December 2, 2024
In the first entry of this soaring adventure series by married collaborators Katie and Kevin Tsang (the Sam Wu Is Not Afraid series), a specially selected group of tweens must train alongside their dragon companions to save the world. Ever since the Great Collapse opened a door that allowed dragons and other creatures to enter the human realm, 12-year-old Lance Lo and his younger sister Zoe, both of Chinese and English descent, have been fascinated by the winged wonders—so much so that Lance dreams of joining the Dragon Force, an elite team of heart-bonded dragons and humans that defends the world from dangerous magical creatures. The siblings are ecstatic when they’re recruited to Camp Claw to start their dragon training. But while Zoe displays natural talent and is already bonded to her dragon, Lance falls behind, becoming jealous when he’s the only camper without a companion. Then Camp Claw is attacked, and Lance, along with a timid dragon and the other recruits, must call upon his training to save the day. Well-paced, action-packed escapades combine with evocative worldbuilding to kick off a rollicking journey that capitalizes on many young readers’ evergreen love for dragons. Ages 8–up. Agent: Pete Knapp, Park & Fine Literary.