Red-Haired Ash Reads

This book takes us back to the very beginning of the Dark Kings universe with the original couple, that no one knew about until the discovery of Melisse. Ailis has always dreamed of visiting other realms and she finally achieves that dream when she creates a doorway to Earth, and the dragon kings. There she meets King of the Dragons Lennox and falls hard for him, even if their relationship never would work. 

This was a good origin story. Ailis and Lennox had instant attraction and chemistry that brought out all the feelings. Their relationship was not an easy one because no one could know about it for fear of an uprising or invasion from the fae. I liked from the very beginning that these two were very honest with each other and knew that their relationship had to stay hidden. Their relationship isn’t easy but they made it work, which just showed the strength of their love for each other. 

My issues with this book are that the middle dragged a bit because they were spending so much time apart due to what was happening to the dragons. Also while I know Ailis understood that she needed to stay hidden, I find it kind of unbelievable that she wouldn’t try to leave the cave since she was an explorer. Yes, Lennox does find ways to show her his world but I don’t see that being enough for someone as adventurous as Ailis. But, I still enjoyed their story, both the happy times and the sad. 

Overall, this was a great origin story and provides us with more information about why Melisse was an unknown for so long. I look forward to reading Melisse’s book and learning more about her childhood. 

Content warnings: on page miscarriage; pregnancy; death; grief

*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.*

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