Nesrin's family is in trouble. Her dad has borrowed more money than he can repay since the value of their crops has dropped drastically. Her only hope to save her family? Finding and selling a dragon egg. She'll risk everything to find one, but instead...finds a dragon.
I was introduced to this world via Once Upon a Book Club when then included the first book in the series, The Stolen Kingdom, in one of their monthly YA boxes. The story and characters were rich and the gifts they included brought the book to life. Book 3, The Cursed Hunter by Bethany Atazadeh, was less rich in its storytelling. For me, it was 3.5 stars and that has largely due to my commitment to the world already created in the previous two books.
This book was less than 200 pages and I just felt like I needed more...book. I really like Nesrin as a character. Her story was a bit boring in parts, but she has so much potential. It's a loose retelling of Beauty and the Beast and she completely has Belle's spirit. Different from her family. More open-minded than the rest of the town. I just wanted more of her story and journey. This series really is worth trying so I won't give too much away, but her chemistry with the other character works for me. It's largely a onesided relationship for most of the book, but I could envision every huff and eyeroll. The story just didn't connect enough to the rest of the world created in the previous two books, which would have been fine if the book had been longer.
There is a lot of this story left to tell. I hope this last book is longer and connects all the dots. It has the potential to be really good.
Towards the beginning of the book, Nesrin prepares for her journey by packing some provisions: bread, fruit, nuts, and meat. I recreated that here but tried to elevate it a little. I just couldn't resist this sourdough loaf from La Boulangerie (http://laboart.co.uk/ - Instagram: @laboulangerieartisan). Plus what's a good bread without a good cheese and some meat?
Thanks for stopping by!
-Kim
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