Item: Dragonfruit
Rating: 4.50
Author: quirkycat

by Makiia Lucier

From acclaimed author Makiia Lucier, a dazzling, romantic fantasy inspired by Pacific Island mythology.

In the old tales, it is written that the egg of a seadragon, dragonfruit, holds within it the power to undo a person’s greatest sorrow. But as with all things that offer hope when hope had gone, the tale came with a warning.

Every wish demands a price.

Hanalei of Tamarind is the cherished daughter of an old island family. But when her father steals a seadragon egg meant for an ailing princess, she is forced into a life of exile. In the years that follow, Hanalei finds solace in studying the majestic seadragons that roam the Nominomi Sea. Until, one day, an encounter with a female dragon offers her what she desires most. A chance to return home, and to right a terrible wrong.

Samahtitamahenele, Sam, is the last remaining prince of Tamarind. But he can never inherit the throne, for Tamarind is a matriarchal society. With his mother ill and his grandmother nearing the end of her reign. Sam is left with two choices: to marry, or to find a cure for the sickness that has plagued his mother for ten long years. When a childhood companion returns from exile, she brings with her something he has not felt in a very long time-hope.

But Hanalei and Sam are not the only ones searching for the dragonfruit. And as they battle enemies both near and far, there is another danger they cannot escape…that of the dragonfruit itself.

Book Summary:

They say you should always be careful what you wish for. That is certainly true when it comes to wishing on a dragon egg. Spilling the dragonfruit may give you what you’ve always wished for, but it will come at a cost.

Hanalei Tamarind knows this better than anyone else. She’s spent her life in exile, all for the cost of her father’s wish. Alone and scared, she accidentally finds her way back home - into a desperate situation.

My Review:

Be still my heart! But seriously, where has Dragonfruit been all my life? It was a blast and a half to read, as it’s so full of lore and dragons. This dragon and fantasy-loving reader loved every minute of the story that unfolded.

In truth, there was so much to enjoy with this read. I’m surprised it’s not getting more attention (it was an Aardvark pick, though - so that’s nice!). I particularly enjoyed how carefully Lucier explained the cost of wishes in this world. I also enjoyed the overall magical system, though I wish we had more time to explore it.

The romantic subplot was light and fluffy, especially in comparison to the rest of the tale. It felt more like a fated ending than anything else, but I’m not complaining. The real meat of the story (pun not intended) comes from the dragons and their lore.

Highlights:
Dragons & Fantasy
Romantic Fantasy
Dragon Lore
Cost of Wishes

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Dragonfruit

by Makiia Lucier

Reviewed by Quirky Cat on Sep 8, 2024

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