Review: Heart of the Dragon's Realm

Reviewed by Jen

Princess Kimri's people have been at war for many years.  The neighboring kingdom of Helsmont makes the finest swords in the land.  In a bid to overpower his enemies, Kimri's brother trades her hand in marriage to Helsmont's King Thathan for the valuable weapons.

Understandably, Kimri is horrified and angry to be treated as such a commodity. Yet things begin to change when she meets her betrothed.  Helsmont is very different from her homeland.  The secluded, simple kingdom is said to be guarded by a dragon. It's people are open and welcoming. And Tathan is not what she expected. He is intriguing, fair and kind.  He further surprises her when he offers her a year's betrothal to determine if they will be well suited.

Of course, it barely takes half that time for Kimri to figure out that he is the man for her. Only, things aren't all that simple.  The ongoing wars won't let them be.  Kimri must figure out where her true allegiance lies and who her heart really needs in order to survive.

I liked this story and the voice of the author.  Kimri is a little immature and a bit snobby at times, but she is ultimately a good person. I liked what I saw of Tathan, but frankly, I didn't feel like I got enough of him.  Kimri is really the only character that was developed.  As a result, I didn't really feel deeply emotionally connected to the romance, even while it was a pleasant read.  I did appreciate, though, that the love story developed over time and the romance wasn't rushed.

There's only one sex scene and it's not very explicit.  The story is more about Kimri's emotional journey than anything else.

Nice for a short afternoon read.

Rating: B-

*ARC Provided by Carina Press via NetGalley

Click to purchase: Amazon

Heart of the Dragon's Realm

by Karalynn Lee

Release Date: October 29, 2012

Publisher: Carina Press