, for the opportunity! This is a really good plot to explore. ❤️
This is a great plot for a new fantasy story. At its core, it's a little bit different from the cliché dragon tropes I've read lately but with some aspects adapted to make things spicy (heat and mating in particular). This is DragonKin trilogy where DragonRider, the first book, was told in Kirby's point of view.
As the youngest and most naïve of the 3, there's a certain limit to how deep the story goes when told in Kirby's POV. I remember having similar impressions with Kate Aaron's The Slave (another trilogy with each book written in each of the threesome's POV). Kirby is a 23-year old mage whose very new to the world of dragon riding, its politics included. What this book focused on was how he immersed himself to the riders world and customs, training and involving himself with the situationship a dragon bond entails, and his confused feelings for both Cai and Harlen.
Kirby sounded a bit childish in this story. His age, naivete, and exuberance on new things contributed to this impression. (Also, the urban fantasy references was funny! That alone, should tell you his age. 😂) What he perceived Cai and Harlen to be is colored by his lack of knowledge and experience in relationship, communication, and human behavior. Honestly, exploring his attraction to both men made up more than half of this story, which should be evident on the blurb. But I'm not complaining about the steamy scenes because those 3 in bed was hot.🔥
I signed up for this ARC with an intention to leave an honest review. Thank you, S. Rodman, for the opportunity! This is a really good plot to explore. ❤️
June 24, 2023
Not for me. World building needed work.
February 20, 2024
4.5/5 but rounding up.
This was easy and breezy and a bit ridiculous but I honestly loved it.
Action, sassy and horny dragons, fun characters with good chemistry. What more could I want?
Didn’t need the “Khaleesi” nickname for Kirby though. That ruined it a bit.
But other than that I absolutely devoured this book. There is a bigger story coming our way and I am here for it.
This was easy and breezy and a bit ridiculous but I honestly loved it.
Action, sassy and horny dragons, fun characters with good chemistry. What more could I want?
Didn’t need the “Khaleesi” nickname for Kirby though. That ruined it a bit.
But other than that I absolutely devoured this book. There is a bigger story coming our way and I am here for it.
July 24, 2023
As always with books from this author, the idea in general sounds super interesting but I cant make myself care about it. Everything Seems just insignificant... the relationship between the MCs doesnt come through, like no feelings, there was literally more connection between the Dragons and their riders
Shelved as 'dnf'
June 19, 2023I think this writing style just isn’t working for me. It’s not BAD, but not in depth enough that I’m sucked in - more surface level.
June 23, 2023
That.was.a.magnificent.story.period!! ALL the stars!!
I can keep it short. I LOVED this story. First I love dragons, second, the magical environments were so wonderful, third the mmm scenes were arousing AF, jeez it was overwhelming and scorching.
Kirby is a mage and ends up at a castle with magnificent dragons and their riders.
The flight commander Mordecai is rude, offending, and arrogant, he makes Kirby feel small and insignificant,
Harlen's second-in-command is way more friendlier. There seems to be something going on between these two.
The majestic dragon Ri has to choose his rider and he chooses Kirby, Cai isn’t amused.
The deep connection between dragons and riders is downright mindblowing.
With every full moon, something special happens, I don’t want to spoil, but I have to give you somewhat of a hint, to warm and excite you, there is something simultaneously happening between dragons and riders. The dragons are somewhere safe, the riders in the castle. Yes, try to imagine! Mindblowing!
There are portals where danger is coming through. Under Cai’s command, they have to fight them back. This all is present and important to the story but not the main, it’s more about Kirby becoming a rider, his connection with Ri, and finding his place with Cai and Harlen *fans face*.
It goes beyond what I expected, the visions were stunningly beautiful, all so so enchanting. The dragons are mesmerizing, the three men together, dang dang!
There are a lot of horny scenes, non-repetitive, very arousing, and… I’m speechless, I’m looking for more hyperbolic words so you understand how much I loved this read!!
I can keep it short. I LOVED this story. First I love dragons, second, the magical environments were so wonderful, third the mmm scenes were arousing AF, jeez it was overwhelming and scorching.
Kirby is a mage and ends up at a castle with magnificent dragons and their riders.
The flight commander Mordecai is rude, offending, and arrogant, he makes Kirby feel small and insignificant,
Harlen's second-in-command is way more friendlier. There seems to be something going on between these two.
The majestic dragon Ri has to choose his rider and he chooses Kirby, Cai isn’t amused.
The deep connection between dragons and riders is downright mindblowing.
With every full moon, something special happens, I don’t want to spoil, but I have to give you somewhat of a hint, to warm and excite you, there is something simultaneously happening between dragons and riders. The dragons are somewhere safe, the riders in the castle. Yes, try to imagine! Mindblowing!
There are portals where danger is coming through. Under Cai’s command, they have to fight them back. This all is present and important to the story but not the main, it’s more about Kirby becoming a rider, his connection with Ri, and finding his place with Cai and Harlen *fans face*.
It goes beyond what I expected, the visions were stunningly beautiful, all so so enchanting. The dragons are mesmerizing, the three men together, dang dang!
There are a lot of horny scenes, non-repetitive, very arousing, and… I’m speechless, I’m looking for more hyperbolic words so you understand how much I loved this read!!
June 4, 2023
Really good fantasy book ❤️ Love the world building and the characters ❤️ MMM🔥 Very good spice 🔥 HFN ending, can’t wait to read the rest of their story!!
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
July 3, 2023
What the fuck did I read.
Seriously.
I managed to read it completely, but I wanted to claw my eyes out with every single new sentence I read.
Never mind about the dragons and the dragonriders and the magic and whatnot. Literally, never mind it. Completely forget about it. You will see dragons and dragonriders and magic, but NONE OF IT is explained in detail.
This...book has no story building, no plot building, no character building, no building of any kind 🥲
I don't think I can't explain to you how no existant the plot building was:
1) Where did the dragons come from?
2) Where did the magic come from?
3) Why is the MC "The Chosen One" other than for the author to make the book and MC "interesting" when so far nothing has shown me that he is The Shit?
4) Why are they using condoms on and off? Is this a kink?
5) WHERE AND WHY THE FUCK DID THOSE HOLES AND MONSTERS CAME FROM?!?!?
6) Why does the MC only think about sex? Literally, since he met one of the LI for the first time, all he could think about was getting railed by one of them. It is exhausting.
7) If "The Chosen One" is supposed to be the reincarnation of *insert name here*, where did *insert name here* came from and who *insert name here* really is? Also, why is he reincarnating? For the lolz?
8) The training for the MC to learn how to fly and fight with his dragon was skipped... why? Is that a trade secret, or did the author could not come up or be bothered to write that critical scene down?
I have so many god damn questions!
Porn without plot. This reads like an AO3 fanfic. There. I said it.
Yes, I know that the author has, apparently, plans to make a sequel, but god damn it! there was no building of anything on this one. How am I supposed to be interested in the next one? You know what that tells me? That the next books are going to be an info dump.
PS: Why am I giving it 2 stars instead of one? Because I managed to read it completely without throwing my phone out the window and because some of the sex scenes were moderately hot.
PSS: i find it extremely interesting that the mayority of people that received this book in exchange for a review all left 4-5 stars. Hmm, just me and my conspiracy theory. Like, literally? Every single person loved it? Hmmmm 🤔
Seriously.
I managed to read it completely, but I wanted to claw my eyes out with every single new sentence I read.
Never mind about the dragons and the dragonriders and the magic and whatnot. Literally, never mind it. Completely forget about it. You will see dragons and dragonriders and magic, but NONE OF IT is explained in detail.
This...book has no story building, no plot building, no character building, no building of any kind 🥲
I don't think I can't explain to you how no existant the plot building was:
1) Where did the dragons come from?
2) Where did the magic come from?
3) Why is the MC "The Chosen One" other than for the author to make the book and MC "interesting" when so far nothing has shown me that he is The Shit?
4) Why are they using condoms on and off? Is this a kink?
5) WHERE AND WHY THE FUCK DID THOSE HOLES AND MONSTERS CAME FROM?!?!?
6) Why does the MC only think about sex? Literally, since he met one of the LI for the first time, all he could think about was getting railed by one of them. It is exhausting.
7) If "The Chosen One" is supposed to be the reincarnation of *insert name here*, where did *insert name here* came from and who *insert name here* really is? Also, why is he reincarnating? For the lolz?
8) The training for the MC to learn how to fly and fight with his dragon was skipped... why? Is that a trade secret, or did the author could not come up or be bothered to write that critical scene down?
I have so many god damn questions!
Porn without plot. This reads like an AO3 fanfic. There. I said it.
Yes, I know that the author has, apparently, plans to make a sequel, but god damn it! there was no building of anything on this one. How am I supposed to be interested in the next one? You know what that tells me? That the next books are going to be an info dump.
PS: Why am I giving it 2 stars instead of one? Because I managed to read it completely without throwing my phone out the window and because some of the sex scenes were moderately hot.
PSS: i find it extremely interesting that the mayority of people that received this book in exchange for a review all left 4-5 stars. Hmm, just me and my conspiracy theory. Like, literally? Every single person loved it? Hmmmm 🤔
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2023
5 stars because I really liked it and I want to know what happens next.
So, I got an advanced reader copy to review this book, and I'm not disapointed at all. I had a lot of fun reading it and it was relaxing, which is the entire reason I pick up a book.
And I think you should read it if:
-You like other books from this author, who has a very consistent style. I'm not saying all the books are the same, but all of them have similar themes and inspired similar feelings in me, mostly calmness. I can really loose myself on them and just focus on what is happening on the page. That feeling to me is invaluable. They're also easy to read.
-You like slow paced books about quotidian stuff. Most of the book is about the main character learning about life as a rider, and the heavier plot starts nearly at the end. Makes sense, as this is the first of a planned trilogy, it takes the proper time to introduce the characters and setting that will probably be relevant in following books.
And I think you shouldn't read it if:
-You don't like reading about poly relationships, or relationships with clearly defined "tops" and "bottoms". It's not a d/s book, but they have a very particular dynamic.
-You don't like the love at first sight trope. The characters are developed and interact, but only after they practically fall in love when meeting (this isn't a spoiler, it's chapter 2). That was my least favorite part of the book.
-You want to read a book about dragons. This book is about their riders. The dragons are relevant to the plot, but not the focus of it.
So, I got an advanced reader copy to review this book, and I'm not disapointed at all. I had a lot of fun reading it and it was relaxing, which is the entire reason I pick up a book.
And I think you should read it if:
-You like other books from this author, who has a very consistent style. I'm not saying all the books are the same, but all of them have similar themes and inspired similar feelings in me, mostly calmness. I can really loose myself on them and just focus on what is happening on the page. That feeling to me is invaluable. They're also easy to read.
-You like slow paced books about quotidian stuff. Most of the book is about the main character learning about life as a rider, and the heavier plot starts nearly at the end. Makes sense, as this is the first of a planned trilogy, it takes the proper time to introduce the characters and setting that will probably be relevant in following books.
And I think you shouldn't read it if:
-You don't like reading about poly relationships, or relationships with clearly defined "tops" and "bottoms". It's not a d/s book, but they have a very particular dynamic.
-You don't like the love at first sight trope. The characters are developed and interact, but only after they practically fall in love when meeting (this isn't a spoiler, it's chapter 2). That was my least favorite part of the book.
-You want to read a book about dragons. This book is about their riders. The dragons are relevant to the plot, but not the focus of it.
June 14, 2023
After feeling SLIGHTLY underwhelmed by Sez's previous release (the flow/progression of the story seemed a bit rushed to me) I was so excited for this book and it did not disappoint!!
I must admit that I did not realise going in that it was not a stand-alone. But nonetheless, I enjoyed reading it immensely and can't wait to see where the series goes.
I loved the dynamic between the three characters and the pace at which their relationships developed. The premise of the series was an intruiging one and I liked how it runs separate but adjacent to others set in the same paranormal world that Sez has spent so long crafting.
The book somehow manage to end on both a "happy for now" and a cliffhanger of sorts and I was left thoroughly satisfied. I could have of course happily kept reading about these characters but now eagerly anticipate the next in the series. Based on Sez's usual time between releases, I'm hoping that I won't have to wait too long (fingers crossed).
Please note that I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I must admit that I did not realise going in that it was not a stand-alone. But nonetheless, I enjoyed reading it immensely and can't wait to see where the series goes.
I loved the dynamic between the three characters and the pace at which their relationships developed. The premise of the series was an intruiging one and I liked how it runs separate but adjacent to others set in the same paranormal world that Sez has spent so long crafting.
The book somehow manage to end on both a "happy for now" and a cliffhanger of sorts and I was left thoroughly satisfied. I could have of course happily kept reading about these characters but now eagerly anticipate the next in the series. Based on Sez's usual time between releases, I'm hoping that I won't have to wait too long (fingers crossed).
Please note that I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
June 21, 2023
3.5 stars
MMM
Warning: This book ends on a cliffhanger
I received this as an ARC and there was no indication this was not a standalone so I’m not too happy about that.
This story has dragons but centers around the dragon riders. Dragons choose their rider and form a mental bond with them. Kirby is a mage and is “lured” to Wales make up enough numbers for the next dragon, Ri, to choose his rider. To everyone’s surprise, Kirby is chose. Riders usually com from a family of riders. (Kirby was a foster kid so it’s a mystery as to his background.)
The dragons and their riders protect Earth from invaders who come through portals in the sky. The mental bond helps the dragon and rider find the portals and the rider/mage closes the portal.
Cai and Harlem are established riders who are attracted to Kirby. I don’t want to give away too much detail so as to not spoil the story. Unfortunately, I don’t have all the answers either.
I enjoyed the story from this new-to-me author, but I sure wish I’d know this was not a complete storyline.
MMM
Warning: This book ends on a cliffhanger
I received this as an ARC and there was no indication this was not a standalone so I’m not too happy about that.
This story has dragons but centers around the dragon riders. Dragons choose their rider and form a mental bond with them. Kirby is a mage and is “lured” to Wales make up enough numbers for the next dragon, Ri, to choose his rider. To everyone’s surprise, Kirby is chose. Riders usually com from a family of riders. (Kirby was a foster kid so it’s a mystery as to his background.)
The dragons and their riders protect Earth from invaders who come through portals in the sky. The mental bond helps the dragon and rider find the portals and the rider/mage closes the portal.
Cai and Harlem are established riders who are attracted to Kirby. I don’t want to give away too much detail so as to not spoil the story. Unfortunately, I don’t have all the answers either.
I enjoyed the story from this new-to-me author, but I sure wish I’d know this was not a complete storyline.
June 24, 2023
I wanted to love this. I loved what it could have been. There were too many ideas mashed together which left it feeling messy and without a flow.
Way too fast paced, so I felt like I was missing out on the world and a lot of the relationship development. a shit ton of tell not show and our MC came off as really immature. Things were continuously glossed over, not explained and just ugh.
Way too fast paced, so I felt like I was missing out on the world and a lot of the relationship development. a shit ton of tell not show and our MC came off as really immature. Things were continuously glossed over, not explained and just ugh.
June 20, 2023
I don't know what exactly I was expecting when I started reading this, but I think it gave me that and something else. I had fun with it. It pulled me in, and it even broke my heart a little. Which is not really what I expected. Don't worry, it mends it enough by the end! There is no cruel cliffhanger. However, there is enough of a "But what about???" that I am ready for book 2 AND book 3 already!
The Basics
*Fantasy Romance - between three mage dragonriders Kirby + Cai + Harlen
*Modern day setting with hidden paranormal society
*Single POV (Kirby)
*Book 1 of a series, does have a HFN, all planned books will focus on this triad (Book 2 will be Harlen's POV, Book 3 will be Cai's POV)
*Spice - On page descriptive, in detail; three person & kink involved (stop light color system utilized)
Kirby is a mage, hired for a simple warding on a remote castle in Wales; except, not really. He soon learns he was brought to a castle of dragon riders dragons still exist!?! because there is a dragon ready to bond with a rider, but the ceremony requires more mages than they have available (naturally, they are not worried about Kirby being selected, and will simply wipe his memories).
SPOILER ALERT the dragon totally picks Kirby
From there, you have some good old fashion fantasy tropes like protecting the mundanes that's us, training (hello instructor Cai and Harlen), dragon mind links, with a dash of mixed together with a spiciness of a heat like desire, grumpy sunshine x2, and D/s. There is also a big plot shaping itself. An overarching plot outside of the romance, with a big bad just out of sight.
There are so many awesome vibes in this book, from Harlen's scheming (I cannot wait for his POV! I am pretty sure he met Kirby and immediately thought "you are the missing link. I must have you with Cai") to the leather riding clothing to Kirby basically being a giant dork and his dragon laughing at him all the time. Also his dragon being a bit of a shameless tart was utterly delightful. I LOVED the bond between the riders and their dragons. I appreciated how the polyamory was handled in this, with all three characters having relationships with each other, as well as the core three person dynamic. It was not just Kirby and two boyfriends, all three of them had individual relationships with each other (impressive to see in a single POV! but Cai and Harlen's romance was just as present as Kirby's romances with either man)
It was an interesting choice to split up the POVs by book, and most of the time, with a few notable exceptions (*cough* Monstrous series by Lily Mayne *cough*), I much prefer dual POVs in romance. But it worked here. We met the world through Kirby's eyes and that helped us learn about it with him. We also got to see some of Cai and Harlen's struggles from an outside perspective, which I think was good in this case. And it has made me even more anxious to continue the series and get more of their perspectives!
Content
*Heat like mating urges (based upon mind link with dragon)
*Concerns for suicidal ideation
*Internal body shaming
*Intimacy while intoxicated
*Parental alienation
*Foster care history
I received an ARC of this book from GRR! This review is my unbiased thoughts!
The Basics
*Fantasy Romance - between three mage dragonriders Kirby + Cai + Harlen
*Modern day setting with hidden paranormal society
*Single POV (Kirby)
*Book 1 of a series, does have a HFN, all planned books will focus on this triad (Book 2 will be Harlen's POV, Book 3 will be Cai's POV)
*Spice - On page descriptive, in detail; three person & kink involved (stop light color system utilized)
Kirby is a mage, hired for a simple warding on a remote castle in Wales; except, not really. He soon learns he was brought to a castle of dragon riders dragons still exist!?! because there is a dragon ready to bond with a rider, but the ceremony requires more mages than they have available (naturally, they are not worried about Kirby being selected, and will simply wipe his memories).
SPOILER ALERT the dragon totally picks Kirby
From there, you have some good old fashion fantasy tropes like protecting the mundanes that's us, training (hello instructor Cai and Harlen), dragon mind links, with a dash of mixed together with a spiciness of a heat like desire, grumpy sunshine x2, and D/s. There is also a big plot shaping itself. An overarching plot outside of the romance, with a big bad just out of sight.
There are so many awesome vibes in this book, from Harlen's scheming (I cannot wait for his POV! I am pretty sure he met Kirby and immediately thought "you are the missing link. I must have you with Cai") to the leather riding clothing to Kirby basically being a giant dork and his dragon laughing at him all the time. Also his dragon being a bit of a shameless tart was utterly delightful. I LOVED the bond between the riders and their dragons. I appreciated how the polyamory was handled in this, with all three characters having relationships with each other, as well as the core three person dynamic. It was not just Kirby and two boyfriends, all three of them had individual relationships with each other (impressive to see in a single POV! but Cai and Harlen's romance was just as present as Kirby's romances with either man)
It was an interesting choice to split up the POVs by book, and most of the time, with a few notable exceptions (*cough* Monstrous series by Lily Mayne *cough*), I much prefer dual POVs in romance. But it worked here. We met the world through Kirby's eyes and that helped us learn about it with him. We also got to see some of Cai and Harlen's struggles from an outside perspective, which I think was good in this case. And it has made me even more anxious to continue the series and get more of their perspectives!
Content
*Heat like mating urges (based upon mind link with dragon)
*Concerns for suicidal ideation
*Internal body shaming
*Intimacy while intoxicated
*Parental alienation
*Foster care history
I received an ARC of this book from GRR! This review is my unbiased thoughts!
June 25, 2023
I wanted to like this more than I did. (I received an advance review copy from BookSirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)
There were unfortunately a couple things not in its favor that were entirely not its fault but colored my experience regardless (read it right after one of the best books I've read ever; I misunderstood some of the blurb) but there were also some points where the book didn't do itself any favors.
To its credit, this story delivers on some cool things:
* Dragonriding!
* MMM relationship!
* Telepathic bond with dragons!
* Urban fantasy/Magical realism where the world is just like ours - but with secret dragons and secret dragon riding society
* Aurora Borealis is a portal to another world!
* Some shifting dom/sub dynamics
* Active use of the traffic light system for consent during sex
* A tiny bit of intrigue and mystery
* Some setup for the next books
Where I felt it could have used some improvement:
* The pacing was neckbreakingly fast. Unless this is intentionally short or competing for a rapid plot trophy, slow down and let your plot and characters breathe. Let the relationships bloom. Let the characters grow.
* General character development was lacking for me
* The main MMC, Kirby, felt very immature and whiny. He even expresses concern at several points that he fears he sounds whiny and, well, he did. He didn't really seem to have much personality beyond finding the other two men hot
* Mordecai/Cai kind of felt like he was supposed to be a grumpy character with a soft spot for his loved ones but he consistently felt really cold and distant the whole time to me. We see why he is the way that he is but I kept expecting a moment where we see "the other side" of him or more to him and it felt like it didn't really happen? There were moments where that might have been the goal but it wasn't successful for me.
* Harlen could have been the saving grace as the more upbeat, positive one of the bunch but he kinda came off a bit wrong, a bit too overconfident in a way that made him feel smug and smarmy and all around not as likable as he could have been.
* I also was not a fan of the way Harlen treated Cai and felt like their relationship dynamic could have been explained much earlier if he was meant to be likable (and I think they were all meant to be likable)
* On the plot front... there were pieces that were kinda engaging but I never felt fully invested - likely for a mix of reasons including not being that into characters
* Some of the miscommunication, like Harlen "forgetting" to let Kirby in on vital information prior to the dragon bonding, felt really forced and unrealistic
* The ending(ish) felt a little unsatisfying in that Kirby's role was a little eyeroll-y for me and I wasn't sure what the point of Cai's experience was beyond some 11th hour angst.
There were unfortunately a couple things not in its favor that were entirely not its fault but colored my experience regardless (read it right after one of the best books I've read ever; I misunderstood some of the blurb) but there were also some points where the book didn't do itself any favors.
To its credit, this story delivers on some cool things:
* Dragonriding!
* MMM relationship!
* Telepathic bond with dragons!
* Urban fantasy/Magical realism where the world is just like ours - but with secret dragons and secret dragon riding society
* Aurora Borealis is a portal to another world!
* Some shifting dom/sub dynamics
* Active use of the traffic light system for consent during sex
* A tiny bit of intrigue and mystery
* Some setup for the next books
Where I felt it could have used some improvement:
* The pacing was neckbreakingly fast. Unless this is intentionally short or competing for a rapid plot trophy, slow down and let your plot and characters breathe. Let the relationships bloom. Let the characters grow.
* General character development was lacking for me
* The main MMC, Kirby, felt very immature and whiny. He even expresses concern at several points that he fears he sounds whiny and, well, he did. He didn't really seem to have much personality beyond finding the other two men hot
* Mordecai/Cai kind of felt like he was supposed to be a grumpy character with a soft spot for his loved ones but he consistently felt really cold and distant the whole time to me. We see why he is the way that he is but I kept expecting a moment where we see "the other side" of him or more to him and it felt like it didn't really happen? There were moments where that might have been the goal but it wasn't successful for me.
* Harlen could have been the saving grace as the more upbeat, positive one of the bunch but he kinda came off a bit wrong, a bit too overconfident in a way that made him feel smug and smarmy and all around not as likable as he could have been.
* I also was not a fan of the way Harlen treated Cai and felt like their relationship dynamic could have been explained much earlier if he was meant to be likable (and I think they were all meant to be likable)
* On the plot front... there were pieces that were kinda engaging but I never felt fully invested - likely for a mix of reasons including not being that into characters
* Some of the miscommunication, like Harlen "forgetting" to let Kirby in on vital information prior to the dragon bonding, felt really forced and unrealistic
* The ending(ish) felt a little unsatisfying in that Kirby's role was a little eyeroll-y for me and I wasn't sure what the point of Cai's experience was beyond some 11th hour angst.
November 4, 2023
Un grand merci à l’auteur.e pour cet ARC et sa confiance.
Je n’avais jamais lu un livre se déroulant au Pays de Galle! Ses paysages verdoyants, ses vieux châteaux, ses mythes et sa météo humide ont tout pour me faire rêver.🤤
Fraîchement débarqué au Pays de Galle, où il pense avoir été embauché pour dresser des barrières magiques autour d’un château, Kirby, jeune mage de 23 ans, se rend compte que des secrets plus profonds encore jouxtent sa réalité surnaturelle.
J’ai vraiment bien accroché avec le personnage principal.
Kirby est une vraie crème (tout spécialement avec ses partenaires) mais qui n’hésitera pas à rentrer dans le lard de quiconque pour protéger les siens. Et il concrétise notre rêve à tous en se liant avec un dragon. Un VRAI dragon! (Pas de métamorphes ici).
Mordecai est un chef consciencieux qui peut paraître dur et froid mais qui prend vraiment à cœur le bien être de ses dragonniers, j’ai adoré la description faite par Kirby "cruelty is his love language".🤌
Harlen, lui, est un adorable dragueur qui passe son temps à taquiner Mordecai, dont il est le chef en second, et qui sait comment lui faire relâcher la pression qu’il le veuille ou non. 😇😉Il est également attentif et farouchement protecteur envers ceux qu’il aime.
Leur rencontre est électrique! Les étincelles volent surtout entre Cai et Harlen, tous deux mâles dominants.⚡️🥰
J’adore les romances polyamoureuses dans lesquelles la relation est bien développée et où les personnages ont des caractères bien distincts, et celle-ci réunie tous ces critères.
Ce premier tome pose doucement mais chaudement les bases d’une relation MMM bourrée de moments chauds bouillant, et de sentiments forts et prudents voués à se renforcer.
Le plot twist vers la fin m’a comprimé la gorge et fait monter les larmes aux yeux! Je pressens que l’auteur.e va me lacérer le cœur dans les prochains tomes.😅
Je n’avais jamais lu un livre se déroulant au Pays de Galle! Ses paysages verdoyants, ses vieux châteaux, ses mythes et sa météo humide ont tout pour me faire rêver.🤤
Fraîchement débarqué au Pays de Galle, où il pense avoir été embauché pour dresser des barrières magiques autour d’un château, Kirby, jeune mage de 23 ans, se rend compte que des secrets plus profonds encore jouxtent sa réalité surnaturelle.
J’ai vraiment bien accroché avec le personnage principal.
Kirby est une vraie crème (tout spécialement avec ses partenaires) mais qui n’hésitera pas à rentrer dans le lard de quiconque pour protéger les siens. Et il concrétise notre rêve à tous en se liant avec un dragon. Un VRAI dragon! (Pas de métamorphes ici).
Mordecai est un chef consciencieux qui peut paraître dur et froid mais qui prend vraiment à cœur le bien être de ses dragonniers, j’ai adoré la description faite par Kirby "cruelty is his love language".🤌
Harlen, lui, est un adorable dragueur qui passe son temps à taquiner Mordecai, dont il est le chef en second, et qui sait comment lui faire relâcher la pression qu’il le veuille ou non. 😇😉Il est également attentif et farouchement protecteur envers ceux qu’il aime.
Leur rencontre est électrique! Les étincelles volent surtout entre Cai et Harlen, tous deux mâles dominants.⚡️🥰
J’adore les romances polyamoureuses dans lesquelles la relation est bien développée et où les personnages ont des caractères bien distincts, et celle-ci réunie tous ces critères.
Ce premier tome pose doucement mais chaudement les bases d’une relation MMM bourrée de moments chauds bouillant, et de sentiments forts et prudents voués à se renforcer.
Le plot twist vers la fin m’a comprimé la gorge et fait monter les larmes aux yeux! Je pressens que l’auteur.e va me lacérer le cœur dans les prochains tomes.😅
June 10, 2023
Copy received from Book sirens. Thank you. Nope I wasn't paid for this, yep full honesty. The cover wasn't much but it said MMM and dragons. I was intrigued. It took a while to get through this one because it was awkward. I do not do well with awkward.
The MC gets roped into filling the numbers in a dragon choosing and gets chosen out of all the elites there. Its a fairytale ending for him, especially when their bond is telepathic. The two of them are adorable and living the dream, whilst the MC crushes on two other riders.
The awkwardness comes in with the full moon. Whatever the dragons do bleeds through to their riders. Meaning whoever his dragon screws, he gets screwed by their rider. The sex is hot but leaves for some awkward morning afters. It is Cai and MC heavy, with Harlan controlling most of the relationship between the three of them and making sure they're a trio.
Add in chosen one business, hints of an old guard not stepping aside and hints the portals might be something more. It sucks that Cai was the one that took the hit and that he has to put up with his father. I'm curious what will happen next. It will be interesting to see if there's more to Harlan.
The MC gets roped into filling the numbers in a dragon choosing and gets chosen out of all the elites there. Its a fairytale ending for him, especially when their bond is telepathic. The two of them are adorable and living the dream, whilst the MC crushes on two other riders.
The awkwardness comes in with the full moon. Whatever the dragons do bleeds through to their riders. Meaning whoever his dragon screws, he gets screwed by their rider. The sex is hot but leaves for some awkward morning afters. It is Cai and MC heavy, with Harlan controlling most of the relationship between the three of them and making sure they're a trio.
Add in chosen one business, hints of an old guard not stepping aside and hints the portals might be something more. It sucks that Cai was the one that took the hit and that he has to put up with his father. I'm curious what will happen next. It will be interesting to see if there's more to Harlan.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2023
I was given an ARC for an honest review.
I love dragons and this book made me love them more. The 3 MCs have such an interesting relationship with each other. Each MC is complex and contradictory, presenting a public persona very different to their private persona and this adds some fun to the building relationship.
I laughed, was sad, felt happy, almost cried (I don’t cry easily) and thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I am now going to have to wait a long time for the next two books in the series. I started it this morning and kept going back to it until I finished it and was sad when it finished because I want more.
I love dragons and this book made me love them more. The 3 MCs have such an interesting relationship with each other. Each MC is complex and contradictory, presenting a public persona very different to their private persona and this adds some fun to the building relationship.
I laughed, was sad, felt happy, almost cried (I don’t cry easily) and thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I am now going to have to wait a long time for the next two books in the series. I started it this morning and kept going back to it until I finished it and was sad when it finished because I want more.
June 8, 2023
3.75/5 One of my favourite series in my teen years was Anne McCaffrey’s Dragonriders of Pern. Rodman’s novel had just enough similarities to give me happy nostalgia while going its own (very queer, lol) way. I love close connections between dragons and riders, and the dragon/rider intro here was truly awesome (and made me laugh in the best way possible).
I liked Kirby a lot. I wish that we got to know Cai and Harlen better. I really enjoyed glimpses of them but felt like we didn’t get as close as I wanted for most of the book. Kirby commented on dragon riders not being communicators, and that was definitely what it felt like, lol. I wanted to sit them down and make them all discuss things. I appreciated the sweet moments and the spots where Cai could be himself.
(I’m glad that we eventually see that Cai and Harlen have some, uh, checks and balances, to their relationship. Like Kirby, a few of the things we saw seemed worrisome to an observer. I’m glad that consent at least gets discussed, there are a couple of scenes where it’s a bit fast and loose.)
This was a fascinating world, and I think I would have asked a lot more questions if I were Kirby—was I the only one who thought dragons might breathe fire? Wouldn’t fighting straps or a harness be a good idea if you constantly fought aerial battles? Wouldn’t you question why we were attacking and destroying something that never fights back? Are there older dragon riders? I’m glad someone had questions about the darn saddle!
I wanted to know way more about the rules/laws/power structure that Kirby suddenly found himself stuck in the middle of. (But it didn’t feel totally out of character that Kirby was thinking about other things and enjoying full moons, lol.) I definitely want to drag more of this society into the 21st century and update some of that sexism/classism/internalised homophobia/toxic masculinity. (The whole idea of “win, you get to top, lose, you have to bottom” as a fixed structure for dragon mating just pissed me off. I appreciated that Ri was so unapologetic about going after what he really wanted.) I’m glad Kirby at least flagged some of the issues and Cai talked about trying to change pieces of it.
I did not see the ending coming. Some of that was just surprise, and some of it felt like a ton of new elements were suddenly introduced near the end of the book. I’m glad that Kirby, Cai, and Harlen figured out a way to be together. I like them best when they get to have those happy moments. I’m still hoping for some fix-its in the future. I’d definitely like to see what comes next!
I received an ARC from GRR. This is my honest review.
I liked Kirby a lot. I wish that we got to know Cai and Harlen better. I really enjoyed glimpses of them but felt like we didn’t get as close as I wanted for most of the book. Kirby commented on dragon riders not being communicators, and that was definitely what it felt like, lol. I wanted to sit them down and make them all discuss things. I appreciated the sweet moments and the spots where Cai could be himself.
(I’m glad that we eventually see that Cai and Harlen have some, uh, checks and balances, to their relationship. Like Kirby, a few of the things we saw seemed worrisome to an observer. I’m glad that consent at least gets discussed, there are a couple of scenes where it’s a bit fast and loose.)
This was a fascinating world, and I think I would have asked a lot more questions if I were Kirby—was I the only one who thought dragons might breathe fire? Wouldn’t fighting straps or a harness be a good idea if you constantly fought aerial battles? Wouldn’t you question why we were attacking and destroying something that never fights back? Are there older dragon riders? I’m glad someone had questions about the darn saddle!
I wanted to know way more about the rules/laws/power structure that Kirby suddenly found himself stuck in the middle of. (But it didn’t feel totally out of character that Kirby was thinking about other things and enjoying full moons, lol.) I definitely want to drag more of this society into the 21st century and update some of that sexism/classism/internalised homophobia/toxic masculinity. (The whole idea of “win, you get to top, lose, you have to bottom” as a fixed structure for dragon mating just pissed me off. I appreciated that Ri was so unapologetic about going after what he really wanted.) I’m glad Kirby at least flagged some of the issues and Cai talked about trying to change pieces of it.
I did not see the ending coming. Some of that was just surprise, and some of it felt like a ton of new elements were suddenly introduced near the end of the book. I’m glad that Kirby, Cai, and Harlen figured out a way to be together. I like them best when they get to have those happy moments. I’m still hoping for some fix-its in the future. I’d definitely like to see what comes next!
I received an ARC from GRR. This is my honest review.
June 15, 2023
DragonRider was far more enjoyable than I thought it would be. Kirby is a mage who was only invited as a slot-filler for a dragon’s choosing of a rider (he didn’t even know dragons exist). But when he is unexpectedly chosen by Ri to be his rider, Kirby enters a sacred covenant of dragons and their riders that fight off extra-dimensional beings from entering the modern world through portals. There, he meets two men, leaders of the dragonriders, that gets his heart (and loins) fluttering. And when their three dragons mate, their bonds makes their riders do the same. And Ri just so happens to be a slutty bottom of a dragon.
This book was hilarious with many genuine laugh out loud moments and pop culture references that just work. It is certainly very horny and has plenty of polyamorous spice. Kirby may very well be the chosen one and he immediately attracts two dominant men. Cai is the leader who is a grumpy switch while Harlen is the sunshiny fun-loving dom, so Kirby fits right in as the sub both men need to complete their throuple. It’s all very convenient and fast, but I was not the least bit bothered by it. The writing does feel a bit juvenile, but that may be down to us following Kirby’s perspective and he does come off immature. I also do wish that there was more to the story and that the book was longer because the plot here was mostly to just set up the backstory and facilitate sexy time. The ending does intrigue me though, and I do want to know where the main plotline is going.
DragonRider is a fun and spicy MMM dragonrider romance.
*I received an eARC via BookSirens in exchange for an honest review.
This book was hilarious with many genuine laugh out loud moments and pop culture references that just work. It is certainly very horny and has plenty of polyamorous spice. Kirby may very well be the chosen one and he immediately attracts two dominant men. Cai is the leader who is a grumpy switch while Harlen is the sunshiny fun-loving dom, so Kirby fits right in as the sub both men need to complete their throuple. It’s all very convenient and fast, but I was not the least bit bothered by it. The writing does feel a bit juvenile, but that may be down to us following Kirby’s perspective and he does come off immature. I also do wish that there was more to the story and that the book was longer because the plot here was mostly to just set up the backstory and facilitate sexy time. The ending does intrigue me though, and I do want to know where the main plotline is going.
DragonRider is a fun and spicy MMM dragonrider romance.
*I received an eARC via BookSirens in exchange for an honest review.
July 25, 2023
This book just wasn’t for me. The writing felt very basic, the right side alignment was off putting and there didn’t seem to be a plot worth getting invested in.
I received an advance review copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 14, 2023
This book has taken on a different side of Dragons. Usually it's a shifter, not a secret society of Dragon riders and rider kin.
All the riders were chosen by a dragon. In the Wales region, there are a total of 5 riders and a dragon, Ri, decides it's time for him to take a rider. Kirby, a decent mage, was brought to the castle under false pretenses, and is asked to be a number to fill an empty spot.
The Dragons bond with their rider and protect the world from beings that come through portals. The rider's job is to close the portals and chase and terminate anything that comes through.
It was a MMM but it was done tastefully. Spice was low, but it added just enough to the story to help the reader see how the relationships between the characters were previously formed and how the addition of another person strengthened their bonds not only with the riders but also with the Dragons.
It was well written and the plot and characters were easy to envision.
I received an advanced review copy for free and I am leaving review voluntarily.
All the riders were chosen by a dragon. In the Wales region, there are a total of 5 riders and a dragon, Ri, decides it's time for him to take a rider. Kirby, a decent mage, was brought to the castle under false pretenses, and is asked to be a number to fill an empty spot.
The Dragons bond with their rider and protect the world from beings that come through portals. The rider's job is to close the portals and chase and terminate anything that comes through.
It was a MMM but it was done tastefully. Spice was low, but it added just enough to the story to help the reader see how the relationships between the characters were previously formed and how the addition of another person strengthened their bonds not only with the riders but also with the Dragons.
It was well written and the plot and characters were easy to envision.
I received an advanced review copy for free and I am leaving review voluntarily.
July 4, 2023
The tipping point for me was when the dragons fucked and it was revealed that the riders would have to fuck the rider of the dragon who was fucked by their dragon. I was like what the hell am I reading. And of course MC1 is the chosen one 🙄
Unfortunately I have to read the other two books because I want to know if mc2 gets his magic back.
For me it’s relatively clear that the bad beings are not really bad and the senat (they spell it some other way) are the real villains.
MC1 is the poor guy with no friends or family because of course he is.
Mc2 is the mean guy with a soft side.
MC3 is the fun guy with the dominant side.
Everything in this book is so convenient it’s annoying. I didn’t like this much but as I read it to the end and now want to read the other two I have to give 3 stars.
Unfortunately I have to read the other two books because I want to know if mc2 gets his magic back.
For me it’s relatively clear that the bad beings are not really bad and the senat (they spell it some other way) are the real villains.
MC1 is the poor guy with no friends or family because of course he is.
Mc2 is the mean guy with a soft side.
MC3 is the fun guy with the dominant side.
Everything in this book is so convenient it’s annoying. I didn’t like this much but as I read it to the end and now want to read the other two I have to give 3 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2023
So I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, I loved the characters, I specifically adored Kirby, and I would definitely love other characters if I were in their head as well. But this book is told from Kirby's POV and that's great. Being in his head is easy and he is a genially nice person. On the other hand, there was this world-building, which was nearly non-existent. And it would be ok if it were just a smutty poly-romance, but it's apparently a low-fantasy series with politics, shenanigans, some interdimensional invasion, and The Chosen One. You need to build a background for this shit. This world needs more details. If the book were at least 400 pages it would be an excellent maybe even 5-star read. Because the main character did ask all the right questions in his head. But we never saw the on-page answers. Like, do they get paid? Who pays them? etc
Read
June 23, 2023Thank you to the publisher and author for providing me the opportunity to read and review DragonRider. I received an advance review copy for free from Booksirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Why I chose DragonRider? Dragons, riders telepathically bonded to dragons, magic, grumpy/sunshine dynamics (sort of) and polyamorous romance. What's not to love? I appreciated the concepts, some of the humor and the spicy scenes. It even made me cry at a certain point.
However, I wish there had been fewer sex scenes and more of the rest of the plot. Other than the 3 main characters and one dragon, we didn't get to know anyone. The "training" was nonexistent, the battle scenes went by in a flash and I still don't understand how dragons have been kept secret for so long, especially since this takes place in our world with all our cell phones, telescopes and satellite surveillance. Also, the MC is a mage, but it wasn't clear to me if non-mages are aware of the existence of magic. Or how he was able to perform some of the magic he did without ever having done it before (can't say more without spoiling the story.)
I did like DragonRider more than another story by S, Rodman, but I think it would be improved by more work on the secondary characters and worldbuilding.
Why I chose DragonRider? Dragons, riders telepathically bonded to dragons, magic, grumpy/sunshine dynamics (sort of) and polyamorous romance. What's not to love? I appreciated the concepts, some of the humor and the spicy scenes. It even made me cry at a certain point.
However, I wish there had been fewer sex scenes and more of the rest of the plot. Other than the 3 main characters and one dragon, we didn't get to know anyone. The "training" was nonexistent, the battle scenes went by in a flash and I still don't understand how dragons have been kept secret for so long, especially since this takes place in our world with all our cell phones, telescopes and satellite surveillance. Also, the MC is a mage, but it wasn't clear to me if non-mages are aware of the existence of magic. Or how he was able to perform some of the magic he did without ever having done it before (can't say more without spoiling the story.)
I did like DragonRider more than another story by S, Rodman, but I think it would be improved by more work on the secondary characters and worldbuilding.
November 6, 2023
3 Stars!
Second dragon book down for November and honestly, it was an interesting one.
There are some odd paths I didn’t expect, one being a slutty dragon that likes to bottom. Not entirely sure how I feel about it but I don’t think I like it.
The story itself wasn’t bad but it definitely was very quick and didn’t have a whole lot of detail. The main character is Kirby, someone who I had hard time not imagining as a pink round circle that inhales everything. He starts off not knowing dragons exist and by the end he is a dragon rider and chosen one.
It’s a bit sudden considering this is under 300 pages but I did enjoy the dynamic between the three and the next book is through the POV of my favourite of the guys SO I might give it another shot and see how I feel about it.
Second dragon book down for November and honestly, it was an interesting one.
There are some odd paths I didn’t expect, one being a slutty dragon that likes to bottom. Not entirely sure how I feel about it but I don’t think I like it.
The story itself wasn’t bad but it definitely was very quick and didn’t have a whole lot of detail. The main character is Kirby, someone who I had hard time not imagining as a pink round circle that inhales everything. He starts off not knowing dragons exist and by the end he is a dragon rider and chosen one.
It’s a bit sudden considering this is under 300 pages but I did enjoy the dynamic between the three and the next book is through the POV of my favourite of the guys SO I might give it another shot and see how I feel about it.
June 6, 2023
Give me a book with Dragons and I have to read it.
I Love the Sassy of our main dragon Rai, he is egocentric and is not afraid to go for what he wants and knows that his interests will be very compatible with the new wizard who arrives at the castle, Kirby.
Kirby is hired to do a certain spell, but upon reaching the place he realizes that it is something very different and that dragons do not only exist in fairy tales.
I loved that everything feels natural, nothing forced. The chemistry between Caí, the High Commander, and his second in command is ineffable, just like with Kirby.
And the way they take care of each other is beautiful, I suffered a lot with what happens to Cai, the author manages to make you fall in love with the characters in a few pages, I hope Cai recovers because his destiny is in the heights.
My only problem is that I wish there were more scenes of dragons and their riders, seeing the training and how the bonds are strengthened.
I really need the next book now.
I Love the Sassy of our main dragon Rai, he is egocentric and is not afraid to go for what he wants and knows that his interests will be very compatible with the new wizard who arrives at the castle, Kirby.
Kirby is hired to do a certain spell, but upon reaching the place he realizes that it is something very different and that dragons do not only exist in fairy tales.
I loved that everything feels natural, nothing forced. The chemistry between Caí, the High Commander, and his second in command is ineffable, just like with Kirby.
And the way they take care of each other is beautiful, I suffered a lot with what happens to Cai, the author manages to make you fall in love with the characters in a few pages, I hope Cai recovers because his destiny is in the heights.
My only problem is that I wish there were more scenes of dragons and their riders, seeing the training and how the bonds are strengthened.
I really need the next book now.
October 13, 2023
I was really disappointed with this book.
The story was slow to develop, characters had no real progression or change, it was very very repetitive to a point where I was just basically skimming the book instead of reading it completely.
I was decided to give it two stars, but I got to the end and it simply doesn't have an actual end. It's not a finished story, it's like a mid season break. So many questions (and the author actually writes and teases these questions in the end) left without answer, but no real desire to continue reading to know what happens.
The story was slow to develop, characters had no real progression or change, it was very very repetitive to a point where I was just basically skimming the book instead of reading it completely.
I was decided to give it two stars, but I got to the end and it simply doesn't have an actual end. It's not a finished story, it's like a mid season break. So many questions (and the author actually writes and teases these questions in the end) left without answer, but no real desire to continue reading to know what happens.
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