To celebrate the upcoming release of Dragon King, we're going back to the start. If you haven't read Dragon Blood yet, we really think you should!
Dragon Blood is the start of Jane Apatova’s Insatiable Desires series. Yes, we know it says “book two” which, technically it is, but this book is the real jump-off point. So, fellow readers, haven’t read book one? It’s okay. This the beginning while book one is the prequel. But if you wish to read from the beginning beginning...please feel free to do so. We’re sure you’ll enjoy getting the full immersive picture.
Dragon Blood reaches out to readers with a green dragon scale background with a sword situated in the middle of the cover. Doesn’t look like much does it? But is it enough to grab your attention and pique your interest in discovering the story tucked away inside? Well, that will be up to you, dear reader. For most, it might not be due to it’s non-flashy cover, but you know what they say...”Don’t judge a book by it’s cover.”
Dragon Blood is no exception to the rule. While the cover may be unassuming, it hides a rather intriguing novel. Author Apatova promises readers a story with dragons, slow-burn romance, secrets, a brewing war, magic, and so much more. What we also get is age-gap romance. Most tend to think...early to mid twenties for the FMC and maybe late 30s to mid-40s to early 50s. Well...let’s just get this out of the way...the girls? They’re barely of age...17 about to turn 18 and the other is 18. And yes, they’re virgins, too. This won’t be everyone’s favorite tropes to delve into, but if you can move past that...you’ll find a rather intriguing novel.
The first part of the story is rather uneventful. Author Apatova introduces readers to Prince Alister and High King Gareth. Two individuals of dragon blood, they are seeking a better and brighter future for their people. But first thing, author Apatova does is introduce readers to a story surrounding the creation of this unique world. It’s a fascinating story being revisited with a small boy who will one day be king. You get an introduction to the dragons that helped create this unique world.
As the story shifts forward you are put into the characters present day. The story shifts frequently between High King Gareth and his brother Alister. Alister is smitten with a young woman that he met over a year ago. He’s keeping this a secret, for the time being, from Gareth. You’ll understand the reasoning behind, because honestly, there is a particular way that things are done with these kingdoms.
Alister, for some, will probably come off as the more likeable of the two brothers. LOL! Though, just prepare for him to be the possessive one of the two. He’s found the one who calls to him, and she is all that he wants. Regardless of how much teasing Gareth may decide to lavish upon him. Gareth on the other hand, appears to be the exact opposite. Gareth was married for a time, but his wife...is no longer of this world. He has mourned, but he also holds some resentment towards the events that led up to it all. So, for the time being, Gareth is a bit of a...womanizer.
As we stated above, Dragon Blood has a rather slow and uneventful beginning. We eventually get to meet two young ladies who are going to be pivotal to the two men of the story. You’re going to be looking for signs of trouble to crop up though. While there isn’t any “relationship” or romance drama that threatens a potential romantic rival you get to watch the dynamics unfold between the characters.
Once the story hits...around the 30% point...that’s when things start to get interesting. The drama really begins to amp up when a situation arises with the girl that Alister has found love with. It would seem that there is someone in the kingdom who is unhappy with how things are. Who knew? LOL!
Cue the dragons!! Okay, okay, there are wyverns, smaller dragons, too. We quite literally squealed with excitement at the interactions with the wyverns. They just sound so adorable and cute. Cue wanting to cuddle one. LOL! But the dragons finally make an appearance and it is some epic excitement when they do. They come in gorgeous colors, are vicious fighters, and are just truly amazing.
The romance is slow-burn. Alister is fanning the flames of his, but Gareth...well, Gareth is trying to smother his. They both have fated mates, but while Alister is keen on embracing his Gareth is bent on not embracing his. As you read about his reasoning, it’s a mixed bag of making sense. You’ll understand it on the one hand, and then view him as a fool on the other. But hey, he’s a “playboy”...always has been, and it’s going to take an exceptional woman to change that. Challenge...accepted, says Fate. LOL!
Dragon Blood has a lot going for it, and once the story grips you, it’s going to keep you coming back for more. Hate cliffhangers? Well, that’s just too bad, because it’s going to have one. Is it a major cliffhanger that’s going to leave you raging? Eh, not really, but it will leave you...along with a couple other characters...with lots of questions and eager for answers.
One thing is for sure...we can’t wait to find out what happens in the next book.
Pros:
- Steamy scenes
- Slow-burn romance
- Engaging storyline
- Drama
- Dragons
Cons:
- Slow start that borders on a touch tedious, at times, to get through.
5 out of 5 stars
Thank you to the author, Jane Apatova, and R&R Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book. We look forward to what comes next.
Dragon Blood (Insatiable Series Book 2)
Publication Date: November 2022
Genre: Adult Fantasy Romance w/ Spice
👑Royal
Intrigue
❤️🔥Possessive
Prince
💋Fated
Mates
✨Virgin
🐉Dragon
Riders
💞Found
Family
💧Elemental
Magic
🔥Slow
Burn
🕰️Age Gap MF
“You’ve tamed this dragon with just a touch.”
When Alister’s path leads him to his fated mate, he vows to do everything in his power to bring her to his home in Orlean. Even if that means going against the rules of Drakon and the High King’s wishes.
It’s been years since the last great gathering of the various kingdoms of Drakon. Will the High King make his appearance, or will he lose himself to his dreams of a rare beauty?
What royal secrets will be unveiled and will the dark forces of the past triumph in keeping Alister away from his fated mate?
In the darkness
of Dunne Valley, an ancient evil has been regaining its strength.
Ever watchful of the dragons and the royals as they plan meticulously
their next steps to gain more power.
"All he wants ... is
to control every element in the mortal lands, before he brings down
the gods above."
Book Tour Organized by: @RRBookTours
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