Eon: Dragoneye Reborn

I am always looking for good, clean fantasy and usually end up reading books directed at teens to avoid anything too sex-laden or trashy. But even though the audience for this book is young, I found real characters with genuine emotional depth, an intriguing story and a fantastic perspective into an extinct culture. I can't wait for the next one! The narration was great (a little fast at times) without any awkward voices or straining, and I was completely addicted to this fabulously written book.

I had my doubts about whether or not I would like this book, but shortly into it I was hooked. It was so good I found myself wondering, how has this book not received more attention?! Why didn’t I read this book sooner? With awe inspiring dragons, formidable characters, a vivid setting, and a skillfully crafted story, this epic first book in a duology is now one my favorite books of all time. Alison Goodman made me a fan for life.

Strongly influenced by ancient Asian cultures, Eon is set in a detail rich world ruled by an imperial family but balanced by the powerful Dragoneyes. Through a bargain with the twelve energy dragons, the Dragoneyes connect with their spirit dragon to wield power, control the elements, and much more.

In training to become an apprentice to the Rat Dragon, Eon has the odds stacked against him. His broken hip makes him walk with a limp making it difficult for him to walk let alone practice the dragon art of fighting. To top it off, Eon is really Eona, a girl and therefore forbidden to practice the dragon art. An act punishable by death. The one thing working in her favor is her dragon sight, the rare ability to see all the energy dragons. She can only hope that the Rat Dragon chooses her as his apprentice.

Eon/a is a complex heroine. She is strong and intelligent yet flawed by her inclination to be dishonest and her lack of trust in others. She weaves a dangerous web of lies in her fight for survival and, at times, this is very frustrating. There are many moments where I wanted to yell at her to snap her out of it. While at the same time, you understand her situation and her reasoning. That being said, in the end, Eona became one my favorite heroines.

Eon is technically considered a young adult book but, to me, the story reaches beyond young adults to older audiences as well. Goodman’s world is exceptional and you will find yourself captivated by the rich culture and unique mythology. I enjoyed this book so much that once finished it, I immediately (the same day) bought the next book, Eona: The Last Dragoneye.

This book has very well-developed, yet human characters. The author has crafted the story so well, that I became involved with the story. As a listener, I felt drawn to, or repelled by every character. They are all real, well-rounded people.
The story builds very nicely. The final 1/3 of the book is so intriguing that I had to listen to the final hours nonstop.

The only flaw in this book is that the main character seems a little dense--she should have figured out the clues earlier in the plot. The book leaves opening for the sequel to wrap up the loose threads left dangling.
This is a great book!

I recommend this book and look forward to the publication of the sequel in 2010.

A friend of my seventeen yr old son suggested this story to me, and how very pleased I am that he did. As in Harry Potter, this is a fantasy story for all ages. Vibrant with deatail, I could so easily imagine walking amongst the bustling lanes of this exotic setting. As a huge fan of scifi/fantasy, it was actually very nice to find myself away from the typical setting of castles, Elves and the numerous array of usuall characters found within a fantasy story. Very likeable characters, with plenty of intrigue, adventure and just enough magic as not to overwhelm the story.. I can highly suggest this to any fan of fantasy of all ages..

While this is billed under Audible Kids. It's far more than that. Eon Dragoneye Reborn Is a story about the quest for identity. The story itself is an excellent listen and The Narrator does an excellent job coveying the myriad of emotions experienced by the characters. There are themes about sexuality and gender that may be more mature for younger listeners without being vulgar. Older kids will enjoy the adventure itself, younger kids may have questions. Several characters are likable especially Eon. Eon is surrounded by allies and enemies who all have their own quirks and problems. One of the stand out characters Lady Delia(?), is a mystery all to her own self. Eon while likable is frustratingly dense and makes you want to listen to see if she gets it and what'll happen next. Well worth the purchase and hopefully Audible will pick up the sequel.

I listened to the first chapter of this and liked the story and narrator well enough to download the book. This book was so engrossing that I found myself listening to it when I should have been doing other things, and thinking about the story when I was not listening. I was disappointed to discover that this was not a long series of books; I was looking forward to working my way through it!

Started out slow, but as the story unfolded became descriptively enrapturing. Colorful and bold. A delight and engrossing read. Had kind of a predictable plot but a very entertaining. I can't wait for the sequel.

the narration of this story was perfect, Nacy Wu has perfect timing and her ability to fluxuate her voice for the characters added depth. That said, she had an excellent story and beautiful writing to work with.

Alison Goodman uses Eon, a crippled girl disguised as a boy, to bring forth a world of spiritual magic and political intrigue. Eon goes through struggles with personal beliefs, greater good, and the heart. She chases her desire through lies and doing what one has to while trying to form bonds and keep them.

That's the short of the story. The long is that you just have to read it. I found myself engaged with every character, none of them stereotypical in any way. The book also doesn't rely on magic to carry it through to the end. If anything, magic is like power and money in the real world, a corrupter if sought with no regard to those around you.

This book is magnificent for young adults, and I would argue that adults and younger children would benefit from some of the deeper emotions and thoughts within, as they read it together. It shows the up and downs to pursing a greater position in life and following your dreams. There is always a struggle and ethics are never black and white. What would you compromise in yourself to get to where you believe you need to be?

I have also read Eona, and the two book series does not lose momentum, it builds powerfully upon itself. The language within the pages is well turned and paints some beautiful pictures when the dragon eyes bond with their dragons.

It was open-ended.... It nearly forces you to have to read the 2nd book. Not impressed.

I think for the most part- although it was not as strong of narration as I have had in the past with narrators of Rules of Civility, Pillars of the Earth and Cutting for Stone.

No

fizzeled at the end book two is worse

determination of eona

she couldn't have been that stupid

no