The Last Dragonlord

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, in fact I couldn't put it down, I read it from cover to cover through the night. Yes, it's romantic... a book that anybody who loves fantasy and still believes in true love, or dreams of it, will enjoy reading. I liked the weredragon twist on the concept of soul mates. I guess The Last Dragonlord might appeal more to women, but there are also lots of romantic and sensitive males around who, I think, would enjoy this book. As for the language... well, it isn't high-brow, it isn't a literary masterpiece, it isn't pretentious. But it's easy to read, simple and flowing. Something that people will appreciate who believe in the KISS concept (keep it simple stupid). Personally, I get so tired of books that are just trying to impress me with un-necessary complexity... The really nice thing about the Last Dragonlord is that it made me feel good. Too many books are so full of horror... Life has its own sorrows, and this story was, for me, a fresh breeze, making me feel that there is still beauty in the human (and dragon) heart!

To those who have given the book only one star: oh, shut it. The writing was simplistic, yes, but it's a relief to read simplistic writing after some dandies we see in modern literature... things so boring and self-indulgent I can hardly take it. You all criticize the "teenage girlishness" of the book, but have you forgotten that this is fantasy? Your fantasy isn't exactly someone else's... frankly this is the only fantasy I've been able to read in recent years. I loved the characters. They may have been on the stereotypical side, but there was enough sustenance there to make them fascinating and lovable. Seriously. This book was a ride, with plenty of plot threads that tangle up and toward the end of the book start unraveling nicely. I admit I'm 16. And not newly 16. Before my age makes you scoff at me, I'll mention that I read through "Anna Karenina" (my favorite book to date) and "Pride and Prejudice." Average reading level, my foot.

I found this book quite by accident, and was immediately drawn into it. The characters are believable and very likable. One can instantly sympathize with Linden Rathan, a Dragonlord who has been searching for his soultwin for centuries. All he longs for is the close relationship the other Dragonlords have with their soultwins, a bond closer than anything.In the story, he is sent with two other Dragonlords to oversee the debate over a new ruler following the mysterious death of their Queen. Evil begins to surface as an old faction known as the Fellowship comes back to life. They not only threaten Prince Rann, a small child, but the life of Dragonlords. During this time, Linden falls in love, and suspects his love may be a Dragonlord too, even though the truedragons have not sensed any new Dragonlord. The Fellowship hears rumor of this new Dragonlord and are determined to get control of her, whoever she may be, so that they have their own Dragonlord puppet.A really good book, with lots of little twists. The "good guys" are good, though they have their faults and you may want to hit one or two of them. ;) The evil doers are really evil, but believable as well. The ending may be a bit predictable, but it's the ending you want anyway, and it's lots of fun getting there.

I found "The Last Dragonlord" excellent, particularly in the fact that the Dragonlords were presented realistically. Linden Rathan is a noble and amusing character, and along with his Dragonlord companions, Kief and Tarlna, he vows to find his soultwin and keep her (Maurynna), and help the city of Casna with regency troubles. Althume (the mage), is a very nasty character (as Anne McCaffrey puts it), and it is satisfying yet sad when he suffers for his beliefs in the Fraternity (a group determined to get rid of Dragonlords). Otter (the bard), is the comedian in this story, and he helps his friends through the struggles they may face. And last but not least, Maurynna is the brave captain of the Sea Mist, who confronts her internal struggles regarding Linden Rathen and her emerging draconic half. I hope that other readers will enjoy "The Last Dragonlord" as much as I did. Kudos to Joanne Bertin, a great new writer!

I love this book. The plot, setting, and characters are perfect. Mystery, magic, evil, and romance are all entwined to form the perfect story. If you have not read this book, you don't know what you are missing! I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the series!