Title: Heart of the Dragon
Author: Gena Showalter
First published August 30, 2005
372 pages, Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 9780373770571 (ISBN10: 037377057X)
Rating: 3.93
Overview
Jaxon’s life was about to take a drastic turn. While on a routine mission for his supernatural investigation agency, he stumbles upon a hidden world filled with mythical creatures, guarded by a fierce warrior unlike any he’s ever seen.
Lilith en Vesper is a part of a secret society of shapeshifters, sworn to protect the world from the dangers of the supernatural. But when Jaxon enters her realm, she finds herself drawn to him in ways she never thought possible.
Their forbidden love could be the key to uniting their worlds, or it could lead to their ultimate destruction.
About the Author
Meet Gena Showalter, an accomplished author with over seventy books under her belt. Her writing spans across various genres, from steamy paranormal romance to heartwarming contemporary romance and unputdownable young adult novels.
She has gained acclaim for her popular series, including Lords of the Underworld, Gods of War, White Rabbit Chronicles, and Forest of Good and Evil. When she isn’t crafting her next masterpiece, you can find Gena in Oklahoma City with her family and a lively bunch of dogs and cats.
Editoral Review
Heart of the Dragon by Gena Showalter is a paranormal romance novel that was first published on August 30, 2005. Showalter is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who has written numerous books in the paranormal and contemporary romance genres.
The novel explores themes of love, sacrifice, and self-discovery in a world where humans and dragons coexist and interact in unexpected ways. Set in modern-day Romania, the story centers around the dragon king, Nikolai, and his quest to find a human bride who can bear him a son.
His search leads him to a small village where he encounters a young woman named Grace who is struggling to keep her family farm afloat. Despite their initial animosity towards each other, Nikolai and Grace find themselves irresistibly drawn to each other, leading to a steamy and tumultuous romance that is further complicated by ancient rivalries, political intrigue, and treacherous foes.
The book is a thrilling and engaging read that keeps readers on the edge of their seats with its twists and turns. The chemistry between Nikolai and Grace is electric, and their love story is both heartwarming and heartbreaking.
Showalter’s vivid descriptions of the dragon’s lair, the Romanian countryside, and the various social customs add depth and richness to the story, making it feel both exotic and relatable. However, the book is not without its flaws.
The pacing can be slow at times, particularly during the exposition-heavy first few chapters. Some of the side characters feel underdeveloped, and the story’s resolution feels a bit rushed and unsatisfying.
Additionally, the book’s portrayal of gender roles and the limited agency of female characters may be off-putting to some readers. Despite these limitations, Heart of the Dragon is a solid entry in the paranormal romance genre that will appeal to fans of dragons, romance, and adventure.
It showcases Showalter’s skill at crafting rich and complex worlds and characters, and her ability to evoke a wide range of emotions in her readers. While it may not be the most groundbreaking or innovative novel in the genre, it is a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining read that will leave readers wanting more.
Overall, Heart of the Dragon is a book that I would recommend to fans of romantic fiction looking for a steamy and thrilling read. It earns a solid rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars for its engaging characters, vivid world-building, and emotional storytelling.
While it may not be perfect, it is a worthwhile addition to any romance reader’s bookshelf.
