Caged Warrior

May 6, 2013
Audrey MacLaren has lived with a secret: she is also Nynn of Clan Tigony, one of a powerful race of godlike creatures called the Dragon Kings. Her happy life among humans ends when the Aster cartel kills Nynn’s husband and kidnaps Nynn and her son. Now collared and caged, she is trained by tough-as-nails Leto of Clan Garnis to fight other Dragon Kings in brutal gladiatorial combat. But more sparks are flying than can be explained by Nynn’s gift of throwing lightning, and Leto begins questioning life in the Cages for the first time as he fights alongside his newly forged warrior companion. The pseudonymous author’s first book under the Piper name is extremely dark, with massive violence, references to sexual assault, and very little tenderness between the love interests. Nevertheless, fans of gritty paranormal romance will appreciate the strong and emotional story, which builds slowly to an exciting, if rushed, conclusion.

May 15, 2013
Fierce battles inside a metal cage comprise the games central to the debut of Piper's Dragon Kings series. Warrior Leto, of Clan Garnis, who fights for the glory of the Aster Clan, is given the task of making a warrior out of Nynn, of Clan Tigony, who was known as Audrey when she was married and gave birth to a son. Leto must keep her alive through three contests. Both fight for a cause: his, provide shelter for his cousin, hers, to get her son back. But Leto isn't sure that he can turn this soft woman into a warrior, especially since she doesn't know what her special powers are or how they work. But as he's as much a captive as she is, he has no choice but to get into the practice ring with her every day and try to transform her into the fearsome competitor he needs at his side. Piper's gritty tale of survival and love will appeal to those who like blood-and-sweat fantasy and romance.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)