Why I picked up this book:

I picked this book out of a stack of freebies to hit my email one day. Not expecting much, I put it in line behind about a dozen other books I wanted to read first.

All I gotta say is some things are always worth waiting for, and this story was no exception. It was everything I could have hoped for in a fantasy, and I can’t wait for more.
This review may contain spoilers.

The Dragonslayer’s Sword (Dragonslayer #1)
	For Astrid, a blacksmith who makes swords for dragonslayers, the emergence of a strange gemstone from her body sets in motion a chain of events that threaten to destroy her life. Her happiness is shattered when her lover-the dragonslayer-disappears without a trace, and the life that she knows and loves implodes without warning. Astrid lives in a world of shapeshifters whose thoughts have the power to change not only themselves but others. Everything Astrid knows to be true is called into question when she learns the truth about her past and the mysterious family from which she was separated as a child. Reality turns inside out as Astrid gradually learns the truth about the people she loves as well as those she disdains.
With the fate of dragons, ghosts, and slaves in foreign lands resting on her shoulders, Astrid faces the challenge of deciding who she is and how she will stand up inside her own skin. Will she withdraw and hide from the world that has disappointed her so much… or will she rise to lead others to freedom and peace?

    

What I loved:

I couldn’t put this book down. Every page I turned just got better and better, and sometimes weirder, but in an awesome way. No matter what I had going on, it was handled and I was curled up with my kindle again, my nose almost pressing through the screen.

Astrid was an amazing main character. I tend to fall in love with side characters far too easy, but Astrid really stole my heart. She’s strong, smart, and yet there’s something about her that’s both endearing and optimistic.

I fell in love with DiStephan from his opening pages all the way to the end. Then halfway through I fell in love with Randim’s character. I spent the rest of the book wanting both men for Astrid… and that’s all I’m gonna say about that. Anything else will put out spoilers.

Areas needing a touch of refinement:

If I had to be nit-picky, I would have loved to see at least one scene with Astrid and DiStephan as adults before his disappearance. To sort of drive home the special bond they shared. I see why the author chose not to, but I really, really wanted it. And maybe an awkwardie scene with Randim as well.

Overall:

I absolutely loved this book. The world is rich and beautiful, and each character is strong and memorable. I’ve already marked the next one for my TBR list and I’m looking forward to diving back into Astrid’s story.

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