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kacho's review
adventurous
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
smoore05's review
4.0
Jason expands the normalcy of dragons in fantasy, to something that is original and fun to read. Doing so, he takes a list of characters that entice, engage, and challenge the reader throughout the story.
Lailoken-which is not the easiest name to pronounce admittedly- is a man who has left everything on the backburner aside from one key aspect; the man really likes to hunt dragons. Blaming them for a major milestone in his life, he vows to rid the world of the vile creatures. Along the way, you can see his development and understand his plights-even if as the reader I didn't always agree with his decisions! Jason does a good job in making you care what happens next through the eyes of his main character.
Lailoken is not the only point of view to engage with. My favorite point of view is probably the villain of the story. Although, he doesn't really see himself as the villain. Myrthyd starts our journey as a lowly apprentice, but that changes with the speed of an eagle chasing a mouse. Soon enough, he is something quite different. This by no means feels rushed or out of place, for those that are worrying about development. The Magus- did I mention he had magic from the dragons?- sees himself as a hero, more of a hero than any other man in the world. As the reader-at least I hope- you will come to disagree with him. Though I still find his chapters the most interesting. The decent into evil, the magic, and the ideals that are progressed here within Myrthyd's mind are some of the chapters that make you think about our own world in both the past and present.
Our last point of view comes from Alushia-which is the only name I spelled without writing it down! She just so happens to be the daughter of dragon hunter Lailoken. Her story arch is a little more dynamic. It provides a lot of the glue that holds things together as you get further into the plot. Without spoiling anything for those that plan to read, just know that Alushia is a very special lady.
Jason uses the above POV characters to weave a magical world of dragons, dream eaters, magic, and intense action throughout. It is tough to find a lull or dead spot in the entire story, but don't worry, you will have the opportunity along the way to process and understand what is going on around you. When you do come up for air, plan to find yourself enthralled.
What I find most interesting about the story is the imaginative way that Nugent captivates with a common fantasy cliche. Dragons are everywhere in the fantasy genre. They fly in from every direction so-to-speak. Jason finds a way to keep them fresh with readers and not make you feel like your just reading another 90's fantasy (which I do also love). Doing so he unfolds a story that twist, turns, and leaves you wanting more. (which luckily for us, there is a promised new book this year!) So, if you are a reader that doesn't like long waits, picking this up now is a perfect opportunity!
Lailoken-which is not the easiest name to pronounce admittedly- is a man who has left everything on the backburner aside from one key aspect; the man really likes to hunt dragons. Blaming them for a major milestone in his life, he vows to rid the world of the vile creatures. Along the way, you can see his development and understand his plights-even if as the reader I didn't always agree with his decisions! Jason does a good job in making you care what happens next through the eyes of his main character.
Lailoken is not the only point of view to engage with. My favorite point of view is probably the villain of the story. Although, he doesn't really see himself as the villain. Myrthyd starts our journey as a lowly apprentice, but that changes with the speed of an eagle chasing a mouse. Soon enough, he is something quite different. This by no means feels rushed or out of place, for those that are worrying about development. The Magus- did I mention he had magic from the dragons?- sees himself as a hero, more of a hero than any other man in the world. As the reader-at least I hope- you will come to disagree with him. Though I still find his chapters the most interesting. The decent into evil, the magic, and the ideals that are progressed here within Myrthyd's mind are some of the chapters that make you think about our own world in both the past and present.
Our last point of view comes from Alushia-which is the only name I spelled without writing it down! She just so happens to be the daughter of dragon hunter Lailoken. Her story arch is a little more dynamic. It provides a lot of the glue that holds things together as you get further into the plot. Without spoiling anything for those that plan to read, just know that Alushia is a very special lady.
Jason uses the above POV characters to weave a magical world of dragons, dream eaters, magic, and intense action throughout. It is tough to find a lull or dead spot in the entire story, but don't worry, you will have the opportunity along the way to process and understand what is going on around you. When you do come up for air, plan to find yourself enthralled.
What I find most interesting about the story is the imaginative way that Nugent captivates with a common fantasy cliche. Dragons are everywhere in the fantasy genre. They fly in from every direction so-to-speak. Jason finds a way to keep them fresh with readers and not make you feel like your just reading another 90's fantasy (which I do also love). Doing so he unfolds a story that twist, turns, and leaves you wanting more. (which luckily for us, there is a promised new book this year!) So, if you are a reader that doesn't like long waits, picking this up now is a perfect opportunity!
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