Review of 'Dragon Hart' by Abbie Eaton

Review of 'Dragon Hart' by Abbie Eaton

Release date: April 18th, 2025

Publisher: One More Chapter

REVIEW

Oh, how I loved the majestic dragons of Dragon Hart! This fantasy debut from Abbie Eaton is captivating. There are plenty of adventures, thrills, surprises and heart-stopping events that kept me on the edge of my seat. The story begins at a slower pace but this allowed me to get to know the lay of the land, the traits of the main characters and the predicaments they face. But as the plot progresses, so does the action and what a wild ride it is!

Yes, the dragons have disappeared for a long a time but we discover the reason and their whereabouts and the promised one that ushers in a new age. Arla Reinhart is the personal assassin to the King of Hadalyn. She was taken in by the Hadalyn King, after her parents were killed by the opposing kingdom. Her painful losses fuel her determination to rid the evil forces that surround her. She has trained and worked hard to climb the ranks and is feared by all for her warfare skills and astute awareness. She is not a believer of gods or dragons, though, for it seemed they abandoned her when she needed them most—to save her parents. This poses some issues and blind spots in her vision. But we know she is going to be challenged and confronted on these points for this is a story about magic and dragons! And the rise of one who will become the Dragon Hart, the leader of these magnificent beasts.

A perilous assignment is set before her when important shipments go missing. This thievery affects the kingdoms welfare and so Arla is asked to restore order. But not alone. She is tasked with hooking up with Hark Stappen, who is part of the kingdom who killed her parents. This intense hatred for Hark and what he represents sets her on edge. This emotional connection and conflict will definitely pose some major issues. Lack of trust being one of them. But she must learn to co-exist with Hark and make plans to save the kingdoms. Arla is forced to work with the arrogant, handsome ambassador, for together they must solve the dilemma that each of their kingdoms have requested of them. It will take them into places of mixed alliances, where they will dine with royalty, fight in taverns, jails and castles. Along the way Arla learns some surprising things about her partner in crime that will cause her to look upon him in a different light. Her adventure will unveil many secrets and cause a transformation in her, too. She will learn more about her heritage: that the blood in her veins is very different than she expected. She will discover her biggest asset and purpose. Adventures with Hark will open her eyes to a world she has never known.

I loved the tension between Arla and Hark, then the attraction but the surprises are delightful. The Dragons are glorious and those scenes sent my heart and imagination soaring. I was impressed with the writing skill of this debut author. The dialogue suits the characters and the construction of the fantasy realm setting is appropriate. This first book is set up well for the continuation of the story of these fascinating people. Book one contains powerful enemies, a tale of revenge, an enemies to lovers trope, a saviour-hero plot, unbelief - belief in magic, unveiling of life shattering secrets, a battle for freedom from slavery, a new call on Arla’s life and the release of dragon power and protection. As mentioned, I loved the dragon scenes as they are gloriously conveyed in stunning detail and are among my favourites in the novel!

This Dragon Hart debut is an admirable imaginative effort that I greatly enjoyed. It will be exciting to see the next segment, too. I, for one, will be willing and waiting anxiously to read this sparring couple’s next adventures. What new kingdom surprises await us? Bring it on, Abbie! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 Thanks to One More Chapter and Netgalley for the review copy.