2012 The Year of the Dragon

Image: Naypong / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

What: 2012 Year of the Dragon Challenge
Type: Personal; GoodReads
When: 23 January 2012 – 9 February 2013
Purpose: Read books that feature dragons, whether they are the shape-shifting variety or “real”.  The dragon has to play a major part, not just a “special guest appearance”.  My personal goal is 12-15 books.

01. Winging It by Deborah Cooke
02. Flashfire by Deborah Cooke
03. Blazing the Trail by Deborah Cooke
04. Dark Embers by Tess Adams
05. Throne of Jade by Naomi Novik
06. Dragon Actually by G. A. Aiken
07. Firewalker by Allyson James
08.
09.
10.
11.
12.

~~ & ~~

In honor of 2012 being the Year of the Dragon (Chinese zodiac), I thought it would be fun to do a challenge featuring dragons.  This is the only challenge I’m actually hosting, but not here. I’ve posted this challenge in the Serious Overload of Series (SOS) Group on GoodReads. The challenge thread is here. You do have to be a member of the group to participate. The challenge requirements are very flexible — I’ve even allowed for books with “dragon” in the title or a dragon on the cover, even if there isn’t one in the book! No set requirement for number of books — that’s determined by the reader.

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Flying Blind (Deborah Cooke)

Title: Flying Blind
Author: Deborah Cooke
Copyright: 2011 (NAL); 309 pgs.
ISBN: 978-0-451-23388-2
Series: The Dragon Diaries
Sensuality: Kisses
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal

From the Back:  Zoë Sorensson is perfectly normal — well, as normal as a girl obsessed with drawing dragons can be.  The thing is, she’s always been told she’s special and destined for great things.  It’s not just because of her good grades, either.  Zoë is the Wyvern of the Pyr — the one female dragon shape shifter with special powers.  But Zoë is at the bottom of the class when it comes to being Pyr, and her powers are AWOL.  Worse, there’s no reference book to consult, and the last Wyvern is dead.  Everything changes when Zoë’s best friend is bullied and Zoë reacts.  Before she can blink twice, her inner dragon is loose, and she’s suspended from school and headed to a shape shifter boot camp with guys she’s known all her life.  But soon she’s doubting her powers — and even some of her friendships .

~&~

1. Reason for choosing this book:
One of my favorite paranormal romance series is Cooke’s Dragonfire series. When I heard that she was doing a Young Adult spin-off featuring Zoë on her journey to become the new Wyvern, I was excited. The Dragon Diaries a trilogy, with the second book due in December and the third in June 2012.

2. Reasons for liking/disliking this book:
I thought the author did a great job with Zoë. She’s a smart girl, but she’s still insecure about things — particularly her near-absent Pyr abilities. But she also thinks, and worries, about the type of things an ordinary 15 year-old girl would be concerned with. Zoë’s not perfect, nor is she the most popular or prettiest. She isn’t one of the cool kids and I like that about her.

Can the trilogy stand alone (separate from the adult series)?  Probably. But there are some things about the Pyr world (that are known to the readers of the adult series) that Zoë is unaware of, despite being raised by her both parents. Though it’s understandable that her father, Erik, can’t teach her how to be the Wyvern, but what about the recent history of the race and more of its lore? For instance, Zoe doesn’t know why there could never be anything between her and Nick Shea, Donovan and Alex’s son. New readers learn along with Zoë.

Beside making it more accessible to new readers, there is a possible “in-story” reason for Zoë’s lack of  knowledge.   Eileen, her mother, is not happy about Zoë’s supposed destiny as the Wyvern and may have forbidden Erik and the others from revealing too much. Mother and daughter have the following exchange early in the book:

“Well, you father will be pleased, at least.”
Really?
I might live to tell about this after all. I glanced up in time to see her turn away in disgust.
“I thought it was my destiny,” I dared to say.
My mom was impatient with the idea. “Well, you can’t blame me for hoping that destiny might pass you by, that you might just be a normal teenager.”

Having knowledge of the Pyr world can work against you. I found it a little disconcerting to learn about the mages, as if they had been around for a while. They don’t play a role, so far, in the adult series.  There has been some interesting tidbits in Whisper Kiss and Darkfire Kiss that could be paving the way for expanding the world building. I’m even more interested than before to read the next Dragonfire book as well as the second book in Zoë’s trilogy.

3. Reasons for recommending this book:
Readers who like dragon shifters and who enjoy reading Young Adult.

Started: 9 October 2011
Finished: 11 October 2011

Rating:

Liked It A Lot!

Disclaimer: I purchased this book. ETA:  I also won an ARC of this book in a charity auction.

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Whisper Kiss (Deborah Cooke)

Title: Whisper Kiss
Author: Deborah Cooke
Copyright: 2010 (Signet); 391 pgs.
ISBN: 978-0-451-22616-7
Series: Dragonfire #5
Sensuality: Hot
Genre: Paranormal Romance

Possible spoilers for previous books!

The source of the Dragon’s Blood Elixir and the Dark Academy have been destroyed, but many of the shadow dragons still remain. Niall Talbot has taken on the role of eliminating them and any Slayers that get in his way. With most of the Pry currently occupied with their mates and young children, there are only a few of his fellows he can call on for backup. Additionally, Niall is supposed to be mentoring Thorolf, who isn’t showing much progress or initiative, and he’s also running his eco-travel business alone. With so much already vying for Niall’s attention, the last thing he needs, or wants, is a firestorm.

Roxanne “Rox” Kincaid isn’t, at first glance, the sort of woman that would normally attract Niall. When he first sees her, she’s punked out — fishnets, spiked hair, and heavy makeup. Rox knows Thorolf, and thanks to his clumsiness, she knows that dragons are real. Rox has seen Thorolf shift and isn’t the least freaked out when Niall unexpectedly shifts in order to protect her from falling debris. In fact, Rox is thrilled. She’s been fascinated with dragons her entire life. To meet one who is good-looking, and seems to have his act together, is just icing on the cake. It’s quiet possible that Rox would have chosen Niall as a lover, even without the firestorm.

But firestorms are about creating a child, something Rox isn’t too keen about and Niall feels it’s still too dangerous for him to father a child while he’s focusing on eliminating the shadow dragons. He feels specifically targeted. A new enemy emerges, one with a different agenda than the Slayers.

Comments: First off, I like that Rox is a friend of Thorolf’s. She believes in dragons, knows they exist. She’s a talented tattoo artist who’s skill at drawing dragons is good enough to impress the real thing. Rox is also a very generous and giving person. She tries to make a difference in any way she can. She’s been trying to get Thorolf to make something of himself, long before he met the other Pyr, and she sympathizes with Niall in his frustration regarding Thorolf’s many short-comings.

I also like the fact that Niall makes the mistake of judging her by her appearance and she takes him to task for it. Rox and Niall have a lot more in common than Niall would have initially guessed.  Niall overcomes his refusal to deal with the firestorm early in the book, which is a good thing because he was a bit of a jerk — it’s Thorolf, of all people, who’s knowledge of Rox helps Niall see her in a different light.

This book also introduced another character, one who’ll, I’m guessing, play a bigger part in future books beyond Darkfire Kiss. The character has his own agenda that has nothing to do with Magnus and his group, which I’m glad because I’m tired of Magnus — he’s not a dragon, he’s a cat with nine lives!

Though it might not be my favorite of the series, Whisper Kiss held my attention and I was amazed how quickly I finished it.

Started: 26 February 2011
Finished: 28 February 2011

Rating:

Liked It A Lot!

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Disclaimer: I purchased this book.

Winter Kiss (Deborah Cooke)

Title: Winter Kiss
Author: Deborah Cooke
Copyright: 2009 (Signet); 389 pgs.
ISBN: 978-0-451-22843-7
Series: Dragonfire #4
Sensuality: Warm
Genre: Paranormal Romance

From the Back: The mysterious Dragon’s Blood Elixir gives immortality to Magnus, the Pyr’s greatest enemy, and his minions. The Pyr must destroy this source of power, and outcast Delaney vows to complete the quest himself. Delaney was exiled because of his dangerous impulses, and success in eliminating the Elixir will either redeem him or end his suffering. But his plans don’t take into account his sudden firestorm — or fiery Ginger Sinclair. The firestorm revitalizes Delaney, restoring him to his old self. And when Ginger learns about Delaney’s mission, she realizes she cannot resist a strong man with a noble agenda.

~&~

1. Reason for choosing this book:
The Dragonfire series is one of my favorite paranormal romance series.

2. Reasons for liking/disliking this book:

Delaney and Ginger. From the first time I read the excerpt in Kiss of Fate, I liked the couple and I looked forward to reading the full book.  It is my favorite of the series so far, beating out Delaney’s own brother Donovan (Kiss of Fury)

Unlike the other Pyr and their mates, Delaney meets Ginger almost accidentally.  He walks into a bar, unknowingly crashing a private party.  He’s minding his own business when “the cutest woman he’d ever seen” taps him on the arm.  Sparks fly.  Literally.  Delaney never expected to get a firestorm, considering what happened to him, and takes this new development as a sign that his decision to go on a suicide mission is the right one.  He has every intention of satisfying the firestorm before fulfilling his self-imposed obligation.

Ginger believes in kismet, that there’s some one out there for everyone and it’s just a matter of finding that person.  From the moment she first sees him in the bar, she felt a recognition and couldn’t pass up the chance to talk to him.  She flirts with Delaney and they take to the dance floor.  Ginger follows her instincts and they tell her Delaney’s not a bad person.  This, coupled with the fact that he seems to look at her as if she’s the only thing important to him, convinces Ginger to take a chance on him.  Once she finds out he’s a dragon, she doesn’t try to deny the reality.  What pisses her off is the fact Delaney intended to leave her, pregnant, without telling her the truth.

Though Delaney shares the same parental issues that Donavon had, it’s his time in Slayer‘s clutches that casts a shadow of his heart and soul.  Delaney doesn’t think he has a future, that everything would be better if he dies trying to destroy the Elixir.  Ginger is like a ray of sunlight on his soul and she is a threat to his resolve.   Because of her, Delaney wants to stay and build a life together — he just doesn’t think he has that choice anymore.  Ginger thinks he does and she eventually convinces him that he should try to come back from his mission and not go with the determination to die.

The Elixir’s back-story is revealed and the Pyr learn what Magnus had planned for Delaney.  The children conceived in the first three books make their appearance, including the three-month old Zoë Sorensson,  the new Wyvern.

3. Reasons for recommending this book:
Tortured hero.  A heroine who isn’t afraid to take chances on people and speaks her mind.  She doesn’t sit back and wait to be rescued.  Fights for what she believes in.

Started: 31 May 2010
Finished: 3 June 2010

Rating:

LOVED IT !!

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Other books in the series:

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Disclaimer: I purchased this book.

Kiss of Fate

Title: Kiss of Fate
Author: Deborah Cooke
Copyright: 2009 (Signet); 396 pgs.
ISBN: 978-0-451-22616-7
Series: Dragonfire #3
Sensuality: Hot
Genre: Paranormal Romance

Possible spoilers for previous books!

Her: Eileen Grosvenor, PhD. She’s a comparative mythologist and in England to hunt down the real story behind a urban legend involving a dragon. A college friend asks her to look at some old, but odd, items up for auction and Eileen suddenly finds herself in the middle of a conflict involving dragons. She also meets her mysterious dream lover — a man she’s so attracted to, the fact he can shift into a dragon doesn’t concern her overmuch. Unbeknown to Eileen, she is in fact the reincarnated Louisa Guthrie, Erik Soreenson’s mate and Sigmund’s mother.

Him: Erik Sorensson, leader of the Pyr. Erik never expected to get a second firestorm. Diaster and betrayal marred his union with Louisa and their son grew up to be a Slayer. Erik also believes he’s the intended sacrifice in the third part of the prophecy. However, the Great Wyvern has other plans for him. Before Erik can continue to lead the Pyr in their fight against the Slayers, he must deal with the past and heal himself.

There is quite a bit going on in this book. Besides Erik having to come to terms with the fact he’s getting a second firestorm, there is still the problem of the dark academy (basically, zombie dragons) and the Dragon’s Blood Elixir. The Pyr have yet to find a way to destroy either. Their numbers are too small for a direct confrontation with the Slayers and their zombies — especially since two of the Pyr have expectant mates. Quinn and Donovan won’t leave Sara and Alex unprotected. Delaney, still struggling to overcome the nightmare of his time in the clutches of the Slayers, is more of a liability than an asset. But some things do start to go their way. A Pyr from an old blood line — long thought to have died out — is discovered, adding one more potential warrior to the cause. Plus, Rafferty gets his hands on the other enchanted, ancient dragons. With their help, one of the Pyr’s problems is solved, but at a great cost to them.

What I liked: Eileen, like Sara and Alex, rather calmly accepts the existence of dragons. Her profession, a collector and studier of myths and legends, probably helps in that aspect. I appreciate the fact that Ms. Cooke strives to gives us strong, rational heroines who can accept something so fantastic after a brief period of shock/disbelief. Sometimes I wonder if they are too quick. However, I rather have that than a heroine who refuses to believe what is standing right in front of her, and continues through half the book being stubborn about it. And doing stupid things that endanger herself because she doesn’t believe in dragons. Another thing that I’ve appreciated about the heroines is their “Whoa, not so fast, buddy” attitude concerning the whole destined mate/getting pregnant during the first go-around thing.

I’m really looking forward to reading the next book in this series. I’ve been denying myself the pleasure until I get caught up with my reviews.

What I didn’t: Nothing stands out.

Recommend to: Those who have read the first two.

Started: 1 October 2009
Finished: 14 October 2009

Rating:

Liked A Lot

Disclaimer: I purchased this book.

Kiss of Fury

Title: Kiss of Fury
Author: Deborah Cooke
Copyright: 2008 (Signet); 392 pgs.
ISBN: 978-0-451-22476-7
Series: Dragonfire #2
Sensuality: Warm

Who: Alexandra Madison and Donovan Shea (warrior/Pyr)
Where: Minneapolis, Minnesota

From the Back: Scientist Alexandra Madison was on the verge of unveiling and invention that would change the world. Then her partner was murdered, their lab was burned, and their prototype destroyed. While Alex is in the hospital recovering from burns suffered in the fire, recurring dragon-haunted nightmares threaten to land her in the psychiatric ward, but she knows she has to escape to her lab to rebuild the Green Machine. Handsome, daring, and impulsive, Donovan Shea is more than willing to do his part in the Pyr/Slayer war. Assigned to protect Alex, Donovan is shocked when her presence ignites his firestorm. He has no desire for a destined mate, but Alex’s intelligence and determination inspire him to join the fight to save her invention.

Comments: I thought this one was better than the first book. I liked Donovan from the first moment we meet him in the Prologue of Kiss of Fire. He’s a fun character and I’m glad we got to know more about him so soon. I thought Alex was a good match for him. A scientist, but not absent-minded or clueless about her attraction to Donovan. I liked her a lot.

Despite the Slayers’ attack, Alex isn’t interested in being guarded by the Pyr. Given the fact that she witnessed dragons kill her partner, destroy her lab and her life’s work, it’s easy to understand why she wouldn’t feel comfortable or safe around them. That’s a lot to cope with in such a short time. It’s only natural that Alex would want to bolt. Also, she feels the Green Machine is more important than her own life. Alex can’t hide herself away when there’s still a chance she can have a workable prototype ready in time for the meeting with the investor.

Though Alex is just the sort of woman Donovan finds attractive, he’s not willing to consummate the firestorm. Unlike Quinn, who’s parents remained together and who also lost a woman he loved, Donovan was rejected by his mother and betrayed by a lover. Since the standard operating procedure for the Pyr is to leave their pregnant mates — Quinn’s father was an exception — Donovan is not about to do that to Alex. He’s a loner who’s not looking to settle down, even with a woman he finds to be smart, brave, and fun to be with.

Alex couldn’t agree more, as far as the pregnancy thing goes. The scientist in her isn’t buying “the first time leads to conception” line regarding the firestorm. And what about being a responsible adult and using protection? Alex never contemplated marriage and having a family. She had her work and was content to let others do the family thing. However, as she spends more time with Donovan, she begins to fall for him. The idea of settling down with Donovan begins to appeal to her. If only he wasn’t so dead set against it.

The on-going battle between the Slayer and Pyr continues. Some plot twists are revealed, pertaining to the Slayers. The Pyr are in for some surprises, plus some unexpected allies.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Rafferty. The only Pry the reader knows, for certain, who isn’t going to baulk at consummating his firestorm — and he gets passed over. Again. Poor guy. She better be wonderful, whoever she is, considering the length of time he’s been waiting for her.

Favorite Quotes:
“You seem tense. Your first stolen car?”
“First time someone tried to kidnapped me.”
“If it’s any consolation, this is my first attempted kidnapping. How am I doing?”
– Donovan, Alex

“I have three words for you. Archibald Forrester’s Buick.”
– Donovan

Started: 1 April 2009
Finished: 20 April 2009

Rating:

LOVED IT !!

What Others Have Said:
Scooper Speaks
SciFi Guy
Night Owl Romance
Wild on Books

Books in the Series:
Kiss of Fire

Addendum:
This is a re-post. Below are the comments that I was able to salvage from the SQL file. See this post for an explanation. I apology for the inconvenience.

Renee, 2009-07-06: So glad you reviewed this. It’s been sitting on my tbr shelf since it was released. I really need to get to reading it. It sounds like a good one!

Me, 2009-07-06: It was a fun read. I’m really looking forward to the fourth book. Of course, I still have to read book 3 first.

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This is a re-post, due to data loss. (Oct 09)

Kiss of Fire

Author: Deborah Cooke
Copyright: 2008 (Signet Eclipse); pgs. 334
Series: Dragon Fire (Book 1)
Sensuality: Warm

Who: Sara Keegan and Quinn Tyrrell (blacksmith/Pyr)

Summary: When ace accountant Sara Keegan decides to settle down and run her quirky aunt’s New Age bookstore, she’s not looking for adventure. She doesn’t believe in fate or the magic of tarot cards, but when she’s saved from a vicious attack by a man who has the ability to turn into a fire-breathing dragon, she questions whether she’s losing her mind — or about to lose her heart.

Comments: First off, I really liked the world building. The dragons, called Pyr, protect humans like they protect any of the Earth’s other treasures. They do not kill humans indiscriminately. In fact, true Pyr don’t kill humans, period. There is a faction of Pyr, called Slayers, that don’t agree with the idea that humankind is a precious treasure. The Slayers believe humans are insignificant and have squandered the more precious of treasures — the Earth. They have no qualms killing people or other Pyr.

All the dragons are male, with the exception of the Wyvern — the prophetess of the Pyr — and they can live forever. They are not, however, indestructible. Very hard to kill, yes; but it can be done. To perpetuate the species, dragons must mate with human females. But not just any female, apparently. Pyr have destined mates, and there’s no telling when a Pyr will feel the firestorm that heralds his mate. Many have been waiting a very long time.

Quinn is a nice guy. Truthful, protective without being domineering, and thoughtful. He give Sara the time and space she needs to get a grip on the new reality she’s facing. For her part, Sara is a practical person who deals in hard, cold, facts. When she’s presented with irrefutable evidence that dragons are real, she doesn’t panic or go into denial. She accepts the new reality, asks questions, and reads up on the subject.

I have to say I liked Donovan from the first. His book is the next one, but it’s his POV in the prologue of Kiss of Fire. I read the sneak peak for his book and can’t wait to read it. I also hope that Rafferty, poor guy, gets a firestorm.

Start: 23 July 2008
Finished: 9 August 2008

Rating:

Enjoyed it!