In T.L. Price's Destiny's Hammer: Celestial Dragon Riders, warlord Jaxxon Hammer, a shadow mage and dragon rider, leads the last of his kind against the vampiric Vralgari Fae. Haunted by a past shrouded in darkness, Jaxxon must protect his Celestial dragons and men while vying for control of Crelentia. His mission takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Tiara, a young woman with powerful, hidden elemental magic. Their undeniable attraction ignites amidst a world teeming with mythical creatures and ancient magic. As they race against the Vralgari Prince to secure a potent artifact, Jaxxon and Tiara must navigate their dangerous desires and deadly enemies to determine if they'll restore Crelentia to its former glory or be consumed by the encroaching darkness. This epic fantasy romance, perfect for fans of Fourth Wing, kicks off a thrilling series.
Review Destiny’s Hammer
Oh my goodness, Destiny's Hammer: Celestial Dragon Riders was a whirlwind! From the moment I started, I was completely swept away by T.L. Price's vivid world-building and captivating characters. The premise itself – the last of the Crelentian dragon riders fighting for survival against vampiric Fae – is inherently exciting, and the author delivers on that promise with thrilling action sequences that kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved the descriptions of the battles, the sheer intensity of the fight for survival, and the way the dragons were woven into the narrative; they weren't just beasts, they were vital, sentient companions with distinct personalities.
Jaxxon, the gruff but undeniably caring Warlord, is a fantastic protagonist. He’s got this brooding, protective energy that’s both intimidating and incredibly attractive. His internal struggles, the weight of his people's fate on his shoulders, were palpable and made him a deeply sympathetic character. And then there's Tiara, our sunshine-bright heroine! Her fiery spirit and refusal to back down, even in the face of overwhelming odds, were incredibly refreshing. She’s resourceful, brave, and wonderfully stubborn, a perfect counterpoint to Jaxxon's more reserved nature.
Their relationship, the "grumpy vs. sunshine" dynamic, is pure magic. The sparks fly from page one, creating a sizzling romantic tension that only intensified as the story progressed. Their connection feels genuine, built on mutual respect and a growing understanding that transcends their initial differences. It's a slow burn, but so worth the wait; the moments of tenderness amidst the chaos are both powerful and deeply affecting.
Beyond the central romance, the supporting characters are equally well-developed. The Vralgari Fae, especially Prince Aeralis, are truly chilling villains. They're not just one-dimensional evil; they have their own motivations and complexities, making them all the more terrifying. And let's not forget the adorable baby dragon, Lakoda – that little one stole my heart completely!
The world itself feels richly imagined, full of unique creatures, magic systems, and intriguing lore. I was constantly surprised by twists and turns, and the level of detail in the world-building was impressive. The pacing is excellent, expertly balancing moments of intense action with quieter, more intimate scenes that allowed me to connect with the characters on a deeper level.
However, be warned – the ending is a cliffhanger! While I hate cliffhangers in principle, I'll admit that this one left me desperate for more. It was so well-executed that the frustration was overshadowed by my overwhelming need to immediately dive into the next book in the series. Destiny's Hammer is a fantastic start to a promising series, a truly captivating blend of action, romance, and fantasy that I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys epic adventures with strong characters and plenty of heart-stopping moments.
Information
- Dimensions: 6 x 1.12 x 9 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 448
- Publication date: 2024
Book table of contents
- Also by T.L Price
- Author's Note
- Epigraph
- Pronunciation Guide
- Chapter 2
- Chapter 3
- Chapter 5
- Chapter 6
- Chapter 8
- Chapter 10
- Chapter 11
- Chapter 12
- Chapter 13
- Chapter 14
- Chapter 15
Preview Book
