A review by its_beautifully_bookish
The Dragon's Promise by Elizabeth Lim

adventurous challenging lighthearted mysterious sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

Overall Rating: 3⭐️

Format: Hardback

Favourite Quote: “Surround yourself with those who’ll love you always through your mistakes and your faults. Make a family that will find you more beautiful every day, even when your hair is white with age. Be the light that makes someone’s lantern shine.“

Tropes: young adult, asian folklore, chosen one, forbidden magic, fated mates

I have so many mixed emotions with this book, first off the cover I have the hardback in the pastel greens and pinks is absolutely stunning. It shines in the Sun and I am obsessed. But if I was to tell dive deeper into the covers meaning all kids are obviously a homage to Raikama and her sister, but the overall title and the book comes across like it is about the dragon and it’s really not. I don’t quite understand the actual core of this story is it that Raikama  is actually a core character in these books which is why her series comes next to pull it all together I don’t know.

I think I’m slightly annoyed. I get it. It says the dragons promise and it’s her promise to her stepmother to return the pearl to the wrath but I don’t know. I wouldn’t say there was a lot of of dragon content so it did really take me by surprise.

Also the wrath I don’t think all of my questions have been answered. Why was he so aloof? Why did you all of a sudden help then? Disappear? I just don’t really understand his part in the story.

I liked Seryu as a dragon. He was at first obviously a best friend but then he kind of turned and went a bit strange as well so I’m really torn on my review. I did love the book but I feel like there’s so many unanswered questions.

I cried at the ending it made sense but it didn’t. Is it going to connect to a different story? Maybe to pull through like a big universe potentially? As a whole, I really did love Takkans character I loved Shiori I was a bit annoyed the way she’s now partially trapped but like I said before, maybe that links into a new story but that I guess I was looking for a happily ever after and yes they did get one but they almost got part of it taken away as well even after everything they’ve done!

I thought it was quite sad that the brothers arm got damaged. I’ll try not to spoil it too much but again that was kind of mentioned near the end, but they didn’t really go into detail on how he then move forward in Kiata.

I absolutely loved the map at the beginning of these books. It’s so beautifully detailed and such stunning illustrations. I love love loved it.

I did actually fall in love with Takkan he was a very beautiful soul I think because I’ve read similar books with Asian folklore I was expecting something different from this book. But I did enjoy it at the same time however I would definitely say I’ve got quite a few questions still but maybe they’ll be answered in the next books.

For me a 3 ⭐ means I enjoyed this book.
It was a good read. Might recommend if you like the tropes or author. For me it didn't hit the spot at the time.