A Destiny of Dragons

Tales from Verania, Book 2

By: TJ Klune

Narrated by: Michael Lesley

Sequel to The Lightning-Struck Heart

Once upon a time, the wizard’s apprentice, Sam of Wilds, got his happily ever after in the arms of his cornerstone, Knight Commander Ryan Foxheart. A year has passed, and while Sam’s been captured five or six more times since then, things are pretty great. His parents are happy, Gary and Tiggy still eat sass for breakfast, Randall is somehow alive despite being older than the gods, the King rules with a gentle hand, Kevin the dragon is as gross as ever, Morgan sighs a lot, Ryan continues to be dashing and immaculate, and Sam is close to convincing Prince Justin they will be best friends forever. Life is good.

Until it’s not.

Because Vadoma, the leader of the gypsy clan and Sam’s grandmother, has come to the City of Lockes with a dire prophecy written in the stars: a man of shadows is rising and will consume the world unless Sam faces his destiny and gathers the five dragons of Verania at his side.

And she brings along her second-in-command, a man named Ruv. Ruv, who Vadoma says is Sam’s true cornerstone.

©2017 TJ Klune (P)2017 Dreamspinner Press

5 stars

While I was reading the book I kept picturing in my head how it was going to sound when it came out on audio. I didn’t even come close. Michael Lesley blew my expectations out of the water and does another fantastic job! He continues to prove just how perfectly cast he was for this series.

T.J. Klune wrote in a blog post: "These books will always first and foremost be absurd comedies. Always. However, there is an emotional heft and a sense of urgency that wasn't in Lightning."

Once again told entirely from Sam's POV "A Destiny of Dragons" picks up roughly a year after "The Lighting-Struck Heart" ends and Sam's gypsy grandmother has come to the City of Lockes with a dire prophecy written in the stars.

"A Destiny of Dragons" is only the start of the journey - there's much more to come...more battles to be fought, more lives to be saved (and lost) in "The Consumption of Magic", and "A Wish Upon the Stars".

The narration isn’t flawless. There are changes to some of the character voices – for example Kevin's voice is not so deep and the echo is a little less pronounced as well because of different software than what was used in TLSH and I thought Randall’s voice is a little more accented than it was in TLSH.

I don’t know how anyone could expect a 16+ audiobook to be without a single flaw, but any mistakes are hardly noticeable unless you’re keenly looking for them. And while it isn’t flawless – it is perfect.

The fact that Michael Lesley comes from a theatrical background means that his performance is absolutely amazing. It’s frankly incredible just how many distinguishable character voices he is able to do, and how well he is able to bring the emotion and humor of the story out. Get this man a Grammy and an Audie Award already!

“I have awoken, O human child. In this forest deep, in the dark of the wild. And I have seen what is in your heart. Take heed of my warning: you are not ready. ”

“A warning. All of you will not survive until the end. There will be loss, Sam. And it will burn like nothing has ever burned before. You must remember to keep to the light, even when the dark begins to curl around your feet.”

NOTE: This is not a standalone - do not attempt to read this without first reading/listening to "The Lightning-Struck Heart" first.

Brilliant continuation, excellent narration

I thought that the narration for TLSH could not be beat ... but, like those who have underestimated Sam of Wilds, I was so mother-cracking wrong!!!! Michael Lesley is absolutely brilliant. I cannot describe how much I loved the book and narration, and the new characters- his portrayal of Zero was so funny and Myrin was charmingly chilling.
I am so looking forward to Consumption of Magic.

Great Story. Hilarious

What I would expect after the first one. it is more into the plot but the humor is still there.

Fantastic sequel!

I can’t even begin to describe how much I love this series!!! One of my co workers recommended it and I’ve been hooked ever since! I can’t wait to see everything that comes next. I keep coming back for more.

The gang is back and better than ever before!

What a rollercoaster! Things to note in this book: 1. The gang is back again! Every. Single. One. Of. Them. The hilarity that you loved in the first book is still here (and even better). Gary the unicorn has to be the most hilariously sassy mess I have ever heard. 2. The pacing is fantastic. I never once felt bored or skipped ahead. 3. Micheal Lesley is a magical! There are so many characters (just over 10 main side characters) and they all had such distinct voices. Bravo Mr. Lesley! Just buy it! If you were a fan of the first book you’ll love this book just as much.

Hilarious!

I loved it so much! I can't wait for book 2. I also like that the sexy times were way more detailed. Hott!!

Why the snorting noises?

For some reason the reader adds a lot of snorting noises to his performance on this book and I really don't like it. He does such a good job otherwise, it's really disappointing.

Otherwise, it's a solid listen. Not as irreverent as the first. It tries to be more serious than the first book with a more big picture conflict, which means less funny banter and kooky situations. I'm not really a fan of the overall change in tone, but I still liked it well enough.

Awesome!!!

I love, love, loved The Lightning Struck Heart and so was anxiously awaiting the next book A Destiny of Dragons. I thoroughly enjoyed A Destiny of Dragons and Michael Lesley's performance. There isn't quite as much over the top humor as there was in Lightning Struck Heart but was still rather funny, as most of TJ Klune's books are. To me it felt as though this book was a little more serious and worked harder to develop the characters and story line. I was a bit dismayed however to find that it did end on a bit of a cliff hanger... Darn you TJ Klune, now I must anxiously await the next one to see what happens next.

phenomenal

I expected nothing less from this wonderful duo.
The second book was a great follow up to the first and I cannot wait to delve into book 3. Bet your sweet bippy I'll be reading it before listening to it.

For those that don't follow Michael, do know that due to his upgrade in audio/sound, Kevin does sound a bit different. It took a minute to get used to, but it really took nothing away from the story.
Jesus just as pervy as ever.

very entertaining

this was a truly fun and entertaining story I can't wait to listen to the next book