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The world known as Juro is divided into many regions, each with its own civilization, culture, and spiritual belief system. Brave Dragon Riders once fought the barbarian hordes to the North. Now, the dragons maintain balance, and Juro enjoys peace. But the Oracle delivers a chilling prediction of chaos for Juro’s future. The small mountain village of Invernell has a rich but mostly forgotten history. Young Astria of Invernell, however, has a vision of her own and catches a brief glimpse of ancient power and majesty. Years later, she rescues Zephyr—a crippled, flightless dragon whose devotion to Astria is immediate and unshakable. Descended from a long line of Dragon Riders, Astria desperately longs to follow in her father’s footsteps. Unfortunately, the members of Invernell’s Council of Elders are afraid of the dragons’ power and Astria’s unique connection to them. Fearing an End Times prophecy, the Council forbids Astria to partner with Zephyr and become a rider.
Determined and unyielding, fifteen-year-old Astria braves banishment and the dangers of the Wild to follow her ancestral legacy and fulfill her destiny. Unwilling to compromise or be controlled, she stubbornly refuses to ask for the Council’s forgiveness or beg to be invited back into Invernell. Defying all odds, she develops impressive survival skills and strength to battle hunger, illness, exposure to the elements, vicious animal attacks, and utter loneliness. And in an ironic twist of fate, the young girl who was cast out by her clan becomes the protector of her homeland from an unimaginable evil.
Award-winning author Strong delivers high-quality fantasy fiction with a fierce, relatable heroine. Using a narrative writing style and excellent character development, Strong creates a cast of characters with clearly defined antagonists and protagonists. The result is an engaging storyline that engenders love for Astria and her circle of supporters. Readers will applaud Astria’s victories each time she survives pulse-pounding peril and be warmed by her loved ones’ willingness to risk all on her behalf. The book explores themes of faith, friendship, loyalty, and the merits of true love while posing the poignant question of what one is willing to sacrifice for free will. There is also a powerfully moving contrast between selfish, controlling love and that which is based in mutual respect and partnership. This is a coming-of-age story that seamlessly blends fantastical elements with real-world issues such as gender inequality, imbalance of power, slavery, and inhumane treatment.
The author’s talent for emotive writing shines through as readers share the characters’ fears, frustrations, gut-wrenching pain, and exhilarating joy. Strong’s storytelling technique is wonderful. He builds plot lines and develops love stories gradually, creating authenticity that leaves the reader emotionally invested. Vivid imagery conjures up scenes of harsh winter landscapes, horrific battlefields, and breathtakingly beautiful mid-flight vistas. Fantasy lovers will appreciate this imaginative tale of dragons, graxes, seers, and oracles set in a world possessing three moons. Strong’s personification of the various aspects of nature and the Wild lends an otherworldly intrigue that is positively captivating. This first book of The Dragons’ War saga sets a firm foundation for the series and leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review