Riding Through Fire

The Dragon Tributes, Book 1

By: Charlene Hartnady

Narrated by: Marie Hawkins, Dan Levy

The dragons on Draig Island are not your run-of-the-mill kind. They’re something else entirely…

I cannot believe my bad luck when an embossed envelope arrives at my door just one week before my twenty-fifth birthday. Which just happens to be the cut-off date for being called up for the testing of the blood. I thought I was in the clear, turns out that I was wrong.

I don’t know all the ins and outs of the whole dragon tribute selection process, only that it has something to do with a person’s DNA. If the scientists find what they are looking for in my sample, I might be sent as a tribute to the dragons. Yes, actual dragons.

Not that I’ve ever seen one of the creatures. Apparently, they do exist; they just don’t mingle with us on account of being dangerous. I mean, they’re huge, breathe fire, and have sharp teeth and claws. Bottom line, dragons and humans do not mix.

With that in mind, I’m not sure why they need human tributes. Every year for the last fifty-nine years, our government has sent them thirty people. Of those handed over, some return later with no memory of their stay on the island. As for the rest, who knows? It’s baffling and terrifying in equal measure.

Quite frankly, I hope I never find out what goes on at Draig Island. I keep telling myself that only thirty end up going. Not that many, considering that tens of thousands of blood samples are taken. My odds are good. I’m not going to get called up. I'm not!

Then I receive another letter telling me that I have been selected. I need to pack and get my affairs in order. I leave for Draig Island in one month with no guarantee I’ll ever return and no idea what is to become of me.

This story contains mature themes/language. Also, be prepared for a ton of growls, dirty talk, and a hard-won HEA. Hulking, skulking, foul-mouthed, brooding dragons ahead. You were warned! Each book follows a different couple.

©2023 Charlene Hartnady (P)2023 Charlene Hartnady

Hard Earned HEA!

From trials to success with 🔥 breathing dragons is what this book is about! Add some hot as fire, dirty talking dragon men; what we have here is a book I couldn't put down!!

I'm going to listen to all books in the list

very good book stayed up most of the night to finish the book. I would recommend these books glad I found them they are the type books you read more then one time.

Great read

I absolutely loved this book! I can’t wait for another one. I list to several books from this author. She never disappoints!

Great beginning

Not happy that the next book is not available..waiting for the next one .. not happy..but waiting

didn't realize this was a 'academy' book

Yep didn't realize this was a academy/trials type book, not to mention the female narrator does male voices annoying AF to the point it's distracting. How do I put in writing? "eh whadda-ya-ganna do abaddit my guy?" Think that was bad see every male voice in this book. Also the story has a lot of stalling, repetitive inward reflection, evasive conversations ignoring obvious conclusions or things to be said. I'm only in chapter 12. Not sure if I'm going to finish yet.

DNF (did not finish)

I got to chpt 11 I think, decided to return it. I just felt like barely anything had happened and it should've moved a lot faster and been less bland.