Dragonbane Summary:Out of all the mysterious boarders who call Sanctuary home, no one is more antisocial or withdrawn than Maxis Drago. But then, it’s hard to blend in with the modern world when you have a fifty foot wingspan.
Centuries ago, he was cursed by an enemy who swore to see him fall. An enemy who took everything from him and left him forever secluded.
But Fate is a bitch, with a wicked sense of humor. And when she throws old enemies together and threatens the wife he thought had died centuries ago, he comes back with a vengeance. Modern day New Orleans has become a battleground for the oldest of evils. And two dragons will hold the line, or go down in flames.
Dragonbane Review:
This book was a let down to be honest. When I read the summery and the character profiles, it sounded really interesting. Sadly, the I hated the heroine, the hero seemed pathetic at times, and the mythology was getting out of control. The saving grace was the humor, secondary characters and the interesting but convoluted plot. This was another book that I had to read two times because the first time the book was really good but really quick. The second time I realized how bad the heroine was and all the missing plots points that were revealed.
Seraphina is a first rate bitch. From the beginning of the book, she constantly uses Maxis to further her selfish desires. And she can't understand what she did wrong for a long time and didn't really apologize until the very ending. This story is told through two parts, the backstory/flashbacks and the present that weaves in between the past. So I'll divide my rant into two parts.
“I told you when we mated that I would gladly give you my heart, my life, and my love, but that when I did so they came with one condition. Never abuse me. Love is not abuse." Maxis
In the beginning, she met Max married him and eventually drove him away. This was because she was a bitch, consistent with the rest of the book, hated being a dragon because she was raised around her "sisters", some other bitches. She let's her "sisters" abuse Max throughout her marriage, and failed to realize what she was doing wrong! She let them abuse, torment, sexually harass him just because he was a dragon. On top of this he had to face constant humiliation to prove himself to her, and put into a cage of sorts to marry his mate. On top of that she repeatedly beat him because she didn't trust him. Eventually he left her and then everyone screams HOOORAY!
And she ruins it by hiding his kids, a boy and girl, for, wait for it .... 1,000+ years!
Now for the second part. She comes back after the 1000 years and demands that Maxis help him. He was obviously astounded that he had children and only helped her because he has a heart and wouldn't want his children suffering because of him. He nearly dies, gets tortured and a bunch of other horrifying events happen to him but he continues on with his journey. If only someone else could be that selfless *cough cough* Seraphina *cough cough*. She eventually did get better. She reminds me of Queen Cersei. A bitch to everyone but still manages to be a wonderful mother to her children. Sad to say, she did redeem herself in my eyes by the end. Don't worry just a little!
Max starts off really cool and mysterious. Even when we start to see his background he still remains an awesome an interesting character to learn about. And the mythology he brings with his is easy to understand, at least in the beginning. But he ruins it by forgiving her! HE FORGAVE HER! After everything, he forgave her. I could understand getting used to her because of the kids but they fell in love all over again. It made the romance unbelievable.
On top of that, the book started falling apart as well. The mythology and history got way to convoluted. Even reflecting on it now, I can't really remember what the Dragonbane is. He is Maxis, not a spoiler, and basically started the feud between the Katagaria and the Arcadians. I don't know how since it was mixed in between some battle scenes and too much talking.
At this point the secondary characters should have brought it up. It did, but there was so many new characters. The character profiles only go as far because they leave many holes to not give away spoilers or to make them interesting. That means confused readers are left...confused. Obviously it was great to be back in the Sanctuary family. And we're getting pupcubs!! The name might be from the Changelings series, but it works here as well. In addition, we get to see get to Sav and the Omergion in all of it's glory.
“Hear ye Hear ye.... ah, fuck it. We're here today for bullshit and we all know it. So let's dispense with the usual formality and get on with this witch hunt before I lose what little grip I still have on my patience. So, Dare Kattalakis state your case and demands to the council. And do it fast, with as few words as possible." Savitar
"First, I want to restate what a travesty it is that my family's seat is taken by--" Dare
"Wah, wah, wah ... quit crying at the tit. Your brother Vane is the head of the Arcadians and Fury leads the Katagaria. Seek a therapist who gives a shit, or if you'd like to challenge either of them for their position, we can do with some entertainment. Hell, I'll make popcorn for the show. Otherwise, Bitch, get on with it." Savitar
...“So, we are all in accord?" Savitar
"Yes. Dare is an asshole and nobody likes him, at all." Fury
One question: when did Vane start leading the Arcadians? Must have been early on. At least Maxis' kids are incredibly funny and captivating to watch. Like Cersei, the kids raised my view of Seraphina. She did raise them right.
“Watch this." Hayden said. "Oh this is so weird." Hayden in Dragon form. Then he slapped his tail into the wall. "Ow! Have to watch that." He jerked it back and hit himself in the head with the barbed end. Instantly he returned to being human so he could rub his unintended injury. "Oh my God! Is that blood? Look at that! I'm bleeding." Hayden
"Oh my God! only my idiot twin could knock himself out with his own tail. How stupid are you?" Edena
Overall, this book was a HUGE disappointment. Yet, I weirdly loved it, especially after I got the rant out of the way. Because of the humor, sarcasm and understandable history, I would rate it 3.5-4 stars.
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