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A review by joannas
Island of Dragons, Volume 7 by Lisa McMann
5.0
I’m... speechless. Like actually speechless. I don’t think I can clearly relay my thoughts in a super presentable manner, but I’m going to give my review regardless. I began this series seeking a sense of nostalgia for my tween-age years, as I had read the (first 3/4 books around 6 years ago ... now I’m old aka almost 20). I certainly found the feelings I was hoping for. This was a purely magical series that captivated me from the first few pages.
Each book was better than the last, which is a difficult feat to achieve!!!
Island of Dragons was no different. It was heart wrenching, emotional, humorous, action-packed, and a wonderful way to tie things together. The battle scenes had me in a chokehold and I physically could not stop myself from reading the latter half of the novel.
I will say I was heartbroken and disappointed about the fate of Alex’s left arm... his dominant hand. I can’t believe there wasn’t some magical solution for that and I was PISSED. same with Lani’s legs (I’m assuming she’s paralyzed). That was DARK for a YA book but I guess it goes to show that they’re strong and can endure anything, and it gives Alex an additional way of finding true confidence as head mage.
I loved Aaron’s character progression, especially throughout these last few books. I absolutely DESPISED him for the first three, because ... who wouldn’t. When he landed on the Island of Shipwrecks, which is what kickstarted his redemption arc, I was wary of the fact that I don’t enjoy redemption arcs of evil characters like that. But wow did Lisa McMann do a good job of convincing me to accept that Aaron is a changed man. His character was so well written that I found myself asking if he’d really sink back into his own ways after being offered the role of head mage of Artimé. I knew he wouldn’t give in deep down in my heart, because his inner emotional turmoil was so strong, and because well... Alex. I really loved their brother dynamic and renewed relationship. Often times authors don’t necessarily know how to write siblings, but I think McMann did a great job (though... I’m an only child so I guess I have no place to speak on it). Nevertheless, I really really enjoyed this book
I would have liked to see more Sky + Alex moments, as I think she was a little sidetracked (similarly to Meghan... before she was murdered—btw was that REALLY NECESSARY). Also justice for Mr. Appleblossom... he was not my favourite character by any means (that goes to Alex of course)... but his death hurt me.
Anyways I read a sneak peek of the other Unwanted series McMann is writing (the Quests?) and I am intrigued... but I also don’t know if I can invest that time into a series intended for young adults, this time without the nostalgia factor. I’ll be sure to let you know if I do decide to test the waters and give that series a try (though I should probably find series for my old age group LOL). Anyways, I HIGHLY recommend this whole series!!!! The quality only gets better from the first book, and all of the characters have really really super great arcs, and it’s very easy to see their growth throughout the seven books! ❤️ this series will definitely always have a special place in my heart.
Each book was better than the last, which is a difficult feat to achieve!!!
Island of Dragons was no different. It was heart wrenching, emotional, humorous, action-packed, and a wonderful way to tie things together. The battle scenes had me in a chokehold and I physically could not stop myself from reading the latter half of the novel.
I will say I was heartbroken and disappointed about the fate of Alex’s left arm... his dominant hand. I can’t believe there wasn’t some magical solution for that and I was PISSED. same with Lani’s legs (I’m assuming she’s paralyzed). That was DARK for a YA book but I guess it goes to show that they’re strong and can endure anything, and it gives Alex an additional way of finding true confidence as head mage.
I loved Aaron’s character progression, especially throughout these last few books. I absolutely DESPISED him for the first three, because ... who wouldn’t. When he landed on the Island of Shipwrecks, which is what kickstarted his redemption arc, I was wary of the fact that I don’t enjoy redemption arcs of evil characters like that. But wow did Lisa McMann do a good job of convincing me to accept that Aaron is a changed man. His character was so well written that I found myself asking if he’d really sink back into his own ways after being offered the role of head mage of Artimé. I knew he wouldn’t give in deep down in my heart, because his inner emotional turmoil was so strong, and because well... Alex. I really loved their brother dynamic and renewed relationship. Often times authors don’t necessarily know how to write siblings, but I think McMann did a great job (though... I’m an only child so I guess I have no place to speak on it). Nevertheless, I really really enjoyed this book
I would have liked to see more Sky + Alex moments, as I think she was a little sidetracked (similarly to Meghan... before she was murdered—btw was that REALLY NECESSARY). Also justice for Mr. Appleblossom... he was not my favourite character by any means (that goes to Alex of course)... but his death hurt me.
Anyways I read a sneak peek of the other Unwanted series McMann is writing (the Quests?) and I am intrigued... but I also don’t know if I can invest that time into a series intended for young adults, this time without the nostalgia factor. I’ll be sure to let you know if I do decide to test the waters and give that series a try (though I should probably find series for my old age group LOL). Anyways, I HIGHLY recommend this whole series!!!! The quality only gets better from the first book, and all of the characters have really really super great arcs, and it’s very easy to see their growth throughout the seven books! ❤️ this series will definitely always have a special place in my heart.