"A promise is a promise. Not a kiss in the wind, to be thrown about without care. It is a piece of yourself that is given away and will not return until your pledge is fulfilled."
My thoughts: I read the first book in this young adult fantasy duology, Six Crimson Cranes, back in March with Melody (@ Melody's Reading Corner). And we've both been looking forward to reading this sequel ever since. Shiori's such a fun character: stubborn and determined, fiesty and fearless. And she never gives up on her quest.
In The Dragon's Promise, Shiori has to conquer many different enemies, including the scary demon king Bandur, and survive many dangers, including attempts by people in her own homeland to kill her. Which means that this novel has a LOT of action in it. At times it felt like the author was trying to combine too many different threads in one book. All those different threats and dangers got a little convoluted, especially at the end. Poor Shiori never had time to even catch her breath. But I was rooting for her and Takkan all the way. I really love the two of them together; they're my favorite part of this novel. There's a fairy tale quality to this book that I also liked. All the magic, and the curious legends from the sea dragons and their promises, to the magical red thread that connects Shiori to Takkan, to Shiori being a bloodsake whose magic can loose the trapped demons, to the Lady of the Moon herself, added to the fun. Despite its flaws, this turned out to be a magical and entertaining adventure. And I'm very glad that I got to read it with Melody. Be sure to check out her review.
Happy Reading!
Melody's questions to me...and my answers:
Q. Among all the characters, who do you wish the author should explore more and why?
A. I'd love to get to know more about Shiori's brothers, especially her youngest brother who ends this story with one of his arms still a crane's wing; and I hope Lim writes a abook about Elang because I'd love to see him be able to resolve his half-dragon/half-human dilemma and get a happy ending.
Q. What do you think is the strength and weakness of this story?
A. For me, the strength is in Shiori's relationships...with her friend, Seryu; with her six brothers; and with Takkan, the man she loves. Those are my favorite moments in this book. The weakness in this story is that the author tried to do too much...between the conflict with the dragons, and then the demons, and everything else going on around Shiori it's just too much for one book.
Great review, Lark! I'd so much fun reading/discussing this duology with you. I think our next one will be equally fun, too! ;)
ReplyDeleteI think our next one will be a lot of fun, too. At least I hope so! ;D
DeleteI am loving that cover! I agree with you that too much action can detract from a story, but I'm glad thee was enough to make this a great read for you.
ReplyDeleteIt's because I liked the two main characters so much! :D
DeleteLove it. Regine
ReplyDeleteThanks, Regine!
DeleteI need to read Six Crimson Cranes. It has been on my TBR since it was released.
ReplyDeleteSix Crimson Cranes is a good one. I think you'll like it.
DeleteThis does sound like a very lush read in terms of the fantastic elements.
ReplyDeleteThe magical elements were very cool and fun. :D
DeleteGlad to hear you enjoyed the story even if the author was a little ambitious with trying to incorporate so much. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's like she was trying to fit two stories into one.
DeleteI am glad you and Melody will continue with your buddy reads in the new year. I enjoy reading both of your thoughts on the books you share. I really hope to read this duology someday.
ReplyDeleteIt's a fun one, and a good change from the mystery/suspense books I usually read. It's one of the reasons I enjoy doing buddy read with Melody; she's always introducing me to new books that I probably wouldn't find on my own.
DeleteI don't think this one would be for me, but it is great that you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteNot into YA fantasy reads? ;D
DeleteI'm glad this next book in this series worked for you, and you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteIt's not as good as the first one, but it was fun. And I loved Takkan's and Shiori's story together.
DeleteThis sounds really good, and I LOVE that cover. I'm glad you enjoyed it despite the author cramming too much into it.
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful cover!
DeleteI have to say, there're are some really great books around for young adults these days. My own daughters (both now in their 40s) would've killed for some of them. Me too, come to that, back in the 1960s. :-)
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean! Although I did have lots of good girl/horse books to read growing up, so I can't really complain. ;D
DeleteI have read a few books that had too much action but this sounds like a duology that would be worth a try.
ReplyDeleteI thought both books were fun to read. And I loved Takkan and Shiori. :D
DeleteGreat review! My daughter liked this one, but not as much as she loved Six Crimson Crows.
ReplyDeleteOf the two, Six Crimson Cranes is definitely the better book.
DeleteI don't read a lot of YA but this does sound good.
ReplyDeleteI don't read a lot of YA books any more either. But I did enjoy this duology.
DeleteSometimes the fast moving ones really make my head spin, but I'm glad you could hang with the pace and cheer her on with her quest.
ReplyDeleteI did feel a little lost in all the action at times, but the characters pulled me through.
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