Review: The Doctor And The Dragon
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 7, 2014
Haunted By Her Dragon, the third of the Dragon Guard series, showcases Julia Mills awesome 'wordcrafting'.This novel features Lance Kavanaugh (golden dragon shifter) and Dr. Samantha Malone (surgical resident). Mills seamlessly builds this story out of "Her Dragon's Fire" which flowed just as brilliantly from "Her Dragon To Slay", but the books also stand alone. Readers won't get lost if they venture into the series out of order as Mills provides a brief recap of the previous action.When Lance saved Sam from a kidnapper known as 'The Auctioneer' (aka Mr. A) in "Fire", he recognized his mate. Because the Dragon Guard have a traitor to the clan as well as murderous black mages and hunters out to eradicate the dragon clans, Lance decided to wait to approach Sam and to watch his One from a distance. Sam barely met her rescuer, but feels a haunting yet protective presence hovering around her. However, the traitor appears in Sam's life and threatens her safety and that of her favorite surgical patient, six-year-old Sydney, forcing Lance out of the background.The lovely doctor, the adorable little girl, and a powerful witch are swept into the ongoing battle. The Guard and their were-panther allies step up their game as mysteries begin to surface and special significance of new characters arise while the action explodes.Mills skillfully weaves the skeins of this dragon tapestry. She spins out a tale that further builds a world with a rich and ancient culture struggling to survive in a modern world. The colorful story reveals more on the dragon community (lair) and its history and customs. Vivid characters, lively interaction, and deft dialogue mesh with carefully crafted descriptions to create a book readers can't put down. Mills also treats fans to an in-depth look in to the hunter/mage Alliance's maniacal plans through Andrew's eyes. These POV pages allow readers an insight into the Dragon Guard enemies making them more than static characters that simply engage in battles. No threads tangle in this total telling.Best of all while winding this story to its conclusion, readers aren't left unsatisfied with a cliffhanger ending. However, Mills masterfully alludes to future story twists in a clever epilogue that leaves them eagerly and impatiently waiting for Book Four.