This boom really does give the same feelings and vibes as fourth wing, but I think more complexity to it. I dove straight into book 2 immedietly because of the addicting story telling.

Thank you Pan Macmillan/Tor Bramble and NetGalley for the ARC!

If I hadn’t read the acknowledgments at the end, I wouldn’t have been aware that this is a sequel of the author’s, seemingly taking place after the events of the “Ascension” series. Nonetheless, there is nothing in this novel which makes it seem like a sequel, the universe building and lore being thoroughly explained, and characters being newly introduced. (At the very least, that was my impression of a first time reader. Someone who has read the previous series might have some fun and nostalgic encounters here.)

The prose is simple and direct, but the plainness is counteracted by the thoroughness and care with which the world building is executed. The author has gone as far as to invent jargon, which shows a special kind of care and love towards the universe itself. As a high fantasy fan, it is very much appreciated. The narrative is presented from the main character’s perspective, Kerrigan, with little other points of view chapters here and there. The writing is done from the third person perspective, and sometimes has slips of an omniscient narrator point of view; I am not sure whether that is done on purpose or not, and will have to see if this continues in the following books of the series, however, considering Kerrigan’s abilities, I like to believe this is intentionally executed and it is not a slip on the editor’s side. As a (extremely biased) last comment regarding the writing style itself, this novel is honestly such a breath of fresh air nowadays, when the market is oversaturated with (frankly, very poorly written) first person perspective books. As such, “House of Dragons”, through writing alone, doesn’t feel like but genuinely is a serious high fantasy series, while also being part of the YA genre.

In a nutshell, the main plot within this novel is, at its core, a murder mystery, the thriller aspect of it being present at all times, making it difficult to put the book down. Through the investigations of Kerrigan and her partner-in-crime, Fordham, the exposition of the universe and its lore takes place with a sleek subtlety, allowing the reader to slowly immerse in the world of Alandria. The side plots, starting from Kerrigan’s own status in Society due to her being a half-Fae and Fordham’s own controversy due to him belonging to an exiled House, to the political machinations of those in power and those against them, all entwine beautifully at the end, when the resolution is reached, and their interconnection is neatly arranged.

It is very clear this is the first book of a longer series — the magic system still has many mysteries and the bonds with the dragons, along with most of the dragon lore, still remains to be seen. However, the bits we did get of the dragons, starting from their place of genesis, to their looks, personalities, and means of communication, were all very fun. I am keen to explore Fordham’s own side of the world in the following book, and see the powers of the dark Fae, and what the Shadows truly can do at full power. It will also be interesting to see how the Fae who were forced to be without a dragon bond behave, and how that lack of stability in their magic has affected their side of society.

The relationship between Kerrigan and Fordham is unforced and fluid — from skeptical strangers, to helping each other, finding out whom they are, forming a bond of friendship and loyalty, to having romantic feelings for one another. I enjoyed this; again, this is YA, and, in my opinion, this genre should always be between middle grade fantasy and adult. The natural progression in the main characters’ relationship is done very well and representative of that belief. It seems it will be a slow burn, but, again, this is very suitable for the YA genre.

Lastly, as to speak in the lingo of the fandoms, Kerrigan has reminded me of Aelin (Throne of Glass), Emma Carstairs (The Dark Artifices), FitzChivalry Farseer (The Realm of the Elderlings), with a touch of Vin Venture (Mistborn). As for Fordham, I found him having bits resembling Dorian (Throne of Glass), Cardan (The Folk of the Air), with a touch of Will Herondale (The Infernal Devices), and a regal allure a bit similar to that of Raoden (Elantris). As such, if you’d read any of those series and enjoyed them or the characters I mentioned, this one would be equally fun to explore. Personally, I will continue it and see how everything further develops and evolves.

House of Dragons is a fast-paced, gripping read filled with trials, secrets, and, of course, dragons. The writing is sharp and immersive, making it impossible to put down. I loved the unique magic system and the cast of compelling characters, each bringing something fresh to the story. The slow-burn tension was a definite highlight, and I’m already counting the days until book two—hoping for even more dragons and for that delicious slow burn to keep building.

Summary: Half-Fae Kerrigan, rejected by all tribes, strikes a desperate bargain—allying with a cursed prince to claim her birthright and destiny.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this book, all thoughts are my own.

I loved the world of magic and dragons. The angst and love hate relationship between Kerrigan and Fordham is just beautifully annoying. Everyone loves an underdog and as a half -fae, Kerrigan definitely fulfills that. So many bits to follow there is no time to get bored!