Eon: Dragoneye Reborn (Eon, #1) in Multiculturalism in YA,Fantasy, Sci FI,Paranormal and fun books ;p

Oct 06, 2010 The FountainPenDiva, Old school geek chick and lover of teddy bears rated it really liked it

Shelves: genre-fantasy, genre-ya-fiction, sub-genre-asian-themed-fantasy

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. All right, let me get the two EPIC FAILS off of my chest first--the reason I didn't rate this novel five stars.

#1 Epic Fail: The novel is set in a mythical Asian culture, mainly inspired by the Chinese horoscope. That said, there was never any sense that Eona, disguised as a boy named Eon, was in fact Asian. There are superficial first-person descriptions of her body, but never any real clue as to her ethnicity. Tellingly enough, many of the supporting characters, such as the valiant Lady Dela All right, let me get the two EPIC FAILS off of my chest first--the reason I didn't rate this novel five stars.

#1 Epic Fail: The novel is set in a mythical Asian culture, mainly inspired by the Chinese horoscope. That said, there was never any sense that Eona, disguised as a boy named Eon, was in fact Asian. There are superficial first-person descriptions of her body, but never any real clue as to her ethnicity. Tellingly enough, many of the supporting characters, such as the valiant Lady Dela (the transgendered contraire and the guard Ryko are described in detail, including the tone of their skin. This lack of physical description didn't stop me from fully enjoying the novel as a whole, but I couldn't help wondering why the author chose to make Eon/Eona's appearance as vague as possible.

#2 Epic Fail: Eon/Eona starts off the novel as disabled from a tragic accident in which her hip was crushed. However, this tragedy didn't dim her spirit. She was still able to wield swords and fight, though it was definitely very difficult. So when she comes into her full powers at the end of the book (no shock there), suddenly she's able to walk and her crippling injury is poof, no more! Why do that when Eon was perfectly capable to begin with?

Overall, this novel of disguise, deceit, politics and magic was thoroughly enjoyable to the point of me spending an entire day in bed just to find out what happens next. The 'boy who is really a girl' trope is one that is quite beloved of the fantasy genre--Tamora Pierce's Alanna instantly comes to mind. Allison Goodman crafted a very engaging tale steeped in Chinese and Japanese culture and myth and her research shows (though Cindy Pon does a much better job with her YA novel Silver Phoenix. In the world of The Empire of Celestial Dragons, the Dragoneyes are wielders of powerful Dragon magic--a magic which is forbidden to women. At this time, there are only eleven energy Dragons. The twelfth, the Mirror Dragon has been missing for over 500 years.

Eon is being trained to become a Dragoneye, by Lord Brannon, himself the former Tiger Dragoneye. Both know they are risking their lives in trying to pass Eona off as a boy. What Eon/Eona is forced to do to maintain her disguise made me a little queasy at times, such as drinking a noxious tea to keep from having a menstrual cycle (it was actually a relief when everything finally came out. I felt as if I'd been wearing Eona's breastbands). There are lots of battles, character deaths, and the dragons themselves aren't nice ccreatures--the use of their power comes at a terrible price. I had a lot of sympathy for Eon/Eona, especially once he/she finds themselves in the middle of dangerous court intrigue.
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Nov 18, 2011 Camille Picott rated it really liked it

Shelves: asian-influenced-spec-fic

High YA fantasy in an Asian-inspired setting! Can I tell you how long I have been waiting for a book like this? Thank you, Alison Goodman!

Goodman did some really gutsy things in this book, which I totally admire her for. She tackles the concepts of self identity and sexuality, and what they mean in the context of ourselves and our world.

The main trio of heroes in this story does not fit into the conventional heterosexual mould. The heroine is a girl masquerading as a boy; sidekick #1 is a "Cont High YA fantasy in an Asian-inspired setting! Can I tell you how long I have been waiting for a book like this? Thank you, Alison Goodman!

Goodman did some really gutsy things in this book, which I totally admire her for. She tackles the concepts of self identity and sexuality, and what they mean in the context of ourselves and our world.

The main trio of heroes in this story does not fit into the conventional heterosexual mould. The heroine is a girl masquerading as a boy; sidekick #1 is a "Contraire," or a person with "Twin Souls" -- aka, a gay man who wears dresses and has all the mannerisms of a female courtier; sidekick #2 is a eunuch. Sidekick #1 and #2 are in love.

The resolution of the story (which I won't give away) is tied into self-recognition and acceptance of self -- even when that inner truth goes against societal norms. True freedom and power lies within embracing who you really are. Beautiful stuff here.

I also love the Eastern-style dragons in this story. I was a bit disappointed the heroine didn't get more face time with her dragon in this story, but hopefully this will improve in the second book.

I know this book is positioned as a YA, but it felt more adult to me. The bulk of the book is devoted to political intrigue and maneuvering. At times the pace was slow and plodding. (Robert Jordan, anyone?) One of the things I like about YA is the rip-roaring pace, which this book really didn't have. I would have liked more action scenes -- because the two main action scenes this book did have were killer.

The setting was never flushed out as much as it could have been. There were lots of great details about clothing and symbols and culture, but I could never "see" the city or the palace where the bulk of the story took place.

At times the book was hard to read -- the amount of crap dumped on the head of the heroine just seemed unending; her pain and suffereing became a bit much to bear. I had to skim chunks of the book because her suffering was so extreme.

Overall I really liked this book. I think Goodman is gutsy and outside the box of norm. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series. ...more

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Feb 15, 2013 Heather Heffner rated it it was amazing

"YOU KNOW that online mythology quiz, the one where they ask you: 'If you could be any mythological creature, which one would you be?'?

Dragon. Hands down. Every time. Not original? I don’t care. One time I might have said “unicorn,” just to be different…and I felt guilt well up every time I looked at the dragon icon’s face.

Just kidding.

Anyways, Chinese dragons have to be some of the coolest depictions of dragons around. Mainstream culture usually depicts them as wise, benevolent creatures with l ...more

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Dec 11, 2015 Kris Ivy rated it really liked it

Shelves: we-need-diverse-books, high-fantasy, magic, audiobook, sterlington, dragons

A high fantasy set in the times of feudal Japan with touches of the Chinese culture thrown in sets up the world for Eon. Dragoneye Lords (all male, of course) hold all of the power to divert monsoons and the like and ensure the welfare of the Empire. they are chosen by Dragons who use the life force of the Dragoneye as a price for their service to perform great feats for the Empire. the Emperor is merciful and does not kill his younger brothers when he takes power, but appoints them as his war g ...more

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Jul 04, 2018 Jaq rated it really liked it

Shelves: australian-2017

A well rounded tale, with a diverse range of characters. More suited to the upper secondary reader due to some of the issues faced by the main character.

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