ARC REVIEW: Talon by Julie Kagawa

Talon by Julie Kagawa Published by: Harlequin Teen on October 28th, 2014 Series: Talon #1 Pages: 400 Format: ARC Paperback Genre: Fantasy Source: For Review Rating: 5/5 BUY THE BOOK or ADD IT TO GOODREADS!
FROM GOODREADS: Long ago, dragons were hunted to near extinction by the Order of St. George, a legendary society of dragon slayers. Hiding in human form and growing their numbers in secret, the dragons of Talon have become strong and cunning, and they're positioned to take over the world with humans none the wiser.
Ember and Dante Hill are the only sister and brother known to dragonkind. Trained to infiltrate society, Ember wants to live the teen experience and enjoy a summer of freedom before taking her destined place in Talon. But destiny is a matter of perspective, and a rogue dragon will soon challenge everything Ember has been taught. As Ember struggles to accept her future, she and her brother are hunted by the Order of St. George.
Soldier Garret Xavier Sebastian has a mission to seek and destroy all dragons, and Talon's newest recruits in particular. But he cannot kill unless he is certain he has found his prey: and nothing is certain about Ember Hill. Faced with Ember's bravery, confidence and all-too-human desires, Garret begins to question everything that the Order has ingrained in him: and what he might be willing to give up to find the truth about dragons.
MY THOUGHTS:

Dearest Talon, 
At first, I wasn't sure if you were going to be my type of read. I couldn't get past the fact that dragons were hiding in a human's body. *face palm* I guess I didn't put two and two together enough to realize they were like dragon shape shifters. But HOLY SHITACKI MUSHROOMS! Move over, Khalessi. There's a new Mother of Dragons in town!!!!
Ember and Dante Hill are the only sister and brother dragons ever known to exist, but before they are placed in their jobs in Talon, they have one summer left to experience freedom. Ember wants to experience that freedom by living as a human girl, but Dante isn't too interested in that. Then, we get the perspective from Garret, who is basically a dragon hunter, that is tasked with finding Talon's newest recruits, but can't decide if Ember is one or not.
I was not expecting this to read like Paranormal romance. I was thinking something more fantasy driven, rather than contemporary. I thought you read more like a contemporary with dragons than anything else. But that's not a bad thing, Talon. Surprisingly, I loved it! Ember was just a girl who could turn into a dragon whenever she wanted. No big, but it's frustrating to her, because she's never had to hold back on her powers before. Of course, her brother, Dante, thinks Ember is a bit rebellious and she is, but Dante can also be a total buzz kill. There's a bit of a love triangle in you, unfortunately, Talon. I hated that. I didn't really get any swoony vibes from Riley the even more rebellious/rogue dragon shifter, but Garret? The soldier? Oh dear sweet baby Jesus. My heart is all about that Garret, and all about Garret and Ember because they are one of my OTP's! 
One of the main reasons I was so interested in you to begin with, Talon, was your use of Dragons. I know your author, Julie Kagawa, is capable of amazing world-building, but unfortunately, we didn't get to see much of that in you. I'm hoping that won't be the case in book 2 though, which I'm willing to give away my firstborn to get a copy of ASAP! 
Your plot was very fast paced, and action packed. Regardless of if people are looking for more of a fantasy driven novel, I still think they should give you a chance. Two main reasons pop into my mind: DRAGONS! and GARRET! But seriously, I was on the edge of my seat throughout your entirety.
All in all, even though you weren't entirely what I was expecting, I loved the crap outta you! You were fabulous, and lived up to all my expectations! Your author, Julie Kagawa, is always a master story weaver, and I look forward to seeing what she spins for Ember, Dante, Riley, and Garret for book two!!! FIVE STARS! You, Talon, are a book NOT to be overlooked!!
Wishing I could turn into a dragon,
Becca

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