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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
Ugh. Phew. Tough book.
So the first two thirds of this book were not great but not too terrible. There were a lot of things to dislike, characters, painful dialogue that was way too frequently exposition dumps, the non-existent romance that was nevertheless a central part of the story, the horrid gender dynamics, but there were some bright spots too! Some not terrible political intrigue and maneuvering which is kinda my jam, and while far from the greatest I've read wasn't so bad really. I was tempted to give this book 2 stars, maybe even 3 depending on how it finished.
Uh... but then the last third of the book happened. And apparently all men are just rapists waiting for their chance. Reeeeaaalllyyyy comes across as the author's poorly disguised fetish. And I like fetish books quite a bit if they're done well! Love the Kushiel's Dart series. This was reeeaalllyyy not done well. This was some of the grossest fiction I've ever read to prop up some of the most humdrum story beats I've ever had to suffer through to support a character arc all about a man learning to embrace that fact that he's a monster like all other men. Nope! 0/10 do not recommend.
So the first two thirds of this book were not great but not too terrible. There were a lot of things to dislike, characters, painful dialogue that was way too frequently exposition dumps, the non-existent romance that was nevertheless a central part of the story, the horrid gender dynamics, but there were some bright spots too! Some not terrible political intrigue and maneuvering which is kinda my jam, and while far from the greatest I've read wasn't so bad really. I was tempted to give this book 2 stars, maybe even 3 depending on how it finished.
Uh... but then the last third of the book happened. And apparently all men are just rapists waiting for their chance. Reeeeaaalllyyyy comes across as the author's poorly disguised fetish. And I like fetish books quite a bit if they're done well! Love the Kushiel's Dart series. This was reeeaalllyyy not done well. This was some of the grossest fiction I've ever read to prop up some of the most humdrum story beats I've ever had to suffer through to support a character arc all about a man learning to embrace that fact that he's a monster like all other men. Nope! 0/10 do not recommend.
Re-reading for the bazillionth time. They are old friends (an enemies), and it's been too long since our last visit. If I were to have magic, it would be Sunrunner magic.
My favorite fantasy series of all time. Great original magic and the relationship between the humans and the dragons is very unique, including the communication methods and the emotional expressions.
My favorite fantasy series of all time. Great original magic and the relationship between the humans and the dragons is very unique, including the communication methods and the emotional expressions.
Romantasy or Fantamance?
Dragon Prince, Melanie Rawn’s first novel, was ahead of the fantasy/romance genre curve in 1988. Rawn decorates an epic fantasy core story with romantic trappings, and it works, most of the time. The early medieval fantasy world of Dragon Prince comes to life in vibrant Sunrunner magical colors. The environments, especially the desert, are depicted in fine detail, capturing the reader with sensuous descriptions. The book has a few minor issues: recurring emotional imagery and a lack of depth to many of the secondary characters.
The main characters are vividly drawn, but the spotlight on them is a bit tight. Everyone seems a little dim compared to Rohan and Sioned, and I suppose that is the novel’s romance side coming to the fore. The reader may get too much inside the head of the characters at some points. A lot of the narrative is filled with the internal monologue and deeply felt emotions of the characters. This tends to give the plot a stuttery feel as conflicts arise, characters ponder, then swoon or glower at each other, then ponder some more, then something else happens.
The story is interesting, but not very complex. There is mostly one main thread of plot throughout, though there are many brief branches and callbacks. I think the story could have used a bit of pruning, especially since the general focus is so strong on the main characters. Any time a secondary character comes to the fore, it’s not very rewarding, as they tend to be more sketchy and predictable. The frequent callbacks and rehashing of characters’ feelings can be distracting, too. Although worded differently and often approached from different angles, some themes are visited repeatedly.
Despite these issues, the plotting of the princes and the romance of the main characters is engaging enough to keep the pages turning. Dragon Prince is not for everyone, as it has far more romance and politics than action and adventure. Though few, the action sequences are lively and stimulating. I’m looking forward to checking out some of Melanie Rawn’s other books set in the Dragon Prince world, as I have a feeling that the later novels may be even better.
Dragon Prince, Melanie Rawn’s first novel, was ahead of the fantasy/romance genre curve in 1988. Rawn decorates an epic fantasy core story with romantic trappings, and it works, most of the time. The early medieval fantasy world of Dragon Prince comes to life in vibrant Sunrunner magical colors. The environments, especially the desert, are depicted in fine detail, capturing the reader with sensuous descriptions. The book has a few minor issues: recurring emotional imagery and a lack of depth to many of the secondary characters.
The main characters are vividly drawn, but the spotlight on them is a bit tight. Everyone seems a little dim compared to Rohan and Sioned, and I suppose that is the novel’s romance side coming to the fore. The reader may get too much inside the head of the characters at some points. A lot of the narrative is filled with the internal monologue and deeply felt emotions of the characters. This tends to give the plot a stuttery feel as conflicts arise, characters ponder, then swoon or glower at each other, then ponder some more, then something else happens.
The story is interesting, but not very complex. There is mostly one main thread of plot throughout, though there are many brief branches and callbacks. I think the story could have used a bit of pruning, especially since the general focus is so strong on the main characters. Any time a secondary character comes to the fore, it’s not very rewarding, as they tend to be more sketchy and predictable. The frequent callbacks and rehashing of characters’ feelings can be distracting, too. Although worded differently and often approached from different angles, some themes are visited repeatedly.
Despite these issues, the plotting of the princes and the romance of the main characters is engaging enough to keep the pages turning. Dragon Prince is not for everyone, as it has far more romance and politics than action and adventure. Though few, the action sequences are lively and stimulating. I’m looking forward to checking out some of Melanie Rawn’s other books set in the Dragon Prince world, as I have a feeling that the later novels may be even better.
I have loved this series for over half my life and have definitely read all 6 of them more times than I've read any book (and that's a LOT). That said, I can't remember when I last cracked them open - it must have been many years. A few weeks ago I got a real craving to reread so I just couldn't resist dusting them off again.
Sadly I must admit to finding the prose a little cheesier this time than I've ever noticed before, especially with repetitive mentions of certain phrases and details: braids (jeez Mel, what's the obsession with hair all about?!) Sioned being called a sunrunner witch like a zillion times, Sioned's emerald ring sparking with a fire all its own, and so on. (Who was her editor? *sigh*) But it doesn't matter one jot because Sunrunners! Desert! Dragons! Politics! I LOVE THESE BOOKS.
I'm really excited about rereading the whole lot now, but I've still got a lot of new books waiting to be read so I think I'll have to spread them between a bit!
Sadly I must admit to finding the prose a little cheesier this time than I've ever noticed before, especially with repetitive mentions of certain phrases and details: braids (jeez Mel, what's the obsession with hair all about?!) Sioned being called a sunrunner witch like a zillion times, Sioned's emerald ring sparking with a fire all its own, and so on. (Who was her editor? *sigh*) But it doesn't matter one jot because Sunrunners! Desert! Dragons! Politics! I LOVE THESE BOOKS.
I'm really excited about rereading the whole lot now, but I've still got a lot of new books waiting to be read so I think I'll have to spread them between a bit!
adventurous
emotional
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:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug abuse, Rape, Kidnapping
Minor: Child death, Miscarriage
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Rohan is the heir to the Desert, one of the many kingdoms subservient to the High Prince, Roelstra. He is a bookish prince that has remained an enigma to many of the other ruling princes and even his own family. The Desert is a harsh land but prosperous under his father’s rule. When Rohan must lead, he embarks on a completely different kind of leadership, determined to provide a legacy that will outlive his own life for his people. Helping him to accomplish his goal is the Sunrunner Sioned, one of the people with the mysterious power to weave sunlight and moonlight. He harbors no love for the High Prince and wants to outwit him and keep the Desert from being annexed into Roelstra’s hands. But even as Rohan attempts to outmaneuver his enemy, treachery is lurking and unforeseen tragedy strikes both near to home as well as across the princedoms…and Rohan and Sioned must once again work towards saving the people, and themselves, from darkness.
Melanie Rawn has crafted a tale that has a unique magic system and the beginning of a fascinating world. I first read the Sunrunner books decades ago, but I remember liking them very much.
Overall, I enjoyed the reread, although I found myself not as much in love with the book as I remember, now that I’ve gained years and hopefully some wisdom and life experience of my own, not to mention reading a lot of other really terrific fantasy since first cracking the cover.
This world appears to be a fairly small one, where armies are composed of hundreds of men, rather than thousands. This gives the setting a very intimate feel and matches with a sense that this world is quaint and a bit of a backwater, not progressing technologically or socially very much. The book covers two main periods of time, separated by several years, both centered on conflict with the High Prince Roelstra.
I enjoyed the magic system. It was different than anything I had ever read at the time, and remains so. Sunrunners are people who have the ability to harness the sun and moon to do magic. Depending on their skill level, a Sunrunner can fly across the land on a weave of sunlight or conjure the future in a flame, start a fire or join the minds of several with the Sunrunner ability. There are pitfalls and dangers to Sunrunning, and they must be trained in the arts before making use of their innate abilities. Sunrunners are trained at a special place, Goddess Keep, where they have a leader who schemes to increase their influence and those of her family. The ruling princes have Sunrunners in their courts, so that they can keep in touch with the other princedoms.
Gender roles fall into the standard “traditional” ones, for the most part, unless she is fortunate enough to have the ability of a Sunrunner. The menfolk are the leaders, with the main exception being the Lady of Goddess Keep, who rules the Sunrunners. Women are valuable for their marriage alliance prospects and are painted as desperate and scheming (see Palila, Pandsala and Ianthe, as well as the rest of Roelstra’s many daughters). In fact, a major part of the plot rests on the fact that Roelstra, despite having multiple wives and mistresses, has yet to sire a single son to succeed him as High Prince. There are definite exceptions to the rule as the book continues, and women are shown in more positions of power. Considering when this was written, I suppose this was a relatively new concept in fantasy and somewhat daring?
The romance between Rohan and Sioned is necessary to the plot, but has very little basis in reality, unless you count physical chemistry as the sole reason for it. She sees a vision of the prince she will marry when she consults her future, and at their first meeting, a Fire sparks between them and from there, they are instantly in love and attempt to carry off a huge deception, not only deceiving the other rulers, but close friends and family as well. This part had to happen to make the central premise of the book work, but it strains my suspension of disbelief. And during the second half of the book, events take a very dark turn with some twisted acts ().
The dragons are only briefly touched upon in this opening book, but there are hints that they are much more than they seem. I am huge fan of Michael Whelan’s art, especially where dragons are concerned (probably as a result of reading so many Pern books as a tender youth) that I still carry a fondness for these dragons, even years later. Although this cover doesn’t showcase the dragons like later cover art does, I love the way it captures a scene from the book.
I recall the next books delving into more detail in the world and continuing to flesh out the Sunrunner magic system and dragons and being intriguing reads. I hope that still holds true after a couple of decades, if I decide to continue with the reread.
Melanie Rawn has crafted a tale that has a unique magic system and the beginning of a fascinating world. I first read the Sunrunner books decades ago, but I remember liking them very much.
Overall, I enjoyed the reread, although I found myself not as much in love with the book as I remember, now that I’ve gained years and hopefully some wisdom and life experience of my own, not to mention reading a lot of other really terrific fantasy since first cracking the cover.
This world appears to be a fairly small one, where armies are composed of hundreds of men, rather than thousands. This gives the setting a very intimate feel and matches with a sense that this world is quaint and a bit of a backwater, not progressing technologically or socially very much. The book covers two main periods of time, separated by several years, both centered on conflict with the High Prince Roelstra.
I enjoyed the magic system. It was different than anything I had ever read at the time, and remains so. Sunrunners are people who have the ability to harness the sun and moon to do magic. Depending on their skill level, a Sunrunner can fly across the land on a weave of sunlight or conjure the future in a flame, start a fire or join the minds of several with the Sunrunner ability. There are pitfalls and dangers to Sunrunning, and they must be trained in the arts before making use of their innate abilities. Sunrunners are trained at a special place, Goddess Keep, where they have a leader who schemes to increase their influence and those of her family. The ruling princes have Sunrunners in their courts, so that they can keep in touch with the other princedoms.
Gender roles fall into the standard “traditional” ones, for the most part, unless she is fortunate enough to have the ability of a Sunrunner. The menfolk are the leaders, with the main exception being the Lady of Goddess Keep, who rules the Sunrunners. Women are valuable for their marriage alliance prospects and are painted as desperate and scheming (see Palila, Pandsala and Ianthe, as well as the rest of Roelstra’s many daughters). In fact, a major part of the plot rests on the fact that Roelstra, despite having multiple wives and mistresses, has yet to sire a single son to succeed him as High Prince. There are definite exceptions to the rule as the book continues, and women are shown in more positions of power. Considering when this was written, I suppose this was a relatively new concept in fantasy and somewhat daring?
The romance between Rohan and Sioned is necessary to the plot, but has very little basis in reality, unless you count physical chemistry as the sole reason for it. She sees a vision of the prince she will marry when she consults her future, and at their first meeting, a Fire sparks between them and from there, they are instantly in love and attempt to carry off a huge deception, not only deceiving the other rulers, but close friends and family as well. This part had to happen to make the central premise of the book work, but it strains my suspension of disbelief. And during the second half of the book, events take a very dark turn with some twisted acts (
Spoiler
The entire part with Ianthe kidnapping Rohan, his rape, his subsequent rape of Ianthe and then Sioned, Sioned’s manic and creepy “pregnancy” and then kidnapping of Pol from Ianthe is pretty dark. I don’t remember dwelling on this as an adolescent, but this time around I found it more disturbingThe dragons are only briefly touched upon in this opening book, but there are hints that they are much more than they seem. I am huge fan of Michael Whelan’s art, especially where dragons are concerned (probably as a result of reading so many Pern books as a tender youth) that I still carry a fondness for these dragons, even years later. Although this cover doesn’t showcase the dragons like later cover art does, I love the way it captures a scene from the book.
I recall the next books delving into more detail in the world and continuing to flesh out the Sunrunner magic system and dragons and being intriguing reads. I hope that still holds true after a couple of decades, if I decide to continue with the reread.
Evocative, exciting, and Sioned is an amazing character.
I love this series (though the second series is even closer to my heart despite Pol being a dork sometimes) I was looking for something to read while waiting for another book to arrive (and to take a break from Ethshar) so I snagged this. Unfortunately I didn't think through that a couple of books were arriving this week and I'm going out of town so I may not get to the rest of the series just yet.
If you like dragons, political fantasy, fun characters and a truly unique magic system give this one a try (trigger warning there is some rape that's mostly off the page and what little is is not explicit)
If you like dragons, political fantasy, fun characters and a truly unique magic system give this one a try (trigger warning there is some rape that's mostly off the page and what little is is not explicit)
