This week for Translation Necessary Thursday I’m covering a series I started reading the other day. It’s Coiling Dragon Volume 01 by I Eat Tomatos.

Plot Synopsis: Empires rise and fall on the Yulan Continent. Saints, immortal beings of unimaginable power, battle using spells and swords, leaving swathes of destruction in their wake. Magical beasts rule the mountains, where the brave – or the foolish – go to test their strength. Even the mighty can fall, feasted on by those stronger. The strong live like royalty; the weak strive to survive another day.

This is the world which Linley is born into. Raised in the small town of Wushan, Linley is a scion of the Baruch clan, the clan of the once-legendary Dragonblood Warriors. Their fame once shook the world, but the clan is now so decrepit that even the heirlooms of the clan have been sold off.

Plot: This being just the first volume it serves to introduce us to Linley and a few major characters in the series, that of his family and friends as well as one other rather important character. It was good enough for me to continue reading through.

Characters: Linley is a great main character, being both honest and earnest in a way that makes him instantly lovable. My favorite character is probably Doehring Cowart, as he’s a riot to read.

Overall: This is a great introductory volume to an amazing series. Definitely on my Must Read Before Dying list.

For those who like: Action, Great Plot, Amazing Cast of Characters, Magic, Fantasy, Excellent Magic System.

Not for those who don’t like: Any of the above.