The Dragon Scales Trilogy #1
Release Date: 02/05/2023
Age: Adult
Genre: Fantasy / Science Fiction
ISBN: 9781399715485
Publisher: Hoddor & Stoughton
Number of pages: 448
Long ago, humans betrayed dragons, stealing their magic and banishing them to a dying world. Centuries later, their descendants worship dragons as gods. But the ‘gods’ remember, and they do not forgive.
Since they were orphaned, Arcady has scraped a living thieving on the streets of Vatra, dreaming of life among the nobility – and revenge. When the chance arises to steal a powerful artefact from the bones of the Plaguebringer, the most hated person in Lumet history, they jump at it, for its magic holds the key to their dreams.
But the spell has unintended consequences, and drags Everen – the last male dragon, who was once foretold to save his kind – into the human world. Trapped, and disguised as a human, Everen soon realises that the key to his destiny, and to regaining his true power, lies in Arcady.
All he needs to do is convince one little thief to bond with him completely – body, mind, and soul – and then kill them . . .
Yet the closer the two become, the greater the risk both their worlds will shatter.
New review for a book I was really excited to get an e-arc for!
Providing a fresh and new take on a dragon shifter story this was a quick and intriguing read. The premise is what caught me first – dragons, thieves, and bonds that have stakes so high the world depends on them!
First and foremost I was impressed by the range in tonal styles that this story utilised. L.R. Lam has clearly expanded her literary skills; it definitely made for an interesting read along with the captivating concept. This shouldn’t put you off though because the story was clear and easy to follow. Add in the fact that Dragonfall has a wonderfully queer-norm world, this is a fresh story that lots of readers will enjoy.
However, I did find that the novel had a few weak points. The magic system and the world building could have perhaps been a bit more fleshed out. What we see of our main location is vibrant but lacked some explanation, and other places (worlds) fell a bit flat. I also found that my investment in the plot lacked a bit towards the middle of the story; at these points I would have potentially liked to have had more from certain viewpoints – particularly Sorin.
That said, if you are not bothered by rigidly explained magic systems or worlds and enjoy some thieving, some dragons, and a dash of romantic tension, you should give Dragonfall a go.
readingbytorchlight.com 