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chitanda's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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? No
4.25
alyshadeshae's review against another edition
5.0
I'm so glad I finally read this duology. Both books were incredible and, while I can't say what my theory about the Imperial Pearl was without including spoilers
Also, while I don't choose books based on them including minorities main characters, I do celebrate those instances when it's done right. Lady Dela is one of the main characters (in the same vein as Hermione is a main character, for those who might want to disagree) and she is transgender. Lady Dela is physically a male (and scared to have the male parts removed with the technology present in this book), but identifies as a female. Her difficulties are included in this book. In her culture, she is celebrated as a Twin Soul and, in the Imperial court, called a Contraire. While not everyone of the Imperial court is understanding of her differences, the Emperor (both father, then son) treasure her and generally ensure her safety. Even when forced to dress like a man, Lady Dela is always referred to by her friends and in the narration as a female. I was worried when her character was first introduced, but am so glad that it was unfounded.
As I stated, I don't go out of my way to choose books that put minorities in main character roles, but I never turn them away as long as the book is good. I do have friends that choose their books that way and these will be highly recommended to them.
Spoiler
I was right about it being an egg, although I was wrong about the type. i thought it was an actual egg with a thirteenth dragon in it that would either join the rest or potentially replace a dragon to keep their numbers at twelve. I was pleased with the outcome of it being a renewal for all twelve dragons.Also, while I don't choose books based on them including minorities main characters, I do celebrate those instances when it's done right. Lady Dela is one of the main characters (in the same vein as Hermione is a main character, for those who might want to disagree) and she is transgender. Lady Dela is physically a male (and scared to have the male parts removed with the technology present in this book), but identifies as a female. Her difficulties are included in this book. In her culture, she is celebrated as a Twin Soul and, in the Imperial court, called a Contraire. While not everyone of the Imperial court is understanding of her differences, the Emperor (both father, then son) treasure her and generally ensure her safety. Even when forced to dress like a man
Spoiler
because war requires disguises when you're on the weaker side and you're hidingAs I stated, I don't go out of my way to choose books that put minorities in main character roles, but I never turn them away as long as the book is good. I do have friends that choose their books that way and these will be highly recommended to them.
ashley's review against another edition
5.0
this was intense as hell!! first of all, i love how eona isn't your average mary sue, she makes a series of Bad Decisions™ (WHICH ADMITTEDLY MADE ME WANT TO DIE) and deals with the consequences idealistically realistically. her relationship with kygo is like reading a slowburn fic aka torture but i love it. i love them. the other guy can gtfo
the ending was a little predictable but it was beautiful nonetheless 10/10
the ending was a little predictable
Spoiler
like.. who would have predicted the mirror dragon, once renewed, would heal kygo! not me haSpoiler
i also love how chart makes an appearance, gets healed and disappears off the face of the earth forever ha ha /smaur_damar's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Torture, and War
Minor: Sexual content
thebookhaze's review against another edition
3.0
I didn't like this book as much as I like the first one. There were a lot of inconsistencies and I didn't like all the hypocrisy and double standards.
In the beginning of the first book, before she became Dragoneye and linked with her dragon, Eon could see "auras" of the people she encountered. She could see their energies and what they were feeling, yet in this book, she couldn't have called into that power and probe for traitors in their midst?
Sure, when she did it in the first book, she felt that she was violating their privacy and she swore she wouldn't do it again, but then she also swore she wouldn't control Ryko's will, and she did that again anyway. In fact, she swore a whole lot many things, and she broke a whole lot of them too, so why stop there, especially since probing at emotions is probably the least of her transgressions.
Obviously, I also didn't like the fact that she swore a lot of stuff and didn't keep her promises. Why make it an issue in the first place, then? And honestly, I felt she was weak, in power I mean. I had high hopes for her as a Dragoneye, and I felt that we actually saw a lot more power in her before she became Dragoneye than after, and I'm not speaking of when her powers were suppressed with the sun energy. I mean after that when she had finally linked with her dragon.
Inconsistencies, and reaching. The swords infused with Kinra's energy made her a better fighter, the red folio's energy and the plaques also transferred a lot of Kinra's energy to Eona. Yet, none of these items (especially the red folio) could've transferred Kinra's Dragoneye knowledge to Eona?
I mean, come on, before Kinra's items, Eona was a so-so fighter but she had a strong spirit power, after she got all Kinra's energy items and linked with her dragon, she could fight like an expert but she couldn't do anything with her Dragoneye skills? Really?
I felt like it happened that way because the writer wanted to put Eona and Ido together, and that if Eona didn't need Ido then neither did we in the story. But I think this was reaching, and I think there could have been any other number of ways we could've incorporated the need for Ido in the story without compromising Eona's character. And compelling him with sexual energy... really? Reaching, reaching, reaching.
Honestly, I am quite disappointed. I loved the first book, and I had high hopes for this one, but it was just disappointing.
In the beginning of the first book, before she became Dragoneye and linked with her dragon, Eon could see "auras" of the people she encountered. She could see their energies and what they were feeling, yet in this book, she couldn't have called into that power and probe for traitors in their midst?
Sure, when she did it in the first book, she felt that she was violating their privacy and she swore she wouldn't do it again, but then she also swore she wouldn't control Ryko's will, and she did that again anyway. In fact, she swore a whole lot many things, and she broke a whole lot of them too, so why stop there, especially since probing at emotions is probably the least of her transgressions.
Obviously, I also didn't like the fact that she swore a lot of stuff and didn't keep her promises. Why make it an issue in the first place, then? And honestly, I felt she was weak, in power I mean. I had high hopes for her as a Dragoneye, and I felt that we actually saw a lot more power in her before she became Dragoneye than after, and I'm not speaking of when her powers were suppressed with the sun energy. I mean after that when she had finally linked with her dragon.
Inconsistencies, and reaching. The swords infused with Kinra's energy made her a better fighter, the red folio's energy and the plaques also transferred a lot of Kinra's energy to Eona. Yet, none of these items (especially the red folio) could've transferred Kinra's Dragoneye knowledge to Eona?
I mean, come on, before Kinra's items, Eona was a so-so fighter but she had a strong spirit power, after she got all Kinra's energy items and linked with her dragon, she could fight like an expert but she couldn't do anything with her Dragoneye skills? Really?
I felt like it happened that way because the writer wanted to put Eona and Ido together, and that if Eona didn't need Ido then neither did we in the story. But I think this was reaching, and I think there could have been any other number of ways we could've incorporated the need for Ido in the story without compromising Eona's character. And compelling him with sexual energy... really? Reaching, reaching, reaching.
Honestly, I am quite disappointed. I loved the first book, and I had high hopes for this one, but it was just disappointing.
shannonreadstheworld's review
adventurous
tense
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? Yes
3.75
favourite quotes: "I know that love is about power, too. Who gives, who takes. Who is willing to risk showing their true self."
"You have seen me at my worst and at my weakest. Let me show you my best."
synopsis: Eona is one of the last surviving dragoneye's. The fate of her country lays on her shoulders but she's untrained and can't use her powers... She's the Pearl Emperor's only hope to reclaim his empire and kill his uncle the High Lord Sethon and avenge the deaths of his family
review: this was action packed and I loved it. It was fricken awesome seeing Eona shed the identity Eon, to accept herself and step into her power. It was really interesting to see this portrayal of power and how it can corrupt but also how it can bring good.
There was some romance in this book which I liked but I wasn't the biggest fan of the love triangle.
Overall I really enjoyed this book, I definitely preferred it over the first book Eon
It's a good duology that explores dragons in a very unique way and it's definitely worth reading
whatsmacksaid's review against another edition
3.0
I'll admit readily enough that I enjoyed Eona more than Eon. About halfway through Eona I realized Eona didn't annoy me anymore--I found her whiny and emotionally unreliable through the course of the first book and first half of the second. (Yes, she's a teenager under a lot of stress and pressure, but not every teenager turns to drugs when they're under stress and pressure.)
I also came to appreciate Kygo as a more fleshed-out character. He got angry and possessive and wasn't to be fully trusted about some things. Ido's transformation from bad to good(-ish) and back to the bad guy was fun to watch, too--although I confess I didn't actually buy such an abrupt descent back into villainy. Good attempt on Goodman's part, one that was mostly successful.
The ending also stuck with me. Not the events of the ending, per say, but where the book left off. It also felt abrupt, but I've been thinking about it and I think it was the perfect place to end the book. It was the end of the story. The only reason it felt abrupt is because there was no fluff at the end. No hints into the future--beyond Kygo previously assuring Eona, Ido and the reader that she would always be his Naiso, of course, but that's not very much compared to what both YA and fantasy readers are used to these days. In that respect, it was an unconventional ending, and I respect Goodman for it.
I also came to appreciate Kygo as a more fleshed-out character. He got angry and possessive and wasn't to be fully trusted about some things. Ido's transformation from bad to good(-ish) and back to the bad guy was fun to watch, too--although I confess I didn't actually buy such an abrupt descent back into villainy. Good attempt on Goodman's part, one that was mostly successful.
The ending also stuck with me. Not the events of the ending, per say, but where the book left off. It also felt abrupt, but I've been thinking about it and I think it was the perfect place to end the book. It was the end of the story. The only reason it felt abrupt is because there was no fluff at the end. No hints into the future--beyond Kygo previously assuring Eona, Ido and the reader that she would always be his Naiso, of course, but that's not very much compared to what both YA and fantasy readers are used to these days. In that respect, it was an unconventional ending, and I respect Goodman for it.
janina_reads's review against another edition
3.0
Three stars, but barely.
It is hard for me to hide my disappointment after reading this second installment of the Eon Duology. After so many reviews signing its praise, my expectations had soared high and I feel let down now.
I do love Alison Goodman's writing, her skill in creating atmosphere, making Eona a lush and sensual reading experience. Nevertheless, especially the second half of the book was a let down character-wise. I am sad to say that I lost my respect and admiration for Eona. Full of strength and courage as Eon, her union with her dragon and the power she has gained through it have made her weak and insecure. The way she treats her loved ones, the way she meets everyone around her with mistrust and suspicion were not necessarily unrealistic traits for someone in her situation, but they made it almost impossible for me to feel with her. The love triangle introduced did not make it any easier for me. It is one of those cases where you just know it'll end badly, and it made me think even less of the heroine. I have to admit, though, it is not necessarily only there for the sake of adding tension - it really illustrates the heroine being torn not only between two men, but also between two paths she can take - but one of the men is a total creep, and the other's intentions aren't clear either. Additionally, the relationship developed a bit too fast. All in all, I was just very surprised as the first book was romance free (for a change), but the second one was so heavy on it. Add all the trust and power issues – it was kind of painful, partly in a good way, but mostly in a frustrating way. I do like my portrayal of heroes realistic – they should always be complex characters, with strengths and faults. Here, I felt like everybody besides the main character was strong, but Eona herself failed to carry responsibility and power on her shoulders. She does redeem herself later, and chooses the path I wished she would take, but in the end, I felt like she hadn't earned the ending she got.
Still, I admire this story for its diversity, for the amazing side characters – especially Dela and Ryko – and for the atmospheric setting. I would recommend giving the books a try despite my disappointment in this second volume, they are excellently written and the cast of characters is definitely unique in the fantasy genre.
#7 Aussie YA Challenge 2011
It is hard for me to hide my disappointment after reading this second installment of the Eon Duology. After so many reviews signing its praise, my expectations had soared high and I feel let down now.
I do love Alison Goodman's writing, her skill in creating atmosphere, making Eona a lush and sensual reading experience. Nevertheless, especially the second half of the book was a let down character-wise. I am sad to say that I lost my respect and admiration for Eona. Full of strength and courage as Eon, her union with her dragon and the power she has gained through it have made her weak and insecure. The way she treats her loved ones, the way she meets everyone around her with mistrust and suspicion were not necessarily unrealistic traits for someone in her situation, but they made it almost impossible for me to feel with her. The love triangle introduced did not make it any easier for me. It is one of those cases where you just know it'll end badly, and it made me think even less of the heroine. I have to admit, though, it is not necessarily only there for the sake of adding tension - it really illustrates the heroine being torn not only between two men, but also between two paths she can take - but one of the men is a total creep, and the other's intentions aren't clear either. Additionally, the relationship developed a bit too fast. All in all, I was just very surprised as the first book was romance free (for a change), but the second one was so heavy on it. Add all the trust and power issues – it was kind of painful, partly in a good way, but mostly in a frustrating way. I do like my portrayal of heroes realistic – they should always be complex characters, with strengths and faults. Here, I felt like everybody besides the main character was strong, but Eona herself failed to carry responsibility and power on her shoulders. She does redeem herself later, and chooses the path I wished she would take, but in the end, I felt like she hadn't earned the ending she got.
Still, I admire this story for its diversity, for the amazing side characters – especially Dela and Ryko – and for the atmospheric setting. I would recommend giving the books a try despite my disappointment in this second volume, they are excellently written and the cast of characters is definitely unique in the fantasy genre.
#7 Aussie YA Challenge 2011
alboyer6's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed this book though not as much as the first. The first half of the book dragged a bit but the last half made up for it. Most of book struggles with the concepts of trust and power. Characters live and some die and then it just ends. I was expecting more resolution and hoping for more too, which is what ultimately disappointed me the most. Good but not great.