Helpful Score: 17
After picking up this book in the local supermarket, I wasn't sure I'd like it (although I gave it a chance because it sounded like it had a fantasy element, which I like). I found this a very enjoyable paranormal romance; the writing, at times, is absolutely exquisite. FYI, there are a couple of sex scenes, but I felt they were tastefully done.
Helpful Score: 9
Why didn't I love this book? I'm not sure; the story had a lot to love...dragons, alpha male trying to woo his lady love. A heroine who is strong and stands up to those who try to bring her down.
I think I couldn't completely enjoy the book because parts of the dragon culture bothered me. To protect themselves, the dragons kill those who try to leave the dragon community and live among humans. The dragon council was made up of domineering men and Kit, the dragon leader and hero, didn't have a supportive comrade. The author's excuse was that it's the way of the 'drakon' but it felt stifling.
I think I couldn't completely enjoy the book because parts of the dragon culture bothered me. To protect themselves, the dragons kill those who try to leave the dragon community and live among humans. The dragon council was made up of domineering men and Kit, the dragon leader and hero, didn't have a supportive comrade. The author's excuse was that it's the way of the 'drakon' but it felt stifling.
Helpful Score: 9
Wonderful, Wonderful book, Written like a fairy tale. The whole story just flows. The second book, The Dream Thief, is just as wonderful. If you like being transported into a whole other world, check this one out.
Helpful Score: 6
This book seemed to just flow through my imagination....love it. The way it is written, I believe.
Book about shapeshifting, romance, history and a general lyrical way the author has written it....a true joy to the senses. Got me from page one, and kept my interest until the end. I highly recommend this one.
Book about shapeshifting, romance, history and a general lyrical way the author has written it....a true joy to the senses. Got me from page one, and kept my interest until the end. I highly recommend this one.
Helpful Score: 5
This was an enjoyable paranormal romance focusing on the Drakon, which are basically dragons. The author creates an interesting world in which a tribe of dragons is living in eighteenth-century England and is trying to survive and avoid persecution. However I felt like she skimmed the surface, both of the characters themselves and of the world that she created. I really liked the premise, but I wished that it were fleshed out better.
Helpful Score: 4
This is a Georgian romance with a twist of magic.... there be dragons....
Clariss Rue is a wonderful heroine....
Clariss Rue is a wonderful heroine....
Helpful Score: 4
combination of mystical dragon shifting race of people and dynasty to love each other storyline. Interesting and engaging.
Helpful Score: 4
This is the first book by this author that I have read and I really enjoyed it. An unusual take on an unusual topic.
Helpful Score: 3
This was a beautifully written and captivating book, but don't be fooled by the reviews that say this book crosses genres. This book is a romance. There are some fantasy elements, but this book is without a doubt a romance.
The books starts in one of the lost cities of the drakon where we meet an outcast half-breed named Clarissa and the marquess Christoff. The book then jumps 15 years later to deal with a young lady named Rue who is the Smoke Thief.
Much to my disappointment minimal time is spent on the Smoke Thief's antics. Almost immediately Christoff enters the picture and begins to woo Rue. Here starts your very typical romance type of plot. Rue is willful, Christoff loves her but is too overbearing and controlling, Rue struggles with her attraction to Christoff. I won't spoil the outcome but if you know the typical outcome of a romance then you already know this story.
Despite the above complaint it is a very well-written story. It is a beautiful love story. There is some action but I found the action scenes to be far and few; this may have been a blessing in disguise because action scenes do not seem to be the author's strong point. Abe is very adept at writing about lush surroundings and beautiful descriptions. Her love scenes are magically written and well done. If you like Victorian style romances this is definitely the book for you.
Overall I liked the story and it was a quick read. I was pulled right through it from beginning to end. I guess I just felt a bit misled from what I have heard about this being a magical fantasy novel. There is a touch of that but it does not by any means dominate the love story. I'll repeat one more time, this is a romance...a beautifully written and lush romance.
I have the second book from this author which is called The Dream Thief. It looks like this second book deals with some of the side characters from the first. I am still looking forward to reading it but I don't know that I will read many of the books beyond this one.
The books starts in one of the lost cities of the drakon where we meet an outcast half-breed named Clarissa and the marquess Christoff. The book then jumps 15 years later to deal with a young lady named Rue who is the Smoke Thief.
Much to my disappointment minimal time is spent on the Smoke Thief's antics. Almost immediately Christoff enters the picture and begins to woo Rue. Here starts your very typical romance type of plot. Rue is willful, Christoff loves her but is too overbearing and controlling, Rue struggles with her attraction to Christoff. I won't spoil the outcome but if you know the typical outcome of a romance then you already know this story.
Despite the above complaint it is a very well-written story. It is a beautiful love story. There is some action but I found the action scenes to be far and few; this may have been a blessing in disguise because action scenes do not seem to be the author's strong point. Abe is very adept at writing about lush surroundings and beautiful descriptions. Her love scenes are magically written and well done. If you like Victorian style romances this is definitely the book for you.
Overall I liked the story and it was a quick read. I was pulled right through it from beginning to end. I guess I just felt a bit misled from what I have heard about this being a magical fantasy novel. There is a touch of that but it does not by any means dominate the love story. I'll repeat one more time, this is a romance...a beautifully written and lush romance.
I have the second book from this author which is called The Dream Thief. It looks like this second book deals with some of the side characters from the first. I am still looking forward to reading it but I don't know that I will read many of the books beyond this one.
Helpful Score: 3
I really enjoyed this book. The main character, Rue, is independent and strong, not unlike many heroines in this genre. She was raised with her own kind in a secluded community, yet finds a way to live among humans and to survive.
There were some things that bothered me about the patriarchal nature of the drakon but I think that if the characters were too "modern" it would have been contradictory to the setting. I am looking forward to reading other books in this series.
There were some things that bothered me about the patriarchal nature of the drakon but I think that if the characters were too "modern" it would have been contradictory to the setting. I am looking forward to reading other books in this series.
Helpful Score: 3
Exciting historical fantasy romance.
You comprehend the skills of the thief and the danger she places on the dragon
side of her heritage. A legend that is intriguing.
You comprehend the skills of the thief and the danger she places on the dragon
side of her heritage. A legend that is intriguing.
Helpful Score: 3
This was beautifully written and a very original story, dragon shapeshifters. Would definately recommend if paranormal romance is your thing.
Helpful Score: 3
Shana Abe was unknown to me. I enjoyed this book to my surprise. I'm looking for more of hers. This is a period romance w/a twist. Characters are strong, plot is good. It does not have the detailed love scenes as much as some of this genre. It did seem to take her a long time to give in to her true love. What higher review could it be to say that I want her others! You'll enjoy this.
Helpful Score: 1
Beautiful, beautiful prose, with attention to historical detail. I couldn't put it down once I'd started. Good world building which remained consistent. I could read her forever, her writing is almost like poetry sometimes, but nothing high brow or hard to understand about it. A wonderful, unusual love story, I highly recommend. :-)
Helpful Score: 1
Fun romantic fantasy about dragon people and their society.
Helpful Score: 1
This is an unusual story about Dragons. Not the kind from Medieval Tales but of those who hide in our midst, walking, talking, appearing as we do. The Smoke Thief is set in the English Countryside and London of the mid 1700's...when skinny, dirty street urchins survived by stealing and proper Lords and Ladies wore powered wigs and shoes with precious stones for buckles. And the diamonds, rubies, and emeralds sang to the dragons and The Smoke Thief heard them.
Helpful Score: 1
I stumbled onto this book in my local library a few years ago, and I was so captivated by it that I just HAD to have the entire series.
It pulls you into an enchanting realm of magic and shape shifters, and emotions run high as love and attraction enter the equation. I could practically feel the characters emotions myself and I would, and have, recommend this book to anyone that likes fantasy and romance novels.
It pulls you into an enchanting realm of magic and shape shifters, and emotions run high as love and attraction enter the equation. I could practically feel the characters emotions myself and I would, and have, recommend this book to anyone that likes fantasy and romance novels.
Helpful Score: 1
I enjoyed this book a lot. 1st in a series.
Helpful Score: 1
I really enjoyed this book. Action and intrigue and sensuality abound. The culture created is very interesting, and Turning is one of those abilities that is relatively new, for me anyway, keeps it from being too cookie-cutter.
Helpful Score: 1
This is the book that turned me into a paranormal romance addict. Truly one of the best books I have ever read, romance or other. Really incredible writing, Shana Abe is a stand out for this genre.
If you have the opportunity to read this book. DO YOURSELF A FAVOR. DONT MISS IT!
If you have the opportunity to read this book. DO YOURSELF A FAVOR. DONT MISS IT!
i really loved this book .it is about shapeshifting dragon people called drakon
Helpful Score: 1
A very good story with interesting characters. Definitely will read the next in the series.
Helpful Score: 1
This is a fantastic book, very lyrical. Written like a fairy tale more than a romance. I was thoroughly enchanted.
Helpful Score: 1
I'm new to these and while the language is a little long in the tooth the overall read was good. I'll pick up the Dragon Queen just to make sure.
Helpful Score: 1
Great book by Shana Abe.. first in her drakon series..
Helpful Score: 1
The Smoke Thief is a master of disguise and a runaway from a closed community of non-humans. I enjoyed the sumptuous settings and strong characters. Most of the action takes place in England during the regency period. The hero and heroine can shapeshift. There is a passionate scene or two.
Helpful Score: 1
This was a great book. Once you get used to the bullying, patriarchal ways of the Drakon, you find a story that is very imaginative and enjoyable. I would read this book again in the future as it was well-written with characters that are memorable.
Helpful Score: 1
Unusual storyline with very likable characters.
Helpful Score: 1
This is a very good book.
Helpful Score: 1
Very good!
Helpful Score: 1
As this was my first historical romance and also only my second "paranormal" romance, I didn't know what to expect. But, I was pleasantly surprised. There was enough description of the dragons and their history that the story did not seem "fanciful." Historical London was also portrayed clearly and, to my unknowledgable mind, accurately. The "romantic" portions were quite subdued; not at all graphic. Actually, I would have like a little more descriptive sex scenes, but this didn't detract from the novel. Overall, I was very entertained by this book and storyline. A fairly quick read, too.
Really enjoyed this unusual book. Always like shape shifters, but his was with a strong female character going off line..so to speak. Very good combination of romance and fantasy.
It is well written, very enjoyable, and it went by fast. The heroine is strong, but the hero stronger.
I was annoyed by the hero. I would have liked for him to eat crow at some point in the story. The heroine gave in much too quickly. I also don't like the way the tribe treats women.
The ending is left open for the next of the books. I will be reading it.
I was annoyed by the hero. I would have liked for him to eat crow at some point in the story. The heroine gave in much too quickly. I also don't like the way the tribe treats women.
The ending is left open for the next of the books. I will be reading it.
Got it from my library,was not impressed with it .
Very enjoyable fantasy/romance read.
I love romances, but really didn't get into the dragon fantasy aspect. I guess if you like fantasy, this is a well-written book.
I enjoyed this book, and will definitely read the other books she's written. An interesting twist on vampires.
I was delighted with this novel. As a fan of shape shifter books, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I think the best part about it was, up until now, I hadn't read a book about shape-shifting dragons, so this book was very refreshing. For romance fans, the plot is also very sweet.
A decent read. This paranormal romance (dragons) was not as hard-edged, gritty and full of sizzle as I had hoped. I was anticipating another read like J.R. Ward's vampire Brotherhood series, but this bk didn't really compare to those.
book reads like pretty verse in places. A good read if you like magic.
Love the storyline it was great the writing was ease to follow. Created a great setting.
This was a really cool book!! Its based around a fae/dragon type of clan that resides in a remote area around London (like 6 days by coach). I thought that it was very well written and the characters were developed to a T. There is a sequel but its based on some characters that are in this book, and I look forward to reading it! If you are into fantasy and historical romance, this is THE book for you!!!
I really enjoyed this book. I like the idea and how she wrote it.
Historical Romance of the year! Romantic times bookclub
This is an incredible book. A must read!!!
this is a bewitching novel
I thought it was a good read. It had a little more sensuality in it than I prefer, but I did enjoy the story and it was a different take on the typical dragon realm.
I would recommend it!
I would recommend it!
Interesting enough to hold your attention. Slight twist on the normal super human idea. Enjoyed it and am reading the second book.
I adored this book and just picked up the second one. Well written characters and for a storyline that take a lot of suspension of disbelief, chartacter motivations were entirely believable!
I love romances where the two main characters are together the whole book. This one has a lot of tension and banter. Would have given it the last half a star if the reason for loving each other was a little better established.
Magic, romance, adventure and dragons.
I picked up this book due to the fact that it was recommended to me after reading the Dragonkin series by G.A. Aiken. And I have to say, I was NOT disappointed.
This series combines two of my favorite things... historical romance... and dragons. Yes, that's right, I said dragons!
Clarissa Rue Hawthorne is a half-blooded drakon who doesn't fit in in the elite world that the drakon live. So, when she finds out that she has the power to Turn, she fakes her own death in order to run from what she knows is a future with a man who will never love her. Now living in London, Clarissa uses her powers to steal from the ton, London's elite society.
But when Christoff, the drakon Alpha, and the rest of the drakon hear of this mysterious "Smoke Thief," they know instantly that it's one of their own, and they decide to set a trap to catch him... or her. What Christoff didn't expect to find is a female drakon who stirs the beast within him.
Will Clarissa, known as Rue, be able to talk her way out of the future she ran from in the past?
This book was excellent. Intrigue, romance, fire, passion, and excitement. Everything I want in a book. The only reason I gave it four stars instead of five is the fact that Rue and Christoff "Kit", have a tendency to fight what they're feeling, or at least Rue does, and that tends to get a little old.
I love Rue's character, she's strong, she's smart, and she's funny. She matches perfectly with the character of Kit, who is also strong, and very much an alpha-male type of character. The side-characters of Zane and Nick help to make the story stronger, even though we see so little of them.
I can't wait to read the next book in the series, and am glad it's sitting on my bookshelf right now!
This series combines two of my favorite things... historical romance... and dragons. Yes, that's right, I said dragons!
Clarissa Rue Hawthorne is a half-blooded drakon who doesn't fit in in the elite world that the drakon live. So, when she finds out that she has the power to Turn, she fakes her own death in order to run from what she knows is a future with a man who will never love her. Now living in London, Clarissa uses her powers to steal from the ton, London's elite society.
But when Christoff, the drakon Alpha, and the rest of the drakon hear of this mysterious "Smoke Thief," they know instantly that it's one of their own, and they decide to set a trap to catch him... or her. What Christoff didn't expect to find is a female drakon who stirs the beast within him.
Will Clarissa, known as Rue, be able to talk her way out of the future she ran from in the past?
This book was excellent. Intrigue, romance, fire, passion, and excitement. Everything I want in a book. The only reason I gave it four stars instead of five is the fact that Rue and Christoff "Kit", have a tendency to fight what they're feeling, or at least Rue does, and that tends to get a little old.
I love Rue's character, she's strong, she's smart, and she's funny. She matches perfectly with the character of Kit, who is also strong, and very much an alpha-male type of character. The side-characters of Zane and Nick help to make the story stronger, even though we see so little of them.
I can't wait to read the next book in the series, and am glad it's sitting on my bookshelf right now!
I found this book well written with elements of fantasy, intrigue and romance. It was complete in itself, yet left the reader with a taste of more to come. I have since read several more bo Abe's books in this dragon series and have been entranced with each.
This was a very good book.
in this bewitching novel, Shana Abe transports us to an exhilarating world of romancem adventure, and magic. here, among northern England's
misted hills, live a race of extraordinarily beautiful and sensual beings with the ability to shape-shift from human to dragon and back again. Now their secert-and survival-is threatened by two forbidden lovers...and a passion that will break every boundary.
misted hills, live a race of extraordinarily beautiful and sensual beings with the ability to shape-shift from human to dragon and back again. Now their secert-and survival-is threatened by two forbidden lovers...and a passion that will break every boundary.
Excellent book!
This book was good, not as good as The Dream Thief.
Marvelous book.
Great book. Can't wait to read the next in the Drakon series...
In this bewitching novel, Shana Abe transports us to an exhilarating world of romance, adventure, and magic. Here, among northern England's misted hills, live a race of extraordinarily beautiful and sensual beings with the ability to shape-shift from human to dragon and back again. Now their secret-and their survival-is threatened by two forbidden lovers...and a passion that will break every boundary.
In this bewitching novel, Shana Abe transports us to an exhilarating world of romance, adventure, and magic. Here, among northern England's misted hills, live a race of extraordinarily beautiful and sensual beings with the ability to shape-shift from human to dragon and back again. Now their secret-and their survival-is threatened by two forbidden lovers...and a passion that will break every boundary.
First time I have read this author. Okay series....not as good with character development as Feehan, etc...
This an autographed copy.
