Review:
*I received an ecopy of this book from the publisher. This has not influenced my review.*
I don’t know what to say about this book that I haven’t already said about the others in the series, so I’ll just say it all again.
This book has the same silly, fun, modern, sex-filled, Tumblr-esque humor of the other books. If anyone in real life ever talked about sex and their sex lives as much as these characters, it would be awkward and we’d probably want to tape their mouth shut, but with these characters, it’s just hilarious.
And speaking of sex, I love how healthy the sex is in this series. Sam and Ryan have their kinks, and they actually TALK and communicate and discuss what they like, what they’re not ok with, etc., even if it’s awkward or difficult. In one of the scenes in this book even, Sam could tell there was something Ryan wanted to ask for, so he got Ryan to say it, and then he gladly obliged and thanked Ryan for telling him, told him he likes when he asks for things. Sam would also keep checking in with Ryan, asked before they started if he remembered their safeword, etc. Their acceptance and communication and willingness to be open and put in the effort to please each other makes everything between them so much better. (But I want to point out that despite all the talk about sex, there aren’t that many actual sex scenes in this series.)
Then there’s all the relationships—romantic, friendship, family, like family. They’re all so sweet and supportive. I think this book had more heart-to-heart conversations than any of the others, most notably between Sam and Randall and between Sam and Justin. Yes, even Justin got in on the feels this time. Honestly though, I think I had the most feels when *SPOILER* Kevin offered to trade his hoard in exchange for the Great White helping them. I mean, come on, you know how important Kevin’s hoard is to him, and he was willing to give it up for Sam without hesitation <3 *END SPOILER*
These books have also been getting heavier though, so it wasn’t all laughs. But the heaviness was balanced with the touchingness of the relationships, and that kept it from getting too dark.
But why did that ending have to be so intense and leave me hanging like that?! The ending was tough, but TJ Klune managed to find a way to make that less tough too. *SPOILER* Yeah, Sam left his loved ones for a year to go train with the Great White, but Kevin and all his dragons came with him, and that made me feel a little better. *END SPOILER*
So overall, this was another funny yet touching book in a great series that keeps getting more intense, and I am eagerly anticipating the next one!
Recommended For:
Fans of Books 1 and 2 in TJ Klune's Tales from Verania Series. Anyone who likes modern humor, adorable friendships and family, M/M romance, sassy characters, and sweet stories.
More Books in the Series:
Book Review: The Lightning-Struck Heart (Tales from Verania Book 1) by TJ Klune
Book Review: A Destiny of Dragons (Tales from Verania Book 2) by TJ Klune
Book Review: The Consumption of Magic (Tales from Verania Book 3) by TJ Klune
Book Review: A Wish Upon the Stars (Tales from Verania Book 4) by TJ Klune
I think I saw this one on your blog before (?) because the cover looks familiar- the colors work for me a lot. This sounds like a lot of fun- especially the part in the blurb where it talks about the band of misfits. I mean come on, a unicorn and dragons and whatever else- sounds like an inversion of the usual “band of heroes goes up against big evil” trope, or at least having fun w/ it. And because I always read the spoilers lol I’m getting the sense there’s some big dragon stuff going on, which is always nice.
Nice too that the story wasn’t dragged down considering this is a 500 pager. Glad you liked it!!
Yeah it was in my weekly update. And yes, lots of dragons! A perverted dragon, a teenage emo dragon, a lesbian dragon couple, and one serious dragon-y dragon. It’s a very strange series lol.
I didn’t even realize it was so long when I was reading it! I enjoyed it so much I just blew right through it. Thanks!
That sounds great how they actually talk about sex and what they want. I just love it when characters communicate so well, it really adds something to their relationship. Interesting how there’s a lot of talk about sex there aren’t as many sex scenes.
I like it when the heaviness in a book is balanced out with some lighter and touching moments. It makes it easier to read about the dark stuff when there’s also light stuff to balance it out. Great review!
It is! I just adored the communication and it honestly made the scene so much sexier because I wasn’t uncomfortable, wondering if the characters were actually enjoying it, you get me? But yes, oh my gosh, they all talk about sex SO MUCH lol.
Yeah, it’s good when the light can balance the dark, though I think it depends on the book/series. I also enjoy books that are just dark. But in this series I’ve come to expect fun and touching and light and wouldn’t be happy if it all the sudden got super dark. Thanks!
Hmm.. I haven’t heard about this series before. I don’t really know if this would be something for me. But I’m definitely intrigued. Awesome review Kirsten. 😉
Kristen! Sorry.. I have a friend who’s called Kirsten! 😀
No worries, people get my name wrong all the time lol.
Everyone has different tastes! But I do think it’s a lot of fun and very touching 🙂 Thanks!
Yes yes! I concur with everything you said in your review. My feelings were exactly like yours. It was a rough ending, but I’m really hoping all will be perfect in the final book.
Great Review! (Capitalized of course.)
Yay we agree! It really was a rough ending, the thing that happened and then him having to go (trying to avoid spoilers in case someone reads this lol), but I really did feel better because of the dragons. And I trust that there will be a relatively happy ending to the series.
Thanks! And aww you capitalized for me? I’m honored 😛
I love this cover – and like you, I applaud the fact there is a lot of talk about sex and how they need to meet each other’s needs.
It’s a pretty one! And yes, it really makes me happy to this kind of representation of healthy sex and communication.