The royal castle in Jade City feels a long way from Cinder Village – which is a hint of a Cinderella tale, as a hard-working, in this case, a much-loved young woman is required to join the hunt for a royal bride. THE LAST DRAGON KING needs an heir.

The Dragon King is a shapeshifter, and most folks have some degree of magic blood, whether dragon or elven. But the Cinder folks don’t have much to start with, and they’re not wealthy, just miners. However, the May Day celebrations are interrupted by the army in search of all the young women in the area. If any carry enough magic to produce an heir, they will be taken to Jade City.  Arwen, a skilled huntress, only now learns from her frightened mother that she’s not who she thinks she is, and the seekers might find a sniff of magic. 

Arwen and Drae, the king, are not going to have an easy time in this romance. Regina, the leader of the Royal Guard, is one of the strongest characters. Drae trusts this brave woman and she’s Arwen’s heroine. Even Regina can’t forestall plots, treachery and invasion. Zaphira, queen of Nightfall, has forsworn magic and wants to replace it with machinery. She’s not particular about who she kills. Throughout this tale, we see a few other kings – an Elven king particularly – whose aid will be needed by Drae as the series continues.

I especially enjoyed the shapeshifting to dragon form and the contrasts between Arwen’s proudly humble home and her new, perhaps temporary, fine rooms in the castle. Many sensuous details combine to build a good setting. Danger lurks and sometimes strikes with no warning. I’m looking forward to the rest of the Kings of Avalier series by Leia Stone. THE LAST DRAGON KING is suitable for mature young adults, especially girls, and adult fantasy lovers.