The Dragonet Prophecy

June 1, 2012
Five young dragonets find themselves destined to fulfill a prophecy that will end the war between the dragons. Six years ago, the underground group Talons of Peace, determined to make the end of the war a reality, stole, bought and borrowed five eggs and began raising the young dragons in secret. Gentle-hearted Clay, the MudWing; sassy Tsunami, the SeaWing; bookish Starflight, the NightWing; loyal Sunny, the SandWing; and shy Glory, the RainWing, are the Dragonets of Destiny. After six long years in seclusion with only their history lessons and combat training for occupation and their harried minders for company, the five young dragons yearn to see what life is like beyond the thick stone walls of their cave. Escaping their prison is only a vague fantasy until the original prophet arrives and threatens the life of one of the dragonets. The five flee, only to be captured almost immediately by a ruthless dragon queen. Fast-paced and detailed, this first installment in a new adventure series is entertaining if not terribly original. Adult dragons are all cast as untrustworthy, cruel and selfish; only the young dragonets seem to have any depth and complexity. While expected, violent battle scenes seem at odds with the story of peace and quest for home. Nevertheless, this first outing has all of the key ingredients for a successful formula-fantasy series: hierarchical social structure, destiny, attributive names and a map. Exciting, but not outstanding. (dragon taxonomy) (Fantasy. 9-12)

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October 1, 2012

Gr 4-7-Five dragonets are hatched under a mountain, in the care of a group of rebel dragons, the Talons of Peace. They are key to a prophecy that will end the war raging among the dragon tribes. They clearly have a destiny, but no one is sure about the role of Glory, a beautiful Rainwing. She was not one of the original five, but a replacement for an egg that was cruelly smashed in an attempt by power-hungry dragons to thwart the fulfillment of the prophecy. When her life is threatened, the dragonets stage a daring escape from the mountain but are captured by the Skywing queen, Scarlet. She forces them to participate in gladiatorlike competitions for her amusement. Each one is eventually forced to fight Peril, her champion, whose very touch is made of fire. A fight with Peril is certain death, and she instills fear in all who meet her-all but the Mudwing dragonet Clay. The two develop a cautious and unlikely friendship. As the dragonets fight to survive, and Clay's relationship with Peril deepens, thrilling secrets of their pasts are revealed. Fully fleshed-out characters have unique personalities influenced by the distinct traits of their tribes. Plot twists and turns abound, and will keep readers cheering for the dragonets to the end.-Mandy Laferriere, Staley Middle School, Frisco, TX

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2012
Grades 4-7 One stormy night on an island of warring dragon tribes, five eggs from five separate tribes are stolen from their nests. The eggs hatch in a secret location, and the dragonets are raised to fulfill a destiny they neither understand nor wish to face. They tire of the secrecy that has dictated their lives at the behest of the shadowy organization the Talons of Peace, and they look for any opportunity to break free. When that opportunity finally comes, it has ramifications they could never possibly imagine. As the first title in a multiple volume series, this gets down to the business of introducing readers to the key players in what is set to be an epic saga. While a lot happens in this first book, Sutherland has taken time to flesh out the characters and make each vital to the story, rather than simply overwhelming in their numbers. Dramatic battle scenes, double-crosses, and one seriously deranged queen makes Wings of Fire a series that should have broad appeal for middle-grade fantasy fans.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)

January 1, 2013
Five young dragons have been raised under guard by a group of rebel adults; the dragonets are destined to fulfill a prophecy to end the war among dragon tribes. Immediately upon escaping their captivity they are pursued by a wicked dragon queen. Thrilling battles, exciting plot twists, and complex characters will have young fantasy fans eagerly awaiting further volumes in the series.

(Copyright 2013 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)