Kachka Shestakova, formerly of the Black Bear Riders of the Midnight Mountains of Despair in the Far Reaches of the Steppes of the Outerplains. She thrives on action and killing those who deserve it. Kachka doesn't think much of dragons in either the human or flying form, but unfortunately Garbhán Isle is littered with them. On the isle, she is bored, needing a purpose other than hunting, preferably one that involves fighting. And so she is delighted when Annwyl the Mad Queen gives her a quest.
During her quest, Kachka has the opportunity to save a Royal. He has been captured by a priestess of the Chramnesind cult. The cult Kachka has been sent to hunt down and kill. Coincidence or destiny? You must be the judge.
Gaius Domitus, Iron dragon, one-eyed Rebel King from the West. He likes to play to Kachka's impression of a spoiled Royal. His vanity appears to rival that of Gwenvael the Handsome. And he pretends that Kachka can't keep her hands off him. But Gaius is a tough, don't-mess-with me, true Rebel King. He has people to protect and a sister to avenge.
The dialog between Gaius and Kachka is truly delightful. These two are the very definition of the attraction of opposites. As I read, I sensed the underlying feelings of attraction, affection, and devotion all with a healthy topping of humor. Gaius himself has an awesome sense of humor. There is a particularly amusing scene where he introduces the Kachka and her Riders with their entire extremely long names (see first sentence of this review) just to irritate irritating people. It is much funnier to read in the book than to read about it in this review. I promise.
Feel the Burn is the 8th book in the Dragon Kin series. If you are a follower, you will enjoy being reunited with all the favorite characters from the previous books. Annywl the Bloody is there (or the Mad Queen). She still violently hates to be interrupted when reading. I can relate. Gwenvael the Handsome, my favorite dragon is there too. He is still very concerned with aesthetics, but has grown beyond vanity to concern for others. 'Don't worry,' Gwenvael says, 'I'll make sure you have a beautiful funeral.' Many of the events of the past books are relevant to the plot of Feel the Burn, so it does help to have read the series.
Can you enjoy Feel the Burn if this is your first Dragon Kin book? Sure. I will tell you why. This is kind of a confession. I don't read the Dragon Kin books because of the hot (literally – you know - dragons) romance, the shape-shifting dragons, the epic battles, the evil villains or the non-stop adventures. Sure these are all important elements of the Dragon Kin saga. But I read these books because they are absolutely hilarious! With larger-than-life, exquisitely depicted characters that make me laugh out loud! I'm into this series for the giggles and that's it. Feel the Burn had me grinning through practically every page.
So, if you like laugh, read book. Kachka guarantee much smiling!
**ARC provided by Publisher**
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