Rating: ★★★
I received an ARC of this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I previously read one of the author’s other books, Eva Evergreen, Semi Magical Witch, and absolutely loved it. I was very excited to read this one since it acts as a prequel to the Eva Evergreen books. Unfortunately, I didn’t like this book as much as Eva Evergreen.
This is a Cinderella retelling and because of that, the book felt constrained plot wise. I didn’t feel as though the story benefitted from being a Cinderella retelling. If the book was just a regular middle grade fantasy without the Cinderella aspects, it still would have worked. I also felt that the book wasn’t as magical as Eva Evergreen. Eva Evergreen had a certain charm about it and I was hoping this book would too since it is set in the same universe.
Additionally, for a book with the word “dragons” in the title, it was light on the dragons. The book never seemed to fully explore the dragons and Alliana’s relationship with them. (Maybe this will come in a later book?)
Don’t get me wrong, I did like some things about the book. I enjoyed the supporting characters, especially Grandmother Mari and Nela. Each of them had such a special relationship and bond with Alliana that was heartwarming to see. I also liked the parts that did feature the dragons.
Overall, there were some things I liked about this and some things I had issues with. I hope there is a sequel to this book since there’s still more to explore with Alliana. If you are looking for a middle grade fantasy, I would say to give it a shot!
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Odd and Bookish 
The cover is beautiful and your review is enticing. Just so you know, in the world of book reviews, you are not supposed to use the words “in exchange for.” If you read my reviews, you will see the disclaimer I put at the end and you are welcome to copy and paste it if you would like. Federal Laws prohibit booksellers giving away books for reviews, so you are supposed to make it clear in the review that the opinions are your own, not influenced by receiving the book for free. I hope this advice helps you in your pursuit of more reviews. God bless.
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Thanks for the heads up. Could you please direct me to that law? Also I believe that the disclosure (at least according to the FTC) has to be at the beginning not the end (since some people won’t read the whole thing).
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The disclosure just has to be there. And you can read it at any of my reviews
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It has to be conspicuous before you post looks to the book.
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Such beautiful cover. Shame it didn’t explore more on the draconic aspect.
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