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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
Oh, I enjoyed this one. A girl forced to pose as a boy in a fantasy ancient China is made by her master to compete to be chosen as apprentice to one of the twelve elemental-dragon masters, ends up chosen by the one dragon that hasn't been seen in centuries, and is thrown headfirst into the snakepit that is Imperial court politics (with an ailing Emperor, to boot!). Of course now, more than ever, if her gender is discovered, she's dead.
Pros: besides the strong world-building and engaging plot, plus a good writing style, I liked how the author worked around Eon/Eona's dealing with gender and identity, the superstitions attached to her physical disability, the disorientation of her reversal of social standing, and the complicated ways that all of this affects relationships and trust. Plus I loved the actual transgender character who became very important for her talents and abilities, not just as an exhibition piece!
Cons: I figured out pretty soon more or less why Eon couldn't bond properly with her dragon, and it was insanely frustrating to watch her not figure it out for so long! Also, I was a bit disappointed by a certain quick fix at the end--I would have much preferred Eon/Eona to have to continue to deal with this one difficulty; it's not like you figure one thing out and ALL your problems magically disappear!
That said, I very much look forward to the next volume. I hope the action and interpersonal play is just as good.
Pros: besides the strong world-building and engaging plot, plus a good writing style, I liked how the author worked around Eon/Eona's dealing with gender and identity, the superstitions attached to her physical disability, the disorientation of her reversal of social standing, and the complicated ways that all of this affects relationships and trust. Plus I loved the actual transgender character who became very important for her talents and abilities, not just as an exhibition piece!
Cons: I figured out pretty soon more or less why Eon couldn't bond properly with her dragon, and it was insanely frustrating to watch her not figure it out for so long! Also, I was a bit disappointed by a certain quick fix at the end--I would have much preferred Eon/Eona to have to continue to deal with this one difficulty; it's not like you figure one thing out and ALL your problems magically disappear!
That said, I very much look forward to the next volume. I hope the action and interpersonal play is just as good.
I have no idea what the other reviewers on this site are talking about, there was very little court intrigue, very little down time (playschool fonts + giant margins make the book look a lot longer than it is), very little whiny-dumb protagonist.
The book was passably well done. It certainly doesn't catapult itself into the pantheon of great literature, but it is much much better written than any of the [b:Eragon|113436|Eragon (Inheritance, Book 1)|Christopher Paolini|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1236488513s/113436.jpg|3178011] series, which is its true competitor and comparator. The only thing that annoyed me about the book was that it seemed that the cultural blind spots that get resolved during the book would have required either a much longer time to resolve, or access to a culture that didn't have that blind spot (which might be the "island" culture, but we learn so little about it, I doubt it).
From the our point of view, the culture we are seeing is remarkably brutal, with, really, only one character not being terrifyingly cruel to those around them (and these cruelties are not in "justified" circumstances).
So, a summary. Quick, YA book, that made for an interesting read. Nothing earth shattering, confusing, obscured, or profound, but passable.
The book was passably well done. It certainly doesn't catapult itself into the pantheon of great literature, but it is much much better written than any of the [b:Eragon|113436|Eragon (Inheritance, Book 1)|Christopher Paolini|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1236488513s/113436.jpg|3178011] series, which is its true competitor and comparator. The only thing that annoyed me about the book was that it seemed that the cultural blind spots that get resolved during the book would have required either a much longer time to resolve, or access to a culture that didn't have that blind spot (which might be the "island" culture, but we learn so little about it, I doubt it).
From the our point of view, the culture we are seeing is remarkably brutal, with, really, only one character not being terrifyingly cruel to those around them (and these cruelties are not in "justified" circumstances).
So, a summary. Quick, YA book, that made for an interesting read. Nothing earth shattering, confusing, obscured, or profound, but passable.
Usually when it takes me over a week to finish a book it's because I didn't like it or found it very boring. Fortunately with Eon that wasn't the case and it took me so long to finish it simply because last week had me in a near constant state of exhaustion and I couldn't focus on reading for very long.
Eon was such a good book! I absolutely love books with dragons and things based in Asian culture so I had high expectations for this book which isn't always a good thing but all of my expectations were either met or surpassed. This was EVERYTHING I've been wanting in a fantasy book for ages!
My favorite things about this book
The world building
The character development
Transgender people
Disabled main character
Mulan type main character
Identity issues the main character develops
The very subtle, barely there romance
All of the Asian culture
Things I didn't like:
This wasn't too big of an issue but I thought
In other words this is an amazing book and anyone who likes fantasy should read it.
Eon was such a good book! I absolutely love books with dragons and things based in Asian culture so I had high expectations for this book which isn't always a good thing but all of my expectations were either met or surpassed. This was EVERYTHING I've been wanting in a fantasy book for ages!
My favorite things about this book
The world building
The character development
Transgender people
Disabled main character
Mulan type main character
Identity issues the main character develops
The very subtle, barely there romance
All of the Asian culture
Things I didn't like:
Spoiler
Eona's disability gets healed at the very end. We need more main characters who are super powerful AND disabled. Not people who are cured/healed the second they get super powerfulThis wasn't too big of an issue but I thought
Spoiler
Eon transitioned into Eona a bit too seamlessly and quick in my opinionIn other words this is an amazing book and anyone who likes fantasy should read it.
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I so enjoyed Eon! I loved the dragons and the dragon mythology Goodman used. I was really reminded of the Chinese Zodiac, especially at the beginning. Actually, I would say that it's Chinese Zodiac meets dragons. I could imagine everything so clearly, and I loved how everything was described. Plus, Eon's ability to see all 12 dragons was interesting and definitely unique, but sadly, it was something that wasn't really explored in the book. It kind of seemed really important, but sadly, it wasn't as important as I was expecting.
I just loved the setting! It's refreshing to see a a fantasy setting that's not medieval European-esque. It's so imaginative and while I cannot remember the name of the place where Eon lives, it's still such a great setting. There's definitely a whole history there, so it's a little sad we don't get more of a history. Like, the Mirror Dragon randomly disappears, and does so for hundreds of years, only to return. Why did the Mirror Dragon disappear for so long? Perhaps that will be answered in the sequel, which I definitely want to read.
So...Eon. I'm actually pretty neutral about girls disguising themselves as boys, and considering my frustration with girls wanting to be all warrior woman in fantasy novels, I was surprised to find that I actually liked Eon! She's definitely an interesting character, and her journey to communicate with her dragon was cliche, but it didn't bother me in the slightest. There's a lot of potential, and I can't wait to see what happens next. There are a lot of characters, who weren't what I was expecting! Sure, there is some predictability there, but for the most part, they were all really interesting characters. There are a lot of really interesting relationships between all the characters, and I can't wait to see how some of them play out in the sequel.
Final Thoughts:
I really liked Eon. I loved the dragons, the setting sounds amazing, and the characters are interesting. I have some unanswered questions, but I am looking forward to reading the sequel. It's also nice to see a fantasy setting that's NOT in medieval Europe and the twist on the Chinese zodiac worked really well! Eon gets 4 stars.
I just loved the setting! It's refreshing to see a a fantasy setting that's not medieval European-esque. It's so imaginative and while I cannot remember the name of the place where Eon lives, it's still such a great setting. There's definitely a whole history there, so it's a little sad we don't get more of a history. Like, the Mirror Dragon randomly disappears, and does so for hundreds of years, only to return. Why did the Mirror Dragon disappear for so long? Perhaps that will be answered in the sequel, which I definitely want to read.
So...Eon. I'm actually pretty neutral about girls disguising themselves as boys, and considering my frustration with girls wanting to be all warrior woman in fantasy novels, I was surprised to find that I actually liked Eon! She's definitely an interesting character, and her journey to communicate with her dragon was cliche, but it didn't bother me in the slightest. There's a lot of potential, and I can't wait to see what happens next. There are a lot of characters, who weren't what I was expecting! Sure, there is some predictability there, but for the most part, they were all really interesting characters. There are a lot of really interesting relationships between all the characters, and I can't wait to see how some of them play out in the sequel.
Final Thoughts:
I really liked Eon. I loved the dragons, the setting sounds amazing, and the characters are interesting. I have some unanswered questions, but I am looking forward to reading the sequel. It's also nice to see a fantasy setting that's NOT in medieval Europe and the twist on the Chinese zodiac worked really well! Eon gets 4 stars.
Was not expecting this book to be so good. For some reason, when I thought of books based around dragons, they always seemed so blah. "Oh my gawd, there are dragons! And some people get to be friends with them and ride them all over and save the world!"
This book is nothing like that. Based deeply on Asian mythology and culture, nothing about it is shallow. Chakras, the Japanese fear of foreigners, and Chinese court life and hierarchy play huge parts.
Her descriptions are also incredible - she describes the Rat Dragon's presence as "vanilla and orange scented." Much of this book is a mental journey, but there is no confusion when she describes non-tangible sensations. Eon's experiences come across entirely as they should.
And the characters! Even the minor ones have such depth to them from a single glance that you feel like they're real people. Lady Dela is one of my favorites.
My only qualm is that some plot points are so easy to guess, they drive you nuts waiting for the characters to figure them out. At the same time, though, it makes sense that it doesn't click with the characters, because of their personalities and societal pressures.
This book is nothing like that. Based deeply on Asian mythology and culture, nothing about it is shallow. Chakras, the Japanese fear of foreigners, and Chinese court life and hierarchy play huge parts.
Her descriptions are also incredible - she describes the Rat Dragon's presence as "vanilla and orange scented." Much of this book is a mental journey, but there is no confusion when she describes non-tangible sensations. Eon's experiences come across entirely as they should.
And the characters! Even the minor ones have such depth to them from a single glance that you feel like they're real people. Lady Dela is one of my favorites.
My only qualm is that some plot points are so easy to guess, they drive you nuts waiting for the characters to figure them out. At the same time, though, it makes sense that it doesn't click with the characters, because of their personalities and societal pressures.
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I loved it!I do wonder though how she disguised her face? I like the concept of how she was a girl dressed as a boy. We need more books like this.
I loved the premise of the book. An interesting story, some good action….but the mystery the main character was struggling with was SO PREDICTABLE it was painful. Also, might I add, I am not good at predicting plot twists. So an interesting story and world with an insufferably thick main character. Will read the next book hoping she has learned a few lessons and I may like her better.
Mushu: The truth is we're both frauds. Your ancestors never sent me, they don't even like me. But you risked your life to help people you love. I risked your life to help myself. At least you had good intentions.
[Cri-Kee chirps sadly at Mushu]
Mushu: What?! What do you mean you're not lucky?! You lied to me?
[Cri-Kee nods sadly]
Mushu: [to Mulan's horse] And what are you, a sheep?!
I love that movie. Of all the Disney princesses, I have loved Mulan best since it came out and my older sister dropped her nachos down the stairs of the theater. Good times...
But seriously, Mulan was kickass. A girl who selflessly masquerades as a man to rescue her father from imminent death only to save her country and win the heart of one of the hottest animated men to ever grace the silver screen.
Regardless, I couldn't help but draw comparisons between Eon and Mulan. And for all intents and purposes, Mulan achieved in 90 minutes everything Eon tried to do in 531 pages.
My main issue with this book was the writing. Goodman includes so much pointless detail that the story slows to a crawl shortly after starting and never really speeds back up. I spent the majority of this book wishing I could magically delete 30% of Goodman's sentences. It was frustrating.
However, should that have been the only issue, I think I could have looked past it. But the fact that Eon's internal narrative is so based on telling rather than showing made me want to beat the tome against my head in punishment more than once.
The character of Eon was also a major problem for me. For a girl who supposedly blocked her "moon energy" over the years, she was more Mary Sue than Mulan. I wanted to strangle Eon so many times throughout the course of the book I actually found myself rooting against her.
She had little personality besides just being there for the story. She was often selfish, hypocritical, and just plain naive. I figured out all of the "big secrets" pretty early and was then forced to sit through 400 pages of Eon trying.
Then came this little darling that finally sent me into a 20 minute rant to my mother:
"Solly, I have Lord Eon with me," Ryko said quickly.
So, [Ryko] had not told them the truth about me. Who was only giving half the story now?
Seriously Eon? You're criticizing this guy- who is extremely pissed at you, by the way- for keeping your secret rather than spreading it around to his fellow soldiers? Last time I checked, you wanted your little secret kept on the down low. You know, Mulan was appreciative when Shang decided not to kill her when he discovered the truth. She did NOT call him a hypocrite! I HATE YOU I HATE YOU I HATE YOU AND EVERYTHING YOU STAND FOR! GAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!
Initial reaction:
Then:
Calming down:
Okay, okay, I'm good...
The book's one saving grace was the fact that the other characters aren't all cardboard cutouts. Lady Dela, Ryko, Dillon, the prince, and even Lord Ido are all fairly well drawn personalities who add to the story where Eon detracts. The atmosphere would have been nice should Goodman not have taken it upon herself to explain the size, color, and location of every single piece of home decor in every single room Eon enters throughout the story.
And here's one last thing that probably ruined Eon for me: I play video games. Lots of them. And many of my personal favorites are high fantasy adventures with very deep, lush worlds: the Legend of Zelda, Final Fantasy, Suikoden, the Elder Scrolls. In other words, I'm spoiled. Eon's world, while interesting enough, didn't blow my mind.
Perhaps I could be called unfair for comparing a book to something visual like a video game or a Disney movie, but I disagree. Books have the ability to create more depth than a movie could ever hope for due to time constraints. Video games are about on par with books but they don't have the advantage of allowing the player to create their own imaginings. What you see is what you get.
The world of Eon wasn't completely terrible, but it just wasn't great. Goodman's world won't be anything new to those who dwell in the fantasy realms quite often.
So would I recommend this book? If it interests you, go ahead and give it a shot. As for me, well, let me put my feelings this way:
If I'm looking for a world steeped in Asian culture I'll watch Avatar the Last Airbender.
If I'm looking for complex magic systems I'll play any of the Final Fantasy games (though I recommend X for story alone).
If I'm looking for a story about girl power I'll watch Mulan.
If none of the above options are available, there's always the old standby.
[Cri-Kee chirps sadly at Mushu]
Mushu: What?! What do you mean you're not lucky?! You lied to me?
[Cri-Kee nods sadly]
Mushu: [to Mulan's horse] And what are you, a sheep?!
I love that movie. Of all the Disney princesses, I have loved Mulan best since it came out and my older sister dropped her nachos down the stairs of the theater. Good times...
But seriously, Mulan was kickass. A girl who selflessly masquerades as a man to rescue her father from imminent death only to save her country and win the heart of one of the hottest animated men to ever grace the silver screen.
Regardless, I couldn't help but draw comparisons between Eon and Mulan. And for all intents and purposes, Mulan achieved in 90 minutes everything Eon tried to do in 531 pages.
My main issue with this book was the writing. Goodman includes so much pointless detail that the story slows to a crawl shortly after starting and never really speeds back up. I spent the majority of this book wishing I could magically delete 30% of Goodman's sentences. It was frustrating.
However, should that have been the only issue, I think I could have looked past it. But the fact that Eon's internal narrative is so based on telling rather than showing made me want to beat the tome against my head in punishment more than once.
The character of Eon was also a major problem for me. For a girl who supposedly blocked her "moon energy" over the years, she was more Mary Sue than Mulan. I wanted to strangle Eon so many times throughout the course of the book I actually found myself rooting against her.
She had little personality besides just being there for the story. She was often selfish, hypocritical, and just plain naive. I figured out all of the "big secrets" pretty early and was then forced to sit through 400 pages of Eon trying.
Then came this little darling that finally sent me into a 20 minute rant to my mother:
Spoiler
(Note: this is near the end of the book where Eon has officially been outed as a female to those closest to her but not to the rest of the world.)"Solly, I have Lord Eon with me," Ryko said quickly.
So, [Ryko] had not told them the truth about me. Who was only giving half the story now?
Seriously Eon? You're criticizing this guy- who is extremely pissed at you, by the way- for keeping your secret rather than spreading it around to his fellow soldiers? Last time I checked, you wanted your little secret kept on the down low. You know, Mulan was appreciative when Shang decided not to kill her when he discovered the truth. She did NOT call him a hypocrite! I HATE YOU I HATE YOU I HATE YOU AND EVERYTHING YOU STAND FOR! GAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!
Initial reaction:
Then:
Calming down:
Okay, okay, I'm good...
The book's one saving grace was the fact that the other characters aren't all cardboard cutouts. Lady Dela, Ryko, Dillon, the prince, and even Lord Ido are all fairly well drawn personalities who add to the story where Eon detracts. The atmosphere would have been nice should Goodman not have taken it upon herself to explain the size, color, and location of every single piece of home decor in every single room Eon enters throughout the story.
And here's one last thing that probably ruined Eon for me: I play video games. Lots of them. And many of my personal favorites are high fantasy adventures with very deep, lush worlds: the Legend of Zelda, Final Fantasy, Suikoden, the Elder Scrolls. In other words, I'm spoiled. Eon's world, while interesting enough, didn't blow my mind.
Perhaps I could be called unfair for comparing a book to something visual like a video game or a Disney movie, but I disagree. Books have the ability to create more depth than a movie could ever hope for due to time constraints. Video games are about on par with books but they don't have the advantage of allowing the player to create their own imaginings. What you see is what you get.
The world of Eon wasn't completely terrible, but it just wasn't great. Goodman's world won't be anything new to those who dwell in the fantasy realms quite often.
So would I recommend this book? If it interests you, go ahead and give it a shot. As for me, well, let me put my feelings this way:
If I'm looking for a world steeped in Asian culture I'll watch Avatar the Last Airbender.
If I'm looking for complex magic systems I'll play any of the Final Fantasy games (though I recommend X for story alone).
If I'm looking for a story about girl power I'll watch Mulan.
If none of the above options are available, there's always the old standby.