Reviews

After the Dragons by Cynthia Zhang

slawler's review

5.0

A timely, bittersweet, and contemplative look at a modern coming-of-age story.

Eli and Kai were both fully-developed, deeply human characters grappling with the overwhelming crises facing modern youth and young adults.

In global cultures rampant with gross disparities of all sorts and a natural world on the brink of collapse, what can an individual do? How can we balance the inevitable ennui and cynicism with an innate desire to do good and the very human need for hope?

A great debut; I'm looking forward to more from Cynthia Zhang.

majabwds's review

3.0

Not what I was expecting at all.

tunatanga's review

fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

benthewriter's review

fast-paced

3.0

mercykill's review

5.0

I adored this read! It was everything I was hoping for and more. The characters, development and gentle writing crafts such a nuanced three dimensional story. The implement of dragons into every day life Beijing I adored as well. Urban fantasy elements are always welcome and it added such a nice twist to the story.
The themes are very relevant to today, but aren’t presented in a way that was depressing to read about. It was distanced enough from our real world I could still escape into the fantasy.
The building relationship was a highlight! I found it very believable and well crafted. I often found myself smiling at the unique interactions between Eli and Kai.

doughtah's review against another edition

hopeful reflective relaxing sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I really liked this short novel. It was a wonderful modern magical realism story. I’ll add a longer review later. But, if you’re debating on reading this story, I wholeheartedly recommend it. 

ariel_reads's review

emotional hopeful sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

kayteeem's review against another edition

4.0

I felt that the roots of this piece as a short story were pretty clear. A nice melancholy character portrait (with dragons), but less plot than I usually enjoy. An open ending with a note of hope.

chucklesnorris's review against another edition

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.75

dottiewankenobi's review against another edition

emotional hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

I struggled to finish this one because there were times that one of the main characters, Kai, was a bit too cynical for my tastes. To be clear, I definitely understand why he was that way and I think it makes the most sense for him, but it just made it a bit difficult for me. On the whole, I liked the hopeful thread throughout this book and I really liked what we saw of the world these guys lived in

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Animal cruelty, Chronic illness, and Suicide attempt

Moderate: Death of parent and Death