Name: The Dragon's Promise
ISBN: 9780593644621

Elizabeth Lim

The Dragon's Promise

fc ♡

“A promise is not a kiss in the wind, to be thrown about without care,” I murmured to myself. “It is a piece of yourself that is given away and will not return until your pledge is fulfilled.”

“Shiori was hungry,” Seryu said crisply. “She’s intolerable when she’s hungry

A smile perched on Takkan lips. “With you, Shiori, I’ve learned that it’s best not to wait.”

Was it worse to be a kite with no anchor, wandering lost on the wind, or a kite that didn’t dare seize the wind and never flew?

jil ★彡

Maybe I was being foolish for thinking I played any role in Kiata's fate at all. 

Yet if I did nothing, who would? Was it worse to be a kite with no anchor, wandering lost on the wind, or a kite that didn't dare seize the wind and never flew? One at least had a chance of finding home, however slim. The other had none. 

As I stepped into the carriage, I knew which kite I had to choose.

This book picks up right where the first ended and sweeps you right back into the story quickly. It’s fast-paced but well done and the plot is just as rich with Japanese folklore as the first. My favorite things about this novel were the characters and the relationships Shiori had with everyone in her life. They were nuanced and deep - Lim made them feel very real and full of strong emotions. The ending was heartbreakingly beautiful and sweet and the relationship Shiori and Takkan share is one of my favorites. I really enjoyed this duology and the world of Kiata. 

Katie Allard

Enjoyed for the most part - but the plot felt somewhat rushed and disjointed. Thankfully Takkan continues to be an amazing book boyfriend, even when Shiori is a bit of a disaster.

Those familiar with the Wild Swans inspiration will recognize a few additional details.

Overall, lovely sequel but didn’t quite live up to the first one, for me.

Liz Griffin

Enjoyed for the most part - but the plot felt somewhat rushed and disjointed. Thankfully Takkan continues to be an amazing book boyfriend, even when Shiori is a bit of a disaster.

Those familiar with the Wild Swans inspiration will recognize a few additional details.

Overall, lovely sequel but didn’t quite live up to the first one, for me.