I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Dragon Unleashed by Grace Draven Series: The Fallen Empire #2
Published by Ace on June 9 2020
Genres: Adult, Fantasy
Pages: 384
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher
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The nitty-gritty: Another winner from Grace Draven, full of magic, romance, danger and yes, a dragon.
I really enjoyed this book, which is the second in Draven’s Fallen Empire series. The story follows a different set of characters from the first book, Phoenix Unbound, but several characters from that book cross over into Dragon Unleashed. I wouldn’t say it’s completely necessary to read Phoenix Unbound first, but I recommend it because I loved it as well.
The story takes place in a world ruled by a cruel empress named Dalvila, who we first met in Phoenix Unbound. Malachus is a draga, a man who is destined to change into his dragon form as an adult. However, the magical artifact that allows this to happen has been stolen, and Malachus has been frantically searching for it. The mother-bond, as it’s called, is a small bone from Malachus’ mother, imbued with powerful magic and extremely rare. His search brings him to a gathering of free traders in the Krael Empire, where he’s finally caught up with the thieves. But as he’s about to take back the mother-bond, Malachus is attacked and left for dead.
Halani is part of a caravan of free traders, citizens who refuse to live under the rules of the Guild. She and her family and friends have set up camp in the Goban marketplace, when Halani’s uncle asks her to examine an artifact that he plans to purchase. As soon as Halani sees the small bone-like object, she senses its strong magic and warns her uncle not to buy it. Later, she stumbles upon Malachus, who has been gravely injured, and decides to take him back to camp to help him recover. Fate has brought Malachus and Halani together, and as Malachus slowly heals, their mutual attraction grows.
But someone else is looking for the elusive mother-bond: the empress Dalvila, who plans to use it as a lure to capture the draga it belongs to. Malachus must find the mother-bond before she does and manage to stay out of her clutches. But when Halani and Asil get caught up in the empress’s schemes, Malachus knows he’ll do anything to save them.
I loved many of the characters, including Halani and Malachus, who both wield different types of magic. Halani is fiercely devoted to her mother Asil, who is mentally challenged and has the demeanor of a child, but is one of the sweetest and happiest characters I’ve run across in a long time. Not only did I love the relationship between Halani and Asil, but I loved the relationship between Malachus and Asil. Malachus proves to be a true sweetheart of a guy when he meets Asil and takes on the role of her champion, standing up for and protecting her. Malachus is an interesting character, because he literally has a dragon inside him, trying to get out. Occasionally his skin smokes and he loses his temper, but you kind of have to forgive him for that. Otherwise, yes, he’s fierce and strong and doesn’t hesitate to kill if necessary, but he’s also somewhat of a softie, especially when he’s waxing rhapsodic over Halani’s long, curly hair, lol.
I didn’t really care for the story’s villain, the empress Dalvila, for some reason. She had more of an impact on me in the last book, maybe because she was new and exciting. Her role this time isn’t as big and I felt her chapters were a little on the jarring side. She pops up every now and then, and of course her starring role is during the finale, but she definitely isn’t the focus of the story. She has a cartoonish feel to her that didn’t mesh that well with the overall story vibe, for some reason. I actually preferred Halani’s uncle Hamod as a villain, a horrid man who uses Halani’s love for her mother to control her. I hated him, but he was a more believable character in my opinion.
And I have to mention the world-building, because it’s really good. Draven adds all sorts of little details to her story that don’t really affect the plot at all, but they definitely add to the overall ambiance. Magic is forbidden in the empire and is punishable by death, but of course there are all sorts of people using, buying and selling various magical artifacts illegally. In an illegal market called the Maesor, we meet a dubious shopkeeper who has a magic rug with the soul of a slave woven into the fibers, for example. Halani and the other free traders aren’t able to read, because they don’t need to, but they have a rich history of verbal storytelling, and stories and legends are woven into their everyday lives. One of my favorite parts of the story is when Malachus–who can write and speak six languages–starts teaching Halani how to read.
As far as negatives, the story slows down in the middle while Malachus is healing under Halani’s care and not much happens. Despite this, however, I did like the natural way their relationship develops during this time. This downtime gives the couple a chance to get to know one another and this, of course, leads to the beginnings of a sweet romance. This romance is also bittersweet, because both Halani and Malachus know their paths go in opposite directions, and at some point they will have to part ways.
But watch out, because the ending is epic! If you’ve been wondering up to this point, “what about the dragon?” then never fear, Draven pulls out all the stops and gives readers a thrilling conclusion that will satisfy just about everyone. I also loved the epilogue which ties up some loose ends and really put a smile on my face.
I’m not sure if there are more books planned in this series, but I fervently hope there are. I love the world Grace Draven has created and I just know she has more stories to tell.
Big thanks to the publisher for supplying a review copy.
Read my review of Phoenix Unbound.
This was a grat review! And I need to read something by this author soon!!! I am just curious!
She’s really good, I need to read her other series!
Yet another reminded that I need to read the first book ASAP!
Stephanie @ Bookfever recently posted…June 2020 Of Books Giveaway Hop (INTL)
Yes, I actually liked the first book a bit more:-)
It’s good to know it can be a bit slow in the middle but that the ending makes up for it. I need to check out this series. Great review, Tammy!
Sometimes slower parts are necessary, and it really didn’t bother me much this time:-)
This sounds like a rich, engrossing story – and of course how could I resist the lure of the word ‘dragon’, particularly when it concerns a metamorphosis from a human being? And the words “epic ending” are exactly what can seal the deal for me… 🙂
Maddalena@spaceandsorcery recently posted…REAL NEAT BLOG AWARD
The ending really was epic. It would have been nice to have a few more epic moments scattered throughout, but still, I was happy with the ending:-)
Great review! Regarding the villain, I agree. I feel like her henchmen dude was waaaay more fleshed out and interesting. I loved the ending of this one too, action packed!
That ending, right? I loved it!
I haven’t come across this series, but I love the overall premise – in your lovely review, there sounds like all sorts of enjoyable tropes that I would happily tuck into. I particularly like the escapist aspect of this one, Tammy:)).
It’s a very well balanced series, she’s such a good writer:-)
This sounds wonderful, Tammy. It does sadden me that the villain (the empress Dalvila) didn’t have the same effect as before but the rest does seem pretty good! 🙂
Lashaan Balasingam recently posted…The Joker: 80 Years of the Clown Prince of Crime
The rest was good enough to make up for the villain, lol.
I like the idea of a dragon-to-be and the effect that has on the character, skin smoking, losing temper.
That part was cool:-)
I really loved that this was a standalone, but that the characters from the previous book are also featured! I also thought the empress was a bit too much in this one, becoming like a caricature of evil. Overall I enjoyed the book a lot too, though!
I didn’t even mention Gilene and the guy (can’t think of his name right now!) but I liked the overlap.
I think book one is going to have to go on my tbr.
It’s very good!
It’s currently making its way to my house!!!!
Oh cool, hope you enjoy!
This is a new series for me and I’m liking the idea of it. What a fantastical cover!
Laura Thomas recently posted…The Grim And The Fantastic by Marissa Miller ~ Spotlight and Giveaway
The cover is beautiful and actually fits the story perfectly:-)
I have major cover love for this book so I’m glad to hear it’s a great story as well. The worldbuiding sounds wonderful.
Suzanne @ The Bookish Libra recently posted…Weekly Recap #157: Week of 5/31 – 6/6
I know, actually both books in the series have GORGEOUS covers!
I’m a bit sad that I’ve missed the boat with this one – it sounds so good. Maybe I’ll get a chance to pick it up although I hate being behind.
Lynn 😀
I know how you feel, I usually give up when I don’t get in on the ground floor with a series.
I finally got back to this after posting my own review. Fantastic review! I’m loving this series / trilogy too.