An Epic Fantasy of Dragons (The Draykon Series Book 1)

Oddly written book. I think what bugged me more than anything was the made up creatures that are through out the book but, then have no description so to speak of. It's hard to get a clear picture when you have no idea what something looks like, or some very vague details like it has wings. Ok but what the heck is it? When reading fantasy books I like to be able to picture the creatures & character, in this book well lets say it's all up to your imagination I guess. Also the different words are not really explained or clear at the start of the book. One world always in light & one always in dark, but then another higher world & then another always changing world & so on. I think there where 7 different world or dimensions, something like that. The whole thing gets a bit confusing. I do however love the main character (but why does she have wings? what is she?) Maybe the 2nd book explains things better but this one just left a lot of questions about a world that could be very cool. It is original but just odd in so many way.

I really enjoyed discovering the worlds in tandem with some of the characters. I thought the plot was excellent and the pace kept me interested. I like that the characters had depth and did not follow the stereotypical mold.

It was good but I couldn't wait for it to end. The middle was a bit long and I guess needed to support the end, but the beginning and the end were far more entertaining. I don't have a desire though to read the other books. Maybe if they too were free I might.

I liked the first book so well, that I ended up getting the other two also...well...the first book also left me with so many questions, I HAD to get the others to find the answers. I'm on book 3 now, and on the way to those answers.

there are places where the story gets a bit dull, but not many, and it always picks itself up again.

Llandry is a timid little wimp. I read in a review that she bucks up after a while, but I'm at 62% and I quit. I have better things to do than wait on her to put her big girl panties on. Someone said this is written for adults, and I must agree, because of mild profanity. Very little profanity, but it's there. But the characters and the story are so childish I can't bear it.

I found this book, the parts I read, to be a lot of work. The writing is dense, with adjective heavy passages and uniquely chosen nouns that are chosen, I feel, for their uniqueness not their clarity. I’m a middle-aged, college educated, an author and avid reader, yet I had to reference the Kindle definitions several times just to know what some of the words even meant. Also, I feel, the abundant use of adverbs creates clumsy and contradictory descriptions. (i.e “glittering darkly indigo”, “sparkled ferociously”, etc.) This has the effect, in my opinion, of interrupting the flow and pace of the story.

Since none of the other reviews I read commented on this, it just may be my personal preferences.

The author seems to have created an interesting story and world. Her descriptions, though cumbersome, were vivid and interesting. There is mention in the beginning of the different worlds or realms, but there isn’t enough context to make it clear how they all fit together. Other reviewers have commented that this isn’t fully rectified by the end of the book.

Also, writers are often told “show, don’t tell”, but this author has a habit of showing and telling. This adds to the ‘weight’ of the paragraphs.

To be fair, my review is based on only the start of the book so I can only comment on the brief portion I read. I had downloaded a couple of dozen free e-books to see what other authors are doing and I will likely only finish very few of them. I hadn’t yet got a sense of what the story was actually about, which isn’t a good thing, but what I read was interesting and I was curious where it all was leading. I’m sure the events at the marketplace would reveal the story’s direction.

If you enjoy richly layered worlds with extensive, vivid descriptions, you may enjoy this book a lot. I’d recommended reading the sample or the beginning of the book if it’s still free. If the density of the writing on the first few pages doesn’t bother you, you may enjoy this book as many others have.

Interesting story and plenty of unique elements sadly the author doesn't describe anything in detail. Unfortunately this prevented me from suspending disbelief as I got stuck on trying to imagine creatures and people with little to not sensory detail.

really lost interest in it, had to force myself to keep reading. talked itself to death. too much talk no action. the flying anxiety ridden female was somewhat interesting, where as her opposite, independent "only marrying cause its the right thing to do" female was a bit off, might as well have put a male in that role. starnge book. and the ending was anit climax and too rushed. not interested in readng 2nd book.

I started out expecting a story about the life of a lonely outlandish. It got more interesting with every page , have never read anything like Drakon before and I read all of the time. Just finished and going to the next one.

Long, interesting, and left you without an ending. I can't say this enough....make a book that can stand on its own. This style that leaves you to purchase another book to Finnish a single tale is infuriating.

Teresa Reinert
Weatherford Tx.

Well written story, engaging characters. I find myself wondering what they are doing, thinking, where they are going next. Sometimes a little predictable, but aren't we all? I enjoyed this read and looking towards the next book.

At first, DRAYKON seemed a bit juvenile, with winged fairies living in trees and an insecure young protagonist, but after a few chapters, the book really grew on me. The world-building was unique, with three different planes of existence and multiple realms within the "middle" plane that aligned themselves with one or the other of the "upper" and "lower" planes. As the characters traveled through the world and the plot unfolded, the complexity and true depth of the story was revealed. However, while I enjoyed the story, and it was fun to read, nothing hooked me to the point of never letting go. It was like taking a stroll through a lovely park, rather than riding a fast and furious rollercoaster; enjoyable, but not thrilling.

Characters: *** 3 Stars
Llandry is an immature twenty-something, afraid of crowds and insecure in her own skin. A young jeweler, fame overwhelms her when she discovers a rare gemstone and uses it in her designs. As the story progresses, Llandry starts to take some risks and attempts to assert herself, to mixed results, but I enjoyed seeing her grow and develop.

Eva is almost an opposite to Llandry. She's older, wiser, and confident in her abilities. She is also friends with Llandry's mother and as their worlds collide, she provides a good foil for the younger woman.

Devary comes in to the story as a mystery, and stays that way. I'm not sure if he is a love interest, a babysitter, or just a friend of Llandry's mother, but he does help bring Llandry out of hiding and into the world, literally and figuratively. I imagine more will come to light about him in later books, and I definitely wanted to know more about him and his role in Llandry's world.

Plot: **** 4 Stars
Draykon moved along at a nice easy "goldilocks" pace; neither too fast nor too slow. The author does a great job of twisting together different plot lines until they finally meet toward the end of the novel, revealing a big "AHA!" moment.

My one complaint was the choice of the name of the jewel: an istore gem made me think of an Apple product, as in an ipod or an iphone, and I couldn't get that out of my head for the whole story.

Setting: **** 4 Stars
Draykon seemed like a wonderful world, very well-drawn and easy to imagine, though fantastical. I loved the concept of the realms being aligned with the "upper" and "lower" planes, the upper being light, bright, and airy, and the lower being dark, shadowed, and chaotic.

Eva's realm, Glour, is aligned with the lower realm, and exists in the dark. As a result, all of the people of Glour are extremely sensitive to the light and the environment has evolved to thrive in nighttime conditions.

Meanwhile, the Glinnish people are winged and live in perpetual daytime. The author did a great job incorporating the flying into the story, where danger can come from above and Llandry's escapes had to be faster or higher than her pursuers.

Romance: * 1 Star
Llandry and Devary seemed to have a bit of a "thing" going on, but they never did anything about it. There was a nice scene at the end, when Llandry saves Devary's life, but at that point it was too late to have a great romance. Perhaps in later books their relationship will deepen, but for this first book I wanted more from them both.

Genre - Adventure Fantasy: *** 3 Stars
DRAYKON is a fun, easy story to read, but lacks the extreme highs and lows of a great adventure. It's a book that would be a great beach read, when you want to have something undemanding that you can put aside for a little while but quickly remember when you return.

Note: This review was requested by the author. The only compensation received was a free copy of the book.

If I had to pick two of my favorite genres they would be fantasy and mystery. This book is the delightful integration of both. The story follow several characters, but primarily Llandry and Eva. Llandry is a jewelry maker by trade and stumbles upon a new stone which she calls istore (if I remember correctly it means star, but I could be wrong). This new gem makes Llandry's jewelry highly sought after, especially after Eva is seen wearing a ring made with the gem. Eva is a woman of high society, she is in a high position as well as having the title of Lady. However Llandry's new found success end rather abruptly when people who have bought istore turn up murdered.

As the book continues it is revealed there is much more at work here than just simple greed for a new found popular gem. It's at this point the book starts adding in the mystery element. While this book is certainly a mystery, English approaches it with a fantasy flare.

English's characters are very well written and easy to identify with. Not only that but the two women are strikingly different from each other, while each playing a vital and important role within the story. As the story began I thought I would not like Llandry, she seemed a little to fragile for my liking, but English proved me wrong. Llandry is just young and trying to find a way to come into her own. She also feels responsible for the events that happened to her customers, and is willing to do whatever she can to help and find a way to end the madness going on.

Another thing that made this book endearing to me was the use of animals throughout it. I myself am I pet lover (as I write this review I have three dogs fast asleep in my lap), and Llandry's protective nature towards Sigwide her pet. There are often times when she puts herself in danger to make sure he is okay, and he is just as fierce of a protector for her and she is for him. Another thing I enjoyed about the animal element is that there are various types of animals throughout the book, all with various skills, and they fit in so seamlessly into the society English created. They felt like they belong in the story as much as any other living creature did.

Another intriguing elements of the story was the istore, I will of course not give away what they find out about the mysterious gem, but I will say that it had almost an addictive like property for those who came in contact with it. Even after it is revealed that people who owe in are in danger, some are still obsessed with acquiring their stone or keeping what they own safe. This reaction makes the istore mystery that much more interesting as the story goes on.

All in all I would recommend this book to anyone. While some fantasy books can be overly complicated and harder to really delve into, this book is great for a new fantasy reader because English did such a good job of making the characters relatable. This book is also a great read for those who already like the fantasy genre because the plot is compelling. And for those who like a good mystery, this book will certainly be a good read for those as well. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.

4.5 Stars

LENGTH: 388 pages (80-100k words)
GENRE(S): Fantasy
AUDIENCE: Adult
COVER DESIGN: Elsa Kroese

THE RUNDOWN
Llandry Sanfaer is a talented jeweler who suffers from severe social phobia, her only friends being her parents and her pet. But when she begins to make jewelry from some stones she found in a hidden cave, the luxury of a quiet life is quickly taken from her. Everyone wants a piece of her jewelry, and some are so desperate that they would kill for it.

Welcome to the Seven Realms, three in perpetual light, three in perpetual dark, and one with both day and night. The world is complex and fascinating, the people in it well developed and non-human in many ways. The book provides a comfortable sense of space and environment without dwelling for long on descriptions or back story, and the writing itself is smooth and enjoyable. The plot continues to develop throughout the book, free of holes and discrepancy and always with subtlety. Likewise, the magic system is both original and reliable. The only thing in the story that might be considered inconsistent is a sudden and seemingly out of place profanity.

...read more at UndergroundBookReviews(dot)com!

I love the cover of Draykon and was really looking forward to reading it. I have to be honest though, I gave a little groan in the beginning. The first page or so did nothing for me. The language was very flowery. A number of fictional plants were mentioned with little indication of what they were and the word 'with' was used six times in the first paragraph. I was worried. I needn't have been. It settled down very quickly, becoming quite enjoyable.

The story is split between two main characters, Eva and Llandry. Both of whom I engaged with, but I would have enjoyed a little more indication of which of the two is supposed to be the MAIN character. I think it's supposed to be Llandry, but not feeling uncertain about it left me with divided loyalties. I also very much liked their male companions (Tren and Devary). Tren had an especially appreciable sense of humour. It might sound strange, but I really liked that these characters weren't all amazingly talented 18 year olds. Devary and Eva are both represented as 40ish, while Llandry and Tren are both in their twenties. It feels so much more believable when characters are old enough to have become masters of their skills through training, practice and determination, rather than innate talent (which is all too young characters have time to develop).

The environment of The Seven Realms (and beyond) is described quite vividly, though it has a tendency to change, which can be confusing. However, this very changeability is an important aspect of the story. It's worth getting you're head around. Many, many plant and animal species are mentioned and the reader is left to flesh a lot of them out on their own. This is fine. I can extrapolate what a Nivven is supposed to be by the fact that they are ridden and used to pull carriages. Some were not so clear. I spent much of the book thinking a deafly was an animal, or maybe an insect, for example. It's not, it's a flower, the sort one tends to find painted on china.

Draykon leaves you hangin' when it ends though. The whole thing culminated splendidly, but ends before anyone has any answers (or the reader knows what happens to Llandry after the big reveal). That irked me. Of course I want to know what happens next. That's to be expected from the first book of a series, but Draykon literally ends at what I'd have expected to be the peak of the plotting graph. That's difficult...and annoying. Despite this, I would still recommend the book to anyone who likes fantasy.

Draykon tell the story of Llandry, a talented jeweler who has some pretty extreme social anxiety. While wandering through the forest one day she discovers a cavern filled with a wondrous new stone. She calls it "istore" and begins to set the stones into her jewelry fixtures. Their popularity explodes and everything is going great until her customers start to turn up dead.

I really enjoyed Charlotte's writing style and her unique world. The seven realms were a bit confusing a first, but as I read more I was able to understand them much better. The races she introduced had some very interesting properties as well. As the tale follows Llandry she explores some of the other realms and discovers some secrets about her past, which really helps add some depth to her character. Since Llandry has such limited social interaction her character doesn't develop as most do. I may have related to her a little bit more than most since I have some social anxiety issues myself.

This is a series that I will be following for sure and I'll keep an eye out for anything else that Charlotte writes.

Review copy provided by the author.

Author: Charlotte E. English
Published By: C. E. E.
Age Recommend: 16
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Raven Rating: 4
Blog Review For: GMTA
Review:

"Draykon" by Charlotte E. English was indeed a cute fantasy with lots of mystery. The author was able to tell the story using a very detailed fantasy world that seened real. The words were quite different and that made it a little hard for me but I did get through this read. Words like 'orting, 'shortig,' and 'gwaystrel' (and many more) were used in this fantasy novel and I will only say you will have to read "Draykon" to figure out just what these names are referring to. You may be surprised.

The setting of this story was in Glinnery but I was a little confused that at sometime in the novel I didn't know where I was at that time... I know there were seven realms with each having there own strange names and people. Then there were the upper and lower realms and really I didn't know where I was.... but going back and re- reading I was able to finally figure it out. This could be made a little clearer for the reader. Maybe a map was needed (smile). I know that is just part of the fantasy and I am keeping that in my mind. Another notation I would like to say....The beautiful stone was refer to as a 'istore' (mysterious gem) and for the life of me I didn't understand that word for this stone. However, the word 'instore' did make it very interesting mystery.

I did like the way the author used her twist and turns in the novel. That really made it a good read because you were left wanting to know just what was going to happen next. The author uses a lots of imagination.

The characters were unique...starting with Llandry, Eva, Tren, Fin, Ana, Griel, Mrs. Geslin, Ynara, Vale, Aysun, and Devary .... I am sure I left out a few .... really were an interesting group of people...summoners and sorcerers...hunting the creatures and there is the draykon.

The ending of "Draykon" was quite different and I will not tell you about it...you will only have to read this good read. If you are in for a good fantasy mystery... this one is for you.

At first when I started to read this, I found it a bit confusing, and couldn't figure out what was happening. Also I struggled with the many strange names.
However, the further I got into the book the more I enjoyed it.
Llandry, the main character in the story, makes jewellery. In a cave she finds a beautiful gem called istore. She has no idea it's more than a gem...or that there would be such terrible consequences, when people started to buy the items she made with it.
I loved the characters in this book, especially another main character, Eva. She is strong, whereas Llandry is shy and easily panicked. I also liked two of the male characters. Brave Tren who tried so hard to look after Eva. And then there's the dishy Devary. Each character in the book is unique and I found myself interested in each one, which is a testament to the author's excellent writing skill, as there are a lot of them.
I loved all the different animals as well.
The twist with Llandry at the end of the book really took me by surprise, as did the abrupt way the story ended...a real cliff hanger. I hope there's a sequel! I would love to think Llandry and Davary get together.
In some ways the story reminded me of one of my favourite TV shows, Primeval. In the book, gates to different worlds begin to open, allowing strange and sometimes dangerous creatures to come through. In primeval there's a similar situation, but they are called anomalies.
Once you get into it, Draykon is an exciting read. If like me, you enjoy a good fantasy. Then you'll like this, it's brill!

Draykon is a 2011 debut novel for Charlotte. I never would have guessed. These characters show humor, love, magic and odd habits. It’s a polished debut which, in my experience, is not always the case. In reviewing her online presence, she has been writing for years and that accomplishment shines thru.

This story takes place in a magical realm of lower, mid and upper lands. Some of the inhabitants have powers that can transport them between the lands. Most folks live in the mid realm that is most friendly to humans.

I enjoyed the characters: Llandry, Devary, Eva, Tren, Vale. They were written with depth, quirks and attitudes. There was humor laced throughout that pleasantly surprised me. Potential alliances, love interests and back stories exist and I look forward to learning about their past and their future interactions in the rest of the series.

The story flows in the way of the high adventure epics I love. After the initial character introductions, there is no boring chaff to wade thru. It is a fun ride.

Draykon is a story which revolves around a girl named Llandry. She is portrayed as being extremely socially awkward to the extent that she starts having panic attacks when she is among anything resembling a gathering. Llandry is a jewellery maker and is relatively unknown until she stumbles across a new stone which she calls Istore. This stone makes here instantly famous as the stone captures the imagination of the world and becomes the most sought after piece of jewellery after Eva is seen wearing it.

Eva, who is the other main character in the book, is a woman of high social standing and is a high positioned `government official'. She is in many ways the exact opposite of Llandry. She is charming and beautiful and knows just the right thing to say at the right moment.

The story is set in a fantasy world. This world is not like ours, where night follows day. The world is divided into Daylands and Darklands, which perpetually lie in light or darkness. This is just one of the intriguing aspects of the world. There are a number of amazing creatures throughout the book. Each of these creatures has been created beautifully and this portrayal really brings them to life. Although the author has been inspired by real world animals, she has enhanced or modified their abilities enough to create an array of creatures which is quite impressive. Oh, another thing is that some people here have wings and can fly. How cool is that!

As the book continues, it starts becoming apparent that Istore is much more than a simple popular gem. The story takes a mysterious turn when people who have Istore jewellery, start turning up dead. This is where Eva steps in to investigate and is pulled into the fantastical world which comes up next. The point at which the true nature of the `stone' is revealed, the story turns into an all-out fantasy novel.

The novel ends with a cliff-hanger with a number of questions left unanswered, the answers to which, I suppose will be revealed in later books.

I did have trouble initially following the structure of the world and was expecting a map to make things clearer, but none was forthcoming. However, as the story progressed, things started to clear up, and I realised that a map would have been quite difficult to make, considering the twists the story goes through.

I really liked the story-telling style of the author and the two different story-arcs run smoothly along till almost the end when they collide magnificently and culminate in a crescendo. Now, all I can do is wait for the next instalment in the story.

I've read a few negative reviews about this book, so first I'd like to address other people's complaints:
1. Some people said the language was too flowery. Personally I think this comes with the territory of a fantasy novel. There are strange names for almost every animal or plant in the story, and some negative reviews said this just went overboard. However, there is a glossary in the back of the book. When reading a fantasy novel, I like to imagine that the book is set in an entirely different world, even a different universe. On another world, they would not have horses so they need Nivvens instead. If you read any good work of fantasy there is bound to be a lot of flowery language.
2. Another reviewer did not "like" Llandry, one of the main protagonists. They stated that she suffers from "too stupid to live syndrome." However, upon slightly closer inspection, Llandry is a young girl who is sheltered and inexperienced. If she doesn't think about the fact that she has recently become a celebrity and therefore might bring unwanted attention to a dangerous mission, (as another reviewer said) that does not mean she's an idiot. It means she's a young, inexperienced girl who is unaccustomed to fame.
3. Other reviewers said there was not a good story, or that it moved too slowly, or that it left too many answers, etc. To which I say, this is the first part of a trilogy. I love the fact that it leaves the reader with so many questions, because it kept me interested until the very last page and now I'm going to buy the next one. I hate when books are predictable, and this one is anything but.

Those seemed to be the main problems other readers had with the story. Now, things that I find awesome about this book:
1. I can relate to the characters. Sometimes they make stupid decisions. Sometimes they're cowards. Other times, they make genius choices or act with extraordinary bravery. They are down-to-earth people, and you can relate on some level with even the most stuck-up snobs and the lowly peasants.
2. Interesting plot. This book drew me in and left me always wanting more. I read this book for 6 hours during a road trip and never got bored.
3. Unpredictable. Especially the end will leave you going "OHMYGAWD WHAT JUST HAPPENED? I must read more!!!"

Overall, this book is a great read and a must-have for anyone who enjoys the fantasy genre. As long as you realize what other people are criticizing about it, you should get a lot of enjoyment from this novel. I'm a huge fan of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Christopher Paolini, and a ton of other great fantasy writers, and if you're like me you should at least give this book a try!

I liked this story, I found the premise of a world that existed on three separate yet simultaneous planes, and interesting one. I wanted to like the book more. For me there was a slight but important disconnect in the story I think the author was trying to tell, and the words that eventually made it to the page. There were too many times where I found myself wishing for a map to pinpoint my location, or clearer descriptions of the animals and beasts that populated these strange lands. Did they look like us despite their strange names, or where they wholly unfamiliar constructs. Admittedly there is a fine line in what detail is too much and leaving nothing to the readers imagination, but whenever the characters were alone and moving through unfamiliar territory I felt even more lost and adrift than they must.
And that brings me to the main character Llandry. A Jeweler of great talent she discover a mysterious stone she dubs 'istore' and begins making jewelery out of it. Most of the rest of the book just seems to happen to her, there are a few times she takes an initiative, but on the whole she come across as a weak, overprotected self indulgent brat. And frankly not at all worthy of the amazing transformation the end of the book bestows upon her. It seems there should be a reason for such a damaged person, and yet we are given no clue what might have caused the change in the eleven years that elapses between the first chapter and the next. Saying all that she is however a vivid, fleshed out character, made more evident by the less dimensional characters around her. With the exception of her mother, who is portrayed as woman who rarely doesn't get her way.
Playing counterpoint to Llandry is Eva, a woman of power, both magical and political. I liked Eva. And I found myself thinking that if I wasn't going to learn the things I felt I needed to know about Llandry to hold my interest there, I could most easily read a story simply about Eva and her quest for the source of the istore and the murderer plaguing her city.
I have to say honestly that Llandry's transformation at the end of the book was a bit of a shock, and a bit of a disappointment. To have a connection with the dragon, certainly, but to become one? I don't think it's something she deserved.
Having said all that, I know this is just the first in a series, and I will likely, for story's sake, likely take a stab at the next one. I would give it an extra half star if I could, after all there were some compelling characters, and there is so much potential here. Oh yeah, and dragons.

Draykon - A Great Start to the Series

Rating: 4 of 5
Author: Charlotte E. English
Format: Kindle

While exploring near her home in Glinnery, young Llandry Sanfaer comes across a hidden cave whose walls are filled with a beautiful gemstone. An amateur jewelry, she mines the gems subsequently fashioning them into rings, necklaces, and other items to sell at the local market. To her great surprise they become the desire of the seven realms selling out quickly. But soon those wearing these precious stones are found injured or murdered by creatures previously believed to be extinct from the lower realms. Summoners and Sorcerers alike are called upon to hunt and banish these creatures back to the lower realms and in the process they find the gates between worlds are appearing and opening uncontrolled and at alarming rates. What is causing this shift in the balance between the worlds? Who is hunting these precious stones and why? And how is it a small winged girl from Glinnery seems to hold the fate of the seven realms in her hands?

As I finished reading the final pages of Charlote English's first book in the Draykon series I thought "Noooooo!" don't let it end here! The book builds to a nice and surprising climax and satisfactorily answers many questions, but clearly leaves the main story arc unresolved with Llandry. Well done Ms. English. I'm definitely interested in seeing where this series is going. The premise of the seven realms and worlds connected through veiled gates is intriguing and English gives just enough information to describe these realms while leaving the reader to fill in the details.

The juxtaposition of Llandy, the poor girl from Glinnery and Eva, the High Summoner from Glour and how their stories evolve and intermingle is well executed and drives the plot forward along with mystery of the istore gem and the collapsing veil between the worlds. The evolution of Llandy's character as she finds herself drawn to the istore gem and her ability to connect with the animals around her when she wears it adds to the gem's mysterious properties as well as Llandry's nature. Is she something more than she appears? And why are the seven realms separated at all?

Fantasy readers will find familiar elements here but at the same time something quite fresh making Draykon definitely worth picking up.

Note: A complimentary copy of this work was provided in return for a review.

Well written story, engaging characters. I find myself wondering what they are doing, thinking, where they are going next. Sometimes a little predictable, but aren't we all? I enjoyed this read and looking towards the next book.

At first, DRAYKON seemed a bit juvenile, with winged fairies living in trees and an insecure young protagonist, but after a few chapters, the book really grew on me. The world-building was unique, with three different planes of existence and multiple realms within the "middle" plane that aligned themselves with one or the other of the "upper" and "lower" planes. As the characters traveled through the world and the plot unfolded, the complexity and true depth of the story was revealed. However, while I enjoyed the story, and it was fun to read, nothing hooked me to the point of never letting go. It was like taking a stroll through a lovely park, rather than riding a fast and furious rollercoaster; enjoyable, but not thrilling.

Characters: *** 3 Stars
Llandry is an immature twenty-something, afraid of crowds and insecure in her own skin. A young jeweler, fame overwhelms her when she discovers a rare gemstone and uses it in her designs. As the story progresses, Llandry starts to take some risks and attempts to assert herself, to mixed results, but I enjoyed seeing her grow and develop.

Eva is almost an opposite to Llandry. She's older, wiser, and confident in her abilities. She is also friends with Llandry's mother and as their worlds collide, she provides a good foil for the younger woman.

Devary comes in to the story as a mystery, and stays that way. I'm not sure if he is a love interest, a babysitter, or just a friend of Llandry's mother, but he does help bring Llandry out of hiding and into the world, literally and figuratively. I imagine more will come to light about him in later books, and I definitely wanted to know more about him and his role in Llandry's world.

Plot: **** 4 Stars
Draykon moved along at a nice easy "goldilocks" pace; neither too fast nor too slow. The author does a great job of twisting together different plot lines until they finally meet toward the end of the novel, revealing a big "AHA!" moment.

My one complaint was the choice of the name of the jewel: an istore gem made me think of an Apple product, as in an ipod or an iphone, and I couldn't get that out of my head for the whole story.

Setting: **** 4 Stars
Draykon seemed like a wonderful world, very well-drawn and easy to imagine, though fantastical. I loved the concept of the realms being aligned with the "upper" and "lower" planes, the upper being light, bright, and airy, and the lower being dark, shadowed, and chaotic.

Eva's realm, Glour, is aligned with the lower realm, and exists in the dark. As a result, all of the people of Glour are extremely sensitive to the light and the environment has evolved to thrive in nighttime conditions.

Meanwhile, the Glinnish people are winged and live in perpetual daytime. The author did a great job incorporating the flying into the story, where danger can come from above and Llandry's escapes had to be faster or higher than her pursuers.

Romance: * 1 Star
Llandry and Devary seemed to have a bit of a "thing" going on, but they never did anything about it. There was a nice scene at the end, when Llandry saves Devary's life, but at that point it was too late to have a great romance. Perhaps in later books their relationship will deepen, but for this first book I wanted more from them both.

Genre - Adventure Fantasy: *** 3 Stars
DRAYKON is a fun, easy story to read, but lacks the extreme highs and lows of a great adventure. It's a book that would be a great beach read, when you want to have something undemanding that you can put aside for a little while but quickly remember when you return.

Note: This review was requested by the author. The only compensation received was a free copy of the book.

If I had to pick two of my favorite genres they would be fantasy and mystery. This book is the delightful integration of both. The story follow several characters, but primarily Llandry and Eva. Llandry is a jewelry maker by trade and stumbles upon a new stone which she calls istore (if I remember correctly it means star, but I could be wrong). This new gem makes Llandry's jewelry highly sought after, especially after Eva is seen wearing a ring made with the gem. Eva is a woman of high society, she is in a high position as well as having the title of Lady. However Llandry's new found success end rather abruptly when people who have bought istore turn up murdered.

As the book continues it is revealed there is much more at work here than just simple greed for a new found popular gem. It's at this point the book starts adding in the mystery element. While this book is certainly a mystery, English approaches it with a fantasy flare.

English's characters are very well written and easy to identify with. Not only that but the two women are strikingly different from each other, while each playing a vital and important role within the story. As the story began I thought I would not like Llandry, she seemed a little to fragile for my liking, but English proved me wrong. Llandry is just young and trying to find a way to come into her own. She also feels responsible for the events that happened to her customers, and is willing to do whatever she can to help and find a way to end the madness going on.

Another thing that made this book endearing to me was the use of animals throughout it. I myself am I pet lover (as I write this review I have three dogs fast asleep in my lap), and Llandry's protective nature towards Sigwide her pet. There are often times when she puts herself in danger to make sure he is okay, and he is just as fierce of a protector for her and she is for him. Another thing I enjoyed about the animal element is that there are various types of animals throughout the book, all with various skills, and they fit in so seamlessly into the society English created. They felt like they belong in the story as much as any other living creature did.

Another intriguing elements of the story was the istore, I will of course not give away what they find out about the mysterious gem, but I will say that it had almost an addictive like property for those who came in contact with it. Even after it is revealed that people who owe in are in danger, some are still obsessed with acquiring their stone or keeping what they own safe. This reaction makes the istore mystery that much more interesting as the story goes on.

All in all I would recommend this book to anyone. While some fantasy books can be overly complicated and harder to really delve into, this book is great for a new fantasy reader because English did such a good job of making the characters relatable. This book is also a great read for those who already like the fantasy genre because the plot is compelling. And for those who like a good mystery, this book will certainly be a good read for those as well. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.

4.5 Stars

LENGTH: 388 pages (80-100k words)
GENRE(S): Fantasy
AUDIENCE: Adult
COVER DESIGN: Elsa Kroese

THE RUNDOWN
Llandry Sanfaer is a talented jeweler who suffers from severe social phobia, her only friends being her parents and her pet. But when she begins to make jewelry from some stones she found in a hidden cave, the luxury of a quiet life is quickly taken from her. Everyone wants a piece of her jewelry, and some are so desperate that they would kill for it.

Welcome to the Seven Realms, three in perpetual light, three in perpetual dark, and one with both day and night. The world is complex and fascinating, the people in it well developed and non-human in many ways. The book provides a comfortable sense of space and environment without dwelling for long on descriptions or back story, and the writing itself is smooth and enjoyable. The plot continues to develop throughout the book, free of holes and discrepancy and always with subtlety. Likewise, the magic system is both original and reliable. The only thing in the story that might be considered inconsistent is a sudden and seemingly out of place profanity.

...read more at UndergroundBookReviews(dot)com!

I love the cover of Draykon and was really looking forward to reading it. I have to be honest though, I gave a little groan in the beginning. The first page or so did nothing for me. The language was very flowery. A number of fictional plants were mentioned with little indication of what they were and the word 'with' was used six times in the first paragraph. I was worried. I needn't have been. It settled down very quickly, becoming quite enjoyable.

The story is split between two main characters, Eva and Llandry. Both of whom I engaged with, but I would have enjoyed a little more indication of which of the two is supposed to be the MAIN character. I think it's supposed to be Llandry, but not feeling uncertain about it left me with divided loyalties. I also very much liked their male companions (Tren and Devary). Tren had an especially appreciable sense of humour. It might sound strange, but I really liked that these characters weren't all amazingly talented 18 year olds. Devary and Eva are both represented as 40ish, while Llandry and Tren are both in their twenties. It feels so much more believable when characters are old enough to have become masters of their skills through training, practice and determination, rather than innate talent (which is all too young characters have time to develop).

The environment of The Seven Realms (and beyond) is described quite vividly, though it has a tendency to change, which can be confusing. However, this very changeability is an important aspect of the story. It's worth getting you're head around. Many, many plant and animal species are mentioned and the reader is left to flesh a lot of them out on their own. This is fine. I can extrapolate what a Nivven is supposed to be by the fact that they are ridden and used to pull carriages. Some were not so clear. I spent much of the book thinking a deafly was an animal, or maybe an insect, for example. It's not, it's a flower, the sort one tends to find painted on china.

Draykon leaves you hangin' when it ends though. The whole thing culminated splendidly, but ends before anyone has any answers (or the reader knows what happens to Llandry after the big reveal). That irked me. Of course I want to know what happens next. That's to be expected from the first book of a series, but Draykon literally ends at what I'd have expected to be the peak of the plotting graph. That's difficult...and annoying. Despite this, I would still recommend the book to anyone who likes fantasy.

Draykon tell the story of Llandry, a talented jeweler who has some pretty extreme social anxiety. While wandering through the forest one day she discovers a cavern filled with a wondrous new stone. She calls it "istore" and begins to set the stones into her jewelry fixtures. Their popularity explodes and everything is going great until her customers start to turn up dead.

I really enjoyed Charlotte's writing style and her unique world. The seven realms were a bit confusing a first, but as I read more I was able to understand them much better. The races she introduced had some very interesting properties as well. As the tale follows Llandry she explores some of the other realms and discovers some secrets about her past, which really helps add some depth to her character. Since Llandry has such limited social interaction her character doesn't develop as most do. I may have related to her a little bit more than most since I have some social anxiety issues myself.

This is a series that I will be following for sure and I'll keep an eye out for anything else that Charlotte writes.

Review copy provided by the author.

Author: Charlotte E. English
Published By: C. E. E.
Age Recommend: 16
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Raven Rating: 4
Blog Review For: GMTA
Review:

"Draykon" by Charlotte E. English was indeed a cute fantasy with lots of mystery. The author was able to tell the story using a very detailed fantasy world that seened real. The words were quite different and that made it a little hard for me but I did get through this read. Words like 'orting, 'shortig,' and 'gwaystrel' (and many more) were used in this fantasy novel and I will only say you will have to read "Draykon" to figure out just what these names are referring to. You may be surprised.

The setting of this story was in Glinnery but I was a little confused that at sometime in the novel I didn't know where I was at that time... I know there were seven realms with each having there own strange names and people. Then there were the upper and lower realms and really I didn't know where I was.... but going back and re- reading I was able to finally figure it out. This could be made a little clearer for the reader. Maybe a map was needed (smile). I know that is just part of the fantasy and I am keeping that in my mind. Another notation I would like to say....The beautiful stone was refer to as a 'istore' (mysterious gem) and for the life of me I didn't understand that word for this stone. However, the word 'instore' did make it very interesting mystery.

I did like the way the author used her twist and turns in the novel. That really made it a good read because you were left wanting to know just what was going to happen next. The author uses a lots of imagination.

The characters were unique...starting with Llandry, Eva, Tren, Fin, Ana, Griel, Mrs. Geslin, Ynara, Vale, Aysun, and Devary .... I am sure I left out a few .... really were an interesting group of people...summoners and sorcerers...hunting the creatures and there is the draykon.

The ending of "Draykon" was quite different and I will not tell you about it...you will only have to read this good read. If you are in for a good fantasy mystery... this one is for you.

At first when I started to read this, I found it a bit confusing, and couldn't figure out what was happening. Also I struggled with the many strange names.
However, the further I got into the book the more I enjoyed it.
Llandry, the main character in the story, makes jewellery. In a cave she finds a beautiful gem called istore. She has no idea it's more than a gem...or that there would be such terrible consequences, when people started to buy the items she made with it.
I loved the characters in this book, especially another main character, Eva. She is strong, whereas Llandry is shy and easily panicked. I also liked two of the male characters. Brave Tren who tried so hard to look after Eva. And then there's the dishy Devary. Each character in the book is unique and I found myself interested in each one, which is a testament to the author's excellent writing skill, as there are a lot of them.
I loved all the different animals as well.
The twist with Llandry at the end of the book really took me by surprise, as did the abrupt way the story ended...a real cliff hanger. I hope there's a sequel! I would love to think Llandry and Davary get together.
In some ways the story reminded me of one of my favourite TV shows, Primeval. In the book, gates to different worlds begin to open, allowing strange and sometimes dangerous creatures to come through. In primeval there's a similar situation, but they are called anomalies.
Once you get into it, Draykon is an exciting read. If like me, you enjoy a good fantasy. Then you'll like this, it's brill!

Draykon is a 2011 debut novel for Charlotte. I never would have guessed. These characters show humor, love, magic and odd habits. It’s a polished debut which, in my experience, is not always the case. In reviewing her online presence, she has been writing for years and that accomplishment shines thru.

This story takes place in a magical realm of lower, mid and upper lands. Some of the inhabitants have powers that can transport them between the lands. Most folks live in the mid realm that is most friendly to humans.

I enjoyed the characters: Llandry, Devary, Eva, Tren, Vale. They were written with depth, quirks and attitudes. There was humor laced throughout that pleasantly surprised me. Potential alliances, love interests and back stories exist and I look forward to learning about their past and their future interactions in the rest of the series.

The story flows in the way of the high adventure epics I love. After the initial character introductions, there is no boring chaff to wade thru. It is a fun ride.

Draykon is a story which revolves around a girl named Llandry. She is portrayed as being extremely socially awkward to the extent that she starts having panic attacks when she is among anything resembling a gathering. Llandry is a jewellery maker and is relatively unknown until she stumbles across a new stone which she calls Istore. This stone makes here instantly famous as the stone captures the imagination of the world and becomes the most sought after piece of jewellery after Eva is seen wearing it.

Eva, who is the other main character in the book, is a woman of high social standing and is a high positioned `government official'. She is in many ways the exact opposite of Llandry. She is charming and beautiful and knows just the right thing to say at the right moment.

The story is set in a fantasy world. This world is not like ours, where night follows day. The world is divided into Daylands and Darklands, which perpetually lie in light or darkness. This is just one of the intriguing aspects of the world. There are a number of amazing creatures throughout the book. Each of these creatures has been created beautifully and this portrayal really brings them to life. Although the author has been inspired by real world animals, she has enhanced or modified their abilities enough to create an array of creatures which is quite impressive. Oh, another thing is that some people here have wings and can fly. How cool is that!

As the book continues, it starts becoming apparent that Istore is much more than a simple popular gem. The story takes a mysterious turn when people who have Istore jewellery, start turning up dead. This is where Eva steps in to investigate and is pulled into the fantastical world which comes up next. The point at which the true nature of the `stone' is revealed, the story turns into an all-out fantasy novel.

The novel ends with a cliff-hanger with a number of questions left unanswered, the answers to which, I suppose will be revealed in later books.

I did have trouble initially following the structure of the world and was expecting a map to make things clearer, but none was forthcoming. However, as the story progressed, things started to clear up, and I realised that a map would have been quite difficult to make, considering the twists the story goes through.

I really liked the story-telling style of the author and the two different story-arcs run smoothly along till almost the end when they collide magnificently and culminate in a crescendo. Now, all I can do is wait for the next instalment in the story.

I've read a few negative reviews about this book, so first I'd like to address other people's complaints:
1. Some people said the language was too flowery. Personally I think this comes with the territory of a fantasy novel. There are strange names for almost every animal or plant in the story, and some negative reviews said this just went overboard. However, there is a glossary in the back of the book. When reading a fantasy novel, I like to imagine that the book is set in an entirely different world, even a different universe. On another world, they would not have horses so they need Nivvens instead. If you read any good work of fantasy there is bound to be a lot of flowery language.
2. Another reviewer did not "like" Llandry, one of the main protagonists. They stated that she suffers from "too stupid to live syndrome." However, upon slightly closer inspection, Llandry is a young girl who is sheltered and inexperienced. If she doesn't think about the fact that she has recently become a celebrity and therefore might bring unwanted attention to a dangerous mission, (as another reviewer said) that does not mean she's an idiot. It means she's a young, inexperienced girl who is unaccustomed to fame.
3. Other reviewers said there was not a good story, or that it moved too slowly, or that it left too many answers, etc. To which I say, this is the first part of a trilogy. I love the fact that it leaves the reader with so many questions, because it kept me interested until the very last page and now I'm going to buy the next one. I hate when books are predictable, and this one is anything but.

Those seemed to be the main problems other readers had with the story. Now, things that I find awesome about this book:
1. I can relate to the characters. Sometimes they make stupid decisions. Sometimes they're cowards. Other times, they make genius choices or act with extraordinary bravery. They are down-to-earth people, and you can relate on some level with even the most stuck-up snobs and the lowly peasants.
2. Interesting plot. This book drew me in and left me always wanting more. I read this book for 6 hours during a road trip and never got bored.
3. Unpredictable. Especially the end will leave you going "OHMYGAWD WHAT JUST HAPPENED? I must read more!!!"

Overall, this book is a great read and a must-have for anyone who enjoys the fantasy genre. As long as you realize what other people are criticizing about it, you should get a lot of enjoyment from this novel. I'm a huge fan of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Christopher Paolini, and a ton of other great fantasy writers, and if you're like me you should at least give this book a try!

I liked this story, I found the premise of a world that existed on three separate yet simultaneous planes, and interesting one. I wanted to like the book more. For me there was a slight but important disconnect in the story I think the author was trying to tell, and the words that eventually made it to the page. There were too many times where I found myself wishing for a map to pinpoint my location, or clearer descriptions of the animals and beasts that populated these strange lands. Did they look like us despite their strange names, or where they wholly unfamiliar constructs. Admittedly there is a fine line in what detail is too much and leaving nothing to the readers imagination, but whenever the characters were alone and moving through unfamiliar territory I felt even more lost and adrift than they must.
And that brings me to the main character Llandry. A Jeweler of great talent she discover a mysterious stone she dubs 'istore' and begins making jewelery out of it. Most of the rest of the book just seems to happen to her, there are a few times she takes an initiative, but on the whole she come across as a weak, overprotected self indulgent brat. And frankly not at all worthy of the amazing transformation the end of the book bestows upon her. It seems there should be a reason for such a damaged person, and yet we are given no clue what might have caused the change in the eleven years that elapses between the first chapter and the next. Saying all that she is however a vivid, fleshed out character, made more evident by the less dimensional characters around her. With the exception of her mother, who is portrayed as woman who rarely doesn't get her way.
Playing counterpoint to Llandry is Eva, a woman of power, both magical and political. I liked Eva. And I found myself thinking that if I wasn't going to learn the things I felt I needed to know about Llandry to hold my interest there, I could most easily read a story simply about Eva and her quest for the source of the istore and the murderer plaguing her city.
I have to say honestly that Llandry's transformation at the end of the book was a bit of a shock, and a bit of a disappointment. To have a connection with the dragon, certainly, but to become one? I don't think it's something she deserved.
Having said all that, I know this is just the first in a series, and I will likely, for story's sake, likely take a stab at the next one. I would give it an extra half star if I could, after all there were some compelling characters, and there is so much potential here. Oh yeah, and dragons.

Draykon - A Great Start to the Series

Rating: 4 of 5
Author: Charlotte E. English
Format: Kindle

While exploring near her home in Glinnery, young Llandry Sanfaer comes across a hidden cave whose walls are filled with a beautiful gemstone. An amateur jewelry, she mines the gems subsequently fashioning them into rings, necklaces, and other items to sell at the local market. To her great surprise they become the desire of the seven realms selling out quickly. But soon those wearing these precious stones are found injured or murdered by creatures previously believed to be extinct from the lower realms. Summoners and Sorcerers alike are called upon to hunt and banish these creatures back to the lower realms and in the process they find the gates between worlds are appearing and opening uncontrolled and at alarming rates. What is causing this shift in the balance between the worlds? Who is hunting these precious stones and why? And how is it a small winged girl from Glinnery seems to hold the fate of the seven realms in her hands?

As I finished reading the final pages of Charlote English's first book in the Draykon series I thought "Noooooo!" don't let it end here! The book builds to a nice and surprising climax and satisfactorily answers many questions, but clearly leaves the main story arc unresolved with Llandry. Well done Ms. English. I'm definitely interested in seeing where this series is going. The premise of the seven realms and worlds connected through veiled gates is intriguing and English gives just enough information to describe these realms while leaving the reader to fill in the details.

The juxtaposition of Llandy, the poor girl from Glinnery and Eva, the High Summoner from Glour and how their stories evolve and intermingle is well executed and drives the plot forward along with mystery of the istore gem and the collapsing veil between the worlds. The evolution of Llandy's character as she finds herself drawn to the istore gem and her ability to connect with the animals around her when she wears it adds to the gem's mysterious properties as well as Llandry's nature. Is she something more than she appears? And why are the seven realms separated at all?

Fantasy readers will find familiar elements here but at the same time something quite fresh making Draykon definitely worth picking up.

Note: A complimentary copy of this work was provided in return for a review.

It was an okay book. Not my usual so I had a hard time getting into it and having it hold my attention. Is a good book for those who like these kind of books though. Should hold their attention and be enjoyable. 'I received an Advanced Reader copy of this book and I'm choosing to leave a review'

This is a sweet fantasy novel with a pleasing mix of fantasy and adventure. For the most part, the book follows two characters: a young and anxious jeweller, Llandry, and a cynical High Summoner, Eva. When Llandry finds an unusual new gem - and Eva buys a piece of the resulting jewellery - they are both sucked into the mystery of where the stone has come from and why someone is prepared to kill for it. I love a good mystery, and I love a well-developed fantasy setting, and this book has both in spades. Definitely one of my favourite books of the year.

I enjoyed Draykon. The story was well thought out, flowed nicely, & had a few surprises. Llandry and Eva seem to share the main character role, and are both very likable. As well as their male companions, Tren and Devary.
The slight horror side of the story keeps you somewhat on edge. The landscape for the scenes are all beautifully described, they sound like places I wish to go.
The ending is a nice surprise but leaves you hanging for book 2. I personally can't wait to read it.

"Draykon" by Charlotte E. English depicts a young girl of dubious descent that finds what she believes are gem stones and inadvertently introduces them into the mainstream where she lives. Factions unknown to her begin to encroach on her life forcing unbelievable carnage.

The world Charlotte English has created is lush, deep and complicated while maintaining a continuity that, for the most part, establishes itself as human. The background on the Draykons/Dragons is exceptionally clever and her characters are not just engaging, but real. This book was truly a treat and I have already started the second installment - "Lokant". Excellent, excellent work!

I won this book from a member librarything giveaway in exchange for an honest review.

I must admit, I had no idea what to expect from this book. What I got was surprising, and delightfully so. This book has two main protagonists, Llandry and Eva, and the story in alternating chapters follows each character and their journey. Llandry has discovered a new stone, istore, which everyone is clamouring for. But Eva as well as some supporting characters start to realize there is something sinister about these stones when they are stolen and people are attacked. But this is just the beginning of a fantasy wrought journey for both characters.

I would like to first admit that I thought I was going to give this book five stars because of the book's immense strengths. English has developed a fascinating world with different characters and creatures and magical powers. I was sucked in very quickly. Her writing is beautiful and I could really picture each scene that she colorfully describes. I loved the character of Eva, a very strong, resourceful woman, who is the "upper class" in this book, but defies her stereotype and puts herself in danger to save the world she loves. We are introduced to a host of other mysteries; most particularly about the stone; the mystery did not let me down.

The reason I was not able to give this book full five stars was for several reasons: My first issue is a small one (and wouldn't have tipped the scale). I don't think the use of the word "istore" was probably the best idea, because that gives me the image of an Apple computer store instead of a beautiful stone. This can be easily changed. The second issue, much bigger to me, is the ending. The epilogue is not an epilogue (it gives the reader the sense that we will jump into the future and resolve all of the mysteries that have been presented to us, at least in a way that will really close the book satisfactorily), it is timed right after the action in the previous chapter. And the ending was very disappointing because it wasn't an ending-- it just seemed like the end of another chapter. Indeed, when you read the snippet for the next book, again, it's as if we are just getting the next chapter in the book. I get the sense that this was a very large book just cut up in three (or more) pieces. I was disappointed because otherwise this is a real gem of a book.

I think even with these issues, this is a must read for any fantasy lover and English has a huge potential to be a big name author one day!

This was a great book. I can't wait to read the next in the series. I can't say a lot about the plot without giving things away but let me say this: I did not see that coming. It was well written and fun to read. The only thing that might bother some, but didn't bother me, was that the point of view would switch from Llandry in one chapter, then Eva the next, then back to Llandry in the following chapter. I think the author did a good job with this, as the action would pause as you switched characters and were eager to learn what happens with each woman. I definately recommend.

Llandry Sanfaer finds a new gemstone that she makes jewelry out of which becomes a hit with the residents of the Seven Realms. The stone becomes so popular that people in the Seven Realms get killed for the stone. When Lady Evastany Glostrum's best friend is killed for the stone she is drawn into the mystery concerning the istone. The mystery leads Llandry to find out the truth about her family's past and for Lady Eva to go into the Darklands. She is surprised to find out the truth about what the istone is. The ending is surprising and not at all expected.

When I first started reading I soon realize that I was immersed in a complex and captivating mystery. The characters were as baffled as I was. However she soon began to unravel a world that was unique and different. After finishing the book, I am still clue less about the unfolding events but this time it does not matter. I am ready to delve into the next book.

I really liked this book. It was unique and well written. I can also understand the characters well, and see their different thoughts. Normally books that change character view points make the characters seem rather flat, but this one was amazing. All in all, I would definitely recommend that you read it.

A good read & most enjoyable. Possible solutions cannot be eliminated until closer to the end and even then, twists continue to appear to keep you wondering how it's going to come together.

From the well crafted alternate reality to the pace of developments, this book is definitely worth reading.

Charlotte E. English, has a very special imagination, she took me to a world like I have never found in any books I have read since Bryan Lumbly's Necroscope series. She will definately take you on a fantastic journey.

An interesting and enjoyable read. You can't help but feel for the shy Llandry, just like you can't help but root for Eva. I definitely liked the premise of the story and will be looking for the next in the series!

I really enjoyed this book and the series I couldn't put it down until I had finished it! I highly recommend for anyone who enjoys fantasy, however my only critique is that the author makes up a lot of names for creatures with hardly any description of what the creature is like. Most of the time i was able to get a vague idea of the type of creature it is 5 chapters later but it can be very confusing! a little more detail would be great or just calling them by their real names (bat, ferret ect)

I really enjoyed this story and will likely buy the rest of the series. However, it is a bit unpolished so it didn't get a 5-star from me. By unpolished I mean that occasionally there were shifts in the sort of language used as if the author wanted to use more semi-formal & slightly archaic phrasing, but was only able to pull it off occasionally.

This book is full of surprises! Llandry, a young jeweler with a severe social anxiety disorder has stumbled upon a very rare and unusual stone. After a very successful trip to the darklands market, Llandry finds her jewelry in very high demand. So high, in fact that the harassing letters and reporters become the very least of her concerns. Suddenly, Llandry's customers are dying, and their jewelry is missing! This science fiction mystery took a few chapters to really capture me, but once it did I was hooked. I found myself absolutley enthralled by the magical world and the characters created by this author. I will definitely be purchasing the second book in this series!