Read time: 06/09/2024 - 06/11/2024
This was reminiscent of the historical/fantasy c-dramas I've been watching since I was a kid. It was super fast-paced with action, fight scenes, dragons, romance, and angst; however, I just wasn't able to become invested in the story or romance. The awkward pacing made it difficult to become absorbed in the storyline even when there was an emotional scene. There wasn't much chemistry between Sai and Jyn, which I think it due to the pacing, and I wasn't anticipating much from their relationship unfortunately. Despite not loving it as much as I wanted to, the book is a fast and entertaining read, and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys c-dramas.

Thank you NetGalley and Saga Press/Simon & Schuster for the arc.

The cover, the writing, everything about this book was beautiful. The way Katrina writes this tale of Sai and his ability to see the red threads of fate had me captivated from the very start. Her writing is so easy to get addicted to, because she makes her characters likable, and it's so easy to form an attachment to them. And her worldbuilding amazed me. I need more of this story although I know it is over I just need so much more of this world.
I loved Sai’s development throughout the story and him searching for the dragon as well as following his own red thread of fate. You may think this is a lighthearted story, but at times this story was dark, especially when you’re given glimpses into the past. I loved how important family was to Sai also, and how no matter what he wanted to help his ailing mother.
There were some plot twists in this book that had me tearing up a little, and at one point I was full on sobbing. I was expecting some of what happened, but when it did happen the way it was written was more then I could possibly imagine.
Thank you to Netgalley and Saga Press for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Saga Press & NetGalley for approving this ARC. This romantic fantasy has a bit of everything and I loved it. The novel was inspired by The Red String of Fate and I really like a good retelling. The ending is satisfying and has so much heart. Pick this up when it publishes on October 08, 2024! Go Team #sagasays !!

screaming because hello dragons and red threads of fate?????

Katrina is definitely in her fantasy era with this debut novel inspired by Chinese Mythology, The Red string of Fate, and of course soulmates 🥹

ever since this book was announced I’ve been so interested in how Katrina weaves together these inspirations and I love how much she was able to turn it into such a beautiful story. Sai is an extroverted and kind man ( he’s like 25) and also our main protagonist. With the ability to see the threads of fate, you’d think he would know where his leads to but you don’t which was such a good premise. His character was well written and flawed as all characters end up being but I enjoyed his travels in discovering who his fated love is.

The story is definitely not as lighthearted as the cover reflects, but I enjoyed the darker turns of the story. The plot flows quite well and I think the harsh tone in the latter half really emphasizes Sai’s journey from being a simple teahouse owner (who also can see threads of fate) to where he ends up (no spoilers here!).

as a debut novel, I didn’t have super high expectations given that the fantasy genre is hard to break into. while some of the story was less fleshed out and the romance a little rougher around the edges, it didn’t take away from the reading experience as much. The characters definitely could have had more backstory but I liked how they connected at the end.

Thank you for this ARC in exchange for an honest review 🩷

The writing style reminded me a little of Assassin's Apprentice and The Lies of Locke Lamora so it was nice to see vivid settings with a bit of humor in an Asian fantasy novel. Based on the cover and the first few chapters, I expected a lighthearted adventure story and I was surprised by the grim themes and gory descriptions of violence. Even so, I don't think the darker elements were overdone or out of place.

While I liked how Sai is the cheery, playful one while his partner is sullen and stoic, I felt that their relationship could have been further developed. I would have loved to see additional vignettes from Sai and Jyn's past life as dragons with their son A-Qian. The concept of reincarnated lovers was engaging, but their love would have had greater depth if the reader witnessed more of their shared history.

I was hoping for more world-building too. The red strings of fate were woven into the story well, but I'm not sure why this was a skill reserved solely for dragons. I would have preferred if there the book revealed what the dragons were like outside of myths and their role as deities and divine beasts. I also wish the plot hadn't centered mostly on Sai and Jyn escaping from Emperor Róng as it could have given time for the reader to immerse themselves in the different cultures and environments. Despite this, I still enjoyed this novel and look forward to reading more from the author.

I am grateful to NetGalley, author Katrina Kwan, and Saga Press/Simon & Schuster for the opportunity to review this mesmerizing tale.

"The Last Dragon of the East" by Katrina Kwan is a captivating reverse dark romantasy that offers a refreshing and unique perspective through the eyes of its protagonist, Sai. Kwan's writing is both vivid and immersive, drawing readers into a richly woven tapestry of destiny, love, and peril.

Sai, gifted with the ability to see the red threads of destiny that bind fated lovers, dedicates himself to helping couples find each other, despite skepticism from those around him. However, his own thread is a somber gray, leaving him to question if he will ever meet his Fated One. The plot thickens when Sai, in a moment of impulsive valor to aid a young woman, punches a captain, landing himself in jail and exposing the secret of the forbidden dragon scales he purchased to heal his ailing mother. With his mother's life hanging in the balance under the Emperor's threat, Sai embarks on a perilous quest to find the dragon connected to these scales.

Kwan's narrative is non-stressful yet deeply engaging, effortlessly pulling readers in from the start. The story is a beautiful journey, culminating in a heartwarming happily-ever-after that moved me to tears.

However, it is important to note that the book contains graphic violence within its fantasy framework, including medieval-like weaponry, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, and torture. A trigger warning page would've been beneficial to prepare readers for these intense themes.

"The Last Dragon of the East" stands out as a standalone novel that masterfully blends Asian-themed dark fantasy with tropes of forced heroes, fated mates, mystical dragons, and a satisfying HEA. This tale not only entertains but also resonates deeply, leaving a lasting impression.

"The Last Dragon of the East" is a must-read for fans of dark romantasy and Asian-inspired fantasy, promising a story that is as enchanting as it is profound.

Loved. This. So. Much. Fast paced, romantic, and with such delightful characters. I'm weak for any story where he's the sunshine and she's the grump. I found this book utterly enchanting and impossible to put down!

This was a different take on a love story, and wow did it bring us for a ride. It was one where it wove old tales and current (in the story) events. Having the story develop where the main character is reborn and remembering his past lives while getting to know the female main interest again was a good use of details and explanation of the way the two are intertwined. I LOVED that she as the grump and he was the sunshine, because that rarely happens, and in this story it was heart warming to read how much Sai loves his mother and what he would do, and how far he would go for a cure for her. The imagined folklore characters were creative and...horrifying, but the villain being tied to the two main characters was something I was NOT expecting! 5 stars for this one! thank you NetGalley for the eARC!

Immersive world-building, dynamic characters, and a charming romance. The gradual development of the characters kept me engaged, though I did predict some plot twists. However, the overall story was worth reading.

While I didn’t LOVE love this book, I do appreciate that this is a romantasy written from the POV of a male character, which is so rare to find. I loved that perspective even when the overall story didn’t pull me in as much as I expected it to.