The Princess's Dragon by Susan Trombley Review

"Flanked by two lovely and graceful sisters, Princess Casiondra Falanell Cristalona Ariva - Sondra to her family - doesn't feel confident or beautiful. In fact, she's an unconventional princess who spends her days trying to disprove the nonsensical ideas of magic and myth.

As she stands on the edge of achieving the life she has only dreamed about, Sondra's handsome suitor, Derek, prepares to propose, and her poverty-stricken kingdom of Ariva uncovers a valuable resource that will change its future forever.

Everything seems perfect in Sondra's life until she encounters a wizard who transforms her into a monstrous dragon. Forced to flee from the man she adores, Sondra blunders into the territory of Tolmac, a powerful and ancient black dragon.

Instead of killing her as she anticipates, Tolmac takes her under his wing, unknowingly training the human princess in the fine art of being a dragon. As Sondra soon discovers, she must constantly sacrifice to make the right choices as she grows to love and admire her new mentor. With her homeland poised on the brink of war, Sondra finds herself facing an unbearable decision; she must choose between her heart and her duty to her country."

I have read many dragon books, but this one really catches my eye (with the exception of Julie Kagawa's Talon). Here is romance, magic, kingdoms, a war, princesses, and most important and dramatic of all, dragons. YA Fantasy, The Princess's Dragon is best for older teens and those with a strong love for dragons and magic. 

Yes, dragons. Dragons. Who doesn't like dragons? 

Sondra (also known as Casiondra) doesn't believe in magic, despite her aptitude and potential for it. But one day, she insults a powerful wizard and gets turned into a dragon with scales and claws. Specifically, a storm dragon. Yes, it is exactly how it sounds. Now, Sondra isn't thrilled at all, having to deal with a painful transformation and a bunch of humans who want to kill her. Oh, and the humans were her friends, but they don't know she turned into a dragon. But this is only the beginning of her story, and it definitely gets better... and much more exciting. 

Tolmac is the moody, older dragon who takes Sondra under his wing and guidance. He is clearly much, much wiser than Sondra, and his wisdom certainly does help her situation and help her learn to love being a dragon (and slip her away from her human side). Though he does act as a major jerk in the beginning, he does have some excellent and sweet moments. Inside of that fire-breathing dragon is a heart of gold. He is a big softie, but he does have a pair of mean bones if one goes on his dark side. (And it also means that I like this dragon.)

Though the book does have humorous and strong characters, what isn't as strong is the beginning. It takes a while to adapt to the third person omniscient mode, and I swear that this is the type of perspective that is my least favorite. However, it all works out and I adapted. That is definitely the most important part. 

Another strange part is where the book takes a step back from its main characters and do a catch-up on the supporting characters. Awkward transition, but the story does make sense. It brings the story full circle. 

In conclusion, The Princess's Dragon is an entertaining tale of a princess and her dragon. There are certainly awkward moments, but the story is worth reading because its heroes and its conflict and its romance. Also, because it is about dragons.

How can I forget about dragons?

Rating: Four out of Five