A Destiny of Dragons by T.J. Klune

BOOK: A Destiny of Dragons

AUTHOR: T.J. Klune

TYPE: Tales from Verania #2

GENRE: MM Fantasy Romance

POV: First Person - Sam

PAGE COUNT: 480 (Kindle Edition)

PUBLICATION DATE: June 30, 2017

DATE READ: Nov 22, 2020

*(Subject to change)*

4.45

Sam Haversford - 21,

Ryan Foxheart - 26.

Once again, don't drink at all while reading this book. And be prepared to be punched with feelings directly in your face.

Once upon a time, the wizard’s apprentice, Sam of Wilds, got his happily ever after in the arms of his cornerstone, Knight Commander Ryan Foxheart. A year has passed, and while Sam’s been captured five or six more times since then, things are pretty great. His parents are happy, Gary and Tiggy still eat sass for breakfast, Randall is somehow alive despite being older than the gods, the King rules with a gentle hand, Kevin the dragon is as gross as ever, Morgan sighs a lot, Ryan continues to be dashing and immaculate, and Sam is close to convincing Prince Justin they will be best friends forever. Life is good.

Until it’s not.

Because Vadoma, the leader of the gypsy clan and Sam’s grandmother, has come to the City of Lockes with a dire prophecy written in the stars: a man of shadows is rising and will consume the world unless Sam faces his destiny and gathers the five dragons of Verania at his side.

And she brings along her second-in-command, a man named Ruv. Ruv, who Vadoma says is Sam’s true cornerstone.

He leaned in and kissed me, slow and sweet as molasses. And I took everything he was giving me and gave back as much as I could. Because that's what we did for each other. He might have been my cornerstone, but I wanted to be the same for him, even if he didn't have the magic I did.

What was that! A pseudo-cliffhanger? Oh my God. I'm so excited and my thoughts are so jumbled right now and I just want to start the next book, plus it's 11 in the night here but... here goes nothing. And I have also decided to use supernatural gifs here, so bear with me cause it was my baby and the show just ended and I'm vulnerable.

This book, this sweet, hilarious, action-packed book, this book gave me life. It's so good, everything from the characters to the supernatural plotline to the duologues and writing, everything was so much more than my expectations. Tales from Verania is my first MM fantasy series and I have to say it's blowing my socks off. Of all the Urban Fantasies I've read in my life, (Charley Davidson, Night Huntress, Fever,...) this one had, in my opinion, the best and most interesting worldbuilding. It's just so good. But beware, if you don't like snark and sex puns, do not read this book. Then when you finally do...the only question that begs asking is why didn't I read this sooner?? WHY?

I mean, wizards and knights? Why not. Hornless gay unicorn best friend? Sure. Half giants who smash? Now we're talking. Six-inch naked fairies who have helmets for their heads but not for their balls? No problem. But was that enough? NO. No, because we've got terrifying sand-mermaids. Eh? And a sexually aggressive dragon who's in a monogamous relationship with the aforementioned hornless gay unicorn and said dragon also wants to bone his stepson, aka Sam of Wilds. Say what now. We've also got snake dragon monster thing who's actually a teenage emo flying lizard named Zero Ravyn Moonfire. NO, go back And prophecies and visions, and possessions by villains and a KILF (king I'd like to you-know-what). I can't even right now.

You see what I'm talking about? Definitely not my usual read but so worth the time. And that's not all, 'cause mixed with all that is the banter between Team Sam. Hilarious, laughing-till-my-cheeks-hurt-banter between Gary and Kevin, the aforementioned hornless gay unicorn and sexually aggressive dragon, aka The Beast from the East, that have now broken up and are fighting over the custody of their stepson, Sam of Wilds. The banter that was often about... wait for it.

Yes, about dragon penis and the tendency of said penis to be attracted to Sam. Don't even ask about what I had to type in the search-bar to get that gif, let's just say that if someone checked my search history, they'd be traumatized. I was captivated by the creativity and besotted with the characters. I fear I just may have developed an instant and insatiable taste for T.J. Klune's word voodoo. As for the plot, the first half was almost setting the pace for the last half. That was when shit hit the ceiling. It was still hilarious but mixed with that were some serious emotions and...

I'm terrified about the next book, because of the prophecies and star-god's vague answers, I have a feeling something bad is about to happen. And I don't want any of my babies hurt. Cause that's what I consider them now and they better be alright in the next one because if not, then someone will definitely end up dead.

An absolutely addictive story with brilliant world-building and excellent pace. If you still don't know that these books are awesome and totally worth your time, this is my last attempted to lure you into giving them a chance. 

1.

Because sometimes, the power of love is greater than an oath could ever be. And as soon as the knight saw the boy standing near him on his wedding day, he realized that some things are meant to be broken so that others could be made whole.

And then they fucked.

Holy shit, did they fuck. In so many godsdammed positions, it wasn't even funny. It shouldn't have been possible, some of the ways they were able to bend. This one time, the boy took the knight up against the wall and just railed into him and-

"Really, Sam?" Morgan of Shadows said, face in his hands. "This is what you've spent your time on?"

To be fair, though, I thought future generations should be aware of just how much sex I was having and who I was having it with so they could completely understand me as a person and realize how awesome I was. There were even pornographic stick figure drawings in the margins that illustrated my prowess.

"Yes, well, there's nothing wrong with having a heathy libido," I said, trying to figure out if I should write the time I sat on Ryan's face or if I should maybe go to church a little bit more. It really could have gone either way.

He didn't look pleased at such a prospect. "How much more does it go on?"

Pages upon pages. "Oh. Um. Not long."

"Sam." Only he could say my name with so much exasperation and fondness all at the same time. It was really quite remarkable.

"I might have written an ode to his penis in iambic pentameter that goes on for forty-seven stanzas," I admitted. "I feel better now that I've said that out loud."

"Of course you did." Morgan sighed.

"Did you know that penis doesn't rhyme with as many things as one might think? That was a lesson I learned far too late."

"Oddly enough, I don't spend time trying to rhyme words with penis."

"Wow," I said. "You put a lot of disdain in such a short sentence. I wish I could do that."

"It comes with recent experience," he said dryly.

"I'll get there, I'm sure."

"Of that I have no doubt."

2.

The King was a barrel-chested man with long flowing white hair that fell on his broad shoulders and a kickass mustache that I had to hear Gary wax poetically about at least once or twice a week. Granted, it wasn't that much of a hardship, and if I'd met the King in another life, I'd probably have no problem in calling him Daddy.

Not that I told anyone that.

Ever.

Except for Gary and Tiggy, because let's be honest, I told them everything.

Which, of course, meant they told the King. In the middle of him hosting a dinner with all his heads of state. To say the silence that followed was shocking would be an understatement. Morgan's face had been in his hands, the King smiled widely, all the while Ryan looked like he was conflicted about his duty to protect the King versus wanting to demand they fight for my honor right then and there. The sex had been really good that night. With Ryan. Not with the King. I couldn't even look at the King without blushing for the six weeks that followed, especially when he would wink at me every time he saw me.

He wasn't winking now, though.

"I don't know why I have to get shoved in that blasted room like that," he said, looking adorably irate. "I have a sword, Morgan. A sword. It's very large, I'll have you know. Many people think so."

"I bet he does," Gary whispered near my ear. "Probably takes two hands just to hold it up and everything."

"It does seem like it'd be pretty big," I mused.

"Mine's bigger," Ryan said with a frown. "I measured."

Gary snickered as I patted Ryan on the shoulder. "Of course it is."

3.

"My liege," Ryan started, only to be interrupted when Gary sneezed a sound remarkably close to "Kiss-ass."

I punched Gary in the throat. "Let him do his job," I hissed at him.

"Oh, please," Gary said. "You just like it when he acts all Knight Commander-y. Forgive me if I don't want to stand next to your power boner for the next ten minutes."

I said, "I don't get a power boner, what the hell," even though it sounded like something I would get rather easily.

Ryan bought a closed fist to his chest and bowed low toward the King. "If the King wishes, I can provide a situation report immediately."

"Oh my gods," I said to Gary. "I get a boner for power."

"Do you think he knows he's not really whispering that?" Mom asked Dad. "Because it seems like he thinks he's whispering."

"I'm pretty sure he doesn't know he does a lot of things he probably shouldn't," Dad said. "We're not to blame for that at all. We're wonderful parents."

4.

I wore a beard similar to Justin’s, something that Sir hadn’t missed, given that he’d raised an eyebrow as we approached and said, “I’m down for twins.”

I should have known it was going to go downhill from there.

“Now, I understand you’re looking to be dominated,” Sir said.

Justin squeaked.

“Uhh,” I said. “I don’t think that’s quite what I—”

“Did I say you could speak, boy?” Sir asked sharply.

“No, Sir. Sorry, Sir.”

He waited a beat, as if making sure I wouldn’t step out of line again. I didn’t, because I didn’t want to get fisted or have something shoved up my pee hole.

“Now. We should probably discuss hard limits,” Sir said. “I’m okay with most things, even the… fluids… some others might have problems with. Even the more solid ones.”

“So unbelievably gross,” I breathed in awe.”

...

“Heyyy,” I said with a wave. “What. Is. Up.”

“Hey, he says,” Gary snapped, flipping his mane prettily. “Can you believe this? You raise a child most of his life, watch him go through painful years of puberty to become a reasonably attractive man, only to find him negotiating kink contracts with a leather Dom and saying hey.” He sniffled. “I’ve never been more proud of anything in my life.”

Tiggy frowned. “Sam a pain slut?”

“I highly doubt that, kitten. You know how he gets when he stubs a toe. He doesn’t pop a boner, that’s for sure.”

All in all, A Destiny of Dragons is a page-turner, and I'm looking forward to returning to Verania's magic cities!

• “You remember when we shattered my virginity? Well, I latched on to you like a barnacle after that. I’m slowly sucking the life out of you, because I’m never going to let you go.” “Do you ever get the feeling like we failed as parents?” Dad asked Mom.

• He leaned in and kissed me, slow and sweet as molasses. And I took everything he was giving me and gave back as much as I could. Because that's what we did for each other. He might have been my cornerstone, but I wanted to be the same for him, even if he didn't have the magic I did.

• “He turned and snarled at me, eyes blazing.
  “Eep!” I said, because even though it was scary, it was still a scary unicorn, and I couldn’t help but fall in love just a little bit more.
  “If you ever lock yourself in a room like a spoiled brat again, I will track down my horn, go on a quest to get said horn, defeat whatever creature has the horn, restore it to its rightful place atop my head, come back to the City of Lockes, march in a parade in my honor, and then come up to your room and gore you to death. Do you understand?”
  “Your eyelashes are made of stars,” I whispered reverently.
  “I know,” he hissed angrily. “It’s because I’m beautiful. Now are we clear?”

• “If you’re not done in that minute, I will describe in excruciating detail that one time my hoof got stuck in Kevin’s asshole. You understand me?”

• “I am going to wreck him so bad," I promised to everyone within hearing distance.
  A lot of people heard me, apparently, if the way they took a few steps away from me meant anything. I rolled my eyes at them. "I didn't mean right now."
  ...
  "You'd better," Gary said. "If he's walking straight tomorrow, then you have failed at homosexuality and I will mock you mercilessly. You are being called upon for a great task. This is why you were made. It is your destiny.”

• And then Gary choked and said, “Hot motherfucking damn, that is some good shit right there.”
  So I turned around.
  And immediately realized I was wearing the wrong kind of pants to be on the boner carriage to Holy Fuck Me Town.
  “Sweet molasses,” I managed to say.

• If we got everything we ever wished for, we wouldn’t have the capacity to be thankful for all the things we’d already been given. I’ve got so much already. I don’t ever want to lose sight of why it’s important.

• “Regardless of what your beliefs are, regardless of who you are and are not related to here, Surely you can agree that I am still your King. And as your King, I am ordering you to shut your mouth."
  "That might have given me an erection," Gary said to Tiggy.
  "Power kink," Tiggy said.
  "Like you wouldn't even believe," Gary agreed.

• “Oh, Sam. Sam, Sam, Sam. You know nothing about dragons, do you? Wow. How the hell are we your destiny? You poor, poor sexy man-child. I feel bad for you. And slightly aroused. But mostly bad. And aroused.”

• “Well. I guess it’s… it’s the moment, you know, when you wake up first in the morning. You open your eyes and your thoughts are muddled. You’re still partly asleep and you’re warm and don’t want to move, but you know you have to get up anyway. So you stretch and it feels good, but your arm hits something next to you and you look over and… there he is. Still asleep. And it’s the first clear thought you have, and you think, Hello. Hello there. Hi. I’m so glad you’re here. I’m so glad you’re next to me. And then for some reason, he must feel you watching him, because he wakes up too, you know? And he’s blinking and looks all soft and beautiful and then he sees you and he smiles. Like all it takes for him to be the happiest he’s ever been is to see you there. Next to him. That’s… that’s what’s so great about it. That’s what it feels like”

• “They make no sense whatsoever."
  "That's because we're amazing."
  "That's not what I mean."
  "Shh," he said. "Shh. Its okay. I heard what you didn't say. I got you. Your mouth is saying no, but your body is saying yes."
  "God, that was so rapey.”

• “You can’t hide your head in the sand without expecting your ass to get burned.”

• “I blinked blearily at the faces staring down at me.
  They all looked immediately relieved.
  And because I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to be an asshole, I said, “Where am I? Who are all of you? Why can’t I remember anything, such as my own name or country of origin or the people in my life who I am supposed to love?”

• But before he could move, I had him pressed up against the brick wall, arms wrapped tightly around him. His arms were trapped at his sides. I laid my head on his shoulder, tucking my nose against his neck. “Shh,” I said. “Shh. It’s okay. It’s okay. Just let it happen.” “You are hugging me against my will.”

• “Sometimes,” he said, “we shouldn’t act on feelings, no matter how strong they may be. Now, since I’m sure I will not escape it, I suppose I should hear your epic ode to penises.” “It’s long,” I warned him. “So you’ve said.” “And hard.” “I am regretting so much already.”

• But it’s a funny thing, life is. No matter what you have planned, there’s always going to be that one thing that comes along and says, ha ha, fuck you, this is what’s going to happen now.

• I am a godsdamned unicorn. I am glitter and sunshine and motherfucking good feelings.

• “Sam. Sam, Sam, Sam. Don’t you see? No. I am your father.” “What?” The smile widened. “Just kidding. I’ve always wanted to say that.”

• One day I’d find someone made for me. And I would show them why I was made for them. It was going to be okay.

• "I think that’s what I wished for. Under all those stars. That I could belong to you. That I could belong with you. And I think the stars granted my wish.” “I’m not crying,” I said with a sniff.

TJ KLUNE is a Lambda Literary Award-winning author (Into This River I Drown) and an ex-claims examiner for an insurance company. His novels include The House in the Cerulean Sea and The Extraordinaries. Being queer himself, TJ believes it's important—now more than ever—to have accurate, positive, queer representation in stories.

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