Title: Dragon Bound
Series: Elder Races, #1
Author: Thea Harrison
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Source: library
Published: May 2011 by Berkley
Half-human and half-wyr, Pia Giovanni spent her life keeping a low profile among the wyrkind and avoiding the continuing conflict between them and their Dark Fae enemies. But after being blackmailed into stealing a coin from the hoard of a dragon, Pia finds herself targeted by one of the most powerful–and passionate—of the Elder Races.As the most feared and respected of the wyrkind, Dragos Cuelebre cannot believe someone had the audacity to steal from him, much less succeed. And when he catches the thief, Dragos spares her life, claiming her as his own to further explore the desire they’ve ignited in one another.
Why I Read this Book: Book Blogger buzz is the one and the only reason I read Dragon Bound. The buzz surrounding this book made it practically impossible for me to ignore. I didn’t read any reviews; I just saw the buzz circulating on Twitter. The main consensus was that while Dragon Bound is PNR but it isn’t your typical PNR. And I’d have to agree with that statement.
What I Liked: Dragon Bound is not a book I would have normally read had I come across it at a book store or the library. One reason being I haven’t read a PNR with dragons in it. I’m one of those people who generally sticks with what they know and love and for me, that’s vampires and werewolves. (I really need to expand my reading tastes.) Another reason being I was a bit intimated by the complex world building just from reading the blurb. I know that I, as a reader, don’t do well with complex world building. It’s not what I look for in a book; I don’t want to have to think too much. I’ve got so much going on in my brain already, I don’t have the capacity or the focus for all the extra details that come with a complex book. So I tend to stick with PNR with mild world building so that reading remains an (easy)enjoyment for me.
The first thing that I loved about the story was the coin that was stolen from Dragos. The ‘take a penny, leave a penny’ concept was genius! I knew from that point on that I was going to love this book.
I really liked Pia’s character. She is Dragos’ calm and serenity. He’s an entirely different being when he’s around her. She tries to teach him to ask instead of demand. She brings out a kinder side of him though he’s still the same tough and fearful alpha ruler. She doesn’t put up with his temperament; she demands respect and he gives it to her. She challenges him in ways he’s never been dared challenged before and he likes it. He’s jealous, possessive and obsessed with her – all of which is entirely new to him.
Another thing I liked about Pia is that she didn’t take Dragos’ hand outs. She wasn’t there to take advantage of his financial or power status. She can take care of herself and wasn’t dependent on anyone else.
I love the mystery behind Pia’s half wyr-half human heritage. The revealing was stunningly beautiful. I was a bit confused as to whether or not Pia herself knew what her wyr-half was. She seemed to know that she needed to hide as much information about herself as possible but I don’t think she knew the exact why to it.
I loved the dream Pia has towards the end and the meaning behind it. I can’t wait to see how that story arc plays out.
Here’s one of my favorite quotes that shows Dragos’ vulnerability:
“I meant to lay a trap for you with that dream. I trapped myself instead.”
What I Didn’t Like: There wasn’t anything I didn’t like about this book.
Overall Impression: Dragon Bound is the type of book I wanted to slowly ease into. It deserved my full and undivided attention and that’s what I gave it. I wanted to grasp every single detail I could to take it all in. It was like eating fine piece of chocolate from Godiva – you don’t just gobble it down and start on the next piece. No. You savor the flavor and enjoy the textures and indulge your senses to achieve the most exciting and exhilarating experience possible. (OMG, I can’t believe I just compared reading this book to eating chocolate! But you get the gist.)
I got Dragon Bound from the library but I am definitely going to get a copy for my shelf. This is definitely re-read material here and coming from me, that says a lot. And I’m definitely looking forward to reading Storm’s Heart.
The Book Vixen’s Rating:
Sounds like a fabulous book. Will definitely be looking for it at the library today.
ReplyDeleteI also picked up DRAGON BOUND because of other bloggers and just loved it. Pia and Dragos were great and I loved Harrison's humor. I was expecting the sequel to be pretty much the same and was a bit disappointed at first. but then I came to appreciate that STORM'S HEART had a different hero heroine and therefore a different voice. I've really enjoyed this new series.
ReplyDeleteI really hope there will be a future novella giving an update on Pia, Dragos and their little peanut :-)
ReplyDeleteI loved this book, and I'm glad that you did, too. Storm's Heart is just as good, though in a different way. :)
ReplyDelete@Jennifer (An Abundance of Books)
ReplyDeleteI loved Harrison's humor too! I still need to read Storm's Heart but I think it's going to be a while, with the baby coming soon and all.
@Paranormal Haven
ReplyDeleteI heard there is. If not, hopefully the author will touch on their story during the other books in the series. You know, keep the reader up to date on characters' whose books we've already read, as secondary characters in newer books. Does that make sense? LOL
@Amanda @ On a Book Bender
ReplyDeleteI'm anxious to read SH but sadly it's going to be a while. Hopefully soon though.
So glad you like this one!! Such a great start to a series :)
ReplyDeleteI just received this one in the mail. Can't wait to get started.
ReplyDeleteA to the MEN! This book was fantastic. I was over the top in love with their relationship and loved seeing Dragos learn new things about himself at such an old age.
ReplyDeleteI think you should give other paranormal beasties a try. The variety is one of my favorite parts of this series. :)
@Smash Attack!
ReplyDeleteI open to suggestions - what other PNR beasties should I give a try?