Peasreads: The Last Dragon King by Leia Stone

Leia Stone is a new author to me. the description of this book, below, drew me in. Magic, dragons, strong female that provides for her family. A Dragon King that is in search of a wife that has strong enough to carry his heir (there is an underlying reason- it's actually a good one). Arwen has lived her whole life in a poor town, she hunts to provide for her family. She has no desire to leave her family especially to be used for her womb. Good thing she has no magic in her, she is human through and through. 

When the Dragon King's convoy comes into her town Arwen's mother tells her to run. She doesn't understand why until her mom reveals a secret that changes her whole life. The magic sniffers tell her that she must go to the capital city where the castle is where everyone's magic level will be tested to determine who will be the King's new wife.

Meanwhile, there is a threat at the border of the kingdom that threatens their way of life.

WHEW.

A lot is going on in this book. It's only 288 pages, it's a one-sitting book that has so much potential. I hoped that the author would take her time to develop the characters and storyline deeply. I felt like this was very surface-level. It was rushed. The love was rushed. The training to fight in battle was rushed. It would be more believable if time was taken to develop these storylines. There were some potholes in the story. Sometimes the language didn't match the proposed period. Who says "dude" right?

Despite these issues, I still enjoyed the book.  I just wanted more depth. I can't wait to read the remaining books. I hope that they will be different but the story and the characters are worth the investment to read the next one. Author don't fail me now.

Description

USA Today bestselling author Leia Stone weaves a captivating tale of undeniable love and heartbreaking battles in this start to the Kings of Avalier series, an epic fantasy romance perfect for fans of Fourth Wing.

Eighteen-year-old Arwen Novakson has magic, but just barely. So, when the Dragon King announces his search for a wife, Arwen knows she won't be in the running, as the king needs someone who has enough dragon magic to produce a strong heir. But, much to her shock, when the magic sniffers visit her small village, they command her to present herself at the king's castle as a possible wife.

This should be a dream-come-true opportunity for Arwen, but before going, she learns a terrifying secret about the strength of her magic, and if the king ever discovered the truth, he would have every reason to kill Arwen himself. Protecting herself becomes more and more challenging as her magic and her feelings for the king grow. Especially as she must watch him court other women.

Arwen can't help but fall for the charming, empathetic Dragon King, but she knows being together would put everyone in danger—herself, the king, anyone with dragon magic. With a magical war brewing, Arwen must decide how much she is willing to risk and how much she is willing to sacrifice for love.

Perfect for readers who love:

Romantic fantasy books for teens

Unputdownable & bingeworthy novels

Marriage of convenience

Dragons and shifters

Holly Black, Sarah J. Maas, and Rebecca Yarros

Available Editions

EDITION Paperback

ISBN 9781464218842

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I received this book from NetGalley for this review. I was under no obligation to give a positive review. All opinions are on my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”