Talon by Julie Kagawa

Talon (Talon Saga, #1)

by Julie Kagawa

Long ago, dragons were hunted to near extinction by the Order of St. George, a legendary society of dragon slayers. Hiding in human form and growing their numbers in secret, the dragons of Talon have become strong and cunning, and they're positioned to take over the world with humans none the wiser. Ember and Dante Hill are the only sister and brother known to dragonkind. Trained to infiltrate society, Ember wants to live the teen experience and enjoy a summer of freedom before taking her destined place in Talon. But destiny is a matter of perspective, and a rogue dragon will soon challenge everything Ember has been taught. As Ember struggles to accept her future, she and her brother are hunted by the Order of St. George. Soldier Garret Xavier Sebastian has a mission to seek and destroy all dragons, and Talon's newest recruits in particular. But he cannot kill unless he is certain he has found his prey--and nothing is certain about Ember Hill. Faced with Ember's bravery, confidence and all-too-human desires, Garret begins to question everything that the Order has ingrained in him--and what he might be willing to give up to find the truth about dragons.

In a world where dragons pass as humans to secretly grow their numbers, Ember and Dante Hill prepare for destined positions in the world of Talon only to be hunted by a dragon-slaying soldier. The plot contains mild profanity and violence. Book #1

Reviewed by Kelly on

4 of 5 stars

Share
http://www.divabooknerd.com/2014/09/arc-review-talon-by-julie-kagawa.html
Talon is incredibly unique, and Julie Kagawa has created an incredible storyline about dragons, finding your feet and choosing your own path. Ember and Dante have spent the first sixteen years of their lives behind high walls and strict rules. They belong to a secret society of dragons simply know as Talon, which humans are oblivious to. Their aim is to provide shelter, protection and live in harmony with other dragons within their world, but Talon isn't what it seems. A rogue dragon who has cut ties with the community finds Ember and among the whispers and truths, Ember starts to realise that her life may have just been a lie. Ember and Dante are rare within their community, hatched from two eggs within the same nest, but that's where the similarities end. Dante is proud to serve Talon, to explore the world for three months and resume his place in society, while Ember's rebellion simmers just below the surface and Riley the rogue dragon ignites that spark. Like most young adult today, there could be a love triangle brewing, and although Ember finds herself gravitating towards Garret, she cannot deny her attraction towards Riley. But I applaud the lack of instant love, just a strong attraction between both she and Garret and the bond she shares with Riley, which is awkward enough.

There's no doubt how accomplished Julie Kagawa is, and absolutely loved her Blood Of Eden series. I was unable to put Talon down, yet again she's been able to produce another engaging and enchanting series, but also deviates towards the routine young adult read. It was highly entertaining and adept, but not the extraordinary read I had assumed it would be. I set my expectations far too high and was left slightly disappointed. I needed more dragon and less teen drama, but sadly the storyline didn't allow for Ember to spread her wings. In the final few chapters, we see traces of what's to come and I'm hoping that Rogue, book two in the series will explore the world of Talon much more.

Last modified on

Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 14 September, 2014: Finished reading
  • 14 September, 2014: Reviewed