Publication Date: 2 November 2023

The Blurb

On the island of Arcosi, dragons and their riders used to rule the skies. But now they are only legends, found in bedtime stories, on beautiful murals and ancient jewellery. Then servant girl Milla witnesses a murder and finds herself caring for the last four dragon eggs. Forced to keep them secret amidst the growing tensions in the city, she begins to fear that the island’s ruler, Duke Olvar, isn’t all that he seems.

But how can Milla and her friends keep the eggs safe when it means endangering everything she’s ever loved? Fiery friendships, forgotten family and the struggle for power collide as Milla’s fight to save the dragons leads her to discover her own hidden past.

The Review

Welcome to a new world where epic adventures await for those brave enough to step into Arcosi.

The Norlanders rule the ancient isle that they found abandoned when they needed a new place to call home. Sartosi and Arcosi are deemed to be second class citizens under the iron rule of Duke Olvar who is determined to hold all power, including that which the new dragon eggs may bring.

From the moment we meet Milla, we are thrown head first into a dangerous adventure of epic proportions as she vows to do right by the eggs in a place where she has no idea who she can trust, and heritage threatens to tear not only her family, but the entire city apart.

Rich, evocative descriptions of the landscape and culture bring Arcosi to life, and immerses us into every part of the isle, whether the luxury of the palace, the bustle of the docks, or the injustices of the markets. Through Milla, Isak, Tarya and Vigo we see how privilege blinds to the realities of other as the friends struggle to see each other’s point of view.

Woven into the intrigue and momentum of the plot are important message about courage, friendship and equality for all. Milla’s bravery in standing up against tough situations shows us the importance of fighting for what’s right, even when it seems the odds are insurmountable. And, there are surprises and secrets that make everything even more thrilling and touching.

The first in a trilogy, I cannot wait to journey back to Arcosi in Rise Of The Shadow Dragons.

Great for fans of:

• Mold And The Poison Plot by Lorraine Gregory
• The Thief Who Sang Storms by Sophie Anderson
• The Legend Of Podkin One Ear by Kieran Larwood

Huge thanks to Uclan Publishing for sending me a finished copy.