A Chinese Legend. A British Secret. Star-Crossed Lovers with Incompatible Magic. Brixton Flew works as a professor of wielder instruction at Rembrandt Academy, hoping to erase the regrets of his youth along with the resulting debt. But when he comes face to face with his biggest regret—the woman who broke his heart, Adelaide Favan—Brixton soon realizes his troubles have only begun.Unable to … heart, Adelaide Favan—Brixton soon realizes his troubles have only begun.
Unable to control her magic, Adelaide knew leaving Brixton was the only way to protect him when they were younger. Now she discovers he is the key to recovering the Dragon Eyes, a legendary treasure connected to her magic and her family’s disgraced legacy—and she knows the risk is great, to both his life and her heart.
With others seeking the power of the Dragon Eyes, Brixton and Adelaide must outwit their foes and face down their families to save London from an ancient legend that sleeps beneath the magic portal in their city.
But the renewed passion growing between them may prove to be the greater peril …
One Flew Through the Dragon Heart is the first book in a new steampunk series by C.S. Johnson, blending together history, romance, mecha-dragons and magic against the glittering backdrop of 1880’s Victorian London.
FROM THE BOOK:
It seemed impossible that Brixton could both remember and forget everything about their first kiss as her lips parted under his once more.
The same heightened desperation called to him as her softness melted effortlessly against the tautness of his body. He tasted the same soft, malty sweetness of her mouth, feeling the fullness of her lips as they flowered beneath his. Her body curved into his, her fingers gripping his knuckles. He heard her same, muted sigh of pleasure as their joined hands collapsed between them, and he felt the same heady rush as they collided into each other.
But this time was different, too. He resisted the urge to run his hands down her body, to gather her against him. Before, he had been too intoxicated by the taste of her to wonder if she could handle the full extent of his passion; this time, he was overwhelmed, but he was all too aware of what it was like to lose her.
The equal power of their magic diminished as he began to be consumed. It could have been years or seconds since their last meeting; he had wanted her then, and he only wanted her more now.
The engines behind them sparked; the ship began to sink. Brixton felt his own destruction become increasingly inevitable before she reluctantly tore herself away from him.
His voice was a husky whisper as he stared into the silver seas of Adelaide’s gaze. “I’ve missed you.”
WHAT READERS ARE SAYING:
“I’ve certainly loved every minute of this story, and I can’t wait for the next book in this series!” ~ Pris, Goodreads Reviewer
“An interesting and enjoyable historical, steam-punk story full of magic, dragons, legends, history, friendship, family, loyalty and love.” ~ Zany Bibliophile Book Blog Review
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Oh, how I love books by C.S. Johnson. This is my second read from her and once again she’s blown me away. I absolutely love steampunk when done correctly, and One Flew Through The Dragon’s Heart was captivating.
The romance between Adelaide and Brix is messy and beautiful. Everything I hoped for when I started reading this one. The characters are so relatable, they feel real. Their relationship feels real and it really makes this story that much more enjoyable.
I’m a huge fan of world building and it is done so well here. Elaborate descriptions of Gothic and Baroque cityscapes mixed with magic and danger! The plot was engaging and I had trouble putting this down.
I highly recommend checking One Flew Through The Dragon’s Heart out!
*I read this book as part of a blog tour with R&R Book Tours. All opinions are my own.*
Magic, legends and family curses. Love and heartbreak starts at school. Rembrandt Academy is an elite school for those with magical abilities. Brixton and Adelaide are two of the many students, but they are both at the top of their class. Adelaide is teased continuously by her classmates because of her youth, ethnicity and family connections. Brixton and Adelaide find that together they can create anything. Then Adelaide leaves school. She returns to London 4 years later and they “bump” into each other. A new adventure begins as love, curses, lost gems and revenge meld together. All those that believe in the curse, think that the curse will answer their own selfish goals.
Loved the magic and steampunk mix. The Chinese legend of the Dragon’s Eyes was interesting. The romance of the story was slight and I really didn’t feel the chemistry between Brixton and Adelaide. The main part for me was the legend and action. Story was slow at parts but the ending was full of action. I would try the next one in this series to see what happens next.
I received a copy of this book from Laura at Unicorn Questor and the Author as part of a Bookstagram Tour, in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Do you want: a unique take on Steampunk London, color magic, and second chance romance? Then look no further.
I have read books by this author before so I knew that I was going to like the book but what I did not expect was to like it as much as I did. I am a fan of steampunk books and I have to say that I can be picky because I know what kinds of things I like, and this book gave me that and more.
I loved this take on Victorian London, and how the author was able to mix the magic and steampunk elements together and make it all work so well. I loved the family elements and how Brixton and Adelaide interact.
I really hope the author decides to continue this series. I love these characters and I can not wait to see what is in store for them. I can see so many directions that future books can take not just with these two characters but branching off for storylines about Luella she was a strong character in her own way and the book just would not have been the same without her.
Our couple has history, not all of it good, but sometimes there is no one else to turn to than the people you know.
I love steampunk with all the gadgets and alternate history bits that get thrown in. This book definitely has all that, plus it mixes in a little magic with the tech to power things. The blending is done very well and fits into the overall setting which is richly detailed. Our characters are also well developed with unique personalities and flaws which make them more real. The writing is excellent and while the pacing might seem a bit slow at times, that is because the author takes the time to paint the scene rather than just sketch it in. Personally, I rather enjoyed the tapestry that is created as a result. The plot that weaves through it all is also well developed with plenty of twists and turns to keep things exciting. Overall, a very enjoyable book.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
Adelaide Flavin and Britton Flew have a complicated history, but must work together against danger. One Flew Through The Dragon’s Heart is an exciting steampunk adventure that I enjoyed and recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4.5 stars
I’ve only read about five books from this author, but I think this may be my favorite by her yet!
Absolutely loved both the hero and heroine. Their romance was just…not sure how to describe it. Ha! However, I really enjoyed seeing Brix fight for his relationship and his love for Adelaide. They have a unique relationship and was more than thrilled by their ending.
The magical aspect of this book was epic! Definitely one of my favorite parts as I greatly loved the blend of magic, steampunk, and the Asian legend. Was SO much fun! (Granted, not sure if the characters would agree with certain events that take place, but sure made for great reading. *winks*)
One thing I’ve really come to appreciate from C.S. Johnson’s stories is that family plays an important role. This one was no exception. I always have a new appreciation for the banter between my siblings as Brixton has with his. Plus, it always makes the story a little more relatable seeing a character struggle with family member expectations as I do.
Overall, “One Flew Through the Dragon Heart” was an excellent read and one I would definitely recommend to fantasy and steampunk readers! The beginning seemed a tad slow (only reason I’m not giving a full five stars), but the whole of this story is marvelous. I’m eagerly hoping book two will be releasing soon as I’m sad I can’t hang out with these characters a little longer (especially Ticker).
Oh my goodness! I just finished this book and I don’t know what to do with ALL THE FEELS!!!
What I loved about this book was a) the world: steampunk is not a genre I’m that familiar with, but this book made me love it. I love the mix of magic and engineering going on, and how not everyone is born with this ability. b) the characters: Brixton (Brix) Flew was an amazing main character, and I loved getting to know the wielders world, as well as the Rembrandt School/Academy through his eyes. I especially liked that he’s definitely not perfect, and has already a record with the police pertaining a theft. I loved his love for engineering, and especially his sort of sidekick Ticker (can I have one too?). Of course, one can’t understand Brixton without his family (it was certainly interesting to see all of the relationships, but I especially loved his bond with his sister, Luella) nor without Adelaide (Ada) Favan. She’s so unique, has a special (dark) magic, and is the love of Brixton’s life. And yet, she also has her own baggage (past and family) which will serve to further (and complicate) the book’s main storyline. c) the romance: honestly, it’s what first drew me to this book and the reason that made me add it so fast to my TBR list. Having just finished it, I, again, just loved the uniqueness of Ms. Johnson’s storytelling. I think this book just made me appreciate every obstacle Brix and Ada have to face in order to fight for a relationship of their own, and how their love is not something just handed out to them (as in without sacrifice).
This book has a bit of everything: romance, magic, London, steampunk, dragon(s) and engineering (or mecha-world). I’ve certainly loved every minute of this story, and I can’t wait for the next book in this series! *High-five to the author!*
I was given a copy of this book and this is my honest review
Put dragon in the title & I have to read it!! This was slow starting for me bot well worth continuing with it. It’s a mystery too figuring out where the story is going. Then there is the romance side. And magic- both good & bad kind. I love how it all came together. There has to be another book & I’m anxious to read It. The author is a favorite of mine. I received a free copy through Bookfunnel.
This is my voluntary review.
One Flew Through the Dragon Heart
(Favan & Flew #1)
C.S. Johnson
One Flew Through the Dragon Heart is a good book for a young adult to read, without being overwhelming explicit content; which making us parents, and grand-parents question a book. We have an exciting tale full of Steampunk elements, magic, mystery, intrigue, ancient legends, powerful family ties, action and romance! A villain that becomes a hero, and there is even a dragon!! As a new adventure begins with life in London, from heartbreak to love, magic and legends of family curses, lost gems and reprisal all melded together. A story is full of romance, intrigue, adventure and misadventures leading our hero falters through to a satisfying conclusion, of the magical enchantments with the specialty in machines; his magical, talking watch.
This book was quite different from what I normally read, this is my first steampunk book and found it rather interesting; full of machines and technology, embracing the old-fashioned elements of the Victorian era and the magic of the era that we are so familiar with today; it really had a little bit of everything! I wanted the story to slow down a bit and explain the sinewy flashbacks and the mention of things from past in conversation.
Award-winning, genre-hopping author C.S. Johnson had done it again, incredible!!!! Not C. S. Johnson’s normal genre; but, she does not disappoint, I enjoyed reading One Flew Through the Dragon Heart, and the overall concept of the story, getting to know the characters, seeing each develop as the story progresses. C. S. Johnson has established her characters with a loving relationship between the characters, siblings within a family, as well as the romantic love and friendship. The humor throughout the story was a good touch, nice to have a little chuckle here and there in books. Thank you CSJ for another excellent story, cannot wait for the next adventure. I was gifted the book “One Flew Through the Dragon Heart”, for one of my other reviews and felt that I should give a review too. This is a great adventure of new reading genres, and therefore feel CSJ and her book both are deserving of 5-stars each.
WOW! It took me awhile to get into reading it because of outside interferences, but I LOVED the way way the Chinese & British History played into the story. It is awesome how 2 incompatible Magics can work together without killing each other. The trouble Brix & Ada get into then the way they come through it all, is great. The author did a wonderful job writing this book. It is easier to read than most other Fiction books. It sucks you in & you have a hard time putting it down. Could not wait to see the end!
Finely crafted,cleverly executed,shamelessly romantic!