Title: Dragon Soldier
Author: Mell Eight
Series: Supernatural Consultant #5
Genre: M/M Paranormal
Length: Novella
Available: Now
The aftermath of the last battle has left Nickel weak in bed and grounded for the next decade. Despite being in trouble, Nickel wants to return to the battle as soon as he can, but thoughts of Platinum, the dragon helping to nurse him back to health, keep distracting him.
Platinum can’t believe how much his life has changed. He went from being a lonely fugitive on the run to part of a family in only hours. The last few days have been his happiest, especially now that he’s met Nickel. He knows it’s only temporary, though. The enemy that kept him captive for most of his life isn’t finished with him yet, and even Platinum and Nickel’s combined powers might not be enough to save them.
Source: ARC from Less Than Three Press via NetGalley
This tale picks up right where Dragon Detective left off, with Platinum watching over the sleeping Nickel, and Nickel just waking up. Unlike the other books, the relationship between these two is firmly front and centre. Which is good because there’s a hefty dose of insta-love here, so it was nice to see both of them feeling a little unnerved and unsure of their feelings and slowly getting to know each other.
It’s actually pretty sweet. Nickel has always been the strong dragon, determined to find the scientists experimenting on dragons and take them down. But he’s in recovery here, struggling to even get out of bed, let alone get back in the office and back to work. Not that he doesn’t try. I liked that it wasn’t easy for him, even if I also felt for him as he struggles with depression.
Platinum is sweet, but a little light on personality, poor thing. He’s been locked up for most of his life and he’s struggling to adjust to living with this loud bunch of boisterous dragons. I liked how Nickel became his sanctuary. I would have liked it if we’d seen more stuff between him and his egg twin, though. I think it would be nice if Platinum could bond with others beyond Nickel, because as sweet as they are together, he doesn’t have to be so alone anymore.
Away from these two, there’s still a search for the bad guys going on, while the rest of the kits are up to mischief as usual. The earth kits in particular were clearly having a lot of fun in the background. I wish there’d been more Lumie – but I always wish that, because he’s my mixed up magical favourite.
On the whole, this is a quieter, more romantic addition to the series, giving Nickel a glimpse of life beyond his quest to destroy his enemies. It’s cute like the other books, but not quite as funny, though it still contains the warm charm I’m used to. However, if you’re new to this series, don’t start here because you’ll miss out on a lot. Which would be a shame, because in terms of fun dragon families, there are few I enjoy as much as this adorable bunch. I look forward to seeing what Mell Eight comes up with next.
Dragon Soldier is Out Now.
Visit Mell Eight for more details.
