A tantalizing treat and an epic escape.
Glorious Aeron, a magnanimous soul and slayer of dragons! At least, that’s how he’ll be remembered if Slyvaine Abelan has anything to say about it. And for anyone who knows Syl, this loquacious elf has a lot to say about everyone and everything. In fact, the only thing sharper than her ears is her tongue, but for a bard, her way with words is a gift and it’s kept her alive this long. So when blundering Aeron strides into The Rusty Nail tavern with a lucrative but misguided opportunity to recover a dragon’s lost hoard, Syl eagerly joins his ill-conceived expedition. Her mission is to spread the word of Aeron’s conquests far and wide in exchange for a place in the spotlight and enough coin to keep her fed. She makes herself useful in entertaining her blade-for-hire traveling companions, translating the Elvish notes on their map and soothing rowdy crowds as they travel. Despite the inevitable dangers, neither man nor beast has ever presented an adversary Syl couldn’t slay… in song, that is. Though her actual combat skills leave a lot to be desired, Syl takes the rugged terrain, sparse accommodations, and mortal threats in stride, using them as inspiration for her tales. But Jaromir, an aggravating, surly, and unrelenting riding companion might be a heart-thrumming ballad of emotions even Syl can’t tame with her lute.
Clear your schedule and settle in with a giant bowl of popcorn because The Ballad of the Last Dragon will whisk you away on a journey from which you may never wish to return! A dynamic adventure searching for fabled gold is only the beginning of the excitement. Imaginative creatures abound and perils on the road are a constant threat, but conflicts within pose the greatest danger to this patchwork group of treasure hunters. C. A. Farran’s eloquence and humor shine through the novel’s diverse cast. The sort of person you know you’ll be great friends with after your first lively conversation, Syl’s witty character spins a fine yarn as she records their adventure in song and story. Jaromir radiates frustration and intensity, but his heart outshines his rippling muscles and rough demeanor. The rapport among this group of courageous treasure hunters seems prickly on the outside but is warm and tender at its core, a foundation for all the characters to flourish and entertain. In this swashbuckling adventure story with a heartwarming message, the treasure they find in each other is more valuable than dragon’s gold. One part sultry, one part sweet, and a generous dash of scandal, The Ballad of the Last Dragon is a tantalizing treat and an epic escape.
