Member Reviews
Going back to the worlds of Aerthlan is some my favorite reading. It is the age old battle of good verses evil. Members of the cult formerly known as The Brotherhood are still out there, still plotting how to get rid of those in charge and take over the lands. This time, they may succeed! They have spies in high places. As the tale opens, the ruling families are gathered for a royal wedding. Unfortunately, the Brotherhood remnant has put their plans into action, attacking one king, kidnapping princes and others. Princess Lenushka, Lennie, is given command over the rescue of those kidnapped. Five months ago, Bran, the Raven, saw her asleep and fell for her, not knowing that she is the first and only female dragon. He is not especially fond of dragons, even more so after one makes him crash and fracture his arm. Lennie is not fond of the Raven because of his involvement with the Brotherhood. Mutual attraction, secrets, danger and fear, all play a big part in this tale. Like the previous books, there is lots of page turning action mixed with romance, leading to an excellent read. In the end does good overcome evil?
This is an epic tale filled with betrayal, deceit and love. Such great characters and world building. I had to laugh when anyone said "language" as I find myself saying it. I loved the ending.
When A Dragon Falls
When A Dragon Falls is a continuing over all story of Aerthlan and the Embraced. Someone that is Embraced has a special power given to them by the two Goddess Moons on two special nights a year when the moons embrace. The people that are born on those days have these Embraced powers.
Princess Lenushka, or Lennie, is the heir of the Norveshka crown. She’s the first female dragon shifter ever. Bran is The Raven, who is known to be the head of “The Brotherhood”, a group of evil men that plan to murder all royals. Bran is only acting as the leader to convince people to give up the cause, as that he has more hard feelings toward The Brotherhood than he ever had about the royals. This book tells how they come together to save their brothers and their world.
As with the other Embraced books, When A Dragon Falls has action, romance, intrigue throughout. This one has many of the folks from previous books, which is always great to see. We’re also introduced to new villains and new allies. It is a fun and wild read!!
If you are a fan of fantasy or paranormal romance, this is the series and book you didn’t know you needed. Ms Sparks does an amazing job world building and character building so that everything comes together seamlessly. Check this book out today!!
This was a little slow to start, but once it did, I was drawn in so fast! This book continues with the second generation of Embraced, which can be a little confusing if you haven't read the previous books in a while or you haven't read them at all. I have seen some feedback saying it does a great job of recapping...but I'll be honest, you need to read the previous books first. Don't rely on the recaps. That being said, the story itself was enjoyable, loaded with a heavy dose of secret identity, pining, and class difference. The MMC is a former bad boy who is working to repair the damage he's done in the past, and the FMC is a princess who desperately wants freedom from the royal life that requires she marry another dragon shifter. It's angst-filled, so be prepared for that third act conflict that always follows secret-keeping. The relationship development was well paced, and the only downside to the story as a whole is that there were a few other relationships developing at the same time that we didn't get to watch happen. Hoping we see more in the next book...or maybe a novella!
Bran is not known for being a good guy. Prior to turning his life around, he was forced to work for the Brotherhood, a group of monstrous men who killed his brother and abused his sisters, and not everyone realizes that everything he did was against his will. Now his mission is to take the remaining members down, if only he could get this one persistent dragon to stop attacking him. Princess Lenushka is a rare female dragon, the only one of her kind, and she is determined to bring Bran down for his crimes. However, when trying to apprehend the raven shifter leads to him breaking his arm, Lennie realizes she must play nice to get his help in rescuing her brother and father, who have been captured by the Brotherhood. Knowing he won't work with the dragon who attacked him, she hides her identity from him. As they continue on their journey, sparks fly, and Bran begins to fall in love with the person he thinks is just a Captain in the Norveshka army. When secrets are revealed, will their love endure both the betrayal and their difference in station? Or is their love doomed to fail?
Oh, Lennie, Lennie, Lennie. What tangled webs we weave. She knew Bran had never seen her dragon form shift, so she took advantage of that to gain his cooperation. Feeling genuine remorse once she realized he wasn't the bad everyone thought him to be, she nursed him back to health and ensured he was comfortable on their journey. She thought nothing would come from their interactions, given their stations in life, but clearly...that didn't work! Bran recognized Lennie from his last mission with the Brotherhood, and ever since then, he has dreamed about her. He thinks her an angel, too perfect for someone like him with a dark past, and so he keeps her at a distance for reasons of his own. However, traveling in close quarters does not lend towards distance from feelings, and both quickly became powerless to the budding romance between them. I loved when they finally let go, especially because Lennie was able to let loose after feeling so restrained for so long. She saw Bran as a trustworthy man, even when Bran didn't see himself that way. I also loved how she compared his body with those of the two dragon suitors that would not leave him alone. Girl is a shoulders and arms woman, and I completely understand why.
As always, I look forward to see where this book leads! Though next time, I think I'll do a reread of prior books before jumping in. Please note a strong trigger warning for mentions of past SA and p*do behavior! It is mentioned quite a bit throughout the story, and you should proceed with caution.
Loved this sweet and fun romance. Very light hearted, with the perfect blend of fantasy. Was a tad confused since this was my first read of the series, so looks like I'll have to read the others!
"When the Dragon Falls" by Kerrelyn Sparks is a delightful continuation of the series that captivates readers with its sweet and low-stakes romance. As a long-time fan of Sparks' work, I eagerly dived into this latest instalment, and while it did not disappoint. The familiar charm of Sparks' storytelling shines through, and it's a testament to her talent that she consistently delivers on the promise of heartwarming, feel-good romances.
However, I must confess that I struggled to keep track of all the priest names. Nonetheless, this minor hiccup didn't diminish my enjoyment. The central romance is endearing and well-crafted, with characters that are easy to root for. Sparks' world-building continues to be a highlight, offering readers a rich tapestry of magical elements and whimsical settings.
In essence, the book remains a fun and cosy addition to a series that holds a special place in my heart. It's a heartwarming tale that will leave you with a smile and a warm feeling. If you're a fan of lighthearted romance with a touch of magic, I wholeheartedly recommend giving this whole series a read.
I have been an avid follower of this series for several years now and this book did not disappoint. I really enjoyed the next generation with peaks back at my original favorites. Fast paced, this book drew me right in. Highly recommend this book and any other books by Sparks. She creates fun worlds. You will enjoy them.
Returning back to the Embraced world with the children of the original series is delightful! This can be read as a standalone. The recommendation is to read the other books in this series to understand the different relationships better between the characters. Reading the original series is not required, yet recommended for pure enjoyment. This one is all about the Dragons as the title suggests. As a dragon lover, this book is right up my alley. With Princess Lenushka, it is more, "I am Dragon, Hear Me ROAR!"
Lenushka is in a unique position as not only royalty, but also a dragon shifter . . . the first ever female one that anyone can remember. She needs to prove herself over and over again, especially to thick headed dragon males. As a minority female in IT, her plight hits home. Immediately identifying with Lenushka, I am pulled into the story from the beginning.
What I enjoy about this book, is seeing how Lenushka responds to the demands placed upon her as a unique and highly desirable dragon. Several male dragons compete for her hand as a mate. They see her as only a coveted possession. Lenushka is no damsel in distress. She is a highly skilled dragon warrior who earned her rank. She is a commander and yet the males cannot see past her reproductive organs. I completely empathize. I like how Ms. Sparks created this character. Lenushka could be a spoiled princess with a huge ego. Instead, Lenushka is a level headed force to be reckon with who wants to protect her nation.
This book nicely weaves in a few heavy philosophies: minority females, interracial relationships, and nepotism - and makes it understandable. There is a theory that the more one reads, the more a person can expand their understanding of others and become more empathetic and accepting. I find authors like Ms. Sparks is the reason why book readers can see other perspectives and start expanding their norms and being more inclusive.
This story isn't the author preaching on a soapbox about victim hood. It is a magic tale where a strong female lead encounters bad situations and how she overcomes them. Some of them are work related. Other conflicts are personal. We experience feelings and thoughts through her eyes and the eyes of those around her. This paranormal romance is recommended to readers who like having a bad situation turn around to a positive.
4.5
"Just how many romances were happening during your journey North?"
So glad to be back in this world with these characters. When a Dragon Falls starts right off with humor and the cousins having to wear hideous bridesmaids dresses. This book was unique compared to the others, in that there wasn't just one love story blooming. I did however, get irritated with how often Lenushka mentioned Bran being a traitor and how he kidnapped the queen and princess in the beginning. Once Bran's story was explained the issue was resolved. I also didn't enjoy how fast Bran fell in love with Lennie. It was hilarious though, when Bran received a pain relieving potion and started calling Lennie his angel. The story had a good pace throughout, and wrapped up nicely. I'm sad to think this will be the last in the series. If you're looking for a cheesy fun paced romance I definitely recommend this series.
"And when a dragon falls, it's forever."
Thank you Netgalley for the arc from Kensington Books.
When a Dragon Falls is a heart-wrenching and wonderous whirlwind that will not only transform your heart but redefine how your eyes view it. The emotional hurricane is enough to destroy anyone all while leaving your soul vulnerable and naked in from of everyone. It is truly everything good and pure at the end of the refining fire that you must walk through. Even still, this is one journey that I would eagerly volunteer for in order to drown in the beauty and bask in the magnificence that is this dangerous and glorious adventure.
Lennie has a destiny set before her. She sees a clear path, and she has been dutifully walking it. However, not all is as it seems, and her heart is beginning to rebel. She fiercely keeps her heart on track, but she wonders if it is worth allowing her heart to die. Bran has one mission left to him. Vengeance is the only thing on his mind when he is waylaid by a vision from a dream. His last hope has slowed him down, but he finds he is helpless to fight against the path he has been put on. In fact, he discovers that he can't live without faith, hope, and love. Can these two work together in order to find an opportunity beyond imagination, or will they destroy their last hope and walk away for a life of shadows and disappointment?
On the surface these two have nothing in common, but when their hearts connect anything is possible. Lennie is still a woman with a brain and a heart, and she refuses to stop using either. Bran is desperate to keep his family together, so he knows what a miracle Lennie is to him. Even when these two argue the chemistry is undeniable and sizzling, but its the quiet times that allow them to build and nurture a love to last the test of time.
Kerrelyn Sparks is a brilliant and wonderful author who never fails to move my heart and touch my very soul. Her works always spark a change in the way I think about and view the world around me. She is a revolutionary woman who has a heart that fills to overflowing for those around her. She has without a doubt showed me that the heart has not a care for position or power. It only wants to be whole and happy. We just need to have the courage to follow its yearning in order to have a blessing only it can give us.
Part of the Embraced series second generations.
Princess lenushka a dragon and Bran a raven shifter both trying to put an end to the Brotherhood an evil enterprise threatening world can they work together to protcct the people.
Good drama,twists characters romance.
Really like this series./
Voluntarily reviewed.
Continuing from “When A Princess Proposes”, this is the 7th book in the Embraced series, and the 2nd book on the next generation. This book is the story of Princess Lenushka (or Lennie as she’s more affectionately known), daughter of Silas and Gwennore (from book 3), and Bran Morris, the Raven, whom we met in the previous book. Packed with action and adventure, the story continues as they resume their fight against the Brotherhood of the Sun.
I enjoyed being back in Aerthlan and reuniting with old characters; my only gripe was that the romance was a little too love-at-first-sight and felt a tiny bit juvenile, including that between Princess Roslyn and Terrance.
Thank you Kensington Books and NetGalley for the e-ARC.
As usual, Kerrelyn Sparks did not disappoint. When a Dragon Falls was a cute and light fantasy romance. Certain darker aspects were touched upon but barely skimmed, so light trigger warnings. I have been following this world from the beginning. It has always been what I would call regular fantasy. However, the earlier books were a bit more serious sounding, whereas this one was more high-school sounding. Although that could be on purpose because this is about the original couple's children. They are very young and act like what you would expect high schoolers to act. Overall, it is still a great book in the series.
When a Dragon Falls is the next addition in the Embraced series. You just can’t go wrong with a Kerrelyn Sparks book especially if it has dragons in it. And it sure does with Princess Lenushka of Norveshka, who is one tough, smart, fighting female dragon shifter. She ends up teaming with Bran Morris, the Raven to stand against the foe of Aerthlan. Then they team up in other ways too.
Plenty of action, plenty of humor, plenty of chemistry, and plenty of sass as well as wit, this is one entertaining and fun read. Not that there are some serious moments, but this book doesn’t take itself too seriously but does it job to give you pure escapism. So it is time to bring down the enemy in a Wonder Woman, dragon shifter kind of way. Even the Raven would smile about that.
An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
4.75 stars this is number 7 in the embraced series but number 2 in the books about the children. This book is the perfect length, lol. Sometimes when a book is part of a series they get longer and more complicated but she didn't do that here. We meet up with Lennie and Bran 5 months after the last book and more hilarity ensues. I loved all the different shenanigans that happen and how the bad guys are truly bad but also not very smart. Lennie is the first female dragon and as such believes that she will have to marry a dragon and is resentful of this. Bran is trying to enact revenge on Greer, who has kidnapped their brothers, for what he has done to his family. When Bran is accidently hurt, he and Lenni form a bond that gets them through trying to rescue them. I loved this book and I love Kerrelyn Sparks writing so much I have read 23 of her books, and I will continue to read more.
When a Dragon Falls by Kerrelyn Sparks is a great sci/fi romance. This is a wonderfully crafted novel that recommend to all readers who enjoy this type of book.
I truly enjoyed reading when a dragon falls. It was a lighthearted, and yet it still carried the fantasy/action vibes, that I associate with Kerrelyn Sparks writing.
The story is centered around the children of the embraced and The Brotherhood, who is still very much alive and active. Lenushka our only female dragon shifter is about to meet her match in Brain, a raven shifter. We watch these two grow together and heal from the wounds of the past, the betrayal, and the loss they have suffered.
Brain is fueled by revenge and Lenushka always wanted to prove herself (to the other dragon shifters and anyone who doubts her) together they must learned to rely and trust one another to bring down The Brotherhood before they strike again.
I am extremely appreciative to have received this ARC from the publisher and NetGalley.
I highly recommend this book and series to anyone who is looking for a fantasy adventure with a strong female character and enough sass to keep you on your toes.
I thought this was a fun, easy read. The banter between our two main characters, Lennie and Bran was enjoyable and the additions the supporting cast had to add really enhanced everything. It was easy to want to root for them through the whole story. Definitely one that requires having read the prior books to make sense, lots of references to past adventures the characters went on, but the prior knowledge of the world makes the story all the more fun. A good addition to the series
Princess Lenuska, aka Lennie, is a female dragon and the heir to the Norveshki throne. When her father goes missing, the leader of the Brotherhood, the organization trying to overtake the country kidnaps her brother and Bran's brother. Lennie does not trust Bran because of his ties to the Brotherhood. Bran does not trust dragons. Lennie and Bran must band together to save them and the country. Throw in a couple of dragon suitors; what could go wrong? This was a hilarious continuation of the Embraced by Magic series. While it is a stand-alone book with a HEA, one of the things I love best about this series is visiting characters from the previous stories. I can't wait to see whose story is next and what happens. Thank you to Kerrelyn Sparks, Kensington, and Netgalley for the advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review. #WhenaDragonFalls #NetGalley
A quick, easy (almost feels like YA?!), fantasy romance, that may be better suited to someone who is more invested in the series than I am. I have read one other so far, and was enjoying it enough to request this arc, before finishing it. Unfortunately, I won’t be going back to the series anytime soon. The world building is actually fine, and easy to understand. The romance I felt was just lacking, and maybe too juvenile and quick. It’s not an awful book, it’s just not worth choosing over some of the more exciting, newer fantasy romances out there. Again, if you’re a fan of the series, I think this is probably a solid read. Also, note it is a shifter romance, which also isn’t my favorite trope. Oops! 2.5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC, in exchange for my unbiased review!