Eon, The last Dragoneye

Another remarkable story review is here!
In the summer, there's really nothing much to do but lounge, read, review, watch Korean dramas and eat. Oh, there's also worrying about the impending a-level results day, crying about my future and shoving all things too messy to be dealt with at the back of my mind. Lovely.
I will read almost anything I can get my hands on. The fantasy world is obviously no exception to this. You name it, I've probably read about it. Wizards, fairies, demigods, shadowhunters, sparkly vampires, angsty teenage girls who wield formidable powers, djinnis, werewolves, angels, magical assassins and A LOT more. However, there's one thing that I've mainly avoided. It seemed too much like a low production failed CBBC cartoon series that only aired till episode 7.
Dragons.
With my fantasy track record, however, I purchased a used and abused copy of Eon from amazon after hearing a raving review from The Readables  (from the booktube community)
The lure of a strong female lead who has a unique connection with the most powerful dragon in existence was too hard to resist.
Now for some background. Eon is set in an East Asia setting. There are strict traditional values reverently followed under the Emperors rule. The land is controlled by twelve dragons and their Dragoneyes (human warriors with a connection to the dragon). Dragoneyes control their dragons power for the benefit of the land. Each dragon is based off the Chinese years. For example there's a rat dragon, an ox dragon etc. The only variance is in their colours and powers. During every year, the specific dragon and dragon eye must step up to control the weather and fertility of the land. This ensures a secure, risk-free life for the people of the country. Eon is actually Eona, a 16 year old cripple who is taught fighting, dragon eye style by her ruthless master. This fighting consists of epic sword work accompanied with the ability to connect with the energy world. Each power stance has a connection with one of the dragons. I know it sounds weird but TRUST MEH, just read it.
 She is a servant in this masters home, and knows she must pose as a boy in order to participate in the dragon eye competition. Females were forbidden to practice Dragon magic and could face death (FEMINISTS WHERE YOU AT?)
 This competition consists of potential dragon eyes fighting against each other in a show of strength and agility. It concludes with the dragons choosing their destined Dragoneyes to become apprentices to the current Dragoneye. Eon is chosen by the mirror dragon, a dragon which has not appeared in centuries. The mirror dragon is twice the size of a regular dragon and has quadruple the power. Eon must face the doubt and disbelief presented by the people before her. She must stay in the palace under the Emperor and forms a quick friendship with the Prince, Prince Kygo (imagine Ji Chang Wook - holyshitballs *drooldrooldrool*) of course masquerading as a boy the whole time.
The connection between Eon and her dragon is breathtaking. From feeling her dragons power ebb through her to nearly losing all connection with her, Goodman keeps you at the edge of your seat, desperate to find out what happens next.
Eon forms  allies like Ryko, a soldier and Dela, a woman in a mans body. The beauty of their budding relationships are palpable as Eon tentatively approaches them with wariness. Through their continued interactions, loyalty and kinship develops between them, to the point where any is willing to die for the survival of the other.
Eon herself, is not easy to like. She doesn't have the easy courage of a Katniss, or the admirable and stoic, heroism of a Harry Potter. Her actions and emotions are almost too real. There is no quick rise to power or seemingly destined battles in which Eon kills all the baddies with an ounce of her dragons power. As the unprepared victim of political intrigue and power games, she is unwilling to accept the responsibility that has been thrust upon her. Expecting to be an apprentice, one of twelve and schooled by a Dragoneye, she is instead thrust into the position of Co-Ascendant, expected to govern the Council and prevent the usurpation of the Emperor's throne, even though this breaks the covenant. The council consists of evil and self-serving people of power who have try their hardest to gain what they want. The play of politics is perfectly executed by Goodman and keeps the book glued in the readers hands.
The book itself is absolutely stunning. There's a lot of world building to process, but it all contributes to the mythical aspect of the book. The descriptions of the rooms of the palace, the lush landscape and the interactions with all the dragons allows the reader to have no trouble picturing the events. The fact that all I had to do was take a backseat and gasp occasionally at the unexpected turns in the plot pleased the crap out of me. I had no insta love or cringe love triangles to be wary of. (actually the sequel has one but OMG ITS SO GOOD THAT ITS ACCEPTABLE TO HAVE ANY KIND SHAPE IN THAT BOOK)
The only down side would be that Eon took eons (haha) to work out the contents of Kinras tablets. Eon has no previous dragoneye to train her to master the mirror dragon, and so must use her ancestors folio and tablets to work out any valuable information. The only problem is that the tablets are encoded and the folios are near impossible to get (stupid stupid Ido).
Eon and her allies face grave danger and a deadly struggle for the Imperial throne. Eon needs to rise up to the role of being a mirror dragoneye  by finding the strength and inner power to battle those who want to take her power, and life.
Overall, I'd give 4.5 stars to this book. You need not love a character in order for them to have a profound affect on you. For me, although Eons character hit a little too close to home, she was an incredible character to read about. She's driven by a plethora of loyalties, sacrifices and a strong desire to rise up in a world that's against her. She's a heroine whom you want to watch succeed and so it matters what happens to her and where the story takes her.
Read on guys, read on.