Synopsis

With incredibly vivid world building and fast-paced storytelling, Stronger Than a Bronze Dragon is great for readers who are looking for something fresh in epic fantasy.
Mini audiobook review
3,5 stars
OK guys I don’t really know why I give this one only a 3,5 stars instead of a 4 or 4,5 .
I just had a hard time getting into the story despite Emily Woo Zeller’s stellar narration.
I think my main problem was Anlei as she was rash, reckless, acting before thinking and she wanted glory. If all heroes in fantasy usually end up with some glory the fact that Anlei was so focused on becoming a legend seemed childish to me.
Yet I am aware that others will find it very honest and refreshing.
To me it simply was annoying.
Her quest for greatness and always running into danger gave us action scenes upon action scenes without really being prepared. It felt a bit “pushed” on the reader.
Does that mean that Anlei had no redeeming qualities? Of course not! She was compassionate, courageous and caring. She also was a great warrior.
I also loved that she wanted more for her. Even if she was a young woman she aspired to become a warrior, all traits I love in a female character.
If I needed time to warm up to Anlei I fell for Tai immediately.
Tai is a morally grey character as he is a thief but he is oh so charming!
I loved how cocky he was and he was a master at sarcasm and irony. He had a “devil may care” attitude and laughed in the face of danger. He had swagger and boy was it attractive!
I also loved how loyal he was, to a fault maybe.
When these two meet, Anlei is chasing him as he stole something and they will battle right away. Every encounter was explosive until they became forced allies.
Both will embark on a quest that will lead them till the mouth of Hell and beyond.
There is action, battles, betrayals and a fantastic steampunk worldbuilding.
So aside my issues with Anlei what was missing? I can’t pinpoint my problem just that sometimes it felt like stop and go. It lacked some smoothness maybe?
It also did not help that I had guessed some of the big secrets when I usually am clueless about these things! I wanted to shake Anlei and tell her to just open her eyes!!!
Now the book really kicked in the last 20 percent due to Anlei’s huge character’s growth and the deeper bond between Anlei’s and Tai. I can honestly say that in these last 20 percent I did not want to stop listening to the book and felt totally invested!
But I have never written a book so I don’t want to make you dismiss this book as it gets many excellent reviews and has many qualities. I guess it just did not totally “clicked” with me.
Have you read that book? What did you think of it?
Thanks for reading.
Ahh it does happen often when we don’t know why we feel like it was a certain number of stars but know that it has to be THAT many stars! Sorry to hear about that Anlei character though. Great review, Sophie! 😀
Thank you Lashaan!!!
At least the narration was enjoyable. Sorry about the annoying character. That can take away from some fun reading.
Yes Laura and I was so sad because everyone seemed to love this book!
I am glad that you enjoyed the narration. I have a hard time with characters who have annoying behaviours as well. Hopefully your next read will be more enjoyable. 🙂
Thank you Olivia!
Sounds as though I’d like Tai 🙂
Oh yes Jacquie I think he’d be a worthy hero by your books too!
Now you know how I felt with THE POPPY WAR, it was the same feelings for me. *shrugs*
Hahaha revenge is a dish best served cold Alexandra? Kidding! But yes you are right but as you’ve said …shrugs because that is just a book, not the end of the world.