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July 28, 2015

Dragon Knight's Axe by Mary Morgan #Review (by Karilyn Bentley) #amreading


I was on a blog tour recently for my newest release and landed on the blog of fellow The Wild Rose Press author Mary Morgan. She was more than happy to have me on talking about my dragons b/c she writes about dragons too. Awesome! Of course I was curious about her dragons, so I bought her most recent release, Dragon Knight's Axe and LOVED it!

This is the third book in the Order of the Dragon Knights but it's not hard at all to pick up and understand what happened in the previous books.
Usually when I jump into a series in the middle, I often don't care to go backward and pick up the first several books (yes, I'm weird!), but this book was so good, I've bought the first two books in the series. The book opens in the 1200s where a prologue tells the reader why the Dragon Knights are scattered and need redemption. Dragon Knight Alastair MacKay is punishing himself for a past event by going to sea instead of living on the land, where he can use his Fae-given powers.  On a trading stop, he rescues Fiona O'Quinlan from slave traders, not realizing she is the key to freeing himself from his past.

Fiona lives in the future, in our time, but is sent back in time by a Fenian time traveler to save Alastair from his inner beast. Along the way she discovers some interesting things about herself. Alastair is a difficult to love, but he holds a soft spot for Fiona. I enjoyed watching their story unfold along with the other plot points surrounding them. The writing pulled me in immediately and held my attention throughout the book. I had trouble putting it down to sleep (darn sleep! <g>). The dragon in this series is not what/who I thought it would be, but I loved seeing how the author weaved myths and tales to come up with her dragon. This is more a historical novel than a fantasy one and will appeal to a wide range of readers.

If you like Scottish historicals mixed with a touch of magic, mystery, and fantasy you'll love this story!

Here's the official blurb:
Alastair MacKay, a battled-scarred Dragon Knight flees to the sea to separate himself from his fae-given power connecting him to the land. But it is on land that he rescues a woman from a slave trader in Ireland. It is through Fiona he steps back inadvertently into a world filled with magic—taking on the role of protector and at the same time leading him on a journey to confront his greatest regret and fears.

Research assistant, Fiona O’Quinlan loves translating ancient artifacts at Trinity College. When she falls asleep on an archeological dig, she awakens in another time. She soon discovers a Dragon Knight’s relic has been entrusted into her care. Determined to return the artifact to the Great Glen, Fiona is unprepared for the danger ahead—losing her heart and soul to Alastair “Beast” MacKay.

Will their love be strong enough to soothe the beast and heal the man? Or will Death swing its axe, leaving them lost for all eternity?

BUY LINKS:
Amazon
TWRP
B&N

MARY MORGAN'S WEBSITE

Karilyn Bentley's website

11 comments:

Mary Morgan said...

Yay! (This is me jumping for joy) Thanks so much for you lovely review of Dragon Knight's Axe, Karilyn! I believe everyone was caught off-guard by my "Dragon" of Loch Ness. She's not a fire-breathing one, but a benevolent ancient. Trust me, I tried one time to write her spewing forth fire, lol! She vanished in a brilliant flash of colors within the mists of the Highlands.

Karilyn Bentley said...

You are most welcome Mary! :) I can't see your dragon spewing fire either!

Hebby Roman said...

Wow!!! I'm in awe how you both write so authoritatively about dragons! Paranormal authors are special, I think, being able to create a believable alternative reality. Your dragon stories sound fascinating. Way to go, ladies.

Unknown said...

I love dragons! Will have to check this one out and find out who the dragon is.

Angelina Jameson said...

I love the idea of a benevolent dragon. :)

Mary Morgan said...

Thanks, Hebby! The historical/paranormal world is vastly easier to write than historical--in my humble opinion. I don't alter history, but I can go beyond and create an alternate world, which I've layered with mythology. I'm in awe of historical authors, Hebby. Thanks so much for your kind words and for stopping by today. :)

Mary Morgan said...

Dragons are the best, Debra! Let me know what you think, if you get a chance to read my story. Thanks so much for stopping by. :)

Mary Morgan said...

She is verra special to me, Angelina. The first time I wrote her in a scene, I felt this surreal presence descend over me. At that moment, I knew she would never spew out fire. Her words are one of wisdom. Thanks so much for stopping by. :)

Barbara Bettis said...

Wonderful review!! I, too, prefer a benevolent dragon, Mary. Great to see one pop up !!

Karilyn Bentley said...

Thank you Hebby! I love dragons and Mary's was definitely a special one. Much different from my dragon shifters. :)

Thank you everyone for stopping by!!! Now go check out her book. :)

Happy Reading!!

Mary Morgan said...

I was honored by Karilyn's review, Barbara. Always special when another author reads and falls in love with your story. Thanks so much for stopping by. :)