A review by boba_n_books
The Sunset Sovereign: A Dragon's Memoir by Laura Huie, C.D. Houck

adventurous challenging 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

5.0

The Sunset Sovreign: A Dragon's Memoir is much more than just a fantasy novel. It's a lesson in how the people, the victors, who record history shape its narrative and the future.

Sisal is an adventurer who has been given the task of slaughtering Vakandi Foreldri, the dragon who has been looming over and burdening the town of Vakfored and its citizens for centuries. But, when Sisal goes to finally end Vakandi, she discovers a grumpy dragon who just wants someone to hear his side of the story. Since Vakfored were the "winners," no one has ever heard Vakandi's recounting of how he and Vakfored became rivals. Sisal promises to listen to Vakandi's story, but only if he swears to leave after telling his tale by sunset. Through Vakandi's story, Sisal learns that the Vakfored version of history is not incorrect but only one piece of the puzzle. It's up to Sisal to spread Vakandi's truth and mediate between the two parties. 

In just 153 pages, the author packs so much heart in both Sisal and Vakandi. Even though the reader goes in knowing that Vakandi is going to leave at the end, it doesn't make saying goodbye to him any easier. I grew to love him and the bond he and Sisal created so much that I hoped he would be able to stay and create peace with his hatchlings.

Vakandi's character reminds me of Tairn from Fourth Wing--a tired, grumpy dad who just wants his children to behave themselves. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing history through Vakandi's eyes and learning why he did what he did. Vakandi acted through a much broader lens of a long-living being while the Vakfored made decisions based on a much shorter lifespan. Neither perspective is wrong, but they had a difficult time understanding each other.

I loved the character Mx. Konst who came in at the end to assist Vakandi and mediate between him and Vakfored. Not only did I appreciate the non-binary representation, I enjoyed reading about a character who could truly see both sides of the story and help make peace. I believe they were similar to Sisal in that way where they could have written down history and brought Vakandi and Vakfored together again, but Sisal is the one who truly followed through.

Going into this novel, I did not know what to expect, but I know that I came away with much more than I thought I would. If you're a fan of fantasy and dragons, pick up this novel! I can assure you that you won't regret it.

Thank you to the author for creating a truly beautiful and unforgettable story. I'm so glad you are sharing it with the world.

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Favorite Quotes:
Even time erodes away the beauty of a moment.

Like an hourglass starting, he could only tell the entire beginning, hardly any of the middle, and the whole ending. Sisal had to know his end for her to start the new beginning for Vakfored.

He hated winter, but knew it served a purpose. Without the changing seasons, the land would not be what it was with its hills and mountains. It would be flat and boring. Magic had its own balance, even if it was bitter instead of warm.

He was a dragon of fire and life, not death.

Believing its words, though, meant her great-grandparents lied about the dragon's actions a hundred years ago. Their story passed down to her grandparents, parents, and then her. They ingrained it in her blood. 

Once Vakandi was gone, she would take their history back.

'It's a song that reminds us to avoid repeating history, but to embrace the cycle of life. To accept the darkest nights as much as the sunniest day.'

'Avoid repeating, but let the cycle repeat? That makes no sense.'

'It's why we study the past, to strive for a better future. The Vakfored created this song after teaching me how to embrace death magic. All knowledge is power.'

'What does Vakfored mean in the old tongue?'

'It means you are my hatchlings. My children.'

He was not strong; he was distracting her from her truth.

There was a saying that if you said the same thing a thousand times, maybe it was not the listener who was not learning, but the speaker. 

This is how the people always lived, destruction and greed of anything more powerful than them. They hated the idea of being weak. 

She wanted to write the story he told. To keep the words the same as he had told them, without the influence of her as a narrator changing them. ... He had to tell her the full, truthful story. He stretched the truth that it became confusing. Or was it her research and what her family taught her that made his truth feel clouded? 

History should always tell every side of the story.

School taught her Vakfored's side, for they were the victors. Only Vakandi Foreldri alone could tell his side.

'I don't want a wall. It forces our city to be contained. ... Creativity is not something you hold back.'

'You paint on a canvas and its beauty is eternal in that small rectangular shape. No one touches it, and you hang it up to protect it in a frame. Create a wall that is your frame.'

'I'm sorry. I know my words mean nothing, and I wish I could have been stronger, could have prepared you more. That day I will never forget.'

'You could have said sorry a thousand times by now. You should have. ... Stop sulking and do something. At least saying sorry would have been an action. Something. Instead, you vanished into this cave and did nothing but glower down at the people below you.'

The stories her grandparents told her were not wrong, but they were only on one side of the fire.

'The War of Beasts was almost a hundred years ago. People have seen you flying out. Did you seriously choose this to make us hate you?'

'I needed to learn how to let go, and you hating me made it easier.'

'It's up to you to tell the stories.'

'We should have said it before, but thank you for everything.'
...
'I will always lover my Vakfored. ... Thank you for hearing my apology.'

She would make sure Vakfored learned the truth and loved Vakandi for all he did. Forgive him for the misunderstanding and create a new future for Vakfored. 
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