#MG Review: Dragon Daughter by Liz Flanagan

The first book in the Legends of the Sky trilogy is set on the fictional island kingdom of Arcosi, where society is split into two tiers along ethnic lines. It is ruled by Duke Olvar from his ancient palace which dominates the peak of the island. The Duke’s Norlander parents arrived on the island only fifty years previously but somehow the Norlanders have become dominant, subjugating the section of the population who descend from the nearby kingdom of Sartola and treating anyone of Sartolan heritage as second class citizens. When a servant girl, Milla, witnesses the cold-blooded murder of a traveller, in the garden of her master Nestan, it sets in motion a chain of events that will cause radical change on the island.

Not only has Milla witnessed a murder, she also observed the stranger hide the precious cargo that he appeared to be bringing to the wealthy merchant Nestan. When she discovers four dragon eggs, she feels an intrinsic urge to protect them but her betrayal by another servant means that they pass into the covetous hands of Duke Olvar. However, his schemes to possess his own loyal dragon are fruitless; each hatchling dragon immediately bonds with a teeenager: Milla, Tarya and Isak the twin children of Nestan, and Vigo who is Duke Olvar’s son and betrothed to Tarya. Once bonded with her dragon Iggie, Milla discovers her true destiny, uncovers her family history and alongside her true friends finds the courage to take a stand against prejudicial tyranny.

Author, Liz Flanagan, has a talent for writing fantasy quests that have an air of classic legend about them. The world building, complete with history and local lore in Dragon Daughter is beautifully rendered. As is the depiction of greed, jealousy and prejudice which tears a family and a society apart. This is an exciting opening to a trilogy of stories which will appeal to readers of 9 years old and above who enjoy a complex and immersive read. I would just add that there are several deaths of key characters portrayed, so be aware of this in the context of sensitive children. I found that the short chapter format meant that I raced through this 350 page novel and I am greatly looking forward to the continuation of the quest to bring peace to the island of Arcosi in the second book, Rise of the Shadow Dragons.

I am most grateful to publicist Antonia Wilkinson and Uclan Publishing for my gifted review copy of Dragon Daughter.

Younger readers or readers who prefer a shorter book might enjoy the Wildsmith series written by Liz Flanagan which also have a classic fantasy/fairytale vibe. I have reviewed Wildsmith Into the Dark Forest and Wildsmith City of Secrets.