Reviews

Eon et le douzième dragon by Alison Goodman

herbstgewitter's review against another edition

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4.0

It has been a long time since I have read a good dragon fantasy - and then this came into my life. I love the protagonist because she doesn't always make the best decisions and things not always go the way they should.

bookstoashes's review against another edition

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4.0

3.75 Stars

I read this at the suggestion of my boyfriend without the intention of reading it beforehand. Other than dragons, I didn't know what else to expect. I was surprised with the content, a lot of it seemed really mature for a YA book (some scenes bordering on disturbing), and the messages within it were pretty empowering.

Considering the content, I expected more action, and felt it was mostly character development throughout a large amount of the book. That being said, I think it was well done, though a lot of the characters I didn't seem to care for.
The only ones I actually like are Eon, Lady Dela, and Ryko, and until the second book comes around, I don't know how I feel about the Prince just yet.

I'm excited to read Eona, and read about her as a female rather than her hiding behind the façade of a man. I'm hoping it'll bring out more of her personality, and I really hope to see more dragons!

nturner2810's review against another edition

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4.0

I found this novel in an airport book store and was curious so I jumped online and checked out the reviews- there weren't many but the storyline caught my attention so I gave it a go!

I really enjoyed this novel. It put me in mind of Tamora Pierce's Lionheart series (aside from the 'hidden' gender of the main character). The writing is pure young adult adventure with darker undertones that older minds will pick up, which only makes the story behind it all the better.

**Just a warning, this and the next novel both touch on issues of gender identification and society's acceptance of related differences**

It took me a while to realise where and when this tale is set but I learnt a lot about that area and period that I hadn't known, or considered previously. Goodman has used history as a guide, added some whimsy and created a new(ish) world for her characters to thrive in. A great read!

This review has also been posted on the blog A.Biv.Abroad .

paradoxically's review against another edition

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3.0

Eon: Dragoneye Reborn was a bit of a rough ride from start to finish. Eon is a girl masquerading as a boy. Sounds familiar. She's striving to become a Dragoneye, which is basically the human counterpart to one of the twelve dragons, who wield magic power and help the land with said power. Needless to say, all dragoneyes are male, and if she is found out, she and the ones she holds dearest would be killed. Eon struggles with dueling factions, hiding her gender, and the fact that she knows nothing about the world she is suddenly thrust into.

Eon is not a very likeable character. She makes huge mistakes, she cowers, she's desperate and clinging to whatever may keep her head afloat. It's immensely frustrating to see her circle the truth and then rocket away from it like it's a forest fire. At the same time it's understandable. While it feels real (her fears are completely valid), I ended up wanting to rip into something from my frustration. Even the flashes of something that isn't like a cowering dog are like little teases. She's so very human in her insecurities, in her fears--and it isn't the bright side of humanity. I wouldn't necessarily consider her strong. She grasps and claws for strength, and she does what she can to survive. In a way that is strength, but I think of it more as desperation.

She does grow towards the end of the book. The cynical part of me says it's less because of her own free will and more because she's backed into a corner, but there is improvement. She is, at the very least, a complex character, uncertain and fearful, but she does show promise for the future.

The plot was fairly gripping. It's the old story of a struggle for power, but it's interesting. Eon is at the center of it all, much to her despair, and you can see the events sweeping her along. Each side of the conflict is believable, and each has their own motivations for their actions. It feels real, which is more than you can ask for.

It was a solid book. I didn't truly enjoy reading it, but I have to admit that it was well written and, well, I didn't hate it, which probably counts for something too. 3 stars.

kstring's review against another edition

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3.0

Perhaps I've just read a lot more of this genre since I first read this, but I thought it was enjoyable, just not 5 stars.

Original review (5 stars):
May I just say that this book is EXCELLENT!! I was astounded with the high quality writing and the intense, gripping, and well-written story line. It was unlike any other book I've ever read (in a good way). Plot events occur that usually don't happen in other books, leaving you on the edge of your seat wanting more. I can't wait to read the next book.

saradavcamp's review against another edition

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3.0

Interesting story, but way too heavy of subject matter for teens in my opinion. ie. drug use, trans-gender stuff, eunuchs, etc.

raeanna11's review against another edition

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3.0

Re-read 10/02/21 ***
The next one better be a lot better.

Read 04/11/12 ***

arbaazk1999's review against another edition

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2.0

I dont really know what to say about this book. It was just good, the plot is good and some scenes were outstanding but it was not what i was expecting. I gave this book two star but that does not mean that i did not like it or i liked it too much. I would have given this book 3 stars but i dont give 3 or 4 stars to a book if it did not match my expectation. Overall it was good.

sjess421's review against another edition

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4.0

I loved this book and had a hard time putting it down. Several times I even almost skipped pages. It kept me on the edge of my seat.

pravinak's review against another edition

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3.0

eh.