Eona: The Last Dragoneye (Eon, #2) in Multiculturalism in YA,Fantasy, Sci FI,Paranormal and fun books ;p

Jul 03, 2012 Camille Picott rated it really liked it

Shelves: asian-influenced-spec-fic

The Writer's View - a unique approach to book blogging. For more reviews, visit www.camillepicott.com.

Have you guys ever read a book or seen a movie that you *know* was great -- but you just didn't like it? I saw Old Country For Old Men when it came out in theatres and I didn't like it at all. Clearly I was a minority, since it won an Academy Award for Best Picture that year. Even though I didn't care for the movie, I could see why it appealed to people and why it won an Oscar -- it was "good," The Writer's View - a unique approach to book blogging. For more reviews, visit www.camillepicott.com.

Have you guys ever read a book or seen a movie that you *know* was great -- but you just didn't like it? I saw Old Country For Old Men when it came out in theatres and I didn't like it at all. Clearly I was a minority, since it won an Academy Award for Best Picture that year. Even though I didn't care for the movie, I could see why it appealed to people and why it won an Oscar -- it was "good," even though it wasn't for me.

Reading Eona was a lot like seeing Old Country For Old Men. I can see why people love this book. The writing is excellent. The worldbuilding and magic is so creative and unique. But I didn't enjoy the story all that much.

Why? Goodman does such an excellent job of getting into the nitty gritty of people, of exposing the inner light and darkness of everyone. For me, the "good" guys had a little too much dark in them, to the point that everyone is lying to each other and keeping secrets from one another for their own personal gain. Even characters who are friends and/or love interestes. There is just so much deceipt and manipulation. Seriously, I just wanted to throw flowers at all the characters and get them all together for a big group hug. Can't we all just get along a love each other? Please? But that wouldn't be realistic, and hats off to Goodman for creating realistic, gritty characters and situations. Shame on me for being too much of a hippie.

I think readers who like dark characters will enjoy this.

Positioning a novel for the target audience

This book contained THE MOST TWISTED love triangle I have ever seen. In the left corner pocket: Lord Ido, mass murder and rapist. In the right corner pocket: Prince Kygo, who must always put power and his throne above his feelings for any woman. And, as emperor, he must have a harem.

So -- mass murder and rapist, or harem member? I found myself just wanting to say RUN, EONA! RUN FOR YOUR LIFE! GO MARRY SOME DIRT POOR FARMER INSTEAD! Maybe I am just an old jaded woman, but I could not find myself investing in either of these love interests. They presented siuations I would never want to be in. I don't care how hot you are, I am not joining your harem. And who wants to get it on with a murder and rapist?

This brings me to my point - positioning a novel for the target audience. I wrote a blog post about YA vs Adult, which was inspired by this book. I honestly believe this should have been positioned for an adult market, rather than YA. The number 1 reason being this love triangle. I'm just not sure how many teen readers will connect with it.

What do you guys think?
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Apr 19, 2011 The FountainPenDiva, Old school geek chick and lover of teddy bears marked it as ya-to-reads

Shelves: genre-fantasy, characters-asian-heroines, characters-kick-ass-heroines, theme-magick, sub-genre-asian-themed-fantasy, characters-quirky-heroines

I'm going to spend the extra money to get the UK version of the book. Why? Because once again New York publishers have committed EPIC COVER FAIL and I am heartily sick of it! It's the year 2011 and they still refuse to put characters of color on covers because THEY feel people won't buy the books. By the way, who are these neanderthals who seem to have so much power that it scares the NY publishing industry? See, this is why e-books are kicking your butts! ...more

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Mar 29, 2019 Jaq rated it it was ok

Shelves: australian-2017

Overlong follow up to Eon. At times I felt the story dragged, and took so long to reach a climax that I was just bored with the characters. Underwhelming.

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