Daughter of the Serpentine

Picking up from 2019’s Novice Dragoneer, the epic second installment to Knight’s Dragoneer Academy series sees dauntless heroine Ileth, now 16, facing down a slew of obstacles as she unflaggingly pursues her dreams, despite her underprivileged upbringing, lack of resources, and persistent stutter. After many months of grueling work and misadventures, Ileth has earned her spot as Apprentice to the Dragoneers of the Serpentine, bringing her one step closer to her goal of riding a majestic dragon in service to the Republic she calls home. But she has much left to learn, and her school masters are determined to push her to her limits. Along the way, Ileth once again stumbles into intrigue, participating in the Serpentine’s campaign against the pirates who have gripped the region in a stranglehold, and becoming a pawn in a delicate political game when the powerful Governor Raal claims her as his daughter. Through these myriad adventures, Ileth, with her innate honesty, unyielding determination, and kind heart, proves a catalyst for change in the Republic. Her leisurely paced coming-of-age will put readers in mind of the classic YA fantasies of Tamora Pierce and Mercedes Lackey. This is sure to delight fantasy readers young and old. Agent: John Silbersack, the Bent Agency. (Nov.)