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4.19 AVERAGE
4.19 AVERAGE
Guys, I found it. A love story worse than Twilight.
The book started okay, but about a third of the way through, it turns out the main character, a girl dragon, has a girlfriend who is her one true love. I have some beliefs that mean I don't think that sort of relationship should be promoted, so this bothered me, especially since so much of the book was about it.
Now, not only does she have a girlfriend, but in a flashback, we find out it was love at first sight when Sundew was TWO YEARS OLD. I know dragons age faster than humans, but two is still way too young for love at first sight, and it seems like the other dragon was older too. Not only that, this dragon sparkled like a Twilight vampire. (I'm not joking. She's sparkly in the flashback.)
The author goes to great extents to normalize gay dragons, to the point no one seems that upset about it, other than a couple glares. Sundew was supposed to marry another dragon because she and he share certain powers. The fact that Sundew is lesbian should cause some issue because, logically, that means she wouldn't be passing on her genetics, which is apparently a big enough deal that she'd have been put in a forced marriage to produce little dragons that talk to plants. This fact that everyone's plan for breeding dragons is ruined isn't mentioned, even though it should have caused a huge blow up.
The writing is also somewhat annoying. The romance is a huge focus of the storyline, and the romantic interest, Willow, has no real personality, other than being the opposite of the main character. Normally, Tui's characters are interesting, but Willow's pretty flat. It's obvious that, so far, her only role in the storyline is "Sundew's girlfriend." While Cricket is an interesting character and is often doing things, Willow would have no real role without Sundew.
And then the third thing. These dragons keep walking through this dragon eating poison jungle. I don't remember anyone mentioning why they can't simply climb a tall tree, then fly over the jungle. Did dragon wings somehow stop working along with dragon magic?
Overall, I don't see why pre-teens should have books that are full of romance, no matter what gender the characters are. Kids don't read books about dragons because they want dragons touching claws and tails and wings. Romance shouldn't be a big focus of stories geared toward this age group, especially stories that are supposed to be about adventure and dragons.
I miss the original series. That had a lot more action and fun in it, and the romance wasn't nearly as much of a focus. It seems to be going downhill badly.
The book started okay, but about a third of the way through, it turns out the main character, a girl dragon, has a girlfriend who is her one true love. I have some beliefs that mean I don't think that sort of relationship should be promoted, so this bothered me, especially since so much of the book was about it.
Now, not only does she have a girlfriend, but in a flashback, we find out it was love at first sight when Sundew was TWO YEARS OLD. I know dragons age faster than humans, but two is still way too young for love at first sight, and it seems like the other dragon was older too. Not only that, this dragon sparkled like a Twilight vampire. (I'm not joking. She's sparkly in the flashback.)
The author goes to great extents to normalize gay dragons, to the point no one seems that upset about it, other than a couple glares. Sundew was supposed to marry another dragon because she and he share certain powers. The fact that Sundew is lesbian should cause some issue because, logically, that means she wouldn't be passing on her genetics, which is apparently a big enough deal that she'd have been put in a forced marriage to produce little dragons that talk to plants. This fact that everyone's plan for breeding dragons is ruined isn't mentioned, even though it should have caused a huge blow up.
The writing is also somewhat annoying. The romance is a huge focus of the storyline, and the romantic interest, Willow, has no real personality, other than being the opposite of the main character. Normally, Tui's characters are interesting, but Willow's pretty flat. It's obvious that, so far, her only role in the storyline is "Sundew's girlfriend." While Cricket is an interesting character and is often doing things, Willow would have no real role without Sundew.
And then the third thing. These dragons keep walking through this dragon eating poison jungle. I don't remember anyone mentioning why they can't simply climb a tall tree, then fly over the jungle. Did dragon wings somehow stop working along with dragon magic?
Overall, I don't see why pre-teens should have books that are full of romance, no matter what gender the characters are. Kids don't read books about dragons because they want dragons touching claws and tails and wings. Romance shouldn't be a big focus of stories geared toward this age group, especially stories that are supposed to be about adventure and dragons.
I miss the original series. That had a lot more action and fun in it, and the romance wasn't nearly as much of a focus. It seems to be going downhill badly.
Most predictable third act plot twist I’ve seen in years (but by god is it addictive)
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Have I read over fifteen novels by Sutherland this year? You better believe it. I’m enjoying this almost as much or maybe more than my littles. I love fantasy, dragons, and characters solving big problems. Start at the beginning. My kids love the audio book. Thank heavens for public libraries having good collections.
This book was amazing. I didn’t get to actually read it, but the audio book had me listening at every possible moment. Every chapter was a surprise. I don’t want to spoil anything, so I won’t write more
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia
Moderate: Animal death, Confinement, Death, Violence, Murder, War
Minor: Fire/Fire injury
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated