Angoleth's Heir (Dragons of Angoleth #1) by Megan Poetschlag | A Book Review

I got this as an ARC but have not been able to read it right away. This has been sleeping on my TBR. Finally, I can cross this off the list.

This is a story about dragon's. At first, it's not really obvious. The hint of dragons only came when the protagonist, Soraya, was taken back to her home--Angoleth. Soraya was taken to the land of humans when she was just an infant to protect her. She was given to a human couple his father has seen on Central Park. Yes, his father literally handed her over to a couple to take care of and to keep her safe. Luckily, the couple was childless and the wife was instantly taken with Soraya. They loved and nurtured Soraya until she got the surprise of her life when she turned eighteen. A guy, named Ruinar, visited Soraya to take her back to her birth parents and her home. 

This is a coming of age story of a girl who was meant to be more. An heir to a kingdom and is the only person who can save her parents and the whole kingdom from falling fully into evil hands. But before she can do any saving, she has to accept and learn to be in her new skin. She has to train to be a warrior and defeat the evil that has poisoned and destroyed Angoleth. Aside from that, she has to know more about the kingdom that she is soon to inherit and its inhabitants that she will soon serve.

This story reminded me of Kimberly Loth's Dragon Kings series. The similarities lie in having a young person/creature to serve or rule a kingdom and of course, there are dragons in both stories. Both stories also tackle the age old idea of good versus evil. The difference of the two is that Dragon Kings have three kings while in this story, so far it only spoke of one heir to the kingdom.

The story is not new and having the main character of Soraya grew up in the human world, away from her birth parents and unaware of her true identity is also not unheard of. But the fact, that she is a powerful magnificent and mythical creature is what fascinates me and the story did not in any way gave a clue until Soraya was ready to go back home. That part of the story was what I really liked because I was so clueless as to what Soraya really is. I know that she is important, as described in the early part of the story but how vital she is to be in the affairs and fate of the kingdom of Angoleth was yet to be revealed.

Another thing I liked about the story was the sufficient background story of how Angoleth came to be and its characters. Ruinar and even the supporting characters like Almira, Tinnu and Cyra were also given enough information as how they are essential to the whole story to work.

I give this book 4/5 black books. As I have said, the story is not really extraordinary but I love how the unveiling of Soraya's identity was played out. It was done with finesse. The author made the readers comfortable first with the first few chapters of the book and then, out of nowhere, the curtains are raised and lo and behold, the real Soraya. It was done with absolute care and with the reader so clueless as to what is coming next. I know this book was about dragons but I was still surprised when the dragons came into the picture. For that, I praise the author's skill for handling that part of the story very cleverly. I am looking forward to the next installments of the series. Thank you, Megan Poetschlag for the copy.

Don't worry, I am even more afraid and confused than you, but I have to smile and pretend I know what's going on.

- Megan Poetschlag, Angoleth's Heir - 

Henrietta and the Dragon Stone (The Five Kingdoms #2) by Beth Barany | A Book Review

This is the sequel to Henrietta the Dragon Slayer. I received book marks from the author. I can't remember how that happened. Maybe it was one of those giveaways I joined and not remember anymore. Anyway, I emailed the author thanking her for the bookmarks. She also asked me if I already have a copy of Henrietta and the Battle of the Horse Mesa, Book 3 of this series. I already have it but mentioned to her that I do not have book two yet. She was so generous that she sent me this book. Thank you so much, Beth Barany.

This continued the events following that of Henrietta the Dragon Slayer. It picked up right where the first book left off. Henrietta, with the dragon stone in her possession, set out to go home and heal her sick mentor-the Master Blacksmith. Unfortunately, she came a bit late and more devastating surprises are awaiting for her. 

I was not so impressed with the first book but I did enjoy this second installment. I finally appreciated the story and found myself rooting for Henri. I have seen the light of day and now I am converted. I am now a fan. I liked that more of Henri's character is revealed in this story which I think helped in my conversion. Henri is shaping up to be the heroine I would gladly follow in her adventures. 

A new set of characters were introduced in this story. Henri met new friends and new allies. She is back in her hometown and old wounds and pains seemed to have reopened and visited Henri again. Her failures are now back to stare her in the face and she can't afford to fail like just before. She has to succeed in her new mission. 

A new enemy also threatens the peace and order of the Five Kingdoms. Henrietta does not know who this evil is and that he is also after the dragon stone. This book is promising an onset of a war. I am looking forward to know what new adventures and perils await our heroine and her friends in the third book. 

I give this 4/5 green stones. Finally, this story has captured my interest. This adventure is just starting for me. I am excited for the next book. I am sure Henri would be able to fully showcase her skills. 

A trust forged in the fire of adventure is steadfast for life.

- Beth Barany, Henrietta and the Dragon Stone -

Other Books in the Series:

Henrietta the Dragon Slayer Prequel

Henrietta the Dragon Slayer (The Five Kingdoms #1)

Skye (The Dragon Kings #4) by Kimberly Loth | ARC | A Book Review

I got this ARC from the author. It's an advantage being subscribed to the author's newsletter. You get freebies and hear first of their books and stories. Thank you again Kimberly Loth for giving me a copy of Skye.

Skye is the fourth book of The Dragon Kings series. I have not read the first three books though I planned to read them first but I didn't have a lot of time in my hands to do that. So, against my will and nature, I normally read books in a series chronologically, I went ahead and read book four. I will just go back to those three books later. And without any regret, it was a good decision to just jumped into Skye. It was an amazing adventure. I'm looking forward to more.

Skye is a dragon who can assume a human form. She is part sea dragon and royal. There is a prophecy that there will be three Kings and a great war. A king dragon always has black scales. So far, there had been two king dragons that they know. But no one knows who the third king is except Skye. She has to try to keep that secret for a while and find the oldest dragon who can help her explain the prophecy. 

This is probably the one of most captivating and the best book I have read for the month of October. I did not expect this was how the story would go. I totally dig it. I thought this was like all the other dragon stories but I was wrong. Now, I can't wait to read all the other three books that came before this one. I'm curious what the three books would be like. So far, I know that each book is a story of each of the other characters of this great adventure. I am dying to know their own stories. I will undoubtedly find time to read those three books this November. 

I give this book 5/5 fierce black dragons. I was so riveted to the story. I love Skye's story and how Rowan became a part of it. I don't know what else to say. I had an amazing time in this adventure and I am giddy for more. What more can I say? I am afraid to say more because I might just blabber on and spoil it. All I know is I had a really great time. Like one of those unbelievable vacations I had and I am just too damn happy I can't describe how I feel. And I don't want to talk about it yet because I want to embrace and bottle up those wonderful memories to myself. I want to relive them over and over and over again until I exhaust myself. Afraid that if I spill them out to anyone they will lose their magic and diminish that satisfying feeling they were giving me. This is what it felt like with this book. You will have to experience it to know what I am saying. I highly recommend that everyone should read this. I too thought I would not enjoy this but I was mistaken. It absolutely surprised me and was just too happy that I got to read this book. 

But my birthdays are more like the daisies that grow alongside the roses. Ignored.

- Kimberly Loth, Skye - 

Release Date: October 18, 2016