Review: Eon by Alison Goodman

Title: Eon 
Author: Alison Goodman
Published: December 26, 2008
Publisher: Puffin Canada
Series: Eon #1
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Pages: 531
Source: Purchased
Rating: 5 stars
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“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.”
― Alison Goodman, Eon: Dragoneye Reborn

Synopsis
Eon has been studying the ancient art of Dragon Magic for four years, hoping he’ll become apprentice to one of the twelve energy dragons of good fortune. But he also has a dark secret. He is actually Eona, a sixteen-year-old girl who has been living a dangerous lie for the chance to become a Dragoneye, the human link to an energy dragon’s power. It is forbidden for females to practice the Dragon Magic and, if discovered, Eon faces a terrible death. But after a brilliant sword ceremony, Eon is catapulted into the treacherous world of the Imperial court, where his desperate lie comes to light. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
Eon was nothing short of fantastic. I'm ashamed to admit that it took me almost an entire week to finish this book because I really should have been reading through it at a rip roaring pace. This week was more hectic than I imagined, so I had to put down this book against my will time and time again.

Just when I was wishing for a jaw dropping fantasy, Eon appeared like magic. This was an epic read I want to see turned into a movie. The attention to detail was amazing. The vivid descriptions of the Asian-inspired architecture and culture wowed me time and time again. The world Goodman built lacked nothing. History, religion, tradition, and culture were all skillfully interwoven. I loved the apartments decorated with painted screens, the beautiful robes the lords wore, and the rituals everyone painstakingly observed. The palace itself was amazing to read about with all its splendor. Every little gesture and symbol had significance, and I was crazy about it. Plus, the rich history made for some wonderful storytelling.

And the dragons! I could not get enough the dragons! Even in their absence, they held immense power in this world. Their very existence was so mystical and mysterious, and I loved how only certain people could see them and the rest witnessed the ascendent dragon's beauty only once a year. These dragons inspired awe and reverence, and each energy dragon stood for a cardinal point on the compass, a color, and a trait. For a girl who loves symbolism, this book was perfect.

Above all, Eon excels in its questioning of gender roles. It blurs the gender lines countless times, and makes it seem so effortless. First, there's Lady Dela, physically a man but a woman at heart. Then there is Eon, who dresses and acts as a man and has forgotten what it is to be a woman. It was easy enough for me to even forget that Eon was, in truth, a female. Eon throws into doubt all of the gender schemas we take as immutable. Eon is able to fool everyone into believing she is in fact male just by practice and learning how a male is expected to behave and carry himself. Lady Dela is also a convincing female in appearance. I loved how Goodman explored such meaningful subjects!

As for character development, once again, Goodman did not disappoint. There was not a single flat character in Eon. Even if I hated a character, I had to admire their complexity. For example, Lord Ido was a very convincing villain and truly frightening. There were so many characters I adored. Eon(a) may have her shortcomings, but she is loyal and determined. I admired her greatly and found her to be a wonderful heroine. Lady Dela, Ryko, Prince Kygo, Rilla, Chart. I loved them all, even those who appeared in fewer scenes.

And the ending! Well, it made this book even more epic!

I already have Eona in my possession! After I read this week's horror-filled books in celebration of Halloween, I will definitely be reading this sequel. I cannot wait! I recommend Eon to anyone who is looking for a fantastic read and to fantasy lovers!