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arielthebookgargoyle 's review for:
The Spring Dragon
by Natalie Wright
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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:
Yes
Another sequel that went above and beyond. I loved how Aldewin mirrored Quens journey from the first. Self contemplation and renewal of purpose because Quen inspires him to want to be worthy of her.
<b>Plot: 5/5</b>
<i>"The Spring Dragon"</i> by [author:Natalie Wright|19123079], we are left following Aldewin several months after the transformation of Quen to bring back Ishna, the Winter Dragon, which awakened most other dragons as well. He his wallowing in despair from his loss of purpose, disillusionment of institutions he held dear, and Quen being torn from his reach. However, he is not without hope. Imbica is back and gathered Druvna's pod of hired hands to search for the Heart of Menaris. Ancient magic that just may assist with releasing Quen.
<b>Prose/Dialogue: 4/5</b>
The writing is very descriptive. Imaginative, with terms made for the story that give an majestic, eloquent feel. It lends to the epic scope of the story. However at times did feel repeative. Used or explained too often. The prose slowed me down in the first story, but I think that experience let me know where to start in what to expect from this sequel. It matched, but felt cleaner. Giving a better pace.
The narrative mostly follows Aldewin but does switch sometimes to Ishna and Quen.
The interaction between all characters felt realistic. They made sense in what they said, without any awkward pulls from the story. There was a time or two I felt initial feelings should have been stronger, but there were little quips or interactions that pulled it all in.
<b>Characters: 5/5</b>
There were so many characters that I enjoyed in this story. From the first, Aldewin, Imbica, Nivi the tiger. And introduced through this story, Yngvari, Omma, Aurixia. Even the villian, shocked, yet satisfying they were a part of the story. All had a clear backstory and motivation for being a part of the journey.
<b>Character Development: 4/5</b>
The first book was the discovery and awakening for Quen, this one is the contemplation and redemption of Aldewin. Her drive and sacrifice makes him want to be worthy of her, but he has only known how to inflict horror. It goes beyond him, Ishna is of similar spirit. Death and destruction her instinct to ensure survival before her long sleep. Quen imploring her to strive for better. Just with these two characters, plenty of character development to go along with the chase for the Heart. Loved their journeys. Some of where the characters choose to go, wasn't much of a revelation. As well as some characters falling flat for me - not seeming as necessary as they were made.
<b>Setting: 5/5</b>
There were several locations. A backwater town, a ship traveling over seas, a journey through jungle, and snow. All clearly different, described well, and lent to the story.
<b>Creativity: 5/5</b>
While dragons aren't a new concept, I like how the author has tied their fates in with humans. Dragons can wipe them out, but as they have slept, the humans have risen in number and power. Giving challenge, as well as showing a ruthless side that gives cause to dragons wanting to wipe them from earth. However, with Quen being added in the mix, providing Ishna, currently the most powerful, contemplation if humans may be more intelligent and compassionate than they thought. The story is layered and complex. Done so through many different elements that are well put together.
<b>Enjoyment: 5/5</b>
I loved where the first story ended, and this one did well in picking it up. It felt grand on its own, different yet similar. I really enjoyed many of the characters interactions with each other. Especially loved many of the twists.
Overall: 33/35 94% A 5
<b>Plot: 5/5</b>
<i>"The Spring Dragon"</i> by [author:Natalie Wright|19123079], we are left following Aldewin several months after the transformation of Quen to bring back Ishna, the Winter Dragon, which awakened most other dragons as well. He his wallowing in despair from his loss of purpose, disillusionment of institutions he held dear, and Quen being torn from his reach. However, he is not without hope. Imbica is back and gathered Druvna's pod of hired hands to search for the Heart of Menaris. Ancient magic that just may assist with releasing Quen.
<b>Prose/Dialogue: 4/5</b>
The writing is very descriptive. Imaginative, with terms made for the story that give an majestic, eloquent feel. It lends to the epic scope of the story. However at times did feel repeative. Used or explained too often. The prose slowed me down in the first story, but I think that experience let me know where to start in what to expect from this sequel. It matched, but felt cleaner. Giving a better pace.
The narrative mostly follows Aldewin but does switch sometimes to Ishna and Quen.
The interaction between all characters felt realistic. They made sense in what they said, without any awkward pulls from the story. There was a time or two I felt initial feelings should have been stronger, but there were little quips or interactions that pulled it all in.
<b>Characters: 5/5</b>
There were so many characters that I enjoyed in this story. From the first, Aldewin, Imbica, Nivi the tiger. And introduced through this story, Yngvari, Omma, Aurixia. Even the villian, shocked, yet satisfying they were a part of the story. All had a clear backstory and motivation for being a part of the journey.
<b>Character Development: 4/5</b>
The first book was the discovery and awakening for Quen, this one is the contemplation and redemption of Aldewin. Her drive and sacrifice makes him want to be worthy of her, but he has only known how to inflict horror. It goes beyond him, Ishna is of similar spirit. Death and destruction her instinct to ensure survival before her long sleep. Quen imploring her to strive for better. Just with these two characters, plenty of character development to go along with the chase for the Heart. Loved their journeys. Some of where the characters choose to go, wasn't much of a revelation. As well as some characters falling flat for me - not seeming as necessary as they were made.
<b>Setting: 5/5</b>
There were several locations. A backwater town, a ship traveling over seas, a journey through jungle, and snow. All clearly different, described well, and lent to the story.
<b>Creativity: 5/5</b>
While dragons aren't a new concept, I like how the author has tied their fates in with humans. Dragons can wipe them out, but as they have slept, the humans have risen in number and power. Giving challenge, as well as showing a ruthless side that gives cause to dragons wanting to wipe them from earth. However, with Quen being added in the mix, providing Ishna, currently the most powerful, contemplation if humans may be more intelligent and compassionate than they thought. The story is layered and complex. Done so through many different elements that are well put together.
<b>Enjoyment: 5/5</b>
I loved where the first story ended, and this one did well in picking it up. It felt grand on its own, different yet similar. I really enjoyed many of the characters interactions with each other. Especially loved many of the twists.
Overall: 33/35 94% A 5