Dragonfly

Dragonfly
By Julia Golding
Marshall Cavendish, 2009. 390 pgs. Young Adult

With Fergox Spearthrower threatening to take over the entire Known World, the kingdoms of Gerfal and the Blue Crescent Islands think an alliance between the two would be the only way to survive Fergox's threatening advances. To forge that alliance, it is decided that Prince Ramil of Gerfal and Princess Taoshira (Tashi) of the Blue Crescent Islands will wed. However, neither of them wants to wed the other. Their cultures are completely different--the Blue Crescent society is matriarchal, believes the supreme being is a Goddess, and emphasizes shielding emotion and exerting proper behavior at all times, while Gerfal is patriarchal, believes in a male God, and is much more open, and in Ramil's case, brash and even somewhat rude. Although Tashi accepts her mission and goes to Gerfal, it's not long before Ramil has insulted her to the point that she determines they cannot wed. Before she can return home, though, both she and Ramil are abducted and must rely on each other in order to escape.

Highly engaging, this book had me interested from the first pages and I couldn't wait to see how the story unfolded. With adventure in a carefully crafted fantasy world, two appealing lead characters, intrigue, romance, and more, this book pretty much has it all. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great book, and in particular, to fans of Graceling by Cashore or Bunce's Star Crossed.

AE