The Dragon Stirs is the beginning of Lynda Aicher's Energen series, set in a world filled with magic, mystery and treachery.
Curious about the mysterious Energens, the enemies of her people, Shifter Airiana Draco volunteers to covertly spy on their camp. Her family thinks she wants to prove herself and her loyalty, but in fact, she needs answers she isn't getting from her people. She didn't expect to be captured by one of the enemy, and certainly never planned on how attracted she would be to him.
When Loukianos Aeros finds Airiana sneaking around the camp, he knows he should turn her over to the leaders, but he has his own curiosity about his older brother, exiled long before Louk was born, for `consorting with the enemy'. Louk didn't expect his `enemy' to be so beautiful, and he feels drawn to her. What neither knows, but soon learn, is that they are the central figures in an ancient prophecy, one that will wake the sleeping dragon, and bring peace to both sides in this age old battle. But only if they can survive all the trickery and lies being told to her people. Alone, they have power, but together, they are The Two, and control the future of the world as they know it.
The world building Ms. Aicher has done is fantastic; a mix of myth, mystery and reality, historic and yet modern at the same time. The characters are exquisitely detailed and likable, with many facets to each one. I enjoyed my visit to this world, and look forward to returning, hopefully soon.
Airiana Draco is one of the Shifters, brave and determined to learn more about those who have opposed her people for so long. She's curious, and smart, and more than a bit reckless. When she meets Louk, she's stunned by the strength of her attraction to him, but not once does she feel like she's in danger. I like Airiana's courage, and her willingness to listen to what Louk has to say. I also loved her sense of surprise and wonder when she discovers what she really is.
Loukianos Aeros is brave, smart, and ready to take advantage of the information he can get from his captive. He didn't plan on his strong reaction to Airiana, and his plans go awry the more time he spends with her. His decision to hide her from his men, to satisfy his curiosity concerning so many things becomes desire and finally, passion. I likes Louk, his open-minded attitude, and his willingness to see another side to things he has always been taught to believe. I enjoyed watching as he and Airiana discovered what they meant to each other, and to the people of both camps.
There are a couple of twists to this story, and I refuse to discuss the secret that becomes revealed as this story unfolds. There's a bit of danger, some treachery from an unexpected source, and a few marvelously hot and passionate episodes between Airiana and Louk that give this story some steam. If you can settle for a delightful happy for now, with more adventure to come, this is the one for you.
Originally posted at LAS Erotic Reviews
