DRAGON'S DEN

A Dragons Incarnate novel

For three years Raza has been stuck inside the Dragon's Den, a military training facility hidden on the icy, isolated world of T'Panabar. There he serves as master of martial arts, counting the days until he can return home. When his father Zara arrives as escort to Kareez, a young woman from a powerful political family, but the visit is a ruse. Zara’s real task is to help Raza find proof of an illegal mining operation. To survive both danger and intrigue, Raza must embrace what he is: a dragon incarnate. — See below for an excerpt and for video links ▼

DRAGON'S DEN [©2021] Dragons Incarnate series novel by Terri Branson | Science Fiction (PG) 92 pages / 34,000 words | Available in paperback, hardback, and ebook from the DFP Books label of Dragonfly Publishing, Inc. | Press Release PDF

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Amazon Paperback [EAN 978-1-949187-29-8 | ISBN 1-949187-29-2] 6x9 Trade (92 pages) | Price: $7.99

Barnes & Noble Paperback [EAN 978-1-941278-74-1 | ISBN 1-941278-74-4] 6x9 Trade (92 pages) | Price: $6.99

Barnes & Noble Hardback [EAN 978-1-941278-60-4 | ISBN 1-941278-60-4] 6x9 Library Casebound (92 pages) | Price: $14.99

Lulu Hardback [EAN 978-0-9787421-0-2 | ISBN 0-9787421-0-9] 6x9 Library Casebound (92 pages) | Price: $14.99

Lulu Paperback [EAN 978-1-941278-35-2 | ISBN 1-941278-35-3] 6x9 Trade (92 pages) | Price: $6.99

eBook (all editions) [EAN 978-0-9801376-8-2 | ISBN 0-9801376-8-3] EPUB and Kindle MOBI (34,000 words) | Price: $3.99

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EXCERPT

CHAPTER 1:

T’PANABAR, world of ice, isolation, and intrigue.
Raza propped his backside against a sturdy metal railing and then lazily crossed his arms at his chest. Temple masters were not usually sent to greet transports. However, the occupants of this particular incoming vessel fell far outside the range of business as usual. And Raza never passed up an opportunity to visit the planet’s only city, Karatoura.
He exhaled an impatient sigh and tried to see through the metallic latticework that supported the spaceport’s forty-story glass-like dome. A permanent skin of ice coated the exterior while moisture clung to the interior. Between the two, all Raza could make out of nearby Karatoura to the west was a fuzzy jumble of color.
A faint mechanical tinkling echoed through the interior, as sleet once again peppered the dome. The spaceport was like a gigantic terrarium. Hundreds of shelf planters, placed throughout the port’s many levels, were fed by special lights. Fragrant, flowering vines trailed over the walls and worked tirelessly to convert carbon dioxide into oxygen, resulting in more vines, more flowers. The air was an oxygen-rich discordant mixture of flora and space age civilization.
The planet T’Panabar was midway through its cyclic 5,000-year ice age. Even at this equatorial latitude, the temperature did not rise above freezing until midday. Then, as soon as the sun set each evening, the landscape crystallized into a frozen wasteland that could be crossed only in space-worthy transports.
Raza narrowed his eyes and tried to determine whether the dusk had arrived. The sleet suggested that official sunset had not yet occurred beyond a heavy quilt of storm clouds. He could not remember the last time he had a good view of Mekara, the solar system’s reddish-gold sun that also warmed his home planet. Nor when he had last seen Merrerra, the blue-violet and magenta banded gas giant that occupied the orbit just inside of T’Panabar.
In many ways, Raza considered T’Panabar a cage of ice. Too long it had kept him from the verdant landscapes and bustling cities of his native Eshkara, the primary world of the powerful Eshkalle who ruled the solar system. It had been three years since he had been home. Three years since accepting a teaching position at Talakara Temple, which translated in the old Tarman dialect meant “Dragon’s Den.”
It was a prestigious and coveted assignment. The Rejer, himself, had offered the job. How could Raza have said no to the elected Prince Dragon of the Toa Kara, the leader of the Council of Lords and military commander of the Sooran Guard? It was an honor to be chosen and a boon for House Kalandyn. Therefore, Karazamon “Raza” Toa Kalandyn had graciously accepted a five-year position as Master of Martial Arts at Talakara Temple on T’Panabar.
Since then he had been counting the days until he could go home.

[Copyright ©2023 Terri Branson | All rights reserved | No unauthorized reproduction or distribution]

REVIEWS

"A fantastic book! The world building was perfection and the premise was unique and imaginative. The dragons were believable and the human-like take on them was a brilliant element. With lots of intense moments and action, DRAGON'S DEN is a fast-paced, compelling sci-fi/fantasy novel. Raza is a sympathetic and admirable character that you’ll want to spend lots of time with. Check it out. You won’t be sorry." ~ reviewed by T.P. Warren for Author Promo Pal Reviews [5-STARS]

" Take a deep dive into classic sci-fi world building with DRAGON'S DEN. Follow the primary character, Raza, through a series of twists and turns that culminates in an attack on a military facility hidden on an icy planet. There is nowhere to hide and possibly no way out. DRAGON'S DEN is sci-fi at its best with good characters, a little steam, and a plot that advances so quickly you might find yourself reading it in one session." ~ reviewed by Amber Sparks for Neon Book Reviews [5-STARS]

"On a frozen outer world of a distant solar system, Raza is tasked with searching for an illegal mining operation. He is known as a dragon warrior, a race of humans with special traits and abilities. But with all of his skills, can he solve the mystery and protect the people around him? Although not a long book, DRAGON'S DEN packs a lot of punch with a deep look into the mind of the main character while providing non-stop action. Definitely a 5-STAR read! " ~ reviewed by Allen Dale for Neon Book Reviews [5-STARS]

"Powerful magic pervades the world of DRAGON’s DEN, and not all of it is meant for good. Raza serves as a master at the training base for the human-like dragons, many of whom carry souls so ancient they can no longer remember their former lives. When the ruling Lord of his house arrives with a young fire dragon in tow, Raza learns of a plot to steal a valuable ore called M-3—the equivalent of Avatar’s unobtanium. The fire dragon, in beautiful human female form, is said to be “passion on one side, claws on the other,” and both distracts and compels Raza in his deadly investigation. Author Terri Branson has created a memorable, in-depth fantasy world with stirring characters, absorbing schemes and exciting action. Highly recommend reading this in preparation for the remainder of the series." ~ reviewed by Suzi Taylor for Neon Book Reviews [5-STARS]

"DRAGON'S DEN is a fast-paced, pure sci-fi read set in a unique space-age society. The main character is Raza, a human warrior known as a dragon incarnate. He is dangerous, broody, and sexy as can be! A short novel with lot of punch, DRAGON'S DEN is the kind of book you want to read all at once!" ~ reviewed by Harmony Byars for Neon Book Reviews [5-STARS]

"Sci-Fi/Fantasy is not my favorite genre, but I decided to give DRAGON'S DEN a try and I'm glad I did. I was hooked from the beginning of this page-turning read. The characters and setting were fantastic. I loved the dragon world the author created. Overall a fabulous novel." ~ reviewed by Book Lover at Amazon Reviews [5-STARS]

"Karazamon 'Raza' Toa Kalandyn was a 153-year-old dragon. He was 6'6" tall with black hair, gray eyes, and half-inch long very prominent fangs. Raza was the Master of Martial Arts at the Talakara Temple. He was also a member of the Sooran Guard, the elite warrior class of the temples. As such, he prepared to help his father's investigation into unauthorized shipments of the mineral with a secret formula: M-3. Mistress Tirakareez Toa Lodicann, Kareez, was a 24-year-old dragon with light brown hair, sapphire eyes, and delicate white fangs. Her name means Little Fire Dragon and her training in martial arts has resulted in a lethal telepath that is true to her name. Kareez also traveled with Raza's father to the temple to quietly assist with the investigation. Raza does not know his own talents. With his crystal knife, he is the solution to the source of the shipments. Kareez has detected the sorcery and between them, they are a formidable force, that is, if pheromones can stay out of the way. DRAGON'S DEN offers a dragon world for the science fiction aficionado with characters in bright colors right before your eyes in a world so real you need a coat to cut the snowy cold. I am excited to see that more dragons are in the publishing future, because this story is out-of-this-world wonderful. It is hard to wait on pins and needles for the next exciting adventure. These dragons are truly a keeper." ~ reviewed by Brenda McCoy for CoffeeTime Romance [5-STARS]

"DRAGON'S DEN easily exceeded my expectations and hit its stride from start to finish. I was enveloped in this science fiction setting and was fascinated by the humanoid dragons and the society they have built for mankind. There is plenty of intrigue, violence, and romance; something for everyone. To say I would recommend DRAGON'S DEN is an understatement and now I want to read more in the universe Terri Branson created." ~ reviewed by Neon Guru for Neon Book Reviews [5-STARS]

"DRAGON'S DEN offers a peek inside a space age culture where some humans may have ancient dragon souls. Space ships, intrigue, and psychic phenomena collide in this fascinating and beautifully written sci-fi/fantasy novel." ~ reviewed by Allen Dale for Roserock Reviews [5-STARS]

"DRAGON'S DEN offers solid characters with a unique blend of science and fantasy. ~ reviewed by R. Slaughter for Chaos Arts Reviews [5-STARS]

"DRAGON'S DEN is a fascinating science fiction tale infused with paranormal aspects. Good character development and top-notch writing make this small book a satifysing read." ~ reviewed by Grandma's Reading Corner [5-STARS]

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Dragons Incarnate Series

Dragons Incarnate series • Dragon's Blood • Dragon's Bones • Dragon's Den • Dragon's Eye • Dragon's Fire