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The Drake Chronicles #3
Blood of Wolves
Lord Oliver and King Erik’s party survived capture with the help of some unlikely allies, and now hurry back through treacherous mountain paths to the site of the Midwinter Festival, where Northern celebration turned to bloodshed. From Dreki Hörgr, the ancestral seat of the North, the lords of Aeretoll will march back across the kingdom, wounded, exhausted, and waiting for Ragnar’s next strike.
All save Oliver, who will take to the skies – with the help of a rather petulant Corpse Lord.
In the city of Aeres, Tessa has made her choice of husband, but a wedding will have to wait because the Sels have set anchor in the harbor, and a siege is imminent. Being a Northern princess, she quickly learns, involves a fair bit of swordplay.
In the third installment of the Drake Chronicles, it’s a race for home, a prayer for strength in battle, and the magical truth behind what it means to have the Blood of Wolves. It is part of an ongoing epic fantasy series intended for adult audiences, including M/M and M/F romantic pairings.
All save Oliver, who will take to the skies – with the help of a rather petulant Corpse Lord.
In the city of Aeres, Tessa has made her choice of husband, but a wedding will have to wait because the Sels have set anchor in the harbor, and a siege is imminent. Being a Northern princess, she quickly learns, involves a fair bit of swordplay.
In the third installment of the Drake Chronicles, it’s a race for home, a prayer for strength in battle, and the magical truth behind what it means to have the Blood of Wolves. It is part of an ongoing epic fantasy series intended for adult audiences, including M/M and M/F romantic pairings.
361 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 2, 2021
13 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
September 12, 2024
As I read this book, it took me back to the emotions I had when I first discovered the Game of Thrones series. I will admit, I enjoyed this series better. (There are no long chapters with boring characters that bring nothing to the story)
A wonderful blend of storytelling, intense fighting scenes, beautiful love stories, and yes, dragons.
Fantasy
MM romance
MF romance
Family love
Snark/humor
Political intrigue
Graphic intimacy
Dragons, skinwalkers, ancient magic
Emotionally intelligent characters
There are two older side characters that finally get their HEA.
It’s always been you.
Forty-three, and he’d never taken a wife, because he’d been waiting for her. Only her.
Oliver has been a favorite since book one. Born a bastard, never treated very well, he really grows into his own in this series in such a magnificent way.
Erik’s breath caught. It was not Oliver Meachum, blushing, faltering, mule-tempered bastard climbing the hill toward him, now. No. This was Oliver Drake, dragon master, and though his face was lined and tired, wind-chapped, and dirt-smudged, his smile was brilliant when he turned it loose – when he turned it up to Erik.
The battle scenes are phenomenal, intense and nerve-racking. Secrets are uncovered, forbidden love discovered, enemies killed, and lovers reunited.
*One of my favorite MC stories is written by this author. She has a level of diving into characters that makes a story come alive. Fearless, it’s much darker than this fantasy, certainly shows her breath of writing skills.
A wonderful blend of storytelling, intense fighting scenes, beautiful love stories, and yes, dragons.
Fantasy
MM romance
MF romance
Family love
Snark/humor
Political intrigue
Graphic intimacy
Dragons, skinwalkers, ancient magic
Emotionally intelligent characters
There are two older side characters that finally get their HEA.
It’s always been you.
Forty-three, and he’d never taken a wife, because he’d been waiting for her. Only her.
Oliver has been a favorite since book one. Born a bastard, never treated very well, he really grows into his own in this series in such a magnificent way.
Erik’s breath caught. It was not Oliver Meachum, blushing, faltering, mule-tempered bastard climbing the hill toward him, now. No. This was Oliver Drake, dragon master, and though his face was lined and tired, wind-chapped, and dirt-smudged, his smile was brilliant when he turned it loose – when he turned it up to Erik.
The battle scenes are phenomenal, intense and nerve-racking. Secrets are uncovered, forbidden love discovered, enemies killed, and lovers reunited.
*One of my favorite MC stories is written by this author. She has a level of diving into characters that makes a story come alive. Fearless, it’s much darker than this fantasy, certainly shows her breath of writing skills.
December 22, 2021
**** 4.5 stars ****
Gods, What a page-turner!
Lauren Gilley had me wrapped around her finger, hooked and squirming to find out what was next every time she switched POVs!
Now, I am a romance reader foremost, and so the fact that this book was seriously addictive despite the lack of romance is a massive testament to Lauren Gilley's writing skills.
📌Ollie and his King are doing great.
📌Bjorn and Revna sorted their shit out. *massive swoon*
📌Tessa and the young prince will happen.
📌But Nali and Matty and their pinning over are stealing the show right now, so good.
He’d never had much of a way with the living. Only the dead, always the dead.
Not to mention Nali and Valgrind. So, so cute. 🥰
📌And then there is Leif.
What a plot twist.
I bloody LOVED it.
This was almost 5 stars. Romance wise it left something to be desired for, IMO.
4.5 Stars!!!
Gods, What a page-turner!
Lauren Gilley had me wrapped around her finger, hooked and squirming to find out what was next every time she switched POVs!
Now, I am a romance reader foremost, and so the fact that this book was seriously addictive despite the lack of romance is a massive testament to Lauren Gilley's writing skills.
📌Ollie and his King are doing great.
📌Bjorn and Revna sorted their shit out. *massive swoon*
📌Tessa and the young prince will happen.
📌But Nali and Matty and their pinning over are stealing the show right now, so good.
He’d never had much of a way with the living. Only the dead, always the dead.
Not to mention Nali and Valgrind. So, so cute. 🥰
📌And then there is Leif.
What a plot twist.
I bloody LOVED it.
This was almost 5 stars. Romance wise it left something to be desired for, IMO.
4.5 Stars!!!
August 30, 2025
Erik’s breath caught. It was not Oliver Meachum, blushing, faltering, mule-tempered bastard climbing the hill toward him, now. No. This was Oliver Drake, dragon master, and though his face was lined and tired, wind-chapped, and dirt-smudged, his smile was brilliant when he turned it loose – when he turned it up to Erik.
He wasn’t aware of moving – of sliding down off his horse and charging down the hill – until Oliver was right in front of him, huffing a laugh that puffed steam in the air, and saying, “Welcome – oof.”
Erik scooped him off the ground and squeezed all the breath out of him. Arms looped readily around his neck, but then Oliver patted him, and wheezed, “Darling, I can’t breathe.”
Despite how much actually ended up occurring in this instalment, this book captured the stress and helplessness that comes with needing to wait and prepare before the inevitable storm. I feel like it was so quiet and then from about the 70% mark I could barely stop to take a breath!
There were a lot of develops that occurred that I expected, and some I definitely did not expect! And the end of this book definitely left you sitting with the ominous feeling that things will get worse before they get better. I appreciate that the pacing in world building in this series is really well done with slightly more magic and characters being introduced in each book.
This book was a bit lighter on the moment between Erik and Oliver and I will admit that I missed them. It did provide the space for the development of relationships between other characters though which was enjoyable. My favourite was the friendship being laid down between Oliver and Nali (both too sassy for their own good lol).
It’s worth the reminder though that the romance in this book is very much subplot to the main storyline and that the couplings in this book cover both MM couples as well as MF couples (including on page intimate scenes with the MF couple), so as much as I grumble about not having more Erik and Oliver I know its not the main point (bah humbug).
4.5 stars ✨ I am so nervous about the next books and I am so concerned about Leif! My poor sweet golden boy.
“Why are you telling me this?” Náli asked, knuckles white on the chair arms, expression stricken. Oliver dropped his casual act.
“Because I’m asking you to do something dangerous, and if you don’t want to go, that’s quite all right. But I’d like you to think you can trust me. From one prickly shithead to another, I like you. And, at the risk of overstepping several boundaries, you strike me as terribly unhappy. If it would help to unburden yourself to someone– someone who isn’t bound to you– then, well, I’m offering. For whatever that’s worth.”
He wasn’t aware of moving – of sliding down off his horse and charging down the hill – until Oliver was right in front of him, huffing a laugh that puffed steam in the air, and saying, “Welcome – oof.”
Erik scooped him off the ground and squeezed all the breath out of him. Arms looped readily around his neck, but then Oliver patted him, and wheezed, “Darling, I can’t breathe.”
Despite how much actually ended up occurring in this instalment, this book captured the stress and helplessness that comes with needing to wait and prepare before the inevitable storm. I feel like it was so quiet and then from about the 70% mark I could barely stop to take a breath!
There were a lot of develops that occurred that I expected, and some I definitely did not expect! And the end of this book definitely left you sitting with the ominous feeling that things will get worse before they get better. I appreciate that the pacing in world building in this series is really well done with slightly more magic and characters being introduced in each book.
This book was a bit lighter on the moment between Erik and Oliver and I will admit that I missed them. It did provide the space for the development of relationships between other characters though which was enjoyable. My favourite was the friendship being laid down between Oliver and Nali (both too sassy for their own good lol).
It’s worth the reminder though that the romance in this book is very much subplot to the main storyline and that the couplings in this book cover both MM couples as well as MF couples (including on page intimate scenes with the MF couple), so as much as I grumble about not having more Erik and Oliver I know its not the main point (bah humbug).
4.5 stars ✨ I am so nervous about the next books and I am so concerned about Leif! My poor sweet golden boy.
“Why are you telling me this?” Náli asked, knuckles white on the chair arms, expression stricken. Oliver dropped his casual act.
“Because I’m asking you to do something dangerous, and if you don’t want to go, that’s quite all right. But I’d like you to think you can trust me. From one prickly shithead to another, I like you. And, at the risk of overstepping several boundaries, you strike me as terribly unhappy. If it would help to unburden yourself to someone– someone who isn’t bound to you– then, well, I’m offering. For whatever that’s worth.”
November 17, 2021
4.5 Stars
Well, that was exciting! I wasn’t expecting a war so soon and by the looks of things, this is only the beginning 😬 I dread to think what’s to come and that prophecy has done nothing to relieve my blood pressure 😳😰 So so good! It will be torture waiting for the next instalment … 😩
My Highlights:
🖋 The writing, as always
👌 Fab character development
🐉 Flying
🧨 Nail biting action
👩👧👧 Girl power
🍺 Drunk Nali
🎇 Revna & Bjorn
👩❤️💋👨 Tessa & Rune
🥰 Nali’s cute AF, pet baby drake Valgrind
🍁 ?
My Lowlights:
I hate to grumble when a book is so good but …
⚔️ Not enough Erik & Ollie for my liking. Their interactions were few and far between and whilst I enjoyed them, some scenes in particular, felt watered down (at least to me) and perhaps they would have had more impact, if the author hadn’t spent so much time on Team Natti. I’m all for the other couples getting their time in the spotlight but I also believe in equal opportunities!!!
⚔️ I love Nali, I really do, but when it came to a certain guard, he didn’t half test my patience!
Well, that was exciting! I wasn’t expecting a war so soon and by the looks of things, this is only the beginning 😬 I dread to think what’s to come and that prophecy has done nothing to relieve my blood pressure 😳😰 So so good! It will be torture waiting for the next instalment … 😩
My Highlights:
🖋 The writing, as always
👌 Fab character development
🐉 Flying
🧨 Nail biting action
👩👧👧 Girl power
🍺 Drunk Nali
🎇 Revna & Bjorn
👩❤️💋👨 Tessa & Rune
🥰 Nali’s cute AF, pet baby drake Valgrind
🍁 ?
My Lowlights:
I hate to grumble when a book is so good but …
⚔️ Not enough Erik & Ollie for my liking. Their interactions were few and far between and whilst I enjoyed them, some scenes in particular, felt watered down (at least to me) and perhaps they would have had more impact, if the author hadn’t spent so much time on Team Natti. I’m all for the other couples getting their time in the spotlight but I also believe in equal opportunities!!!
⚔️ I love Nali, I really do, but when it came to a certain guard, he didn’t half test my patience!
January 1, 2022
So worth the wait! This one met and surpassed every expectation I had for it, and holy shit where's the next one?? 🥰
**Edit**
Ohohohoh!!! TEASER!!!! 😍😍😍
Flying
**Edit**
Ohohohoh!!! TEASER!!!! 😍😍😍
Flying
May 12, 2023
Reread May 23
Absolutely brilliant all over again!
original review
Absolutely, freaking …
Or should I say, completely, utterly …
Needless to say I was blown away.
The nail biting plot and the breathless action kept me on the edge of my seat, non-stop. With the multiple POVs this reads very much like a movie script, ramping up the tension as we swap from location to location, from one dangerous situation to the next. Not even talking about some highly unexpected turns and twists!
I loved where Lauren Gilley takes all the characters. Each and every one of them grow and develop. And I am totally invested in all of them. As for my favourite….
There aren’t enough stars!
Oliver and Erik still rattle my boat BIG time, and no doubt, I could have done with a bigger dose of them.
In this one though, Revna and Björn steal the prize for best romance, followed shortly by Tessa and Rune and, of course, Nali and Mattias. I was shocked not only to survive TWO m/f sex scenes, but actually enjoy them. Lauren Gilley really knows how to write steamy moments with mega feels, and that’s all that matters.
However, I might have missed the focus on ONE couple rather than so many, just a little bit.
The award for the most heart-breaking character development goes to Leif. I sincerely hope that he will also find some happiness at one point.
In the meantime, though, it seems that this story has only just begun … The ominous prediction at the end left my blood curling and my stomach uptight. This is going to be a hell of a ride!
I can see that reading this series and waiting for all those instalments is going to be a major test of character and patience for me. Right …
Absolutely brilliant all over again!
original review
Absolutely, freaking …
Or should I say, completely, utterly …
Needless to say I was blown away.
The nail biting plot and the breathless action kept me on the edge of my seat, non-stop. With the multiple POVs this reads very much like a movie script, ramping up the tension as we swap from location to location, from one dangerous situation to the next. Not even talking about some highly unexpected turns and twists!
I loved where Lauren Gilley takes all the characters. Each and every one of them grow and develop. And I am totally invested in all of them. As for my favourite….
There aren’t enough stars!
Oliver and Erik still rattle my boat BIG time, and no doubt, I could have done with a bigger dose of them.
In this one though, Revna and Björn steal the prize for best romance, followed shortly by Tessa and Rune and, of course, Nali and Mattias. I was shocked not only to survive TWO m/f sex scenes, but actually enjoy them. Lauren Gilley really knows how to write steamy moments with mega feels, and that’s all that matters.
However, I might have missed the focus on ONE couple rather than so many, just a little bit.
The award for the most heart-breaking character development goes to Leif. I sincerely hope that he will also find some happiness at one point.
In the meantime, though, it seems that this story has only just begun … The ominous prediction at the end left my blood curling and my stomach uptight. This is going to be a hell of a ride!
I can see that reading this series and waiting for all those instalments is going to be a major test of character and patience for me. Right …
November 10, 2021
4.5 stars
I could have sworn I posted a bit of a review last night when I finished this. Apparently not! Anyway, wow wow wow. So much happens in this installment! Lots of character development, progress on 3 of the 4 romances (I would have loved more Erik/Oliver time), and war. War not only touched all the main and secondary characters, but it changed them so much. By the end of this installment my heart hurt so much and at the same time I can't wait for the next book! Judging by the title, it would seem we're going to get a lot more of a certain Corpse Lord.
I do wish the author would hire an editor, though. So many wrong words in sentences, and if I notice that stuff, it's kinda bad. I'm pro-editor.
I could have sworn I posted a bit of a review last night when I finished this. Apparently not! Anyway, wow wow wow. So much happens in this installment! Lots of character development, progress on 3 of the 4 romances (I would have loved more Erik/Oliver time), and war. War not only touched all the main and secondary characters, but it changed them so much. By the end of this installment my heart hurt so much and at the same time I can't wait for the next book! Judging by the title, it would seem we're going to get a lot more of a certain Corpse Lord.
I do wish the author would hire an editor, though. So many wrong words in sentences, and if I notice that stuff, it's kinda bad. I'm pro-editor.
November 22, 2021
I can't with this book, I can't! 😩😩
I started this with hopes and dreams and then... they were crushed and then, crushed some more!! Leif you are the underdog in this and I hope Lauren gives you justice soon, or a whole series for you, I DON'T CARE FREE BRIT... FREE LEIF!!! 😭😭
The rest? Priceless 👏🏻👏🏻 I really enjoy how this author writes, you really feel like reading an epic story and knowing all the characters is just brilliant, I don't mind the multiple povs because they are all that good and btw, hello mister Bjorn, I wasn't expecting you but hell you were all I needed, and just so you know I wouldn't make you wait so many years, grrr. 😉💅🏻
Moving on... In here more povs were introduced and some were left aside, (didn't mind much), but the story kept going beautifully and I know that there is more to come, the clusterfuck ain't over.
My thoughts:
- If dragons can be compelled because of magic, people with magic should be compelled too. Oliver brace yourself.
- I really don't care about Erik at this point 🤔 sorry not sorry.
- Leif is another story, I have a feeling the author is pointing at him not being king, I just don't understand why? Leif didn't seem to mind this position.
- Rune got all the kingly things here, so yeah I don't like it. He got the girl, GIVE LEIF THE KINGDOM COÑO!
- I respect Tessa and I like her, but going to fight without really knowing how was stupid.
- Is that other girl for Leif? I'm not sure I like it.
- Revna YOU.ARE.BADASS.AND.GOALS.
- Nail I hurt for you in here, so alone, so much hurt. Surely he has a curse and at the end of this series it will be broken? Surely?
- Oliver is really getting comfortable into his skin, so why I don't care about him has me puzzled.
- Now we have wolves, great!
This series keeps getting better and better, also frustrating but what can you do? Loved it.
JUSTICE FOR LEIF THOUGH. ✊🏻✊🏻❤
I started this with hopes and dreams and then... they were crushed and then, crushed some more!! Leif you are the underdog in this and I hope Lauren gives you justice soon, or a whole series for you, I DON'T CARE FREE BRIT... FREE LEIF!!! 😭😭
The rest? Priceless 👏🏻👏🏻 I really enjoy how this author writes, you really feel like reading an epic story and knowing all the characters is just brilliant, I don't mind the multiple povs because they are all that good and btw, hello mister Bjorn, I wasn't expecting you but hell you were all I needed, and just so you know I wouldn't make you wait so many years, grrr. 😉💅🏻
Moving on... In here more povs were introduced and some were left aside, (didn't mind much), but the story kept going beautifully and I know that there is more to come, the clusterfuck ain't over.
My thoughts:
- If dragons can be compelled because of magic, people with magic should be compelled too. Oliver brace yourself.
- I really don't care about Erik at this point 🤔 sorry not sorry.
- Leif is another story, I have a feeling the author is pointing at him not being king, I just don't understand why? Leif didn't seem to mind this position.
- Rune got all the kingly things here, so yeah I don't like it. He got the girl, GIVE LEIF THE KINGDOM COÑO!
- I respect Tessa and I like her, but going to fight without really knowing how was stupid.
- Is that other girl for Leif? I'm not sure I like it.
- Revna YOU.ARE.BADASS.AND.GOALS.
- Nail I hurt for you in here, so alone, so much hurt. Surely he has a curse and at the end of this series it will be broken? Surely?
- Oliver is really getting comfortable into his skin, so why I don't care about him has me puzzled.
- Now we have wolves, great!
This series keeps getting better and better, also frustrating but what can you do? Loved it.
JUSTICE FOR LEIF THOUGH. ✊🏻✊🏻❤
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2022
[He] laughed, and his voice was half a growl, deep and inhuman, when he said, “Did you think your little Southern boy was the only one with magic?”
(No spoilers, just some random, fangirl thoughts)
I’m so happy with these books! All the starts in the world!
This world is getting better and better.
All those twists and revelations!
(I’m still hoping Ragnar will give me the “shithead that surprised us all” arc, don’t judge me🙈).
So many good characters! Lots of couples to swoon for... Nali and Mattias killed me!❤️
Nali is great, yes, but I have another favorite character, ESTRID.
The books have lots of great female leads. But I think Estrid is the best one yet. She is still a minor character in this book (I really hope for her to gain a Main-Character status in future ones), but the way she is coded is very new to me.
It’s not common to find heroines in fiction that are allowed to be as complex, immature, and just not perfect as any of their male friends were always able to be.
I think that heroines in fiction tend to be described with a series of recurring characteristics such as:
They are always slightly more mature than their male counterparts; they usually are the voice of reason of the group; they are “beautiful in their own way” (being the naive flower, the experience seductress or something in between); they can be brave and passionate, but mostly they are sensible creatures not able to be funny, silly, angry... they are too perfect! (I never get to see a female Nali.)
Women are always the Wendy Darling in fiction: her brothers being the silly adventurous type, while Wendy has to remember to carry their coats so they won’t catch a cold, sigh. (I don’t have anything against a Wendy, it’s just there are too many of them and not enough she-Captain Hooks!). There shouldn’t be a need to have a prudent-by-default female MC.
There also is a second type of heroine that usually doesn’t work that well for me. The unbelievable capable warrior that can do anything the classic male hero can while also having an extremely hot body, smart and confident attitude, and the time to be cool and deliver the perfect snarky comment in the middle of a life-threatening situation... the YA heroine acquetype.
Again, there is nothing wrong with being this perfect, but the bar is set too high with them!
Going back to the Amazing Estrid: I don’t remember the last time I read a female character who could be the anti-hero, imperfect type and not be the villain. She knows what she wants, what man she wants, and she’ll do anything to get it or him. She is nasty, clever, sharp and she is not in charge of anyone but herself and interests. She is a bitch and proud of it. She knows she is a good fighter, she is confident. She is jealous, possessive, brave... and secretly faithful to an extreme. Really, those are all things hard to find in fiction coming from women.
But I was also able to see her yearning, her vulnerabilities, her loneliness and need for a true friend; Her ability to recognise her superiors and respect them (Revna); And the very much appreciated aspect of her beginning to see Tessa’s real willpower and strength of mind, the girl whom she thought a rival but that little by little she would begin to recognize as a true companion and friend.
I LOVE Tessa and Estrid’s arc!. One girl is more similar in appearence to the first category of girls I described, the other (Estrid), more similar to the second. And while the story first tricked us into believing they would be antagonising each other, they in turn created a camaraderie and understanding that respects their differences.
Opposite women not forced to fight each other… yes, please!☺️
.........................................
July 2022. Second read
“You should decide what to do with Ragnar. He’s your war prize. You may kill him, or keep him alive; bind him with a torq and make him serve you, if that is your wish.”
🐺❤️
(No spoilers, just some random, fangirl thoughts)
I’m so happy with these books! All the starts in the world!
This world is getting better and better.
All those twists and revelations!
(I’m still hoping Ragnar will give me the “shithead that surprised us all” arc, don’t judge me🙈).
So many good characters! Lots of couples to swoon for... Nali and Mattias killed me!❤️
Nali is great, yes, but I have another favorite character, ESTRID.
The books have lots of great female leads. But I think Estrid is the best one yet. She is still a minor character in this book (I really hope for her to gain a Main-Character status in future ones), but the way she is coded is very new to me.
It’s not common to find heroines in fiction that are allowed to be as complex, immature, and just not perfect as any of their male friends were always able to be.
I think that heroines in fiction tend to be described with a series of recurring characteristics such as:
They are always slightly more mature than their male counterparts; they usually are the voice of reason of the group; they are “beautiful in their own way” (being the naive flower, the experience seductress or something in between); they can be brave and passionate, but mostly they are sensible creatures not able to be funny, silly, angry... they are too perfect! (I never get to see a female Nali.)
Women are always the Wendy Darling in fiction: her brothers being the silly adventurous type, while Wendy has to remember to carry their coats so they won’t catch a cold, sigh. (I don’t have anything against a Wendy, it’s just there are too many of them and not enough she-Captain Hooks!). There shouldn’t be a need to have a prudent-by-default female MC.
There also is a second type of heroine that usually doesn’t work that well for me. The unbelievable capable warrior that can do anything the classic male hero can while also having an extremely hot body, smart and confident attitude, and the time to be cool and deliver the perfect snarky comment in the middle of a life-threatening situation... the YA heroine acquetype.
Again, there is nothing wrong with being this perfect, but the bar is set too high with them!
Going back to the Amazing Estrid: I don’t remember the last time I read a female character who could be the anti-hero, imperfect type and not be the villain. She knows what she wants, what man she wants, and she’ll do anything to get it or him. She is nasty, clever, sharp and she is not in charge of anyone but herself and interests. She is a bitch and proud of it. She knows she is a good fighter, she is confident. She is jealous, possessive, brave... and secretly faithful to an extreme. Really, those are all things hard to find in fiction coming from women.
But I was also able to see her yearning, her vulnerabilities, her loneliness and need for a true friend; Her ability to recognise her superiors and respect them (Revna); And the very much appreciated aspect of her beginning to see Tessa’s real willpower and strength of mind, the girl whom she thought a rival but that little by little she would begin to recognize as a true companion and friend.
I LOVE Tessa and Estrid’s arc!. One girl is more similar in appearence to the first category of girls I described, the other (Estrid), more similar to the second. And while the story first tricked us into believing they would be antagonising each other, they in turn created a camaraderie and understanding that respects their differences.
Opposite women not forced to fight each other… yes, please!☺️
.........................................
July 2022. Second read
“You should decide what to do with Ragnar. He’s your war prize. You may kill him, or keep him alive; bind him with a torq and make him serve you, if that is your wish.”
🐺❤️
November 12, 2021
Amazing! Lauren Gilley doing what she does best just seems so effortless for her. This book had a different tone to the first two with all the action which was epic. The way she drives the character connections is just something else, and getting these pockets of seeing the couples' relationships develop .... gah! I am SO rooting for Nali and Mattias, and don't even get me started on Revna and Bjorn.
The twist and the end means that once again when she releases the next book everything gets dropped to devour it. This is not a standalone and must be read after books 1 and 2.
Fab-u-las!!!
The twist and the end means that once again when she releases the next book everything gets dropped to devour it. This is not a standalone and must be read after books 1 and 2.
Fab-u-las!!!
January 7, 2025
Re-read January 2025
------------------
This was sooooooo good!
It takes a very talented author to make me care about so many different characters. Even the ones I'm not sure about.
I can’t wait for the next book!
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This was sooooooo good!
It takes a very talented author to make me care about so many different characters. Even the ones I'm not sure about.
I can’t wait for the next book!
December 22, 2021
This was so good! SO GOOD! 😍 I realize I sound like a broken record whenever I talk about my two favorite Gilley series, but —
❤️ THEY’RE JUST SO GOOD!! ❤️
I absolutely love the unique way Gilley spins a story, it’s simply magical. The way she develops her characters — not only the main characters, nope, the ‘minor’ ones can end up being at the heart of a big-ass plot twist just as easily in her books — slowly adding layer after layer to each and every one of them, until you feel like you really know them, and what’s more, understand them. As a character-oriented reader, that special feeling is very precious to me, and so far, her books delivered beautifully when it comes to that.
Character development aside, her Drake Chronicles also has wonderfully detailed worldbuilding, a gripping, complex plot full of unpredictable twists and turns, and EXTREMELY shippable couples who will make your heart melt — after plying you with delicious angst and pining first, of course. And the sex scenes? SO GOOD! 😭 Sensual, emotional, HOT 🔥 — basically all the good stuff you’ll crave after that slow-burn.
Give me the next book NOW, please! 😭 Demon of the Dead, the title leads me to believe we’ll see a lot of Nali (and Mattias ❤️) in there — YESSS — that little asshole grew on me even MORE after reading this book, so I’m all for that, and also, I’m super curious about his Fault Lands… One thing I know for sure: IT WILL BE AMAZING.
❤️ THEY’RE JUST SO GOOD!! ❤️
I absolutely love the unique way Gilley spins a story, it’s simply magical. The way she develops her characters — not only the main characters, nope, the ‘minor’ ones can end up being at the heart of a big-ass plot twist just as easily in her books — slowly adding layer after layer to each and every one of them, until you feel like you really know them, and what’s more, understand them. As a character-oriented reader, that special feeling is very precious to me, and so far, her books delivered beautifully when it comes to that.
Character development aside, her Drake Chronicles also has wonderfully detailed worldbuilding, a gripping, complex plot full of unpredictable twists and turns, and EXTREMELY shippable couples who will make your heart melt — after plying you with delicious angst and pining first, of course. And the sex scenes? SO GOOD! 😭 Sensual, emotional, HOT 🔥 — basically all the good stuff you’ll crave after that slow-burn.
Give me the next book NOW, please! 😭 Demon of the Dead, the title leads me to believe we’ll see a lot of Nali (and Mattias ❤️) in there — YESSS — that little asshole grew on me even MORE after reading this book, so I’m all for that, and also, I’m super curious about his Fault Lands… One thing I know for sure: IT WILL BE AMAZING.
November 6, 2021
3.5 stars
Sadly, this one wasn't as good as Books 1-2. There was all action, action, action and very little Erik/Oliver romance time. (Though there was enough Revna/Bjorn, Tessa/Rune, and Mattias/Lorde Corpse). Erik and Oliver seemed to get tossed to the back burner.
Also, I thought this book would be the end, but I was mistaken. Story is still not over.
Sadly, this one wasn't as good as Books 1-2. There was all action, action, action and very little Erik/Oliver romance time. (Though there was enough Revna/Bjorn, Tessa/Rune, and Mattias/Lorde Corpse). Erik and Oliver seemed to get tossed to the back burner.
Also, I thought this book would be the end, but I was mistaken. Story is still not over.
October 28, 2022
4.25 stars
“It’s my duty, my honor – my privilege to serve you.”
Oh, that wasn’t fair. He shouldn’t have to hear that sort of thing.
“It’s my sole mission in life to protect you. From outside threats, yes. But, sometimes… His brows knitted, and he looked pained. “Sometimes that means protecting you from yourself.”
The worldbuilding is just fantastic. Drakes! Skinwalkers! Magic! The action is gripping with Lord Oliver and King Erik battling to escape their enemies and rush back to their palace which is under siege. A budding relationship between Náli, the Corpse Lord, and his Dead Guard captain Mattias, and the romance between Rune and Tessa are wonderful. I was hooked from the very first page to the last.
“It’s my duty, my honor – my privilege to serve you.”
Oh, that wasn’t fair. He shouldn’t have to hear that sort of thing.
“It’s my sole mission in life to protect you. From outside threats, yes. But, sometimes… His brows knitted, and he looked pained. “Sometimes that means protecting you from yourself.”
The worldbuilding is just fantastic. Drakes! Skinwalkers! Magic! The action is gripping with Lord Oliver and King Erik battling to escape their enemies and rush back to their palace which is under siege. A budding relationship between Náli, the Corpse Lord, and his Dead Guard captain Mattias, and the romance between Rune and Tessa are wonderful. I was hooked from the very first page to the last.
May 30, 2022
I quit reading MF over a decade ago. I had no idea the author would start out with a great MM fantasy story only to switch her focus to MF couples along with explicit het sex starting in the second book. I skimmed. Now in this third one, I swear one of the sex scenes went on for two chapters. Just no. Gods I’m so disappointed. Ollie and Erik were unceremoniously dumped on the back burner. If the core story wasn't so interesting I'd ditch this series. I may still do it.
And what the hell happened to Malcolm, Amelia, and the fire drakes??? Absolutely no mention of them in this book.
And good grief, why didn't the author engage an editor? Yet another book in this series with wrong words, missing words, misspelled words, punctuation errors, etc.
Now I'm just crying in my beer, so to speak. So much potential.
And what the hell happened to Malcolm, Amelia, and the fire drakes??? Absolutely no mention of them in this book.
And good grief, why didn't the author engage an editor? Yet another book in this series with wrong words, missing words, misspelled words, punctuation errors, etc.
Now I'm just crying in my beer, so to speak. So much potential.
December 9, 2021
This series just keeps getting better with each book!!
November 7, 2022
5 EPIC stars 🌟
This series just keeps getting better with every book. The characters!! They are all well developed and the romances are full of so much UST!
The fantasy elements of this world just keep expanding and telling from the cryptic ending there is much more to come. The action was gripping and had me zipping so fast through the last 25% that I had to go back and reread what I missed in my excitement
I can’t wait to see what happens next with my faves Leif, Amelia and Nali 🖤
This series just keeps getting better with every book. The characters!! They are all well developed and the romances are full of so much UST!
The fantasy elements of this world just keep expanding and telling from the cryptic ending there is much more to come. The action was gripping and had me zipping so fast through the last 25% that I had to go back and reread what I missed in my excitement
I can’t wait to see what happens next with my faves Leif, Amelia and Nali 🖤
December 31, 2023
THE ABSOLUTE BEST WAY TO END THE YEAR. THIS SERIES CAN DO NO WRONG. IT SIMPLY REFUSES TO DISAPPOINT. IT KEEPS GETTING BETTER AND BETTER AND FOR WHAT 😞 WHO GAVE IT PERMISSION 😞 I LOVE IT TOO MUCH 💔
November 21, 2021
I’ve learned from reading a previous book that people fear what they do not understand/know and it’s exactly what is happening in this book. The ending just cemented that and boy …. it was a huge cliffhanger, I am looking forward to the next installment.
I feel as though Fate sometimes takes us where we really do not want to go 😅 Lief is a perfect example, I hope things improve for him in future.
Rune on the other hand one could say he had it easy but we can’t all be lucky on the first try 😉though the chemistry still feels superficial to me
The king and my favourite bastard (ok fine not so much the bastard anymore 😂) have a huge task ahead of them and it doesn’t look like it’s going to be smooth sailing like I’d hoped it would especially after waking Percy and his family.
I am going to stop myself here before I spoil it 😂. I enjoyed everything about this book even though the sex scenes are too short 🤭. The overall chemistries are just amazing
I feel as though Fate sometimes takes us where we really do not want to go 😅 Lief is a perfect example, I hope things improve for him in future.
Rune on the other hand one could say he had it easy but we can’t all be lucky on the first try 😉though the chemistry still feels superficial to me
The king and my favourite bastard (ok fine not so much the bastard anymore 😂) have a huge task ahead of them and it doesn’t look like it’s going to be smooth sailing like I’d hoped it would especially after waking Percy and his family.
I am going to stop myself here before I spoil it 😂. I enjoyed everything about this book even though the sex scenes are too short 🤭. The overall chemistries are just amazing
May 16, 2025
5 ⭐️
I really wish more of my GR friends would read this series. It’s absolutely awesome. So far it follows 4 couples (two of those MM), has tons (and tons) of plot and magic, treachery and adventures.
All couples are very different and book 3 has one of the best tension/longing and it blowing up I’ve ever read. Honestly.
It’s not dark and heavy (as I see it) but the reader gets enough pining, suffering and fighting against the enemy to make it interesting.
And dragons have become an important part of the story at this point 😍
I really wish more of my GR friends would read this series. It’s absolutely awesome. So far it follows 4 couples (two of those MM), has tons (and tons) of plot and magic, treachery and adventures.
All couples are very different and book 3 has one of the best tension/longing and it blowing up I’ve ever read. Honestly.
It’s not dark and heavy (as I see it) but the reader gets enough pining, suffering and fighting against the enemy to make it interesting.
And dragons have become an important part of the story at this point 😍
June 27, 2022
Wonderful!! Another 5 star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 action-packed read from Lauren Gilley despite the usual typos etc.,
Thanks to Lauren's newsletter, I one-clicked this baby straight away and put aside The Barbarian's Vow to read it straight through. All I will say is Nali's life is extremely complicated and ruled by the vows he has made as Corpse Lord of the Fault Lands...he doesn't feel that he is allowed to love and be loved in return, but things may be about to change 😏. Elsewhere, the Sels are certainly making a nuisance of themselves, Ragnar gets his comeuppance 🥳🥳🥳 and Leif...well Leif is far, FAR more at the end of the story than he was at the beginning.
There are M/F scenes in this story, not so much in the way of M/M scenes at all but hip, hip, hooray...there be more DRAGONS and !!
Thanks to Lauren's newsletter, I one-clicked this baby straight away and put aside The Barbarian's Vow to read it straight through. All I will say is Nali's life is extremely complicated and ruled by the vows he has made as Corpse Lord of the Fault Lands...he doesn't feel that he is allowed to love and be loved in return, but things may be about to change 😏. Elsewhere, the Sels are certainly making a nuisance of themselves, Ragnar gets his comeuppance 🥳🥳🥳 and Leif...well Leif is far, FAR more at the end of the story than he was at the beginning.
There are M/F scenes in this story, not so much in the way of M/M scenes at all but hip, hip, hooray...there be more DRAGONS and !!
November 11, 2021
Fuck. This is not a trilogy. Why did I think that? I have been waiting for this book with bated breath to put me out of my misery because I loved the first two in the series with my whole heart. Plus that cliffhanger at the end of book 2 killed me. But like, I’m still pretty miserable.
The storytelling is still excellent and Lauren Gilley is a talented author, so it pains me a bit to only give this 4 stars. But I’ll tell you why: there was almost no Erik and Oliver. They, for me, were the heart of this series. The main characters. The other characters were great and nuanced, but they were cast. Erik and Oliver were the stars of the show and in this book they have almost no page time together. Thanks, hate it. Also, there was a lot of M/F stuff in here, which is not my preferred genre at all. Those are personal, and probably petty quibbles, but it affected my enjoyment of this book quite a lot. Still a riveting read though.
Anyway, with so much left unresolved here I really hope the wait for the next book won’t be as painful.
The storytelling is still excellent and Lauren Gilley is a talented author, so it pains me a bit to only give this 4 stars. But I’ll tell you why: there was almost no Erik and Oliver. They, for me, were the heart of this series. The main characters. The other characters were great and nuanced, but they were cast. Erik and Oliver were the stars of the show and in this book they have almost no page time together. Thanks, hate it. Also, there was a lot of M/F stuff in here, which is not my preferred genre at all. Those are personal, and probably petty quibbles, but it affected my enjoyment of this book quite a lot. Still a riveting read though.
Anyway, with so much left unresolved here I really hope the wait for the next book won’t be as painful.
April 23, 2022
4.5 stars - i usually do not vibe with series, but i am ENTHRALLED. cannot wait for the next one's release!
November 3, 2024
I don't have time to write a longer review, so very short version for now.
❤️ Erik & Oliver are still wonderfull together (I just wished they wouldn't be apart for most of the book)
🐉 I'm in love with dragons, they are all awesome
🔥 I hope we'll get to see more fire drakes soon (to bad we had so little of Amelia in this book, I just got invested in her story arc)
⚔️ the battles and action parts were really well written - I had a feeling like I was watching a movie
❤️🔥 Revna & Bjorn were the best thing that happened in this book 😍
❄️ I want to adopt my grumpy baby Nali
💔 I was a little dissapointed about
🐺 I have mixed feelings about Ragnar but I'm very invested
🛡️ Leif, my darling boy, you deserve the world
✨ Astrid, go girl!
🥰 Rune & Tessa are very cute but I prefer couples who are not so YA (no hard feelings)
❤️ Erik & Oliver are still wonderfull together (I just wished they wouldn't be apart for most of the book)
🐉 I'm in love with dragons, they are all awesome
🔥 I hope we'll get to see more fire drakes soon (to bad we had so little of Amelia in this book, I just got invested in her story arc)
⚔️ the battles and action parts were really well written - I had a feeling like I was watching a movie
❤️🔥 Revna & Bjorn were the best thing that happened in this book 😍
❄️ I want to adopt my grumpy baby Nali
💔 I was a little dissapointed about
🐺 I have mixed feelings about Ragnar but I'm very invested
🛡️ Leif, my darling boy, you deserve the world
✨ Astrid, go girl!
🥰 Rune & Tessa are very cute but I prefer couples who are not so YA (no hard feelings)
January 13, 2022
4.5stars
action packed, truly entertaining but way too many spelling mistakes making me stumble while reading. Pity that because I am loving this series and it deserves a whole lot more loving and caring proofreading and copy editing.
Highly recommended.
PS Protect Náli at all costs :)
action packed, truly entertaining but way too many spelling mistakes making me stumble while reading. Pity that because I am loving this series and it deserves a whole lot more loving and caring proofreading and copy editing.
Highly recommended.
PS Protect Náli at all costs :)
February 2, 2022
LOVING this series. Strong 3rd book.
December 24, 2021
Loved this, but I wish there was more Erik and Oliver. Also..there was basically no Amelia, I missed her! 😔
And Leif..I'm definitely interested in what the author is going to do with him. Feels like everyone is getting a romance or happy ending except him..? I don't know, but I am certainly nervous about it because I love his character
Enjoyed the book a lot and looking forward to book 4, but nervous about the ominous ending of book 3.
- Also edit and spoiler 12/23/21 - its mostly about speculation about the romances, but seeing it in other people's reviews has got me thinking too
A part of me was hoping for a major plot twist, Tessa and Estrid ending up together ..they had so many good moments in this book!!
At one point in the book, I was definitely feeling foreshadowing of Leif and Ragnar as a romance...but that would be too taboo?!
From book 2, I was thinking about Amelia ending up in a threesome with Reginald and Conner..just because she's unconventional in just about every way and the more I think about it the more I can see it happening .
I would love to see Leif and Amelia together..honestly my favorite outcome would be a foursome relationship with Amelia, Conner Reginald, and Leif ..there's no way that would happen though 🥺
Realistically though..Leif might end up with Estrid..maybe Amelia. Unless there's some new character.
HOWEVER, -spoiler for end of book- him stating that he had no interest in women or men and that talk with his mother..maybe he's asexual? Earlier in the book with the scene with Nali he said he was only interested in women, but clearly his transformation changed a lot of things in him 🤔
And Leif..I'm definitely interested in what the author is going to do with him. Feels like everyone is getting a romance or happy ending except him..? I don't know, but I am certainly nervous about it because I love his character
Enjoyed the book a lot and looking forward to book 4, but nervous about the ominous ending of book 3.
- Also edit and spoiler 12/23/21 - its mostly about speculation about the romances, but seeing it in other people's reviews has got me thinking too
A part of me was hoping for a major plot twist, Tessa and Estrid ending up together ..they had so many good moments in this book!!
At one point in the book, I was definitely feeling foreshadowing of Leif and Ragnar as a romance...but that would be too taboo?!
From book 2, I was thinking about Amelia ending up in a threesome with Reginald and Conner..just because she's unconventional in just about every way and the more I think about it the more I can see it happening .
I would love to see Leif and Amelia together..honestly my favorite outcome would be a foursome relationship with Amelia, Conner Reginald, and Leif ..there's no way that would happen though 🥺
Realistically though..Leif might end up with Estrid..maybe Amelia. Unless there's some new character.
HOWEVER, -spoiler for end of book- him stating that he had no interest in women or men and that talk with his mother..maybe he's asexual? Earlier in the book with the scene with Nali he said he was only interested in women, but clearly his transformation changed a lot of things in him 🤔
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2022
Oh my god I was shitting my pants as I read this!
So much character development, where do I even start??
First, I have to say it was so good to see Oliver take charge, become more confident in his decisions and his status on consort. I dont want to say it was all because of bonding with Percy but it looks like it eh? Although I admit it took a lot of Erik to let him learn and grow, which he really needed to be the super awesome character that he is now. Ollie and Erik are still my fav couple in this series!
And Tessa, WAH! She is no longer the shy girl in the beginning of the series. Now she's starting to rival Lia a bit more. I'm looking forward to see how she grows and loves Rune, and especially her relationship with her new dragon.
ERMAGAWD finally Revna and Bjorn. YESSSS
It was super frustrating to read about Nali and Matthias man. That was truly a different kind of torture but I am glad it all worked out. I wish it could be forever but he's got that burden of bearing an heir thing going. Maybe if he got like 10 kids then it would help the whole sitution. I can't imagine Matti to be happy with that though.
NOW what I need is a happy ending for Leif. He seems so lost, so... haiii. But I believe there is so much potential for him to become find a special person. I think it's that crazy girl Estrid. I actually started to like her in this book. And after the battle.. WOOWEE I think she became a badass lady and shed the bitchiness.
Can't wait for the next one!
So much character development, where do I even start??
First, I have to say it was so good to see Oliver take charge, become more confident in his decisions and his status on consort. I dont want to say it was all because of bonding with Percy but it looks like it eh? Although I admit it took a lot of Erik to let him learn and grow, which he really needed to be the super awesome character that he is now. Ollie and Erik are still my fav couple in this series!
And Tessa, WAH! She is no longer the shy girl in the beginning of the series. Now she's starting to rival Lia a bit more. I'm looking forward to see how she grows and loves Rune, and especially her relationship with her new dragon.
ERMAGAWD finally Revna and Bjorn. YESSSS
It was super frustrating to read about Nali and Matthias man. That was truly a different kind of torture but I am glad it all worked out. I wish it could be forever but he's got that burden of bearing an heir thing going. Maybe if he got like 10 kids then it would help the whole sitution. I can't imagine Matti to be happy with that though.
NOW what I need is a happy ending for Leif. He seems so lost, so... haiii. But I believe there is so much potential for him to become find a special person. I think it's that crazy girl Estrid. I actually started to like her in this book. And after the battle.. WOOWEE I think she became a badass lady and shed the bitchiness.
Can't wait for the next one!
November 14, 2021
"Will you mind me?" he asked. "Or will I have to kill you all?"
Slowly, one by one, they all sank to their knees in the snow, and showed their throats to him.
Amazing Lauren Gilley. Every book release is a huge event in my little world. This one literally transported me to another time of magic, dragons, and wolves. The perfect way to escape reality. Now I wish the Drake Chronicles were a @netflix series…
Slowly, one by one, they all sank to their knees in the snow, and showed their throats to him.
Amazing Lauren Gilley. Every book release is a huge event in my little world. This one literally transported me to another time of magic, dragons, and wolves. The perfect way to escape reality. Now I wish the Drake Chronicles were a @netflix series…
January 2, 2022
3.5 stars
Very good, but didn't hold my interest as well as the others. The switching between perspectives was a bit dizzying, and I was always left wanting more of Erik/Ollie and Náli/Mattias. I don't mind the m/f couples, but there definitely wasn't enough of the m/m ones in this book. The action and story were great, though, and I'm looking forward to reading the next!
Very good, but didn't hold my interest as well as the others. The switching between perspectives was a bit dizzying, and I was always left wanting more of Erik/Ollie and Náli/Mattias. I don't mind the m/f couples, but there definitely wasn't enough of the m/m ones in this book. The action and story were great, though, and I'm looking forward to reading the next!
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