Sunday, May 15, 2011

Impressions: Dragon Bound (Elder Race, #1) by Thea Harrison


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.
So yes, I picked up Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison and had tons of fun reading it last week. Fun! This was a fun, solid paranormal read. I loved the overly alpha dragon and the banter, plus it was hot and sexy.

In the beginning I didn't think the world building was anything to write home about, what with the Fae and Goblins, the older than old, bored-to-death dragon, the half-breed Wyr young woman who captures his attention, and the whole New York setting that reminded me a bit of Nalini Singh's Guild Hunter's world for about a second. However, quickly enough I began to really enjoy this world Thea Harrison created with its different Elder races, magic, humans and all the struggles that go along with those tricky relationships.

The best part of this fast-paced story for me was the dialogue between the two characters. The banter that developed between Dragos and Pia was excellent. Dragos was such a beast! He was portrayed as an over-the-top, uber alpha dragon who just didn't know how to filter what came out of his mouth. Pia was no better. She called it the "lunatic in her," and it made for some great dialogue between these two.
"Pia." He spoke like the words were ripped out of him. "Don't you dare leave me. I swear to God, I will follow you into hell if I have to and drag you back by the hair."

One corner of her mouth lifted. She put her hand over his on her cheek. She said, "You say the most god-awful things."
And he did. He really did say the most awful things throughout the book! As old as he was, the beast never learned the meaning of the words finesse or romance, and Dragos was "born along with the solar system" -- that's old. Twenty five year old Pia, whom Dragos refers to as "a baby, nothing but a moment, a heartbeat," teaches him a thing or two along the way. Talk about a May-December romance!

Dragon Bound turned out to be a great read for me with a few niggles here and there. There were a couple of open-ended threads and unexplained events within the story line, as well as one big thread to do with Pia's shifting that just kind of fizzled at the end. And although Pia held her own against Dragos, I thought she tended to be more submissive than strong. But none of these niggles were enough to spoil the fun for me. I also really enjoyed the secondary characters in this book, particularly Rune, Graydon and Tricks, so you know I'll definitely read the second book in the series, Storm's Heart.

Category: Paranormal Romance
Series: Elder Race, #1
Publisher/Released: Berkley/Penguin, May 3, 2011- Kindle Edition
Grade: B+

Visit Thea Harrison here.

11 comments:

  1. So agree with you. I, too, got a bit of the Guild Hunters vibe... but a funnier version. I'm glad I picked up this book, very much full of fun!

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  2. I think the world vibe is due to this book also being from Berkley publisher. Berkly has done a great job at picking up some paranormal/UF series that work with great world building - Nalini Singh, Meljean Brook, Ilona Andrews, etc. So this one just seems to fit the bill :P

    I enjoyed the book, but it didn't really wow me... I'm hoping to review it soon. I don't know what it was...

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  3. Mariana, right? I wasn't the only one then... a lighter version. I enjoyed this read though, it was such fun. I'm so glad you did too.

    Nath, that's an interesting point you make there. Berkley has people with a great eye for world building. The story wasn't a wowzer, I agree, but for me it was definitely a solid paranormal with a plus for that "fun" factor. I enjoyed that aspect of it. :D

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  4. Oh, I definitely got the Nalini Singh vibe too - think it was the New York setting particularly.

    I didn't love it as much as I thought I would - world-building wise, I thought it just felt like a bit of everything thrown into the mix. And the story just didn't *feel* fresh enough to me.

    But I loved the modern spin and like you said, the banter between Pia and Dragos.

    I wasn't blown away by the first Ilona Andrews book but the second one completely changed my mind, so reserving judgement on this series for now.

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  5. Hi Li! That Singh vibe encompassed a bit for than the New York setting for me... the Tower, the very old, unique Elder races demesnes superimposed with the humans, Dragos & Raphael being so old, bored and all-powerful, and Dragos' seven sentinels -- all contributed to that sense of deja vu towards the beginning of the story.

    I put it behind me though and enjoyed the lighter fare, and as you so cleverly phrased it, "the modern spin" in this story. I just had fun reading it. I really liked Tricks too, so I'm looking forward to her story next. Let's see how that one goes. :)

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  6. I'm really looking forward to reading this one. I love alpha heroes and Dragos sounds like my cup of tea.

    Have you read the Tairen Soul series by CL Wilson?

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  7. Lovely review Hils. My library has ordered copies, so I've placed a hold - I can't wait!

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  8. Everyone seems to be reading and or talking about this one. I do love Dragon stories... and appreciate interesting, solid world building and excellent banter you say? Sold. :D

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  9. Ames, in that case you'll love this one! I've not read the Tairen Soul series, although I did read part of the first book. I know that sounds weird, but I did! I remember liking it and then... never returning to it. One of those series that got lost in space!

    Orannia, I hope you enjoy this book. A fun paranormal read.

    Christine, this seems to be a favorite and popular book at the moment. The great witty dialogue and fun are what really did it for me. The world building was good, and an aspect of the series I hope will improve as the series continues, but yes... solid. The uber-alpha dragon? I loved! :D Enjoy!

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  10. I liked this one too but had a few problems with how Dragos treated Pia.

    You're right about the world building - I think that's what's going to keep me reading this series.

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  11. Hah! It's Dragos' uber-alpha attitude, right Leslie? ;P

    I definitely want to see what Harrison does with this world too. I'm hoping it keeps my interest since I would like to add a PNR series to my reading list. :)

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