In this fourth part of the story, since this series is definitely developing into one longer story, the plot definitely thickens. After the crisis with the dragon in the last book, and with yet another member of the mercenary band attacked, Katsu and Ashe decide something needs to be done. Well, more Katsu, actually, because Ashe is getting weaker and weaker, drained by the growing dragon.

Katsu has clearly had enough. A usual, he doesn’t say anything much, but he is worried about Ashe 'wasting away', and has made enquiries. The search for a dragon scholar is easier than it sounds, but finding one who actually knows what they're doing… And then Katsu gets jealous when they find the dragon whisperer! I think that is perfect since it shows how much he actually cares. He always puts Ashe first though, letting him make the decision about what they do next.

Ashe is so exhausted he doesn’t have enough energy to fight for his life anymore. He is worried about the dragon injuring his friends, and that makes the decision to leave easier. He just wants to do it to ensure the safety of the other mercenaries, but when Katsu tells him about the plan to find a dragon scholar, he is fine with that as well. Ashe knows he can trust Katsu, and gets just as jealous once they're with the woman who might be able to help him deal with the dragon.

This installment was about building trust between Ashe and Katsu, and about beginning to believe there may be more than what they do in bed together. If you like fantasy with dragons that can be tamed, well, at least a little, if you enjoy an adventure story with lots of developing feelings, and if you want to find out more about Ashe's dragon-parasite, then you will probably like this short story.




NOTE: This book was provided by Torquere Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
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