Review: Night of the Dragon
Night of the Dragon by Julie Kagawa
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Stunning conclusion to an epic quest leaves me both satisfied and hungering for more. This book must be read in the order it was written for the best experience. Night of the Dragon starts off right after the last book ended. Yumeko made a tactical error with the dragon scroll due to her soft heart. This causes a major rift between Yumeko and those who have saved and helped her. In addition, it creates more complications for her quest. This is nicely set up because Yumeko's decision is in line with her character and continues the ball rolling to the end game.
I loved this trilogy. From the first page of the first book through to the last page in this book, I am enamoured of Ms. Kagawa's writing voice and world building. This is the kind of young adult fantasy I loved as a kid. The rich story is built upon character growth as well as a complicated fight between good and evil. This style of writing focusing on relationship, loyalty and how looking beneath the surface is what first pulled me into fantasy in my youth. For readers who loved the Harper trilogy from Ms. McCaffrey and the Last Herald Mage trilogy by Ms. Lackey, this is a series for you.
Yumeko is a flawed character who does her best. Her choices come from a lack of experience and maturity and yet is driven by an intrinsic good heart. This balances her band of friends who she collects on her journey. Each of them are a bit of misfit in their world. Her friendship is what helps them showcase the best in themselves. Her actions encourages others to strive to do the "right thing", even when it is taking the hard path. Yumeko's choices nicely contrast against some of the more experienced and jaded character's "adult" choices. It is refreshing to have morals subtly taught through this story.
What I liked most is how good versus evil is blurred. The story clearly shows the villains and all their bad deeds. The motivations and how they came to be dark and evil is expertly written. Giving characters a second chance to chose a different path is a recurring theme in this story. I loved this because it shows that people can change. Those who have committed atrocities may have a catalyst in their life to make them fight for good. Just as those who have been loyal and good can turn sour through betrayal and loss. This constant struggle is beautifully examined throughout the quest. The most impressive part of Ms. Kawaga's writing is how all of this comes across like a gentle breeze instead of a heavy handed lecture.
This young adult fantasy is highly recommended to everyone. A must read for all ages.
*provided by NetGalley
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