This short novel in the 'Dragon Knights' fantasy series is strong on romance but after the start, lighter in action than some of the other installments. The story begins with battle and injuries, as the poison-spitting beasts called skiths are driven to attack by the invading Skithdron army, which is trying to take over Draconia. The mighty dragon Rath has come to the Border Lair to teach young fighting dragons some tricks. A new MASTER AT ARMS bravely kills a skith single-handedly, to Rath's astonishment. This man, Tristan, has left another country because he was the younger twin prince and some people wanted to set him up in competition for the throne. He's got to make his own way.

Lady Cara, a fine swordswoman at need, helps in defence of her keep and then attends to healing injuries, including an injured dragon. She did think she had a potential mate in Tristan once, but when he found out she was the daughter of the house, he walked away and they've been edgy ever since. He's just a soldier after all. A knight of the army, Sir Thorn, also desires Lady Cara, and he's partnered with a dragoness....

If you have been following the series you can guess where this will go, but if you're new to the books you can equally read this adult novel and learn about dragon and human partnerships and the particular requirements of mated sets, of which telepathy is just one. Draconia's politics are not aired in this book, just its difficulties, which helps beginners get into the story. Fans of Bianca D'Arc will be keen to meet the MASTER AT ARMS and see where his eventful life leads.