Title: Prophecy (The Dragon King Chronicles #1)
Author: Ellen Oh
Release Date: January 2, 2013 (hardcover)
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 320
Source: Bought

Overall: 4.5 Stars

Summary:

The greatest warrior in all of the Seven Kingdoms . . . is a girl with yellow eyes.

Kira's the only female in the king's army, and she's also the prince's bodyguard. She's a demon slayer and an outcast, hated by nearly everyone in her home city of Hansong. And, she's their only hope. . . .

Murdered kings and discovered traitors point to a demon invasion, sending Kira on the run with the young prince. He may be the savior predicted in the Dragon King's prophecy, but the legendary lost ruby treasure just might be the true key to victory. With only the guidance of the cryptic prophecy, Kira must battle demon soldiers, an evil shaman, and the Demon Lord himself to find what was once lost and raise a prince into a king.

Intrigue and mystery, ancient lore and action-packed fantasy come together in this heart-stopping first book in a trilogy. 

My Thoughts: 
Ellen Oh's Prophecy is a thrilling introduction to The Dragon King Chronicles! Set in a world inspired by ancient Korea, Prophecy is a fast-paced tale with action on almost every page. I also loved its emphasis on the importance of loyalty, friendship and family. It may follow a classic hero's quest storyline, yet its Asian influence is distinctly original among other YA novels.

Once believed to simply be a myth, the Demon Lord has returned to destroy mankind and only the prophesied Dragon Musado, whom the monks believe to be Prince Taejo, can defeat him and unite the Seven Kingdoms. Amidst an invasion of demon-possessed humans and betrayal in the court, Kira and her companions are on the run from their enemies and seek the first of three hidden treasures that can be used against the Demon Lord.

Kira is one of the strongest YA heroines I've met in quite some time. Known as the Demon Slayer of Hansong, Kira is a fierce warrior who would put her life on the line to protect her cousin, Crown Prince Taejo. Not only does she struggle to break away from a traditional female role expected in her culture while still trying to be a filial daughter, but she also faces discrimination because of her appearance. Kira may be a member of the royal family, but her yellow eyes and abilities set her apart; she's feared by her own people and treated with disrespect. 

Taejo can be a petulant prince at times, but considering his young age, I think he did what he could under the circumstances. He's only twelve and there's a lot of pressure on his shoulders to lead his people through the dark times they've entered. While there's no romance in Prophecy, I can definitely see Kira and Jaewon's feelings for each other develop into something more in the next book. When Kira meets Jaewon, she imagines what it would be like to finally have a friend instead of living a lonely existence. Jaewon is a kind and warm person, treating her as a human being, not an outcast like everyone else. 

Prophecy is an unforgettable debut novel I would recommend to any fans of high fantasy. The danger is far from over and I'm now eagerly awaiting the release of Warrior, the second novel in the trilogy!