Reviews with content warning for Sexual content - The Rage of Dragons

Tau is from a warrior-tribe of people, used to wartime. Major flaw is short-sighted revenge. Lots of blood and death, decently emotional. I had to take a break from reading for a couple of days to process all that the main character was going through. Any book that pulls that amount of emotion from me deserves a 5 star rating.

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griffinthief's review against another edition

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dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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the_clueless_tourist's review against another edition

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adventurous dark tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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marie_thereadingotter's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I wish hadn't needed to "rush" my reading experience with this book. Since I got it from the library I had 20 days to finish it and that is plenty of time, I would have preferred to savor this book. This is an intense read. A lot happens and the MC, Tau, goes through some shit. And being in his head for most of the book it hardly felt like I had time to take a breath before something else happened to him.

I can see why this book has some mixed reviews. This book has a heavy focus on Tau and his journey and training. There isn't that much focus on the world-building outside the military or on many of the other characters. For some that might not be enough for the first book. But I think that is kind of the point. Tau and his path are supposed to be the focus. And I think as the series goes on, we discover more about the world. I also got an inkling that what most have been told isn't the whole truth. There is an event that happens near the end of the book that hints I might be on to something, maybe.

I do however think this book could have benefitted from a POV chapter from Zuri. A childhood friend of Tau, who possibly had insight into some things Tau didn't encounter firsthand in this book. I think her perspective could have been useful. Some of the side characters do get pov chapters, and I think hers could have been nice.

What I think is great about this book is the MC, Tau, he doesn't become the best because of anything inherently special about himself. He becomes the best through intense training and sacrifice. There's none of that trope where the MC is just naturally amazing for no reason beyond plot armor. And there are moments when it makes you question how and if he'll get out of things. I have no idea if he'll make it to the end of this series. Only two books are out and I have the second on hold at the library. So when I get to that one, I guess I'll see.

This book, at times, did feel too long. Or maybe it was that some things that were given a lot of page time maybe didn't need it as much as some of the scenes that felt rushed for me. There is a lot to talk about with this book, that feels like spoilers for me.

I very much look forward to the second book. I hope my hold isn't too-too long. (But I'm also okay with waiting, I have a lot of other books I need to get through right now) I'm also very glad that a few months ago when I first tried to read this I put it back on hold for when I was in the right head space. Had I forced myself to read it then I don't think I would have enjoyed it. And this has made it to my favorites list.

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marinakonrad's review against another edition

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adventurous dark tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0

It's action-packed fantasy in a new, fresh setting inspired by African mythology. Sadly, the main character is unlikeable, behaves like an idiot, and doesn't learn throughout the book. His "I'm gonna train day and night and become the very best" ethos is not only unrealistic, it's not actually the best way to become stronger. Rest days are a thing!

The side characters are occasionally interesting, but since we're trapped in the mindset of the protagonist, the shittiest teenager in the multiverse, they don't save the book.

All in all, technically proficient but emotionally offputting. Also, dragons are not in the book enough to justify naming the book after them

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lyrist126's review against another edition

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adventurous dark tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

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