Review of Court of Dragons and Vows (The Dragon Crown #2)
There’s something undeniably captivating about diving into a fantasy world spun from the imagination of an author who isn’t afraid to throw a bit of chaos into the mix. Court of Dragons and Vows by the enigmatic author has this exhilarating, messy charm that pulled me in from the first page. You know that thrill you get when a book covers both the sublime and the absurd? This series has it in spades. While it’s certainly not without its faults, it nonetheless holds enough intrigue to keep me engaged.
In this second installment, we find ourselves in a whirlwind of plotlines that tread familiar fantasy territory but with a gritty twist that I’ve come to expect from this series. We’re introduced to our headstrong protagonist, Ellelin, whose mouth is just as fiery as the dragons she interacts with. I couldn’t help but admire her sharp humor, especially when she quips, “I don’t plan on fucking anyone, but I’d rather not be eaten by a dragon when Aunt Flow turns up.” It’s this witty banter that makes these characters feel palpable and relatable, even amid the heightened stakes of their fantastical universe.
The pacing can be somewhat erratic here. Some chapters left me breathless, while others felt like they were on fast-forward. The sheer number of fantasy concepts mingled throughout the story can feel jarring, especially the sudden introduction of Greek gods and destined mates halfway through the series; it’s almost as if the author is trying to stuff an entire buffet of ideas onto a single plate. Yet, I found myself intrigued by how these elements sometimes meshed, especially in unexpected moments that caught me off guard.
Ellelin’s relationships with the supporting cast carry the emotional heft of the story. Her dynamic with characters like Grayson, who embodies the flawed hero archetype, tugged at my heartstrings; there’s something so magnetic about the wounded underdog. And let’s not forget our lovely Arty and her subtle love interest side plot, which provided a delightful counterbalance to the overarching drama. The heartfelt confessions of love were both cringey and endearing—yes, it’s instalove, but it’s presented with enough eloquence that I found myself swooning alongside Ellelin.
However, as much as I reveled in the adventure and comedy, I couldn’t overlook the chaotic narrative structure. The peaks of excitement were juxtaposed with rushed resolutions, and important themes felt glossed over. Concepts like the hero’s journey or Ellelin’s transformation as a dragon rider could have ripened beautifully with more nuanced development instead of being hurriedly introduced with little build-up. And, oh—Ellelin’s name “Spirit”? I don’t know, it just felt a bit cringe-worthy amidst all this grandeur.
SPOILERS BELOW THIS POINT
The suspense built around the pivotal recovery coma was a striking element; waking up to find her hair grown out was a fantastic touch that spurred both character growth and anticipation. Yet, the introduction of natural dragons as the Spirit Court waiting for her was a surprise I didn’t see coming—and I loved that!
On the other hand, some elements in the narrative felt slapdash. The sudden mention of Greek mythology instead of crafting an entirely new pantheon left a bad taste in my mouth. It felt like an ill-fitting puzzle piece rather than an organic part of the tale. And the ambiguity surrounding portal mechanics added confusion that could’ve used some clarity to enhance the plot’s flow.
In conclusion, Court of Dragons and Vows offers enough glittering moments and engaging characters to earn a recommendation, albeit with a caveat for readers who may struggle with chaotic narratives. If you revel in fantastical worlds where anything is possible—no matter how messy the execution—you might find this series worth your time. For me, it serves as a potent reminder of the potential that lies within a story, even if it sometimes gets lost in the mix.
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