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Dragon Descendants #1

Stealing Tranquility

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Get ready to meet Jase, Kieran, Zade, and Issik, the last dragon descendants. Olivia Campbell’s life gets turned upside down when her mother suddenly passes away. Left with only a stepdad who despises her, she turns to the streets. Penniless and alone in the Chicago winter, how much worse can it get? She is about to find out. A chance encounter with a stranger who has the most breathtaking violet eyes changes her world. Just a warm smile and a quick flash of dimples is all that it takes to capture her interest in Jase Dior. Olivia wonders if her luck has finally returned. She soon finds out that Jase collects things—pretty girls to be precise. A glimpse of her sultry honey hair in an alley excites him. He must have her. And he isn’t taking no for an answer. Jase sweeps Olivia off the streets to the Veil Isles—a mystical and hidden land uncharted by any mortal and ruled by the only dragon coven left in the world. What did she get herself into? Four dragons. One headstrong heroine. And a fantasy romance that could change the fate of a dying race. Stealing Tranquility will transport fans of Twilight, A Shade of Vampire, and Shadowhunters to an enchanted world unlike any other. Prepare for a unique spin on the lore you love—and an adventure that is as thrilling as it is unexpected. Scroll up and BUY NOW to begin... *Recommended for ages 17+ due to language and sexual content

180 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 19, 2018

1533 people are currently reading
1621 people want to read

About the author

J.L. Weil

98books1,690followers
USA TODAY Bestselling author J.L. Weil lives in Illinois where she writes Teen & New Adult Paranormal Romances about spunky, smart mouth girls who always wind up in dire situations. For every sassy girl, there is an equally mouthwatering, overprotective guy. Of course, there is lots of kissing. And stuff.

An admitted addict to Love Pink clothes, raspberry mochas from Starbucks, and Jensen Ackles. She loves gushing about books and Supernatural with her readers.

She is the author of the International Bestselling Raven & Divisa series.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 199 reviews
Profile Image for NAT.orious reads ☾.
928 reviews408 followers
August 2, 2020
1.5 STARS ★★★✬�
This book is... not something you'll ever hear me recommend. Ever.

Waste of time and energy for me.
To be fair, I didn't inform myself too much about the plot of the book, I was just really in the moods for some dragons. That part, at least was highly entertaining and also interesting. Dragons are interpreted so differently in fiction and I really liked JL's idea of them having a human form and specific superpowers.

The thing is, not much apart from that could hold my interest. I felt there was almost no plot and barely any suspense.

What’s happening.
A homeless girl gets abducted by a stranger, meets his three brothers in arms and feels like that's totally legit. There's a backstory about saving them from doom or whatever but I'm missing an actual plot.
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2 STARS. Definitely a disappointment. It might not even have been worth to finish for a variety of reasons.

1 STAR. Hate - hate - double hate [in Gringe mode]. Completely detested this due to problematic, offensive or just deeply unenjoyable content and would risk physical harm to keep others from making the same mistake.
_____________________
Many thanks to the author JL Weil for providing me with this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Candace Tidwell.
326 reviews38 followers
February 7, 2019
I'm gonna rate this at 3.5 stars. The storyline is interesting but there was just something missing , for me. Olivia is adorable and her clumsiness just makes her more endearing. She is also a tiny spitfire. Weil couldnt have done a better job developing her character. The dragons....well what can I say they are quite steamy. The chemistry is off the charts, naturally. I think the next book will probably exceed this one and I'm looking forward to reading it. This one was just lacking the extra "wow" factor for me.
Buy the book, read it and decide for yourself.
Profile Image for Tiera McMillian.
1,160 reviews42 followers
October 28, 2018
I am a little torn on this book. I mean it wasn't bad really. The book was kind of superficial, it never reached enough depth to really be involved and invested with both the story and the characters. The story line itself was interesting but it was so fast paced that instead of things evolving along and being explained things were just happening and you just had to roll with it. The characters themselves never even gave any good backstory for being in the situation they were in. I just wanted to yell "BUT WHY?!"

Our FMC Olivia, while amusing thinking she is a tough cookie and can not even manage to walk without problems, almost seemed like she was trying too hard or something which game me a cringey awkward vibe. Living on the streets, after her mother's death and step father kicking her out. 17 year old Olivia is kidnapped and taken to a new world. While the kidnapping really wasn't the scary kind more like some sort of weird awkward accident almost, Olivia really doesn't act quite like a victim. She is way more interested in the hotness of her captors, who turn into dragons basically at the first meeting, and of course shes basically ok with that as well. Our Male Dragons, while all having different personalities, got on my nerves because all they could talk about was the connection, not any real ideas to how to save themselves. Cue Eye Rolling. They have kidnapped Olivia in an attempt to find a "chosen one" that can break a curse placed on their world by a witch for IDK reasons, that were never explained really. Apparently they kidnap girls on the regular and most after finding they arent the "chosen one" decide to stay in the world, but soon their window to break their curse is coming to an end.

Honestly I just feel like it was missing its "muchness," it needs more meat and potatoes if that makes sense. The story itself isn't bad though if your just looking for a fast, palate cleanser.
Profile Image for Katherine Paschal.
2,288 reviews62 followers
October 18, 2019
**For more book stuff visit me at **

4.5 Stars
Olivia's mom died suddenly and now she lives on the street instead of with her jerk of a step-father who never wanted kids. She just wants to get through her senior year of high school and keep her secret of being homeless. One night Olivia literally runs into Jace, a mysterious, attractive stranger that she wants nothing to do with- a stranger that ends up kidnapping her and bringing her to a new realm where dragons are real, and she can't leave.

This was so much fun! It was an incredibly fast read (listen) only 180 pages in book form and less than five hours on audio so I ended up listening to it in one day since I enjoyed listening to it and I wanted to know what would happen next. The pacing was engaging and Olivia seemed so real to me, even in the face of some crazy unrealistic situations.



Yes, this is a reverse harem (with four very different yet super attractive dragon princes!) but the main character is only 17 and still technically in high school (do you still have to finish school when you now live in another world??). While there was a teeny tiny bit of steam with some kissing and a little bit of groping, the story was pretty chaste, which I enjoy the characters actually having a chance to develop a relationship before any sexy time occurs. I am sure the next book will ramp up the heat but I would be perfectly ok if it stayed right here.

While there was the romance aspect, the story was not just about that. Instead there were battles and magic, some super creepy creatures and legends, as well as world building and a curse to unravel- so basically never a dull moment. Also, the narrator is hands down one of my favorite audiobook narrators, I will pick up a book just because she narrates, and I love how she brings the characters to life and sets the perfect scene. In case you can't tell, I found this super enjoyable and I can't wait to read (hopsefully listen!) to the rest of the books in the series.
Profile Image for Abi.
2,219 reviews
February 20, 2019
Short but a good start to the series. I liked Olivia and the guys a lot. I will read book two. Intriguing and exciting plot. 4 stars.
Profile Image for Jenn.
1,463 reviews25 followers
October 2, 2018
The Gaps...

Basically my biggest issue is the gaps in time skirting ahead the plot without utilizing the time to show the developing feelings between Olivia and the dragons. Basically I want to see that this is more than just Stockholm Syndrome and I don't think Weil is taking enough time to show that. The plot's interesting and what I know of the characters draws me in but I want more character development and interaction. Page turning action is done and dandy but there's nothing worse in romance than instalove and without showing the interactions it's hard not to see it as that.
Profile Image for Jennifer G.
2,762 reviews52 followers
August 30, 2018
Olivia Campbell’s life is not going as planned. She expected to be finishing up high school and preparing for college. Instead, she's homeless, virtually penniless after the death of her mother. But a chance run-in with a gorgeous man changes everything. Jase Dior collects pretty blonds and at first glance, he decides he wants Olivia. With one breath Jase whisks Olivia through a portal to his home, the Veil Islands. She's no longer homeless or hungry but she is in a castle on a mystical island surrounded by deadly mythical creatures. Even more unbelievable she is the last hope of survival for the four rulers who also happen to be dragon shifters. The Veil and the Descendants have been cursed by a powerful witch Tianna. If the cure can't be lifted by the end of the century (6 months) the dragons are doomed. Yes, her life is definitely not going like she expected!

Stealing Tranquility is fantastic; my new favorite dragon RH. Dragons, a power-hungry witch, and one feisty heroine. Olivia is wonderful. Her snarky, stubborn clumsy ways won me over from the very beginning. Life may not have been easy on her but life around her isn't going to be easy either. This girl is a handful and will definitely keep everyone who encounters her on their toes! The Descendants are magnificent and Olivia's connection with each one is unique and considerable. Each individual interaction was riveting and their time as a group offered up lots of humor. Jase, the Tranquility Dragon is their leader; Kieran the Poisonous Dragon is the playful, naughty one; Zade The Fiery Dragon is a golden god with a quick temper; and Issik the Ice Dragon exudes a cold, intelligent bitterness but you know if he can thaw his heart there is so much more to discover about this man. Issik is my early favorite. He's complicated, hidden, a challenge. There was a 5th Descendant Tobias, The Influence Dragon but he perished years ago and his kingdom is in ruins. I am holding out hope that if the curse is reversed maybe the magic can restore him and his kingdom. Yes, I realize it's farfetched, but a girl can hope.
Tianna, the witch is the other main player. She is formidable, frightening, and determined to gain what she has long been in search for through Olivia and then destroy them all. Since she is the only one that knew the reason behind the curse and has control over the Veil's dangerous inhabitants, she has a distinct advantage, however, I am certain that she will underestimate the little human. Now that Olivia knows what is needed and has her four Dragons, I have faith that she will end Tianna's reign. This is a really entertaining story.

Now for my complaints. The other girls. This is creepy and uncomfortable. I understand the kidnappings but they should be returned when found to not be the one. No exceptions. There is no HEA, no real life for them on The Veil Islands. Castles full of beautiful women at the disposal of four men to service them with everything from cooking, cleaning, gardening, and bedroom activities is just YUCKY! This would be the most desperate, nastiest group of beautiful women in existence. Ripped from their lives, their world, no chance of true families or children, all vying for the attention of 4 men. I can't tell you how much this bothers me. This is the reason for my 4star instead of a 5star rating. Ms. Weil, please tell me if I am missing something. My second complaint is Harlow. This is an overused trope and I am over it, her. Why is it that the "Hero" ALWAYS picks the bitch to sleep with? Each one of these girls was chosen because she was a beautiful blond that caught Jase's eye. So why favor the nastiest one? If he can't see through her act of pretending sweetness, then I think even less of him. It brings down the guy's attractiveness to be involved with the bitch. Jase would normally be my type but knowing that she was his and that it appears he's still confiding in her puts him on the bottom of the list. Continuing with the nasty girl trope. I also hate when the MC won't talk to the guy and just let him know what's going on. I find it ridiculous that you wouldn't share when someone is bullying you. Finally, I hate how the guys continue to say that they will protect her, be by her side and then disappear for days on end. I would be looking for a portal no matter how attractive they are. They make promises and do not honor them. These are my 4 complaints. I realize it sounds like a lot but the story easily worked around them so that they became irritants, not deal-breakers.

The book ended, not on a cliffhanger exactly but in-progress. Jase's book concluded and it looks like Kieran's is next. I am eagerly looking forward to it. I love this story and the interactions between Olivia and The Descendants.
Profile Image for Brianna Belbin.
477 reviews16 followers
September 24, 2019
This was a great start to the Dragon Descendants series! After Olivia’s mother dies, her stepfather kicks her out, and she has no where to turn except for the streets of Chicago. She encounters Jase, a handsome man with vibrant violet eyes, and he whisks her away to his home, Veil Island. Jase, Issik, Kieran, and Zade are the last remaining dragon shifters and Olivia is their only hope to stop the curse placed by Tiana, an evil witch, or else they’re all doomed. Oliva has a loving, clumsy, and fierce personality that I grew to love and she doesn’t follow orders from anyone. I enjoyed watching each of her relationships grow within her harem and the different type of dragon and personalities each one had. Issik is an ice dragon that is bitter, intelligent, and cold; Jase is a tranquility dragon, the leader of the four, scouts the women out, and tends to overlook bad qualities; Kieran is a poisonous dragon that is cocky and playful; Zade is a golden god with an extreme temper. The world building was very descriptive and enchanting to where I felt like I was transported into the Veil Island. I’m still confused why the other girls weren’t returned to their home once the four dragons realized that they weren’t the girl to break the curse... maybe the series will eventually explain that? Although I enjoyed this book, I hope that the heat of the series grows beyond kissing since it’s a reverse harem.
Vanessa did a really good job with this narration. I liked the different voices that she used for each character, but one of the male voices sounded like it kept switching accents. She spoke at a steady pace and her performance kept me entertained until the end!
*I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Profile Image for B. Truly.
Author15 books378 followers
September 12, 2018
4.5 Stars

Stealing Tranquility was my first dragons Reverse Harem. The cover drew me into the fantasy world. This genre is new to me. I had no idea is was so popular. I’ve read a dystopian, Reverse Harem that had a great plot, but it was too risque for my taste. I think Reverse works much better with a sci-fi or the fantasy genre.

This book involved 4 dreamy dragons. I liked how they were different in color and powers--not just fire. A very unique concept. The heroine was likable. She was definitely clumsy, but not to the point where it became annoying.
I would categorize this as Upper YA. There was a little steaminess—nothing to naughty just yet. Since this book is a romance involving 4 guys, I think the build up is nice.
All in all—a great fantasy from an evil witch to a curse to an empathy of emotions, connecting the heroine to her 4 dragons.
I’m looking forward to the next installment.
Profile Image for Danielle (Danniegurl).
1,939 reviews108 followers
April 20, 2020
A good start but...

A good start to an interesting story. But the story could use some tightening up. The plot is great, but has several holes. We don’t know a lot of info, and we basically sit around doing nothing. The book is also a short one, not a full novel imo. Just under 200 pages. I could do with more explaining and more facts about the curse, the other women and such. I did find the story to be interesting enough to want to continue though.
183 reviews10 followers
September 1, 2018
Stealing Tranquility is another amazing read by J.L Weil. The first book into her new series will keep you smiling throughout the read
I could not put it down and I am dying for book 2. Olivia is an amazing heroine. I loved her strength and feistiness. The boys are to die for. The plot is beyond entertaining. This was such a good read I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Elissa Harvey.
45 reviews
November 20, 2018
The title isnt really accurate

So I enjoyed this book. Definitely enough to want to seek out answers from the next one. I thought it was a refreshing spin on a dragon fantasy tale. The dragons are cursed by a witch. They all have different powers according to their home lands and climates. I thought that was well played. I liked each of the guys they were well developed as characters and I felt like we got to know each one on a more personal level. I know Jace was the focus since the book was about tranquility which is his gift. The interaction with the girls and Halow seemed forced and very predictable. So on the surface. I think that Halow needs a bit more depth especially since I feel like she's going to betray then and possibly help the witch out. I think that Issik not telling about the fight between Olivia and her was a mistake. I want to know more about the woman in the water that helped her fiend the tranquility stone.

One thing that I didn't find believe able was the fact that it took them a hundred years to figure out the stones where the key. Why do they have no clue what they are doing or looking for. It makes their story seem so hopeless and their goal unreachable. In order for them to fix everything in the end this has to be more realistic. They've been kidnapping girls for no reason all these years. Which is also not cool. The last thing is the descendants keep telling her they wouldn't leave her alone and then would do that exact thing. That makes them unreliable and undependable. Either they are hero's or they are not. good read overall.
70 reviews2 followers
February 15, 2020
Interesting

A good book for passing the time but I think it would be better if there was more character development. A little too rushed. I might pursue the rest of the series at a later date but for now it doesn’t really enthrall me enough to continue.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Brazelton.
113 reviews
April 5, 2020
Wow

Such an amazing book. I loved seeing the character interaction with each other. The dragons are what o cane for but the story is what kept me. I would definitely recommend this story.
Profile Image for Doris.
410 reviews7 followers
September 2, 2018
I’ve absolutely loved every word in this one!
I’ve found myself awake at midnight, after devouring this in one sitting, and I’m desperate for more!!!!
Profile Image for Kelsey.
25 reviews
April 26, 2025
Not incredibly deep, but it was a fun read. Characters seem interesting enough, will probably continue to read this series.
Profile Image for Rose.
449 reviews13 followers
November 4, 2019
Ok folks. I LOVATE this series. In one hand I love the concept, the characters, and the world. In the other hand, there is enough detail discrepancies that it almost ruined it for me. Get ready for reviews for book 1, 2, and 3...
🐉
I should have known from chapter 1 that there might be some issues. Our Heroine Olivia is homeless at 17 for apparently 2 months in December...in Chicago. She mentions not living with a friend because she doesn’t have a job, but is planning on getting a job....she has to steal to eat, but has enough money in her bank to last her a few more weeks. She is in a hoodie.... in DECEMBER. Girl, I lived in the Midwest-Iowa and Indiana. I know Midwest winters. A hoodie in December is a death sentence in Chicago.
🐉
The first time she meets our first Dragon, Jase, she literally runs into him in an alley. They have an exchange, he gets weirdly spooked or awed or something and runs off. 20 minutes later our heroine is being chased by none other than Jase... Later on, after all the dragons basically admit they are drawn to Olivia, Jase says, If you hadn’t run into me, I wouldn’t have noticed you. DUDE, YOU WERE IN AN ALLEY!! Other than that, my only other issue is that Olivia is a virgin and is struggling with being attracted/ connected with 4 men, who happen to be man whores. They need Olivia to help save them and their world from a wicked Witch. 🐉
We have our sarcastic, strong-willed young, virgin heroine.
We have our leader, who is a calm, level headed dragon who has the power to put you to sleep.
We have our funny, perverted, who wears his laughter as a shield on how much he feels dragon, who’s power is poison.
We have our hot-headed, roaring bark is as bad as his bite dragon who’s power is fire.
Lastly, we have our cold, harsh, very loyal, very protective dragon who’s power is ice. 🐉
Our Dragons each get to feel an emotion of Olivia; fear, sadness, anger, and passion. They are becoming more and more tied with each other. But is it love or lust? Is it one or is it all of them?
🐉
These 5 have to cure the curse, kill the witch, and help save the last dragons in the realm.
Profile Image for Arceli.
1,429 reviews7 followers
September 1, 2018
What an amazing start to a series! This book had me hooked on the first word, and I couldn't put it down.

The characters in this novel were phenomenal. I loved, loved Olivia,, Issik, Jase, Kieran, and Zade. They were so funny and witty. Olivia's snark was super funny in the novel. I love her inner dialogue. The sarcastic comments really made me had a break from the seriousness of the novel. Kieran, Issik, Zade, and Jase are one of the most swooniest book boyfriends. They each care for Olivia in their own way. And, what is even more amazing is each of them are their own person. They fleshed out have a complex personality. In addition, it was a great refresher to meet a heroes who were genuinely nice.

The romance and chemistry was off the charts. Olivia and each boy have their own bond together. I loved the kissing scenes. They had me fanning myself. I also loved how the romance was a slow-burn. The romance doesn't really start to pick up toward the 70% part of the book, and it is great. The characters know one another, and the romance doesn't hinder with world building.

The world building was extremely unique. I loved the different take on dragon shifters. Usually, many dragon books are run-of-the-mill, but this one isn't. Each boy/shifter is alpha is his own way, but they have a real personality. In addition, the whole realms and details about the fantasy world were super unique.

The secondary characters and antagonists were superb. Harlow is one evil character. And Tianna, watch out, she will be haunting you from the pages.

All in all, this is an amazing reverse harem fantasy romance. It had a super unique take on dragons and featured equally unique characters. I cannot highly recommend enough that reverse harem lovers pick up this book.
Profile Image for CoullCat.
157 reviews3 followers
September 28, 2018
This is an immensely enjoyable easy read. My first book by Weil, I was impressed with her strong writing skills and style.

Olivia is likeable as the feisty heroine who finds herself, quite literally, plucked from her world and taken to another - I think she handles it really well. The guys, or dragons, are a good mix - it was really nice not to have them fall into the RH trope of nerd, alpha, goth and playboy; there might be some of these personality traits in them but they haven’t been shoved into being solely those things which is so refreshing.

I was getting a little antsy with Olivia being left behind all the time but after a 100 years and countless girls, of course the guys aren’t going to take her with them or even tell her everything; as frustrating as it is for our main character it is the most believable action they would have taken.

This is a slow burn RH, in the sense that there’s little steam besides kissing and petting in this first book, but it is clear who the harem will be made up of from the get go - I mean, it literally says it in the blurb. There’s not really a cliffhanger, but like all great first books you are definitely left wanting more. I’m looking forward to book two in this series - I want it now!
Profile Image for Georgia.
355 reviews3 followers
December 28, 2018
Liked the premise but it needs more work.

I decided to read this not knowing it was a reverse harem because I love J.L. Weil. I thought Olivia was alright at first but as I read more, I just wondered what had happened to her. She was a strong snarky character at the beginning then without much provocation, she turned mushy and gooey. For someone who lived in the streets, she sure put her trust in four complete strangers who happen to be mythical creatures rather quickly. Not to mention that she was abducted and basically told that she's just one of many. The dragons are okay I guess. My favorite being Issik. The story moved too fast for me. I would have liked a bit more plot development. I get the feeling Harlow is going to be causing more problems in the future. She must be a looker because I can't fathom why Jase chose her. The story isn't bad per se, it just needs more.
Profile Image for Melissa.
163 reviews2 followers
September 5, 2019
Very enjoyable

I very much enjoyed this first installment of the series. This was such a cute story. I found the main character to be very likable and relatable, even though she's 17, there was no whining or the usual teenage angst going on. I liked how the guys were all very different as well. Sometimes with RH the guys can all blend together and it's hard to remember who is who because they are all so similar, aside from their names, but that is not so with these guys. They are all so unique and HOT. Looking forward to the next book. Can't wait to see what kind of trouble Olivia gets herself into next.
Profile Image for Levia.
1,360 reviews15 followers
March 24, 2019
I have two issues with this book. One: this is Stockholm syndrome. Two: she is 17 and they're adults (and then some) and sexualizing her. Other than those two (which the first is hard to get over) this was quite enjoyable. Having an enemy and some answers helped. This is a reverse harem, there are previous Stockholm victims, and there isn't any actual sex in this book - but some steamy scenes. It wouldn't let me put my review in my Kindle app. So cut and pasted it here.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Shawn.
363 reviews3 followers
September 1, 2018
Omg this was solo awesome

J.L. Well knocked it out of the ballpark with this book. Being kidnapped and protected by not one but 4 hot dragons... The book is action packed filled with some awesome twists... You will fall in love with all the characters in this book. Such an amazing start to a new series. I can't wait until the next bpok!
Profile Image for Eve Nash-Smith.
38 reviews
October 13, 2018
Amazing

Okay so I'm gagging for more I am totally rooting for the characters to break these curse, and I have a very sneaky idea that the fifth isn't lost to them forever at all not with the heroine about as the boys keep saying she different. Very much looking forward to the next instalment.
Profile Image for Angela James.
1,411 reviews14 followers
January 8, 2019
Olivia

Oh, I've found another new to me author to love based on this book! Olivia literally gets swept off her feet and away to another world to be some sort of savior for the dragons. She was not prepared to deal with 4 smoking hot Dragon shifters but she's dealing well. But will she really be able to help them?! I'm loving the journey to find out!
1,514 reviews10 followers
September 2, 2018
Great read!!!

This is the first book that I have read from this author and I absolutely loved it. Awesome MC's a fantastic plot. I thought it was a little PG for a Rh book but it was a great read.
Profile Image for Kathy Landis.
627 reviews4 followers
November 29, 2019
Very enjoyable story

I did not like that the main character is so young. But other than that I really enjoyed the story. It's very very very slow burn oh, but that's probably good. She's only 17..
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