When I requested this arc I had not read the first book in the series yet. I keep on saying I will no longer do that, but I also keep on thinking that I know very well which books and series I'm gonna like. Quite often I'm right about that. Sometimes I'm not. Although the first book in this series was unique and really well written and thought out, it turned out I wasn't in the mood for it. However, Hodderscape granted me this review copy and I really wanted to give this sequel a chance.

I actually ended up liking this sequel more than the previous book and that's mostly because this book is not as heavy on the world building. The world was introduced in the first book, the characters were introduced in the first book and now it was time to start playing. I really loved spending some time at the academy and I also really enjoyed seeing more of the world the dragons were inhabiting and fighting for.

However, after finishing the book there I'm still not convinced that this series was for me. I think that has partly to do with the focus of the book. Although there is a romance in this book, and although that romance is important for the plot, the romance doesn't feel really romantic. It's hard to explain, but the connection between the characters misses a certain...spark? The target audience of this book probably won't mind though. If you enjoyed the first book, you're probably not here for the romance anyway.

The finale of the book was quite satisfying, though, and I was really glad that the author didn't drag everything out longer than needed. I'm pretty sure that this world is big, and complicated and interesting, enough for more stories, but it's clear that these characters have survived the most important moment of their lives and it's time to leave them alone. If the author returns for this world, I'm not sure if I'll return too. Unless my reading mood drastically changes. You never know!

Emberclaw is everything I hoped for and more—a breathtaking conclusion to the Dragon Scales duology that had me on the edge of my seat. L.R. Lam masterfully weaves together high-stakes action, intricate worldbuilding, and a romance that aches with yearning. Arcady and Everen’s journey? The tension is palpable, the emotions raw, and the character growth? Absolutely stunning. And let’s talk about Sorin—her arc stole the show in ways I never expected.

If you love dragons, slow-burn romance, and stories that don’t shy away from exploring identity and destiny, this is a must-read!

I thank Netgalley for the e-ARC in exchange of an honest opinion.

I rate this book 5 stars!

I loved the first book, so obviously I had great expectations (pun intended!) for this one and L.R. Lam did a great job.

The worldbuilding, characters, dialogue, descriptions, writing style (you name it!), everything seemed tailored to my taste. It takes a bit for the story to warm up and become interesting, but it's worth it!

Emberclaw is the second book in the Dragon Scales fantasy duology. In the first book Dragonfall, we met Arcady, a human thief, and Everen, the last male dragon destined to save his kind. When Everen comes to the human world disguised as a man, the two meet and end up falling for one another despite the age-old conflict between humans and dragons. I thought that this was a strong fantasy book with a great final act when I first read it. In fact, the story ended so well that I wasn’t sure there would be another one, but I’m so glad we get to return to this world and that the characters have a chance to solve some of the lingering issues left over from the last book.

At the start of Emberclaw, Arcady and Everen are separated and have to face challenges on their own. Arcady has the chance to clear their grandsire’s name and enter the magical University of Vatra. On the other side of the Veil, Everen is trapped with and resented by dragonkind. Both are haunted by the loss of the other, but I do appreciate that they are given a chance to act on their own at the beginning. They are both strong characters with goals to achieve which becomes even more apparent in the sequel.

Nonetheless, I do prefer the characters working together. The angst that comes from separation and fighting to get to one another is powerful, but I missed their banter. So, I was anticipating their reunion a lot. And L. R. Lam didn’t disappoint!

This was a wonderful conclusion to the series, and I really hope that we get more fantasy books like this! Not only is it set in a queer-normative world, but it also explores ideas of gender and identity in a really powerful way. With one non-binary character using ‘them/them’ pronouns and one character who is literally a dragon that takes on a human form, the author really looks at interesting ideas of bodily fluidity.

If you like books like Forth Wing or Dragonflight which are about dragons but want a bit more depth to the story and more diverse characters, check this out!

It’s here! I’ve been waiting excitedly for this since I finished Dragonfall, I’ve been so impatient to find out what happened next. I do also have to admit I’d forgotten many details in the two years that have passed and wound up not having time to reread Dragonfall before picking this up - so I’m glad there was a short recap of the important bits at the front of this book.

While I do think it shows that this was intended to be a trilogy and became a duology instead - in many places I felt like the plot or or world building or both were kind of straining at the seams, wanting to expand more - I’d also be hard pressed to say anything is missing, or that the story is rushed. It isn’t. I do wish I could’ve had more time in this universe, but I did get everything I wanted at the end of Dragonfall so I have no complaints. I’m especially pleased by Sorin’s storyline! She really came into her own and I was so happy to get to spejd more time with her pov this time compared to Dragonfall. Or at least it felt that way.

Also ice days this before but it’s still true: L.R. Lam just continued to deliver books that are like tailor made for me. I don’t know what it is but their books just always click for me. I’m so happy.

I received an ARC through netgalley in exchange for a fair review.

Wow what an amazing sequel to Dragonfall! I couldn't put this book down and really enjoyed following Arcadi and Everen on their journey.

This book gave me Goblet of Fire vibes but with more mature characters and angst. I really enjoyed the introduction of new characters through the university setting and the development of Sorin.

I would highly recommend this book if you enjoy Magic, Dragons, Enemies to lovers, forbidden love and a good plot.

I'm really sad that it's over

I really enjoyed this, it’s definitely better than the first and even though I enjoyed that I loved this more, I really still love the concept , the world building and characters, I just love it all. L R Lam is a fantastic storyteller

Emberclaw is the sequel to Dragonfall. What was planned as a trilogy ended up being a duology. This actually paid off, because the story wasn't dragged out unnecessarily.

Arcady has managed to get into university. Sorin, who has a bigger role in this book, also attends university in order to spy on Arcady. Everen, is still trapped in the dragon world but longs to be back in the human world to fix the rift between himself and Arcady, and to sort out the overall problem of the Dreamer and the Veil, of course.

The slow burn romance between Arcady and Everen made me wish for a less slow burn, but it burnt so well that this is an oxymoron. I really liked how this plot-part played out. Also, both Arcady and Everen show character growth throughout the novel, as well as Sorin.

The world-building, which I might have grumped about in my review to the first book, really paid off. The world(s) as well as the magic system was well built and it all clicked together once the reader knows what is causing the problem between the worlds.

The conclusion of the novel/duology was fitting and I wouldn't mind diving back into this world - in case Ms Lam would like to write more stories set in this world.

"Emberclaw" is the second book in the "Dragon Scales" series by L.R. Lam.

I received an advance reader copy from Hodder & Stoughton via Netgalley.
Opinions from this review are completely my own.

In this book we have the same perspectives as before, but Sorin has a bigger role.
Arcady is posing as a noble student at the arcane University of Vatra and to be able to afford the tuition her enrolls in the trials of magic.
Everen was imprisoned in the dragon world and he is released to protect the island from wraith attacks, but is no longer a price.
Sorin is sent to the University to spy on Arcady but ends up helping him. Her character development during this book made me like her and I empathized with her.
During the book we can also see clear character growth for both Arcady and Everen. They manage to help each other heal and manage to repair their connection.
I think that I liked a bit more this book than the first one. The writing style is beautiful, the story kept me engaged, the action, the magic and the emotional moments were a bonus.

If you like fantasy stories with dragons, queer characters, magic and academic setting, you will enjoy this book.

Slow to get going but the world building is amazing and the characters are fantastic. Loved the ideas that were put forward and it is great to have another wonderful dragon series out there.

This was a heart stopping, breath catching conclusion to the Dragon Scales duology.

I thought the first book was full of yearning and longing, but it was nothing compared to this. Our two main characters are physically apart for a good half of the book, but they meet in their minds, in their dreams. And oh, oh those dreams. Arcady, you have some explaining to do. Their feelings are explored with bone aching tenderness as they struggle to come to terms with all the betrayal that had come before and what they would do next.

The romance, as stunning as it is however, is not the only focus. Arcady has achieved their dream of getting into the university, but now they have classes to attend, friendships to form and a series of trials that could change everything.

The story of these two is beautiful, but it isn't just their story.

Sorin really comes into her own in this book, as she explores who she is, and who she was made to be. Her journey is just as powerful as theirs, and I ached for her as she suffered, as she learnt how to live with the pain of what had been done to her.

The side characters are all expertly created, and I have a soft spot for Kel - I doubt I'll be the only one.

The ending was both rushed, and not. I loved how it all concluded, the poetry of the text and what was happening as they dealt with the immediate peril. The larger, overarching plot threads however, seemed to be wrapped up with little more than a handwave, although it does give the writer freedom to move if they decide to return to this world. I certainly hope they do, as there are so many questions I want answers to, and so many stories still to be told.

~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~

A great finish to the duology, bringing more challenges and danger alongside mysteries to unravel and worlds to save. I enjoyed having both Arcady's and Everen's narratives in this book, though I did find it a little difficult switching between second and third person narratives. There is a lot of emotional turmoil on both sides of the veil and it was great to see how both these characters, though Arcady in particular, were feeling about the events that ended the first book. Throughout, there are conflicted emotions that Arcady has to battle, as well as some unusual magic haunting him at night. The plot unfolded well, with some surprises and some of the answers we've been waiting for. Though I didn't feel like I had full closure from the ending, this was an enjoyable book and I liked returning to Arcady and Everen.

I received a free copy of this book. All views are my own.

A good addition to the previous book. I still, unfortunately, felt like it was missing something vital to help me connect to the characters more. I wonder if it was the different narration perspectives - it felt a little confusing and murky.
I wish there was something MORE.

However, I do feel it brought a refreshing take to fantasy involving dragons and provided a satisfying ending to the duology over.

The Dragon Scales Duology is epic, spanning realms including magic, assassins and dragons. I absolutely loved the dark academic setting, the magical trials and the mysteries. Arcady as a main character is amazing, they overcome so much and the character arc is a great read. I absolutely loved the romance and connection between the characters as well, this was such a fantastic addition to the plot line. As plots go, this is up there and how it weaves between the different view points is flawless. I found myself pulled into the dark world and atmosphere.
If you like your books with trials, peril from different directions, mysterious prophecies and dragon romance then this is a must read.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC. This is a voluntary review of my own thoughts.

A second instalment just as fabulous as the first! Everen and Arcady are such great characters and Sorin really comes into her own in this one too! Watching the characters slowly work out everything that’s going on - some of which the reader knows and some of which was shocking - was tense and emotional. Will read anything LR Lam writes!

I’m so so glad I received an ARC for this book, after I was given Dragonfall for Christmas and fell in love with Arcady and Everen’s worlds! Thank you to the publisher for issuing me an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I loved Emberclaw, I love this world! If you want a cosy but still high stakes fantasy with queer romance and non-binary rep, this is the book for you! Fantasy, and ESPECIALLY dragon fantasy, is a saturated genre at the moment, and these books feel like such a shimmering standout amongst it all!
Emberclaw had me gripping my kindle like someone was going to take it away from me!? I was so hooked in, I sat and read for hours!
Mild spoilers beyond!!
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Lam has done an amazing job of building on the ‘supporting cast’ of characters from Dragonfall while introducing new characters, all of whom feel fully formed, nuanced and either lovable OR hate-able?! I love Arcady and Everen! I love Sorin! I LOVE Kelwyn!!
Despite the existential, epic battle to save both human and dragonkind at the heart of this book, there’s something so earnest and wholesome about the characters, their tenderness and vulnerability that gives me a nostalgic feeling. The dark academia vibes in this book maybe help with that – the camaraderie between students felt so sweet to me.
The atmosphere throughout had me gripped, I felt so absorbed in the world. I could feel the storm, I could see the bond, I felt the fear and love!
What makes these books unique to me is the delicacy with which Lam built in complex gender-politics basically as a non-issue, while keeping it central throughout the story through the thoughtful use of language. Both the non-binary representation and queer romance was delved into further in Emberclaw, moving beyond yearning and longing as they navigate trusting one-another.

I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read and honestly review an advanced reader’s copy of this book.

I’ve been eagerly anticipating this sequel ever since I finished Dragonfall back in 2023. That book completely captivated me—it’s the perfect execution of the enemies-to-lovers trope, set in a queer-normative world with dragons, an intricate magic system, and alternating viewpoints that kept me hooked from start to finish. Dragonfall is a truly special book to me, so I’ll admit, I was almost nervous that the sequel wouldn’t live up to my expectations.

But Emberclaw delivers. It has the same addictive writing style, the same beloved characters, and even opens with a recap of the previous book—something I wish more modern fantasy novels included. From there, we’re thrown right back into the story: Arcady and Everen’s bond is broken, they’re literally worlds apart, and yet fate clearly isn’t done with them. Their relationship was the highlight of Dragonfall for me, and in Emberclaw, it once again has me completely hooked—the tension, the yearning, the weight of their shared history.

I also loved Sorin’s arc—learning more about her and following her journey to free herself from the bond she’s under was incredibly compelling. If we ever return to this world, I’d love to see even more of her (and Cassia too!).

Without getting into spoilers, Arcady’s arc takes a turn I never saw coming, especially the truth behind their grandsire. Watching them grapple with that reveal was incredibly compelling and powerful.

What a breathtaking conclusion—this sequel was absolutely worth the wait. I’m so grateful to the author for crafting this story; I hope they know just how deeply it resonates with readers (me!) and how many more it will continue to reach.

(And if you’ve made it this far without having read Dragonfall yet… what are you waiting for? Go pick it up now so you’re ready for Emberclaw!)

I really wanted to love this book, while better than the first one I really struggled to bond with the characters. The concept is amazing and I love it but I feel I struggled with the writing style.

Following from Dragonfall Everen is presumed dead and Arcady has scraped enough money together to begin university while dealing with the grief of losing Everen, despite his final betrayals.

With vivid dreams of Everen, assassins and blackmails on the prowl, Arcady finds herself having to make some serious choices while also learning how to trust again.

Oh my dragon scales.. this book. I never thought I’d pine for a dragon man but let me tell you the tension and love between Everen and Arcady was teasingly perfect!

I loved Soren’s character, her back story and the whole World building.

‘I decided the gods likely did not want or need my silence. And that maybe I had something to say, after all.’

This was had some really satisfying endings for the characters. If you enjoy dragons, enemies to lovers… so much love, friendship and dark magic this is for you.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and LR Lam for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.

Arcady is tormented by the memory of the dragon they killed, sundered back through the veil. They’ve finally made it to the academy and are struggling to find their feet, befriending the drakines they think will provide them with the right information to clear their grandsire’s name, and punish those who scapegoated him. Everen, to Arcady’s surprise, isn’t dead, but has been imprisoned so long he may as well be - until he senses a golden whisper of his bond with Arcady, and the two begin to share dreams. Everen is fighting an uphill battle to regain his mother’s respect and prove to his people that the humans aren’t entirely the evil of their stories. There’s only one thing for it - he’s needed back in the human world.

I really loved Dragonfall, so I was excited to jump straight into Emberclaw. It was a good read, and I was certainly along for the ride, but this sequel lacked a bit of the sparkle and polish of the first. It was so nice to see Arcady and Everen back together, and to have their dream sequences release a lot of the tension built by the first book. There was no moment I thought there would be anything but a HEA for these two, which did lower the stakes somewhat, even towards the end of the book.

I enjoyed the additional cast of characters in this book - the other students and of course even more time spent with Sorin. Sorin finally casting off Magnes’ hold on her had me cheering after the emotional abuse he had put her through in the first book. However, even that was cheapened a little by the reveal from Dragonfall’s ending - without spoiling, I was really looking forward to a tale of an abusive father figure rallied against, rather than what it ended up being.

Which brings me to the plot of this book - or lack thereof? I like to think of myself as an intelligent reader but it felt at the end that L. R. Lam thought they’d tied off all plot threads, while I was sat with a huge mess of yarn in my lap. There were still so many unanswered questions, and very confusing motivations for the majority of the characters and their actions. Unfortunately despite my love for Arcady and Everen and their love story, this complete confusion of plot at the end has to lower my rating to 3/5.