In this story, the author combines Roman history, mythology, and dragons which turns out to be a great plot combination.  I found the synopsis of the myth of Medusa and a breakdown of the dragon houses very helpful at the beginning before the story of Julian and Melina unfolds.

From the moment Malina, the female protagonist, first meets ‘the Roman Centurion’ (Julianus), the reader is pulled to the edge of their seat in anticipation that the two will cross paths again - we just don’t know how or when.

Once Julian and Melina meet again, the chemistry and spice are just right! The author gives the reader an in-depth perspective of Melina’s sassy and ‘reckless’ personality at the beginning of the story.  There is some background on her sisters and her ‘Bunica’ (grandmother), but not in as much detail as Melina.  This gives the reader a deeper understanding of what motivates Malina’s actions throughout the story. 

Initially, as we begin to learn more about Julian and his rise to power, I am unsure of his role in the story, but the author quickly connects the dots so the reader knows that Legatus Julianus is none other than the Centurion who gave Melina the special coin after her very erotic dance near the base of the Carpathian Mountains on the night they first met.  The first reference to Malina’s gift is just before the dance and after the dance when Melina refers to the ‘witch’ inside her.  It is Melina’s ‘witch’ (gift from the goddess Minerva) that keeps her safe from the dangers she encounters throughout the story.

The action, especially at the beginning of the story is exciting and on-point.  As we get into the middle of the story, the action slows a bit, but we get more of the backstory about who Julian is, what his motivations are, his family history, and his relationship with Caesar (his uncle).  His reputation implies very strongly that he is one of the villains of the story, but the reader quickly understands that there is more to Julian than meets the eye.

If the author’s goal was to pen Igniculus (Caesar), as the major villain of the story with absolutely no redeeming qualities, I’d say she more than succeeded.  I am a bit disappointed that the white dragon did not get to exact even a tiny bit of vengeance on Igniculus in this book (no spoilers from me, you’ll have to read the book to see what I mean).  I was, however, thrilled that Ciprian, a sycophant to Caesar, got exactly what he deserved, finally!

As I approached the end of the book (about 100 pages from the end), I suspected that this story would end in a cliffhanger (of which I am NOT a fan).  I will say, however, that at least Malina and Julian, fated by the goddess Fortuna, are together at the end of the book - so a Happy For Now ending, sort of ...

I anxiously await the continuation of the saga!