The Blue Dragon's Geas

Outcast, Volume 1

By: Cheryl Matthynssens

Narrated by: Paul Woodson

Length: 8 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's Summary

It was a bright, warm spring day when Alador sat upon the hilltop looking down at the valley below him. He knew he did not fit into the world around him. His presence was tolerated and accepted but not welcomed. Little did he know how much his life would change that day. How could one large stone make such a difference in one's world? Renamaum, was a large blue dragon with one desire. He wanted the pact between man and dragon re-established. He wanted the hunting of the eggs and fledglings to stop. He had stood before the council and demanded they help him find a dragonsworn to protect the fledglings of both races rather then go to war. Little did he know how abruptly his plans would stop. He did not foresee the one small outcast that would pick up his banner, a geas so strong that neither could abandon it, even in death.

©2013 Cheryl Matthynssens (P)2014 Cheryl Matthynssens

Outstanding book.

If you could sum up The Blue Dragon's Geas in three words, what would they be?

Riveting, Can't Stop listening

What did you like best about this story?

The twist and turns. About the time you think you know what is going to happen next. The author throws a twist or turn into the mix and does something totally different then what I am expecting. I love this time of book keep me engage. Nothing worth then thinking you know what is going to happen and you are right. With This book you won't have that problem.

What does Paul Woodson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He bring a great deal of care to the characters. His different voices and reflections you would almost think they are different readers and he does each character. He does so well that you will fill the different emotions as you are taken through a roller coaster of emotions. From happy to anger to bewilderment.

Any additional comments?

I am a long haul truck driver. If you are a truck driver or just some one who drives a long Distance or are just on the road several times a day. This is a good book to help pass the time away. You will get caught up in the story and if you haven't finished it by the time you Finnish your drive you won't want to stop it.

This would also be a good book to relax at home and just lay back and enjoy. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did and find this review help full.

Much more complex than you would think

By looking at the blurb of this book, and the length you think YA / Coming of Age Story filled with tried and true tropes.

You would be wrong. I was wrong.

This is a coming of age story. However it is so much more realistic, in that often as teenagers we do not realise how good we have things till they are taken away or our circumstances change.

Yes a boy does develop magical powers, and yes there are dragons, but not in the way you assume.

The narration was excellent, the narrator does not do multiple voices like some of the greats, but they are more than distinct enough to understand who is talking.

I highly recommend this book, it has some very adult themes in it but they are all looked at very tastefully. There is sex in this book, but again it is done tastefully. This is not a romance book pretending to be fantasy, this is not an erotic book pretending to be fantasy, this is not a 'typical' fantasy story at all.

Don't let the blurb fool you - and enjoy the book. I'm just starting the second one now after just finishing the first!

Very Slow and then NOTHING

What would have made The Blue Dragon's Geas better?

A better Moving plot I understand the need for "setting the stage " but that was the whole book and it never picked up at all.

What could Cheryl Matthynssens have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

It was never clear on the dragon and boy relationship. The family was murky and misunderstood and never developed. The rape of a Minor in the book was at best disturbing and in my opinion in poor taste. But most of all I could care less about the Aldar or what ever his name is. The best person in this book is the bad guy and he only has 2 chapters.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

He was ok but there was not enough to work with and his voice could be a lot more varied.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

it felt like it was a rough draft and there was no climax or reason to care or wait for book 2? I think the story has huge potential but lack action and clarity.

Any additional comments?

Sorry this one was a Dud I couldn't even listen to the whole thing I kept fast forwarding to see if it would get better.

I couldn't figure out who the target audience is.

The narrator read the book as if he was addressing a very young audience, but some of the subject matter in the book is more, well adult in nature. It's not graphic, or anything, so maybe it's suitable for someone who is a very young teen. I'm in my 50's and still love books about dragons, but this one never really went anywhere and was really predictable. I was left feeling really disappointed.

Great story!

I really liked it! I thought the reader did it justice. Good story line! 5 stars!

Heartbreaking

This is a very hard story. Well written, good characters, interesting plot. I was just not prepared for how difficult things would be for the main character.
The narrator did a good job and has a good voice. I would like to say I enjoyed the book but I cried for the last hour of it. Not sure I want to read more, as I prefer happy endings over heartbreak. I couldn’t put it down, though.

poor quality recording

The recording quality sounds like it was recorded on a home stereo.
The narrator sounds like he's reading to children half the time.
The story was ok, it's what kept me listening but had an odd ending, even for a lead in to a next book.

enjoyable tale

The reader is enjoyable. The storyline is entertaining. I quite like the openness to women's right to choose, poly relationships, and family/community ties.
This was the second time listening to the book, and I will likely listen again in the future.

A solid story with surprising depth

While the story starts slow, it picks up quickly and becomes a great read by the end. The characters are relateable and the world the author built winds up being very interesting. I recommend giving this book a read even if you aren't a teen or young adult.

Amazing! just Amazing!

One of the best books I have ever listened too! The author very friendly and down to earth too!