Dragonfruit by Makiia Lucier
Product details
Web ID: 17333373Recommended for peeps that like a sleepier fantasy
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 there is another danger they cannot escape…that of the dragonfruit itself. But as with all things that promise the moon and the stars and offer hope when hope has gone, the tale comes with a warning. I'm extremely burned out from a new temporary job so while I think I would have normally rated this a 4 because the pacing didn't really feel urgent, calm but engaging was exactly what I needed and thus gets a 5. The island setting was lush and descriptive...a perfect backdrop for a seafaring islander adventure involving pirates and seadragons. I loved the Pacific Island naming and elements. The magic was light (though I do feel it shouldn't have been island-specific). The characters were well developed as well as the theme of greed, sacrifice, and cost. I really liked that the story didn't focus on the marriage aspect or even the budding affection between Hanalei and Sam. It was very much an undercurrent that gave it flavor without being overwhelming. To the seadragons and magic tattoos! Recommended for peeps that like a sleepier fantasy with dragons.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Such an adventure
This was an adventure. I really like the fantasy and the cultural aspects of it all. The story can be filled with twists so the pace is pretty well done. I was listening to the audiobook while I was at work so I'm not gonna lie not all of me is present. But still I appreciated the story and the characters. I really liked their loyalty and their tenacity to do what they want to do. Pretty good book for sure. It did make me feel I was on the islands with them surrounded by the ocean.
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Best dragon book yet
Makiia Lucier saw the YA fantasy genre was floundering and knew she had to step in to save the day. Dragonfruit is one of the most unique fantasies I've read in a long time. If you were disappointed by a *certain* dragon booktok recommendation, you've come to the right place. Lucier has combined Pacific Islander mythology with a beautifully crafted plot and characters you’ll want to be friends with. Haliendi has lived in exile since her dad stole a seadragon egg from the queen. Since then, she has spent years traveling the oceans and studying the beautiful creatures that changed her life. But when a ruthless hunter tries to kill a seadragon, Haliendi is back in her homeland, surrounded by those she once called family. Given the chance to redeem her name, Haliendi travels with an old friend to find a sea dragon and save her island. Everything about this book is magical. From the descriptions of the beautiful islands, a unique and loveable heroine, and the inclusion of mythology most people have never heard about. The plot was consistently placed and never stagnant. Even with a relatively large cast of characters, each one is well-rounded and easy to remember. Read this if you need to restore your faith in YA fantasy. Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for the advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Amazing Book!
This book was utterly gorgeous, mesmerizing, and beautiful. I loved the writing, it swept you away into this beautiful world and couldn't put this book down. The characters had such depth, the storyline was epic, and it was a favorite for sure. I loved Hanalei and Sam! I adored the storyline, the variety of creatures was fascinating. The plot kept you completely invested the whole time and moved at a perfect pace, this story was magical for me. I adored it! The story had some moments that wrenched your heart, other times you couldn't help but laugh, and then it would just sweep you off your feet again with the storyline. The lush settings, the in-depth characters, and the story was epic and something I will treasure. Highly recommend this read!
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Loved this book so much!
Here I am reading Dragonfruit while everyone else is reading Fourth Wing and Iron Flame. I loved loved loved this book so much! Seadragons? Yes please! This book did not disappoint. It was amazing and I loved every second of it! The pacing was amazing! The writing was amazing! The story was amazing! Thanks so much to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the arc in return for an honest review!
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com