Want a NOOK? Explore Now
Read Alison Goodman's blogs and other content on the Penguin Community.
Eon—the award-winning crossover fantasy that soars!
Sixteen-year-old Eon has a dream, and a mission. For years, he's been studying sword-work and magic, toward one end. He and his master hope that he will 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; if anyone discovers she has been hiding in plain sight, her death is assured.
When Eon's secret threatens to come to light, she and her allies are plunged into grave danger and a deadly struggle for the Imperial throne. Eon must find the strength and inner power to battle those who want to take her magic...and her life.
Inspired by Asian culture, Goodman (Singing the Dogstar Blues) weaves a fantasy with contemporary themes about gender identity and female power. Because women are forbidden to study Dragon magic, 16-year-old Eona disguises herself as Eon, a 12-year-old boy, to compete to be an apprentice Dragoneye, a communicant with one of 12 energy dragons. Crippled years earlier, she is least likely to be chosen. But then the Mirror Dragon, mysteriously absent for 500 years, appears at the competition and selects Eona. Unable to share her secret even with her new friends, the soldier eunuch Ryko and Lady Dela, a "Contraire," or transgender courtier, Eona must confront the corrupt Lord Ido and save the empire from his schemes-and discover how to invoke the power of the Mirror Dragon. Goodman's characters hold built-in appeal for fans of Tamora Pierce (particularly of her Song of the Lioness Quartet), but they go further than Pierce's in staking out their sexuality; the author's plotting is elaborate, smart and capable of taking the audience by surprise. Enthralled readers will be hard-pressed to wait for the story's second half, Eona:The Last Dragoneye, scheduled for 2010. Ages 12-up. (Dec.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Gr 8 Up
In this Asian-inspired fantasy world, political power belongs to the emperor, but also to the Dragoneyes: men who harness the power of the 12 energy dragons named for animals from the Chinese zodiac. Each year, a new one comes to power, and the dragon itself chooses a new apprentice from a pool of 12-year-old boys. Physically lame Eon is thought least likely to be chosen and also has a secret: Eon is truly Eona, a 16-year-old girl. At the ceremony, the Rat Dragon chooses fellow trainee Dillon for the role of apprentice. Eon thinks that all is lost until she sees a dragon no one has seen in 400 years: the Dragon Dragon-also known as the Mirror Dragon. The Mirror Dragon chooses Eon as an apprentice, and because there is no current Mirror Dragoneye, she must serve on the Dragoneye Council herself. She is thus plunged into the dangerous world of the court, which is sharply divided between the emperor and ruthless Lord Ido, the powerful Rat Dragoneye. Fans of Tamora Pierce will appreciate both the strong female protagonist and the cast of shrewd misfits who support her. Although the pace is initially slow, patient readers will be rewarded with high-stakes action in a well-crafted fantasy universe. A second volume will follow, but this one has an ending satisfying enough that readers will not feel cheated.-Megan Honig, New York Public Library
EON bursts with promise, setting the stage of a wondrous and familiar Asian-inspired world where dragons are essential to maintaining peace, balance and harmony.
I applaud the efforts of Goodman to cast her heroine as a cripple. She does a lovely job of keeping faith with the difficulties of being lame without it feeling forced. I also enjoyed the edgy quality that carried the flavor of Tamora Pierce. The topics explored are definitely for an older YA audience and I'm sure many adults looking for a good yarn will enjoy this story.
Do not expect to be amazed by a brilliant, new writing style or concept. While Goodman does a compelling job of telling Eon's story, and excels in keeping a predictable story entertaining and interesting, the story has been told before, many, many times. She does a creditable job of creating a believable world with strong Asian connections with her own style.
Above all, this is a story of a girl, masquerading as a boy, learning to be true to herself. If you enjoy Tamora Pierce's Alanna stories, tales of dragons, Asian lore and culture - I am sure you will enjoy EON and EONA.
7 out of 7 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.NookEthanM
Posted June 17, 2012
I loved the book and I can't wait to read the 2nd one.
6 out of 8 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted April 26, 2012
I was really disappointed by this book. It has such a promising and unique plot, but the heroine was such a let down. I'm all for the main character having flaws (it makes them more personable), but I don't ever like being disappointed in their morals. (**Spoiler Alert: She does drugs)
I also thought the built up tension of finding the dragon's name was UNBEARABLE! I almost had to stop reading the book. The tension lasted way too long for my taste, and I was ready for the plot to move along!
6 out of 16 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.AndreaChristine
Posted November 3, 2011
I was so excited when I found this book and started reading it; the beginning was excellent and I couldn't put it down. As I continued reading, though, it seemed to keep getting duller and duller. Eona wasn't turning out to be quite the heroine I thought she was going to be. Just as soon as it started to pick up again, it ended. (The ending was very gripping, just like the beginning. What happened to the middle?) I think it was an excellent idea though, I applaud Goodman for that. I was getting so tired of seeing all the vampire books on the shelves. Yuck! I did like this book, I was just a bit disappointed. If you're looking for a good, STRONG heroine, read a Tamora Pierce book
4 out of 10 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Dragons, Emperors and Girls in Disguise, Oh My!
Crippled Eon is in training to become a candidate for the Rat Dragon’s apprentice; one of the greatest honors in the kingdom. Gifted with rare full dragon sight Eon can see each of the dragons, except of course the Mirror Dragon who has been missing for 500 years. On the day of choosing no one in the kingdom expects the “cursed cripple” to be chosen, but Eon has another reason for thinking he might not be chosen, Eon is actually Eona, a sixteen-year-old girl. Females cannot take part in the Dragonseye ceremonies, on pain of death. When the Mirror Dragon resurfaces and chooses Eona everything in her life is thrown into chaos. Plunged into a dangerous world she doesn’t understand and unable to call upon her dragon, Eona must carefully navigate the twists and turns of the palace for the sake of her allies and the Prince Kygo, otherwise much more than her life will be lost.
I purchased this book without knowing practically anything about it on the recommendation of a very enthusiastic store employee during a book buying frenzy. So when I started to read it I only knew the very basics without my usual research and couldn’t help, but be concerned. However, I was very pleasantly surprised. The mythology is very well developed and thought out. Goodman even managed to nicely mix the mythological elements with the political intrigue. Her characters are charismatic, multi-dimensional, and each one has their very own agenda. The story is rather complex with a large host of characters interacting and contributing so you do really have to pay attention. I would not call this book a light, easy read, but it is worth the effort to keep everything straight.
This book is very interesting and did a good enough job pulling me in that I am now in search of “Eona”, the next one in the series. The recommended reading age says 12 and up, but personally I think a little older would be better, at least 13 or 14, so the reader can fully grasp the content.
3 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted April 10, 2012
Such a good book! Couldn't put it down. I was so amazed about what happened in the end! So awesome
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted August 18, 2012
This was a fantastic book that draws you in and takes you on its
adventure. Definitely a must read!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Katagaria
Posted August 16, 2012
My daughter and I have read the first two books and all I can say is
wow, we really enjoyed them. Hope there is another book coming. Thank
you for writing such great books.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted June 14, 2012
I really enjoyed this book
2 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted May 4, 2012
Eon is a real page turner! I could not put it down for a moment! Keep up the good work, Alison Goodman!
2 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I had my doubts about whether or not I would like this book, but shortly into it I was hooked. It was so good I found myself wondering, how has this book not received more attention?! Why didn¿t I read this book sooner? With awe inspiring dragons, formidable characters, a vivid setting, and a skillfully crafted story, this epic first book in a duology is now one my favorite books of all time. Alison Goodman made me a fan for life.
Strongly influenced by ancient Asian cultures, Eon is set in a detail rich world ruled by an imperial family but balanced by the powerful Dragoneyes. Through a bargain with the twelve energy dragons, the Dragoneyes connect with their spirit dragon to wield power, control the elements, and much more.
In training to become an apprentice to the Rat Dragon, Eon has the odds stacked against him. His broken hip makes him walk with a limp making it difficult for him to walk let alone practice the dragon art of fighting. To top it off, Eon is really Eona, a girl and therefore forbidden to practice the dragon art. An act punishable by death. The one thing working in her favor is her dragon sight, the rare ability to see all the energy dragons. She can only hope that the Rat Dragon chooses her as his apprentice.
Eon/a is a complex heroine. She is strong and intelligent yet flawed by her inclination to be dishonest and her lack of trust in others. She weaves a dangerous web of lies in her fight for survival and, at times, this is very frustrating. There are many moments where I wanted to yell at her to snap her out of it. While at the same time, you understand her situation and her reasoning. That being said, in the end, Eona became one my favorite heroines.
Eon is technically considered a young adult book but, to me, the story reaches beyond young adults to older audiences as well. Goodman¿s world is exceptional and you will find yourself captivated by the rich culture and unique mythology. I enjoyed this book so much that once finished it, I immediately (the same day) bought the next book, Eona: The Last Dragoneye.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted September 22, 2012
This book will captivate you and launch you into a world where love fear desire and power hold sway of most of the empire of the celestial dragons. You should stop using this book to chat with each other and role play. The people who do quote rps un quote are such freaking drama nerds. Go find somwhere else mess off
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted May 26, 2012
Good book, very much enjoyed it and would like to see more from Alison Goodman. I know I liked it as I was a bit disappointed that the story ended with only two books! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted April 3, 2012
33 and loved it!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted March 17, 2012
"It's all in a name." Never has that been more true. This book pulls you in and doesn't let you go until the final page, and even then you are left wanting more!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted February 22, 2012
I loved this book! The plot is weaved together so well, with twists and turns that will keep you turning those pages! If you're the type to visualize the story as you read like I am, you'll really enjoy this book!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted May 20, 2013
Awesome book the best any fantasy lover has ever read guarnteed!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.AllBookedUp
Posted May 13, 2013
Exceptionally Written!
To follow in my recent theme of dragons, knights, kings, queens and magic I bring to you, my fellow reader friends, Eon: Dragoneye Reborn by Alison Goodman. This is another story of an underdog that will overcome immense obstacles to achieve great power, but that comes with a sacrifice and deadly secrets.
Eon, our main character has been studying Dragon Magic for the past years so that he might become an apprentice of one of the twelve energy dragons and eventual Dragon-Eye. Eon is an underdog too the tee: too small, too slow, too weak, crippled and also a girl, Eona, pretending to be a boy. If discovered, Eona could get killed since girls are not allowed to practice Dragon Magic, however against all odds she has a unique gift of seeing all of the energy dragons - not just one, and is selected by the powerful Mirror Dragon that has been missing for hundreds of years. Eon is catapulted into an action-paced adventure with danger written all over the walls. She quickly makes an enemy of the powerful, Lord Ido and learns that she is not the only one holding on to a riveting secret.
Alison Goodman does an amazing job setting the scene and laying the groundwork for this magical journey ahead. The characters are incredibly imagined and fleshed out to great detail. It is interesting to see this underlying theme of gender and power in a YA novel. The book does slow down a bit in the middle, but please read on because the ending is one you will not want to miss! A great read for those looking for adventure, intrigue and magic!
Anonymous
Posted April 13, 2013
Excellent book. You won't want to put it down. The description of the book is somewhat vague, and a lot more happens than what you expect. There is not one boring part of this book, and even the beginning just draws you in to the story immediately.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted April 11, 2013
Read it. It may seem boring at first, but keep reading.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.
Overview
Read Alison Goodman's blogs and other content on the Penguin Community.
Eon—the award-winning crossover fantasy that soars!
Sixteen-year-old Eon has a dream, and a mission. For years, he's been studying sword-work and magic, toward one end. He and his master hope that he will 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 ...