The Unbearable Lightness of Dragons: A Novel of the Light Dragons [Mass Market Paperback]

Ysolde Bouchier has returned in Katie Macaliser's second Light Dragons novel (or ninth Dragon novel series)with just as many obstacles to face as ever. In the last book she renewed her relationship with Baltic after centuries of separation. Due to her memory being erased and only coming back in pieces, she still has a lot to catch up on. Baltic is helping her but he is still holding a lot back (as dragons tend to do). Some information she needs is vital, but his desire to protect her makes for some frustrations between them. To make matters worse, they are still ouroboros from the weyr and at war with them. It wouldn't be so bad if Ysolde hadn't become such good friends with some of the women in the weyr. Not only this but she feels the severed connection from the dragon community deeply. Her mate Baltic, on the other hand, has no desire to work things out and is happy to keep their sept apart.

Of course, Ysolde is not going to accept the status quo. She has much to do if there is to be any chance at a normal and happy life. Among her priorities include clearing Baltic's name for crimes he was accused of, getting the interdiction lifted that is preventing her use of magic, solving a few new mysteries that come up along the way (along with some of the old), and getting the Light Dragon sept reinstated into the weyr. Along the way she has help from friends, even those that shouldn't be helping and she also acquires new enemies. There is nothing simple or uncomplicated in this woman's life.

This is not a novel that can stand alone. It is possible to start with the novel prior to this one and feel comfortable (which is what I inadvertently did), but this one is all about continuing to deal with issues that arose earlier in the series. All of the relationships, history, and lore are assumed with little renewed explanation. Fans who have been following the dragon books will enjoy the usual, chaotic, humorous storyline that Katie MacAlister never fails to produce. As usual, nothing goes quite right and problems always seem to stack up. Most of the former characters are seen in this latest novel, and there are some updates on how their lives are going. It does end without resolving all the issues, but this was expected. A reader will have enough closure to at least survive until the next one is released (well, mostly, I only had to seek counseling a few times during the last year while waiting for this book to come out!).

There are a few noticeable differences between Ysolde and Baltic's relationship compared to the others written earlier in the series. While the last novel provided a lot of drama between the couple, there was far less romantic suspense in this one. They are fairly sure of each other now and there is no real battle to be together. Their love is a beautiful thing and it shows frequently, but for the most part Baltic gives in to Ysolde's demands with just a bit of grumbling (okay, a lot of grumbling but he still usually gives in). This forces the outside storyline to create most of the action, suspense and tension. Luckily the author does this well, but anyone who follows the series may notice the difference. Despite these tiny complaints, this latest installment is worth the wait. Fans should certainly be pleased with "The Unbearable Lightness of Dragons". There is rarely a dull moment and plenty of laughs to be had. Anyone who enjoys humor in their romance will adore this series.

For those who would like the series order this is it:

You Slay Me
Fire Me Up
Light My Fire
Holy Smokes
Playing With Fire
Up In Smoke
Me and My Shadow
Love in the Time of Dragons
The Unbearable Lightness of Dragons

I've read all the MacAlister Dragon series books, and this one was just pure drivel. I wish I hadn't wasted my money.
Where to start? It was hard to follow, and that's with every other book under my belt. I can't imagine anyone walking into this book having never read any of the others, enjoying any of it. Dragon politics, names of people you have to go back into other books to figure out where they fit in... I don't need my hand held through series books, but this was just a mash together of plots.
Baltic and Ysoldes relationship is annoying. He's bossy. She's stubborn. They are in love. That's pretty much it, no conflict there, they are comfortable with the love they have for each other which makes the way they act to each other acceptable. But, I find that hard to swallow, the 'most romantic things' he says to her left me cringing.
Plot wise, there is only Ysolde trying to clear Baltics name so they can be allowed into the weir. But, surprise, he's not helping. She's befuddled because of memory loss, and even worse... it really doesn't get resolved in the end, leaving it open to yet another 'light dragon' novel to start tying up all these loose threads.
If you're a die hard fan like me, (well, at least I was.), perhaps the library would be a better option before you purchase.
If you're new to the series, pick up the earlier ones, they are fantastic, but stop at these last two installments.

Well...... The first Light Dragons novel was pretty good, but this one was a mistake. The main characters were weak and the supporting ones seemed to be just thrown in as an afterthough. This book ruined a perfectly good series. I've read all the Dragon novels but still had a hard time following the plot and minor characters.

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 21 reviews  3.6 out of 5 stars