ARC Mini-Review: The Poisoned Forest (Hedge Dragon #1)

The Poisoned Forest (Hedge Dragon #1)

by Yasmine Galenorn

Blurb:

To the rakshasa who enslaved my sister: you just made the worst mistake you’ll ever make in your life.

Yes, I’m a hedge dragon. An abomination, or so they call my kind. I’m a loner, but I’m also loyal to my sister. Turns out, the rest of the family couldn’t care less. I’m the only one willing to go after her when she vanishes.

She’s being held in Owlanvine, a city in the desert. To reach her, I must travel through the Poisoned Forest, one of the darkest, deadliest places in Wildemoone. But the Lord of the Hunt and his Lady take pity on me and offer me help.

Now, together with a small band of allies who I swear are more trouble than they’re worth, I’m out to save my sister before she’s lost forever, and before the forest does all of us in.

Themes:  Paranormal, Dragons, Fae

Rating: 4.25 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

An all new world is opened for us in this new spin-off series by one of my favorite authors and I find myself giddy with excitement to lose myself in the world of Storm and her new friends.  The Hedge Drago Series begins with the story of Storm, a hybrid of the Dragons that we saw unleashed in the Wild Hunt series that were taking over Earth.  Storm has lived a difficult life, but now that the gates to the Forgotten Kingdom have been opened, releasing the dragons, her life is about to become even more complicated.  Yasmine begins the series with a bit of overlap for those of us that finished out the Wild Hunt series with the novella of Ember and Herne’s wedding.  I was especially glad she did this because even with that background we’d have missed out on a lot if we jumped right into Storm story after the Wedding. Storm’s story really begins when she leaves her home on a rescue mission, searching for her sister that has been sold to slavers, but her inexperience with the other realms leads her down a very dangerous and incorrect path.  Thankfully she runs into some familiar and friendly faces that offer her the assistance she needs in the form of some new friends that can help her and teach her all she needs to rescue her sister.  With her new Allies she sets out through the dangerous new—but correct this time—terrain that will take her to her sister. But the dangers just keep mounting and even if she can rescue her sister can they all get back home safely afterward.  Only time, and maybe with a little help from an unexpected ally and some divine intervention, will tell if they succeed. But it's safe to say that either way Storm’s simple life will never be the same again.

This story was definitely filled with a lot of the typical first-in-a-series issues, a lot of world building, character introduction and development, and setup for future storylines and the overall series, but despite that the story moves quickly and it was beyond enjoyable.  Storm was a unique, facetious, witty, and intriguing character to watch as she moved through the world with a chip on her shoulder but the ability to trust when she spotted good people. There’s no doubting that she has lived a rough life, but she hasn’t hardened her heart to the plight of others, and it’s obvious she makes connections easily.  It was great to meet her new team and watch them begin to develop a connection and bond that you can see will lead to many future interactions both good and bad.  Of course, when we see her find lust (love?) for the first time as well, we have hope that a bright future is in store for her there despite the obstacles.  Seeing many of our favorite characters from the Wild Hunt was wonderful and knowing that Storm and her team have that support as they go forward in their battles means they will hopefully be better equipped to handle what will be coming their way.  I am dying for the next story in this story to say the least because there were so many questions left at the end of the story, though not really cliffhangers, that were there to set up the next story and lead us into the series.  Yasmine for sure has another hit on her hands and should be immensely proud of her storm of success😉. Even if you haven’t read the Wild Hunt series, jump into the Hedge Dragons with both feet and I can promise you won’t regret a moment of the adventure you’ll get to enjoy with the rest of us.

*eARC provided by author for the purpose of an honest and unbiased review.  No compensation was provided.