Customer Reviews

Dragon Lovers (Signet Eclipse)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Look around, there may be a dragon amongst you. In the deepest recesses of the mind lurks the heart of magic, the desire of the DRAGON LOVERS has begun...

Princess Rozlinda has been groomed for eight long years to be the sacrificial virgin for the coming of the dragon. After he comes, oh...joy, she no longer has to be a virgin. She can then experience the wonders of womanhood. Why do things never quite work out the way a young woman want them to? Dragon farts!

THE DRAGON AND THE VIRGIN PRINCESS is by Jo Beverley. The tone of the wondrous historical/paranormal tale is light, humorous and completely enchanting. Ms. Beverley tickles this story with magic, dragons and the blunders of life.
Individual rating: 4 hearts

Sir Kenrick of Rathbourne, a freelance knight, is looking for a place to winter with his faithful squire. When he learns of a Lord that is in need of a knight to slay a dragon, he will find out there is much more to his task than meets the eye.

THE DRAGON AND THE DARK KNIGHT is by Mary Jo Putney. A sweet pen touched this tale of a knight and the dragons he encounters. This story is reminiscent of the books we read as a young adult--gentle and straightforward in premise. At times though, the urge to thumb ahead a few pages when the story slowed got to this reader, but she did not skip one word.
Individual rating: 3 hearts

Anna Vanderzee has recently lost her parents in a country where she is a foreigner. In her sadness, she accidentally slips and falls into a pool of water, the only problem is Anna cannot swim. She is rescued by a fabled dragon, but that is only were this story begins to unfold...

ANNA AND THE KING OF DRAGONS is by Karen Harbaugh. Ms. Harbaugh penned a delightful tale flavored with the Orient. The cultural endeavors seasoned it with originality and unforgettable romance between two different yet completely connectable characters. Wonderful!
Individual rating: 4 hearts

Penny Freeman gets the chance of a lifetime studying under Senora Libelula, a famous weaver. Since the recent death of her husband, this offer is the perfect change she is looking for. Once there, floating into her life are gorgeous pink feathers. Now this story really gets good!

DRAGON FEATHERS is by Barbara Samuel. This contemporary tale of a dragon was the standout story in this entire anthology. With the freshness of morning air, it captured this reader's heart from beginning to end. Ms. Samuel's writing is the cumulative of a genius with DRAGON FEATHERS!
Individual rating: 5 hearts

What a wonderfully written anthology that is a perfect fit for the general audience of readers of romance. If you love historical, paranormal, or romantic love stories, you will want to pick up a copy of DRAGON LOVERS by award-winning and highly acclaimed authoress', Jo Beverley, Mary Jo Putney, Karen Harbaugh, and Barbara Samuel.

Courtesy of Love Romances and More
Reviewed by Janalee Ruschhaupt, 2007

There are four stories in this anthology and I liked two of them and didn't care for the other two. Out of the the two I liked only 1 of them was really that enjoyable a read.

The first story is by Jo Beverly and frankly it was really, really disturbing. Basically the heroine is a virgin sacrifice for a dragon that comes once every 8 years (the sacrifice isn't actually killed, just a cup full of there blood is taken on top of this special rock and give to the dragon to drink. Then, they go off and live regular lives). Not too bad. But, when the dragon shows up this time-early-the dragon rider takes her instead of the blood intending to bring her back to his land and, as we find out, slice her open from top to bottom and let the dragon drink her dry. Yes, that's about how it was described. Apparantly, in order for a dragon to have an egg, they have to eat this special blood the princess' family has and because the last dragon didn't get any blood apparantly there's been some crisis and there won't be any dragons. Now, the reasons for this aren't really answered and it's a little confusing so I won't get into it. what I found really disturbing was the dragon constantly talking about the princess' blood as 'yummy', how dragon drool was considered an aphrodisiac, how they ate food chewed up in the dragon's mouth (it was just one gross thing after another,frankly), but the most disturbing part was when the princess is laying on the dragon rock, on some weird drug. The dragon has slit open her thighs and the princess is rolling around laughing giddily and begging the dragon to 'take more! take more!" . I can't even describe how disturbing the scene was to me. If you're the slightest bit squeamish, skip this one.

The second story is more your traditional english dragon story. A knight is hired to kill a dragon that's supposedly been torching local villages. He saves a young woman, discovers she part dragon and the main dragon is her grandfather. They fall love while fighting a local evil Lord. It was a sweet story and very reminiscent of a vintage romance. The author also had a unique take on what a dragons 'hoard' was. I liked this one.

The third story took us to Japan where the hero is a dragon that shapeshifts into a samuri. This one should have been better. The main problem was the heroine, who acted in an absurd way, especially given this is supposed to take place in the 1600's. For instance, at the opening of the book she is contemplating having to go to work as a low class prostitute becuase she has no friends, no money, etc(she's been in the country for at least 4 years with her now dead parents with the blessing of the emperor and yet she doesn't have 1 friend in the country???). The next chapter up, she's traveling by herself (despite a couple who tried to get her a guard and warned her that they'd been set up by ruffians frequently in the area)when, of course, she's attacked. When the dragon/samuri kills them (after she prays for someone to save her) she chides him for killing them and then just planning to leave them there and then becomes offended when he tries to pick her up and carry her to her pony since she's sprained her ankle. Now, if it were me and I'd just been attacked by men who said they were going to rape and then sell me to the whoremonger, I wouldn't be that upset if they died. but, that's just me. She continues to act in a similar stupid way through-out the book. I was sad, because the author could have had a truly unique story if she'd just written the heroine's character differently.

The last story takes place in the southwest. This was a contemporary story and while it wasn't bad...it wasn't good either. I kept expecting something different to what happened and honestly, it was a disapointment. And, the explaination was a bit of a confusing stretch. They're supposed to protect and hide a bright pink dragon living under her house and yet, everyone knows where she is???

Over all, I was disapointed by this anthology. For a book titled 'dragon lovers' there weren't too many lovers that were dragons-just people around dragons. They did try to put together stories with different types of dragons, which I applaud, but there just weren't enough good romances to make the book worth keeping. And, I have to admit, I felt slightly sick after finishing that first one and it tainted the others a bit. I problably should have waited a day or two before going on to the other stories. I'd get this one from the libarary if you can.

Dragon Lovers is a very nice combination of romance and fantasy and although I enjoyed all the stories, I was most impress with Anna and the King of Dragons and Dragon Feather.

Anna and the King of Dragons steps outside of the normal historical/European dragon mode; it takes on the myth of Asian dragons and culture. I was very impressed with this one, and would love to see a sequel or this story expanded into a full-lenght novel. It was very well written and had a very captivating plot. I liked the mixing of cultures, which you don't find very often in romance novels, especially in historicals. The added fantasy was a bonus.

Dragon Feather was an unusual and serious romance placed in modern times. I didn't care for it the first time I read it, but after re-reading it, because I realized I rushed through it, I found it touching, with characters that weren't your typical ones.

The other two stories were well written and very fascinating, and I enjoyed them too, but I can't help but pick my favorites. If you like dragons and romance ( this is not for serious fantasy fans ) you will enjoy this book. Also, I gave it 5 stars, just for the last two, and best, stories in the anthology.

Step inside the pages of DRAGON LOVERS to find worlds where dragons still live and fantasy reigns supreme....

Jo Beverly opens up this anthology with "The Dragon and the Virgin Princess". Princess Rozlinda has been trained to be the Sacrificial Virgin Princes (SVP) all her life. She is thrilled that her time as the SVP is about to come to an end, when the dragon arrives one year early. A mysterious man intervenes and all that Rozlinda knows is about to change.

"The Dragon and the Virgin Princess" is one highly amusing story! Rozlinda is a strong female character and her willingness to take on what she sees as her SVP obligations is commendable. Jo Beverly demonstrates that a female character can be empowered even when in a rather traditional role. Seesee, the dragon, definitely steals the show as she adds a unique flavor to Ms. Beverly's tale. "The Dragon and the Virgin Princess" was definitely the highlight of DRAGON LOVERS for this reviewer, as the humor interspersed with a unique perspective on cultural diversity made this an interesting and unforgettable romantic tale.

"The Dragon and the Dark Knight" by Mary Jo Putney is a charming tale that hearkens back to the more traditional romance. Sir Kenrick of Rathbourne intends to slay the dragon menacing the people under the jurisdiction of Lord William of Penruth. Things go awry, and Kenrick finds himself under the care of Ariane. Will love conquer all for Kenrick and Ariane?

Mary Jo Putney definitely knows how to write a powerful romance! The romance between Kenrick and Ariane is sweetly sensual as each accepts the other despite their supposed flaws. The surprising twist by Ms. Putney adds just the right amount of punch needed to spice this tale up. "The Dragon and the Dark Knight" is an entertaining and fun read.

"Anna and the King of Dragons" by Karen Harbaugh adds a bit of international flavor with a setting of Japan in the 1600s. Dutch native Anna Vanderzee finds herself alone and basically penniless in Japan after the sudden death of her parents. A chance encounter with a dragon changes everything when he saves her life. Anna agrees to provide the dragon with her father's scholarly books in exchange and thus sets an entirely new course for her life.

Karen Harbaugh immerses the reader into the culture of Japan in the 1600s. Anna's adherence to the dictates of the Japanese culture is enlightening, but it is her willingness and determination to keep her promises that make her such an admirable character. I particularly enjoyed the character of samurai Nakagawa Toshiro as his sense of honor and duty provided a unique flair to the story. "Anna and the King of Dragons" is perhaps one of the more unusual tales in DRAGON LOVERS.

Barbara Samuels concludes DRAGON LOVERS with her tale entitled "Dragon Feathers". Penny Freeman is ecstatic over her opportunity to study with the famous weaver in Santa Fe. The move is a refreshing change after the loss of her husband last year. But something is odd about the house she has purchased.... And just what is up with all of the feathers?

What an incredibly beautiful story! Barbara Samuels paints such vivid images that one can easily envision each scene as it unfolds. The twists and turns were wonderfully done as Ms. Samuels provides some interesting surprises. Joaquin's role emerges as the story progresses. However, it is Penny herself who makes this tale work as she has one of the more unusual roles in the anthology. "Dragon Feathers" is a stunning tale!

DRAGON LOVERS will relish this offering from four very talented authors. Each author provides the reader with a different perspective on dragons. The range in styles and settings ensure that most readers will find something to appeal to their tastes. DRAGON LOVERS is a worthy addition to my keeper shelf!

COURTESY OF CK2S KWIPS AND KRITIQUES

In The Dragon and the Virgin Princess by Jo Beverly, a high maintenance, Sacrificial Virgin Princess finds herself married to a clever knight who finds a loophole in the laws of her land to wed her without actually slaying the very cute, sweet dragon that, unfortunately, needs her blood to save two races. Hopefully, with a bit of luck and love, they can find a second loophole. Mary Jo Putney delivers a magical story of a knight searching for glory by slaying a dragon, but falling in love with one instead in The Dragon and the Dark Knight. Karen Harbaugh gives us a tale of Japan and a noble dragon who befriends an orphaned Dutch maiden in Anna and the King of the Dragons. Finally, noted historical author Barbara Samuel steps into modern times with Dragon Feathers, wherein a young woman whose heart has been broken and is searching for a new life finds that and more in her new home that comes with a dragon.

*** Though all these "fairy tales" are about dragons, each one is unique and magical in its own way. I dare you to keep from laughing out loud at the antics of Ms. Beverly's SVP and the dragon Seesee. This is a fun read. ***

The short story can be a difficult artistic creation, and this book proves it. Writers that I've admired and read for years and two with whom I'm less familiar attempt short stories in the burgeoning genre of paranormal romance and, unfortunately, fail to create real dramatic tension or believable romantic dynamics. The closest thing to a memorable creation is the dragon from Barbara Samuel's "Dragon Feathers," which is at least more genuinely unique than the other stories. All of them, though, felt forced and contrived. Nothing in the plots truly flowed from character and situation, and the obstacles and villains never rose above the ho-hum. While I do prefer a spicier scene much of the time, the most regrettable part of these stories as romance was the contrived nature of each pairing. There was nothing that came across with depth. Perhaps I would have felt less offended with the half-baked nature of these stories if they had been offered in the standard paperback size and standard paperback pricing, but I paid premium trade paperback pricing for sub-par storytelling. I should have taken the Publisher's Weekly review more seriously. These stories honestly are frothy bits of gooey candy, not the well-crafted fiction writing that forms the backbone of recent paranormal genre-blending.

If you're looking for a more substantial story involving romance and dragons, consider Shanna Abe's The Smoke Thief and The Dream Thief, two relatively short novels with real tension, character-driven decisions and stories that mingle adventure and romance with the subject of dragons, each element contributing an integral share of the story.

Dragon Lover is an anthology. Now, I didn't used to be a fan of novellas but they are really growing on me. Unfortunately, this one just isn't worth its money (thanks be to small mercies that I borrowed this one from the library)--and almost made me swear off novellas again. Actually, I can't say if the rest of the anthology is worth reading since after finishing the first dreadful novella I just couldn't force myself to start reading the rest.
The first one was called the Dragon and the Virgin Princess by Jo Beverly.
Truly, this was the silliest thing I've ever read. Period. End of story. I don't normally review things I hate, but for this one I'll make an exception. I did keep reading until the end...it was rather like watching a car accident, you know it's going to be bad, but just can't stop looking.
Highlights..or maybe...lowlights.
The princess is referred to as the SVP. Sacrificial Virgin Princess.
There are other grand and wondrous things such as: a telepathic Dragon (which is female) who slobbers, and farts to get into the air--think jet propulsion I suppose. ::rolls eyes:: Oh, and the dragon's slobber is an aphrodisiac, and the hero gives the heroine `dragon chew' which is raw meat that the dragon has chewed for them. Really. Really!? When the hero and heroine come together, it's while they are sleeping on the dragon's back and she becomes a part of the mental link.

In a nutshell....this was so not my thing, or rather the silly tone made the danger impossible to take seriously.

I still gave this book two stars because one of the other stories probably does have some worth to it. I'll see if I can get into one of those ones in a day or two.

I enjoyed this book. It was engaging and stimulated zesty visualization. The characters were likable and the story line was well done. I had been contemplating for several months to purchase this book because I thought, it might lack excitement based on the cover. I made a wrong assumption and I am glad I did not judge this book by it's cover.

Even though I expected to read about heroines who loved dragons, dragons who could morph into human males & be a dragon lover to the heroine, I was open minded about the different stories.

The first two stories, I tried to read all the way through. It was confusing to understand the setting, the characters, the inventive mythologies, the storyline, and how dragons, lovers, the heroine & hero all fit in together. My sense was the authors were trying too hard to write outside their familiar genre. Please, it isn't necessary to reinvent the wheel to tell a good romance story.

"King of Dragons" I liked best as I believe it told a romantic story where the hero & heroine became dragon lovers. The story was told simply, developing a love interest between the protagonists. The ending was a dream come true. Loved it.

"Dragon Feathers" was good, though the developement of the story & characters wasn't smooth. Unique depiction of the feathered dragon of legends.

These are very well written stories and I enjoyed them all three writers are very good story tellers and have a great imageation,