Audiobook Review: Dragon's Oath

Dragon's Oath
House of Night Novellas #1
Author: P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast
Reader: Caitlin Davies
Reading Level: YA
Released: July 12th 2011
Review Source: Macmillan Audio
Available: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Macmillian Audio

Summary: (from goodreads) The first in an enthralling new mini-series of novellas from the #1 bestselling authors of the House of Night, Dragon’s Oath tells the story behind the House of Night’s formidable fencing instructor – the love that will transform him, and the promise that will haunt him

In early 19th century England, long before he’s a professor at the Tulsa House of Night, Bryan Lankford is a troublesome yet talented human teen who thinks he can get away with anything… until his father, a wealthy nobleman, has finally had enough, and banishes him to America. When Bryan is Marked on the docks and given the choice between the London House of Night and the dragon-prowed ship to America, he chooses the Dragon – and a brand new fate.

Becoming a Fledgling may be exciting, but it opens a door to a dangerous world.... In 1830’s St. Louis, the Gateway to the West, Dragon Lankford becomes a Sword Master, and soon realizes there are both frightening challenges and beautiful perks. Like Anastasia, the captivating young Professor of Spells and Rituals at the Tower Grove House of Night, who really should have nothing to do with a fledgling…

But when a dark power threatens, Dragon is caught in its focus. Though his uncanny fighting skills make him a powerful fledgling, is he strong enough to ward off evil, while protecting Anastasia as well? Will his choices save her—or destroy them all?

My thought on the audio portion first: First of all if you follow me on twitter you would know this is my first time listening to a audio book and actually finishing it. I tried one a few weeks earlier before Dragon's Oath and I just couldn't get into it. So what a pleasant surprise when I began to listen to Dragon's Oath that I was immediately intrigued and captured by the voice. The reader is Caitlin Davies and she has such a perfect voice for reading. She uses different distinct voices for each character. So the flow was well balanced when she would change into each character and back to her normal tone for reading. She even had two different tones for Dragon, a younger voice and older voice. I began listening at my computer and then took it with me in the car. That's when I got hooked and didn't want to turn off the car. I strongly recommend this audio book to anyone. 

Now my review for the book itself: Dragon's Oath is a series of mini novellas that will be printed for The House of Night series. In Dragon's Oath we learn the story of how Dragon and Anastasia met in the past. The story begins that Dragon is at Jack's burning. So this wakes up painful memories for Dragon. He begins to remember his past and that Anastasia is no longer with him. We are present in his memories when he met Anastasia while he was a fledgling and she was a Priestess and new instructor at the House of Night. We learn of how Dragon grew up and how his family treated him. Then when his memory is fading on a good note, we come back to present day and Dragon now wants revenge for what happen to his Anastasia. He blames himself for how it happen and declares a oath to her and Goddess Nyx that he will fix what he did. 

Being a novella the story is short but I felt we learn enough about Dragon and the past. If it would have been any longer I think it would have been to much. I like that P.C. and Kristin decided to write these novellas and give us the chance to learn about some of our favorites characters and their past. I am excited to know what the next installment in The House of Night will bring. So if you are looking to walk away with the understanding of knowing Dragon Lankford and his past, you will connect with the novella.