Dragon's Heart

Publisher's Summary

Serena Harlowe always knew her place.

A foundling placed with the tutor of Illedrian royalty, she grew to be a talented fighter. After rising to the rank of lieutenant in the royal army, she proves her worth and thwarts the attempted assassination of the man she loves.

The selfless act will change her life forever and start a chain of events that will unlock her hidden past.

©2016 Michelle Rabe (P)2016 Michelle Rabe

Different and fun

Would you listen to Dragon's Heart again? Why?

Yes, maybe right before book 2 comes out, so I can binge. I loved the narrators voice.

What other book might you compare Dragon's Heart to and why?

Maybe the Lost Shards series by Charlie Pulsipher. It has the same type of rich storyline (more gradual world building) and the innocence of the main characters is similar. The stories themselves are nothing alike, merely saying that if you liked the style, you'll probably like it in both.

Which character – as performed by Karen-Eileen Gordon – was your favorite?

Serena, or maybe the queen. They're both pretty awesome.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes!

Any additional comments?

It's been awhile since I've indulged in a YA fantasy, because they are becoming way too much alike. Dragons Heart is in a class of its own.

16 of 16 people found this review helpful

Book 1

What made the experience of listening to Dragon's Heart the most enjoyable?

I am new to Michelle Rabe and this is the first audiobook of hers that I have listened . Serena and Killian are lifelong friends who fall in love with each other with one problem . He is in line to be king and she is a commoner who doesn’t know her back ground. Outside forces conspire against the couple to tear them apart. The story is written in a beautifully classic love story in such a way that you feel all the emotions her characters are going through.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

For love or duty

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes this was an incrediblely thought out story.

What did you like best about this story?

Serena and Killian are adorable and there is never a time in the story that you don't hope for their relationship and happiness.

Which character – as performed by Karen-Eileen Gordon – was your favorite?

Karen-Eileen Gorden was fantastic in all the characters. Her performance was great no matter who she was portraying and she really made the entire thing come to life.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Duty of the heart

Any additional comments?

This story was fantastic. There were many moments that fueled emotional responses, some were harder to deal with than others. It did leave the story on a bit of a cliff hanger and there were a number of things left unresolved. This story has you rooting for the couple from the beginning and your heart aches for the choices they have to make because of their duty. They have many conflicts but at the same time their bond is strong because their feelings were firmed long before the story started. It is a great story and worth a credit. I received this audiobook for free from audiobook boom for my unbiased review.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Very very good!

I really enjoyed this book and I bought the next one in the series. It was entertaining and I couldn't put it down. My only complaint is that there was no resolution of anything at the end, just a lead in to the next book.

It was well written and I loved the narrator.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

PERFECT LOVE

This is the delightful love story of Killian and Serena. All appears to be going well until one day Serena discovers a secret about herself that will forever change their lives. Further complicating matters is Katja, an evil young woman bent on destruction. These characters represent three different life forms: human, dragon fey and dark fey. But, Killian and Serena are unaware of these differences and this leads to many adventures both good and bad.

The narrator has a very unique, almost peculiar voice which took a little while for me to get used to. She pronounces every word clearly and distinctly so that you never need to rewind and listen again because of something being missed. I soon began to appreciate this uniquenes and found that her voice did suit the story.

If you just want to relax and dream, as I often do, then this is the book for you. I really did enjoy it.

This book was given to me free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Romantic Saga

Would you listen to Dragon's Heart again? Why?

Yes, narrator had me visualizing.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Did not have a favorite. I loved them all.

What does Karen-Eileen Gordon bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She brought the characters alive in my mind.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Surprised by how well written and spoken.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

A story chalked full of emotions warring with duty

I really enjoyed this book, though there was definitely a portion that was heart-wrenching to listen to. The story is well-written and the characters are very well fleshed out. Killian and Serena are both young, but their romance is sweet and powerful and they are far more mature than their ages may imply. Unfortunately, their romance is not any version of simple and only gets more complicated as the story goes on (though there is a brief respite). This is a story chalked full of emotions warring with duty as both Serena and Killian are forced to make excruciating decisions in the name of what's 'best'. While things appear to be going well for the couple at the end of the book, it is clear that there is to be much turmoil ahead. At this point there are many questions yet unanswered and it is very difficult to predict exactly what will happen next. The fact that this book ends in a cliffhanger was incredibly frustrating, but I am most definitely interested in continuing the series!

Karen-Eileen Gordon performed this book beautifully. I think her voice was perfect for the story at hand and it made the story that much more enjoyable (and intense) to listen to.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Different yet very enjoyable

This was such a different story for me to listen to yet I found I really enjoyed it. Serena is an amazing character, she is strong and smart and tough as nails. I loved reading about her life and her struggles.

Narration was great and made the story come alive.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I loved it!

Michelle Rabe is a brilliant author, I loved this story of persistence, love, heartbreak and a kickass heroine! There's action, danger, intrigue, true love and DRAGONS! Serena and Killian's relationship is not easy. Between nefarious people, honor and duty, and royal abuse of power the odds are stacked against them. The fight to be together is epic.
Serena is a lieutenant in the King's guard, and thus made me love this book even more. I adore strong female characters and Serena is fierce, brave, loyal, honest and kind.
The world building is fantastic, the characters are brilliant and did I mention dragons?!
This is absolutely worth a credit!
Happy listening!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Great world building

This was just great! I truly loved these characters, their sass and attitude really made me like them and feel more connected lol. The trials, the choices (which I TOTALLY screamed at Serena for!) made it more realistic. People don't make the perfect choice the first time around, ad I really enjoyed reading a fantasy story with imperfect characters. The plot is good, very interesting, and I thoroughly enjoyed spending my time in this world! Another to add to my Definitely Continuing Series list!

I wasn't entirely keen on the narrator, which is a personal thing. The strong emphasis every time there was, "he" or "she" bugged me. I'm not sure why. At first I thought the word may have been in italics in the writing, but it was pretty much Every. Single. Time. This is a thing that may not bother anyone else, though! Otherwise, her voice and accent are quite pleasing.

I would recommend this for anyone who enjoys fantasy, dragons, and romance.

Bob says: 4 Platypires!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Great narration!

Star crossed lovers thwarted at every turn! I enjoyed the limited world building to maximize story development. Looking forward to the next installment of the continuing saga.....