The New York Times bestselling author offers “absolutely everything a reader could want in a book: action, sex, craziness, passion, lunacy and . . . humor” (Fresh Fiction). The trouble with humans is that they’re far too sensitive. Forget you put a woman in the local jail for a few months—and she takes it so personally! And yet she is the one trying to assassinate the queen. And now I’m trapped … yet she is the one trying to assassinate the queen. And now I’m trapped with Elina Shestakova of the Black Bear Riders of the Midnight . . . gods! That endless name!
But what am I to do? I am Celyn the Charming with direct orders from my queen to protect this unforgiving female.
Even more shocking, this unforgiving female is completely unimpressed by me. How is that even possible? But I know what I want and, for the moment, I want her. And I’m sure that she, like all females, will learn to adore me. How could she not when I am just so damn charming?
Praise for the Dragon Kin Series
“Aiken’s patented mix of bloodthirsty action, crazy scenarios and hilarious dialogue have made this series a truly unique pleasure.”—RT Book Reviews (4½ Stars)
“A chest thumping, mead-hall rocking, enemy slaying brawl of a good book.”—All Things Urban Fantasy
“Laugh-out-loud funny—I loved it!”—Thea Harrison, New York Times bestselling author
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Once again there is so much other action happening, that the romance aspect is a side line and pretty non-existent.
Celyn and Elina basically fall into a relationship through proximity rather than feelings. So basically no romance, just sex.
Saying that, I have to state that I did love this book for its own merits.
We jump from character to different character as each has a part in the overall story that is going on.
I found it to be humorous, entertaining and riveting, as long as I understood these later books are totally different from the way this series started and need to be appreciated that way.
What happened with Glebovicha, Elina and the pure meanness and Annwyl’s revenge parts was extraordinarily different.
Though the use and overuse of the vulgar C word, annoys me and is not a word that is needed.
I finished this and picked up the next to continue the gripping background story.
Rereading these in chronological order and close together, it is glaringly obvious how this series has changed and I think grown well, into a tale of another world of its own making.
4 stars – It was really good
Elina Shestakova of the Black Bear Riders of the Midnight Mountains of Despair in the Far Reaches of the Steppes of the Outerplains is sent to kill Queen Rhiannon. She knows this is a death sentence but she goes anyway. The queen doesn’t kill her though and months later she is given the task of setting up talks for an alliance.
Well this book was surprisingly fun! I was a little iffy on Celyn after his constant fighting with Éibhear in the previous books, but I actually liked him. He is definitely Bram’s son with all of his questions and curiosity. Also, he couldn be surprisingly ruthless when he needed to be, which I really liked.
Elina was straightforward, blunt, and a skilled archer. I couldn’t help but love her. Her life has been harsh but she still has stayed true to herself, even when it cost her everything. She fit along wonderfully with everyone else in Annwyl’s court. Also her sister, Kachka, was just as straightforward and enjoyable as Elina was.
I quite enjoyed these two’s relationship. They are complete opposites but it worked well for them. I can’t wait to see how the Steppe sisters integrate into this decadent lifestyle. As for the overall story, the cult has finally made a move against the dragons and Annwyl. It will be interesting to see how they deal with this in the next book, which I am sure will be bloody and action packed.
I like this series because the characters are very funny, but the series never had much in actual storyline. This one changed that! I can’t wait to see where this goes next!
This is the second time I’m reading this series.
Finally Celyn the Charming, former lover of Isabail the Dangerous, meets his match in a small daughter of the steppes named Elina Shestakova of the Black Bear Riders of the Midnight Mountains of Despair in the Far Reaches of the Steppes of the Outerplains.
I simply love riders names, they’re perfect. I also love the new addition of a people to the Dragon Kin series. They are not for the weak of heart. Celyn is about to learn what it means to be around a female that thinks a man should be pretty and wait home barefoot and ready for the woman warrior coming home. I dare you not to laugh.