Eon by Allison Goodman

Hardback or paperback? Paperback

Synopsis In an fantasy world inspired by historical China and Japan Eon is training to be a Dragoneye, a magician who works with a magical dragon to influence the outside world. Eon is really Eona, though, and it's against the law for women to learn dragon magic.

Evaluation Terrific fantasy adventure in an unusual world. It starts off fast and ends with a fast-paced climax and a bit of a cliffhanger. The middle section is a bit tedious; I felt that Eona was blind to the obvious solution to her problems. Student readers may not find the solution quite so obvious, although the emphasis on palace intrigue in that section may confuse or bore them.

Universal Themes coming of age, self discovery, responsibility

Edginess There's a transgender character, discussion of menstruation, lots of violence, references to rape, and eunuchs. Plus the transgender character is in love with a eunuch.

Bonus Factors There's a transgender character; Eona is crippled, and there's another disabled character; Asian-ish setting and references, although the author seems to be a white Australian. Strong message about female empowerment.

Anti-Bonus Factors Can't think of any.

Will they like it? Both boys and girls who like fantasy have liked it. A strong female protagonist with lots of action seems to be a winning combination. It's long, though.

Recommendation I'm not sure. Kids will like it, and I think warning about the edginess would be sufficient for 8th grade, anyway--but we have a lot of fantasy already.