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The Dreughan #1
Courage
Vilda lives in a muddy little corner of the world, in the time of the war that never ends. The war between the Waterfolk and the Dreughan. She is different where conformity is important, break rules in a world where punishments are given freely, and she pays for it. If it weren't for her best friend Troy, she would have no one.
Then Vilda saves the life of a dragon and shortly after that, things are spiraling out of control. The Waterfolk attack, searching for an unclaimed girl, and Vilda has to escape through the night together with Troy and the only other girl the Waterfolk could be looking for – their former best friend, Susannah.
Soon, they find themselves in Dragoncourt, the stronghold of the Dreughan, where a prophecy predicts that the war will finally come to an end when the beautiful Dreughan prince has claimed another royal from the end of the world.
It seems as if Vilda is the girl in the prophecy, and she might be, but she also has a strong link to a young man with black hair and eyes as blue as the summer skies – the prince’s cousin, Drake...
Then Vilda saves the life of a dragon and shortly after that, things are spiraling out of control. The Waterfolk attack, searching for an unclaimed girl, and Vilda has to escape through the night together with Troy and the only other girl the Waterfolk could be looking for – their former best friend, Susannah.
Soon, they find themselves in Dragoncourt, the stronghold of the Dreughan, where a prophecy predicts that the war will finally come to an end when the beautiful Dreughan prince has claimed another royal from the end of the world.
It seems as if Vilda is the girl in the prophecy, and she might be, but she also has a strong link to a young man with black hair and eyes as blue as the summer skies – the prince’s cousin, Drake...
206 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 21, 2015
36 people are currently reading
190 people want to read
About the author
Lena North
15 books64 followersThe proper way to put it here would probably be to describe how I love to play with our two big dogs, how much I adore my fantastic daughters and how much I love to read.
Another way would be to use my imagination and then I would be a super powerful warrior woman, think Xena the warrior princess (though with less tacky clothes). Or when I think of it, maybe I’m actually more of a Hercule Poirot (sans the suit and moustache). Or maybe I’m like Aragorn, strong and cool and then I might get to meet Gandalf! Or I could be Bella’s pretty cousin and snap Jacob up in a second (yeah, I’m so not team Edward), or wait, maybe I could be like one of them heroines in historical novels who swoon all the time. I’ve always wanted to swoon…
Well, I guess you get how my mind is working (or not working, some say).
Anyways, I like to write. Stories, adventures, romantic and happy stuff mixed up with sorrow and hardship, and bit of laughter here and there because the way I see it – life is way too short to go around feeling grumpy.
Another way would be to use my imagination and then I would be a super powerful warrior woman, think Xena the warrior princess (though with less tacky clothes). Or when I think of it, maybe I’m actually more of a Hercule Poirot (sans the suit and moustache). Or maybe I’m like Aragorn, strong and cool and then I might get to meet Gandalf! Or I could be Bella’s pretty cousin and snap Jacob up in a second (yeah, I’m so not team Edward), or wait, maybe I could be like one of them heroines in historical novels who swoon all the time. I’ve always wanted to swoon…
Well, I guess you get how my mind is working (or not working, some say).
Anyways, I like to write. Stories, adventures, romantic and happy stuff mixed up with sorrow and hardship, and bit of laughter here and there because the way I see it – life is way too short to go around feeling grumpy.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 14, 2016
She never fit in among the other villagers. Motherless, her father had little time, love or patience for her, brutal in his criticism, harsh in his punishments, but Vilda has a strong spirit, a wonderful imagination and one of the best friends a young outcast could want. Not one to shy away from adventure, Vilda had no idea where a desperate run for freedom would take her. Vilda’s tale is one that is equally exciting, sad and filled with the magic of adventure and discovery in a time when war was constantly raging, distrust was running rampant and no one was safe.
Just a young teen, Vilda was to become part of a prophecy that will take her to new lands, and into a world where dragons exist and long-held secrets will be discovered, including what happened to the dragon she once tried to save.
Like another version of the Three Musketeers, Troy, Vilda and Susannah are a force to be reckoned with as their loyalty and willingness to die for each other becomes apparent when hard-headed Vilda’s temper and free spirit manage to put them in precarious situations.
Courage by Lena North is fantasy adventure for younger teens and YA that never fails to make each page come alive in a world in turmoil. Fascinating, fun and filled with bits of humor and snark, Ms. North’s tale is a testament to friendship, trust and the daring of young heroes willing to test the boundaries of their existence at any cost. Vilda, Troy and Susannah are those kids you wish your kids knew!
Fun, fast and furious fantasy that all readers will love!
I received this copy from Lena North in exchange for my honest review.
Series: The Dreughan - Book 1
Publisher: Flat-out Publishing; 4 edition (August 21, 2015)
Publication Date: August 21, 2015
Genre: YA Fantasy | Dragons
Print Length: 238 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Just a young teen, Vilda was to become part of a prophecy that will take her to new lands, and into a world where dragons exist and long-held secrets will be discovered, including what happened to the dragon she once tried to save.
Like another version of the Three Musketeers, Troy, Vilda and Susannah are a force to be reckoned with as their loyalty and willingness to die for each other becomes apparent when hard-headed Vilda’s temper and free spirit manage to put them in precarious situations.
Courage by Lena North is fantasy adventure for younger teens and YA that never fails to make each page come alive in a world in turmoil. Fascinating, fun and filled with bits of humor and snark, Ms. North’s tale is a testament to friendship, trust and the daring of young heroes willing to test the boundaries of their existence at any cost. Vilda, Troy and Susannah are those kids you wish your kids knew!
Fun, fast and furious fantasy that all readers will love!
I received this copy from Lena North in exchange for my honest review.
Series: The Dreughan - Book 1
Publisher: Flat-out Publishing; 4 edition (August 21, 2015)
Publication Date: August 21, 2015
Genre: YA Fantasy | Dragons
Print Length: 238 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
September 20, 2021
Edit 9/20/21
3.5 stars ~
So. Having matured a bit the old review is painful to read ahaha. But I’ll leave it against my better judgment.
Anyway not as funny as I remember. The writing was all over the place. A repetition of scenes we’ve already done. Side characters backing up MC and becoming extremely protective.
Everything revolves around drama except I wasn’t scared because MC gets everything she wants and can never do any wrong. She’s always right. It’s so annoying. She’s babied and yet everyone is in awe of her because somehow she can put 200 pound men on their back by flipping around and stabbing them. 🙄
Very loose terms. Sh*t is used every other page (it lessens in the later chapters). F*ck is used seven+ times in one scene and throughout. Sexual stuff is treated flippantly. Nothing untoward happens (that they speak of). But I don’t recommend for sensitive readers or a younger audience. :p
*side note* I would have rated it lower but I have such fond memories of it (don’t ask how idk 😅).
: Original Review :
4.5 stars ~
I read this in one day, fyi. It was so riveting it was almost painful to put it down.
I'm going to do a quick review, because that's all I have time for. . . but I loved this book so much.
PROS ~
- The characters are absolutely unique and relatable. I couldn't help but cheer them on!!
- The beauty of the land was creative and positively captivating.
- The dragons. *nods*
- The twisty plot.
- The humor. O my lanta. The humor. It is so quotable, I couldn't stop laughing all afternoon. My family thought I was crazy. :P
- The battles. The skirmishes. The training grounds.
- The stories . . . . the pain and mystery behind every character's life.
- The fact that I absolutely adored the romance. It was gorgeous.
- The colors that light up this world when you read about it.
- And Vilda's firefly eyes. 😍
CONS ~
- The beginning of the book is hard to push through.
- Sometimes in the beginning Vilda makes no sense at all (it gets explained later).
- The rushed emotions.
- One unexplainable event.
- The curse words. . . .
- Description was oddly lacking in some areas.
Overall ~ I was able to overlook certain aspects that bothered me (the curse words lessen the farther you read). I was able just to focus on the main characters and how I loved them all so much!!! 💞 Troy 💞
I think everyone should read this book. Everyone.
3.5 stars ~
So. Having matured a bit the old review is painful to read ahaha. But I’ll leave it against my better judgment.
Anyway not as funny as I remember. The writing was all over the place. A repetition of scenes we’ve already done. Side characters backing up MC and becoming extremely protective.
Everything revolves around drama except I wasn’t scared because MC gets everything she wants and can never do any wrong. She’s always right. It’s so annoying. She’s babied and yet everyone is in awe of her because somehow she can put 200 pound men on their back by flipping around and stabbing them. 🙄
Very loose terms. Sh*t is used every other page (it lessens in the later chapters). F*ck is used seven+ times in one scene and throughout. Sexual stuff is treated flippantly. Nothing untoward happens (that they speak of). But I don’t recommend for sensitive readers or a younger audience. :p
*side note* I would have rated it lower but I have such fond memories of it (don’t ask how idk 😅).
: Original Review :
4.5 stars ~
I read this in one day, fyi. It was so riveting it was almost painful to put it down.
I'm going to do a quick review, because that's all I have time for. . . but I loved this book so much.
PROS ~
- The characters are absolutely unique and relatable. I couldn't help but cheer them on!!
- The beauty of the land was creative and positively captivating.
- The dragons. *nods*
- The twisty plot.
- The humor. O my lanta. The humor. It is so quotable, I couldn't stop laughing all afternoon. My family thought I was crazy. :P
- The battles. The skirmishes. The training grounds.
- The stories . . . . the pain and mystery behind every character's life.
- The fact that I absolutely adored the romance. It was gorgeous.
- The colors that light up this world when you read about it.
- And Vilda's firefly eyes. 😍
CONS ~
- The beginning of the book is hard to push through.
- Sometimes in the beginning Vilda makes no sense at all (it gets explained later).
- The rushed emotions.
- One unexplainable event.
- The curse words. . . .
- Description was oddly lacking in some areas.
Overall ~ I was able to overlook certain aspects that bothered me (the curse words lessen the farther you read). I was able just to focus on the main characters and how I loved them all so much!!! 💞 Troy 💞
I think everyone should read this book. Everyone.
October 17, 2023
Courage is the first book in the Dreughan series, which I bought after reading and loving Seaborn.
What can I say about this? First of all, Vilda is the absolute star of the show - which is only right being as it is her book! She is a very mature character, for all her physical age is young. Just think back to medieval times, and consider they married at fourteen, and then things will make more sense. I loved how Sannah and Troy were there for her, even more so when we heard the reasons for that. As for the Dreughan crew, I loved all of them. Absolutely and utterly.
This is a great story, intricate enough to keep an adult happy whilst still being action-packed enough to keep the younger readers engrossed. This is the first book in a trilogy, so don't expect everything to be wrapped up in this book. This IS the only book with Vilda as the main focus though, which just makes the other books just as interesting as this one.
If I am being 100% honest here, I will say there were a couple of errors in this book. Just words misspelt, but still, the writing was so good I am more than happy to overlook those as they definitely didn't impact my enjoyment of the story at all.
I have gone from this book straight into Reason. I am LOVING this series, and can't recommend it highly enough. Absolutely fantastic.
* Verified Purchase ~ July 2018. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 30, 2018
What can I say about this? First of all, Vilda is the absolute star of the show - which is only right being as it is her book! She is a very mature character, for all her physical age is young. Just think back to medieval times, and consider they married at fourteen, and then things will make more sense. I loved how Sannah and Troy were there for her, even more so when we heard the reasons for that. As for the Dreughan crew, I loved all of them. Absolutely and utterly.
This is a great story, intricate enough to keep an adult happy whilst still being action-packed enough to keep the younger readers engrossed. This is the first book in a trilogy, so don't expect everything to be wrapped up in this book. This IS the only book with Vilda as the main focus though, which just makes the other books just as interesting as this one.
If I am being 100% honest here, I will say there were a couple of errors in this book. Just words misspelt, but still, the writing was so good I am more than happy to overlook those as they definitely didn't impact my enjoyment of the story at all.
I have gone from this book straight into Reason. I am LOVING this series, and can't recommend it highly enough. Absolutely fantastic.
* Verified Purchase ~ July 2018. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 30, 2018
October 14, 2016
Also posted on my YA Book Blog.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
My rating is 2.5.
I had problems with this book mainly because it was difficult to take seriously. It had a really interesting plot and real promise, but ultimately I just wasn't convinced that anything important was really going on.
First, the story. As I said, interesting. I felt that the idea of dragons ans peophecies and this crazy wild girl who was made to live as a boy... all of it was very interesting. But it fell flat. The prophecy was worded so strangely that even when they explained it it didn't sound right. And it's meaning... well, I didn't really like how it all ended up fine and dandy and no conflict whatsoever even though they messed it all up. It had promise, but poor execution that was a result of average writing, too much ill placed humor, and underdeveloped characters.
Which brings me to the characters. Vilda was so close to being super interesting! A girl made to dress and live as a boy who doesn't look like anyone else? Yep, so much promise. But she was too busy being Miss Hurt Feelers to really bw interesting. She had to be friends with everyone and honestly seemed kind of needy. Troy was just there for comic relief - which this story already had way too much of. Susannah was better when she was being the snooty leader's daughter. Drake was interesting - until he fell in love and became all "babe" and "sweetie". And the rest were so busy being enamored with Vilda and apologizing for their mistakes that I really just didn't care. I needed someone to be the bad guy, but even the people they were at war with weren't really nad guys in the end!
Finally, writing. It wasn't bad, but it needs some improvement. A little repetitive and there were some noticeable mistakes. Nothing an editing readthrough wouldn't fix. I wish the author had a better concept of conflict, slow burn, and utilizing unlikable characters, but the actual writing has potential and is the main reason this rating is as high as it is.
Overall, I thought this was an interesting fantasy concept with a lot of potential. But I wouldn't recommend it without a rewrite. This feels like a first draft. Lots of potential, but in need of some fine tuning.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
My rating is 2.5.
I had problems with this book mainly because it was difficult to take seriously. It had a really interesting plot and real promise, but ultimately I just wasn't convinced that anything important was really going on.
First, the story. As I said, interesting. I felt that the idea of dragons ans peophecies and this crazy wild girl who was made to live as a boy... all of it was very interesting. But it fell flat. The prophecy was worded so strangely that even when they explained it it didn't sound right. And it's meaning... well, I didn't really like how it all ended up fine and dandy and no conflict whatsoever even though they messed it all up. It had promise, but poor execution that was a result of average writing, too much ill placed humor, and underdeveloped characters.
Which brings me to the characters. Vilda was so close to being super interesting! A girl made to dress and live as a boy who doesn't look like anyone else? Yep, so much promise. But she was too busy being Miss Hurt Feelers to really bw interesting. She had to be friends with everyone and honestly seemed kind of needy. Troy was just there for comic relief - which this story already had way too much of. Susannah was better when she was being the snooty leader's daughter. Drake was interesting - until he fell in love and became all "babe" and "sweetie". And the rest were so busy being enamored with Vilda and apologizing for their mistakes that I really just didn't care. I needed someone to be the bad guy, but even the people they were at war with weren't really nad guys in the end!
Finally, writing. It wasn't bad, but it needs some improvement. A little repetitive and there were some noticeable mistakes. Nothing an editing readthrough wouldn't fix. I wish the author had a better concept of conflict, slow burn, and utilizing unlikable characters, but the actual writing has potential and is the main reason this rating is as high as it is.
Overall, I thought this was an interesting fantasy concept with a lot of potential. But I wouldn't recommend it without a rewrite. This feels like a first draft. Lots of potential, but in need of some fine tuning.
November 9, 2015
Thanks to Lena North for this free digital copy in return for my honest review.
Vilda is a young woman that has a hard time keeping her head down and keeping quiet in a world where being noticed can cause a lifetime of trouble. When sent to gather healing herbs, Vilda happens upon a dragon injured in a cave. She gathers her courage and helps the dragon by giving the healing herbs and learns that dragons can talk. She saunters off with the knowledge that she saved a dragon and that may be enough to get her through the long days of punishments that are sure to come because of her rambunctious and vocal way. Thank the heavens for Troy, her best friend that would turn the earth over to protect her. And then there is Susannah. Troy and Vilda's ex-best friend. When Troy and Vilda plan to run away Susannah threatens them if they won't take her with them. Then there is a visit by a traveler. What does he want and what does it have to do with Vilda? Vilda, Troy, and Susannah flee their compound when a group comes to find a special girl. Who is she and why is she so special. The reader must follow these characters through the world of Royals and Warriors as the group struggles to figure out where each one belongs.
Vilda is a young woman that has a hard time keeping her head down and keeping quiet in a world where being noticed can cause a lifetime of trouble. When sent to gather healing herbs, Vilda happens upon a dragon injured in a cave. She gathers her courage and helps the dragon by giving the healing herbs and learns that dragons can talk. She saunters off with the knowledge that she saved a dragon and that may be enough to get her through the long days of punishments that are sure to come because of her rambunctious and vocal way. Thank the heavens for Troy, her best friend that would turn the earth over to protect her. And then there is Susannah. Troy and Vilda's ex-best friend. When Troy and Vilda plan to run away Susannah threatens them if they won't take her with them. Then there is a visit by a traveler. What does he want and what does it have to do with Vilda? Vilda, Troy, and Susannah flee their compound when a group comes to find a special girl. Who is she and why is she so special. The reader must follow these characters through the world of Royals and Warriors as the group struggles to figure out where each one belongs.
October 25, 2016
I received this book in an exchange for an honest review. I got to say this book I really enjoyed a lot, it had some interesting scenarios and I have to say this was a book that I normally don't pick up in read but am sooo glad I did!!! The characters are amazing and goofy which is so awesome. I would definitely recommend this book and am going to start the next book in the series!!!!!
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April 4, 2017FREE on AMAZON
September 17, 2016
Book read for review
I like dragons and underdogs, and Courage has both. Vilda is the village outcast, treated like a miscreant by her father for the smallest infractions. Her one bright spot and short escape from the never ending work is going for herbs up in the hills. Her life changes after a visit to the hills leaves her questioning her sanity. She soon finds out her sanity is fine, before her village is attacked over the 2 unmarried girls in the village - her and her former best friend. In their attempt to escape, the friends find they have more questions than answers, and get more deeply in trouble. Vilda, through everything, stays courageous as the fighter she is, and holds up her friends courage too. There is sweet romance, mystery, adventure, discovery, and change. I will be getting the next 2 books to find out what happens next. BTW, this is not a cliffhangar. It is a fun and light read with a satisfying ending.
I like dragons and underdogs, and Courage has both. Vilda is the village outcast, treated like a miscreant by her father for the smallest infractions. Her one bright spot and short escape from the never ending work is going for herbs up in the hills. Her life changes after a visit to the hills leaves her questioning her sanity. She soon finds out her sanity is fine, before her village is attacked over the 2 unmarried girls in the village - her and her former best friend. In their attempt to escape, the friends find they have more questions than answers, and get more deeply in trouble. Vilda, through everything, stays courageous as the fighter she is, and holds up her friends courage too. There is sweet romance, mystery, adventure, discovery, and change. I will be getting the next 2 books to find out what happens next. BTW, this is not a cliffhangar. It is a fun and light read with a satisfying ending.
October 6, 2015
A well paced captivating story for my 13 year old fantasy buff but I also raced through the book myself to see what would happen to Vilda and her friends. Quite an original twist on the dragons as well.
July 15, 2020
Fantastic!
There is more to my title then meets the eye, but in order for you to understand you have to read the book...😉 I quite enjoyed this first book in the Dreugan series. The main three characters which were originally mentioned in the "Birds of a Feather" series by Lena North; these are their stories. As always in Lena's books you will find quite a bit of humor, an adventure, emotion, and a love story. Not to forget some unforgettable totally hot macho type stud muffins! Looking forward to the next in this series!
There is more to my title then meets the eye, but in order for you to understand you have to read the book...😉 I quite enjoyed this first book in the Dreugan series. The main three characters which were originally mentioned in the "Birds of a Feather" series by Lena North; these are their stories. As always in Lena's books you will find quite a bit of humor, an adventure, emotion, and a love story. Not to forget some unforgettable totally hot macho type stud muffins! Looking forward to the next in this series!
September 26, 2017
An interesting read for a teeen or teen. Vilda is always at odds with her father and she doesn't fit in. During an adventure to escape from her unhappy village life she stumbles upon an inured dragon. After she nursed him back to health, she returns to her life, but thoughts of him never stray far from her mind.
The village is attacked and she must flee with two others.
They find refuge in another group where she connects with a warrior and finally feels accepted for who she is.
The village is attacked and she must flee with two others.
They find refuge in another group where she connects with a warrior and finally feels accepted for who she is.
September 26, 2017
I enjoyed this a bit more than I expected.
While I wasn't always fond of the main character, Vilda, I thourogh enjoyed the secondary characters. They all showed some slight developement while Vilda more or less stayed the same.
While this book wouldn't have made me extatic had it been a fantasy story geared towards adult it was certainly more than good enough for a young adult book.
While I wasn't always fond of the main character, Vilda, I thourogh enjoyed the secondary characters. They all showed some slight developement while Vilda more or less stayed the same.
While this book wouldn't have made me extatic had it been a fantasy story geared towards adult it was certainly more than good enough for a young adult book.
April 16, 2018
Those dragons are hot!
As a whole,this really rocked ! She (the heroine) starts as a drudge and becomes the savior who revitalized the dreughan
As a whole,this really rocked ! She (the heroine) starts as a drudge and becomes the savior who revitalized the dreughan
February 28, 2022
Very good
The book was simple and intersting. I expected more romance scenes but that lack of was okay too. I'd read book 2
The book was simple and intersting. I expected more romance scenes but that lack of was okay too. I'd read book 2
March 7, 2017
I was riveted to the pages from the opening passage to the very last word. At first, I was captured by the cover and the intriguing blurb of the book. I was hoping so badly that the book would live up to the hype that I've been getting when I selected the story. And it did, actually, live up to the hype.
The setting, the fun characters, the fantasy element, everything was woven craftily and made reading very vivid and enjoyable.
There were a few grammar mistakes, but they didn't take away from the story at all. I still enjoyed thoroughly.
The writing is creative and capturing and I found myself hoping that the story would not end!
And oooh Drake. I liked him. A lot.
~ I really recommend you read it ~
The setting, the fun characters, the fantasy element, everything was woven craftily and made reading very vivid and enjoyable.
There were a few grammar mistakes, but they didn't take away from the story at all. I still enjoyed thoroughly.
The writing is creative and capturing and I found myself hoping that the story would not end!
And oooh Drake. I liked him. A lot.
~ I really recommend you read it ~
September 14, 2016
*** I received a copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review of it. All the opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***
Courage by Lena North is a story about a young girl named Vilda who lives in a village in the mountains and is the odd one out. She doesn’t really fit in or belong. All the people there have varying shades of brown skin and brown eyes but not Vilda. Vilda has fiery red hair, green eyes and pale skin that make her stand out from the other people in her village. Vilda is always getting into trouble and being punished but her life begins to change when she crosses paths with an injured dragon in a cave that she calls her own when she is sent to gather herbs for the fever that comes to the village every year. She helps the dragon…tends his wounds but when she goes to sleep after helping him and wakes to find him gone she starts to question whether any of it was really real. Things begin to change yet again when a stranger comes to the village, which is a rare thing indeed and then the Waterfolk decide to come and attack…
Although Courage isn’t a book packed with action and drama from the get go it still manages to draw you in and make you want to learn more about the various characters that you are introduced to: Vilda, Troy, Susannah and the others that we meet later on…Drake and others. You want to learn as to why Vilda is not only so different but why she is treated so differently by the man she calls father. For me the book is engaged and interesting because Vilda is very skilled but she is unhappy with the life she leads and she decides that she is going to leave the village when she turns 16 to avoid being promised to someone she knows she wouldn’t be happy with. But when danger approaches the village from another group of people she decides that it’s time to leave now and then things in her life really begin to change and she begins a journey that will lead her to unexpected answers, friends and revelations.
If you are a fan of Fantasy and YA novels then this book will really fit the bill for what you’re looking for. It’s so unique and you’ll be more than ready for the next book in this series when you finish. There are some surprises to come but in some ways it becomes a bit of a game to piece it all together before the story tells you but it’s a very enjoyable read nonetheless. This is a book that I would definitely recommend. There is some…sexual innuendo but it’s nothing too over the top that would make it a bad thing for this book. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. I really look forward to the next book in this series by this author. Two thumbs up.
Courage by Lena North is a story about a young girl named Vilda who lives in a village in the mountains and is the odd one out. She doesn’t really fit in or belong. All the people there have varying shades of brown skin and brown eyes but not Vilda. Vilda has fiery red hair, green eyes and pale skin that make her stand out from the other people in her village. Vilda is always getting into trouble and being punished but her life begins to change when she crosses paths with an injured dragon in a cave that she calls her own when she is sent to gather herbs for the fever that comes to the village every year. She helps the dragon…tends his wounds but when she goes to sleep after helping him and wakes to find him gone she starts to question whether any of it was really real. Things begin to change yet again when a stranger comes to the village, which is a rare thing indeed and then the Waterfolk decide to come and attack…
Although Courage isn’t a book packed with action and drama from the get go it still manages to draw you in and make you want to learn more about the various characters that you are introduced to: Vilda, Troy, Susannah and the others that we meet later on…Drake and others. You want to learn as to why Vilda is not only so different but why she is treated so differently by the man she calls father. For me the book is engaged and interesting because Vilda is very skilled but she is unhappy with the life she leads and she decides that she is going to leave the village when she turns 16 to avoid being promised to someone she knows she wouldn’t be happy with. But when danger approaches the village from another group of people she decides that it’s time to leave now and then things in her life really begin to change and she begins a journey that will lead her to unexpected answers, friends and revelations.
If you are a fan of Fantasy and YA novels then this book will really fit the bill for what you’re looking for. It’s so unique and you’ll be more than ready for the next book in this series when you finish. There are some surprises to come but in some ways it becomes a bit of a game to piece it all together before the story tells you but it’s a very enjoyable read nonetheless. This is a book that I would definitely recommend. There is some…sexual innuendo but it’s nothing too over the top that would make it a bad thing for this book. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. I really look forward to the next book in this series by this author. Two thumbs up.
September 22, 2016
Vilda lives in a settlement where she feels as though she doesn't belong. She is constantly in trouble with her best friend Troy, has drifted apart from her other best friend Susannah, and feels like a disappointment to her father Jonah. When Vilda saves a dragon inside of a cave one day she knows that she is destined for more than what is available to her.
When tragedy strikes will Vilda be able to get herself and her friends to a safe place. When they come upon a group from Dragoncourt will they prove to be friend or foe? Will Vilda learn the truth about her own past and what she is destined for?
I really enjoyed this book and found I was engaged from start to finish. I loved Vilda's character and her rebellious nature, even if it tended to get her into trouble. She was definitely a splash of color in a grey world. I did know that she would turn out to be gifted and I was glad to see how everything turned out when things were revealed to her.
I loved the friendship of Troy, Vilda and Susannah. The explanations of Susannah's actions made perfect sense when you realized the why behind it. I hope the next book is about her and that Troy gets one too!
Drake was awesome and I knew that things would be ok for him in the end. He really cared but was so loyal to Kee that it almost cost him.
I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series!
When tragedy strikes will Vilda be able to get herself and her friends to a safe place. When they come upon a group from Dragoncourt will they prove to be friend or foe? Will Vilda learn the truth about her own past and what she is destined for?
I really enjoyed this book and found I was engaged from start to finish. I loved Vilda's character and her rebellious nature, even if it tended to get her into trouble. She was definitely a splash of color in a grey world. I did know that she would turn out to be gifted and I was glad to see how everything turned out when things were revealed to her.
I loved the friendship of Troy, Vilda and Susannah. The explanations of Susannah's actions made perfect sense when you realized the why behind it. I hope the next book is about her and that Troy gets one too!
Drake was awesome and I knew that things would be ok for him in the end. He really cared but was so loyal to Kee that it almost cost him.
I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series!
October 2, 2016
Vilda has always been different. She feels like she is constantly being punished just for being herself. Having to cover her hair and try not to stand out. When she helps a dragon who is injured, she seems to have hope that maybe she is special and there is more for her out there. She learns about the war between the Dreugan and the Waterfolk. I really enjoyed seeing Vilda embrace her new self, and I love how she is really fearless. "Courage" is really depicted in this book. A strong girl, will grow up to be a strong women. I also like the way the men in the book treat her as an equal and not a fragile little girl. Definitely recommend and look forward to reading the rest of the Dreughan Books. Truly great job Lena North. Full video review on YouTube channel Adventures-IN-Print. https://youtu.be/m3ZuPbcPRbY
September 20, 2016
*** I received a copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review of it.***
I enjoyed this book. It was a different take on Dragons than I had seen previously. I was actually thrilled we didn't have a love triangle, which I was admittedly expecting as soon as Troy's name was mentioned. I enjoyed the fact that Vilda was up front and in your face character about her emotions. It was different from other YA novels because she was so outspoken. I felt that the build up of the story was a little longer than necessary but once we got out of the main settlement everything clicked so nicely into place I found myself forgiving the long build up. I would love a second book but am delighted to see that it is not necessary to continue on the story. This novel was unique and inspiring. Perfect for the target audience of YA readers.
I enjoyed this book. It was a different take on Dragons than I had seen previously. I was actually thrilled we didn't have a love triangle, which I was admittedly expecting as soon as Troy's name was mentioned. I enjoyed the fact that Vilda was up front and in your face character about her emotions. It was different from other YA novels because she was so outspoken. I felt that the build up of the story was a little longer than necessary but once we got out of the main settlement everything clicked so nicely into place I found myself forgiving the long build up. I would love a second book but am delighted to see that it is not necessary to continue on the story. This novel was unique and inspiring. Perfect for the target audience of YA readers.
October 29, 2016
Awesome book! This story was a lot of fun! I really liked Vilda. She has a great personality, and it was a really interesting story about her being so different. Her village and the setting where she escaped into the mountains to be alone was a unique place. It was so cool when she met the dragon for the first time. Vilda, with her red hair and fiery personality is a highlight in the book, and it's awesome when she finds where she belongs and the people she belongs with. I really like Drake, too, and it's a favorite part of the book where Vilda and Drake can talk to each other in their minds. That's a lot of the fun part. Her friends make up a good part of the book, too, as they all travel on the adventures. There's lots of action and things that make up legends in this book. I highly recommend this book, and can't wait to read the others in the series.
September 23, 2016
Great book. Very fast paced and full of action. Even the “slow” parts of the story are fascinating and keep introducing new information that helps keep the reader engaged. At one point I thought I had figured out the main twist, and while I was partially correct I was way off on another part. The story definitely keeps you guessing. I am rather anxious to read the second installment. Love the characters and how much detail North put into each one. Despite having a decently sized cast of characters, each one is unique and memorable .
September 15, 2016
I thought this was a delightful YA story. The plot that has twists and turns in Vilda's world are well thought out and well written. There are some glaring twists involved, yet the reader is still kept engaged in order to see the love story play out. The fight scenes are age appropriate and hold suspense.
The writing is well edited and presents a very professional book for the readers. I will definitely be recommending this book to my teenage daughter and her friends.
The writing is well edited and presents a very professional book for the readers. I will definitely be recommending this book to my teenage daughter and her friends.
January 10, 2016
Due to exam stress for mocks, I'm reviewing the whole series in one. The series was very good, with some great characters and plot lines. The second book showed me Sannah's prospective, which shed new light. Troy closed the series, and it ended very well. I am so glad I picked these books up on a read to review. Thank you for my copy. I appreciate such good work.
September 23, 2016
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed this book a lot. I feel it was about family, friendship,loss and love and let's not forget Dragons. Definitely worth the read. Not the typical love story, more about the love of friends.
April 21, 2022
Very meh. I know that I read this months ago, and I remember enjoying some aspects of it, but then I tried to start the second book of this series and was immediately annoyed into not reading any more.
October 28, 2016
This is an interesting story about 3 friends and how they try to fit in.
It is filled with dragons and action.
Very enjoyable
It is filled with dragons and action.
Very enjoyable
September 11, 2016
An amazing read. it was fun and entertaining. I loved the characters.
December 1, 2017
Dragons! Definitely worth the read! Glad to have had the opportunity to have read this! Amazing! Love the way this story come together! Must read book two!!
Well done, Lena North!
Well done, Lena North!
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