Eona

In this exciting if slightly overwrought sequel to Goodman's popular Eon, the author returns to the Empire of the Celestial Dragons to continue the story of Eona, the first master of the Mirror Dragon in centuries, who has been exposed as a girl. The new emperor, Kygo, has been deposed by his evil uncle, Lord Sethon, aided by the renegade Dragoneye Lord Ido, and all of the other Dragoneyes—except the novice Eona—have been murdered. Fearing Ido's power, Sethon has imprisoned him, and, ironically, Eona must rescue the traitor so that he can train her to defend Kygo. Distractingly, Eona loves the young emperor, but she also discovers that doing magic with Ido is sexually exciting: "I had to anchor myself long enough to pass the power. The straining muscles across his bare chest and shoulders held both menace and a sensuality that pulled me closer. I straddled his legs." Although this installment covers a lot of ground (perhaps too much), its flashy swordplay, spectacular magic, increasingly explicit sexuality, and elaborately constructed society should leave readers satisfied as Eona's adventures draw to a close. Ages 12–up. (Apr.)