by Julia Golding
Release Date: October 1, 2009
Pages: 390
Format: Hardback
Source: Hickam AFB Library
Rating: I liked it/I enjoyed it
Goodreads Snyopsis:
Princess Taoshira of the Blue Crescent Islands is appalled when she is ordered to marry Prince Ramil of Gerfal. And he's not too pleased, either. She is used to a life of discipline, ritual, and splendor. He is used to hunting and carousing. They hate each other on sight. But both of their countries are under threat from a fearsome warlord, and the only chance of peace is to form an alliance.
When Tashi and Ram are kidnapped, they fear there's no escape--from their kidnappers or from each other. Can they put aside their differences long enough to survive ambush, unarmed combat, brainwashing, and imprisonment? And will the people they meet on their adventure--including a circus strongman, a daring rebel leader, a sinister master of spies, and the best female fighter they have ever seen--help them or betray them to the enemy?
Short and Sweet:
Dragonfly turned out to be a rather enjoyable read. Quests, hate turned love romance, and rebellions? All the makings for a good book. Golding did a fantastic job of creating this world and showing how the drastically different cultures interact. While I didn't love the characters, I liked them. Tashi, who didn't want to be a princess, yet was devout in her duties and true to heart. She ended up being a strong leader who stood up for what she believed in and what she knew to be true. Ramil, who acted like a 2 year old at the beginning, redeemed himself and grew throughout. He learned to be a good and resourceful leader and to trust in himself. Sometimes the writing seem amateurish but overall it was good. Golding has an excellent knack for delving into the minds of her characters a really thinking through their decisions. If you enjoy action, adventure, and fantasy, I think this is a book worth picking up.
