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Dragon BoundThea Harrison
Paranormal Romance
Elder Races/Book 1
Berkley/May 3, 2011
From Goodreads ~
Half-human and half-wyr, Pia Giovanni spent her life keeping a low profile among the wyrkind and avoiding the continuing conflict between them and their dark Fae enemies. But after being blackmailed into stealing a coin from the hoard of a dragon, Pia finds herself targeted by one of the most powerful - and passionate - of the Elder races.
As the most feared and respected of the Wyrkind, Dragos Cuelebre cannot believe someone had the audacity to steal from him, much less succeed. And when he catches the thief, Dragos spares her life, claiming her as his own to further explore the desire they've ignited in each other.
Pia knows she must repay Dragos for her trespass, but refuses to become his slave - although she cannot deny wanting him, body and soul.
Well, this one has gotten a lot of buzz. It seemed like, for a while at least, everywhere I turned I was hearing about this book. I was lucky enough to win an ARC on Goodreads. I enjoyed getting to know Pia, Dragos and let's not forget the Wyr sentinels who make up Dragos' inner court.
Pia Giovanni is caught between a rock and a very pissed off dragon. She's on the run after stealing one measly little coin. It's not the value of the coin that's got her running but the being she stole it from. She's now being hunted by one of the oldest and most powerful of the Wyr. Pia is smart but she also knows she's in a lot of trouble. She doesn't just run blindly but tries to work out a plan to evade Dragos. Even with her strategy, you just know he's going to get her. Pia can be a smart ass and her sense of humor comes out when she's nervous. It's clear Dragos makes her nervous and they had some of the funniest conversation. Those were some of my favorite parts.
Dragos is certainly a throwback to the days of cavemen, or cave dragons in his case. I didn't care for his over-the-top caveman attitude. It got old, along with him telling Pia to shut up one too many times. Not cool. He does have his moments of showing tenderness towards Pia without being such an ass. I did like his relationships with his sentinels. You see not only Dragos' power but his intelligence and leadership qualities.
Pia and Dragos end up together despite their tumulus beginning. He's intrigued by her and alters his plan of killing her when he decides he's attracted to the unusual thief. I got the instant attraction but going from the physical to the emotional connection was a little harder to get.
The world building is complex with the Elder Races and the Fae dominant in power and the humans sometimes caught in the middle. Harrison does well explaining the various factions and the politics of the Elders and the Fae. It's an interesting world with some noteworthy secondary characters.
So, not so crazy about Dragos but I did like Pia, the world building and am interested to read about some of the secondary characters. I think as far as first books in a series, Dragon Bound set the stage and left me wanting more of this world.
Rating: B/B+
Books in this series ~
Dragon Bound
Storm's Heart (August 2, 2011)
Serpent's Kiss (October 4, 2011)
Leslie, I see you didn't really enjoy Dragos or his caveman, over-the-top characterization. LOL! For some reason, I found it amusing (more like a comedy), because it was sooo overblown and enjoyed him and in turn Pia. I think it had to do with the dialogue between them.
ReplyDeleteSPOILER...
I was a little miffed that such a big deal was made about Pia's shifting (and what she shifted into) and then puff! Nothing. Nothing happened with that at all in this book.
Hey Leslie :) I agree with your grade :P
ReplyDeleteI liked Dragos for the comedic moment, but overall, I thought it was a bit too much ^_^; Pia, she was okay, but didn't really win me over. Although I love what she is!
The world building was okay. I think Ms Harrison was trying a tad too hard to introduce so many different races. It's a bit confusing in the first book ^_^;
Finally, I thought the tone was very similar to the Psy/Changelings series. I guess it's because it's from the same publisher. I just don't feel it has its own uniqueness yet ^_^;
Hils ~ Sometimes it was amusing but then he would go too far, IMO.
ReplyDeleteAgree about Pia - big secret then, HUH? Nothing after that.
Nath ~ Maybe because I wasn't crazy mad about the h/h, the world building stood out for me?
I can see some similarities between this & the psy/changelings but this doesn't seem nearly as serious. More comedic & over-the-top.
I know I'm sounding like a broken record, but I'll get to this one .... ;)
ReplyDeleteI have a feeling I'll really like it because a) I'm not as critical as most of you. No offense. And b) I love that snappy, sometimes over-the-top dialogue that it sounds this book has between Dragos and Pia.
Maybe I'll buy this one at RWA! *light bulb*
Not that a B is a poor grade! It's really good! You guys are not critical... I'm just easy. LOL I'd better stop.
ReplyDeleteSee what happens when you blog hop after a glass of wine on an empty stomach.. ;)