Customer Reviews

Dragon Actually (Dragon Kin, Book 1)

5 star:		(54)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I loved the main story Dragon Actually (which started out as a short story originally epublished as To Challenge a Dragon). This dragonshifter tale had all of the trademark brashness, humor and steamy intensity you would expect from Aiken a Shelley Laurenston alto ego.

If you're a fan of any of the author's other books you'll be pleased to see how well Aiken's trademark uber-alpha female lead translates to the medieval time frame of the book. Annwyl the Bloody is fatally wounded and outnumbered but still fighting to take as many of her vile brother's warriors along with her through death's door. Just about the time the Annwyl is about to lose her head, literally, her foes' smug satisfaction at their looming victory turns to terror and flaming death courtesy of the horned black dragon on whose doorstep Annwyl is dying. Much to the dragon Fearghus' the surprise, the bloody woman meets his fierce dragon's gaze without fear and her bravery intrigues him enough than instead of making her a tasty snack, he brings her into his lair and sees to her healing. As time goes by the dour dragon hermit, who preferred a quiet solitary life, is amused and captivated by the bold, fearless woman. When Annwyl begins to heal, Fearghus provides an irritating but powerful Knight to help Annwyl hone the battle skills which will allow her to defeat her odious abusive sibling. Annwyl spends her days in bruising training with her helpful but annoying `adversary' and her nights talking with Fearghus, torn between the powerful lust she feels for the Knight and the comfort and friendship she feels for the dragon.

Annwyl's `two' relationships are what really make this story. Her relationship with the despised but oh so attractive Knight was combustible, laden with sexual tension and with verbal sparring (along with some physical sparring too), but where her relationship with the Knight burned hot and fast, with Fearghus it was a slowly building deeper connection, as the two let down their guards and shared themselves in a way that neither had allowed before. Adding even more fun to the story, Dragon Actually is chockfull of supporting dragon characters, many of Fearghus' fabulous siblings turn up to help or to stir up mischief, most all of them deserve stories of their own.

The second story Flames in Chains, also previously epublished, was the story of Fearghus' parents `courtship'. Fearghus' father Bercelek, a fearsome battle dragon, has always had a soft spot for the dragon Princess Rhiannon who loathes him. Fearghus was great, in his unrelenting campaign to win the mate who is now within his grasp and the advantage is finally his since she's stuck in human form and can't shift to dragon in order to flee him. This story had some great moments and Bercelek's odd ball dragon parents and siblings, like his children in the previous story, were a kick. But I didn't like Flames and Chains as well as the first story. If you are an erotic reader my nits with the story won't bother you, but an increase in the frequency and coarsenss of the language used, along with the chains and spanking, though both of these were very mild by erotica standards, knocked this one down a notch for me where Dragon Actually managed to toe, but not cross, the line for me.

Overall though I still will be checking out Aiken's next book About A Dragon (Dragon Kin, Book 2) (turns out this is a reissue of Laurenston's The Distressing Damsel: Book 2 of the Dragon Kin) in which the first - of hopefully many - of Fearghus' siblings get their turn in the spot light. If you like Dragon Actually be sure to check out Aiken's pride and pack stories written as Shelley Laurenston, they are also full of pushy alpha shifter males (lion/wolf) claiming their oh so dangerous mates and though not as violent, the stories share the same fast paced humorous tone as these two stories.

Here are a couple of her more recent books to check out:
The Mane Event (Pride, Book 1)
The Beast in Him (Pride, Book 2)

Laurenston's Dragon Kin
Dragon Actually ("To Challenge A Dragon" Ferghus & Annywl, plus "Flames and Chains" Ferghus' parents Rhiannon and Bercelek)
About A Dragon (Dragon Kin, Book 2) (Ferghus' brother Briec this is a reissue of The Distressing Damsel: Book 2 of the Dragon Kin)
Everlasting Bad Boys (Bercelek's parents Aidean and Shalin)

Annwyl, a tough, no-nonsense warrior, leader of the rebellion against her brother who rules the kingdom, finds herself gravely wounded. But she just so happens to be outside the lair or a dragon--Fearghus, a recluse. Bringing Annwyn into his lair to save her, he senses something about her, he's drawn to her as he's never been drawn to another human or dragon before.

Fearing that Annwyl is not strong enough to beat her evil brother, Fearghus offers a mysterious knight to train her. Annwyl agrees. Little does Annwyl know the knight is none other than Fearghus the Dragon!

Annwyl is tormented by the brutish knight training her. Hating him, yet wanting him. The bantering between the two was highly engaging and very well done! Annwyl is in lust with the the knight by day, yet falling in love with the dragon by night.

It's a hopeless battle of wills between Annwyl and Fearghus and one that was very entertaining to read.

Even though she is known as Annwyl the Bloody, and he as Fearghus the Destroyer, the romance was actually very sweet and fun. I really enjoyed the dialogue between the two, sometimes very comical.

I enjoyed Dragon Actually immensely. There's action, head-lopping, a bastard brother who deserves all the anger and rage Annwyl feels toward him. And of course some really great dragon petting :). And human petting!

Dragon Actually, is actually only 217 pages. The remaining 116 pages is a short story, Chains and Flames, which is Feargus's parents.

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good dragon romping story. It was fun, exciting and did not drag anywhere. The characters were extremely likable. And Fearghus's siblings added a delightful touch to this story. Just imagine sibling rivalry between a bunch of very large, very strong dragons! I loved reading this book and hope the second one, About a Dragon has the same witty humor as this one.

First let's inform the reader that G.A. Aiken is Shelly Laurenston. For those who are familiar with Shelly's work, her writing is touching, with hilarious repartee, solid female heroines and very alpha male heroes. Her sex scenes are very graphic (both descriptive and in terminology) and her stories are a rare treat for paranormal fans. She is in my instant buy category!

DRAGON ACTUALLY consists of two stories.
TO CHALLENGE A DRAGON is the story of Ferghus and Annywl and set in a mythical/medieval world of creatures living among humans.

Ferghus is an ancient dragon. He has lived alone for centuries and wants nothing more than peace and quiet in his lair without interference. Annywl The Bloody is mortally wounded outside his cave and the ruckus she has created polishing off her enemies has woken Ferghus. As he steps put of the cave he finds Annywl dying. Her fierce bravado takes him aback, so instead of making her an appetizer he takes her into his lair cave and saves her life.

Ferghus is fascinated with Annywl. He's not been interested in anything in centuries and her honest and stalwart persona intrigues him. She as is fierce as she is angry. Annywl has earned her name well - all Annywl the Bloody knows is how to kill defending herself from her brother's armies who seek her death. As Ferghus learns more about Annywl, he realizes that for her to succeed and kill her evil brother and claim her kingdom, she will need to control her anger.

Dragons are able to shift into human form (something that has been a sacred secret for centuries). Ferghus becomes a human knight by day, instructing Annywl with her fighting skills as well as mastering her temper and her dragon by night.

Annywl strikes an amazing kinship and relationship with her dragon, and Ferghus is more that startled to realize he is coming to care too much for this fierce slip of a girl, as he desires her human body more than he has desired anyone in his long existence.

In TO CHALLENGE A DRAGON, we are introduced to many of Ferghus's family and siblings - who bring hilarious banter to the dialogue. Aiken (Laurenston) has created a marvelous, mythical dragon world, where you actually believe these creatures exist. There is brutality and graphic violence in the bloody battle scenes and the sex is raw and uninhibited. This is a magnificent story - not for the faint hearted - but for those who like "meat" in their books!


FLAMES AND CHAINS - is the story of Ferghus's parents Bercerek and Princess Rhiannon - who becomes queen of the Dragon world. Their tale is short but entertaining and funny. Just as good as TO CHALLENGE A DRAGON, with the sexual scenes even hotter, juicier and more graphic! (You will need to fan yourself to cool the flames!!! LOL!)

Aiken's (Laurenston) storytelling has the ability to create amazingly gripping stories with unforgettable characters. She paints a vivid, surreal world, incorporating the right amount of Magik, awesome creatures, great action and terrific sex.

ABOUT A DRAGON is the next book in the Dragon Kin series.

These are some other books by Shelly Laurenston:
The Mane Event (Pride, Book 1)
The Beast in Him (Pride, Book 2)
When He Was Bad
Everlasting Bad Boys

This book is such a gem! I loved the notion of a 'dragon boyfriend'. The hero and heroine are wonderful, and the story is laced with such funny moments. I love the secondary characters as well, and the sibling relationships in the dragon family are such fun. Rarely does a paranormal romance find equal romance, plot, action, and humor, but G.A. Aiken is a genius and she's got it all here in this book. This is one of the best! (I have read her second books of this series, which I loved just as much).

"Dragon Actually". Desperate to save her people warrior Princess Annwyl the Bloody fights to the death to end the cruel reign of her brother Lorcan the Butcher of Garbhan Isle. As she nears death from wounds, she remains resolute and still battling when Fearghus the Destroyer dragon swoops down and removes her from the battlefield and takes her to his cave. Unable to resist her courage and her beauty, Fearghus heals her instead of dining on her. As the dragon and the lady fall in love, her sibling continues his vigil to kill the only person whoever opposed him, his sister.

"Chains and Flames". Dragon Queen Addiena informs her First Born White Dragonwitch daughter Rhiannon that she will mate with lord dragon Bercelak. Addiena calls him the "Great" while Rhiannon insists he is the "Vengeful". Rhiannon's choice is to die or accept the Claiming of Bercelak as her mate.

These two entreating dragon romances are fun to read from the moment that Fearghus snatches Annwyl from the battle. Whereas "Dragon Actually" is a full length medieval paranormal thriller, "Chains and Flames" is a novella dragon equivalent of "Meet the Fockers (or at least what their courtship must have been like). Both are well written complements.

Harriet Klausner

I bought this book based on the reviews, but I was disappointed when I finished reading the book. The story was basic and too simple. The characters are 2 dimensional, and the ending too neat. They have all the advantage of winning at the end. I understand this was set in a Medieval times, but that doesn't mean the heroine should win over everyone single powerful ally and admirer just because she's beautiful and can swing a sword. The connection between the hero and the heroine is unbelievable. I mean, I don't see where the appeal is for both sides. She's naïve and simplistic in her ways of thinking. He's cranky and fell for her just because she happens to not be afraid of his scaly tail.

If you're curious, borrow from the library. Not worth the money and definitely not worth the time.

I have read the entire series, including the most recently released. This will be an automate buy in the future. The humor that is woven throughout these books and the author's ability to make us see the dragon world make it hard to put one down.

G.A. Aiken has created the most interesting and endearing characters with her Dragon Kin series. I read Dragon Actually and fell head over heels in love with Fearghus the Destroyer and love how he and Annwyl the Bloody fell in love. I love the relationship she has created for them, the fears, the strengths and the dedication they have about themselves and for eachother.

I also adore the backstory, "Chains & Flames" about Fearghus's parents, Bercelak and Rhiannon included in this book. I love how she wrote the males in this series. Bercelak and Fearghus both remind me of my husband so that makes me extremly partial to her writing. Her books are filled with humor, creative content and a very believeable work filled with some that work magic and most that don't. And to say that the rest of the family is something is an understatement! Love them all!!

As the rest of the series progresses, the stories about other family members of Fearghus the Destroyer's take place and I grew to love all of the characters more and more with each passing book. It is best to read them in order. Each female love interest is very different from eachother and are unique and loveable in their own ways.

I have read the series from start to finish so far four or five times now, I've lost count. Because I just love the characters and the world she has created around them. I could read about this family forever!!

Annwyl has been battling her brother for as long as she can remember. They both want the other dead and will stop at nothing to achieve their goal. Annwyl is about to be killed by her brother's men in a cave when a dragon comes to her rescue. Instead of eating her, he saves her and tends to her wounds. Fearghus, the dragon, is drawn to the woman warrior. He allows her to stay in his cave while she recovers, and she slowly takes a piece of his heart. Shape shifting into human form, Fearghus trains her without telling her who he is. Annwyl struggles with her feelings of love for the dragon and lust for the warrior, never realizing they are the same person.

I really liked this novel. The characters were well developed, and I loved that Annwyl loved the dragon enough that she was willing to give up having a physical relationship just to be with him. The love scenes are really steamy too. The only thing I did not like and that almost led to a four star review is the ending. It was just so stupid. I don't want to give anything away, but the characters just acted stupid for no reason. It was explained why they did what they did, but I don't think it really made sense. Thankfully, it was a small part of the book and did not bring it down overall. I also liked the second short novella that was essentially a prequal to Dragon Actually. I didn't like it as well as the first, but it was neat to learn more about the characters and see how their relationships came about. I wasn't sure how I would feel about reading a dragon romance but I did enjoy it. If you get tired of reading about vampires and weres, you should give G.A. Aiken's dragons a try.

Enjoyed this book very much. It's a fun quick read - just what I was looking for. Since I got my Kindle, I've been in "vampire series world" for a while - started with Harris's Southern Vamp./Sookie books, then Adrian's 'Midnight Breed', then Frost's 'Night Huntress' and finally Ward's 'Black Dagger Brotherhood'...all of which I'd highly recommend. Oh yeah, back to this book...so I was looking for something a little different, a change of pace from vampires but still with fantasy, suspense, sex, & humor...All of which I found in "Dragon Actually". I'd definitely recommend. I was a little hesitant with the whole dragon thing, wondering how that would work, but no worries. It works quite well! At this time, there are 2 more books in this series - I'm starting the 2nd, "About A Dragon" tonight. And feel sure I'll also be reading #3, "What A Dragon Should Know". So for a light, fun, sexy fantasy, I think you'll enjoy!!