Waking the Dragon by  Juliette Cross – a Review

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Description:
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?…

Review:

Waking the Dragon by Juliette Cross is the first book in her new Vale of Stars series. Upon reading the description of this book, I thought this would be a good story for me. I was so wrong, it was an AWESOME book. I am thrilled to add this fascinating world to my must reads, and to have discovered Juliette Cross. I will make one recommendation, when you start this book (and you must read it). There are two novellas that should be read first… Soulfire and Windburn, which is part of her NightWing series. These fast reads are also great, and they will introduce you into this world. The characters in the first two books are a big part of this new series. Trust me when I say these two novellas were equally as awesome.

Moira Cade is our heroine and I loved her from the start. Moira is human, but strong, smart, savvy, independent and the youngest daughter of the rich and powerful Cade family. Moira is Jessen’s sister (the heroine in Soulfire), and an ambitious journalist, who heads her school’s newspaper. Moira is determined to find out who is abducting and violently killing young human women in what looks like a rogue group of Morgon men, and in doing so, she puts herself right in the middle of danger.

Kol is our hero, whom we met in the Nightwing series. He is a powerful dragon hybrid, who is the captain of the Morgon Guard (special forces), and is asked to protect Moira. Not only is Kol a loner, he is fierce, dangerous, arrogant, but he is also a hot gorgeous hunk, even with a scar on his face.

Right from the start, the both of them clashed, each being stubborn and independant, unwilling to bend; but the chemistry between them was intense and in a short period the sparks began to fly. With Moira putting herself in danger as bait to draw out the cult group, Kol finds himself unable to control his feelings for her. Moira herself feels the heat and attraction to Kol, but is determined not to become involved. Once she comes too close to the dangerous and horror situation, her feelings for Kol becomes full force into an intense sexual onslaught that will bring their connection to something neither can deny. Their sexy scenes together were sizzling and burned up the pages (or kindle). I loved them together.

Though their love was getting hotter and hotter, the danger threatens to separate them. Moira will find herself in a couple of situations that had us sitting on the edge of our seats, in fear for her life. The last 1/3 of the book was action-packed, very tense, exciting, nerve-wracking and breathtaking. Will Moira survive? Will Kol be able to bond with Moira?

Waking the Dragon was a fascinating read, from start to finish. Moira and Kol were a super couple, and it was great to spend time with other couples (Lucius & Jessen & Lorian and Scorcha) from the first two books in Nightwing. This is a wonderful series that you should not miss. Thank you, Juliette Cross for bringing me into your wonderful world.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher