Dragon Unleashed

Draven takes readers on a sweet romantic adventure in the solid second fantasy of her Fallen Empire series (after Phoenix Unbound). Malachus, a draga trapped in a human body, is searching for a bone from his dead mother that would allow him to return to his true form. His quest takes him through the Krael Empire and puts him in the path of Hilani and her group of human traders, but not before he sustains a serious injury. Though Hilani knows that her uncle has the draga bone and intends to resell it for profit, she risks taking Malachus in to give him the chance to heal. Hilani’s illegal talent for elemental sorcery makes her wary around new people, but she cannot deny the pull of Malachus as their attraction blossoms into a powerful bond. But Malachus’s single-minded search and Hilani’s many secrets throw their relationship into jeopardy. The intimate focus on this slow-burning love story leaves little space for exploration of the larger fantasy world, but the characters are endearing and their mutual respect is palpable. Draven’s fans will be pleased by this entertaining if slow-moving series installment. Agent: Sarah Younger, Nancy Yost Literary Agency. (June)