The Blood-Born Dragon

By J.C. Rycroft

A bond she didn't choose.

A love she can't escape.

A creature so powerful it bends the limits of time...

Smart, sassy, and sanguine, Des Mildue is a traveling sell-sword in Rescalin, a dry and dusty kingdom full of rogues, opportunists, and thieves. She keeps her nose clean, brazens it out with a blade when she can't, and keeps others at arm's length where they can't mess up her plans.

That is, until a sword fight gone wrong leaves her tied by blood to the first dragon hatched in centuries. Suddenly, Des has to contend with a new voice in her head: haughty, willful Esquidamelion. Des wants to leave Squid by a roadside, but the blood bond has other ideas.

With half the world on their tail - including Liv, her beautiful, faithless ex who Des is definitely over - Des must search for answers for why so many are willing to kill, maim and torture to get their hands on Squid. But she's beginning to suspect her blood bond has tied her not only to a dragon, but to a fight for Rescalin's future...

...and no one else even knows it's at risk.

If you like the kind of story that grabs you by the shirtfront and hauls you through mystery, magic, adventure and betrayal, with a side of sapphic romance, pick up The Blood-Born Dragon, first in a new trilogy from debut author JC Rycroft.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0645622850
• ISBN13: 9780645622850
• Release Date: April 2023
• Publisher: Battlewarrior Press
• Length: 330 Pages
• Weight: 0.92 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

GORGEOUS Sapphic fantasy

It is a darn good month for indie books for me! In J.C. Rycroft’s phenomenal "The Blood-Born Dragon," readers are introduced to Des Mildue, a resilient sellsword maneuvering through life and doing her best. Her life takes an unforeseen turn when a chance skirmish binds her by blood to Esquidamelion (or Squid), a baby dragon whose emergence disrupts her entire world and puts her in incredible danger. Des is a tough woman nursing a broken heart and carrying a load of abandonment, yet she's still trying her best. Her ex Liv isn't exactly the kindest soul, and Des is still hung up on her, adding a layer of complication to her life. Especially when she walks back into it. When the situation with Squid gets sticky, Des isn't afraid to roll up her sleeves and get her hands dirty, ready to make the tough calls when needed. But she doesn't have to be happy about it. Amidst the relentless pursuit by adversaries, Des grapples with the enigmatic nature of her new dragon and escalating threats to them both. As the mysteries unravel, it becomes clear that Des and Squid's connection holds significance; it's the linchpin to their shared destiny. Des' dynamic with Squid feels like 'The Mandolorian' suddenly tasked with protecting a pivotal being that could change the world. It's a responsibility she never sought but reluctantly accepts, nurturing a swiftly growing connection. Twisty's unwavering loyalty, Squid's witty sarcasm, and even Liv's complicated and challenging nature surprised me; the author skillfully navigates these complex characters, making them intriguing and lovable. I adored it so much. The sapphic relationship and the intricate webs of connections Des navigates make this a standout read. The relationship between Des and Liv is incredibly complex and fascinating in its exploration of different types of love and connection. Eloise's character is also a highlight. My anticipation for the next book is real—I can't wait to dive back into this captivating world. It is a phenomenal book that's a testament to rich storytelling and relationships.