The Last of the Firedrakes (The Avalonia Chronicles #1)

by Farah Oomerbhoy

Overview

She never felt like she belonged...until magic pulled her into a world beyond her wildest imagination.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781940014708
Publisher:	Wise Ink Creative Publishing
Publication date:	08/15/2015
Series:	Avalonia Chronicles Series , #1
Pages:	488
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.10(h) x 1.80(d)
Age Range:	13 - 17 Years

About the Author

Farah Oomerbhoy is the international bestselling author of The Avalonia Chronicles. Her first book, The Last of the Firedrakes, was originally published on Wattpad where it gained over two million reads and a Watty Award. Since publication, her debut has gone on to win a silver medal in IBPA's Benjamin Franklin Awards and the Readers' Favorite Book Awards, along with winning a finalist placement in the USA Best Book Awards. Farah loves the fantastical and magical and often dreams of living in Narnia, Neverland, or the Enchanted Forest. With a master's degree in English literature from the University of Mumbai, Farah spends her creative time crafting magical worlds for young adults. She lives with her family in Mumbai, India.

Editorial Reviews

2015-08-25
An orphan discovers her royal roots in the first book of Oomerbhoy's debut YA fantasy series. Aurora Darlington is a 16-year-old orphan living with an extended family that seems to despise her existence. If there were a closet under the stairs, she'd be living in it. Aurora's life is turned upside down when she finds herself kidnapped and transported to the magical kingdom of Avalonia—an alternate world in which Aurora is a princess. She's also a mage and one of the fae. Unfortunately for Aurora, her claim to the family throne and her incredible powers make her an attractive target. The evil Queen Morgana is hunting Aurora, hoping to extinguish the last of the Firedrake dynasty. Aurora finds safe haven with her birth family, makes new friends, and encounters a host of mythical creatures to help. She also attends a school for magic, where she begins to get a handle on her power. As she learns more and more about her family and kingdom, Princess Aurora becomes determined to defeat Morgana and claim her crown. The mysterious Black Wolf is an added bonus, a handsome and mysterious outlaw who repeatedly comes to Aurora's aid. Oomerbhoy's fairy tale has a familiar feel: a damsel in distress, an evil villain, a handsome prince, and an assorted cast of magical beings. Some of the narrative components echo the classics; the Academy of Magic at Evolon could be Hogwarts, while the Shadow Guards are reminiscent of Tolkien's Ring Wraiths or Rowling's Dementors. Aurora can be a tepid heroine, uncomplicated in her internal dialogue and often slow on the uptake (she may be the only one surprised by her love interest's true identity). Yet Oomerbhoy admirably creates her world, and the descriptions of villages and feasts are the novel's best parts. At the library of Evolon, "wisteria had climbed the walls of the front façade, which was huge and imposing, and two additional wings led out at right angles towards the sea." Even discouraged readers will want to wander inside. A run-of-the-mill story in a beautifully drawn fantasy world.

Kirkus Reviews

“The Last of the Firedrakes is a magic-filled romp that carries you back to the fantasy stories of childhood…Lovers of classic fantasy will likewise gobble down Oomerbhoy’s scrumptious story.” – Vic James, author of Gilded Cage

“…the narrative components echo the classics; the Academy of Magic at Evolon could be Hogwarts, while the Shadow Guards are reminiscent of Tolkien’s Ring Wraiths or Rowling’s Dementors…a beautifully drawn fantasy world.” – Kirkus Reviews

“The world building is beautiful…That really made the book more complex for me…it is the journey of discovery for Aurora and the reader that makes this an interesting story.” – Readers’ Favorite

“The Last of the Firedrakes has all the elements of popular fantasy – an orphaned princess, Magical powers, an alternate sphere with seven kingdoms, a young girl with a destiny to fulfil. They are all elements of the Narnia Chronicles, The Faraway tree, The Harry Potter series, Lord of the Rings and a bit of Enid Blyton fun.” – Mid-Day newspaper

“The Last of the Firedrakes is a fantasy novel that will entrance young adult and adult readers alike… Political intrigue, danger, and deep characterization make for an interconnected epic, enthusiastically recommended for high fantasy connoisseurs.” – Midwest Book Review

“This book is one of those fantasies you want to live in simply because the characters and pace of the story are so very compelling. I fell in love with Aurora and with her plight to understand the circumstances surrounding her parents’ deaths amd the visions she’d recently been having. One of Oomerbhoy’s biggest strengths is her captivating descriptions… This story was completely enjoyable, and engaged me from beginning to end. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a classic fantasy.” – Amber K. Bryant, author of Blood King, winner of the Margaret Atwood Writing contest

“The Last of the Firedrakes is one of my favorite reads this year… I loved this story. The characters were endearing, and I rooted for Aurora as she struggled to develop her powers and gain confidence… This story is such a fun read. I highly recommend you to check it out!” – Sarah Benson, author of Born of Shadow

“The Last of the Firedrakes was one of the very first fantasy books I have ever read. The feisty heroine, Aurora, hooked me immediately! I loved watching her blossom throughout her journey. She is a strong and likable character, yet makes mistakes like every young girl. The vivid detail in this story made me feel as if I was part of the magical world of Avalonia, and I enjoyed the action incorporated in every chapter, especially the forbidden love budding between Aurora and Rafe. This is a must-read for every lover of fantasy. I am really looking forward to book 2.” – Darly Jamison, author of Strawberry Wine, winner of the Write Affair contest

From the Publisher