Disclaimer : I received a free copy of this book and chose to review it. This in no way impacts my opinion.

Content Warning: Graphic violence and torture, mentions of rape, sexual assault, and slavery, especially in regards to a woman with a disability. The heroine is a product of rape. Her mother, who is described as having a “childlike mind” due to head trauma she suffered while younger, was abducted by slavers.

I appreciated how this book continues on with the story for the first one, but focuses so heavily on a new character and love interest. I would have liked a bit more of a focus on that overarching plot that seems to be brewing behind the scenes.

This book can feel a bit slow in pace, though. There is a lot (and I mean A LOT) of build-up for this with the majority of the action in the last 15%. While I loved the relationship, it did feel a bit like a drag to go through everything for not a lot of payoff with that overarching plot.

I still recommend this and can't wait to read book 3!

I liked this book but not as much as Phoenix Unbound.. This book moved much slower and built the romance really well. I missed the action packedness of first book though.

Looking forward to the third book.

It starts off slow and kind of dense, but once the action begins, it's hard to resist the story as it drives forward. It reads as a true epic, one that makes you feel the world really has been reshaped as you read it. Would recommend.

I loved the first book in this series with all my heart, but I think re-reading it right before this one wasn't the best idea. In comparison, this second installment was slower and less enthralling. The story was good, but I set it aside for long periods at a time, so it took me much longer than it should have to get through this. Draven is still one of my favorite authors, though, and I will continue to one-click everything she publishes. This is the only book from her I've rated lower than 4 stars.

My Kindle broke and I had to factory reset it and lost all of my Net Galleys, so I wasn't able to complete my read/review of Dragon Unleashed.

The archive date had already passed and I wasn't able to re-download it. I'll be catching this book from my local library.

Grace Draven will always be an instant buy for me. I have never disliked a book by Draven and that isn’t about to change with this book. The romances between Draven’s characters are always so unique. They never put too much stock in appearances, they get past typical issues from books WAY smoother as well. When I think a trope is coming it goes the other way. This book has a strong yet sweet cinnamon roll male lead and I LOVED HIM SO MUCH. I appreciated the way that autism was approached in this book as well. Watching the way he treated her mother with kindness and respect in a world that didn’t understand how to work with her was so beautifully done. I can’t wait for more in this world!

Grace Draven is a gifted storyteller. Dragon Unleashed revisits the world of the Fallen Empire and tells the story of free trader Halani and Malachus, a draga living on borrowed time. A compelling world, interesting characters and an exciting story make this one a winner. I recommend it to readers often.

Grace Draven never disappoints. Her books are always romantic, atmospheric, suspenseful, and somehow nostalgic. This one was a bit whiter than it’s predecessor, and yet was still wonderful in its way. If you like atmospheric fantasy romances, you can’t go wrong with this book.

While I liked this book, I didn't love it as I had hoped that I would. I really enjoyed the first book in this series, Phoenix Unbound, so I have been very eager to get my hands on this newest installment. I couldn't wait to dive back into this world and the dragons promised in the title only added to my excitement. My expectations were really high going into this book which might have ended up being an issue because I ended up being somewhat disappointed that those expectations were not met. Don't get me wrong - this is a good book but I just expected a little more.

This was a slower-moving story. The first book in the series felt pretty action-packed and I really expected that this book would be similar. I really felt like I spent most of this book just waiting for something to happen. Things did eventually get exciting but it was pretty late in the book before things picked up.

I thought that the characters in the story were very well done. I really enjoyed getting to know Halani, her mother, and Malachus. I thought that the chemistry between Halani and Malachus was well done and I was definitely cheering on their relationship. I found all of the information regarding the Draga to be quite interesting and I really felt like Malachus had been through a lot. I also found that the secrets surrounding Halani added a nice element to the story.

I would recommend this book to others. I feel like most readers will enjoy this one a bit more than I did. I did like the book but felt like it was rather slow for much of the story. I definitely plan to read more of Grace Draven's work in the future.

I received a digital review copy of this book from Berkley Publishing Group - Ace via Net Galley.

Grace Draven is such an exciting new-to-me author, and I can guarantee I'll be looking through her backlist because of how good both Fallen Empire books are. Like <i>Phoenix Unbound</i>, <i>Dragon Unleashed</i> is slow, contemplative fantasy centered on a romantic relationship and supported by fantastic world building and an intriguing magical system.

This book had a slow start compared to <i>Phoenix Unbound</i>. While the first book had a single POV, this one switches between three, and that slowed the pace to a crawl until the plot and romance really got started. Halani and Malachus' POVs worked for me, but Gharek's never did, and I do think this would have been a stronger novel had he not had a POV at all. It very much felt like a POV done solely to get information to the reader, because he has no emotional arc.

Halani's a wonderful heroine, strong in ways that don't generally get highlighted as strength. She cares for others fiercely, and she's stubborn in their defense. What's nice is that she's a genuinely good and kind person who is zero percent a pushover. Something I thought was really cool was that Halani is a storyteller but cannot read. This is common in the world, and stories are passed largely through the oral tradition. But I feel like, even in worlds like this one where most people cannot read, the heroes and heroines tend to be exceptions to that, so I liked the way there was no shame around this, as well as the way teaching her to read was a way they bonded. (And that she hasn't yet learned anything but the basics by the end! She doesn't magically learn super fast and use it as a plot point!)

Malachus and Halani have a sweet slow burn, which is perfect since he's a dragon who can't shift into his dragon form yet. One thing I really actually like to see in a couple is how they come back from a fight, because I feel like that's a really good way to tell if they have a chance long term. There's a point where they have a fight, and Malachus feels betrayed, and it's hard, but they work through everything maturely, and I just felt so much for them right then.

The other aspect of this book that really stood out for me was the representation of Asil, who has an intellectual disability. She's Halani's mother, but Halani really does take care of her rather than the other way around. Though there are people who treat Asil poorly, the respect with which Halani, the rest of the trader group, and Malachus treat her is beautiful. There's never any judgment from the narrative onto Asil. She's strong and kind and lovely, and that's shown consistently.

I would highly recommend this series to fans of Sharon Shinn's Elementals or vice versa. Though I do think book one is the stronger novel, I did also really enjoy <i>Dragon Unleashed</i>.

I am already a fan of Grace Draven, but even if I wasn’t I would have to pick up this book, why you ask? Firstly, look at that cover, it’s a work of art. I could frame it and put it on my wall and it wouldn’t look out of place. Secondly, dragons. I love a book with dragons in, especially when they are the good guys.

In Dragon Unleashed dragons are actually called draga and in the cruel Krael Empire they were hunted down to extinction generations ago. The Empress even has a throne made of draga bone. Malachus is one of the last, if not the last, draga and is forced to journey to the Krael Empire to retrieve something that was stolen from him. Something that if he doesn’t get back soon will mean his death. Halani is an Earth witch in an empire that has outlawed, on pain of death, magic. So taking in the injured man who earlier showed her great kindness is a dangerous risk. Both Halani and Malachus have secrets, but for both of them to survive all the trials the Krael Empire forces on them, must learn to trust each other.

I almost feel like I could divide this review into three sections: The Good, The Bad, The Things In Between. When I say this though I am not talking about the merits of the book, I am talking about the character types. We have the good guys, we have the bad guys and then we have the characters stuck in between.

The Good

For anyone who likes a slow burn romance, this is just the book you need to pick up. Luckily, I really enjoy a slow burn romance. Not that Halani and Malachus don’t have some chemistry they do, right from the start there is a spark between these two characters. A spark that Draven then expertly and organically fans into trust, friendship and more. The only issue I had was that I wanted to see more of them as a romantic couple. Most of the book is the development of their relationship and I would have liked to bask more in the culmination of it.

The Bad

There’s nothing worse than a fantasy book, or really any book where the forces of good and evil clash, when the bad guys are…meh. You want someone you can revile and hate, someone that when the good guy or girl slices their head off with their flaming sword of justice, you are right there with them rejoicing as the blood spurts. Or, perhaps you prefer a wicked and charismatic bad guy someone who you can’t help but emphasise with, so that when that flaming sword slices through their neck there’s tears in your eyes and doubt in your heart. Either way, you want a villain that causes a reaction.

In Dragon Unleashed the villain was pure evil. We’ve already met the Empress of Krael in book one of this series and her evil continues in this book as well. She was evil, a sadistic psychopath who enjoyed wielding her power for her own wicked ends. The blackness of her soul was entirely without nuance, which sounds like a criticism, but it really isn’t. She was bad and the conflicts she causes was delicious and frustrating and provoking in all the best ways. Also, does anyone else love a female villain?

The In Between

The In Between aka the grey area, is normally something I love and it was no different in this book. Mainly I am talking about Gharek, known as the Empress’ cat’s paw. Feared throughout the Empire, he does her dirty jobs, of which there are many. But, the more we begin to understand Gharek and the awful things he has done, the more we realise that he’s also a victim, a slave to the Empress. I really hope we find out more about him and explore his story further in future books.

This was an action packed adventure with a brilliant romance and some unforgettable characters, I highly recommend giving it a read. If you haven’t read the first book in the Fallen Empire series, I think this could probably be read as a standalone. All I know is, I can’t wait to see what Draven gives us next.

Oh friends, this was such a disappointment for me, especially after loving the first book in this series, Phoenix Unbound, so much! Dragon Unleashed does read as a stand alone, and in this world magic is outlawed! That is why it is so important for our main character, Halani, to hide that she has earth magic, especially since it helps her family who are traveling traders. Yet, when her uncle finds a bone that she can tell will bring nothing but pain to them, he refuses to listen. And that bone happens to be a dragon bone that our other main character, Malachus, needs because the magic holding his dragon-self inside this human form is quickly waning.

Action and romance ensue, well, they ensue extremely slowly over these 400 pages. I was highly anticipating this one, and I always feel like good fantasy romance is hard to find, but I have enjoyed everything by Grace Draven in the past! But I just felt such a disconnect from this book for so many reasons (so much miscommunication, very questionable disability representation, the most long-winded banter), but also because it truly was so very boring for the first 90%.

Dragon Unleashed (Fallen Empire #2). By Grace Draven. 2020. Berkley. (ARC eBook).

Malachus, a draga disguised as a man, has journeyed across an ocean and vast lands in pursuit of a stolen artifact that is his birthright. It is precious to him and could very well mean his death without the magic it contains. When he tracks it to a group of free traders in the Krael Empire he meets Halani, an intriguing healer full of compassion and earth magic.

At first Malachus is an outlander in need of aid, but the more time Halini spends with him, the more she believes he may be more than a man. Meanwhile, the cruel Empress of Krael is planning a war and she desires to capture a draga. As Malachus’ search draws him closer to the Empress’ stronghold, the draga will witness all of the cruelty and grace humans have to offer.

Dragon Unleashed is the first book by Grace Draven I’ve read; although she’s been on my watchlist for a while now due to the descriptions and beautiful covers of her books. I will be rectifying this as soon as I’m able because she knocks it out of the park with Malachus and Halani’s fantastical love story. I loved the development of friendship and trust between the two. The fantasy elements of magic and the draga are well-envisioned and all of the characters (man and beast) are fascinating. I can’t wait to read more!

I haven't read much romantic fantasy but I can't say I really enjoyed this series. it was good but not a stand out for me. This sequel would appeal to fans of the first book, but I doubt it will draw in new readers. The story follows new characters and expands the world building. However, it felt too watered down to appeal to either the fantasy lovers or romantic readers.

I started reading this one but didn't hold my interest. because I didn't know it was the second book when I requested it. I though the concept was good but I wish I could have connected with the characters more. Maybe once I read the first one then I come back to this one.

I absolutely LOVED this book. I wasn't sure what to expect when I initially started reading but it absolutely knew me away. The descriptions, the world, the characters, everything was beautifully thought out. I can't fault it in any way.

Dragon Unleashed did not quite live up to the hype of Pheonix Unbound, a hard act to follow. As always Draven's world-building and lore were great, but I was not convinced by Halani and Dragas's chemistry.

*I received an eArc from NetGalley for me to review. Thank you!*

I was a little nervous picking this book up once I realized it was a sequel to a book I hadn't read yet. However, when I looked up the previous novel "Phoenix Unbound" I saw that it was about a new couple, so I decided to go through with it anyway. Because then if I liked it or not I would know whether to go back in time.

However, I ended up finding it very pleasant and fun. The romance was lovely and gave me butterflies. Malachus and Halani had my heart and the situations they found themselves in were very compelling. I love Fantasy Romance and I am always looking for more. Though its not quite up to the level I enjoy, I think it would be great for someone who wants and intro to Fantasy Romance.

Although I read this out of order, I plan to go back and read the first one and hopefully have a better view of the series. I'm interested enough to do that and then read the next when it is available.

4/5 stars from me.

This was MUCH better than the first book in the series! True to (usual) form, Grace Draven delivers a fantastic romance with a strong heroine and a well-developed relationship with the hero, all within a vivid fantasy setting.

In Dragon Unleashed, a healer with earth magic and a dragon shifter fall in love. Halani was a side character in Phoenix Unbound, and here we get a lot more of her. She is part of a nomadic trader caravan, has a complicated relationship with her uncle (their leader) and a loving but unusual relationship with her mother who has the mind of a child as response to trauma in her past. Malachus is secretly a Draga, searching for a powerful artifact that will allow him to shift to his dragon form, but was stolen from him. Of course, Halani's uncle has purchased this same artifact from the thieves, so when Malachus is injured and Halani nurses him back to health, she must hide this information despite her growing suspicious that it belongs to him. And despite their growing friendship and attraction.

This was exactly what I wanted- a reasonably well-developed fantasy world and plot, but with the main focus being on the relationship development and conflict of the couple. If you didn't love Phoenix Unbound, (because I didn't either) I would give this one a shot. It's a much better depiction of what Grace Draven is capable of. Well-developed characters, a slow burn romance with a real relationship at its core, steamy moments that don't overshadow the larger story, and a capable heroine who partners with the hero. It was great. I received an advance copy of this book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

I had super high hopes for this one and I think that, plus my current mood while reading this one led me to giving it a lower rating. This is one I know I'll want to re-read at a later date. This is a book best read savored slowly. I will admit that I got halfway through the book without realizing it, partly because the story does suck you in, but also because it didn't feel like much had happened. The isn't as much action spread throughout the book, but there is some in towards the end.
The world-building from the first book is still here and built upon. It is such an interesting world and she makes it very easy to visualize.
I still really liked Halani and I ended up liking her romantic lead as well.

Truly, this was an enjoyable book. My biggest complaint with it is more of a pet peeve of mine. I believe a book should be able to end with its last chapter. An epilogue is extra -- like the scenes during the credits of a movie. That is definitely not the case here, so I almost hated the ending, but have come to... tolerate it? forgive it? find it acceptable because of the epilogue? Let's say all of the above.

I'm not sure if we will get another book in this series, but if we do I will definitely read it.