cover image Talon

Talon

Julie Kagawa. Harlequin Teen, $17.99 (464p) ISBN 978-0-373-21139-5

Flame-haired Ember is a dragon and part of Talon, a secret organization of dragons who, throughout history, have taken human disguise both for self-preservation and to control human society. Garret belongs to the Order of St. George, an equally hidden militia whose purpose is to wipe Talon out of existence, dragon by dragon. When Ember and her twin brother, Dante, are sent to a California beach town to blend in with the local teens and begin rigorous Talon training, Garret and his fellow soldier, Tristan, are instructed to hunt and kill Ember without mercy. Garret, new to teenage freedoms, starts to fall for her, knowing he may have to eliminate her; meanwhile, the human in Ember is drawn to Garret, while the dragon in her favors Riley, a "rogue dragon" targeted by both Talon and St. George. Kagawa (the Iron Fey series) uses alternating points of view%E2%80%94chapters shift among Ember, Garret, and Riley%E2%80%94to good effect, weaving a dance of adolescent desire. It's a strong, promising start to the Talon Saga. Ages 14%E2%80%93up. Agent: Laurie McLean, Foreword Literary. (Oct.)