Friday, July 24, 2015

Dragon Fall (Black Dragons #1) by Katie MacAlister

 Dragon Fall was a fun revisit into the world of her Dragon Septs and all their growly, quirky, arrogant splendor. The quick of it is that 2 years ago Aoife saw a guy get killed...and then come back from the dead. And she kind of flipped her shit and wound up in a mental hospital until they could get her back to the land of the non-crazy. She's finally been released (woohoo!) and things are going great until... a talking demon dog and a bunch of angry dragons show up front and center. One she's got all kinds of lusty thoughts about and a pack of them that are trying to kill her lustworthy dragon. While it wasn't the perfect read it was a fun little dragony romp as the dragons try to break a curse that's been laid down and prevents the different dragon septs from being anywhere near each other without trying to kill or maim one another. So. 5 things about Dragon Fall.

  • I really liked Aoife (and Kostya). She's scrappy and a tough chickie. Rolled with the flow, stood up for herself, gave the guys a smack down when needed. Didn't freak out when her world got all scrunched up again by a paranormal invasion. And patient as all get out with her exasperating and scowly male. Kostya was your somewhat typical arrogant, cocky, broody dragon. He's been hurt by 'love' and tortured for 7 years so he's a bit off emotionally and tries to keep himself distant. I still managed to like him. Guess I just like those scowly grumbly ones ;) Their romance though was more of the fated mates sort than them actually falling in love. I didn't really see that happen but I did like them together. There's a spot of heat which was nice too. 
Kostya entered the bathroom naked, complete with erection and frown. 

"Silly me," I said, noting both. "I assumed that the act of physical pleasure would make you stop scowling."

"Scowling? I am not scowling," he said, putting his hands on his hips and deepening his frown. "I never scowl. I am a wyvern--my feelings are hidden from all. That is the way of dragons."

"Seriously?" I turned him so he could see the mirror and pointed at his face. "That's a scowl. Or if you like, a really annoyed frown. Six of one, half a dozen of the other."

His frown shifted to a glare directed at me. "I am not frowning."

"Yes, you are. See how your eyebrows are pulled together? That's a scowl, pumpkin."
  • A silly good time! One of the things I love about these books is they're a bit goofy now and again. The characters a little silly, funny turns of phrases, moments of spectacular blunder that just make you shake your head and go 'oh my'. I love that big of quirk and humor. 
  • Past characters! I loved that. This is a series within a series and the fourth set of dragons to have their stories told. Each of the mini series focuses one one color of dragon (Green, Silver, Light & now Black) and there's a good bit of character spillage between each mini-series. It totally made me squee seeing some of the past characters and how they were doing especially Jim the demon dog. I do think this would be a book best suited to those who have read at least some of the other mini-series. It could work on it's own but I think knowing some of the past storylines and characters would make it a better read.
  • The suspense side of things kept the book moving as they fought off attacks and tried to figure out how to break the curse that bound them all. Seeing as I'd not read the last few in the previous mini-series it took me a little time to catch up with what was happening. I'd not read about the curse and when it hit them so that was interesting. 
  • The ending was a bit abrupt which didn't quite work for me and brought this down to a 3. On the romance side of things there was a HEA that's pulled together rather quickly as they plot how to deal with the suspense side of it all. It felt a touch out of place to me. Like another chapter or two were needed before it wrapped up. And the suspense leaves off with an open ended storyarc which I'm guessing will be the arc for this sept of dragons and particular mini-series. That kind of thing is okay with me if the book has some closure of it's own. And it did with the romance but it still just felt a bit too rushed and abrupt which isn't something I remember from previous books. 
Overall, Dragon Fall was a fun dragony adventure with a heap of broody male, a dash of spirited heroine and a wallop of quirk. It wasn't a knock my socks off start to the mini-series but it was still a good time and a nice little revisit to this world of dragons. I'll check out the next in the series for sure. And can we just say *noms* on the cover??! Total #covergasm! 

**One thing to note. While this is book one in this particular sept of dragons they're the 4th set of dragons in a larger series. So this is kind of like book 11 instead of book 1. I think those who have read all the previous ones will enjoy it more just because they know the world and the varying cast of characters already. Reading order for all of the mini-series is HERE.

Do you have a favorite from MacAlister?
Any dragons that just light your fire?


For Aoife Dakar, seeing is believing-and she's seen some extraordinary things. It's too bad no one else believes that she witnessed a supernatural murder at an outdoor fair. Returning to the scene for proof, Aoife encounters a wise-cracking demon dog-and a gloriously naked man who can shift into a dragon and kiss like a god. Now thrust into a fantastical world that's both exhilarating and terrifying, Aoife is about to learn just how hot a dragon's fire burns.

Kostya has no time for a human woman with endless questions, no matter how gorgeous or tempting she is. He must break the curse that has splintered the dragon clans before more of his kind die. But his powerful attraction to Aoife runs much deeper than the physical-and there may be more to her than even his sharp dragon eyes can see. To survive the coming battle for the fate of his race, he needs a mate of true heart and soul . . .

Amazon | All Romance | Book Depository | BAM | Goodreads
 
*covers link to Amazon

 



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