Dragons Realm

Dragons Realm Saga, Book 1

By: Tessa Dawn

Narrated by: Mikael Naramore

Length: 11 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

From the best-selling author of the Blood Curse series comes a new legend of danger, dark fantasy, and vampiric dragons....

Mina Louvet is a fighter, a human with a powerful will to survive in a world dominated by warlocks, soul-eaters, and shifters. Identified by the king's witch as one of the rare, invaluable females in Dragons Realm who can give birth to a dragon's son, she was stolen from her parents as a child and taken to the Keep to be reared in the ways of the Ahavi. As one of the few, the elect - the Sklavos Ahavi - Mina is expected to feed her master's fire, reanimate his blood, and above all else, give him strong dragon offspring: children who will one day rise to power. But Mina, to her great misfortune, is far too intelligent for her own good: She has a stubborn sense of justice, and she is wholly incapable of blind submission.

Dante Dragona is as cunning as he is lethal, as methodical as he is dangerous, and as terrifying as he is powerful. As the eldest of three dragon princes, he is destined to succeed his merciless father to the throne of Castle Dragon. But first he must do his duty to the Realm by governing one of its harsh, unforgiving districts and claiming a Sklavos Ahavi. Hardened by the sadistic abuse he endured as a child and shaped by the tragic suicide of his twin, the prince lives only to fulfill his obligations to the monarchy: to maintain law and order in a bestial land, to contain its magical inhabitants, and to keep the kingdom safe from its mortal enemies, the Lycanian shifters across the sea. Like all primordial dragons, he rules with an iron fist, dominates with absolute power, and punishes with fire. Those who oppose him die a swift and brutal death - subject, enemy, or slave, the Realm has no tolerance for weakness.

When the iron resolve of a dragon prince clashes with the stubborn will of a slave, bonds will be broken, alliances will be tested, and a kingdom will be set ablaze.

©2015 Tessa Dawn (P)2015 Tessa Dawn

I really didn't care for dragons... Until now.

What made the experience of listening to Dragons Realm the most enjoyable?

Dragons Realm was nothing like anything I've ever listened to before. The actual story was so well written. I had to keep listening to know what was coming. I would stop listening, and my mind would be obsessed with what was going to happen next. On top of the sheer greatness of the story, Mikael Naramore read this story perfectly. He sounded like royalty. He sounded like he was from the time period this book was happening in. It was very easy to let my mind wander to the times of knights and beasts. Witches and shades.
Overall, the team of Tessa Dawn and Mikael Naramore really just made for an overall outstanding listen.

What other book might you compare Dragons Realm to and why?

As I mentioned before, this was a very unique book to me. I'm not sure I've ever really read a book that I can compare this to.
The only other book in that world of kings and dragons that I enjoyed that much was Beowulf. They aren't comparable stories, but both had incredible tales to tell, and character development for days.

What does Mikael Naramore bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Old World charm. The dragon princes themselves (besides being hot) just don't have a lot of appeal. They're kinda jerks. For the most part, they are doing what they are required of the time. But, in modern times, it's a bit revolting. Mikael Naramore kinda makes you forget that, and reminds you why these women find these man beasts appealing.

If you could take any character from Dragons Realm out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Damian. But Damian a little later in the book. I feel like at that point, he is the perfect mix of all that is awesome in a man. I think he would be the perfect gentleman, crazy smart, and pretty wicked post dinner.

Any additional comments?

I have had the joy of reading and listening to other stories by Tessa Dawn. I was honestly nervous to take on this book. It was far out of my reading/listening comfort zone. But, I so enjoy her writing style, that I had to listen to this one. I am so glad I did. I'm ready for more dragons!

One of the best

This book is just such a wonderful adventure. I really enjoyed listening to the narrator and story line drew me in and captivated me entirely. I would say it was well worth a credit and I won't be forgetting the story any time soon.

Another Great from Tessa Dawn

What did you like best about this story?

As much as she drives me nuts I love how Mina is so determined to understand how things have to be done and why. She's thrown into something she never wanted but grows to want the one thing she's been fighting.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Any additional comments?

Mikael Naramore's voice for Dante is amazing and hot. With a voice like that I just don't understand why Mina was fighting it so hard.
Tessa wrote another amazing story and is one of the best authors out there.
I 100% recommend this story.

Tessa Dawn Dragon's Reign!!

Where does Dragons Realm rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Dragon's Realm ranks high among the audiobooks I've listened to. It has a diverse cast of characters and it was fun to hear the interpretations performed by Mikael Naramore.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Dragons Realm?

I enjoyed the surprise with Mathias and his true paternity. Icame unexpected and was an exciting moment in the story.

Which scene was your favorite?

I didn't have a favorite scene, but loved the interactions between Mina and Dante. What a great pairing! Her strength and determination were admirable and his love and protection of her despite his role were wonderful.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, I was not able to, but it drew me back as soon as possible when I had to stop.

Any additional comments?

Great story by Tessa and good to see a different world and meet new characters even though I adore the Blood Curse series and family of players.

Thumbs down on narration!

While the narrator has a good voice for male characters, his "female" voices are cringe worthy. I'm very sad that the same narrator was used for the sequel!

Very good

I enjoyed this book very much, except for the abundance of graphic brutality, although it fit in with the storyline perfectly.
I did not care for the narrator, his demonic laughs were grating, not at all demonic to my ears. Perhaps, to read the text about demonic laughter, then saying in an evil voice the rest, may have been better, I don't know, I am not an actor or professional narrator. I do know that it can be difficult to read and interpret the written word properly. Other than that the narrator did an excellent job. His voices for the different characters stayed true throughout the production.
I recommend this book for adults only because of the violence, certain love scene, and overall "darkness" of the storyline. The author knows how to put together a powerful tale, that is very true! If this is the first in a series, I don't know, but I have no interest in reading more, or listening to, more if there is.

All that fiery buildup ending in a HASTY FIZZLE

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I dont think I would recommend this book. Only because I found the last 2 hours to be a total let down. Very predictable and it really seemed like the writer was trying to wrap things up quickly and hastily.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

The ending! The ending was far too contrived I felt. I loved the beginning and the middle, but the last few chapters were predictable and kind of aggravating for me while I had to endure a quick wrap up ending. I also became quickly annoyed with Mina's character. She was not as strong of a character as I would have wished she was. She also wasn't very smart, and that got old for me real quick. All of the male characters were fiery and intelligent and full of wisdom, or rather- common sense. And Mina- well, she just was really lacking in crucial character development.

What does Mikael Naramore bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I liked his narration for the male characters- he has a way of adding intensity to some very dark and intensely brutal moments in the book. His voice makes you stand on edge when he wants you to. On the other hand, the narration for the female characters seemed condescending at times- making them sound more dim witted than I think was originally intended. But, I'd listen to another book narrated by him.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

I would, in hopes that they fixed the ending!

Any additional comments?

Overall, the book was enjoyable- but a little cliché with the whole dumb maiden in a bind. I would have liked to see Mina's character be more bold and intelligent- it was frustrating for me throughout the entire book to hear her speak because it was like she just was unable to think critically. I wish Tessa would have developed her character further. As a woman myself, I found myself rolling my eyes every time Mina spoke.

There's a new dragon in town!

Tessa Dawn has given us a new way to look at dragons. Her world is unique and exciting. This is a good start to her series and the story leaves you wanting to hear the next episode. You will come away liking the hero, (Dante Dragona), and wanting to see him come of age and fully into his powers. I can't wait to see him oppose the rule of his unlawful, uncaring father. The heroine, (Mina), as always is strong, loving, emotional, and hard headed to the core! It seems she will never learn how to control her emotional outbreaks, and this could jeopardize the whole realm of the dragon world. Together with his two brothers and Mina, they hide a vital secret from the ruling king, (their father), and are on course to fulfill a prophecy that could cost them all their lives.

The narration was okay, but could have been so much better. There were times when he did a good job, and times when he was very stiff and robotic in speech. I would have loved to hear someone like Eric G. Dove, Fred Berman, or Holter Graham.

Overall, I think this is a good start to this new series. If you like her Blood Curse books you will like this one also. That being said, yes it is worth the credit.

DRAGONS REALM HAS IT ALL!!!

Storytelling. Original world building. And bite your nails suspense. Dragons Realm truly has it all. I had no idea what I was in for with this new Tessa Dawn book, but what I found was rich and descriptive world building, astoundingly real and intricate characters, and a story that rips the heart out of your chest and puts it back again. More than once. Loved it from start to finish!
Mikael Naramore was a perfect fit for this story! He really brought the characters and the setting to life. I felt like I was actually there!

Tessa rocks the Realm again!

If you could sum up Dragons Realm in three words, what would they be?

Oh so good!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Dragons Realm?

Love between Dante and Mina!

What about Mikael Naramore’s performance did you like?

He narrated it beautifully.

Any additional comments?

Wow, just finished Dragons Realm!! Tessa Dawn is a master story teller. I love her writing and her characters! every time
It's is so good! I loved every word! From page one I was hooked. I kept procrastinating so that it would not End! It is that GOOD!
MORE PLEASE!
The characters are described so fully that you feel like you are standing there with them. Twists and turns, good and evil.
I love Dante and Mina. I'm glad for the way things turned out with Damian. I cant to know all of their stories, even the crazy King. And, Cassidy, I know shes up to something no good. I see what 5 or 6 more books? I sure hope so!
Thank You Tessa for another chart topping book, that will stay with me.