Monday Reviews: The Last Namsara by Kristen Ciccarelli

The Last Namsara by Kristen Ciccarelli
Published October 3rd 2017 by HarperTeen
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Dragons
Page: 432
Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Review by: Tina


Synopsis

These are the legends that Asha, daughter of the king of Firgaard, has grown up learning in hushed whispers, drawn to the forbidden figures of the past. But it isn’t until she becomes the fiercest, most feared dragon slayer in the land that she takes on the role of the next Iskari—a lonely destiny that leaves her feeling more like a weapon than a girl.

Asha conquers each dragon and brings its head to the king, but no kill can free her from the shackles that await at home: her betrothal to the cruel commandant, a man who holds the truth about her nature in his palm. When she’s offered the chance to gain her freedom in exchange for the life of the most powerful dragon in Firgaard, she finds that there may be more truth to the ancient stories than she ever could have expected. With the help of a secret friend—a slave boy from her betrothed’s household—Asha must shed the layers of her Iskari bondage and open her heart to love, light, and a truth that has been kept from her.

Summary

The legend of Namsara and Iskari goes like this, "In the beginning, the Old One was lonely. He made two companions for himself, Namsara was good and full of laughter, Iskari was destruction and death. Iskari hated her nature and wanted the Old One to change her but he refused, there needs to be a balance in the world, he said. Iskari hated her brother for being beloved and hated the Old One for making her full of bloodlust. She wandered the desert alone and lost. Namasara searched for her in the desert and the sky changed seven times before he found her body in the sand. At the sight of her, dead, Namsara fell to his knees and wept."

Review

All her life, Asha struggles between her Iskari nature and the good Namsara. She grows up believing she is the evil one, feared and hated by her people. This story is about her journey and the discovery of what happened to her and her family in the past.  

This story is so beautiful and carefully constructed. The plans that come together are breathtaking. I find myself liking dragons when I never have before. I want to hear more of their voices, more of their stories.  

Sigh... Asha and Torwin are so genuinely good. His gentle nature and kindness slays me. I'm so happy that Asha is a strong independent woman who takes control of her destiny and breaks down barriers. She wasn't as alone in her journey as she thinks and I'm so glad she has people who love and care about her. I'm intrigued by the next journey she takes.