Novice Dragoneer

A young woman strives to fulfill her childhood dream of becoming a dragon rider in this epic coming-of-age fantasy, the first in the Dragoneer Academy series from Knight (Baltic Gambit). Orphan Ileth, at 14, applies to the Serpentine Academy and wins a coveted spot as a novice. Initially, she’s assigned the least-desirable tasks, but over the next two years the Masters of Apprentices promote her to the roll of dancer for the dragons and then use her as a political hostage, sending her to a neighboring kingdom in return for the release of a prisoner of war. Never losing sight of her goal to become a full-fledged dragoneer, Ileth navigates school bullying, misogyny, and political intrigue while forging a name for herself across the Vale Republic. While Ileth is young and her story will have crossover YA appeal, her emotional maturity and resilience make her exploits accessible to older readers. Despite hints at an ambitious larger universe, the focus remains narrowly trained on Ileth, leaving much to be explored. This leisurely paced, episodic adventure is a promising series opener. Agent: John Silbersack, the Bent Agency. (Nov.)