Waking the Dragon by Juliette Cross

Waking the Dragon (Vale of Stars, #1)

by Juliette Cross

The Gladium Province is on the verge of civil unrest as humans and Morgons, the dragon-hybrid race, clash once more. But amid disorder can also arise passion. When the bodies of three human women are discovered in Morgon territory—with the DNA of several Morgon men on the victims—it’s just a matter of time before civil unrest hits the Province. But for ambitious reporter Moira Cade, it’s more than just a story, and it may mean risking her own life. Descending into the dark underworld of Morgon society, Moira is paired with Kol Moonring, Captain of the Morgon Guard, for her protection. Fiercely independent, Moira bristles at his dominance, and defies his will at every turn. Yet resistance proves futile when passion flares between them, awakening powerful emotions within both, body and soul. But as the killings continue, can their fiery newfound bond survive an even greater evil—one that threatens all of humanity, Morgonkind, and Moira’s very soul?...

Reviewed by Ashley on

3 of 5 stars

Share
I really liked the story but I had some issues with it.

For starters, apparently there's a prequel series, Nightwing, and I didn't realize this until I was almost done. Apparently Nightwing gives some more background information on the world and side characters. I wish I knew about it beforehand because although I wasn't totally confused, I did feel like I was missing more thorough explanations about the world.

I didn't love the romance. I desperately wanted to, but I didn't. I felt like the author crammed an entire series worth of romance into one short-ish book. I can't help but compare this book to Tairen Soul a little because of the whole "binding your soul and life to your mate" idea, which is in both books. In Tairen Soul it takes FIVE BOOKS for the MC and love interest's relationship to grow enough for them to properly bond. In this book, it all happens in just this first story.

It's like reading a short book and having it go from two people being strangers, to being married at the end (WITHOUT an epilogue that jumps forward 6+ months). I guess it was just too much too fast that I couldn't properly connect with it.

I didn't feel like I knew Kol well enough to be anywhere near as obsessed with him as Moira was.

Plus, I think a lot of people will have issues with how the romance goes. This is a legit quote:

"an exceedingly dominant man would come into my life and rattle me to the point that I didn't give a damn about my dreams, because life with him had become most important."


Moira started out as so, "I don't take shit from no man", then by the end she's like, "Screw all my dreams and ambitions. You, man, are the center of my universe."

Bleeeeh.

But anyway, all that being said, I did definitely enjoy the story overall. I liked the dragon-hybrid race and I might jump back and read the prequel series to get more deets!

Last modified on

Reading updates

  • 24 July, 2016: Started reading
  • 28 July, 2016: Finished reading
  • 28 July, 2016: Reviewed