Reviews

Night of the Dragon by Julie Kagawa

writermags's review

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4.0

Same high-quality writing and storytelling I've come to expect from Kagawa, and the characters were as endearing as always.

I did find myself struggling to get into the plot of this one more, but I think that's more a problem with me as a reader. 4 Stars because it's still an excellent book, it just didn't have that "5-Star Feeling" for me.

More explanation below (BIG SPOILERS FOR THE ENDING)
SpoilerI'm really not sure I like how things ended. I mean, it makes sense for the book and was objectively satisfying, but it wasn't that I wanted. The victory feels hollow, because even though Yumeko saves the world and she gets to be reunited with her mother, she's lost her "found family" and doesn't get to celebrate with them. I guess there was some closure with their spirits and everything, but it didn't feel the same to me.

I know that I'm being childish by asking for a "happy ending," but part of the reason I read stories is because I want to be reminded that obstacles can be overcome and goodness and justice can prevail. That things will get better. And yes, Yumeko does overcome evil in this finale, but it comes with the sacrifice of every other main character in the story. To me, it doesn't feel like a victory, even with the epilogue afterwards.

But all this being said, I still think Night of the Dragon is a good book, just perhaps not the book that I needed to read at this moment in time. And that's okay.

megdconway's review against another edition

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medium-paced

3.5

the_sunken_library's review

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5.0

Brilliant final installment.

I cried.

mariia's review

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5.0

i finished the trilogy in 6 days. i loved it so much. thanks the lord that people on tiktok recommended this tbh

platanomuffin's review

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4.0

4.5
i cri

wilhelmus_loki's review

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adventurous medium-paced

4.75

phoenix2's review

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2.0

The first book of the trilogy was amazing, anime like, with small cases that were solved per chapter and the main story that was intriguing, as the romance was subtle and fitted the main story well.

The second book was more action motivated, with a heavy focus on the two povs and a slow pace.

The third book was like the second, paving the way to the big final battle. However, the biggest part of the book was just tiresome, as one battle followed the other and yet, somehow, it felt like the plot didn't move forward. The characters were not explored any further than the rest of the books, which was a let down when it came to Kage-san, now with a double soul. It was actually not well explored how the two souls cooperated, as the human side tended to always take the best part of the POV. Also, the romance did have some progress, but was not paced well enough. Not to mention the second couple, which felt more like it was added to serve some diversity, as they barelly had any story time to get to know them and feel that intensity of their love.

However, the final chapters were nice, with more action that actually was enjoyable. Though, if you are familiar with the manga culture that final twist would have been a common one, it was still well managed and unpredictable.

Now, for the ending, though it was interesting and original, but it was a bit disappointing.

So, overall, the series was nice, but the first book was superior to the rest. And, as for this book, it was a bit boring.

snacksandstacks's review

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5.0

I listened to this book on audiobook and I really enjoyed the different narrators. They did a good job with all of the characters in this book.

The story's pacing felt a liiiittle dragged out in this third book. This is perfect for those readers who love a detailed battle scene because you get many in this book. I love all of the characters but felt like we were missing Hakaimodo for the majority of the book. Some of his actions are also quite questionable near the end.

Overall, I highly recommend this series and to have your tissues ready for this last book!

brookey8888's review

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adventurous emotional funny mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

This was such a good conclusion! I’m not going to lie the first 100ish pages were kind of boring, but then it picked up and the two romances had more page time which I ate up. I honestly cannot believe this book made me cry four separate times. Some of them being flat out bawling. I honestly really respect this author and how she wasn’t afraid to kill off any of the characters(literally all but the main character?!?) I just love this found family and the friendships. Also the kind of morally gray demon at the end. 

vistelimus's review against another edition

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5.0

i need therapy