I randomly came across this book while scrolling through book reels and I believe it was fate. I started it about 2 evenings ago and ever since then I've been sucked into the story of Elowen Atarah, the Dragon Queen. I legitimately finished the book less than 5 minutes ago and I am devastated that the 2nd hasn't been released yet.
The book introduces us to Elowen Atarah, a young woman who has been through far too much for any one person to go through, especially at such a young age. Instead to letting her past break her, she let it forge her into a weapon, a queen worthy of a life and a throne. Her journey from a little girl imprisoned in her own castle to a grown woman fighting to burn her that very castle to the ground, along with the man within it, is one that I was honored to discover.
Elowen is one of the strongest characters I've ever come across, and something tells me that she will only grow stronger as her story continues. Something that I desperately hope she learns is that failure, pain, and trauma isn't a weakness. It doesn't make you incapable or undeserving of a happy life and people who love you. Feelings and emotions aren't something that should be shoved down, cast aside, or deemed unimportant. Everyone has emotions and feelings, and everyone deserves to express them without fear of judgement or shame.
As for the rest of the characters in this incredible story, they all have a place in my heart. Finnian, you are the brother everyone deserves. I have several brothers and I know all of them have my back as much as you have Elowen's. Ryder and Saskia, you are the friends everyone needs. Cayden, you are the supportive rock that everyone in this world should have. No matter what shape or form any person's relationship takes, everyone deserves to be listened to, respected, and loved the way Cayden does Elowen.
While I don't think everything in this book translates to the real world, as I don't believe that violence or hate is ever the answer, I think that Elowen is playing her hand with the cards she was dealt with, and I can't wait to see her story play out in this series.
Every single one of the main 5 characters deserved a better childhood, and I hope they make the world into the one that they should've grown up in.