Warm thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book for a review.

Unfortunately, this book just did not hook me in. Very early on I was hoping to stick with it but the execution fell flat for me.

*Dragonfall* by L.R. Lam is an exciting and immersive fantasy that blends magic, political intrigue, and a deeply emotional journey. The story follows a young dragon who is thrust into a conflict that could reshape the fate of their world. Lam’s world-building is rich and imaginative, creating a vivid landscape filled with complex characters and a fascinating magic system. The protagonist’s internal struggles, personal growth, and relationships with others add emotional depth to the narrative. With high stakes, compelling characters, and a fast-paced plot, *Dragonfall* is a captivating read for fans of epic fantasy, magical creatures, and intricate, character-driven stories.

Unfortunately, this just didn't work for me. I think it will be appreciated by a lot of fantasy readers who love diversity, but the voice and style just wasn't working for me.

I just can’t bring myself to finish this one, which makes me so sad! I am curious about where the story is going to go and what Sorin’s role will be in it all (as so far her chapters have been scarce), so I will keep this book on my radar.

The story starts out really slow and starts to pick up a bit about a third of the way in. The world within “Dragonfall” is interesting, but there is somehow an odd mix of both info dumps and not enough info. There is a mixture of first, second, and third person writing, which just makes the story less cohesive for me. I wasn’t sure how I felt at first about Severin’s POV; Severin is recounting events as if he is speaking to another character, so he uses “you” quite a bit. I got used to it after a while, but it took a bit to acclimate to it. Arcadia and Severin both use first person and Sorin’s chapters are in third, which I don’t really get. I think I would’ve enjoyed it better if the story remained in first person throughout.

If you can push through the slow start and confusing/at times hard to keep track of worldbuilding, I would say to give this one a go. The concept is interesting and the world within the story is unlike any I have read before. I would definitely say this is the type of book where your whole focus needs to be on it. I’d also recommend highlighting/marking important worldbuilding info to refer back to later in case you get confused. Based on what I’ve read so far, I’d say a solid three stars!

Leider konnte mich das Buch überhaupt nicht fesseln und ich werde es nicht beenden...
Die Erklärungen am Anfang sind sehr langatmig und kompliziert, sodass ich direkt zu Anfang das Interesse verloren habe...

Dragonfall by L.R. Lam is a captivating read for fans of epic fantasy and LGBTQ+ romance, particularly those who enjoy complex, slow-burn relationships and the intricate dance between enemies-turned-lovers, as well as the rich world-building and mythical creatures that come alive in this exciting tale of magic, power, and forbidden love.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

What a unique story- I enjoyed this one! Arcady was a very cool main character, and they are also nonbinary, which I have not read so often in fantasy- much less fantasy romance. It was cool to see how that was explored in their society. Arcady has this enemies-to-lovers situation with Everen, a dragon who was called by Arcady and some ancient magic from his world to theirs, and remains in human form (well, nearly human) for most of the book.

For me, I mostly liked how unique this story was and I was curious about its history and how the dragon and human worlds might connect in the end. There was certainly also some suspense which kept me hooked. However I do wish that we had gotten to see more of the dragon's world rather than having Everen in the human world most of the time.

I am personally just not a fan of romance fantasy, however, and the romance part to me felt a bit off and I did not really see the connection between Arcady and Everen, but I could imagine that others who like romance more might really love this aspect of the storyline.

One small thing I enjoyed that some reviewers did not like was the use of second person in Everen's POV chapters. I can see that it might be confusing as the POV switches around, but I am a huge fan of second person writing and whenever I come across it I savor it because it does not happen too often, and this author does it well.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this unique queer fantasy!

I enjoyed some but not all the povs: one pov is a dragon/but it also has a human form. So fun. However some of the side characters povs wasn't as compelling and then the story felt very slow.

However I enjoyed the main povs, and the banter between the main characters Arcady and Everen. Also liked the use of pronouns. The characters are referred to they/them until otherwise is proclaimed. The plot was intriguing - you get all the good stuff, prophecies, conflicts, betrayal. I'm excited to read the next book.

I've seen other reviews taking about the writing style and how the author used different povs: first person, second person, third person etc (I’m not smart enough to understand what the author used HAHA). I find this very interesting. I felt something was different about the writing but couldn't explain what. And I think that is a testimony that the writing style worked well and I have nothing bad to say about the writing in this book.

A solid first entry in a new epic dragon fantasy series. The concept and world-building were highlights for me, and I'm excited to venture back into this world in book 2. However, it took me so long to get hooked on this book. It's a slow burn in all the senses - romantically, character development, world-building, all of it. So much of the first half was confusing and hard to stay engaged with. It was interesting - at times - to get multiple POVs, but in the end half of them seem inconsequential and sometimes even distracting to the main characters Arcady and Everen. I loved their relationship evolution and simmering, banter-filled romance. But the other POVs were just meh.

**"Dragonfall" by L.R. Lam: A Detailed Feedback**

**Plot and Pacing:**
"Dragonfall" is a compelling fantasy novel that weaves together the stories of its main characters against a backdrop of intricate world-building. The plot is engaging, with a well-paced narrative that keeps readers hooked. The unfolding mystery and the twists and turns in the storyline are expertly crafted, maintaining suspense and interest throughout the book.

**Characters:**
The characters in "Dragonfall" are richly developed and multifaceted. Each character's journey is distinct, providing a deep dive into their motivations, struggles, and growth. The protagonist, in particular, stands out with a strong voice and relatable conflicts. The interactions and relationships among characters are authentic and add depth to the narrative.

**World-Building:**
L.R. Lam excels in creating a vivid and immersive world. The setting is richly detailed, with a unique blend of fantasy elements that are both imaginative and believable. The lore and history of the world are well-integrated into the plot, providing a solid foundation for the story without overwhelming the reader with exposition.

**Themes:**
"Dragonfall" explores themes of identity, power, and sacrifice. The narrative delves into the complexities of these themes, offering thoughtful commentary and raising interesting questions. The exploration of these themes adds layers of meaning to the story, making it more than just a typical fantasy adventure.

**Writing Style:**
Lam's writing is evocative and engaging, with a strong command of language. The prose is descriptive without being overly ornate, striking a balance that enhances the reading experience. Dialogue is natural and contributes to character development and plot progression.

**Overall Impression:**
"Dragonfall" is a standout addition to the fantasy genre. It combines an engrossing plot, well-developed characters, and an intricately crafted world to deliver a memorable reading experience. L.R. Lam has crafted a story that will appeal to fans of fantasy and those looking for a rich, thought-provoking narrative.

**Strengths:**
- Strong character development
- Engaging and well-paced plot
- Rich and immersive world-building
- Thoughtful exploration of themes
- Evocative writing style

**Areas for Improvement:**
- Some readers might find the initial world-building dense and complex, which could be streamlined for easier immersion.
- Certain subplots may feel underdeveloped and could benefit from further exploration in future installments or sequels.

"Dragonfall" is highly recommended for fans of epic fantasy and those who enjoy character-driven stories with intricate plots and immersive settings. It is a book that promises adventure, depth, and a richly woven narrative that stays with the reader long after the last page is turned.

Sadly this book really did not live up to my expectations. I was very disappointed by it. The writing is rather bland and sometimes confusing. Same goes for the world building. I didn't understand a thing, because nothing gets properly explained. I won't be continuing with this series sadly

I had fun reading this, it delivers in a number of areas, especially hitting my dragon need. Maybe I've just read too many amazing dragon books lately, but this one just wasn't my favorite. The heist aspect was probably my favorite part, so I do recommend it still if this sounds up your alley. Just a bit too angsty for my personal liking.

An amazing start to a new dragon series. The world building and writing style from the author is so detailed! And I can’t wait to read more!

The world-building in Dragonfall is nothing short of extraordinary. Lam skillfully crafts a realm where the consequences of past transgressions linger, and the gods, unforgiving and vengeful, seek to reclaim their rightful place. The city of Vatra, with its streets teeming with both desperation and opportunity, becomes the stage for a thrilling dance for Arcady and Everen.

Arcady, the street-smart thief at the heart of the story, serves as a compelling protagonist. Lam explores the complexities of survival, ambition, and the thin line between right and wrong through Arcady’s eyes. The narrative is skillfully threaded with elements of mystery and intrigue, as Arcady’s stolen artifact unravels secrets that could reshape the fate of both worlds.

The arrival of Everen, the last male dragon, adds layers of complexity to the plot. Lam masterfully navigates the challenges of a dragon in disguise, exploring the dichotomy between his godly nature and the limitations of a human form. The dynamic between Arcady and Everen is a highlight, as trust, betrayal, and the potential for redemption become the threads that bind their destinies.

The central theme of trust is woven intricately into the narrative, creating a suspenseful and emotionally resonant experience for readers. As Everen seeks to fulfil his destiny by convincing Arcady to trust him completely, the stakes rise, and the delicate balance between the mortal and dragon worlds hangs in the balance.

While Dragonfall introduces readers to a mesmerising and enchanting world, it is not without its challenges. The complexity of the plot may require attentive reading, especially as the interplay between mortal and dragons unfolds. Additionally, the intricate relationships and shifting allegiances may pose a slight challenge for readers seeking a straightforward narrative.

In conclusion, L.R. Lam’s Dragonfall is a triumph in the fantasy genre, offering a spellbinding fusion of magic, betrayal, and unlikely alliances. With its rich world-building, well-crafted characters, and a narrative that dances between darkness and hope, Dragonfall is a must-read for fans of epic fantasy. Lam has not only breathed life into dragons but has also given readers a world to explore, ponder, and get lost in—a world where the boundaries between gods and mortals blur, and the journey is as enthralling as the destination.

Positives of Dragonfall
Compelling world building
Complex and relatable protaganist as Arcady
Intriguing dynamic between characters
Negatives of Dragonfall
Complex plot dynamics may be difficult for non-fantasy readers.

DNF - i really couldnt. i wanted to but i couldnt get through. the POV was distracting and shaky.

the prose felt lacking to me and, maybe because, at the time i was new to fantasy, i couldnt imagine myself in the main character (dragon). i also felt like the world building was sloppy in the beginning

This book sounded so amazing and hearing some people talk about it, makes it sounds amazing. I tired really hard to get into this book but I kept finding myself getting distracted really easily. It might have something to do with it being written in 3rd person, and there is nothing wrong with 3rd person but I just find that I have a hard time connecting with the characters and their stories. Maybe I'll give it another chance down the road.

This book was an amazing experience to read. Great main character, amazing world building and story telling!
Really easy to read and follow the story line.

I think with the hieght of Fourth wing everyone is looking for more dragon books with romance, and this one let me down a little. I just wishjed there was more focus and explanation on the dragons.

Dragonfall is an very fun novel with detailed worldbuilding, listen I love dragons and rivals to lovers romance. I also really love to read queer characters in fantasy. It took a bit to get into it as the start was a bit slow and some parts were a somewhat confusing, but I still enjoyed the novel and loved Everen's POV. I guess for me what was less enjoyable was the ending, but I guess I will have to read the next book!

An epic fantasy story with queer love and characters, dragons and powers, Unforgettable and so recommended