The Dragon of Russia

The Dragon of Russia by Jessica Piro is a gripping tale of Leila Wells, a dedicated detective haunted by her past and her inner demons. As she hunts down drug cartels, confronts her emotional trauma, and battles her darker side—the Phoenix—Leila finds herself embroiled in dangerous missions across the United States and Russia. Her journey includes solving murders, foiling terrorist plots, and navigating complex personal relationships. She struggles to control her dark side, the Phoenix, after embracing it during the Ruler of the Realms Tournament. Forced to leave New York City, she finds herself in Russia, where a Spetsnaz team, led by the feared Dragunov—the Dragon of Russia—intervenes. As they confront their inner demons, Leila and Dragunov develop a surprising connection. With a sinister scheme threatening everything she cares about, she must make a way to find balance before her destructive power destroys them all. But then there is the unexpected romance!

Jessica Piro skillfully explores themes of inner strength, trauma, and redemption through her sophisticated characters. Leila’s character is multi-layered—she’s fierce and resourceful but also fragile beneath her stoic exterior, battling guilt, grief, and her reliance on the Phoenix. The novel draws on her psychological struggles, depicting her fight to balance her professional duties with her pain. The supporting characters, such as Jamaal and her colleagues, are also superbly developed, and the author deftly utilizes these characters to expand on themes of loyalty, trust, and the importance of human connection. Noteworthy elements include vivid and focused scenes, psychological depth, and the intricate portrayal of Leila’s internal battles. The book also explores cultural and political tensions, primarily through her missions in Russia. The Dragon of Russia is a compelling read, a tense thriller with characters who are complex yet believable. The beauty of the prose, the clever plotting, and the deft characterization enticed me.