Talon by Julie Kagawa

[Gravy]

I started this book in April, as it's now October I feel safe in saying this book didn't grab me.
I looked so forward to it...who doesn't want to read about dragons?

From the start I felt there were major flaws with the characterization. For example, one of the main characters is a soldier, when we first meet him he's in battle with a dragon. To me, this whole scene felt false. It felt like there was no coordination between soldiers, and I just didn't believe it.
From then on I was prejudiced against it, I admit, but it did nothing to really set itself back on course. From an exaggerated love triangle, to a one dimensional villain, I just trudged on through the pages.

I actually marathoned the last hundred or so pages. Not only did the storyline actually pick up (no more shooting zombies in the arcade, or tedious training sessions), but this was the first time any of the characters did anything interesting enough for me to care. Then, just when I actually wanted to know what would happen, the book ended.

The premise itself is promising, and two more books are expected (one already released), so here's hoping it gets better.

The saddest part of this whole book may be knowing how much better the author is capable of.

My suggestion is, if you love dragons, and the premise interests you, read it. As little as I enjoyed this book I still plan to read the second one, so I won't say it's a waste a time.
However, if you're interested in the author, I suggest you try one of her other series, because this is not her best work.

I gave it 2 out of 4

[gali]

Thank you. I think I will skip it.

[Gravy]

Probably a good idea

[PashaRu]

Thanks for a nice review, Gravy. Totally not the genre I read, but within the genre there must be better books for those who are interested. Your review may help them avoid this one.

[zeldas_lullaby]

Great review! I admire your forthrightness in persevering to the end. You're actually going to read #2? Wow, that's determination.

I think I've seen this book at the bookstore, and it looks too big. I'm intimidated by large books, and for me, they only work if the author really pushes the plot. A huge book + slow momentum can = a recipe for disaster.

I hope the rest of this series is better!

[Acwoolet]

That's sad that the book wasn't very good. Normally I love Julie Kagawa's books, but I don't know if I'll check this one out. Great review though!

[zeldas_lullaby]

What would you guys say are her best books? I haven't read anything by her.

[Gravy]

Thank you, @PashaRu and @Acwoolet

What would you guys say are her best books? I haven't read anything by her.

Her Blood of Eden trilogy has been my favorite so far, but I also love her Iron Fey.

Blood of Eden is a post-apocalyptic ya, with an odd take on vampires. There's a scene in the first book with a mutated deer
It's awesome

[zeldas_lullaby]

Wow, you do like it dark!! I'll look it up--thanks!!

[rssllue]

So about how many pages was this book?

[Gravy]

So about how many pages was this book?

Between 450 and 500. Amazon says 464, but that seems off to me. I actually (geekily :geek: ) note the page count of the books I read
I can't remember the page count I noted

[rssllue]

An amnesiac geek?!

[Gravy]

An amnesiac geek?!

Keep this up and all my geek cred goes up in smoke!

[rssllue]

I would not want to be responsible for that at all! You don't have to tell me twice.

[Greatreads]

I Loved this book. I usually stick to realistic fiction but for this book I made an exception. The book is about dragons who are trained in a very remote area. when they become of age they are sent to a area for one summer to see how they react with humans. The dragons can shift into human as a disguise. While they are on break an organization is also deciding what job the dragon will have for the rest of its life. the book follows Ember and Dante, rare twin dragons on their wild experience. There is more to the book but you have to read it to find out. This book is so thrilling it will keep you on the edge if your feet. There are only two books out so far, Talon and Rogue I'm currently waiting for the third, Soldier to come out. I rate this book with a 5/5 stars because it was great and I would recommend it to others.

3/2/16