by Janet Lee Carey
Publication Date: January 5th, 2012
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers
Pages: 416
ISBN: 9780803735040
Available for Pre-Order:
B&N | Amazon | The Book Depository
Wilde Island is in an uproar after the recent death of its king. The uneasy pact between dragons, fairies, and humans is fraying, and a bloodthirsty witch hunter with a hidden agenda whips villages into frenzies with wild accusations. Tess, a blacksmith’s daughter from a tiny hamlet near the mysterious Dragonswood, finds herself caught in the crosshairs of fate when she is accused of witchery and has to flee for her life along with her two best friends.
Not even Tess’s power to see the future can help the girls as they set off on their desperate journey, but she keeps having visions of a man wielding a sword. And when she finally meets him, Tess has no idea how to handle the magnetic attraction she feels for him, or the elusive call she hears from the heart of the Dragonswood.
In this epic romance, an ancient prophecy comes true in a way neither dragon, fairy, nor human would have predicted. (Goodreads)
Let’s start off with the characters. Unfortunately, I had a hard time connecting to any of the main characters. Tess, our protagonist, and her two friends, Poppy and Meg, were likeable, but for some reason that spark wasn’t there for me with them. I can’t quite put my finger on what it was about them that I didn’t like though. It pretty much goes this way with many of the characters throughout the book, unfortunately.
There were a few characters that I enjoyed, and those were the dragons. I found them to be extremely interesting, and I would love to read more about them. (Sorry, don’t want to go into too much detail and spoil it!)
The plot of the book was great. I love the idea of the dragons, and even the fey. The dragons are not something I’ve read much about, and it really kept me interested in the book. The book was very well paced, and when I did have time to read, I flew through the pages.
Overall, while I really enjoyed the plot of the story, the characters didn’t do it for me. I am thinking I may try to re-read this again soon, and maybe they will be different for me then.
Happy Reading!
I love Dragons so I think I'd give it a chance :P
ReplyDeleteOhhh great review. I have this too and I can't wait to get started. Donna
ReplyDeleteOh, my....that cover is stunning! Too bad it wasn't as great as you expected.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a shame that the characters were a let down for you, because that's such an important element to a story. Although the dragon element really intrigues me! Firelight made me realise just how awesomely COOL they are (I admit, I wasn't Team Dragon before reading... terrible, terrible me haha).
ReplyDeleteGreat review, Christy!
I like the sound of this book as well, but there is something that is holding me back from adding it to my TBR list. Hope you enjoy it more the second time around.
ReplyDeleteSafari Poet
I felt similarly about her other dragon book. I thought her take on dragons was interesting and well done, but her characters didn't worm their way into my heart.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first saw your review, I was sooo jealous that you already got to read it. :D But your issues with the characters don't sound too great. I hate not being able to connect to the characters. :/ But thank you so much for being honest about it. Great review. :)
ReplyDeleteCarina
Aww that's a shame about the characters I also have a hard timw with the book and I can't connect with them. I still want to try this one though I'm really intrigued by the plot. Wonderful review, Christy!
ReplyDeleteGiselle
Xpresso Reads
I had a similar reaction to this one! I can remember liking Tess for the most part, but I wasn't overly attached to any of the characters, this one was definitely more plot-driven and world-driven for me. Love that cover though, so pretty!
ReplyDeleteI've been intrigued for this book because of the dragons, too, but it's too bad to hear that bit about the characters. They're the most important part of a book for me so *fingers crossed* that I manage to connect with them whenever I get to this one.
ReplyDeleteWonderful review! I adore dragon books so I will be giving this one a try. I can see why you had mixed feelings though, if you weren't truly able to connect with the characters. That happens to me, too!
ReplyDeleteMolli at Once Upon a Prologue
Interesting since you all seem to agree on the characters here! Still, the dragons intrigue me so I'm looking forward to see for myself.
ReplyDeleteand I ...adore the cover!!!!
Hmm...Sounds like the dragons are great, but the characters not so much. If the story is good you can overcome it, but it's not the same.
ReplyDeleteIf you do re-read it I would be curious to see if you felt the same.
Great, honest review!
I really need to connect with the characters of a book to enjoy it. The world sounds interesting, though. Great honest review!
ReplyDeleteThe cover of this book was very eye-catching for me, so I really want to read this one. Nice blog, new follower :)
ReplyDeleteWell, who care about the character lol, you had me when you said DRAGONS! Sounds like I may still enjoy this one, despite those not so easy to connect with characters. I will just go into it knowing I may have issues with them. You said you loved the dragons though, yay! I love the cover, too!
ReplyDelete