Echoes of Fire (Drakarn Mates #2)

Kate Rudolph — 2025

On Volcaryth, love isn’t whispered. It’s carved in blood and scales. Orla never asked to become an alien city’s most wanted human. As an environmental scientist, her only crime is curiosity—until she stumbles into a sacred Drakarn ritual and unleashes chaos. Now, bound to Rath, a warrior with smoldering scales and a claim that shakes her to the core, she’s trapped in a deadly game. His people see her as a threat. He claims her as his own. Rath’s obsession is absolute. From the moment he tasted her scent—sun-baked sandstone and stormfire—she became his heart’s flame. But claiming her is a risk that could shatter his honor, his clan, and his life. The Forge Temple demands her death, and to save her, Rath must stake everything in the brutal trials of the River’s Run Festival, where serpents of lava and schemes of power coil together. The price of survival is trust. The cost of freedom is surrender. And in the burning heart of Scalvaris, love will demand a sacrifice that could consume them both.

Reviews

Nicola Sarah Brooks@nikkisbooknook

Feb 18, 2025

Volcaryth isn't the only hot stuff- Rath is brimming with passion for his human mate. This dry, barren outer world belies the city hidden under the crust. A city that it's new Human inhabitants are still learning to call home. But there is a section of Drakarn society who want rid of these new dwellers and they'll use any opportunity to get rid of them.

Orla is a talented scientist, and all around geek, but that inquisitive streak got her into hot water and only Rath claiming her has kept her alive - so far! But will the human finally come to realise just what his claim means to Rath.

Rath may be a powerful warrior but when it comes to his mate he gets all protective and growly. He treats her with care but that passion is banking up and sooner or later it's going to blow! Orla is so savvy usually but she's adrift when it comes to Drakarn politics and religion. She's just walked right into a minefield but she insists she can get herself out of it. Thankfully she does eventually listen to reason and she definitely cannot deny the chemistry with Rath.

There are some beautifully touching scenes but the smexy times aren't lacking! I'll just "alien peen" with some interesting adornments!