Tag Archives: Deborah Cooke

EMBER’S KISS (Dragonfire #8) by Deborah Cooke-a review

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EMBER’S KISS (Dragonfire #8 ) by Deborah Cooke-a review

EMBER’S KISS is the 8th storyline and October 2, 2012 release in Deborah Cooke’s amazing Dragonfire series. The Pyr are shape-shifting dragon warriors whose job it is to protect humankind but once in awhile a dragon will discover his mate through a firestorm, and the firestorm will bring with it a threat against their own. This is Brandon and Liz’s story.

In the previous storylines we have been following the exploits of an ancient dragon shifter known as Chen. Believing himself to be the most powerful, Chen had found the ‘dragon’s blood’ elixir and was making an army of Slayers to fight the Pyr. But the Darkfire had been released thwarting his plans, and with the approach of a new eclipse Chen was hoping to find the next Pyr who would be at his most vulnerable during the impending firestorm. He needed to find the dragons with affinities to the elements-he wanted their powers. Brandon was his target and their ‘friendship’ would nearly cost Brandon his life. With three missing scales, Brandon was closer to the Slayer than he had realized.

As the estranged son of Brandt, Brandon Merrick had made a name for himself in the surfing world. Currently living in Hawaii, Brandon was riding the waves hoping to make it big, but on the night of the eclipse, he would find himself awash in the firestorm, of which, all Pyr would hope one day to find. Knowing this would be his only chance at a son, Brandon would soon meet the woman who would be his mate. But something was wrong. He was having difficulty controlling his dragon and he blamed his nature and heritage, but there was something about Chen’s magical powder that seemed to fuel the rage burning inside. Knowing he was a danger to his mate, Brandon decided it was time to leave.

Marine biologist Liz Barrett has what she calls a ‘sensitivity to the elements’, but it had been close to 14 years since her special abilities had re-emerged. And the closer to her latest destination and a gorgeous stranger, the stronger her powers became. But the call of a name she had long forgotten proved that she was where she belonged and with a man claiming that the ‘firestorm’ was never wrong. But a cryptic message from an old ‘Asian’ man would have Liz second-guessing the true nature of the Firestorm and her dragon. And she suddenly realized the power that the old man had over Brandon and it was her turn to leave to protect the man in whom she was falling in love. She believed she had to escape her family legacy.

Many of the other Pyr will be called once again to help with the dragon’s Firestorm, but this time something felt off. Both Quinn and Erik sensed a difference as though the Darkfire was holding court with Brandon’s destiny and Sara would receive a portent of warning about this particular Firestorm. They all were heading to Hawaii because Brandon was in trouble-the Pyr and their mates were needed to break the spell that had been cast trapping Brandon in the clutches of a Slayer. But it is the power of love and a mate that will be the ultimate spell in saving Brandon’s life.

EMBER’S KISS is another well-written, fascinating and amazing storyline in Deborah Cooke’s Dragonfire series. Deborah creates a world of beautiful dragons and timeless love. I have loved Deborah’s Dragons since the very beginning and I was immensely pleased that she brought together the Pyr in this amazing tale. And yet again we get a very quick glance at another one of the Pyr, who amazingly finds himself in one too many predicaments.

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Books a Million /  Indie Bound / Powells /The Book Depository

READING ORDER
1. Kiss of Fire
2. Kiss of Fury
3. Kiss of Fate
4. Winter Kiss
5. Whisper Kiss
6. Darkfire Kiss
7. Flashfire
8. Ember’s Kiss

Copy supplied by publisher.

Reviewed by Sandy

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DEBORAH COOKE-Interview and Giveaway with the Author

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Deborah Cooke-Interview and Giveaway with the Author.

Deborah Cooke-Interview and Giveaway with the Author

The Reading Cafe would like to introduce the author of the DRAGONFIRE series and THE DRAGON DIARIES Young Adult series: Deborah Cooke

TRC:  Hi Deborah. Thank you very much for taking the time to answer a few questions for your many fans. It is always a wonderful surprise to read about the author behind the books. We would like to start with some basic background information.

Would you please tell us something about yourself?

 

Deborah:  I’m either a writer who knits or a knitter who writes. Depends on what day you catch me!

TRC:  When did you first become interested in writing? Did your parents encourage you as a young child?

Deborah:  I always loved stories, and my parents read to me quite a bit when I was little. There’s an old picture of me “reading aloud” to all of my toys when I couldn’t possibly have been able to read yet. I think it’s a natural development for avid readers to become writers, and I wrote my own stories as soon as I could. Although my parents encouraged me creatively, they thought it would be impractical to try to make a living as a writer and thought I should get a real job. I tried that but wanted to write stories instead. It turns out that they were right about the practicality of it all, but I love being a writer more than I like being practical.

TRC:  You have an honours degree in history, specializing in medieval studies. Has you education helped with the research behind many of your novels, including those written by Claire Delacroix– medieval romance series?

Deborah:  Actually, those two items – writing medieval romance and getting a second degree in history – developed out of my fascination with the Middle Ages and happened almost concurrently. So, they fed each other but one didn’t directly lead to the other.

TRC:  Have you ever attended the Medieval Times Theatre in Toronto, Ontario? If so, what did you think about the over all show and dinner?

Deborah:  I have attended that show, but it was a long time ago. I don’t remember specifics, just that we had a very good time that night.

TRC:  You have many different series under 3 different names including paranormal, romance, history and YA (young adult). Which genre do you find the most difficult and the easier to write, and why?

Deborah:  I like switching between genres and sub-genres as I think that keeps my writing (and my ideas) fresh. It’s best in my opinion to step away from a series before writing the next book, ideally to work in an entirely different subgenre for that interval. Then, when I return to the continuing series, I have to familiarize myself with it again, and that break always gives me new questions about the world and the characters, as well as new story ideas. I never want to tell the same story twice, and this strategy helps.

TRC:  Coven of Mercy is your first attempt at a vampire novel. What was the premise of the story, and do you think you will continue in the paranormal vampire genre?

Deborah:  I’m more familiar with vampires in the fantasy genre than in romance, and while they are interesting characters, they’re not my romantic fantasy. “Coven of Mercy” (which is only a short story) came out of an invitation to me to participate in a vampire romance anthology. My impulse was to decline, but then I started to wonder what would make a vampire be a romantic hero to me. I think of them as predators, so “Coven of Mercy” reflects my idea of heroic predators. I like the story a lot, mainly because it does defy expectations a bit, and would like to write more in that vein – or maybe it’s better to say that series. Time is always an issue. There aren’t enough hours in the day to write all of my ideas.

TRC:  Dragonfire series is one of your most popular paranormal series–about dragon shifters protecting the humans on earth from all sorts of nasties. Along the way, each male dragon suffers or experiences his ‘firestorm’—the call to mate. How did you come up with the premise for the series and the firestorm?

Deborah:  I’ve been interested in dragons and dragon stories for a long time, and have actually been proposing the notion of dragon shape shifter heroes in romances for a long time. Most of my editors have thought the idea was weird (I’m sure some people still do think it’s weird!) but to me it’s a natural connection. For me, dragons are heroic, noble, intelligent, beautiful, powerful. A hunky hero who could become a dragon is a great romantic fantasy, IMO. So, when paranormal romance became so popular, I thought this was chance to tell stories of dragon guys – the big difference is that Dragonfire is a contemporary series, reflecting contemporary concerns, while my original dragon shifter ideas were medieval romances.

TRC:  The loss of a scale is an interesting concept—one that makes the dragon vulnerable to injury and death-yet reparations can be made using the elements of fire, air, water and earth, as well as jewels etc, given freely by the mate- a true gesture of love and commitment. How did you come up with the concept and did you have to research alchemy or the history of elements in lore?

Deborah:  The loss of a scale creating vulnerability for a dragon is an old idea. It’s part of the story of Sigurd, the first dragon slayer, in the Saga of the Volsungs. Of course, my interest was in love healing the wounds of my dragon guys – they lose a scale when they fall in love, because their emotional vulnerability is mirrored in their physical form. It only stands to reason that the heroine’s love has to repair that weakness. I was already using the four elements in the storyline, so developed the healing ceremony using that and the gift which symbolizes the emotional commitment. In a way, it echoes our marriage ceremony which features the exchange of rings, but dragons had to have their own ceremony and symbols. One of the things that I enjoy about writing the series is that the focus of each book changes, letting me research different elements and different stories of dragons. With dragons, there are always more stories to unearth.

TRC:  Rafferty is one of the oldest and most respected dragons, and only recently experienced his firestorm-Darkfire, yet his mate is unable to bear a child due to what appears to be cancer or a hysterectomy. Why Rafferty and his mate, when he was one of the few dragons that actually wanted his firestorm? What was your decision behind choosing Rafferty and not one of the other dragons?

Deborah:  I don’t think I’m the only one who was already crazy for Rafferty, even before he had his firestorm. There’s something about a powerful dragon being a romantic that really worked for me. And I was afraid that Rafferty’s desire to have a firestorm would make him completely irresistible to the woman who sparked the flame. I thought his book might be ten pages long! So, I needed to put some challenges in his path, some obstacles that would make him question his own assumptions and desires. As mentioned, I like to mix up the variables in each story. Melissa intrigued me from the start, especially when she folded her arms across her chest and told me that it was impossible for her to fulfil the firestorm’s promise. I find their story both powerful and romantic, both because Rafferty heals Melissa’s emotional wounds and because she’s the one who can help him turn the darkfire to the advantage of the Pyr. In the end, although it wasn’t my initial plan, I realize that Rafferty is one dragon who be able to see beyond biology and that family is where you create it.

TRC:  Will you tell us about the premise for Ember’s Kiss (October 2012 release Dragonfire series)-who will get his firestorm?

Deborah:  EMBER’S KISS is the story of Brandon, who is the son of Brandt. Brandt is estranged from the Pyr – we met him for the first time in DARKFIRE KISS – and has alienated his son. We met Brandon in FLASHFIRE, when we saw Chen closing his talons around this dragon who is unaware of the range of his abilities. I like this book a lot, again because it is different, and I love the heroine Liz.

 

TRC:  Zoe Sorensson is the first female dragon born in centuries, and thus the Wyvern. Your new YA series-The Dragon Diaries- is about Zoe and the other children from the firestorms in the Dragonfire series. What was your decision to venture into the YA genre using the children of the firestorms (15 years later)-when the Dragonfire series is still on going and creating more children?

Deborah:  Zoë’s journey was always interesting to me, and it raised a number of intriguing questions. How would one learn to become a Wyvern? How much of it was intuitive? Who would answer questions? When I realized that Zoë would come into her powers as a teenager – just as the male Pyr come into their powers at puberty – I was excited by all the challenges she would have to balance simultaneously. I also realized it would be a fun paranormal YA series and my editor agreed. I simply told Zoë’s story in the format that best suited it, which happened to be YA.

TRC:  Nick and Isabelle-will you ever reveal the ‘heritage or origins’ behind Isabelle (Rafferty’s adopted daughter) and her unusual abilities, as well as her connection to Nick?

Deborah:  😉

TRC:  As with many YA storylines, there is always a three-way love triangle, and it appears to be with Zoe, Jared and Derek. Was this always your intent to match these 3 characters?

Deborah:  N/A

TRC:  hmmmm…..I am sensing a pattern 😉

TRC:  In Winging It, Zoe comes to realize that she and Nick will never be a couple, yet there is still some ‘tension’ between the two. Yet as the Wyvern she will never be able to mate with another dragon, lest she lose her abilities as both the Wyvern and Oracle. Was this part of idea when Jared and Derek were introduced-neither a dragon, but still a supernatural?

Deborah:  *stares straight ahead and goes to the next question*

TRC: You have introduced some shape-shifter and mages into The Dragon Diaries  storylines. WE have seen the mages throughout the Dragonfire series-will we see a connection between the two series involving the mages e.g. the next generation?

Deborah:  I think these four questions will be answered for readers in BLAZING THE TRAIL. No spoilers from me! 🙂

TRC:  Yes, a definite pattern 😉


TRC:  Blazing the Trail is the next instalment in The Dragon Diaries series—will you please tell us something about the storyline? (see our review below)

LINKS to purchase:
Amazon Books
Amazon Kindle
B&N Nook
The Book Depository

Deborah:  BLAZING THE TRAIL is the conclusion of Zoë’s trilogy and coming of age, which is why so many questions will be answered and conflicts resolved in that book. At the end of WINGING IT, there is an alliance of shifters that has been created by Zoë with the teenagers of the four respective and surviving kinds. They have a plan to finish off the NightBlade and the last of the Mages, but are waiting for the next eclipse to do it. Zoë meanwhile is trying to choose between her relentless attraction to Jared – even though he’s not very encouraging – and Derek’s desire for a greater commitment from her. What’s the smart thing to do? Things escalate right before the Valentine’s Day dance when Derek demands an answer, Zoë’s ability to see the future begins to manifest, the apprentice Mages make a final play for world domination and Jared returns.

I had a lot of fun with the big finish in this book. 🙂

TRC:  What are you working on today?

Deborah:  Today, I am writing blog posts. 🙂 I’m also going to work on my upcoming medieval romance, THE RENEGADE’S HEART. I’m crazy in love with Murdoch, and with writing medievals again. I just can’t leave that story alone. It’s a medieval with paranormal elements and is linked to my Jewels of Kinfairlie series. (Yes, Isabella finally gets her HEA.)

TRC:  What do you do to relax?

Deborah:  I knit. A lot.

TRC:  Would you like to add anything?

Deborah:  Thank you for your thoughtful questions! I enjoying doing the interview.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Dessert
Lemon tart

Favorite Food
Fresh sourdough bread

Favorite TV Show
Downton Abbey

Favorite Movie
All That Jazz

Last Movie you saw
Excalibur (Again. I should quit renting it and just buy it already.)

Where did you go on your last vacation
Paris France – in February. It was wonderful.

Red or White Roses
I like all roses (all flowers, really!) but my favourites are the ones that shade between colours.

TRC:  Deborah, we would like to thank you very much for taking the time to answer our questions. Please keep up informed as to your upcoming releases, and of course, as always, we are very happy to read everything by Deborah Cooke.

Deborah:  Thanks very much for inviting me! You can always keep track of what’s coming from me on my blog:

LINKS:

Deborah’s BLOG
WEBSITE
Facebook

**********GIVEAWAY*********

Deborah Cooke is offering a copy of her latest DRAGONFIRE novel-FLASHFIRE to one lucky member at The Reading Cafe.

1.  To qualify, you must be a member at The Reading Cafe.  If you are not a member, please register using the Log-in at the top of the page, or by using one of the social log-ins on the right side.

2.  Giveaway open to Canada and continental USA only.

3.  Please leave a comment and say hello to Deborah Cooke.

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BLAZING THE TRAIL (The Dragon Diaries YA #3) by Deborah Cooke-a new release review

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BLAZING THE TRAIL (The Dragon Diaries YA #3) by Deborah Cooke

BLAZING THE TRAIL (The Dragon Diaries YA #3) by Deborah Cooke

BLAZING THE TRAIL is the third novel and June 2012 new release in Deborah Cooke’s Young Adult series-The Dragon Diaries. Zoe Sorensson is the only female dragon and Wyvern in a world of the shape-shifting supernatural, and must learn about her powers and abilities on the fly-literally. But when the 4 remaining shifter-lines are targeted for death by the Mage, Zoe and her friends must find a way to stop the Valentine’s Day ritual that could end all of their lives.

At the end of WINGING IT, Zoe and her friends had virtually destroyed the collective mind of the Mage. Without memory or purpose, the Mage numbers were dwindling. But those too young to be caught in the mind-sweep were banding together and targeting the remaining shifters-Dragon, Thunderbird, Wolf and Cat. With her powers as the Wyvern came dreams and pre-cognition of what may or may not happen. Without the guidance of the previous Wyvern, it is up to Zoe to decipher the messages that continue to haunt her nightly dreams. But a new dream ally will surface with both a weapon and advice that will aid Zoe with her fight to stay alive.

Knowing that the shifters are targeted by the Mage, an Alliance is formed between the remaining groups to help strengthen and combine their knowledge regarding their survival or demise. But the powerful spell-songs (of) and the use of the Nightblade by the Mage will trap more than one of Zoe’s friends and it will take the new-found powers of a young Wyvern to discern and break through the tangle of spell-light weaves. But it is the Shadoweaters (former Mage) who find the portal between their worlds that will place everyone in danger. With guilt weighing heavily, Zoe must tap into her dreams hoping to solve the puzzles and clues that will bring an end to the Mage and the Shadoweaters that many will become. And it is the revelation as to the origins of the Shadoweaters that will have you scratching your head wondering if the Mage have any concept as to the evil that will eventually take hold and destroy.

Many of Zoe’s allies and friends return. Meagan, her BFF and Mage is learning the power of spell-song; Derek the shy and quiet wolf-shifter who is hoping for more than friendship; Kohana the Thunderbird and sometime friend; Jessica and her new-found abilities; and Jared-Mage and Zoe’s long time crush. Fellow Dragon-shifters Nick, Garret and Liam are called in to aid and protect Zoe. And we will see the development of a couple of potential relationships between the young dragons and some of the other supernatural friends.

The return of Jared will force Zoe to make a choice between two friends, but it is Jared who will sacrifice more than his friendship to save the life of someone he has grown to love. Kohana is still an enigma. Like Zoe, the reader is unsure as to his true purpose until the death of a friend will find the Thunderbird paying back a debt owed to the young Wyvern.

BLAZING THE TRAIL is another fantastic addition to Deborah Cooke’s Dragon Diaries series. As a lover of all things dragon, my only complaint-we didn’t see enough of the young Pyr. Blazing The Trail focuses more on the Mage and the other shape-shifters. I also liked the fact that Deborah does not concentrate on the typical teen love-triangle. Although there is the potential, it was not the center of the story. Many YA authors tend to write a series around a trio of friends who will inevitably come to odds with regards to relationships and love. Deborah allows the story to develop, but keeps the angst-filled relationships on the periphery. Blazing The Trail is a wonderful story from a great author.

READING ORDER:
1. Flying Blind
2. Winging It
3. Blazing The Trail

LINKS:
Amazon Books
Amazon Kindle
B&N Nook
The Book Depository

Reviewed by Sandy

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KISS OF THE DRAGON-a poem

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KISS OF THE DRAGON-a poem by Sandy S.

KISS OF THE DRAGON

(a poem based on the Dragonfire series by Deborah Cooke)

A tale was told of Dragon’s bold, where fire meant a storm.
Desire strong, to mate and bond, allegiances were torn.

The dragon male, he knew his time, was measured by desire.
To find the female, sate the need and quench the burning fire.

Quinn was steel, as hard as nails. His dragonfire teased.
He forged the metal, shaped the world, and burned at night with need.

Sara ‘saw’ the books that told- a tale-a saga bold.
About a dragon, some would say, as destiny foretold.

Donovan was bound by lore to hide the dragon’s past,
But fire burned too hot at night. How long would secrets last?

Could Alexandra change the world and save the man she loved?
But fire raged within the walls, a message from above.

Erik lead the Pyr through times of loneliness and hate.
But the time had come, the past revealed-his destiny –a mate.

Eileen had visions. Knew the man was someone from her past.
A time ago, a lesson learned. Their future had been cast.

A child, born with powers great- a female-legends told.
Would lead the dragons through the nights- their hearts, their lives, their souls.

An elixir strong would break the bond of dragons and their kin.
Delaney found the Dragon’s Blood had changed him deep within.

Ginger burned. Desire strong. The dragon called her name.
To save the man whose sins he bore, with sorrow, guilt and shame.

Niall sought the shadowed land. His brother lost the fight.
The blood of those who’d gone before- a need to make things right.

A tattooed beast, a dragon strong-the fire burned a brand.
For Roxie knew a love so deep. Their destiny at hand.

Rafferty had waited long, desire for a mate.
The firestorm had passed him by. Darkfire was his fate.

Melissa knew her life had changed. Forever it would be.
A friend would die. A child found. The dragon she would see.

Magic weaved its eerie spell, as desire filled the night.
Lorenzo knew to sate the storm, his mate he’d take in flight.

Cassie fought desire’s burn, when Vegas called her name.
A dragon’s gift of firestorm-the beast she’d surely tame.

Brandon lived a surfer’s life. Hawaii was his land.
To ride the waves, to calm the beast-but destiny had plans.

To sacrifice for love and life-their future now was claimed.
Liz would learn that lessons taught, was nothing she could name.

The Dragonfire burned with need, a storm that would not pass.
The time had come to claim a mate. Their futures had been cast.

Protect, defend the chosen few. A dragon’s love is pure.
A story written long ago, a tale to reassure.

Deborah Cooke had dreamed a tale of love, of lust, desire.
To claim a mate, the one true love-the tales of Dragonfire

Written by Sandy S.

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WINGING IT (YA) The Dragon Diaries #2 by Deborah Cooke-a review

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WINGING IT by Deborah Cooke

WINGING IT by Deborah Cooke

REMINDER:  Interview and Giveaway with Deborah Cooke May 23, 2012

WINGING IT is the second instalment in Deborah Cooke’s YA series–The Dragon Diaries. This series is the Young Adult companion to her adult Dragonfire series. Winging It, like the first novel in the series, tells of the trials and tribulations of growing up Dragon in a world of humans and shapeshifters. This second storyline takes place 5 months after Flying Blind.

Zoe Sorensson, is the only female dragon and Wyvern, and is about to celebrate her 16th birthday, without her best friend Meagan. To make matters worse, she has been invited to a Halloween party, by one of the most popular boys in school-who just happens to be an apprentice Mage, and is gunning for the eradication of all dragons. But when Meagan is once again, attacked at school, by a group of ‘mean girls’, Zoe shifts forms to defend her friend against injury.

Zoe’s father, Eric, as leader of the Pyr, is not impressed, because now, his only child and daughter has broken the Dragon Covenant and revealed herself to the humans. To complicate matters, Zoe’s parents are struggling, much to her surprise, and it seems, that she may be the catalyst in the demise of her parent’s marriage. Zoe’s mother, Eileen, cannot come to terms living with her family of dragons, knowing her daughter, is the target of a group of Mage, who will risk their own lives to destroy the Pyr. When Eileen heads to England, Eric makes the decision to ‘ground’ Zoe from all dragon activity, and sends her to her Meaghan’s, while he flies to Europe to convince his wife, that they should remain a family.

When Zoe discovers that her Dragon friends are suddenly missing, she is forced to use her powers as the Wyvern, to search and locate her friends—who may be sacrificed by the Mage in a Halloween ritual. With the help of some unlikely ‘stone’ statues, Zoe must enter the cemetery where the Mage ritual will be performed. Rescuing, not only the Pyr, but a wolf, a jaguar and her best friend Meaghan, it is then that they realize, there are more than just a few shifters. The ceremony is witnessed by many beings including felines, lupin and an assortment of shifters, long thought destroyed by the Mage. They are present to aid in the rescue of their friends and family.

Winging It is an easy read, as was Flying Blind. The continuing story of Zoe and the young Pyr, has me wanting to go back to the Dragonfire series, if only because I miss the excitement of the Firestorms with the adult dragons. The Dragon Diaries is a good series, with plenty of excitement and a story that will continue for along time. Zoe has the frustrations of most 16 year old girls, but being a dragon complicates matters to another degree. Sometimes, I wonder, if all teens thought the way these young dragons think, our teens would not be in as much trouble as they are today. They are responsible for their own lives as well as others, and it is nice to see, someone taking responsibility for their own actions. I am looking forward to Blazing the Trail—to be released in June 2012

LINKS:

AMAZON Kindle
AMAZON books
KOBO
B&N Nook

Reviewed by Sandy

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FLYING BLIND (YA) The Dragon Diaries #1 by Deborah Cooke-a review

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FLYING BLIND by Deborah Cooke

FLYING BLIND by Deborah Cooke

FLYING BLIND is the premiere book in Deborah Cooke’s new YA series –The Dragon Diaries. The Young Adult companion to her Dragonfire series, The Dragon Diaries focuses on the lives and adventures of the children born from the firestorms in the adult series. 15 year old-Zoe Sorennson and the other teen dragons take us on an adventure of growing up dragon in world of humans and other shapeshifting beings.

Zoe Sorensson, the daughter of Eric, the leader of the Pyr, is the only female dragon in existence, and therefore, her destiny-awaits. As the only female dragon, she is the Wyvern of the Pyr-blessed with powers and dreams, that she must interpret, and decipher. The symbolic messages give way to warnings and educate the young Pyr, about the past, the present and their future. But her position as the Wyvern comes without a handbook or instructions. There have only been a few known Wyvern in the history of the Pyr and the last Wyvern was killed shortly before Zoe was born.

As a frustrated teen, Zoe is like any typical teenage girl-waiting for her period, her boobs and a boy to notice. Basically-puberty. But when her best friend Meagan (a human) is attacked by a group of girls, Zoe sees red, and without warning, her dragon powers emerge. A partially formed claw and a dragon eye, are all that is needed to invoke fear into the other students. When her father, the all-knowing leader of the Pyr, senses her shift, she is sent to Dragon Boot Camp, to learn about the ways of the Pyr. But Zoe sees Spring Break at the Minnesota boot camp as an opportunity to explore the possibility of a relationship with Nick, the young dragon, she presumes to be her destined mate. Little does she know, that along with fellow dragons Nick, Garrett, Liam,-Isabelle, the young adopted and human daughter of Rafferty, is also present, and there is something going on between Nick and Isabelle.

When the young dragons depart for camp, Nick’s human cousin-Jared, arrives and offers to drive Zoe on his Ducati motorcycle. Jared’s presence has a calming influence on Zoe, and allows the young female a chance to explore her powers and her ability to sense the presence and location of other dragons. Upon arrival at their cabin, another young male, claiming to be the son of a long lost dragon, vies for Zoe’s attention. The arrival of Adrian, affects the others like a plague. When Jared announces that he must leave and head back to town, he warns Zoe that Adrian isn’t at all what he appears. Thinking Jared is jealous of Adrian’s attraction to Zoe, she places the warning on the back burner, to look at a later time.

Boot Camp is not without its’ adventures and mysteries. A test of Pyr knowledge and a puzzle, of sorts, to solve push the young dragons to examine their powers and skills in fighting. But Zoe senses that something isn’t right, and when she is continually plagued by a dream and a vision, surrounding another young man, with a partially formed wing, she searches for clues. As the Wyvern and Oracle for the Pyr, Zoe is expected to analyze and solve whatever is ailing her friends, but a darkness seems to engulf the cabin, and its’ source of power radiates throughout. Without prior knowledge into her abilities as the Wyvern, Zoe fumbles with the messages that are sent to her in dreams, and inadvertently releases the spirit of the young man who dogs her nocturnal adventures. Kohana‘s shapeshifting abilities become apparent when the Pyr fight to save their own.

It is not until Jared returns, that the identity of the mage is revealed. A secretive group of humans, who want to eliminate all the supernatural shape-shifting beings, and their current target are the Pyr. When Jared aids the others in their fight with the Mage, he too, reveals his true identity, but one without the evil desire to rid the world of dragons. When Adrian suddenly disappears during a dragon battle in the air, Zoe realizes that he was sent as a decoy to keep the young dragons occupied. Seeking answers to their questions, Zoe dreams about blood and dragon scales, until she finally discovers, that the Mage have abducted their fathers, in a plot to rid the world of Pyr.

With her abilities to teleport in dreams and shift between species, Zoe sets out to rescue the adult dragons, but not before she and Jared make a connection. Finally realizing, that Nick is most likely not her destined mate, as Pyr cannot join with one of their own kind, Zoe resigns herself with the knowledge, that she may forever be a virgin within the hierarchy of the Pyr. As the blessed Wyvern, she will be expected to remain chaste and pure, as part of her ability to dream.

Flying Blind in an easy read. Without prior knowledge and information from Deborah Cooke’s Dragonfire series, most of the storyline still flows. Written as part of the Young Adult series, Flying Blind references much of the Pyr history and dragon lore from the adult series, that is necessary to keep the reader informed and aware. Most YA books and series, focus on the teen angst of broken hearts and parental control, and Flying Blind touches the surface, without drowning in the emotional turmoil of teen crushes and loss. If you are a fan of Deborah Cooke’s Dragonfire series, The Dragon Diaries are an interesting addition that references our favorite dragons from her adult storylines. The Dragon Diaries focus on the next generation of Pyr, and how they survive in a world of humans, who are aware of their existence, but, are not allowed to know, just who among their friends, is a dragon or something more powerful. Another great series by Deborah Cooke.  Next instalment-Winging It. 

LINKS:
AMAZON Kindle
AMAZON books
KOBO
B&N NOOK

Reviewed by Sandy

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FLASHFIRE (Dragonfire #7 ) by Deborah Cooke-a review

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FLASHFIRE (Dragonfire #7 ) by Deborah Cooke

FLASHFIRE (Dragonfire #7) by Deborah Cooke

FLASHFIRE is the 7th installment in Deborah Cooke’s Dragonfire series. The continuing saga of the Pyr vs Slayer in the war to save the human race, and dominance in the world of dragons features the elusive Lorenzo and his Firestorm. Lorenzo wants nothing to do with his Firestorm, because it has come at an inconvenient time in his life–he does not need to find his mate just before he disappears from the face of the earth.

Cassie Redmond has come to Las Vegas with her friend Stacy. The cancellation of her wedding, was not going to derail her honeymoon, so she and her friend would take full advantage of the hotel and tickets–Cassie would make this a working vacation. But when sparks literally fly between Cassie and the gorgeous illusionist Lorenzo, she knows this isn’t any ordinary magic show. And when he shifts into a shimmering golden dragon, her job as a reporter, has taken on new meaning.

Lorenzo is surprised when, it is HIS Firestorm that hits during the eclipse, but is even more shocked that he was unable to control his change during a live presentation of his Vegas act of illusion. His plans to disappear during a live taping of a burial stunt, have now been hindered by the arrival of his mate and the need to sate the Firestorm. Following a night of insatiable sex between Lorenzo and Cassie, he realizes he wants nothing to do with the responsibilities of having a mate or a family–He still blames his father for the death of his mother, and does not want the responsibility of having to worry about a mate and child, every time he is called away.

Lorenzo is a reluctant dragon. He refuses to join the Pyr in their fight against the Slayers, and had all but given-up shifting, but finding his mate and the realization that she is now pregnant, has put them both in a dangerous position. The Slayers as well as the Pyr will be attracted to his Firestorm, and the resulting confrontation will risk both mother and child. To further complicate matters, a Slayer named Jean-Paul has now involved Cassie’s friend Stacy in their game of good vs evil. When Lorenzo scents 2 other Slayers (Chen and Balthazar) in the vicinity of his mate, he calls to the Pyr for assistance. Lorenzo is without knowledge of the Pyr’s history, as well, he doe not believe the many myths and legends surrounding Dragon lore, therefore, the need to ask for aid from his own kind, is both humbling and enlightening.

Like the other storylines in this series, there is a struggle between the Pyr and the Slayers. Chen, an ancient Slayer, seeks to find those dragons, who are having difficulty with their allegiances to the Pyr, offering them a chance to fight against those, who claim to protect earth. But Chen is searching for the ‘bones’ of the dead Pyr—to make ‘Dragon’s Blood Powder’-a powerful aphrodisiac and a means to control.

The appearance of Marco, another ancient Pyr, looking for the Darkfire crystal puts Lorenzo on edge. The crystal has been in Lorenzo’s custody for safe-keeping, but it seems, his ailing father has been playing games with their hoarde. The missing crystal has, further complicated Lorenzo’s need to disappear. Slayers, the Pyr, missing crystals, his Firestorm and now a child and mate, push Lorenzo to the edge of his patience. The need to disappear is now more of a necessity than a stunt.

Flashfire is another great story in Deborah Cooke’s Dragonfire series. Once again, we see Erik and his struggles as leader of the Pyr; the ever-popular Thorulf is missing, but the others are not too worried; and we get a glimpse at Brandt, a dragon, who was not too happy with the role he played in Lorenzo’s fight with the Slayers. We become aware of the other Pyr, through conversation only, and we are apprised of their whereabouts when necessity dictates, although, they gather for Lorenzo’s unveiling in Venice. I missed the interactions between the Pyr-I was hoping for the appearances of Donovan, Quinn, Delaney and the others, but the celebration in Italy is the only time we get re-acquainted with the characters from the previous storylines . EMBER’S KISS is the next instalment (October 2012) in the Dragonfire series-Brandon and Liz.

reviewed by Sandy

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Winter Kiss by Deborah Cooke – a Review

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Winter Kiss by Deborah Cooke – a Review

Winter Kiss is book 4 in Deborah Cooke’s Dragonfire Series.  We met Delaney back in book one, he was critically wounded, taken by the Slayers and thought dead by his fellow Pyr.  In Donovan’s book we learn that Delaney was held prisoner in Magnus’ Dark Academy and force-fed the Dragon’s Blood Elixir, placing a shadow upon his soul and being susceptible to Magnus’s commands.  Thanks to his brother’s firestorm Delaney began to heal, dispelling some of the darkness that Magnus embedded in him.  Now a couple of years later Delaney has exiled himself from his fellow Pyr, sold everything he owns and has taken on a suicide mission none of his fellow Pyr know of.  Delaney feels he needs to destroy the Elixir to save not only his fellow Pyr, but the planet as well.  There’s just one problem with Delaney’s plan, he winds up finding the one thing he never thought possible, his destined mate who brings about his firestorm.

Enter Ginger Sinclair, professional chef and city girl turned organic farm girl.  Ginger was orphaned at a young age when her parents were killed in a serious car accident.  She was raised by her Gran who also taught her everything she knows about farming.  Ginger has always believed in kismet, fate, love at first sight, etc, and has a knack for setting up the right people.  So when Delaney Shea walks into the very bar where Ginger is throwing an engagement party for her two best friends, she isn’t surprised by their instant connection.  Ginger realizes from the start that Delaney is a keeper and there’s something special about him, she believes fate is finally on her side.  Trusting her instincts she takes Delaney home with her and the two of them embark on a journey that neither would have thought possible.

Upon discovering his destined mate and firestorm Delaney sees this as his last honourable act towards his fellow Pyr and the earth.  He decides to satisfy his firestorm, creating another Pyr born child to aid in the Pyr vs Slayer war and continue on with his plan.  However, his firestorm and his fellow Pyr have other ideas.  Believing he’s satisfied his firestorm Delaney contacts Erik, asks him to look after Ginger and his son, then leaves Ginger’s farm house and heads towards Magnus and the Elixir.  During this battle with Magnus and attempt to destroy the Elixir Delaney realizes his firestorm is still burning, thus putting Ginger in harms way since not only will Pyr be drawn to his firestorm, but so too will the Slayers.   Realizing he can’t leave Ginger unprotected until the firestorm is sated Delaney knows he needs to protect his mate at all costs and adjusts his mission long enough to either sate his firestorm or wait for the next eclipse.  

Ginger never knew dragon shifters existed in her world before, but is now pulled into the battle of Pyr vs Slayer thanks to the firestorm and being chosen as Delaney’s mate.   Learning about dragons and firestorms doesn’t turn Ginger away from Delaney, instead it only draws her closer to him as she learns about his ordeal and what he plans to do about it.   The only problem Ginger has with this scenario is being left behind, alone and with the responsibility of raising a Pyr born child.  Delaney tries to explain to her that there is no other choice for him, that what Magnus did to him will always be a part of him, and he sees it as a danger to not only his fellow Pyr but now to Ginger as well.  With the aid of the other Pyr members Ginger listens to all the facts and information they can find on the Elixir, and their theories of how to stop Magnus and his evil plan.  With her never give up attitude and belief in Delaney that he is the one she was meant to be with, Ginger finally convinces Delaney to try with all he’s got to come back to her.   When Delaney agrees to her terms and makes his promise to her, Ginger finally agrees to try one last time to satisfy the firestorm.  Having agreed to Ginger’s terms and promising her to try his best to return to her and give them a fighting chance is the firestorm finally sated.

Along their journey Delaney and Ginger have their share of ups and downs, but thanks to Delaney’s friends, his fellow Pyr, they are able to overcome these obstacles.  It’s through these obstacles that Cooke finally informs her readers what the Dragon’s Blood Elixir really is and how it came about.  We learn from Ginger’s captivity in Magnus’ lair about another Pyr named Cinnabar who worked in Magnus’ mercury mines years and years ago and what happened to him.  Magnus informs Ginger that Cinnabar became the source of the Elixir but his usefulness is slowing fading and a replacement dragon is needed. One guess who this dragon happens to be, that’s right our tortured hero Delaney.   Magnus was preparing Delaney to become Cinnabar’s replacement when he was being held prisoner in the Dark Academy.  Believing his plan is fool proof, he didn’t factor into his plan one very determined and fiery mate named Ginger Sinclair and kismet as she would say.   It’s through the firestorm and Ginger’s love for Delaney that she is able to dispel the darkness that Magnus embedded into him and give Delaney the extra boost in confidence he needs, thus bringing back his dare devil self, which gives him a renewed sense of life when he goes off to destroy the Elixir one last time.  With the help of Ginger, his fellow Pyr and Cinnabar, Delaney is successfully in his mission and is given a second chance at life, a life with his mate and child.  

I absolutely loved this book.  I’m a sucker for the wounded soul character.  You know, the one who feels there’s nothing left to live for because of the injustices that have been done to them, only to find hope when they least expect it.  Delaney Shea is one of these characters, and I knew I’d be a goner where he was concerned going back to his brother Donovan’s book.  I wanted him to have his HEA and succeed in his quest to destroy the elixir.  I got everything I wanted and expected from Delaney’s story.  From the battles, to the suspense to the romance.  Speaking of battles, the final battle in the underground cavern is well written and had me on the edge of my seat.  To be honest the whole book had me hanging on every word wondering how it would end, would Delaney get his HEA or would Magnus finally succeed?  As I said at the end of my review for Kiss of Fury, I highly recommend not only this book, but the entire series.  Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.  Happy reading.  😉  

Reviewed by Marcie

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