A Dragon's Family Album: A Collection of the Elder Races

I have read all of Thea Harrison's work and loved the characters she creates. I think its because for all the mystical magical creatures there are, they are fully filled out with emotions and morals that are just a shade outside of the dingy reality we have in everyday life. She makes her characters real - I mean she describes someone in her book and just from that you can say you know someone like that. Plus her characters don't remain the same all the way through the stories. They grow and change as Pia does from the first book to the second and third. I have to say that although I enjoyed her first book best, none of her books have been disappointments. Liam is also a sweet character and I am looking forward to his story although I don't want to rush him to grow up too fast. A couple more stories about his life growing up would be terrific. And then of course he can have his happily ever after - I just really love these dragon stories. I wouldn't mind reading about all the kids and their descendants and their stories. Pia deserves a big family. And I think it would keep Draco busy as well. Anyway if the author happens to read this review, please know we like what you write and think you should do more with these characters.

This collection is a 'must buy' for those just discovering the richly-imagined world of Thea Harrison's Elder Races, as well as for readers who've loyally followed Dragos, Pia and myriad other primary/secondary/side characters over the past...*gulp*... 8 years. It's even more of a no-brainer because as of this review's posting (18 Jul 2018), it's still free. (I got my copy mid-May so thank you, Ms. Harrison!)'Dragos Takes a Holiday' provides an intimate look at the personalities & dynamics within the Cuelebre household (which includes personal bodyguards Eva & Hugh) and packs a wallop for a novella. We see Dragos's growing frustration as Top Wyr offset by astonishment (lol, still!) with his little family, Pia's continuing maturity & deepening closeness with those around her, and OMG! POV from the Peanut! This novella was fun to read when first released, but re-reading via audio made it even more heart-warming & hilarious. The series narrator, Sophie Eastlake (aka Julia Whelan) did an outstanding job (IMHO, on par with 'Oracle's Moon')—even now, I can hear her narration re: the Peanut's first shift, his 'toofers' & his hunger. *chortles all over again*'Pia Saves the Day' finds the Cuelebre household re-located to upstate NY where everyone (but especially the Peanut) has more space, both physically and mentally. A construction mishap provides the impetus & focus for this novella—namely, a major hurdle which tests Dragos & Pia's relationship and brings about some unexpected changes.'Peanut Goes to School' is primarily from Liam's POV. He's growing up in leaps & bounds, partly due to Dragos's accident in the preceding story. This leaves his chronological almost-two-yr-old self struggling to control his powers & understand the world around him, whilst his parents (well, mostly Pia ^.^) fret and hover and fret some more. Liam's behaviour & reactions to events at school provide a glimpse into what kind of man he's on course to become. I can't wait...and dare wonder/hope Marika returns in some fashion? :-)Even though these stories take place in the middle of the Elder Races series, they concentrate on a specific set of characters. Thus, I think that they can be read & enjoyed without the backstories in preceding books.

Dragos and Pia are beloved characters in the Elder race series. I love that Thea Harrison continues their storyline beyond the two main books they are featured in. Liam is an adorable and fascinating addition to their dynamic. In these three short stories, Pia gets to shine both as a partner, a parent, and a heroine. I loves how the tables turn in "Pia Saves the Day". Suddenly Pia gets to guide Dragos through the over-powering chemistry that exists between Weir mates, and protecting him even when his lack of memory endangers her. I love the strength that Thea Harrison gives all of her female characters, but seeing Pia develop into a true ruler is extremely satisfying. It is also wonderful to watch Dragos as a father. His interactions with Liam are heart warming and endearing. To see the brusque and often harsh ruler of the Weir Demesne show comfort and kind guidance to his amazingly gifted son is avenue of character development that I am grateful Thea Harrison takes time to show her readers.

A Dragon’s Family Album by Thea Harrison“Dragos Takes a Holiday” (Elder Races 6.5) Dragos takes Pia and Liam to Bermuda for a short getaway. While there Dragos will do some treasure hunting, but considering who they are, trouble quickly follows. Plus everyone's hands are full as the Peanut is shifting. So adorable. I love getting to catch up on the original lovers throughout the run of the series. Liam will be a handful, considering he is a combination of talents from Mommy and Daddy. 5 out of 5“Pia Saves the Day” (Elder Races 6.6) Since Liam is growing so fast, Dragos and Pia are moving out of the city. There is lots of work that needs to be done to make it theirs as well as giving the sentinels a place to live. An accident during blasting injures Dragos badly enough to wipe all his memories away. Pia goes after him, hoping to heal him before it is too late. There is a sadness with this story as there is not a full happy ending. That doesn't mean that Pia and Dragos don't stay together, but changes will have to be dealt with, both by Dragos himself as well as the rest of the group, family and friends. I look forward to how the next story will handle this healing. 4.5 out of 5.“Peanut Goes to School” (Elder Races 6.7) Liam, outwardly looking like a six year old, is sent to first grade despite not being more than two years old. While there he learns about bullies, bad teachers, and acquires an older girlfriend. And he also worries whether he might be bad. The boy is really coming along, obviously confused by powers and talents that no one could possibly predict. At heart he is a kind young man who has much of both his mother and father in him. 4 out of 5.

I just love this series and surprised myself by buying this collection. I do not, normally enjoy short stories but wanted to find out what happened to cause Dragos' memory loss. I found out what happened and thoroughly enjoyed the story, at the same time I found myself falling in love with a baby dragon. All three stories centred around Dragos, Pia and Liam and they were delightful, so glad I purchased this collection.

I'd forgotten that I had this on my kindle so enjoyed reading these stories again. I've long been a fan of Dragos and Pia but seeing their struggles as they try so hard to give Liam a normal life really resonated with me. As much as I loved the introduction to Liams Wyr form I think the story when Dragos gets hurt was so poignant. As I write this there are just two weeks until the release of Planet Dragos the final close up peek at this family and I'm hoping their swan song will be a happy one.

Great collectionSuch a fantastic imaginationCan't wait for her new series to come out!ove Dragos and pia love story

Great addition to Elder Races books

How does she keep doing it? Anything about Pia, Dragos and Peanut is a winner in Thea Harrison's deft hands. Even dragons have issues with the challenges of normal family life but the Cuelebres find their own unique solutions. Great stories - wish they were longer!