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*Disclaimer: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book nor the content of my review.
Highland Dragon Warrior by Isabel Cooper Series: Dawn of the Highland Dragon #1
Published by Sourcebooks Casablanca on September 5, 2017
Genres: Fantasy Romance, Historical Romance, Paranormal Romance
Pages: 318
Format: eBook
Source: ARC Review Copy
Purchase Links: Amazon*Libro*Kobo*Chirp*Audiobooks.com
Goodreads
A Highlander romance with a fantastic paranormal twist! Readers will be entranced by Isabel Cooper's Highland Dragon series.
Legend claims
When Scotland fell to English rule
The Highland dragons took a vow:
Freedom at any price.
The war may be over, but so long as English magic controls the Highlands, not even a dragon laird can keep his clan safe. Cathal MacAlasdair needs a warrior fierce enough to risk everything, yet gifted enough to outwit an enemy more monster than man.
Who he needs is Sophia.
Alchemist Sophia Metzger traveled to Loch Arach in search of knowledge. She never dreamed she'd learn to do battle, ride through the stars on the back of a dragon, or catch the eye of a Highland laird. But as her quest turns to sizzling chemistry and inescapable danger, she'll soon discover the thrill of being caught in a dragon's claws…
Historical romances are few and far between for me to pick up and read, but when I saw it featured dragon shifters, well I just had to give it a try.
Highland Dragon Warrior was an interesting and pleasant read. It’s set in medieval times with magicians, sorcerers, dragon shifters, demons, and alchemy. It’s got mystery, action, and romance.
Sophie our heroine is a strong and determined women. She’s smart and stands up for what she believes in. Cathal our hero is a powerful and fierce warrior. He’s fiercely protective of his family and those he cares for and looks after.
I enjoyed the story. I loved the Scottish setting and the paranormal elements where fascinating. The author did a good job creating an intricate and appealing world, but man was the world-building extensive. I had a little trouble with the story; mainly their was just so much information with the world-building and historical aspects that the book felt slow. I also felt like I was back in school learning a lesson; especially when it came to Sophia’s alchemy and all the explanations that went into those scenes.
Now for the dragons their weren’t that many scenes with the dragon shifters and their magic. I would have liked more. Their also wasn’t much action either, until the very end, when Sophie’s soul is endangered.
As for the romance between Sophie and Cathal it was light and slow to bloom. I wish there was more interactions between these two to help build the romance. They spent a lot of time apart, watching each other across a room or briefly talking at dinner, but not doing much to move the romance along.
Highland Dragon Warrior is not a simple read. The world-building is extensive and various discussions that take place where excessive and a bit overwhelming. It’s an interesting set up and I’m intrigued, but I was a bit bogged down and felt like I was back in school.
Rated: 3 Stars
*Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy provided by Sourcebooks Casablanca via NetGalley with the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.
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Challenge(s): New To Me (Author/Series) | Pick Your Genre (PNR) | New Release (2017)
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Scottish and dragons. Sounds like a winner.
It was interesting!
My first thought when I saw historical PNR was “geez I bet that took a lot of set up and building” then I saw your thoughts!
^_^
I love the cover and the concept Angela and you know more times than not first books in a series leave a lot to be desired. Sometimes I like to have the first two books together. Great review thanks
I don’t like to give up on a series after the first book, just for that reason, that their is a lot that has to come across on that first one. I usually read up to 2 or 3; before stopping. I liked Highland Dragon Warrior it’s interesting, has a unique concept, but some of it made me think I was back in school. I appreciate you coming by and checking out my review.
Great review Angela! Shared on all my socials!!
Glad you enjoyed and thank you for sharing!
Dragon shifters would have got my attention too.
sherry @ fundinmental
If it mentions dragons I’m all over checking out the book and putting on my TBR or reading it asap. They are a guilty pleasure of mine ^_^.
When I saw it said dragons, I had to check out your review. I’m not a big historical reader though, mainly for the same reason you had a problem with the book. I find the world building really extensive and hard to get through. It also could fall into the ole book one of a series category.
Ya I agree with you. I’m glad I gave this one a try. It was interesting and I did enjoy, but also did have some difficulties with it. I might pick up book two, but if I do I’ll grab from my library. We will see. Just so many books to try out and so little time.
I completely get you. I’m not a big PNR reader but when we have dragons? ho can we resist? right?
Can’t resist those dragons.