Official Review: Dragon Aster Trilogy by S.J. Wist

ananya92 · Post by **ananya92** » 24 Sep 2015, 12:49

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Dragon Aster Trilogy" by S.J. Wist.]

3 out of 4 stars

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Dragon Aster Trilogy by S.J. Wist is a book in the fantasy genre. This is the complete version which comprises of the three installments in the trilogy.

Shunted from one foster home to another, has confirmed Sybl’s belief that she is unloved and unwanted. The worst part about the whole situation is that no believes that she didn't try to kill herself. Just when life had touched an all-time low, Sybl is catapulted into the world of griffins, mermaids, dragons, and other mythical creatures. Sybl’s entry is hardly unnoticed, since she is wanted by both the sides in a war, in this parallel world of Aster. Both the sides believe that she has the key role in the Prophecy, which predicted the restoration of the balance of life and death on Aster. On which side are the forces of good, and on which side does evil reside? Or is it some other unknown enemy that has planned Aster’s destruction? Does Sybl’s forgotten past hold the answer? Or do her dreams have the solution? Sybl has to act fast because not only Aster but Earth too, hangs in balance.

One obvious advantage of reading this version is that the reader does not have to wait for the next installment to come out, and can finish the story at one go. The book comes complete with a glossary and maps to guide the reader through the complex realm of Aster. I would say that reading the glossary first, would be a wise decision, since some readers (like me) would find themselves lost in the sea of characters and creatures in this book. The strongest selling point of this novel is its plot, with its unpredictable and fast paced twists. Though the synopsis I have written in the beginning might sound excruciatingly familiar, with its talk of prophecies and people battling to claim the prophecy child, all the familiarity ends when Sybl lands in Aster. The story will keep the reader guessing till the end.

The second impressive aspect of the book is its concept and the plotline itself. With the story travelling back and forth between dreams and reality, past (by past, I mean previous lives!) and present, and between Aster and Earth; the creativity quotient of this book is pretty high. While the plot clearly outshines the characterization aspect, the characters are interesting too. The characters follow their own sense of what is right or wrong and their actions are fueled by their personal considerations. Sybl’s character explores themes like sisterly affection, a romance that passes the test of time, fear of an inevitable end, repentance for past actions, and a transformation that would right the past wrongs.

The only disappointing aspect of this book is a storyline that is rather confusing at times. That is the risk of a plot heavy tale that all readers would not be able to keep up with the story, especially when the story is overloaded with characters, and readers would have to keep coming back to the glossary, which some readers might find mildly irritating. Keeping in mind this point, I would rate the book 3 out of 4 stars. I recommend this book for hardcore readers of fantasy fiction, especially young adult readers. Readers who like a simple plot, with fewer characters or those who are newly initiated into the fantasy genre should, probably, skip this one.

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Dragon Aster Trilogy
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Wist · Post by **Wist** » 28 Sep 2015, 03:16

Thank you so much for your thorough review! =) With it being my first novel and brainchild, my biggest challenge has always been to try and simplify and shorten it, but in the end I could only take out so much before it hurt. I'm happy that you enjoyed reading my trilogy, and please know that your review is invaluable to me as I will use it to become better at my craft. Thanks so much again!

ananya92 · Post by **ananya92** » 28 Sep 2015, 06:56

I enjoyed reading this trilogy, thanks to you!

chytach18- · Post by **chytach18-** » 28 Sep 2015, 11:26

Nicely constructed review, Ananya. I`m not a big fan of fantasy but this story sounds somehow deeper than the most books in this genre. Congratulations, Wist.

Tanaya · Post by **Tanaya** » 28 Sep 2015, 13:06

Great review! The story does sound really creative, and it's always refreshing to see an author who appreciates constructive feedback. I like how you describe what differentiates this book from others with seemingly similar premises.

ananya92 · Post by **ananya92** » 28 Sep 2015, 22:23

Thanks, chytach18- and Tanaya

Jesska6029 · Post by **Jesska6029** » 29 Sep 2015, 18:54

It's a shame some of the plot is confusing. I'm glad you enjoyed it overall. Great review!

ananya92 · Post by **ananya92** » 29 Sep 2015, 22:17

Thanks

anonanemone · Post by **anonanemone** » 30 Sep 2015, 15:15

This sounds like a fascinating trilogy. I know I always enjoy having everything together in one place. You did a great job with this review.

Congratulations Wist on pulling together such an interesting sounding story!

Wist · Post by **Wist** » 30 Sep 2015, 15:33

Thanks so much anonanemone and Tanaya! =)

kathylapan · Post by **kathylapan** » 30 Sep 2015, 15:58

This is a super thorough Review, and I appreciate that, because I am a veteran fantasy reader and many "fantasy" novels today are traditional romances with fairy tale characters (IE Twilight). I have been looking for a good novel!

ananya92 · Post by **ananya92** » 30 Sep 2015, 22:39

@anonanemone and @kathylapan: Thank you!

debo9967 · Post by **debo9967** » 02 Oct 2015, 04:09

Seems like an interesting trilogy. Nice review!

ananya92 · Post by **ananya92** » 02 Oct 2015, 04:21

Thanks

HalcyonFlower · Post by **HalcyonFlower** » 02 Oct 2015, 20:37

Thanks for the lovely review. These types of plot do better on the big screen for me and it's unfortunate the plot can be hard to follow. Good title to keep in mind. Love your avatar, by the way.