Marc Secchia

Had a hard time getting this book started - the reader has a very soft - almost monotone voice - so the first chapter kinda put me to sleep. I gave up... twice...
but the third time (due mostly to the high ratings of the story) I decided to struggle through -
still had a hard time with the reader a couple times during the book (having to rewind and hear that part of the story twice or three times before having in actually in my head and able to move on..
but overall the story was good - better than good. It did not have any horrible flaws (that I noticed) it had good characters - it had a nice dual female protagonist...
good story... setting off on book 2 now.… (more)

Very nearly five stars. 4.5
What I loved most about this novel was the language. The author had such an incredible way of describing the simplest things. I knew the novel was going to be no boring ride when I stumbled upon this line within the first chapter. “She wondered if Ra’aba’s stroke had chipped chunks of bone off her spine. Her flesh flapped loosely, slapping against her back with a wet, plopping sound.” Holy smokes. Seriously. I wondered what I got myself into.
So many amazing lines. The characters were deep and profound. My fave parts were how the characters all had strange inklings for each other. But they don't know how define the friendship, yet they knew they would die for the other. And all the intense and uncomfortable stares between dragon and human, dragonet and human, and human and monk. Eep! Loved. Loved it. I couldn’t decide whose relationship I liked the best. Ja'al and Lia, Flicker and Lia, or Grandion and Lia. Each was different, but each brought depth and growth to Lia's character.
A few parts of the novel confused me. With all the heavy words, I missed a lot of details and the author wrote so deeply in his world that a lot of the terms and events soared above my head. Often scenes seemed to jump, but I just went with the story until it made sense again.
I kept thinking Lia, the main character, was older. Whenever her age was brought up, it made me disappointed that the author didn't make her older. For fifteen she accomplishes the impossible because she is a strong and capable woman.
This story will amaze you.

Highly recommended.

Reader rated for ages 16 for moderate violence; also contains non-detailed nudity and mild crude humor.
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