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He's the alien dragon shifter with the soul as black as night, and he's claimed me as his fated mate.
I was escaping from my stalker ex when they took me from Earth. Dropped into a hellish alien maze where all I am is potential food. Until I run headlong into a huge, smoking hot alien dragon, covered in golden scales and an ego which could light up a planet.
Draco rules the prison maze they call the Kirakos and he says I belong to him. Do I get any choice? No.
Do I have any other options? Also no.
Am I going to let him win? Hell no. I didn’t escape from one nightmare, just to replace him with another. If this alien wants me, he’s going to have to fight for my heart.
Only the more I get to know Draco, the more I realize I’m not the only one here with a past. He has everything to lose in the Kirakos, and now he’s at risk of losing me too. And if a Sarkarnii male loses his fated mate it will be the only thing to break this powerful, dominant dragon shifter warrior. Even after everything I’ve been through, I’m not sure I’m ready to break him. Not yet. A spicy sci-fi romance from USA TODAY Bestselling Author Hattie Jacks explodes onto your ereader. An alien dragon shifter meets his fated mate in the one place, at the one time he least expects it. Enemies to lovers, this book contains one grumpy alien warlord, growls, snarls and plenty of 'mine'. You will fall for Draco, he insists you do...
I was escaping from my stalker ex when they took me from Earth. Dropped into a hellish alien maze where all I am is potential food. Until I run headlong into a huge, smoking hot alien dragon, covered in golden scales and an ego which could light up a planet.
Draco rules the prison maze they call the Kirakos and he says I belong to him. Do I get any choice? No.
Do I have any other options? Also no.
Am I going to let him win? Hell no. I didn’t escape from one nightmare, just to replace him with another. If this alien wants me, he’s going to have to fight for my heart.
Only the more I get to know Draco, the more I realize I’m not the only one here with a past. He has everything to lose in the Kirakos, and now he’s at risk of losing me too. And if a Sarkarnii male loses his fated mate it will be the only thing to break this powerful, dominant dragon shifter warrior. Even after everything I’ve been through, I’m not sure I’m ready to break him. Not yet. A spicy sci-fi romance from USA TODAY Bestselling Author Hattie Jacks explodes onto your ereader. An alien dragon shifter meets his fated mate in the one place, at the one time he least expects it. Enemies to lovers, this book contains one grumpy alien warlord, growls, snarls and plenty of 'mine'. You will fall for Draco, he insists you do...
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 17, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
October 27, 2023
I really did not like this book. I found the prison confusing and uninteresting because it wasn’t developed enough. I didn’t like the characters and how one note they were. It was just overall blah and I don’t want to continue with the series.
September 12, 2023
DNF at 30%.
The premise is really interesting and it had flashes of a rich world, but the dialogue, characters and writing were all over the place. Just when I was really invested in the story, the POV would change and the continuity would disappear. The MMC made no sense at all and neither did the actions of the FMC. If I was nabbed from Earth and dropped into some weird prison maze on a foreign planet, I'd need a helluva lot more questions answered before I got excited about giant alien reptile peen than she did, that's all I'm saying.
The premise is really interesting and it had flashes of a rich world, but the dialogue, characters and writing were all over the place. Just when I was really invested in the story, the POV would change and the continuity would disappear. The MMC made no sense at all and neither did the actions of the FMC. If I was nabbed from Earth and dropped into some weird prison maze on a foreign planet, I'd need a helluva lot more questions answered before I got excited about giant alien reptile peen than she did, that's all I'm saying.
Read
September 27, 2023DNF @ 28%
Read
September 11, 2023DNF 10% - The writing isn’t for me. Really cool premise but super cliche dialog and writing
April 1, 2024
The Good: I love dragons and I'll read almost any book with shifters. The anatomy? Weird but I can get into it. The straight up silliness of the "run" and the possessiveness of these aliens? Yeah, I can get down with a cheesetastic romance setup. Just don't look too deep into the worldbuilding and you'll be fine.
The Bad: The amount of inner thoughts taking up giant sections of the book, saying the same thing, over and over again, is no bueno. Straight up, this is a full length novel with novella size plot and it was killing my lady boner when the sex is the ONLY thing going for the story.
The Bottom Line: I need mindless entertainment, so does it fit the bill? Yes, but it could have been better. Won't stop me from reading the next one, because I like silly shifter books, so there's that.
The Bad: The amount of inner thoughts taking up giant sections of the book, saying the same thing, over and over again, is no bueno. Straight up, this is a full length novel with novella size plot and it was killing my lady boner when the sex is the ONLY thing going for the story.
The Bottom Line: I need mindless entertainment, so does it fit the bill? Yes, but it could have been better. Won't stop me from reading the next one, because I like silly shifter books, so there's that.
August 16, 2024
I loved it even if I almost missed it!
I started this and didn't get past the first chapter before I started something else. When Goodreads reminded me I was reading it a few weeks later I went back, started at the beginning again and could kick myself now for straying from it. It was so so good! I can't wait to read the rest of the series!
I started this and didn't get past the first chapter before I started something else. When Goodreads reminded me I was reading it a few weeks later I went back, started at the beginning again and could kick myself now for straying from it. It was so so good! I can't wait to read the rest of the series!
August 12, 2023
She did it! Damn this is a good book! I'm bitting at the bit for the next one, hoping to God there will be a Darus one, haha.
If you like shifter, size difference, amazing world building plus many other things. This is your book.
Plus, I'm a sucker for dragons, haha.
Don't pass this one up!
Spice is basic, but honestly, the characters are hilarious and just so adorable. I will leave you with my favorite quote!
"You taste like a promise I need to break, female," he growls.
*swoon*
Don't pass this up!
Peace , Love and Piracy
If you like shifter, size difference, amazing world building plus many other things. This is your book.
Plus, I'm a sucker for dragons, haha.
Don't pass this one up!
Spice is basic, but honestly, the characters are hilarious and just so adorable. I will leave you with my favorite quote!
"You taste like a promise I need to break, female," he growls.
*swoon*
Don't pass this up!
Peace , Love and Piracy
August 18, 2023
Alien Dragons Oh My
Strap in for another spicy, intergalactic ride with a brand new series. I mean what could be better than Hot, Growly, Protective and Possessive Alien Dragons?
This series starts of with Draco and Amber's journey to HEA but first Draco must complete a mission with his team all while keeping his newly found mate safe and out of harms way.
Get ready to laugh, swoon and sit on the edge of your seat for non stop action.
Strap in for another spicy, intergalactic ride with a brand new series. I mean what could be better than Hot, Growly, Protective and Possessive Alien Dragons?
This series starts of with Draco and Amber's journey to HEA but first Draco must complete a mission with his team all while keeping his newly found mate safe and out of harms way.
Get ready to laugh, swoon and sit on the edge of your seat for non stop action.
February 19, 2024
Beautiful cover wasted on a terrible book. DNF
May 6, 2024
I liked the story but it was also very confusing at times making it difficult to understand what was going on.
October 30, 2024
4/5 ⭐ 3/5🌶️
I found the premise of this book rather unique. When it comes to alien abduction books, a lot tend to follow a similar style. This book however threw us into an alien prison labyrinth with killer beasts, trap doors and broody dragon shifter aliens. Our main FMC Amber is tossed into the labyrinth completely confused and with no clue what is going on or how she got there. Just to come into contact with our big grumpy MMC Draco. Amber and Draco compliment one another really well. Where Draco will set the world ablaze and watch it burn to accomplish his goals, Amber is the voice of reason. Which seems to be exactly what this group of males needed because as the Run draws ever closer it becomes increasingly apparent that this will be their last one, one way or the other. They are victorious or they are not. And now that Draco has found Amber, he is not willing to lose.
Anyone who knows me, knows I love the big grumps, so Draco was right up my alley. And I found him and Amber to be a really good match. I will most definitely continue the series in the future. I recommend it to anyone looking for something alien or dragon shifter esc. But with a 'stuck in alien prison' twist then I'd highly recommend this book!
I found the premise of this book rather unique. When it comes to alien abduction books, a lot tend to follow a similar style. This book however threw us into an alien prison labyrinth with killer beasts, trap doors and broody dragon shifter aliens. Our main FMC Amber is tossed into the labyrinth completely confused and with no clue what is going on or how she got there. Just to come into contact with our big grumpy MMC Draco. Amber and Draco compliment one another really well. Where Draco will set the world ablaze and watch it burn to accomplish his goals, Amber is the voice of reason. Which seems to be exactly what this group of males needed because as the Run draws ever closer it becomes increasingly apparent that this will be their last one, one way or the other. They are victorious or they are not. And now that Draco has found Amber, he is not willing to lose.
Anyone who knows me, knows I love the big grumps, so Draco was right up my alley. And I found him and Amber to be a really good match. I will most definitely continue the series in the future. I recommend it to anyone looking for something alien or dragon shifter esc. But with a 'stuck in alien prison' twist then I'd highly recommend this book!
August 20, 2023
Dragon shifter aliens fated mates, yes! These aliens are in prison... On purpose. And the warden drops a tantalizing human into the maze to throw the dragons off their game. Non-stop action, running, and rutting. A fun read and some anticipation for at least 5 more books in this new series with other humans in the prison. Can Draco and his fated human Amber outwit, outrun, outlast the games of the prison maze to finally be together and save a near extinct species?
Tropes: obvious prison trope, there is pregnancy, but it's done well, touch her and die, fated mates, extra large peen, aphrodisiac spill, dragons
Read to find out more!
Tropes: obvious prison trope, there is pregnancy, but it's done well, touch her and die, fated mates, extra large peen, aphrodisiac spill, dragons
Read to find out more!
July 29, 2024
The characters jump around a bit without connecting descriptions. (Think being on one side of the room and suddenly they’re on the other end without having taken a step) I like the dragon shifter part. 3 star
Also Amber would’ve been a better character in my opinion without her stalker ex background. Since she’ll bring it up but it doesn’t actually affect her at all. Just have her as a person abducted and suddenly on a prison alien “planet” where she’s trying not to die
Also Amber would’ve been a better character in my opinion without her stalker ex background. Since she’ll bring it up but it doesn’t actually affect her at all. Just have her as a person abducted and suddenly on a prison alien “planet” where she’s trying not to die
September 12, 2023
Survivor FMC
I though Draco and Amber were a good fit for each other. She could match his ire, but still brought him some softness. Some of the world building was a bit unclear to me, but I’m hoping it will clear up in the preceding books.
Spice: 4/5
Triggers: abduction, stalking (off page), Quid pro quo/dubcon oral, violence and gore, genocide (off page)
I though Draco and Amber were a good fit for each other. She could match his ire, but still brought him some softness. Some of the world building was a bit unclear to me, but I’m hoping it will clear up in the preceding books.
Spice: 4/5
Triggers: abduction, stalking (off page), Quid pro quo/dubcon oral, violence and gore, genocide (off page)
August 17, 2023
Amber and Draco
Ive been waiting for Draco's story since he was introduced in the Warriors of the Citadel books. The author describes him best "He’s arrogant, egotistical, gorgeous, caring, honorable, and his heart is so damn pure". His mate Amber is strong enough to take care of herself. But realizes she even better with Draco. Nice spice. I look forward to more books in the series.
Ive been waiting for Draco's story since he was introduced in the Warriors of the Citadel books. The author describes him best "He’s arrogant, egotistical, gorgeous, caring, honorable, and his heart is so damn pure". His mate Amber is strong enough to take care of herself. But realizes she even better with Draco. Nice spice. I look forward to more books in the series.
August 16, 2023
5 stars for Draco,loved it!
Well written, with a great plot and storyline and the characters are determined, complex and detailed.
A human who is a survivor finds herself in a ship/prison/maze running for her life,a dragon shifter and his brothers, fated mates,troubles in every turn and the magic touch of Hattie Jacks makes this a must read!
Well written, with a great plot and storyline and the characters are determined, complex and detailed.
A human who is a survivor finds herself in a ship/prison/maze running for her life,a dragon shifter and his brothers, fated mates,troubles in every turn and the magic touch of Hattie Jacks makes this a must read!
August 31, 2023
been waiting
I have been waiting for this book, since i read blurb at the end of one of her other books. It didnt disappoint, excited for the next book. Took off a star for some editing issues, as well as a couple storyline confusions. Neither took away from the plot and would recommend it!
I have been waiting for this book, since i read blurb at the end of one of her other books. It didnt disappoint, excited for the next book. Took off a star for some editing issues, as well as a couple storyline confusions. Neither took away from the plot and would recommend it!
March 2, 2024
Draco & ambers story
Draco is the leader of his kind so everyone follows his orders. Amber was abducted by the aliens and placed in the prison maze which is how Draco found her. But the wardens didn’t predict her being his mate.
Draco is a bit of an asshole but not to amber, he’s a marshmallow to her lol. Amber is a good fmc.
Steam- 3/5 hooking, breeding kink with preg, loads of cum lol
Draco is the leader of his kind so everyone follows his orders. Amber was abducted by the aliens and placed in the prison maze which is how Draco found her. But the wardens didn’t predict her being his mate.
Draco is a bit of an asshole but not to amber, he’s a marshmallow to her lol. Amber is a good fmc.
Steam- 3/5 hooking, breeding kink with preg, loads of cum lol
July 31, 2024
3.5 - 4 stars
Imagine waking up in your own personal hell. Not knowing where you are or how you got there. Fighting to survive.
This sci fi romance has lots of action monsters and fated mates. But it is all they can do to survive in a prison full of terror.
The story is not overly long but it is entertaining enough to escape for a few hours.
Imagine waking up in your own personal hell. Not knowing where you are or how you got there. Fighting to survive.
This sci fi romance has lots of action monsters and fated mates. But it is all they can do to survive in a prison full of terror.
The story is not overly long but it is entertaining enough to escape for a few hours.
November 30, 2023
So the heroine has Big Trauma. The author wants you to know that her abusive ex was a stalker and he ruined her life and it has Traumatized her. But then a big alien comes along and reminds her of the Big Trauma because he takes all her agency away from her and treats her like a possession. But that’s ok for some reason. She immediately forgets all the Big Trauma and instantly accepts his sexual advances.
No. Why make her have the trauma and then just toss it aside? So ridiculous.
I DNF’d at the first spicy scene.
No. Why make her have the trauma and then just toss it aside? So ridiculous.
I DNF’d at the first spicy scene.
November 7, 2024
Waaaah I wanted to love this but unfortunately it didn’t really grab my attention and dragged
update: I continued on with the series and now I’m getting it and having fun 😂😂😂
update: I continued on with the series and now I’m getting it and having fun 😂😂😂
August 15, 2023
🔥 “I’m your villain, Amber. And I am going to teach you just what a Sarkarnii in rut is willing to do to his female.”
~~~
I absolutely loved Amber! She’s brave, strong, resilient, bold and defiant. And, oh, so feisty. Even more, I loved that she was not afraid to stand up for herself and had the courage to face any dangers thrown her way. Unfortunately, she’s been on the run from her stalking ex on Earth. And, now, she’s been taken and is on the run again, but from all kinds of alien monsters. Until she meets the biggest predator of them all.
And then, there’s Draco - high commander of the great Sarkarnii warrior horde, leader of the one hundred armies, Captain of the Golden Orion, one of the elite of his species, a pirate, and the ultimate knicker demolisher. The massive, seven-foot alien is one intense, fearsome, ruthless and powerful male. And he’s also lethal, arrogant, bossy and possessive. But there is another side of him, too. Because Draco is also fiercely protective, honorable and caring. And I absolutely loved his dominance and his filthy mouth. Oooh, that self-assured, growly, fire-breathing, dragon-shifting Sarkarnii warrior is definitely something and I couldn’t help but adore every single thing about him!
I absolutely loved everything that happened between Amber and Draco! From the moment they met, their attraction was undeniable. But it took some time for Amber to overcome her doubts and learn to trust the huge and scaly alien warrior. And I loved that Draco, with every action, proved to her time and time again that he’s the right male for her. I also loved their banters, teasing and bargaining. And I absolutely loved all the nicknames Draco gave Amber. Even more, they were a great team - together navigating through Kirakos. And there might be more to Amber than anyone expects and she might be the key to help the Sarkarnii take control over the maze prison. And the spice… was absolutely panty-melting! Oh, the things a Sarkarnii male could do with his special equipment, tail and split tongue… 🫠🫠🫠 (psst… did I mention he’s a shifter, too… 😏 *cough* dragonfuntimes *cough*) I couldn’t get enough of all the passionate and naughty moments. Amber and Draco were absolutely perfect for each other and, after everything both went through, they more than deserved to find happiness and love together.
In addition, the storyline was phenomenal! We’ve met the Sarkarnii before and I was so curious about them since then. Now that we know more, I can say that I absolutely love those males! Drega and Draxx were so awesome and I cannot wait to learn more about them. Even more, we get to go on dangerous runs in a prison maze filled with deadly creatures in search of a very special map. With all the unexpected discoveries and turns of events, I was glued to the pages till the very end.
Overall, the story is an incredible start of the series! It’s filled with non-stop action, danger, suspense, twists, drama, humor, blazing hot romance and spectacular characters.
I couldn’t put it down and absolutely loved every single page of it!
~~~
I absolutely loved Amber! She’s brave, strong, resilient, bold and defiant. And, oh, so feisty. Even more, I loved that she was not afraid to stand up for herself and had the courage to face any dangers thrown her way. Unfortunately, she’s been on the run from her stalking ex on Earth. And, now, she’s been taken and is on the run again, but from all kinds of alien monsters. Until she meets the biggest predator of them all.
And then, there’s Draco - high commander of the great Sarkarnii warrior horde, leader of the one hundred armies, Captain of the Golden Orion, one of the elite of his species, a pirate, and the ultimate knicker demolisher. The massive, seven-foot alien is one intense, fearsome, ruthless and powerful male. And he’s also lethal, arrogant, bossy and possessive. But there is another side of him, too. Because Draco is also fiercely protective, honorable and caring. And I absolutely loved his dominance and his filthy mouth. Oooh, that self-assured, growly, fire-breathing, dragon-shifting Sarkarnii warrior is definitely something and I couldn’t help but adore every single thing about him!
I absolutely loved everything that happened between Amber and Draco! From the moment they met, their attraction was undeniable. But it took some time for Amber to overcome her doubts and learn to trust the huge and scaly alien warrior. And I loved that Draco, with every action, proved to her time and time again that he’s the right male for her. I also loved their banters, teasing and bargaining. And I absolutely loved all the nicknames Draco gave Amber. Even more, they were a great team - together navigating through Kirakos. And there might be more to Amber than anyone expects and she might be the key to help the Sarkarnii take control over the maze prison. And the spice… was absolutely panty-melting! Oh, the things a Sarkarnii male could do with his special equipment, tail and split tongue… 🫠🫠🫠 (psst… did I mention he’s a shifter, too… 😏 *cough* dragonfuntimes *cough*) I couldn’t get enough of all the passionate and naughty moments. Amber and Draco were absolutely perfect for each other and, after everything both went through, they more than deserved to find happiness and love together.
In addition, the storyline was phenomenal! We’ve met the Sarkarnii before and I was so curious about them since then. Now that we know more, I can say that I absolutely love those males! Drega and Draxx were so awesome and I cannot wait to learn more about them. Even more, we get to go on dangerous runs in a prison maze filled with deadly creatures in search of a very special map. With all the unexpected discoveries and turns of events, I was glued to the pages till the very end.
Overall, the story is an incredible start of the series! It’s filled with non-stop action, danger, suspense, twists, drama, humor, blazing hot romance and spectacular characters.
I couldn’t put it down and absolutely loved every single page of it!
November 27, 2023
So, so. . .
I kind of like it, but conceptually there are some serious issues. First it seems like the author vacillates too much on what her aims are for the storyline; one moment there are instances where one of lead characters is going on and on about some point only to contradict it only seconds later stating they want something totally different, so I end up not knowing what conceptual direction the relationship or the story itself is headed because they're all over the place, contradicting the direction the story was going literally one sentence after making grandiose inner monologues -- so in a nutshell it is very unclear what the author's trying to get at. It's just like the author lost track of what point they were trying to make and then contradicts big grandiose inter monologues that direct the story just paragraphs later.
Then there's the 'I want him, I don't want him, I want him, I don't want him,' or the 'I love him, I can't love him,' just back and forth, it drove me nuts -- make up your mind.
Also, there's this disjointed feel to the flow of the storyline because the characters make statements or have thoughts that just don't seem related to what's going on at that point in the book, a 'where did that come from' sort of thing, and it makes me feel as if the author picked up writing and didn't read what had gone on before and started some new train of thought or something akin to that.
And lastly, the freaking British vernacular slang is fine for the female lead because she's from Newcastle, England, but using British vernacular slang for the aliens just doesn't jive, doesn't make any sense -- they wouldn't know to speak that way ("was stood," instead of "was standing," and "was sat," instead of "was sitting") so at that point it just becomes bad grammar in the writing and can't be excused as being used to differentiate between the characters.
I liked it okay, but there were just too many times when I found myself rolling my eyes and thinking to myself, "where in the hell did that come from," or, "why did he/she say that when just a second ago they said something totally contradictory," like the characters were going on about that wasn't even in the book which doesn't make sense because this is the first of the series. Outside of that there are a few typographical errors, and the first sexual encounter between the two lead characters is kind of out of nowhere and seems incongruous, but the story wasn't terrible and even with the stuff that drove me nuts I thought it was a really good idea just not clearly or smoothly conceptually delivered.
I kind of like it, but conceptually there are some serious issues. First it seems like the author vacillates too much on what her aims are for the storyline; one moment there are instances where one of lead characters is going on and on about some point only to contradict it only seconds later stating they want something totally different, so I end up not knowing what conceptual direction the relationship or the story itself is headed because they're all over the place, contradicting the direction the story was going literally one sentence after making grandiose inner monologues -- so in a nutshell it is very unclear what the author's trying to get at. It's just like the author lost track of what point they were trying to make and then contradicts big grandiose inter monologues that direct the story just paragraphs later.
Then there's the 'I want him, I don't want him, I want him, I don't want him,' or the 'I love him, I can't love him,' just back and forth, it drove me nuts -- make up your mind.
Also, there's this disjointed feel to the flow of the storyline because the characters make statements or have thoughts that just don't seem related to what's going on at that point in the book, a 'where did that come from' sort of thing, and it makes me feel as if the author picked up writing and didn't read what had gone on before and started some new train of thought or something akin to that.
And lastly, the freaking British vernacular slang is fine for the female lead because she's from Newcastle, England, but using British vernacular slang for the aliens just doesn't jive, doesn't make any sense -- they wouldn't know to speak that way ("was stood," instead of "was standing," and "was sat," instead of "was sitting") so at that point it just becomes bad grammar in the writing and can't be excused as being used to differentiate between the characters.
I liked it okay, but there were just too many times when I found myself rolling my eyes and thinking to myself, "where in the hell did that come from," or, "why did he/she say that when just a second ago they said something totally contradictory," like the characters were going on about that wasn't even in the book which doesn't make sense because this is the first of the series. Outside of that there are a few typographical errors, and the first sexual encounter between the two lead characters is kind of out of nowhere and seems incongruous, but the story wasn't terrible and even with the stuff that drove me nuts I thought it was a really good idea just not clearly or smoothly conceptually delivered.
August 21, 2023
Draco by Hattie Jacks
I have been so utterly interested in Draco’s menacing personality since he was first brought up in Savage Pet because not only do I have a soft spot in my heart for grumpy, growly males, but also for our morally grey ones. Draco fits the bill for both.
Stuck in a prison, Kirakos, Amber has been running for her life to avoid being killed by the unhinged aliens and alien creatures that reside in this prison. She’s survived by learning how to run and navigate the maze, until she falls down a hole and lands right at Draco’s feet. The moment he sees her, he recognizes her as his.
The story follows along not only the journey of Draco learning, and accepting, Amber is his fated mate, but also how they navigate the runs in the maze. There is a lot of fighting, a lot drama, and a lot of spice. This male has a forked tongue. A. FORKED. TONGUE. *sigh*
I personally am fairly obsessed with anything Hattie Jacks has written to date, and Draco is no exception. He hit all my buttons with his personality - that growly, possessive, ill-mannered type - and I really loved that this story was kept separate from the running storyline with Warriors of the Citadel series. I also really loved that our FMC, Amber, was a very strong character. Her strengths didn’t lie in her just defying Draco at every turn like some strong FMC do, but in her smarts and how creative she is in the maze. She complimented Draco well, where he was a planner to a certain extent, she was one that explored a little and helped move everything Draco was trying to do forward.
I really enjoyed this read, and I cannot wait to read the next in the series. At the end of this story it was mentioned that Draco’s brother, Draxx, will be next and I AM SO EXCITED. He seems fairly unhinged, and if he’s anything like Ilyos from the Warriors of the Citadel series, I’m going to be in love.
10/10 for me!!
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
I received an ARC of this story in an exchange for an honest review. THANK YOU!
I have been so utterly interested in Draco’s menacing personality since he was first brought up in Savage Pet because not only do I have a soft spot in my heart for grumpy, growly males, but also for our morally grey ones. Draco fits the bill for both.
Stuck in a prison, Kirakos, Amber has been running for her life to avoid being killed by the unhinged aliens and alien creatures that reside in this prison. She’s survived by learning how to run and navigate the maze, until she falls down a hole and lands right at Draco’s feet. The moment he sees her, he recognizes her as his.
The story follows along not only the journey of Draco learning, and accepting, Amber is his fated mate, but also how they navigate the runs in the maze. There is a lot of fighting, a lot drama, and a lot of spice. This male has a forked tongue. A. FORKED. TONGUE. *sigh*
I personally am fairly obsessed with anything Hattie Jacks has written to date, and Draco is no exception. He hit all my buttons with his personality - that growly, possessive, ill-mannered type - and I really loved that this story was kept separate from the running storyline with Warriors of the Citadel series. I also really loved that our FMC, Amber, was a very strong character. Her strengths didn’t lie in her just defying Draco at every turn like some strong FMC do, but in her smarts and how creative she is in the maze. She complimented Draco well, where he was a planner to a certain extent, she was one that explored a little and helped move everything Draco was trying to do forward.
I really enjoyed this read, and I cannot wait to read the next in the series. At the end of this story it was mentioned that Draco’s brother, Draxx, will be next and I AM SO EXCITED. He seems fairly unhinged, and if he’s anything like Ilyos from the Warriors of the Citadel series, I’m going to be in love.
10/10 for me!!
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
I received an ARC of this story in an exchange for an honest review. THANK YOU!
August 17, 2023
Love and Adventure!
I really enjoyed the start of this and the opening scene was full of fast paced thrills. It starts with Amber, the human, running for her life though a prison maze on an alien planet. I totally pictured super tall walls with hidden passages similar to the movie The Maze Runner or if you have played Zelda Breath of the Wild, then you know what I mean also. The adventure of being in this maze where beings have learned to adapt and live is a pretty awesome concept and while I hope they find a way to escape, I also hope they don’t because I need more secrets from the place. Well, spoiler, they don’t really want to escape but they do want to take it over.
When Draco was introduced, I knew the book was about to get good. He literally claims her from the very first sighting. One sniff and he says, “Mine”! And his personality is so awesome. Everyone seems to be afraid of him because he is a natural born leader but he is also very funny and flirty! Of course Amber is no slacker either. She has spunk and a great survival instinct that if in all honesty, if she needed to survive the maze alone, I think she could totally do it. The banter between Draco and Amber was nice to read and Draco in his rut is a funny guy and I imagine him with stars in his eyes as he feeds Amber food and compliments her. The chemistry he radiates is very sexy and I like how he goes after Amber and doesn’t want to let her go. It is a need he feels possessed by.
I definitely recommend and I cannot wait to see what happens with his brothers and warriors. What a great read!
I really enjoyed the start of this and the opening scene was full of fast paced thrills. It starts with Amber, the human, running for her life though a prison maze on an alien planet. I totally pictured super tall walls with hidden passages similar to the movie The Maze Runner or if you have played Zelda Breath of the Wild, then you know what I mean also. The adventure of being in this maze where beings have learned to adapt and live is a pretty awesome concept and while I hope they find a way to escape, I also hope they don’t because I need more secrets from the place. Well, spoiler, they don’t really want to escape but they do want to take it over.
When Draco was introduced, I knew the book was about to get good. He literally claims her from the very first sighting. One sniff and he says, “Mine”! And his personality is so awesome. Everyone seems to be afraid of him because he is a natural born leader but he is also very funny and flirty! Of course Amber is no slacker either. She has spunk and a great survival instinct that if in all honesty, if she needed to survive the maze alone, I think she could totally do it. The banter between Draco and Amber was nice to read and Draco in his rut is a funny guy and I imagine him with stars in his eyes as he feeds Amber food and compliments her. The chemistry he radiates is very sexy and I like how he goes after Amber and doesn’t want to let her go. It is a need he feels possessed by.
I definitely recommend and I cannot wait to see what happens with his brothers and warriors. What a great read!
October 23, 2024
3.5 ⭐️s
I struggled with this one, mostly because I was a bit deceived by the description and opening for the book and assumed the prison maze would play a big part. Unfortunately, it was very underutilized… which hurt the story a bit.
Character were fun and interesting, I liked Amber a lot even though she had some wishy washy moments. Draco is sort of one note, but I like that note for the most part so he did mostly fine as a lead. The side character intrigued me… especially Draxx, which makes me interested in the rest of the series at least a little.
Since the actual maze wasn’t really used except in the very beginning, I’d expect the slower moments between the leads to include a lot more talking and them getting to know each other. That was not the case. Very very little time was actually spent on them getting to know each other in ways other than the physical, which hurts the spicy scenes and declarations of love as they feel less genuine. I as the reader know who Amber is because I get to be inside her head, but Draco doesn’t… and vice versa. So when they claim to love each other, it feels like it’s more of a “it’s time for this” moment rather than an actual feeling they have.
Lots of confusing moments, could do with some better explanations about the prison and the Sarkarnii and the forces they’re up against. Just found myself quite confused a lot. There was some lore near the end, but even that was very glossed over. Amber was not curious enough about what was going on, which hurts the story.
But I mean.. sexy dragon shifter, am I right? Hard not to appreciate that.
I struggled with this one, mostly because I was a bit deceived by the description and opening for the book and assumed the prison maze would play a big part. Unfortunately, it was very underutilized… which hurt the story a bit.
Character were fun and interesting, I liked Amber a lot even though she had some wishy washy moments. Draco is sort of one note, but I like that note for the most part so he did mostly fine as a lead. The side character intrigued me… especially Draxx, which makes me interested in the rest of the series at least a little.
Since the actual maze wasn’t really used except in the very beginning, I’d expect the slower moments between the leads to include a lot more talking and them getting to know each other. That was not the case. Very very little time was actually spent on them getting to know each other in ways other than the physical, which hurts the spicy scenes and declarations of love as they feel less genuine. I as the reader know who Amber is because I get to be inside her head, but Draco doesn’t… and vice versa. So when they claim to love each other, it feels like it’s more of a “it’s time for this” moment rather than an actual feeling they have.
Lots of confusing moments, could do with some better explanations about the prison and the Sarkarnii and the forces they’re up against. Just found myself quite confused a lot. There was some lore near the end, but even that was very glossed over. Amber was not curious enough about what was going on, which hurts the story.
But I mean.. sexy dragon shifter, am I right? Hard not to appreciate that.
August 26, 2023
4&1\2 🌟's for Draco��💖
if you've read any of Hattie Jacks books before we were introduced to Stack in the Savage prize, pet and mine books. He and his brothers were intriguing characters and I was excited to see if they were going to get their own stories. Well here we are and I have to say this is a great first showing in the series. I'd like to know a bit more about how they'd actually got into the prison in which we find them, but other than that the world building is solid and the characters have lots of chemistry. Draco is Sarkarnii he and his brother along with the rest of their den are the last survivors of their race at least as of now. They are on the hunt for a map that just might lead them to more of their kind. While looking for this map on a deadly prison a human female is stolen and tossed I to the mix. Amber went to bed one night and then next she was abducted, and Raskarran thrown into some sort of amaze where she has run and run in order to save her self. She has some trauma in her past and she's trying too over come it. Just when she thinks all is lost she runs into a dragon man who decides she belongs to him. Can these two survive the games of the prison , save each other, save Dracos people and fall in love? You'll have to read and find out! Lots of actions and just the right amount of spice dragons after all are very very hot!💖🌟🔥🔥🌟💖🌟🔥🔥🌟💖🌟🔥💖🌟🔥🌟💖🌟🔥🌟
if you've read any of Hattie Jacks books before we were introduced to Stack in the Savage prize, pet and mine books. He and his brothers were intriguing characters and I was excited to see if they were going to get their own stories. Well here we are and I have to say this is a great first showing in the series. I'd like to know a bit more about how they'd actually got into the prison in which we find them, but other than that the world building is solid and the characters have lots of chemistry. Draco is Sarkarnii he and his brother along with the rest of their den are the last survivors of their race at least as of now. They are on the hunt for a map that just might lead them to more of their kind. While looking for this map on a deadly prison a human female is stolen and tossed I to the mix. Amber went to bed one night and then next she was abducted, and Raskarran thrown into some sort of amaze where she has run and run in order to save her self. She has some trauma in her past and she's trying too over come it. Just when she thinks all is lost she runs into a dragon man who decides she belongs to him. Can these two survive the games of the prison , save each other, save Dracos people and fall in love? You'll have to read and find out! Lots of actions and just the right amount of spice dragons after all are very very hot!💖🌟🔥🔥🌟💖🌟🔥🔥🌟💖🌟🔥💖🌟🔥🌟💖🌟🔥🌟
June 23, 2024
I was looking for a good alien romance to get pulled into and this definitely did a little something something.
Was it perfect? No, but was it good enough to get me invested in the characters and the world absolutely.
The language, the creatures, the sarkarnnii culture, and the action-packed unique start of this being set on an alien prison was so delicious! So yummy that I could almost overlook the lack of character development that came from our main relationship. It wasn't that these characters were incompatible. It was that we didn't get to see any of the love or intimacy developing through the pages. It went at an insta. Love pace and there was not much growth between the two. The added tension of our heroin Amber having previously been in an abusive relationship was not well done. It felt like it was just put there to create a conflict for her internal emotions, but she didn't come across to me as a woman who was genuinely in a position of being abused and stalked. She trusted way too easily and even though her internal conflict was there, it never showed up physically in her interactions with Draco. For me it was like saying you have a broken ankle and then you go ahead and do double dutch.
But that aside, the start to this world and the sarkarnii people was definitely the star of this book and made me want to read the second.
Was it perfect? No, but was it good enough to get me invested in the characters and the world absolutely.
The language, the creatures, the sarkarnnii culture, and the action-packed unique start of this being set on an alien prison was so delicious! So yummy that I could almost overlook the lack of character development that came from our main relationship. It wasn't that these characters were incompatible. It was that we didn't get to see any of the love or intimacy developing through the pages. It went at an insta. Love pace and there was not much growth between the two. The added tension of our heroin Amber having previously been in an abusive relationship was not well done. It felt like it was just put there to create a conflict for her internal emotions, but she didn't come across to me as a woman who was genuinely in a position of being abused and stalked. She trusted way too easily and even though her internal conflict was there, it never showed up physically in her interactions with Draco. For me it was like saying you have a broken ankle and then you go ahead and do double dutch.
But that aside, the start to this world and the sarkarnii people was definitely the star of this book and made me want to read the second.
August 16, 2023
In this case you can judge a book by it's cover!
I was very drawn to this book cover and was very intrigued by Draco, and he didn't disappoint. This is an interesting story where Draco and his dragon shifting brothers are trapped in a Maze prison. But they seem to be there deliberately and they are looking for a map hidden in its depths. Amber is our heroine. She's a human and has been abducted and dropped into the maze. She doesn't know why she's there but she seems to be a 'key'. But a key to what?
The maze is filled with ever moving corridors, traps and dangerous beasts. And Amber spends her whole time running. Until one day she runs into Draco and he claims her as his. His to protect. His to use. His to breed. Because, oh yes, don't worry, despite the fact they were constantly in danger they still found time for spice!
This was a fast paced read full of action and adventure. It held my interest and sets up an interesting plot and story arc for future instalments. I'm particularly interested in learning more about his brothers and conveniently, there appear to be other humans in the maze... one for each brother perhaps? We'll just have to wait and see.
I read this as an ARC.
I was very drawn to this book cover and was very intrigued by Draco, and he didn't disappoint. This is an interesting story where Draco and his dragon shifting brothers are trapped in a Maze prison. But they seem to be there deliberately and they are looking for a map hidden in its depths. Amber is our heroine. She's a human and has been abducted and dropped into the maze. She doesn't know why she's there but she seems to be a 'key'. But a key to what?
The maze is filled with ever moving corridors, traps and dangerous beasts. And Amber spends her whole time running. Until one day she runs into Draco and he claims her as his. His to protect. His to use. His to breed. Because, oh yes, don't worry, despite the fact they were constantly in danger they still found time for spice!
This was a fast paced read full of action and adventure. It held my interest and sets up an interesting plot and story arc for future instalments. I'm particularly interested in learning more about his brothers and conveniently, there appear to be other humans in the maze... one for each brother perhaps? We'll just have to wait and see.
I read this as an ARC.
January 10, 2024
not great
I liked the idea of this book and its storyline and I really really wanted to like it but I didn’t. The storyline really needs expanding but it was the writing that killed it for me. It is so poor and too cheesy and cringy in places. I am used to reading paranormal books and love them but some of the characters in this were just a step too far for me. I can see Star Trek inspiration from the author and as much as I love Star Trek, the creatures described just didn’t work for me. It felt too silly, I am not sure if it is the way they are described or just the writing style. An octopus cross lobster? I felt like SpongeBob was going to appear next. Maybe if the storyline and characters had more depth to them it may have worked. Much more detail to world building was needed. Maybe the last chapter could have been an introduction to what I assume is going to be the next human in the maze would have helped me to want to read the next book. Unfortunately I don’t want to proceed with this series. It gets 3* as I did finish it but in reality it is closer to 2*. Sorry to give such a poor review but if I wasn’t honest it would be a disservice to the books I have really enjoyed.
I liked the idea of this book and its storyline and I really really wanted to like it but I didn’t. The storyline really needs expanding but it was the writing that killed it for me. It is so poor and too cheesy and cringy in places. I am used to reading paranormal books and love them but some of the characters in this were just a step too far for me. I can see Star Trek inspiration from the author and as much as I love Star Trek, the creatures described just didn’t work for me. It felt too silly, I am not sure if it is the way they are described or just the writing style. An octopus cross lobster? I felt like SpongeBob was going to appear next. Maybe if the storyline and characters had more depth to them it may have worked. Much more detail to world building was needed. Maybe the last chapter could have been an introduction to what I assume is going to be the next human in the maze would have helped me to want to read the next book. Unfortunately I don’t want to proceed with this series. It gets 3* as I did finish it but in reality it is closer to 2*. Sorry to give such a poor review but if I wasn’t honest it would be a disservice to the books I have really enjoyed.
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