Dragon Dilemma

Dragon Dilemma is a book I almost decided not to write.  I had some basic ideas cobbled together for a plot, but I had some difficulties formulating it into an actual book.  At the same time, I knew some sort of book at this point in the series was absolutely necessary.  Since I couldn't figure out what needed to be written, I instead set this book aside for a bit and went to work on Dragon Detective. 

As I was writing Dragon Detective I realized something important.  While Nickel, the main character in Detective, is well-fleshed out in previous books, the dynamic that holds his family together and would be able support him through his difficulties wasn't quite up to par.  Dragon Consultant, book one, had introduced the world, my characters, and the plot that would carry over through many books to come.  Dragon Deception, book two, delved further into Mercury's life and expanded on the saving-the-dragons plot.  Dragon Dilemma, book three, therefore had to be about home and family.  Having a new focus grounded Dilemma and I was able to twist the plot around until it flowed properly.  Family  dynamics and how Dane and Mercury were able to create a happy family out of their difficult beginnings became the overall plot.  There was still a good bit about saving the dragons, of course, but it's a secondary focus in this book. 

Dragon Dilemma also quickly turned into a bridging book.  This is the last story I have planned from Dane and Mercury's perspectives.  The next book, Dragon Detective, has Nickel as the narrator.  Dilemma therefore had to conclude one MC's story while welcoming another without straining the readability of the series.  It is also the bridge between the two planned arcs in the series.  Those of you that have followed my blog postings already know that Dragon Soldier, book five, concludes one arc and Dragon Spy, book six, the book I'm writing at the moment, opens another.  Dragon Dilemma is peppered with hints and foreshadowing for Dragon Spy, which will hopefully allow the two arcs to meld seamlessly. 

(For those of you wondering where Dragon Adventure and Dragon Home fit into this overall plan, the fact is they don't.  They were fun larks that I wrote as a break in tension that I think you'll enjoy, but they don't fit into either arc.  They'll be released after Soldier and before Spy.) 

Everything that Dragon Dilemma brings to this series is valuable.  I am worried some readers will think this book is a little boring because it lacks the level of action the previous two had, yet at the same time there have been a few readers demanding more depth at home.  I am hoping Dilemma will bridge that divide as well and will be considered to be another excellent book in the series. 

Dragon Dilemma will be released on June 1, 2016 and is currently available for pre-order for a 15% discount.  Get your copy today: https://lessthanthreepress.com/books...