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A review by alyssamae
The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This book is slow at first, but when it starts to pick up pace, it does not stop!
One reason this book is 4.5 stars and not 5 is because it takes a while to get into. Fantasy books generally are as they always include so much new terminology, but this book was a bit of a struggle as the terms were rarely explained and you are expected to learn through context. Then on top of that, a lot of the terms thrown at us have very similar spellings, so it is hard to differentiate when there is no explanation of the difference between them (at first). Additionally, I didn't like the use of the term 'savages', and I almost put the book down because of it. I understand it's a book, but reading about colonisers, where the beginning of the book portrays them a bit like they're the good guys, and how they believe themselves 'chosen' to be there - it just didn't sit right with me, especially given the ongoing genocide.
All in all, I am glad that I did not decide to put the book down as it was amazing. I never really rooted for the Chosen as a whole, and in my opinion, the author doesn't want you to. Following the main character's revenge and his need to be better was so intriguing and I never got bored of hearing him fight.
One tiny gripe I have is with some injuries (or lack thereof).Near the end of the book, when Kellan and Tau are fighting in the Queen's Melee, Tau does some serious damage to Kellan; but a few chapters on, Kellan seems to be completely fine to run/walk/fight and there are no mentions of any of his injuries - he's just miraculously healed.
Regardless, I am very excited to start the next book and I am planning to do so ASAP! It is amazing to think that this is the author's debut; the story is action-packed, and the characters are complex, yet loveable - though Tau's impulsiveness does get to me sometimes!! Zuri & Uduak are my favourites so far.
One reason this book is 4.5 stars and not 5 is because it takes a while to get into. Fantasy books generally are as they always include so much new terminology, but this book was a bit of a struggle as the terms were rarely explained and you are expected to learn through context. Then on top of that, a lot of the terms thrown at us have very similar spellings, so it is hard to differentiate when there is no explanation of the difference between them (at first). Additionally, I didn't like the use of the term 'savages', and I almost put the book down because of it. I understand it's a book, but reading about colonisers, where the beginning of the book portrays them a bit like they're the good guys, and how they believe themselves 'chosen' to be there - it just didn't sit right with me, especially given the ongoing genocide.
All in all, I am glad that I did not decide to put the book down as it was amazing. I never really rooted for the Chosen as a whole, and in my opinion, the author doesn't want you to. Following the main character's revenge and his need to be better was so intriguing and I never got bored of hearing him fight.
One tiny gripe I have is with some injuries (or lack thereof).
Regardless, I am very excited to start the next book and I am planning to do so ASAP! It is amazing to think that this is the author's debut; the story is action-packed, and the characters are complex, yet loveable - though Tau's impulsiveness does get to me sometimes!! Zuri & Uduak are my favourites so far.