Title: Eon
Author: Alison Gooman
Series: Eon Duology (Book #1)
Pages: 531
Publication Date: 2010 Published by Firebird Books
Genre: Fantasy
Source & Format: Purchased paperback from Barnes and Noble
For years, Eon’s life has been focused on magical study and sword-word, with one goal: that he be chosen as a Dragoneye, an apprentice to one of the twelve energy dragons of good fortune.
But Eon has a dangerous secret. He is actually Eona, a sixteen-year-old girl who has been masquerading as a twelve-year-old-boy. Females are forbidden to use Dragon Magic; the penalty is death.
When Eona’s secret threatens to come to light, she and her allies are plunged into grave danger and a struggle for the Imperial throne. Eona must find the strength and inner power to battle those who want to take her magic… her life. (Synopsis from the back of the book)
Review:
Every New Year’s Day twelve boys born twelve year’s ago compete to become the next Dragoneye. Eon, although crippled, tries his luck as a candidate. When a boy is chosen by a dragon to become the next apprentice, who will eventually become a Dragoneye. They take on the responsibility of protecting the people of their land as well as inherit some riches. As Eon competes for a better life, he hides a life threatening secret — he is actually a sixteen year old girl, name Eona. Women as Dragoneyes was unheard of.
From the Primer Scrolls of Jion Tzu
“Women have no place in the world of the dragon magic. It is said they bring corruption to the art and do not have the physical strength or depth of character needed to commune with an energy dragon. It is also thought that the female eye, too practiced in gazing at itself, cannot see the truth of the energy world” Page 2
Little do they know. Eona, a female, has more depth of character than they think. Not only can she see the energy of the ascendant dragon, but she can see all twelve. This and only this is her and her masters only reason for risking everything to become the next apprentice Dragoneye. Even if she fails, and the ascendent dragon does not chose her. Her faith will be to go back to her old life in the salt mines. Which is a fate worse than death in her eyes.
Come choosing day, Eona does not get chosen by the ascendant dragon, but by the most honored Mirror Dragon — long lost for five hundred years. Because of this new found miracle, of the Mirror Dragon coming back. The Emperor and Dragoneye council took it as a sign and proclaimed Eon to become coascendant Dragoneye with the ever so evil Lord Ido. Turns out there has been rumors of people making plans to dethrone the Emperor. Now the Emperor is banking on Eon’s help, to help keep power on his side. With so much people relying on her, a new problem arises and her lies adds more weight to her shoulders. She wonders what she got herself into.
I picked up this book because the synopsis reminded me of Mulan. A girl masquerading to be a boy. I loved Mulan and was like YES! “you’ll bring honor to us all” It sorta has other “Mulan” elements as well, where the women are treated differently from men. But the book explores so much more. In this book you get all types of different personalities. Everyone playing a part. Some even secretly teaching you lessons about one’s true value, the power of love, and being true to thy self. The characters that really teach you this are Lady Dela, Ryko, and Eona. Lady Dela is a “contraire” and is actually a man, but truly believes in his heart that he is really a she. Lady Dela’s bodyguard Ryko is a man, who knows and believes he is a man, but is in love with Lady Dela (another man). And with Eona who struggles to accept that being a girl comes with great power.
The world building was understandable and believable. I did not want to live in this time when girls were treated so lowly. But I did however wanted to see this world for myself. My favorite scene out of the whole entire book was the the “Choosing” Ceremony. I wanted to watch Eona battle that cheater Armsmaster. I wanted to see the Rat Dragon, and Mirror Dragon appear and choose Dillon and Eona. I wanted to wonder into the library and moon garden of Eona’s Master, and the library in the Imperial palace. I want to see each of the Dragoneye’s quarters and see how each one is decorated to honor it’s Dragon. I however would not look forward to see the golden pearl sewn into the throat of Prince Kygo. Every time it was mentioned I cringed. I don’t know about you, but it made me uncomfortable reading about it.
Overall thoughts: I truly recommend you try this book out. I really can’t think of any complaints that I might have with this book. Eona was human. She was scared when she has the right to be. All her actions and feels are probably what I would've done and felt myself. I would be too scared to tell anyone my problems, and I would take the necessary risks. If I truly believed it would help. The world was beautiful. The ending will leave you wanting more, but at the same time will not disappoint.
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Favorite Quotes: “I found power in accepting the truth of who I am. It may not be a truth that others can accept, but I cannot live any other way. How would it be to live a lie every minute of your life? I don’t think I could do it” Lady Dela Page 245
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