West Coast Book Reviews on DRAGON OF ASH & STARS

West Coast Book Reviews is my Go-To site for honest reviews on speculative fiction books, so when they take the time to read and review one of my books, I'm not only honoured, but holding my breath. I don't want to disappoint! I don't ever want my writing to be 'Yeah, could've been better.' So when I see THIS in my inbox, I just want to bask awhile in writerly bliss.

"A brilliant, insightful and spiritual tale.

To be honest, even if I'd never heard of H. Leighton Dickson I would have bought this book for the cover alone. I also want the poster, cell phone case, stationery, queen sized bedding and a black toothbrush covered in gold stars. She is on my auto-buy list and reading her work is always an absolute pleasure.

Dragon gives a unique approach to the telling of a fantastic tale. It is the autobiography of Stormfall the black dragon told in his own words.

As an autobiography, the telling is of course slanted to show the teller in whatever light he wants to be seen. For a dragon who is every inch arrogant, proud and self-centred, giving him the opportunity to tell his own tale grants this story an impact that grows as the pages progress and the dragon portrays himself as he sees himself.

Big.

Also present in generous amounts is Dickson's ability to take advantage humour in sharing any type of scene. Regardless of whether the moment is light or dark, one can sense her hand there not in telling the jokes but in allowing her characters the freedom to share those absurd thoughts we all have at even the most difficult of moments. Her images are both pristine and deep and each chapter is engaging.

The story itself is deeply satisfying. (Yes, she had me in tears again with wonderful and agonizing feels.) This is not a story that leaves you looking for book two. It is a complete tale I found epitomizes the idea of a standalone. I reached the end thinking "don't change a thing." I feel like I knew the dragon and will adore him for who he was, treasuring him for the way he saw himself and grateful he shared both his victories and triumphs.

Highly recommended."

Now, it is I who has the feels. Gonna go curl up and squee for a long sweet while. 

Check out their other reviews here:
http://westcoastbookreviews.blogspot.ca/2016/08/review-dragon-of-ash-stars-by-h.html

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