Dragon of the Stars in The Insecure Writer's Support Group Book Club

From the Bookshelf of The Insecure Writer's Support Group Book Club…

Dragon of the Stars

Alex J. Cavanaugh

Start date: October 1, 2021

Finish date: October 31, 2021

Why we're reading this: Shout out to the founder of the IWSG.
For fans of space opera and newbies wanting to try it out.
[close] Shout out to the founder of the IWSG.
For fans of space opera and newbies wanting to try it out.

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Nov 17, 2014 Beverly McClure rated it it was amazing

Do you like space ships and dragons? How about war and danger and an ambitious lieutenant commander who wants a ship of his own? If you enjoy stories with all of these, then take a look at Author Alex J. Cavanaugh鈥檚 latest novel, DRAGON OF THE STARS. I think you鈥檒l be happy you did.

Now, space stories are not what I normally read, but this one intrigued me. First of all, it has dragons. Yes, Lieutenant Commander Aden Pendar鈥檚 mother raises pet dragons. I would have liked to see more of the lady a ...more

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Feb 23, 2017 Toi Thomas rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed, rated, sci-fi, action-adventure

Every time I read one of Cavanaugh鈥檚 books, I kick myself for waiting so long to read it. This isn鈥檛 just another space opera; this is an amazing space opera by an author who鈥檚 known for adding layers you wouldn鈥檛 expect in such a story.

While I will always love the Cassa Series, Dragon of the Stars blew me away. I almost want to write fan fiction about this story. I鈥檓 actually sad that this is a stand-alone, but I get why it might be difficult to continue the story.

When I first started reading Every time I read one of Cavanaugh鈥檚 books, I kick myself for waiting so long to read it. This isn鈥檛 just another space opera; this is an amazing space opera by an author who鈥檚 known for adding layers you wouldn鈥檛 expect in such a story.

While I will always love the Cassa Series, Dragon of the Stars blew me away. I almost want to write fan fiction about this story. I鈥檓 actually sad that this is a stand-alone, but I get why it might be difficult to continue the story.

When I first started reading about Aden and his desire to be captain of his own ship, I didn鈥檛 really much care for him. I did like his parents though. The whole disagreement between Hyrath, Aden鈥檚 home planet, and the rest of the Alliance initially seemed as trivial as most political conflicts, but it soon began to develop in a way that let you know more was happening, even if you didn鈥檛 know what.

I see most plot twists coming a mile away, and even though I kinda saw this one coming, I wasn鈥檛 expecting the finality of it. I guess I kept thinking there was a 鈥渂ack door鈥� or 鈥渁ce in the hole鈥� to be played after the ultimate sacrifice was made, but nope. It really was the ultimate sacrifice. I mean, like, FOR-E-VER!

Like all of Cavanaugh鈥檚 books, this story has layers. Most people never get the opportunity to take on a true leadership role and might take for granted what all it actually takes to be, not just an effective leader, but a great one whose followers would gladly go to their death under such leadership. This story shows what a sacrifice leadership and heroism really is, and so much more.

I finished this book feeling as though I was connected to the characters and the world鈥檚 in which they lived. I want to bring all the Kargrandes home and let them eat my backyard. And don鈥檛 get me started on Pavott; I so want to be besties with her.

I seriously need the following installments to be added to this amazing stand-alone: Pavotts back story prequel, A history of Hyrathian dragons side story, the life cycle of a Kargrandes told in a creative narrative, one awesome diplomatic mission in the life and times of the new Captain Pendar. But, since these may never happen, I鈥檒l just have to be happy re-reading this each year.

Recommended to anyone who loves space opera and anyone interested in reading a story they won鈥檛 see coming. Suitable for all readers, but meant for adults. ...more

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Nov 17, 2014 Susan Gourley rated it it was amazing

Dragon of the Stars is a gripping, edge of your seat space opera in the best traditions of the genre. In a unique world, high stakes diplomacy fails and war shatters an interplanetary alliance. Aden Pendar's carefully laid plans for his military future crumble unless he succeeds at a desperate venture to recover a legendary warship. Pendar's journey forces him to face his weaknesses and rethink everything he believes about honor, humanity and the sanctity of all life.
Though not a long book, the ...more

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Nov 02, 2021 Diane Burton rated it it was amazing

Get set for an exciting adventure in Alex J. Cavanaugh's latest. At first, Aden comes across on the arrogant side. Great personality arc. Have you ever known someone who kept saying/thinking that once "this" happens, my life will be perfect? That's Aden. He had his whole life planned out. When war broke out, his plans went awry. Once he stops thinking about his plans and appreciates the opportunity he's given, he changes. Terrific world building and great character development. A fast-paced adve ...more

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Nov 10, 2014 Tyrean rated it it was amazing

Excellent world-building combines with intense character development and an action-packed plot to draw in the reader. Aden is arrogant and determined to gain the highest political advantage for his family, but a war throws everything into chaos. In that chaos, Aden discovers that he wasn't really reaching far enough for success that really matters.
With the added bonus of a gut-wrenching plot twist, Dragon of the Stars is sure to become a book that will be read, loved, and read again. ...more

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Sep 07, 2019 Juneta Key rated it it was amazing

This was a great space faring read. Classic tale and fun. The character Aden starts with the desire to be captain of his own ship which starts our hero's journey. We learn about his race, we have political intrigue, elements that made me think of the world and bigger saga of Star Wars. I highly recommend. ...more

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