1303 – The Dragonslayer, the third story in The 13th Floor Series from Christine Rains is out. I’ve always been fascinated by Dragons, and Christine’s third story is all about these wonderful creatures – very exciting, but rather than me tell you about them, here’s Christine’s take:
Over to you Christine:
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DRAGONS
These creatures of legend have captured the imaginations of people all around the globe for thousands of years. There are records as far back as the 16th century B.C. Every culture in every age has their dragon myths. They’re usually the first fearsome beasts children learn about through stories, and you can find them in tales for children and adults alike.
Originally dragons were portrayed as gigantic serpents, but in the Middle Ages, they evolved into lizards. European dragons are typically described as winged and breathing fire. Not all Chinese dragons have wings or breathe fire, but they are lizards with mystical powers. They’re seen as majestic and are revered while the dragons of European mythology are feared creatures. Typically the dragons of the world fall into the European or Chinese types.
There are many theories of what may have inspired dragons. Nile crocodiles, monitor lizards, or large birds may have terrified humans into making them something more. Dinosaur fossils could’ve also caused the myths. Or maybe, if you truly believe, there were dragons and still might be a few left today.
The dragons in my book have been modernized, but they were inspired by European dragons. I wanted villains, not peaceful and kind creatures. My dragons breathe fire and utilize natural magics. They have the compulsive need to collect items they consider valuable. Hiding themselves beneath human guises, they’ve become powerful and influential people in our society. A massive lizard eager to bite off your head is scary, but not as much as one that’s also a politician.
What do you think it is about dragons that have fascinated humans?
Title: 1303 – The Dragonslayer (The 13th Floor series, #3)
Author: Christine Rains
Genre: Paranormal romance
Release date: February 13th, 2013
On the rooftop of neighboring building, dragonslayer Xanthus Ehrensvard fires at his target, Governor Whittaker. How he missed the shot, he doesn’t know, but fleeing the scene, he picks up an unwanted passenger. Gorgeous reporter Lois King saw Xan’s face, and she believes it’s the story to make her career. Except he can’t let her walk away knowing what he looks like. Xan has to show her the Governor is a bigger threat to the world than he is.
Xan knows dragons never went extinct. They evolved with human society, taking on mortal forms, and slithered their way into positions of great influence and power, just like the Governor. But it’s no easy chore proving to someone that dragons still exist, and even more so, they’re disguised as famous people. Xan must convince Lois or find another way to silence her. An option, as he gets to know her, he likes less and less.
After all, dragonslayers are no longer celebrated heroes but outlaws. Just as the dragons wish it. But this outlaw must make a plan to slay the dragon or risk its retribution.
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1303 – The Dragonslayer is available at:
Author Bio:
Christine Rains is a writer, blogger, and geek mom. She has four degrees which help nothing with motherhood, but make her a great Jeopardy player. When she’s not writing or reading, she having adventures with her son or watching cheesy movies on Syfy Channel. She’s a member of S.C.I.F.I. The 13th Floor series is her first self-published series. She also has four novellas and eighteen short stories published.
Where you can stalk her:
Dragons! yes!
Ioan and Medeia, thank you. I love all the possibilities.
It’s great seeing Christine here. Dragons are fascinating creatures.
Dear Christine
A very good work, I like to heard about dragons. Some have wings, some not,
then there are good or bad dragons, but they are here still, plenty of its but only in very small sizes, in mountains but and in our yards!
Graeme, great series! Quite different from my dragons.
I so enjoyed the first two 13th Floor books. The Dragonslayer is high on my to-read list. Super books. As for dragons: The fact that my favourite book series of all-time is Anne McCaffrey’s Pern says it all, I think.
Cherie, I’m hoping that my son’s growing love for dinosaurs translates into dragons too!
For me, I love how similar dragons are to dinosaurs, and I love them both.
Nick, thank you!
Kirsten, that’s an excellent way of putting it!
Dragons seem to embody a sentient mind in a ferocious body, which I find fascinating. The story sounds great! Nice work, Christine.
You put a great twist on the dragon myth, Christine!
Thank you so much for hosting today, Tania!
L.J., thanks!
Alex, that’s a good point. Humans have always been enthralled by fire.
Annalisa, I like Donkey’s girlfriend on Shrek too. And the baby dragkeys! Hehehe!
Very glad to have you here:)
Christine – Dragons always look so graceful. My favourite dragons are the ones from Shrek and the BBC’s Merlin.
Hi T.F. I haven’t popped by in a while – I’ll try harder!
Yeah for Christine!
I think it’s the fire breathing alone that fascinates us.
I’ve got it on my list! Looks awesome!