Dragons Are People, Too by Sarah Nicolas

From Goodreads:

Never judge a dragon
by her human cover...

Sixteen-year-old Kitty Lung has everyone convinced she’s a normal teen—not a secret government operative, not the one charged with protecting the president’s son, and certainly not a were-dragon. The only one she trusts with the truth is her best friend—and secret crush—the über-hot Bulisani Mathe.

Then a junior operative breaks Rule Number One by changing into his dragon form in public—on Kitty’s watch—and suddenly, the world knows. About dragons. About the Draconic Intelligence Command (DIC) Kitty works for. About Kitty herself.

Now the government is hunting down and incarcerating dragons to stop a public panic, and a new shape-shifting enemy has kidnapped the president’s son. Kitty and Bulisani are the last free dragons, wanted by both their allies and their enemies. If they can’t rescue the president’s son and liberate their fellow dragons before getting caught themselves, dragons might never live free again.

Rachel's Thoughts: I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

From early on in this story, I knew this book probably wasn't going to be a great fit for me. It seemed as though on each page in the first chapter, the author felt the need to remind the reader that the main character, Kitty, was Asian. This continually pulled me out of the story (and irritated me) because people don't go around comparing everything to their ethnicity.

I requested this book because I love paranormal and YA stories. But DRAGONS ARE PEOPLE, TOO was a bit too simple for my tastes. There were very few plot threads. The mythology behind these weredragons was not explained much at all. And it lacked character depth.

There is a saving grace: the romance. This was not a case of insta-love, which I appreciated. The relationship unfolds beautifully and with perfect timing.

If you want deep characters with engaging back stories and a plot full of interweaving threads, this book isn't for you. If you're looking for a quick, simple action story with romantic elements, this book may be your perfect fit.

I gave it 2 1/2 bookmarks. 

Zodiac by Romina Russell

From Goodreads:

At the dawn of time, there were 13 Houses in the Zodiac Galaxy. Now only 12 remain….

Rhoma Grace is a 16-year-old student from House Cancer with an unusual way of reading the stars. While her classmates use measurements to make accurate astrological predictions, Rho can’t solve for ‘x’ to save her life—so instead, she looks up at the night sky and makes up stories.

When a violent blast strikes the moons of Cancer, sending its ocean planet off-kilter and killing thousands of citizens—including its beloved Guardian—Rho is more surprised than anyone when she is named the House’s new leader. But, a true Cancerian who loves her home fiercely and will protect her people no matter what, Rho accepts.

Then, when more Houses fall victim to freak weather catastrophes, Rho starts seeing a pattern in the stars. She suspects Ophiuchus—the exiled 13th Guardian of Zodiac legend—has returned to exact his revenge across the Galaxy. Now Rho—along with Hysan Dax, a young envoy from House Libra, and Mathias, her guide and a member of her Royal Guard—must travel through the Zodiac to warn the other Guardians.

But who will believe anything this young novice says? Whom can Rho trust in a universe defined by differences? And how can she convince twelve worlds to unite as one Zodiac?

Rachel's Thoughts: I was thrilled to get this book as soon as it came out, and couldn't wait to dive into it. I was not disappointed. I can't say that I cared a whole lot about the main character, Rhoma Grace, but the world Romina (interesting how the MC's name is very similar to the author's name) created was beautiful and layered. I love layered stories. And I really enjoyed learning about the culture and clothing and food of each House. Is the main character very deep? No. But the story's pace is quick, the characters engaging, and the plot unique. I suggest giving this book a try. 

I gave it 4 bookmarks.