Monday, November 11, 2019

Review: Awaken the Dragon

Awaken the Dragon (Legion - Book 1) by A.C. Arthur


Publication Date: 11/04/2019
Publisher: Harliquin
Imprint: Carina Press
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Pages: 227 (print)
ASINB07SJ7D5LW

(Received for an honest review from Carina Press)


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Excerpt from Awaken the Dragon courtesy of Amazon’s Look Inside features

Synopsis:

He’s sworn to protect the very entity she was born to kill…

Next in line for the Drakon throne, Theo Masters is the most powerful half human, half dragon in the world. Royal power is the last thing he wants, however. He lives as a human and runs the Legion Security Company. But his new client—a mysterious, beautiful human from a small African village—and the unknown danger she faces may forever change the quiet life that he’s chosen.

Shola N’Gara exists to kill the dark spirit that is attempting to demolish her people. It’s her purpose and her destiny. The gorgeous protector who taunts her with his sexy voice and body is not—especially after he shifts into a magnificent black dragon with turquoise eyes.

A rise in demon activity and the brutal murders Theo’s agents have been reporting start to add up. Someone is making a play, and it’s big enough to change the course of the world as they know it. Now Shola must choose between her destiny and her heart. And Theo must decide if standing by the woman he’s fallen in love with is worth facing his father in a battle to the death.

Thoughts:

A.C. Arthur is another new author for me. I’m always looking for good ones when it comes to the paranormal romance sub genre. This lady has a good track record with another shifter series so I decided to start at the beginning with first book in her new Legion series, Awaken the Dragon. This one has lots of action, several different paranormal characters and a very strong lead couple. It’s a good start to the series. We will see where this one goes.

What I liked:

Theo is a Drakon.... never heard of that before? Me either. That’s half dragon, half human. He lives as a human and has his own security business. He is also next in line for the Drakon throne which gives him even more power. Theo is a total alpha male. He’s strong, he’s determined and formidable. Oftentimes with paranormal romance you get a powerful hero but the heroine isn’t quite up to the challenge. Not in this book! Arthur really comes through by giving Theo a love interest that is in every way his equal. This bad boy deserved a great leading lady. 

In the course of his daily business, Theo and his agents are tasked with protecting, Shola N’Gara of the river tribe. Shola has a specific destiny. She may not be a black dragon with gorgeous turquoise eyes like Theo but she is every bit as dangerous. I loved her spirit and her take no crap attitude. She could stand toe to toe with any of those dragons. I like a heroine who knows her own mind and can stand with her hero no matter what comes against them.

The paranormal aspect of the series was interesting and well developed. You had dragons, vampires, demigods and other assorted paranormal characters. Shifters of any kind are my favorite but dragon shifters were really cool in this world. The world itself was teeming with mystery. 

There was a bit of mystery and tons of action in this one. It was a fast paced ride and didn’t slow down much. Pitting Theo against his father provides some serious conflict. Making the choice between your family and the person you love is tough no matter what the reason is or who is in the right. I thought the author did a great job with that part of the story.

What I didn’t:

The reader is dropped right into this world from the first page of the book. There isn’t a lot of backstory in the beginning and I feel like some readers may be a little overwhelmed. If you stick with it, it does get better and explains more. If you’re new to the sub genre it might not be your best choice to start out with primarily because first impressions are everything when you are trying to hook a reader.

Bottom Line:

This was a good first book. The lead couple was great and the side characters were really interesting. I’m sure we will see more of them as the series continues. I liked the Drakon” half human, half dragon concept. I’ll definitely be reading book two.

Awaken the Dragon is available now from your favorite bookseller

I’m giving this book 4 out of 5 apples from my book bag




About the author:


For all the latest news on A.C. Arthur books, giveaways, appearances and discussions Like A.C. Arthur's Book Lounge on Facebook @ http://www.facebook.com/pages/AC-Arthurs-Book-Lounge or follow her on Twitter @AcArthur

A.C. Arthur was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland where she currently resides with her husband and three children. An active imagination and a love for reading encouraged her to begin writing in high school and she hasn't stopped since.

Working in the legal field she's seen lots of horrific things and longs for the safe haven reading a romance novel brings. Her debut novel Object of His Desire was written when a picture of an Italian villa sparked the idea of an African-American/Italian hero. Determined to bring a new edge to romance, she continues to develop intriguing plots, sensual love scenes, racy characters and fresh dialogue--thus keeping the readers on their toes!

A.C. also writes small town contemporary romance as Lacey Baker. Visit her Amazon Author Page for details about her upcoming Hallmark Channel novelization, A Gingerbread Romance. amazon.com/author/bakerlacey

In the young adult arena, A.C. also writes under the name Artist Arthur. Visit her Amazon Author Page for details about available YA books. amazon.com/author/artistarthurbooks

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