Viking Ancestors: Rise of the Dragon (Books 1-6)

I’ll admit, I side-eyed the 46-hour runtime at first. But *Rise of the Dragon* hooked me with its sheer *audacity*—a genre-blending binge that’s equal parts *Game of Thrones* lite, *Outlander* with dragons, and a paranormal soap opera where every couple is ‘fated’ (and I mean *every* couple). The first book, *The Viking’s Chosen*, throws you into the deep end: a modern woman inherits a Maine estate, only to discover it’s a portal to Viking-age Norway and her long-lost dragon-shifter soulmate. The worldbuilding is dense but never bogs down, thanks to Purington’s knack for weaving lore into action. That said, the Virtual Voice narration is polarizing. It nails consistency and clarity, but the lack of emotional inflection flattens some of the romance’s heat. A human narrator might’ve sold the smoldering glances and growled promises better—here, even the love scenes feel *efficient*. The real strength lies in the series’ structure. Each book focuses on a new couple, but the overarching plot—an ancient curse, a hidden dragon hoard, a war between clans—gives the marathon listen a sense of momentum. Pacing is uneven, though; some books drag with repetitive ‘will they/won’t they’ tension, while others race through battles so fast you’ll rewind to catch the casualties. And yes, the alpha-male tropes are *thick*—possessive, brooding, and occasionally problematic by modern standards. But if you’re here for escapism, not feminism, the payoff is satisfying: epic showdowns, time-bending twists, and a found-family vibe among the warriors that softens the edges. Critiques aside, this is a series that *commits*—to its mythology, its romance, and its sheer, unapologetic scale. Just bring a notepad for the Norse names.