ARC Review: Talon by Julie Kagawa

Talon (Talon: Book One)
Written by Julie Kagawa
Fantasy, Dragons
Expected Publication October 28th 2014
400 Pages
Thank you to Harlequin Australia and Netgalley
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.
Twins Ember and Dante are finally venturing out into the world, having spent the first sixteen years of their lives within the safety of a walled compound. They aren't like regular teens, shedding their human forms for that of Dragons, a rare pair of clutchmates within the Dragon society. Their mission is to observe and assimilate with humans, with the Talon instructors to assess the pair in three months to decided where in the secret society the two twins will place. Dante is charming, charismatic and a stickler for the rules, while Ember just wants to be free. Living with their new human guardians in Crescent Beach, it isn't long before the two teens find their feet and blend in. But the Order is in town, dragon slayers that operate under the belief that dragons need to be eradicated. They believe that Talon activity is taking place in southern California and send their best operative to investigate.

Garret is lethal and has his sights set on new arrival Ember. But the Order has always instilled in their soldiers that dragons are dangerous, deadly, and Ember is kind, sassy and beautiful. Surely the secret intelligence was wrong. But as Garret learns about the girl behind the scales and wings, a rogue dragon is also vying for her affections. He brings a sense of danger and rebellion and knows the secret world of Talon isn't as it seems.

But Ember doesn't know who Garret truly is until she finds herself falling for him. As the Talon and Order societies cross over into the human world, lives will be risked, bonds will be formed and Ember won't know who she can trust.

My Thoughts


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.

29 comments

  1. YAY I'm glad to hear that Julie Kagawa does it again with her writing Talon! It sounds lke an amazing premise that I could get behind. Too bad it was filled with teen drama, which doesn't bode well :( I hope book 2 will be better too. Lovely review Kelly!

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    1. I was surprised at the drama actually, I wanted more dragons. But as the storyline came to an epic ending, it hinted at what's to come and I'm super excited!

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  2. This book looks really cool! I'm adding it to my TBR (but it might take a while for me to get to it) although the cover might convince me to bump it up a notch on the priority list.

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    1. The cover is stunning isn't it. I'm definitely buying a physical copy and I'm really hoping the cover is textured. Not only would it be super pretty, but so incredibly strokable as well.

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  3. It sounds interesting, although it's a bit sad there isn't that much dragon and more focus on the teen drama. I am glad to hear there's no actuall love triangle. I still plan on eventually reading one of this author's books as I keep hearing good things about them.

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    1. I think every young adult reader or just readers in general need to try one of her books, she's amazing! Move her up your list Lola, you'll wonder why you hadn't picked up one of her books sooner.

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  4. Confession: I have not read anything by Julie Kagawa...yet. I KNOW! I KNOW! I'm such a horrible person! For some reason whenever I want to read a book by her I always end up getting intimidated for some reason, even with all the glowing reviews her books have gotten. Your review has definitely convinced me to give her books a try though! :D Thanks for sharing, and BRILLIANT review! <3

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    1. Zoe, Zoe, Zoe... You need some Kagawa in your life. She's a brilliant storyteller and even her books that I couldn't click with, are still entertaining and incredibly well written. I adore her Blood of Eden series, I'd start with those first. They'll blow your socks off!

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  5. I've seen this around everywhere (how could I not, with that awesome cover???) but until reading your review I didn't actually know what it was about. Dragons in human form? Cool! Although yeah, I could probably do without the teen drama side. Enough of that in real life :P

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    1. Couldn't agree more. More dragon, less drama. But it was still incredibly entertaining and impossible to put down. It hints at an epic second book as well, which I'm super excited about.

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  6. I haven't read anything by Kagawa yet, but of course, this is already on my TBR. I'm so glad you enjoyed this Kelly and that it lives up to your expectations. Could do without the teen drama side of things, but DRAGONS. Thanks so much for a wonderful review. :D

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    1. My favourite so far has still been her Blood of Eden series, I really hope you can grab a copy of The Immortal Rules soon, it's amazing!

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  7. Fantastic review! I have enjoyed everything that Julie Kagawa has written, so I'm really, really, really excited for this one. And how could I not be, considering it's about dragons? I will literally read anything and everything with dragons in it. ;) I'm glad you liked this one. :)

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    1. Thanks Kara. I tired her Iron Fey series, but couldn't get into it at the time. But I'm thinking of trying again while I'm waiting for book two in the Talon series. Really hope you enjoy this one as much as I did, or even more!

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  8. AHHH you make me want this book RIGHT NOW!
    You have no idea how excited I am for Talon and hearing all your great thoughts has me DYING to get my hands on the book! Great review :)

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    1. It's really entertaining Lily and not long to go now before it's released. can't wait to see what you think of it. It might be still available to request on Netgalley as well.

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  9. I haven't read a Kagawa book yet but everyone seems to praise her books so they must be good. I honestly think this sounds a little like Seraphina by Rachel Hartman, but for YA. Of course, there are some similarities but also a lot of differences too. Ember sounds like a great heroine, although I'm not really liking the fact that she's in a love triangle. More dragons please! I will be keeping an eye out for this one. Wonderful review Kelly! xx

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    1. Thanks Joy and completely agree, we need more Dragon! I really hope this is the start of a new trend in young adult, dragons and recently I read a blogger review on a new series featuring trolls and the main character. We need new ideas, and dragons are virtually untouched. I'll definitely be checking out Seraphina by Rachel Hartman.

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  10. TALON OMGGGG.

    I want this book in my life so badly. I totally adore Kagawa and her writing is just one of my favorites. She's truly on my auto buy list. ANNNNND DRAGONS.

    The premise really does sound promising, but the angst mentioned is a little worrisome. I found the angst in the final Blood of Eden book a little distracting from the rest of the plot/characters so I'm a little nervous now :o However it sounds like this one was still a decent read (if your four star read was any indication) and the room for growth in the sequels is definitely promising. I do find with Kagawa that her second books are usually my favorite. Like in her Blood of Eden series haha.

    Lovely review girl! (: <33

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    1. She's just brilliant isn't she.
      I felt exactly the same Larissa, book three was disappointing compared to how incredible the rest of the series was. This almost continued with the same angst type storyline, but the ending hints and even greater things to come. So I'm eagerly awaiting book two before this one has even been released.

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  11. This book has such a great cover! I keep hearing about how great this book and I definitely want to read it at some point :)

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    1. The cover is absolutely stunning isn't it. I'm looking forward to the paperback being released so I can grab a copy for my shelves.

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  12. I've been meaning to read The Iron Fey for aaaagesss but...have never gotten around to it D: I know, guilty, right? But I will! I did see the blurb for this a couple of months back on GR and was immediately intrigued because...DRAGONS?! How on earth, right? But I'm so glad that it's been integrated well! It seems to be a positive sign that you enjoyed this. I may have to binge some Kagawa before hand and get myself in the mood :D Brilliant review!

    Jess @ MyReadingDress

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    1. I started the series, but just couldn't get into it sadly, but her Blood of Eden series is incredible! I definitely recommend that one. I know, dragons! But I wish it was a little less of the teen angst and more dragon action. It's still super entertaining. You must pick up one of her books soon, can't wait to see what you think of her world building, she's one of the best out there.

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  13. Ohh, I can't wait to read this one! Did Kagawa do her usual massive-soul-shattering cliffhanger in this one? Can't wait to see her take on Dragons. Great review!!

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    1. It was really good Gina, but book two is set to be epic. There isn't one of her trademark cliffhangers as such, but a bit of a shock that makes you need to continue the series. Can't wait to see what you think of it.

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  14. I haven't read any of Julie Kagawa's novels but this certainly sounds unique. I haven't read anything to do with dragons and I can see that Julie Kagawa has taking the opportunity to write about a subject that hasn't really been written about before. It sucks the teen drama took over the novel a bit but I'm sure the next novel will be better. Great review, I'll have to keep a look out for this one.

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    1. I really hope you grab a copy when it's released, it's certainly unique and I can't wait to explore the world of Talon more in book two.

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  15. I really need to hop onto the Julie Kagawa bandwagon! I've only read The Immortal Rules but I definitely need to get around to read her other books. Especially Talon! I'm glad that you liked it. :D Hopefully I can pick it up soon.

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