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Dragonborn
Prince Ben and Princess Cecily are dragonborn. Since birth, the brother and sister have shared a body, shapeshifting from one form to the other each sunset. In exchange for this magic, they have been promised from birth to a mysterious dragon, who is set to collect on their twentieth birthday, which is now just weeks away.
With the help of two tutors, a bodyguard, and a foreign princess, they must find a way out of the betrothal, delving into their kingdom's history and learning to harness their magic—all the while challenging the kingdom's laws and restrictions on love.
With the help of two tutors, a bodyguard, and a foreign princess, they must find a way out of the betrothal, delving into their kingdom's history and learning to harness their magic—all the while challenging the kingdom's laws and restrictions on love.
176 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 18, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 6, 2015
A classic fairytale.
If I had realized that going in, I would have been less perplexed at times.
Cursed. Two beings sharing one form. Cecily and Ben trade places everyday with one in control of the physical body, but both always cognizant. Heir to the kingdom, the anomaly is abhorrent to their parents who refuse to acknowledge Cecily's existence.
Ratirzans are scandalized by anything other than heteronormative pair bondings and attempted to destroy a sacred text to ensure them. Unsurprisingly, there is a great deal of discussion via various characters about transgender, gender fluidity, and gender neutral terms. There is also just a general exploration of the spectrum of sexuality including asexual.
For all of Ratirzan's laws against anything but a single man and woman pair bond there seems to be a great deal of shenanigans around the castle and the during the ball that gets overlooked.
The whole story is written with a bit of innocence, as if for younger readers. Yes, the fairytale theme dragons and magic influences that, but it skews younger in the conflicts, interactions, language, and the characters' maturity levels, as well. Additionally, all affections beyond kissing are behind closed doors.
The POC protagonists were refreshing, and conceptually I really like the fairytale idea, but this felt like it was written for someone in their early teens. At one point, I was doing rock, scissors, paper, lizard, Spock while reading about the various magics. And the polyamorous relationships looked like a Twister board 6 spins in with the characters aligned and tangled at the same time. So, this wasn't a perfect fit for me, but it was a good story for what it was.
Is it realistic? No. Is it sweet and highly simplistic resolution to severe problems with little real conflict and no repercussions for the characters' actions? Yes. But, it's a fairytale after all, and Happily Ever Afters are de rigueur--after you vanquish the dragon.
Overall, a YA fantasy story highlighting polyamory among diverse representations of people and sexualities.
~A copy was provided by Netgalley and a review submitted~
If I had realized that going in, I would have been less perplexed at times.
Cursed. Two beings sharing one form. Cecily and Ben trade places everyday with one in control of the physical body, but both always cognizant. Heir to the kingdom, the anomaly is abhorrent to their parents who refuse to acknowledge Cecily's existence.
Ratirzans are scandalized by anything other than heteronormative pair bondings and attempted to destroy a sacred text to ensure them. Unsurprisingly, there is a great deal of discussion via various characters about transgender, gender fluidity, and gender neutral terms. There is also just a general exploration of the spectrum of sexuality including asexual.
For all of Ratirzan's laws against anything but a single man and woman pair bond there seems to be a great deal of shenanigans around the castle and the during the ball that gets overlooked.
The whole story is written with a bit of innocence, as if for younger readers. Yes, the fairytale theme dragons and magic influences that, but it skews younger in the conflicts, interactions, language, and the characters' maturity levels, as well. Additionally, all affections beyond kissing are behind closed doors.
The POC protagonists were refreshing, and conceptually I really like the fairytale idea, but this felt like it was written for someone in their early teens. At one point, I was doing rock, scissors, paper, lizard, Spock while reading about the various magics. And the polyamorous relationships looked like a Twister board 6 spins in with the characters aligned and tangled at the same time. So, this wasn't a perfect fit for me, but it was a good story for what it was.
Is it realistic? No. Is it sweet and highly simplistic resolution to severe problems with little real conflict and no repercussions for the characters' actions? Yes. But, it's a fairytale after all, and Happily Ever Afters are de rigueur--after you vanquish the dragon.
Overall, a YA fantasy story highlighting polyamory among diverse representations of people and sexualities.
~A copy was provided by Netgalley and a review submitted~
March 5, 2018
*I received a free ARC of this book from netgalley.com in exchange for an honest and thoughtful review*
The premise behind Dragonborn is what really drew me to this book. A brother and sister forced to share a single body? Neato. The idea is original and interesting, and the only other book I’ve read that shares similarities to it is David Levithan’s One Day where the narrator wakes up in a different body every morning.
Although they’re always present in each other’s minds, the body shared between Cecily and Ben itself changes. One day belonging to Ben, the next to Cecily. The two are the crown prince and princess of their little kingdom and share a tumultuous relationship with their mother and father. Magic is looked down upon and having children bonded to a dragon (it’s complicated. It’s weird. I didn’t get it until the end.) is hella embarrassing and the author goes out of their way to paint the King and Queen as complete and total assholes. At one point Cecily’s bodyguard punches the King straight in the face and nobody even bats an eye. What.
In all honesty this book just felt messy. The writing and dialogue came across as awkward and more often than not I just felt like I was being pounded in the face with lectures. For example:
“ ‘There is one important thing we must discuss this lesson, and that is pronouns.”
Ben looked at him quizzically. “Isn’t that more of a grammar thing?”
“Ah, and you know what pronouns are. Spectacular!”
I don’t, thought Cecily.
Ben shot her a hasty explanation as Crispin continued, “Now, most people, as you are aware, use the pronouns he and she. I use he and him and his, myself. Do you feel comfortable with those as well, Ben?”
“Yeah,” he said. “And I get what you’re saying. I have a friend whom everyone called she when he was born, and he figured out that wasn’t what he was later.” (Kindle mobile pg.322)
Ben is almost 20 years old yet Crispin, his tutor, is treating him as though he’s sitting in an elementary school classroom.
I get it. I know what pronouns are why are you treating me like I’m five years old? It felt more like a manual with the purpose of describing the gender spectrum. Which would be great if that was what I picked up this book for. I am 100% behind the idea educating people in all matters regarding sexuality. I love seeing different genders, ethnicities, sexualities etc. all across media. I think it’s extremely important that people are accepted and treated equally. But when I’m reading a high-fantasy novel I expect to see these points/lessons brought up more gracefully in a way that weaves through the story and doesn’t turn it into a textbook.
This story is unique. It has a lot of interesting and good ideas going for it which ended up lost in execution. The idea surrounding bonding, that if you didn’t find your bonded and marry them by the age of 20 you would die? That's cool. It just becomes a little lost in the too-easy-everyone's-in-love solution. There are no real obstacles, and everything happens too fast and too easily.
Plot: 2/5
Characters: 2.5/5
Writing: 2/5
Pacing: 2/5
*review submitted to Netgalley.com*
The premise behind Dragonborn is what really drew me to this book. A brother and sister forced to share a single body? Neato. The idea is original and interesting, and the only other book I’ve read that shares similarities to it is David Levithan’s One Day where the narrator wakes up in a different body every morning.
Although they’re always present in each other’s minds, the body shared between Cecily and Ben itself changes. One day belonging to Ben, the next to Cecily. The two are the crown prince and princess of their little kingdom and share a tumultuous relationship with their mother and father. Magic is looked down upon and having children bonded to a dragon (it’s complicated. It’s weird. I didn’t get it until the end.) is hella embarrassing and the author goes out of their way to paint the King and Queen as complete and total assholes. At one point Cecily’s bodyguard punches the King straight in the face and nobody even bats an eye. What.
In all honesty this book just felt messy. The writing and dialogue came across as awkward and more often than not I just felt like I was being pounded in the face with lectures. For example:
“ ‘There is one important thing we must discuss this lesson, and that is pronouns.”
Ben looked at him quizzically. “Isn’t that more of a grammar thing?”
“Ah, and you know what pronouns are. Spectacular!”
I don’t, thought Cecily.
Ben shot her a hasty explanation as Crispin continued, “Now, most people, as you are aware, use the pronouns he and she. I use he and him and his, myself. Do you feel comfortable with those as well, Ben?”
“Yeah,” he said. “And I get what you’re saying. I have a friend whom everyone called she when he was born, and he figured out that wasn’t what he was later.” (Kindle mobile pg.322)
Ben is almost 20 years old yet Crispin, his tutor, is treating him as though he’s sitting in an elementary school classroom.
I get it. I know what pronouns are why are you treating me like I’m five years old? It felt more like a manual with the purpose of describing the gender spectrum. Which would be great if that was what I picked up this book for. I am 100% behind the idea educating people in all matters regarding sexuality. I love seeing different genders, ethnicities, sexualities etc. all across media. I think it’s extremely important that people are accepted and treated equally. But when I’m reading a high-fantasy novel I expect to see these points/lessons brought up more gracefully in a way that weaves through the story and doesn’t turn it into a textbook.
This story is unique. It has a lot of interesting and good ideas going for it which ended up lost in execution. The idea surrounding bonding, that if you didn’t find your bonded and marry them by the age of 20 you would die? That's cool. It just becomes a little lost in the too-easy-everyone's-in-love solution. There are no real obstacles, and everything happens too fast and too easily.
Plot: 2/5
Characters: 2.5/5
Writing: 2/5
Pacing: 2/5
*review submitted to Netgalley.com*
December 26, 2015
**I received a free eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
Because of the magical powers of a dragon, Prince Ben and Cecily have been sharing one body since their birth. Although it's not always the exact same body. They go through a painful transformation every night: one day they're Cecily, the next they're Ben, and so on. The one who doesn't have control of the body is still present in their head, meaning that they can both share their thoughts.
Cecily and Ben are very different from each other: he's a scholar and she loves adventures and action, it's her dream to become king (both men and women can be king) and return the kingdom to what it once was before the conquerors. Sadly, that's impossible for Cecily, since her parents consider her a curse and acknowledge only Ben as their child.
In their kingdom, it is against the law to be in any other kind of relationship that doesn't just involve one woman and one man. And magic is also looked down upon by the royalty, which is why the king and queen hate Cecily, and are doing everything they can to separate her from Ben and destroy her.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that, since the moment they received the dragon's magic, Ben and Cecily are both betrothed to that same dragon, who's going to come for them on their twentieth birthday, which is only a few weeks away. If the people involved in the engagement are not married by the set date, their hearts would stop beating.
I really liked the concept of this book and it was very well done, it's definitely a very unique story, although I'll admit that I started to get lost with the polyamorous relationships at some point.
I found it very interesting how they tried to eradicate stereotypes, there's even one character who doesn't identify as a man or woman, so, instead of using pronouns like "he/she", "him/her" and "his/hers", this person would prefer to use "jee", "jem" and "jeir", to keep it neutral.
If you're looking for something different to read, then you might just give this try. I can say for sure that I had never read anything like this before.
More reviews on my blog: Lipstick and Mocha
Because of the magical powers of a dragon, Prince Ben and Cecily have been sharing one body since their birth. Although it's not always the exact same body. They go through a painful transformation every night: one day they're Cecily, the next they're Ben, and so on. The one who doesn't have control of the body is still present in their head, meaning that they can both share their thoughts.
Cecily and Ben are very different from each other: he's a scholar and she loves adventures and action, it's her dream to become king (both men and women can be king) and return the kingdom to what it once was before the conquerors. Sadly, that's impossible for Cecily, since her parents consider her a curse and acknowledge only Ben as their child.
In their kingdom, it is against the law to be in any other kind of relationship that doesn't just involve one woman and one man. And magic is also looked down upon by the royalty, which is why the king and queen hate Cecily, and are doing everything they can to separate her from Ben and destroy her.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that, since the moment they received the dragon's magic, Ben and Cecily are both betrothed to that same dragon, who's going to come for them on their twentieth birthday, which is only a few weeks away. If the people involved in the engagement are not married by the set date, their hearts would stop beating.
I really liked the concept of this book and it was very well done, it's definitely a very unique story, although I'll admit that I started to get lost with the polyamorous relationships at some point.
I found it very interesting how they tried to eradicate stereotypes, there's even one character who doesn't identify as a man or woman, so, instead of using pronouns like "he/she", "him/her" and "his/hers", this person would prefer to use "jee", "jem" and "jeir", to keep it neutral.
If you're looking for something different to read, then you might just give this try. I can say for sure that I had never read anything like this before.
More reviews on my blog: Lipstick and Mocha
January 18, 2018
Prince Ben and Princess Cecily are dragonborn. Since birth, the brother and sister have shared a body, shapeshifting from one form to the other each sunset. In exchange for this magic, they have been promised from birth to a mysterious dragon, who is set to collect on their twentieth birthday, which is now just weeks away.
With the help of two tutors, a bodyguard, and a foreign princess, they must find a way out of the betrothal, delving into their kingdom's history and learning to harness their magic - all the while challenging the kingdom's laws and restrictions on love.
Dragon magic, polyamory and queer folx. Sounds like fun to me.
I binged yet another book, Dragonborn, a small press novella about a brother and sister who share a body, forced to shapeshift each sunset. I wanted it to be longer so I could know more about the developing relationships, and some things aren’t well resolved because of the pace, but all the marginalized orientations, gender alignments and identities gave me life. I seriously was so giddy. My heart was pounding and I almost couldn't put it down to get through my day!
So this is a romance novella featuring several different relationships, with a side of intrigue as they try to live in spite of the bigoted establishment. See the book page on Less Than Three Press for content notes including general spoilers.
Pages: 135
Year: 5 October 2015
Publisher: Less Than Three Press
Read: 5 October 2017
Stars: 4 (really liked it)
October 26, 2015
Featured on All Our Worlds!
Ben and Cecily, a prince and princess sharing the same body, are to be sacrificed to a dragon on their twentieth birthday. Or not, if their new teachers have anything to say about it.
Dragonborn is a powerful fairy tale absolutely bursting with diversity. Though queer relationships and identities are banned in the twins’ country, they’re accepted everywhere else, as new tutors Crispin and Jude reveal. They’re a charming duo, making for scenes with brilliant dialogue and emotion.
As the story goes on, more characters are spun into the plot. There’s Cecily’s tutor Rachel, and Lila, the princess who’s engaged to Ben but turns out to be more interested in Cecily. And as myriad bonds form between them, they must work together to save the twins from a horrible fate.
I loved all the diversity in the book, and how well it was introduced and handled. Crispin explains gender and pronouns without being preachy, and the twins accept it immediately. Various queer romantic and sexual orientations are validated over the course of the story, with the focus always on acceptance, respect, and consent.
On that note, it is a little disappointing the story is set in the one nation that’s intolerant. That’s necessary for the plot, but I’d have loved to see more of the rest of the world. I’m hoping for more stories in the future with this amount of diversity in a setting where it’s no big deal and there’s no oppression to be fought.
But what this story does is spectacular. The characters are fully formed, with personalities that go far beyond just their identities. Politics, magic, history, and love are all important to the resolution. The relationships are sweet and develop smoothly, finishing in happy endings all around.
With bright and captivating characters, bold worldbuilding and across-the-board inclusiveness, Dragonborn should top any list of queer fairy tales.
(review copy from Netgalley)
Ben and Cecily, a prince and princess sharing the same body, are to be sacrificed to a dragon on their twentieth birthday. Or not, if their new teachers have anything to say about it.
Dragonborn is a powerful fairy tale absolutely bursting with diversity. Though queer relationships and identities are banned in the twins’ country, they’re accepted everywhere else, as new tutors Crispin and Jude reveal. They’re a charming duo, making for scenes with brilliant dialogue and emotion.
As the story goes on, more characters are spun into the plot. There’s Cecily’s tutor Rachel, and Lila, the princess who’s engaged to Ben but turns out to be more interested in Cecily. And as myriad bonds form between them, they must work together to save the twins from a horrible fate.
I loved all the diversity in the book, and how well it was introduced and handled. Crispin explains gender and pronouns without being preachy, and the twins accept it immediately. Various queer romantic and sexual orientations are validated over the course of the story, with the focus always on acceptance, respect, and consent.
On that note, it is a little disappointing the story is set in the one nation that’s intolerant. That’s necessary for the plot, but I’d have loved to see more of the rest of the world. I’m hoping for more stories in the future with this amount of diversity in a setting where it’s no big deal and there’s no oppression to be fought.
But what this story does is spectacular. The characters are fully formed, with personalities that go far beyond just their identities. Politics, magic, history, and love are all important to the resolution. The relationships are sweet and develop smoothly, finishing in happy endings all around.
With bright and captivating characters, bold worldbuilding and across-the-board inclusiveness, Dragonborn should top any list of queer fairy tales.
(review copy from Netgalley)
September 3, 2022
Every great fairy tale has layers of meaning behind it. Beneath all of the magic and the mystery is a message, designed to teach the reader a valuable lesson about morality. While fairy tales often work best when that message is subtle, there's something to be said for wearing your heart on your sleeve and proclaiming it proudly from the rooftops.
With Dragonborn, Maeghan Friday definitely takes the latter approach, but she so slowly and carefully weaves those multiple layers into the story that it works. By the time you realize there's more than one message to be proclaimed, you're already enthralled by the world she's created, and completely invested in Ben and Cecily's plight.
Ben and Cecily are two souls trapped in a body that shape-shifts between male and female each sunset. Since they were born in male form, only Ben is accepted by their parents, who see Cecily as an intruder to be discarded. While their unique bond would likely be celebrated elsewhere in the world, Aethier is a small-minded, isolationist kingdom that rejects the social progress of the rest of the world.
At its heart, this is a fairy tale about love and acceptance. In addition to Ben and Cecily's interesting gender situation, their best friend is more traditionally transgender, while one of the tutors brought in to end their 'curse' is gender-fluid. Additionally, Cecily's bodyguard is a young woman with romantic feelings for her charge, while Ben himself develops romantic feelings for the both their gender fluid tutor and jeir male partner. On top of that, the young Princess brought in by the King and Queen to marry Ben and free him from the dragon's promise is an asexual young woman who is keen to bond with everyone in a romantic polyamorous fashion. It does get a bit confusing - and altogether comical at time - but it's all in the spirit of pursuing a happily-ever-after.
For a story that certainly didn't develop the way I anticipated, and which introduced far more layers than initially seemed wise, this was an altogether enjoyable fantasy that's entirely reminiscent of Mercedes Lackey or Robin McKinley. It's fast-paced, with strong characters, and well-written dialogue. The romantic elements work very well, and the looming sense of fairy tale tragedy drives the suspense effectively. So long as you're not rooting for the King and Queen, and can at least accept the right to a happily-ever-after, Dragonborn is a comfortable little fantasy that's well worth the read.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
With Dragonborn, Maeghan Friday definitely takes the latter approach, but she so slowly and carefully weaves those multiple layers into the story that it works. By the time you realize there's more than one message to be proclaimed, you're already enthralled by the world she's created, and completely invested in Ben and Cecily's plight.
Ben and Cecily are two souls trapped in a body that shape-shifts between male and female each sunset. Since they were born in male form, only Ben is accepted by their parents, who see Cecily as an intruder to be discarded. While their unique bond would likely be celebrated elsewhere in the world, Aethier is a small-minded, isolationist kingdom that rejects the social progress of the rest of the world.
At its heart, this is a fairy tale about love and acceptance. In addition to Ben and Cecily's interesting gender situation, their best friend is more traditionally transgender, while one of the tutors brought in to end their 'curse' is gender-fluid. Additionally, Cecily's bodyguard is a young woman with romantic feelings for her charge, while Ben himself develops romantic feelings for the both their gender fluid tutor and jeir male partner. On top of that, the young Princess brought in by the King and Queen to marry Ben and free him from the dragon's promise is an asexual young woman who is keen to bond with everyone in a romantic polyamorous fashion. It does get a bit confusing - and altogether comical at time - but it's all in the spirit of pursuing a happily-ever-after.
For a story that certainly didn't develop the way I anticipated, and which introduced far more layers than initially seemed wise, this was an altogether enjoyable fantasy that's entirely reminiscent of Mercedes Lackey or Robin McKinley. It's fast-paced, with strong characters, and well-written dialogue. The romantic elements work very well, and the looming sense of fairy tale tragedy drives the suspense effectively. So long as you're not rooting for the King and Queen, and can at least accept the right to a happily-ever-after, Dragonborn is a comfortable little fantasy that's well worth the read.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary ARC of this title from the publisher in exchange for review consideration.This does not in any way affect the honesty or sincerity of my honest review.
April 11, 2016
Title: Dragonborn
Author: Maeghan Friday
Publisher: Less Than Three Press
ISBN: 9781620046432
Buy Link: http://www.lessthanthreepress.com/boo...
Reviewer: Teresa - Fallen Angel
Blurb:
Prince Ben and Princess Cecily are dragonborn. Since birth, the brother and sister have shared a body, shapeshifting from one form to the other each sunset. In exchange for this magic, they have been promised from birth to a mysterious dragon, who is set to collect on their twentieth birthday, which is now just weeks away.
With the help of two tutors, a bodyguard, and a foreign princess, they must find a way out of the betrothal, delving into their kingdom's history and learning to harness their magic—all the while challenging the kingdom's laws and restrictions on love.
Summary:
The idea of two people inhabiting the same body while being siblings was fascinating and just the beginning to this incredible story. Ben and Cecily were children of the king and queen, but their parent's hatred of Cecily was terrible. They would never accept their children were dragon born and would do anything to get rid of Cecily which became apparent when they dreamed up a plan to do just that when they hired tutors to get Ben ready for his marriage. The tutors arrived, but the situation was not as they were told. With the unexpected help of friends, Ben and Cecily may have the chance for a life that they never expected. Many of the characters struggled with their identities in a culture that wasn't accepting of anything that was different much like today's world. Experiencing the difficulties of the characters endured as their lives began to unravel gave the book a real-to-life feel making it come to life for the reader. The love and acceptance Ben and Cecily found can give hope for individuals fighting to find their place in the world.
Author: Maeghan Friday
Publisher: Less Than Three Press
ISBN: 9781620046432
Buy Link: http://www.lessthanthreepress.com/boo...
Reviewer: Teresa - Fallen Angel
Blurb:
Prince Ben and Princess Cecily are dragonborn. Since birth, the brother and sister have shared a body, shapeshifting from one form to the other each sunset. In exchange for this magic, they have been promised from birth to a mysterious dragon, who is set to collect on their twentieth birthday, which is now just weeks away.
With the help of two tutors, a bodyguard, and a foreign princess, they must find a way out of the betrothal, delving into their kingdom's history and learning to harness their magic—all the while challenging the kingdom's laws and restrictions on love.
Summary:
The idea of two people inhabiting the same body while being siblings was fascinating and just the beginning to this incredible story. Ben and Cecily were children of the king and queen, but their parent's hatred of Cecily was terrible. They would never accept their children were dragon born and would do anything to get rid of Cecily which became apparent when they dreamed up a plan to do just that when they hired tutors to get Ben ready for his marriage. The tutors arrived, but the situation was not as they were told. With the unexpected help of friends, Ben and Cecily may have the chance for a life that they never expected. Many of the characters struggled with their identities in a culture that wasn't accepting of anything that was different much like today's world. Experiencing the difficulties of the characters endured as their lives began to unravel gave the book a real-to-life feel making it come to life for the reader. The love and acceptance Ben and Cecily found can give hope for individuals fighting to find their place in the world.
April 25, 2023
Prince Ben is beloved by his parents and can do no wrong. Princess Cecily is viewed as a curse and can do no right. The only problem is that they share a body! On even days, Ben is in charge, whilst Cecily 'rests'. On odd days, it is Cecily's turn. They have a bond which is looming on their twentieth birthday and no way of breaking it without dying. The King and Queen don't actually mind if Cecily dies, indeed they are working towards that, but Ben is not happy at all.
I simply loved this book! It is so different and refreshing. Seeing how Ben and Cecily coped with their lives, and how completely different they were from each other, made this a magical read all by itself. But then you have the supporting characters of Alloran, Rowan, Lila, and Rachael, plus the mysterious tutors of Crispin and Jude.
In other countries, multiple bonds are legitimate - romantic, physical, non-physical, and friendship. The King and Queen have outlawed any bonds other than one male and one female. They will also only acknowledge the male or female sexes, anyone who feels differently has to keep it secret upon pain of death.
This is an intricate tale, with layer upon layer of discoveries waiting to be made. I was completely enthralled as the story unfolded, but couldn't wait for the King and Queen to get their comeuppance. I mean, come on - seriously!?!
Absolutely recommended for fans of fairy tales who want something a bit different!!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 18, 2015
I simply loved this book! It is so different and refreshing. Seeing how Ben and Cecily coped with their lives, and how completely different they were from each other, made this a magical read all by itself. But then you have the supporting characters of Alloran, Rowan, Lila, and Rachael, plus the mysterious tutors of Crispin and Jude.
In other countries, multiple bonds are legitimate - romantic, physical, non-physical, and friendship. The King and Queen have outlawed any bonds other than one male and one female. They will also only acknowledge the male or female sexes, anyone who feels differently has to keep it secret upon pain of death.
This is an intricate tale, with layer upon layer of discoveries waiting to be made. I was completely enthralled as the story unfolded, but couldn't wait for the King and Queen to get their comeuppance. I mean, come on - seriously!?!
Absolutely recommended for fans of fairy tales who want something a bit different!!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 18, 2015
December 1, 2015
Dragonborn
tackles a lot of big issues for such a short story. Gender, gender roles, sexuality, colonialism.
It’s sad – I personally know people that have been told to suppress who they are. It’s painful. And parents who would rather you suppress who you are rather than embrace who you are? I can’t even imagine what that’s like.
And the story was quite engaging. Right now, so much of our culture is about not being honest about yourself. Stories like this – about living without hiding – are important.
And when they are wrapped up in an engaging story – so much the better. These characters were compelling. And diverse. And their situation was…different…and interesting. And, throw a bit of magic in and you’ve got yourself a great story.
I thought the ending was a bit sudden, and a bit wrapped up too neatly. But I guess sometimes there really are happy endings.
Thanks to NetGalley and Less Than Three Press for a copy in return for an honest review.
It’s sad – I personally know people that have been told to suppress who they are. It’s painful. And parents who would rather you suppress who you are rather than embrace who you are? I can’t even imagine what that’s like.
And the story was quite engaging. Right now, so much of our culture is about not being honest about yourself. Stories like this – about living without hiding – are important.
And when they are wrapped up in an engaging story – so much the better. These characters were compelling. And diverse. And their situation was…different…and interesting. And, throw a bit of magic in and you’ve got yourself a great story.
I thought the ending was a bit sudden, and a bit wrapped up too neatly. But I guess sometimes there really are happy endings.
Thanks to NetGalley and Less Than Three Press for a copy in return for an honest review.
February 21, 2016
Overall, I thought the book was decent. The world it was set in was awesome and the whole idea behind it was also good. Only problem I had, was I felt like I was reading a textbook on gender-neutral pronouns. I understood the importance of it in the book and even in the real world, there was so much emphasis on it, that it overshadowed the story itself. I will still recommend it. Maeghan is a good story-telly and look forward to future work.
April 23, 2016
The first thing when I think of this book now is how absolutely crazy, yet amazing it is. The characters are fantastic and the plot is almost mind-boggling in it's ability to hook. It's somehow simultaneously zany and serious, but in a subtle way that's very pleasing. A wonderful story that I'd recommend to the sky and back. A super satisfying read.
April 3, 2017
El mundo se queda como poco explorado, y la relación entre los personajes un poco también :/
March 31, 2019
This was sweet and fun. There's some interesting magic conventions and I think like I could happily read more set in this world!
So yeah. Enjoyable, well-written , and sweet.
So yeah. Enjoyable, well-written , and sweet.
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