AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Thea Harrison's DRAGON BOUND

Title:  DRAGON BOUND

Series:  Elder Races Bk 1

Author:  Thea Harrison
Narrator:  Sophie Eastlake
Release Date:  07/18/11
Price:  $29.99
Publisher:  Tantor Audio
Length:  12 hrs 59 min

Format:  MP3-CD
Purchase at Tantor or Amazon

 

My Ratings

Plot:  4.5/5
Setting:  5/5
Writing:  4.5/5
Originality of Plot:  5/5
Characters Development:  4.5/5
Ending:  5/5
Cover Art:  4/5
Narration:  4.5/5
Likelihood to Recommend:  5/5

Overall:  42/45 =  93%  



Synopsis

Half-human and half-wyr, Pia Giovanni spent her life keeping a low profile among the wyrkind and avoiding the continuing conflict between them and their Dark Fae enemies. But after being blackmailed into stealing a coin from the hoard of a dragon, Pia finds herself targeted by one of the most powerful–and passionate—of the Elder Races.

As the most feared and respected of the wyrkind, Dragos Cuelebre cannot believe someone had the audacity to steal from him, much less succeed. And when he catches the thief, Dragos spares her life, claiming her as his own to further explore the desire they’ve ignited in one another.

Review

Pia Giovanni has really stepped into trouble.  She has always tried to fly under the radar most of her life.  I'm pretty sure that being manipulated into stealing a treasured item from the most powerful man in all wyrking, is not the best way to go about that.  Dragos, the leader of the Elder Races, is infuriated by the theft and the invasion, because no one steals from a dragon.  He is as intrigued by Pia, as much as he his angered by her.  And because of this, he decides to spare her life and claim her as his own.  To bad that the Dark Fae want Pia, just as much as Dragos does.  

I can't believe that it took me so long to pick this series up! I had heard wonderful things about it, and it's narrated by Sophie Eastlake, who I just adore.  The world building in this series is comprehensive, fantastical, and unique! It's a world where humans live along side the wyr, as well as vampires and the fae.  I was enveloped by this series, because I could almost feel this books emotions. This is a credit to Thea Harrison's amazing writing skill and style.   

The book's soul is it's complex characters!  This is both due to fantastic dialog and well thought out characters.  I absolutely adored Pia.  She has spent so long hiding in the shadows, that she hasn't been living up to her potential.  She's smart, resourceful, and level headed (for the most part).  She is the perfect balance for Dragos' "act first and think later" mentality.  Neither was able to find true happiness, in their past relationships.  It's like they were built for each other, not to mention that there is so much electricity between these two.  It is scorching, and kept me coming back for more.  This book contains some of the hottest sex scenes, I have ever listen to in a Paranormal Romance.  Mostly, I enjoy how Pia turns Dragos' world upside down.  He usually is in compete control at all times, but she teaches him give up a little of that control.  He is able to say the one thing most men won't...PLEASE!

Sophie Eastlake, as always, really brought this story to life for the listener.  The cast of characters is so extremely divers, that only a really talented narrator could do it justice.  I really adore how she decided to make Pia sound.  She's been through a lot in her life, so I enjoyed how she sounds tough.  She's no delicate flower, and shouldn't be read that way.  I love how she also allowed the character keep an edge of vulnerability and her sharp tongue.  I enjoy the strength that she gave Dragos, while keeping a sultry and regal nature to his voice.  I did, however, feel that Sophie's male voice rage in some what limited.  But this didn't take away very much from the story, as a whole.  The pace of this story was spot on.  And her emotional delivery of the story, gave this book even more depth. 

DRAGON BOUND was an absolute thrill ride!  Pia and Dragos jump from one terrifying adventure to another.  It held me on the edge of my seat, and kept me from putting this audiobook down.  Best part about picking up this series so late, is the back that I can binge listen to this series.  This book has such an amazing cast of characters.  Plus, I can't get enough of the Gryphon Sentinels.  I'm pretty sure that they will keep me entertained for many books to come. I immediately downloaded book 2 in this series.  This is a MUST READ for all Paranormal Romance or Urban Fantasy readers.

***Audiobook was provided by the publisher in trade for a fair review***