Dickens & Rumi
Cover of EONA

book

EONA

Alison Goodman

Eona and her fellow rebels are on the run from High Lord Sethon’s army.

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? Intense fantasy violence, torture-like abuse, death, coercion, political oppression and mature emotional themes require strong reading maturity, though sexual content is limited. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age14+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Violence4/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience5/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Positive messages4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

Several secondary characters die during the conflict.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Injuries are described but not overly graphic.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Uses occasional mild strong language.

LGBTQIA characters1/5
Why this rating?

Contains themes of gender identity, specifically Eona passing as male.

Religious themes3/5
Why this rating?

Features fantasy spirituality and cultural belief systems.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Features romantic tension and budding relationships, typical of YA fantasy.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

Frequent danger involving dragons, magic, imprisonment, pursuit, and political threats creates sustained, intense tension for young readers.

Sexual content & nudity2/5
Why this rating?

Contains minor romantic longing and mild intimacy.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

Social drinking is mentioned as incidental.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

Frequent fantasy combat, assassinations, beatings, executions and threats occur amid rebellion and court intrigue.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience5/5
Why this rating?

Facing oppression, danger and powerful authorities with persistence and moral resistance is central to the narrative.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Rich dragon mythology, magic, court culture and identity-driven worldbuilding strongly support imaginative engagement.

Diverse representation3/5
Why this rating?

Explores non-Western fantasy settings and gender identity issues.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

It offers incidental insight into imperial politics, gender expectations and invented cultural traditions, rather than formal teaching.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Loyalty, friendship, protection and compassion appear, though they compete with betrayal, manipulation and harsh power structures.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

The story emphasizes resisting oppression, questioning inherited power, protecting others and accepting one's identity.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Protagonist demonstrates resilience, perseverance, and strong moral growth.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in EONA would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in EONA, and what caused that change?
Discuss this title with other parents

Community reactions

What families noticed

Add your perspective

Sign in from the homepage to rate this title.

Where to get it

Find in a libraryBuy on Bookshop.orgBuy on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate and Bookshop.org affiliate, Dickens & Rumi may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

If you liked this

Try something nearby

Related by age fit, format, and catalogue context.

You’re hereEONA
The Violet Fairy Book (Large Print)Andrew Lang · 1901Ages 12+The Lilac Fairy BookAndrew Lang · 1910Ages 12+The Green Fairy BookAndrew Lang · 1892Ages 12+The Poison JungleTui T. Sutherland · 2019Ages 14+

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

Report an incorrect rating