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A review by renpuspita
Dragon on Top by G.A. Aiken
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.0
Still in Dragon Kin series binge, I decide to read Dragon on Top for the next. I didn't re-read this one, because back then, I just don't have time or not interested enough to read about Ghleanna. This novella is also prequel and the event happen after Chains and Flames, so Rhiannon already become queen, and Bercelak is her consort now. You can read Dragon on Top as stand alone, but you will miss the world building and characters background. Ghleanna first introduced in Chains & Flames, as for Bram the Merciful, he first appear in A Tale of Two Dragons.
Aiken again show her craft writing with an usual trope "opposite attract". For this novella, she used alpha heroine and beta hero. Honestly? It's unique. Especially if you so fed up with all that alpha macho hero out there. Bram might be a beta, nerd, easily distracted, peacemaker and also merciful, like his moniker. Yet, he show that he can be alpha too, both out and in the bed (ehm). Aiken know that war can't be won through just a melee or hacking enemy until they become pulp. One of the core to winning war is through negotiation and alliance. I really enjoy the way Aiken write about it.
When I'm afraid if Ghleanna just a typical strong alpha female, readers will get into her struggle too. If you already reading Chains and Flames, it's apparent that Ghleanna hate her father's reputation, Ailean the Slag. Having a former whore as your father, even the said father already committed to monogamy, is hard, for Ghleanna also have been accused as a whore too. It's a little bit so sad to read how Ghleanna can't accept her own father, but Bram help her to see her father's present life, not his past. I also delightful to know that even Ghleanna is a type that "kill enemy first, ask them later", she also have a part in Bram's negotiation thingie.
I forgot if I had read about Sea Dragons in Dragon Kin novel, and mind you, I read book 1-6 long long time ago. Dragon on Top give insight into Sea Dragons, called Fins, and how eccentric and egomaniacal they are. Aiken once more show how intricate her Dragon Kin world building can be. As for Bram and Ghleanna relationship, it's so funny to read how both characters are so easily distracted. I'm amused when reading Bram that can't stop his mind and his work, so immersed in the process. Amused too how Ghleanna seems didn't see Bram at first, didn't know that this younger dragon already fallen in love with her through years. How her Cadwaladr family see Bram's infatuation, yet Ghleanna so oblivious to it. In the end, I really enjoy their interaction, a unique addiction to common romance trope out there.
And..that's why I like G.A. Aiken! Her heroes always fallen in love hard and work hard, and her heroines are ass kickin and so unapologetic! Really, really, my favorite!! :)
Aiken again show her craft writing with an usual trope "opposite attract". For this novella, she used alpha heroine and beta hero. Honestly? It's unique. Especially if you so fed up with all that alpha macho hero out there. Bram might be a beta, nerd, easily distracted, peacemaker and also merciful, like his moniker. Yet, he show that he can be alpha too, both out and in the bed (ehm). Aiken know that war can't be won through just a melee or hacking enemy until they become pulp. One of the core to winning war is through negotiation and alliance. I really enjoy the way Aiken write about it.
When I'm afraid if Ghleanna just a typical strong alpha female, readers will get into her struggle too. If you already reading Chains and Flames, it's apparent that Ghleanna hate her father's reputation, Ailean the Slag. Having a former whore as your father, even the said father already committed to monogamy, is hard, for Ghleanna also have been accused as a whore too. It's a little bit so sad to read how Ghleanna can't accept her own father, but Bram help her to see her father's present life, not his past. I also delightful to know that even Ghleanna is a type that "kill enemy first, ask them later", she also have a part in Bram's negotiation thingie.
I forgot if I had read about Sea Dragons in Dragon Kin novel, and mind you, I read book 1-6 long long time ago. Dragon on Top give insight into Sea Dragons, called Fins, and how eccentric and egomaniacal they are. Aiken once more show how intricate her Dragon Kin world building can be. As for Bram and Ghleanna relationship, it's so funny to read how both characters are so easily distracted. I'm amused when reading Bram that can't stop his mind and his work, so immersed in the process. Amused too how Ghleanna seems didn't see Bram at first, didn't know that this younger dragon already fallen in love with her through years. How her Cadwaladr family see Bram's infatuation, yet Ghleanna so oblivious to it. In the end, I really enjoy their interaction, a unique addiction to common romance trope out there.
And..that's why I like G.A. Aiken! Her heroes always fallen in love hard and work hard, and her heroines are ass kickin and so unapologetic! Really, really, my favorite!! :)