Review: Dragonswood by Janet Lee Carey

Dragonswood by Janet Lee Carey
407 pages
Release Date: January 5th, 2012
Publisher: Dial
Genre: Fantasy
Level: YA
Rating: 4 STARS

Goodreads Summary:

On Wilde Island, there is no peace between dragons, fairies, and humans.

Wilde Island is in an uproar over the recent death of its king. As the uneasy pact between dragons, fairies, and humans begins to fray, the royal witch hunter with a hidden agenda begins a vengeful quest to burn girls suspected of witchcraft before a new king is crowned.

Strong-willed Tess, a blacksmith’s daughter from a tiny hamlet, wants more for herself than a husband and a house to keep. But in times like these wanting more can be dangerous. Accused of witchery, Tess and her two friends are forced to flee the violent witch hunter. As their pursuer draws ever closer they find shelter with a huntsman in the outskirts of the forbidden Dragonswood sanctuary. But staying with the mysterious huntsman poses risks of its own: Tess does not know how to handle the attraction she feels for him—or resist the elusive call that draws her deeper onto the heart of Dragonswood.

MY THOUGHTS:

           In case you hadn't noticed this book is about dragons, but, its not so heavily dependent on it that if you don't like dragons you won't like this book. Also, its the second book in a series, a fact I was unaware of until about 5 minutes ago when I looked it up on Goodreads and was set strait. Basically you can read it before the other book and it won't hinder you in the slightest. Now I really liked Dragonswood, when I first picked it up I thought it looked okay but once I got started I really enjoyed it. Sometimes it can drag on a little but the concept is so cool and unique that you'll barely notice until you read it for about the third time (*cough* like me). Like most fantasy books its set in this sort of magical medieval world of about the...I wanna saaaay 13th century (? I'm taking AP Euro I should know this, and yet...no clue) Basically around the time of the witch trials. It has a lot of adventure and the heroine is really smart and resourceful (although in the beginning she lets her irritating friends push her around a little). Dragonswood has lots of different fantasy elements: theres magic, dragons, fairies, princes, (some other stuff I'm sure I forgot about it) while incorporating the whole injustice and unfairness of the witch trials and how people were treated. That made it sound educational. This book is not educational, I repeat NOT EDUCATIONAL! It is just really good so I've read it a few (4) times and have begun to over analyze things. MOVING ON!

      So Tess. Tess is really cool, at first she seems kinda timid and shy but with the makings of a powerful young woman. (considering what happens to her she is pretty young...I wanna say she's somewhere between 16 to 18 years old) And again she lets her friends guilt her and blame her for things and doesn't really stand up for herself. But when push comes to shove, she delivers. She keeps everyone out of harms way and basically lets her friends selfish wishes come true no matter the personal cost to herself (they, however, remain ungrateful. You know, I really don't like her friends, I mean, I get it...but no) We also get to really see her change her views because of the experiences she gains and watch how they mold her into a stronger and braver person. She's a little nosey but mostly an all around good person who just wants something more for her life than dull magic-less marriage, in a world where she has the means to get it.

     Now, Garth. I actually can't explain all that much about him because you really truly begin to like him after some big spoilery stuff goes down. I'll try to contain myself (oh he's the "mysterious huntsmen" by the way) He is really gruff and its suuuuuper obvious he has a secret and his own agenda but DAMN! I did not see it coming! It is just a complete smack in the face. Garth is really cool and collected and he seems to be completely cut off from all his emotions except for wariness, skepticism, and mild hatred, especially when it comes to Tess. But don't be fooled! The man underneath, he's just...mmm...yeah, you'll find out XD

      Dragonswood is amazing. It is gripping, compelling and dangerous. There are lots of hidden secrets and intrigue, it's truly spectacular how the entire thing (all the pieces of the plot and it's seemingly, almost random information) ties together to create this thrilling and compelling novel. With daring escapes, cunning rescues, and a romance that will take you're breath away. Hope you enjoy!