Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison
(Elder Races #1)
Piatkus Books (May 2012)
Paperback, 312 pages
Paranormal Romance
Although Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison has been out in the US for some time now, its UK release from Piatkus was 3rd of May 2012. If like me, you love a paranormal romance that has a great meaty story along side great romance and fabulously hot, sexy scenes, then you’re in for a treat. Dragon Bound is just brilliant – I didn’t want to put it down or for the story to end.
One thing I will add is that although I love the UK cover, I don’t like the use of a brunette model, as Pia is blonde. I do hate it when covers don’t match the story or characters – a big pet peeve of mine!
Pia Giovanni is half-human and half-Wyr and has been protected for most of her life by her mother. She was taught to blend in with society so nobody knows what she is. But after being blackmailed by her ex-boyfriend and stealing from Dragos Cuelebre, the most powerful Wyr dragon, her life has been turned upside down and she goes on the run. Unfortunately for her (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it), she doesn’t get very far and is caught by Dragos.
This is the story of their journey but also contains a little mystery as well. The world building is really great and I enjoyed being in the world of the Wyrkind. As well as the gorgeous Dragon, there are also other supernaturals such as dark and light Fae and goblins (who are horrible creatures), which gives the world a richness that was easy for me to completely immerse myself into.
Pia and Dragos are complex characters, which as a character driven reader is just heaven. Pia is strong but vulnerable, sometimes acts on impulses that get her into trouble, but I loved that about her. It made her more human. Although through her internal thoughts and her dialogue you could hear she was terrified of Dragos at first, thinking that he is going to kill her, she still has fire in her which makes you admire her. Sometimes she tells Dragos off like a little boy and it was so endearing and funny. Many times she brought a smile to my lips.
Dragos reminded me of the Beast in Beauty in the Beast. Very gruff at first and slightly confused by this beautiful woman. He doesn’t know what to say or how to act, it just makes you fall in love with him, even when he’s being obnoxious and difficult.
But as their relationship grows so does Dragos. Pia helps him understand and to become more patient and compassionate. To think before acting, and to say please…
Raveled around their very intense love affair a rageing war is imminent. Wyrkind has sparated from the Fae and the Fae King has a powerful dislike of Dragos which is totally mutual. There are a few twists and turns, one being Pia and Dragos captured by goblins. There is a scene where Pia is beaten terribly and it really pulls at the heart strings, especially when she’s still a trooper and doesn’t just curl up and wait to die but fights for life instead.
VERDICT:
A really fabulous start to a new paranormal romance series, which I cannot wait to continue. Wonderful characters with a strong but vulnerable heroine and a sexy as hell dragon, this is a book you definitely do not want to miss!
RATING: 
THEA HARRISON ONLINE
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BOOKS IN SERIES ORDER
- 1. Dragon Bound
- 2. Storms Heart
- 3. Serpent’s Kiss
- 3.5. True Colors
- 4. Oracle’s Moon
- 4.5. Natural Evil
- 4.6. Devil’s Gate
- 5. Lord’s Fall
US COVER
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13 Comments
Great review! I loved this book!
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Thanks! Me too, can’t wait for next book
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It was an absolutely wonderful book with a great sense of humour. I’m always recommending it to both PNR and UF fans because it’s not a straghtforward PNR romance – it’s more of a mixture with UF. Great review, Carolyn!
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I cannot wait for Storm’s Heart! I will have to disagree with the UF bit, as I thought this was a PNR through and through, but either way, it was fab!
x
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Oooh I so cannot wait to read this one, it sounds right up my street!!
Totally agree on the model, why do they do that, if she’s blonde, use a blonde model! It just irritates me all the way through the book.
Great review x
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I’m sure you would love it – very interested in hearing what you think. Can’t wait to read Storm’s Heart, I’ve been told I will be getting a copy in June
Yes, covers can be annoying when they don’t match up with the story, but I’ll forgive them as they are pretty matching covers
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I got recommended this book by someone on goodreads a while back. I still haven’t read it yet, but it might just bump up my TBR list. I must admit I like the US cover better. The vast difference did mean I didn’t realise that they were the same book.
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Oh definitely bump it up your TBR list, this is a really good PNR I’m sure you would enjoy it. I much prefer the UK covers
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ooo dragons…. haven’t read anything with dragons yet….worth adding to my to read list then C?
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I was a bit dubious about dragons too, but I loved Dragos – he’s delicious! Yes, definitely worth adding to your reading list
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oo yay. Liking the sound of that!!
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Ooh, I like how you likened it a little to Beauty and the Beast! I haven’t read dragon-centric books yet, so this might be a first.
Great review!
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I LOVE this book. I’ve read it so many times. It’s that good. I have to agree with you about Dragos and how he seems almost bewildered over the impact Pia has on him in the beginning. I think one of the reasons I like it so much is that kind of beauty and the beast vibe and the fact he does grow emotionally throughout the story. Plus he’s hot!:)
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