About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is looking for a fantasy world where problems are solved through loyalty and bravery rather than just magic. As the sequel to Dragon Slippers, it follows Creel as she navigates a daring rescue mission to save a dragon queen and her unborn hatchlings. The story explores themes of deep-rooted friendship and the courage required to stand up against aggressive forces to protect the vulnerable. It is a perfect choice for middle grade readers who enjoy high stakes adventure paired with strong, relatable emotional bonds. Parents will appreciate the way it models teamwork and the importance of family, both the ones we are born into and the ones we choose.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
1. DISTRESS: There is a sense of urgency and mild peril surrounding the kidnapping of the dragon queen and the threat to her offspring. There are scenes of dragon-on-dragon combat that, while not overly graphic, involve physical injury.
Ideal Reader
A 10-year-old who loves animal-centric fantasy and stories about 'found families' who go to the ends of the earth for one another.
Parent Prep
This book can be read cold, though reading the first book in the series, Dragon Slippers, provides helpful context for the character relationships. A parent might choose this book if their child is expressing interest in more 'grown-up' fantasy adventures but isn't quite ready for the darker grit of YA series.
Age Experience
Younger readers (9-10) will focus on the thrill of the dragon battles and the rescue. Older readers (11-13) will likely pick up on the romantic subplots and the nuances of the political alliances.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many dragon fantasies that focus on dragons as mounts or monsters, George treats dragons as fully realized characters with complex social structures and emotional lives.
Read plot summary
Creel, her brother Tobin, and her fiancé Prince Luka travel across the ocean to visit their dragon friends. However, the reunion is cut short when an aggressive group of 'alien' dragons from a distant land kidnaps Queen Velika. The kidnapping is especially high-stakes as Velika is carrying a clutch of eggs. Creel and her allies must mount a rescue mission, navigating political tensions and physical battles to ensure the safety of the dragon hatchlings and the future of the dragon kingdom.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Creel risks a lot to save Queen Velika. Why do you think her bond with the dragons is so strong, even though she is human?
2
The 'alien' dragons have very different customs. How did those differences lead to the conflict in the story?
3
If you were in Creel's position, would you have traveled across the sea to help, or stayed safely at home?
4
What role did teamwork play in the final battle? Could any of the characters have succeeded alone?
5
How does Creel's relationship with her brother Tobin change or grow during their journey?
