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A review by torismazarine
The Tea Dragon Society by K. O'Neill
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This is a short and cozy story about all kinds of relationships (friendship, love, family), the arts of growth and creation, traditions, and (magical) nature.
Greta is an eager blacksmith apprentice who one day just so happens to save a tiny Tea Dragon in the market. After her family tells her who the owner most likely is, she goes to his shop to return it. There she discovers the art of caring for Tea Dragons and brewing their tea is dying, and is invited to learn it. Along the way, she makes relationships and memories that enrich her life and are extremely fun to read about.
I found the style of illustration to be impossibly cute (specially the little critters, I loved the Tea Dragons and Brick), and the colours are vibrant and fun. Even though this is a very short book, the narration feels steady and we get a good amount of background information and relationship development for (and between) our four main characters.
Something I think should be highlighted is how the author, as I mentioned, in such a short book, and with such a small cast of characters managed to make it so diverse so seamlessly, and I think it's not just because it's (light) fantasy.
I did find I was left wanting more, more character, plot, and relationship development, but I know this is hard to do with fully illustrated works like this one. So I guess it's a good thing there are a couple of companion stories I'm excited to read soon enough.
Greta is an eager blacksmith apprentice who one day just so happens to save a tiny Tea Dragon in the market. After her family tells her who the owner most likely is, she goes to his shop to return it. There she discovers the art of caring for Tea Dragons and brewing their tea is dying, and is invited to learn it. Along the way, she makes relationships and memories that enrich her life and are extremely fun to read about.
I found the style of illustration to be impossibly cute (specially the little critters, I loved the Tea Dragons and Brick), and the colours are vibrant and fun. Even though this is a very short book, the narration feels steady and we get a good amount of background information and relationship development for (and between) our four main characters.
Something I think should be highlighted is how the author, as I mentioned, in such a short book, and with such a small cast of characters managed to make it so diverse so seamlessly, and I think it's not just because it's (light) fantasy.
I did find I was left wanting more, more character, plot, and relationship development, but I know this is hard to do with fully illustrated works like this one. So I guess it's a good thing there are a couple of companion stories I'm excited to read soon enough.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Violence, Blood, Grief, and Medical trauma
Minor: Death