The Stray Reader

Author:	Jenna Jarvis
Genre(s):	➡️ Fantasy ➡️ Queer
Series? Series Name: Series Order:	✅ Yes Dragon Circle Book 2
Goodreads Rating:	⭐ 4.22 (18 ratings; 10 reviews)
Personal Rating:	⭐ 3.5 / 5 Overall

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🌟Review (3.5/5) 🌟

IT. KEEPS. GETTING. BETTER.

Everything I craved for after finishing the first book, Digging for Heaven, were given to me in this installment. Adventure? Character depth? Political intrigue? Yes to all and more! Plus, there are so many new characters that make the story so much fuller. Really, this story is so full in every department it goes for.

Adventure? Oh, we’re traveling places all right. After the dessert and Jeenobian adventure last book, it’s Aelshia and the seas’ time to shine. The missions and fights have never been more intense.

Political intrigue? We have consort rivalry, dragon politics, witch entanglements, secret staircases, and a brewing war. The climax is going to be epic.

Romance? It has lesbian angst, enemies-to-lovers tension, asexual musings, platonic soulmates, and more.

“She’s nobody’s girl. That’s my woman out there.”

— Kella Mabaki

Atmosphere? Total vivid imagery. I personally would love to see the big fish migration as the dragons fill the skies, the library, and the majestic pirate ship sailing over the icy waters full of deadly creatures.

It’s even better that the new characters tie so well with the existing ones and to the plot that’s starting to go deeper. I am so intrigued at what Xoia and Jev’s next moves will be that I need the next book out soon.

Well, that and because my brain will once again forget the details of what I’ve read in a few days. To be honest, I was confused in the beginning because I have forgotten how the first book ended. Don’t judge, I read for the ✨ vibes. ✨ I can still remember asking myself, ‘what war are we talking about?’ ‘wait, magic is banned? why?’ ‘they’re fugitives for what?!’ But it all turned out well. The memories started filling in with the help of the many callbacks from the first book. Truly, my brain is grateful.

Final Thoughts

I am amazed at the number of plotlines being intertwined in this story. Almost all of them, from world building to personal relationships, managed to pique my interest and that kept me so immersed in the story. The pacing of playful and serious conversations made the characters shine brighter.

I recommend this to readers who enjoy reading Young Adult (YA) fantasy about dragons, epic battles, and love a good LGBTQIA+ representations where the characters’ sexual identities are not the cause of conflict. Grab a copy of Digging for Destiny through Amazon!