Lightningborn (Storm Dragon #1)

Ever since the Shattering many millennia ago, people have survived traveling by dragons and sky ships between myriad islands magically floating above the all-consuming Maelstrom. Twelve-year-old Remy, a “skinny, mop-haired street urchin,” lives on the tiny pirate haven of Cutthroat Wedge, dreaming of but never expecting a chance to leave. During a tempest, he discovers an extraordinarily rare dragon hatchling, which he names Storm. But ruthless pirate captain Jhaeros is looking for the hatchling, placing Remy in great danger. Meanwhile, 12-year-old Princess Gem, a storm-mage-in-training, learns that the magic crystals that keep the islands aloft are failing, heralding certain doom for the kingdom. Against the king’s wishes, Gem embarks on a mission to seek out the powerful, rumored-extinct Ancient Ones of legend, who might be able to restore the crystals’ power. When the tweens’ paths cross, they must work together to protect Storm and save the kingdom. In this invigorating trilogy opener, Kagawa (the Iron Fey series) conjures an atmospheric setting populated by eclectic characters and fanciful creatures and employs Remy and Gem’s alternating perspectives to skillfully balance personal and epic stakes, coalescing into a captivating dynamic that is enhanced by their respective dragon companions. Ages 8–12. Agent: Laurie McLean, Fuse Literary. (Apr.)