Book Review: Dragonfly by Julia Golding.

Dragonfly by Julia Golding.
Book Summary: Princess Taoshira of the Blue Crescent Islands is appalled when she is ordered to marry Prince Ramil of Gerfal. And he's not too pleased, either. She is used to a life of discipline, ritual, and splendor. He is used to hunting and carousing. They hate each other on sight. But both of their countries are under threat from a fearsome warlord, and the only chance of peace is to form an alliance. When Tashi and Ram are kidnapped, they fear there's no escape--from their kidnappers or from each other. Can they put aside their differences long enough to survive ambush, unarmed combat, brainwashing, and imprisonment? And will the people they meet on their adventure--including a circus strongman, a daring rebel leader, a sinister master of spies, and the best female fighter they have ever seen--help them or betray them to the enemy?

Liana's Summary: Princess Taoshira is stiff, formal, and everything but her true self. But she doesn't know that. Prince Ramil is stubborn and very used to his own leisure activities. Determined to marry for love. But when the kingdoms want to ally with each other, Taoshira and Ramil find themselves in a stage in which they have to marry each other. Neither is pleased. It's true hate at first sight. However, when both of them are abducted, they realize that there may be no other way to get out than to get along with each other.. and at the end, they might even end up falling in love.

Rate(1-10): 9.5

First of all, this book was recommended to me by my friend Cindy @ In This World of Books.. and she was like, crazy over it.

So then, of course, she's right 90% of the time when she says specific books are good. Fortunately, I decided to listen to her in this recommendation! (: It was great. I loved it.

So, first of all, I thought Taoshira, the protagonist, was Japanese. But then they said she had blonde hair and I was like, nevermind. She's Blue Crescent. I guess that's a race. Anyways, she changed a LOT from the beginning to the end, for the good! At first, she was a stiff and formal princess with panda-looking makeup. She like, paints her whole face white and outlines her eyes in kohl.. It's very awkward. And then she changed. She turned into a more realistic version of herself, showing the doggedness that she probably didn't even know she had. And thank goodness she stopped painting her face.

And then, when I first got introduced to Prince Ramil, the dude assigned to marry Taoshira, I have to say I felt worse for Taoshira. Because he was a total spoiled jerk-brat. For example, she attempted acquaintance and friendship and gave him her trust by making him an origami dragonfly, her symbol. It shows that the paper is very fragile- and so is her life, and by giving it to him, it's like entrusting him, with her life. And you know what he does? Unfolds it and turns it into a squashed paper dart. And gives it to her. And makes her cry. And not only that, he takes her for horseback riding, and he rides purposely fast. Like, what a bully. However, when they are both abducted, he changed as well. For the better! I liked him a lot more after that.

They make such a cute couple like omg. So, Ramil looks a lot like Rick Riordan's Carter Kane from The Kane Chronicles. Just to give you all an image before you pick this book up. (;

Anyway, this book reminds me a lot of Kristin Cashore's Graceling and William Goldman's The Princess Bride combined. Mainly because of the adventurous adventures.

On the back of this book, it says for Ages 12+. I would totally change it to 10+. However, I the only thing that's keeping it from a 10 is the vocabulary. Otherwise, the appropriateness is so appropriate you can hardly believe it. It's not even bad. Just a few kissing scenes. Oh yeah, which reminds me:

A Note on the Romance: I LOVE the romance. It's perfect. It's not love at first sight. It's not porn. It's not so horrible that you just want to cry. It's not awkward or slow. It's PERFECT. It's hate at first sight, and then slowly getting to know each other, starting the romance. (;

Anyways, I guess it's time for quotes!

"..standing stark naked in front of her attendants.."



"And I ran for it."

Cowaaard.

"Prejudice for the strange people of the Blue Crescent ran deep in Gerfal--.."


"Sorry, Briony, lesson canceled."

What kind of prince is he. Usually, princes I know don't leave until they get their way.

"I hate you, Father."



"The message was dispatched by carrier pigeon."
Yaknoe, I've always wondered how those pigeons knew where to go.

"..her face paint retouched."

She looks like a freaking panda. Literally.

"I was only trying to tell you that you are going the wrong way. The castle's over there."
What. A. Bully!

"..relieved its bladder in a powerful, stinking jet of urine."

Oh ew.

"I will stay with the Princess!"
Yes you will.

"You think me an ignorant boor."


"Boys, sit on him."
At first, I didn't think he meant this literally. LOL.

"She's to be my wife."



"Come here."




"Call me Ram."
Ram. Seriously. Ram.

"..you disgust me."


"Ramil repressed the urge to wipe his mouth on the back of his sleeve."



"..but you are coming with me."



Using lots of Dean Winchester gifs. But he makes the BEST reactions. LOLOL.

"Ramil felt an urge to kiss her sweet, sad lips,.."



"..but I'll fight for my friends."
That is so cheesy. omg.

"I told them you would separate them from their manly pride if they squeaked so much as a word."



"I would hate to see that on you. Your skin is beautiful--the color of milk."
That's racist.

"Kissing is nice. It's fun,"

The awkwardness of this coming from a guy.

"I'm afraid I sat on it."



"..to pat Yelena condescendingly on the rump."


"May I say that your wife is a treasure?"



"I killed him."

Straight up.

"I want lots of children.."

Oh. Um. The awkwardness.
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And, that's it! What did you think of this review?(;
Yes, this is a recommendation! Everyone, go read it!