ARC Review: Dragon of the Stars by Alex J. Cavanaugh

Published: April 7th 2015 by Dancing Lemur Press L.L.C.
Genre: Sci-Fi, Space opera, Military
Format: Paperback
Source: provided for honest review

Goodreads Summary

From the Amazon Best-selling author!

The ship of legends…
The future is set for Lt. Commander Aden Pendar, son of a Hyrathian Duke. He’s poised to secure his own command and marriage to the queen’s daughter. He’ll stop at nothing to achieve his goals.
But when the Alliance denies Hyrath’s claim on the planet of Kavil and declares war on their world, Aden finds his plans in disarray. Entrenched in battle and told he won’t make captain, Aden’s world begins to collapse. How will he salvage his career and future during Hyrath’s darkest hour?
One chance remains–the Dragon. Lost many years prior, the legendary ship’s unique weapon is Hyrath’s only hope. Can Aden find the Dragon, save his people, and prove he’s capable of commanding his own ship?
www.whatarethekargrandes.com 

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Hyrath's strongest ship, now missing for twenty years, entered his mind. The weapons she possessed, unique and unreplicated in any ship since, were legendary.

Shame the real Dragon never had a chance to earn her colors, he thought.

The Good

I took my time and with Dragon of the Stars as I didn't want to miss too much on the first read through. The universe was really well done for what was there. I loved Aden as the hero of the story. He wasn't perfect and had plenty of flaws but I found myself rooting for him. The ship battles were fun and exciting but I wish they lasted a bit longer than they did.

The Bad

I wish I got to learn more about the other alliance races. I would have liked to know just how different they were from each other.

The Romance

Aden, while trying to impress the Princess Arabella by getting his own ship and earning his promotion to captain, starts to get to know Tamsin Pavott who serves on his ship as the weapons officer.

Conclusion

Overall, I really enjoyed Dragon of the Stars. One of the better space operas that I've had the chance to read by far. If you enjoy space travel and space battles, you will want to give this one a read.

Excerpts

As he returned to the bridge, Aden mulled over the report from Hyrath. Self-defense, my ass! That ship approached the Tarquin with raised shields and weapons at the ready. 
They were looking for a fight.

"The Dragon didn't fire missiles or lasers." Fyall pressed his lips together, wrinkling his nose. "It was some sort of current. It snaked across the hull of the ship, sparking as it struck the metal. The force was strong enough that it tore the ship apart."

"I've spent over thirty years working on systems for several top-secret military projects, the a-73 system, five years alone on the Dragon," Vardy said his nose hair flaring. "I also earned seven academic achievement awards over the course of my career, and am at the top of my field in fusion and propulsion technology."
Aden lifted the mug to his lips and took a sip. "Then you'll have no problem managing the Balkan's system."

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