Review: Spectacular!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 02 26, 2014
DRAGON MAID is the exciting continuation of Ann Gimpel's dragon shifter series. A few weeks ago I reviewed the first story in the Dragon Lore series, TO LOVE A HIGHLAND DRAGON. While DRAGON MAID can be readable as a standalone, I'd recommend the series in order to maximize understanding and enjoyment.The story opens with the return of familiar faces. I loved seeing Lachlan and Maggie, the hero and heroine of TLaHD again, along with their third dragon-shaped wheel, Kheladin. The transition between the old guard and the new is smooth and those bridge chapters do an excellent job of connecting the two books.The author does a phenomenal job of world building, delivering an intricate mythology, interesting characters and detailed setting all wrapped up in a neat bow. There are many secondary characters but I had no trouble keeping track of the cast, something I can't always say with other series. I may have said this once before, but the regional accents are absolutely amazing.Jonathan, the hero, is bold, handsome and sexy. It was interesting seeing a powerful male witch, something I haven't encountered often. He's immediately likeable, especially given his humanity. He has vulnerability and self-doubt. I liked him better than dragon-shifter Britta/Tarika, who initially comes across as very abrasive and self-centered.The action sequences are truly spectacular. Fire-breathing dragons engaged in aerial combat, magical power blasts, and let's not forget the sizzling hot sex scenes. I only wish the story had gone on longer.