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lolajh's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
As a book itself, flaws such as these that are consistent with each character became quite irritating when they went unrecognised and undeveloped throughout the book, such as the constant poor treatment of basically all the dragonets besides Tsunami, which of course is a good thing for her and I feel is very deserved, I love her, however it is unequal, especially when she is the one to often probe the other dragonets about things she deems are not good enough. The dragonets are completely undermined by each other, making for a fragile relationship with not a consistent foundation of trust and respect for each other. But that is where the room for improvement exists in a series, for these dragonets to believe in each other as well as themselves, for Sunny, Starflight, Clay, and Glory to get the recognition and respect they deserve.
Another thing about that: the ableism of dragons! Kestrel especially is very unwelcoming and disrespectful to anyone with “differences” like Sunny “looking different” (she is so disrespected for her appearance throughout the book); Clay for his intelligence and obliviousness, which is honestly totally normal and honestly a neurodivergent trait that he shouldn’t have been ridiculed for; Glory for literally just being a Rainwing; and
I do however believe the toxicity of Clay and Peril’s relationship was handled well
And I just really really love Clay. The most deserving main character of the book, the kindest, the sweetest, and the one that doesn’t torment his friends for things they can’t control. His pacifism was a really interesting perspective to see from a dragon.
Overall, if this book were to be a stand-alone, I would have a very different and more negative review of it, and whilst it probably will not end up being my favourite of the series I do still wish to continue it. I think it sets up a strong foundation of the world that the audience is introduced to, that dragons can be
Graphic: Death, Violence, War, Ableism, Gore, Murder, Confinement, Animal death, Blood, Torture, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Confinement, Kidnapping, Toxic relationship, Abandonment, and Domestic abuse
kristyderp's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I’m older than the target audience but it still held my attention. It does get violent at times, and there are descriptions of war and death, so it’s not for all ages. I couldn’t put it down because I had to know what would happen next. I like the way the author describes the dragons vividly, including their body language and eye color, as it helps me visualize the story clearly.
Moderate: Death, Violence, Xenophobia, Trafficking, War, Animal cruelty, Blood, Body horror, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Murder, Physical abuse, Torture, Ableism, Animal death, Confinement, Abandonment, Toxic relationship, Classism, Gore, and Suicide
the_reading_fairy's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Death, War, Animal death, Child abuse, Dysphoria, Emotional abuse, Gore, Xenophobia, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, Blood, Confinement, Death of parent, Murder, Physical abuse, and Racism
Moderate: Kidnapping, Slavery, Toxic relationship, and Grief
Minor: Vomit, Pregnancy, and Sexism