Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Dragons
Publication Date: March 29th, 2012
Synopsis:
(from Goodreads)
Once she was Eon, a girl disguised as a boy, risking her life for the chance to become a Dragoneye apprentice. Now she is Eona, the Mirror Dragoneye, her country’s savior – but she has an even more dangerous secret. She cannot control her power. Each time she tries, it twists into a killing force. And more destruction is on her trail – High Lord Sethon’s army. She and her companions must find Kygo, the young Pearl Emperor, who needs Eona’s power if he is to wrest back his throne. But to help him, she must drive a dark bargain with an old enemy, which could obliterate them all.
–Possible Spoilers! Read at your own risk!–
“We are all more— and less—than what we seem.”
This series has been one heck of a ride. Never have I gone from hating to loving as much as I have with this crazy cast.
But man, Alison Goodman can tell an amazing story. It’s complex and well written and has such an amazing cast of complex and flawed characters.
I loved the political battle, and the struggle all the characters had with power and their humanity. I loved dragons, the entire energy world was absolutely fascinating. This story and this world that Alison Goodman has created is so unique and I even though this book was 600+ pages I was really sad when it ended.
I really loved Eona’s character. I’m not saying she didn’t frustrate me, oh she did. But gosh, she faces and has to make many tough decisions throughout the novel. Granted they’re not always the correct ones. She’s someone who has all this power and it’s because of that power she has a tough time trusting those around her. And also trusting in herself, for with great power comes great responsibility.
“You have seen me at my worst and at my weakest. Let me show you my best.”
Ido, I’ll admit it, I didn’t love him in the first book, but I was drawn to him. He intrigued me in a way Kygo didn’t. And even though he’s a murderer and possibly a psychopath, I couldn’t help but feel for him. Whether it’s by Sethon or Kygo, or even Eona, he was always being controlled by someone. Used for his power, used for killing. Is that what shaped him to be the person he is? To be this selfish character who only looked out for himself and was fueled by his own ambition? I don’t know. But I want to know, I want to know so much more about him.
“I know that love is about power, too. Who gives, who takes. Who is willing to risk showing their true self.”
I had a major love-hate relationship with Kygo as well. Surprising since I almost always fall for the royalty character. He’s emperor and because he’s an emperor he has to make tough decisions that will be best for the empire and his people. In his own way, I knew he cared for Eona, but at times I wondered if that was enough. Or if his quest to reclaim his throne would turn him into someone just like his uncle.
“In the end, power is always used to gain more power. That is the nature of the beast.”
Now the ending, most readers will be satisfied. It tied up some loose ends without exactly making it a happily ever after. But I really wanted more, I still have questions!
Overall, Eona was everything you could ever ask for in a fantasy series: great world-building, complex characters, political battles for power, and my personal favorite, moral ambiguity. Oh and dragons! Can’t forget that. Definitely, recommend if you’re looking for an awesome fantasy series!
“You lie even to yourself. Now that is the mark of a fool.”
5 out of 5 stars
★★★★★
Buy Eona:
Book Depository
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Buy Eon:
Book Depository
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
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