REVIEW: Azaran, by Jacki james

Title: Azaran
Series: The Brotherhood of Ormarr (books 2-4 releasing this month)
Author: Jacki James
Genre: Paranormal/Fantasy
LGBTQ+ Category: Gay
Publisher: Self
Pages: 139
Reviewer: Maryann

Get It On Amazon

About The Book

Azaran~
I was born a dragon rider. A member of the Brotherhood of Ormarr, son of Cadmar, and the eldest of four sons. I was raised to defend the innocent and protect the secret of the dragons, but when I was eighteen, my parents were brutally murdered and the training and care of my brothers fell to me. My entire adult life has been spent helping my brothers grow into the strong, brave dragon riders they were born to be. Now that the youngest of my brothers is close to adulthood, the last thing I need is someone else to worry about—someone else to be responsible for. If only the handsome doctor fate had chosen for my mate wasn’t so perfect for me. 

Toby~
AlI I ever wanted was to help people, that’s why I became a doctor, but I quickly learned that modern medicine was more about the all-mighty dollar and less about saving lives. It wasn’t long before I was doubting my life choices. A vacation to the ocean was supposed to leave me refreshed and ready to get back to work, but instead, I found myself pulled into a world I never knew existed. A world where dragons are real, men fight like medieval warriors, and my soulmate has his very own bat cave. Azaran thinks the last thing he needs is a mate to worry about. Good thing I don’t need anyone to take care of me. My sexy dragon rider, on the other hand, needs someone to take care of him, and I think I’m just the man to do it. 

Azaran is the first book in The Brotherhood of Ormarr series. While each book focuses on a different couple, the overall story arc continues in the next installment. For maximum enjoyment, we suggest reading in order. Azaran is a m/m romance, and is recommended for adults 18 years and older.

The Review

Azaran Ormarr has always carried the responsibility of protecting and training his brothers:  Zale, Malachite and Eeli.   Passed down through the family they are all members of the Ormarr Brotherhood. Although it’s their mission to help and protect others, they find themselves in danger as they have an enemy in the Order of Amsel.

Dr. Tobias Wells has had enough of the bureaucracy at the medical clinic where he works.  His reaction to his boss places him on vacation.  That’s fine with him, he’s ready for a change.  Maybe a small town where he can start over.  So, he finds himself in a place called Dargum’s Cove.

When the Dragum’s Cove part-time doctor is out of town, Toby finds himself volunteering to help a young man with an emergency. Zale has no choice but to  reveal an amazing surprise to Toby in order to help his younger brother Eeli.

Toby finds himself swept away into an unbelievable situation with the four Ormarr brothers.  He feels he’s made friends with the brothers except for Azaran and Toby has to make a choice whether to stay or leave.

This was a first time read for me by Jacki James. This is a definite quick and easy read with danger, sweet humor and a little mystery.  As the brothers are only human their Dragons are the magic.  Each dragon has a unique name and are addicted to their own little quirks:  prisms, candy wrappers and such.  The dragons each have their own personalities.  James created some interesting characters with Azaran and his brothers, along with Toby and gives a very in-depth look at each one.   The danger comes in the form of wraiths that show up on the Brotherhood missions.  That doesn’t set well with Azaran and he needs to find out why, which leaves the door open for more excitement.

Even though I haven’t read many tales about dragons, I thought this was well done and has great potential for the start of the next three books in the series by various authors.  I’m curious to see who will be featured next in the series and where adventure will take them. 

The Reviewer

Hi, I’m Maryann, I started life in New York, moved to New Hampshire and in 1965 uprooted again to Sacramento, California.  Once I retired I moved to West Palm Beach, Florida in 2011 and just moved back to Sacramento in March of 2018.  My son, his wife and step-daughter flew out to Florida and we road tripped back so they got to see sights they have never seen.  New Orleans and the Grand Canyon were the highlights.  Now I am back on the west coast again to stay! From a young age Ialways liked to read.  I remember going to the library and reading the “Doctor Dolittle” books by Hugh Lofting. Much later on became a big fan of the classics, Edgar Alan Poe, Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker and as time went by Agatha Christie, Ray Bradbury and Stephen Kingand many other authors. 

My first M/M shifter book I read was written by Jan Irving the “Uncommon Cowboys” series from 2012.  She was the first author I ever contacted and sent an email to letting her know how much I liked this series.  Sometime along the way I read “Zero to the Bone”by Jane Seville, I think just about everyone has read this book! As it stands right now I’m really into mysteries, grit, gore and “triggers” don’t bother me.  But if a blurb peaks my interest I will read the book. My kindle collection eclectic and over three thousand books and my Audible collection is slowly growing.  I have both the kindle and audible apps on my ipod, ipads, and MAC. So there is never an excuse not to be listening or reading. I joined Goodreads around 2012 and started posting reviews. 

One day a wonderful lady, Lisa Horan of The Novel Approach, sent me an email to see if I wanted to join her review group.  Joining her site was such an eye opener.  I got introduce to so many new authors that write for the LGBTQ genre.   Needless to say, it was heart breaking when it ended.  But I found a really great site, QRI and it’s right here in Sacramento. Last year at QSAC I actually got to meet Scott Coatsworth, Amy Lane and Jeff Adams.