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!