Title: Eon: Dragoneye Reborn
Author: Alison Goodman
First published August 31, 2008
531 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780670062270 (ISBN10: 0670062278)
Rating: 3.96
Overview
Eon has been preparing for years to become a Dragoneye, an apprentice to one of the twelve energy dragons. His intensive training in sword-work and Dragon Magic has been his sole focus.
However, Eon harbors a dangerous secret that could cost him his life. Eon is actually Eona, a sixteen-year-old girl who has been disguising herself as a boy in a world where females are forbidden from using Dragon Magic.
But when her true identity is threatened, Eona and her allies must fight for their lives and the future of the Imperial throne. With swordplay and dragon magic, Eona must find the strength within herself to protect her magic and her life.
About the Author
Alison has written seven novels to date, including the popular Dark Days Club trilogy (also known as the Lady Helen trilogy) and the New York Times Bestselling fantasy duology EON and EONA. Her latest book, The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies, is the first in a new series and will be released in the USA, UK, and Australia at the end of May 2023.
Currently residing in Australia, Alison has recently earned her PhD and can now go by the title of Dr. Al.
Editoral Review
Eon: Dragoneye Reborn by Alison Goodman is an epic fantasy novel that will transport readers to a world filled with magic, dragons, and political intrigue. First published on August 31, 2008, Goodman’s work beautifully captures the essence of the genre while also bringing in a fresh perspective and new ideas.
Set in a world inspired by ancient China, the novel follows the journey of Eon, a young girl masquerading as a boy in order to fulfill her dream of becoming a Dragoneye, a powerful sorcerer who can communicate with dragons. As she navigates the complicated and dangerous court of the Emperor, Eon must uncover the secrets of her past and her true identity before her enemies do.
Along the way, she forms alliances with other characters like the skilled swordswoman Lady Dela and the mysterious eunuch Ryko, all while contending with powerful political forces that threaten to tear the kingdom apart. One of the strengths of Eon is its richly imagined setting, which is intricately detailed and vividly described.
Goodman expertly weaves in elements of Chinese culture and mythology to create a world that feels both familiar and original. The dragons in particular are a highlight of the book, with each Dragoneye having a unique bond with their dragon that allows them to harness and channel its power.
The magic system is also well-crafted and imaginative, relying on a balance of yin and yang energies to create a sense of harmony and equilibrium in the world. In terms of the writing itself, Goodman’s prose is engaging and immersive.
The pacing is well-controlled, with moments of action and suspense balanced by quieter, more introspective scenes. The characters are well-drawn and memorable, each with their own motivations and goals.
Eon herself is a particularly strong protagonist, combining cleverness and bravery with vulnerability and self-doubt. Throughout the course of the book, she undergoes a compelling character arc that sees her grow and change in significant ways.
One potential limitation of the book is its length, which may be daunting for some readers. At over 500 pages, Eon requires some investment of time and effort to get through.
Additionally, some readers may find certain aspects of the world-building or plot to be overly familiar or predictable. However, overall, the book is a well-crafted and entertaining read that offers a fresh take on the epic fantasy tradition.
Readers who enjoy epic fantasy with plenty of action, magic, and political intrigue will find Eon to be a satisfying read. The book will particularly appeal to fans of other fantasy series like Avatar: The Last Airbender or Patrick Rothfuss’s Kingkiller Chronicle.
Additionally, readers who are interested in exploring themes of gender identity, power dynamics, and social justice will find plenty to chew on in Eon. Overall, Eon is a skillfully crafted and entertaining novel with a compelling world and characters, and it deserves a place on any fantasy fan’s bookshelf.
