Monday, January 05, 2009

Eon: Dragoneye Reborn by Alison Goodman


It’s true that Alison Goodman’s new book may be labeled as “fantasy” but Eon: Dragoneye Reborn gives the reader so much more than just a fantasy story. As someone who likes historical fiction, I greatly enjoyed the historical flavor of this book. Goodman notes that Empire of this book is not based on any certain country or culture but it is hard for the reader to notice. The rituals and political tension make the country in which Eon lives seem very real. In addition to the fantasy and historical fiction feel of this book, there is also a heavy dose of adventure. Eon is the last hope for his master to have a candidate chosen to be an apprentice to one of the eleven Dragoneyes. Eon’s master is out of money and out of time and Eon’s failure would mean the lost of his home and the home of the people on whom he relies most. There are serious risks in the challenge which Eon faces and danger is made even more complete by the continually lies that must be maintained to ensure success. This book goes truly beyond its “young adult fantasy” label and provides a great story with an unlikely heroin. The only bad thing about reading this book is that now I must wait for the sequel! - Kathleen Lehman