Night of the Dragon Review (SPOILERS)

So, I finally was able to read Night of the Dragon, third book in the Shadow of the Fox Trilogy, and all I can say is, I am destroyed. This book utterly and 100% destroyed me. But it was so good and left me both crying and smiling. This review will contain spoilers. It is also pretty long as I just want to talk about everything. So, sorry not sorry.

From the lead up of the last two books, we knew we would have to end up with the night of the dragon’s wish. After Genno took the second half of the scroll from Yumeko, we knew they would follow and of course it wouldn't be easy. When is it? Ever?

I loved the beginning, already cautious of the new Tatsumi, who now shares his soul and body fully with Hakaimono, who is great, I love him so much now honestly. Anyway, the fact that everyone but Yumeko is nervous makes sense, even Tatsumi is nervous something will happen, but Yumeko, having seen Tatsumi’s soul, trusts him. Ans all this makes my shippers heart sing! When they were attacked by the Shinobi, we knew it would end up being alright, but I love Yumeko’s first act was to bring back the light with her fire, which showed the enemy, guess they weren’t expecting that. But even though she is not much of a fighter, she is clever, like a fox. Wink, wink. But I love that Kagawa never did a huge thing about her learning to wield a blade or learn to shoot, because that is not the character. No, she uses her gifts and is able to outsmart people instead of attacking them, at least at the start, but I’ll get to that soon.

That fight wasn’t much, but the next one was. I knew there would be a lot of fighting in the book, I mean, who couldn’t see that happening. But the next one, I loved the way it was done. The fact that Yumeko was able to fool the dead into thinking they were also dead, leading them to the blood witches. Amazing! And perfect because they saved the sailors and had their way to the Moon Clan lands. This all happened within the first 70 pages. Like my gods! This book already scared me because it was smaller than the others, then we see fight after fight.

Then the attack on the ship, but first. YUMEKO KISSED TATSUMI!!!! FINALLY!!! Honestly, I squealed in excitement. I have been waiting for it for so long, and them getting together was what I was hoping for. So, yay! If only that lasted. Anyway, this was also the first time I believe we saw Yumeko use her fire and hurt something with it. When she saw Tatsumi about to perhaps be killed, she unleashes it and the monster screamed. Like my gods! Why did no one talk about this? The fact that she hurt something when she’s never been able to do that before. WOW!

I was so scared in that forest, I knew something would save Yumeko, but it was an oh shit moment. When the Kami were watching Tatsumi walk through the forest, I remembered about the leaf from the first book, hoping he would use it then and not later, and I was not disappointed. I loved seeing this Great Kami, Kirin, come in, it felt so pure, and how Tatsumi used this favour with the Kami for Yumeko, perfect. When she was ‘dying’ and talking to Master Isao, I felt so sad, because these people were her family, this man raised her, and even in death, it was like he was looking out for her. It was so sweet. But she came back, of course, and was sent to the daimyo. I was not expecting that truth bomb, however. One, when they went to the place, how everyone was looking at her weird, I just thought it was because they could see her ears. And when we see the little girl who was obviously also a kitsune, I was happy. I thought, when this is over, I guess she could have a home here, as the Kami were very important in this place. Then it was revealed, bam, your Mum is the daimyo, not expecting that. Hearing her story almost made me cry, the idea that she was taken at birth and put where she was when she could have had a very different life. That was also the moment I knew Seigetsu was her father. I had a lot of suspicions about him going into the final book and turns out I got most of them right. I knew he would become the big villain of the story, and I knew he would be the nine tail, I guessed he was her father, so, I’m glad I was right.

The fourth fight in the book was the first time I really cried in the book. Tatsumi and Yumeko had a cute moment, one that made me laugh then aww, and Okame and Daisuke, I love them so much. I also love that those parts are told from another perspective. The first time, Yumeko, the second, Suki. Who I love so much as well, I felt so sorry for her, she deserved so much better. But those moments were cut short by this battle. I love Daisuke and Tatsumi working together, because they are a good team, and the Shinobi and the Kage clan helping. So good. What was not good was the other fight happening. I did cheer when Okame killed one of the scorpion twins, but I started bawling when Reika was hit. I knew there would be death in this book, I expected a lot, but it still made me cry so much. Reika was a character I did not think would die, not before the final battle at least. She was just an amazing character, a strong-willed one that knew what she needed to do, so it was very depressing seeing her pass, and Chu. My baby! I had to put my book down after this, actually during her scene where she was talking to Yumeko because I was crying so much. Also, in the fight scene when Reika was hit, Yumeko once again used her fire to hurt beings. That’s when I realised it was tuned into her emotions, and I was wondering how it would play out.

This is about half the book, leaving the last half to the final battle. The Shadow clan is now helping the Moon clan, who plan to hold off all the demons that are now pouring out of the ground near the place the final wish will take place. There was a literal gash in the earth leading to Jigoku. So that was bad, but Suki appears under Seigetsu’s orders and guides them through a set of caves, where they meet a creature that almost defeats them. However, when Yumeko realises what is happening, she is able to stop it, but then Seigetsu appears, and I got really worried because I knew he would do something, I just didn’t know what. Finally, they get through and one more thing stands in their way. An Oni that Hakaimono knows, and one who is very dangerous. Okame is injured, and Daisuke stayed behind to fight the Oni, leaving Yumeko and Tatsumi to find Genno. If I am honest, I knew this would be the end for those two. The prophecy from Taka basically said it, and as Suki watched, the fight lead to that ending. I put the book down for the second time because I was crying. I loved these characters so much, and I really wish they didn’t have to die. My babies deserved a good life! But they passed, onto the next adventure. I took about ten minutes to calm down and continue.

Then came the big ending, or so we thought. I knew it would be easy, but Genno put up a fight, however, Yumeko outsmarted him, releasing more magic that had more effect, which was genius. She also destroyed the skull as the dragon appeared, taking that wish away. But before I could celebrate. Bloody Seigetsu appeared again and shot it, which made it turn kind of crazy. This is when he gives his carriage to Yumeko, telling them they have to kill the dragon. And they find a dead Taka, which was so sad! He also deserved better. Honestly, almost everyone who died in this book deserved better, other than the actual villains. Anyway, after they succeeded in killing the dragon, we finally figured out what Seigetsu was up to, and then he became the main focus, finally. And it’s when Yumeko really learns that her illusions can be more real. The insuring fight was terrifying again. When Yumeko was hit, I thought it was the real one, so I was screaming. But that genius girl. So good! However, what was not good was how the fight really ended. Tatsumi sacrificing himself! Baby no!!! Unfortunately, it worked, and he died, alongside Seigetsu. And when their souls left Tatsumi, Hakaimono went back to the sword, making sure Tatsumi did not join him. I loved his reasoning, I love that demon, I really do.

The Yumeko had to return the stone back to the dragon, which was in the centre of the hole to Jigoku. When she picked up the sword, I was surprised Hakaimono didn’t do anything, but when she was going towards the rift, where a million demons were, he talked to her. Not take her over, just talk, more like warn. Tatsumi did rub off on him, and I loved the scene so much. He decides to help, and it was an amazing scene, I think after all the crying, I was so happy to see this awesome scene. He helped Yumeko, and she took that risk because she had no other choice. But he never took her over completely like one would expect him too. Like yes baby! Then he said sorry to her! Like what! He knew they wouldn’t succeed, and he was sorry! Then everyone’s souls came back! And it was the gang all together again, even though pretty much everyone was dead. Tears started for the fourth time.

When everything worked out, and Yumeko succeeded, I love that the dragon gave her the wish, and in her fashion, she used it for the right reason, sealing the crack and sending all demons back. Which included Hakaimono, who was just as surprised as them. It was also the scene where she said goodbye to everyone, more tears. Another put down the book moment. I had hoped that they would all live, I know, not that easy, but I wanted all the characters to live, and have a good life. But Yumeko ended up alone again. Until her Mum found her, I was so happy she lived as well. At least Yumeko had someone. I also love that there were the four companions who had said goodbye, but also Suki. She had been so important throughout the story, and Yumeko knew that, and I am glad that she honoured her spirit as well.

I loved the ending, having Yumeko being home, but then travelling, being a kitsune, but being herself still, helping people. Then when it came time, she became daimyo. We learnt that she would live a long time, and I love that, because it felt right, and her being a Kitsune, it made sense. At 100 years since that battle, she let a lantern go to memorialise the people she lost. And when she looks up, she finds his soul again. That ending. Pureness! Like oh my gods! I would love to have a mini novella just to find out more, but I know that will never happen. I am just so happy they found each other again.

Anyway, after this extremely long review that just talked about what happened in the book, not only my feelings. I am destroyed, but also so happy. But still crying. I adored this book; it was a fantastic end to a fantastic series. I could go on and on for days about it, but I will leave it here. A full 5-star series, one of only three that have that honour so far. Phenomenal. I cannot wait to see what she does next.