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A Swoon-worthy Fantasy Romance!
Hunt of the Dragon
The Vale of Stars (Book 4)
Dark Fantasy, Fantasy Romance
Juliette Cross
June 07, 2021
ebook, paperback
Photojournalist Krissa Nadeem ventures into the wilderness to record the destruction by the Larkosian army. When she captures on film the Morgon Guard’s top most wanted enemy in hiding, she sets in motion a journey that will change her life forever. Not just because of the secret she uncovers, but also because of the man who will become her protector. And more.
Bowen Huntergild, stealthy and deadly assassin, is at the head of the task force searching for the Bloodback witch who killed his sister in a blood sacrifice. When Krissa turns in her finding on film, he teams with her to discover the witch's hideout in the wilds beyond Drakos. While he focuses on the job, his dragon stirs, warning him that destiny has more intimate plans.
As they venture farther into enemy territory, their partnership moves well beyond professional, taking them on a path neither could’ve imagined.
What neither of them realize is that this one photograph could be the salvation or the doom of them all.
“Like my Grandma Rita always told me: Queens never hang their heads.” —Hunt of the Dragon, Juliette Cross
Hunt of the Dragon by Juliette Cross is the fourth and final installment of the Vale of Stars epic series. A true fantasy romance, Hunt of the Dragon will have readers devouring the pages in this phenomenal conclusion to an incredible series.
I’ll admit I’m a bit bereft now that this series is over. Juliette Cross is one of those rare storytellers that never disappoints in any fictional world she creates, or genre that she tackles. The Vale of Stars series is no different. With each new book, the world Cross creates becomes more vivid and the characters that are introduced provide new depth and interest as well as a new layer to the overarching storyline of the series.
“A growl purred low in my throat without my even summoning it. Yes, the dragon wanted her. And the man would have her. Whenever she was ready.”
I love the overall storyline that ties each book of this series together. The mystery and the tale of the Vale of Stars series is the stuff of classic fairytales. While Hunt of the Dragon is the final book, and each could be read as a standalone—it would be best and I highly recommend—readers should definitely start with the previous books in the series so as not to ruin any major plot points regarding the Vale of Stars.
Bowen and Krissa’s romance is simply perfect for any type of reader. Krissa is smart, fierce, fearless, and kind to everyone she meets. Bowen is her perfect counterpoint. He’s renowned for his tracking skills, his ability to pick up the slightest change in the wind or someone’s countenance makes him a fierce Morgon and also the kind of male that is so addicting to read because it makes him intuitively attuned to the needs of his love interest. *swoon* I adore a male character that knows what he wants but has the patience and fortitude to make sure his love interest is comfortable and on the same page before pressing on with his feelings. Is there anything sexier than a man with patience and the confidence to wait for the perfect time? I’m trying not to spoil anything, but the fact that Krissa is so loving, and Bowen is so intuitive creates such a unique relationship of love that embracing other characters into their fold becomes second nature to them in the most heartfelt way. I adored the caring nature of both of Krissa and Bowen.
“I found myself mesmerized, completely entranced by the deep, sonorous timbre of his voice. And the surprisingly compassionate nature of the assassin holding close as we coasted deeper into the night.”
One of the best aspects of a book near the end of a series is that typically all previous characters get a mention or play a part to tie up the ending. I love getting glimpses of what the other characters are up to, and Cross has a knack for introducing everyone in a natural way. Hunt of the Dragon is exactly that. I truly hope that Juliette Cross has more books planned in this world. Hunt of the Dragon is a perfect ending to this series, and if you haven’t read this series, consider this your nudge to escape to this utterly addicting fantasy world!
Jes is a self-proclaimed bookworm, who recently moved from the PNW back to the Midwest. When her nose isn’t in a book, she’s spending time with her husband, two kids, and her three fur babies, or exploring the globe. She also firmly believes that you should start the day with coffee, and end the day in bed with a good book.
