OMIGOSH! This was one of the best stories I have ever read! I love Jade Lee's books and just when I think she couldn't get any better...she surprises me! Her worldbuilding is wonderful and made me feel like I was right there. This is a wonderful book and I will keep in on my keeper shelf.
Keep it up Jade...we love you!
A fantasy of superior quality which bridges the gap between the romance and SF&F genres DRAGONBORN opens with Kiril, Dag Racho's newly appointed governor and dragon-hunter, stalking his latest victim. Dragon's were evil. Kiril had known this since he was a boy. His cousin Jaseen had been chosen to incubate a dragon's egg and had become a dragonborn. It had changed the gentle young man into a monster. Clearly the dragon had taken control of his will. He had hoped to save the boy Huet, but it was too late. The demon spawn had already hatched. The boy was Dag Huet now, a dragonborn, his mind irrevocably bonded with the newly hatched beast. His chance to retain his humanity was lost. Dag Huet and his dragon were no match for Kiril's legendary sword skills. One down and one more dragonborn child left to murder. Then it would be done.
Kiril now searches for Natiya Draeva, orphaned daughter of Dragon Scholars, hoping that she can lead him to the Clutching Caves where he would find and destroy the egg which held the unborn dragon Queen. Little does he know that Nitiya herself is incubating the egg disguised as a belly jewel in her navel, waiting for the day that she, along with her Golden Queen, could avenge her parents' deaths by killing the Emperor, Dag Racho, and his Copper dragon. Already the egg communes with her. It is insatiable in its curiosity. Seeking knowledge and experiences it questions her endlessly and magnifies her every emotion.
A new Governor must introduce himself to the population that he will govern, and what better place to show oneself than in the local tavern. There, quite by accident, he finds Natiya. Natiya is a dockside dancer, the best in Dabu'ut arguably the best in the entire realm. She is not at all what he had presumed. Expecting a lewd display, Kiril is blindsided by her skill and by the lust he feels for her as he watches her dance. Although Natiya resented being forced to dance for him, her heart beats faster at the very sight of the new Governor. Against her will she throws herself into the dance, performing like she's never done before. But her only priority must be to protect the egg until the hatching. He is sworn to kill them both. Neither of them had counted on falling in love.
DRAGONBORN is a fantasy of superior quality which bridges the gap between the romance and SF&F genres, expertly blending a star-crossed relationship, superb world building, and riveting suspense. Dag Racho, the antagonist, like Kiril and Natiya. is beautifully drawn. Like the heroes he is a complex character whom the author takes from a sickly tormented child to a cruel and ruthless ruler and back to the confused and lonely man that lies deep inside him. This book is sure to appeal to a wide range of readers, the only difficulty will be deciding where to shelf it. For an excellent fantasy/romance/action-suspense read, I highly recommend DRAGONBORN by Jade Lee.
I feel compelled to add for the sake of romance readers that there is a condition to the dragonborn bond that is revealed at the end of the story. Quite a surprise. The dilemma being that if the condition is fulfilled a HEA would be impossible. The pair has seen the consequences of resistance, due to Dag Racho's reluctance to comply. So whether or not this story ends happily really depends on what happens next (This is a series). But rest assured that all is well for now. ~ Reviewed for PNR Reviewsdrags you in wasn't sure i was going to like this book and the first few pages weren't enticing me however like a spider this book dragged me and in and kept me, weaving its magic till i was rapt. not as predictable as a lot of books well written and well worth reading you will not be disappointed.Fantasy, but not romance... This was more of a fantasy story with some sex thrown in than a love story. I finished it, but didn't have any problems putting it down, which is too bad as I just LOVE dragons. If you're looking for a love story with a good plot and dragons, try Kiss of Fire by Deborah Cooke.
Kiril knows dragons are evil. He should, as he works for the evil dragon-bonded emperor (the same one who killed Kiril's entire family). Kiril is the most feared dragon-hunter in the kingdom and now there's only one egg left for him to find and dispose of.
Dragons are good. Natiya knows because she is carrying the last egg, a Queen dragon. She has eluded capture all these years, but time is growing short and her dragon is about to hatch.
I guess I didn't enjoy this book because of all the conflicting thoughts and actions. Kiril doesn't like to kill but he does. The emperor killed his family, yet Kiril kills the only things that might be able to depose the emperor.
Natiya can't make up her mind about Kiril, dragons, or even the emperor. She has several TSTL moments and I really didn't feel for her throughout the book. I didn't feel a connection (other than good sex) between her and Kiril and both hid hurtful secrets. Anyway, I'm sure there's a vast audience for this, but I wouldn't have shelved it in romance.Intriguing Fantasy Romance!! Jade Lee truly knows how to weave a story of magic! This book was absolutely compelling and the world building superb. Humans incubate dragon eggs in the form of a jewel, attaching it to their body, hence the term Dragonborn. What an intriguing concept! I truly hope there is more to this series. I was left with questions regarding the Human/Dragon relationship, yet none that made the book less captivating, just a need for more! I'm hoping this book is merely the start of an awesome series set in a fascinating world!
